The Interfaith Council, which already provides food and clothing to Los Gatos' homeless population, believes the town should do its share by building showers the homeless could use.
We expect there'll be plenty of arguments against this idea, and many will be valid. On the other hand, without the availability of showers, the homeless cannot go to work or to job interviews.
Interfaith Council members say they've talked to Rotary and plan to approach other service clubs about the shower proposal.
That's a good move. In fact, it makes sense for the church volunteers to hold off going to the Town Council until after they've met with the service clubs.
This approach gives the Interfaith Council an opportunity to gauge community support. While it's clear showers would make the lives of the homeless more comfortable, the volunteers must be able to show a benefit to the community, and the service clubs are a good place to explore this concept.
Local service clubs draw their membership from active people eager to contribute to the betterment of the town. These are also people who've shown many times over their willingness to contribute money and sweat to local projects.
If members of the Interfaith Council can get the energy and commitment of the service clubs behind them, they'll have a much stronger case to present to the town.
Here comes summer
Just about the time it seems winter will never end, nature provides hopeful signs that spring is just around the corner. And if spring is preparing to burst upon the scene, can the long lazy days of summer be far behind?
Already, bright green leaves are poking through frosty soil; fragrant narcissus is in bloom, and fruit trees have begun to swell in anticipation of blossoms that will become summer's harvest.
In Los Gatos, the Arts Commission has put out its annual call to musicians for demo tapes and CDs.
Now there's a welcome harbinger of days to come. Nothing says summer in Los Gatos quite like Music in the Plaza.
When the music series nearly died several years ago because of financial problems, the Arts Commission decided a more businesslike approach was needed for the fundraising aspects of the series.
Now, through a program of individual and business contributions as well as sponsorships, Music in the Plaza is on sound financial footing. Last year's budget was $18,000.
This year, a new power grid in the plaza will make setup easier for musicians, and sound will be greatly improved.
The rainy days and frosty nights aren't over yet, but signs of spring are in the air, and arts commissioners are listening to tapes from musicians.
Los Gatos, California Since 1881
