Written Communications (Updated 3-20-2025) — Cupertino City Council, March 18, 2025

CC 03-18-2025
Oral
Communications
Written Comments
From: j w
To: City Clerk; City Council
Subject: Fw: urgent! request meeting
Date: Tuesday, March 18, 2025 1:48:23 AM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.
----- Forwarded Message -----
From: jzw97 <[email protected]>
To: "[email protected]" <[email protected]> Sent: Tuesday, March 11, 2025 at 09:23:25 AM PDT
Subject: Fw: urgent! request meeting
Please update, publish, and confirm. Stand up against the underhanded confiscation of property and belongings resulting from the unprofessional errors of former biased city personnel. This unjust action continues to be falsely labeled, depriving individuals of their rights, even those who are unrelated. Is that correct? Please put a stop to this at the earliest.

Sent from my 4G LTE Android Device
-------- Original message --------
From: j w <[email protected]>
Date: 3/4/25 6:52 PM (GMT-08:00)
To: Cupertino City Manager's Office <[email protected]> Cc: City Clerk <[email protected]>
Subject: Fw: urgent! request meeting
We haven't received a response from you yet, and we will be forwarding this to the council next. Thank you! ----- Forwarded Message -----
From: j w <[email protected]>
To: City Clerk <[email protected]>
Cc: Cupertino City Manager's Office <[email protected]> Sent: Thursday, February 27, 2025 at 04:14:17 PM PST
Subject: Re: urgent! request meeting
Dear City clerk,
Could you arrange a meeting for us with the City Manager, or should we contact the manager directly? Thank you.

On Thursday, February 27, 2025 at 02:58:42 PM PST, j w <[email protected]> wrote:

It seems that Chris Jensen, one of them decided to step away after weaker party's enduring years of relentless persecution and prosecution. Their final, underhanded attack appears to have completely fooled the entire U.S. judicial system, exploiting the victim to the fullest and ultimately enjoying the spoils of their actions.

Please, help
us.

On Wednesday, February 19, 2025 at 10:00:29 PM PST, j w <[email protected]> wrote:

Please confirm with us. Thank you!
On Wednesday, February 19, 2025 at 05:10:44 PM PST, j w <[email protected]> wrote:
please publish...

In a world dominated by power and wealth, we find ourselves in an unyielding struggle, where the vulnerable are continuously deprived of their rights under the guise of law. We’ve sought help from those in positions of influence, but time and again, they choose to align with the powerful. Yet, we persist in our search, even when hope seems distant. Please, we need your support.
>>>
Dear City manager,
We would like to reiterate that these three individuals, along with the associated SMW firm, have asked to not work on these cases, which were requested months ago. Despite this, they continue to prosecute and persecute us based on false pretenses underhandedly(just found out again after more adversaries). Our sole intention, small portion of their pay from us, has always been to have the retaliatory fine waived, recover our belongings, and address and remove those who are misusing their power against the softer, more vulnerable party under the guise of the law. To date, our hardworking belongings properties have been taken twice without notice.

If we do not hear from you, we will escalate this matter to the council within the next hour.

Thank you.

Sent from my Metro By T-Mobile 4G LTE Android Device
-------- Original message --------
From: j w <[email protected]>
Date: 12/7/24 9:10 AM (GMT-08:00)
To: [email protected]
Subject: fw: urgent! request meeting
On Wednesday, December 4, 2024 at 11:46:41 AM PST, j w <[email protected]> wrote:
>>>
Dear City Manager,
We respectfully request the immediate removal of (Marlene) Dillinger and Araceli , Jensen, who are under investigation from this case. They have demonstrated a persistent pattern of misrepresentation, abuse of power under color of law, and bias against the weak soft spoken party. Their actions have included the underhanded taking of property belonging that rightfully belongs to us. We are only seeking the return of our belongings/property. The ongoing non-stop sanctions and deprivation of our rights are not only unjust but also undermine fundamental freedoms such as freedom of speech and democratic principles. This situation is harmful and unfair. Additionally, the refusal to grant meetings for years to long-term residents is an authoritarian practice that deprives individuals of their basic human rights and resembles totalitarian control. ps: we intend to send this to council within hours. Thank you! ----- Forwarded Message -----
From: j w <[email protected]>
To: city
Cc: City Clerk
Sent: Friday, October 25, 2024 at 10:30:56 AM PDT
Subject: Fw: urgent! request meeting--legal property belonings taken away without notice Dear all,
Under the guise of the law, various scenarios illustrate how community consent can sometimes legitimize harmful actions that undermine individual rights. For example, legislation enacted based on majority opinion—often swayed by misleading narratives—can infringe upon the rights of minorities. Such circumstances can lead to the erosion of fundamental freedoms, including the freedom of speech. In these cases, the purported consent of the community does not provide a legitimate justification for restricting individual expression.

Dear Council Shila,
I hope this message finds you well.

I wanted to follow up regarding our previous correspondence, as we have not yet received a response for more than a year but nonstop persecution and prosecution. As a reminder, our property and belongings, which were taken away without notice are from the team responsible for the design and build aspects of the project, comprising building professionals, including the original city experts. It’s important to clarify that our expertise does not extend to the criminology field or the city’s legal/enforcement team. We believe there has been a significant misuse of authority in this matter.

Thank you for your attention to this issue. I look forward to your prompt response.

Best regards,
H residence
From: Mithun Vd
To: [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; City Clerk; City Council Subject: Urgent Request to Halt McClellan Terrace Purchase and Redirect Funds to Critical Campus Infrastructure Needs Date: Tuesday, March 18, 2025 4:30:36 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Dear FHDA staff/clerk,
Please include the below in written communications for the upcoming FHDA board meeting.

Please share the below with FHDA board trustees for their urgent consideration without waiting till the next board meeting.

Writing on behalf of myself only as an FHDA voter and taxpayer, as well as a parent of a 9thgrade student & 3rd Grade student will be significantly impacted by this decision.

Foothill-De Anza Community College District
Board of Trustees
12345 El Monte Road
Los Altos Hills, CA 94022
Subject: Urgent Request to Halt McClellan Terrace Purchase and Redirect Funds to Critical Campus Infrastructure Needs
Dear FHDA Board of Trustees,
I am writing to express my strong opposition to the proposed $66.7 million purchase of McClellan Terrace Apartments, along with an estimated $28.2 million in renovations. This nearly $100 million expenditure represents a substantial misallocation of taxpayer-approved Measure G funds, diverting resources away from the urgent infrastructure needs of De Anza College and Foothill College. Rather than investing in a high-priced real estate acquisition that does not expand student enrollment or provide direct academic benefits, FHDA should prioritize capital improvements that address longstanding deficiencies in core educational facilities.

Major Concerns with the McClellan Terrace Purchase
Exorbitant Cost for Limited Housing Impact
The $66.7 million purchase price equates to $709,780 per unit, significantly higher than market prices for comparable rental units in the area.

The additional $28.2 million renovation budget brings the total cost to approximately $95 million, yet the project will not increase student enrollment at De Anza or Foothill.

With 332 beds across 94 units, the cost per bed exceeds $285,000, an unsustainable financial model for student housing.

Questionable Justification and Market Conditions
FHDA’s own market research identified 109 comparable rental properties within a 10-mile radius, totaling over 22,000 units, with approximately 707 vacant two-bedroom units available at market rates.

The current McClellan Terrace rental rates average $3,481 per unit, nearly identical to comparable local properties, further negating the claim that this purchase will provide significantly more affordable housing.

The location is only 0.3 miles from De Anza, but survey data from FHDA students and faculty shows that on-campus housing is preferred over off-campus housing, making this purchase a lower-priority investment.

Deferred Maintenance and Infrastructure Needs Ignored
FHDA is proposing to allocate nearly $100 million to a real estate acquisition while failing to address pressing campus infrastructure needs, including:

Road and parking lot repaving at De Anza College—severely degraded conditions pose accessibility and safety hazards.

Renovation of De Anza’s Physical Education Complex—aging and outdated facilities fail to meet modern fitness and sports training standards.

Tennis court reconstruction at De Anza College—courts are in poor condition and require full resurfacing to remain usable for students and the community.

Foothill College’s Smithwick Theater Renovation—a 60-year-old facility in dire need of upgrades to remain a functional performance and lecture space.

Legal and Environmental Uncertainties
The McClellan Terrace property has a history of roof defects and concealed damage discovered in recent years.

The purchase relies on a Categorical Exemption under CEQA, which limits the scope of future renovations and could create legal challenges.

The swimming pool will be filled in, eliminating an amenity rather than adding value to the site.

Call to Action: Prioritize Core Campus Investments
The FHDA Board has a fiduciary duty to ensure that taxpayer funds are used efficiently and directly contribute to improving education and student services. Instead of spending nearly $100 million on an overpriced apartment complex, FHDA should focus on critical campus infrastructure needs that will benefit all students, faculty, and staff.

I urge the Board to cancel the McClellan Terrace purchase and reallocate these funds to address long-overdue campus facility upgrades, including road and parking lot paving, sports and recreation facility improvements, and the enhancement of core academic and student service buildings.

Investing in education—not speculative real estate—is the only responsible path forward.

Sincerely,
Mithun
FHDA resident

From: Pam Hershey
To: Liang Chao; Kitty Moore; J.R. Fruen; Sheila Mohan; R "Ray" Wang Cc: City Clerk
Subject: Submission of Petiton opposing of the N Portal Sound Wall Date: Tuesday, March 18, 2025 5:33:21 PM
Attachments: PETITION package-N Portal Sound Wall.pdf
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

March 18, 2025
Cupertino City Council
10300 Torre Ave.

Cupertino, CA 95014
Subject: Submission of Petition Opposing the Opening of the N. Portal Sound Wall Dear Mayor Chao, Vice Mayor Moore, and Councilmembers Fruen, Mohan, and Wang, We are writing on behalf of the residents of the Portal neighborhood to formally submit the attached petition, signed by over 500 community members, opposing any proposal to open the Sound Wall separating N. Portal from Wolfe Road Housing development and The Rise.

As detailed in the petition, the opening of the sound wall would significantly impact the character, safety, and livability of our neighborhood. The scale of the adjacent development—introducing over 3,000 residential units, nearly 2 million square feet of office space, and hundreds of thousands of square feet of retail—necessitates careful planning to mitigate adverse effects on surrounding residential areas. The Sound Wall has long served as a critical buffer, preserving the integrity of our R-1 zoned neighborhood by preventing excessive traffic, noise pollution, parking overflow, and security concerns.

The strong community response reflected in this petition underscores the deep concerns shared by our residents. We urge the City Council to uphold existing zoning protections, honor the long-standing covenant maintaining the sound wall, and conduct thorough environmental and traffic impact assessments before considering any changes that could fundamentally alter our neighborhood.

