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January 8, 2026

When public service is met with personal attacks

Jeffrey Blum
For the past several years, I have served the Town of Los Gatos as a volunteer commissioner and code enforcement hearing officer. Throughout that time, my goal has been to contribute constructively, help resolve problems, and support the town I call home. Nothing in that...

A transformative mediation approach to homelessness in Los Gatos

Jeffrey Blum
Homelessness is a complex issue plaguing communities across the globe, and Los Gatos is no exception. While Los Gatos boasts prosperity and scenic beauty, it also faces individuals and families struggling with housing insecurity. Transformative Mediation (TM) can be applied to bridge the divide...

Introverts and social anxiety: what’s the difference?

woman looking depressed
Being an introvert and social anxiety are often confused, but they’re not the same. An introvert is a personality trait. Social anxiety is a mental health condition. An introvert might resist going to a party because they get drained from loud music and too much...

Our firefighters are facing a silent threat: PFAS

wildfire in SoCal
Gearing up every morning for a job built on danger just comes with being a firefighter. Yet for thousands who hold this job in the Bay Area, the greatest risk may come not from flames or collapsing walls, but from the gear meant to...

How should you respond when someone asks ‘the question’?

author headshot in New Zealand
“Where are you from?” It’s a common question, and one that can be quite loaded for people of diverse ethnicities. On its face, it’s a plain question based on curiosity, filled with nostalgia, or awe. But it could also carry covert racism and hatred, carrying the connotation...

Here’s how we can improve mental health and substance abuse services

Jeffrey Blum
The Community Health and Senior Services Commission (CHSSC) recently reported to the Town Council, detailing deficiencies in the delivery of mental health and substance abuse services in Los Gatos. CHSSC’s possible next step, subject to council approval, will be to develop a roadmap to...

Guest View: Town should explore other ways to boost revenue

Jeffrey Blum
It strikes me that the major reason for allowing cannabis dispensaries in Los Gatos would be to generate more revenue. Assuming for argument’s sake that this is correct, there are options for generating revenue other than from allowing cannabis dispensaries in town. I often...

How to handle anti-Americanism while abroad

camel with Pamela
With anti-American sentiment rising in some places, it’s worth reviewing the US Department of State (DoS) Travel Advisory Levels when planning a trip abroad. Each country is rated at one of four levels (China is at Level 2; North Korea is Level 4). There are...

Lessons I’ve learned from ‘How Big Things Get Done’

book cover
I did not inherit my father’s handyperson skills, although I remember observing him install central air conditioning and successfully accomplishing other large projects at our house in Kings Point, New York. Perhaps seeing a booklet lying around his workroom describing how to build a...

Giving thanks on Thanksgiving

As we draw nearer to Thanksgiving, I am reminded of this holiday’s origins and significance. There are some interesting and noteworthy parallels with today’s world, two years after Covid-19 began. While Thanksgiving has only been a national holiday since it was established in 1863 by...

SOCIAL MEDIA

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