9. Hazards and Safety Element
June 2021 Draft 2040 General Plan 9-3
Seismic Hazards, Primary. Primary seismic hazards are those that occur as a result of the slip of a fault line below the earth’s surface. Primary seismic hazards typically include ground shaking and motion, and surface rupture.
Seismic Hazards, Secondary. Secondary seismic hazards are those that occur as a result of the primary ground shaking and surface rupture from an earthquake (primary seismic hazard). Secondary seismic hazards typically include landslides, rockslides, tsunamis, and liquefaction.
Subsidence. The sinking or settling of the ground surface, typically related to the withdrawal of fluids (e.g., groundwater, natural gas, or oil).
Wildland Urban Interface (WUI). Areas where homes or other structures are built near or among lands prone to wildland fire.
Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Recovery
All municipal governments are required to prepare for natural and manmade disasters. The Santa Clara County Operational Area Hazard Mitigation Plan (OAHMP) assesses Countywide risk for natural hazards and establishes mitigation measures, funding, and plan implementation actions for Los Gatos.
The Town of Los Gatos has adopted a comprehensive Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) that is an all-hazards document describing the Town’s incident management organization, compliance with relevant legal statutes and other relevant guidelines, outlines whole community engagement, establishes a continuity of government focus, and identifies critical components of the incident management structure. The Town also participates in volunteer emergency response training programs and has volunteer coordination plans in place.
The following goal and policies guide emergency preparedness, response, and recovery efforts by the Town of Los Gatos.
HAZ-1 Ensure the community is prepared for health, natural, and human-caused hazards and can respond quickly and effectively.
HAZ-1.1 Emergency Preparedness Planning
Coordinate with regional agencies and incorporate emergency preparedness into appropriate Town planning efforts, including plans for preparation, communications, response, providing adequate access for emergency equipment, and evacuations in the case of an emergency.
HAZ-1.2 Evacuation Routes
Coordinate with Santa Clara County Fire and the Los Gatos – Monte Sereno Police Department and incorporate emergency access and evacuation planning into all planning efforts.
HAZ-1.3 Community Information and Education
Provide regular and redundant community emergency awareness information, training, and education about potential health, natural, and human-caused hazards in Los Gatos and how to responsibly prepare for or mitigate them.
HAZ-1.4 Siting of Essential Facilities
The Town shall not site essential facilities, public safety or emergency service facilities, special occupancy structures, or hazardous materials storage facilities on property subject to the following hazard designations, as defined in the Santa Clara County OAHMP, unless the
Draft 2040 General Plan
9-4 Draft 2040 General Plan June 2021
structure is designed to mitigate the hazard or if no other viable option for siting is available to serve the need identified:
The 500-year flood zone;
Seismic hazard areas and fault zones;
Areas subject to liquefaction, landslide, or seiche hazards; and Areas designated as a very high fire severity zone.
HAZ-1.5 Identify Isolated Seniors
Require the identification of isolated seniors who may need assistance in natural disasters such as fires, earthquakes, or floods.
Urban and Wildland Fire Hazards
Santa Clara County, including Los Gatos, has a high potential for devastating wildland fires. As future climate change-related impacts increase, such as dry thunderstorms and droughts, there will be greater potential for more frequent and more intense wildfires, along with the potential for these fires to release significant quantities of Greenhouse Gases and particulate matter into the atmosphere. To comprehensively tackle urban and wildland fire prevention, strong land use policies and mitigation measures are necessary to protect the health and safety of residents, minimize the loss of life, and minimize property damage and damage to infrastructure. These efforts contribute to the community’s ability to be resilient and adapt to climate change effects, including more intense weather events.
Wildfires are becoming an all too regular event in California, and both urban and wildland fires are a threat to the Town of Los Gatos. Wildfires that burn exclusively in uninhabited natural areas generally pose little risk to lives or property, although the smoke from such fires may cause respiratory problems for people nearby. Fires that occur along the wildland-urban interface (WUI) are much more of a hazard, as they can spread into urbanized areas.
Wildfire risk is dependent on several factors, including the amount and type of vegetation in the area, weather, and local topography. Factors such as narrow, winding roads and vegetation also slow response to fires, increasing the risk of spread. Based on the increased potential for devasting wildfires in Santa Clara County and the Town of Los Gatos, CAL FIRE developed and adopted “Fire Hazard Severity Zone” maps. These maps highlight that most of the County is located within the “high” fire severity zone, with smaller portions of the County within the “moderate” and “very high” fire severity zones. Figure 9-1 illustrates the fire hazard severity zones in the Los Gatos area. More than half of the southern portion of the Town is in the Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone, with most of the areas to the south in the High or Moderate zones.
The Town must therefore strongly incorporate fire hazard mitigation into its land use decisions and requirements to protect residents and property. The Santa Clara County OAHMP, the Santa Clara County Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP), the Los Gatos Annex 9 of the CWPP, and the Los Gatos Ad Hoc Wildfire Committee Report all include techniques for reducing wildfire risk for Los Gatos through land use decisions, inter-agency coordination, community programs, and emergency response improvements. These plans work in coordination with the Los Gatos General Plan to provide a comprehensive framework for mitigating fire risk in Los Gatos and Santa Clara County. The OAHMP (page 45 of the OAHMP) also provides additional information on the location of critical infrastructure and facilities in SRA’s and VHFHSZ’s within the Town. The findings of the OAHMP note that the Town currently does not have gaps in services areas related to wildfire hazards.
The Santa Clara County Fire Department provides emergency response services to the Town; further information on their services is available in the Public Facilities, Services, and Infrastructure Element. Utilities in California have begun to address their contributions to wildfire risk by reducing vegetation near vulnerable powerlines, evaluating old infrastructure, and implementing Public Safety Power Shutoffs. These shutoffs are conducted by local energy providers such as PG&E when dry hot weather combined with strong erratic wind patterns leads to a
9. Hazards and Safety Element
June 2021 Draft 2040 General Plan 9-5
high probability of downed power lines inducing devasting fires. The power shutoffs are an attempt to minimize fires caused by downed power lines in communities across California. Local efforts are needed as well.
The following goals and policies will guide the management of urban and wildland fire hazards.
HAZ-2 Incorporate fire safety precautions as an integral consideration in planning development.
HAZ-2.1 New Development in Fire Hazard Areas
Require new development, including addtions to existing structures, located in or adjacent to fire hazard areas to minimize hazards to life and property, by using fire preventive site design, access, fire-safe landscaping, building materials, and incorporating defensible space and other fire suppression techniques.
HAZ-2.2 Fire Safety Improvements
Encourage fire safety improvements for existing homes and commercial buildings.
HAZ-2.3 Adequate Water Storage for Fire Protection
During the development review process, carefully consider the adequacy of water storage for fire protection.
HAZ-2.4 Secondary Emergency Access
Provide secondary emergency access as required by the Santa Clara County Fire Deparment.
HAZ-2.5 Fire Buffer Zones
Designate Fire Buffer Zones in collaboration with Santa Clara County Fire Department between urban areas in Town and the hillsides.
HAZ-2.6 Vegetative Hazards
Reduce the wildfire risks to existing and newly developed transportation networks through regular clearance and maintenance of vegetation adjacent to public roadways to current State and/or locally adopted fire safety standards for vegetation clearance in SRA’s or VHFHSZ’s.
HAZ-2.7 Wildfire Response
Following a large and/or destructive fire in Los Gatos or the region, the Town shall reassess standards and other requirements for new development and redevelopment and revise these requirements to ensure a high level of community resilience to fire events.
HAZ-2.8 Community Fire Breaks
Establish and maintain community fire breaks and fuel modification/reduction zones, including public and private road clearance.
HAZ-2.9 Fire Safety Development Precautions
Establish that minimum requisite firefighting services and infrastructure are ubiquitous throughout its Town, including but not limited to: high-visibility street signage and house numbers, appropriate street widths and building clearances for firefighting equipment and vehicles, high water pressure at all fire hydrants, and driving signage indicating rights-of-way with no outlets. Additional policies relating to fire protection, fire station information, and service standards are covered Section 6.8 (Fire Protection) Figure 6-2 (SCCFD Facilities) in the Public Facilities, Services, and Infrastructure Element.
Draft 2040 General Plan
9-8 Draft 2040 General Plan June 2021
HAZ-3 Reduce the potential for injuries, damage to property, economic and social displacement, and loss of life resulting from fire hazards. HAZ-3.1 Fire Hazard Preparedness
Minimize exposure to wildland and urban fire hazards through proactive code enforcement, public education programs, use of modern fire prevention measures, quick and safe access for emergency equipment and evacuation, and emergency management preparation.
HAZ-3.2 Neighborhood Fire Emergency Planning
Coordinate neighborhood fire emergency planning for WUI areas.
HAZ-3.3 Fire Emergency Water Supply
Coordinate with emergency, fire, and medical services to ensure water supply is available for fire emergencies.
HAZ-3.4 Development Restrictions
Restrict development in areas with inadequate water flow or emergency access.
HAZ-3.5 Flammable Vegetative Material
Monitor and remove excessive buildup of flammable vegetative materials on Town properties and along critical public and private ingress/egress routes within the SRA and or the VHFHSZ’s.in the WUI.
HAZ-3.6 Utility Access
Ensure that utility providers have the ability to monitor, inspect, replace, and move equipment that may pose a fire hazard.
HAZ-3.7 Community Evacuation Trainings
Continue to conduct regular evacuation trainings with single-access community HOAs, residents, and the Wildfire Ad Hoc Committee; encourage residents in single-access communities to maintain emergency supplies for at least three days.
Geological and Seismic Hazards
The San Francisco Bay Area is in one of the most active seismic regions in the United States. Los Gatos is near several active faults including the San Andreas, Hayward, and Calaveras Faults. Figure 9-2 shows faults, most of which are quaternary faults, within the Town Los Gatos, while Figure 9-3 shows the proximity of active major faults to Los Gatos. Ground shaking is the primary risk in an earthquake and can set off a chain reaction of secondary landslides and liquefaction, or loss of soil strength. As shown in Figure 9-4, most ground shaking risk in Los Gatos is in the northern half of the Town, with a higher risk area centered south of Los Gatos-Saratoga Road and west of Highway 17.
The region around the Lexington Reservoir also has higher risk of ground shaking should an earthquake occur.
Figure 9-5 focusing on secondary seismic hazards, shows that landslides are a risk in most of the southern and eastern portions of the Town, and liquefaction risk is centered along Highway 17. Implementation of applicable building codes and geotechnical investigations will minimize potential loss of life and damage to property from primary and secondary seismic hazards and siting essential structures and services outside high-risk areas will enable faster emergency response after an earthquake.
9. Hazards and Safety Element
June 2021 Draft 2040 General Plan 9-19
and storage of these materials.
Implementation Programs
Programs
Implements
Which
Policy(ies)
Responsible
Supporting
Department(s)
2020 – 2025 2026 – 2040 Annual Ongoing
A Plan Review
Annually review and refresh key staff on the
contents of the Los Gatos Hazards and Safety
Element, the Santa Clara OAHMP, and the Los
Gatos HMP to ensure processes and procedures
are streamlined and coordinated.
HAZ-1.1
HAZ-1.2
HAZ-1.3
HAZ-1.4
HAZ-1.5
Town
Manager
Community
Development
Parks and
Public Works
Police
Department
SCC Fire
Department
B Review Emergency Services
Regularly review the adequacy of emergency
services in the Town. Plan and develop law
enforcement infrastructure and technology according
to overall need and Town growth.
HAZ-1.1 Town
Manager
Police
Department
SCC Fire
Department
C Develop Evacuation ProtocolsRoutes and
Planning
Develop, evaluate, mMaintain, and update
evacuation routes and protocols for high-risk fire
hazard areas, SRA’s, and VHFHSZ’s that are
consistent with AB 747 and local ordinances (Title
14, CCR, Division 1.5, Chapter 7, Subchapter 2,
Articles 2 and 3 (commencing with section
1273.00)). As necessary prepare improvement plans
that identify appropriate mitigation measures to
further implementation of evacuation routes.
HAZ-1.1
HAZ-1.2
HAZ-4.4
HAZ-5.1
HAZ-5.2
HAZ-5.3
Town
Manager
Police
Department
SCC Fire
Department
D Emergency Drills
Conduct emergency hazard drills with key
stakeholder organizations, community groups and
organizations, outside agencies, and local and
County officials across the community to improve
preparedness for known threats and hazards.
HAZ-1.3
HAZ-1.4
Town
Manager
Police
Department
SCC Fire
Department
Draft 2040 General Plan
9-20 Draft 2040 General Plan June 2021
Programs
Implements
Which
Policy(ies)
Responsible
Supporting
Department(s)
2020 – 2025 2026 – 2040 Annual Ongoing
E Hazard Preparedness
Coordinate with reginal agencies to update and
distribute information on how to prepare for and
lessen the potential impact of earthquakes, floods,
fires, public health emergency, and other safety
hazards. Help and encourage all households to
prepare for two weeks of self-sufficiency
HAZ-1.3 Town
Manager
Police
Department
SCC Fire
Department
F Fire Safety Education
Provide public education on fire safety, including
wildland and structural fire prevention, evacuation
protocols, and guidelines for defensible space and
other hazards around structures.
HAZ-1.4
HAZ-2.2
HAZ-3.2
HAZ-3.5
Town
Manager
Community
Development
Fire
Department
G Wildfire Development ChecklistProtection Plan
Create a checklist for applicants to complete and
submit a fire protection plan to assess and mitigate
fire risks for all new development within SRA’s and
VHFHSZ’s. Fire protection plans shall include:
1. Risk analysis;
2. Fire response capabilities assessment;
3. Fire safety requirements (i.e., defensible
space, infrastructure, and building ignition
resistance);
4. Mitigation measures and design
considerations for nonconforming fuel
modification;
5. Wildfire education strategies; and
1.6. Plan maintenance and limitations. to ensure
that wildfire mitigation standards are
included.
HAZ-2.1 SCC Fire
Department
Community
Development
H Review of Fire Related Ordinances
Update the Town’s development standards to either
directly adopt or meet the minimum standards of title
14, CCR, division 1.5, chapter 7, subchapter 2,
articles 1-5 (commencing with section 1270) (SRA
Fire Safe Regulations) and title 14, CCR, division
1.5, chapter 7, subchapter 3, article 3 (commencing
with section 1299.01) (Fire Hazard Reduction
Around Buildings and Structures Regulations) for
SRAs and/or VHFHSZs.
HAZ-2.1
HAZ-2.2
HAZ-2.9
Town
Manager
SCC Fire
Department
This Page
Intentionally
Left Blank
EXHIBIT 9
From: Ryan Rosenberg
Sent: Thursday, April 15, 2021 7:10 PM
To: Alexa Nolder; Jennifer Armer
Cc: Melanie Hanssen
Subject: My comments on the name "community place districts" There was a suggestion made today that we should submit comments on the name “community place districts” to be passed on to the planning commission when (and if) they consider this name.
My comments follow…
My suggestion is “Community Growth District”.
Here is why.
The definition in the plan is: “...Community Place Districts were identified based on the proximity of commercial services or employment to support additional development, easy access to transportation systems, and having access to infrastructure needed to support future development. These locations have the potential to facilitate mixed-use development and redevelopment at a variety of densities and intensities.”
This definition makes it clear that a primary objective of these areas is to support the growth we want to see in the town and that we need to see in order to meet state mandates.
Of course we don’t just want any growth — we want to manage and direct that growth in a positive direction.
I did like the words “Community” and “District” because they capture the idea of a special area that brings people together and has a unique sense of identity.
But I didn’t like the word “place”. The main reason is that it does not capture the concept of growth (a primary objective of these areas in the first place).
But I also think people will not understand it means plus it overlaps to some degree with the word “community”.
Ryan
From: karen
Sent: Sunday, June 27, 2021 7:01 PM
To: Jennifer Armer
Subject: Please add education on plant-based diets to GP2040 Hi Jennifer,
I am a resident of the Town of Los Gatos. I live at 264 Calle Marguerita, Apt A, Los Gatos 95032.
I am writing because I am asking the Town to add a program to educate residents about the health and environmental benefits of a plant-based diet in the 2040 General Plan. I would like this program to be added to the Environmental section, specifically section 8.12 Implementation Programs.
Thank you kindly.
Best regards,
Karen Rubio
From: Debbie Parsons
Sent: Sunday, June 27, 2021 11:33 PM
To: Jennifer Armer
Subject:
Dear Jennifer,
I am a resident of the town of Los Gatos. I am writing to inform you that I strongly support including plant-based education in the town's 2040 general plan.
Regards
Debbie Parsons
From: Danielle Hinsche
Sent: Monday, June 28, 2021 10:22 AM
To: Jennifer Armer
Cc: karenr; kristine
Subject: Plant based Education Program
Hello Jennifer,
I am a resident of Los Gatos and live at 11 Kimble Avenue and I support the addition of a plant-based education program in the Town’s 2040 General Plan.
My family eats meat, but we enjoy meatless meals as a regular part of our diet.
Dani Hinsche
From: Lynne Rovin
Sent: Monday, June 28, 2021 1:41 PM
To: Jennifer Armer
Subject: Plant-based Education in Los Gatos General Plan Dear Jennifer,
I am a resident of Los Gatos and I support including a plant-based education in the town General Plan.
Thank you for considering the welfare of the people in this town (and the world) by considering the inclusion of plant-based education.
Respectfully,
Lynne Rovin
From: Karla Albright
Sent: Monday, June 28, 2021 7:20 PM
To: Jennifer Armer
Subject: General Plan- Plant based education
Hello Jennifer,
My name is Karla Albright and I have been a long term proud resident of LG for the past 24 years.
I am writing to encourage the town to include a plant-based education program in the Sustainability section of the 2040 General Plan. Plant based easting has a wide range of benefits for our health and the health of the planet.
Education that moves the needle to get more people to embrace a plant based diet is good for everyone.
Thank you for considering this.
Karla Albright
From: shailaja venkatsubramanyan
Sent: Tuesday, June 29, 2021 6:53 AM
To: Jennifer Armer
Subject: plant-based education program
Hi Jennifer, I am a Los Gatos resident.
Just want to let you know that I would like
to see a plant-based education program
included in the environmental section of
the 2040 general plan.
Thanks,
Shai
From: Lisa Wade
Sent: Tuesday, June 29, 2021 10:45 AM
To: Jennifer Armer
Subject: Information for General Plan Meeting Tonight
Hi Jennifer,
Please would you add this to the record for tonight's meeting? Thanks!
Lisa
We are a group of residents of the Town of Los Gatos who would like to see the promotion of plant-based eating featured prominently in the 2040 General Plan for Los Gatos.
Some of us are plant-based eaters and some are meat eaters but we all recognize the importance of meat reduction for climate mitigation, health, and racial justice.
We’d like to see plant-based eating added to the Health and Environmental sections of the General Plan.
Most importantly, we recommend that the town add a program to educate residents about the environmental and health benefits of a plant-based diet. Specifically, we’d like to see such a program added to section 8.12 Implementation Programs.
Numerous studies have urged a planetary shift toward a plant-based diet including a 2018 Oxford University study stating that "A vegan diet is probably the single biggest way to reduce your impact on planet earth, not just greenhouse gases, but global acidification, eutrophication, land use, and water use. . . . It is far bigger than cutting down on your flights or buying an electric car, as these only cut greenhouse gas emissions.”
https://science.sciencemag.org/content/360/6392/987
According to Project Drawdown, the third- and fourth-best climate change solutions are reducing food waste and eating a plant-rich diet. (The top two solutions aren't things the average person can easily control: refrigerant management and onshore wind.) Drawdown: The Most Comprehensive Plan Ever Proposed to Reverse Global Warming. Edited by Paul Hawken.
Factory farms and slaughterhouses are situated predominantly near people of color and lowincome residents who suffer from illnesses caused by pollutants these operations generate.
Slaughterhouse workers are usually immigrants who have few other options for work and suffer from crowded, unsafe, and unsanitary conditions, which were exposed during the recent pandemic. Climate change, caused in large part by animal agriculture, is driving more frequent and intense storms and other extreme weather events such as drought, disproportionately impacting “frontline” communities comprised mainly of low-income and people of color.
For these reasons, we would like the town to add a plant-based education program to section 8.12 Implementation Programs.
Local Activist Groups Supporting This Request:
TWW/Indivisible-Los Gatos https://www.twwlg.org/
Plant-Based Advocates of Los Gatos http://www.plantbasedadvocates.com/
Environmental/Health Organizations that support our recommendations to the General Plan(This is a working list more organizations will be added) Center for Biological Diversity https://www.biologicaldiversity.org/ Acterra: Action for a Healthy Planet https://www.acterra.org/ Eat for The Earth http://www.plantbasedadvocates.com/ (Based in Santa Cruz) SAFE Worldwide https://www.safeworldwide.org/ (Based in Monte Sereno) Green Monday USA https://greenmondayus.org/
Factory Farm Awareness Coalition https://www.ffacoalition.org/ A Well-Fed World https://awellfedworld.org/
PhARM (Physicians Against Red Meat) https://pharm.org/
List of Residents who Support Adding a Plant-Based Education Program to the General Plan 2040 (65 Residents so far more will be added.)
1. Peter Hertan, Vice
President, Los GatosSaratoga Union High School
District Board
2. Alicia Spargo, Outreach
Coordinator, Los Gatos
Anti-Racism Coalition
3. Karla Albright
LG. 95032
4. Shailaja
Venkatsubramanyan
Los Gatos, 95032
5. Sue Ann Lorig
Los Gatos, California
6. Lisa Wade
Los Gatos, Ca 95032
7. Christopher Wade
Los Gatos, Ca 95032
8. Karen Rubio
Los Gatos, California
95032
9. Fred Rubio
Los Gatos, California
95032
10. Kathleen Willey
Los Gatos, California
95032
11.Mark Willey
Los Gatos, California 95032
12.Debbie Parsons
Los Gatos, California 95032
13.James Parsons
Los Gatos, California 95032
14.Carolyn Kurlin
Los Gatos 95032
15.Sevil Karavelioglu.
LG 95032
16.Anita Bora
Los Gatos, California
17.Laura Montonye Reese
Los Gatos, Ca 95030
18.Dirk Reese
Los Gatos, Ca 95030
19.Tony White
Los Gatos, Ca 95032
20.Hilary White
Los Gatos, Ca 95032
21.Charles Wade
Los Gatos, Ca 95032
22.Caroline Dempsey
Los Gatos, California
23.Dawn DeMaria
Los Gatos, Ca 95032
24.Prasenjit Sarkar
Los Gatos, 95032
25.Pamela Wales
Los Gatos, Ca 95030
26.Rob Moore
Los Gatos.
27.Mary Ann Bosworth
Town of Los Gatos
28.Hanley Yosfee
Town of Los Gatos
29.Rosilene Martins
Los Gatos, Ca 95032
30.Sara Hojjat
Los Gatos, CA 95030
31.Tamara Corini
Los Gatos, 95032
32.Sandeep Madduri
Town of Los Gatos
33.Gregg Kurlin
Los Gatos, 95032
34.Glenn Lorig
Los Gatos, California
35.Laura Sneddon
Town of Los Gatos
36.Linda Juhl
Los Gatos Main Town
of Los Gatos
37.June O Toole
Los Gatos
Town of Los Gatos
38.Karen Aidi
Los Gatos CA 95032
39.Suzanne Meinhardt
Los Gatos
40.Roger Dickinson
Los Gatos, Ca 95032
41.Manan Sardana
Los Gatos Ca 95032
42.Sevgi Erdengiz
Town of Los Gatos
43.Kevin Hiroshima
Town of Los Gatos
44.Camille Lesko
Los Gatos, California
45.Jeyendran Balakrishnan
Los Gatos, CA 95032
46.Erik Rubio,
Los Gatos, CA 95032
47.Wendy Arienzo
Town of Los Gatos
48.Shailaja
Venkatsubramanyan
Los Gatos, 95032
49.Ilene Dickinson
Los Gatos, Ca 95032
50.Reeta Gupta
Los Gatos, CA 95032
51.Rupar Iyar
Los Gatos, CA 95032
52.Danielle Hinsche,
Los Gatos CA 95032
53.Stuart Rovin
Los Gatos, CA 95032
54.Lynne Rovin
Los Gatos, CA 95032
55.Tricia Niederauer
Los Gatos CA 95032
56.Liz Tompkins,
Los Gatos, CA 95032
57.John Parsons
Los Gatos, Ca 95032
58.Daniel Parsons
Los Gatos, Ca 95032
59.Jackie Parsons
Los Gatos, Ca 95032
60.Stephen Wade
Los Gatos, Ca 95032
61.Lucas Wade
Los Gatos, CA 95032
62.Tim Evjenth
Los Gatos, CA 95032
63.Gail Evjenth,
Los Gatos, CA 95032
64.Lynette Garland
Los Gatos CA 95032
65.Robin Streicker
Los Gatos
Town of Los Gatos.