We appreciate your time and attention to this matter and welcome the opportunity to engage in an open dialogue to explore alternative solutions that support urban connectivity without compromising community welfare. Please feel free to reach out if further discussion is needed.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely ,
North Portal Neighborhood
March 18, 2025
Cupertino City Council
10300 Torre Ave.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,
North Portal Neighborhood
Each RED DOT represents ONE OR MORE signatures.

Petition for Preserving the
Sound Wall
North Portal Neighborhood
Goal of this presentation
● Supplement “Petition for Preserving the Sound Wall”.
○ Petition Statistics
○ Background of the petition
○ Supporting facts not detailed in the Petition.

Petition Statistics
● Number of signatures: 525
● Number of households
with at least one signature: 297
● 100% in-person, handwritten signatures
● Most collected in 2 weekends.
● Only 18-years or older
Household with at least one signature
The Sound Wall
● Built at the start of development of Vallco
Mall in 1974, mandated by the
development agreement.
● Separating N Portal residential district
from commercial district
● Historically, there were attempts to open it
multiple times.

New development: Wolfe Road Housing & The Rise
● Unprecedented density
○ 3,000+ residential units
■ ~10X of N Portal households
■ 16% ~ 21% of Cupertino population
○ 1.95M+ sqft. office space
○ 200K+ sqft. retail space
Wolfe Road Housing
The Rise
wikipedia
(2023)
Our petition
● We are not opposed to these projects themselves.
○ The housing crisis is real.
■ Home price & rent is skyrocketing.
○ Diversity is our core value.
○ Our teachers deserve better housing.
○ We must find solutions together.
● Given the unprecedented scale of the projects and the current plan of projects, what may seem like a small change can have a significant impact on our neighborhood.

Summary of Petition
Due to the massive scale of the combined projects, maintaining the sound wall serves as a basic safeguard against significant changes to the character, safety, and livability of the N Portal neighborhood.

Key Concerns

1. Traffic & Safety
Increased cut-through traffic—whether by vehicles, bicycles, or pedestrians—poses a significant safety risk, particularly to children and seniors. The surrounding streets were not designed to absorb additional volume of traffic, and an open sound wall would exacerbate these hazards.

Key Concerns

2. Existing Alternative Connectivity Options
The Tamien Innu Trailhead and Class IV
Bike Lane along Stevens Creek Boulevard
already provide safer, designated routes for
pedestrians and cyclists.

One of the Tamien Innu Trailheads is on the
Wolfe Rd Housing property, making it very
convenient.

Class IV Bike Lane on Stevens Creek Blvd
Opening being considered
(Auburn)
Tamien Innu Trailhead (planned)
Class IV Bike Lane (planned)
Key Concerns

3. Parking & Overflow Concerns
Wolfe Road Housing and The Rise projects lack sufficient parking to accommodate their own residents, workers, and visitors. Without proper enforcement of Cupertino’s municipal code regarding zoning buffers, our neighborhood will face unmanageable parking overflow.
○ Less than 1 parking stall per household. (source: planning documents of projects) ○ Project leaders expect tenants to use public transportation.

Other Key Concerns

4. Preservation of Neighborhood Character & R1 Zoning
Our community is zoned R-1 to ensure privacy, compatibility, and a low-intensity residential setting.

5. Security & Privacy
Unlike enclosed apartment complexes, our neighborhood relies on limited access points for safety and privacy.

6. Sound Wall Protection & Established Covenant
The sound wall exists due to a long-standing covenant designed to mitigate noise and traffic impacts from adjacent high-density developments.

Our requests

1. We ask the City to reject any proposal to open the sound wall and instead explore alternative solutions that support connectivity without compromising neighborhood safety and character.

2. We request formal documentation and enforcement of the long-standing covenant preserving the sound wall, as recognized during the site’s earlier development.

Thank you for your service and consideration.

CC 03-18-2025
Item No. 1
Code Amendments and
codify the Economic
Development
Committee
Written Communications
From: Jean Bedord
To: City Council; Cupertino City Manager"s Office; City Clerk Subject: NO on Action Item 1: Introduce Municipal Code amendments to the Cupertino Municipal Code, Title 2 to add Chapter 2.96 and codify the Economic Development Committee, March 18, 2025 Date: Monday, March 17, 2025 2:54:56 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Please include this in Written Communications for the City Council Special Meeting at 5:30 on March 18, 2025
Mayor Chao, Vice-Mayor Moore, councilmembers and staff, Please do not approve this Municipal Code Amendment. Formal establishment of this committee was ramrodded through the council in the last days of Darcy Paul’s mayorship. The incoming council recognized the ineffectiveness of the committee so voted to disband it. Now Mayor Chao seeks to revive it without modification.

Cupertino has too many committees and commissions for the size of the city. Each one requires substantial staff time.

The charter of this Committee was poorly focused, and the proposal to resuscitate it remains problematic. What impact will a quarterly Brown Act committee with its restrictions have on economic development? The city economic development manager in collaboration with the Chamber of Commerce (both hired since disbandment of the EOC) has been quite effective in reaching out to the business community, and providing more agility. The biggest barriers to business expansion are (1) housing for employees (particularly retail and education) and (2) lack of suitable office/R & D space. According to Kidder-Mathews, Cupertino has a miniscule

2.6% vacancy rate for office space and even less research and development space at a 1.7% vacancy rate. The city is NOT a developer so why waste scarce city resources on an ineffective committee? Financing is another major issue for approved projects that are not going forward, and the city is NOT a lender.

While Business Revitalization and Economic Development are high priority on the city work plan, there are other approaches which would be much more effective. Council should not saddle our already stretched staff with yet another committee.

Concerned Cupertino resident,
Jean Bedord
CC 03-18-2025
Item No. 2
Study session to
consider reestablishing
the Legislative Review
Committee
Written Communications
From: Jean Bedord
To: City Council; Cupertino City Manager"s Office; City Clerk; City Attorney"s Office Subject: Item No. 2 Study Session to consider reestablishing the City’s Legislative Review Committee. (LRC) Date: Monday, March 17, 2025 2:56:22 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Please include in Written Communications for the City Council Special Meeting at 5:30 on March 18, 2025
Mayor Chao, Vice-Mayor Moore, councilmembers and staff, Please reject consideration of this committee. When it existed, it was an ineffective committee which consumed an inordinate amount of staff time. The staff report is inadequate by failing to mention the Feb. 15, 2022 Staff Report on Commissions which found that supporting the LRC required 400 hours of staff time per year, far more hours than the other commissions except planning and parks and recreation. In addition, actions by this committee may conflict with the city municipal code. The reality is that Cupertino is a small city, and the council needs to collaborate on a regional basis with the west valley cities to have an effect, not waste scarce staff resources. Staff already monitors legislative actions so this would be an additional layer. Council members would be much more effective by developing personal relationships with our representatives, Assemblyman Patrick Ahrens and Senator Josh Becker, and attending their community meetings.

Concerned Cupertino resident,
Jean Bedord
From: Kitty Moore
To: City Clerk; Kirsten Squarcia; Lauren Sapudar
Subject: Written Communications Item 2 LRC
Date: Tuesday, March 18, 2025 12:08:08 PM
Attachments: 2022-legislative-platform.pdf
CC Resolution No. 18-010 Establishing a Policy for Legislative Advocacy.pdf CC Resolution No. 23-026 to repeal and replace Resolution No. 18-010 regarding the Legislative Review Committee.pdf
Orig. Scope Pages from 22-024 Gonsalves and Son, State Legislative Advocacy Services.pdf Modified Scope Pages from 22-024 Amendment #3 dated 12-12-23 State Legislative Advocacy Services.pdf Dear City Clerk,
Please include this email and the content of the 5 attachments for Written Communications, Agenda Item 2.

Attached please find the following:

Legislative Platform last approved by City Council in 2022.

Resolution 18-010 Forming the LRC (unanimously)
Resolution 23-026 Rescinding 18-010 and replacing the LRC with Staff recommendations (not under Council direction) regarding legislation to support/oppose etc. (3-2 vote).
2022 Lobbyist Contract Original Scope of Work (lobbyist primarily supporting City Council)
2023 Lobbyist Contract Modified Scope of Work (lobbyist primarily supporting Staff) Thank you,
Kitty Moore
Kitty Moore
Vice Mayor
City Council
[email protected]
(408) 777-1389
City of Cupertino 2022 Legislative Platform
1 The 2022 Legislative Platform is comprised of guiding principles that provide a framework for the City of Cupertino’s regional, state, and federal legislative priorities. Adopted annually, the City’s Legislative Platform serves as a reference guide for legislative positions and objectives that provides direction for the City Council, the Legislative Review Committee, and staff throughout the year. The Legislative Platform is the foundation of a focused advocacy strategy.

Guiding Principles
I. Fiscal Responsibility
The City of Cupertino has a fiduciary responsibility to its residents to ensure assets and resources are properly safeguarded and deployed in a fair, prudent, and efficient manner. As such, the City supports the protection of existing federal, state, and local funding sources and the authorities that provide revenues to the City. Likewise, the City has an interest in the solvency of public entities that provide resources to the City. The City opposes any new mandates that are unfunded or inadequately funded, and supports efforts to eliminate, or provide funding for currently unfunded mandates.

II. Local Control
The City supports local decision-making authority and opposes preemption of local control.

Cities are voluntarily created by the residents of a community to provide local self-government and to make decisions at a local level to best meet the needs of the community. Each community has unique needs and characteristics that are best met by policies set by its local governing body.

Efforts to remove the ability to set policy at the local level should be opposed, while promoting legislation that incentivizes and allows flexibility in the City's effort to cost-effectively meet local priorities.

III. Sustainability
The City of Cupertino is a leader in embracing sustainability efforts in response to current and anticipated environmental challenges. The City continuously looks for innovative strategies to reduce its carbon footprint and adapt to the impacts of climate change. The City supports environmentally friendly legislation and urban sustainability consistent with our Climate Action Plan (CAP). As such, the City supports environmentally friendly legislation and urban sustainability consistent with our CAP goals.

IV. Infrastructure and Mobility
The City seeks to maintain existing infrastructure and enhance the safety and accessibility of sustainable, alternative mobility options for our residents and businesses. The City can accomplish this by supporting legislation that increases funding for transportation, infrastructure, operations, and maintenance in Cupertino.

The City seeks to upgrade and maintain municipal facilities so that they operate at peak energy and water efficiency. In addition, Cupertino seeks to enhance the provision of carbon-free City of Cupertino 2022 Legislative Platform
2 services, such as electric vehicles and buildings that are free of fossil fuels. Cupertino supports legislation or rulemaking that enhances the City’s ability to procure and implement fuelswitching, on-site renewable energy deployment, and low-carbon or carbon-free critical power backup services.

