Measure B increases margin
The latest results released Nov. 8 for the Nov. 2 election showed Los Gatos Union School District’s Measure B increasing its lead slightly, with 75.95% of voters saying “yes” to the tax.
The parcel tax needs two-thirds voter approval to pass.
Measure B would increase the parcel tax from $290 to $335 per parcel, per year for eight years, generating an estimated $3.2 million annually. It includes a 2% annual “inflation adjustment” that kicks in during year two.
The new tax would take effect in July 2022.
The tax would apply to all residential and commercial properties within the school district’s boundaries, except for properties owned by older adults.
The school district oversees five schools in Los Gatos: Blossom Hill, Daves Avenue, Lexington and Van Meter elementary schools and Fisher Middle school.
Fantasy of Lights tickets available
Tickets to the 23rd Annual Fantasy of Lights Tickets are now on sale.
Fantasy of Lights, running Dec. 7-30 from 6-10pm, is a 1.5-mile drive through Vasona Park, 333 Blossom Hill Road in Los Gatos with exhibits of holiday lights and displays for the family.
Attendees can drive through large, animated displays while listening to holiday music on their vehicle’s radio. More than 50 themed displays and a 90-foot tree are part of the festivities.
Admission is $20 per vehicle or $50 for oversized vehicles. For information, visit bit.ly/3D0dH9x.
Carriage ride downtown coming soon
Los Gatos Carriage Rides return downtown Dec. 9-23.
The holiday tradition in downtown Los Gatos features a horse-drawn carriage ride beginning in Town Plaza and continuing through the Almond Grove district. The ride takes about 20 minutes.
For information and tickets, visit losgatoschamber.com/carriage-rides.
Town seeks input on road safety
The Town of Los Gatos is seeking feedback on its draft Local Roadway Safety Plan (LRSP).
The project team has analyzed safety data in the past five years and prepared a map showing the locations and streets with the highest number of collisions. The team is seeking the public’s input to better understand the community’s concerns for traffic safety.
Town officials are preparing the LRSP to establish a framework and process for identifying, analyzing and prioritizing roadway safety improvements on local and rural streets. The Town was awarded a $72,000 state transportation grant to prepare the LRSP.
For information and to find the survey, visit losgatosca.gov/2697/Local-Roadway-Safety-Plan.
County expands virtual assistance for veterans
November is Veterans and Military Families Month in Santa Clara County, a proclamation that calls on community members to honor those who have served the nation. As part of this month’s tributes, county officials are highlighting ways for veterans to get help to apply for federal, state and local benefits.
The application process for state and federal benefits is often complex, county officials say, and representatives at the Office of Veterans Services are trained to help veterans and their dependents navigate the system. Prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, meetings with staff were only available in person. When the health crisis began limiting in-person services, the office adapted to virtual offerings, and now, one out of every four interactions is done remotely.
As Covid-19 restrictions were lifted this summer and the office’s lobby reopened to the public, the average number of claims staff helped submit has increased about 17% compared to the height of the pandemic. Of those, the biggest jump was in disability claims, which increased by about 25%.
“I’m thrilled to see the higher level of activity in our office. It means that our veterans are reaching us and getting the help they need,” said David Till, director of the county’s Office of Veterans Services. “Our goal is to make sure our veterans have access to benefits they have earned through their service and sacrifice. We are fully staffed and ready to take on more clients as needed.”
Virtual sessions are conducted through Microsoft Teams or Zoom and can be scheduled by appointment. Virtual “walk-ins” are also available every Tuesday (excluding holidays) from 8:45am to noon, and from 1-4:30pm. During this time, veterans or their dependents are placed in private sessions with representatives for a half-hour session to discuss and begin the process to apply for veterans’ benefits.For information and to make an appointment, visit bit.ly/3ovs5Rh, call 408.918.4980 or email ve**@ve**.org.
