O utl OO k The West Valley
West Valley College Hosts Day of Action to Address Workforce Barriers for Adults 50+
By Staff report
One-third of California’s older adults live below the poverty line. With a quarter of CA’s population set to be over 60 within the next five years, our state’s workforce is set to see a pivotal shift as older adults look to keep working beyond retirement to make ends meet. If they cannot overcome the obstacles to gaining and keeping employment, their quality of life and our state’s economy will take a staggering hit.
The statistics are clear; after age 50 our employment prospects are tougher, we’re assisting our parents through their healthcare journeys, and we are envisioning our own later years with more intention. In 2023, the West Valley-Mission Community College District contracted with SASCC to launch Senior Guided Pathways; the nation’s first program aimed at securing the future for a mature society: short course work designed to give adults the skills needed as life progresses
into different stages. Senior Guided Pathways offers free tuition, free transportation, and free functional support with registration, enrollment, and progression provided by SASCC.
Senior Guided Pathways recognizes the changing needs of our community and is focused on navigating the
Saratoga's Sangita
intersection of education, aging, and job skills training. Curated for adults aged 50+, this first-of-its-kind program offers credit and noncredit course bundles at West Valley College that enhance both job and life skills, as well as career opportunities. The courses are community-responsive, and
Seshadri: A global humanitarian hero
By Dave Eshleman
It was a tense moment when the 39-year-old Tanzanian woman first beheld her post-op reflection in a mirror. Volunteer surgeons had recently repaired the disfiguring cleft lip and palate that caused strangers to avert their eyes and had made her an outcast in her village.
Now the bandages had been removed and the woman started sobbing uncontrollably at the joyous sight of her reconstructed face. Soon, her family members were also crying tears of joy, joined soon thereafter by a roomful of surgeons, nurses, and other volunteers who had traveled to Arusha, Tanzania with Rotaplast International, a South San Francisco-based nonprofit dedicated to providing surgical services to poor communities.
the outcomes are practical –determined based on survey data conducted locally in 2023 and 2024 through the Community Assessment Survey for Older Adults (CASOA).
Fall Senior Guided Pathways courses offered pertaining to work skills under this program include Introduction to Google
Workspace, Beginning Microsoft Excel, Principles of Real Estate, Google Data Analytics, and Google IT Support. For the more entrepreneurial minded folks, courses such as Small Business Startup and Management,
High school district reports improved student well-being
By Staff report
Among those happily sobbing volunteers was Saratoga’s Sangita Seshadri, and while the scene was deeply moving and unforgettable to her, it was not unique. In the previous three years, Sangita had served on similar medical missions to Guatemala, India, Peru, Egypt, and the Philippines, and had witnessed hundreds of similar feel-good stories.
Sangita, a Saratoga resident since 1997, is a legend among her peers for her tireless devotion to humanitarian service around the globe. In addition to nine Rotaplast
The Los Gatos-Saratoga Union High School District is proud to announce the results of the California Healthy Kids Survey given to 9th and 11th grade students who attend both Los Gatos (LGHS) and Saratoga High Schools (SHS). With a focus on students’ experiences at schools, the district survey results show how students developed effective coping skills to improve their mental health and reduce symptoms of depression, as well as reducing the number of reported incidents of sexual harassment, exceeding pre-pandemic numbers.
Taken every March, the Los Gatos-Saratoga Union High School District uses student survey data from the California
Healthy Kids Survey to plan its monthly MOSAIC (Making Our Schools an Inclusive Community) social-emotional program to support students with challenges they may be experiencing outside the classroom. Planned by staff who are part of a MOSAIC team at each school, topics such as alcohol and substance abuse, Title IX, and healthy relationships are delivered in person by a teacher or staff member with intentional support as a way to initiate these sensitive conversations. The positive effectiveness of the MOSAIC program can be seen in the following growth of 11th-grade responses from students who have been part of the MOSAIC program since
Sangita Seshadri brings a smile to a child's face.
Photo courtesy of Sangita Seshadri
Tylor Taylor Publisher and Executive Editor tylor@sascc.org
Rajvir Kaur Outlook Production Manager raj@sascc.org
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS:
Tylor Taylor
Jenny Suh
Tom Picraux
Dave Eshleman
Rayna Kumar
Joe Simitian
Ellen Manzo
Lloyd Russell
Stay informed - July-August
City of Saratoga and Town of Los Gatos Council, Commission &
Committee Meetings
Don’t forget to like us on Facebook! @successfulagingsolutions
Meeting places, Zoom links and call-in information are contained in each respective meeting agenda. Agendas are typically uploaded the Friday before the respective meeting. Please note, all council, commission, and committee meetings are subject to change or cancellation. Check the meeting links prior to each meeting or call your local town clerk for questions. Saratoga City Clerk’s office: 408-868-1216
Planning Commission: July 10, 7 p.m.
View agenda and meeting info at www.saratoga.ca.us/357/ Planning-Commission
Traffic Safety Commission:
July 11, 6:30-9:30 p.m.
View agenda and meeting info at www.saratoga.ca.us/329/ Traffic-Safety-Commission
PEBTAC (Trails Advisory Committee): July 16, 4-5 p.m.
View agenda and meeting info at www.saratoga.ca.us/350/ PEBTAC-Trails-AdvisoryCommittee
Los Gatos Town Clerk’s office: 408-354-6834
Planning Commission: July 10, 24, 7 p.m.
View agenda and meeting info at www.losgatosca.gov/189/ Planning-Commission
Library & Public Art Commission: Aug. 12, 7-9 p.m.
View agenda and meeting info at www.saratoga.ca.us/330/ Library-Commission
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Commission: July 11, August 8, 5-6:30 p.m.
View agenda and meeting info at www.losgatosca. gov/2951/Diversity-Equityand-Inclusion-Commissio
Development Review Committee: July 16, 23, 30, August 6, 10 a.m.
View agenda and meeting info at www.losgatosca.gov/188/ Development-ReviewCommittee
Town Council: August 6, 7 p.m.
View agenda and meeting info at www.losgatosca.gov/16/ Town-Council
Historic Preservation Committee (special, early start time): July 24, 3 p.m.
View agenda and meeting info at www.losgatosca.gov/190/ Historic-Preservation
Outlook Disclosure:
Successful Aging Solutions & Community Consulting (SASCC) is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, founded in Saratoga in 1979. The Outlook is our monthly publication. We are funded by a mixture of income from services, donations, and grants from community foundations and governmental bodies. The Outlook is distributed monthly to every home in Saratoga and Los Gatos. Our publication, like our organization, is nonpartisan and strives to provide an equal voice to all in the communities we serve. We allow submissions from a variety of entities and individuals. Opinions expressed in The Outlook are not necessarily a reflection of the opinions or mission of SASCC. The views contained herein are intended to be reflective of our community, therefore we encourage all feedback and comments from our readers. We take all feedback seriously and will always do our best to incorporate it into our finished product. To submit feedback or questions to our team, please email outlook@sascc.org. Thank you for reading The Outlook!
