Agenda packet — Los Altos City Council, November 14, 2023 (part 1 of 2)

CITY COUNCIL MEETING
AGENDA
7:00 PM - Tuesday, November 14, 2023
via Videoconference and In Person
Please Note: The City Council meeting will be held in-person only.

PARTICIPATION: Members of the public may participate by being present at the Los Altos Council Chamber at Los Altos City Hall located at 1 N. San Antonio Rd, Los Altos, CA during the meeting.

Public comment is accepted in person at the physical meeting location, or via email to [email protected].

RULES FOR CONDUCT: Pursuant to Los Altos Municipal Code, Section 2.05.010 "Interruptions and rules for conduct": Understanding that the purpose of the city council meetings is to conduct the people's business for the benefit of all the people, in the event that any meeting of the city council is willfully interrupted by a person or group of persons so as to render the orderly conduct of the meeting impossible, the mayor, mayor pro tem, or any other member of the city council acting as the chair may order the removal of the person or persons responsible for the disruption and bar them from further attendance at the council meeting, or otherwise proceed pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.0 or any applicable penal statute or city ordinance.

REMOTE MEETING OBSERVATION: Members of the public may view the meeting via the link below, but will not be permitted to provide public comment via Zoom or telephone. Public comment will be taken in-person, and members of the public may provide written public comment by following the instructions below.
https://losaltosca-gov.zoom.us/j/85161316926?pwd=ooKDhmKbbSyy151O94fNvJD6Uxb3M1.1 Telephone: 1-669-444-9171 / Webinar ID: 851 6131 6926 / Passcode: 976722 SUBMIT WRITTEN COMMENTS: Prior to the meeting, comments on matters listed on the agenda may be emailed to [email protected]. Emails sent to this email address are sent to/received immediately by the City Council. Emails sent directly to the City Council as a whole or individually, and not sent to [email protected] will not be included as a public comment in the Council packet.

Correspondence submitted in hard copy/paper format must be received by 2:00 p.m. on the day of the meeting to ensure distribution prior to the meeting. Comments provided in hard copy/paper format after 2:00 p.m. will be distributed the following day and included with public comment in the Council packet.

The Mayor will open public comment and will announce the length of time provided for comments during each item.
1 11/14/2023 CITY COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA Page 2 of 4
AGENDA

CALL MEETING TO ORDER

ESTABLISH QUORUM

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

REPORT ON CLOSED SESSION
On October 24, 2023, the City Council held a Closed Session special meeting pursuant to Government Code Section 54957: Threat to Public Services or Facilities. Although not required to report out on this matter, the City Council provided staff with direction to suspend all Zoom and/or remote participation at City Council and Commission public meetings. The City Council will re-evaluate this direction no later than May of 2024 and determine if further changes are necessary. Members of the public may view the meetings via the Zoom details provided on each agenda but may only provide public comment in-person or by submitting written comment as instructed on the agenda.

CHANGES TO THE ORDER OF THE AGENDA

SPECIAL ITEM(S)
Issue proclamation recognizing "United Against Hate Week"

PUBLIC COMMENTS ON ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA
Members of the audience may bring to the Council's attention any item that is not on the agenda. The Mayor will announce the time speakers will be granted before comments begin. Please be advised that, by law, the City Council is unable to discuss or take action on issues presented during the Public Comment Period. According to State Law (also known as “The Brown Act”) items must first be noted on the agenda before any discussion or action.
11/14/23 Written Public Comments

CONSENT CALENDAR
These items will be considered by one motion unless any member of the Council or audience wishes to remove an item for discussion. Any item removed from the Consent Calendar for discussion will be handled at the discretion of the Mayor.

1. Approve the regular meeting minutes for the meeting of October 24, 2023

2. Adopt a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Los Altos: 1) Authorizing the Finance Director to amend the FY 2023/24 CIP budget in the amount of $441,159; 2) Authorizing the City Manager to execute contract Amendment No. 1 to include the additional work in the amount of $441,159 for a total contract of $6,946,891; 3) Accepting completion and directing the Public Works Director to file a notice of completion of the Annual Street Resurfacing and City Alley Resurfacing Project; and 4) Finding that the Council’s action exempt from review under CEQA 2 11/14/2023 CITY COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA Page 3 of 4
pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15301 and that none of the circumstances under Section 15300.2 apply

PUBLIC HEARINGS

3. Introduce and Waive Further Reading of Zoning Ordinance Text Amendments which implement programs identified in the adopted housing element, Program 1.A: Rezone for RHNA Shortfall; Program 1.B: Facilitate Higher Density Housing in the Commercial Thoroughfare (CT) District; Program 1.C: Allow Housing in the Office Administrative (OA) District; Program 1.E: Update the Loyola Corners Specific Plan; Program 1.F: Rezone Village Court Parcel; Program 1.G: Rezone Housing Sites from Previous Housing Elements; Program 3.I: Allow Residential Care Facilities Consistent with State law; Program 3.J: Explicitly Allow Manufactured Homes Consistent with State law; and consideration of the City of Los Altos Planning Commission’s October 19, 2023 decisions and find that the proposed amendments are exempt from environmental review pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines since there would be no possibility of a significant effect on the environment

DISCUSSION ITEMS

4. Report Out on Shared Police Services Study With Los Altos Hills: Discuss the initial analysis and information in this staff report and provide direction as to whether the City Council would like to further study shared Police services with Los Altos Hills.

5. Discuss the Council issuing a potential resolution, or any possible action, denouncing the Hamas attacks against Israel

INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
There will be no discussion or action on Informational Items

6. Tentative Council Calendar and Housing Element Update Implementation Calendar

COUNCIL/STAFF REPORTS AND DIRECTIONS ON FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

ADJOURNMENT
Council Norms: It will be the custom to have a recess at approximately 9:00 p.m. Prior to the recess, the Mayor shall announce whether any items will be carried over to the next meeting. The established hour after which no new items will be started is 11:00 p.m. Remaining items, however, may be considered by consensus of the Council.

SPECIAL NOTICES TO THE PUBLIC
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City of Los Altos will make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility to this meeting. If you need special assistance to participate in this meeting, please contact the City Clerk 72 hours prior to the meeting at (650) 947-2610.

All public records relating to an open session item on this agenda, which are not exempt from disclosure pursuant to the California Public Records Act, and that are distributed to a majority of the legislative body, will be available for public inspection at the Office of the City Clerk’s Office, City of Los Altos, located at 3 11/14/2023 CITY COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA Page 4 of 4
One North San Antonio Road, Los Altos, California at the same time that the public records are distributed or made available to the legislative body.

If you wish to provide written materials, please provide the City Clerk with 10 copies of any document that you would like to submit to the City Council for the public record. 4 From: durga kalavagunta
To: Public Comment
Subject: An open letter to the Los Altos City Council regarding zoning changes Date: Thursday, November 9, 2023 6:49:31 PM
Hello Los Altos City Council,
We are writing to support the below perspective on re-zoning. We believe it has to be done thoughtfully, and with care, involving all the right entities. This takes time to do it right and that is a good thing.

Thank you,
Durga
----- Forwarded Message -----
From: Friends of Los Altos <[email protected]> To: "[email protected]" <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, November 8, 2023 at 10:37:20 AM PST
Subject: An open letter to the Los Altos City Council as regard zoning changes –that will affect every Los Altos resident View in browser
Friends of Los Altos (FOLA)
An open letter to the Los Altos City Council as regard zoning changes –that will affect every Los Altos resident This is a letter to our City Council on the subject of making critical and impactful changes to our zoning laws which will have considerable permanent, long-term effects on Los Altos. It’s written as an Open Letter because of the importance to every resident in our community and to how much we should all be aware of what these changes will mean for our town.

Work in haste, repent at leisure. Don’t throw out the baby with the bathwater. The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence. There are these and many other expressions that urge caution when making change. Contrary to what some may proffer, these witticisms aren’t meant to stop change, but to ensure that responsible change occurs.

Council began updating the Housing Element Update by making changes to the zoning of various districts within the City. The effort began in late September and will continue with the upcoming Council meeting in November (and subsequent meetings up through January 31, 2024). The January date is a State-imposed, non- negotiable deadline to make changes that were part of the approved/adopted Housing Element.

No one likes that deadline, but it should not be used an excuse for making changes to our zoning that are not well thought out and will haunt all of us for decades to come. Silicon Valley has finally learned that the mantra should be move fast but DON’T break things. We need to heed that wisdom.

Zoning changes have already been made to the downtown (often abbreviated in “planning speak” as CD, CRS and CD-R3), commercial districts like Rancho and Homestead (CN zone) and the multifamily areas such as along Gabilan, Lassen, Tyndall, etc. (R3). Up next at the November 14th City Council meeting are the OA zone, which is primarily located along San Antonio Road and Altos Oaks Drive (and includes smaller areas on Distel Circle and in Loyola Corners), and the commercial thoroughfare zone (CT zone) which runs along El Camino Real.

While we will address here the changes that should be made to the OA district, many of these comments apply to the other zones as well. Furthermore, residents who do not live adjacent to commercial districts in town need to be keenly aware of the proposed zoning changes. Why? Because Los Altos, like essentially every city in the state, is unlikely to meet its 4-year housing target at the midpoint of the 8-year Housing element timeframe. The State law mandates that missing the target unleashes further draconian steps in the State legislation which will allow almost anything to be built anywhere in the City. And even if we do, by some miracle, meet the 8-year housing target, the next cycle will necessitate allowing large, multifamily construction in every neighborhood, perhaps next door to you or across the street from your house.

We want to specifically address the changes that should be made to the OA district (quick reminder---the OA district is along San Antonio and Altos Oaks), although there are many similar changes that should be applied to the CT zone as well.

1. Minimize impact of new housing on adjacent single-family residence a) If the City Council is serious about putting housing in along San Antonio Road, then change the zoning to residential only (i.e., no commercial or mixed-use buildings) and make existing commercial use non-conforming. This would accelerate the development of residential housing and eliminate the possibility of mixed-use buildings, which staff and planning commission have recommended with a height limit greater than “residential only” development. Better for residential neighbors, more housing, a win-win. b) Do not allow balconies that face adjoining single family residential lots – they will have a direct negative impact on the privacy of surrounding single-family residences as all the properties directly abut residents side or backyards. This limitation was actually applied at 5150 El Camino, for example. So, codifying it for all projects in the OA district makes sense. c) Incentivize lower impact, townhouse-type units. At the January 10, 2023, meeting members of Council agreed that any development along San Antonio should be “consistent with and compatible with the surrounding single family residential neighborhoods”. There was talk about townhouse units that could provide needed housing while being of a height and scale compatible with the neighborhood. Unfortunately, at present, there is nothing in the zoning which encourages townhouses and disincentivizes overly tall, bulky, and out-of-scale buildings that are not compatible with the surrounding neighborhood and which are better suited for sites in the downtown. d) While we continue to support additional housing and more importantly affordable housing in the City, there needs to be a balance to ensure undue impact on surrounding neighbors. At that very same meeting in September that Council took up the rezoning of the CN and other districts, a resident was appealing a Planning Commission ruling on a new deck on their house that would have had little to no effect on the neighbor’s privacy. The appeal was denied as 3 of the council members (all of whom have coincidently been the most vocal advocates of adding housing with little regard to the impact on surrounding residents) voted against it, justifying their position that a variance for the deck setback would have undue impact on the neighbor and the neighborhood. We wish that same sensitivity permeated the discussions around where and how housing was added to areas that abut existing single family residential neighborhoods. It is puzzling that Council is seemingly willing to “protect” one neighbor deemed impacted from development but ignore larger scale development that impacts far more residents.

2. Recognize and mitigate parking impacts
a) Do a better job of planning for where the cars associated with the new housing will park. Our prior experience indicates that projects, that intentionally do not meet parking demand generated on site, will be under-parked by 20% or more. This translates into a need to park 25-30 cars at unknown, offsite locations if the City meets its target of 30 units per acre minimum at the 10 identified sites, encompassing 3.82 acres, are developed along San Antonio Road. The existing side streets along San Antonio are narrow and serve as the primary pathways for residents to get to the downtown; they cannot easily accommodate extra vehicles without creating a safety hazard for pedestrians, bicyclists and emergency vehicles.

3. Be honest with the neighborhoods and overall community about heights, parking impacts and other impacts of state mandate which allow developers to exceed our zoning limitations.

We remain disappointed that residents have not been given a detailed understanding of the changes that are being made to the zoning. Existing as well as proposed height limits and setbacks and the heights that will likely result from “benefits” under state law need to be clearly stated. a) Residents deserve to know that in almost every new development that is proposed, those projects will need to meet the 20% inclusionary affordable housing requirement and required densities – which in turn allows greater height, reduced setbacks, and less parking than specified in the nominal zoning. These are the consequences when development triggers numerous development incentives and waivers, from the City’s list of incentives and state mandated bonuses. b) Very simply stated, while we can talk about the OA district going from 30 feet height currently to “only” another 10 feet, to 40 feet total height, reality is far different. Every developer will take advantage of the additional 11-foot height increase available to them so projects will be more like 50’ tall. And while setback to existing single family residential lot is proposed to be 25 feet, a developer can and will ask for a reduction in that setback, claiming they cannot build the project otherwise. c) A further way to mitigate impact on adjacent neighborhoods is to prohibit roof-top amenities that have otherwise been allowed on El Camino and First Street so as to preclude further height and privacy issues for adjoining single-family homes. d) We have prepared a chart which is our best assessment at what the proposed zoning changes really mean to the OA district. In some cases, a developer will get only some of the bonuses and incentives shown on the table. But it does serve to illustrate how the nominal zoning does not reflect what will actually be approved and built. As time permits, we expect to generate those for the other areas of town as well. The chart can be viewed on our website https://url.avanan.click/v2/___www.friendsoflosaltos.org___.YXAzOmxvc2FsdG9zY2E6YTpvOjExOWU3MjlhYmVhZGI5OTJmN2MxODI4MTY0Mjg2MzY3OjY6NjBiNjpjOTQ2MzA3OWFlNDU3MzJmMTc5NmY0MDY3NmMyMWJmZGU5ODk3ZmEzMDVjOWU5ZDEwY2NjZTA5YzMwODY0ZmY2OnQ6VA

4. Be honest about the impacts to date and the lack of affordable housing that has resulted from the changes to date in our zoning rules a) Our final point is that the City and community need to take a critical look at what the policies and rezoning to date have yielded. While we have had some new development, particularly along First street and El Camino, the truth is that there has been very little affordable housing built. In fact, most of the housing has been relatively high- priced condos. Even some of the ADU changes have yielded lackluster results; most of those units serve as guest houses for the residents or worse yet are just bonus space that a developer can add to the square footage of a house by using the junior ADU provision. (That provision in the State law allows adding space to a primary residence with the only requirement being the bedroom must have a separate entrance and bathroom. There is no need for separate cooking facilities.) We have seen multiple examples of developers using this loophole and the resulting houses are selling in the $5-6M range. The result is an ESCALATION in housing prices without any additional housing, giving lie to the State’s supposed intention. That loophole needs to be closed. b) The City staff and City Council need to do a better job of factoring in the impact of zoning changes on the residents. At the meeting to discuss zoning changes at Rancho (the CN zone), Council member Pete Dailey expressed his enthusiasm for bigger, more dense buildings, which would have even a greater impact on the immediately adjacent neighbors. While we appreciate the enthusiasm for additional housing, we wish he would factor in the negative impact of a taller building on the adjacent residents and find ways to keep projects modest in size for each developed site.

We do understand the urgency to meet the State-mandated deadline for zoning changes and we do support additional housing and more importantly affordable housing. But putting in flawed zoning rules with insufficient input from the public because they haven’t been adequately informed borders on irresponsible. We hope the City Council agrees and makes good changes for the benefit of the overall community, not just those who directly benefit from the rezoning effort.

What can you do? Write the city council and let them know how you feel about these zoning changes (email [email protected]) Attend the council meeting on November 14th which starts at 7 pm. And forward this article to your neighbors.

And that’s the way we see it.

Friends of Los Altos Board of Directors
Jonathan Baer
Lou Becker
Ron Packard
David Casas
Kenneth Lorell
Friends of Los Altos
Friends of Los Altos
Los Altos, CA 94022 & 94024
You received this email because you signed up on our website or made a purchase from us.

Unsubscribe
5 From: Terry Rettig
To: Public Comment
Subject: City council
Date: Wednesday, November 8, 2023 4:24:22 PM
As a public servant, you are there to serve the will of the people of LOS ALTOS. That is the reason all public servants are elected/appointed and you have obviously forgotten you are a public servant. You are not supposed to implement your “personal" viewpoint on ANY matter.

Your track record on housing /zoning shows you do what you want and not what your constituents want. You have displayed weakness when we need strength and are destroying our town, its beauty, and its history where I have lived for 48 years. You lack pride about this town, what made it so special, and any sense of decency.

A concerned resident of Los Altos
Terry Rettig
6 From: Ozlem Ozturk
To: Public Comment
Subject: Fwd: Zoning changes
Date: Thursday, November 9, 2023 11:37:51 AM
---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Ozlem Ozturk <[email protected]>
Date: Wed, Nov 8, 2023 at 10:17 PM
Subject: Re: Zoning changes
To: Jonathan Weinberg <[email protected]>
Thank you very much for your detailed response Jonathan. As I mentioned during the pandemic including last year, I am sure we are not alone, our families and health took most of our time. We missed those community outreach sessions.

I don’t see the same level of development in woodside or portola valley as in the Los Altos even though they have more open lands available. Why is there such a discrepancy? I was also wondering why we didn’t consider only Elcamino area of Los Altos instead of pushing this type of commercial development across the town, everywhere rancho, Loyola etc. it seems that it is too late to have any say in any of these while we are going to live with the negative consequences.

When I look at the mushrooming commercial development in our town vs towns such as woodside or portola (maybe others too), I still feel that Los Altos council seems to be too willing to comply with state requirements and develop new condos and commercial buildings.

I still believe our town is taken over by commercial interest and too much representation by real estate agents and family members.

Thank you,
Ozlem Ozturk
On Nov 8, 2023, at 17:17, Jonathan Weinberg <[email protected]> wrote:

Dear Mr. Ozturk:

Thank you for your email and for sharing your concerns about rezoning Los Altos to allow the development of housing. I appreciate your taking the time to organize your thoughts and to present a very clear and cogent outline of your (and the community’s) concerns.

The rezoning is required by the housing element of our city’s general plan. The housing element was adopted by the Council in January after a 7 very long process. As I’m sure you are aware, California is in the midst of a housing crisis. State law requires cities and counties to rezone parts of their communities to allow for more and denser housing.

Because of the tension between state mandates and our community’s desire to maintain the quiet and serene character of our City, the housing element update was a difficult process. In the end, the community valued maintaining the single-family residence zoning of our neighborhoods above all else. That meant, in order to comply with state law, the City had to allow for the development of housing in all of our commercial zones, including Rancho.

After an arduous process, the State just recently approved our housing element update. That approval is important as it allows the City to maintain control over the development process. However, it also means that our housing element update (“HEU”) is essentially a contract by and between the City and the State. Since the rezoning is a part of that contract, the City is obligated to move forward that process. Moreover, all the rezoning called for in the HEU needs to be completed by the end of 2023. That is why it feels like this rezoning is moving so quick.

In 2022, the City actively solicited input from residents. The development of the HEU had one of the most robust public outreach processes in the history of Los Altos. Public meetings (pop-up events) happened over a four month period:
• Tree Lighting/First Friday in Downtown Los Altos: December 3, 2021 • Grant Park Community Center: December 8, 2021
• Los Altos Library: December 10, 2021
• Mini Holiday Market at State Street Market: December 20, 2021 • Woodland Library: January 5, 2022
• Draegers: February 25, 2022
• Los Altos Library: March 10, 2022
• Grant Park Community Center: March 23, 2022
Community workshops were held on January 13 and March 1, 2022. The City Council met jointly with the Planning Commission on December 14, 2021 and April 26, 2022.

Draft versions of the housing element were considered by the Planning Commission on July 7, 2022 and the City Council on July 12, 2022. The City Council held a study session on November 29, 2022. All of these meeting were open to the public and publicized with signs around town, advertisements in the newspaper, and through social media.

In November and December of 2022 City staff met with smaller, private groups seven times.
8 The City had (and still has) a website dedicated to the HEU process to let residents know what was being considered and how the approval process is progressing. (https://www.LosAltosHousing.org)
The State of California requires Los Altos to adjust its zoning and related rules to allow for the creation of 1,958 new units. A “unit” can be a single family home, an apartment, a townhome, etc. The 1,958 units is broken down into income classes:
<image.png>
Since our residents did not want to allow higher density housing inside of neighborhoods zoned for single family residences, to accommodate all the new housing for which the City needs to plan, all of our commercial zones must be rezoned to accommodate higher density housing. This is true downtown, along the El Camino corridor, Woodland, San Antonio Road, Altos Oaks, Village Court, etc.

The developments downtown complied with state requirements. As such, the City Council approved them because there was no legal basis to deny them. No new developments have been submitted (let alone approved) for Rancho or Loyola Corners. However, that will probably change in future. If a developer proposes a project that complies with our objective standards and state law, then the Council would have no legal basis to deny the projects.

Thank you again for writing to express your concerns. If you would like to discuss this further, please let me know.

Sincerely:
- Jonathan
Jonathan D. Weinberg ¦ Vice Mayor, Los Altos City Council Los Altos City Hall
1 North San Antonio Road ¦ Los Altos, CA 94022
Main: (650) 947-2790 ¦[email protected]
<Outlook-t0wb1bwc.png>
From: Ozlem Ozturk <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, November 8, 2023 4:15 PM
To: Public Comment <[email protected]>
Subject: Zoning changes
Hi,
I have lived in Los Altos since 1998, first as a renter on gabilan and then at our 9 current home at 1020 alegre avenue. When my husband and I looked to purchase our house, we explored other similar towns such as Saratoga, Menlo Park, Portola Valley but always came back to Los Altos because it offered the best lifestyle.

Pandemic took our focus away from other things as we worried about our families and health. It feels that we all woke up one day and faced a town that puts commercial interests over all else. It feels that our town is run by commercial real estate agents and their family members.

It is nice to see many great restaurants in downtown Los Altos, once a sleepy place with few restaurant options that stayed open after 9pm. But beyond this (which probably is not due to our town counsel), as a resident, I feel Los Altos is losing its character due to all the cheap condo constructions mushrooming everywhere. Now, I hear the Rancho center is going to turn into a santana row like place. When we took large mortgages and spent our youth paying them, we didn't sign up to live in Sunnyvale or Santa clara, or mountain view. We already suffer greatly because Mountain View is a very commercially oriented town and unfortunately they impact traffic in our streets. We chose Los Altos because of the rustic, quiet, safe neighborhood lifestyle it offered.

I object to all of these new zoning. I do not want Loyola Corners and the Rancho center to turn into the same cheap condo/commercial development we now have in our downtown. Who approved those developments? Why do we need them? I feel as a resident we have no voice!
Instead of protecting our town's lifestyle (for example, I prefer our town counsel to work with St Francis School and curtail some of their expansions), our town counsel is destroying it. How can we stop this much commercial interest making decisions on behalf of us?
Thanks,
Ozlem Ozturk
10 From: Agarwal, Naveen
To: Public Comment
Subject: Housing Element Update - Letter to Mayor to visit our family and see the impact Date: Wednesday, November 8, 2023 3:56:39 PM
This is reference to the Housing Element Update changing zoning of various districts within the City .

We will like to propose for the Mayor to come to our property and see what the proposed changes would do to it. It could be a 5 minute visit. We are not far from City hall and we will love to host Mayor and his family to our backyard and enjoy a glass of wine and discuss possibilities and impact. We want to extend the same offer to other council members too.

Engaging with local community to understand and really see what we are discussing is critical to a broader perspective. We say this with deep respect to public service. Views that incorporate real feedback lead to better community. It’s part of our civic duty, and part of community outreach. We will love to host you.

Why do we write this letter? We are a young and busy family and we love our home and our city. We moved here in 2002. Our place is close to downtown, and but we have the narrowest backyard facing San Antonio (we are a flag lot) and a 30 feet building will turn our small sunny backyard into darkness. Our entire home except of living room will face concrete. We are a flag lot and consequences are deeply troubling. A visit may help see this and bring appreciation on how we can work together and solve. We believe in community and our request is to be part of this community. Please visit us.

The history here is above politics and start prior to current mayor term etc. We are very concerned about the haphazard manner in which the decisions were/are made. It’s very clear that city was under pressure and as a result made hasty decisions with regard to a problem that we all want solved. We are for more housing and more affordable housing. The city seemed to be sluggish at start and then with deadlines approaching hired a firm to build a proposal. The firm admitted that they did not have time (I was in a meeting that went up to 2 AM at night with the past mayor when consultant presented) and said that they did the best they could in the short time made available to them. Decisions were clearly made with focus on expediency.

Why are we concerned when we support the macro objectives? Issues are always more pertinent when they are in your backyard e.g. we were building a shed which is less than 11 feet tall and we were ordered to move it so that the light pane of our neighbors was not impacted. While it costed us more, we moved the shed to be in compliance. Contrast this with…if we are going to build a 30 feet property (let’s hope not taller) with 20 feet setback from our property, we have a very thin back yard, our place will be in complete dark. The same rules that applied to the shed applies to houses around our property. The shed is very small. You will see it when you visit us! If the property is 40+ feet I don’t even know what to say. Our bedroom, kitchen and entire house will be in permanent shade and darkness. If someone walked into our backyard, they can easily say that would turn from a small sunny yard space that we use every day to a dead/dark stare at concrete space. We have the narrowest side/back yard since ours is a flag lot. Good purpose, bad execution is not how our city should be defined.

We are not sure how best to appeal since there is literally no posters or signs that ask for appeal. Our neighbors alerted us to this. When there is minor variances we get postcards. This 11 is a major proposal and the city is not really interested in communicating. Yes, I am sure all this is available on City’s website and we can find it. There is no proactive communication, period. Esp to homes that will be impacted. Also some assurance that city is not just jamming a “viewpoint” and will take reasonable considerations on setbacks and heights when there are situations that demand so.

We look forward to hosting the mayor, council members and their families at our home.

Thank you.

Jessica & Naveen Agarwal
50 Marvin Ave
Los Altos CA

1. Minimize impact of new housing on adjacent single-family residences

1. If the City Council is serious about putting housing in along San Antonio Road, then change the zoning to residential only (i.e., no commercial or mixed-use buildings) and make existing commercial use non-conforming. This would accelerate the development of residential housing and eliminate the possibility of mixed-use buildings, which staff and planning commission have recommended with a height limit greater than “residential only” development. Better for residential neighbors, more housing, a win- win.

2. Do not allow balconies that face adjoining single family residential lots – they will have a direct negative impact on the privacy of surrounding single-family residences as all the properties directly abut residents side or backyards. This limitation was actually applied at 5150 El Camino, for example. So, codifying it for all projects in the OA district makes sense.

3. Incentivize lower impact, townhouse-type units. At the January 10, 2023, meeting members of Council agreed that any development along San Antonio should be “consistent with and compatible with the surrounding single family residential neighborhoods”. There was talk about townhouse units that could provide needed housing while being of a height and scale compatible with the neighborhood.

4. While we continue to support additional housing and more importantly affordable housing in the City, there needs to be a balance to ensure undue impact on surrounding neighbors. At that very same meeting in September that Council took up the rezoning of the CN and other districts, a resident was appealing a Planning Commission ruling on a 12 new deck on their house that would have had little to no effect on the neighbor’s privacy. The appeal was denied as 3 of the council members (all of whom have coincidently been the most vocal advocates of adding housing with little regard to the impact on surrounding residents) voted against it, justifying their position that a variance for the deck setback would have undue impact on the neighbor and the neighborhood. We wish that same sensitivity permeated the discussions around where and how housing was added to areas that abut existing single family residential neighborhoods. It is puzzling that Council is seemingly willing to “protect” one neighbor
deemed impacted from development but ignore larger scale development that impacts far more residents.

2. Recognize and mitigate parking impacts
a. Do a better job of planning for where the cars associated with the new housing will park.