V. Healthy, Safe and Resilient Community
One of the City’s primary goals is to provide a healthy and safe environment for our residents.

The City supports legislation that protects and enhances services to the City’s most vulnerable populations, such as the economically disadvantaged, elderly, homeless, and disabled. In addition, the City supports federal and state assistance for local law enforcement, as well as any measures that would help contribute to local public safety and mental well-being, such as support for parks and open spaces. In order to foster a resilient community, the City supports legislation that strengthens local disaster preparedness, emergency planning and response activities, as well as programs that invest in climate adaptation planning and deployment of adaptation strategies.

VI. Education
The City understands that access to quality education is a key factor in maintaining a strong and vibrant community. The City supports state efforts to ensure that California schools have adequate funding to ensure that every child has access to a quality education and all schools have the personnel and materials needed to create an environment where children can succeed.

City of Cupertino - 2022 Federal Legislative Priorities

COMMUNITY

DEVELOPMENT

BLOCK GRANT
(CDBG)

1. Support the preservation, or increase, of funding for the CDBG program.

2. Support increased flexibility in how CDBG funds can be utilized.

ECONOMIC

DEVELOPMENT

1. Support amendments to the EB5 Visa Program to ensure that investments are concentrated in target employment areas, such as Qualified Opportunity Zones, that would most benefit from economic development.

2. Support efforts to mitigate the economic impacts on the City, and its businesses, from the coronavirus pandemic.

EDUCATION 1. Support education funding to include support for special needs students.

ENVIRONMENTAL

PROTECTION

1. Support legislation that assists regional and local governments in development and implementing energy efficiency, renewable energy, and conservation strategies. Ensure that states and local governments can continue, and not be preempted in, their efforts to achieve economic improvements through increased energy efficiency, renewable energy and conservation plans that seek to decrease carbon emissions.

2. Advocate for funding for projects for potable water reuse projects, nonpoint source pollution control, and watershed City of Cupertino 2022 Legislative Platform
3 City of Cupertino - 2022 State Legislative Priorities

ECONOMIC

DEVELOPMENT

1. The City embraces efforts to support legislation or obtain funding for economic development initiatives, including planning and implementation of regional transportation and traffic congestion relief projects, the creation of affordable housing, and social services.

2. Work with elected representatives to secure funding through the State Budget for priority projects and programs in the City.

3. Support legislation that would provide workers with a living wage.

4. Support legislation and funding for workforce development and skills training programs, including those developed with business and education partners.
management. Accelerate authorization for indirect and direct potable reuse projects. Support legislation that generates additional revenue for water infrastructure improvements, provides for the funding of programs mandated for compliance, and addresses drought resilience.

HEALTH AND PUBLIC
SAFETY

1. Support legislation to provide services to those experiencing domestic violence, addiction, or mental health issues, including mental health services for youth.

2. Support legislation to aid local governments in the preparation for, and response to, public health emergencies.

3. Monitor legislation related to the public’s right to protest, as well as legislation related to standards on appropriate law enforcement response to public protests, including use of force levels.

LAND USE

1. Oppose legislation, and regulatory efforts, that would diminish or eliminate the authority of cities to zone and plan for the development of telecommunications infrastructure, including the siting of cellular communications towers or transmission sites.

LOCAL AUTHORITY

1. Oppose preemption of local authority.

2. Oppose new program mandates that are unfunded or
underfunded.

TRANSPORTATION &

INFRASTRUCTURE

1. Support adoption of a long-term federal transportation authorization that provides a stable and reliable funding stream for transportation with focus on maintenance and preservation, and funding for roads, bridges, and transit.

2. Support legislation that generates funding to support all modes of transportation, including transit, bicycles, and pedestrians.

3. Support legislation that generates funding for storm drain capacity and maintenance projects.

City of Cupertino 2022 Legislative Platform
4 5. Oppose legislation that would increase local costs related to public employee retirement.

6. Oppose legislation that limits the City’s ability to collect Transient Occupancy Taxes.

7. Oppose legislation that would burden local rate payers with increased state utility costs and mandates.

8. Monitor legislation that would provide local governments with additional tax-increment based economic development tools, such as Enhanced Infrastructure Financing Districts or tax increment financing districts.

9. Oppose legislation that would amend sales tax distribution formulas in a manner that negatively affects the City.

10. Monitor legislation that would amend the definition of independent contractors.

EDUCATION

1. The City understands that access to quality education is a key factor in maintaining a strong and vibrant community. The City supports state efforts to ensure that California schools have adequate funding to ensure that every child has access to a quality education and all schools have the personnel and materials needed to create an environment where children can succeed.

2. Support legislation that ensures full funding of the State’s Proposition 98 guarantee.

3. Support legislation that would increase funding for schools for programs and salaries.

4. Support legislation that would amend the Leroy F. Greene School Facilities Act to ensure that facilities funding is sufficient to cover all costs of new facilities, including the acquisition of land.

5. Support legislation that provides students access to educational resources and technology needed to be prepared for higher education or the modern workforce.

6. Monitor legislation that clarifies square footage-based parcel taxes.

ELECTIONS

1. The City supports legislation that encourages and expands civic engagement and voter participation in elections.

2. Oppose legislation that weakens voters’ right to petition through the initiative and referendum processes.

3. Support legislation that provides resources and support for municipal elections.

4. Monitor legislation that affects the California Voting Rights Acts.

5. Monitor legislation that lowers the voting requirements for passage of local special purpose agency funding propositions.

City of Cupertino 2022 Legislative Platform
5 EMERGENCY

PREPAREDNESS

1. Support legislation that provides funding for local emergency preparedness planning.

2. Support legislation that provides reimbursement for costs associated with public safety power shutoffs and other
emergency response efforts.

3. Support legislation that provides or incentives for retrofitting, and other seismic preparedness activities.

4. Support legislation that would ensure the City, as well as businesses and residents, have access to communications during emergency events.

5. Support specific funding opportunities to address natural disaster mitigation and evacuation planning.

6. Monitor legislation regulating the use of drone aircraft by public agencies for use in emergency response, or other capacities.

ENVIRONMENTAL

PROTECTION

1. The City supports legislation and policies that emphasize sustainable development, improve environmental standards and the regulatory process, and promote sustainable energy policies.

2. Support legislation that provides incentives and financial support for preservation of natural resources, organic waste recycling, and landfill diversion.

3. Support sustainability efforts that are consistent with the City’s Climate Action Plan.

4. Support legislation that assists local governments in the development and implementation of energy efficiency,
renewable energy, and conservation strategies.

5. Oppose legislation that would preempt local government efforts to achieve economic improvements through increased energy efficiency, renewable energy, and conservation plans that seek to decrease carbon emissions.

6. Support increased funding for green buildings, electric vehicle charging stations, and related infrastructure, including residential homes.

7. Support legislation to reduce plastic waste and single-use plastics, such as plastic bags and containers.

8. Oppose legislation that weakens environmental review policy or CEQA.

9. Support legislation that expands, promotes, or incentivizes water conservation practices and programs, including the expanded use of local water resources such as recycled water, graywater, and rainwater harvesting.

1. The City supports government transparency, public access to required meetings and records, and legislation that facilitates City of Cupertino 2022 Legislative Platform
6 GOVERNMENT

TRANSPARENCY
these principles while still allowing for necessary municipal operations and services.

2. Oppose legislation that impacts the ability of special districts and joint powers authorities to self-regulate.

3. Oppose legislation that expands the Public Records Act without funding to carry out the new requirements.

4. Support legislation that improves the ability of local governments to utilize digital communication and archiving.

HEALTH & PUBLIC
SAFETY

1. The City values public health and social services. The City supports legislation and policies to access resources that provide high quality police, fire, emergency management, and
emergency medical services.

2. Support legislation to provide services to those experiencing domestic violence, addiction, or mental health issues, including mental health services for youth.

3. Support legislation to provide funding and services for vulnerable populations.

4. Support legislation that allows for local ordinances related to commercial and recreational drone usage.

5. Support legislation to regulate vaping devices and other ecigarettes and their packaging, advertisement, and promotion to youth.

6. Support legislation to regulate the potency, packaging, and advertisement of recreational cannabis products.

7. Oppose legislation that restricts the ability for the City to adopt ordinances regarding the purchase, distribution, consumption and cultivation of cannabis.

8. Monitor legislation related to organized retail theft, as well as modifications to the definition of petty theft and petty theft value limits.

9. Monitor legislation related to standards on appropriate law enforcement response to public protests, including use of force levels.

HOMELESSNESS

1. Support legislation that provides funding to create pathways to permanent housing and supportive services.

2. Support legislation and funding to help facilitate and promote regional efforts to address homelessness.

3. Support legislation to address issues affecting the homeless population, including mental health and substance abuse.

4. Support legislation that provides resources for job training, financial counseling, and skills development for those
experiencing homelessness, or at risk of becoming homeless.

1. The City acknowledges that California is currently facing City of Cupertino 2022 Legislative Platform
7 HOUSING &

COMMUNITY

DEVELOPMENT
dramatic job-housing imbalance, severe income disparity and lack of transit options to affordable areas. The rising cost of housing is one symptom of the deeper economic problem,
which can only be solved by addressing the excessive job growth, housing affordability, and lack of transit options together. The City supports legislation that addresses the root causes of these problems and positively addresses housing shortages in communities.

2. Oppose legislation that may reduce municipal authority, with an emphasis on land use policy, local review, and design standards.

3. Oppose efforts to erode local decision making over the appropriate location, scale, and character of residential development or that may reduce public hearing or oversight.

4. Support legislation that gives local municipalities credit and incentives for actions under their direct control, including the approval of housing developments.

5. Support legislation that provides state funding for the construction of affordable housing, including Extremely Low Income, Very Low Income, Low Income, and Moderate-Income housing.

6. Oppose legislation that would impact the ability of a local municipality to regulate ADUs.

7. Support legislation that promotes the construction of parks, affordable housing, and other community facilities, instead of allowing in-lieu fees in place of actual facilities.

8. Support legislation to address issues that lead to gentrification, the displacement of long-time residents, the lack of housing for full-time students, and homelessness.

9. Monitor legislation that would impact the rental market and tenant protections.

10. Oppose legislation that provides for by-right up-zoning.

11. Support legislation that requires employers to contribute to the funding of affordable housing to keep pace with job growth.

12. Support legislation to assert local authority to regulate the use of public right of ways.

13. Oppose legislation that erodes the ability of cities to condition and deny projects that inadequately mitigate impacts to the community, including infrastructure, public safety, and schools.

14. Support legislation that would incentivize community colleges to provide housing to students and faculty.

15. Support legislation that would provide streamlined projects with minimum density requirements.

City of Cupertino 2022 Legislative Platform
8 16. Oppose legislation that provides the State with additional powers to overturn local planning decisions.

