We've shared a great many stories with our readers in the recently completed year, and the time has come to start telling the news of 2004. But before the events of the new year begin to unfold, we'd like to share a few of the headlines and stories that we hope to write in the months ahead:
Monte Sereno welcomes Aerts display
The Monte Sereno City Council, in a unanimous vote, has overturned its 2003 decision to implement an ordinance that would regulate special events in the city. The ordinance was determined to be unnecessary and unfairly targeted the holiday displays of Alan and Bonnie Aerts on Danielle Place.
(The council passed the ordinance this past year, and it will be interesting to see how often the city will have to implement it in the coming year—maybe just Halloween and Christmas?)
TIP tops goal
It's official—the Theater Improvement Project committee at Los Gatos High School has announced that it has reached its goal and construction on the new performing arts facility at the school will begin soon.
(Of course, that headline and story will only become a reality through the hard work of volunteers and the support of a generous community. We all need to support the effort so that this dream comes true.)
Vandals caught, become town gardeners
Culprits who have been victimizing Main Street merchants with petty acts of vandalism have been caught and sentenced to serve a year as town gardeners. As their punishment, they will serve the Los Gatos Beautification Committee, maintaining the plants along Main Street.
(That would certainly be welcome news for merchants who have been the victims of random acts of vandalism. Business owners have worked hard and put out their own funds to plant flowers and other foliage in pots and planters along Main Street, only to have plants uprooted, planters overturned and pots broken.)
Little League all-stars win World Series
The Los Gatos Little League major division all-stars have reached the pinnacle, winning the championship in the Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pa.
(That would be great, but maybe it would be better to set our sights on the District 12 championship, then take it one step at a time.)
Retired reservoir becomes new park
The San Jose Water Company, in appreciation of its longtime partnership with the town of Los Gatos, has decided to return the land off Reservoir Road to its natural state after the demolition of its retired reservoir at the site.
(And doesn't that sound like the best use of the land there?)
Decker decides to run again
Former Los Gatos mayor and sitting Councilwoman Sandy Decker has announced her plans to run for reelection in November, 2004.
(More on this one later.)
It should be an interesting year.
