The historic Lyndon cupola was restored to its former glory and placed atop the bandstand, which had been built especially to hold the cupola. Dubois has been a leading light in the bandstand project from its beginnings 10 years ago. So Paul Dubois as grand marshal of the Los Gatos Children's Christmas and Holidays Parade for 2003 is a particularly apt choice.

"I'm very, very honored," says Dubois, who said he was floored at being named. "There are so many deserving people in this town. The bandstand was the work of so many people. I was just the one who kicked the rock over the hill." But the force for that metaphorical kick came from the Los Gatos Community Foundation, of which he is president.

Dubois has served four years in that role; this is his second go-round. The foundation is a fundraising body that provides nourishment to dozens of nonprofit groups in town and made possible the construction of the Lyndon Bandstand.

Dubois seems to be chairman of everything he encounters. The Los Gatos Planning Commission is another example—he's marked four years as chairman there. Also, he chairs the Architectural Standards and Hillside Committee, and the Conceptual Development Advisory Committee.

The latter is a guide to help potential developers navigate their way through the rocky shoals of planning in Los Gatos. "The committee sends up warning flags to developers," to help head off possible snags that can be corrected before the official planning process begins.

Other volunteer roles Dubois has held include five years on the Community Services Commission—two of those years as chairman. No wonder readers chose him "Best Community Organizer" in a Los Gatos Weekly-Times "Best of Los Gatos" issue.

His company, Tomasi-Dubois & Associates, deals with the physical security of large company operations. Such safeguards as installing card access systems, alarm systems and surveillance cameras are all in its purview.

A company dedicated to safety was a natural evolution for Dubois, who in earlier days was a police officer. He has the taciturn manner of a Joe Friday to make that background even more authentic. However, his no-nonsense demeanor is belied by his enthusiasm for masquerades, theater and dance.

He and wife Mary Tomasi-Dubois traditionally eclipse the rest of crowd with their imaginative costuming. He's appeared as Clark Kent with Lois Lane on his arm at the annual Marlyn Rasmussen Halloween party. The two miss no chance to arrive in costume at the drop of a historical hat at themed fundraisers.

At the bandstand dedication they were bedecked in vintage wear, circa late 19th century. At the moment the grand marshal is in a quandary about how he'll outfit himself at the holiday parade. Will it be as boyhood favorite Hopalong Cassidy or as a Shakespearean character?

The Shakespeare connection is a reference to Shakespeare in the Park, the theater event that the Duboises have been instrumental in bringing to Los Gatos' Oak Meadow Park for the past two summers. Not surprisingly, this theater buff is also a member of the Theater Improvement Project.

Other service organizations that count Dubois as a member are the Los Gatos Kiwanis Club and the advisory committee of Silicon Valley Children's Hospital. He's also worked for the Boy Scouts of America, and is an Eagle Scout himself.

This community activist is proudest of two specifics in his town involvement: the first was implementing recommendations from the Senior Task Force, including hiring a senior coordinator to strengthen services to seniors. The second is the hillside ordinance, which he calls a more realistic view of hillside development, taking into account safety and quality-of-life factors. "Can't believe all the long hours we put in on that," he muses.

Dubois grew up in Hawaii in a military family, graduated from Castro Valley High School, then went to Ohlone College for a degree in administration of justice. From California State Hayward he earned a degree in business. The Duboises moved to Los Gatos in 1981 and have been active ever since.