The Community Health and Senior Services Commission (CHSSC) has spent years building programs and resources to help residents thrive. As someone who serves on the commission, I’ve witnessed the positive impact of this work. Yet this year, new rules have made progress harder to achieve. I write this column on my own behalf, not in my official role.
CHSSC has created a HUB in partnership with Los Gatos-Saratoga Recreation (LGS) staff to serve as a central resource for residents. The HUB provides seniors and their families with information on programs, events and services designed to support daily living and community engagement. It has become a stop for people seeking guidance on everything from health care to social connection. We also helped secure a navigator to guide seniors through online resources. For many older residents, this assistance is vital in reducing isolation and improving quality-of-life.
We implemented the Senior Road Map, a comprehensive plan to improve and expand services across Los Gatos. One of our key accomplishments was advocating for the hiring of a Senior Services Coordinator, a position tasked with tracking service delivery, identifying gaps and ensuring accountability. This role is there to bring greater clarity to the senior services landscape.
Our work extends beyond individual programs. We have guided how funds were used to upgrade the LGS Center, ensuring improvements reflect the needs and preferences of seniors who use the space daily. We compiled an inventory of senior housing in town, providing valuable information to families and decision-makers. Most recently, we have been developing a second HUB to connect volunteers with organizations in need. By linking residents willing to give their time with programs that rely on volunteer support, we strengthen the community.
Despite these accomplishments, a new code of conduct now requires preapproval from staff, the Town Manager, or the Town Council for actions the commission has historically handled directly. This shift has slowed progress and complicated work that was once straightforward. Tasks that previously took weeks now take months, and projects requiring timely execution are delayed.
Here are a few examples:
The work plan. Each year, CHSSC develops a work plan with goals, objectives and responsibilities. Our 2025 plan was approved after significant effort, reflecting years of accumulated experience. But staff later presented their own version, leaving out ongoing projects and changing priorities we had already set, forcing us to revise our approach while losing valuable time. This process not only delays work, but also creates confusion about roles and responsibilities, which can affect long-term planning.
The mental health report. In February 2023, after interviewing numerous providers, CHSSC produced a detailed report on mental health services in Los Gatos, with recommendations for improvement. When we tried to follow up with providers (a step we always took), staff informed us that such outreach now required preapproval. This delay limits our ability to respond quickly to emerging needs and risks, creating gaps in service delivery.
The survey conflict. After collaborating with the Senior Services Coordinator on a survey aligned with the Senior Services Road Map, staff created a separate survey and suggested that providers complete both. This duplication diluted our work and ignored the reality that many providers do not have time or resources for two surveys. This reduced the effectiveness of data collection and planning. It also risks frustrating the very providers whose input is crucial for designing effective programs.
Losing the Senior Services Coordinator. Just as he was settling in and gaining familiarity with senior services, our coordinator announced he was leaving for another position. This departure added to the challenges of the year, requiring the commission to adjust priorities, while continuing essential programs. It also underscores how fragile momentum can be when new procedures limit flexibility and responsiveness.
These setbacks frustrate me, and I suspect they frustrate my fellow commissioners, too. More importantly, they slow progress for our residents. Los Gatos cannot afford delays caused by unnecessary duplication and procedural hurdles, especially when critical programs are at stake.
CHSSC has repeatedly demonstrated what it can accomplish when trusted to do its job. From creating centralized resources to ensuring accountability in service delivery, the commission has proven its value. The challenge now is removing the barriers that hinder effective work.
Los Gatos deserves timely, effective programs. Let the commission get back to work to make that possible.