Cities with PB programs
In 2019 New York City’s public schools adopted Meatless Mondays https://www.pcrm.org/news/blog/new-york-city-schools-adopt-meatless-mondays • Los Angeles, California is part of the C-40 cities and are doing this:
https://www.40.org/other/good-food-cities and here is a snapshot:
https://www.c40.org/cities/los-angeles and Climate/Food data https://www.c40.org/research
• Carrboro, North Carolina is doing this: https://townofcarrboro.org/262/SustainabilityEnergy-Climate-Change set a greenhouse gas emissions reduction goal for consumption at 50% by 2025
• Santa Monica, CA is doing this:
https://www.smgov.net/uploadedFiles/Departments/OSE/Climate/CAAP_SantaMonica .PDF
• Denver, CO is doing this:
https://www.denvergov.org/content/dam/denvergov/Portals/771/documents/CH/Food% 20Action%20Plan/DenverFoodActionPlan.pdf. In Denver, lifecycle emissions from food procurement accounted for 14% of overall emissions, nearly equal to emissions from residential energy and gasoline-powered vehicles.
Cities with Green Monday Resolutions or Formal Programs Emeryville, Berkeley, and Mountainview.
From: Lisa Wade
Sent: Tuesday, June 29, 2021 10:52 AM
To: Jennifer Armer
Subject: My speech for tonight
My name is Lisa Wade and I am a resident of the town of Los Gatos.
Tonight I am speaking on behalf of 65 residents of the town of Los Gatos. All 65 names have been sent to you with most addresses included. We expect this list to grow in the coming weeks.
We want to thank you for your hard work on the General Plan. We also want to thank you for adding the words plant-based to 6.13 healthy community and ENV 9.7 employer incentive program
At the last GPAC meeting, you mentioned that adding the words plant-based to these two sections would be a start and that you would do more.
Tonight I have a simple request that would make us very happy. We would like you to add a plant-based education program to the Environmental section specifically section 8.12 Implementation programs. If you were to add such a section tonight our mission will be accomplished. If this can not be accomplished tonight we ask that you at least add the words plant-based to the Climate Change Education Program in the Implementation Programs section of the Environment and Sustainability Element.
This request is not only supported by 65 residents of the town but it is also supported by local activist groups TWW Indivisible Los Gatos and Plant-Based Advocates of Los Gatos.
We are also supported by environmental, hunger relief, and public health organizations such as A Well-Fed World https://awellfedworld.org/ The Center for Biological Diversity https://www.biologicaldiversity.org/ and , Physicians Against Red Meat pharm.org/ A United Nations Report of 2019 found that if more of the world's population shifts towards plant-based diets and reduces their meat consumption, it could significantly boost the planet's
ability to fight climate change.How Eating Less Meat Could Help Protect the Planet From Climate Change
The meat industry is not only responsible for environmental destruction, but it commits human rights violations on a daily basis. Slaughterhouse workers are usually people of color with few other options. They suffer high rates of PTSD and they work in dangerous, unsanitary conditions in fact in 2020 the League of United Latin American Citizens called for a meat boycott in 2020.https://janeunchained.com/2020/05/14/workers-rights-group-launches-meat-boycott-toprotest-slaughterhouse-workers-deaths/ Again we'd like to see a plant-based education program included in the General Plan and at the very least we ask that you please add the words plant-based to section 8.12 Implementation Programs. Since you were able to easily add the words plant-based to two sections at the last meeting. We feel this should be a doable goal for the committee tonight. Of course, we would love you to add a separate plant-based education program tonight, but if that needs to happen later in the Summer or Fall please at least add the words plant-based to section 8.12 Implementation Programs specifically CC Climate Change Education. We would be very grateful if you would make that change tonight.
Again thank you for your hard work and for the changes you have already made in support of our efforts.
From: Sandeep Madduri
Sent: Tuesday, June 29, 2021 11:57 AM
To: Jennifer Armer
Subject: Sustainability section of the 2040 General Plan - Plant-based education program Hi Jennifer,
I am a resident of , Los Gatos, CA 95032 and wanted to let you know that I support including a plant-based education program in the sustainability section of the 2040 general plan.
Thank you,
Sandeep
From: Camille
Sent: Tuesday, June 29, 2021 2:40 PM
To: Jennifer Armer
Subject: Plant based education
Hello Jennifer,
I am a resident of Los Gatos, address . I support including a plant-based education program in the Town’s 2040 General Plan since I believe this will benefit the climate as well as the health of our residents.
BR, Camille Lesko
From: Phil Koen
Sent: Tuesday, July 6, 2021 7:55 AM
To: Matthew Hudes; Mary Badame; Maria Ristow; Rob Rennie; Marico Sayoc Cc: Laurel Prevetti; Robert Schultz; Ramona Giwargis
Subject: Staedler: Opportunity Housing should be decided on by a vote of the people - San José Spotlight I found this article to be very interesting and worthy of distribution. It raised this question for me:
Shouldn’t the residents of LG have an opportunity to vote on the proposed land use changes in the draft General Plan 2040?
Phil Koen
https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fsanjosespotlight.com%2Fstaedler -opportunity-housing-should-be-decided-on-by-a-vote-of-thepeople%2F&data=04%7C01%7Clprevetti%40losgatosca.gov%7C72fb6b4761fc43ad025608d9408e0 413%7C6d38cb6747eb4d139e7c523cd7ccecd5%7C1%7C0%7C637611801429603679%7CUnknown%7CT WFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C2000& amp;sdata=VlJKY5kYV%2FmslJ%2BYVCqDlqzAs2tHcGPtrPK%2Fi8QY5GY%3D&reserved=0 Sent from my iPhone
From: Laura Sneddon
Sent: Wednesday, July 7, 2021 7:22 AM
To: Jennifer Armer
Subject: Plant-based education program in 2040 General Plan Hi Jennifer,
I’m writing to let you know as a Los Gatos resident, I support including a plant-based education program in the Sustainability section of Los Gatos’ 2040 General Plan. I believe it’s important to educate the town on how a plant based diet and lifestyle can help our health, environment, animal welfare, etc. Given the many benefits, I think such education has a rightful place in the upcoming general plan.
Thanks
~Laura Sneddon
From: Kyle Kelley
Sent: Thursday, July 15, 2021 11:05 AM
To: GP2040 <[email protected]>
Cc: Carolyn Kelley;
Subject: Thank you
I just read https://sanjosespotlight.com/this-silicon-valley-town-is-doubling-its-housing-residents-arecrying-foul/.
Thank you for pushing for missing middle housing in Los Gatos. I've lived and worked in Los Gatos twice.
My brother went to high school there. My kids went to Daves Elementary and we used to be regulars in town. Apparently, we were such regulars that we appear in promo pics for the library (this one was in Los Gatos Magazine):
We would love to come back. Los Gatos could be a great inclusive environment that welcomes more families. Please let me know if I can provide testimony at any point. I'm just over the hill in Santa Cruz now and I'm happy to dial in remotely or show up in person. -- Kyle Kelley
Sent: Friday, July 16, 2021 3:51 PM
To: GP2040 <[email protected]>
Subject: [#20210716225120] Comment from LosGatos2040 Website Los Gatos 2040 General Plan Update
Ticket: [#20210716225120]
Name: Cathleen Bannon
Comments:
These incredibly high dense housing goals do not align with the infrastructure of our town. While rezoning unused commercial space to high density housing makes sense, the number should be in the hundreds NOT thousands. Our surface streets cannot handle the increased cars on beach traffic days, much less thousands more who live in town. Our highway can’t handle the congestion either.
We need balance with a strong reality check of what our small town can really handle. Please listen to the residents who are already struggling with traffic issues. Thank you Page title: General Plan Basics
From: Fred Faltersack
Sent: Monday, July 19, 2021 8:51 AM
To: Town Manager
Subject: 2040 General Plan
Laurel,
I just had the opportunity to read some articles regarding the 2040 General Plan and wanted to share with you a section of the town which I think has been an overlooked and may have the opportunity to assist in accomplishing the higher density and more affordable unit goals of the Town.
First and so that you do not start out on the defensive, I DO support the higher density goals shown in the 2040 General Plan. I support the many different variations of affordable dwelling units (ADU’s) within the traditional single family neighborhoods. I support the individual rights of property owners. I am against others (individuals or governments) trying to dictate to a property owner what they can and cannot do on and with their own land. Oh, and I have been a resident of the Town of Los Gatos since 1986.
Now Based on where the 2040 General Plan is in it’s life-cycle, this is probably a bit late in the game to bring this up, but hear me out. I noticed that the HR zoning has been left untouched with respect to higher density for “wild-life” reasons. That being said, there are fringe areas of the HR zones that are not really situated in the steep hillside areas. I will focus on the East Los Gatos area and more specifically in the Harwood Road area which consists of HR-40, HR-20 zoning and for the most part borders the City of San Jose with subdivisions having parcel sizes of 6,000-8,000 square feet (let’s call these areas Hillside Residential "Fringe Areas"). There are many old ranch-style homes situated on 1/2 acre to 3 acre parcels of which the topography is flat or have insignificant slope. Re-zoning this area for higher density would create none of the parking or traffic issues that are of great concern with citizens along the higher density Highway 17 corridor, Highway 9, and downtown areas as there is ample room to design in offstreet parking. I am sure there are other pockets of HR fringe areas within the Town that could also provide the same.
Please feel free to reach out to me if you believe it warrants further discussion, or a quick visual tour of the neighborhood.
Sincerely,
Fred Faltersack
Sent: Monday, July 19, 2021 10:29 AM
To: GP2040 <[email protected]>
Subject: [#20210719172912] Comment from LosGatos2040 Website Los Gatos 2040 General Plan Update
Ticket: [#20210719172912]
Name: Kent Kappen
Comments:
No increase in housing levels in the general plan!
We cannot sustain the level of units suggested by the State let alone the number of units the town wants!
With water, electric and school space shortages...Even before the North 40 comes online...We will face even more struggles to support these new "low-income residents" (114K is not low income by the way). Considering gridlock traffic during the summer, parking spaces taken away from the "parklets" and businesses shuttering for better lease options Los Gatos is becoming a less desirable destination. I have lived here for over 50 years and even teach at Blossom Hill School. Every day i see that the roadways cannot support the current level of traffic. That's the main reason why we had to open up the Police operations building right? PLEASE SHOW LIMITED OR NO GROWTH TO THE PLAN. WE JUST CANNOT SUPPORT IT!!!
Page title: General Plan Basics
Sent: Monday, July 19, 2021 11:15 AM
To: GP2040 <[email protected]>
Subject: [#20210719181450] Comment from LosGatos2040 Website Los Gatos 2040 General Plan Update
Ticket: [#20210719181450]
Name: Lynn Williams
Comments:
While I favor increased price diversity, I highly disagree with the plan for more housing than is required by the mandatory allocation. Our town is already suffers increased traffic, water, environmental and other issues due to the north 40 and other developments. At some point the quality of life in town will be so deteriorated that it will be unattractive to people moving to the area or upgrading.
Page title: General Plan Basics
Sent: Monday, July 19, 2021 11:21 AM
To: GP2040 <[email protected]>
Subject: [#20210719182102] Comment from LosGatos2040 Website Los Gatos 2040 General Plan Update
Ticket: [#20210719182102]
Name: Sondra Garcia
Comments:
As one who is from a Latino background, my family worked hard to afford the quality and character of Los Gatos. We strongly oppose this plan, which will DESTROY the character and quality of the neighborhoods, schools, and town we worked so hard to afford.
Page title: General Plan Basics
Sent: Monday, July 19, 2021 2:47 PM
To: GP2040 <[email protected]>
Subject: [#20210719214725] Comment from LosGatos2040 Website Los Gatos 2040 General Plan Update
Ticket: [#20210719214725]
Name: Tim Delaney
Comments:
Hello All,
I live off H17 by summit store. And I own a home in Incline Village NV. Just so you all know I am totally against increasing housing density and moving away from single family homes. I also have a home in SJ that has all sorts of affordable housing nearby. I'll be blunt. My SJ home is nice but the surrounding area is really horrible. Way too many people. Plenty of crime. It is a filthy mess sometimes. My mail is ripped off regularly. And police pretty much don't want to bother with the situation. Everywhere they attempt this high density housing nonsense it turns into a disaster. Tahoe is a very good example as well. The hordes of people and tourists have totally destroyed the east shore beaches of Tahoe. Fact is people only care about themselves. And in this era they don't even care about themselves.
You have a very nice town. Scrap the plan. Start over. Don't F up your town. It's fabulous. I am crystal clear on the matter.
Sincerely,
Tim Delaney
Page title: General Plan Basics
From: Michael Glow
Sent: Monday, July 19, 2021 6:39 PM
To: Laurel Prevetti; LosGatos, Weekly Times; Marico Sayoc; Rob Rennie; Robert Schultz Subject: Shocked by stumbling on this news article regarding our little town, Los Gatos The altruistic goals are commendable, but way too radical and detrimental to our schools, traffic, and our uncontrollable limits on natural resources, specifically water. This calls for civic involvement, civic activism, and pushback on Town Council members, and mainly on the Town Manager, Laurel Prevetti.
Please get involved. I got involved with the pushback on the hideous high density development we now see at the North 40 on Lark Avenue, across from the Classic Car Wash. It was a frustrating experience because the expended energy on the issue fell on deff ears, and the development proceeded unaltered by citizen input.
It was obvious that we needed larger numbers, and the involvement of more of our high-profile citizens that may have exercised their political clout. Early involvement is essential, before things get too far down the road, and the invested interests get heard and entrenched. It may be premature, but a large public outcry for the resignation of Town Manager, Laurel Prevetti may be the best way of demonstrating that this time, the citizens of the Town are serious about their voices being heard. https://www.sfgate.com/news/bayarea/article/This-Silicon-Valley-Town-Is-Doubling-Its-Housing16322529.php
From: Aaron Eckhouse
Sent: Tuesday, July 20, 2021 12:11 PM
To: Planning <[email protected]>
Subject: Planning Commission discussion of General Plan update Hello,
I was excited to see coverage of proposed land use alternatives for the Los Gatos General Plan update that included missing middle housing & mixed use development of major corridors. Has the next Planning Commission discussion of the General Plan been scheduled? Also, what provision is there for remote participation in Planning Commission meetings?
thank you,
Aaron Eckhouse
Regional Policy Manager, California YIMBY
he/him/his
Sent: Wednesday, July 21, 2021 1:32 PM
To: GP2040 <[email protected]>
Subject: [#20210721203138] Comment from LosGatos2040 Website Los Gatos 2040 General Plan Update
Ticket: [#20210721203138]
Name: Lori Ingle
Comments:
Please ask for an exemption, like Saratoga did.
This is a radical change to long standing building policies in our community and will dramatically change LG as we know it! I would like to demand delay of acceptance of this proposed general plan to later in 2022, not November 2021, for full evaluation. Announcing the details of this plan publicly through SJ Spotlight in mid-July 2021 with a plan to have it accepted by November 2021 is unacceptable and unfair to the citizens of this town.
Page title: Home
Sent: Wednesday, July 21, 2021 3:15 PM
To: GP2040 <[email protected]>
Subject: [#20210721221517] Comment from LosGatos2040 Website Los Gatos 2040 General Plan Update
Ticket: [#20210721221517]
Name: Vivian Tan
Comments:
This is a radical change to our long standing building policies in our community and will dramatically change Los Gatos as we know it. I would highly request to deny the plan because our public resources will not be enough to sustain all the newly added living units. The traffic is already horrible and the public schools will not be able to handle all the new students. We need to have a detailed and reasonable plan to ask citizens who live in Los Gatos for approval. It is not fair to ask current Citizens to approve the plan in such a short notice. As a residents who just moved to Los Gatos, we are fond of living in our community because of it’s current building policies. If this plan gets approved, it will dramatically change our living experience here, and might dive us away from living in such a beautiful town.
Page title: Home
Sent: Thursday, July 22, 2021 11:05 PM
To: GP2040 <[email protected]>
Subject: [#20210723060502] Comment from LosGatos2040 Website Los Gatos 2040 General Plan Update
Ticket: [#20210723060502]
Name: Charles Tripp
Comments:
High density housing? Is there water for that? I live on 1 & 1/4 acres near Lark, and to imagine 15 houses on my property, or one that size is horrible to think about. If I want high density housing like that, I'd move to Fremont, and brave all the traffic. I've lived in Los Gatos since 1961 because it's not high-density, it's peaceful and quiet. Now you want to ruin all that, reduce Los Gatos Blvd to 2 lanes, right when it will be overloaded from the N. 40? Makes a whole lot of sense. If someone were trying to destroy Los Gatos, I couldn't have even thought of something as dis-tasteful as this plan. Make Los Gatos crowded and with busy traffic like the North Bay? I think not. We need less housing, not more.
There's no water for all this, anyway, and the traffic's already bad enough with the beach traffic.
Page title: Home
Sent: Saturday, July 24, 2021 5:02 PM
To: GP2040 <[email protected]>
Subject: [#20210725000155] Comment from LosGatos2040 Website Los Gatos 2040 General Plan Update
Ticket: [#20210725000155]
Name: Stephen Brodsky
Comments:
I saw this article about doubling the housing capacity: https://www.ktvu.com/news/one-silicon-valleytown-plans-to-double-its-housing-capacity-but-residents-are-crying-foul Please do not add thousands of extra housing units into the town. We should be filing for the exceptions instead of adding thousands of units into the town. The residents of the town have been clear that this is the opposite of the wishes of the town residents.
Page title: Home
Sent: Saturday, July 24, 2021 7:33 PM
To: GP2040 <[email protected]>
Subject: [#20210725023254] Comment from LosGatos2040 Website Los Gatos 2040 General Plan Update
Ticket: [#20210725023254]
Name: Ross Liebman
Comments:
Please limit the amount of new housing to the state mandate. Increasing beyond this limit is not fair to the current residents of Los Gatos. Building high density buildings next to single family homes is not fair to those homeowners who were buying into the suburban lifestyle. Any increase in housing development above the state mandate should be put to a vote of the people. Also, as all other cities are appealing the state mandate it seems we should as well or risk being inundated with developers who care more about making a buck then the beauty of Los Gatos.
Page title: Home
From: Phil Koen
Sent: Sunday, July 25, 2021 10:19 PM
To: Matthew Hudes; Mary Badame; Rob Rennie; Marico Sayoc; Maria Ristow Cc: Laurel Prevetti; Robert Schultz; Lee Fagot; jvannada; GP2040 <[email protected]> Subject: RHNA
Dear Town Council,
Please find attached the RHNA appeal filed by the City of Saratoga on July 9, 2021. All of the points detailed by the City of Saratoga would form the basis for similar appeal by the Town.
Why didn’t the Town appeal our RHNA allocation? Did the Town Council ever discuss the option to appeal the RHNA allocation? What was the basis for the decision not to appeal? The residents of the Town deserve a detail explanation from the Town Council as to why the Town did not appeal given the incredible increase in allocation this cycle over the prior cycle.
Thank you.
Phil Koen
https://www.saratoga.ca.us/DocumentCenter/View/2700/2021-City-of-Saratoga-RHNA-Appeal?bidId= Sent from my iPhone
ABAG 2023-2031 RHNA Appeal Request Form | Page 1
2023-2031 Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) Appeal Request Submit appeal requests and supporting documentation via DocuSign by 5:00 pm PST on July 9, 2021.
Late submissions will not be accepted. Send questions to [email protected] Jurisdiction Whose Allocation is Being Appealed: _____________________________________________________ Filing Party: { HCD { Jurisdiction: _______________________________________________________________ Contact Name: ______________________________________ Title: __________________________________________ Phone: _______________________________________________ Email: ________________________________________ APPEAL AUTHORIZED BY:
Name: ________________________________________________
Signature: ___________________________________________
Date: _________________________________________________ PLEASE SELECT BELOW:
{ Mayor
{ Chair, County Board of Supervisors
{ City Manager
{ Chief Administrative Officer
{ Other: ____________________________________
IDENTIFY ONE OR MORE BASES FOR APPEAL [Government Code Section 65584.5(b)] ABAG failed to adequately consider information submitted in the Local Jurisdiction Survey regarding RHNA Factors (Government Code Section 65584.04(e)) and Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing (See Government Code Section 65584.04(b)(2) and 65584(d)(5)):
Existing and projected jobs and housing relationship. Sewer or water infrastructure constraints for additional development due to laws, regulatory actions, or decisions made by a provider other than the local jurisdiction. Availability of land suitable for urban development or for conversion to residential use. Lands protected from urban development under existing federal or state programs. County policies to preserve prime agricultural land.
Distribution of household growth assumed for Plan Bay Area 2050. County-city agreements to direct growth toward incorporated areas of county. Loss of units contained in assisted housing developments. Households paying more than 30% or 50% of their income in rent. The rate of overcrowding.
Housing needs of farmworkers.
Housing needs generated by the presence of a university campus within a jurisdiction. Housing needs of individuals and families experiencing homelessness. Loss of units during a declared state of emergency from January 31, 2015 to February 5, 2020. The region’s greenhouse gas emissions targets to be met by Plan Bay Area 2050. Affirmatively furthering fair housing.
ABAG failed to determine the jurisdiction’s Draft RHNA Allocation in accordance with the Final RHNA Methodology and in a manner that furthers, and does not undermine the RHNA Objectives (see Government Code Section 65584(d) for the RHNA Objectives). A significant and unforeseen change in circumstances has occurred in the local jurisdiction or jurisdictions that merits a revision of the information submitted in the Local Jurisdiction Survey (appeals based on change of circumstance can only be made by the jurisdiction or jurisdictions where the change occurred).
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Community Development Director
City of Saratoga
City of Saratoga
Debbie Pedro
(408) 868-1231 [email protected]
Yan Zhao
7/8/2021
ABAG 2023-2031 RHNA Appeal Request Form | Page 2
Pursuant to Government Code Section 65584.05, appeals shall be based upon comparable data available for all affected jurisdictions and accepted planning methodology, and supported by adequate documentation, and shall include a statement as to why the revision is necessary to further the intent of the objectives listed in Government Code Section 65584(d). An appeal shall be consistent with, and not to the detriment of, the development pattern in the sustainable communities strategy (Plan Bay Area 2050 Final Blueprint).
Number of units requested to be reduced or added to jurisdiction’s Draft RHNA Allocation:
{ Decrease Number of Units: ___________ { Increase Number of Units: __________ Brief description of appeal request and statement on why this revision is necessary to further the intent of the objectives listed in Government Code Section 65584(d) and how the revision is consistent with, and not to the detriment, of the development pattern in Plan Bay Area 2050. Please include supporting documentation for evidence as needed, and attach additional pages if you need more room.
List of supporting documentation, by title and number of pages
1. ___________________________________________________________________________________________________
2. ___________________________________________________________________________________________________
3. ___________________________________________________________________________________________________ The maximum file size is 25MB. To submit larger files, please contact [email protected]. Click here to attach files
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Saratoga RHNA Appeal Letter July 7, 2021, 4 pages
Incorporated October 22, 1956
CITY OF SARATOGA
13777 FRUITVALE AVENUE • SARATOGA, CALIFORNIA 95070 • (408) 868-1200 COUNCIL MEMBERS:
Mary-Lynne Bernald
Kookie Fitzsimmons
Rishi Kumar
Tina Walia
Yan Zhao
July 7, 2021
Therese McMillan
ABAG/MTC Executive Director
Bay Area Metro Center
375 Beale Street
San Francisco, CA 94105
Subject: City of Saratoga Appeal of Draft 2023-2031 Regional Housing Needs Assessment Allocation
Dear Ms. McMillan,
On behalf of the Saratoga City Council and the Saratoga community, the City of Saratoga hereby submits an appeal to the Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG) of the Draft 2023-2031 Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) Allocation. The City of Saratoga is appealing on the grounds the ABAG failed to adequately consider information submitted in the Local Jurisdiction Survey regarding RHNA Factors, including existing and projected jobs and housing relationship, availability of land suitable for urban development or for conversion to residential use; and the region’s greenhouse gas emissions targets to be met by Plan Bay Area 2050. Furthermore, we request a 50% reduction in the City of Saratoga RHNA from 1,712 new housing units to 856 new units.
RHNA Total
Very Low
Income
Low
Income
Moderate
Income
Above
Moderate
Draft 1,712 454 261 278 719
Proposed 856 227 131 139 360
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Nearly all of Saratoga land has been
devoted to residential housing. Saratoga’s
commercial space is already extremely
limited, especially after 80,000 square feet
of retail and office space was lost to a
Senate Bill 35 project. The parcels in purple
on the adjacent map represent commercial
properties in the City that provide services
and jobs to the community and represent
areas for future mixed use higher density
housing in the City of Saratoga. The City is
being forced to consider reducing the
limited commercial job producing
development that it has to accommodate
the new housing required by the State,
leading to longer commutes and personal trips for current and future residents. This directly conflicts with the RHNA Methodology objective to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The City of Saratoga is also incorrectly identified as being in a Transit-Rich Area (TRA), which would include cities with a bus stop with peak service frequency of 15 minutes or less. Currently, there are no bus routes within City limits with peak service frequency of 15 minutes or less. As you can see on the map displaying bus routes in Saratoga, public transportation options in Saratoga consist of only 5 bus lines that serve only a small part of the City. These routes offer varying
service on weekdays, ranging from every
20 to 60 minutes. Clearly, Saratoga is far
from any reasonable interpretation of
Transit-Rich. With hardly any public
transportation options in Saratoga, this
forces residents into their cars, and that
ultimately increases emissions and traffic.
