One year drifted away last night so that another could take its place as 2002 gave way to the brand new 2003. But before 2002 joins the blur of memories of years gone by, let's reflect on some of those events that made the recently completed year a memorable one.
The transition from the old to the new year is a time for looking forward at new events and experiences to come, but it also provides an opportunity for looking back once more at some of the major events of the year just ended.
Here are some of the headlines that could have been written in 2002:
Cultural Kudos—The town of Los Gatos deserves some praise on the cultural front for its approval of a nine-performance Shakespeare Festival that ran for three weekends in July. The festival demonstrated once again the town's commitment to cultural endeavors and the arts.
Selfless Act—There's no other way to describe the efforts of Los Gatos business owner Holly Ilse, who courageously stepped forward early last year to file a lawsuit on behalf of a mentally disabled friend who had been sexually molested by a clergyman at the Sacred Heart Jesuit Center.
Cooperative Effort—The town of Los Gatos and the city of Monte Sereno worked together in the spirit of cooperation as they jointly approved the installation of a traffic stoplight at the corner of Winchester Boulevard and Daves Avenue. The signal will provide a much safer pedestrian crossing at the intersection.
Forward Thinking—In what was one of the boldest moves in town history in the way of development, the Los Gatos Town Council took a major step with the controversial approval of the Sobrato Development Company. The mixed-use facility will bring a 288,000-square-foot research building and 135 apartments to Winchester Boulevard.
Slow Motion—A proposed skatepark for Los Gatos rolled around for another year with no decision reached on its possible location. Continuing at this rate, the young skateboarders who desire such a facility in town will likely still be pursuing the plan for their children! The council needs to address this concern in 2003.
Grassroots Movement—Neighbors on Lester Lane in the Live Oak Manor area successfully worked together to block a plan by MetroPCS to install cellular equipment on a PG&E tower in their neighborhood. It was an example of grassroots politics at its best.
Designing Woman—Carol Huboi-Werry led an effort that included a cast of more than 60 volunteers to paint a mural under the Main Street bridge. Visitors to the Los Gatos Creek Trail can now enjoy a glimpse of the town's history through the artwork, thanks to the design, talents and leadership of Huboi-Werry.
And with that we say good-bye to 2002, and welcome the new headlines that will come in 2003. Happy New Year.