SARATOGA
Lew Epstein takes the reigns at Friendly Voices
Staff report
On June 17, Friendly Voices, a non-profit organization dedicated to reducing loneliness and creating connection for older adults, announced Lew Epstein as its new executive director. With experience in successfully leading non-profit organizations and a passion for helping the older adult community, Lew is poised to lead Friendly Voices into a new era of growth.
Friendly Voices has grown by over 60 percent since last year, currently initiating over 6,000 phone conversations per year to lonely or isolated older adults. The program’s impact is significant: 91 percent of Friendly Voices clients report that their volunteer phone buddy makes them feel less alone and less isolated.
Mr. Epstein will strengthen
Friendly Voices' existing mission and expand its impact to serve more people in need.
"Loneliness and social isolation pose serious health risks for our aging community,”
Epstein said in a press release.
“Friendly Voices addresses these challenges by providing a vital human connection to seniors. I am extremely pleased to lead this organization as it addresses the present and growing crisis in our most cherished and vulnerable population.”
Previously, Epstein held several executive director positions including JustREAD! and Jose Valdes Math Foundation.
He first got involved with senior issues 15 years ago as a volunteer for Avenidas Village in Palo Alto. He is currently actively volunteering with The HealthTrust Meals on Wheels Program and with Successful Aging Solutions & Community
Consulting’s (SASCC) RYDE Senior Transportation Program. Prior to his nonprofit work, Epstein held senior positions in sales for various technology companies. He holds a M.S. Computer Science from University of Michigan and a B.S Aerospace Engineering from New York University - Polytechnic School of Engineering.
Laura Steuer, founder and former executive director of Friendly Voices, will continue to drive program operations in her new role as Program Director. She stated, “Lew brings a fresh combination of expertise, vision, and energy to Friendly Voices. I am super excited about the positive impact he will make on our organization and the older adult communities we serve."
Knock knock! It’s West Valley College!
Continued from COLLEGE, pg. 1
Marketing Principles, Quickbooks Setup and Business Services, and The Entrepreneurial Mindset are offered. The idea is to combat the ageism many experience in the job hunt with a modern skillset to supplement a seasoned career.
To promote the program and provide residents ages 50+ an opportunity to register for skill development and life skills course work in the Fall Term, a Day of Action has been scheduled for Saturday, August 3rd. Taking a page out of the political campaigning playbook,
the day will start at West Valley College where volunteers will meet, get supplies, handouts, t-shirts, and lawn signs. There will be a pep-rally, followed by instructions for the volunteers who will be sent out into Saratoga, Los Gatos, and Campbell to knock on doors and tell people about the program.
This effort is part of the first phase of the project. In the second phase the District will work with SASCC to develop new curriculum and certificate programs for traditional college-age students interested in careers in the aging services industry and caregiving field. Santa Clara County recently released
recommendations from a county-wide caregiver survey that indicated the need for a much larger supply of skilled and trained caregivers to meet the rapidly increasing demands of the aging population. Caregiving is considered by many to be a job with limited career mobility and growth potential, so the architects of Senior Guided Pathways are designing upward mobility into the curricular design with the help of major employers who have committed to serving on Advisory Boards. Graduates of these certificate programs will have direct employment opportunities with SASCC and other employers associated
with the project. Importantly, these certificates will come with a living wage for their holders, creating sustainability for the role. Our society tells us to prepare for retirement, but it doesn’t tell us to prepare for getting older. Even the concept of retirement is starting to wane, with nearly 60% of the people surveyed in the CASOA indicating they expect to work well into their 70’s in order to keep pace with expenses. Not to mention the increased need for skilled assistance as we get to that point. While there is more work to do, we can find encouragement in the fact that there are institutions
focused on creating the societal infrastructure upon which we can build a better future for ourselves and our future generations. On Saturday, August 3rd, opportunity will come knocking. Don’t be afraid to open the door! Volunteers will be wearing West Valley College t-shirts and ID badges indicating their volunteer status. If you have any questions, please feel free to call (408) 868-1257 for more information. Visit https:// www.westvalley.edu/schools/ continuing-education/sascc/ to view a full list of courses and read the FAQ’s.
Lew Epstein, new executive director of Friendly Voices. Photo courtesy of Lew Epstein
By Jenny Suh, Lynbrook High School
Saratoga
Saratoga City Council selects Matt Morley as new City Manager
The City Council is pleased to announce the appointment of Matt Morley as the new City Manager. Matt will begin his role on Monday, June 10, 2024, and a transition plan has been established to ensure a smooth handover of responsibilities. During this transition, the current City Manager, James Lindsay, will continue to serve through July. Morley will officially assume the full powers and duties of the City Manager on Monday, August 5, 2024.
Matt Morley brings a wealth of experience to our city. He joins us from his recent position as Assistant City Manager with the City of Cupertino where he provided direction to five of the seven city departments and was instrumental in addressing Cupertino budget challenges while enhancing services to the community. Prior to Cupertino, Matt served as the Parks and Public Works Director for the Town of Los Gatos, and before that, he worked for the City of San Jose as Deputy Director of Public Works.
A native of the South Bay Area, Matt holds a bachelor’s degree from UC Davis in Political Science and German, and an MBA from the University of Phoenix
NEWS BRIEFS
in Business Administration. Matt Morley shared his excitement about the new role, stating, “I am honored to join the City of Saratoga and look forward to working with the community, City Council, and staff to continue making Saratoga a wonderful place to live and work.”
Saratoga is an official Fire Risk Reduction Community
The California Board of Forestry and Fire Protection officially designated Saratoga as a 2024 Fire Risk Reduction Community. Out of a total of 50 cities, counties, agencies, and districts in California, Saratoga is one of only 11 cities, and the first and only city in Santa Clara County to be recognized. This list includes “local agencies located in a State Responsibility Area or a very high fire hazard severity zone…that met best practices for local fire planning.”
Community Harvest plum season starts in August
The June 2024 apricotpicking harvest was a great success and the City of Saratoga is looking forward to a good crop of plums in early August. The City is once again accepting “interest forms” from Saratoga residents interested in harvesting. Non-residents are not eligible. Submit your interest form on the City website at saratoga.ca.us/ CommunityHarvest
Rev up for Saratoga’s famed
Classic & Cool Car Show on July 28
Over 250 classic and cool cars and 10,000 attendees will convene at the Historic Saratoga Village along Big Basin Way for the 13th Annual Saratoga Classic & Cool Car Show on Sunday, July 28. The Saratoga Chamber of Commerce and the Cool Car Club of Saratoga, Los Gatos, and Campbell host this free public event. The show is from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will be a wide selection of food and drinks from local restaurants and food vendors. A live band will perform music on a raised stage in the center of the village. Car show details, including a list of related events in the week leading up to the show, can be found at saratogachamber.org/ saratogacarshow
Los Gatos
Curious about proposed development projects in Los Gatos?
Check out the following resources on the Town website: LosGatosCA.gov/ PlanningProjects - View the map of Pending Planning Projects (also listed by street address). LosGatosCA.gov/SB330Look at current preliminary Senate Bill (SB) 330 applications. LosGatosCA.gov/NotifyMeSign up to receive notifications from the Town.
Community grants available for Town nonprofits
For almost 30 years, the
Town of Los Gatos has been providing grant opportunities to fund projects and services that support or benefit the community of Los Gatos. The Town is pleased to continue this tradition and has opened competitive grant applications for the 2024-2025 fiscal year by making $180,000 available in competitive grants.
Non-profit organizations that serve the Los Gatos community are invited to apply for up to a maximum of $10,000 each to support a program or service that will benefit the community. The deadline for Community Grant applications is July 31, 2024.
In addition, the Town is allocating $25,000 in special grants through the grant application process to up to three organizations that assist with emergency renters’ assistance. $70,000 of Sustaining Grant funding is being provided to four non-profit human service organizations that have met pre-existing qualifications to sustain existing services. An additional $25,000 for hot meal service for those in need is being given to Live Oak Nutrition. Applications for competitive grants can be found at losgatosca.gov/318/ Community-Grant-Programs Questions can be directed to Ryan Baker at rbaker@ losgatosca.gov
Billy Jones Day
On July 28, enjoy donationbased rides on the Billy Jones
Wildcat Railroad in honor of Billy Jones, the man who started the internationally-recognized attraction.
In 1939, Ben-Lomond born railroad man Billy Jones, was on a layover in San Francisco and noticed a rusty old steam locomotive in a scrap yard destined to be shipped to Japan. He purchased it, transferred it to his Los Gatos ranch, and in 1943, opened the donation-based Billy Jones Wildcat Railroad. One of the many guests to the Wildcat Railroad was none other than Walt Disney, who became fastfriends with Billy and often invited him to visit Disneyland and engineer on the Disneyland Railroad.
During Billy Jones Day, you get to name the price of the ride, just as Billy Jones did on his ranch. You may donate as little or as much as you can for each ride on the train and the carousel on this special day.
The Billy Jones Wildcat Railroad is a certified 501(c)3 non profit organization that receives no outside funding and solely relies on the generosity of its customers.
Train and carousel will run from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Snack shack will be open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., with a barbecue cooking from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
All times are weather permitting. Billy Jones Wildcat Railroad is located at Oak Meadow Park, 233 Blossom Hill Rd in Los Gatos.
Celebrating Disability Pride Month
By Yan Zhao, Saratoga Mayor
July is Disability Pride Month and people across the country will be celebrating with events such as the Law Enforcement Torch Run, which raises funds and awareness for Special Olympics of Northern California. Having participated in several Torch Runs in the past, I will again be running alongside law enforcement personnel and Special Olympics
athletes to carry the Flame of Hope to the Opening Ceremony in Santa Cruz.
This year, the local Torch Run is organized by the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office and will weave through many South Bay Area cities including Saratoga, with a stop near Blaney Plaza in downtown Saratoga.
July was chosen as Disability Pride Month because the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was passed on July 26, 1990. The Act prohibits discrimination against people
with disabilities, including employment, transportation, public accommodations, communications, and access to state and local government services.
Disability Pride Month is a time of reflection, celebration, and advocacy for the disability community. It holds profound significance for individuals with disabilities, their families, and society at large. This month-long observance is not just about acknowledging the challenges faced by people
with disabilities but also about recognizing their strengths, accomplishments, and contributions to society. At its core, Disability Pride Month is a powerful affirmation of the inherent worth and dignity of individuals with disabilities. It provides a platform for people to embrace their identities, reject stigma, and celebrate their unique experiences. For many within the disability community, this month serves as a reminder that their differences are not
shortcomings to be overcome but rather aspects of their identity to be honored and celebrated.
As we commemorate Disability Pride Month, let us reaffirm our commitment to building a more equitable and inclusive world, where every individual has the opportunity to thrive and fully participate in society.
YOUR MESSAGE WILL BE SENT DIRECTLY TO 32,000 HOMES IN SARATOGA, LOS GATOS AND SURROUNDING COMMUNITIES!
Non-profit organizations will receive a 20% discount on any chosen package.
For more information, please call or email Raj Kaur at 408-868-1254 or raj@sascc.org .
Sangita’s humanitarian work has helped transform lives worldwide
Continued from HERO, pg. 1
missions since 2014, she has traveled the world to help poor villages build schools and other infrastructure, served as Saratoga Rotary Club President, worked in soup kitchens, raised money for Leukemia research, administered polio vaccines to infants in Nigeria, mentored at-risk youth in San Jose, and volunteered for local school music departments.
While her passion for service is time-consuming and often expensive (she pays her own airfare), her reward comes in moments of joy like the one in Tanzania.
“Here was a woman who had lived 39 years with an appearance so disturbing, she rarely ventured out of her family’s mud hut,” Sangita explained. “Unable to find meaningful employment, she had few prospects for any kind of normal life. The medical care she desperately
needed was either unavailable or unaffordable. Yet, after a three-hour procedure, all of her hopes for a better future were restored as if by magic”.
The Tanzanian woman’s story is just one of many Sangita has accumulated over the years. She also fondly recalls Pablo, a teenager from the slums of Lima, Peru, who dreamed of becoming a stage actor. But a nasal fistula (a hole between his nose and mouth) made his speech garbled and unintelligible. Just hours after his surgery, he could speak intelligibly for the first time in his young life. With tears in his eyes, his first words were “Thanks, doctor. I can speak clearly now. I can become an actor, like I have always dreamed!”
She recalled the 18 monthold Guatemalan toddler, abandoned by his parents because they believed his deformities were a sign of demonic possession. Luckily, his aunt rescued and adopted
him, and brought him to the Rotaplast doctors, who were able to surgically repair his cleft palate.
“Every time I go on one of these missions, I feel I get more than I give,” Sangita explained. “Every trip has a special case, a child or an adult whose life has been profoundly impacted by the Rotaplast surgeons. These tears of joy and happiness is what brings us back to do more of these missions. It is an addiction! I cannot get enough!”
Sangita may have been inclined toward a life of service from an early age growing up in Kota, Rajasthan, India.
“My mother, a gynecologist, was always available for anyone who needed help, regardless of the day of the week or hour of the day,” Sangita recalled. “Watching her serve the community made me aware that one person can make a big difference”.
Sangita and husband Seshadri (“Sesh”) Ramaswami immigrated to the United States in 1987, whereupon she obtained a Master’s Degree and PhD in biochemistry from San Jose State and UC Santa Cruz, respectively. While working in the Pharma industry, she was involved in the development of the first inhaled insulin product, followed by work on a product for cystic fibrosis patients.