17. Monitor legislation that modifies previously enacted legislation, such as the Housing Accountability Act, Housing Crisis Act, Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing, Density Bonus Law, and SB 35 project streamlining.

QUALITY OF LIFE

1. The City values its ability and authority to make policies tailored to diverse local needs, enable excellent public services, and protect and enhance the quality of life for Cupertino residents and businesses.

2. Support legislation that would provide local funding for libraries, arts and cultural expression in Cupertino.

3. Support legislation and initiatives that provide funding for vibrant parks, trails, and visitor amenities.

4. Monitoring legislation that affects immigration and the rights and benefits of immigrants.

5. Oppose legislation that includes unfunded or underfunded mandates.

TRANSPORTATION &

INFRASTRUCTURE

REHABILITATION

1. The City supports legislation and policies that support and fund transit solutions that increase the speed and frequency of services.

2. Support new statewide funding opportunities for maintenance and repair of local roads and highways.

3. Support investments in the maintenance and rehabilitation of aging infrastructure and allow for system capacity expansion to support smart growth principals.

4. Support legislation that allows for the planning of on-site parking and other planning tools that can increase safety for pedestrians and bicycles.

5. Support legislation that ensures cap and trade funds derived from transportation fuels be used for transportation purposes.

6. Support legislation and initiatives to address regional transportation congestion.

7. Support legislation that generates funding for wastewater infrastructure, storm drain capacity and maintenance.

8. Oppose legislation that limits or reduces local impact fees that fund local infrastructure, including those associated with lot splits or the addition of a second unit on a parcel.

9. Oppose legislation that would impact local authority of cities to zone and plan for the development of telecommunications infrastructure.

10. Support legislation that enhances the City’s ability to procure and implement fuel-switching, on-site renewable energy
City of Cupertino 2022 Legislative Platform
9 deployment, and low-carbon or carbon-free critical power backup services.

11. Oppose legislation that would reduce access to, or otherwise condition the receipt of, local streets and roads funding.

12. Support legislation that would allow flexibility for public contracting associated with routine public works projects.

13. Oppose legislation that would increase taxes on businesses and residents without providing a direct tangible benefit to Cupertino.

14. Support legislation and funding to provide free or reduced-price access to public transit to low-income individuals.

RESOLUTION NO. 18- 010

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CUPERTINO

ESTABLISHING A POLICY FOR LEGISLATIVE ADVOCACY
WHEREAS, the City Council has an interest in weighing in on state, federal, and regional legislative issues that impact the City and its residents; and WHEREAS, the Council established the Legislative Advocacy Committee to make recommendations on legislative advocacy issues that could impact the City; and WHEREAS, the City Council annually takes action on numerous legislative proposals brought forward throughout the year; and
WHEREAS, the Mayor, Councilrnembers, and staff are often unable to respond to legislative action alerts sent by various city associations in a timely manner given legislative positions are currently considered by the full Council on a case by case basis; and WHEREAS, establishing a Legislative Advocacy Policy and Annual Legislative Platform would provide a streamlined process for responding to legislative proposals that may impact the City and focus the City's limited advocacy resources;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Cupertino adopts and approves the Policy on Legislative Advocacy attached and incorporated herein by this reference, as the official legislative advocacy policy of the City of Cupertino.

PASSED AND ADOPTED at a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Cupertino this 6th day of February, 2018, by the following vote:

AYES:

NOES:

ABSENT:

ABSTAIN:

ATTEST:

Members of the City Council
Paul, Sinks, Chang, Scharf, Vaidhyanathan
None
None
None
APPROVED:

Grace Schmidt, City Clerk Paul,~
City of Cupertino
Resolution No . 18-010

Page 2 ends

LEGISLATIVE ADVOCACY POLICY
I. PURPOSE
The purpose of this policy is to establish guidelines regarding City resources and support for legislative priorities approved by the City Council.

II. BACKGROUND
A Legislative Platform identifies the City' s broad advocacy positions on issues and legislation with local impacts. Advocacy positions are short- term in nature, typically related to pending legislation and current issues, and guide Council and staff on intergovernmental matters directly related to service delivery, or otherwise contribute to the City' s operational success and/ or health and well- being of its residents.

III. OBJECTIVE
The primary objective of establishing an annual Legislative Platform is for the City Council to adopt official City positions on clearly stated legislative issues at the start of a legislative session. By doing this, the legislative approval process is streamlined by receiving clear direction at the beginning of the legislative session from the City Council on pertinent legislative issues.

IV. POLICY STATEMENT

1. Each year the City Manager shall present for Council' s consideration a draft Legislative Platform. Once approved by the City Council, this " platform" informs official City advocacy positions on pending legislative issues.

2. The Legislative Platform is utilized by staff throughout the year to determine, in consultation with the Legislative Action Committee, City positions on legislation and intergovernmental issues and minimizes the need for staff to request further direction from Council on legislation and issues as they arise .

3. During the year, staff monitors and researches pending legislation to identify bills that could significantly impact Cupertino. With authorization from the Legislative Action Committee, City staff shall prepare position letters consistent with the Council- approved Legislative Platform for the Mayor' s signature.

4. Items not addressed in the City' s Legislative Platform will require Council approval prior to any legislative advocacy efforts.

5. Legislative priorities should focus on issues directly relevant to or impacting the provision of municipal services. Generally, the City will not address matters that are not pertinent to the City' s local government services, such as international issues.

Resolution No. 18-010
Page3
V. Implementation
The City Manager shall monitor the provisions of this policy. Disagreements in interpretation of the City' s Legislative Platform shall be resolved by the City Council.

City departments are encouraged to monitor and be knowledgeable of any legislative issues related to their discipline. However, any requests for the City to take positions on a legislative matter must be directed to the City Manager' s Office. City departments may not take positions on legislative issues without City Manager' s Office review and approval from the Legislative Action Committee.

EXHIBIT A-1
EXHIBIT A-1
Scope of Work
Consultant shall maintain and abide by the following strategic and comprehensive approach to provide state government relations and lobbying services to the City of Cupertino:

1. Annual Orientation/ Introduction (December-February) Utilize a comprehensive orientation process that includes meetings with various relevant members of City leadership and key City departments to help understand the needs of the City.

This process will also inform the City about the States current political climate and funding environment.
a) This includes, but is not limited to, the following tasks:

Conduct meetings with the City Manager’ s Office, City
Attorney, and Department Heads where Consultant will provide:

Summary of past legislative year/ session
Intro and forecast of upcoming legislative year/session Basic overview of legislative process, as needed, primarily for new staff List and contact information of local legislators
Schedule of Legislative session and important dates
b) Gather information from City staff on legislative interests and priorities from the various Departments.

2. Engage with Legislature and Advocate (January – September) Consultant will advocate for the City’s legislative agenda and implement the City’ s advocacy plan.

This includes, but is not limited to, the following tasks:
a) Hold monthly meetings with City Manager’ s Office Staff to provide updates and ensure a high level of legislative and administrative success in Sacramento.
b) Consultant will use every asset available and engage various techniques to leverage our network of relationships with key stakeholders and decision makers on behalf of the City to further the City’s legislative agenda.

Strategies for advocacy and lobbying will vary depending upon the issues i.e. bill position, grant funding, state requirements, etc.) as well as Sacramento's ever changing political climate. Consultant will use the following strategies:

Identify potential Legislators who can support City priorities Meet with the members of the Legislature, their staff, and the Governor’ s Office
EXHIBIT A-1
Meet with the pertinent committee consultants
Identify and meet with interest groups, lobbying firms and/or coalitions who can be supportive
Identify and meet with interest groups, lobbying firms and/or coalitions who may be in opposition.

Assuming legislation is necessary, meet with each Member of the various committees the legislation will be referred to in an effort to secure their support for City legislative position prior to each hearing.

Schedule meetings for the City to discuss relevant legislation including briefing materials and talking points for the City and briefing legislative offices and stakeholders on the City’ s legislative agenda c) Coordinate Advocacy Trips on an as needed basis: Consultant will work with the City to coordinate advocacy trips to Sacramento to meet with the City’ s legislative delegation, as well as legislators that serve on committees relevant to the City’s agenda. Furthermore, Consultant will also schedule site visits by legislators to the City, as needed.
d) Track Legislation: Contractor will identify, analyze, and monitor all bill introductions and amendments relevant to the City’s priorities and assess their potential impact on the City and provide updates to staff at each monthly meeting. Recommend positions the City can take and any amendments the City should request, if any.
e) Legislative Updates: Provide a weekly report, to be sent out every Thursday or Friday, depending upon the legislative calendar. Provide the City with monthly written or oral reports of legislative activity. f) Craft Testimony and Position Letters: With City review and/or approval, Consultant will prepare and submit written and verbal testimony regarding legislation relevant to the City’ s positions. Consultant will also draft and deliver, with City approval, position letters to legislators and key officials on specific bill language.
g) Draft Bill Language: Consultant will draft language and amendments for relevant legislation, as required to protect and promote the City’ s agenda.

3. Provide Support to City Staff and City Council (January – December) Consultant will provide support and be available to City staff for consultation on an asneeded basis. The Consultant will also present and provide updates, reports, and materials for all monthly staff meetings and as needed for City Council meetings.

This includes, but is not limited to, the following tasks:
a) Provide electronic reports, such as summaries, analysis, bill language, amendments, matrices, and committee analysis prior to the meeting(s). b) Attend monthly meetings and present reports to the City Manager’ s Office and answer questions.
c) When Council is considering legislation (Spring/Summer), Consultant will EXHIBIT A-1
prepare reports and materials for upcoming Council meeting, attend meeting in person or via zoom as agreed to) and be available for questions. d) If Council adopts positions on legislation, Consultant will create draft bill position letters with input from the City within 30 calendar days following the City Council meeting.
e) Consultant will deliver the signed bill position letter to relevant Legislators and stakeholders
f) To support City bill position, consultant will meet with the Author's office, the Committee Consultants (both Democrat and Republican), Legislative Leadership, all pertinent stakeholders, and provide testimony in each Committee in order to ensure City's position is known and ultimately supported.

4. Funding Opportunities (January-December)
The Consultant will present and provide updates, reports, and materials regarding funding opportunities for all monthly staff meetings and as needed for City Council meetings.

This includes, but is not limited to, the following tasks:
a) Proactively identify any/all funding opportunities for the City b) Assist in developing project proposals for each potential grant application. c) Set-up a series of “action days” in Sacramento for the City and Consultant to meet with the various State Agencies overseeing the desired funding in an effort to craft a competitive proposal.
d) Meet with Legislator’ s and Legislative Committees to seek their input and support on any funding the City is seeking. Likewise, this will provide an opportunity for the City to receive information and provide input on any funding opportunities that may be available or coming available.

5. State Agencies (January-December)
State Agencies within the State of California have continued to grow as the Legislature has provided many of them with new powers and responsibilities. Moreover, recent state budget investments and legislation have resulted in unprecedented amounts of funding for various projects. Consultant will monitor, analyze, participate and influence agencies with administrative actions of interest to the City.

This includes, but is not limited to, the following tasks:
a) Regulations and funding guidelines will be handled in the same manner as legislative matters outlined in Item 2 “ Engage with Legislature and Advocate”, including tasks a) through g) as applicable to State Agencies. b) Will work closely with the City to establish policy direction and will take the necessary steps to best represent the City before the State Agencies.

6. Legislative Wrap-Up (October-December)
EXHIBIT A-1
Prepare a wrap-up report on outcomes achieved on an annual basis.

This includes, but is not limited to, the following tasks:
a) Present wrap-up report to City Staff in November
b) Create engaging ideas to provide Legislative wrap-up information to Council and community for a City Council meeting in December.

7. Community Engagement and Education (As needed)
Consultant will assist the City in hosting engagement opportunities in order to inform the public about the legislative process and relevant bill information.

This includes, but is not limited to, the following tasks:
a) Make presentations at Council meetings, as needed.
b) Participate in public meetings, workshops, or town halls, as needed. c) Schedule public meetings with legislators, as needed.

8. Prepare and File Lobbying Disclosure Reports
Contractor will prepare and file, on behalf of the City, all applicable lobbying disclosure reports.

This includes, but is not limited to, the following tasks:
a) Complete and send all applicable disclosure reports to City for signing b) Finalize and send reports to necessary agencies
EXHIBIT B-1
Exhibit B-1
Schedule of Performance
Project Deliverables and Timeline Overview
Tasks Timeline
Annual Orientation/Introduction December – February
Engage with Legislators and Advocate January – September Provide Support to City Staff and Council January – December Review Funding Opportunities January – December
Engage with State Agencies January – December
Legislative Wrap-up October = December
Community Engagement and Education As Needed
Lobbying Disclosure Reports Quarterly and As Needed
EXHIBIT C-3
Exhibit C-3
Compensation
Costs for State Legislative Advocacy Services as described in Exhibit A-1 are not to exceed 147,500 for services rendered from the 2022, 2023, and 2024 Legislative Sessions. The compensation is broken down as follows in a monthly not-to-exceed amount:

Compensation for Compensation for Compensation for
2022 Legislative Session 2023 Legislative Session 2024 Legislative Session Month Cost Month Cost Month Cost
March 2022 $ 4,000 January 2023 $ 4,000 December 2023 $ 4,500 April 2022 $ 4,000 February 2023 $ 4,000 January 2024 $ 4,500 May 2022 $ 4,000 March 2023 $ 4,000 February 2024 $ 4,500 June 2022 $ 4,000 April 2023 $ 4,000 March 2024 $ 4,500 July 2022 $ 4,000 May 2023 $ 4,000 April 2024 $ 4,500
August 2022 $ 4,000 June 2023 $ 4,000 May 2024 $ 4,500
September 2022 $ 4,000 July 2023 $ 4,500 June 2024 $ 4,500 October 2022 $ 4,000 August 2023 $ 4,500 July 2024 $ 5,000 November 2022 $ 4,000 September 2023 $ 4,500 August 2024 $ 5,000 December 2022 $ 4,000 October 2023 $ 4,500 September 2024 $ 5,000 Total $ 40,000 November 2023 $ 4,500 October 2024 $ 5,000 Total $ 51,000 November 2024 $ 5,000
Total $ 56,500
This amount includes work done in Sacramento and travel to the City of Cupertino on an as needed basis or as defined in the Scope of Work. Invoices shall include a description of the services being invoiced and provide any supporting documentation, if applicable.

EXHIBIT A

EXHIBIT A
Scope of Work
Contractor shall maintain and abide by the following strategic and comprehensive approach to provide state government relations and lobbying services to the City of Cupertino:

Annual Orientation/ Introduction
Utilize a comprehensive orientation process that includes extensive meetings with various relevant members of City leadership and key City departments to help developand update the City’s Legislative Platform that is carefully tailored to satisfy the needs of the City, as well as designed for maximum success in the current political climate and funding environment.

This includes, but is not limited to, the following tasks:

1. Conduct meetings with individual Councilmembers and Department Heads where Consultant will provide:
a. Summary of past legislative year/session
b. Intro and forecast of upcoming legislative year/session c. Basic overview of legislative process, as needed, primarily for new councilmembers
d. List and contact information of local legislators
e. Schedule of Legislative session and important dates

2. Gather informationon legislative interests/priorities from Departments and Councilmembers.

Update and Finalize the Legislative Platform
Utilizing the information gathered during the orientation process, Consultant will coordinate with the City to develop/update the Legislative Platform, that represents the City’s priorities in Sacramento. This Platform will be adopted by the City Council and shared with key stakeholders in the State Legislature and Governor’ s Administration.

This includes, but is not limited to, the following tasks:

1. Gather information from Council and Departments at orientation meetings and create anupdatedPlatform with redlines

2. Present Legislative Platform tothe Legislative Review Committee and make any revisionsnecessary

3. Present Legislative Platform to the City Council and make any revisions necessary
Engage with Legislature and Advocate
Consultant will advocate for the City’ s legislative agenda and implement the City’ s advocacy plan.

EXHIBIT A
This includes, but is not limited to, the following tasks:

1. Work cooperatively with Staff, City Council and Legislative Review Committee to ensure a high level of legislative and administrative success in Sacramento. Will utilize every asset available and will personally meet with each Member of the Legislature, their Staff and the Governor's office to ensure such success. Strategies will vary depending upon the issues as well as Sacramento's ever changing political climate.

2. Consultant will engage various techniques to leverage our network of relationships with key stakeholders and decisionmakers on behalf of the City:

Identify potential Legislators whom can support our cause Meet with the members of the Legislature
Meet with the pertinent committee consultants
Identify and meet with interest groups, lobbying firms and/or coalitions who can be supportive
Identify and meet with interest groups, lobbying firms and/or coalitions who may be in opposition.

Assuming legislation is necessary, meet with each Member of the various committees the legislation will be referred to in an effort to secure their support for our position prior to each hearing.

3. Coordinate Advocacy Trips: Consultant will work with the City to coordinate advocacy trips to Sacramento to meet with the City’s legislative delegation, as well as legislators that serve on committees relevant to the City’s agenda.

Furthermore, Consultant will also schedule site visits by legislators to the City, as needed.

4. Track Legislation: Contractor will identify, analyze, and monitor all bill introductions and amendments relevant to the City’ s Legislative Platform in a timely fashion and assess their potential impact on the City. Recommend what position the City should take and any amendments the City should request, if any.

5. Legislative Updates: Provide a weekly report, to be sent out every Thursday or Friday, depending upon the legislative calendar. Provide the City with monthly written or oral reports of legislative activity, as requested.

6. Craft Testimony and Position Letters: With consent of the City, Consultant will prepareand submit written and verbal testimony regarding legislation relevant to the City’s positions. Consultant will also draft and deliver, with consent of the City, position letters to legislators and key officials on specific bill language.

7. Draft Bill Language: Consultant will draft language and amendments for relevant legislation, as required to protect and promote the City’ s agenda.

EXHIBIT A
Provide Support to Legislative Review Committee and City Council The Consultant will present and provide updates, reports, and materials for all Legislative Review Committee meetings and as needed forCity Council meetings.

This includes, but is not limited to, the following tasks:

1. Provide timely electronic reports, such as summaries, analysis, bill language, amendments, matrices, and committee analysis

2. Attend and present reports to the LRC and answer questions from committee and thepublic

3. Provide dates for upcoming meetings so that the LRC can meet in accordance with theLegislative Session

4. Shortly following the meeting, create draft bill position letters with input from the City

5. Once letter is signed, deliver the letter to relevant Legislators and stakeholders

6. Once position is taken and letter is sent, consultant will meet with the Author's office, the Committee Consultants (both Democrat and Republican), Legislative Leadership, all pertinent stakeholders, and provide testimony in each Committee in order to ensure City's position is known and ultimately supported.

Funding Opportunities
The Consultant will present and provide updates, reports, and materials for all Legislative Review Committee meetings and as needed forCity Council meetings.

This includes, but is not limited to, the following tasks:

1. Proactively identify any/all funding opportunities for the City

2. Assist in developing project proposals for each potential grant application.

3. Set-up a series of “action days" in Sacramento to meet with the various State Agencies overseeing the desired funding in an effort to craft a competitive proposal.

4. Meet with Legislator's and Legislative Committees to seek their input and support on any funding the City is seeking. Likewise, this will provide an opportunity for the City to receive information and provide input on any funding opportunities that may be available or coming available.

State Agencies
State Agencies within the State of California have continued to grow as the Legislature has provided many of them with new powers and responsibilities. Moreover, recent state budget investments and legislation have resulted in unprecedented amounts of funding for various projects. Consultant will monitor, analyze, participate and influence agencies with administrative actions of interest to the City.

This includes, but is not limited to, the following tasks:

EXHIBIT A

1. Regulations and funding guidelines will be handled in the same manner as legislative matters.

2. Will work closely with the City to establish policy direction and will take the necessary steps to best represent the City before the State Agencies.

Legislative Wrap-Up
Prepare a wrap-up report on outcomes achieved on an annual basis, to be presented as needed.

This includes, but is not limited to, the following tasks:

1. Present wrap-up report to LRC

2. Create engaging ideas to provide information to Council and community.

Community Engagement and Education
Consultant will assist the City in hosting engagement opportunities in order to inform the public about the legislative process and relevant bill information.

This includes, but is not limited to, the following tasks:

1. Make presentations at Council meetings, as needed.

2. Participate in workshops or town halls, as needed.

3. Schedule public meetings with legislators, as needed.

Prepare and File Lobbying Disclosure Reports
Contractor will prepare and file, on behalf of the City, all applicable lobbying disclosure reports.

This includes, but is not limited to, the following tasks:

1. Complete and send all applicable disclosure reports to City for signing

2. Finalize and send reports to necessary agencies

EXHIBIT B
Exhibit B
Schedule of Performance
Project Deliverables and Timeline Overview
Tasks Timeline
Annual Orientation/Introduction November/ December
Update and Finalize Legislative Platform December/January Engage with Legislators and Advocate Ongoing
Provide Support to LRC Ongoing
Review Funding Opportunities Ongoing
Engage with State Agencies Ongoing
Legislative Wrap- up October
Community Engagement and Education Ongoing
Lobbying Disclosure Reports As Needed

EXHIBIT C
Exhibit C
Compensation
Costs for State Legislative Advocacy Services as described in Exhibit A are not to exceed 4,000 per month. This amount should be sufficient to cover the costs of State Legislative Advocacy Services for the City. This amount includes work done in Sacramento and occasional travel to the City of Cupertino on an as needed basis.

