Get quake-prepped
Earthquakes can happen at any time, and the Town of Los Gatos wants to help residents be prepared so a bad situation doesn’t get worse. On Wednesday, Nov. 5, the town will host an earthquake drill in the Almond Grove neighborhood and downtown. The drill will simulate the town’s disaster response plan, allowing residents to get familiar with what to do in the event of a destructive earthquake.
The drill will last from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Residents and businesses are invited to participate. To sign up, visit www.losgatosca.gov/128/CERT.
South Bay residents can also now apply for the state’s Earthquake Brace & Bolt Program, which provides up to $3,000 in funding to help homeowners retrofit their houses. Applications are open through Nov. 29 at www.EarthquakeBraceBolt.com.
Public ofrenda offered
Local artist Olga Enciso Smith, founder of the Machu Picchu Gallery of the Americas, and her son Brian Smith are continuing their long-running tradition of erecting a public ofrenda in honor of Dia de los Muertos. The ofrenda includes a colorful altar on which residents can place photos and tokens of late loved ones, along with a self-addressed envelope if they wish to have the photo returned. The artists will host a dedication ceremony for the altar Sunday, Oct. 31, at 6 p.m. The ofrenda is located at 157 Holly Way.
Natural connection
The Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority is accepting applications for its Urban Grant Program. The grant program aims to fund projects that will improve the quality of life by increasing access to nature for urban residents.
The program is expected to provide a total of $1.5 million, allocated roughly evenly between program and capital project grants. Applications are due Feb. 9, 2023, for the former and Feb. 23, 2023, for the latter.
For more information and to apply, visit https://www.openspaceauthority.org/programs/urban-grant-programs.html.
Source: www.mercurynews.com