Los Gatos Weekly-Times Los Gatos Chamber continues its quest for parking holy grail By Jeff Kearns The Town of Los Gatos Chamber of Commerce is continuing its drive to get employees of downtown businesses to leave the closest spots for customers during the holidays. Chamber executive director Sheri Lewis, public works director Scott Baker and mayor Jan Hutchins plan to send a letter to more than 800 downtown businesses and residences in the Almond Grove and Edelen districts outlining the plans, which are centered around encouraging employees to park in underused public lots and in the neighborhoods. Lewis says the program is starting to work, but should improve once the mailing goes out. On Nov. 16, the council approved the Chamber's Volunteer Business Action Plan, which outlines goals to free up downtown spaces. The program is predicated on the philosophy that, without enough parking, holiday shoppers will find somewhere else to spend their money. In order to encourage nighttime parking on Miles Avenue, the town has had PG&E install new and brighter lights along that street, and will be increasing police patrols through the area. Additionally, the council approved valet parking in the downtown area on some public and private lots. Councilmembers also gave town manager David Knapp the green light to get bids from valet parking vendors. The program ends after the holidays, but the Chamber and the town will continue looking for long-term parking solutions. A consultant's report on options for the planned downtown parking garage will be considered at the Dec. 7 council meeting. [ Back to Contents Page | Los Gatos Weekly-Times Home Page | Archives ] This article appeared in the Los Gatos Weekly-Times, November 25, 1998. ©1998 Metro Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved.