Opinion

Jak Van Nada considers the consequences of Los Gatos failing to get its Housing Element certified, despite sending in multiple drafts.

Have you ever wondered how prominent figures like Benjamin Franklin achieved remarkable success? One key factor in his rise as a writer, publisher and politician was his mastery of “social intelligence.” What follows is my analysis of how Franklin’s lessons might apply to our...

The Los Gatos Community Alliance applauds the work Grosvenor has done in reimagining their development plans for Phase 2 of the North 40. We recognize how far the proposal has come from its original concept—just 200 units with 40 affordable and a hotel. The current...

While serving on the Palo Alto Human Relations Commission, I became familiar with many regulars who engaged with local government. One man stood out for his persistence. He wasn’t a crank. He was sharp, well-prepared and articulate. Yet, despite his constructive contributions, he became...

Just a quick note to compliment the article (“The long and winding road,” June 19, 2024) by Alan Feinberg. Great feature—and looking forward to more town history. Johanes Swenberg Los Gatos *Letters are edited for length and clarity

Simitian’s gratitude Thank you for the opportunity to serve in public office for more than 40 years at five different levels: as a local school board member, city council member and mayor, county supervisor, state assemblymember and state senator. At the end of next month, by...

Timing is everything, right? Somehow, in some way, I find myself serving as the chairperson of the Community Health and Senior Services Commission as it undertakes monumental tasks.  These tasks include implementing the Senior Services Committee’s incredibly comprehensive road map for improving older adult services...

Urban planning thrives on informed decision-making. However, the increasing influence of game theory—a branch of mathematics that studies strategic interactions—can be a recipe for disaster in the messy world of governance. While game theory offers insights in some areas, relying largely on its models...

I learned from a panel discussion held on Dec. 14 at the Los Gatos Town Hall, that mental health care is riddled with gaps, leaving many individuals struggling to access the services they need.  From a shortage of qualified providers, to inadequate insurance coverage, to...

*Editor's note: After press time, this issue was debated by the Town Council, which voted 3-2 to retain 7-person makeup of the commission (with Mayor Matthew Hudes and Councilmember Mary Badame voting against). As a current member of the Los Gatos Community Health and Senior...