Wrapping up her tenure as chair of the planning commission "with some sadness and regret" but also with positive anticipation for the future, Lee Quintana nominated Paul Dubois to be the new chair at the commission's Jan. 22 meeting. Dubois, who served as vice chair last year, received unanimous support from the other commissioners present that night. Following that decision, Jeanne Drexel also received full support from her colleagues to serve as the new vice chair.


Drug and alcohol program helps keep kids safe

Parents are invited to attend a presentation titled "Drugs and Alcohol: Keeping Our Kids Safe" at the neighborhood center (room 11) from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. on Feb. 12. The event is offered through the town's Teen and Family Counseling Center and will feature guest speaker Alan Javurek, a director of adolescent programs for Kaiser. The presentation is part of a series of programs offered through the center to improve family relationships. For more information, call 408.354.7648.


Live Oak Manor is recognized for food drives

Residents of the Live Oak Manor neighborhood recently received a commendation from the town of Los Gatos for their efforts to help the community through a series of food drives.

"If we could be an example to other neighborhoods to follow suit, I think we'd be a much better town and tight-knit community," said Jim Doss, who, along with wife Gini, received the commendation from the town council on behalf of their neighborhood on Jan. 21.

The efforts began about four years ago, when several residents organized a Fourth of July block party attended by some 50 people. The following year, residents saw the number of participants grow to 100. During the most recent holiday season, neighbors collected more than 500 pounds of canned goods, 30 turkeys and $200 in cash for the Second Harvest Food Bank.