The bittersweet tributes poured in during the only item on the regular agenda at Council, Sept. 3: final professional goodbyes to Los Gatos Town Manager Laurel Prevetti, who spent a decade at the helm of the Silicon Valley community.
But perhaps none were more poignant than the emotional outpouring from her always even-keeled former second-in-command, Arn Andrews.
“Laurel, apologies, I know this is not your thing,” he said, hinting at how Prevetti enjoyed governing from behind-the-scenes and making sure others always got the spotlight. “But your service was too important to not be celebrated.”
Senator Dave Cortese arrived in person to the gathering. Assemblymember Gail Pellerin and Senator Josh Becker shared their well-wishes through representatives.
Prevetti received official commendations from the Town of Los Gatos and the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors.
And Mayor Mary Badame handed her a key to the town.
“Laurel has devoted the last 10 years to the Town of Los Gatos,” Badame said, just before distributing the framed items. “She fostered a collaborative culture between the Town Council, staff and our town residents, enabling excellence in the provision of services to Los Gatos. And she led the Town successfully through the Covid-19 pandemic, ensuring the continuity of high-quality services…With the direction and support of Town Council, Laurel implemented a diversity, equity and inclusion program for the Town of Los Gatos, which included the inception of the Town’s first DEI commission…She has coached and mentored local government professionals, both inside and outside of her organizations.”
Andrews fought tears as he characterized the way his former boss has left a lasting legacy on the Silicon Valley municipal landscape.
“A lot of folks in town know that I have a true affinity for Los Gatos; I’ve lived in town—different neighborhoods, different apartments—most of my time in California. It’s obvious most of the businesses out there how much my family and I appreciate their retail and their restaurants,” he said. “But, when I first applied to Los Gatos, and thought about a professional move, none of that factored in.”
There was only one thing that mattered, he recalled.
“—that was the opportunity to work for Laurel Prevetti, and call myself a part of her team,” he said. “This was not something I took lightly. I knew if I could be mentored by her, and be a part of that team, I would be one of the people the mayor just talked about, who would excel in my career. I sat with staff tonight, because I am so proud to have worked for you—and to call myself a member of that team. And so, Laurel, personally I thank you.”
Several former mayors also shared their affection for Prevetti.
Mike Wasserman talked about how they served on multiple committees together.
“When I think about you, I think about you as a town manager—and you’ve got five different bosses and they don’t all agree. But whatever they decide, you find a way to make it happen,” he said. “At the end of the day you understand what your responsibility is.”
Prevetti was always focused on moving things in a constructive direction, he added.
“The ideas that you brought up were realistic and doable,” he said. “You came up with a solution. You were a can-do type of person. And you always contributed value.”
Marcia Jensen said she wasn’t planning on speaking, but had been moved to do so by the proceedings.
“Laurel is the consummate public servant,” she said, noting Prevetti also mentors budding musicians.
Marico Sayoc said Prevetti planted “seeds” of positive public service throughout the region.
“Thank you for your leadership,” she said.
Jo Greiner, founder of St Luke’s Episcopal Church Pantry, said a member of the unhoused community once commented to them about the Town Manager’s impact in the community.
“Laurel saved my life,” the individual said, she recalled.
