Join us for this recurring episode where host Brian Bernasconi is joined by Los Gatos Town Council Member Rob Moore to dive into Rob's latest newsletter. Sent monthly to over 10,000 residents, Rob's newsletter is packed with the latest news, updates, and insights on what's happening around town. Together, we’ll walk you through each edition, highlighting the valuable and informative details that keep our community connected and in the know. Whether you’re a resident or just curious about life in Los Gatos, tune in to stay informed and engaged!

Kylie Clark spends a lot of her time thinking about and discussing housing policies. Kylie works as the Assistant Manager of Advocacy and Public Policy at West Valley Community Services and, in her free time, serves on the Los Gatos Planning Commission.  In this episode, you’ll learn what happened when Kylie wrote an email to the California Department of Housing and Community Development in an effort to provide additional context regarding the latest iteration of the Los Gatos Housing Element and resulting 2040 General Plan Land Use Element and Community Design Element Referendum. What is the story behind The Town of Los Gatos issuing the only censure in the town’s history? How did the ACLU get involved? And what led to The Town rescinding that censure? Find out in another thrilling episode of PodCatsLG!

Over the past seven years, Catherine Somers, Randi Chen, Donna McCurrie, and Kathy Granger have dedicated their time and efforts to the Los Gatos Chamber of Commerce. Together, they achieved remarkable milestones, leaving an indelible mark on our community. Their passion, dedication, and hard work have brought about positive changes, fostering a vibrant local business environment and strengthening community bonds. Their collaborative spirit and unwavering commitment have led to successful government relations, amazing events, networking opportunities, and valuable resources for businesses and residents alike. As they bid farewell to the Chamber, they leave behind a legacy of excellence that will be deeply missed by all. Their contributions have made a lasting impact, and their absence will be keenly felt. We extend our heartfelt appreciation for their exceptional service and wish them each the very best in their future endeavors.

The Los Gatos Chamber of Commerce has a new leader: Jennifer Lin. Jennifer is a Bay Area native and has been living in Los Gatos since 2019. With fresh ideas and a blank slate following the resignation of Catherine Somers, Randi Chen, and Donna McCurrie, she aims to boost membership and enhance the Chamber's activities. Jennifer holds a master's degree in public administration from Columbia University and brings valuable experience in management consulting, brand strategy, marketing, strategic planning, operations, and public relations. Her leadership promises an exciting new chapter for the Chamber.

What is your knowledge about the origins and history of Los Gatos? It is a town with a fascinating backstory that extends beyond what you might already know. Historian Alan Feinberg delves into the diverse and captivating history of Los Gatos and its surrounding areas.

Centrally located and home to some of our town’s most beloved shops, Kings Court is having a BIG moment as a decades-long land lease approaches its end. Jack Rice, speaking on behalf of the family who owns the land, joins Brian and Catherine to discuss the history of the property, where things stand right now and provide insight about plans for the future.

In this captivating RECAP of the June 20, 2023 Town Council meeting, listeners will be treated to a delightful surprise: Councilmember Rob Moore, stepping in for Catherine Somers this week, graces us with a "special guest appearance." Councilmember Moore not only sheds light on the crucial and engrossing matters discussed, debated, and reviewed at the Town Council Meeting last night but also shares invaluable inside information. Within this concise and highly enjoyable one-hour conversation, you will gain comprehensive knowledge of the current happenings in the vibrant Town of Los Gatos. Your newfound understanding of local politics and your witty recollections derived from PodCatsLG will undoubtedly impress your family and friends. Furthermore, your elevated civic engagement and profound insights about this important local podcast will surely elevate your stature in the eyes of those around you.

Renowned local celebrity Michael Jacobi captivates with his profound insights into the enchanting world of Jazz, The Plazz, and a plethora of thought-provoking subjects ranging from the captivating realms of Comedy to the intricate intersections of Politics and Religion. With his eloquent and captivating discourse, Jacobi delves deep into the complexities of these diverse topics, effortlessly intertwining entertainment and intellectualism. Through his unique ability to illuminate the nuances and underlying layers of meaning, he enlightens and engages our listeners, leaving them spellbound and hungry for more. Prepare to embark on a captivating journey of exploration and discovery as Michael Jacobi unravels the tapestry of human expression in its most vibrant and captivating forms.

The Los Gatos Youth Commission gets recognized, the Los Gatos Town Council is making decisions about access from Hwy 9 to the Los Gatos Creek Trail, sidewalks, roads, the LGS Rec Center and more! Not a landmark meeting but this is how stuff gets done. The Wheels of Democracy continue to turn and our little town continues to make things happen one decision at a time. Stay safe and be kind to one another, Los Gatos. We love you.

