Vice Mayor Maria Ristow became mayor, and Councilmember Mary Badame vice mayor, during the Dec. 13 Council meeting, while Rob Moore was sworn in for the first time and Rob Rennie started his next term.
The evening also marked an end to Marico Sayoc’s tenure on Los Gatos Town Council, with local leaders and state officials sharing heartfelt tributes.
“Together we changed State law—a really consequential State law—protecting the civil discourse of our process that you see before us,” said Patrick Ahrens, an aide to Assemblymember Evan Low, who presented Sayoc with an official resolution honoring her service. “Many young people looked up to you, as you really broke barriers.”
Sarah Chaffin of Support Teacher Housing said Sayoc was instrumental in spearheading a housing project they worked on together.
“You gave an unknown quantity a chance to come and speak before the council,” she said. “Thank goodness construction is actually complete and people are moving in before you leave the council. I just want to thank you so much, because that really will be one of your legacies.”
Catherine Somers, executive director of the Los Gatos Chamber of Commerce, started tearing up as she spoke.
“There are few people, I think, that really understand how to walk in other people’s shoes, and you really have done that so valiantly, so graciously,” she said. “We really appreciate it—the whole town, from the Chamber of Commerce, all the businesses, all the residents. You’ve taught us a lot.”
Somers wished Sayoc good luck in her future endeavors.
“I think it’s interesting that, as we go through life, we sort of pass each other in different seasons, and at different times of our life,” she said. “I know, for one, I feel really fortunate we cross-crossed at this moment.”
Former mayor Marcia Jensen said that while Sayoc faced attacks during her time as mayor, she weathered these political storms with grace and warmth.
“Everyone in Los Gatos owes you an incredible debt of thanks,” she said. “Thank you so much.”
Outgoing mayor Rob Rennie reminisced about getting elected at the same time as Sayoc.
“It seems like a long time ago; but now that she’s leaving, it seems too short,” he said. “In these eight years, we’ve grown together. But Marico has grown faster. That’s why I have to stay another four years, so I can catch up.”
Badame, a former Planning Commissioner, reminded everyone that Sayoc was on that body for eight years before rising to a Council seat.
“I was a new commissioner at the time, and I was so lucky to be seated next to Marico,” she said. “I admired her so much for her expertise, her finesse and her innate ability to make everyone—particularly me who was new—feel welcome.”
Councilmember Matthew Hudes thanked Sayoc for how she managed under pressure.
“They say anyone can hold the helm when the sea is calm, but as our mayor, you showed exemplary and extraordinary leadership in the most challenging environment,” he said. “Thank you for your courage, leadership and sacrifice.”
Ristow, who was still vice mayor at the time, said Sayoc had been a friend, a mentor and an inspiration. She said it was a privilege to work on Sayoc’s 2014 campaign.
“It was always my hope and aspiration to serve on the council side-by-side with her,” she said. “I feel a little bit deprived because we were virtual most of the time. But these two years, I can’t even express how much I’ve learned.”
She praised Sayoc for her wisdom, her effective approach to working with Town staff and for highlighting underrepresented voices in the community.
“I think everybody knows how amazing Marico is and I don’t think I can top anybody else’s speech, but I would say that you’ve left us in a very good place,” she said. “I’m going to miss you a lot, but I’m going to be staying in touch. And I think we’ll find other ways to work together.”
Passion resonated through her voice as Sayoc, who decided not to run for another term, touched on what she called the most impactful part of her Council journey.
“We had very courageous conversations about belonging, and about how people were feeling pain in this community—and they still do,” she said. “So, I may be leaving Council, but I guarantee every one of you, I will not stop working until this town is a town that is inclusive and values love for what it is. And so, I thank all of you—sorry for the tears—for continuing that work. I know it’s in good hands.”
Town Manager Laurel Prevetti presented Sayoc with a gift on behalf of the municipality.
Mayor Rennie was honored with a video montage, before receiving kudos from the rest of Council.
“I’m really grateful that it won’t be total amateur hour next year,” Ristow said, pointing to how Rennie is now the longest-serving Council member. “I appreciate, as a fellow engineer, your problem-solving approach.”
She said his mentorship over the past year helped prepare her to lead the town.
“It was a really nice partnership,” she said. “You set an example for how to run a meeting.”
Rob Moore, who was sworn in by Sayoc, will be serving in political office for the first time ever.
“I am so truly humbled to be sitting before you here today,” he said. “I’ve been doing a lot of thinking about what makes our community so special. And I keep coming back to this idea of neighbors. In strong communities like ours, neighbors look out for each other. They share fences, ideas and gardens and meals and holidays together.”
Badame welcomed Moore to the council.
“It’s a pleasure and an honor to have you here,” she said. “I just hope his energy is contagious.”