RESOLUTION NO. 23-026

A RESOLUTION OF THE CUPERTINO CITY COUNCIL

REVISITING THE CITY OF CUPERTINO LEGISLATIVE ADVOCACY
POLICY
WHEREAS, the City Council has an interest in weighing in on state, federal, and regional legislative issues that impact the City and its residents; and WHEREAS, the City receives legislative action alerts sent by various city associations that need to be reviewed on a case by case basis; and WHEREAS, the City Council has historically approved City positions on proposed legislation by majority vote of the City Council; and WHEREAS, in addition to allowing for City Council action, Cupertino City Council Resolution No. 18-010 established a Legislative Advocacy Policy that delegated Council power to the Legislative Review Committee to take positions on proposed legislation where the position was within the judgment of the Committee consistent with the City’ s adopted Legislative Advocacy Policy; and
WHEREAS, the City Council finds that this delegation of authority is inconsistent with Municipal Code section 2.17.031, which provides that the authority of the City Council “ cannot be delegated to individual Council members, nor to committees composed of council members consisting of less than a quorum of the City Council”; and
WHEREAS, the City Council wishes to revise the Legislative Advocacy Policy to ensure consistency with the Municipal Code and to allow the City Manager to take direction from the full Council, consistent with the requirements of the Municipal Code.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED:

1. The City Council hereby adopts the Legislative Advocacy Policy attached hereto as Exhibit A.

Resolution No. 23-026

Page 2 ends

2. Resolution No. 18-010 and any other procedures, polices, or rules adopted by the Council that are inconsistent with this Resolution are hereby repealed and rescinded.

PASSED AND ADOPTED at a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Cupertino this 21st day of February, 2023, by the following vote:

Members of the City Council
AYES: Wei, Mohan, Fruen
NOES: Chao, Moore
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
SIGNED:

Hung Wei, Mayor
City of Cupertino
Date
ATTEST:

Kirsten Squarcia, City Clerk Date
2/24/2023
2/28/23
Resolution No. 23-026

Page 3 ends

LEGISLATIVE ADVOCACY POLICY
I. PURPOSE
The purpose of this policy is to establish guidelines regarding City legislative advocacy by the City Council.

II. BACKGROUND
The City has actively taken positions on legislation for many years through direction of the full Council and the Legislative Review Committee. On January 25, 2023, the City Council voted to dissolve the Legislative Review Committee and consider taking positions on pending legislation as a full Council.

III. POLICY STATEMENT

1. Each year staff will monitor and research pending legislation to identify bills that could significantly impact Cupertino. Staff will bring these identified bills to Council for consideration at a City Council meeting. With authorization from the full Council, City staff shall prepare position letters for the Mayor’ s signature. This work can be additionally supported by a contracted lobbyist, as needed.

2. In circumstances where Council review is impracticable, the City Manager can authorize staff to prepare position letters for the Mayor’ s signature on urgent matters. Positions must align with a policy adopted by the City Council or other clear direction provided by vote of the full Council that supports the position taken on legislation.

3. Legislative advocacy should focus on issues directly relevant to or impacting the provision of municipal services. Generally, the City will not address matters that are not pertinent to the City’ s local government services, such as international issues.

IV. IMPLEMENTATION
The City Manager shall monitor the provisions of this policy. City departments are encouraged to monitor and be knowledgeable of any legislative issues related to their discipline. However, any requests for the City to take positions on a legislative matter must be directed to the City Attorney’ s Office. City Exhibit A
Resolution No. 23-026

Page 4 ends

departments may not take positions on legislative issues without City Manager’ s Office review, and approval from the full Council when required by this policy.

From: Jennifer Griffin
To: City Council; City Clerk
Cc: [email protected]
Subject: Reintroduction of Legislative Review Committee Date: Tuesday, March 18, 2025 9:17:42 AM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.
(Please add this as public comment on the Study Session for Legislative Review Committee on the City Council Meeting on 3/18/25)
Dear City Council:

I am very glad you are having a Study Session on the potential return of the Legislative Review Committee. This has always been one of the most important committees in Cupertino and I am So excited it may be returning. I always get so much information from the Legislative Review Committee and it helps me as a member of the Cupertino public to learn valuable Information about bills and other legislative information coming down the pipeline.

There are many bills that affect our daily lives and the Legislative Review Committee saves me a great Deal of time in being able to digest and understand the often very complicated bill legislation That is coming out of Sacramento. I don't always have the time to fully comprehend all the new Bills and how they may affect me so I appreciate having the Committee to help me learn about new Legislation.

Also, it is very helpful to have the Sacramento based Legislative Consultants explain the ramifications Of the new legislation and I think it would be really nice to have our government legislators Come and make appearances at the Legislative Review Committee. We can get to know the Legislators, see what they are doing and they can get to see our needs and concerns.

Bringing back the Legislative Review Committee is a very exciting prospect and makes me very Happy. I think it will be a wonderful asset to our city experience! Thank you very much.

Best regards,
Jennifer Griffin
CC 03-18-2025
Item No. 1- Regular Meeting
Report of activities from
West Valley Community
Services
Written Communications
Serving the community for more than 50 years
Our mission is to unite the community to fight hunger and homelessness.

Our vision is a community where every person has food on the table and a roof over their head.

About WVCS
“West valley community services as a whole have made a huge impact on our lives that words cannot even describe. I will forever be grateful and send people their way as they are all not only helpful but genuinely kind and care for others well being. Thank you so much for all you do”- Sam
Our Clients
● West valley residents
● Multicultural
● Multilingual
● Single adults
● Couples
● Families
● Seniors
● At-risk youth
● Domestic abuse survivors
● Disabled
● Homeless and/or unstably housed
Income eligibility
● $46,000
individual
income
● $96,000 family
income (four
person
household)
Our Services
We provide a variety of critical safety-net services:
● Food - shopping
● Food - delivery
● Rental assistance
● Housing referrals &
support
● Affordable housing
● Family support
● Homeless services
● Case management &
system navigation
● Information and
referrals
● Education and
advocacy
● Employment and
Financial assistance
referrals
Our Intervention
● Choice - Pantry to Market
● Food access is looked at with the lens of
nutritional meals
● One stop shop approach
● Mobile operations (9 locations)
● Lived experience conversation
● Service learning opportunities
● Hunger and Housing advocacy for
systems change
WVCS Client Data (2023-2024)
By the Numbers
People came to
WVCS for the first
time
Men, women, and
children assisted
Meals made
possible by our
food pantries
Emergency rental
assistance
provided
2100 4,303 1,124,300 $ 1,066,119
Cupertino- 2023-2024
● 304 new individuals
● 453 households accessing Market
● 400 individuals participated in Special
Programs
● 107 households received rental assistance in
the amount of $196,182
● Rental assistance in high demand, requests
for support from small business owners and
seniors on fixed income
Our Approach
● Prevent imminent evictions and/or utility shut-off
● Reduce food costs, preserving household assets for other essential expenses (rent, childcare, medical bills, utilities, transportation)
● Provide assistance in navigating benefits available through the social services system in the County
● Help clients remain housed/house un-housed clients
● Develop a plan to reduce long-term debt and save money ● Explore new income and employment opportunities
● Support long-term stability and health for children and other household members
● Work with clients to develop and implement a plan that supports long term stability
End Hunger and Homelessness

ULTIMATE
IMPACT

PROGRAM COMPONENTS
Food Market and Park-it Market
Basic Needs Supports and Eviction Prevention
Homelessness Supportive Services
Community Access to Resource &
Education (CARE) Program
Homeless with
significant financial and
food needs
In Crisis
Vulnerable
Self-Sufficient
Unstably housed and
financially vulnerable with
significant food needs
Stable housing and
finances with regular
food needs
Self-sufficient in housing
and finances with
occasional food needs
Programming
not needed
Outcome Areas:

Program Components:

Service Populations:

Self-Sufficiency
Matrix
Depending on prescribed program intervention, and depending on where each service population group sits in the self-sufficiency scale, WVCS has expectations for how individuals or families should experience movement on that scale with the amount of intervention provided. As an individual receives services from programming, they can move into a new service population category and continue through additional programming to support their evolving needs. The matrices below convey how service populations are expected to move from one self-sufficiency level to the next with program intervention.

Expected Outcomes Based on Life Circumstance and Program Participation WVCS has four program components that
individuals in each service population category
will interact with depending on their needs:

SERVICE POPULATIONS
WVCS thinks about its clients in four categories
based on their life circumstances to make
determinations for what services to offer clients:

1. Homeless with significant financial and food
needs

2. Unstably housed and financially vulnerable
with significant food needs

3. Stable housing and finances with regular food
needs

4. Self-sufficient in housing and finances with
occasional food needs

OUTCOMES
Food Security
Financial security
Housing security
WVCS expects clients to improve in one or more
of those critical areas corresponding to the
program components they receive and their
ability to engage in WVCS supports.

WVCS uses a self-sufficiency matrix that identifies
four progressive levels of development (in crisis,
vulnerable, stable, and self-sufficient) for three
critical areas of a person or family’s life:

VALUES
Compassion: We respond to the needs of others with sensitivity and kindness.

Dignity: We treat everyone with honor and respect.

Integrity: We operate with honesty and strong moral principles.

Service: We bring the community together to help others.

Diversity: We value each individual’s uniqueness.

Ingenuity: We approach our work with creativity and resourcefulness.

Stable
WVCS Theory of Change

IMPACT STORY
Matthew is a 55-year-old client coming to WVCS since August 2024. He lives in an RV with his father, who is experiencing dementia. The client has utilized our food pantry multiple times weekly to assist his father and himself while they survive on general assistance income. Each time we speak with this client, we are thanked for WVCS generosity. Mathew indicated that without WVCS, they could not afford daily food. Matthew also told the case manager during their regular check-in that no one else checks on them, and WVCS is the first agency that goes above and beyond to ensure they are being supported.

Cindy is a 71 year old senior living in Cupertino. Cindy came to WVCS requesting assistance with her back-due rent from May, August, and September after she reported that her identity had been stolen and that someone had closed her bank account. This left her unable to receive her SSI and ultimately unable to pay her rent. Cindy got a 3-day notice and was understandably stressed out by her situation. WVCS was able to assist her with her back due rent. The case manager also helped Cindy obtain a DMV voucher for a new ID at a reduced rate. The case manager additionally noticed several fees and transaction in the her bank statements which she was unaware. The case manager supported the client with canceling those services to relieve Cindy of some financial burden and enable her to pay for her basic needs.