A highly engaging conversation with Los Gatos Arts and Culture Commission member Maureen Cappon-Javy. Maureen provides insight into the new Gateway Project cat statues on Hwy. 9 and Lark Avenue. Buy the end of this episode you’ll know everything you ever wanted to know about The Gateway Cat installations, the artist who designed them and the process that brought the cats to fruition. You will also learn a little something about how the Los Gatos Arts and Culture Commission operates and the significance of public art.

Join Catherine and Brian for an engaging and entertaining conversation with Lisa Fraser, former principal at Fisher Middle School and superintendent at the Loma Prieta School District. Learn about Lisa's philosophies regarding educating and respecting young people, the Developmental Assets Framework and the foundational principles that drive Lisa to work tirelessly to help make our schools a better more nurturing place for our children, their parents and our communities.

This week the Los Gatos Town Council digs deep into the 2023-2024 budget. Brian and Catherine provide post-game highlights from the council meeting (and a few meaningful tangents). If you want to learn more about how the town of Los Gatos operates this is one episode you don't want to miss. Listen to the Folake Phillips episode next!! You'll be glad you did!

Los Gatos resident and social activist Folake Phillips shares her views about Los Gatos and the complex world of skin, color and race that surrounds us. Folake is the founder and executive director of AWỌ, a social justice non-profit vehemently dedicated to unifying the glorious shades of HUEmanity. AWO provides community space where people can ingest accurate cultural narratives about themselves, others, and HUEmanity. AWO is the word for skin and color in the Nigerian language of Yoruba. Learn more at https://www.awocenter.org/.

Aspiring young filmmaker Kyle Santoro discusses his upcoming documentary "Fentanyl High" and shares with Catherine and Brian insight about his upbringing and his creative process. Kyle is a junior at Los Gatos High School and has been making videos for school and community events throughout the Bay Area for the past 2 years. Fentanyl High is scheduled to premiere at the Los Gatos High School theater on May 16th 2023 at 6:30pm. The screening is open to the public.

Brian and Catherine speak with long-time Los Gatos resident Terry Duryea who, after 24 years of living in Los Gatos, has  decided to move out of the area to be closer to family. Terry has spent much of his time here volunteering and paying particular attention to local issues with an emphasis on local politics, budget and senior services. Terry has served as the Vice Chair of the Regional Medical Center Board of Trustees, was a member of the expanded Los Gatos Town Council Financial Committee, and held various leadership positions for nonprofits that provide housing & healthcare to seniors. Terry lived in Accra, Ghana for 8 months as a business coach with the Stanford Institute for Innovation in Developing Economies. As an alumnus of both Cal and Stanford, he actively volunteers for both institutions. Having rowed in college, Terry also took up rowing again and became active in the local rowing scene after leaving full time employment.

In a short and highly entertaining 43 minutes, Catherine and Brian summarize and discuss the four and a half hour May 2 2023 Town Council Meeting. In this episode you'll learn about: Complete Streets and Transportation Commission!!funds allocated for the Chamber of Commerce, The Los Gatos Visitors Center. and Destination Marketing!!Downtown Parkletts!!Town. owned. 224 Main Street!!and much, much MORE!!

Catherine and Brian set out to provide a brief summary of the April 18, 2023 Los Gatos Town Council Meeting. They eventually break down the Council Meeting by way of a brief civics lesson about the structure and proceedings of the Los Gatos government. Listen to  this episode to learn more about Kylie Clark, why the ACLU  has threatened to  sue the Town of Los Gatos, Free Speech and “Rich White Men”.

Join Los Gatos Plant-Based Advocates co-founder Kathleen Willey in a conversation about the industrial food complex, veganism, what vegans eat and how we can all reconsider what we eat and how the food we eat affects our community and the entire planet.

On the heels of a global pandemic, years of waning revenue and skyrocketing expenses, The Town of Los Gatos is facing an immediate budget crisis. Kyle Park of the Los Gatos Finance Commission joins Brian and Catherine to provide insight and overview of how we got here and what is needed to overcome financial challenges of the future. Find out more about PodCats LG at http://podcatslg.com

Hosts Brian Bernasconi, lifelong Los Gatos resident and Real Estate Broker, and Los Gatos Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Catherine Somers continue their conversation about issues in our Los Gatos community at Loma Brewing Company. Make sure to check out the first part of this conversation in Episode 9. Find out more about PodCats LG at http://podcatslg.com.