Our prior experience indicates that projects, that intentionally do not meet parking demand generated on site, will be under-parked by 20% or more. This translates into a need to park 25- 30 cars at unknown, offsite locations if the City meets its target of 30 units per acre minimum at the 10 identified sites, encompassing 3.82 acres, are developed along San Antonio Road.

The existing side streets along San Antonio are narrow and serve as the primary pathways for residents to get to the downtown; they cannot easily accommodate extra vehicles without creating a safety hazard for pedestrians, bicyclists and emergency vehicles.

1. Residents deserve to know that in almost every new development that is proposed, those projects will need to meet the 20% inclusionary affordable housing requirement and required densities – which in turn allows greater height, reduced setbacks, and less parking than specified in the nominal zoning. These are the consequences when development triggers numerous development incentives and waivers, from the City’s list of incentives and state mandated bonuses.

2. Very simply stated, while we can talk about the OA district going from 30 feet height currently to “only” another 10 feet, to 40 feet total height, reality is far different. Every developer will take advantage of the additional 11-foot height increase available to them so projects will be more like 50’ tall. And while setback to existing single family residential lot is proposed to be 25 feet, a developer can and will ask for a reduction in that setback, claiming they cannot build the project otherwise.

3. A further way to mitigate impact on adjacent neighborhoods is to prohibit rooftop amenities that have otherwise been allowed on El Camino and First Street so as to preclude further height and privacy issues for adjoining single-family homes.

4. At the end of this document is our best assessment at what the proposed zoning changes really mean to the OA district. In some cases, a developer will get only some of the bonuses and incentives shown on the table. But it does serve to illustrate how the nominal zoning does not reflect what will actually be approved 13 and built. As time permits, we expect to generate those for the other areas of town as well.

4. Be honest about the impacts to date and the lack of affordable housing that has resulted from the changes to date in our zoning rules

1. Our final point is that the City and community need to take a critical look at what the policies and rezoning to date have yielded. While we have had some new development, particularly along First street and El Camino, the truth is that there has been very little affordable housing built. In fact, most of the housing has been relatively high-priced condos. Even some of the ADU changes have yielded lackluster results; most of those units serve as guest houses for the residents or worse yet are just bonus space that a developer can add to the square footage of a house by using the junior ADU provision. (That provision in the State law allows adding space to a primary residence with the only requirement being the bedroom must have a separate entrance and bathroom. There is no need for separate cooking facilities.) We have seen multiple examples of developers using this loophole and the resulting houses are selling in the $5-6M range.

The result is an ESCALATION in housing prices without any additional housing, giving lie to the State’s supposed intention. That loophole needs to be closed.

2. The City staff and City Council need to do a better job of factoring in the impact of zoning changes on the residents. At the meeting to discuss zoning changes at Rancho (the CN zone), Council member Pete Dailey expressed his enthusiasm for bigger, more dense buildings, which would have even a greater impact on the immediately adjacent neighbors. While we appreciate the enthusiasm for additional housing, we wish he would factor in the negative impact of a taller building on the adjacent residents and find ways to keep projects modest in size for each developed site.

What can you do? Write the city council and let them know how you feel about these zoning changes (email [email protected]) Attend the council meeting on November 14 which starts at 7 pm. And forward this article to your neighbors.

And that’s the way we see it.
th
14 From: Drew Watson
To: Public Comment
Subject: Housing mandates
Date: Thursday, November 9, 2023 10:02:53 PM
Hello,
My husband and I have lived in Los Altos since graduating grad school in 1990. I attended the housing meeting last night and felt frustration with the absurdity of our current situation. The gentleman leading the meeting was extremely motivated to push this agenda, with little regard for us, and seemed impatient with our questions. The woman from United Methodist Church literally asked why three churches on Magdalena had been targeted as sites, asking ‘do you hate churches?’ To that the leader should overwhelmingly reassured her that this was not the case. I understand that the housing plan is to help poor families have housing. Poor people that can’t afford these housing situations will end up renting and I’m not sure how it is better off than any other place. Their rent will go into the coffers of the owners of the building, and make them wealthy, our government (us) will be poorer for subsidizing the builders, and the poor people will continue to be poor. As Warren Buffett’s response to poor living in a mobile homes, where the value of the land continues to go up, but the tenants don’t participate in the wealth growth, and continue to stay poor. We all want people who are financially striving to do well. But it’s not organic to plop them into a wealthy area, where they can’t afford the cost of goods, don’t have a car to maneuver to the least expensive places to shop and the public transportation is an adequate for those who can’t afford a car. For these reasons the locations on or near El Camino make more sense, but still have so many concerns. Furthermore, unless things change, we will be mandated to do this yet again in eight or so years? The hubris of this is amazingly irresponsible, with serious consequences. I love my community and feel we have a lot to loose if this doesn’t work.

Trying something on a smaller scale before committing to such changes that affect so many would be more prudent.

Usually I feel like the city of Los Altos, and our city Council has our best interest at heart, but I did not feel that way after this meeting. I felt like we were getting something crammed down our throat that we didn’t want. I felt sorry for the woman who spoke last night who owned a townhouse near the El Camino shopping center across from Chef Chus, that was a site for development of a four or five story building. I felt like her concerns were not listen to and alternatives were not given to her. A gentleman resident suggested using the poles to allow people to acclimate to the new 4 story heights, but the speaker said that this was not possible, not sure why. No one suggested her comments were important, and that she should direct them to anyone specific. Can you please let us know if there is a better process to voice our concerns and hopefully work together to improve our current situation? Very sincerely,
Dr. Martha Watson
Sent from my iPhone
15 November 13, 2023
Dear Mayor Meadows and Councilmembers,
LAAHA supports the zoning changes proposed by Staff in accordance with the Housing Element Update for Programs 1.A, 1.B, 1.C, 1.E, 1.F, 1.G, 3.I, and 3.J.

More specifically –
The CT district has capacity for higher density housing and is the logical place to add housing due to access to transit and amenities. We approve of changing our code to allow 5 stories before a density bonus in the CT zone.

Housing should be allowed in the OA district, and we support increasing the maximum densities there to 30 du/acre.

The Loyola Corners Plan should be rescinded as it has stifled meaningful development and upgrades. We appreciate elimination of the 20 unit density cap, the dwelling size requirement, and the height limitation. In all, creating a Loyola Corners that is consistent with all other CN districts makes sense.

Village Court should be consistent with other CT zones, and we support the rezoning at this major intersection.

We support these actions so that our Element remains in compliance with State laws. We also see that these zoning changes on the whole create greater consistency within our city’s specified zones, eliminate ambiguity, and increase density in areas of our city that can accommodate more density. These are strategic changes that we hope will lead to more units of housing.

Respectfully,
LAAHA Steering Committee
Los Altos Affordable Housing Alliance
Committed to educating and inspiring the Los Altos community to build housing that is affordable for those who live and work in Los Altos
https://losaltosaffordablehousing.org/
16 From: Jp Mcnulty
To: Public Comment
Subject: Large buildings adjacent to residential homes
Date: Wednesday, November 8, 2023 4:07:13 PM
Hello,
In considering how you will create additional housing in Los Altos, please be sensitive to the negative impact that taller buildings will have on adjacent residents and find ways to keep projects modest in size for each site where existing homes will be affected.

Sincerely,
Joan McNulty.
17 From: carol little
To: Public Comment
Subject: Loyola Corners Specific Plan
Date: Tuesday, November 14, 2023 12:24:44 AM
Dear City Council,
I am writing as a resident, not as a PARC commissioner.

I have a request. Please direct staff, with input from residents and business owners, to create objective standards for not only Loyola Corners, but also for other distinctly Los Altos areas such as Village Court and Woodland Acres. None of these areas actually “fit” the one size fits all approach of the CT and CN objective standards as they are now.

Specific to Loyola Corners, the LCSP plan can be of great help. It was created with much resident and business owner input and was updated/amended similarly, with much input. Additionally, within the LCSP, a very thorough job was done with regard to understanding how Loyola Corners functions and is laid out.

As a result of the LCSP, there are positive relationships between the businesses and neighbors. Residents of Loyola Corners are extremely loyal to the businesses and the businesses are great supporters of the residents. Loyola Corners has a sense of community unique to the area.

It would be a tragedy to lose that simply because the state has mandated changes to housing in California.

No where do the state mandated changes say that all cities must become carbon copies of each other. We can, and must, maintain our sense of place, and we can, and must preserve our small businesses. We can do this by including residents and business owners in the planning.

There is no one on staff who has experienced the history of the Loyola Corners area. Nor is there anyone on staff who has the knowledge or understanding of the way the businesses and Loyola Corners community support each other. This is evident by the way staff talks about not only the Loyola Corners area, but also Village Court, Woodland Acres and other parts of our lovely city. There is a lack of understanding as to why previous buildings were opposed. It was not the housing that was opposed. In one case, it was the impact on the creek as well as the neighbors directly across from the proposed building. In other situations it was the noise that would bounce into the neighborhoods due to the echo effect. There was also opposition to some very poorly designed buildings that would create large traffic issues. Our community know our area. The LCSP was developed with this knowledge. The lack of history and knowledge is understandable as most of our staff are new hires.

There is no reason to rescind all of the plan. However, if you do rescind the entire plan, please take the next important step of creating a fabulous Loyola Corners, within the new housing law limitations. You can do this by directing staff to work with residents to tease out the aspects of the plan that can be used for objective standards that fit Loyola Corners and that help retain a specific to Loyola Corners sense of place. The residents and business owners can help identify the sense of place details, while the staff can ensure to use only the parts of the plan that will not create an issue with regard to the state housing laws. using the LCSP to create neighborhood specific objective standards provides a short cut that will reduce staff time and cost.

Furthermore, by directing staff to work with residents and business owners, you will be creating an opportunity for our city staff to get to know the community they work for. This will be a huge win for everyone! A few examples of what is still relevant within the plan include the noise mitigation, covered arcades for continuity, types of, and location of businesses. Screened equipment (on roofs and elsewhere), types of materials, protecting residential areas form noise that travels due to the echo effects (this is not spelled out within the plan in these exact words, but the concept, based on the thoroughness of the LCSP plan understood this issue.

I’d also like to ask that City Council discuss how we can incentivize developers to work with the flow and style of the neighborhoods. Not only in Loyola Corners, but also in other areas of our city. I have limited knowledge regarding how to incentivize townhouses (a positive way to create more homeownership, not simply rentals) in neighborhoods. It would be wonderful to find a way to pepper our city with more housing that reflects what residents want as opposed to what developers want. I have daily that that with resident input, staff effort and a willingness form City Council, we can create housing that meets our RHNA numbers while not losing our sense of place.

Let’s all roll our sleeves up and get busy creating housing that meets our RHNA numbers while keeping what works within the Loyola Corners Specific Plan and keeping what makes the Loyola Corners area special.

Respectfully yours,
18 Teresa Morris
P.S. As a side note, in addition to creating objective standards specific to Loyola Corners, we need to look at how to mitigate traffic issues in Loyola Corners.
19 From: Deb Skelton
To: City Council; Sally Meadows; Jonathan Weinberg; Pete Dailey; Neysa Fligor; Lynette Lee Eng Cc: Gabriel Engeland; Administration; Public Comment
Subject: Loyola Corners Specific Plan
Date: Tuesday, November 14, 2023 1:09:27 PM
Dear Los Altos City Council Members,
I am writing today to discuss the Loyola Corners Specific Plan (LCSP).

The purpose of the LCSP is to create attractive and functional shopping and commercial use facilities in order to increase use and provide for long term viability, and sense of community.

It has become clear that changes to the LCSP need occur to be in compliance with the State housing plan.

However, there are unique elements of the LCSP that would not be in conflict with the housing mandate. In an effort to maintain the uniqueness of the Loyola Corners District, I am requesting that the LCSP be revised (as has been done in the past) to reflect current needs, as well as maintain certain important elements. I am hopeful that City representatives can work with residents and business owners to revise the plan; there is precedence, as this has occurred several times. While not an inclusive list, the following provides some elements of the LCSP that should be considered in addition to the CN objective standards to help maintain a unique and viable business district that incorporates more housing, and fits well into the community.
- Establish a circulation system to provide for convenient and safe travel ways for motorized and nonmotorized travel. Provide for and encourage pedestrian and bicycle safety and usage. Widen A Street to include bike lanes.
- Repurpose B street for parking, farmers market and potentially other neighborhood activities. Use Carob Street as a more formal entrance to Loyola Corners. City to provide appropriate signage. - Retain and provide covered arcade element along Fremont Avenue. Use this as a principle, unifying architectural design element.
- Retail and personal services only are permitted at the ground level fronting on Fremont Avenue from Miramonte Avenue to Dolores Avenue. Encourage a mix of appropriate commercial uses which provide a range of desirable neighborhood commercial uses.
- Encourage the use of historical elements. Incorporate the Streetscape elements including pavers, planting and benches, leaving the more unifying elements to the City to implement. - Trash receptacles, mechanical equipment and utilities should be screened, and placed away from R1 lots.

Locate utilities underground whenever possible.

While this may not be a complete list, it does demonstrate that there are elements of the LCSP that will work with CN objective standards and meet the requirements of the housing mandate. I am asking that you take this into consideration as we move forward.

Thank you,
Debbie Skelton
20 21
From: Tom Ferry
To: City Council; Sally Meadows; Jonathan Weinberg; Pete Dailey; Neysa Fligor; Lynette Lee Eng Cc: Gabriel Engeland; Administration; Public Comment
Subject: Need for specific zoning regulations for Loyola Corners beyond typical CN regulations Date: Monday, November 13, 2023 6:52:51 PM
To: Los Altos City Council
Cc: Los Altos City Manager
From: Thomas Ferry, Los Altos resident
Subject: Need for specific zoning regulations for Loyola Corners beyond typical CN regulations Date: November 13, 2023
Loyola Corners is a unique area that would greatly benefit from specific rules, different than standard CN regulations, that can be crafted to retain and enhance benefits for residents while still providing the housing required by the state.

I am asking City Council to instruct City Staff to work with residents and business owners to create an addendum to the CN zoning regulations with specific rules for Loyola Corners.

Carefully considering how to modify a few zoning regulations for this area will require work by staff, the Planning Commission, City Council, business owners, and residents, but the outcome will affect our residents for many generations to come. So, I and many residents believe it’s worth a little extra effort.

In the face of the difficulties of the housing crisis and strict state laws, I hope the Council and Staff employ a ‘Yes, if…’ approach rather than defaulting to ‘No, because…’. The result will be much better for such impactful decisions; decisions that will affect our community for decades.

What are the unique elements of Loyola Corners compared to other CN zones like Downtown, Lucky’s, Homestead, Rancho?

1. Most/all buildings face streets/public on all sides. This feature affects how service area screening, sidewalks, crosswalks, vehicle flow, etc. should be regulated.

2. Loyola Corners is small and lots are more densely packed on all sides compared to other CN’s so more setbacks, tighter articulation rules, etc. are needed to avoid claustrophobic effect.

3. Loyola Corners is in a complicated, heavily trafficked location in which many routes come together in a non-Manhattan layout. This makes providing optimal, safe egress for automobiles, pedestrians, and bicycles difficult.

4. Access to useful public transit is almost nonexistent, so parking and traffic flow must be carefully considered.

5. The retail businesses provide an essential service for residents of South Los Altos and it is imperative to ensure a business owner and customer-friendly design.

Here are a few suggestions for CN regulations that should be considered for modification due to the unique characteristics of Loyola Corners. This list is simply an example of areas to be considered.

If these suggestions don’t work, what can we do to meet not only state laws, but the residents’ desires?

1. Upper story setbacks
5 feet on all sides for stories 2 and above since Loyola Corners buildings face streets/public on all sides, rather than on stories 3 and above in the CN regulations. I anticipate the answer will be “No, we can’t do that because…”, but if that is the case, what can we do to be compliant AND create a more aesthetically pleasing design that avoids creating a ‘canyon 22 effect’?

2.Vertical articulation
Façade bays with 3 foot recesses whenever façade exceeds 50 feet in length, instead of the 75 feet stated in the CN regulations.

3. Landscaping/Sidewalks
Landscaping and sidewalk rules that ensure practical needs of pedestrians, i.e., two adults can comfortably pass each other going in opposite directions without having to step off sidewalk into the street or brush against landscaping branches. ADA requires 36 inch-wide sidewalks, but maybe wider sidewalks would improve safety and walkability of the area.

4. Automobile/bicycle/pedestrian traffic flow/safety
Automobile work/school commuter traffic through Loyola Corners from Highway 85, Interstate 280 via Foothill Expressway and Fremont Ave is heavy and will likely continue to increase.

The current layout of streets, sidewalks, and traffic signals is difficult to navigate and, at peak times, dangerous for pedestrian and bicycle traffic and is not optimal for current peak automobile traffic loads.

Street layout, traffic signals, sidewalks, crosswalks and building design should include rules/guidelines to handle current and expected traffic loads in a manner that provides safe, efficient egress to and through Loyola Corners.

For example, wider than minimum sidewalks to avoid pedestrians using the street, adequate bicycle lanes, avoid blind spots at street corners caused by building structures, etc.

5. Service area screening
Because most lots in Loyola Corners face streets and the public on all sides, special consideration for locating service areas is needed.

Thank you for your consideration of my input.

Regards,
Thomas Ferry
23 From: Roberta Phillips
To: Public Comment; City Council
Subject: Nov 14 ,2023 Council MeetingItem#3 Public Comment Date: Saturday, November 11, 2023 11:34:52 AM
Attachments: Public Comment Item # 3 Nov 14 Council Meeting.docx Dear Council and Staff
Please add my comment attached to the Public Comments for th City Council Meeting on Nov.14 2023
Sincerely
Roberta Phillips
650-941-6940
24 From: [email protected]
To: Public Comment
Cc: City Council
Subject: november 14th council meeting comments re zoning changes to oa and ct zones, agenda item #?? Date: Wednesday, November 8, 2023 2:31:14 PM
Attachments: image001.png
An open letter to the Los Altos City Council
As regard zoning changes that will affect every Los Altos resident This is a letter to our City Council on the subject of making critical and impactful changes to our zoning laws which will have considerable permanent, long-term effects on Los Altos. It’s written as an Open Letter because of the importance to every resident in our community and to how much we should all be aware of what these changes will mean for our town.

Council began updating the Housing Element Update by making changes to the zoning of various districts within the City . The effort began in late September and will continue with the upcoming Council meeting in November (and subsequent meetings up through January 31, 2024). The January date is a State-imposed, non-negotiable deadline to make changes that were part of the approved/adopted Housing Element.

We want to specifically address the changes that should be made to the OA district (quick reminder-- -the OA district is along San Antonio and Altos Oaks), although there are many similar changes that should be applied to the CT zone as well.

1. Minimize impact of new housing on adjacent single-family residences 25 a. If the City Council is serious about putting housing in along San Antonio Road, then change the zoning to residential only (i.e., no commercial or mixed-use buildings) and make existing commercial use non-conforming. This would accelerate the development of residential housing and eliminate the possibility of mixed-use buildings, which staff and planning commission have recommended with a height limit greater than “residential only” development. Better for residential neighbors, more housing, a winwin. b. Do not allow balconies that face adjoining single family residential lots – they will have a direct negative impact on the privacy of surrounding single-family residences as all the properties directly abut residents side or backyards. This limitation was actually applied at 5150 El Camino, for example. So, codifying it for all projects in the OA district makes sense.
c. Incentivize lower impact, townhouse-type units. At the January 10, 2023, meeting members of Council agreed that any development along San Antonio should be “consistent with and compatible with the surrounding single family residential neighborhoods”. There was talk about townhouse units that could provide needed housing while being of a height and scale compatible with the neighborhood.

Unfortunately, at present, there is nothing in the zoning which encourages townhouses and disincentivizes overly tall, bulky, and out-of-scale buildings that are not compatible with the surrounding neighborhood and which are better suited for sites in the downtown.
d. While we continue to support additional housing and more importantly affordable housing in the City, there needs to be a balance to ensure undue impact on surrounding neighbors. At that very same meeting in September that Council took up the rezoning of the CN and other districts, a resident was appealing a Planning Commission ruling on a new deck on their house that would have had little to no effect on the neighbor’s privacy. The appeal was denied as 3 of the council members (all of whom have coincidently been the most vocal advocates of adding housing with little regard to the impact on surrounding residents) voted against it, justifying their position that a variance for the deck setback would have undue impact on the neighbor and the neighborhood. We wish that same sensitivity permeated the discussions around where and how housing was added to areas that abut existing single family residential neighborhoods. It is puzzling that Council is seemingly willing to “protect” one neighbor deemed impacted from development but ignore larger scale development that impacts far more residents.

2. Recognize and mitigate parking impacts
a. Do a better job of planning for where the cars associated with the new housing will park. Our prior experience indicates that projects, that intentionally do not meet parking demand generated on site, will be under-parked by 20% or more. This translates into a need to park 25-30 cars at unknown, offsite locations if the City meets its target of 30 units per acre minimum at the 10 identified sites, encompassing 3.82 acres, are developed along San Antonio Road. The existing side streets along San Antonio are narrow and serve as the primary pathways for residents to get to the downtown; they cannot easily accommodate extra vehicles without creating a safety hazard for pedestrians, bicyclists and emergency vehicles.

3. Be honest with the neighborhoods and overall community about heights, parking impacts and other impacts of state mandate which allow developers to exceed our zoning limitations We remain disappointed that residents have not been given a detailed understanding of the changes that are being made to the zoning. Existing as well as proposed height limits and setbacks and the heights that will likely result from “benefits” under state law need to be clearly stated.
a. Residents deserve to know that in almost every new development that is proposed, those projects will need to meet the 20% inclusionary affordable housing requirement and required densities – which in turn allows greater height, reduced setbacks, and less 26 parking than specified in the nominal zoning. These are the consequences when development triggers numerous development incentives and waivers, from the City’s list of incentives and state mandated bonuses.
b. Very simply stated, while we can talk about the OA district going from 30 feet height currently to “only” another 10 feet, to 40 feet total height, reality is far different. Every developer will take advantage of the additional 11-foot height increase available to them so projects will be more like 50’ tall. And while setback to existing single family residential lot is proposed to be 25 feet, a developer can and will ask for a reduction in that setback, claiming they cannot build the project otherwise. c. A further way to mitigate impact on adjacent neighborhoods is to prohibit roof-top amenities that have otherwise been allowed on El Camino and First Street so as to preclude further height and privacy issues for adjoining single-family homes. d. At the end of this document is our best assessment at what the proposed zoning changes really mean to the OA district. In some cases, a developer will get only some of the bonuses and incentives shown on the table. But it does serve to illustrate how the nominal zoning does not reflect what will actually be approved and built. As time permits, we expect to generate those for the other areas of town as well.

4. Be honest about the impacts to date and the lack of affordable housing that has resulted from the changes to date in our zoning rules
a. Our final point is that the City and community need to take a critical look at what the policies and rezoning to date have yielded. While we have had some new development, particularly along First street and El Camino, the truth is that there has been very little affordable housing built. In fact, most of the housing has been relatively high-priced condos. Even some of the ADU changes have yielded lackluster results; most of those units serve as guest houses for the residents or worse yet are just bonus space that a developer can add to the square footage of a house by using the junior ADU provision. (That provision in the State law allows adding space to a primary residence with the only requirement being the bedroom must have a separate entrance and bathroom.

There is no need for separate cooking facilities.) We have seen multiple examples of developers using this loophole and the resulting houses are selling in the $5-6M range.

The result is an ESCALATION in housing prices without any additional housing, giving lie to the State’s supposed intention. That loophole needs to be closed. b. The City staff and City Council need to do a better job of factoring in the impact of zoning changes on the residents. At the meeting to discuss zoning changes at Rancho (the CN zone), Council member Pete Dailey expressed his enthusiasm for bigger, more dense buildings, which would have even a greater impact on the immediately adjacent neighbors. While we appreciate the enthusiasm for additional housing, we wish he would factor in the negative impact of a taller building on the adjacent residents and find ways to keep projects modest in size for each developed site.

And that’s the way we see it.

Friends of Los Altos Board of Directors
Jonathan Baer
Lou Becker
27 Ron Packard
David Casas
Kenneth Lorell
Friends of Los Altos
Los Altos, CA 94022 & 94024
28 https://url.avanan.click/v2/___https://friendsoflosaltos.org___.YXAzOmxvc2FsdG9zY2E6YT pvOmI2MjU2ZmIzNGE4ZTlmODhiNTEzNmIzZTQ0NjdhMzlmOjY6MzNmNzo1YzkwYjA 3YmIyN2VhZjYwNGMwNWI3NzFmNTg5NzkxOTVmNjZkNDg3YTdhNTY4Y2FmMGY5 OTA1YTJlYzNiOWVmOnQ6VA
29 From: K Z
To: Public Comment; Gabriel Engeland; Melissa Thurman; Nick Zornes; City Council Cc: [email protected]
Subject: Nvoember 14, 2023 Meeting, Agenda Item #3
Date: Sunday, November 12, 2023 3:33:21 PM
Attachments: LWV Letter to LACC Nov 14, 2023 Meeting.pdf Attached is a letter to the Mayor and members of the City Council regarding Item number 3 on the agenda for the November 14, 2023, meeting.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Sincerely,
Katie Zoglin
President, Los Altos-Mountain view Area
League of Women Voters
30 From: K Z
To: Public Comment; Gabriel Engeland; Melissa Thurman; Nick Zornes; City Council Cc: [email protected]
Subject: Nvoember 14, 2023 Meeting, Agenda Item #3
Date: Sunday, November 12, 2023 3:33:21 PM
Attachments: LWV Letter to LACC Nov 14, 2023 Meeting.pdf Attached is a letter to the Mayor and members of the City Council regarding Item number 3 on the agenda for the November 14, 2023, meeting.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Sincerely,
Katie Zoglin
President, Los Altos-Mountain view Area
League of Women Voters
31 From: Los Altos Affordable Housing Alliance
To: Public Comment
Cc: Nick Zornes
Subject: Public Comment Agenda Item #3 - Zoning Ordinance Text Amendments Date: Monday, November 13, 2023 10:31:35 PM
Attachments: LAAHA Letter to CC 11.14.23.pdf
Hello City Councilmembers,
Please find attached a letter supporting the zoning text amendments on the agenda this week.

Thank you,
LAAHA Steering Committee
--
Los Altos Affordable Housing Alliance
To educate and inspire the Los Altos community to build housing that is affordable for our workforce.
32 Nov 14,2023 Council Mee�ng Public Comment Item# 3
I am wri�ng to Council to respec�ully request that in the OA district under 14.34.040” Permited Uses”, that you remove item C. This is “mixed use”, as a permited use. I spoke to Gabe Engeland and Nick Zornes and HCD does not require mixed use in this district. It was added in by Nick, but does not need to be there and he told me it could be removed. We obviously want to add residen�al and keep office administra�ve. Allowing mixed use will add height to permited buildings by an addi�onal five feet on top of the addi�onal 10 feet proposed.. We do not need to add commercial uses. The OA district is near downtown where we already have retail businesses. We don’t want to end up with vacant first floor space that would be beter used for housing. We already have a lot of vacant sites downtown.

We are already increasing the lot coverage from 50% to 75% and increasing the building heights from 2 stories (30 feet) to 4 stories (40 feet) this is before the California Density Bonus law kicks in. So, we are already increasing density and height and the developer has an opportunity to add more height and request addi�onal waivers and incen�ves.

When I spoke to Nick and Gabe, they told me that in the OA district we could have low impact buildings (perhaps townhome) and s�ll meet our commitment of 20 units per acer. There would be No Net Loss.

I believe we can incen�vize the developers to build low impact living units. Townhomes for example, would solve problems of parking, as they usually have a garage and driveway, where residents can park.

It would also mi�gate privacy concerns. As you know, OA along South San Antonio Rd abut Single family homes. We already have the tools to incen�vize developers such as the “OFF Menu and ON Menu” op�ons in the California Density Ordinance for Los Altos. We already have design review guide lines and objec�ve standards that can be reviewed to successfully integrate new housing with exis�ng housing.

