Attachment 1Flom:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Rick Williams
Tuesday, February 06, 2018 8:36 AM
Laurel Prevetti
Los Gatos General Plan
Hello Laurel,
lam writing in regard to the upcoming discussion ofthe Los Gatos General Plan. Unfortunately, I will not be able to
attend the town council meeting this evening, so I hope these comments can be included in the official record.
My wife and I have lived in Los Gatos since 1990 and feel honored to have had the opportunity to raise our two kids in
one of the most beautiful cities in the Bay Area. We have seen the town grow and change during that time and we
believe the changes have been for the better. Every community has to confront population growth and increased
tralfic, but to some degree that is part of the price we pay to live in a town that is vibrant, reflective of the times we
currently live in, and focused on the future. What Los Gatos has done really well is maintained an understanding of what
gives Los Gatos its sense of place and community and that is what I hope will be reflected In the general plan. Among
other things, healthy communities are characterized by having clean and safe physical environments, spaces where
people can gather and that promote social harmony. Heathy communities care about all of their citizens and set up ways
for their voices to not just be heard but truly reflected in its governing decisions, They support diversity in all its forms
and promote opportunities for its citizens to gain a deeper understanding and empathy for those that are not like them,
because a stated value is that we are all nelghbors and equally valued.
While the general plan focuses on "how our natural resources and physical features are to be maintained and
enhanced", I would also like to advocate that it also incorporate and promulgate a set of values that advance a belief in
equity, diversity, and inclusion. As you are aware, the town has experienced several incidents of hate and racism and it
is important that the town incorporate in all of its governing documents a belief in the equitable and incluslve access to
resources, land, services, and housing, as well as a belief that socio-economic diversity and ethnic diversity are essential
to the town's ongoinB success.
I believe that Los Gatos can be a model for other towns and clties and hope they will take this opportunity to make a
loud and clear statement that we are a welcomlng and inclusive community.
Thank you.
Rick
Rick williams, Chiel Executive Olficer
The Sobrato Family Foundation
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Laurel Prevetti