Pictures
WVCS Market
Pictures
Park-it Market- DeAnza College
Pictures- Back to School
Pictures- Gift of Hope
Pictures- Resource Fairs
Pictures-Grocery rescue program
Volunteerism
CC 03-18-2025
Item No. 7
Amendments to
Cupertino City Council
Procedures Manual
Written Communications
From: Rhoda Fry
To: City Council; City Clerk
Subject: City Council Agenda Item #7 Council Procedures - please extend time for agenda item notifcation Date: Friday, March 14, 2025 2:54:51 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Dear City Council,
Council Procedures - please extend time for agenda item notification.

Yes, it is the law that agendas be posted within 72 hours of a meeting.

To better achieve the goal of community engagement and transparency, I ask that the time be lengthened.

Just yesterday, I received an agenda notice for the County’s HLUET meeting – a full 7 days in advance of the meeting – March 13 for a March 17 meeting.

And there’s more from what I’ve found through web search . . .

Did you know that Palo Alto City Council Agenda Packet is published 11 days before the meeting and uploaded to the City's web pages after 5:30 p.m. on Thursdays.

Did you know that San Jose City Council meeting agendas are typically posted at least 10 days prior to the meeting date. You can find them on the City of San Jose website? Thank You Very Much,
Rhoda Fry
CC 03-18-2025
Item No. 8
Receive Citywide Policy
Inventory; Authorize
Gap Analysis Final
Report
Written Communications
From: Liang Chao
To: City Clerk
Subject: Fw: Study session on a policy for Approval Process for CIP projects, from funding to construction Date: Tuesday, March 18, 2025 1:19:18 PM
Please consider this as a written communication for Item 8: Citywide policy inventory.

Liang Chao
Mayor
City Council
[email protected]
408-777-3192
From: Liang Chao <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, March 18, 2025 1:10 PM
To: Pamela Wu <[email protected]>; Floy Andrews <[email protected]> Cc: Chad Mosley <[email protected]>; Kitty Moore <[email protected]> Subject: Study session on a policy for Approval Process for CIP projects, from funding to construction I'd like to agendize a study session on a policy for Approval Process for CIP projects, from funding to construction.

Ideally on April 15, when the proposed CIP list is on the agenda for consideration.

As we have observed in the past, once a CIP project is funded in an annual budget by adding it to the funded CIP list, the next time it is on the council agenda could be

1. On Consent agenda to approve a construction contract after an RFP An example of this is the Stevens Creek Bike Path project or the De Anza Buffered Bike path project.

The problem is that the agenda packet for the construction contract did not even mention potential impact to the intersection and any impact on vehicular flow has not even been analyzed.

And the design of the project cannot be found in any public meeting agenda packet, since there was not document included in the Bike Ped Commission agenda when the 65% design was put on the agenda. Thus, there is no way for members of the public to even find out what changes will be made to intersections.

2. On Consent agenda to approve the design of a CIP project:

An example of this is the solar panel projects, where the location of solar panels on each site is included and the cost of each side included.

Based on the questions from the public and the city council and the cost, the sites considered were adjusted and placed on another council agenda,
Another example is the Lawrence-Mitty Park, where an outreach effort was done and then 3 design options were proposed and the staff recommended one option.

In other cities, like Palo Alto or Sunnyvale, multiple design options are proposed for any improvement to an intersection, each with their pros and cons in terms of cost and safety features and also impact on existing traffic. Thus, the Council should be given sufficient information in order to make an informed decision, rather than rubber stamping on the one design option presented to them.

Thus, there is a gap in the council policy which results in inconsistent approval process for a funded CIP project.

Below is an example approval policy for your consideration. =====

CAPITAL PROJECT APPROVAL POLICY

1. Purpose
Ensure the City Council receives sufficient information at key project stages— funding request, design, and construction—to make informed decisions and control costs.

2. Scope
Applies to all City-funded capital projects requiring City Council approval.

3. Procedures
Funding Request

1. Present project purpose, scope, and benefits.

2. Provide a preliminary cost estimate (including soft and hard costs) with justification.

3. Identify funding sources and project timeline.

4. City Council votes on whether to approve initial funding.

Design Approval

1. Present design options (including scope, cost, and long-term implications).

2. Seek review and recommendation from the relevant
commission.

3. Compare costs, risks, and benefits for each design option.

4. Recommend a preferred design option.

5. City Council approves the final design and may adjust the project funding to align with the chosen design.

Construction Contract Approval

1. Present the finalized scope, updated costs, and schedule.

2. Summarize the procurement process and vendor selection.

3. Confirm funding availability.

4. City Council approves the construction contract.

4. Oversight
Provide regular updates on progress, budget status, and any significant changes.

Major change orders above the Council-approved threshold require City Council approval.

Upon completion, submit a final report on costs, outcomes, and lessons learned.

Liang Chao
Mayor
City Council
[email protected]
408-777-3192
CC 03-18-2025
Item No. 10
Confirm language for two new
City Council Strategic Goals;
Finalize FY 2025-2027 City Work
Program
Written Communications
From: Peggy Griffin
To: City Council
Cc: City Clerk
Subject: 2025-03-18 City Council Meeting ITEM 10 - City Work Plan Date: Tuesday, March 18, 2025 3:43:34 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

PLEASE INCLUDE THIS EMAIL AS PART OF THE WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS FOR THE ABOVE AGENDA ITEM.

Dear Mayor Chao, Vice Mayor Moore and Councilmembers Fruen, Mohan and Wang, I am someone concerned with the priorities of the City Work Plan versus the actual time/money allocation.

CONCERN1 – Attachment F, #25 Active Transportation Plan

1. The Teen Commission, the Planning Commission and Bike/Ped Commission proposed this yet only the Bike/Ped Commission get to review it and provide input. WHY??

2. The Council should have a study session on the plan BEFORE they are forced to vote on it.

This document is huge and as we have seen, lane changes and impacts have not been clearly communicated in the past. More review is required, not just the Bike/Ped commission. The Planning Commission should be reviewing any road changes! CONCERN2 – City Hall Retrofit and Renovation for EOC

1. Why is the amount $0?

2. Why is it a “small” amount of staff time?

3. What does “implement the previously approved 2022 Council plan with EOC migration” mean?

4. Will there be an RFP for requirements and design?
CONCERN3-Attachment F, #11 Blackberry Farm vs. Impact Fees (#8 and #9)

1. Focus on things that will have the greatest impact on preserving our revenue instead of spending half a million dollars figuring out that opening up the BBF pool won’t work in the wintertime! This pool is small, does not provide lap swimming, not enclosed for winter, probably not heated and kids are in school. Usage will be low that’s why the previous owners didn’t open it during the winter!

2. Focus on working with the local high schools and De Anza College for access to their pools that ARE OPEN ALL YEAR! It’s a better usage of our public tax dollars.

3. #9 Defensible Impact Fee Nexus can be started in YEAR 1 rather than starting #11 BBF Pool. Both are out of the City Attorney’s Office.

CONCERN4-Attachment F, #7 Heart of the City Specific Plan Update

1. Read the description! It says “…and relevant neighboring planning areas…”

2. Which exact planning areas or is that just a way to do whatever is desired?

3. Item #8 “Update City’s Impact fees” costs $50k instead of $1M, both are “Large” staff time and both come out of Community Development.
a. SWAP the start time of #7 so #8 starts in Year1 and #7 can start later.

Sincerely,
Peggy Griffin
From: Ram Sripathi
To: City Council; Pamela Wu; City Clerk
Subject: Focus on Quality of Life, Public Safety, and Critical City Policies in Cupertino’s 2025-26 CWP Date: Tuesday, March 18, 2025 2:16:09 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Dear Mayor Liang Chao, Vice Mayor Kitty Moore, and Cupertino City Council Members, As a Cupertino resident, I ask the City Council to focus on quality of life, public safety, and critical city policies that benefit the majority of our 60,000 residents. At the same time, the city should cut wasteful spending on projects that don’t serve most people.

What Cupertino Should Focus On:

Update the Development Impact Fee Study: Many cities, like Palo Alto and Los Altos, have updated their impact fees so new developments pay their fair share for roads, parks, and public services. Cupertino needs to do the same before we lose out on millions in much-needed funding.

Plant More Trees: Trees make neighborhoods nicer, provide shade, help clean the air, and even boost property values. Expanding Cupertino’s tree canopy is a low-cost way to improve our environment and make the city more enjoyable.

Keep BlackBerry Farm Pool and BBQ Open Year-Round: BlackBerry Farm is one of Cupertino’s best recreational spots, but the pool and BBQ areas are closed for much of the year. Keeping them open would give residents more opportunities to enjoy these spaces and bring in extra revenue for the city.

Improve Public Notifications: Too many residents feel left out of city decisions. People from Linda Vista Dr, McClellan Rd, and other areas have said they weren’t properly informed about big projects that affect them.

Cupertino needs to do a better job with outreach and transparency.

Make Home Remodel Permits Easier: Right now, it takes too long and is too much hassle for homeowners to get permits to remodel their homes. The city should streamline the process so people can make improvements without unnecessary delays.

Fix the Heart of the City Plan: This plan hasn’t been updated in years. Cupertino needs clear rules that protect local stores while allowing older office buildings to be turned into housing where it makes sense.

Stronger 5G Rules: Many residents are worried about 5G towers being too close to homes. The city needs to put public health and safety first when deciding where these towers go.

Where Cupertino Should Cut Spending:

Stop Over-Spending on Bike Lanes: The city has poured too much money into bike lanes over the past eight years.

It’s time to focus on pedestrian safety instead and bring back the fourth lane on De Anza Blvd to help with traffic.

Cancel the Recycled Water Plant at BlackBerry Farm: This project comes with too many risks: possible sewage contamination, bad smells, and damage to redwood trees. Other cities have seen tree loss from recycled water, and Cupertino shouldn’t make the same mistake.

Keep Speed Limits the Same: Instead of lowering speed limits across the city, Cupertino should increase traffic enforcement with sheriff deputies.

Rethink Water Conservation Policies: Cupertino isn’t in a drought, so there’s no need for strict water rules. The city should work with county and state officials to improve water storage and collection instead of placing unnecessary restrictions on residents.

Refocus from Senior Services to Youth Engagement: Cupertino already has a well-equipped Senior Center and multiple senior living communities. Now, the city should focus on keeping younger residents engaged to create a well-balanced and thriving community.

Cupertino should spend money where it actually benefits residents. Let’s make smart choices that improve quality of life for everyone. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,
Ram Sripathi
Cupertino Resident
From: Tracy K
To: City Council; City Clerk
Subject: 3/18 Agenda Item 10 Written Comment -- CWP Prioritization Date: Tuesday, March 18, 2025 12:18:12 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Dear Cupertino City Council,
Thank you for your work on the CWP prioritization. I am excited to see this plan implemented, and believe it will have a significant positive benefit to Cupertino.