This is counterproductive to the City’s and
ABAG’s efforts thus far and future goals to
reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
3'9 -+22:)034)
Roughly half of Saratoga is in the Wildland Urban Interface area and at high or very high risk for wildfires. The area in red on the map below shows the Wildland Urban Interface area in the City of Saratoga. Saratoga’s
downtown business district, a location
most cities plan for higher density mixed
use housing, is in a Very High Fire Hazard
Zone and Wildland Urban Interface area.
Last year, the CZU August Lightning
Complex burned nearly 87,000 acres of
land and destroyed 7,000 buildings in the
Santa Cruz Mountains just outside Santa
Clara County and the City of Saratoga.
Many roads in Saratoga are narrow and
winding, serving as the only entry and exit
point for hillside neighborhoods. The Plan
Bay Area 2050 Draft Environmental
Impact Report, which helps shape the
RHNA Allocation process, acknowledges that an increase in housing units in the San Francisco Bay Area will intensify the risk of wildland fires and mitigation measures, such as educating the public and enforcing defensible space requirements, will not minimize this threat. The significant increase in the City of Saratoga RHNA Allocation and State legislative penalties for failing to reach RHNA targets incentivize increasing housing development in areas like Wildland Urban Interface area that simply cannot sustain increased housing density. Conversely, planning for the addition of more than 1,700 new homes in other sections of Saratoga that are outside of the Wildland Urban Interface is simply impractical and unrealistic given the financial realities of residential construction.
Further compounding this issue, Santa Clara Valley Water recently declared a water shortage emergency and instituted a mandatory 15% reduction in water use compared to 2019. Vegetation in our fire risk areas is extraordinarily dry and many of us fear what this and future fire seasons will look like, as it has become clear that drought conditions may be the new normal. As reported in the San Jose Mercury News, a recent study of this year’s runoff from the Sierra Mountains indicates that due to climate change, past hydrology models are no longer reliable. Santa Clara County is also extremely sensitive to drought conditions locally as well as elsewhere in the State. Approximately 50% of Santa Clara County’s water supply comes from outside the County. The Draft EIR for Plan Bay Area 2050 states that even after mitigation measures are implemented, water supplies will be insufficient to support the Bay Area’s projected population increases. It is clear that Saratoga simply cannot accommodate an increased demand for water that would result from the addition of more than 1,700 new homes.
The proposed RHNA Allocation places an undue burden on the City of Saratoga with our limited commercial services, job base, access to public transportation, and over half 3'9 -+22:)034)
of the City is in a Moderate to Very High Fire Severity Zones. For these reasons, we urge you to reduce the City of Saratoga 2023-2031 RHNA Allocation from 1,712 to 856 new units. This proposal from the City of Saratoga represents a far more realistic and feasible target.
Sincerely,
Yan Zhao, Mayor
City of Saratoga
Yan Zhao Mayor
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July 27, 2021
Jennifer Armer, AICP, Senior Planner
Town of Los Gatos
110 E. Main Street
Los Gatos, CA 95030
Re: Draft 2040 General Plan
Dear Ms. Armer,
On behalf of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District (Midpen), we respectfully submit the following comments regarding the draft version of the Los Gatos 2040 General Plan Update (2040 General Plan Update or Project). Midpen is pleased to see the Los Gatos 2040 General Plan Update identified protecting natural resources, open space preserves, recreational trails, surrounding hillsides and waterways as one of the document’s guiding principles.
Midpen owns and manages nearly 65,000 acres of open space land in the Santa Cruz Mountains region. Our mission is:
To acquire and preserve a regional greenbelt of open space land in perpetuity; protect and restore the natural environment; and provide opportunities for ecologically sensitive public enjoyment and education.
Midpen’s 26 Open Space Preserves include redwood, oak, and fir forests, chaparral-covered hillsides, riparian corridors, grasslands, coastal terraces along the Pacific Ocean, and wetlands along the San Francisco Bay.
Ranging from 55 to over 18,000 acres, 24 of the 26 preserves are open to the public free of charge, 365 days a year.
Midpen owns and manages three preserves adjacent to the town of Los Gatos: El Sereno, St. Joseph’s Hill, and Sierra Azul Open Space Preserves. The St. Joseph’s Hill and Sierra Azul Open Space Preserves are particularly significant recreation sites, with extensive trails available for public use. Given that St. Joseph’s Hill and Sierra Azul Open Space Preserves are within the town limits and in close proximity to the Opportunity Areas identified in the 2040 General Plan Update, Midpen would like to share the following suggestions for the draft general plan.
Midpen is currently planning and developing wildlife and regional trail crossings of Highway 17 in the Town of Los Gatos Planning Area north of Lexington Reservoir. The regional trail crossing and its associated 6 to 9 miles of connecting trails includes connections to the Town managed Los Gatos Creek Trail and Novitiate Park, as well as Midpen’s trail systems in El Sereno, St. Joseph’s Hill, and Sierra Azul Preserves. This project represents a significant increase in regional trail connectivity in and adjacent to the Town Planning Area, including a critical link for approximately 50 miles of existing Bay Area Ridge Trail and approximately 22 miles of the Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail. Consistent with General Plan Policy MOB-3.8, this project provides regional trail
connections identified in the Santa Clara Countywide Trails Master Plan that will be a significant benefit to Town residents. In accordance with Goal LU-21, Midpen looks forward to greater coordination with the Town of Los Gatos as a project stakeholder and partner and will continue to engage the Town on relevant project developments. Additional information can be found on the project website at https://www.openspace.org/ourwork/projects/wildlife-crossing.
Midpen staff reviewed the draft Los Gatos 2040 General Plan Update and would like to share the following suggestions.
Section LU-3.2
Reducing Project Impacts
Projects shall be evaluated and the Town shall apply appropriate mitigation measures and/or conditions of approval to reduce impacts on urban services and wildfire risk, including utilities, police, and fire.
Consider including a statement reducing project impacts on the environment.
Section LU-20.1
Community Input
The Town shall facilitate opportunities for all residents and stakeholders to provide meaningful and effective input on proposed planning activities early on and continuously throughout development review and the public review process.
Suggest adding “other local governments,” after “all residents.” “The Town shall facilitate opportunities for all residents, other local governments, and stakeholders to provide meaningful and effective input on proposed planning activities early on and continuously throughout development review and the public review process.”
Section 3.10, LU-21 and LU-21.1
3.10 Interagency Coordination
Many local, regional, State, and Federal agencies have land use planning, permitting or development review authority in the Los Gatos Planning Area and surrounding region. Coordination among agencies ensures regulatory compliance, increases efficiency for development projects, and eliminates redundancies among agencies. The following goal and policies will provide guidance on interagency coordination.
LU-21
Enhance interagency coordination to achieve mutually beneficial land use development and conservation.
LU-21.1 Regional Planning
Continue and expand Town participation in planning processes in neighboring jurisdictions, Santa Clara County, and regional agencies and organizations to develop innovative, effective, and
coordinated land use, transportation, and hillside development plans and standards.
Consider including a statement on how the Town will engage and coordinate with public agency stakeholders, such as Midpen, in Town planning and policy projects that may impact the lands or responsibilities of those local agencies.
Section CD-2.12
Street Trees in New Development
If feasible, require street trees to be installed for all new developments, to enhance neighborhood character and identity and to maximize shade coverage when mature.
Consider including a requirement for native, non-invasive or non-fire-prone street tree species.
Section CD-2.30
Street and Structure Lighting
Require street and structure lighting to minimize its visual, health, and ecological impacts by preventing glare, limiting the amount of light that falls on neighboring properties, and avoiding light pollution of the night sky.
Consider including the dark-sky and/or the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America Model Lighting Ordinance or reference section ENC-7.11.
The following link provides additional information on the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America Model Lighting Ordinance. https://www.darksky.org/our-work/lighting/public-policy/mlo/ Section CD-2.40
Landscaped Gateways
Ensure that public improvements and private development provide landscaped Town gateways that create visual connections between the natural hillsides and open space areas and the community of Los Gatos.
Consider including a requirement for native, non-invasive or non-fire-prone plant species.
Section CD-5
Preserve the natural beauty and ecological integrity of the Santa Cruz Mountains and surrounding hillsides.
Under section CD-5 Preserve the natural beauty and ecological integrity of the Santa Cruz Mountains and surrounding hillsides, consider adding:
CD-5.6 Preserve Sensitive Natural Communities.
Sensitive natural communities are communities that are of limited distribution statewide or within a county or region and are often vulnerable to environmental effects of projects. These communities may or may not contain special status plants or their habitat.
Section CD-6.5
Lighting Design in Hillside Areas
Outdoor lighting shall be limited and shielded so as not to be viewable from non-hillside areas and shall be of low intensity.
Consider including the dark-sky and/or the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America Model Lighting Ordinance or reference ENC-7.11
The following link provides additional information on the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America Model Lighting Ordinance. https://www.darksky.org/our-work/lighting/public-policy/mlo/ Section CD-9.9
Landscaping
To soften the appearance of hardscape, incorporate landscaped medians using drought tolerant plants, landscape buffers, and street trees.
Consider including a requirement for native, non-invasive or non-fire-prone plant species.
Section PFS-5
Conserve landfill space.
Consider including composting, green waste and chipping programs.
Section OSPR-2.1
Hillside Natural Open Space Character
Preserve the natural open space character of hillside lands, including natural topography, natural vegetation, wildlife habitats and migration corridors, and viewsheds.
Suggest changing the word “natural” vegetation to “native” vegetation. “Preserve the natural open space character of hillside lands, including natural topography, native vegetation, wildlife habitats and migration corridors, and viewsheds.” Key Terms Section
Ecosystem. A community or group of living organisms that live in and interact with each other in a specific environment.
Suggest adding the word “physical” after “specific”
“Ecosystem. A community or group of living organisms that live in and interact with each other in a specific physical environment.”
Section ENV-2.3
Landscape Design
Continue to update landscape design guidelines for development consistent with Biological Resources goals and policies. Landscape design should promote the implementation of native species, drought tolerant species, and fire-wise plants and designs, including in hillside areas and future planning areas.
Consider updating to “Santa Cruz Mountain” species or “locally” native species. Similar to section ENV 5.1.
Section ENV-5.2
Special Status Native Plant Species Protection
Require public and private projects to protect special-status native plant species.
Consider adding “sensitive natural communities”. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife website provides additional information on sensitive natural communities. https://wildlife.ca.gov/Data/VegCAMP/Natural-Communities#environmental%20review Section ENV-7.6
Minimize Use of Herbicides and Pesticides
Consider changing to “utilizing herbicides and pesticides as one tool within a comprehensive integrated pest management framework” and adding “Integrated Pest Management (IPM)” to the list of key terms.
Section ENV-8
Improve the air quality in Los Gatos.
Consider trade-offs between reduced carbon sequestration from reduced fuel load and emissions from prescribed fires that establish ecological resiliency in the face of wildfire, given the overwhelming benefits of reduced risks of catastrophic wildland fire on climate change.
Section ENV-10
Become a zero-waste Town through encouraging sustainable procurement, extended producer responsibility, and innovative strategies.
Consider including composting, green waste and chipping programs.
Section ENV-19.1
Noise-sensitive Developments
Require all new noise-sensitive developments to provide a noise study prepared by a licensed
acoustician with recommendations for reducing noise impacts to the maximum allowed level in the Noise Ordinance.
Projects with proposed sound- or noise-generating uses near open space should undergo a noise level study to ensure there will be no negative impacts to wildlife or visitors. Figure 8-6 Land Use Noise Compatibility Criteria show normal acceptable sounds from 55- 75 dB Ldn depending on the land use category. Rural or open space areas exposed to 55 dB Ldn noise levels may be more affected by these levels than an urban area where sounds are often masked by the typically higher level of background noise associated with an urban area. The perception of noise increases when the background noise is muted or nonexistent such as in a preserve. An example of a use that could cause noise impacts include amplified music from an event venue.
Section 9.2
Urban and Wildland Fire Hazards
Consider explaining that according to CALFIRE, 95% of all fires are caused by people (e.g., arson, escaped debris burns, and equipment use) and this is why “Fires that occur along the wildland-urban interface (WUI) are much more of a hazard…”
It is also important to note that a high fire hazard severity zone does not describe the risk of a fire start, but rather describes potential impacts to natural ecosystems, known as fire severity.
Additionally, due to the current need for remote work during the COVID-19 pandemic, Midpen requests to be kept informed of this project’s status via email. Updates can be sent to the two following staff: Jane Mark, Planning Manager, at [email protected] and Melissa Borgesi, Planner I, at [email protected].
We appreciate the opportunity to comment and participate in any further planning processes. Should you have any questions about this letter, please contact me at [email protected] or at (650) 691-1200.
Sincerely,
Jane Mark, AICP
Planning Manager
CC: Ana Ruiz, AICP, General Manager, Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District Susanna Chan, Assistant General Manager, Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District Alice Kaufman, Legislative Advocacy Director, Green Foothills
Sent: Tuesday, July 27, 2021 4:45 PM
To: GP2040 <[email protected]>
Subject: [#20210727234526] Comment from LosGatos2040 Website Los Gatos 2040 General Plan Update
Ticket: [#20210727234526]
Name: Scott Weinstein
Comments:
This plan is rather poorly conceived. The water and electricity needs of this community are not being served today. How will adding so many units - with updated state requirements for all electric kitchens - help reduce the load on the electric grid? Given that there is a constant need to reduce electricity between 5pm and 10pm - how will such dwellings be able to actually cook dinner? Why does the committee think it’s a good idea to entreat more people into an area that can’t support its current residents? Please revert with a sustainable and workable plan that doesn’t punish the current residents. Also, please ensure that “affordable” housing is offered to teachers and municipal workers as opposed to the progeny of wealthy people who qualify based upon “low income” even if they have substantial assets.
Page title: Home
Sent: Tuesday, July 27, 2021 5:21 PM
To: GP2040 <[email protected]>
Subject: [#20210728002033] Comment from LosGatos2040 Website Los Gatos 2040 General Plan Update
Ticket: [#20210728002033]
Name: Mark Brine
Comments:
The North part of Los Gatos has at least 254 housing units going in to the first half of the North Forty.
The 2nd half of the North forty will be another dense addition of housing. The rest of Los Gatos is not contributing to dense housing. A small project on main/college was cancelled, a project on Blossom Hill is now a memory care facility. I do not want faster density growth in my neighborhood. North Los Gatos has stepped up. Stop the Density growth in North Los Gatos. Lark Avenue is congested, there is no transit and we need to drive to commerce. No housing density increases please.
Page title: General
From: Alexandra Sung
Sent: Thursday, July 29, 2021 10:12 PM
To: GP2040 <[email protected]>
Subject: Concern with 2040 General Plan
Hello,
I am writing to express my concern with the draft Los Gatos 2040 General Plan and EIR. While I support smart development, particularly development that enables more people of varied backgrounds and income levels to enjoy living in Los Gatos, I fear that the plan is not realistic in terms of traffic impacts and wildfire safety. Already our streets face considerable traffic during busy times, and with population growth, traffic will become a nightmare.
With regard to the notion that more people will bike / walk / take a bus around town, could the Town conduct a survey of residents to see whether the interest for these modes of transportation truly exists? If people have little interest in these alternatives, then the Town should build out the infrastructure to support how people desire to move around. With electric vehicles becoming more and more common, the argument that cars are far worse for the environment weakens. I grew up in Portland, OR. I recall a couple decades ago Portland also wanted to “go green” with transportation. They built out the light rail and diverted funds away from highways and roads. Now, those modes of transportation are underutilized, and traffic is a nightmare. I fear Los Gatos is headed in the same direction.
Lastly, imagine all of Los Gatos wanted to leave town at the same time right now. What do you think Los Gatos Blvd or University Ave or Hwy 9 would look like? Now, add in the proposed growth. Let’s say the reason everyone wanted to leave town was because a wildfire broke out dangerously close to the city with oppressive smoke and real risk of harm. Do you think people will hop on their bicycles to evacuate or wait for the bus to take them out of town? No. Everyone is taking a car and splitting up and taking both family cars if they can. Will our proposed infrastructure be able to handle such an event when life or death is at stake? We all know what happened in Paradise. Please do not allow the same thing happen here.
Regards,
Alexandra Sung
From: Jeff Sung
Sent: Thursday, July 29, 2021 10:43 PM
To: GP2040 <[email protected]>
Subject: Comments on the 2040 plan
Dear Committee Members,
Thank you for soliciting input regarding the 2040 general plan. While I agree that gradual growth, accounting for state mandates and expected population increases is important, I believe that the proposed 2040 General Plan is too ambitious and should be revised to a lower target that meets the aforementioned needs, but does not impose unnecessary risks and hardships to the Los Gatos population.
Chief among my concerns is safety. With climate change and drought, the risk of fires in the Los Gatos area is accelerating. Not long ago, 85 people from Paradise, CA died as a result of the Camp Fire. One of the terrifying factors that contributed to the fatalities was the terrible traffic that people faced as they tried to flee the fire. People talked about burning to death in parking lots of traffic. The 2040 GP aspires that traffic will not be an issue by banking on people walking and bicycling. In the event of a fire, I'm going to pray that I can get my family into the car and drive them to safety. Thousands of other residents will be trying to do the same. We have learned that every small increase in cars on the road can lead to large increases in traffic. Increasing the population to the extent described in the plan without fixing traffic issues and expanding major roadways for cars will have deadly consequences in the event of a fire, and the General Plan has a responsibility to the residents of Los Gatos to be realistic and account for these rising risks.
On the subject of traffic, I think that while the idea of having people walk and bicycle throughout the town is idyllic, the reality for a small town like Los Gatos is that the majority of residents probably work in a different part of the Bay Area and need to drive to work. More cars on the road going to and fro from work due to the ambitious housing targets will lead to more congested streets which will make it difficult on those businesses that are in town (thinking of the well publicized effects of beach traffic on those businesses), increase pollutants/greenhouse gases, while those cars sit idling, and add an unnecessary hardship to the residents of the town.
Finally, I think the other largest issue is schools. I understand that the committee does not have planning authority for the schools. However, the committee needs to take schools into consideration and plan in conjunction with the school districts. North 40 is not finished yet, and the impacts of the development on the schools has not been seen, yet it seems clear that Los Gatos needs additional schools. Without the Town and School Districts working together to set aside land and money to build
school buildings to accommodate the additional residents, the schools and most importantly, the children, will suffer.
In conclusion, I urge you to reconsider the 2040 GP, and make changes to account for these important issues. We the people of Los Gatos are depending on you to be realistic and prudent in your planning and decisions.
Thank you for your time and service.
Sincerely,
Jeff Sung
On Jul 30, 2021, at 9:42 AM, Fred Faltersack wrote:
Town council Members,
Periodically I’ll read an article on the 2040 General Plan and I stop long enough to put in my 2 cents. This is one of those moments having just read the latest on Patch.com. There are defiantly two very strong opinions by residents both for and against growth. I tend to be more middle of the road but leaning towards the pro-development side. I feel that if Los Gatos had been supporting a moderate to medium growth position over the past 30 years, then there would not be the need to pack so much growth into the next 20 years…So YES, we need to now address it.
By way of this email, I am reaching out to you to share my opinion on portions within the Towns borders which I think have been overlooked and may have the opportunity to assist in accomplishing the higher density requirements and provide more affordable housing in Los Gatos.
First, I DO support the higher density goals shown in the 2040 General Plan. I support the many different variations of affordable dwelling units (ADU’s) within the traditional single family neighborhoods. I support ADU’s in the HR Zoned areas. I support the individual rights of property owners. I am against others (individuals or governments) trying to dictate to a property owner what they can and cannot do on and with their own land. Oh, and I have been a resident of the Town of Los Gatos since 1986.
Now Based on where the 2040 General Plan is in it’s forward progress, this is probably a bit late in the game to bring this up, but hear me out. I noticed that the HR zoning has been left untouched with respect to higher density for “wild-life” reasons. That being said, there are fringe areas of the HR zones that are not really situated in the steep hillside and largely open areas. I will focus on the East Los Gatos area and more specifically in the Harwood Road area (where I’ve lived the past 35 years) which consists of HR-40, HR-20 zoning and borders the City of San Jose with subdivisions having parcel sizes of 6,000- 8,000 square feet (let’s call these areas Hillside Residential "Fringe Areas"). There are many old ranchstyle homes situated on 1/2 acre to 3 acre parcels of which the topography is flat or have insignificant slope. Re-zoning this area for higher density would create none of the parking or traffic issues that are of great concern with citizens along the higher density Highway 17 corridor, Highway 9, and downtown areas as there is ample room to design-in off-street parking. Plus let’s not forget, people don’t get politically charged over the goings-on of EAST Los Gatos! I am sure there are other pockets of HR fringe areas within the Town that could also provide the same.
Please feel free to reach out to me if you believe it warrants further discussion and be sure to take a quick visual tour along the Harwood Road neighborhood some day.
Sincerely,
Fred Faltersack
From: Jeff Sung
Sent: Saturday, July 31, 2021 1:28 PM
To: Marico Sayoc
Cc: Laurel Prevetti; Joel Paulson; Jennifer Armer
Subject: Re: General Plan Comments
Thank you for your prompt reply Mayor Sayoc.
I have read the environmental impact report available on the website, and the impacts on the environment and traffic will certainly be significant. I am glad that the Planning Commission will be holding hearings. However, attending these hearings is not necessarily easy with the responsibilities that many of us have woth work and busy families.
If I could suggest one more thing, I would ask that the town leadership consider polling the residents to Los Gatos regarding priorities to consider in development to make sure that the priorities of our leaders are in line with the people they serve.
Respectfully,
Jeff Sung
From: Margaret Yu
Sent: Monday, August 2, 2021 6:12 PM
To: GP2040 <[email protected]>
Subject: Los Gatos General Plan 2040
Hello,
I have been a Los Gatos resident since 2015. I moved to this city specifically for its smaller size, community feel, and family friendly environment. After moving, I was surprised to discover that Los Gatos suffers from disproportionately heavy traffic (particularly in the summertime), limited parking (I have spent >45 minutes trying to find a parking spot downtown Los Gatos), and outdated infrastructure (we are <1 mile from the Los Gatos High school and have limited options for internet and water). I am highly supportive of building additional housing but it must be balanced by a plan to address the increased traffic, parking, utilities, and demand for public resources (schools, fire safety, etc). The current LG General Plan 2040 will overdevelop Los Gatos in a short time frame without adequately addressing the impacts to other aspects of our community. I do NOT support the plan in its current form and have yet to meet anybody who does
Please do NOT move forward with the current LG General Plan.
Sincerely,
Dr. Margaret Yu, MD
Los Gatos resident since 2015
On Aug 2, 2021, at 11:04 PM, Kathy Anderson wrote:
As a resident of Los Gatos since 1955, I have seen changes in our town. Most Councils adopted General Plans that provided some growth but had safe guards to prevent developments that would be detrimental to our town. Safe guards that would allow citizens to question and prevent developers from having a free hand to develop projects that did not align with our town.
The new General Plan has not only increased the size of possible new residences without considering water, traffic, and other issues- it has removed the safe guards that allow citizens to object to most developments - height, density, etc.
Please review this Plan with all the changes carefully. Please allow citizens to have input. Most citizens are just now learning of the changes that will drastically change Los Gatos. Please do not rush to pass .
When reviewing what the Plan would allow think is it something that you would want next door to you.
Would you want your neighbor’s single family home removed and a 4 plex built.
Your decision will determine what will become of Los Gatos.
Kathy Anderson
On Aug 3, 2021, at 7:11 PM, Kathleen Barry wrote:
Dear Mayor and Council Members,
I am disappointed and sad as I review the General Plan. I was born and raised here. I grew up across from an orchard in much simpler times. We played in the orchard and our parent's would yell out to us to come home for dinner. Eventually, that orchard went away and multiple homes were built.
I am saddened to think about what the General Plan could bring to our lovely, little "town". I would like to believe most of us live here because of the town and it's charm. However, sadly, the charm is changing and if we don't stop to analyze now what we want and what we envision, it won't be our charming little "Tree Town" any longer.
Where I realize there has to be some growth, I think there needs to be a much deeper thought process without rushing into a decision. I think the citizens who live here need to be involved and be able to participate. These items should be explained so the general population is able to read and understand the consequences.
If you take for example the North 40. It's not even built and traffic is a disaster. I can vouch for that the multiple days a week I drive down Los Gatos Boulevard to work. I tried to pull out of Lark Avenue Car Wash yesterday and narrowly missed being hit. The traffic flow there is insane. Not to mention, turning left onto Lark from Los Gatos Boulevard, it seems the majority of people can't figure out how to stay in their lane since they have been changed.
I believe there should be much more consideration to the following to start:
• Water shortage...where are we going to get it?
• Energy crisis-conservation?
• Infrastructure
• Schools
• Density
• Poor air quality with more people
• Parking
• Quality of life
It seems as if the General Plan would like to turn us into a "city". We are not a city, but, a town, smaller. Charming. With virtually no land left to develop. How on earth does anyone think this will work in the long term? You already can't get around town on a the weekends with beach traffic. How do we support our local business that are in need of our business? What if there is a fire or emergency? How do people get out when the roads are already clogged?
This is just a brief snippet of thoughts I have on the initial plan. I will be following closely to see if our elected officials are listening to our residents.
Sincerely,
Kathleen Barry
From: Cynthia Ptacek
Sent: Wednesday, August 4, 2021 6:21:18 PM
To: Mary Badame
Subject: General Plan 2040 - please amend
Dear Ms. Badame,
The draft of the General Plan 2040 for the next 20 years is frightening! I'm not sure why the town of Los Gatos didn't push back on the number of houses the state wanted us to fit into our little town, but we should have pushed back. The 3,378 new homes and the ability to build a duplex or a fourplex in what is a one-house lot are completely unacceptable. Our town cannot handle the water and traffic needs of that many additional houses.
If people want to live in high-density housing then they can live in the North 40 or in another town like San Jose. We did not buy a house here to live in an overcrowded town. And speaking of the North 40, that end of Los Gatos is a nightmare! The traffic is already horrific and no one is living in those buildings yet. Please do not do more damage to our town than already done by allowing the North 40.
Please do not allow the developers to ruin our cute town by building it up and crowding it so they can go live in Saratoga where they don't have this happening (because that town asked for a variance). The 1900 houses that the state wants us to build are too many. Push back! Considering the fire risks, the traffic on 17 and Los Gatos Boulevard, we are at capacity now. We have a diverse town, lots of people come here for the weekend to shop and eat at our restaurants, let's keep it desirable.
Sincerely,
Cynthia Ptacek
Sent: Friday, August 6, 2021 4:48 PM
To: GP2040 <[email protected]>
Subject: [#20210806234746] Comment from LosGatos2040 Website Los Gatos 2040 General Plan Update
Ticket: [#20210806234746]
Name: kay maurer
Comments:
To continue on a path of adding more residences when the town is already crammed with cars and people is something I cannot understand. What about quality of life for those who do live here. Why would we want to plan for more units than required by state law. It makes no sense at all. Until the town can move electrical wires underground to prevent fires, and find a solution to weekend traffic, no further housing should be considered. You will ruin the small town feel in a misled path to be inclusive.
Page title: Home
From: Phil Koen
Sent: Monday, August 9, 2021 12:57 PM
To: Laurel Prevetti; Arn Andrews
Cc: Matthew Hudes; Rob Rennie; Maria Ristow; Mary Badame; Marico Sayoc Subject: Marketing hype vs factual update
Dear Laurel,
I just saw this notice on Nextdoor and immediately read the “newsletter” which was suppose to discuss “key proposed changes in this General Plan Update”. Boy, was I sadly disappointed.
Let me remind everyone that the residents were initial told at the kickoff of the general plan update process the Council was happy with the existing General Plan 2020 and that the update would be “fine tuning”. This clearly is not even remotely the case.
Given the magnitude of the changes being proposed, and the initial positioning of the update, the Town has a very real obligation obligation to be forthcoming about all of the changes being proposed, in a factual, non-spin manner. It is called the duty to adequately inform.
This newsletter was extremely disappointing in-tone and substance. It was a marketing piece and not a thoughtful discussion of the “key changes”.
Where was the discussion of why the draft general plan allows for a maximum possible buildout of 3,738 units, which exceeds the RHNA requirement (1,993) by 88%? Why is 3,738 units the correct number and 1,993 the wrong number? How many other cities in Santa Clara County are proposing 88% more housing than their RHNA requirement? Please name them.
Where was the detail discussion of the impact on residential zoning densities and intensity as a result of this increase in housing? Why is this good policy and is it consistent with the objective of retaining the Town’s unique character?
Where was the disclosure of how many of the 3,738 additional units would truly be “affordable” (i.e BMP vs MP) housing?
Where was the discussion if the “missing middle” was built, what is the estimated MP for the smaller units being planned? Would these really be “affordable” (I.e spending 30% or less on housing) for a family of 4 making 100% of current AMI? How do we know the “missing middle” strategy will be successful?
Where was a land use map which showed the land uses as is vs. proposed changes so the public could easily understand the location and magnitude of the proposed changes?
I’ll stop here because you get the point. Please put forth a newsletter that fairly describes what is in the draft General Plan 2040 so residents can easily grasp what is being proposed. As Walter Cronkite said - “hold up the mirror and tell and show the public what has happened”.
I am asking every Council Member to pledge that the Town will publish in plain English, a comprehensive and accurate analysis of the changes proposed in the draft General Plan 2040 so the residents are adequately informed and can participate in the process. It is impossible to participate if you aren’t aware and knowledgeable. The residents of this Town deserve nothing less.
Respectfully,
Phil Koen
Sent: Thursday, August 12, 2021 8:53 AM
To: Jennifer Armer
Cc: Council; Chris & Lisa Wade
Subject: Promoting plant-based foods in Los Gatos
Dear Jennifer,
This is to let you know how appreciative I and many of our fellow citizens are for the steps that the town has taken to encourage the adoption of plant based foods. I understand that the town is considering including a plant-based education program in the 2040 General plan to support the promotion of meat and dairy reduction. I would like to add my support to this proposal as an important step forward in promoting this important goal.
I have personally been involved in a program that will use technology to protect rhinos from poaching and certain extinction if the situation is not addressed. A major issue in achieving our goal as well as protecting multiple other threatened species is the encroachment of land on wilderness areas by cattle and other ranching activities. The only solution is to reduce or eliminate meat consumption and every small step helps.
We have been residents of Los Gatos for 35 years and our address is:
Los Gatos, CA 95032-1116
Sincerely,
Antony G White
Sent: Thursday, August 12, 2021 8:56 AM
To: Jennifer Armer
Cc: Council; Chris & Lisa Wade
Subject: Promoting plant-based foods in Los Gatos
Dear Jennifer,
I understand that the town is considering including a plant-based education program in the 2040 General plan to support the promotion of meat and dairy reduction. I would like to add my support to this proposal as an important step forward in promoting this worthy goal.
We have been residents of Los Gatos for 35 years and our address is:
Los Gatos, CA 95032-1116
Sincerely,
Hilary B White
From: Shailaja Venkatsubramanyan
Sent: Thursday, August 12, 2021 3:00 PM
To: Jennifer Armer
Cc: Council
Subject:
Hello, I am a resident of the Town of Los Gatos. My address is , Los Gatos, CA 95032.
I would like the town to include a plant-based education program in the 2040 General plan. This would involve the promotion of plant-based diets in Los Gatos through talks, classes, cooking demos, flyers, banners, etc. Climate change is here, and we have to take all the steps to reverse its effects.
Thank you so much for taking my input into consideration. I am sincerely grateful.
Shai
Shailaja Venkatsubramanyan, Ph.D.
Associate Professor Emeritus
School of Information Systems and Technology, San Jose State University
From: Levine, Joshua
Sent: Tuesday, August 17, 2021 4:22 PM
To: Jennifer Armer
Cc: Council
Subject: Recommendation for plant based diet
Hi Jennifer,
I am resident of Los Gatos ( ) and I’m writing to recommend that the city includes and funds the plant based education program in the 2040 General Plan. My family is vegetarian and enjoys the enormous health benefits that a plant based diet offers. Even our 11 year old son who plays on a top team for Los Gatos United, and is an all-star with Los Gatos Little League, has incredible of amounts of energy and focus in large part because of his diet and exercise regimen. Including the plant based program should have enormous benefits for the community Thank you for your consideration!
Best
Josh
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From: Kevin Arroyo
Sent: Saturday, August 21, 2021 10:54 AM
To: Jennifer Armer
Cc: Council
Subject: 2040 General Plan - Plant-Based Education Program Hello Jennifer and Town of Los Gatos,
I am a Los Gatos resident and support a plant-based education program in the Town’s 2040 General Plan. Due to the rapidly increasing effects of climate change, there needs to be a CO2 reduction through the reduction of eating animal products. It would help reduce water consumption and pollution so our children can live in a healthier environment.
I am also assisting with the creation of the Pinehurst Community Garden and look forward to integrating these sustainable policies within our project. Please let me know if there are any questions.
Thank you,
Kevin Arroyo
From: Joanne Benjamin
Sent: Thursday, August 26, 2021 11:47 AM
To: Marico Sayoc; Rob Rennie; Mary Badame; Matthew Hudes; Maria Ristow Cc: Town Manager
Subject: Our Comments on the Los Gatos General Plan 2040 Housing Element & Single Family Zoning Dear Mayor Sayoc,
Please forward the attached letter to the Town Council regarding our comments on the Los Gatos 2040 Housing Element and Single Family Zoning.
Thank you,
Joanne Benjamin
Town of LG Single Family Zoning.docx
Los Gatos, CA 95030
August 26, 2021
Los Gatos Council Members
We were surprised and stressed to learn that the Council is considering elimination of single-family zoning in Los Gatos. To us, this is ill advised for multiple reasons.
First, people make major, long-term decisions when they choose to purchase a home and they naturally assume that the Town’s zoning ordinances will continue to protect their neighborhoods. Zoning is expected to be long term and consistent, with deviations allowed only on extraordinary basis.
Second, changing the zoning for an existing neighborhood from single family to four-plex multi-family is very significant to the homeowner. Allowing a fourplex (plus ADUs) in an existing single-family neighborhood could significantly impact the quality of life and the living conditions for the residents.
The greater density could negatively impact and intensify parking, traffic, privacy, noise, fire safety, viewshed, sun/shade, walkability, and other important elements. In addition, there is the subjective impact of converting even one home in a single-family neighborhood to a multi-unit property as it could permanently alter the neighborhood’s character. Until this latest update of the General Plan 2040, Los Gatos thoughtfully valued preserving its historic past, its hillsides, and the charm and character of its different neighborhoods and commercial districts. For example, the Town always seriously considered impacts to adjacent residents when issuing building permits, including relatively minor situations such as repositioning windows, constructing a room addition, adding a second story, or relocating a driveway.
This thorough and respectful practice has balanced change against the status quo and has resulted in neighborhoods retaining their vibrancy and attractiveness while still growing and staying up to date.
Third, enabling and even encouraging developers to purchase homes in a single-family neighborhood for the purpose of redeveloping to multiple units causes irreversible harm and damage. Once such conversions happen, there is no turning back as its essentially impossible to return to a previous state.
Real estate development is relatively permanent with an assumed minimum lifetime of 40 years for most structures (and much, much longer when they are maintained such as homes in the Almond Grove!)
Fourth, housing is an extremely important component of our General Plan. While we understand the demand for more homes and more affordable homes, we feel that higher density housing should be focused in existing multi-family zones, undeveloped regions, or rezoning of existing commercial, industrial, or office areas, but not in existing single-family neighborhoods. Although Los Gatos isn’t yet well served by public transit, the Town should plan for this eventuality and consider higher density housing along future transportation corridors.
.
Fifth, besides creating more (and more affordable) housing, our community as well as the state is facing many other critical challenges – water shortages; electricity reliability; sewage treatment and capacity;
Town of LG Single Family Zoning.docx
roads, highway, bicycle and pedestrian improvements; public transportation; wildfire prevention and containment; plus enhanced law enforcement and public safety. Increasing the housing supply without solving these other problems will exacerbate these problems and is simply irresponsible.
Finally, we understand that the state requires Los Gatos to accommodate additional housing. Los Gatos should meet this requirement by approving greater density in areas other than the current single-family zones, and in areas adjacent to future transportation corridors. This is greatly preferred to blanketly allowing multifamily conversions in single family neighborhoods. And, if after considering all of the above, you are still intent on eliminating single-family zoning, then you should initiate a ballot measure and let the Town’s citizens advise on the matter.
Please don’t destroy Los Gatos’ unique character, charm, and quality of life, that has been the precedent of our community and was carefully planned, implemented, respected, and enforced by prior Town Councils.
Very truly yours,
Joanne and Jim Benjamin
3 September 2021
Jennifer Armer, AICP, Senior Planner
Town of Los Gatos
110 E. Main Street
Los Gatos, CA 95030
Re: Draft 2040 General Plan
Dear Ms. Armer,
Santa Clara Valley Audubon Society (SCVAS) is one of the largest National Audubon Society chapters in California. SCVAS’ mission is to promote the enjoyment, understanding, and protection of birds and other wildlife by engaging people of all ages in birding, education, and conservation. Earlier this year we advocated for the inclusion of bird-safe design and dark sky policies in the General Plan 2040. The General Plan Update Advisory Committee (GPAC) supported these recommendations and included both goals and program measures in the draft General Plan Update. We write today in support of these draft policies and with additional comments and recommendations.
Birds make people happy, are key indicators for healthy ecosystems, and are inherently valuable. At SCVAS, our bird conservation advocacy areas have focused on: endangered species, bird-safe buildings and architecture, and land use. Threats to local and migratory birds include: loss of habitat and migration rest areas, collisions with glass that kill an estimated hundreds of millions of birds each year in North America alone, collisions with other human-made structures, Artificial Light At Night (ALAN), climate change, depredation by outdoor cats, and poisoning from rodenticides and insecticides. The Los Gatos General Plan Update is a critical opportunity to address biodiversity and bird safety, and in doing so, protect open space and nature, for the benefit of both the community and natural environment.
One focus of our advocacy has been on reducing ALAN. The impacts of night-time lighting are pervasive and affect biological function and behavior in almost all living things. A recent United Nations report highlights the many biological and ecological impacts of ALAN, and outlines guidelines to help preserve ecosystems, species and our night sky1. A scientific review draws together wide-ranging studies over the last decades that catalogue the effects of ALAN upon living species and their environment. Numerous examples are given of how widespread exposure to ALAN is perturbing many aspects of plant and animal behavior and survival: foraging, orientation, migration, seasonal reproduction and more2. 1 https://www.iau.org/static/publications/dqskies-book-29-12-20.pdf 2 https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnins.2020.602796/full
Moreover, pervasive ALAN has been found to have a wide-ranging impact on human health. Cancer, sleep disorders, and a degradation of mental health have all been linked to pervasive ALAN3. Addressing ALAN and setting clear limits on lighting within the General Plan Update can have a great positive impact on our community.
Reading through the draft General Plan Update, we appreciate the thoughtfulness and intentionality when including environmental goals and programs. Many standards and guidelines in the town already help to protect the environment, such as the lighting element within the Hillside Development Standards and Guidelines, the inclusion of native plant species, and protection of wildlife movement.
We hope these standards can be reinforced. Additionally, we hope you will take into consideration the following comments and recommendations specific to the draft General Plan Update. These comments pertain to the Guiding Principles, lighting, the Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design program, habitat protections, and tree canopy.
1. Guiding Principle (pdf pg. 12)
Draft Language: Protect Natural Resources
“Protect the natural resources and scenic assets that define Los Gatos, including open space preserves, recreational trails, surrounding hillsides, and natural waterways.” Proposed Language: Protect the Natural Environment
“Protect and enhance the natural environment, scenic assets and biotic communities that define Los Gatos, including but not limited to open space preserves, recreational trails, surrounding hillsides, and waterways.”
On April 1, 2021 we gave a public comment to the General Plan Advisory Committee (GPAC) asking the committee to consider changing the Guiding Principle for “Protect our Natural Resources” to “Protect the Natural Environment.” The GPAC agreed with the comment, however, since the Guiding Principles have already been approved by the Planning Commission and Town Council, this change must go through the formal approval process.
The principle is meant to protect the environment, but by naming natural resources, it implies that nature is meant to be protected for the benefit of humans. Nevertheless, the environment has inherent value and should be protected regardless of its benefit to humans, which is why we recommend this change to the Guiding Principle.
2. Lighting
CD-2.24 Public Realm Improvements (pdf pg. 77)
Draft Language: “Encourage improvements to the public realm, including tree canopies, street furniture, paving, landscaping, and lighting.”
3 https://acsjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/cncr.33392; https://time.com/5033099/lightpollution-health/
Proposed Language: Encourage improvements to the public realm, including tree canopies, street furniture, paving, and landscaping.
Please consider removing lighting from CD-2.24 Public Realm Improvements. In the past, improvements for lighting has usually meant expanded lighting. Lighting should not be expanded in Los Gatos.
CD-2.30 Street and Structure Lighting (pdf pg. 79)
We support CD-2.30 Street and Structure Lighting, preventing glare, light spillage, and light pollution.
CD-2.31 Lighting (pdf pg. 79)
Draft Language: “Encourage lighting for mixed-use and commercial developments such as string lighting, pole mounted lighting, and tree-hanging lighting, to further illuminate the site during nighttime hours for safety and community.”
Proposed Language: Provide clear limits for lighting in mixed-use and commercial developments, including the prohibition of uplighting, limiting the Correlated Color Temperature of lighting, and turning off lights after activity hours, in order to find the balance between friendly illumination and preventing unnecessary light at night.
We ask that you consider making policy CD-2.31 Lighting more explicit and restrictive. Decorative lighting should only be allowed in commercial areas, and only during activity hours. All lighting should be directed down since uplighting causes light pollution.
The Town of Los Gatos Hillside Development Standards and Guidelines (85 of Draft General Plan, Page 6 of Chapter 6 of Standards)
Chapter 6 Site Elements provides strong and sound requirements for outdoor lighting in the Hillside4.
We highly recommend the General Plan Community Design Element 4.4 Hillside Development consider retaining and/or strengthening the lighting language found in its complementing Chapter 6 Site Elements. One way to complement this language would be to include a guideline for Correlated Color Temperature (CCT), such as, “Lighting within the Hillside should use the lowest CCT available.” CD-6.5 Lighting Design in Hillside Areas (pdf pg. 86)
Draft Language: “Outdoor lighting shall be limited and shielded so as not to be viewable from nonhillside areas and shall be of low intensity.” 4 https://www.losgatosca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/172/Hillside-Standards-60-Site-Elements?bidId=
1. Outdoor lighting shall comply with the Town of Los Gatos Zoning Ordinance.
2. Lighting shall be the minimum needed for pedestrian safety, and shall be low level, directed downward, and shielded so that no bulb is visible, and no light or glare encroaches onto neighboring properties.
3. Unshaded or non-recessed spotlights are prohibited.
4. Lighting for purely decorative purposes is prohibited. Up-lighting of trees, lighting of facades and architectural features is prohibited.
5. Lighting for night use of outdoor game courts (e.g., tennis, paddle tennis, basketball, etc.) is prohibited.
Proposed Language: Outdoor lighting shall be limited and shielded so as not to be viewable from nonhillside areas and shall be of low intensity and of the lowest Correlated Color Temperature (CCT) available, no more than 3000K.
We support CD-6.5 Lighting Design in Hillside Areas to limit outdoor lighting and to be of low intensity.
Mentioning CCT would emphasize the need for warmer light, especially in sensitive ecological areas such as the Hillside.
Mobility Element program I Streetlighting Policy and Guidelines (pdf pg. 135) We support the Mobility Element program I Streetlighting Policy and Guidelines to update the town street lighting guidelines and for acknowledging the need for both adequate nighttime lighting and reducing light pollution.
Public Facilities, Services, and Infrastructure Element program L Outdoor Lighting Standards (pdf pg. 174) Draft Language: “Establish outdoor lighting standards in the Town Code to address energy efficiency.” Proposed Language: Establish outdoor lighting standards in the Town Code to address energy efficiency, dark sky conservation, and healthy ecosystems.
3. Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) CD-2.21 Adequate Pedestrian Lighting (pdf pg. 77)
Draft Language: “Pedestrian-oriented lighting shall be provided in active pedestrian areas and common areas for safety and security.”
Proposed Language: In high-density planning zones, the minimal amount of pedestrian-oriented lighting necessary should be provided in active pedestrian areas and common areas for safety and security purposes.
More lighting does not necessarily mean more safety. A recent study in Tucson, Arizona found that dimming their city lights to 30% of capacity had no effect on rates of crime, accidents, or other safety measures. In fact, virtually no one noticed that the street lights had been dimmed5.
We are concerned that allowing the expansion of lighting under safety programs will unnecessarily expand light into sensitive areas. All lighting facilities should have dimmers, motion sensors, and/or timers. If included, goal CD-2.21 needs to be more explicit in the amount and type of light used.
PFS-18.1 CPTED Site Planning for Crime Prevention (pdf pg. 159) 5 https://www.darksky.org/nights-over-tucson/
Draft Language: “Emphasize the use CPTED principles in physical site planning as an effective means of preventing crime. Open spaces, landscaping, parking lots, parks, play areas, and other public spaces shall be designed with maximum possible visual and aural exposure to community residents.” Proposed Language: Consider the use of CPTED principles in physical site planning as a potential means of reducing crime.
We request clarification on PFS-18.1 CPTED Site Planning for Crime Prevention. Open spaces, parks, landscaping, play areas, and even some parking lots are ecologically sensitive areas and light should be severely limited6. They should not be designed with maximum possible visual and aural exposure, rather with the minimum possible visual and aural exposure.
There have been instances of other cities in the Bay Area expanding lighting into parks under the label of “public safety.” Expanded lighting in parks is not necessary because they are closed at night time, increases in lighting do not correlate with reductions in crime, and parks are ecologically sensitive areas in which more lighting will actually be causing more harm than good.
4. Habitat Protections
CD-6.6 Hillside Fencing Design (pdf pg. 86)
We support Goal CD-6, especially CD-6.6 Hillside Fencing Design to be of open design. Habitat connectivity for wildlife in ecological areas is crucial for species and biodiversity.
OSPR-2.4 Uninterrupted Wildlife (pdf pg. 184)
We support OSPR-2.4 to provide an “uninterrupted band of usable segments for wildlife corridors.” We ask you to consider adding a program for creating a wildlife corridor study to reinforce this goal.
Without a relevant study to identify where primary and critical wildlife corridors are, enforcing development standards and making hillside development decisions can be challenging.
ENV-7.7 Herbicides and Pesticides Adjacent to Aquatic Habitats (pdf pg. 199) Draft Language: “Require that herbicides and pesticides used in areas adjacent to creeks and other water bodies are approved for use in aquatic habitats.” Proposed Language: Require that herbicides and pesticides used in areas adjacent to creeks and other water bodies are approved for use in aquatic habitats, ensuring minimized potential damage to public health, native plants, birds, and other wildlife.
The Los Gatos IPM plan should be updated to consider new information and guidelines regarding herbicides and pesticides. We recommend considering adding a program for ENV-7.7 to update the Los Gatos IPM plan.
6 https://www.darksky.org/values-centered-lighting-resolution/?eType=EmailBlastContent&eId=e18a9f9f-e20c469d-9cea-fc43510d1c14
Herbicides and pesticide runoff is extremely detrimental to aquatic ecosystems7 . For instance, the EPA
identified Glyphosate, a common herbicide, as a potential risk to terrestrial and aquatic plants and birds, and as low toxicity to honeybees8.
ENV-6 and OSPR-5 (pdf pgs. 199, 185)
We support Goal ENV-6, Protect wetlands and riparian corridors, including intermittent and ephemeral streams. Additionally, we support OSPR-5 Preserve and enhance Los Gatos Creek, and Ross Creek as open space amenities. Specifically, we support restoring both creeks to a more natural state and reducing encroachment by structures and disturbances due to incompatible development and human activity.
In 2007 Los Gatos signed a resolution to join the Water Resources Protection Collaborative through Valley Water9. Los Gatos should implement and improve upon these guidelines, including require minimum riparian setbacks and seek opportunities to expand and widen stream corridors.
ENV-7.10 and ENV-7.11 (pdf pg. 200, 220)
We support ENV-7.10 and ENV-7.11, Bird Safe Design and Dark Skies, along with the complementary programs to implement these policies. Creating ordinances for bird safe design and dark skies will help Los Gatos achieve its goal of protecting sensitive habitats and its environment.
In April of this year, Cupertino passed a bird safety and dark sky ordinance, which controls lighting on all private properties in Cupertino. Additionally, the ordinance mandates bird safe design treatments to all glass surfaces in “bird-sensitive areas”. These include hillside areas as well as within 300 feet of water features and vegetated open space.
Environment and Sustainability Element Program K Riparian Corridor Lighting (219) Draft Language: “Require careful lighting design in and near natural riparian corridors to direct light away and to maximize the distance between nighttime lighting and the corridor.” Proposed Language: Establish a lighting setback policy for riparian corridors to protect these sensitive ecological areas and to maximize the distance between nighttime lighting and the corridor. No light should be placed in or directed towards the riparian corridor.
5. Tree Canopy
Racial, Social, and Environmental Justice element program N Tree Canopy Study (pdf pg. 31) Draft Language: “Develop a study to measure tree canopy distribution throughout the Town and encourage the use of native plants when increasing green space.” 7 https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0048969703001414 https://www.raptorsarethesolution.org/
8 https://www.epa.gov/ingredients-used-pesticide-products/glyphosate 9 https://www.valleywater.org/contractors/doing-businesses-with-the-district/permits-working-district-land-oreasement/water-resources-protection-collaborative https://www.valleywater.org/sites/default/files/WRPC%20Los%20Gatos.pdf
Proposed Language: Develop a study to measure tree canopy distribution throughout the Town and encourage the use of native plants. Consider habitat value in tree selection for the town’s forest, and disallow the planting of invasive species.
A healthy, robust tree canopy is crucial for human health and well-being, social justice issues, and enhancing our urban ecosystem. Nonetheless, when considering trees for a tree canopy, we must consider benefits to overall ecosystem health. We are in the midst of a global insect apocalypse, and many native trees, such as oaks10 are critical to maintaining these habitats. Therefore, the tree canopy study should also measure the types of trees and their biodiversity and habitat value, so that we can have a better understanding of not just how many trees are distributed throughout the town, but how these trees sustain the lives of birds, insects, amphibians, and others.
6. Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District Comment Letter In addition to our comments, we support the following comments from the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District comment letter submitted on July 27, 2021 to Senior Planner Jennifer Armer:
Section LU-3.2 Reducing Project Impacts
Projects shall be evaluated and the Town shall apply appropriate mitigation measures and/or conditions of approval to reduce impacts on urban services and wildfire risk, including utilities, police, and fire.
Consider including a statement reducing project impacts on the environment.
Section CD-2.12 Street Trees in New Development
If feasible, require street trees to be installed for all new developments, to enhance neighborhood character and identity and to maximize shade coverage when mature.
Consider including a requirement for native, non-invasive or non-fire-prone street tree species.
Section CD-2.30 Street and Structure Lighting
Require street and structure lighting to minimize its visual, health, and ecological impacts by preventing glare, limiting the amount of light that falls on neighboring properties, and avoiding light pollution of the night sky.
Consider including the dark-sky and/or the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America Model Lighting Ordinance or reference section ENC-7.11. The following link provides additional information on the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America Model Lighting Ordinance. https://www.darksky.org/our-work/lighting/public-policy/mlo/ Section CD-2.40 Landscaped Gateways
10 “Native oaks support over 300 species of vertebrate animals and provide food for more species of moths and butterflies than any other plant. Insects that live on oaks provide high-protein food for birds to feed their nestlings” http://ucanr.org/sites/oak_range by Rebecca Miller-Cripps, UC Cooperation 2. Download report by San Francisco Estuary Institute here: https://www.sfei,org/projects/integrated-planning-nature-building-resilienceacross urban-and-rural-landscapes-silicon
Ensure that public improvements and private development provide landscaped Town gateways that create visual connections between the natural hillsides and open space areas and the community of Los Gatos.
Consider including a requirement for native, non-invasive or non-fire-prone plant species.
Section CD-5 Preserve the natural beauty and ecological integrity of the Santa Cruz Mountains and surrounding hillsides.
Under section CD-5 Preserve the natural beauty and ecological integrity of the Santa Cruz Mountains and surrounding hillsides, consider adding: CD-5.6 Preserve Sensitive Natural Communities. Sensitive natural communities are communities that are of limited distribution statewide or within a county or region and are often vulnerable to environmental effects of projects. These communities may or may not contain special status plants or their habitat.
Section CD-6.5 Lighting Design in Hillside Areas
Outdoor lighting shall be limited and shielded so as not to be viewable from non-hillside areas and shall be of low intensity.
Consider including the dark-sky and/or the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America Model Lighting Ordinance or reference ENC-7.11 The following link provides additional information on the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America Model Lighting Ordinance. https://www.darksky.org/our-work/lighting/public-policy/mlo/ Section CD-9.9 Landscaping
To soften the appearance of hardscape, incorporate landscaped medians using drought tolerant plants, landscape buffers, and street trees.
Consider including a requirement for native, non-invasive or non-fire-prone plant species.
Thank you for your consideration of these submitted comments. If you have any questions please contact Giulianna Pendleton at .
Sincerely,
Giulianna Pendleton
Environmental Advocacy Assistant
Santa Clara Valley Audubon Society
Sent: Friday, September 3, 2021 5:54 PM
To: GP2040 <[email protected]>
Subject: [#20210904005346] Comment from LosGatos2040 Website Los Gatos 2040 General Plan Update
Ticket: [#20210904005346]
Name: Jill VanHoesen
Comments:
The town should not almost double the number of housing units that the state is requiring. Without addressing infrastructure no plan should be approved. What about traffic, what about schools? More people may seem like a good idea but we don't have the ability to absorb these numbers. And changing neighborhoods from single family to multi family is a very bad idea. I live on a street that has both single family and multifamily but I chose that. I would hate to see single family homes removed so that multifamily units can be built in their place.
We have a great town and I wouldn't want that to change by adding housing units that can't be supported by the infrastructure in place. Please reduce the numbers to the earlier plan as submitted.
Page title: Home
From: Lisa Wade
Sent: Monday, September 6, 2021 5:47 PM
To: Jennifer Armer
Cc: Karen Rubio; Rob Moore
Subject: Plant- Based Education Plan Proposal
Hi Jennifer,
I hope you had a great weekend! I am submitting our Plant-Based Education Program proposal attached below for your review.
Our program has widespread support in Los Gatos. Close to 200 residents of Los Gatos have signed on to support our efforts so far. We also have the support of environmental and community groups. Additionally, prominent leaders (outside of Los Gatos) have reached out to offer their support.
I am happy to share the document with you now, or I can send it when we have updated it and added additional supporters (as we hear from more residents and leaders.) We appreciate all your hard work. Please let me know if you have any questions.
Best,
Lisa
Los Gatos Plant-Forward Diets Program
Proposal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and reverse environmental destruction Date: September, 2021
Organization: Plant-Based Advocates
Climate change is the defining issue of our time. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), which consists of more than 1,300 scientists from around the world, forecasts a temperature rise of 2.5 to 10 degrees Fahrenheit over the next century. We are in a period of accelerated global warming that is already having devastating consequences such as drought, fires and hurricanes. Weather events are becoming more frequent and more extreme.
We now know that raising livestock is a primary cause of land depletion, global warming, water usage, deforestation, pollution, and biodiversity loss. According to World Watch, livestock is responsible for 51% of greenhouse gas emissions. “Livestock and Global Warming” (pdf), (World Watch, Nov/Dec 2009).
The challenges we are facing are so vast and so serious we can’t afford to wait for small, incremental steps; we need to effect a sea change in how the U.S. views and operates its food system.
Los Gatos-based advocacy group Plant-Based Advocates is proposing the following plant-forward diets and lifestyles program for the Town to incorporate into their 2040 General Plan. These programs, which have widespread community support, are targeted at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and environmental degradation and include an estimated cost range.
Program: Marketing, Promotion, Education Estimated Cost 1) Monthly Film and Speaker Series:
Organize film/speaker series on diet, environment and
nutrition. These will be advertised by the Town and PB
Advocates. Free to residents and the general public.
a) Lectures by health professionals,
nonprofits and environmental experts.
b) These could be on zoom or in person.
c) For in-person events provide
plant-based food for people to try.
Cost for Speakers:
Many great speakers are available for free
or honorarium of $100-300/speaker
Higher profile speakers may cost more.
Town venue: Free
Other Venue: $200-$400
Cost for documentaries/films:
Several good docs are license-free
Others: License fee $100-$200
Town venue: Free
Other Venue: $200-$400
Cost for health professionals, non-profits,
and environmental experts presentation:
Usually free;
Possible honorarium: $100-$200.
Town venue: Free
Other Venue $200-$400
2) Monthly free plant-based cooking classes
sponsored by the town.
a) 20 – 40 people per class
b) Can be via Zoom or in person (in the
future)
3) Monthly free food-tasting events for the public,
held once/month.
* Can be combined with speaker series or
events.
$300/class.
Assume they could be held at a town
venue with a kitchen and or via Zoom.
Possible grant money reimbursement
available if the Town takes the lead.
*A small fee between $5-10 could possibly
also be used to partially fund the event;
and also ensure participants show up.
Food for in person events: Approx $300
4) Monthly email newsletter and online survey
program to keep track of residents who pledge
to reduce animal consumption and also provide
encouragement, support, tips etc. Residents can
sign up online, or at any of the other events in
this list (films, cooking classes, etc.). This will
allow the town to quantify greenhouse gas
(GHG) reduction resulting from this program.
~$2000 for database setup, $100/month
for IT and maintenance. Maybe less if
town IT support is available.
Prizes for survey.
5) Creation of custom branded marketing
materials (brochures, etc.) for residents,
explaining the importance of plant-based diet.
Display at the chamber of commerce, library,
town events, etc.
$500 - $5000, depending on quantity and
complexity. Potential for free/donated
graphic design.
6) Incorporate plant-based food and lifestyle
promotion into all Town sustainability material
used around education and information.
- In their websites/online channels
- During town-organized events
- Work with local school boards and
PTAs to disseminate education about
plant-based diets.
Minimal. A huge database of information
on sustainability, plant-based diets and
lifestyle etc. is widely available. PB
Advocates is also happy to support in
terms of providing content and ideas.
Program: Restaurants/Residents
Initiatives/Promotional Events
Estimated Cost
1) Encourage Los Gatos restaurants to offer:
a) Plant-based specials
b) Days of the week, promoting PB specials
Minimal. Local non-profits can assist
with this effort.
c) Display promotional materials around PB
options
Town to provide stickers for
restaurants.
A friendly competition for restaurants -
winner gets press etc.
A week (every month/regular basis)
celebrating “plant based”/restaurants
participate and get featured.
Town to provide an incentive or reward
to restaurants.
2) Annual Plant-based Cooking competition (or
even twice a year) for restaurants and residents,
perhaps a “Chili Cook-off.” or Vegan Mac ‘n Cheese
contest. Possibility of promoting other ethical
businesses around the event.
$2000 for venue, prizes, and
advertising.
$5000 for organization of the event.
Local advocacy can help with volunteer
and organization efforts.
3) Restaurants: Los Gatos restaurant competition
where participating restaurants feature plant-based
specials over the course of a month and residents
try the specials and vote for their favorite. The
winning restaurant receives a prize and publicity.
Could be done in conjunction with the VegFest.
$200 - $2000, depending on level of
publicity
4) Residents: Creation of a volunteer citizen-based
sustainability committee to develop and
implement strategies and branding to promote a
more plant-centric lifestyle in Los Gatos.
Some coordination required. Advocacy
groups can help/support.
5) Hold a Los Gatos Plant-based food festival, also
known as a “VegFest.” VegFest features local
restaurants and organizations, speakers, food
samples, etc. Vegfest is a great way to bring
consumers into Los Gatos.
Similar events have been held in San Francisco,
Oakland, Santa Cruz, Seattle and many other cities.
It is a great way to bring consumers into Los Gatos.
Ranges from net positive revenue to
a cost of $15,000 depending on the
venue, sponsorships, vendor fees, etc.
Local non-profits can assist with this
effort.
Total estimated cost of the program (annual) $25-30,000* USD Note: We are asking the Town of Los Gatos to dedicate approximately 30K to this program. As a precedent, the city of Mountain View has pledged $30,000 to educate residents about the benefits of a plant based lifestyle.
This proposal has the support of a wide cross-section of Los Gatos community leaders, social
organizations and residents. Additionally, many prominent leaders (outside of Los Gatos) have also reached out to offer their support. These names will be provided as an attached document additionally for reference.
*Please also note that the town might need to consider a dedicated staffer to oversee and manage this program. The Plant Based Advocates group will support the Town to the best of its ability.
Other ideas (minimal expenses)
Have Los Gatos take the “Cool Food Pledge.” Encourage businesses in our town to take this pledge as well.
Cool Food
If the Town caters (or plans menus) for events or meetings the council will ensure that there are identified plant-based options. Better yet, the town will have a default veg menu which means animal products are absent unless specifically requested. https://defaultveg.com/ Advertising campaign to promote the initiative, including banners, print and radio ads. Potential to have donor match funds for the advertising campaign. $5000 - $15000, with potential for donated matching funds if the Town takes the lead.
The need for education, promotion and advocacy for a plant based diet and lifestyle
For over a decade the United Nations has warned governments to make fundamental changes to reduce animal products and increase plants in their food system to address runaway global warming. The message has fallen on deaf ears - until now.
Trailblazing cities across the United States are starting to promote plant-forward policies among their residents as the most effective way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The following actions and resolutions are being taken by cities and organizations to fight global warming through diet change:
● Mountain View, CA has signed a 3-year Sustainability Plan which includes an initiative to dramatically reduce meat & dairy consumption by their residents. ● The City Council of Berkeley passed a resolution to slash the amount of animal products the city purchases by 50 percent by 2024, with progress on the goal to be reported to the Council by the City Manager by January 31, 2022.
● Emeryville passed a Green Monday Resolution including:
○ Sourcing plant-based meals for city council meetings
○ Encouraging local restaurants to feature plant-based specials on Mondays ○ Featuring educational programming and displays at community centers and libraries ● The Town of Los Gatos passed a Green Monday Resolution in Dec. 2019
● New York City has implemented a Meatless Monday program for all 1,700 public schools within the City. This program started in 2019 and mandates that all breakfast and lunch options are 100% vegetarian on Mondays.
● The cities of Santa Barbara and New York City have both banned the sale of processed meat products (including hot dogs, bacon, salami, etc.) in schools. This is mostly health-related, since processed meats have been found to significantly increase the risk of certain forms of cancer. ● Many cities and municipalities have passed food procurement policies that stipulate a reduction in meat and dairy purchasing. Friends of the Earth has a great guide that outlines the process and highlights cities that have incorporated food purchasing policies into their Climate Action Plans. ● The group “Scientists for Less Meat” is making an urgent call to all City mayors to enact policies that will reduce the amount of meat consumed in their city, and increase the proportion of plant-based foods.
● Harvard University recently committed to reduce their food-related GHG emissions by 25% before 2030, by emphasizing a shift towards plant-based foods. This is based on a UN & World Resources Institute initiative called the "Cool Food Pledge." ● The city of Philadelphia has a "Vegan Restaurant Week" each year. This event is a collaboration between nonprofits, the city, and restaurants.
● Many US cities, including San Jose, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Cleveland, and numerous others have passed “Meatless Monday” resolutions.
We are proposing for Los Gatos to be a part of this solution towards climate change by adopting these much-needed initiatives. The challenges we face are so vast and so serious we can’t afford to take small, incremental steps. We need fundamental, systemic change on a local level that recognizes and starts to address this crisis.
In 2016, Los Gatos took a leadership position by signing the Mayor’s Climate Agreement, thereby pledging to address global warming. As residents and global citizens, it’s our duty to contribute as much as possible towards one of the most pressing environmental issues of our time. Plant-Based Advocates calls upon our Town to implement plant-forward policies that will dramatically reduce greenhouse gas emissions and begin to reverse environmental destruction.
From: Anita Bora
Sent: Wednesday, September 8, 2021 11:01 AM
To: Jennifer Armer
Subject: Support for PB Education in the 2040 General Plan Hi Jennifer,
I am resident of the town of Los Gatos, having moved here last year. I really enjoy the area and am discovering the joys of living here including the parks, library, downtown area amongst others.
As someone who enjoys eating out and exploring various options, and following a compassionate lifestyle, I would also like to voice my support for adding programs and initiatives about the health and environmental benefits of a plant based diet and lifestyle in the 2040 General Plan. Though it is encouraging to see many restaurants, eateries and take outs offer options, I don't feel it's enough yet.
Offering one token tem on the menu that does not have an animal part in it, in my mind is not doing enough. What we need is education at every level to make this gradual shift happen. The town can play an important role in making this shift. It does have the power and should definitely look at taking on more responsibility.
As a concerned citizen, I feel that it's up to each of us to individually and collectively, to do whatever we can to mitigate the current climate and environmental disaster that we find ourselves in. Education rests on schools, social organizations and the the towns - and the town of Los Gatos should start recognizing this challenge and addressing it.
A lot of people seem to think that food is personal. That might have been the case, but no longer applies in the current climate crisis we find ourselves in. Change starts with everyone and it starts with what we eat - this is something that everyone needs to understand. We do make a decision everyday about what we buy, what we cook and what we put in our stomach. I've found that there is interest, but not enough resources or education or encouragement for plant based options. There is also very low awareness about the ramifications about animal agriculture.
https://www.kinderworld.org/videos/environment/the-devastating-consequences-of-animalagriculture-on-earth/ Having learned that a plant based education program was approved by the town of Mountain View recently gives me hope. I feel it's the right time for everyone, including the Town of Los Gatos to start looking at this seriously. I would like to strongly advocate and request for such a program to be added to the town's plan, specifically the environmental section (8.12 Implementation Programs).
I hope that the town will take this thoughtful and much needed decision so we can start proactively working towards a better world.
Thank you!
Anita
------------------------
Anita Bora
Los Gatos 95032
Sent: Thursday, September 9, 2021 5:36 PM
To: GP2040 <[email protected]>
Subject: [#20210910003628] Comment from LosGatos2040 Website Los Gatos 2040 General Plan Update
Ticket: [#20210910003628]
Name: Marc Caligiuri
Comments:
Dear Los Gatos City Council
The current EIR should not be approved.
The 2040 General Plan should plan on adding enough over the regional housing requirements to hit its requirements of 1,993. Please don’t ruin our Town!!
Page title: Home
Sent: Thursday, September 9, 2021 8:10 PM
To: GP2040 <[email protected]>
Subject: [#20210910030952] Comment from LosGatos2040 Website Los Gatos 2040 General Plan Update
Ticket: [#20210910030952]
Name: Richard Katz
Comments:
Folks, let's call a spade a spade. This is about development and the almighty dollar. Each land owner will have incentive to convert to the maximum number of units, and those that do so will be either speculators or doing so as part of their own get out of town strategy. The ladder will end up simply moving to the nicer communities some of which are only nicer as a result of the downward turn that this change in regulation will bring upon our town. Seriously how is increasing density going to fix the abysmal beach traffic. As this will catapult change in this town, begs the question what are you all thinking Los Gatos will be in the future? We have held on to a somewhat sleepy natured small town with a good vibe and nice things to do. We have an excellent school system though it is already impacted. What will quadrupling our numbers do and how will that really benefit anyone? As our density then exceeds places like Willow Glen and Campbell Cambrian etc What is the vision? Page title: Home
Sent: Thursday, September 9, 2021 8:58 PM
To: GP2040 <[email protected]>
Subject: [#20210910035808] Comment from LosGatos2040 Website Los Gatos 2040 General Plan Update
Ticket: [#20210910035808]
Name: Lou Albert
Comments:
This EIR fails to predict the full buildout potential under this proposed GP. It is a lawsuit waiting to happen. EX: The EIR LDR buildout estimate is based on an assumption that only 5% of the potential 7,340 new dwellings allowed under this plan's increased LDR density limits will actually be built. The EIR's rational for this limit is basically “more than that hasn’t happened in the past, so it won’t happen in the future”. But higher buildout wasn’t really possible under past GPs and this EIR doesn't account for the increased economic incentive to redevelop under the 2040 GP. EX: A home on 1/2 acre could under this plan be redeveloped into a 6-plex that yields more than $1M in gains over its current market value. But such an incentive will drive buildout beyond 5% and significantly affect the EIR’s findings. The TC should reject this EIR and inform every LG residents on how this 2040 GP differs from State requirements by sending a flyer to every LG resident before approval is granted Page title: Home
Sent: Friday, September 10, 2021 8:35 AM
To: GP2040 <[email protected]>
Subject: [#20210910153453] Comment from LosGatos2040 Website Los Gatos 2040 General Plan Update
Ticket: [#20210910153453]
Name: Eric Thune
Comments:
The current EIR should not be approved. The 2040 General Plan should plan on adding enough over the regional housing requirements to hit its requirements of 1,993. The city should be targeting about 2,400 units and not the 3,738 in the draft 2040 plan. This is what the state has asked for. The 3,738 units is not required by any State law. By over committing to an excessive number of units to add, the Town is making unnecessary and unneeded changes in density and zoning laws that will lead to more green house gas and terrible traffic issues.
If Los Gatos is serious about building affordable housing, the 2040 GP needs to commit to a specific number of those units and not just allow too much growth all at market rate.
The General Plan should be adopted by a majority vote of residents.
Going from 4 houses per acre to 12 is entirely too high and isn’t needed to meet what the State is asking for and the environmental impact report says traffic will be minimized.
Page title: Home
Sent: Friday, September 10, 2021 10:45 AM
To: GP2040 <[email protected]>
Subject: [#20210910174508] Comment from LosGatos2040 Website Los Gatos 2040 General Plan Update
Ticket: [#20210910174508]
Name: Sacha Arts
Comments:
The 2040 General Plan should plan on adding enough over the regional housing requirements to hit its requirements of 1,993 new units. The city should be targeting about 2,400 units and not the 3,738 in the draft 2040 plan. This is what the state has asked for. The 3,738 units is not required by any State law. By over committing to an excessive number of units to add, the Town is making unnecessary and unneeded changes in density and zoning laws that will lead to more green house gas and terrible traffic issues. 12 units/acre in the LDR is also excessive and we need strong safeguards in place to keep the integrity of our neighborhoods. It is too hard to build in LG, but this plan goes way too far.
Page title: Home
Sent: Saturday, September 11, 2021 9:23 AM
To: GP2040 <[email protected]>
Subject: [#20210911162229] Comment from LosGatos2040 Website Los Gatos 2040 General Plan Update
Ticket: [#20210911162229]
Name: Christina Jansson
Comments:
Make this plan more detailed and less vague.
Page title: Home
Sent: Saturday, September 11, 2021 4:01 PM
To: GP2040 <[email protected]>
Subject: [#20210911230126] Comment from LosGatos2040 Website Los Gatos 2040 General Plan Update
Ticket: [#20210911230126]
Name: Christine Klesney
Comments:
The 2040 plan has population growth goals that are aggressive and exceed the infrastructure capacity.
Roads are already too congested. Should a wildfire come through here the roads could never handle the traffic to allow a safe escape.
Every warm weekend I limit my driving due to the beach traffic. How about we solve our existing problems before we make it exponentially worse?
Page title: Home
Sent: Sunday, September 12, 2021 4:26 PM
To: GP2040 <[email protected]>
Subject: [#20210912232609] Comment from LosGatos2040 Website Los Gatos 2040 General Plan Update
Ticket: [#20210912232609]
Name: Felix and Lulu Sterling
Comments:
The Town is faced with two overarching challenges which are each exacerbated by increased density:
(1) Wildfire risk and related insurance and land use complications, and (2) severe traffic congestion due to the Hwy 17 bottleneck and the North 40 project. These conditions would provide a very strong basis to appeal the RHNA allocation, but instead the Town failed to appeal voluntarily doubled it!? The RHNA+ commitment, combined with North 40 and rezoning for "missing middle" housing, would reduce defensible space after many residents have already had their fire insurance cancelled in recent years, and further congest already unacceptable traffic. The local infrastructure simply cannot accommodate higher density near downtown Los Gatos, and we believe that the vast majority of residents do not want it and particularly object to the character of single family neighborhoods altered with rezoning to retrofit "missing middle" multifamily structures into established neighborhoods.
Page title: Home
Sent: Sunday, September 12, 2021 6:19 PM
To: GP2040 <[email protected]>
Subject: [#20210913011909] Comment from LosGatos2040 Website Los Gatos 2040 General Plan Update
Ticket: [#20210913011909]
Name: Jared Ajlouny
Comments:
I am saddened to read about what the town is considering for the 2040 general plan. Los Gatos is a beautiful town with so much charm and character. By changing the general plan to allow so much more housing density the town will be forever changed for the worse.
The vast majority of residents of Los Gatos have worked hard and sacrificed much to be able to afford to live in this town. We did/do it because this town is so special. By changing the zoning rules to be like that of surrounding cities you will forever tarnish this place.
Los Gatos is so special because of what it is. Please use your head when deciding on ruining thousands of peoples "home town".
Page title: Home
Sent: Sunday, September 12, 2021 7:00 PM
To: GP2040 <[email protected]>
Subject: [#20210913015958] Comment from LosGatos2040 Website Los Gatos 2040 General Plan Update
Ticket: [#20210913015958]
Name: Emma A Ajlouny
Comments:
please don't change Los Gatos and the beautiful town that allows visitors from ALL over to enjoy all the charm it has to offer
Page title: Home
Sent: Sunday, September 12, 2021 9:51 PM
To: GP2040 <[email protected]>
Subject: [#20210913045043] Comment from LosGatos2040 Website Los Gatos 2040 General Plan Update
Ticket: [#20210913045043]
Name: Mitzi Anderson
Comments:
The General Plan should not exceed the RENA numbers mandated by the state. By doing so, the GP proposes zoning changes that far exceed what is needed and what the town can support (water, traffic, schools, and VMT rating goes up as we export more people into the areas with jobs.) Also, the proposed growth changes for the town are undervalued. The zoning changes will create more growth then the numbers the GP is proposing this the EIR is not an adequate study of the real growth.
The town was misled when we were told the GP 2050 would have minor changes to the existing plan.
This proposed plan is a radical change for the direction and design of the town.
The residents should have the final say if we want these changes to our town not a small committee of people and the Town Council. The changes are just too much to be thrust on the town.
As a resident of Los Gatos, I do not support the zoning density, height or middle housing proposals.
Page title: Home
On Sep 12, 2021, at 9:32 PM, Kathleen Anderson wrote:
Please do not rush to judgment concerning the 2040 General Plan. Give the citizens of Los Gatos time to input their thoughts on the Plan. You do not have to vote in November.
The new General Plan will have a long lasting impact on our town. In my opinion a detrimental impact.
I am concerned about
The increased number of residential units without infrastructure in place to handle it.
The traffic, lack of water, evacuation in an emergency, parking, the trend away from single family homes to multi housing, the impact it will have on climate change with the increased traffic fumes. Most new residents will not work here but will need to travel to their employment. There are other issues that make this new General Plan a negative for Los Gatos.
I am extremely concerned about the housing element with increased density and height allowance.
There are many issues that need further discussion before this Plan should be voted on by Council.
Much of the work on this General Plan was done while we were in a pandemic. Most people were just trying to avoid getting the virus. They did not have the time to review the General Plan and especially the housing element.
Give the citizens the time needed . Put off voting in November.
Kathy Anderson
Los Gatos
Sent from my iPad
From: Charles Wade
Sent: Tuesday, September 14, 2021 1:14 PM
To: Jennifer Armer
Cc: Council; Lisa Wade
Subject: Plant based education program-2040General Plan Hello, Jennifer. I'd like to express my support for a plant based education program in the 2040 General Plan. I moved to Los Gatos at mid life and suddenly I've been here 41 years. As I've aged I've paid more attention to diet and as a chemist I could relate to changes recommended for longevity. In particular, the environmental and health impact of red meat is troublesome. Science is unequivical that red meat is a no no for health, and the environmental impact for hamburgers alone includes replacing forests with space for cattle at a rate that threatens the planet. I grew up a meat and potatoes kid on a small farm in the midwest, and I can hear my father turning in his grave when he hears I've left the diet from our cattle, that diet he felt would make me the healthiest kid in the county. But science shows otherwise, and I've gone that direction personally.
Los Gatos should be a leader in health, so I'm asking the city to support these changes.
Thanks.
Charles Wade
, Los Gaos, CA 95032
From: Lisa Wade
Sent: Thursday, September 16, 2021 10:34 AM
To: Jennifer Armer; Council
Cc: Karen Rubio; Rob Moore
Subject: Written Comments for General Plan Joint Study Session on 9/20/2021 Hi Jennifer, Mayor Sayoc, and Town Council members,
We wanted to provide you with the following written comments to be included in the staff report for the Joint Study Session Meeting for the 2040 General Plan on Monday, September 20.
Plant-Based Advocates would like to request the inclusion and funding of a Plant-Based Education program in the Environmental Section of the Town's 2040 General Plan. The City of Mountian View has included such a plan in the Environmental Element for the City. Mountain View has pledged $30,000 to support Plant-Based education for residents. We would like to request $30,000 to fund such a plan in Los Gatos. We have outlined an action plan attached below for your review.
We have widespread community support for Plant-Based Education in Los Gatos. Residents are enthusiastic about learning the whys and hows of plant-based eating.
So far we have the support of 216 residents of Los Gatos.
We also have the support of 32 close neighbors (Monte Sereno, Cambrian area of San Jose, Campbell, etc.) Who expressed strong interest in signing since they spend time in Los Gatos.
We also have the support of some prominent leaders from nearby areas such as Lucas Ramirez Vice Mayor of the City of Mountian View and Alison Hicks City Council member in Mountian view.
In addition organizations including Environmental and Health NGOs are in strong support of our proposals. We are very proud that the Center for Biological Diversity included written testimony in support of our efforts. I have attached the testimony below.
I have also attached our petition signatures for your review. We continue to receive support and we believe our list will continue to grow, but we wanted to submit this list in advance of the meeting on Monday.
Thank you for your consideration.
Lisa Wade
, Los Gatos.
Los Gatos Plant-Forward Diets Program
Proposal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and reverse environmental destruction Date: September, 2021
Organization: Plant-Based Advocates
Climate change is the defining issue of our time. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), which consists of more than 1,300 scientists from around the world, forecasts a temperature rise of 2.5 to 10 degrees Fahrenheit over the next century. We are in a period of accelerated global warming that is already having devastating consequences such as drought, fires and hurricanes. Weather events are becoming more frequent and more extreme.
We now know that raising livestock is a primary cause of land depletion, global warming, water usage, deforestation, pollution, and biodiversity loss. According to World Watch, livestock is responsible for 51% of greenhouse gas emissions. “Livestock and Global Warming” (pdf), (World Watch, Nov/Dec 2009).
The challenges we are facing are so vast and so serious we can’t afford to wait for small, incremental steps; we need to effect a sea change in how the U.S. views and operates its food system.
Los Gatos-based advocacy group Plant-Based Advocates is proposing the following plant-forward diets and lifestyles program for the Town to incorporate into their 2040 General Plan. These programs, which have widespread community support, are targeted at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and environmental degradation and include an estimated cost range.
Program: Marketing, Promotion, Education Estimated Cost
1) Monthly Film and Speaker Series:
Organize film/speaker series on diet, environment and
nutrition. These will be advertised by the Town and PB
Advocates. Free to residents and the general public.
a) Lectures by health professionals,
nonprofits and environmental experts.
b) These could be on zoom or in person.
c) For in-person events provide
plant-based food for people to try.
Cost for Speakers:
Many great speakers are available for free
or honorarium of $100-300/speaker
Higher profile speakers may cost more.
Town venue: Free
Other Venue: $200-$400
Cost for documentaries/films:
Several good docs are license-free
Others: License fee $100-$200
Town venue: Free
Other Venue: $200-$400
Cost for health professionals, non-profits,
and environmental experts presentation:
Usually free;
Possible honorarium: $100-$200.
Town venue: Free
Other Venue $200-$400
2) Monthly free plant-based cooking classes
sponsored by the town.
a) 20 – 40 people per class
b) Can be via Zoom or in person (in the
future)
3) Monthly free food-tasting events for the public,
held once/month.
* Can be combined with speaker series or
events.
$300/class.
Assume they could be held at a town
venue with a kitchen and or via Zoom.
Possible grant money reimbursement
available if the Town takes the lead.
*A small fee between $5-10 could possibly
also be used to partially fund the event;
and also ensure participants show up.
Food for in person events: Approx $300
4) Monthly email newsletter and online survey
program to keep track of residents who pledge
to reduce animal consumption and also provide
encouragement, support, tips etc. Residents can
sign up online, or at any of the other events in
this list (films, cooking classes, etc.). This will
allow the town to quantify greenhouse gas
(GHG) reduction resulting from this program.
~$2000 for database setup, $100/month
for IT and maintenance. Maybe less if
town IT support is available.
Prizes for survey.
5) Creation of custom branded marketing
materials (brochures, etc.) for residents,
explaining the importance of plant-based diet.
$500 - $5000, depending on quantity and
complexity. Potential for free/donated
graphic design.
Display at the chamber of commerce, library,
town events, etc.
6) Incorporate plant-based food and lifestyle
promotion into all Town sustainability material
used around education and information.
- In their websites/online channels
- During town-organized events
- Work with local school boards and
PTAs to disseminate education about
plant-based diets.
Minimal. A huge database of information
on sustainability, plant-based diets and
lifestyle etc. is widely available. PB
Advocates is also happy to support in
terms of providing content and ideas.
Program: Restaurants/Residents
Initiatives/Promotional Events
Estimated Cost
1) Encourage Los Gatos restaurants to offer:
a) Plant-based specials
b) Days of the week, promoting PB specials
c) Display promotional materials around PB
options
Minimal. Local non-profits can assist
with this effort.
Town to provide stickers for
restaurants.
A friendly competition for restaurants -
winner gets press etc.
A week (every month/regular basis)
celebrating “plant based”/restaurants
participate and get featured.
Town to provide an incentive or reward
to restaurants.
2) Annual Plant-based Cooking competition (or
even twice a year) for restaurants and residents,
perhaps a “Chili Cook-off.” or Vegan Mac ‘n Cheese
contest. Possibility of promoting other ethical
businesses around the event.
$2000 for venue, prizes, and
advertising.
$5000 for organization of the event.
Local advocacy can help with volunteer
and organization efforts.
3) Restaurants: Los Gatos restaurant competition
where participating restaurants feature plant-based
specials over the course of a month and residents
try the specials and vote for their favorite. The
winning restaurant receives a prize and publicity.
Could be done in conjunction with the VegFest.
$200 - $2000, depending on level of
publicity
4) Residents: Creation of a volunteer citizen-based
sustainability committee to develop and
Some coordination required. Advocacy
groups can help/support.
implement strategies and branding to promote a
more plant-centric lifestyle in Los Gatos.
5) Hold a Los Gatos Plant-based food festival, also
known as a “VegFest.” VegFest features local
restaurants and organizations, speakers, food
samples, etc. Vegfest is a great way to bring
consumers into Los Gatos.
Similar events have been held in San Francisco,
Oakland, Santa Cruz, Seattle and many other cities.
It is a great way to bring consumers into Los Gatos.
Ranges from net positive revenue to
a cost of $15,000 depending on the
venue, sponsorships, vendor fees, etc.
Local non-profits can assist with this
effort.
Total estimated cost of the program (annual) $25-30,000* USD Note: We are asking the Town of Los Gatos to dedicate approximately 30K to this program. As a precedent, the city of Mountain View has pledged $30,000 to educate residents about the benefits of a plant based lifestyle.
This proposal has the support of a wide cross-section of Los Gatos community leaders, social organizations and residents. Additionally, many prominent leaders (outside of Los Gatos) have also reached out to offer their support. These names will be provided as an attached document additionally for reference.
*Please also note that the town might need to consider a dedicated staffer to oversee and manage this program. The Plant Based Advocates group will support the Town to the best of its ability.
Other ideas (minimal expenses)
Have Los Gatos take the “Cool Food Pledge.” Encourage businesses in our town to take this pledge as well.
Cool Food
If the Town caters (or plans menus) for events or meetings the council will ensure that there are identified plant-based options. Better yet, the town will have a default veg menu which means animal products are absent unless specifically requested. https://defaultveg.com/ Advertising campaign to promote the initiative, including banners, print and radio ads. Potential to have donor match funds for the advertising campaign. $5000 - $15000, with potential for donated matching funds if the Town takes the lead.
The need for education, promotion and advocacy for a plant based diet and lifestyle
For over a decade the United Nations has warned governments to make fundamental changes to reduce animal products and increase plants in their food system to address runaway global warming. The message has fallen on deaf ears - until now.
Trailblazing cities across the United States are starting to promote plant-forward policies among their residents as the most effective way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The following actions and resolutions are being taken by cities and organizations to fight global warming through diet change:
● Mountain View, CA has signed a 3-year Sustainability Plan which includes an initiative to dramatically reduce meat & dairy consumption by their residents. ● The City Council of Berkeley passed a resolution to slash the amount of animal products the city purchases by 50 percent by 2024, with progress on the goal to be reported to the Council by the City Manager by January 31, 2022.
● Emeryville passed a Green Monday Resolution including:
○ Sourcing plant-based meals for city council meetings
○ Encouraging local restaurants to feature plant-based specials on Mondays ○ Featuring educational programming and displays at community centers and libraries ● The Town of Los Gatos passed a Green Monday Resolution in Dec. 2019 ● New York City has implemented a Meatless Monday program for all 1,700 public schools within the City. This program started in 2019 and mandates that all breakfast and lunch options are 100% vegetarian on Mondays.
● The cities of Santa Barbara and New York City have both banned the sale of processed meat products (including hot dogs, bacon, salami, etc.) in schools. This is mostly health-related, since processed meats have been found to significantly increase the risk of certain forms of cancer. ● Many cities and municipalities have passed food procurement policies that stipulate a reduction in meat and dairy purchasing. Friends of the Earth has a great guide that outlines the process and highlights cities that have incorporated food purchasing policies into their Climate Action Plans. ● The group “Scientists for Less Meat” is making an urgent call to all City mayors to enact policies that will reduce the amount of meat consumed in their city, and increase the proportion of plant-based foods.
● Harvard University recently committed to reduce their food-related GHG emissions by 25% before 2030, by emphasizing a shift towards plant-based foods. This is based on a UN & World Resources Institute initiative called the "Cool Food Pledge." ● The city of Philadelphia has a "Vegan Restaurant Week" each year. This event is a collaboration between nonprofits, the city, and restaurants.
● Many US cities, including San Jose, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Cleveland, and numerous others have passed “Meatless Monday” resolutions.
Large Health Care Providers Promoting Plant-based Eating In 2013 Kaiser Permanente published a nutritional update for physicians, which advised doctors to recommend plant-based diets, “to all their patients, especially those with high blood pressure, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, or obesity.” https://thrive.kaiserpermanente.org/care-near-you/southern-california/center-for-healthy-l iving/wp-content/uploads/sites/30/2020/03/plant_based_diet_e.pdf ElCamino Health- Lifestyle Medicine promotes adopting a nutrient-dense, plant-predominant eating pattern.
https://www.elcaminohealth.org/services/lifestyle-medicine Sutter Health offers plant-based eating classes (will include link.) We are proposing for Los Gatos to be a part of this solution towards climate change by adopting these much-needed initiatives. The challenges we face are so vast and so serious we can’t afford to take small, incremental steps. We need fundamental, systemic change on a local level that recognizes and starts to address this crisis.
In 2016, Los Gatos took a leadership position by signing the Mayor’s Climate Agreement, thereby pledging to address global warming. As residents and global citizens, it’s our duty to contribute as much as possible towards one of the most pressing environmental issues of our time. Plant-Based Advocates calls upon our Town to implement plant-forward policies that will dramatically reduce greenhouse gas emissions and begin to reverse environmental destruction.
May 5, 2021
Jennifer Armer, Senior Planner
Community Development Project
Town of Los Gatos
Via [email protected]
Dear Ms. Armer,
On behalf of the Center for Biological Diversity and our California members, I thank you for considering food sustainability initiatives and emissions strategies in the Los Gatos General Plan. The Center strongly supports these actions.
The Center for Biological Diversity is a national conservation nonprofit with nearly 2 million members and supporters. Our expertise is grounded in a staff of scientists and legal experts tackling crucial issues like climate change and effective mitigation strategies. Food emissions are a substantial part of global and national human-induced greenhouse gas emissions.
Studies show we cannot meet climate mitigation targets without tackling emissions from the food and agriculture sector, and namely by shifting diets toward lower emissions foods. The agriculture sector accounts for as much as 37%1of global greenhouse gas emissions. Food procurement is an important opportunity to reduce consumption-driven emissions.
Most emissions come from only a few types of foods. The foods with the highest emissions are meat and dairy products,
2 which are responsible for approximately half of all food-related emissions and 16%34 of
global greenhouse gases. The overproduction (and consumption) of meat and dairy come with a high cost to the climate,
5 as well as to water6, land7, and biodiversity8. Tracking institutional food purchases and shifting toward climate-friendly foods is a crucial climate solution that also has health and other environmental benefits.
Unfortunately, some sustainability initiatives overlook the need to address overproduction of animalbased foods in their commitments. Instead, municipal plans should build on frameworks of supporting 1 Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (2019). Special Report on Climate Change and Land Use. https://www.ipcc.ch/srccl/.
2 Our World in Data (2020). Environmental Impacts of Food Production. https://ourworldindata.org/food-choice-vs-eating-local. 3 Calculated using the 2017 online update to the FAO 2013 GLEAM assessment that estimates the livestock sector emitted 8.1 GT CO2eq in 2010 (using 298 and 34 as global warming potentials for N20 and CH4, based on the IPCC 2014 report). The IPCC 2014 report estimates total anthropogenic GHG emissions in 2010 of 49 GT CO2eq. See: FAO, Global Livestock Environmental Assessment Model (GLEAM) [online], Rome, www.fao.org/gleam/en/ and IPCC [Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change], Climate Change 2014: Synthesis Report. Contribution of Working Groups I, II and III to the Fifth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, [Core Writing Team, R.K. Pachauri & L.A. Meyer (eds.)], IPCC, Geneva, Switzerland (2014), http://www.ipcc.ch/pdf/assessment-report/ar5/syr/SYR_AR5_FINAL_full_wcover.pdf. 4 Gerber, P. J., Steinfeld, H., Henderson, B., Mottet, A., Opio, C., Dijkman, J., ... & Tempio, G. (2013). Tackling climate change through livestock: a global assessment of emissions and mitigation opportunities. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). http://www.fao.org/3/i3437e/i3437e.pdf. 5 University of Michigan. Center for Sustainable Systems (2017). Carbon Footprint Factsheet. http://css.umich.edu/sites/default/files/Carbon%20Footprint_CSS09-05_e2020_0.pdf. 6 Water Footprint Network (2021). Water Footprint of Crop and Animal Products: A Comparison. https://waterfootprint.org/en/water-footprint/product-water-footprint/water-footprint-crop-and-animal-products/. 7 Carbon Brief (2021). Interactive: What is the Climate Footprint of Eating Meat and Dairy? CarbonBrief.org. https://interactive.carbonbrief.org/what-is-the-climate-impact-of-eating-meat-and-dairy/. 8 Center for Biological Diversity (2021). Extinction Facts. TakeExtinctionOffYourPlate.com.
2 environmental goals through procurement, in line with similar efforts regarding recycled and sustainable products and local food. Food procurement has a significant impact9on the environment and overall municipal emissions and can often be addressed by resolution or executive directive requiring government food purchases to meet specific guidelines.
Making a moderate shift toward climate-friendly menus can make a big difference in advancing sustainability goals, particularly emissions targets. The 2018 Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change10 affirmed we have only a decade left to avoid irreversible climate damage. This fact has driven municipalities to include meat and dairy reductions as key factors in emissions reductions and sustainability policies, including the initiatives recommended to add to the Los Gatos General Plan.
For example, Los Angeles, California recently joined the C-40 cities initiative; and Santa Monica, CA integrated food procurement commitments into their Climate Action Plan and committed to a 15% reduction of meat and dairy procurement to meet its emissions targets; Carrboro, North Carolina has set food emissions targets in their Climate Action Plan and set a goal to reduce emissions from consumption by 50% by 2025; Denver, CO found emissions from food procurement accounted for 14% of overall emissions, nearly equal to emissions from residential energy and gasoline-powered vehicles.
Reducing beef procurement – if replaced with plant-based foods - would immediately help reduce the city’s emissions as beef emits more greenhouse gases than any other food.11 Beef is also a particularly water-intensive process that depletes vital watersheds, from the Colorado River to local waterways. 12 Thus, reducing beef procurement also supports water conservation goals. Given California’s drought, wildfires and extreme weather, municipalities must do what they can to support water-saving efforts.
Cities and townships must strive to mitigate the emissions associated with municipal operations.
Increasing support for local produce growers will also improve engagement with farmers markets and local food hubs, bringing economic benefits to your community. Similarly, increasing access to healthy, climate-friendly foods with city-supported neighborhood-based community gardens bring equitable solutions for those who lack access to healthy, sustainable foods.
Sustainable food policies can increase climate resilience, help eradicate poverty13, improve public health and equity, and protect biodiversity.
14 The urgency of these issues and the health of the planet demand action to transform unsustainable food systems.
Sincerely,
Jennifer Molidor, Ph.D.
Senior Food Campaigner
Center for Biological Diversity
BiologicalDiversity.org
9 United Nation System Standing Committee on Nutrition (2017). Sustainable Diets for Healthy People and a Healthy Planet. https://www.unscn.org/uploads/web/news/document/Climate-Nutrition-Paper-EN-WEB.pdf. 10 Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (2018). Special Report on Global Warming of 1.5c. https://www.ipcc.ch/sr15/. 11 Our World in Data (2020). Environmental Impacts of Food Production. https://ourworldindata.org/food-choice-vs-eating-local. 12 Richter, B. (2020). Water Sustainability and Fish Imperilment Driven by Beef Production. Nature Sustainability. https://www.fs.usda.gov/treesearch/pubs/59918.
13 Smith, P. (2012). “Climate Change and Sustainable Food Production.” Cambridge University Press. https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/proceedings-of-the-nutrition-society/article/climate-change-and-sustainable-foodproduction/DE02043AE462DF7F91D88FD4349D38E7. 14Food and Agriculture Organization (2010). Sustainable Diets and Biodiversity. http://www.fao.org/3/i3004e/i3004e.pdf.
Supporters of Adding Plant-Based Education to Los Gatos General Plan 2040 Name, Last Name, First Position / Affiliation Address / Town Area Letter to
Jennifer Comments
Community and Business Leaders of Los Gatos
Albright Karla Together We Will/Indivisible Los Gatos Los Gatos x Arroyo Kevin Pinehurst Community Garden organizer Los Gatos x Great idea and I support this plan! Brown Elisabeth Educator Los Gatos
I am a teacher in town. I’d love to incorporate any lessons into my curriculum. I also lead student council and would be willing to organize an assembly.
Chan Wendy Business owner: Tai Zhan Plant-Based Microbakery Los Gatos Goetz Alicia Owner, Los Gatos Theatre Monte Sereno
Hertan Peter
Vice President, Los Gatos-Saratoga Union High School
District Board
Iyar Rupar Owner, Pura Wellness; philanthropist
Los Gatos
Montonye Reese Laura Agriculture Fairness Alliance; Vegan Justice League Los Gatos Moore Rob LG Anti-Racism Coalition; Plant-Based Advocates Los Gatos Owens Heidi Community leader Los Gatos
Preville Bruce CERT Leader, Los Gatos Los Gatos
Romano Andrea Owner, Centonove Restaurant Los Gatos
Spargo Alicia Outreach Coordinator, Los Gatos Anti-Racism Coalition Los Gatos Residents of Los Gatos
Aidi Karen Los Gatos x
Anji Roberto Los Gatos x
Arienzo Wendy Los Gatos
Arroyo Frank Los Gatos
Arroyo Susie Los Gatos
Bagatelos Mary Ann Los Gatos
Balijepalli Priya Los Gatos
Balakrishnan Jeyendran Los Gatos
Barden Ben Los Gatos
Barden Sue Los Gatos
Barnett Kaitlyn Los Gatos
Bayne Daphne Los Gatos
Bernholz Malte Los Gatos
Biller Jason Physician Los Gatos
Bolen JP Los Gatos
Bolen Rachel Los Gatos
Booth Sandra
Bora Anita Los Gatos x
Bosworth Mary Ann Los Gatos
Boyd Sandy Los Gatos
Brzak Lukas Los Gatos
Burkhart Chris Los Gatos
Bz Linda Los Gatos
Cao Xuong Los Gatos
Cappon-Javey Maureen Los Gatos
Carol Amy Los Gatos
Carpio Virginia Los Gatos 95032
I support putting into the General Plan a plant based education program.
There are several benefits from such a program, including potentially better general health and a healthier air quality in our community from consuming less meat, i.e., raising fewer animals that contribute to the increase of methane gas.
I think this program would be very good for our community and far beyond it.
Chavez Vana Los Gatos
Christensen Beverly Los Gatos
Christensen John
Cisneroz Diane Larson Los Gatos
Clark Kylie Los Gatos
Corini Tamara Los Gatos
Dai Biller Jenny Physician Los Gatos
Davies Tiffany Physician Los Gatos
Davies Mark Physician Los Gatos
De Cesare Anne Marie Los Gatos
De Louraille Karen Los Gatos
Czinski Laura Los Gatos
Deak David Los Gatos
Dempsey Caroline Los Gatos
DeMaria Dawn Los Gatos
Dickinson Ilene Los Gatos
Dickinson Roger Los Gatos
Dillehay Kristine Los Gatos
Dreiger Jeannie Los Gatos
Dreher Diane Los Gatos
Erdengiz Sevgi Los Gatos
Evjenth Gail Los Gatos
Evjenth Tim Los Gatos
Fletcher Lisa Los Gatos
Fox Audrey Los Gatos
Fox Larry Owner, Valet Custom Cabients Los Gatos
Frager Bernadette Los Gatos
Freedom Rea Los Gatos
Pollution and waste in Factory Farms;, use of land for meat production, killing of wildlife and use acres of land to support livestock; nets in the ocean killing millions of sea creatures; all contribute to climate change.
Reducing meat consumption is something we all can do. Please place plant based education in the general plan. It is the right thing to so.
Garland Lynette Los Gatos x
Gibbons Maria Eugenia Los Gatos
Goldberg Kristine Los Gatos
Goldberg Michael Los Gatos
Griffin Julie Los Gatos
Gupta Reeta Los Gatos
Gummow Todd Los Gatos I support plant based diet education programs Hamilton Georgia
Hamilton Scott
Los Gatos
Hassoun Joe Los Gatos
Haylock Archna , Los Gatos Yes we need more options at school and at local restaurants.