Sincerely
Roberta Phillips
650-941-6940
33 From: Bill Hough
To: Public Comment
Cc: City Council
Subject: Public Comment on Item# 3 on Nov 14,2023 Council Meeting agenda Date: Sunday, November 12, 2023 9:31:52 AM
Why is Item C - "mixed use”, as a permitted use - in the OA district under 14.34.040” Permitted Uses?" HCD does not require mixed use in this district, so you can remove it.

If the goal is to increase the supply of homes, you should be encouraging telecommuting, so we can build housing where offices exist today. COVID was awful but it taught that lots of former office work can be performed remotely.
34 From: Helen Armer
To: Public Comment
Subject: Rezoning of neighborhoods in Los Altos
Date: Sunday, November 12, 2023 11:07:47 AM
To Members of the Los Altos City Council and the Mayor:

I live in Los Altos near Loyola Corners. I am writing to express my concern over the rapid and hastily legislated changes that are being made to zoning laws in Los Altos, the result of which will be high density housing in our neighborhood.

I am disappointed that residents have not been given a detailed understanding of the changes that are being made to the zoning.

The first point relates to height limits. Existing and proposed height limits and the heights that will likely result from “benefits” under state law need to be clearly stated and communicated to residents. Residents deserve to know that in almost every new development that is proposed, those projects will need to meet the 20% inclusionary affordable housing requirement and required densities – which in turn allows greater height, reduced setbacks, and less parking than specified in the nominal zoning. These are the consequences when development triggers numerous development incentives and waivers, from the City’s list of incentives and state mandated bonuses. In particular as pertains to the OA district, every developer will take advantage of the additional 11-foot height increase available to them for affordable housing, so projects are likely to reach 50’ height. Adding to this are roof-top amenities that add additional height and create privacy issues for neighbors.

The second point pertains to setbacks. While setback to existing single family residential lots is 25 feet, a developer can and will ask for a reduction in that setback, claiming they cannot build the project otherwise.

Third, many of the recently built projects do not include sufficient parking, which results in cars being parked on neighboring streets and creating 35 parking issues for residents of those streets. Something needs to be done to require adequate on-site parking at new developments.

Fourth are environmental concerns. Much is being learned about the impacts of over-development on flooding. When too much land surface area is paved over or covered with impermeable landscaping (such as "astro turf lawns"), the land doesn't drain properly, water pools, and flooding results. This happened in Cupertino last winter during the heavy rainstorms.

Many houses in Los Altos are built on slabs, and these homes will become susceptible to flooding as more and more of the city is overdeveloped.

Please don't cater to the interests of the developers who only need to make a profit from their project. Poor decisions will enrich them and leave the rest of us holding the bag.

Sincerely,
Helen Armer
Estate Drive, Los Altos
36 From: Jonas Bordo
To: Public Comment
Cc: Los Altos Town Crier
Subject: Support for new zoning changes
Date: Thursday, November 9, 2023 8:00:39 AM
Los Altos City Council -
I am a Los Altos resident writing in support of the recent zoning changes made to allow our city to meet its commitments to house Californians.

Our state and city are desperately short of housing - we have approximately 3.5M fewer homes than we need across the state for our current population and of course, the Bay Area needs a significant share of those homes.

Assuming we must and we will find a way to build those homes, we have two choices for building. We can build new homes on new land, consuming existing farmland and open space, or we can increase density.

I am for increasing density and protecting our precious open spaces.

Greater density brings a host of benefits, including:

More business for our retailers (particularly important in Los Altos, where we lack sufficient office space to support our retail footprint); Fewer car trips from reduced commutes (bringing both parking and environmental benefits); and,
Property value increases (as we do more with less land).

Of course, many (myself included) enjoy the benefits of our community as it is, but a slight reduction in the number of single-family homes on large lots and welcoming a few multifamily communities is a small price to pay for the benefits above.

In addition to those benefits, as a parent of three, I'm worried that our children will have no choice but to move far away if more housing is not made available. The median home price in Los Altos last month was over $4M, requiring annual income in excess of $800,000 in order to afford a home in our town. I'm sure it goes without saying that few have income in that lofty territory.

As we move towards implementing our housing element, it is critical that we move as quickly as possible towards approving new housing and erect as few barriers to it as possible.

Development of new homes takes long enough without the hurdles that virtually every community in California has erected. We must streamline approval processes and move towards implementation of the housing element with the utmost speed.

We have had decades for debate and discussion. We are past a crisis point, we have a hardwon plan in hand and it is time to implement that plan.

Please accept my support and appreciation for your good work in encouraging additional 37 housing in our town. I was proud that Los Altos progressed effectively towards an approved housing element and I look forward to supporting new developments and meeting new neighbors in the years to come.

Respectfully,
Jonas Bordo
216 Garland Way
Jonas Bordo
415.517.6874
[email protected]
38 From: Ozlem Ozturk
To: Public Comment
Subject: Zoning changes
Date: Wednesday, November 8, 2023 4:16:55 PM
Hi,
I have lived in Los Altos since 1998, first as a renter on gabilan and then at our current home at 1020 alegre avenue. When my husband and I looked to purchase our house, we explored other similar towns such as Saratoga, Menlo Park, Portola Valley but always came back to Los Altos because it offered the best lifestyle.

Pandemic took our focus away from other things as we worried about our families and health.

It feels that we all woke up one day and faced a town that puts commercial interests over all else. It feels that our town is run by commercial real estate agents and their family members.

How can we stop this much commercial interest making decisions on behalf of us? Thanks,
Ozlem Ozturk
39 From: [email protected]
To: Public Comment
Subject: Zoom meeting public comment
Date: Saturday, November 11, 2023 12:17:03 PM
Hello City Council members
I am writing to encourage you to reopen the option for public comments on the part of the community members who chose to participate on Zoom. It seems that perhaps due to fear of zoom bombing that the council felt the need to shut down all public comments from those participating on zoom. This seems very drastic to me and in not in keeping with the idea of democracy and free speech. There are people that for reasons of disability (can't drive at night, or are less mobile) or have child care responsibilities cannot attend in person. The on line option to join City Council meetings actually opens up the dialog to more members of the community which is the point of having public access.

If you want to address zoom bombing, there are better ways to handle this problem (if it exists) such as removing the offending participant through the security settings if and when this situation arises. It seems like those managing the zoom meeting can come up with better ways to address concerns of disruption that to eliminate the conversation. and dialog entirely.

Please reopen the discussion feature on zoom and be more accessible to the public at large.

Nancy Phillips
Los Altos resident
40 From: Amer Diwan
To: Public Comment
Subject: [External Sender]Concern about resolution being discussed on November 14th Date: Monday, November 13, 2023 8:36:12 PM
As a 7 year resident of Los Altos, I'd like to express dissatisfaction with Agenda #5 in the meeting on 14th November:
"Discuss the Council issuing a potential resolution, or any possible action, denouncing the Hamas attacks against Israel"
This agenda makes no mention of the Palestnians that have been killed since October 7th.

Since October 7th Israeli forces have killed nearly 10 Palestinians for every Israeli killed on October 7th. This includes children and women. Israel has used phosphorus against Palestinians since October 7th; this is a violation of international humanitarian law. Amnesty International calls out Israel's war crimes Since October 7th. Why isn't the Los Altos City Council condemning this violence and is only concerned with the deaths on the Israeli side? The agenda makes no mention of Israel's occupation of the West Bank and Gaza since 1967.

Palestinians are denied basic human rights and Israel continues to push them out of their homes and kill them as it sees fit. The United Nations Security Council has repeatedly stated that Israel expanding settlements in that territory are a "flagrant violation of international law". According to Amnesty International's secretary general, "For 16 years, Israel’s illegal blockade has made Gaza the world’s biggest open-air prison – the international community must act now to prevent it becoming a giant graveyard.".Has the Los Altos City Council considered speaking out against this apartheid? The agenda makes no mention of Israel using phosphorus long before October 7th, 2023 and makes no mention of the 18,600 Palestinians killed by Israel while Palestinians have killed 1500. Did the Los Altos City Council discuss condemning Israel at those previous incidents?
If the Los Altos City Council wants to pass a resolution on this topic, it needs to reflect history and reality (which is readily reported in the news). Otherwise any resolution on this topic is offensive, ignorant, and one-sided.

Amer
41 From: Jeanine Valadez
To: Public Comment
Subject: [External Sender]Public Comment Item 5 2023_11_14 Date: Monday, November 13, 2023 2:51:37 PM
Mayor Meadows, Vice-Mayor Weinberg, and Councilmembers Lee Eng, Fligor, and Dailey,
As you discuss Nov 14's Item 5 on the Agenda, I ask you to strongly consider choosing to focus ONLY on your determination to demand that our community not devolve into dialogue or actions founded in superiority, discrimination, bigotry, or hate. Tribal responses, especially in writing, are not helpful at this time. Even if you are comprehensive in listing all "sides" to this situation, the order in which you list them can itself lead to misunderstanding and triggering! Instead, speak in the spirit of ubiquity, inclusiveness, and unity:

Denounce the killing of civilians, terrorism, occupation, collective punishment, violence, and war, including their enabling financial machinations.

Uplift and demand the necessity for humanitarian action and aid, negotiation, diplomacy, empathy, and peace.

Denounce the bundling of all Palestinians into the policies of Hamas and other similar non-state organizations, or assume they agree with the worst methods of resistance; i.e., terrorism.

Denounce the bundling of all Jewish people into the war-and-obliteration focussed policies of their leader or in the worst of state-building; i.e., ethnic cleansing.

Uplift the principles of those of us who speak for peace, ceasefire, diplomacy, and coexistance; who realize that good and bad actions by those involved are inevitable and human; that people can change their mind if they are empathetic, that absolutism helps no one.

Uplift every people's right to self-determination. Uplift every parent's right to make a safe home for their children, to have a means of providing for their family, and to have a voice in their community.
42 Uplift a philosophy founded in humanitarian universalism instead of one founded in division and segregation.

And, if you need a quick solution to this challenge you face, just reflect on the words of President Barack Obama shown below, as he does all of the above.

Thank you,
Jeanine Valadez
Disclosure: I am a PARC commissioner but am writing as a member of the public. ====================
Statement by President Barack Obama on Isreal and Gaza, October 23, 2023.

It’s been 17 days since Hamas launched its horrific attack against Israel, killing over 1,400 Israeli citizens, including defenseless women, children and the elderly. In the aftermath of such unspeakable brutality, the U.S. government and the American people have shared in the grief of families, prayed for the return of loved ones, and rightly declared solidarity with the Israeli people.

As I stated in an earlier post, Israel has a right to defend its citizens against such wanton violence, and I fully support President Biden’s call for the United States to support our long-time ally in going after Hamas, dismantling its military capabilities, and facilitating the safe return of hundreds of hostages to their families.

But even as we support Israel, we should also be clear that how Israel prosecutes this fight against Hamas matters. In particular, it matters — as President Biden has repeatedly emphasized — that Israel’s military strategy abides by international law, including those laws that seek to avoid, to every extent possible, the death or suffering of civilian populations. Upholding these values is important for its own sake — because it is morally just and reflects our belief in the inherent value of every human life. Upholding these values is also vital for building alliances and shaping international 43 opinion — all of which are critical for Israel’s long-term security.

This is an enormously difficult task. War is always tragic, and even the most carefully planned military operations often put civilians at risk. As President Biden noted during his recent visit to Israel, America itself has at times fallen short of our higher values when engaged in war, and in the aftermath of 9/11, the U.S. government wasn’t interested in heeding the advice of even our allies when it came to the steps we took to protect ourselves against Al Qaeda.

Now, after the systematic massacre of Israeli citizens, a massacre that evokes some of the darkest memories of persecution against the Jewish people, it’s understandable that many Israelis have demanded that their government do whatever it takes to root out Hamas and make sure such attacks never happen again. Moreover, Hamas’ military operations are deeply embedded within Gaza — and its leadership seems to intentionally hide among civilians, thereby endangering the very people they claim to represent.

Still, the world is watching closely as events in the region unfold, and any Israeli military strategy that ignores the human costs could ultimately backfire. Already, thousands of Palestinians have been killed in the bombing of Gaza, many of them children. Hundreds of thousands have been forced from their homes. The Israeli government’s decision to cut off food, water and electricity to a captive civilian population threatens not only to worsen a growing humanitarian crisis; it could further harden Palestinian attitudes for generations, erode global support for Israel, play into the hands of Israel’s enemies, and undermine long term efforts to achieve peace and stability in the region.

It’s therefore important that those of us supporting Israel in its time of need encourage a strategy that can incapacitate Hamas while minimizing further civilian casualties. Israel’s recent shift to allow relief trucks into Gaza, prompted in part by the Biden
administration’s behind-the-scenes diplomacy, is an encouraging step, but we need to continue to lead the international community in accelerating critical aid and supplies to an increasingly desperate Gaza population. And while the prospects of future peace may seem more distant than ever, we should call on all of the key actors in the region to engage with those Palestinian leaders and organizations that recognize Israel’s right to exist to begin articulating a viable pathway for Palestinians to achieve their legitimate aspirations for self-determination — because that is the best and perhaps only way to achieve the lasting peace and security most Israeli and Palestinian families yearn for.
44 Finally, in dealing with what is an extraordinarily complex situation where so many people are in pain and passions are understandably running high, all of us need to do our best to put our best values, rather than our worst fears, on display.

That means actively opposing anti-semitism in all its forms, everywhere. It means rejecting efforts to minimize the terrible tragedy that the Israeli people have just endured, as well as the morally-bankrupt suggestion that any cause can somehow justify the deliberate slaughter of innocent people.

It means rejecting anti-Muslim, anti-Arab or anti-Palestinian sentiment. It means refusing to lump all Palestinians with Hamas or other terrorist groups. It means guarding against dehumanizing language towards the people of Gaza, or downplaying Palestinian suffering — whether in Gaza or the West Bank — as irrelevant or illegitimate.

It means recognizing that Israel has every right to exist; that the Jewish people have claim to a secure homeland where they have ancient historical roots; and that there have been instances in which previous Israeli governments made meaningful efforts to resolve the dispute and provide a path for a two-state solution — efforts that were ultimately rebuffed by the other side.

It means acknowledging that Palestinians have also lived in disputed territories for generations; that many of them were not only displaced when Israel was formed but continue to be forcibly displaced by a settler movement that too often has received tacit or explicit support from the Israeli government; that Palestinian leaders who’ve been willing to make concessions for a two-state solution have too often had little to show for their efforts; and that it is possible for people of good will to champion Palestinian rights and oppose certain Israeli government policies in the West Bank and Gaza without being anti-semitic.

Perhaps most of all, it means we should choose not to always assume the worst in those with whom we disagree. In an age of constant rancor, trolling and misinformation on social media, at a time when so many politicians and attention seekers see an advantage in shedding heat rather than light, it may be unrealistic to expect respectful dialogue on any issue — much less on an issue with such high stakes and after so much blood has been spilled. But if we care 45 about keeping open the possibility of peace, security and dignity for future generations of Israeli and Palestinian children — as well as for our own children — then it falls upon all of us to at least make the effort to model, in our own words and actions, the kind of world we want them to inherit.

Here are links to some useful perspectives and background on the conflict:
●Israel Is About to Make a Terrible Mistake by Thomas L. Friedman ● ‘I Love You. I Am Sorry’: One Jew, One Muslim and a Friendship Tested by War by Kurt Streeter
● A Timeline of Israel and Palestine’s Complicated History by Nicole Narea
● Gaza: The Cost of Escalation by Ben Rhodes
46 From: Cindy Sidaris
To: Public Comment; Cindy Sidaris
Subject: [External Sender]Thoughts on a possible City Council Resolution on the war in Gaza Date: Monday, November 13, 2023 1:45:19 PM
Mayor Meadows,
Vice Mayor Weinberg,
Council Members Fligor, Lee Eng, and Dailey,
I understand you may be considering a Resolution to condemn the war in Gaza. I urge you to make a resolution that recognizes all of the complexities of the situation - Hamas's attack on Israel citizens AND the ensuing Israeli attacks on Hamas and Gaza that are resulting in so many civilian casualties. The statement needs to acknowledge the threats, pain, and losses of both Jewish and Palestinian people.

President Barak Obama issued an eloquent and thorough statement about the tragic situation on Medium::
https://barackobama.medium.com/my-statement-on-israel-and-gazaa6c397f09a30#:~:text=But%20if%20we%20care%20about,we%20want%20them%20to%20inherit.

He emphasizes support for Israel's right to defend their citizens. But that Israel must abide by international law, including minimizing the suffering and slaughter of innocent Palestinian civilians.

I'll include portions of his statement:
" ...we should call on all of the key actors in the region to engage with those Palestinian leaders and organizations that recognize Israel’s right to exist to begin articulating a viable pathway for Palestinians to achieve their legitimate aspirations for selfdetermination — because that is the best and perhaps only way to achieve the lasting peace and security most Israeli and Palestinian families yearn for." “Finally, in dealing with what is an extraordinarily complex situation where so many people are in pain and passions are understandably running high, all of us need to do our best to put our best values, rather than our worst fears, on display. “That means actively opposing antisemitism in all its forms, everywhere. It means rejecting efforts to minimize the terrible tragedy that the Israeli people have just endured, as well as the morally-bankrupt suggestion that any cause can somehow justify the deliberate slaughter of innocent people.
“It means rejecting anti-Muslim, anti-Arab or anti-Palestinian sentiment. It means refusing to lump all Palestinians with Hamas or other terrorist groups. It means guarding against dehumanizing language towards the people of Gaza, or downplaying Palestinian suffering — whether in Gaza or the West Bank — as irrelevant or illegitimate. “It means recognizing that Israel has every right to exist; that the Jewish people have claim to a secure homeland where they have ancient historical roots; and that there have been instances in which previous Israeli governments made meaningful efforts to resolve the dispute and provide a path for a two-state solution — efforts that were ultimately 47 rebuffed by the other side.
“It means acknowledging that Palestinians have also lived in disputed territories for generations; that many of them were not only displaced when Israel was formed but continue to be forcibly displaced by a settler movement that too often has received tacit or explicit support from the Israeli government; that Palestinian leaders who’ve been willing to make concessions for a two-state solution have too often had little to show for their efforts; and that it is possible for people of good will to champion Palestinian rights and oppose certain Israeli government policies in the West Bank and Gaza without being anti-semitic.
“Perhaps most of all, it means we should choose not to always assume the worst in those with whom we disagree. In an age of constant rancor, trolling and misinformation on social media, at a time when so many politicians and attention seekers see an advantage in shedding heat rather than light, it may be unrealistic to expect respectful dialogue on any issue — much less on an issue with such high stakes and after so much blood has been spilled. But if we care about keeping open the possibility of peace, security and dignity for future generations of Israeli and Palestinian children — as well as for our own children — then it falls upon all of us to at least make the effort to model, in our own words and actions, the kind of world we want them to inherit.

Respectfully,
Cindy Sidaris
Los Altos Resident
48 From: Anam Soomro
To: Public Comment
Subject: 11/14 - Council Meeting Discussion Item 6
Date: Tuesday, November 14, 2023 12:03:53 PM
Dear council member,
I urge the council to maintain a sustainable perspective when making a statement regarding what is happening in the Middle East right now. Your words hold power, there your constituents across many religions and ethnicities are feeling divided and pitted against each other. It does not have to be this way.

Justice has no exceptions. While there is no excuse for innocent life lost at the hands of a terrorist organization, there most certainly is no excuse for innocent life lost at the hands of one of the top sophisticated militaries in the world funded and defended by America.

Condemning Hamas without condemning Netanyahu’s regime would be slanted, unjust, and further perpetuating divides in our community.

What Mayor Klein, Vice Mayor Din, and Councilmembers Mehlinger and Ciscneros have done empathizing with all children lost in conflict but recognizing the ongoing terror on Palestinian children was an honorable decision. They expect to be divided, but I am hopeful that your leadership has the integrity to separate the perpetrators from the victims and stand on the side of humanity.

Sincerely,
Anam Soomro
49 From: Ola Albaroudi
To: Public Comment
Subject: 11/14/23 Agenda Item Number 5
Date: Monday, November 13, 2023 4:47:03 PM
Hi,
I am following up on item #5 in the Agenda for the City Council meeting on Nov 14.

5. Discuss the Council issuing a potential resolution, or any possible action, denouncing the Hamas attacks against Israel
While I understand that this issue is close to many people's hearts, I would like to point out that by making an assertion on what is a very contentious issue the council will then have to subsequently in good faith commit to what the UN has asserted and now increasingly the US government has pointing out as well is that there should be a ceasefire of hostilities and a commitment to protect civilian lives.

The Council should hence either have a more nuanced resolution which covers the entire issue as laid out by the UN or simply just abstain and focus on city affairs. Venturing into this will additionally set a precedent where most international issues will technically be eligible. I can then imagine this council debating what resolution to pass and with what language every month.

Best regards,
Ola Albaroudi
Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPhone
50 From: Andeleeb Khan
To: Public Comment
Subject: 11/14/23 Meeting Agenda Item #5
Date: Monday, November 13, 2023 4:06:42 PM
Dear Mayor Meadows, Vice-Mayor Weinberg, Councilmember Lee Eng, Councilmember Fligor, and Councilmember Dailey,
Good afternoon. I have been a Los Altos resident for the past 8 years.

During these current times I know that there are many members of our community that are extremely affected by the ongoing war in Gaza and also facing bias and fear right here due to a rise in anti-semitism and Islamophobia.

If you are considering passing a resolution in Los Altos, I would support a resolution that condemns Hamas, condemns the collective punishment inflicted upon the 2.2 million people of Gaza by the Israeli government, and stands with the families of the hostages and the people of Palestine in calling for a return of hostages and an immediate ceasefire. Here is the resolution that was adopted by the city of Richmond that stands with the Palestinian people of Gaza: https://contracostaherald.com/wpcontent/uploads/2023/10/118-23-Adopted-Resolution-AffirmingRichmonds-Support-for-Gaza-10-24-2023.pdf. And this is a similar resolution that the city of Cudahy, CA passed (see page 41 onwards):
https://www.cityofcudahy.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_11072023- 391
But I would also support a Unity resolution that focuses and supports those who are hurting here in Los Altos and to make sure that hate does not permeate our town. For that reason, a fellow Los Altos resident has drafted a sample Unity Resolution that calls for supporting all members of our community that are impacted. Please let me know if you would be 51 interested in discussing this further.

Sincerely,
Andeleeb
52 From: Emad Ahmed
To: Public Comment
Subject: A Request
Date: Tuesday, November 14, 2023 1:54:50 PM
Dear council members and whom it may concern,
I strongly suggest the council to maintain a fair perspective when making a statement regarding what is happening in the Middle East right now. Your words hold power, your constituents across many religions and ethnicities are feeling divided and pitted against each other. It does not have to be this way.

Condemning Hamas without condemning Netanyahu’s regime would be slanted, unjust, and further perpetuating divides in our community.

Just to give you an idea over 11000 Palestinians have been killed, at least 4000 of which are children. This is way beyond self defense for any reasonable person and targeting civilians is violation of international law https://www.reuters.com/graphics/ISRAELPALESTINIANS/GAZA-JABALIA/byprrdygjpe/ What Mayor Klein, Vice Mayor Din, and Councilmembers Mehlinger and Ciscneros have done in empathizing with all children lost in conflict but recognizing the ongoing terror on Palestinian children was an honorable decision. They expect us to be divided, but I am hopeful that your leadership has the integrity to separate the perpetrators from the victims and stand on the side of humanity.

Please understand that loss of life and oppression goes beyond politics and this is about human rights, not defending one country or another.

Regards,
Emad
53 From: Asim Memon
To: Public Comment
Subject: Agenda for 11/14
Date: Monday, November 13, 2023 7:53:53 PM
Hello,
I am following up on item #5 in the Agenda for the City Council meeting on Nov 14.

5. Discuss the Council issuing a potential resolution, or any possible action, denouncing the Hamas attacks against Israel
While I understand that this issue is close to many people's hearts, I would like to point out that by making an assertion on what is a very contentious issue, the council will then have to subsequently in good faith commit to what the UN has voiced and now increasingly the US government pointing out as well is that there should be a humanitarian ceasefire of hostilities and a commitment to protect civilian lives.

The Council should then either have a more nuanced resolution which covers the entire issue as laid out by the UN or simply just abstain and focus on city affairs. Venturing into this will additionally set a precedent where most international issues will technically be eligible. I can then imagine this council debating what resolution to pass and with what language every month.

Thank you
54 From: Zia Syed
To: Public Comment
Subject: agenda item #5 concerns for Nov 14th meeting
Date: Monday, November 13, 2023 9:01:43 PM
Hello Everyone, I hope you are all doing well. I have been a resident of Los Altos for the last 6 years and just learned about agenda item #5 for tomorrow's meeting.

Hamas attacks were horrible and should be condemned in the strongest possible way. What surprises me is to see such an item on a local city's agenda. Are you going to pass resolutions to support the UN's support for a ceasefire too? Did the council pass a resolution condemning September 11 attacks? Or the Russian invasion of Ukraine? In addition, how many cities and towns will pass such resolutions and who are we trying to appease? Isn't the US government level statement against these attacks enough? Or are we worried that there is open support for Hamas and we have to take such a position? I'll appreciate it if the council can fight the pressure to take on such agenda items in future and focus city's resources on the mandate given to the council.

Thanks,
Zia Syed
1540 Kensington Cir
Los Altos, CA 94024
55 From: Renee Rashid
To: Public Comment
Subject: CC Meeting 11/14/23 Item #5
Date: Monday, November 13, 2023 2:25:14 PM
Attachments: Sample LA Resolution.pdf
As a long time Los Altos resident, I know that there are many members of our community that are extremely affected by the ongoing war in Gaza and also facing bias and fear right here due to a rise in anti-semitism and Islamophobia.

If you are considering passing a resolution in Los Altos, I would support a resolution that condemns Hamas, condemns the collective punishment inflicted upon the 2.2 million people of Gaza by the Israeli government, and stands with the families of the hostages and the people of Palestine in calling for a return of hostages and immediate ceasefire. Here is the resolution that was adopted by the city of Richmond that stands with the Palestinian people of Gaza: https://contracostaherald.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/118-23- Adopted-Resolution-Affirming-Richmonds-Support-for-Gaza-10-24-2023.pdf. And this is a similar resolution that the city of Cudahy, CA passed (see page 41 onwards):
https://www.cityofcudahy.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_11072023-391 But I would also support a Unity resolution that focuses and supports those who are hurting here in Los Altos and to make sure that hate does not permeate our town. For that reason, I have drafted a sample Unity Resolution that calls for supporting all members of our community that are impacted. Please let me know if you would be interested in discussing this further.

Sincerely,
Renee Rashid
56 From: Hira Khanzada
To: Public Comment
Subject: Comment on Israel Palestine Issue
Date: Tuesday, November 14, 2023 1:42:34 PM
Dear council members,
My email is with regards to the council's recent statements on the Israel Hamas conflict. I urge you to take a more balanced approach- your comments are one-sided and isolating an entire segment of your constituency.

Justice has no exceptions. While there is no excuse for innocent life lost at the hands of a terrorist organization, there most certainly is no excuse for innocent life lost at the hands of Israel and the USA, two developed and very safe countries.

What Mayor Klein, Vice Mayor Din, and Councilmembers Mehlinger and Ciscneros have done was exemplary in taking a stand to voice for a ceasefire. Please follow suit or at least provide recognition that a ceasefire will allow more targeted efforts at finding Hamas to occur.

Sincerely,
Hira Khanzada
Family Psychotherapist and Licensed Clinical Social Worker Silicon Valley Resident and Serving Silicon Valley Families 57 From: Aifra Ahmed
To: Public Comment
Subject: Concerns about agenda Item #5 on Nov 14 City Council Meeting Date: Monday, November 13, 2023 10:12:26 PM
Dear Council Members,
I hope this email finds you well.

I am writing to express my concerns about agenda item #5 to be discussed at tomorrow's city council meeting, specifically addressing the Hamas attacks against Israel.

As a long time resident of the city of Los Altos, a local physician and a public school parent volunteer, I pride myself on raising my family in a town that upholds the values of inclusion and diversity. I am deeply concerned that the city council's decision to discuss this polarizing topic will not do anything to unite the residents at this challenging time, rather it will further divide them.