I have one request: May we please increase the priority for #19, unhoused policies, to be elevated into the top 10, and also ensure that this involves specific policy creation/updates for the unhoused, encampments, and RV parking? If it is down at #19, does it mean it is less likely to be completed or that it will be completed much later? The reason for this ask, as you may have also heard, is the rise in community concern that there should be better solutions for the unhoused in Cupertino, encampments, and RV parking. Additionally, #19/unhoused policies should not just be to continue the existing work plan item, but also to create/revise policy for the unhoused, encampments, and RV parking.

The CWP needs a mix of items that will have an immediate impact and a longer-term impact.

Since at least 40-50% of our top 10 items cover longer-term economic development, increasing the priority of #19, which I would consider a public health/welfare item, would drive an immediate positive impact to Cupertino.

As an idea, two items, 3 & 4, cover nearly identical objectives for business/small business revitalization. Even if this is an issue of descriptions and they actually cover different objectives (i.e. attract vs retain new businesses), I would question whether both of these need to occupy such high-priority slots in the CWP list.

Final question: Can we confirm that even though EOC and seismic retrofit is listed as #20, it will be immediately implemented as part of the CIP?
Many thanks,
Tracy
From: Chandra Sakthivel
To: City Council; Pamela Wu; City Clerk
Subject: Focus on Quality of Life, Public Safety, and Critical City Policies in Cupertino’s 2025-26 CWP Date: Monday, March 17, 2025 7:59:31 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

What Cupertino Should Focus On:

Stronger 5G Rules: Many residents are worried about 5G towers being too close to homes.

The city needs to put public health and safety first when deciding where these towers go.

Where Cupertino Should Cut Spending:

Stop Over-Spending on Bike Lanes: The city has poured too much money into bike lanes over the past eight years. It’s time to focus on pedestrian safety instead and bring back the fourth lane on De Anza Blvd to help with traffic.

Cancel the Recycled Water Plant at BlackBerry Farm: This project comes with too many risks:
possible sewage contamination, bad smells, and damage to redwood trees. Other cities have seen tree loss from recycled water, and Cupertino shouldn’t make the same mistake.

Keep Speed Limits the Same: Instead of lowering speed limits across the city, Cupertino should increase traffic enforcement with sheriff deputies.

Cupertino should spend money where it actually benefits residents. Let’s make smart choices that improve quality of life for everyone. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,
Chandra
Cupertino Resident
From: Ravi Kiran Singh Sapaharam
To: City Council; City Council; City Clerk
Subject: Prioritize Safety and Quality of Life in Cupertino’s 2025-26 CWP Date: Monday, March 17, 2025 7:56:12 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Dear Mayor Liang Chao, Vice Mayor Kitty Moore, and City Council Members, As a Cupertino resident, I urge you to focus the 2025-26 Capital Works Program on public safety, quality of life, and policies benefiting most of our 60,000 residents while cutting wasteful spending.

Key Priorities

1. Enhance Safety: With rising burglaries, car break-ins, and thefts:
• Increase sheriff patrols targeting peak crime times and areas. • Add additional ALPR cameras and promote neighborhood watch/block leader program. Please ensure adequate staff is supporting these

2. Update Development Impact Fees: Ensure new projects fund roads and parks, like Palo Alto does.

3. Plant More Trees: Boost shade, air quality, and property values affordably.

4. Extend BlackBerry Farm Access: Keep the pool and BBQ open year-round for residents and revenue.

5. Improve Notifications: Enhance outreach so residents aren’t blindsided by projects.

6. Simplify Remodel Permits: Speed up the process for homeowners.

7. Fix Heart of the City Plan: Protect shops, allow smart housing conversions.

8. Regulate 5G Towers: Prioritize health and safety in placement.

Cut Wasteful Spending

1. Reduce Bike Lanes: Restore De Anza Blvd’s fourth lane; focus on pedestrians.

2. Cancel Recycled Water Plant: Avoid risks to BlackBerry Farm’s trees and air.

3. Keep Speed Limits: Boost enforcement instead of lowering limits.

4. Ease Water Rules: Improve storage, not restrictions—no drought justifies them.

5. Shift to Youth: Seniors are well-served; engage younger residents.

Cupertino should invest wisely to improve safety and life for all. Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,
Ravi Kiran Singh
Cupertino Resident
From: Santosh Rao
To: City Council; Pamela Wu; Tina Kapoor; City Clerk; City Attorney"s Office Subject: Prioritizing Cupertino’s 2025-26 CWP – Strategic Investments and Policy Focus Date: Monday, March 17, 2025 6:51:22 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Dear City Clerk,
Would you please kindly include the below in written communications for the upcoming city council meeting. Thank you.
[Writing on behalf of myself only, as a Cupertino voter and resident.] Subject: Prioritizing Cupertino’s 2025-26 CWP – Strategic Investments and Policy Focus Dear Mayor Liang Chao, Vice Mayor Kitty Moore, and Cupertino City Council Members, I respectfully urge the City Council to focus on initiatives that will enrich Cupertino’s community, economy, and environment while redirecting resources from projects that may not best serve the city’s long-term needs.

Priorities for Cupertino’s Development:

1. Development Impact Fee Study: In compliance with Assembly Bill 602 (AB 602), which mandates updates to impact fee nexus studies, Cupertino should immediately undertake a comprehensive Nexus study to ensure that new developments contribute their fair share to infrastructure costs. AB 602, effective January 1, 2022, introduced stringent requirements for calculating and justifying impact fees, including:

Proportionality: Fees must be calculated based on the square footage of proposed units.

Transparency: Cities are required to publicly post fee schedules and related documentation.

Regular Updates: Nexus studies must be updated every eight years.

Several Bay Area cities have proactively revised their impact fee studies to align with AB 602 requirements:

East Palo Alto: Updated its Development Impact Fee Nexus Study in November 2024 to analyze fees needed to support development through 2045.

Los Altos: Retained The Matrix Consulting Group to update existing impact fees and develop a nexus for proposed fees, with completion expected by May 2024.

Palo Alto: Approved a significant increase to impact fees in November 2024, raising them from $20.37 to $60 per square foot.

Cupertino cannot afford to delay this study any longer. Without a defensible impact fee structure, the city risks forfeiting millions in potential revenue and undermining financial sustainability.

2. Urban Forest – A Greener Cupertino: Cupertino should embrace a vision of a lush tree canopy that enhances the city’s beauty and livability. Expanding the urban forest will:

Improve quality of life for residents by offering shade, lowering temperatures, and creating a healthier environment.

Enhance the appeal of street sidewalks, roadway medians, neighborhoods, and commercial areas, making Cupertino more walkable and attractive.

Increase property values, as studies consistently show that homes in greener areas are valued higher.

Provide the most cost-effective and holistic environmental solution for fighting climate change, reducing pollution, and enhancing sustainability. Expanding tree cover is a simple yet impactful way to address multiple environmental and urban challenges.

3. BlackBerry Farm Year-Round Accessibility: BlackBerry Farm is a crown jewel of Cupertino’s recreational offerings. Its current limited operational days deprive residents of valuable leisure opportunities. Extending access throughout the year will improve quality of life and generate additional revenue.

4. Improved Public Engagement & Notification Policies: The last election highlighted the consequences of inadequate community outreach. Residents of Linda Vista Dr, McClellan Rd, Scofield Dr, Westport, and other neighborhoods have voiced concerns that impactful city decisions were made without proper collaboration.

Strengthening transparency and public engagement will help rebuild trust.

5. Single-Family Home (SFH) Permit Streamlining: The current permitting process is lengthy and cumbersome, creating unnecessary hassles for residents seeking to remodel their homes. Cupertino must simplify timelines and requirements to promote compliance and efficiency.

6. Heart of the City Specific Plan Revision: Cupertino’s specific plans have not been comprehensively revised since their original adoption, making a thorough update long overdue. The revision should:

Incorporate objective standards specifically tailored to the unique characteristics of each plan area.

Prioritize retail retention to preserve Cupertino’s economic vibrancy while allowing appropriate land-use transitions.

Facilitate housing development by replacing commercial office spaces with residential units, supporting a better jobs-housing balance.

7. 5G Ordinance Update: Numerous residents have expressed concerns regarding public safety and health due to the proximity of 5G towers to residential areas. I urge the Council to prioritize this issue to ensure that public health and safety are safeguarded.

Projects to Deprioritize:

1. Active Transportation Plan: Cupertino has spent disproportionately on bike lanes over the past eight years, and it is time to shift focus:

Defund all new bike lane projects and prioritize pedestrian safety improvements instead.

Restore the fourth lane on De Anza Blvd to alleviate traffic congestion.

2. Recycled Water Plant at BlackBerry Farm: I urge the immediate cancellation of the RFP and defunding of this project due to serious concerns:

Environmental Risk: Potential contamination of local creeks could impact homes and natural habitats.

Odor Issues: Recycled water treatment facilities often pose odor concerns, which could diminish nearby property values and quality of life.

Damage to Native Vegetation: Redwood trees are particularly vulnerable to recycled water, as seen in affected areas along Shoreline Blvd and parts of San Jose. Cupertino should not risk similar harm to our natural environment.

3. Lowering Speed Limits: The current speed limits are pragmatic, and focus should instead be on increased enforcement by sheriff deputies. A speed limit reduction on Foothill Blvd north of Stevens Creek from 40 mph to 35 mph is warranted for improved safety.

4. Water Conservation Policies: Cupertino is not currently experiencing a drought, and additional restrictions are unnecessary. Instead, the city should work with county and state representatives to improve water collection and reservoir storage, ensuring long-term sustainability.

5. Expanded Senior Services: Cupertino already has:

A well-equipped Senior Center with comprehensive offerings.

Multiple senior living facilities, with additional projects already approved.

The city should now focus on attracting and engaging younger residents and teens to ensure a balanced and vibrant community.

By focusing on these strategic priorities, Cupertino can strengthen its economic future, enhance quality of life, and ensure responsible governance. I appreciate your time and thoughtful consideration.

Sincerely,
San Rao (Cupertino voter and resident)
From: Vinod Balakrishnan
To: City Council; Pamela Wu; City Clerk
Subject: Focus Point: Quality of Life
Date: Tuesday, March 18, 2025 4:28:00 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Dear Mayor Liang Chao, Vice Mayor Kitty Moore, and Cupertino City Council Members, When it comes to the priority going forward, Quality of life comes first Here are my recommendations

1. Curb down the ongoing burglaries. The number of house robberies had gone up recently, the burglars think Cupertino is an easy target. Can we have Our own Law enforcement office going forward ? Recently there were 3 house break-ins in my North Blaney neighborhood

2. Ordinance against homeless encampments .

3. Ordinance against RV encampments in our city.

4. Wiser spending on pedestrian and bike safety than concrete barriers that create more problems than solving.
-Vinod

Cupertino City CouncilMarch 18, 2025

Cupertino City Council
March 18, 2025