“When I came to the US, one of my first volunteer experiences was helping in soup kitchens,” she said. “And although I am not athletic, I ran marathons and half-marathons to raise $20,000 for The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society”.
She was well known among
Saratoga students and parents for her tireless work with Redwood Middle School and Saratoga High School Music Boosters, organizing their annual pancake breakfast fundraisers. She joined the Saratoga Rotary Club (Motto: “Service Above Self”) in 2015, where a whole new world of volunteer opportunities opened up.
Serving on the club’s International Service Committee with Sesh, Sangita flew to Nigeria in 2016 to give polio vaccines to children and infants, then returned the next year to help rebuild a rural school, a project for which she personally raised $23,000. The Ugbolu school now has new classrooms, bathrooms, clean water, and a library.
Subsequently, she and Sesh traveled numerous times to Bangalore, India, partnering with local Rotary Clubs to provide bathrooms and clean water systems for 23 schools, equipment for diagnosing treating diabetic retinopathy, and hygiene education programs for girls.
Sangita stresses that her passion for service benefits not only the direct recipients.
“During the Rotaplast trip to Luxor, Egypt, the Rotaplast team emerged as true ambassadors of goodwill. In these turbulent times, our work left a lasting impression on the community, evident not just through the gratitude in the eyes of the parents, but also the appreciation from people in the bazaar, the horse carriage operators, and the transport providers.”
She continued, “Many global
problems have roots in misunderstandings or cultural differences. Building goodwill involves fostering crosscultural understanding, which can reduce tensions and promote cooperation on a global scale. Empowering the youth with education, skills, and support can break the cycle of challenges, and contribute to a more promising future.”
While simply listing Sangita’s service activities proved exhausting for this writer, the obvious question arose: “Where do you find the energy?”
“I get the energy when I see people like Dr. Angelo Capozzi (founder of Rotaplast International) traveling across the globe at age 90, still doing the hard work,” she replied.
On a recent mission, Sangita overheard a nurse muttering to Capozzi, “Angelo, we really should stop doing so many of these trips.” Sangita recalls him responding “Paula, the fun is just starting!”
Asked if she had advice for others wishing to give service, she replied “Don’t wait and watch. Jump in and get involved in any area that drives your passion. There is no shortage of service clubs and organizations in need of volunteers.”
The City of Saratoga does not presently give an award for “Humanitarian of the Year” but it is this writer’s estimation that Sangita Seshadri would be at the top of the list of candidates.
Social-emotional lessons support students with challenges outside the classroom
Continued from SAFETY, pg. 1
its inception in the 2021/2022 school year:
- The percentage of students having suicidal thoughts is the lowest it’s been in the five years the survey has taken place, with a reduction of 32% at LGHS and 34% at SHS compared to prepandemic numbers.
- 91% of students at LGHS and 92% of students at SHS have never been subjected to sexual harassment in a school setting.
- The percentage of students who are happy to be at their school is the highest it’s been since the pandemic, with LGHS seeing a 24% growth and SHS seeing a 9% growth in the last three years.
“I am grateful that our students trust us enough to share information on these sensitive topics,” shared Superintendent Bill Sanderson.
“These consistent lessons, reminders, and important conversations are such a crucial part of the growth of our youth. Our staff has done remarkable work sharing facts, teaching social-emotional lessons, and supporting our students in lifechanging ways.”
The California Healthy Kids Survey is given in partnership with the California Department of Education and WestEd. In addition, the district also began surveying staff and families in the 2022/2023 school year with the California Healthy Schools Survey. All survey data will be used to measure the effectiveness of district goals in We INSPIRE! the District’s newly adopted Strategic Plan.
About Los Gatos-Saratoga Union High School District Los Gatos-Saratoga Union High School District is a thriving learning community that supports all students to develop the skills, passions,
confidence, and resiliency to pursue college and/or career pathways. Home to Los Gatos High School, Saratoga High School, and an award-winning post-secondary program, our
students are lifelong learners who demonstrate personal integrity, social responsibility, and positive physical and mental health. Members of the LGSUHSD community make meaningful,
positive contributions to the world throughout their high school journey and beyond.
Photo courtesy of Sangita Seshadri
Photo courtesy of the MOSAIC program
Revenge bedtime procrastination: a reflection of society’s obsession with productivity
By Rayna Kumar, Lynbrook High School
On the surface, revenge bedtime procrastination, a growing term used to describe staying up past a reasonable bedtime in order to pursue leisure, may appear as a result of phone addiction. But a closer look reveals a more nuanced perspective.
According to the BBC, the main cause of revenge bedtime procrastination for many is dissatisfaction with the way the day is spent, with the majority of it spent in stressful and challenging environments, such as the workplace or school. When night time comes, we end up having to choose between sleep or time to ourselves to do as we please, and many of us choose the latter, sacrificing our health in the process.
Let’s take high schoolers, for example. These days, millions of American high schoolers make it their goal to be admitted into a highly prestigious and wellknown university. They are encouraged by their teachers,
parents, and even peers to chase after this goal.
In reality, though, the acceptance rates for Ivy League schools are typically less than 10 percent. This widespread desire to be accepted to an extremely selective school is dangerous because it causes students to pour an unnecessarily large amount of effort into a goal that they may not accomplish. This is something I see everyday as a high school student among my peers and friends.
Moreover, as a study from the National Library of Medicine shows us, social media causes social comparisons, which can have harmful effects on our brains. This kind of comparison causes us to be more insecure than ever by convincing us that others are doing better in life than we are. This feeling of low self-esteem can be another driving cause for people to work simply to feel as though they can be equal to their peers, making social media usage another factor in causing people to work harder than they need to.
Essentially, revenge bedtime procrastination can be a result of people trying to cope with their demanding day-to-day lives in a needlessly competitive society. But our lives don’t have to be this way. Staying up all night and scrolling through social media does not have to be our only source of enjoyment.
A while ago, I found a lifechanging article from The Atlantic that taught me that work can be made enjoyable as well, and it’s actually much easier than you may think.
The article detailed a paper in the Psychological Science journal, containing a study in which the authors demonstrate the difference between fixed and growth mindsets. The findings showed that students who thought their interests could change over time were more likely to enjoy reading information related to a topic they had not been studying previously. This shows us that if we start to look for pleasure in what we do, rather than accomplishment, then we can develop passion in any field we work in. This way, we
won’t have to resort to finding happiness in the late hours of the night after work is over.
If there’s anything that revenge bedtime procrastination has shown in the last few generations of society, it’s that our minds are not made to conform to the high-pressure, competitive and ruthless society that we have created. We cannot focus all our time and energy onto securing a place in an Ivy League school or appearing accomplished in the eyes of our peers. Simply put, leisure and enjoyment must be goals in our lives.
Rather than work for hours and then sacrifice our health at night, why don’t we try something more sustainable? We can instead try to find enjoyment within our work or branch out and explore other interests and passions as well.
