@losgatan
vol . I, no. 9 : november 3-9, 2021 : losgatan.com
students performance p 4 : city council p 8 : musical roots p 10 : ny times crossword puzzle p 13 Robert Eliason/contributed
EARLY RETURNS SHOW PARCEL TAX WILL LIKELY EARN APPROVAL
Hanssen: ‘I love that the plan would involve tons and tons of community outreach’
Judy Peterson, Reporter
Initial vote tallies released immediately after polls closed at 8pm on Tuesday had the Los Gatos Union School District’s Measure B parcel tax increase headed toward approval, with 75.37% of voters saying “yes” to the tax. The parcel tax needs twothirds voter approval to pass. “For 30 years, Los Gatos citizens have supported our schools by renewing a local school funding measure,” said “Yes on B” co-chair Ryan Rosenberg. “Today, we are delighted that tradition will continue with the likely passage of Measure B. We would like to thank the many volunteers and endorsers who worked tirelessly to pass Measure B, and to ensure the best possible future for our children.” Measure B would increase the parcel tax from $290 to $335 per parcel, per year for eight years, generating an estimated $3.2 million annually. It includes a 2% annual “inflation adjustment” that kicks in during year two. The new tax would take effect in July 2022. The tax would apply to all residential and commercial ➝ Measure B, 8
COMMISSIONERS WEIGH CANNABIS REGULATION AND REVENUE IMPACT Drew Penner, Reporter
READY TO POUNCE Wildcats quarterback Jake Boyd (12) looks to throw during the team’s 56-7 win over Mountain View in a Santa Clara Valley League De Anza Division game on Oct. 28. Los Gatos High is a win away from a perfect 10-0 regular season. For the story, turn to page 9.
The idea of opening up Los Gatos to cannabis establishments seemed to strike a chord with commissioners young and old at the Oct. 27 Planning Commission meeting. Canceling the prohibition on such commercial operations could be an important economic puzzle piece, Commissioner Melanie Hanssen commented, in response to a staff presentation. “It isn’t going to solve all of our problems,” she said. “But we do have the death of retail as we know it happening as we speak.” Town Attorney Robert Schultz gave commissioners a broad rundown of why the council believes it’s important to open a community conversation around allowing products containing THC and other cannabinoids within the community’s boundaries. When recreational marijuana was legalized across the state in 2016, a greater percentage of local residents were in favor ➝ Pot Commission, 6