I would like to understand how a resolution that focuses on an international conflict has become the responsibility of the City Council to comment on and how does this matter align with the City Council's charter.

I strongly recommend the City Council to not take a side on this international conflict. And if you must, then a "unity" resolution should be considered that acknowledges the suffering of all parties involved, and in alignment with the UN's stance, calls out the atrocities including war crimes that have been and continue to be committed on both sides of this conflict and the ongoing human rights violations against children.

Thank you for your consideration.

Aifra Ahmed
58 From: Malika Junaid
To: Public Comment
Subject: Concerns Regarding Agenda Item #5 on Nov 14 City Council Meeting Date: Tuesday, November 14, 2023 12:45:55 PM
Dear Council Members,
I trust this letter finds you well. I am writing to express my reservations about Agenda Item #5 scheduled for discussion during the upcoming City Council meeting on November 14, specifically addressing the Council's potential resolution or action denouncing the Hamas attacks against Israel.

First and foremost, I want to emphasize my longstanding commitment to the City of Los Altos and my deep involvement spanning over two decades. Throughout this time, I have proudly supported and advocated for City of Los Altos inclusive and diverse atmosphere. It is with this commitment in mind that I raise concerns about taking a stance on an international affair, such as the conflict between Hamas and Israel.

I would like to draw your attention to the City Council's charter, which outlines the responsibility of determining city policies and service standards. As articulated in the charter, the Council's primary focus is on issues directly impacting the City of Los Altos. Engaging in matters of international conflict sets a precedent that may lead to unintended consequences, potentially conflicting with the Council's core mission.

I have two key points for consideration that I would like to elaborate on:

1. Why take a stance on an international affair?
a. The Council's charter underscores its role in shaping local policies and service standards. b. Venturing into international conflicts may risk misalignment with established global perspectives, such as those presented by the United Nations. c. The Council should either adopt a comprehensive resolution covering the entire issue in line with UN perspectives or abstain from taking a stance on international matters to maintain neutrality.

2. Addressing the Impact on Youth:
a. If the Council adopts a resolution on this international matter, it raises the challenge of explaining the selection of one event over others to our youth. b. We must consider how to justify this decision to our younger generation in the context of potential misalignment with the UN's stance on the conflict. Is UN not an important body? c. Adopting a resolution on international conflicts could set a precedent for future decisions, and we need to thoughtfully address how this aligns with our values as a community and thus effect the future leaders, our Youth.
59 In conclusion, I strongly recommend that the Council abstain from taking a position on this matter. Instead, let us encourage unity and collaboration within our community during these challenging times. Focusing on our local charter and responsibilities will help maintain the inclusive and harmonious atmosphere that makes the City of Los Altos truly exceptional.

Thank you for your attention to this matter, and I remain hopeful for a thoughtful, inclusive, and considerate discussion during tomorrows City Council meeting.

Thank you,
Malika Junaid
M. Designs Architects Malika Junaid Principal Architect M. Designs Architects
Website: mdesignsarchitects.com
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 650.565.9036
Cell: 408.431.9289
Office: 4131 W El Camino Real, Suite 200
Palo Alto, CA 94306
60 From: Einav Garten
To: Public Comment
Subject: Condemning Hamas and Supporting Israel
Date: Thursday, November 9, 2023 8:56:00 PM
Hello. My name is Einav Garten, I am a 14 year old American-Israeli jew living in Los Altos.

My entire life, I have always felt that Israel is my home, and visiting my grandparents and relatives every year connected me to my Israeli culture and roots furthermore.

On October 7th, my home was changed forever. For the past month, I see news and videos online and fear for my family’s faces among the victims. I am a freshman at Los Altos High school, and recently there was a pro-Palestine march, kids watching American news channels and pretending they are educated. I wonder, what are they supporting? From the river to the sea, palestine will be free? The extermination of jews in all of Israel? The murder, torture, rape and kidnapping of men, women, elderly, children, and babies? I cannot fathom what kind of “freedom fighters” use their own people as human shields, use children’s hospitals as their base of operations, and post videos of their horrendous actions, taking pride in what they have done. They have ruined my home, millions of people’s home, and the idea that jews will ever be treated equally with other people.

I have never imagined feeling unsafe wearing a shirt with hebrew writing, fearing that someone who supports terrorism against civilians might hurt me. How am I the one who is afraid? The one who has already lost family members to Hamas. How is it a debate when a country defends itself from horrific terrorism? How is this two sided? How is the world not unified against them? How?
61 From: Debra strichartz
To: Public Comment
Subject: Discusiion of Staement from City Council regarding Israeld and Gaza Date: Monday, November 13, 2023 1:59:18 PM
As a long time member of the Los Altos community and a Jewish adult I hope that a measured unity statement can be determined by the Los Altos City Council.

In the midst of the ongoing conflict between Israel and Gaza, the people on all sides need to stand together in recognition of the immense suffering and loss experienced. I condemn the violence and loss of life and call for an immediate ceasefire. It is only through dialogue, mutual understanding and a commitment to coexistence that a lasting resolution can be achieved. My thoughts are with all of those impacted and urge all parties to work towards a sustainable peace that respects the dignity and rights of all individuals in the region.

Debra Strichartz
100 Sioux Lane
Los Altos, CA 94022
650-224-9490
62 From: Chen Attar
To: Public Comment
Subject: For the city council meeting Nov.14 - Urgent Concern - Rising Anti-Israel Anti-Semitism and Anti-US acts of hate Date: Monday, November 13, 2023 2:42:42 PM
Dear Mayor, Vice Mayor, and Esteemed City Council Members, I write to you today with grave concern regarding the alarming surge in anti-Israel, antiSemitic, and anti-American acts that have unfolded this past week.

1. In LA a Jewish man was killed by pro-palestinian man, who happens to be a computer science professor, during a rally: https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/man-dieshitting-head-israel-palestinian-rallies-california-officials-rcna123942

2. In NY city , on Veteran’s day, US and UN flags were thrown and were replaced with Palestinian flags :
https://www.newsweek.com/videos-show-ny-chaos-anti-israel-protestor-tears-down-usflags-1842847. ( if you scroll - you’ll see the movie)

3.Prominent universities such as Stanford, Harvard, Columbia, and most recently, MIT, have experienced disturbing displays of hatred, as exemplified by this recent incident at MIT last week:
https://nypost.com/2023/11/10/news/jewish-students-at-mit-blocked-from-attendingclasses-by-hostile-anti-israel-protesters/

4.In Israel, IDF forces in the Northern of Gaza find a copy of Adolf Hitler “Mein Kampf “ in Hamas base , which is the Nazi’s manifesto , translated to Arabic, replete with notes and marked sections:
https://www.timesofisrael.com/herzog-arabic-copy-of-mein-kampf-found-on-hamasterrorist-shows-what-war-is-about/ These incidents, which have occurred within the past week alone, underscore a distressing ideological conflict, with Hamas driven by a destructive anti-Semitic agenda that seeks to replicate the horrors of history. Chants such as "From the river to the Sea, Palestine will be free" effectively advocate for the eradication of the Jewish people.

We cannot stand idly by while history threatens to repeat itself, and we are profoundly alarmed and afraid by the current state of affairs. As our trusted community leaders, we implore you to take decisive action against these acts of hatred and the inflammatory rhetoric accompanying them. We kindly request that you initiate a clear resolution condemning recent terrorist acts, sending a powerful message of unity against hate.

Thank you for your immediate attention to this matter. We look to you for leadership in these troubling times.

Chen
63 64
From: Ravid Haselkorn-Galatin
To: Public Comment
Subject: Fw: Condemn Hamas Terrorism and Fight Riding Antisemitism Date: Thursday, November 9, 2023 8:49:00 PM
Dear Mayor and Council Members,
We deeply appreciate the recent statement from the mayor published in the local newspaper, offering hope and unity to our Jewish and Israeli community during these challenging times.

We also want to share our concerns about rising anti-Semitism, causing fear and isolation in our community. As community leaders, your clear and firm statement against terrorism, anti-Semitism, and hatred would greatly influence our sense of belonging and help combat anti-Semitic incidents.

We respectfully request an official proclamation condemning recent terrorist acts and promoting inclusivity in our community. This proclamation would send a powerful message of unity against hate.

Thank you for your attention. We look forward to your positive response in making Los Altos a place of mutual respect and inclusivity.

Sincerely,
Ravid Galatin
Resident
Sent from AT&T Yahoo Mail for iPhone
65 From: Vadim Katz
To: Public Comment
Subject: Fwd: Request to Condemn Hamas Terrorism and Fight Rising Anti-Semitism Date: Thursday, November 9, 2023 7:58:29 PM
Dear Mayor Meadows and Esteemed Council Members,
Please read this message entirely. It is important and thank you.

We want to express our appreciation for the mayor's recent statement published in the local newspaper. This statement deeply resonated with our family as well as with all Jewish and Israeli residents of our community, serving as a source of support and leadership during these trying times.

We want to share our concerns about the challenges our community currently faces. Our social media feeds and news are full of images of pro-Palestinian demonstrations. There are graphic images of human suffering and structural destruction that very effectively appeal to any normal human being to express support for the immediate end of the conflict and as a mean to achieving it find who is empowered to make it possible. This mostly has led to calls against Israel’s actions or US support since a few days after October 7th. So, why are most of such expressions anti-Semitic and why do we call upon you to issue an official proclamation condemning the terrorist attack by Hamas and emphasize the importance of recognizing bias against Israel and the Jewish People? We had only two people among friends and co-workers reach out to check on us by Monday, October 9th. This is after two days of processing the information including our posts on LinkedIn that the terrorist attack on October 7th was Israel’s and Jewish 9/11 times 10! This is not ok. Not only we are not ok because of the actual event, we are not ok knowing that so many close friends and work partners failed to recognize our need for their support. Why did so many good people who have supported each other through Covid fail us this time? We think the answer is being numb due to the history of conflict and suffering in the Middle East. Our friends, colleagues, and community members unconsciously protected themselves from yet another bad news. This is why we respectfully suggest you continue to act. John C. Maxwell, an American author and Christian leader once said:
"Leadership is not about titles, positions, or flowcharts. It's about one life influencing another." Your influence as the leaders of Los Altos is essential to help good people recognize that silence is not an option if we want to maintain an inclusive community. We need your help to spread the message that a month after the terrorist attack, 240 people of various nationalities including Americans are still held hostage and the families of 1500 will forever miss their loved ones. This should not be hard if the moral stance is your only guiding principle.

Israel has the right to defend itself and its citizens. So, why so many people are so loudly 66 and often violently condemning Israel for its actions after it was attacked on October 7th? They include students in Los Altos High and the most prestigious universities like Stanford just a few miles away, academics as well as political and business leaders. Thomas Friedman of the New York Times got it right when he said, “Criticizing Israel is not antiSemitic, and saying so is vile. But singling out Israel for the opprobrium and international sanction - out of all proposition to any other party in the Middle East - is anti-Semitic, and not saying so is dishonest”. None of these people expressed any concerns when Saudi Arabia killed 15,000 civilians during its bombing campaign in Yemen. They have not called for Hamas to release hostages or considered that Hamas is perhaps the one who has occupied Palestinian people by using them as human shields building missile factories under and inside schools, mosques, and hospitals. They did not march on Veterans Square here in Los Altos condemning Turkey for killing Kurds or ISIS for raping Yazidi women.

They don’t do that because they are all biased against the Jews. Their behavior is antisemitic. Your voice is essential in exposing this for what it is. The Jewish community needs your support. You have an unfortunate opportunity to define your legacy as Los Altos city leaders by proactively condemning anti-semitism and facing those who may challenge you.

We, the Jews, do it all the time and this time we need your allyship.

Thank you for your time and attention. We remain hopeful for a positive response to this request and eagerly look forward to continuing our collaborative efforts to make Los Altos a place of inclusivity and mutual respect for all.

Sincerely,
Vadim Katz and Tania Bekerman
67 From: Sameena Usman
To: Public Comment
Subject: Hamas resolution
Date: Monday, November 13, 2023 11:09:14 AM
Dear Los Altos councilmembers,
I believe in the sanctity of life, especially for those who are children and noncombatants. I also believe in the universal right to freedom, which has been stripped away from the people of Gaza, who have been living in an open air prison/concentration camp for the past 15 years without the ability of freedom of movement and access to humanitarian needs. In the past month, 11,000+ people have been murdered at the hands of the Israeli government, half of those who are children.

Hospitals and places of worship have been bombed, and those who are not under the rubble has been picked off by Israeli snipers. So, to introduce a resolution that is calling out Hamas, without recognizing the conditions that have led to the creation and the actions of Hamas is unjust and one-sided.

I pray for the safe return of the 230 people who have been held hostage by Hamas, as well as the 10,000+ Palestinians (including thousands of women/children) held in Israeli military detention camps. Please do not support this one-sided resolution and instead speak for truth and justice for all Sameena
68 From: Roberta Phillips
To: Public Comment
Subject: Item #5 Council Meeting Nov 14, 2023
Date: Monday, November 13, 2023 10:39:11 AM
Dear Council Members
I support a resolution by the City Council to support Israel's right to defend themselves against terrorist attacks.

Roberta Phillips
650-941-6940.
69 From: Jill Levitt
To: Public Comment
Subject: Los Altos Against Terror
Date: Thursday, November 9, 2023 10:48:26 PM
Dear Mayor and Council Members,
We deeply appreciate the recent statement from the mayor published in the local newspaper, offering hope and unity to our Jewish and Israeli community during these challenging times.

We respectfully request an official proclamation condemning recent terrorist acts and promoting inclusivity in our community. This proclamation would send a powerful message of unity against hate.

Thank you for your attention. We look forward to your positive response in making Los Altos a place of mutual respect and inclusivity.

Warmly, Jill Levitt
--
Jill Levitt, Ph.D. PSY 21706
Adjunct Clinical Faculty, Stanford University Department of Psychiatry Director of Training, Feeling Good Institute
650.468.6646
2660 Solace Place, Suite D2, Mountain View, CA 94040
[email protected]
FeelingGoodInstitute.com
sfbayareatherapy.com
70 LuxSci: Secure communications
71 From: Dana Nachman
To: Public Comment
Subject: Los Altos should condemn terror
Date: Thursday, November 9, 2023 8:22:12 PM
Dear Mayor and Council Members,
We deeply appreciate the recent statement from the mayor published in the local newspaper, offering hope and unity to our Jewish and Israeli community during these challenging times.

We respectfully request an official proclamation condemning recent terrorist acts and promoting inclusivity in our community. This proclamation would send a powerful message of unity against hate.

Thank you for your attention. We look forward to your positive response in making Los Altos a place of mutual respect and inclusivity.

Sincerely,
Dana Nachman
72 From: Siema Zia
To: Public Comment
Subject: Meeting agenda #5
Date: Tuesday, November 14, 2023 11:14:43 AM
Dear Council ,
I am writing regarding your item #5 listed below on your agenda :

Discuss the Council issuing a potential resolution, or any possible action, denouncing the Hamas attacks against Israel .

As a local Los Altos resident for over 15 years , I am extremely concerned that you have this on your agenda for tonight’s meeting as an international issue and an obvious stance on a one sided narrative that fails to recognize the 11000+ Palestinian lives lost including over 5000 children .

We need to draw more on unity , inclusivity, peace , collaborations, mourning and honoring together all the lives that have been lost in this conflict as EVERY human life matters .

Thank you.

Siema
Sent from my iPhone
73 From: egcom
To: Public Comment
Subject: November 14th meeting - Support condemnation of Hamas and hate crimes Date: Friday, November 10, 2023 10:12:21 PM
Dear Leaders,
I am a resident of Los Altos with three kids in Los Altos schools. I love the city and it's diverse community and quality of life it offers.

The acts of Pure Evil by the terrorist group of the Hamas and Islamic Jihad that occurred within the legal territory of Israel are unimaginable and are equivalent to Isis behavior on steroids.

As a community of people that promote living in peace and understanding of all faiths and nationalities I hereby request you to publicly separate yourself from Pure Evil like Hamas by condemning them publicly in the strongest and most visible way. It is not about the israelipalestinian conflict, it's about humanity vs. evil.

If we don't stand United as the good side against evil and instead stay silent we signal to our own community and to the terrorists that we don't care and that repeating such Acts maybe accepted by the world community. I also think that the city should publicly state that he has zero tolerance to any hate crimes including anti-Semitic and islamophobic behavior. We should educate our community that such Acts will not be tolerated in our peaceful City.

Eli G.

North Los Altos resident.
74 From: Shirit Rosenberg
To: Public Comment
Subject: PUBLIC COMMENT - AGENDA ITEM 05 - 11/14/2023 Request to Condemn Hamas Terrorism and Fight Rising Anti-Semitism
Date: Sunday, November 12, 2023 5:19:09 PM
Dear Mayor and Council Members,
We deeply appreciate the recent statement from the mayor published in the local newspaper, offering hope and unity to our Jewish and Israeli community during these challenging times.

We respectfully request an official resolution condemning recent terrorist acts and promoting inclusivity in our community. This resolution would send a powerful message of unity against hate.

Thank you for your attention. We look forward to your positive response in making Los Altos a place of mutual respect and inclusivity.

Sincerely,
Shirit Kamil-Rosenberg, EdD, ACSM CEP
75 From: Karen Dayan
To: Public Comment
Subject: PUBLIC COMMENT - AGENDA ITEM 05 - 11/14/2023 Request to Condemn Hamas Terrorism and Fight Rising Anti-Semitism
Date: Monday, November 13, 2023 12:16:25 PM
Dear Mayor and Council Members,
My family and I, residents of Los Altos for several years, appreciate the mayor's recent statement against hatred and violence.

We continue to be worried about rising anti-Semitism in the area and feel worried about the safety of ourselves and our children. We ask you to make a resolution condemning terrorism and anti-Semitism, to show unity against hate.

Your support can make a big difference in our community. Please consider this request.

Thank you for your time.

Sincerely,
Karen Dayan
2120 Stonehaven Dr. Los Altos
76 From: Nellie Brook
To: Public Comment
Subject: PUBLIC COMMENT - AGENDA ITEM 05 - 11/14/2023 Request to Condemn Hamas Terrorism and Fight Rising Anti-Semitism
Date: Friday, November 10, 2023 10:55:11 PM
Dear Mayor and Esteemed Council Members,
First and foremost, we wish to convey our profound gratitude for the heartfelt statement made by the mayor, as it was published in the local newspaper. This statement touched the hearts of Jewish and Israeli residents in our community. It served as a beacon of hope and solidarity, reminding us of the importance of local leadership in promoting understanding and harmony.

We also wish to candidly share our concerns regarding the precarious state of our community. The Jewish and Israeli population in Los Altos currently experiences a sense of isolation and vulnerability. We watch with increasing anxiety as anti-Semitism rises across the United States, causing distress and fear within our community. It is at times like these that we turn to our community leaders, such as yourselves, as the moral compass to guide our community through these tumultuous times.

Your collective voice holds tremendous power. A clear and unequivocal statement from our city's leadership, condemning acts of terrorism and, importantly, expressing a resolute stance against anti-Semitism and hatred, can have a profound impact. It would not only bolster the sense of belonging of the Jewish and Israeli community in Los Altos but also help in stemming the tide of anti-Semitic incidents that have become all too common.

We humbly request that the City of Los Altos consider issuing a proclamation condemning the recent terrorist acts of Hamas and emphasizing the importance of eradicating antiSemitism and promoting inclusivity in our community. Such a statement would send a powerful message of unity, demonstrating that our city stands firmly against hate, intolerance, and violence.

In closing, we earnestly hope that you, our esteemed Mayor and City Council, will consider our request and take action to issue an official statement. Your support in this matter would not only provide solace to our community but also contribute to a stronger, more harmonious Los Altos.

Thank you for your time and attention. We remain hopeful for a positive response to our request and look forward to continuing our collaborative efforts in making Los Altos a place of inclusivity and mutual respect for all.

Sincerely,
Nellie Brook
77 78
From: Einat Meisel
To: Public Comment
Subject: PUBLIC COMMENT - AGENDA ITEM 05 - 11/14/2023 Request to Condemn Hamas Terrorism and Fight Rising Anti-Semitism
Date: Sunday, November 12, 2023 6:33:26 PM
Dear Mayor and Council Members,
We deeply appreciate the recent statement from the mayor published in the local newspaper, offering hope and unity to our Jewish and Israeli community during these challenging times.

We respectfully request an official resolution condemning recent terrorist acts and promoting inclusivity in our community. This resolution would send a powerful message of unity against hate.

Thank you for your attention. We look forward to your positive response in making Los Altos a place of mutual respect and inclusivity.

Sincerely,

EINAT MEISEL
Partner | Fenwick & West LLP | Direct +1 650-335-7818<tel:+1%20650-335-7818> | Cell +1 650-646- 1463<tel:+1%20650-646-1463> | [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]> Admitted to practice in Israel and California
79 From: Aviad Pinkovezky
To: Public Comment
Subject: PUBLIC COMMENT - AGENDA ITEM 05 - 11/14/2023 Request to Condemn Hamas Terrorism and Fight Rising Anti-Semitism
Date: Monday, November 13, 2023 11:05:49 AM
Dear Mayor and Esteemed Council Members,
We want to express our appreciation for the mayor's recent statement, which was published in the local newspaper. This statement deeply resonated with the Jewish and Israeli residents of our community, serving as a source of hope and unity during these trying times.

We also wish to share our concerns about the challenges our community currently faces.

The Jewish and Israeli population in Los Altos is feeling isolated and vulnerable as antiSemitism continues to rise across the United States, causing distress and fear. During such times, we look to our community leaders, like yourselves, to provide guidance and leadership.

Your collective voice holds significant influence. A clear and unwavering statement from our city's leadership, condemning acts of terrorism, and firmly denouncing anti-Semitism and hatred, can have a profound impact. Such a statement would not only strengthen the sense of belonging within the Jewish and Israeli community in Los Altos but also play a crucial role in combating the surge of anti-Semitic incidents.

We respectfully request that the City of Los Altos consider issuing an official resolution condemning the recent terrorist acts of Hamas and emphasizing the importance of eradicating anti-Semitism while promoting inclusivity in our community. This resolution would send a powerful message of unity, affirming that our city stands united against hate, intolerance, and violence.

We sincerely hope that you, our esteemed Mayor and City Council, will give thoughtful consideration to our request and take action to issue this official statement. Your support in this matter would provide comfort to our community and contribute to a stronger, more harmonious Los Altos.

Thank you for your time and attention. We remain hopeful for a positive response to our request and eagerly look forward to continuing our collaborative efforts to make Los Altos a place of inclusivity and mutual respect for all.

Sincerely,
Aviad Pinkovezky
80 From: Yana M.

To: Public Comment
Subject: PUBLIC COMMENT - AGENDA ITEM 05 - 11/14/2023 Request to Condemn Hamas Terrorism and Fight Rising Anti-Semitism
Date: Monday, November 13, 2023 10:05:00 AM
Dear Mayor and Council Members,
We deeply appreciate the recent statement from the mayor published in the local newspaper, offering hope and unity to our Jewish and Israeli community during these challenging times.

We respectfully request an official resolution condemning recent terrorist acts and promoting inclusivity in our community. This resolution would send a powerful message of unity against hate.

Thank you for your attention. We look forward to your positive response in making Los Altos a place of mutual respect and inclusivity.

Sincerely,
Yana Mlynash
81 From: Tanya Maluf
To: Public Comment
Subject: Public Comment Item #5,11/14/23
Date: Monday, November 13, 2023 9:10:36 PM
Dear Mayor Meadows, Vice-Mayor Weinberg, and Councilmembers Lee Eng, Fligor, and Dailey, I am unclear why now, 38 days later, a decision is being made about denouncing the Hamas attack. It was a heinous act and should be denounced and now any resolution or action must also address a release of the hostages and the disproportionate response by the Israeli government that continues to this day. On October 27th Israel launched a ground invasion into Gaza. The bombings have been relentless. Family lines have ended for about 40 Palestinian families. The oldest Christian community in the world lives in Gaza. They now fear extinction. Drinkable water is unavailable. The already spotty provision of electricity has devolved into none leaving patients in hospitals relying on machines for survival, to die. The value of a Hamas militant's life is proving to be more valuable than that of innocent civilians, some thinking they would be safe taking refuge in schools and hospitals. More than 11,000 Gazans have been killed since the ground invasion began. 4,609 were children.

I beg you to reflect the value of a Palestinian's life as equal to that of an Israeli's life in whatever you decide to do as a Council. Please do not continue the historic pattern of Palestinian erasure. You have constituents from both sides of this war who are suffering.

You have the ability to make a difference.

Respectfully yours,
Tanya Maluf
"History, despite its wrenching pain, cannot be unlived, but if faced with courage, need not be lived again." - from Maya Angelou's poem, On the Pulse of Morning.
82 From: Bill Hough
To: Public Comment
Cc: City Council
Subject: public comment regarding item #5 on 11/14/2023 agenda Date: Thursday, November 9, 2023 6:51:23 PM
The Hamas attacks against Israel were an atrocity. It is difficult for me to discuss terrorism without using inappropriate language. I was in New York on 9/11, so I have first-hand knowledge regarding how awful the indiscriminate killing of innocent non-combatants can be. I was close enough to the World Trade Center site to smell the unpleasant odor of burnt flesh that was present after the atrocity.

That said, there is no reason beyond stupid virtue signaling for the Los Altos City Council to waste time and effort to state the obvious. It is not Council's place to opine on foreign events. regardless of how awful these events might be. There are enough issues in governing this town without wasting time on inappropriate virtue signaling.

Council needs to stay in its lane and deal with City issues. 83 From: aaiza khalid
To: Public Comment
Subject: Re Condemning Hammas without condemning Israel Date: Tuesday, November 14, 2023 1:24:49 PM
Dear council members,
I urge the council to maintain a sustainable perspective when making a statement regarding what is happening in the Middle East right now. Your words hold power, your constituents across many religions and ethnicities are feeling divided and pitted against each other. It does not have to be this way.

Condemning Hamas without condemning Netanyahu’s regime would be slanted, unjust, and further perpetuating divides in our community.

What Mayor Klein, Vice Mayor Din, and Councilmembers Mehlinger and Ciscneros have done empathizing with all children lost in conflict but recognizing the ongoing terror on Palestinian children was an honorable decision. They expect us to be divided, but I am hopeful that your leadership has the integrity to separate the perpetrators from the victims and stand on the side of humanity.

Sincerely,
Aaiza Khalid
84 From: Luba Palant
To: Public Comment
Subject: Request for Official Proclamation Against Anti-Semitism Date: Thursday, November 9, 2023 8:18:31 PM
Dear Mayor and Council Members,
We appreciate your recent statement in the local newspaper, providing hope and unity to our Jewish and Israeli community. We are also concerned about the escalating anti-Semitism causing fear and isolation. As community leaders, your strong stance against terrorism, anti-Semitism, and hatred would greatly enhance our sense of belonging and help counteract such incidents. We respectfully request an official proclamation condemning recent terrorist acts and promoting inclusivity in our community. This proclamation would send a powerful message of unity against hate.

Thank you for your attention, and we anticipate your positive response in fostering mutual respect and inclusivity in Los Altos.

Sincerely,
Luba and Igor Palant
85 From: [email protected]
To: Public Comment
Subject: Request to condemn Hamas Terrorism and Fight Raising Anti-Semitism Date: Thursday, November 9, 2023 8:38:35 PM
Dear Mayor and Council Members,
We deeply appreciate the recent statement from the mayor published in the local newspaper, offering hope and unity to our Jewish and Israeli community during these challenging times.

We also want to share our concerns about rising anti-Semitism, this causing fear and isolation in our community. As community leaders, your clear and firm statement against terrorism, anti-Semitism, and hatred would set the tone and greatly influence our sense of safety, belonging, and help combat anti-Semitic incidents.

We respectfully would like to request an official proclamation condemning the recent terrorist acts, promoting therefore a sense of safety, belonging and inclusivity in our community. This proclamation would send a powerful, clear message of unity against hate.

Thank you for your attention.

We look forward to your positive response in making Los Altos a safe and inclusive place.

Sincerely,
Laura and Jorge Myszne
Sent from my iPhone
86 From: Zachi Rosenberg
To: Public Comment; City Council
Subject: Request To Condemn Hamas Terrorism and Fight Rising Anti- Semitism Date: Friday, November 10, 2023 8:55:06 AM
Dear Mayor and Council Members,
My name is Zachi Rosenberg, I have been a resident of Los Altos for eight years now, and have three daughters that are attending schools here.

Ideeply appreciate the recent statement from the mayor published in the local newspaper, offering hope and unity to our Jewish and Israeli community during these challenging times.

I also want to share our concerns about rising anti-Semitism, causing fear and isolation in our community. As community leaders, your clear and firm statement against terrorism, antiSemitism, and hatred would greatly influence our sense of belonging and help combat antiSemitic incidents.

I respectfully request an official proclamation condemning recent terrorist acts and promoting inclusivity in our community. This proclamation would send a powerful message of unity against hate.

Thank you for your attention. I look forward to your positive response in making Los Altos a place of mutual respect and inclusivity.

Sincerely,
Zachi Rosenberg
Los Altos, CA
--
Zachi Rosenberg
87 From: Tal Shalon
To: Public Comment
Subject: Request to Condemn Hamas Terrorism and Fight Rising Anti-Semitism Date: Thursday, November 9, 2023 8:24:41 PM
Dear Mayor and Council Members,
We deeply appreciate the recent statement from the mayor published in the local newspaper, offering hope and unity to our Jewish and Israeli community during these challenging times.

We respectfully request an official proclamation condemning recent terrorist acts and promoting inclusivity in our community. This proclamation would send a powerful message of unity against hate.

Thank you for your attention. We look forward to your positive response in making Los Altos a place of mutual respect and inclusivity.

Sincerely,
Tal Shalon
88 From: Monique Edmondson
To: Public Comment
Subject: Request to Condemn Hamas Terrorism and Fight Rising Anti-Semitism Date: Tuesday, November 14, 2023 7:49:38 AM
Dear Mayor and Council Members,
We deeply appreciate the recent statement from the mayor published in the local newspaper, offering hope and unity to our Jewish and Israeli community during these challenging times.

We respectfully request an official proclamation condemning recent terrorist acts and promoting inclusivity in our community. This proclamation would send a powerful message of unity against hate.

Thank you for your attention. We look forward to your positive response in making Los Altos a place of mutual respect and inclusivity.

Sincerely,
Monique LeFors
89 From: Ilai Tamari
To: Public Comment
Subject: Request to Condemn Hamas Terrorism and Fight Rising Anti-Semitism Date: Thursday, November 9, 2023 7:24:06 PM
Dear Mayor and Council Members,
We deeply appreciate the recent statement from the mayor published in the local newspaper, offering hope and unity to our Jewish and Israeli community during these challenging times.

We also want to share our concerns about rising anti-Semitism, causing fear and isolation in our community. As community leaders, your clear and firm statement against terrorism, antiSemitism, and hatred would greatly influence our sense of belonging and help combat antiSemitic incidents.

We respectfully request an official proclamation condemning recent terrorist acts and promoting inclusivity in our community. This proclamation would send a powerful message of unity against hate.

Thank you for your attention. We look forward to your positive response in making Los Altos a place of mutual respect and inclusivity.

Sincerely, Ilai Tamari
90 From: etamari100
To: Public Comment
Subject: Request to Condemn Hamas Terrorism and Fight Rising Anti-Semitism Date: Thursday, November 9, 2023 7:29:42 PM
Dear Los Altos Mayor Sally Meadows, Vice Mayor Jonathan Weinberg, and Council Members, My family and I, along with many of the Israeli and Jewish members of this community, are going through one of the most difficult times in our lives. Most of us have hardly slept since the horrific, barbaric events of October 7, when more than 1,000 Israeli civilians were slaughtered – not just killed, slaughtered – in Israel. It feels as if we are perpetually falling inside an abysmal pit, living through a never-ending nightmare.

Israel is a very small country. Having spent most of my childhood in Israel, one is bound to be related in one way or another to victims of these atrocities. What has been unleashed against Israeli citizens was pure evil. The number of parents who buried their own children is beyond imagination. It is heart-shattering. These terrorists murdered and tortured civilians deliberately in the worst possible ways, no different than ISIS.

I deeply appreciate the recent statement from Mayor Meadows that was published in the local newspaper, offering hope and unity to our Jewish and Israeli community during these challenging times.

Dear council members: I ask that you all stand with your fellow community members in their time of need. I ask that you stand with us and denounce the barbaric acts of Hamas, and that you help us raise the light of hope. We are all observing a rising surge of anti-Semitism sentiment, and groups of people taking advantage of this situation to unleash hatred throughout the country.

To quote the words of President Biden from a few weeks ago:
“There is no place for hate in America – not against Jews, not against Muslims, not against anybody. We reject – we reject – what we reject is terrorism. We condemn the indiscriminate evil, just as we’ve always done. That’s what America stands for.” Dear council members: these words need to resonate in each and every house throughout the community. They need to be spoken loud and clear, so that we can all stand together and spread light where there is darkness. As community leaders, your clear and firm statement against terrorism, anti-Semitism, and hate of any kind would greatly influence our sense of belonging in our community. An official proclamation from the city council condemning the recent terrorist attacks and promoting inclusivity would send a powerful message of unity against hate.

Sincerely,
Eran Tamari
Los Altos Resident
91 From: Elinor Tamari
To: Public Comment
Subject: Request to Condemn Hamas Terrorism and Fight Rising Anti-Semitism Date: Thursday, November 9, 2023 7:43:28 PM
Dear Mayor and Esteemed Council Members,
We want to express our appreciation for the mayor's recent statement, which was published in the local newspaper. This statement deeply resonated with the Jewish and Israeli residents of our community, serving as a source of hope and unity during these trying times.

We also wish to share our concerns about the challenges our community currently faces.

We respectfully request that the City of Los Altos consider issuing an official proclamation condemning the recent terrorist acts of Hamas and emphasizing the importance of eradicating anti-Semitism while promoting inclusivity in our community. This proclamation would send a powerful message of unity, affirming that our city stands united against hate, intolerance, and violence.

Sincerely,
Elinor Tamari
Sent from Gmail Mobile
92 From: Carla Bahri
To: Public Comment
Subject: Request to Condemn Hamas Terrorism and Fight Rising Anti-Semitism Date: Thursday, November 9, 2023 8:15:21 PM
Dear Mayor and Council Members,
We deeply appreciate the recent statement from the mayor published in the local newspaper, offering hope and unity to our Jewish and Israeli community during these challenging times.

We respectfully request an official proclamation condemning recent terrorist acts and promoting inclusivity in our community. This proclamation would send a powerful message of unity against hate.

Thank you for your attention. We look forward to your positive response in making Los Altos a place of mutual respect and inclusivity.

Sincerely,
Carla Bahri
Jellop has been named Kickstarter’s Digital Advertising Partner! Learn more here.

Carla Bahri, PhD
Co-founder, Jellop
www.jellop.com
Los Altos, CA
609-751-7593
93 From: gilad arwatz
To: Public Comment
Subject: Request to Condemn Hamas Terrorism and Fight Rising Anti-Semitism Date: Thursday, November 9, 2023 8:15:42 PM
Dear Mayor and Council Members,
We deeply appreciate the recent statement from the mayor published in the local newspaper, offering hope and unity to our Jewish and Israeli community during these challenging times.

We respectfully request an official proclamation condemning recent terrorist acts and promoting inclusivity in our community. This proclamation would send a powerful message of unity against hate.

Thank you for your attention. We look forward to your positive response in making Los Altos a place of mutual respect and inclusivity.

Sincerely,
Gilad Arwatz
94 From: Sagit Manor
To: Public Comment
Subject: Request to Condemn Hamas Terrorism and Fight Rising Anti-Semitism Date: Thursday, November 9, 2023 8:17:59 PM
Dear Mayor and Council Members,
We deeply appreciate the recent statement from the mayor published in the local newspaper, offering hope and unity to our Jewish and Israeli community during these challenging times.

We respectfully request an official proclamation condemning recent terrorist acts and promoting inclusivity in our community. This proclamation would send a powerful message of unity against hate.

Thank you for your attention. We look forward to your positive response in making Los Altos a place of mutual respect and inclusivity.

Sincerely,
Sagit Manor
95 From: Smadar Agmon
To: Public Comment
Subject: Request to condemn Hamas terrorism and fight rising anti-semitism Date: Thursday, November 9, 2023 8:33:18 PM
Dear Mayor and Council Members,
We deeply appreciate the recent statement from the mayor published in the local newspaper, offering hope and unity to our Jewish and Israeli community during these challenging times.

We respectfully request an official proclamation condemning recent terrorist acts and promoting inclusivity in our community. This proclamation would send a powerful message of unity against hate.

Thank you for your attention. We look forward to your positive response in making Los Altos a place of mutual respect and inclusivity.

Sincerely,
Smadar Agmon
96 From: Ziv Attar
To: Public Comment
Subject: Request to Condemn Hamas Terrorism and Fight Rising Anti-Semitism Date: Thursday, November 9, 2023 8:47:00 PM
Dear Mayor and Esteemed Council Members,
We want to express our appreciation for the mayor's recent statement, which was published in the local newspaper. This statement deeply resonated with the Jewish and Israeli residents of our community, serving as a source of hope and unity during these trying times.

We also wish to share our concerns about the challenges our community currently faces.

Sincerely,
Ziv Attar
Los Altos resident and Los Altos business owner
97 From: Matty Robbins
To: Public Comment
Subject: Request to Condemn Hamas Terrorism and Fight Rising Anti-Semitism Date: Thursday, November 9, 2023 9:17:22 PM
Dear Mayor and Council Members,
We deeply appreciate the recent statement from the mayor published in the local newspaper, offering hope and unity to our Jewish and Israeli community during these challenging times.

We respectfully request an official proclamation condemning recent terrorist acts and promoting inclusivity in our community. This proclamation would send a powerful message of unity against hate.

Thank you for your attention. We look forward to your positive response in making Los Altos a place of mutual respect and inclusivity.

Sincerely,
Matty Robbins
Get Outlook for Android
98 From: Tamar
To: Public Comment
Subject: Request to Condemn Hamas Terrorism and Fight Rising Anti-Semitism Date: Thursday, November 9, 2023 9:18:36 PM
Dear Mayor and Council Members,
We deeply appreciate the recent statement from the mayor published in the local newspaper, offering hope and unity to our Jewish and Israeli community during these challenging times.

We respectfully request an official proclamation condemning recent terrorist acts and promoting inclusivity in our community. This proclamation would send a powerful message of unity against hate.

Thank you for your attention. We look forward to your positive response in making Los Altos a place of mutual respect and inclusivity.

Sincerely,
Tamar Robbins
Sent from my iPhone
99 From: Janel Moses
To: Public Comment
Subject: Request to Condemn Hamas Terrorism and Fight Rising Anti-Semitism Date: Thursday, November 9, 2023 10:14:07 PM
Dear Mayor and Council Members,
We deeply appreciate the recent statement from the mayor published in the local newspaper, offering hope and unity to our Jewish and Israeli community during these challenging times.

We respectfully request an official proclamation condemning recent terrorist acts and promoting inclusivity in our community. This proclamation would send a powerful message of unity against hate.

Thank you for your attention. We look forward to your positive response in making Los Altos a place of mutual respect and inclusivity.

Sincerely,
Janel Moses
100
From: Tamar Bar
To: Public Comment
Cc: Tamar Bar
Subject: Request to Condemn Hamas Terrorism and Fight Rising Anti-Semitism Date: Friday, November 10, 2023 1:46:55 AM
Dear Mayor and Council Members,
We deeply appreciate the recent statement from the mayor published in the local newspaper, offering hope and unity to our Jewish and Israeli community during these challenging times.

We respectfully request an official proclamation condemning recent terrorist acts and promoting inclusivity in our community. This proclamation would send a powerful message of unity against hate.

Thank you for your attention. We look forward to your positive response in making Los Altos a place of mutual respect and inclusivity.

Sincerely,
Tamar Bar 6509193991
101
From: Keith Feingold
To: Public Comment
Subject: Request to Condemn Hamas Terrorism and Fight Rising Anti-Semitism Date: Friday, November 10, 2023 7:42:12 AM
Dear Mayor and Council Members,
We deeply appreciate the recent statement from the mayor published in the local newspaper, offering hope and unity to our Jewish and Israeli community during these challenging times.

We respectfully request an official proclamation condemning recent terrorist acts and promoting inclusivity in our community. This proclamation would send a powerful message of unity against hate.

Thank you for your attention. We look forward to your positive response in making Los Altos a place of mutual respect and inclusivity.

Sincerely,
Keith
Keith Feingold
(408) 656-6388
[email protected]
102
From: Keith Feingold
To: Public Comment
Subject: Request to Condemn Hamas Terrorism and Fight Rising Anti-Semitism Date: Friday, November 10, 2023 7:44:00 AM
Dear Mayor and Council Members,
We deeply appreciate the recent statement from the mayor published in the local newspaper, offering hope and unity to our Jewish and Israeli community during these challenging times.

We respectfully request an official proclamation condemning recent terrorist acts and promoting inclusivity in our community. This proclamation would send a powerful message of unity against hate.

Thank you for your attention. We look forward to your positive response in making Los Altos a place of mutual respect and inclusivity.

Sincerely,
Caryn
Caryn Feingold
103
From: Noa Grant
To: Public Comment; City Council
Cc: Guy Gecht
Subject: Request to Condemn Hamas Terrorism and Fight Rising Anti-Semitism Date: Friday, November 10, 2023 11:35:47 PM
Dear Mayor and Council Members,
As a long time resident of the city of Los Altos, we truly and deeply appreciate the recent statement by mayor Sally Meadow offering hope and unity to our Jewish and Israeli community during these sad and challenging times.

We are witnessing an unparalleled rise in antisemitism, causing fear and isolation in our community. As our elected leaders, your clear and firm statement against hatred, and in particular against terrorism and antisemitism, would greatly influence our sense of belonging to our precious community and help combat unwelcome incidents.

We respectfully request that the city counsel issue an official proclamation condemning the recent terrorist acts and promoting inclusivity in our community. Such proclamation would send a powerful message of unity.

Thank you for your attention. We look forward to your positive response in making Los Altos a place of mutual respect and inclusivity.

Sincerely,
Noa Grant
104
From: Bob Petersen
To: Public Comment
Subject: Request to Condemn Hamas Terrorism and Fight Rising Anti-Semitism Date: Sunday, November 12, 2023 12:08:08 PM
Dear Mayor and Council Members,
We deeply appreciate the recent statement from the mayor published in the local newspaper, offering hope and unity to our Jewish and Israeli community during these challenging times.

We respectfully request an official proclamation condemning recent terrorist acts and promoting inclusivity in our community. This proclamation would send a powerful message of unity against hate.

Thank you for your attention. We look forward to your positive response in making Los Altos a place of mutual respect and inclusivity.

Sincerely,
Robert Petersen
Los Altos
105

UNITY RESOLUTION
Resolution Strongly Denouncing Antisemitism, Islamophobia, and anti-Middle Eastern North African (MENA) Hate
WHEREAS, the Los Altos City Council is resolute in its dedication to fostering a safe and supportive city where our community members stand up for each other, promote unity, and speak out against antisemitism, Islamophobia, bigotry, hatred, and intolerance; and WHEREAS, the Los Altos City Council condemns all forms of hate, discrimination, and violence, and stands firmly against any actions that promote hatred and violence, WHEREAS, the Los Altos City Council condemns the horrific terrorist attacks by Hamas on October 7, 2023 that resulted in 1200 civilians dead; and WHEREAS, the Los Altos City Council condemns the taking of 240 civilian hostages by Hamas WHEREAS, the Los Altos City Council condemns collective punishment of the Palestinian people including shutting off all access to electricity, fuel, drinking water, food, and humanitarian aid to 2.2 million people; and
WHEREAS, the Los Altos City Council condemns the mass atrocities being committed in Gaza and the West Bank, including large-scale, systematic violence against civilian populations that have resulted in over 10,000 civilian killed, and
WHEREAS, the Los Altos City Council condemns the grave human rights violations against children, as identified by the UN, including
● The killing of over 5000 Palestinian children by the Israeli military, ● The killing of 30 Israeli children by Hamas
● The abduction of children by Hamas
● The maiming of children by the Israeli military
● Attacks against schools, hospitals, refugee camps, mosques and churches by the Israeli military
● Denial of humanitarian access by the Israeli military WHEREAS, the Los Altos City Council is committed to upholding the human dignity and human rights of all people; and
WHEREAS, the Los Altos City Council is committed to upholding the physical and emotional safety and security of our community and protecting them from antisemitism, Islamophobia, 106
hate, violence and discrimination; and
WHEREAS, there has been a steep increase in antisemitic, Islamophobia, anti-MENA attacks and threats locally and regionally, highlighting the urgency of addressing and condemning this hate; and
WHEREAS, Muslim and MENA, and especially our Palestinian families, whose cultural self-expression and very identity are routinely conflated with terrorism, are feeling targeted, and report experiencing hatred, silencing, intimidation and exclusionary behaviors; and WHEREAS, there has been hatred against Jewish people, who are also feeling targeted and experiencing hatred and intimidation
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Los Altos City Council: Strongly condemns all terrorist attacks, recognizing the immense harm and suffering they have caused and the suffering that continues
Calls elected leaders to support the return of hostages and declaration of a ceasefire to minimize further loss of innocent life
Expresses its unwavering denunciation of antisemitism, Islamophobia, and anti-MENA hate in all their forms and commits to creating a physically and emotionally safe and inclusive environment for community members
Encourages all members of the Los Altos community to embrace compassion and unity, and steadfastly oppose injustice and hatred in all its manifestations Continues its efforts to provide a safe and welcoming city for all, working with local partners
107
From: Freddie ParkWheeler
To: Public Comment
Cc: Gabriel Engeland
Subject: Correction- Retraction
Date: Monday, November 13, 2023 1:05:58 PM
Dear Mayor Meadows, Vice Mayor Weinberg, Council Members Lee Eng, Fligor, and Dailey and City Manager Engeland,
I am writing to correct a mistaken, incorrect statement I made in the Public Comment I submitted earlier this morning. I have since learned that the type of Zoom bombing that I encountered as a Library Commissioner several months ago is different than what is happening today. The measures to avoid the older types of Zoom bombing that Mr. Engeland referred to previously do not work to prevent the newer types of attacks.

City Manager Engeland advises that over the past several months since our conversation, technology has evolved to allow people and bots to penetrate most security measures and that the protection he described in the past is no longer effective.

Accordingly, I retract my statements referencing Mr. Engeland’s past comments about Zoom bombing and my use of them to question the technological need of discontinuing remote public comments.

I sincerely apologize to Mr. Engeland for misusing his past statements. I was completely unaware that this information was no longer accurate when I wrote to Council this morning.

I do believe there is a legitimate question regarding whether the “cost” of disallowing the public to comment remotely is worth the “benefit” of not being subjected to indignities very infrequently.

My sincere apologies,
Freddie Wheeler
Freddie Park Wheeler
Sent from my iPhone
108
From: Roberta Phillips
To: Public Comment; City Council; Gabriel Engeland
Subject: Nov 14 Council Meeting Public Comment on Items not on the Agenda Date: Thursday, November 9, 2023 12:50:54 PM
Attachments: Public Comments via Zoom.docx
Dear Council Members
Please see the attached letter for Items not on the agenda for the nov.24. 2023 Council meeting
109
Dear Council Members and City Manager
I read the agenda and it states "On October 24, 2023, the City Council held a Closed Session special mee�ng pursuant to Government Code Sec�on 54957: Threat to Public Services or Facili�es. Although not required to report out on this mater, the City Council provided staff with direc�on to suspend all Zoom and/or remote par�cipa�on at City Council and Commission public mee�ngs." I am wri�ng to strongly protest this ac�on. As a caretaker to my handicapped husband, I am wri�ng to represent all the caretakers who find it almost impossible to atend mee�ngs in person in order to par�cipate verbally. I am wri�ng to represent all the Seniors who no longer can drive at night. I am wri�ng to represent all the parents of young children who want to par�cipate and make verbal comments, but can't because they need to care for their children.

I have atended every City Council mee�ng over the past 8 years and have had the privilege of being allowed to ask ques�ons and comment via Zoom since Covid began.

You are now taking this privilege away from me All the people who wish to par�cipate in our democracy. You are limi�ng par�cipa�on rather than encouraging it.

This decision was made in Closed Session and the public did not understand that the topic was to eliminate public comments via Zoom. It was described as " Threat to Public Service or Facili�es pursuant to Government Code 54957" No one could possibly interpret this as the topic to be discussed. Addi�onally Public Comments on the Closed session was denied if the par�cipant was not in the audience. This was announced prior to the Closed Session Mee�ng, before any discussion or direc�on was given to staff. The mayor had announced that par�cipants via zoom could comment and then 10 minutes later (a�er the break) the City Manager retracted the mayor’s statement and I was not allowed to make a public comment.

I ask that you have a public mee�ng where residents can give their opinion on the topic.

Covid is s�ll with us. It has not ended. I have to wear a mask when I go to the Palo Alto Medical Founda�on.

The founda�on of our Democracy is based on Freedom of Speech This includes use of certain offensive words and phrases to convey political messages.

Cohen v. California, 403 U.S. 15 (1971).

I have heard the excuse that ZOOM bombing is a reason to deny our verbal participation via Zoom. Zoom-bombing s�ll happens but security experts say it is far less prevalent than it was in 2020.

Zoom helped tame Zoom-bombing partly by making its product more difficult for you (and for online harassers) to use. Jan. 24, 2023
110
I implore you to reconsider the ac�on you took at the Closed Session and restore our right to speak remotely. City Council members may par�cipate remotely as Jonathan Weinberg did recently from Los Vegas. Ther has to be a beter solu�on. Have you considered excep�ons ? Sincerely
Roberta Phillips
650-941-6940
I
111
From: Laura Foster
To: Public Comment
Subject: November is National Homeless Youth and Runaway Prevention Month Date: Tuesday, November 14, 2023 12:06:50 PM
Attachments: image001.png
image002.png
image002.png
Good Afternoon,
My name is Laura Foster and I’m a Division Director with Bill Wilson Center – a local nonprofit here in Santa Clara County that is working to end youth and family homelessness. I am writing to let everyone know that November is Runaway and Homeless Youth Prevention Month. This is a nationwide campaign occurring each November to increase awareness about homelessness among youth and young adults in our community and the resources available. This is especially critical since Santa Clara County has the third highest population of unhoused individuals in the entire nation, 12% of who are under 24 years of age.

Bill Wilson Center has been serving youth, young adults and families experiencing homelessness for 50 years. Our goal is to provide an integrated system of care that will help our unhoused participants attain stable housing; either through family reunification or economic self-sufficiency.

We not only offer immediate shelter, but other supportive services, such as -- mental health counseling, job assistance, substance abuse treatment, and much more.

If you would like to know more about our agency, and the work we do in the community please visit our website at www.billwilsoncenter.org. If you know a young person who is experiencing homelessness, please refer them to us. They can contact our Here4You Call Center at 408-385- 2400.

Thank you,
Laura Foster, LCSW
Division Director of Research, Analysis and Impact
Pronouns: She, her
Bill Wilson Center
3490 The Alameda
Santa Clara, CA 95050
Phone & Fax 408-289-5834
www.billwilsoncenter.org
Building Connections!
112
This constitutes an electronic communication under the Electronic Communications Privacy Act, 18 USC 2510. Its disclosure is strictly limited to the intended recipient. Receipt by anyone other than the intended recipient does not constitute a loss of the confidential nature or privileged nature of the communication. Any review or distribution by others is prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, contact the sender and delete all copies of this communication. 113
From: Jeanine Valadez
To: Public Comment
Subject: Public Comment - Not On the Agenda 11/14/2023
Date: Thursday, November 9, 2023 3:10:24 PM
Mayor Meadows, Vice-Mayor Weinberg, and Councilmembers, I disagree with Council's policy decision to altogether prohibit remote public comment from Council and Commission meetings. Community participation will drop.

I could be convinced to agree with turning off remote comments for items NOT on the agenda, but there exist protections for agendized items which enable the city clerk to disconnect any commentary that strays from the strict scope of the agendized item.

Eliminating remote public comment for agendized items is exclusionary because it limits public engagement and squashes the diversity of ideas. Moreover, I'd rather have a hateful person speak up on zoom and get shut down, than have that person show up in the chambers and require greater police presence to remove them from the premises. The resulting increased likelihood of in-chambers stress and violence will actually end up creating MORE fear amongst in-person attendees and further erode engagement.

I urge the Council to reconsider their position and amend the public comment criteria when they reassess their current policy stance early next year.

Thanks for your consideration,
Jeanine Valadez
Disclosure: I am a PARC Commissioner but am commenting as a member of the public. 114
From: Pat Marriot
To: Public Comment
Subject: PUBLIC COMMENT REPORT ON CLOSED SESSION: ZOOM BOMBING NOV 14, 2023 Date: Thursday, November 9, 2023 4:10:22 PM
Council Members,
I understand the fear of “Zoom bombing.” However, by cutting off remote public comment at a city meeting, you are cutting off residents’ opportunities to participate in the democratic process.

I urge you to considered this option, which other cities have adopted: Let residents send a 3-minute statement prior to the meeting and let the city clerk read these statements at the appropriate point in the agenda.

This is not the same as writing to [email protected] Those comments are part of the public record and we hope they are read by all council members and relevant staff prior to the meeting. But they are not part of the live discussion and are not heard by other participants.

We’re all aware that free speech is being abused, but denying a voice to citizens who cannot attend live meetings is a draconian “solution.” Limiting participation – silencing the voice of the people -- plays into the hands of those who are using every means possible to destroy our democracy.

Please consider my suggestion now. Do not wait until May. Do not shut out those who have a right to be heard.

Thank you,
Pat Marriott
115
From: Jeanine Valadez
To: Public Comment
Subject: Public Comment NOT on the Agenda 2023_11_14
Date: Monday, November 13, 2023 3:24:17 PM
Mayor Meadows, Vice-Mayor Weinberg, and Councilmembers Lee Eng, Fligor, and Dailey:

The most recent City Manager update, dated Nov. 11, 2023, included the following passage:
"Those attending Council or Commission meetings through Zoom can continue to comment via email during sessions."
If one reads the public comments deadline table at
https://www.losaltosca.gov/cityclerk/page/public-comments, the emailed comments to which the City Manager's update refers above are NOT reflected in that table. Per that table, inclusion in the recorded packet for a given meeting includes emails submitted up to the start of the meeting - those emails will become part of Supplemental Packet #3, two days after the meeting . The table is moot on what happens to Public Comment emails submitted for the given meeting AFTER the start of that meeting, and certainly for public comment emails submitted after the meeting is adjourned or continued.

As a matter of policy and clarity, I ask Council to direct staff to make this needed edit to the public resource at the above link.

Thank you,
Jeanine Valadez
Disclosure: I am a PARC commissioner, but am submitting this comment as a member of the public.
116
From: Bill Hough
To: Public Comment
Cc: City Council
Subject: public comment on item not on the November 14 agenda Date: Sunday, November 12, 2023 9:13:48 AM
In the "Report on Closed Session," it states "On October 24, 2023, the City Council held a Closed Session special meeting pursuant to Government Code Section 54957: Threat to Public Services or Facilities. Although not required to report out on this matter, the City Council provided staff with direction to suspend all Zoom and/or remote participation at City Council and Commission public meetings." Although this paragraph contains a vague reference to Government Code Section 54957, this sentence is unclear to non-lawyers. Although your City Attorney will argue that you are following the letter of the law, it is obvious that you are violating the spirit of the law, which is to encourage public participation in the meeting process.

You need to improve online security, instead of letting the bad guys win while the good guys suffer.

There are many reasons that law-abiding citizens are unable to participate in Council meetings online. Restricting online participation is an Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) violation. The ADA protects people with disabilities from discrimination. Disability rights are civil rights. From voting to parking, the ADA is a law that protects people with disabilities in many areas of public life. This includes public meetings.

