Attachment 2 - Public CommentFebruary 9, 2022
Greetings Mayor Rennie, Vice Mayor Ristow and Council Members Hudes, Badame and Sayoc –
You knew this request was coming eventually and what better time to present than right before your mid-year
budget review at Tuesday’s February 15th Council Meeting!
Thank you for taking the time these next few days to consider our proposal and our request for funding.
While we hesitated slightly before jumping into the production of this Promenade Series again, we feel
compelled to make it happen at least for one more year. The aftermath of the Covid pandemic lingers still and
with Dr. Cody’s mask mandate announcement today, people here wonder if we will ever go back to normal.
Last summer the Promenades gave people hope. The folks who came felt safe but at least could participate to
the extent they wanted. Community spirit was renewed. I think you would all agree.
We learned new tricks every week which helped us streamline the workload and the cost. Based on last year’s
actual budget, we are confident the costs we have outlined in this proposal are right on target.
We have business owners, residents and musicians clamoring for the dates of the Promenades to be released.
It is funny that people just think they are going to happen, but isn’t that always the case. We are collaborating
with Jazz on the Plazz and with the organizers of Music in the Park so that we can effectively market all of the
Sounds of Summer together. We also hope to share volunteers and other resources. Additionally, we have
talked about fundraising together and eventually, I think that could become a reality. This year, however, in
order to move along quickly; contract vendors and bands and get everything rolling, we need a solid
commitment from you this next week. As there is not a revenue stream for the Chamber in this production,
we have to rely on outside help.
When you read the ARPA Grant Guidelines and Restrictions closely, we can all argue that these Promenade
events directly help with our Town’s Covid Recovery Plans. One more year of that assistance will put us in a
position to get big name sponsors lined up by next fall.
These Sounds of Summer could be a huge draw. If marketed correctly, we will draw people here from all over
California to come eat, drink and stay in our Town. The parklets will be ready. Our hotels have been waiting
for that day. Our streets and parks will be filled with a culturally diverse group of people of all ages. The music
will be tasteful and wholesome representative of some of our local musicians and we will strive to make for a
safe, secure and fun environment.
And yes, I know as Marcia Jensen used to say The Chamber is always asking for money. Well, we are and we
will continue to do so. We never expected the Promenade to be so successful. We think we should take a
chance on them again as they are an engine or the catalyst to get everything moving. We will continue to try
to make the Town of Los Gatos and its business community as vibrant and as successful as it can possibly be.
Please do not hesitate to call me this weekend if you have concerns or questions.
Sincerely,
Catherine Somers and the Staff at the Chamber of Commerce
10 Station Way, Los Gatos, CA 95030 408-354-9300 losgatoschamber.com
ATTACHMENT 2
Summer Promenades
THURSDAYS
JUNE 23-AUGUST 11, 5-9PM
It seems long overdue to utilize our
amazing downtown area in this way on a
regular basis. Notwithstanding the
economic benefits to businesses, it’s really
reinvigorated the sense of community.
-Stephen Slater
Resident
What a great idea to revitalize the spirit
and economy. This spirit is the reason
we moved to Los Gatos. I’d be happy to
volunteer to keep them alive!
-Taryn Kraus
Resident
Reasons to love the Promenades
•Economic Vitality
•Diversity in all forms
•Safe and healthy space
•Builds community, spirit and vibrancy
•Good Fun
I support the continuation of Thursday
Promenades. It is awesome. Everyone
loves it. Good for the town, good for
business. Lots of room for people to
spread out.
-Charleen Renati
Resident
Economic vitality
Data taken from survey done by Economic Development Director, Monica Renn
•64% of business reported that the Promenades had a
positive impact on their business (19% saw no impact)
•51% reported increased sales (22% saw no difference)
83% of businesses believe that the Promenades positively
impacted the Los Gatos community!
Testimonials:
Very positive experience and we
should DEFINITELY do it more often.
-Just Write Arts
While we didn't really directly benefit
from the closure we believe it is a great,
overall benefit to the downtown
businesses and community. At a
minimum more people walking around
might have noticed us to come back in
the future.
-Tea on the Avenue
Sales up about $1,000 a week
-lululemon
Each Thursday I have noticed a
different crowd. Younger shoppers
have ventured into the shop.
-Blue Mercury
Diversity in all forms…
Just want to give a shout out to the town and the Chamber of Commerce for the super fun Thursday Promenade events this summer. It is the best thing to happen in Los Gatos for a long time, and I hope that you will allow it to continue to take place every summer moving forward.
The reason I really enjoy this event is because:
•all ages attend
•there is a lot of space to move around (unlike Music in the Park and Jazz of the Plazz which have become way overcrowded over the years, and grouchy people yell at you if you try to chat to a neighbor during the performance).
•it appears to bring a lot of business to our downtown restaurants
•the music has been excellent
We live downtown on Tait Ave, and love walking down to the event every Thursday. We run into many friends, drink and eat, walk around, and listen to the bands. And the road closure is very nice, allowing plenty of room to mingle. Thanks again for such an enjoyable event.
-Martha Quieroz
This many smiles comes with a price tag…
BUDGET
estimated cost
per event Total Cost
Bands $3,000 8 $24,000
Sound $3,000 8 $24,000
traffic control company - for street closure $2,500 8 $20,000
Portapotties $2,000 1 $2,000
Neighbor Notification $700 1 $700
Security (private)$400 8 $3,200
Printing: posters, banners $1,000 1 $1,000
ABC License $75 8 $600
Marketing & Publicity $10,000 1 $10,000
Los Gatos Magazine Ad 1500
LG Weekly Ad-first week $1,300
LG Weekly Ad-second & third week $1,200
Sounds of summer program $3,000
Los Gatan ads $3,000
Volunteer staffing meals $100 8 $800
Supplies $100 8 $800
LGMS Police $1,400 8 $11,200
Encroachment permit for port a potties/garbage $322 1 $322
No Parking Signs $100 1 $100
Banner permit fee $113 2 $226
Special event permit fee $170 1 $170
Street Cleaning & Garbage pickup $1,200 8 $9,600
Additional entertainment $6,000 $6,000
Additional staffing $1,000 8 $8,000
5 people/ promenade@$25/hr for 8 hrs
$122,718
$15,340 each
Summer Promenades
Green items are Town Fees.
Based on actual 2021 costs
Possible Band Selections
•The Complications
•Daze on the Green
•Given To Fly
•Summit Sisters
•Cabana Boys
•Rusty Rock ‘n Roll
•Lavender Fields
•Alex Lucerros
•Crooked Branches
•Apple City Slough Band
•Hootenanny
•Suburbamore
•LGHS Teacher Band
•Alex and the Live again
•Samba Santa Cruz Quartet
•Dirty Cello
•Burroughs Brothers
•Mike Drew Band
Collaboration
Sounds of Summer in Los Gatos