Hemmis Matt , Los Gatos
Hendry Dan , Los Gatos
Hendry Wendy , Los Gatos
Hinsche Danielle
, Los Gatos
x
I am a resident of Los Gatos and I support the addition of a plant-based education program in the Town’s 2040 General Plan.
Hiroshima Kevin Los Gatos
Hojjat Sara
District Leader Volunteer- California Congressional
District 18. Member of Plant-Based Advocates Los Gatos x Honorio Mia Los Gatos
Houghton John , Los Gatos
Howe Chelsea , Los Gatos
Hsieh Cynthia ., Los gatos I would love to see a vegan, zero waste restaraunt in Los Gatos.
Huang Jenny , Los Gatos
Hussey Jacklyn , Los Gatos Anything that will help save our planet I will definitely support! Ingle Lori . Los Gatos
Isaacs Varily , Los Gatos
Iyer Harish Los Gatos
Javey Shahram , Los Gatos
Jog Chetan Los Gatos
Johnson Karen , Los Gatos
Johnston Jan Los Gatos
Juhl Linda Los Gatos Thank you
Kamali Kristine , Los Gatos
Karavelioglu Sevil , Los Gatos
Keating Kathleen Los Gatos
I believe it is to the best interest of Los Gatos to establish a plant based education program at the high school and for the general public. I believe many of our children and others need to know that plant based eating is good for their bodies if done right. Please provide funding for an education for plant based eating. Please sponsor cooking classes as well.
Keller Lisa Los Gatos, CA 95033 Love it. Yes!!
Koch Charlene Foster Los Gatos I would LOVE to see this happen!! So very needed.
Kollu Badrinath Los Gatos
Kurlin Carolyn Los Gatos
Kurlin Gregg Los Gatos
Kurtz Karen
Lasso Alberto Los Gatos
Lawton Ann , Los Gatos YES!
Lazzarino Dominic , Los Gatos
Le Denise Los Gatos
I’m not a vegan or vegetarian but I’d love to incorporate more plant based and less meat protein to my diet.
Leeds Felice , Los Gatos
Lesko Camille , Los Gatos x Cooking classes are a great idea!
Levine Joshua Los Gatos x
Levine Marni Los Gatos
Lewis Jessica Los Gatos
Education is key for this important information. Thanks to all involved in making this happen!
Lammers Victoria Los Gatos Need more vegetarian places/options Liu Andre Los Gatos
Liu Calista Los Gatos
Liu Gabriela Los Gatos
Lockman Juliana Los Gatos
Lorig Glenn Los Gatos
Lorig Sue Ann Los Gatos x
Lowe Debbie Los Gatos
McKinnon Skyler Los Gatos
Madduri Sandeep Los Gatos
Malhotra Priti Los Gatos
Malhotra Neeraj Los Gatos
Mandurrago Gloria Los Gatos A fantastic idea!
Margolis Sonya Los Gatos
McGill Alex Los Gatos
Menhardt Trixi Los Gatos
Mordaunt Joshua Los Gatos
Newlin Kerry Los Gatos
Mager Nan Los Gatos
Mano Robin Los Gatos
Martins Rosilene Los Gatos
Meinhardt Suzanne Los Gatos
Miramontes Emily Los Gatos
Morley Eric Los Gatos
Nguyen Kim Los Gatos
Niederauer Tricia Los Gatos
North Pamela Los Gatos x
O'Connor Rebecca Los Gatos
O'Toole June Los Gatos
Park Monica Los Gatos
Parker Dana Los Gatos
Parsons Daniel Los Gatos
Parsons Debbie Los Gatos x
Parsons Jackie Los Gatos
Parsons James Los Gatos
Parsons John , Los Gatos
Patel Minal Los Gatos
Rai Vivek Los Gatos Yes, I am in for plant based projects.
Raad Mona Los Gatos
Raad Ellie Los Gatos
Ramaswamy Vinay Los Gatos
Ram Amrith Los Gatos
Ramesh Mythri Los Gatos Made verbal comments at GPAC
Reese Dirk Los Gatos
Rennie Isabella , Los Gatos
Reyna Melody Los Gatos
Reyna Orlando Los Gatos
Rhine Molly , Los Gatos
Richter Jessica Los Gatos
Riley Kate Los Gatos
Rittenhouse Simone Los Gatos
Rovin Lynne , Los Gatos
Rovin Stuart , Los Gatos
Rubio Karen CERT volunteer Los Gatos x Made verbal comments at Town council meeting for 2040 General plan Rubio Fred , Los Gatos
Rubio Erik Los Gatos
Rude Christina , Los Gatos
Ry Regina Los Gatos
Sand Gretchen , Los Gatos
Sardana Manan Los Gatos
Sarkar Prasenjit Los Gatos
Sathyamurthy Shreelatha , Los Gatos I strongly support this initiative.
Schirmer Lisa Los Gatos
Schwartz Jan , Los Gatos
Shah Swati , Los Gatos I support the local effort!
Shoff Sue . Los Gatos 95032.
Seshadri Sruba Los Gatos
Smith Angie , Los Gatos
Smith Rucy Climate Reality presenter and activist , Los Gatos Sneddon Laura , Los Gatos
Snyder Stephen Los Gatos
Srinivasan Kiran Los Gatos
Starov Vladimir Los Gatos I fully support this worthy cause! Stillinger Kelsey Los Gatos
Would love to see more emphasis on plant-based diet - through restaurants, education, community garden, etc.
Streicker Robin Los Gatos
Tompkins Liz Los Gatos
Venkatesan Arun Los Gatos
Venkatsubramanyan Shailaja Los Gatos x Made verbal comments at GPAC Von Luehrte Missy Los Gatos
Vuckovich Melissa Los Gatos
Wade Christopher Los Gatos
Wade Lisa Los Gatos Gave verbal comments at GPAC
Wade Lucas Los Gatos
Wade Stephen Los Gatos
Wade Charles Audobon Society Lifetime Achievement Award Los Gatos x Wales Pamela
CERT; Animal search and rescue disaster response
team; animal sanctuary volunteer Los Gatos
Walker Kelsey Los Gatos
Waters Michelle Los Gatos
Wentzien Erin Los Gatos
White Tony Los Gatos x
White Hillary Los Gatos x
Willey Kathleen Los Gatos Gave verbal comments at GPAC
Willey Mark Los Gatos
Willing Lara Los Gatos Plant based eating is part of a long term solution.
Wilson Beth Los Gatos
Yannoni Mike Los Gatos
Yosfee Hanley Los Gatos
Zilka Stephanie Los Gatos
Let’s join the scientific community and educate people about the importance of plant based living!!! It’s vital to the survival of our planet and species!!!
Supporting Organizations and Politicians
Plant-Based Advocates of Los Gatos http://www.plantbasedadvocates.com/ TWW/Indivisible-Los Gatos https://www.twwlg.org/
Center for Biological Diversity https://www.biologicaldiversity.org/ Provided Written testomony on behalf of our proposal Acterra: Action for a Healthy Planet https://www.acterra.org/ Eat for the Earth (Based in Santa Cruz)
https://www.eatfortheearth.org/
SAFE Worldwide https://www.safeworldwide.org/ (Based in Monte Sereno) Green Monday USA https://greenmondayus.org/
Factory Farm Awareness Coalition https://www.ffacoalition.org/ A Well-Fed World https://awellfedworld.org/
Physicians Against Red Meat https://pharm.org/
Other Community and Business Leaders
Hicks Alison City Council Member of Mountain View
Ramirez Lucas Vice Mayor of Mountain View and Council Member Brook Dan Professor at SJSU; author; environmentalist San Jose State University Gurunathan Mohan
Environmentalist; designed Mountain View plant-based
outreach program Mountain View, CA
Love Beth
Environmentalist; Founder of Eat for the Earth, a Santa Cruz-based group promoting plant-based diets for
sustainability Santa Cruz, CA
Mackey Mary
Actress; Model; SAG BookPals program (reading to
children in homeless shelters) and LIFE (Living in
Freedom Everyday) Program, teaching life skills to
inmates San Jose
Middlesworth Linda Owner, V-Dog; health coach Sacramento, CA
Sehgal Tony Documentary Filmmaker Saratoga, CA
Support from Neighboring Residents
Adalja Anish San Jose
Anand Monico San Jose
Balachandran Jackie San Jose
As a vegetarian of 17 yrs and a registered nurse, I strongly support this plant-based education program because I believe it will help improve the health of members in our community.
Berlinberg Jacqueline Monte Sereno
Bengt Amanda San Jose 95124
Bevard Mariah Monte Sereno
Castro Jennifer San Jose
I support adding an education component to the Los Gatos 2040 plan which would educate citizens about plant-based foods.
Chaykin Lori Monte Sereno
Chugh Rahul San Jose
Duguma Jemanesh Campbell
East Rowena San Jose
Emerson Ziba San Jose Good job.
Giacomini-McDonald Cathy Monte Sereno
Guh Teresa Monte Sereno
Harrold Kat Campbell
Thank you for this, I frequent Los Gatos so this would be great to see. Also I believe in the power of empowering our local farmers, and the more money we can get them, the better for everybody locally. Back to our roots! Better for the planet and better for everyone
Isis Dawn Campbell
Though I don't live IN Los Gatos, I hope my support will indicate interest in this important issue in the wider area, & that Los Gatos may become a model for addressing it.
Jain Beena San Jose I support the educational program.
Kinger Amit San Jose
Lambert Jennifer Monte Sereno
Lanzl Linda Monte Sereno
Matar Elizabeth Monte Sereno Thank you! Yes!!!
Matar Lisa Monte Sereno Thank you! I’m completely in for this!! Mesler Michelle San Jose
Mulchandani Mukesh Campbell Moving to Los Gatos soon!
Petroff Patrice Monte Sereno
Ramirez Gustavo San Jose
We need more plant based food options! The meat industry is cruel and unsustainable.
Renson Kellee Campbell Yes need more veggie places to eat Shearer David San Jose I support this effort
Stolberg Robb Environmental Education: Veggielution, Walden West San Jose Streicker Robin Monte Sereno
Thakur Smita Saratoga
I have been plant based for the last two years. It has made me healthier and it's the best thing for the planet. Would love to have more people join plant based way of life.
Woodhouse Dori San Jose
ATTACHMENT 6
From: vacarpio
Sent: Thursday, September 16, 2021 1:27 PM
To: Jennifer Armer
Subject: Plant Based Nutrition Education in the Town's 2040 General Plan Hello, Jennifer,
I am a resident of Los Gatos and I am writing to express my support for funding a plant-based education program (including speakers, videos, vegfests, cooking and nutrition classes, etc,) in the Town's 2040 General Plan.
I am 82 years old and a very healthy resident of Los Gatos since 1974. I am not a vegetarian or vegan but I do eat a lot of fruits and vegetables and consume far less meat than I used to. Why? It's because I concluded several years ago that obesity and malnutrition are all around me, not from lack of food but from lack of understanding what plant based nutrition is and therefore eating improperly, I see many overweight children and adults streaming out of MacDonald's and Costco munching on hot dogs and chips and practically begging for a stroke or heart attack. To their credit, both these food outlets began offering healthy salads and low carbohydrate selections several years ago; but I am sure that they sell far more french fries than salads.
The other concern I have is connected to climate change and global warming partially resulting from raising so many livestock and using toxic chemicals to produce perfect produce. By being part of the overall effort to promote more plant based awareness, our residents will benefit with healthier eating preferences and, in turn, help our planet reduce its environmental damage.
There are many lovely children growing up in my neighborhood and my wish for them is to become healthy adults; and to appreciate, as I do, their wonderful Town and the efforts of its leadership to support good health in our community.
Thanks,
Virginia Carpio
On 9/18/21, 7:17 PM, "Sonny Stearns" wrote:
Sent from my iPad. I imagine a general plan can be updated. Get beyond not wanting 17 widened in Los Gatos. If that were widened with another lane , for us who live in Los Gatos life would be improved on the weekends. Also, let’s quit with the WOKE banners, look ,listen, change , bla, bla. I’ll choose my own philosophy. Just put up Leo and Liona. These new ones are offensive. Fellow Stearns, DDS.
From: Matthew Benson
Sent: Saturday, September 18, 2021 7:53 PM
To: GP2040 <[email protected]>
Subject: consider restoration of santa cruz - los gatos railway Hello!
I have reviewed the 2040 plan and have a suggestion.
I have lived in Los Gatos since i was born in 1999, And over the past 2 decades I have seen a considerable increase in traffic generated from highway 17.
A possible solution would be to rebuild the railway between los gatos and santa cruz as a mixed use freight and public transit project that will benefit all residents.
If we actually care about the environment trains are the way to go. they are by far the most energy efficient terrestrial transportation method.
asphault, tires, batteries, and lower electric car and truck lifespan will create greater pollution in the environment. everyday you can see 30+ year old gas cars still in use, compared to modern electric teslas which can't last 5 years because of impossible to service/expensive (and toxic) electronics totalling the vehicle.
a typical train line can carry 50,000 people per hour compared to 2,500 people in a single freeway lane! train wheels and tracks are made of non-toxic steel compared to asphalt and tires. 1 train engine can replace hundreds of electric and gas vehicles, not only lowering manufacturing and running pollution, but also opening our local roads for more bikes and pedestrians.
I look forward to seeing how our community develops over the next 2 decades! sincerely,
Matt Benson
From: tony alarcon
Date: Saturday, September 18, 2021 at 8:44 PM
To: Matthew Hudes
Subject: Re: Shaping the Future of Los Gatos
Mathew
This direction and verbiage this council is using makes me wish I had run for council. Who chose these words??? Unbelievable.
“In addition to the State-mandated elements, the Los Gatos Draft 2040 General Plan includes elements that address Racial, Social, and Environmental Justice, Mobility, Public Facilities, Services and Infrastructure, Environment and Sustainability.” Taking the quote into deeper context it would mean racial justice, social justice, and environmental justice is being planned into the 2040 GP. That is NOT the roll of the council.
This is the biggest batch of RACISM I’ve seen to date in our town.
From a housing perspective the council should educate themselves on the demographics of home purchases over the last 8+ years. The historical demographics of Los Gatos are now the minority in acquiring real estate!!!
Los Gatos has always been an affluent town. It is being ruined by lobbyists, CA State Legislators, and those with political aspirations sitting on our town council.
The current town council has already proven their lack or vision and experience in the outcome of the Dittos Lane density and “Buy Right” designation given to the N40. The proposed 2X housing growth is a strategy to GIVE the developer of Phase II N40 the increased density, bait and switch, they are requesting.
This is all disgusting and disheartening. Personal social agendas should have been left outside the chamber.
From: Robert Ober
Sent: Sunday, September 19, 2021 8:55 PM
To: Matthew Hudes
Cc: GP2040 <[email protected]>
Subject: Re: Shaping the Future of Los Gatos
Thank you so much Matthew
I am chipping away at reading these documents. I have some feedback, but it will take well past Monday to read and understand. Top line ? I am not that happy with the rhetoric, and many of the goals in the document. I am certainly not happy that the state has quietly done what voters rejected, and now we've lost much of the control that makes Los Gatos special. Apologies that most of what I write so far is negative. I will say, a lot of what I have read is fundamentally good.
General thoughts:
• starting with " Racial, Social, and Environmental Justice Element” is not appropriate. Of the sections, that should be the least in prioritized order of the topics, for it should flow from resolving the others. o I would be happy to have a dialog on why this is inappropriate for a town council in the midst of a megapolis
o How does the town council address East San Jose demographics, or Cupertino’s ? How about Oakland ? What about East LA ?
are whites citizens ? Americans or naturalized ? immigrants and tech workers ? do you care ?
o I could not afford to buy in Los Gatos until I was 50 years old. Its the Bay Area, and its expensive none the less - we rent a townhouse to people in Los Gatos for less than equal rate in San Jose
Why less ? People often live where they work, or live near family and friends Worth pointing out that rental market in Los Gatos is soft right now - We'll probably sell it o I can not, will not take this “justice” element seriously when we do live in literally the most diverse place on the planet
Seriously. I travel the world and the country. How will you make our area more diverse ? Do everything else right in running the town, and you will get equity and justice as a byproduct
o We sold our house before moving to the bay area 30 yers ago, but could not afford anything but an apartment
after 5 years of saving, we bought a house in San Jose that we could afford (just) after 5 more years we moved to a better house in San Jose after 7 more years we bought a 2 bedroom town house in Los Gatos for the schools after 5 more years we bought a decaying house in los gatos (then it was county), staying for the schools
and after 5 more years we tore that down and rebuilt
Why couldn’t I have owned a nice home in Los gatos 30 years ago? Thats not equitable, is it ? Not just ?
Bay area has been this way for 40 years, and Los Gatos is one of the nicer places.
People can afford where they can afford. They live close to work if they can.
They sacrifice and live in dumps if they want to make tradeoffs for schools or town (we did). Or they don’t. Its their choice
My sister in law's family moved away rather than spend all their money on housing and high cost everything
o Honestly - I don’t really want you helping the homeless we used to live in the Rose Garden in San Jose, and many friends are still there. There are a lot of homeless, and its terrible
I tried helping, but it turned out 99% of them didn’t want my help with them came drugs, drug dealing (we helped cops with several busts, some very bad people arrested), trash, petty crime, the occasional assault. Really. Why would you want to entice homeless to come to Los Gatos ?
o How will you address clean and safe water, at the same time as you make housing for more people, but rely on San Jose Water ? These are in conflict unless you plan on getting more water resources
• How will the state SB9 SB10 affect the Land Use / Density zoning. It seems to me it radically changes it o It seems as though missing middle housing can dramatically impact neighborhood noise, traffic, parking, etc.
I really worry about my street as gentrification happens o will you require fewer parking spots than housing units as is occurring around the bay area ? Some sections hint at that
o if so - what will you do about public transportation ? and who will pay for it ? and how will it connect ?
o Will limits to cutting trees still hold if someone builds one of these ? o how will limits to square foot vs land be equitably balanced for individual home owners ? o What about shadow rules ? view obstruction ?
o Why do we want dense urban concepts in what is a beautiful suburban place with a tiny downtown ? (Pantheon Sorbonne University in Paris)
all my friends in Europe HATE the dense urban living they are forced to - the handful who can have moved to surrounding towns
• “addressing climate change” at a town level seems ambitious o for good or bad, this is still largely a commuting community but most things related to climate seem to be generally good "ENV-8.3" sounds ominous, but is unclear to me what it means. greenhouse and particulate emissions in california would have been better off focussing on forest management rather than car emissions
but here you are again focussed on it
"ENV-8.9" requires better walkways for kids, especially in areas that were unincorporated and have no sidewalk.
Rob Ober, Shady View Ln.
EXHIBIT 10
From: Phil Koen
Sent: Sunday, September 5, 2021 8:53 AM
To: Joel Paulson
Cc: Laurel Prevetti; Robert Schultz
Subject: Follow up question
Joel,
Thank you for your reply. Please see the question which is circled in red. I am not sure I understand your response.
I understand that SB 9 places limitations of adding ADU’s on subdivided lots, however my question is what is the benefit of increasing the density of LDR zoned lots from 1-5 du/acre to 1-12 du/acre assuming SB 9 is law (which will allow sub-division by-right) and the existing ADU law which allows up 2 ADU’s on a LDR zoned property? What does the Town gain from the perspective of creating more opportunity to increase the supply of housing by increasing densities? Can you please be specific as to the impact on LDR land use. What type of housing could be built as a result of the LDR density increase (ignoring ADU’s).
My second question is why is the 2040 GP being approved before the HE is updated? Other cities, such as Menlo Park, are updating the LUE, HE, safety, environmental justice, zoning ordinance and map simultaneously. In addition MP is submitting a preliminary HE to HCD to get early feedback on the HE draft. After all of that is completed, the DEIR process is started.
It appears LG has bifurcated the process, and is seeking GP adoption before a new HE which creates a concern over internal consistency. For example, how can we adopt the 2040 GP before we are told exactly how many affordable housing are being planned for out of the 3,738 new units? I would greatly appreciate an explanation as to why the bifurcation of the HE is good process and the Staff’s thinking behind doing this. I’ll send you a copy of MP process so you have an understand how that city is updating their GP.
Thank you.
Phil Koen
From: Phil Koen
Sent: Sunday, September 5, 2021 9:18 AM
To: Joel Paulson; Laurel Prevetti
Cc: Robert Schultz
Subject: Menlo Park -Housing-element-update - plan.pdf
Joel,
MP is pursuing a very different process in updating their 2040 GP. Why doesn’t the Town update the HE at the same time as the LUE so the public has a complete understanding of all proposed changes and impacts? Note that MP just launched their update process as of May 2021.
Phil Koen
Community Development
City of Menlo Park 701 Laurel St., Menlo Park, CA 94025 tel 650-330-6600 www.menlopark.org
STAFF REPORT
City Council
Meeting Date: 5/25/2021
Staff Report Number: 21-115-CC
Regular Business: Receive an overview of the housing element update project and provide feedback on the goals and
objectives, roles and responsibilities of the various
reviewing and decision-making bodies, and the
community engagement and outreach plan
Recommendation
Staff recommends that the City Council receive an overview of the housing element update project and provide feedback on the following:
• Goals and objectives (Table 1),
• Roles and responsibilities of the various reviewing and decision-making bodies (Table 2), and • Community engagement and outreach plan (Tables 3 and 4.) Policy Issues
The components of the housing element update will consider a number of land use, environmental and housing policies.
Background
Under California law, every jurisdiction in the State is required to update the housing element every eight years and have it certified by the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD.) The Housing Element is one of seven State-mandated components of the City’s General Plan, and requires local governments to adequately plan to meet their existing and projected housing needs for all income levels. The City Council last adopted the housing element, which is included as Attachment A, in April 2014 and covers the planning period from 2015-2023. The next cycle’s deadline for jurisdictions in the Bay Area, which is set by HCD, is January 2023, and covers the planning period for 2023-2031. This is also known as the sixth housing element cycle.
Recognizing the complexity, importance and time-intensive nature of the housing element process and its related work, the City Council unanimously supported the initiation of the housing element as one of its top five project priorities for fiscal year 2020-21 on August 18, 2020. The City Council has continued to express support for the housing element as a top priority, most recently during its discussion on goals and priorities April 20, 2021.
The housing element must be consistent with the City’s general plan and updated for compliance with State law and include City policies, strategies, and actions to facilitate the construction of new housing and preservation of existing housing to meet the needs across all economic levels of the City. The City’s anticipated regional housing need allocation (RHNA) for the next planning period is approximately 3,000 units, which is a 358 percent increase from the last housing element cycle. Menlo Park is not alone in seeing a large increase in its housing allocation. The RHNA is still considered a draft, although staff does AGENDA ITEM N-1
Page N-1.1 Page 237
Staff Report #: 21-115-CC
City of Menlo Park 701 Laurel St., Menlo Park, CA 94025 tel 650-330-6600 www.menlopark.org not believe the numbers will substantially change with the final adoption by the Association of Bay Area Governments anticipated in late 2021.
Analysis
Project components and timeline
On March 23, 2021, the City Council selected the M-Group to lead the City’s housing element update project over the course of the next 18 months. The project is complex and will consist of the following main components:
• Implement a robust community outreach process that will be informed by the Community Engagement and Outreach Committee (CEOC);
• Update the housing element, including addressing affirmatively furthering fair housing (AFFH) and other State mandates, which will require the City to increase the housing supply and the mix of housing types, tenure and affordability level and take meaningful actions to combat discrimination and replace segregated living patterns with integrated and balanced living patterns; • Amend the land use element, the zoning ordinance and/or rezone property to demonstrate compliance with the City’s RHNA;
• Develop an environmental justice element to advance equity and address potential environmental health risks in the City;
• Update safety element to address climate adaptation for compliance with State law; and • Prepare a fiscal impact analysis (FIA) and environmental impact report (EIR) to inform the public and decision-makers of potential fiscal and environmental impacts of the project.
Given the extent of the work and the mandated deadline, much of the work on the four different general plan elements will happen concurrently. The project will be fast-paced, but there will be multiple opportunities for public, Commission and City Council feedback and check-ins during the key milestones. Attachment A includes a graphic timeline that shows a general overview of the community workshops, activities and meetings during the process. Background and data collection, including stakeholder and focus group meetings, and broader community outreach and education will be happening in the coming weeks and months with the second half of the timeline more focused on the technical studies and refinement of the documents.
There are a number of requirements that must be met in order for HCD to certify a housing element. One of the key components of the housing element update is the site inventory and analysis to demonstrate that the City can meet its RHNA. The City’s land use strategy is anticipated to involve both a mix of rezoning of sites as well as program changes such as zoning ordinance amendments that may modify existing land use regulations and/or create new zoning districts. Site selection for rezoning will require the City to take a holistic view and determine where additional housing can be accommodated throughout the City. There are a number of potential strategies to consider, from looking at existing development in the pipeline, to conversion of commercial zoning to mixed-use, to intensification of sites near transit and other services, to further incentivizing accessory dwelling unit production. The selected combination of strategies, however, will require the City to rezone land throughout the City. This will not only be necessary to create a balance of housing across the City, but also to comply with affirmatively furthering fair housing, which is a new requirement of housing elements. The City is aware of several potential opportunity sites, including the United States Geological Survey (345 Middlefield Road), SRI Campus (333 Ravenswood Avenue), former Flood School site (321 Sheridan Drive), and a small portion of the Veteran’s Affairs (795 Willow Road) site that will be explored, although the latter site would not be formally rezoned as a federally-owned property.