Additionally, making this decision in secret and behind closed doors sends the wrong message. Zoom policy should be a regular agenda item so that residents can offer testimony on this matter. 117
From: Monica Waldman
To: Public Comment
Subject: Public Comment on Suspending all Zoom and/or remote participation at City Council and Commission public meetings
Date: Monday, November 13, 2023 12:22:33 PM
Dear Los Altos City Council Members,
As a former Los Altos Commissioner and commenter on City Council agenda items, I am shocked and saddened by your closed session decision to suspend all Zoom and/or remote participation at City Council and Commission public meetings, Our City meetings have yet to be Zoom bombed, yet this "rule" has been enacted behind closed doors. Our City Council meetings continue to run into the evening, causing anyone who wants to speak on a topic to attend into the wee hours of the morning, making it difficult to attend in person. The new policy is disenfranchising to members of the Los Altos community and shows prejudice to those who cannot attend due to having young children and/or elderly or sick family members to take care of. It also encourages those who are sick and want their voices heard to attend.

This new policy gives the appearance that Council does not want to hear from members of the community. This is a sad day for our City.

Monica
118
From: Freddie ParkWheeler
To: Public Comment
Subject: Public Comment via Zoom Remotely
Date: Monday, November 13, 2023 11:51:09 AM
Dear Mayor Meadows, Vice Mayor Weinberg, and Council Members Lee Eng, Fligor, and Dailey, I am writing to ask you to withdraw your decision disallowing members of the public to make publics comments remotely via Zoom at Council and Commission meetings. I understand that the reason given for no longer allowing remote public comments is concern about “Zoom bombing.” To my knowledge, which was recently confirmed by City Manager Engeland, there has only been one Zoom bombing incident in Los Altos since remote commenting has been allowed. This happened at a Zoom Library Commission meeting that I attended as a Library Commissioner.

We all simply left the meeting and then rejoined with no further problem.

Mr. Engeland assured me that the likelihood of being Zoom bombed again was, excuse the pun, very remote. He explained that the City no longer uses the “regular” Zoom meeting option. Instead, the City uses a much more secure Zoom meeting option and that the meetings are secure. In the case of the Library Commission meeting that was Zoom bombed, he explained that there had been some sort of problem with the original posting of that meeting.

Mr. Engeland explained that when staff rescheduled the meeting they inadvertently chose the “regular” meeting option rather than the more secure option and that was the reason we were Zoom bombed.

The other issue with disallowing remote public comments is that people have become accustomed to participating remotely in Council and Commission meetings and it’s never a good idea to take away “rights” once people have become accustomed to them. But in fact, remote participation is the only possible way for most people with children at home, those who are disabled or ill, people who are caregivers of spouses or adult disabled children, and those recovering from surgery or illness to participate in their local governmental meetings. Why chose to deny these people the ability to be active participants in their local government? What is driving this decision? Most everything in life comes with an associated risk and we, as adults, can opt to accept the risk or not. Why not leave it to each of your constituents to chose to attend and participate remotely and risk the momentary indignity of being Zoom bombed? I was Zoom bombed at the Library Commission and yes, it was disgusting but there was no threat involved and we went on about our business. We wouldn’t think of abandoning all the technology that makes our ability to communicate easier just because it can be hacked. The slight risk of being subjected to Zoom bombing doesn’t seem to merit denying the residents of Los Altos the opportunity to publicly comment remotely on the business of our city at Council and Commission meetings.

I see you plan to reconsider this decision next May. Thank you for recognizing that this decision should be reconsidered.

Thank you for all your work as Council Members.

Sincerely,
Freddie Wheeler
119
From: carol little
To: Public Comment
Subject: Report on closed session: Zoom cancellation
Date: Sunday, November 12, 2023 10:46:49 PM
Dear City Council,
I am writing this email as a resident of Los Altos, not as a PARC commissioner.

I’d like to register my concern about the elimination of the option of using Zoom as way of speaking during City Council meetings.

I am aware of the Zoom bombing of meetings. I am certain they are concerning and extremely disturbing for those experiencing the actions of those doing the Zoom bombings.

I’d like to request that you reconsider your decision, at least until if and when there is an actual attack on our City meetings. Why react to something that has not happened during our meetings. By making such a change, you will be rewarding those trying reduce public input. In other words, they win and we lose.

By canceling Zoom speaking access to meetings, a barrier has been reintroduced residents. Zoom has been a silver lining during Covid times, and has remained a benefit as we passed through the worst of Covid.

This change creates a huge barrier for folks with disabilities, those sick with Covid (it is still here!) or other contagious illnesses, those with compromised immune systems, those with children at home with no one else to watch them, those caring for family members (or others) in their homes, those out of town, in addition to many others.

In this day and age, it seems crucial to allow as many avenues as possible to remain open to participation in political dialogue.

Again, I respectfully request you reconsider allowing Zoom speaking participation in meetings.

Respectfully yours,
Teresa Morris
120
From: Pat Marriot
To: Public Comment
Subject: SECOND PUBLIC COMMENT REPORT ON CLOSED SESSION: ZOOM BOMBING NOV 14, 2023 Date: Tuesday, November 14, 2023 10:50:36 AM
Council Members:

In my prior public comment, I urged you to let residents send a 3-minute statement prior to the meeting and let the city clerk read these statements at the appropriate point in the agenda.

I found an article that says Redwood City is taking that approach: “Redwood City … will take comments in person during meetings or by email. … If the email comment is sent by 5 p.m. on the day of the meeting, pertains to an agenda item or is a general remark on matters under the city's jurisdiction, it will be read out loud.
https://www.paloaltoonline.com/print/story/2023/10/06/zoom-bombingtrolls-attack-city-meetings I hope you will consider doing the same.

Thanks,
Pat Marriott
121
From: Omar Azzam
To: Public Comment
Subject: Denounce both Hamas and the IDF
Date: Tuesday, November 14, 2023 5:25:50 PM
While around ten times the number of civilians have been massacred and continue to be indiscriminately targeted by Israeli "Defense" Forces on the direction of Netanyahu, it is extremely hypocritical to be passing a resolution denouncing just the lesser aggressor of the two sides here.

If you will, pass a resolution denouncing terrorism by both Hamas and the IDF, though the priority should be to focus condemnation on the IDF since they've been ethnically cleansing a defenseless population for a whole month now.

COMMENTS RECEIVED AFTER 2:00 P.M. ON 11/14/2023
122
From: Nadine Mansour
To: Public Comment
Subject: I do not support the current proposed resolution that just condemns Hamas attacks Date: Tuesday, November 14, 2023 5:48:29 PM
Dear Council members,
I do not support the current proposed resolution to condemn Hamas. It is a one sided resolution that ignores the ongoing war crimes and attacks on civilians that we are witnessing in Gaza against the Palestinian people.

Instead, I’d like to suggest revising the resolution to include the following components:
+ Condemn the attacks by Hamas on Oct 7
+ Condemn the genocide of Palestinians in Gaza
+ No more military aid to Israel
+ An immediate ceasefire
The last point is the most important at this time as we continue to witness Israel bombing public facilities including hospitals, aid trucks, ambulances and refugee camps.

Based on the current iteration of this resolution, I vote no. Instead I ask the council members to sit down to build a more thoughtful resolution that ensures we stand in solidarity with Palestinians.

Kind regards,
Nadine Mansour
COMMENTS RECEIVED AFTER 2:00 P.M. ON 11/14/2023
123
From: Samer Barakat
To: Public Comment
Date: Wednesday, November 15, 2023 12:26:46 AM
Hi
Thank you to Mayor Klein, Vice Mayor Din, and Councilmembers Mehlinger and Cisneros for signing onto the statment standing with the children in Gaza.

It is grieving to watch the dire situation in Gaza. The lack of water, food, medication and fuel in the middle of constant bombing that is equivalent to two nuclear bombs so far! All this is also combined with racist remarks from Israeli officials like “human animals” and “children of the dark”. This extreme level of violence and oppression against Palestinians who had suffered apartheid for 75 years would lead to escalations across the region. Your statement is a small step towards saving lives and paving the way to peace.

Thank you again to the council for signing this statement and supporting the helpless children of Gaza.

Best
Samer
COMMENTS RECEIVED AFTER 2:00 P.M. ON 11/14/2023
124
From: Sumiya Khan
To: Public Comment
Subject: Objection for Agenda #5 on today’s city council meeting Date: Tuesday, November 14, 2023 6:20:52 PM
Dear Council Members,
I am writing to express my reservations about Agenda Item #5 scheduled for discussion during the upcoming City Council meeting tonight, November 14, specifically addressing the Council's potential resolution or action denouncing the Hamas attacks against Israel.

Engaging in matters of international conflict sets a precedent that may lead to unintended consequences, potentially conflicting with the Council's core mission.

But if you absolutely want to pass a resolution in Los Altos, I would only support a Unity resolution that makes sure that hate does not permeate our town, like the Palo Alto Unity Resolution
(https://go.boarddocs.com/ca/pausd/Board.nsf/files/CX4U857AC131/$file/AMENDED20231027ResolutionNo.2023-

24.07ResolutionStronglyDenouncingAntisemitismIslamophobiaandAntiMiddleEasternNorthAfrica(MENA)Hate.pdf) In the resolution, we agree with respected global organizations in condemning the atrocities committed by the terrorist organization Hamas including the killing of over 800 civilians and the taking of over 200 hostages, as well as the ongoing collective punishment against the Palestinian people, including the killing of over 12,000 civilians, including over 4000 innocent children. If you mourn the loss of civilian life, then you must stand for ALL civilian life, including this Palestinian child whose limbs were blown off by the over 25,000 tons of bombs dropped on gaza (equivalent of 2 nuclear bombs).

Thank you for your attention to this matter, and I remain hopeful for a thoughtful, inclusive, and considerate discussion during tomorrow's City Council meeting.

Thank you,
Sumiya Khan
COMMENTS RECEIVED AFTER 2:00 P.M. ON 11/14/2023
125
From: Maya6785
To: Public Comment
Subject: Please support a Ceasefire Resolution
Date: Tuesday, November 14, 2023 2:19:06 PM
I am writing to urge you to please support a Ceasefire resolution. Any resolution you may issue that does not take into consideration the children and civilians being massacred in Gaza is would not be acceptable.

It is imperative that a ceasefire is put in place, more than 15 thousand innocent lives have already been killed in Gaza. We need a ceasefire NOW.

Thank you,
Maya Fallaha
Sent from my iPhone
COMMENTS RECEIVED AFTER 2:00 P.M. ON 11/14/2023
126
From: Stacy Bruzek Banerjee
To: Public Comment
Subject: Public Comment for tonights meeting
Date: Tuesday, November 14, 2023 5:48:40 PM
Dear City councilmembers,
I am writing as a resident, not as a commissioner.

The biggest threat to democracy is limiting the participation and engagement of interested citizens in their government. Members of the public who display civil engagement and public decorum -- even if they disagree with council or staff on substance -- should be encouraged to participate in city council meetings, not limited in doing so. There are many reasons residents may prefer to participate online, and the pandemic and technology has shown that this is not only possible but may also facilitate greater participation in local government by more people, more often.

Certainly, if there is an inappropriate speaker (profanity, violence, threats, etc.) -- in-person or online -- staff or the mayor/chair may tell them that they are not allowed to complete their time to speak and/or may have them removed from the meeting. If the city doesn't have policies in place for such decorum or rules of procedure (as other agencies have), it is time for the city to put them in place rather than limit oral testimony on zoom.

I am surprised to see on tonight's city council agenda that oral public comment is only being received in-person (but not on zoom). The public did not even have an opportunity to weigh in on this decision.

Participation in government is a cornerstone of our democracy, and as such staff should be 100% supporting the participation of our residents whether they attend a council (or commission) meeting in-person or online.

Several years back there was a council priority focused around transparency. Back then, strides were made toward transparency and participation in government. This past year the council and the city are moving in the wrong direction. It is time for council to revisit a priority around transparency and participation in OUR government -- in an open session.

Stacy
COMMENTS RECEIVED AFTER 2:00 P.M. ON 11/14/2023
127
From: Renee Rashid
To: Public Comment
Subject: Public Comment on Agenda Item #5
Date: Tuesday, November 14, 2023 3:34:04 PM
I just wanted to let you know that PAUSD passed an additional resolution condemning all forms of hate on 10/27/23. A Unity Resolution that better focuses on the needs of the local community.

Available here:
https://go.boarddocs.com/ca/pausd/Board.nsf/files/CX4U857AC131/$file/AMENDED20231027ResolutionNo.2023-

24.07ResolutionStronglyDenouncingAntisemitismIslamophobiaandAntiMiddleEasternNorthAfrica(MENA)Hate.pdf Renee Rashid
COMMENTS RECEIVED AFTER 2:00 P.M. ON 11/14/2023
128
From: Malika Junaid
To: Sally Meadows; Jonathan Weinberg; Neysa Fligor; Lynette Lee Eng; Pete Dailey Cc: Public Comment
Subject: Thank you
Date: Wednesday, November 15, 2023 11:33:11 AM
Dear Council Members,
I hope you have had some time to rest since last night. I want to express my sincere gratitude to each of you for dedicating time last night to listen to the concerns of our community members. I understand that navigating the diverse needs of our residents is no easy task, and I commend you for handling the meeting with sensitivity.

The lengthy session demonstrated your commitment to addressing the varied issues within our community, and for that, I am truly thankful. In light of the challenges we face, I would like to propose the creation of committees within the council. These committees could facilitate more frequent interactions between council members and community members, fostering a deeper understanding of our diverse needs.

My suggestion is to organize open-house sessions or informal coffee gatherings downtown.

This approach would allow council members to engage with various segments of our community regularly, providing a platform for residents to voice their concerns in a relaxed atmosphere. By doing so, we can encourage a sense of unity and understanding among our neighbors, and this will help people to get to know each other.

In the coming weeks, I plan to reach out to friends and colleagues from different cultural and religious backgrounds, fostering connections that will contribute to a more supportive community environment. I believe that such efforts can further strengthen the bonds within our community.

Once again, thank you for your dedication and hard work. I look forward to the possibility of meeting with each of you individually in the coming weeks to discuss these ideas and any other concerns our community may have.

Best Regards,
Malika
M. Designs Architects Malika Junaid Principal Architect M. Designs Architects
Website: mdesignsarchitects.com
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 650.565.9036
Cell: 408.431.9289
Office: 4131 W El Camino Real, Suite 200
Palo Alto, CA 94306
COMMENTS RECEIVED AFTER 2:00 P.M. ON 11/14/2023
129
COMMENTS RECEIVED AFTER 2:00 P.M. ON 11/14/2023
130

CITY OF LOS ALTOS

CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2023
7:00 p.m.
1 N. San Antonio Rd. ~ Los Altos, CA
Sally Meadows, Mayor
Jonathan Weinberg, Vice Mayor
Pete Dailey, Councilmember
Neysa Fligor, Councilmember
Lynette Lee Eng, Councilmember
CALL MEETING TO ORDER – Sally Meadows, Mayor, called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.

ESTABLISH QUORUM – All Councilmembers were present.

PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG – Los Altos Girl Scouts led the Pledge of Allegiance.

REPORT ON CLOSED SESSION – There was no Closed Session meeting.

CHANGES TO THE ORDER OF THE AGENDA
Sally Meadows, Mayor, moved Special Items before Public Comments on Items Not on the Agenda.

SPECIAL ITEMS
Recognition of Outgoing Commissioners
Sally Meadows, Mayor, presented certificates to outgoing Commissioners. The City Council thanked the Commissioners for their service to the City of Los Altos.

PUBLIC COMMENTS ON ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA
The following member of the public spoke during Public Comments:
 Vadim Katz

CONSENT CALENDAR
Motion by Weinberg and Seconded by Dailey to approve the Consent Calendar. Motion carried unanimously for Items 1 – 4 and Item 5 carried 4-1 with Councilmember Lee Eng opposed by roll call vote.

1. Approval of Meeting Minutes for the Regular Meeting of October 10, 2023

2. Authorization for purchase of Root Foaming product; consider finding the Council’s action exempt from review under CEQA pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15301, and finding that none of the circumstances in CEQA Guidelines Section 15300.2 applies

3. Contract Award: Annual Street Sweeping Services; consider finding the Council’s action exempt from review under CEQA pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15301, and finding that none of the circumstances in CEQA Guidelines Section 15300.2 applies

4. Waive second reading and adopt an Ordinance amending Los Altos Municipal Code Section 9.25 "Special Events" and "Special Events Appendix A" 131
Agenda Item # 1.

City of Los Altos
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
October 24, 2023

Page 2 of 3 ends

5. Adopt a Resolution adopting the Flag Raising Policy as a permanent program now that the pilot period has elapsed

DISCUSSION ITEMS

6. Discuss and provide direction on potential Dark Skies Ordinance Nick Zornes, Development Services Director, presented the report.

The following members of the public spoke regarding the item:
 Ann Hepenstal  Canis Li
 Lucy Janjigian  Roberta Phillips
 Dashiel Leeds  Teresa Morris
 Jim Fenton  Gary Hedden
 Ravi Fischer
Motion by Dailey and Seconded by Fligor to direct the Environmental Commission to research and draft a Dark Skies Ordinance, potentially including bird safety.

Lynette Lee Eng, Councilmember, presented a Secondary Motion to direct staff to research and draft a Dark Skies Ordinance, potentially including bird safety and including community outreach. Secondary Motion failed due to lack of a Second.

Lynette Lee Eng, Councilmember, presented a Friendly Amendment to direct the Environmental Commission to also conduct community outreach. Councilmember Dailey rejected the Friendly Amendment.

Motion made by Dailey and Seconded by Fligor carried unanimously by roll call vote.

INFORMATIONAL ITEMS ONLY

7. Tentative Council Calendar and Housing Element Update Calendar

COUNCIL/STAFF REPORTS AND DIRECTIONS ON FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS  Jonathan Weinberg, Vice Mayor – Requested a future agenda to discuss a potential resolution, or any other possible action, denouncing the attacks against Israel by Hamas.

Supported by Fligor and Lee Eng
 Neysa Fligor, Councilmember – Requested a future agenda item to consider appointing a Council representative to serve on the Community Trustee Area Districting (CTAD) Committee – Fremont Union High School District. Supported by Lee Eng and Meadows ADJOURNMENT – The regular meeting adjourned at 8:36 p.m.

The meeting minutes were prepared by Melissa Thurman, City Clerk, for approval at the regular meeting of November 14, 2023.
132
Agenda Item # 1.

City of Los Altos
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes
October 24, 2023

Page 3 of 3 ends

_________________________________ __________________________________ Sally Meadows, Melissa Thurman, MMC
Mayor City Clerk
The October 24, 2023 City Council meeting recording may be viewed via the following external website: https://www.youtube.com/@CityofLosAltosCA
The City of Los Altos does not own or operate YouTube. The video referenced on these minutes were live at the time the minutes were published.
133
Agenda Item # 1.

AGENDA REPORT SUMMARY

Reviewed By:

City Manager City Attorney
GE
Finance Director
JH JD
Meeting Date: November 14, 2023
Subject: Consider Adopting a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Los Altos; 1) Authorize the Finance Director to amend the FY 2023/24 CIP budget in the amount of $441,159; 2) Authorize the City Manager to execute contract Amendment No. 1 to include the additional work in the amount of $441,159 for a total contract of $6,946,891; 3) Accepting completion and directing the Public Works Director to file a notice of completion of the Annual Street Resurfacing and City Alley Resurfacing Project; and 4) Find that the Council’s action exempt from review under CEQA pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15301 and that none of the circumstances under Section 15300.2 apply.

Prepared by: Morgan Loatfi, Special Projects Manager
Reviewed by: Aida Fairman, Public Works Director
Approved by: Gabriel Engeland, City Manager
Attachment:

A. Resolution No. 2023-XX
Initiated by:

City Council CIP Projects (TS-01001, TS-01004, TS-01009, TS-01003, TS-01005, TS-01006, TS-01008, TS-01060, TS-01052, TS-01007, and TS-01022)
Previous Council Consideration:

October 25, 2022
Fiscal Impact:

The construction contract budget is in the amount of $6,006,256, a 15% contingency of $900,938, and project soft costs of $89,860, totaling $6,997,054, were approved by the City Council. The construction contract was awarded to O’Grady Paving, Inc. on October 25, 2022.

This project is funded by VRF ($373,029), Gas Tax ($2,672,611), SB 1 ($1,000,000), Measure B ($669,000), a grant from Silicon Valley Clean Energy ($59,225), and the General Fund ($2,173,116). 134
Agenda Item # 2.

Subject: Consider Adopting a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Los Altos; 1) Authorize the Finance Director to amend the FY 2023/24 CIP budget in the amount of $441,159; 2) Authorize the City Manager to execute contract Amendment No. 1 to include the additional work in the amount of $441,159 for a total contract of $6,946,891; 3) Accepting completion and directing the Public Works Director to file a notice of completion of the Annual Street Resurfacing and City Alley Resurfacing Project; and 4) Find that the Council’s action exempt from review under CEQA pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15301 and that none of the circumstances under Section 15300.2 apply.

November 14, 2023 Page 2
The table below summarizes the final costs of the Annual Street Resurfacing and City Alley Resurfacing Project.

Annual Street Resurfacing and City Alley
Resurfacing Project
Project Item Project Budget Final Cost
Construction + Construction
Contingency
$ 6,466,035 $ 6,421,966
Additional Scope of Work
(Amendment No.1)
$441,159 $ 441,159
Inspection $ 79,860 $ 74,423
Printing/Advertising/Mailing/Misc. $ 10,000 $ 9,433
Total $ 6,997,054 $ 6,946,981
 Total Final Cost of $ 6,946,981 already included in the approved budget? Yes  Amount above budget requested: $0
 Total Savings of $ 50,073 will be returned to the General Fund or applicable funding sources.

Environmental Review:

The work that staff requests the City Council to accept consisted of the operation, repair, and maintenance of existing facilities and was limited to street resurfacing activities, which are exempt from review under the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15301 (Existing Facilities), which states at subsection (c) that “existing facilities” include streets where the operation, maintenance, or repair of existing streets involves negligible or no expansion of existing or former uses, including where no additional automobile lanes are created as 135
Agenda Item # 2.

November 14, 2023 Page 3
part of the project. Additionally, none of the circumstances stated in CEQA Guidelines Section 15300.2 applies.

Policy Question(s) for Council Consideration:

None
Summary:
 Adopt Resolution No. 2023-___ accepting completion of the Annual Street Resurfacing and City Alley Resurfacing Project.
 Authorize the Public Works Director to record a Notice of Completion as required by law.  Authorize the City Manager to execute a contract amendment.  The Annual Street Resurfacing and City Alley Resurfacing Project included the annual scope of work to resurface Los Altos streets and alleys and integrate mobility enhancements to improve safety for all modes of transport, emphasizing safer routes to schools. All work supports the Council Priorities of Community Safety and Asset Management.  On October 25, 2022, the City awarded the Annual Street Resurfacing and City Alley Resurfacing project to O'Grady Paving, Inc.
 The Construction Phase of this project is completed.
 The project is in the Post-Construction Phase.

Staff Recommendation:

1.) Authorize the Finance Director to amend the FY 2023/24 CIP budget as follows:

A. The $42,000 funds for ARTICLE 1-A come from TS-01059.

B. The $25,000 funds for ARTICLE 1-B come from the Project Contingency.

C. The $314,934 funds for ARTICLE 1-C come from the Project Contingency.

D. The $59,225 funds for ARTICLE 1-D come from the Silicon Valley Clean Energy for the Community Resilience Grant.
136
Agenda Item # 2.

November 14, 2023 Page 4

2.) Authorize the City Manager to execute contract Amendment No. 1 to include the additional work described below that was not included in the original scope of work.

The PVC drainpipes have broken and clogged up with leaves and trash, causing spots to flood. (Change Order #5 Complete)
C. Add Alt #1, Jardin Drive Paving - Additive Alternate #1, which develops a designated student drop-off zone behind Los Altos High School on Jardin Drive, including safer accessibility improvements for bicyclists and pedestrians, is added to the contract with the original bid items. Item A1-5 Pavement Reinforcing Fabric is eliminated with a saving of $19,760. (Change Order #7 Complete)
D. Cool Shield Pavement - Work will include removing existing Striping, Seal Coat (Cool Shield), the 100 block of State Street between 3rd and 4th Streets, Cat Tracking, and Restripe State Street to match existing striping.

The "Cool Pavement" lowers land surface temperature and creates a cooling effect.

Cool Pavement's primary function is to reduce the heat retained or concentrated at ground level and can create a cooling effect by reflecting solar heat, supporting water evaporation, or enabling water to permeate its surface. The Cool Pavement project aligns with the following Council Goals and Strategies:
137
Agenda Item # 2.

November 14, 2023 Page 5
o Asset Management—increasing the Pavement Condition Index of State Street with the use of a Cool Pavement coating instead of the micro-surfacing slurry material typically used.
o Environmental Sustainability—piloting a measure to reduce the heat risk in Los Altos, per Goal 6.2 in the Los Altos Climate Action and Adaptation Plan. (Change Order #9 Complete)

3.) Adopt Resolution No. 2023-____ accepting completion of the Annual Street Resurfacing and City Alley Resurfacing Project; and authorize the Public Works Director to record a Notice of Completion as required by law.

Purpose
Please see the above Staff Recommendation.

Background
On October 25, 2022, the City awarded the Annual Street Resurfacing and City Alley Resurfacing project to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder, O'Grady Paving, Inc., for a Base Bid of $5,711,830.95, and Additive Alternative 2 ($123,600.00), and Additive Alternate No. 3 ($170,825.00), along with a 15% as-needed contingency.

The Annual Street Resurfacing (TS-01001), Annual Street Slurry Seal (TS-01004), Annual Street Striping (TS-01003), and Annual City Alley Resurfacing (TS-01009) capital improvement projects (CIPs) are dedicated to repairing and maintaining asphalt concrete (AC) roadways and alleyways in the City. Annual Concrete Repair (TS-01005), Annual Traffic Sign Replacements/Additions (TS-01006), Annual ADA Improvements (Streets & Roadways) (TS-01008), Safe Routes to School (SR2S) Improvement Projects (TS-01060), Annual Bicycle/Pedestrian Access Improvements (TS-01052), Annual Neighborhood Traffic Management (TS-01007), and the Annual Collector Street Calming The contract award package also included two optional "additive alternates," as follows:
138
Agenda Item # 2.

November 14, 2023 Page 6
 Additive Alternate 2: This replaces the existing asphalt speed tables on Cuesta Drive with rubberized speed tables and striping and signage enhancements. The redesign was necessary a) to comply with Santa Clara County Fire Department (SCCFD) speed hump/table specifications for emergency vehicles
b) because Cuesta Drive is a SCCFD Primary Emergency Response Route and a City of Los Altos Evacuation Route, and
c) to improve emergency response times.
 Additive Alternate 3: St. Joseph Sidewalk Gap Closure Project, which creates a safer route for students attending Montclaire Elementary School. The project includes a new concrete sidewalk, ADA ramps, curb and gutter, street resurfacing, striping and signage, and other improvements.

Discussion/Analysis
The City Engineer has determined that O’Grady Paving, Inc. completed the construction for the Annual Street Resurfacing and City Alley Resurfacing Project per plans and specifications. The acceptance of the work by the City Council is essentially a ministerial act that the City Council should ratify unless the City Council is able to identify specific facts demonstrating that the City Engineer’s determination is not supported by substantial evidence.

Recommendation

1.) Authorize the Finance Director to amend the FY 2023/24 CIP budget as follows:

E. The $42,000 funds for ARTICLE 1-A come from TS-01059.

F. The $25,000 funds for ARTICLE 1-B come from the Project Contingency.

G. The $314,934 funds for ARTICLE 1-C come from the Project Contingency.

H. The $59,225 funds for ARTICLE 1-D come from the Silicon Valley Clean Energy for the Community Resilience Grant.
139
Agenda Item # 2.

November 14, 2023 Page 7

2.) Authorize the City Manager to execute contract Amendment No. 1 to include the additional work described below that was not included in the original scope of work.