Before we stay up till 5 a.m. once again to spend some time enjoying ourselves after a long day, let’s ask ourselves two questions: “What went wrong today?” and “What can we do better tomorrow?”
Making Camp—and our community—more inclusive
By Joe Simitian, Santa Clara County Supervisor
Camp Via West, one of the few remaining residential camps serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) in the region, is a place right out of central casting.
The beautiful 13.5-acre campus on County-owned land in the Cupertino foothills has residential lodges and campsites under the trees, set around two swimming pools, a fire circle, and an open-air amphitheater.
Indoor and outdoor activities include field sports and recreational games, swimming, hiking, yoga, performing arts, crafts, music, cooking, gardening, and, yes, the quintessential summer camp activity: archery.
What’s different about this camp is the clientele—children, teens, and adults with differing health needs and varying abilities—and specially trained staff to facilitate overnight and day summer camps, as well as weekend respite programs and family events during the school year.
Last year, I secured matching grant support for crucial improvements to foster an even more enjoyable and accessible experience for campers and their families. As a result, Camp Via West renovated its outdoor sports field, and upgraded its sports facility with ADA-compliant bathrooms, equipment storage, tents for shade, and a concession stand to provide food and water for campers
and spectators.
I’m gratified to support these renovations, in no small part because of a statistic you may not know: nearly 160,000 of our residents in Santa Clara County live with a disability. That’s one in 12 people who are neighbors, colleagues, and friends.
Some disabilities are visible; some aren’t. Folks in the I/DD community may experience the world a little differently; maybe the way they interact with their environment looks different. Regardless, people with disabilities in our County deserve the same support and access to resources as everybody else.
My office and I are fortunate to be in a position to help address some longstanding physical and social barriers for local youth and adults who want to engage in camp and recreational activities.
The renovations also allowed Camp Via West to partner with Special Olympics Northern California, hosting one of their Special Olympic Athlete Leadership programs. Nonprofit organizations that use Camp Via West for group retreats and educational activities will also benefit from the upgrades.
Each year, when I think about how to allocate County resources, I look for issues or organizations that have widespread support – but may not have any one person or institution with responsibility to lead the way.
Clearly there is a compelling public need for recreational opportunities for folks with I/
DD and their families. How do we make that happen? Through creative partnership.
County support for Camp Via West, an affiliate of the nonprofit AbilityPath, paved the way, and was more than matched by private philanthropy and additional grant funding from Helpers Community.
Over the years, I’ve had the pleasure of hearing from Camp Via West clients and family members, like San Jose resident Cheryl Snyder, whose son, Adam, has attended Camp
Via West for almost 30 years, starting at age 10.
“The opportunity to be away from home in a safe and inclusive environment is one of the many gifts of being a camper,” Snyder said. “For Adam, these activities are an opportunity to be independent, to be ‘one of the guys.’ This feeling of belonging is really the greatest gift Camp Via West offers.”
Registration for 2025 summer camps will open this fall, as will registration for
upcoming respite weekends. While the remaining 2024 camp sessions are full, please visit campviawest.org to learn about wait list opportunities, as well as other Camp Via West programs and events.
People with disabilities are an integral part of our community. By embracing all abilities, we create a society that is more equitable and more just. Let’s keep at it!
Photo by Becca Tapert from Unsplash
Gil Decker’s Final Flight
By Ellen Manzo, Volunteer Board Director, Veterans Memorial & Support Foundation
The Veterans Memorial & Support Foundation has learned that Honorary Board Member and Former Assistant Secretary of the Army Gilbert "Gil" Decker has taken his final flight. Gil passed on June 21. We understand the grief of loss, and our thoughts are with his family during this difficult time.
Gil was a valued board member of the Veterans Foundation and had a career steeped in supporting our country. His military and commercial achievements exemplify a man who figured out how to pack the experience of multiple lives into a single lifetime.
This Veteran's military experience includes serving as Assistant Secretary of U.S. Army - Research, Development, and Acquisition (1993-97); Co-Chairing a Commission at the request of the Secretary of the Army to conduct an in-depth process review and recommend improvements for enhanced quality and efficiency of the U.S. Army Acquisition process (2010-11); serving on the Board of Army Science & Technology (BAST) at the National Academy of Sciences including the BAST panel responsible for overseeing the U.S. Army mission of Chemical Weapons De-militarization; holding the position of Chairman for the Army Science Board (two years) and serving on the Army Science Board (six years); in addition to personally wearing a uniform as a Commissioned Officer in the U.S. Army and as a Colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve.
Gil's exposure to the military began at an early age. He was the son of a WWII Veteran. He joined the ROTC while earning his Bachelor of Engineering Science in Electrical Engineering from Johns Hopkins University and a Master of Science in Operations Research from Stanford University. After graduation, he entered the Army first as a tank officer, then went to flight school and became a helicopter pilot. He served in Korea after the war, working with the Korean Army. Following his 17-month tour in Korea, he returned to Georgia as a flight training officer to prepare the troops going to Vietnam. And if his degrees at Johns Hopkins and Stanford weren't enough, he undertook his military education as a U.S. Army Reserve Officer at the U.S. Army Command & General Staff College and the Industrial College of the Armed Forces.
Gil's commercial experience is extensive, including serving as President and CEO of the Penn Central Federal Systems Company; Vice President and
General Manager of the Defense Systems Group of TRW, Inc.; President and CEO of Acurex Corporation; President and CEO of ESL, Inc.; and Executive Vice President for Engineering, Manufacturing, and Program Management of Walt Disney Imagineering.
Additionally, Gil served on several boards, including the National Advisory Council for The Johns Hopkins University (JHU) Whiting School of Engineering; the JHU Tech Transfer Committee, chartered to advise JHU teams on tech transfer to industry; and the Advisory Board of the Carnegie Mellon University Software Engineering Institute. He was Vice-President and Board Director of the Hertz Foundation, a foundation that grants Graduate Fellowships to top-ranked science and engineering students to pursue their PhD. Gil was Director of CoVant Technologies LLC of McLean, VA., an investment company seeking and executing investments in high-tech companies. He was a director of A-T Solutions, Inc., a company that provides hightech training services to DoD special operations segments and cyber-security services to the DoD. Additional board positions included Director of Alliant TechSystems (10 years), Director of Anteon Corporation (10 years), Director of Allied Defense Group (10 years), and Trustee for the Association of the U.S. Army.
He was an honored recipient of the Distinguished Public Service Medal, Department of Defense and the Distinguished Civilian Service Medal from the Department of the Army.
The Veterans Memorial & Support Foundation became blessed with Gil's talents in 2013 when Gil became a Foundation director on the inaugural board. What's more, he introduced the board to the many capabilities of his spouse and two-time mayor of Los Gatos – the Honorable Sandy Decker. Sandy's mayoral achievements, fundraising success, and insights gleaned from her experience building the Los Gatos Library, were assets to the board as Foundation members sought support from the Town of Los Gatos, stakeholders, and the public for The Flame of Liberty Memorial.
