Politics & Government

Meet New Los Gatos Planner Kendra Burch

New town planner looks forward to working with colleagues on commission and utilize their strengths in decision-making process.

Kendra Burch, unanimously elected as vice-chairwoman of the Los Gatos Planning Commission, began volunteering for the Historic Preservation Committee in Los Gatos shortly after moving to town in 2003.

It was a love of the small town character that fueled her desire to help preserve the charm and uniqueness of Los Gatos and that has driven her to continue her work on the Planning Commission, she said.

This month, she began serving alongside new Planning Commission chairwoman Margaret Smith, who was appointed to the body in August of 2011.

As vice chair, Burch plans to work closely with Smith to maintain a commission that works together, each member utilizing his or her strengths in the decision making processes. 

There are a number of important items coming to the Planning Commission this year and she hopes to use her 16 years of construction experience to help guide and assist in the decision making process, she said.

The Commission makes recommendations to the Los Gatos Town Council regarding planning, subdivisions, zoning and other land-use regulatory controls.

Smith replaced Santa Clara University vice provost for planning and administration Charles Erekson, who served as chairman of the commission during 2013.

The position is rotated every year and commissioners serve a four-year term.

Joining Smith, Burch and Erekson on the Commission are Thomas O'Donnell, Marico Sayoc, Joanne Talesfore and Mary Bedame.

Los Gatos Community Development Director Sandy Baily is the staff liaison to the body. 

The Commission meets on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month, in the Los Gaots Town Council Chambers, 110 E. Main St., at 7 p.m. Its meetings are broadcast live on KCAT-15. Live and archived videos are also available online.


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