E. Diamond Court Pavement Reconstruction – Per the Maintenance Agreement between the Landowners and the City, dated August 13, 2022, temporary "Repair Work" was done on Diamond Court. The repairs include grinding and off haul 2.5" existing asphalt at Diamond Court, compact subgrade, placing and compacting approximately 11,600 SF of 2.5" new asphalt. (Change Order #2 Complete)
F. Downtown Ramps Removal - Removal of 10 parking ramps, including PVC pipes in the downtown, repairing Pavement, and striping parking spaces. The ramps have caused problems in the downtown parking areas.

The PVC drainpipes have broken and clogged up with leaves and trash, causing spots to flood. (Change Order #5 Complete)
G. Add Alt #1, Jardin Drive Paving - Additive Alternate #1, which develops a designated student drop-off zone behind Los Altos High School on Jardin Drive, including safer accessibility improvements for bicyclists and pedestrians, is added to the contract with the original bid items. Item A1-5 Pavement Reinforcing Fabric is eliminated with a saving of $19,760. (Change Order #7 Complete)
H. Cool Shield Pavement - Work will include removing existing Striping, Seal Coat (Cool Shield), the 100 block of State Street between 3rd and 4th Streets, Cat Tracking, and Restripe State Street to match existing striping.

The "Cool Pavement" lowers land surface temperature and creates a cooling effect.

November 14, 2023 Page 8
o Asset Management—increasing the Pavement Condition Index of State Street with the use of a Cool Pavement coating instead of the micro-surfacing slurry material typically used.
o Environmental Sustainability—piloting a measure to reduce the heat risk in Los Altos, per Goal 6.2 in the Los Altos Climate Action and Adaptation Plan. (Change Order #9 Complete)

Resolution No. 2023-XX Page 1

ATTACHMENT A
RESOLUTION NO. 2023-XX

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LOS ALTOS

ACCEPTING COMPLETION AND DIRECTING THE PUBLIC WORKS

DIRECTOR TO FILE A NOTICE OF COMPLETION OF THE ANNUAL

STREET RESURFACING AND CITY ALLEY RESURFACING PROJECT,

AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE A CONTRACT
AMENDMENT, AND AMENDING THE FISCAL YEAR 2023/24 CIP BUDGET WHEREAS, the Annual Street Resurfacing and City Alley Resurfacing Project includes the annual scope of work to resurface Los Altos streets and alleys and integrates mobility enhancements to improve safety for all modes of transport, with an emphasis on safer routes to schools; and
WHEREAS, all work supports the Council Priorities of Community Safety and Asset Management; and
WHEREAS, on October 25, 2022, the City awarded the Annual Street Resurfacing and City Alley Resurfacing Project to O’Grady Paving, Inc.; and
WHEREAS, it appears to the satisfaction of this City Council that work under the said contract has been fully installed and completed as provided in said contract and the plans and specifications therein referred to; and
WHEREAS, the FY 23/24 Council-approved CIP budget has adequate funding to fund the project; and
WHEREAS, the adoption of this resolution is exempt form review under the California Environmental Quality Act for reasons stated in the staff report; NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council of the City of Los Altos hereby adopts a resolution to:

1.) Find that the foregoing recitals are true and correct.

2.) Authorize the Finance Director to amend the FY 2023/24 CIP budget as follows:

A. The $42,000 funds for ARTICLE 1-A come from TS-01059.

B. The $25,000 funds for ARTICLE 1-B come from the Project Contingency.

C. The $314,934 funds for ARTICLE 1-C come from the Project Contingency.

D. The $59,225 funds for ARTICLE 1-D come from the Silicon Valley Clean Energy for the Community Resilience Grant.
142
Agenda Item # 2.

Resolution No. 2023-XX Page 2

3.) Authorize the City Manager to execute contract Amendment No. 1 to include the additional work described below that was not included in the original scope of work.

A. Diamond Court Pavement Reconstruction – Per the
Maintenance Agreement between the Landowners and the City, dated August 13, 2022, temporary "Repair Work" was done on Diamond Court. The repairs include grinding and off haul 2.5" existing asphalt at Diamond Court, compact subgrade, placing and compacting approximately 11,600 SF of 2.5" new asphalt. (Change Order #2 Complete)
B. Downtown Ramps Removal - Removal of 10 parking ramps, including PVC pipes in the downtown, repairing Pavement, and striping parking spaces. The ramps have caused problems in the downtown parking areas. The PVC drainpipes have broken and clogged up with leaves and trash, causing spots to flood. (Change Order #5 Complete)
C. Add Alt #1, Jardin Drive Paving - Additive Alternate #1, which develops a designated student drop-off zone behind Los Altos High School on Jardin Drive, including safer accessibility improvements for bicyclists and pedestrians, is added to the contract with the original bid items. Item A1-5 Pavement Reinforcing Fabric is eliminated with a saving of $19,760. (Change Order #7 Complete) D. Cool Shield Pavement - Work will include removing existing Striping, Seal Coat (Cool Shield), the 100 block of State Street between 3rd and 4th Streets, Cat Tracking, and Restripe State Street to match existing striping.

The "Cool Pavement" lowers land surface temperature and creates a cooling effect. Cool Pavement's primary function is to reduce the heat retained or concentrated at ground level and can create a cooling effect by reflecting solar heat, supporting water evaporation, or enabling water to permeate its surface. The Cool Pavement project aligns with the following Council Goals and Strategies:
o Asset Management—increasing the Pavement Condition Index of State Street with the use of a Cool Pavement coating instead of the microsurfacing slurry material typically used. o Environmental Sustainability—piloting a measure to reduce the heat risk in Los Altos, per Goal 6.2 in the Los Altos Climate Action and Adaptation Plan.
(Change Order #9 Complete)
143
Agenda Item # 2.

Resolution No. 2023-XX Page 3

4.) Adopt Resolution No. 2023-____ accepting completion of the Annual Street Resurfacing and City Alley Resurfacing Project; and authorize the Public Works Director to record a Notice of Completion as required by law.

I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing is a true and correct copy of a Resolution passed and adopted by the City Council of the City of Los Altos at a meeting thereof on the 14 th day
of November 2023 by the following vote:

AYES:

NOES:

ABSENT:

ABSTAIN:
__________________________
Sally Meadows
MAYOR
Attest:
_____________________________
Melissa Thurman, MMC

CITY CLERK
144
Agenda Item # 2.

Reviewed By:

City Manager City Attorney
GE JH

AGENDA REPORT SUMMARY
Meeting Date: November 14, 2023
Subject Housing Element Implementation Ordinance 2.0
Prepared by: Nick Zornes, Development Services Director Reviewed by: Jolie Houston, City Attorney
Jon Maginot, Assistant City Manager
Approved by: Gabe Engeland, City Manager
Attachment(s):

1. Draft Ordinance #1

2. Draft Ordinance #1 – Appendix A

3. Draft Ordinance #1 – Appendix B

4. Draft Ordinance #1 – Appendix C

5. Draft Ordinance #1 – Appendix D

6. Draft Ordinance #2

7. Draft Ordinance #2 – Appendix A

8. Draft Ordinance #3

9. Draft Ordinance #3 – Appendix A

10. Draft Ordinance #3 – Exhibit, Zone Map Change

11. HCD Technical Advisory – Group Homes – December 2022 Initiated by:

The City of Los Altos adopted 6th Cycle Housing Element, Programs 1.A, 1.B, 1.C, 1.E, 1.F, 1.G,

3.I, and 3.J.

Fiscal Impact:

No fiscal impacts are associated with the adoption of these implementing regulations.

Environmental Review:

This Ordinance is exempt from environmental review pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) of the State Guidelines implementing the California Environmental Quality Act of 1970. 145
Agenda Item # 3.

Subject: Housing Element Implementation Ordinance
November 14, 2023 Page 2
Summary:

The draft ordinance incorporates regulations to rezone for the RHNA shortfall, facilitation of higher density housing in the commercial thoroughfare district, allow housing in the office administrative district, repeal of the Loyola Corners Specific Plan in its entirety, rezone Village Court parcel and repeal its entirety the PUD specific to the parcel, rezone housing sites from previous housing elements, allow residential care facilities consistent with State law, and explicitly allow manufactured homes consistent with State law. The draft ordinance integrates regulations into the Los Altos Municipal Code, which addresses all required provisions from the Housing Element programs previously noted.

Staff Recommendation:

Introduce and Waive Further Reading of Zoning Ordinance Text Amendments which implement programs identified in the adopted housing element, Program 1.A: Rezone for RHNA Shortfall; Program 1.B: Facilitate Higher Density Housing in the Commercial Thoroughfare (CT) District; Program 1.C: Allow Housing in the Office Administrative (OA) District; Program 1.E: Update the Loyola Corners Specific Plan; Program 1.F: Rezone Village Court Parcel; Program 1.G: Rezone Housing Sites from Previous Housing Elements; Program 3.I: Allow Residential Care Facilities Consistent with State law; Program 3.J: Explicitly Allow Manufactured Homes Consistent with State law; and consideration of the City of Los Altos Planning Commission’s October 19, 2023 decisions and find that the proposed amendments are exempt from environmental review pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines since there would be no possibility of a significant effect on the environment.

Background:

On January 24, 2023, the Los Altos City Council adopted the City’s 6th Cycle Housing Element 2023-2031. As required by law, the adopted housing element has several housing programs contained within. The City of Los Altos identified specific programs in its housing element that will allow it to implement the stated policies and achieve the stated goals and objectives.

Programs must include specific action steps the City will take to implement its policies and achieve its goals and objectives. Programs must also include a specific timeframe for implementation, identify the agencies or officials responsible for implementation, describe the city’s specific role in implementation, and (whenever possible) identify specific, measurable outcomes.

The draft ordinance under consideration implementing Programs 1.A, 1.B, 1.C, 1.E, 1.F, 1.G, 3.I, and 3.J is required to be adopted no later than January 31, 2024.

On October 19, 2023, the Los Altos Planning Commission were presented with a staff report, and presentation at a duly noticed public hearing. At the regularly scheduled meeting the Planning Commission asked clarifying questions of the Development Services Director, opened the Public 146
Agenda Item # 3.

Subject: Housing Element Implementation Ordinance
November 14, 2023 Page 3
Hearing and received public testimony, and discussed the amendments presented to the commission. Three separate actions were taken that evening, and are summarized below:

Action #1 – Ordinance #1 – An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Los Altos amending Chapter 13.34, Chapter 13.36, Chapter 14.50, and Chapter 14.63 of the Los Altos Municipal Code to Implement Program 1.A, Program 1.B, Program 1.C, Program 1.G, Program 3.I, and Program

3.J of the Sixth Cycle Housing Element Update.

The Los Altos Planning Commission passed the recommendation by the following vote:

AYES: Steinle, Roche, Doran, Ahi, Beninato
NOES: Disney
ABSENT: Mensinger
Action #2 – Ordinance #2 – An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Los Altos repealing in its entirety the Loyola Corners Specific Plan, Chapter 14.42 of the Los Altos Municipal Code, and Resolution No. 2017-41 and reinstating the underlying zoning districts to all effected parcels to Implement Program 1.E of the Sixth Cycle Housing Element Update.

The Los Altos Planning Commission passed the recommendation by the following vote:

AYES: Steinle, Roche, Doran, Ahi, Beninato, Disney
NOES:

ABSENT: Mensinger
Action #3 – Ordinance #3 – An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Los Altos amending Chapter 14.88 of the Los Altos Municipal Code Pertaining to Rezoning of a Parcel Located at 4546 El Camino Real (APN: 16712042) from R1-10 to Commercial Thoroughfare (CT) and Repealing in its entirety Planning Unit Development (62-PUD/C7) to Implement Program 1.F Rezone Village Court Parcel of the Sixth Cycle Housing Element Update.

The Los Altos Planning Commission passed the recommendation by the following vote:

AYES: Steinle, Roche, Doran, Ahi, Beninato, Disney
NOES:

ABSENT: Mensinger
Analysis:

The City’s adopted 6th Cycle Housing Element 2023-2031 included various programs which requires the proposed ordinance amendments to implement the various commitments contained within the Housing Element as Certified by the State of California Housing and 147
Agenda Item # 3.

Subject: Housing Element Implementation Ordinance
November 14, 2023 Page 4
Community Development Department (HCD). The following programs are being implemented in various components of the draft ordinance.

The following program has already been partially implemented in that the City of Los Altos has already increased development capacity and overall density in zones such as CN, CRS, CD/R3 to accommodate moderate-income level units, and now in the CT and OA Districts.

Program 1.A: Rezone for RHNA shortfall.

To accommodate the remaining above moderate-income RHNA of 19 units, the City will identify and rezone sufficient vacant land or land with redevelopment potential to provide capacity for this shortfall. Appendix B (Sites Inventory and Methodology) identifies potential parcels for rezoning to address this shortfall and provide excess capacity throughout the planning period. Separate programs detail specifics of various rezoning actions that would provide additional capacity for all income levels.

Responsible Body: Development Services Department, Planning Commission, City Council
Funding Source: General Fund
Time Frame: Sites rezoned to address shortfall by January 2024 Objective: The City will amend the Zoning Map and/or Zoning Code to create the opportunity for at least 19 above moderate-income housing units; proposed rezoning would accommodate an assumed capacity of 64 above-moderate income housing units Geographic Targeting: Create additional opportunities for housing capacity throughout the city, which is identified as high and highest resource by TCAC opportunity maps.

The following program implements the requirements identified within the adopted housing element in that the proposed ordinance removes the zoning code limit on maximum density allowed within the zone (68 units/acre or 179% of maximum allowed density has been the average development trend for recently approved/constructed projects), eliminates excess setback requirements for adjacencies, increases the building heights, and makes residential and mixed-use developments allowed by-right.

Program 1.B: Facilitate higher density housing in the Commercial Thoroughfare (CT) District.

The Commercial Thoroughfare (CT) Zone is located along El Camino Real with a maximum density of 38 units per acre and a maximum height of 45 feet. Development trends in this area are showing much higher densities and heights being built. To continue to facilitate housing in the CT District, the City will remove or increase the density maximum and increase the height allowed in the CT District by at least 10 feet and one story which will result in a maximum height of 55 feet and 5-stories to ensure 148
Agenda Item # 3.

Subject: Housing Element Implementation Ordinance
November 14, 2023 Page 5
the increased maximum density can be accommodated. Objective design standards for the CT District will be modified as necessary to accommodate higher density, and the increased setback standards when across the street from or abutting a residential zoning district will be removed.

Responsible Body: Development Services Department, Planning Commission, City Council
Funding Source: General Fund
Time Frame: December 2024
Objective: Approve housing development projects along El Camino Real at densities above 38 units per acre anticipating at least 80 total housing units with at least 20 low-income units.

Geographic Targeting: Increase housing opportunity in a mixed-use, transitaccessible area. See Program 4.J for place-based improvements, specifically relative to the Los Altos Loop, that will be prioritized in this area east of San Antonio Road.

The following program implements the requirements identified within the adopted housing element in that the proposed ordinance specifies the allowed density of a minimum of 20 units per acre and a maximum of 30 units per acre, modifies the required setbacks to provide ample buffer and spatial distance from single family zoning districts by reducing side and front yard setbacks while increasing the rear yard setback to an acceptable maximum of 30 feet, and makes residential and mixed-use developments allowed by-right.

Program 1.C: Allow housing in the Office Administrative (OA) District.

The Office Administrative (OA) District, primarily located along South San Antonio Road (east of Downtown), does not currently allow residential uses. However, given the high demand for housing in Los Altos and the opportunity to provide for housing in a mixed-use environment with access to transit, the sites identified in the OA District (Appendix B, Table B-11) will be amended to allow multi-family development.

Residential uses will be allowed at a minimum density of 20 dwelling units per acre and a maximum density of 30 dwelling units per acre.

Responsible Body: Development Services Department, Planning Commission, City Council
Funding Source: General Fund
Time Frame: December 2024 Objective: Permit housing on OA District parcels during the planning period comprising at least 40 total housing units with at least eight low-income units in the highest resource areas of the city.

Geographic Targeting: Create additional opportunities for housing capacity in a highest resource area located adjacent to Downtown, transit (bus line along San Antonio Road), and single-family neighborhoods.
149
Agenda Item # 3.

Subject: Housing Element Implementation Ordinance
November 14, 2023 Page 6
The following program implements the requirements identified within the adopted housing element in that the proposed ordinance repeals in its entirety the Loyola Corners Specific Plan which has been an impediment to the creation of housing as well as any large-scale revitalization of the area since its inception. Additionally, the action will repeal in its entirety City Council Resolution 2017-41 which was an action that further restricted development potential within the specific plan area.

Program 1.E: Update the Loyola Corners Specific Plan.

The Loyola Corners Specific Plan will be rescinded and revert to underlying zoning (CN District) to facilitate housing production. Regardless of whether the Specific Plan is updated or rescinded, this program includes removal of all standards that are more restrictive than those applicable within the CN District. Standards to be eliminated include the 20-unit density cap (enforcement of this limitation is currently precluded by the Housing Crisis Act), the dwelling unit size requirement of between 1,500 and 8,000 square feet, the two-story height limitation in addition to a 30-foot maximum height (Resolution 2017-41), and any subjective design standards applicable to residential. The eliminated standards will provide regulations that allow development at greater densities than what is presently allowed today, increased building heights and greater flexibility in unit sizes. The Loyola Corners Specific Plan is considered a highest resource area with the most positive educational outcomes (see Appendix F, Section F.2.5 (Access to Opportunity)).

Responsible Body: Development Services Department, Planning Commission, City Council
Funding Source: General Fund
Time Frame: December 2024 Objective: Eliminate restrictive development standards within Loyola Corners Specific Plan for density, height, and unit size no later than December 2024. Also eliminate any subjective design standards applicable to residential no later than December 2024. Permit housing units in the Loyola Corners Specific Plan above the current 20-unit cap and with a mixture of unit sizes during the planning period. Target approval of at least 40 total housing units with at least eight low-income units.

Geographic Targeting: Remove barriers to increase housing opportunity in Loyola Corners neighborhood, a highest resource area with commercial, transit (bus line along Foothill Expressway), and single-family homes.

The following program implements the requirements identified within the adopted housing element in that the proposed ordinance executes the required Zone Change to one (1) affected parcel at the “Village Court” development. The existing parcel(s) has “split” or “shared” zoning districts which further creates confusion and irregular development potential of the 150
Agenda Item # 3.

Subject: Housing Element Implementation Ordinance
November 14, 2023 Page 7
site. Additionally, as a part of the Zone Change Planned Residential Development 62-PUD/C7 is repealed in its entirety which has limited development potential of the site since its inception. Due to the split or shared zoning of the parcel at Village Court there is not feasible or practical way for the PUD to be maintained and carry the new zoning of the Commercial Thoroughfare District on all portions of the parcels.

Program 1.F: Rezone Village Court parcel.

To facilitate housing, the Village Court parcel at 4546 El Camino Real (APN 16712042) will be rezoned from R1-10 to Commercial Thoroughfare (CT), and modifications made to the Planned Unit Development (62-PUD/C7), as necessary for consistency with the CT District. The City will consult with adjacent property owners and interested parties throughout the Village Court rezone program.

Responsible Body: Development Services Department, Planning Commission, City Council
Funding Source: General Fund
Time Frame: December 2025
The following program implements the requirements identified within the adopted housing element in that the proposed ordinance the rezoning of the sites identified in the program has been accomplished by allowing for the use of residential and mixed-use development by-right within the CT District and by the Zone Change of the Village Court parcel.

Program 1.G: Rezone housing sites from previous Housing Elements.

Under AB 1397, certain rezoning requirements apply if a lower income housing site identified in the sites inventory (Appendix B) was identified as a housing site (for any income level) in a previous housing element’s site inventory. The following vacant and nonvacant lower income sites are subject to the rezoning requirements:
 Vacant lower income sites that have been included in at least two consecutive housing element sites inventories.
 Nonvacant lower income sites that have been included in a prior housing element sites inventory.

The City will make necessary zoning amendments to allow development by right pursuant to Government Code §65583.2(i) when 20 percent or more of the units are affordable to lower income households on sites identified in Table IV-1. These identified sites meet the density requirements for lower-income households and allow at least 30 units per acre.

Responsible Body: Development Services Department, Planning Commission, City Council
151
Agenda Item # 3.

Subject: Housing Element Implementation Ordinance
November 14, 2023 Page 8
Funding Source: General Fund
Time Frame: January 2024
The following program implements the requirements identified within the adopted housing element in that the proposed ordinance by the creation of Article 6 of the Specialized Housing Regulations Chapter in the Zoning Code by integration of definitions and allowances which are articulated in State law.

Program 3.I: Allow residential care facilities consistent with State law.

To comply with State law, the City will amend the Zoning Code to permit residential care facilities for six or fewer persons in all residential zoning districts, as well as districts where single-family homes are allowed by-right and treat them as a residential use. The Zoning Code will also be amended to allow large residential care facilities (seven or more persons) in all residential zones without discretionary review (i.e., subject only to objective standards). Residential care facilities will not be limited to individuals of 60 years of age or over, and a barrier-free definition of “family” that encompasses unrelated individuals living together as a single residential unit will be added consistent with State law.

Responsible Body: Development Services Department, Planning Commission, City Council
Funding Source: General Fund
Time Frame: March 2024
The following program implements the requirements identified within the adopted housing element in that the proposed ordinance by the creation of Article 5 of the Specialized Housing Regulations Chapter in the Zoning Code by asserting that all manufactured housing shall be considered the same as conventional stick-built construction.

Program 3.J: Explicitly allow manufactured homes consistent with State law.

Government Code §65852.3 requires manufactured and mobile homes on a permanent foundation to be allowed in the same manner and in the same zone as a conventional stick-built structure. While it is the City’s practice to treat manufactured homes on a foundation as a conventional single-family home, the Zoning Code does not reflect this practice. The City will amend the Zoning Code to explicitly allow manufactured homes 152
Agenda Item # 3.

Subject: Housing Element Implementation Ordinance
November 14, 2023 Page 9
on a permanent foundation, subject to the same regulations as single-family homes and in the same zones as single-family homes.

Responsible Body: Development Services Department, Planning Commission, City Council
Funding Source: General Fund
Time Frame: March 2024
Discussion:

The actions included within the attached draft ordinance are requirements pursuant to the City’s adopted 6th Cycle Housing Element. Once a jurisdiction takes final action by adopting its housing element this requires immediate action in order to remain compliant with State housing law. The City of Los Altos Housing Element contains several major action items or milestones that must be completed by specific dates as determined within the adopted Housing Element. The draft ordinance before the City Council tonight will effectively accomplish the majority of 8 items or milestones.

Since the City of Los Altos was not found to be in substantial compliance with Housing Element Law within 120-days post the statutory due dates of January 31, 2023, the City of Los Altos must complete all rezoning within 1-year (by 1-31-2024). Since adoption of the Housing Element in January 2023:
 (19) programs have been completed
 (8) programs are in-progress as a part of the amendments before the City Council tonight  (6) programs are in-progress and anticipated to be completed by early to mid-2024 (ontime with HEU due dates)  (38) programs remaining to begin within next 12-24 months (some programs are ongoing and do not have a target completion date)
Failure to Implement Adopted Housing Element Programs
Should the Los Altos City Council not introduce and adopt the draft ordinances the City will be vulnerable to penalties and consequences of housing element noncompliance. HCD is authorized to review any action or failure to act by a local government that determines is inconsistent with an adopted housing element or housing element law. This includes failure to implement program actions included in the housing element. HCD may revoke housing element compliance if the local government’s actions do not comply with state law. Examples of penalties and consequence of housing element noncompliance:
153
Agenda Item # 3.

Subject: Housing Element Implementation Ordinance
November 14, 2023 Page 10
 General Plan Inadequacy: the housing element is a mandatory element of the General Plan.

When a jurisdiction’s housing element is found to be out of compliance, its General Plan could be found inadequate, and therefore invalid. Local governments with an invalid General Plan can no longer make permitting decisions.
 Legal Suits and Attorney Fees: local governments with noncompliant housing elements are vulnerable to litigation from housing rights’ organization, developers, and HCD. If a jurisdiction faces a court action stemming from its lack of compliance and either loses or settles the case, it often must pay substantial attorney fees to the plaintiff’s attorneys in addition to the fees paid by its own attorneys. Potential consequences of lawsuits include mandatory compliance within 120 days, suspension of local control on building matters, and court approval of housing developments.
 Loss of Permitting Authority: courts have authority to take local government residential and nonresidential permit authority to bring the jurisdiction’s General Plan and housing element into substantial compliance with State law. The court may suspend the locality’s authority to issue building permits or grant zoning changes, variances, or subdivision map approvals – giving local governments a strong incentive to bring its housing element into compliance.
 Financial Penalties: court-issued judgement directing the jurisdiction to bring its housing element into substantial compliance with state housing element law. If a jurisdiction’s housing element continues to be found out of compliance, courts can multiply financial penalties by a factor of six.
 Court Receivership: courts may appoint an agent with all powers necessary to remedy identified housing element deficiencies and bring the jurisdiction’s housing element into substantial compliance with housing element law.
154
Agenda Item # 3.
1 ORDINANCE NO. 2023-__

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LOS ALTOS AMENDING CHAPTER 14.34, CHAPTER 14.36, CHAPTER 14.50, AND CHAPTER

14.63 OF THE LOS ALTOS MUNICIPAL CODE TO IMPLEMENT PROGRAM 1.A, PROGRAM 1.B, PROGRAM 1.C, PROGRAM 1.G, PROGRAM 3.I, PROGRAM 3.J OF

THE SIXTH CYCLE HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATE
WHEREAS, the City Council is empowered pursuant to Article XI, Section 7 of the California Constitution to make and enforce within the City all local, police, sanitary, and other ordinances and regulations not in conflict with general laws; and
WHEREAS, on January 24, 2023, the City Council approved the City’s Sixth Cycle Housing Element Update; and
WHEREAS, the City Council held a duly noticed public hearing on November 14, 2023, and November 28, 2023; and
WHEREAS, Program 1.A of the Housing Element Update calls for Rezone for RHNA Shortfall; and
WHEREAS, Program 1.A of the Housing Element Update requires the City of Los Altos to increase housing capacity to accommodate the remaining above moderate-income RHNA within the City of Los Altos; and
WHEREAS, Program 1.B of the Housing Element Update calls for Facilitating Higher Density Housing in the Commercial Thoroughfare (CT) District; and WHEREAS, Program 1.B of the Housing Element Update expressly allows 5-stories, and 55-feet tall buildings with no cap on density limits within the CT District in the City of Los Altos; and WHEREAS, Program 1.C of the Housing Element Update calls for Allowing Housing in the Office Administrative (OA) District; and
WHEREAS, Program 1.C of the Housing Element Update expressly allows residential uses in the Office Administrative (OA) zoning districts with a minimum density of 20 units per acre and maximum of 30 units per acre within the City of Los Altos; and WHEREAS, Program 1.G of the Housing Element Update calls for Rezoning Housing Sites from Previous Housing Elements; and
WHEREAS, Program 1.G of the Housing Element Update expressly allows housing sites from the prior housing element cycle to be allowed by-right within the City of Los Altos; and WHEREAS, Program 3.I of the Housing Element Update calls for Allowing Residential Care Facilities Consistent with State law; and
155
Agenda Item # 3.
2 WHEREAS, Program 3.I of the Housing Element Update expressly allows residential care facilities anywhere that residential zoning is allowed within the City of Los Altos; and WHEREAS, Program 3.J of the Housing Element Update calls for Explicitly Allowing Manufactured Homes Consistent with State law; and
WHEREAS, Program 3.J of the Housing Element Update expressly allows manufactured homes by-right anywhere residential zoning is allowed within the City of Los Altos; and WHEREAS, this Ordinance is exempt from environmental review pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) of the State Guidelines implementing the California Environmental Quality Act of 1970, as amended; and
NOW, THEREFORE, the City Council of the City of Los Altos does hereby ordain as follows:

SECTION 1. AMENDMENT OF CHAPTER 14.34 OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE. Chapter

14.34 of the Los Altos Municipal Code is hereby amended as set forth in Appendix A to this Ordinance, underline indicating addition, and strikethrough indicating deletion.