Gil enjoyed being a father and stepdad to a tight-knit contemporary Brady bunch family. He leaves behind five children: Carl Decker, Mike Decker, Donna Decker Hawkins, Stacy Lowe, and Matt Lowe. He considered himself blessed with the enjoyment of family growth through marriage, the births of six Grandchildren, and the addition of seven Great-Grandchildren.
Upon hearing the news, Foundation President Major General Kent Hillhouse – U.S.
Army (Ret.) had these remarks to offer: "In Gil's capacity as Assistant Secretary of U.S. Army - Research, Development, and Acquisition (1993-97) and as a rated Army Helicopter pilot, Gil worked tirelessly on adding enhancements that made the AH-64E attack helicopter a much safer aircraft to fly. Gil maintained a driving focus on ways to save soldiers' lives. Additionally, Gil was very effective at discovering quality issues and taking corrective action, which saved the Army and our Nation's taxpayers money. As a member of the Veterans Memorial & Support Foundation, Gil brought his ability to detect issues and keep the Foundation on the right track. We will miss his strong personality and great sense of humor."
We won't have the pleasure of seeing Gil accompany Sandy along the streets of Los Gatos any longer, and his passing leaves a void in our community. His life, however, endows a legacy of service and devotion to America's finest that will endure as a beacon of hope and gratitude for America's veterans and service members and continue to inspire future generations.
May you rest in peace, Mr. Secretary. We wish you a CAVU peaceful journey.
"CAVU," an acronym familiar to military pilots, stands for "ceiling and visibility unlimited."
Gil Decker in Apache D Model Helicopter. All photos courtesy of Sandy Decker
to the editor
Plant-Based Advocates Encourages Meat Reduction to Help Solve Climate Crisis
screenings, and local advocacy such as increasing plantbased options in local schools. We’re honored to be a 2024 recipient of a Certificate of Commendation from Santa Clara County and Acterra's Champions of Promise Award for our grassroots actions to effect this crucial shift to a plant-based food system.
consumed each year in the US alone - 99% of whom are raised on factory farms. How would we find the land needed to free-range all of these animals? https://ourworldindata. org/how-many-animals-arefactory-farmed
Plant-Based Advocates (PBA) is honored to work alongside others who strive to address the multitude of ecological crises we’re currently facing. Though we may go about it differently, we share a common goal: to reduce our impact on planet Earth and ensure a sustainable world for future generations.
Research shows (https:// www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/ pnas.1523119113) that the
most effective way to address each of these ecological crises - global warming, species extinction, deforestation, water scarcity, water pollution, and chemical pollution - while also improving human health is by reducing our consumption of meat and dairy. That’s why PBA is dedicated to accelerating the shift to a plant-based food system through free community education, documentary
Regenerative agriculture has captured the public’s attention recently as another approach to addressing our ecological crises. Techniques such as cover cropping and no-till farming are certainly better ways to grow crops than modern agrochemicalintensive methods and have many benefits in terms of soil health. In addition, regenerative farms are more humane ways to raise animals than factory farms where animals are crowded together in unsanitary conditions.
From an environmental standpoint, however, regenerative animal agriculture is unsustainable. About 10 billion farm animals (mostly poultry, pigs, and cows) are
According to a study published in the journal Science, free-range or pasture animals, mostly cows, already occupy three-quarters of all land used by humans, from which we derive only 7% of our calories and 15% of our protein. In fact, the excessive use of land for free-range animals is the leading cause of the current mass extinction of wildlife. In the absence of meat and dairy consumption, however, global farmland could be reduced by more than 75% and still feed the world. https://www. science.org/doi/10.1126/ science.aaq0216
Another reported benefit of regenerative agriculture is that livestock grazing sequesters carbon in the soil. However, pasture animals actually produce more greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions than their
factory farmed counterparts. The most comprehensive study of livestock grazing systems to date - The Oxford University report “Grazed and Confused” - states that the methane emitted by cattle regardless of farming techniques - far outweighs any amount of soil carbon captured by grazing. https:// www.oxfordmartin.ox.ac.uk/ downloads/reports/fcrn_gnc_ report.pdf
Our ecological crises are urgent, and it’s imperative that we use science-based, practical solutions to address them. We must focus on strategies that are sustainable, effective, and supported by research. Our planet is counting on us. PlantBased Advocates invites you to join us at our next event. All are welcome! We’d love to meet you, engage in friendly discussion, and learn from each other. Check out our website for more information and upcoming events at: www. plantbasedadvocates.org
Lisa Wade President, Plant Based Advocates
Plant- Based Advocates from left to right: Ulka Agarwal, Lisa Wade Shailaja Venkatsubramanyan, Kathleen Willey, Jan Liband, Karen Rubio, Anna Chico, and Mohan Gurunathan. Photo Courtesy of Lisa Wade
Wine Country (2019)
During a vacation to Napa Valley, a group of long time friends reunite and revisit past choices in this hilarious and heartfelt comedy from director Amy Poehler.
R | 1h 43min | Adventure, Comedy, Drama
Trigger Warning (2024)
A devoted daughter is attempting to figure out the cause of her father's passing.
TV-MA | 1h 46min | Action, Crime, Thriller
Now Streaming
Secrets of the Neanderthals (2014)
A unique excavation unravels the complex and creative nature of Neanderthals, shattering preconceptions through the lens of a landmark discovery - the bestpreserved Neanderthal skeleton found in over 25 years.
1h 20min | Documentary
White Collar (TV Series)
A white-collar criminal agrees to help the FBI catch other white-collar criminals using his expertise as an art and securities thief, counterfeiter, and conman.
TV-PG | TV Series | Comedy, Crime, Drama
* Please call theater(s) for most up-to-date info.
Sound of Hope: The Story of Possum Trot
Sound of Hope: The Story of Possum Trot is the true story of Donna and Reverend Martin and their church in East Texas. 22 families adopted 77 children from the local foster system, igniting a movement for vulnerable children everywhere.
PG-13 | 2h 7min | Drama
Stars: Nika King, Demetrius Grosse, Elizabeth Mitchell
Fly Me to the Moon
Marketing maven Kelly Jones wreaks havoc on launch director Cole Davis's already difficult task. When the White House deems the mission too important to fail, Jones is directed to stage a fake moon landing as back-up.
R | 2h 12min | Comedy, Romance
Stars: Scarlett Johansson, Channing Tatum, Woody Harrelson
Twisters
An update to the 1996 film 'Twister', which centered on a pair of storm chasers who risk their lives in an attempt to test an experimental weather alert system.
Opening July 19, 2024
PG-13 | 2h 2min | Action, Adventure, Thriller
Stars: Daisy Edgar-Jones, Glen Powell, Anthony Ramos
Deadpool & Wolverine
Wolverine is recovering from his injuries when he crosses paths with the loudmouth Deadpool. They team up to defeat a common enemy.
Opening July 26, 2024
R | 2h 7min | Action, Comedy, Sci-Fi
Stars: Ryan Reynolds, Hugh Jackman, Emma Corrin
AMC - SARATOGA (408) 871-2277
700 El Paseo De Saratoga, San Jose, CA 95130 www.amctheatres.com/movie-theatres/ san-jose/amc-saratoga-14
Between The Pages with Lloyd: Good ol’ leisure reading
By Lloyd Russell
Are you finding that you will have some time to read this summer? If so, I’ve got a dozen (or so) books that are guaranteed winners. These are not just books that I loved.
But they are also books that our book club members in the Recycle Book Club loved. If you don’t trust my word, you can certainly trust theirs! Here is the list, in no particular order, with the genre in parentheses.
• The Extraordinary Life of Sam Hell, by Robert Dugoni (fiction)
• The German Wife, by Kelly Rimmer (historical fiction)
• The True Love Experiment, by Christina Lauren (romance)
• Charm City Rocks, by Matthew Norman (romance)
• The Next Ship Home, by Heather Webb (historical fiction)
• Three Words for Goodbye, by Heather Webb and Hazel Gaynor (historical fiction)
• Swimming in Sunlight, by Allie Larkin (fiction)
• The Samurai’s Garden, by
Gail Tsukiyama (historical fiction)
• The Clover Girls, by Viola Shipman (fiction)
• The World Played Chess, by Robert Dugoni (historical fiction)
• The Alice Network, The Rose Code, The Huntress, Diamond Eye, by Kate Quinn (historical fiction)(Yes, I know there are four titles.)
• The Lost and Found Bookshop, by Susan Wiggs (fiction)
• The Nature of Fragile Things, by Susan Meissner (historical fiction)
• The Marriage Lie, by Kimberly Belle (mystery)
• The Women, by Kristin Hannah (historical fiction)
Here is a review I recently wrote of The Women, by Kristin Hannah: I'm sure it will come as no
surprise to you that Kristin Hannah's latest book, The Women, is absolutely terrific. Out of 25 books that Kristin has written, I've read five: The Nightingale, The Four Winds, The Great Alone, Home Front, and, now, The Women. This one really got to me. It's about a nurse who volunteers to go to Vietnam during that conflict in the late 60s. It just so happens that I got caught up in that war too. I was going to Cal in 1969 when the government took away college students' deferments. I immediately joined the Army Reserve because I did NOT want to get drafted. As it turned out, my number, 152, was called up. It wasn't fun to have five months of active duty (at least it was stateside!) and five plus years of one weekend per month and two weeks of commitment every summer. But it sure beat
the heck out of the alternative!
But enough about me. You don't have to have my kind of connection to be glad you read this book. Like all of her others, it's just flat-out good. Of course there is so much more to the story than her time in Vietnam. And I can vouch for how she depicted the way the soldiers were treated when they came home. Know that Kristin is accurate in how she tells us all about how the Vietnam War created so much animosity back here in the U.S.
Finally, I will just tell you this - If Kristin Hannah writes it, you will be glad you read it. And as for The Women, just ask the 165,000+ who rated The Women 4.70/5 on Amazon! That is absolutely unheard of. But there you have it.
See you all in August!
Photo by Susan Q Yin on Unsplash
Lloyd Russell on the set of his KCAT podcast, Lit with Lloyd. Photo from KCAT TV & Media
It’s Audiology Awareness Month: Protect Your Hearing!
Christine Throm, Au.D.
If you suffer from hearing loss, you probably know it is irreversible. The most important thing we can all do is ensure early detection and have a plan for prevention. Use these tips to give you the best plan of action.
1. Lower the Volume. Modern technology allows us to be entertained everywhere: from music in our earbuds, to TV at home and radio in the car. Movie theaters, concerts, sporting events and restaurants are all very noisy! Earbuds are convenient but can easily cause damage to our hearing. Protect your hearing with the 60/60 rule: use earbuds no more than 60 minutes per day, at maximum 60% volume. Over-the-ear headphones expose the ear drum to less direct sound waves and are a better choice overall.
2. Use Protection. Many of the sources of noise we encounter are expected: concerts, sporting events and lawnmowers can lead to noise-induced hearing loss, even exposure is only occasional.
About 1 in 7 American adults have noise-induced hearing loss. One easy way to protect yourself is to always carry earplugs. Earplugs are inexpensive, compact, and very helpful in preserving hearing. Custom earplugs are also available for musicians, swimmers, and other professionals. Ask your audiologist if custom ear plugs may be right for you.
3. Recovery Time After Exposure. If you are in a loud environment, take a break from the noise every so often to give your ears a rest.
4. Avoid NSAIDs. Over the counter anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDS, such as ibuprofen, aspirin and naproxen can cause hearing loss, called ototoxicity. It can become permanent so take these medicines sparingly.
5. De-Stress. Stress and anxiety limit blood circulation and tense up the body, putting pressure on the nerves. Take time to relax. What are you thankful for? Think about those things!
6. Move Every Day. Exercise improves circulation everywhere, including your ears. Walking, running, or riding a bike are all perfect. Oxygen flow is vital to the inner parts of the ear and allows hearing to function properly.
Free Community Seminar
Want more information about hearing health? Dr. Throm is bringing back her acclaimed, medically based, ListenUpCafé lecture series!
Friday, July 12, 2023: Noise Induced Hearing Loss Friday, Aug 16, 2023: Hearing Loss & Cognitive Decline Friday, Sept 20, 2023: Hearing Loss and Risk of Falls Friday, Oct 18, 2023: Hearing Loss and Depression (Datesandlocationsubjecttochange)
We’ll have good coffee, light refreshments, and a great discussion—see you there!
Seating is limited for these FREE events.
Please call for time and location information (408) 673-4052
7. Keep Them Dry. Swimmer’s ear is an infection caused by moisture in the ear canal. Infections can affect hearing ability temporarily or permanently. Dry your ears with a towel after swimming or bathing. If you still feel moisture, lay down or tilt your head and pull gently on your ear lobe to allow the water to flow out naturally. Ear plugs designed for swimming are great for preventing water from getting trapped in the ear canal. Ensure ear plugs fit well: if you do a lot of swimming, it’s a good idea to ask your audiologist about swimming ear plugs.
8. Regular Screenings. Annual hearing exams are key to prevention. Hearing loss happens progressively, and often is overlooked until it has developed significantly. With regular screenings, you can catch hearing damage before you notice it yourself to prevent further loss.
Resolvetooptimizeyourhearing!Ifyouhaveevenminimalhearingloss,considerhearingaidoptions. Hearingaidscanhelptokeepyourbrainactiveandpreventfurtherhearingloss,soifyouhaveminor hearingloss,hearingaidsareaworthyinvestmenttopreventitfromprogressing.