SECTION 2. AMENDMENT OF CHAPTER 14.36 OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE. Chapter

14.36 of the Los Altos Municipal Code is hereby amended as set forth in Appendix B to this Ordinance, underline indicating addition, and strikethrough indicating deletion.

SECTION 3. AMENDMENT OF CHAPTER 14.50 OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE. Chapter

14.50 of the Los Altos Municipal Code is hereby amended as set forth in Appendix C to this Ordinance, underline indicating addition, and strikethrough indicating deletion.

SECTION 4. AMENDMENT OF CHAPTER 14.63 OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE. Chapter

14.63 of the Los Altos Municipal Code is hereby amended as set forth in Appendix D to this Ordinance, underline indicating addition, and strikethrough indicating deletion.

SECTION 5. CONSTITUTIONALITY; AMBIGUITIES. If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, or phrase of this Ordinance is for any reason held to be invalid or unconstitutional, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions hereof. Any ambiguities in the Los Altos Municipal Code created by this Ordinance shall be resolved by the Director of Development Services, in their reasonable discretion, after consulting the City Attorney.

SECTION 6. PUBLICATION. This Ordinance shall be published as provided in Government Code Section 36933.

SECTION 7. EFFECTIVE DATE. This Ordinance shall be effective upon the commencement of the thirty-first day following the adoption hereof.

The foregoing Ordinance was duly and properly introduced at a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Los Altos held on __, 2023, and was thereafter, at a regular meeting held on ___, 2023, passed and adopted by the following vote:
156
Agenda Item # 3.
3 AYES:

NOES:

ABSENT:

ABSTAIN:
___________________________________
Sally Meadows, MAYOR
Attest:
____________________________
Melissa Thurman, MMC, CITY CLERK
157
Agenda Item # 3.

APPENDIX A
AMENDMENTS TO CHAPTER 14.34
158
Agenda Item # 3.

APPENDIX B
AMENDMENTS TO CHAPTER 14.36
159
Agenda Item # 3.

APPENDIX C
AMENDMENTS TO CHAPTER 14.50
160
Agenda Item # 3.

APPENDIX D
AMENDMENTS TO CHAPTER 14.63
161
Agenda Item # 3.

Title 14 - ZONING
Chapter 14.34 OA OFFICE-ADMINISTRATIVE DISTRICT
Los Altos, California, Code of Ordinances Created: 2023-06-28 07:56:33 [EST] (Supp. No. 40, Update 2)

Page 1 of 15 ends

Chapter 14.34 OA OFFICE-ADMINISTRATIVE DISTRICT
Sections:

14.34.010 OA Districts.

The regulations, general provisions, and exceptions set forth in this chapter and Chapter 14.66 shall apply in all OA Districts.
(Prior code § 10-2.1301)

14.34.020 Specific purposes (OA).

Specific purposes for OA Districts are as follows:

A. Attract new office development to sites suitable for such use; B. Allow the integration of residential uses and a variety of housing types; B.C. Allow latitude for creative design and architectural variety within limits established. (Prior code § 10-2.1302)

14.34.030 Required conditions (OA).

A. No use shall be permitted and no process, equipment, or materials shall be employed which are found by the commission to be objectionable by reason of odor, dust, noise, vibration, illumination, glare, unsightliness, or electrical disturbances which are manifested beyond the premises in which the permitted use is located.

B. No property owner, business owner, and/or tenant shall suffer, permit, or allow operation of a business on his or her property or on property upon which his or her business operates to violate the required conditions of this chapter. Enforcement shall be as provided for in Chapter 1.10 of Title 1.

1. General screening standard. Every development shall provide sufficient screening to reasonably protect the privacy, safety, and environment of neighboring residential properties and shield them from adverse external effects of that development.

Walls up to twelve (12) feet in height shall be required for the purpose of attenuating noise, (as determined by an acoustical analysis), odor, air pollution, artificial light, mitigation for grade differential between properties, and providing privacy and safety.

2. Sites for screening of refuse collection. Every development will be required to provide suitable space for solid waste separation, collection, and storage, and shall provide sites for such that are located so as to facilitate collection and minimize any negative impact on persons occupying the development site, neighboring properties, or public rights-of-way.

3. Lighting. Lighting within any lot that unnecessarily illuminates any other lot and/or substantially interferes with the use or enjoyment of such other lot is prohibited. Lighting unnecessarily illuminates another lot if (i) it clearly exceeds the minimum illumination necessary to provide for security of property and the safety of persons using such roads, driveways, sidewalks, parking lots, and other 162
Agenda Item # 3.

Created: 2023-06-28 07:56:33 [EST]
(Supp. No. 40, Update 2)

Page 2 of 15 ends

common areas and facilities, or (ii) if the illumination could reasonably be achieved in a manner that would not substantially interfere with the use or enjoyment of neighboring properties.

4. Air pollution. Any use that emits any "air contaminant" as defined by the Bay Area air quality management district shall comply with applicable state standards concerning air pollution.

5. Maintenance of common areas, improvements, and facilities. Maintenance of all common areas, improvements, or facilities required by this chapter or any permit issued in accordance with its provisions shall be required except those areas, improvements, or facilities with respect to which an offer of dedication to the public has been accepted by the appropriate public authority.

6. Odors. No use may generate any odor that may be found reasonably objectionable as determined by an appropriate agency such as the Santa Clara County Health Department and the Bay Area air quality management district beyond the boundary occupied by the enterprise generating the odor.

7. Noise. No person shall operate, or cause to be operated, any source of sound at any location within the city or allow the creation of any noise on property owned, leased, occupied or otherwise controlled by such person, which causes the noise level when measured on any other property either incorporated or unincorporated, to exceed standards as set forth in Chapter 6.16 of the Los Altos Municipal Code.

C. In order to attenuate noise associated with commercial development, walls up to twelve (12) feet in height shall be required at a commercial/residential interface. Other conditions may be applied such as, but not limited to, muffling of exterior air conditioning facilities. (Prior code § 10-2.1302.5)

14.34.040 Permitted uses (OA).

The following uses shall be permitted in the OA Districts:

A. Accessory structures and uses customarily incidental to permitted uses; B. Copy reproduction shops;
C. Office-administrative uses;
D. Parking spaces and loading areas; and
B. Residential Only Development(s);
C. Mixed Use Development(s); and
E. Other uses which are determined by the Zoning Administrator commission and the council to be of the same general character.
(Prior code § 10-2.1303)
(Ord. No. 2015-406 , § 2, 2-10-2015; Ord. No. 2015-414 , § 6, 9-8-2015)

14.34.050 Conditional uses (OA).

Upon the granting of a use permit in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 14.80 of this title, the following uses shall be permitted in OA Districts:

A. Blueprinting shops; Reprographic Uses;
B. Data processing centers;
163
Agenda Item # 3.

Created: 2023-06-28 07:56:33 [EST]
(Supp. No. 40, Update 2)

Page 3 of 15 ends

C. Drive-in facilities, except car washes;
D.C. Medical and dental clinics;
E. Medical and dental offices that are five thousand (5,000) gross square feet or more; F.D. Mortuaries; and
G.E. Other uses which are determined by the commission and the council to be of the same general character.
(Prior code § 10-2.1304)
(Ord. No. 2015-406 , §§ 3, 4, 2-10-2015)

14.34.065 Allowed Density (OA).

Residential uses will be allowed at a minimum density of twenty (20) dwelling units per acre and a maximum density of thirty (30) dwelling units per acre.

14.34.060 Coverage (OA).

The maximum coverage for all structures shall be fifty (50) percent of the total site area; provided, however, the maximum coverage may be increased to seventy-five (75) percent of total gross lot area if required off-street parking is provided underground. Lot coverage measures the portion of a lot that is covered by habitable structures only and excludes all non-habitable exterior improvements or structures. (Prior code § 10-2.1305)

14.34.070 Front yard (OA).

The minimum depth of front yards shall be eighteen five (185) feet, all with a minimum of fifty (50) percent of which shall be landscaped. For purposes of this section, "landscaped" shall mean any combination of plant material ("soft surfaces") and decorative paving, steps, seating, seat-walls, fountains, etc., ("hard surfaces") where the soft surface comprises at least sixty (60) percent of the total landscaped area. (Prior code § 10-2.1306)

14.34.080 Side yards (OA).

The minimum depth of side yards shall be ten five (105) feet percent of the width of the site except where immediately abutting an R1-10 District, in which case the side yard shall be twenty-five (25) feet. Two or more parcels may develop as a combined project with abutting buildings subject to the approval of the commission.

Where the yard abuts a residential property fencing, landscaping, and other measures shall be used to reduce the impact.
(Prior code § 10-2.1307)
164
Agenda Item # 3.

Created: 2023-06-28 07:56:33 [EST]
(Supp. No. 40, Update 2)

Page 4 of 15 ends

14.34.090 Rear yard (OA).

The minimum depth of rear yards shall be ten fifteen (1015) feet except where immediately abutting an R1- 10 District, in which case the rear yard shall be twenty-five thirty (2530) feet. Where the yard abuts a residential property fencing, ten (10) feet of landscaping, and other measures shall be used to reduce the impact. (Prior code § 10-2.1308)

14.34.100 Site area (OA).

The minimum site area shall be five thousand one hundred (5,100) square feet if the lot was in single ownership on January 13, 1967; otherwise, the minimum lot area shall be nine thousand (9,000) square feet. (Prior code § 10-2.1309)

14.34.110 Off-street parking (OA).

Parking facilities shall be provided in accordance with Chapter 14.74 of this title. In addition, parking facilities built as part of building projects shall:

A. Reduce the visual impact of pParking structures and surface parking lots shall be by locating them located at the rear of the parcel or below ground; interior portions of building sites; B. Keep the n Number of direct entrances to parking facilities from streets to a minimum with a maximum of two (2) excluding any required emergency access;
C. Provide a landscaped buffer not less than five feet in width between a parking lot or structure and street frontage or buildings. Where the landscaped strip adjoins a public street or pedestrian walkway, the landscaped strip may be required to include a fence, wall, berm, or equivalent feature; D. Provide a minimum of interior landscaping for unenclosed parking facilities as follows: Where the total parking provided is located on one site and is fourteen thousand nine hundred ninety-nine (14,999) square feet or less, five percent of total parking area; where the parking is fifteen thousand (15,000) through twenty-nine thousand nine hundred ninety-nine (29,999) square feet, seven and one-half percent of total parking area; and where the facility is thirty thousand (30,000) square feet or greater, ten (10) percent of total parking area.

Parking Area Minimum
Landscaping
(in square feet) (% of Parking Area)
< 15,000 5
15,000 — 29,999 7.5
≥ 30,000 10
E. Trees in reasonable number shall be provided; ground cover alone is not acceptable. Interior landscaping shall be distributed throughout the paved area as evenly as possible. Provision shall be made for automatically irrigating all planted area. All landscaping shall be protected with concrete curbs or other acceptable barriers. All landscaping shall be continuously maintained.

F. Provisions of Section 14.34.110 which differ from Chapter 14.74 can be reduced or waived in its entirety by the authority of the Zoning Administrator.
165
Agenda Item # 3.

Created: 2023-06-28 07:56:33 [EST]
(Supp. No. 40, Update 2)

Page 5 of 15 ends

(Prior code § 10-2.1310)

14.34.120 Off-street loading and refuse collection (OA).

A. Where buildings are sewed by alleys, all service-delivery entrances, loading docks, and refuse collection facilities shall be located to be accessed from the alley. No loading area shall be located at the street frontage or building façade.

B. A minimum of thirty-two (32) square feet of on-site refuse collection area shall be provided on each lot or premises and shall not be located in any front or street side yard. Where an alley exists, the refuse collection area shall be accessed from the alley.

C. On sites not served by an alley, service areas shall be located to the rear, side, or at an internal location where visibility from public streets and windows of neighboring buildings will be minimized.

D. Refuse collection areas and dumpsters shall be enclosed by a screen wall of durable material and planting as necessary to screen views from streets and neighboring properties. (Prior code § 10-2.1311)

14.34.130 Height of structures (OA).

The maximum height of structures shall be two stories of a maximum of thirty (30) feet, whichever is the lesser as measured from the sidewalk. Mechanical equipment and elevator shafts shall be included in the maximum height. The height may be exceeded, up to a maximum of thirty-five (35) feet for appurtenances such as towers, spires, cupolas, chimney, and antenna. The height shall not preclude a fully submerged basement. a. Residential Only Development(s) building height shall be a maximum of forty (40) feet and four (4) stories.
b. Mixed Use Development(s) building height shall be a maximum of forty-five (45) feet and four (4) stories. c. Non-Residential Use Only Development(s) building height shall be a maximum of thirty (30) feet and two (2) stories.
(Prior code § 10-2.1312)

14.34.140 Design control (OA).

A. No structure shall be built or altered including exterior changes in color, materials, and signage in the OA District except upon approval of the city planner for minor changes and architecture and site approval to be obtained as prescribed in Chapter 14.66 of this title for major changes.

B. No building or portion thereof shall project over the public right-of-way above ground level; provided, however, that awnings and canopies may encroach into the public right-of-way.

C. Building surface materials and colors.

1. Surface materials shall only be those which are in keeping with the traditional materials of the community. These include:
i. Natural materials such as wood, brick, or natural unpolished stone; ii. Roofing materials such as wood shakes or tile;
iii. Stucco (painted); and
166
Agenda Item # 3.

Created: 2023-06-28 07:56:33 [EST]
(Supp. No. 40, Update 2)

Page 6 of 15 ends

iv. Glass.

2. Not more than forty (40) percent of any exterior building elevation above the first story shall consist of glass or any other material that resembles glass.

3. Surface materials that are not in keeping with the existing character of the community are prohibited, including but not limited to:
i. Extensive use of metal panels of any kind;
ii. Mirrored or highly reflective glass in any quantity; iii. Glazed tiles covering more than ten (10) percent of any building elevation; iv. Polished marble, granite, terrazzo, or similar materials covering more than ten (10) percent of any building elevation;
v. Plain or painted concrete, concrete block, or cinder block; vi. Plastic materials of any kind except for awnings attached to the building.

4. Surface colors should be those which are in keeping with the established character of the community and the street, with earth tones dominant. These include:
i. White and shades of white, including cream and ivory; ii. Brown, and shades of brown, including tan and beige; and iii. Natural red-brick tones, including wood-painted barn reds.

5. When other colors are permitted, the user of one or more colors described in subsections (C)(4)(i), (C)(4)(ii), and (C)(4)(iii) of this section shall be incorporated. Bright, highly reflective, or garish colors are not in keeping with the established character of the community and are expressly prohibited.

6. No change in building surface material or color shall be made following architectural and site control committee approval except upon approval of the city planner for minor changes and architecture and site approval to be obtained as prescribed in Chapter 14.78 for major changes.

D. Rooftop mechanical equipment must be within the height limit and screened architecturally from public view. By November 30, 1991, existing unconcealed rooftop equipment shall be concealed.

E. Scale. Because of the location of this district to a larger region, a mixture of scales may be appropriate, with most elements scaled for appreciation from the street and moving automobile; however, within the context of the residential neighborhood, design for appreciation by pedestrians may be appropriate.

F. Design control. The portions of building elements at a commercial/residential interface shall be designed to protect residential privacy (including but not limited to window placement), daylight, and environmental quality.

G. Firewalls. Consideration should be given to the aesthetic treatment of firewalls including increased side yard setbacks, contouring the firewall to the building, use of noncombustible roofing materials, and creative use of architectural features in the firewall.

H. Presentation materials. Graphics presented to the architectural and site control committee and the planning commission to explain the character of a proposed development shall be adequate to show neighboring buildings and important features of adjacent sites in sufficient detail to enable evaluation of the relationship of the proposed development to its context. Elevations facing the public street shall be drawn at a scale of ¼″ = 1′ 0″.
(Amended during 2/06 supplement; prior code § 10-2.1313) 167
Agenda Item # 3.

Created: 2023-06-28 07:56:33 [EST]
(Supp. No. 40, Update 2)

Page 7 of 15 ends

A. Building Placement. A minimum seventy-five (75) percent of ground-floor building frontages must be built at the minimum setback line. This standard applies to the building frontage only (exclusive of side setbacks).

B. Building Massing and Articulation.

1. Upper-story Step-backs, Front and Street Side.
a. Along all frontages, the third story must be either stepped back a minimum five feet from the ground floor façade or embedded in a sloped roof form such as a mansard roof or a hipped and/or gabled roof with dormers.
b. For buildings over three stories along all frontages, the uppermost story must be embedded in a sloped roof form.

2. Upper Story Step-backs, Side Interior and Rear where Abutting an R-1 District. a. The third story must be either stepped back a minimum five (5) feet from ground floor façade or embedded in a sloped roof form.
b. For buildings over three stories, the uppermost story must be embedded in a sloped roof form.

3. Vertical Articulation.
a. When a building façade exceeds seventy-five (75) feet in length along a right-of-way, it must be separated into primary façade bays no greater than fifty (50) feet and secondary façade bays defined by a recess a minimum three feet deep and ten (10) feet wide. b. A minimum one entrance shall be provided per primary façade bay. c. The eave/roof of a secondary façade bay shall be no higher than the corresponding elements of the primary façade bay.

4. Horizontal Articulation. New façades and façade modifications along a street or civic space shall be designed to visually express a base, middle, and top.
a. One or more of the following patterns shall be used to define the base:
168
Agenda Item # 3.

Created: 2023-06-28 07:56:33 [EST]
(Supp. No. 40, Update 2)

Page 8 of 15 ends

i. Watertable: Base material extends from grade to between eight and fifty-four (54) inches above grade.
ii. Podium: The base material encompasses the lowest story (or stories) of the building, with or without mezzanine(s), and terminates in a sill, string course, or cornice at its upper bound (multi-story buildings only).
iii. Watertable and Cornice/String Course: A watertable using the base material is combined with a cornice or string course at the lowest story's upper bound, including any mezzanine (multi-story buildings only).
b. The top of each building mass/bay shall be defined by elements spanning the full length of the façade of the mass/bay. Such elements may include a cornice, eave and/or gable(s), or other similar elements. These elements shall be consistent with the overall architectural style of the building mass/bay.

5. Adjacencies.
a. Façades adjacent to an R-1 District.
i. Building façade planes abutting an R-1 district may not exceed forty-eight (48) feet in width.
ii. When a building façade abutting an R-1 district exceeds forty-eight (48) feet in width, it must be separated into façade bays no greater than forty-eight (48) feet by a recess ten (10) feet wide and fifteen (15) feet deep.
169
Agenda Item # 3.

Created: 2023-06-28 07:56:33 [EST]
(Supp. No. 40, Update 2)

Page 9 of 15 ends

b. Storefront Façades Adjacent to Storefront Façades.
i. The height of a storefront shall not differ from the height of any adjacent storefront by more than two feet.
ii. The height of ground story shall not differ from height of any adjacent ground story by more than two feet.
iii. Storefronts may transition in height using a module of twenty-five (25) feet in length along a right-of-way.

6. Privacy and Line of Sight.
a. Primary living spaces and balconies located along a side setback shall orient principal windows and balconies toward the front and rear of the building. b. Where windows are within ten (10) feet of and oriented toward an interior side setback, glazing shall either be a minimum thirty (30) degree angle measured perpendicular to the adjacent side setback line, have minimum sill height of forty-two (42) inches, or be opaque.

7. Roofline and Roof Design.
a. Roof designs shall be limited to:
i. Hipped.
170
Agenda Item # 3.

Created: 2023-06-28 07:56:33 [EST]
(Supp. No. 40, Update 2)

Page 10 of 15 ends

ii. Gable.
iii. Shed.
iv. Dormer.
v. Parapet.
(a) Not allowed on frontages facing R-1 District.
(b) When used on the first or second floor, a parapet longer than twenty-five (25) feet in length must include at least one but not more than two of the following design elements to break up the length of the parapet:
(1) Steps.
(2) Curves.
(3) Angled surfaces.
(c) The length of a parapet segment on the third floor and above may not exceed twenty-five (25) feet.
b. When the top story is stepped back and embedded in a sloped roof form such as a mansard roof or a hipped and/or gabled roof with dormers, the floor below must (and other floors may) be stepped back to meet the slope of the top story.
c. Building façades facing an R-1 district must have a hipped or gable roof and may incorporate dormers.
d. Roofline/parapet at corners shall not exceed roofline/parapet of adjacent wallplanes by more than twenty-four (24) inches.

C. Building Design.

1. Façade Design.
a. Building façades shall be arranged in an orderly composition of bays, defined by vertically aligned openings alternating horizontally with solid walls or columns. The pattern shall be visually 171
Agenda Item # 3.

Created: 2023-06-28 07:56:33 [EST]
(Supp. No. 40, Update 2)

Page 11 of 15 ends

expressed through the spacing of openings, recesses, eaves, inset panels, cornices, overhangs, trellises, exposed rafters, columns, or bay windows.
b. The pattern may be shared between the ground floor and upper stories provided the ground floor exhibits enhanced detail or modulation.
c. Residential façades shall incorporate at least one element that signals habitation, such as bay windows, or balconies.
d. Non-glazed wall areas (blank walls) must be enhanced with architectural details, landscaping, and/or landscaped trellises or lattices.

2. Pedestrian-Scaled Entrances.
a. Building entrances must incorporate at least one of the following entry features. See Section

14.66.275 (Entrance Type Standards) for design standards applicable to each entrance type listed.
i. Stoop.
ii. Dooryard.
iii. Shopfront.
(a) Shopfronts more than twenty-five (25) feet in width must incorporate variations in bulkhead, awnings, materials and/or color to visually articulate the shopfront into modules not to exceed twenty-five (25) continuous feet. iv. Gallery.
v. Arcade.
vi. Forecourt.
(a) Forecourts must feature at least one entry to a shop and/or second floor use. (b) Forecourts for buildings more than seventy (70) feet in length along a right-ofway must have a minimum width and depth of fifteen (15) feet from front façade. Width of forecourt shall be equal to or greater than depth. (c) The size of the forecourt must be appropriate relative to the size of the building. The maximum ratio of building height to forecourt is 2:1 (height < 2 x width).
(d) Forecourt must be enclosed on at least three sides by buildings. (e) Forecourt must remain open to the sky (arbors and trellises are allowed). b. Primary Entrance Location(s). The building entrance shall be located along the primary right-ofway. 172
Agenda Item # 3.

Created: 2023-06-28 07:56:33 [EST]
(Supp. No. 40, Update 2)

Page 12 of 15 ends

c. Corner Entrances. Chamfered corners must incorporate a building entrance. Any required entrances may be provided on the corner of the building assuming one of the intersecting sides is a primary frontage.
d. Street-facing Entries to Upper Floors. Street-facing entries to upper floors shall be equal in quality and detail to storefronts. This standard may be satisfied through two or more of the following:
i. Dedicated awning, canopy, or other roof element.
ii. Stairs with a single color applied to treads and a contrasting color or pattern applied to risers.
iii. Dedicated light fixture(s).
iv. Decorative street address numbers or tiles.
v. Plaque signs for upper-floor business tenants.
e. Entry Protection. Primary street-facing entrances shall be protected by a recess in the building frontage at least three feet deep or by a projection extending outward at least three feet measured horizontally from the entrance, and wide enough to clear the building entryway on both sides.
i. Protection may be coterminous with an accent element. ii. Protection may take the form of an extended eave, overhang, awning. door canopy, gallery, arcade frontage, or other element that provides shade and shelter from the elements.
iii. The lowest edge of a projecting awning or door canopy shall have a vertical clearance of no more than eight feet.
iv. Recessed entries shall differentiate pavement within the recess through the use of a dedicated paving material or pattern.
f. Accent elements demarcating building frontage, entrance, and common open space areas shall not exceed the height of the ground floor story. Roof elements are excepted.

3. Ground Floor Floor-to-Ceiling Height. Minimum twelve (12) inches taller than typical upper floor floorto-ceiling. 173
Agenda Item # 3.

Created: 2023-06-28 07:56:33 [EST]
(Supp. No. 40, Update 2)

Page 13 of 15 ends

4. Interior Courtyard. Interior courtyards must be:
a. Enclosed on at least two sides by buildings.
b. Open to the sky (arbors and trellises are allowed).
c. A minimum width of twenty (20) feet and a minimum area of four hundred (400) square feet.

5. Paseos. Paseos must be:
a. A minimum width of ten (10) feet for through-block paseos. b. A minimum width of four feet for entries to courtyards or individual single businesses.

D. Window Design.

1. Window frames, backbands, and sills.
a. All windows shall have a sill.
i. The sill shall extend horizontally beyond the window opening or frame/casing (if present) at each end.
ii. The sill shall be sloped toward the outside.
iii. The sill shall have a drip at its outer edge.

2. Vinyl windows are prohibited on façades visible from a right-of-way.

3. Tinted glass is not allowed.

E. Building Materials.

1. Primary shall mean fifty (50) percent or more of a façade surface area excluding transparent surfaces.

Permitted primary cladding materials are limited to:
a. Stucco (minimum two-coat stucco;).
b. Siding (lap, vertical, panelized, or shingle).
i. All siding shall be wood, composite wood, or cement fiberboard. ii. Wood siding shall be painted or stained.
174
Agenda Item # 3.

Created: 2023-06-28 07:56:33 [EST]
(Supp. No. 40, Update 2)

Page 14 of 15 ends

iii. Vinyl and aluminum not permitted.
c. Stone.
d. Brick.

2. Secondary shall mean less than fifty (50) percent of a façade surface area excluding transparent surfaces. Permitted secondary cladding materials are limited to:
a. Stucco (minimum two-coat stucco; synthetic stucco not allowed, EIFS not allowed). b. Siding (lap, vertical, panelized, or shingle).
i. All siding shall be wood, composite wood, or cement fiberboard. ii. Wood siding shall be painted or stained.
iii. Vinyl and aluminum siding are not permitted.
c. Stone (building base only).
d. Brick (building base only).
e. Tile (for bulkheads below display windows and decorative accents only). f. Metal (matte finish or Cor-ten).
i. Ribbed metal, titanium, and mirrored finishes are not permitted. g. Concrete Masonry Units (watertable and building base only, and not allowed on any façade facing a right-of-way or a single-family zone).
h. Concrete (building base only, board-form only, cast concrete not permitted).

F. Ground Level Open Space. Where any required front, rear, or side yard setback is ten (10) feet or greater, onsite ground-level open space shall be provided within the setback.

1. The ground level open space shall be usable and accessible.

2. The minimum dimension for ground level open space shall be eight feet.

G. Landscaping, Paving and Pedestrian Amenities.

1. Landscape elements shall be integrated with the building architecture, parking, and streetscape.

Recommended patterns shall include, but are not limited to:
a. Planters for flowers and shrubs within street frontage. b. Landscape buffers between parking spaces and building façades. 175
Agenda Item # 3.

Created: 2023-06-28 07:56:33 [EST]
(Supp. No. 40, Update 2)

Page 15 of 15 ends

c. Landscaping within and/or on walls adjacent to courtyards, open spaces, and setbacks.

2. See Sections 14.66.180 (Maintenance of Landscaped Areas) and 14.70.070 (Landscaped Strips) for additional landscaping standards.

H. Site Circulation and Access.

1. New development on abutting lots shall be designed to allow cross-access for internal pedestrian, bicycle, and vehicular circulation systems.

2. Bicycle racks shall be provided:
a. In or within fifty (50) feet of every parking area; and b. Within twenty (20) feet of at least one building entrance.

I. Service Areas and Screening.

1. Service areas must be located at the rear of lot.

2. Service areas must be enclosed in enclosures that are architecturally consistent with primary building in terms of materials, colors, and style.

14.34.150 Nonconforming use regulations (OA).
(As provided in Chapter 14.66 of this title.)
(Prior code § 10-2.1314)
176
Agenda Item # 3.

Title 14 - ZONING
Chapter 14.36 OA-1/OA-4.5 OFFICE-ADMINISTRATIVE DISTRICT Los Altos, California, Code of Ordinances Created: 2023-06-28 07:56:33 [EST] (Supp. No. 40, Update 2)

Page 1 of 16 ends

Los Altos City CouncilNovember 14, 2023

Los Altos City Council
November 14, 2023