Los Gatos Audiology is proud to introduce the Oticon IntentTM! Powered by new 4D Sensor technology!
If you already have hearing aids, check out the latest options in smart hearing devices—you may be shocked what the newest hearing aids can do!
Your quality of life may be due for an upgrade – so come in today!
We’reproudtohaveservedLosGatos,Saratoga,Campbell,Cupertino,andtheentireBayAreafor50years! We’reheretoprovidetherightsolutionforYourLife,YourStyle.
673-4052 15899 Los Gatos-Almaden Rd. Suite 8, Los Gatos, CA 95032 (on the corner of National and Los Gatos-Almaden Rd.) www.LosGatosAudiology.com
RESOURCES CARE SERVICES INFORMATION
COMMUNITY RESOURCES
CALL 211 or visit 211scc.org : Food, Senior Care & Child Care, Counseling, Legal Aid, Housing & more (free, confidential, multi-lingual)
CANCER CAREPOINT
Non-medical support services for those impacted by cancer: patients, survivors, caregivers, families.
2505 Samaritan Dr., Suite 402 San Jose, CA 95124 (408) 402-6611
EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE
NETWORK OF SANTA CLARA COUNTY
1400 Parkmoor Ave., Suite 250, San Jose, CA 95126 (415) 808-4300 / www. uwba.org/get-help
FAIR HOUSING LAW
PROJECT - Housing discrimination, mortgage abuse, eviction issues, etc.
152 N. First St. 3rd Floor, San Jose, CA 95111 (408) 280-2470
HOUSING AUTHORITY OF SANTA CLARA 505 West Julian St. San Jose, CA 95110 (408) 275-8770
SANTA CLARA COUNTY FIRE DEPARTMENT
14700 Winchester Blvd, Los Gatos, CA 95032 / 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. / (408) 378-4010
Emergency Response, Fire Prevention, Education & Preparedness. www.sccfd.org
MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES
NAMI - The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) offers practical experience, support, education, comfort and understanding to anyone concerned about mental illnesses and their treatment in Santa Clara County. Call from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at (408) 4530400 option 1, or option 4 for after-hour support.
NATIONAL SUICIDE
PREVENTION LIFELINE
- Provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress and prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones. Call the line at 1-800-273-8255 or visit suicidepreventionlifeline.org to learn more.
CASSY - Counseling and Support Services for Youth (CASSY) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that partners with Bay Area schools to provide resources and professional, oncampus mental health services to students free of charge, plus staff training on mental health issues, and parent consultations. Learn more at www.cassybayarea.org
ASIAN AMERICANS FOR COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
MENTAL HEALTH SERVICESFounded in 1973, AACI serves individuals and families with cultural humility, sensitivity and respect, advocating for and serving the marginalized and ethnic communities in Santa Clara County. 2400 Moorpark Ave., Suite 300,
SHRED IT SERVICES
Saratoga Senior Center, Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
$1 per pound, $12 per Bankers Box. Call (408) 647-9023 for more info.
WEST VALLEY COMMUNITY SERVICES
10104 Vista Dr. Cupertino, CA 95014 (408) 255-8033
San Jose, CA 95128 / (408) 975-2730 X204
CAREGIVER SUPPORT
GROUPS Offered through Vitas Healthcare
To join, please visit www.vitas. com/family-and-caregiversupport/caregiving/caregiversupport-groups
GRIEVING SUPPORT GROUPS: REMOTE, VIRTUAL, AND ONLINE Offered through Vitas Healthcare
To join, please visit www. vitas.com/family-andcaregiver-support/grief-andbereavement/remote-griefsupport-groups
To learn more about Vitas Healthcare support groups, please call 888.804.0387.
OLDER ADULT SERVICES
RYDE (REACH YOUR DESTINATION EASILY) TRANSPORTATION PROGRAM: 408) 892-9739 www.sascc.org/ryde-about
FRIENDLY VOICES- PHONE BUDDIES FOR SENIORS: (650) 395-8017
SOURCEWISE: (408) 350-3200 x 1 LIVE OAK NUTRITION CENTER: (408) 354-0707
SENIOR ADULTS LEGAL ASSISTANCE (SALA): (408) 295-5991
SALA is a non-profit elder law office whose mission is to support older persons in their efforts to live safely, independently,
non-institutionalized and with dignity.
HEALTH INSURANCE COUNSELING & ADVOCACY PROGRAM (HICAP) Funded by Sourcewise: Call (408) 350-3200, and select option 2.
HICAP is a FREE volunteer-based program from Sourcewise that assists seniors with Medicare as a supplements to Medicare, long-term care and managed care insurance plans.
VTA ACCESS: Office: 8am to 5pm daily / (408) 321-2380 www.vta.org/go/ paratransit#accordionapplying-for-vta-accessparatransit-service
SOCIAL CENTERS
SARATOGA SENIOR CENTER 19655 Allendale Ave Saratoga, CA 95070
M-F, 10am to 4:30pm (408) 868-1257
SARATOGA ADULT DAY PROGRAM
19655 Allendale Ave Saratoga, CA 95070 10am to 3 pm (408) 868-1254
LOS GATOS ADULT RECREATION CENTER
208 E. Main St. Los Gatos, CA 95030 M-F, 9am to 4pm (408) 354-1514
JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER
14855 Oka Rd, #201 Los Gatos, CA 95032 (408) 358-3636
ResourceSpotlight
Rick and Doris Davis Center for Aging & Caregiver Services
JFS Silicon Valley
JFS Silicon Valley’s Rick and Doris Davis Center for Aging & Caregiver Services is a mission driven, client centered nonprofit dedicated to empowering older adults 60+ and their caregivers to meet life’s challenges and age with dignity.
As the demand for support grows in Silicon Valley’s older adult population, we provide programs and services that support an individual’s ability to age safely at home, including:
• Care Management helping older adults and families identify areas of concern and create plans to bring older adults, family members and care givers peace of mind.
• Home Safety & Fall Prevention with an occupational therapist who works with individuals to help them develop, maintain and recover skills needed to safely perform tasks of daily living and prevent falls.
• Volunteer Friendly Visitors provide companionship and community connection
• Food Assistance is provided for those experiencing food insecurity
• Community-based Groups allow older adults and caregivers to address the unique concerns related to aging and caring for a loved one.
If you or a loved one needs our services, contact
cacsintake@jfssv.org or call 408-596-0018. To support JFS Silicon Valley's work or learn more, visit www.jfssv.org
Resource Spotlights are
compiled by the Los Gatos Foundation for Older Adults to Thrive, https://losgatosthrives. org . This provider is a member of the West Valley Service Providers network.
“Heroism doesn’t always happen in a burst of glory. Sometimes small triumphs and large hearts change the course of history.”
Photo by Hannah Busing on Unsplash