During this summer, members of the public will have an opportunity to provide input on the land use Page N-1.2 Page 238
Staff Report #: 21-115-CC
City of Menlo Park 701 Laurel St., Menlo Park, CA 94025 tel 650-330-6600 www.menlopark.org strategy options. Both the Planning Commission and Housing Commission will have an opportunity provide feedback prior to the City Council providing direction on the preferred land use approach to be studied in the EIR and FIA.
HCD plays a critical role in reviewing every local government’s housing element to determine whether it complies with state law and then submits findings back to each jurisdiction. HCD’s review is required before a local government can adopt its general plan. Staff is seeking HCD’s review of the draft before the release of the EIR and FIA. Therefore, the draft documents should be completed by late 2021 for review by the Housing Commission, Planning Commission and City Council. While this extra step compresses the timeline, it helps ensures the City is on the right path for certification.
Project goals and objectives
The housing element update process must be inclusive and reflect the values of the City. Staff and the consultant team, collectively referred to as the project team in this staff report, are proposing to approach the project with three overarching and interrelated goals as shown in Table 1. These goals will help achieve the objective of creating and adopting a housing element, environmental justice element, land use element, and safety element update that reflect the values of the community and create a place where all residents can enjoy a high quality of living.
Table 1: Draft project goals
Project goal Intent
Create a balanced community Plan for the whole community in a sustainable, healthy and balanced way.
Focus on affordability
Focus on affordable housing given the difficulty
of developing it as compared to market rate
housing, and the demand for affordable housing
options.
Forward social justice
Work with the community to help ensure
participation and access to the process, and take
intentional steps that improve equity for
historically marginalized people and areas.
All of these goals are with a given expectation that the process will include full disclosure. This means that all relevant information, including the environmental and fiscal impacts, will be shared with the community and decision-makers to provide informed feedback and actions. At its meeting on May 25, the City Council may wish to comment on or include additional goals for the project.
Roles and responsibilities
The project requires the involvement and dedication of many people beyond the project team. Table 2 identifies the general roles and responsibilities of elected, appointed and advisory bodies while the community engagement plan section below discusses the importance of community participation during the process. The City Council, Planning Commission, Housing Commission, City Council ad hoc subcommittee, and the CEOC will each have a formal role in the process. The latter two bodies are were specifically formed by the City Council to support this project and will disband following its completion. To help prepare for the meeting of May 25 meeting with the full City Council, the project team met with the City Council subcommittee, comprised of Mayor Combs and City Councilmember Wolosin, to provide a high-level overview of the concepts covered in this report.
Page N-1.3 Page 239
Staff Report #: 21-115-CC
City of Menlo Park 701 Laurel St., Menlo Park, CA 94025 tel 650-330-6600 www.menlopark.org Table 2: Housing element update roles and responsibilities Elected/appointed/advisory
body Role Tasks and responsibilities
City Council Final decision-making body
To review and provide guidance on the overall
project and key milestones, such as the selection
of the preferred land use alternative, in order to
successfully complete the project by December
2022.
City Council meetings are typically conducted on
the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month
and items will be scheduled on an agenda as
needed. Information items may be provided to
keep the City Council informed of the status of
the project.
City Council Housing
Element Update
Subcommittee (ad hoc,
Mayor Combs and City
Councilmember Wolosin)
Advise on key topics areas:1)
project objectives, 2) site
selection, and 3) goals, policies
and programs for the four different
general plan elements, 4) liaising
with other agencies/districts, and
other topics as necessary where
City Council feedback would be
beneficial for maintaining the
project schedule.
To provide guidance to the project team on key
topic areas as needed.
Meetings will be scheduled as needed.
Planning Commission
Recommending body to the City
Council on the housing element,
environmental justice element and
safety element and related
components.
To review and provide feedback on key project
components, including the land use alternatives,
draft documents, potential zoning ordinance
amendments, as well as conducting meetings on
the scope of and draft EIR.
Planning Commission meetings are conducted
typically on the second and fourth Mondays of
each month and items will be scheduled on an
agenda as needed.
Housing Commission Recommending body to the City
Council on the housing element.
To review and provide feedback on the housing
element, including the land use alternatives,
policies and programs, and the draft housing
element.
Housing Commission meetings are conducted
monthly on the first Wednesday of the month and
items will be scheduled on an agenda as
needed.
Page N-1.4 Page 240
Staff Report #: 21-115-CC
City of Menlo Park 701 Laurel St., Menlo Park, CA 94025 tel 650-330-6600 www.menlopark.org Community Engagement and
Outreach Commission
(CEOC)
Assist the City in ensuring a broad
and inclusive community outreach
and engagement process, and
help guide and provide feedback
on the types and frequency of
activities/events/meetings and the
strategies and methods for
communicating with the various
stakeholders in the community.
The primary responsibilities of the group would
be to:
• Serve as an ambassador of the project and
encourage people to participate in the process;
• Help guide and provide feedback on the
community engagement plan; and
• Serve as a community resource to provide
information to and receive input from the
community on matters related to community
engagement and public outreach.
The primary responsibilities of each member
would be to:
• Identify effective ways to inform and engage the
various stakeholders about the project;
• Commit to constructive dialogue, mutual
respect and collaboration; and
• Share local knowledge.
Meetings are anticipated to be monthly on
Thursday evenings between May 2021 and
November 2021, with check-in meetings as
needed afterward.
Community engagement and outreach plan
Given the strong emphasis on creating an inclusive process, the City will be providing many opportunities for the community to get involved. The City would like to engage a broad range of stakeholders that will inform key aspects of the project. The CEOC will be play an integral role in the project’s outreach and engagement effort, making sure that the activities and meetings are appropriate, inclusive, accessible and informative. Receiving input and learning about what is important to the community is just as important as the City providing learning opportunities for what the project is about and why it is important, so the lines of communication are two-way. Change can be difficult, but no change is not an option for successful completion of this particular project. Upon City Council appointments to the CEOC, scheduled for May 25, the CEOC is anticipated to convene May 27 to review the draft community engagement and outreach strategy for the project.
A draft of the community engagement and outreach plan outline is included as Attachment B. The outline provides a high-level overview of the various outreach and engagement activities, including online tools, format, and exercises to broadcast and elicit ideas. Because not everyone learns the same way or has access to the same resources or time to dedicate to multiple meetings, the engagement plan offers a variety of opportunities to engage in the process. The purpose of the outreach is to include and involve as many community members as possible to ensure that all voices are heard and included in the decision-making process. For that reason, the engagement plan will likely evolve and respond to what has and hasn’t been effective and circumstances as the process moves forward. For example, currently meetings are to be conducted virtually, but they could evolve into a hybrid format when safe to do so or the proposed project gallery could be delayed or repurposed given in-person, indoor activities and facilities space may be limited in the near term due to COVID-19 restrictions or precautions. The project team is willing to adapt as needed, keeping in mind that preparation and advertisement of meetings will add some limitations to how much change can occur while trying to accomplish the bulk of site selection and policy work in the next 4-6 months. Table 3 summarizes the proposed types of activities and meetings that could occur as part of the outreach and engagement plan.
Page N-1.5 Page 241
Staff Report #: 21-115-CC
City of Menlo Park 701 Laurel St., Menlo Park, CA 94025 tel 650-330-6600 www.menlopark.org Table 3: Proposed Community engagement and outreach activities Activities and
meetings Description
Focus groups
Meetings designed to garner comments to develop an
understanding of local issues and concerns. The targeted groups include housing organizations service providers, renters, homeowners, businesses, and housing developers.
Environmental justice
and safety element
outreach meetings
Informational and public input meetings to inform the public about the purpose of these elements and receive feedback on areas of concerns.
Individual (and/or
group) interviews
Series of meetings to concentrate on smaller groups such as seniors, veterans, people with disabilities. These meetings can be conducted on the phone or in-person.
Partner with local nonprofit community
groups
Partner with local non-profit community groups to help with the outreach program.
General outreach
meetings
General meetings to keep the community informed about the project, to answer questions, and to receive specific
comments. These meetings are intended to be interactive. A video on the topic of environmental justice and the safety element is planned.
Pop-up events Informal way to meet people, share information and garner input (e.g. farmer’s markets.)
Project gallery In-person display that allows people to access information other than on the computer.
Community survey
A method to seek information and feedback from the
community on topics related to the project. Information gathered will be used to help inform policies and programs.
Housing introduction
seminar
Seminar for community members who would like to
understand the housing element components and process in more detail.
Key milestone
meetings
Meetings during key milestones such as community vision, site selection, policies and draft documents.
Page N-1.6 Page 242
Staff Report #: 21-115-CC
City of Menlo Park 701 Laurel St., Menlo Park, CA 94025 tel 650-330-6600 www.menlopark.org Table 4 below provides a draft timeline of the key upcoming community engagement and outreach activities, pending feedback from the CEOC. The process will be intense, but it’s needed in order to prepare the EIR and FIA and meet our December 2022 adoption date. The proposed activities and meetings are expected to help create a project that reflects the community’s values. The City Council may wish to provide feedback on the types and frequency of activities and meetings before the project team meets with the CEOC to review the engagement and outreach plan.
Table 4: Upcoming community engagement and outreach schedule Date Activities and meetings
May 27, 2021
(tentative) CEOC meeting #1
June 2021 Housing introduction seminar
June 2021 Individual/group interviews
June 2021 Focus groups
Summer 2021 Initial outreach on environmental justice and safety elements June/July 2021 CEOC meeting #2
Mid-summer 2021 Survey
Late summer 2021 Housing Commission - Preliminary land use strategies Late summer 2021 Community visioning
Fall 2022 Land use alternatives review
The process for the next six months will be intensive and include gathering data and input, synthesizing information and preparing draft documents. To help meet timelines, the project team will need to stay focused. The City Council meeting of May 25 is an opportunity for the City Council to provide feedback to the project team on the following:
• Goals and objectives (Table 1),
• Roles and responsibilities of the various reviewing and decision-making bodies (Table 2), and • Community engagement and outreach plan (Tables 3 and 4.) As part of this feedback, the project team is seeking confirmation that the City Council is committed to this work plan. This will help advance the project team’s efforts.
Impact on City Resources
On November 10, 2020, the City Council authorized up to $1.69 million for the preparation of the housing element, including consultant services and partial funding for two full-time equivalents for the fiscal year 2020-21. On March 23, 2021, the City Council authorized the city manager to negotiate a scope of work and fee and execute an agreement with the M-Group for a fee, not to exceed $982,000.
Environmental Review
This action is not a project within the meaning of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines §§ 15378 and 15061(b)(3) as it will not result in any direct or indirect physical change in the Page N-1.7 Page 243
Staff Report #: 21-115-CC
City of Menlo Park 701 Laurel St., Menlo Park, CA 94025 tel 650-330-6600 www.menlopark.org environment. As part of the housing element update process, an EIR will be prepared.
Public Notice
Public notification was achieved by posting the agenda, with the agenda items being listed, at least 72 hours prior to the meeting. The City also sent a citywide mailer about the City’s housing element update project in early May.
Attachments
A. Hyperlink – Housing element (2015-2023): menlopark.org/DocumentCenter/View/4329/AdoptedHousing-Element-2015-2023?bidId= B. Community outreach and meetings schedule – Process graphic C. Draft community outreach and engagement outlinE
Report prepared by:
Deanna Chow, Assistant Community Development Director
Report reviewed by:
Justin Murphy, Deputy City Manager
Page N-1.8 Page 244
VISIONING FRAMEWORK DRAFT PLAN FINAL PLAN / EIR PLAN ADOPTION
CITY OF MENLO PARK HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATE
COMMUNITY OUTREACH & MEETINGS SCHEDULE PROCESS GRAPHIC VERSION: MAY 2021 2021 2022
SPRING SUMMER FALL WINTER SPRING SUMMER FALL WINTER
HOUSING ELEMENT
UPDATE ADOPTED
EIR CERTIFIED!
(NOV. 2022)
Stakeholder
Interviews
Partner with
Local CBOs
Element
Focus Groups
Housing
Workshop
Draft Policy
Review
Draft Plan
Preview
Housing
Intro Seminar
Project
Gallery
Pop-Up
Workshop
Pop-Up
Workshop
Pop-Up
Workshop
HCD Review
Begins
HCD Review
Ends
EIR Circulation
Begins
EIR Circulation
Ends
Pop-Up
Workshop
Public Drafts:
• Housing Element
• Land Use Element
• Environmental Justice Element
• Safety Element
• Zoning Ordinance and Map
Community Final Drafts
Survey
Notice of
Preparation
General
Outreach
HE UPDATE
MENLO PARK
HE UPDATE
MENLO PARK
HE UPDATE
MENLO PARK
HE UPDATE
MENLO PARK
City Council
.LFN2
Planning Commission/ Draft EIR
City Council Meetings
Meetings will coincide with major phases and deliverables CEOC
Formed and Training
HE UPDATE
MENLO PARK
HE UPDATE
MENLO PARK
Meetings will begin monthly, then coincide with major phases
HE UPDATE
MENLO PARK
HE UPDATE
MENLO PARK
Housing Commission
Meetings
Housing
Commission
Meetings will coincide with major phases and deliverables Vision and Outreach
Summary Presentation
HE UPDATE
MENLO PARK
HE UPDATE
MENLO PARK
Planning
Commission: Final
Draft of Elements
and FEIR
City Council:
Final Draft of
Elements and
FEIR
ATTACHMENT B
Page N-1.9
08
Menlo Park Housing, Safety and Environmental Justice Elements Community Outreach and Engagement Outline
May 21, 2021
Menlo Park Housing, Safety and Environmental Justice Elements Community Outreach and Engagement Outline
The following provides a high-level overview of the project community outreach and engagement activities.
The purpose of the outreach is to include and involve as many community members as possible to ensure that all voices are heard and included in the decision-making process.
Individual (and/or group) Interviews
Purpose: The purpose of these interviews is to actively include various groups and individuals into the engagement process. The individual interviews will allow for traditional phone or inperson interviews with community members.
This series of meetings will concentrate on smaller groups such as seniors, veterans and people with disabilities. These meetings will also include talking to people who may not have access to technology and would rather talk on the phone or in-person rather than join a video meeting.
Result: These smaller interview meetings will result in key insights shared by key stakeholders.
Housing Introduction Seminar
Purpose: This meeting will provide information to the community about housing element topics. This meeting is intended to be a general informational meeting.
M-Group will provide a Housing Introduction Seminar online for community members who want to understand housing issues in Menlo Park. This seminar would also outline the major themes of the housing element update including:
• History of racial segregation in planning and housing • Housing Element Requirements
• Housing Element Schedule
• Community Involvement: Ways to provide comments and suggestions • Existing Conditions
• Racial and Ethnic Equity
Result: The housing introduction seminar will provide a foundation level of information so that interested community members have the necessary knowledge to participate fully in the planning process.
Partner with Local Nonprofit Community Groups
Purpose: The purpose these partnerships is to work closely with local nonprofits to ensure strong community involvement with the planning process.
As part of the overall outreach approach, we will partner with local nonprofit community groups and seek to involve them in the outreach program.
Result: Effective partnerships with community groups will insure a successful community engagement effort and more community acceptance of the planning effort.
ATTACHMENT C
Page N-1.10 Page 246
Menlo Park Housing, Safety and Environmental Justice Elements Community Outreach and Engagement Outline
May 21, 2021
Focus Groups
Purpose: The purpose of these focus groups is to gain insight from a wide variety of perspectives.
We will ask about challenges, recommendations, and other concerns they would like to share. This information will be used to describe issues and concerns to address in the Housing Element.
These meetings will be designed to garner comments to develop an understanding of local issues and concerns in various topic areas. The targeted groups will include Housing Organizations, Service Providers, Renters, Homeowners, Businesses, and Housing Developers.
Result: These meetings will help identify pressing issues and community concerns.
General Outreach Community Meetings
Purpose: The purpose of these meetings is to obtain public comments and feedback on any portion of the Housing, Environmental Justice, and Safety Element update.
These outreach meetings will be designed to be interactive meetings to answer questions and garner specific comments from residents. These meetings are intended for any resident to provide comments on any aspect of the Housing Element, Safety Element, Environmental Justice Element and Land Use Strategy. Quick poll questions will be asked during the meetings in order to keep participants engaged and interested. Attendees of these meetings will be given the link to the online survey and given the opportunity to provide dots on maps of where new housing should be planned for. The General Outreach meetings will be ongoing through the plan framework phase.
Result: These community meetings will result in a shared basis of information and an opportunity for interested people to have their voices heard and questions answered.
Project Gallery
Purpose: The project gallery is intended to provide a low-tech forum where people can get information about the project without the need to rely on the internet or technology to obtain information.
M-Group will work with City staff to prepare a gallery in a large conference room in the Library or other publicly accessible space (that is handicap accessible) or large room for the project. This would allow people to come and understand the project without internet access. This Gallery will have maps, a project website kiosk, a survey kiosk, comment box, posters, and project schedule. In addition, educational videos from the housing symposium can be provided. People would be able to come as go as is convenient for them during the hours of operation.
Result: The project gallery will result in wider community outreach and engagement by providing real-world display that is more accessible than computer based methods. Written comments left by participants will be collected and shared with the public and decision makers.
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Menlo Park Housing, Safety and Environmental Justice Elements Community Outreach and Engagement Outline
May 21, 2021
Environmental Justice and Safety Elements Outreach Meetings Purpose: The purpose of these meetings is to get feedback from people on specific Environmental Justice/Safety Element topics. Meeting with people from disadvantaged communities.
M-Group will hold informational meetings and public input meetings to inform the public of the nature of these elements and feedback on areas of concern from the community. We plan to have an integrated approach where safety and environmental justice will be discussed in conjunction with each other and the Housing Element. These meetings will include climate change, sea level rise, fire safety, local hazards, and creating more equity in land use and planning within the community. An introduction video will be provided to accompany the meetings.
Result: Information gained from these meetings will utilized to identify and refine issues for inclusion in the Environmental and Safety Elements.
Preliminary Land Use Strategies Descriptions with Housing Commission Purpose: The purpose of the meeting is to introduce land use strategies to the Housing Commission and the public.
M-Group will provide an overview of site selection and specific strategies to implement the RHNA allocation.
We will outline different type of site selection options. This purpose of this meeting is to inform the public and Housing Commission what site selection options can be utilized.
Result: Provide defined housing strategies for the Housing Commission and General Public to consider as part of the site selection process
Community Survey
Purpose: The purpose of the community survey is to get feedback from a wide cross section of the community on a variety of issues and concerns.
M-Group will develop a survey in coordination with City staff to gain information about the community, housing needs, housing related concerns, and issues that may not be readily evident. This survey will be provided in English and Spanish (with other languages upon request). Results of the survey will be available on the website. A gift card drawing will be provided to encourage people to fill out the survey.
The survey will include questions that covers Housing Policy, Environmental Justice, Safety, racial equity, special housing needs, and other housing issues. The survey will be provided in both Spanish and English.
Result: The community survey will provide detailed information on a city-wide scale that can help identify issues of concern and define policy choices for many of the housing, safety, and environmental issues under consideration.
Pop-up Meetings
Purpose: The purpose of these pop-up events is to reach out to individuals as they go about their daily lives into the engagement process. This will allow us to interact with people directly as they visit the booth during the farmers’ market.
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Menlo Park Housing, Safety and Environmental Justice Elements Community Outreach and Engagement Outline
May 21, 2021
These pop-ups will be designed to be an informal way to meet people where they are and garner comments in a relaxed setting from residents at events such as the farmers’ markets. These meetings are intended for people to provide comments or concerns on any aspect of the Housing Element, Safety Element, Environmental Justice Element and Land Use Strategy. Attendees of these meetings will be given the link to the online survey and given the opportunity to provide dots on maps of where housing should go. This information will help inform the selection of housing opportunity sites. M-Group staff will be available to answer questions from people who visit the pop-up tent.
Result: These pop-ups will result in a wider selection of viewpoints to be heard as the participants are not self-selecting for participation.
Housing Workshop (Housing Placement and Strategies)
Purpose: The purpose of this meeting to receive direct community input on where housing should go.
M-Group will develop and lead a housing meeting that will explain the parameters and policy requirements, including equity and Fair Housing principals, around planning for new housing. This will allow people to provide input on where new housing should be planned for within the city. This meeting will give people the opportunity to indicate preferences for housing units on the various sites with the strategies outlined at the Housing Commission meeting. We will summarize the comments at the end of the public workshop.
Result: This meeting will provide for interested people to learn more about the opportunities and constraints facing the city. This meeting will also allow for questions and answers to make sure people are having their questions answered in real time. Participants will also be encouraged to participate in showing preferences for new housing locations. These results will also be shared at future public meetings.
Vision and Outreach Summary Presentation
Purpose: The purpose of this meeting is to present our findings and draft vision based on the feedback provided by the community.
At the end of the visioning phase, we will provide a vision summary presentation to the public. This will be a summary of the community outreach feedback. At this meeting, we will solicit additional comments and refinement suggestions for the vision.
Result: This activity will provide a common understanding of the vision and goals for the housing, safety and environmental justice elements.
Draft Policy Review Community Meeting
Purpose: The purpose of this meeting is to present our findings and draft policies based on the feedback provided by the community.
At the end of the plan framework phase, we will present draft policies to the public for review. At this meeting, we will solicit additional comments and refinement suggestions for the policy framework.
Result: This meeting will allow the project team to make refinements to goals and policies in response to feedback from community members.
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Menlo Park Housing, Safety and Environmental Justice Elements Community Outreach and Engagement Outline
May 21, 2021
Draft Plan Review Community Meeting
Purpose: The purpose of this meeting is to present our draft plan based on the feedback provided by the community.
At the end of the draft plan phase, we will present the draft plans (Housing, Safety and Environmental Justice Elements) to the public for review. At this meeting, we will solicit additional comments and refinement suggestions for the draft policy documents.
Result: This meeting will allow the project team to make refinements to goals, policies and programs in response to feedback from community members.
Draft Environmental Justice and Safety Elements to Planning Commission Purpose: The purpose of this meeting is to present our draft documents to the Planning Commission for review and recommendation to the City Council.
M-Group will present the preliminary draft Environmental Justice Element, Safety Element to the Planning Commission for review and comment.
Result: This meeting will allow the project team to make refinements to goals, policies and programs in response to Planning Commission feedback.
Draft Housing Element, Land Use Element, and Municipal Code Update to Planning Commission Purpose: The purpose of this meeting is to present our draft documents to the Planning Commission for review and recommendation to the City Council.
M-Group will present the preliminary draft Housing Element, Land Use Element, and Municipal Code Update to the Planning Commission for review and comment.
Result: This meeting will allow the project team to make refinements to goals, policies and programs in response to the Planning Commission feedback.
Draft Environmental Justice, Safety Element, Housing Element, Land Use Element, and Municipal Code Update to City Council
Purpose: The purpose of this meeting is to get feedback from the City Council.
M-Group will present the preliminary draft Housing Element, Land Use Element, and Municipal Code Update to the Planning Commission for review and comment.
Result: This meeting will allow the project team to make refinements to goals, policies and programs in response to City Council feedback.
Page N-1.14 Page 250
From: Phil Koen
Sent: Monday, September 6, 2021 2:33 PM
To: Joel Paulson
Cc: Laurel Prevetti
Subject: VMT projected
Hello Joel,
Could you please explain the material increase in VMT per service population when comparing Alternative 3 (high growth) to the 2040 GP? The DEIR is reporting that the projected VMT per service population for the 2040 GP is 38.45, based on an additional 3,738 units and incremental population of 8,971. Alternative #3’s VMT per service population is 21.48, based on additional 3,176 units and incremental population of 7,622. The difference in housing units is a very modest 562 units or 17% where-as the increase in VMT per service population is 79%.
The major difference between the two is Alternative #3 includes increased density ranges within identified Opportunity Areas. The 2040 GP does not have any Opportunity Areas. Given the material difference between the two, is it reasonable to conclude that the 2040 GP does not promote internal trip which results in a material shift to vehicle transportation modes which is increasing VMT per service population and GHG? What is the root cause for the massive increase in VMT per service population? Thank you,
Phil Koen
From: Phil Koen
Sent: Monday, September 20, 2021 8:48 AM
To: Marico Sayoc; Matthew Hudes; Mary Badame; Rob Rennie; Maria Ristow Cc: Laurel Prevetti; Joel Paulson; Jak Vannada; Rick Van Hoesen Subject: Agenda Item #1 - Study Session regarding Draft 2040 General Plan - September 20, 2021 Dear Council Members,
Please find attached a comment paper from the Los Gatos Community Alliance regarding the draft 2040 General Plan. We look forward to having an opportunity to further discuss our thoughts with each of you. While the draft 2040 General Plan is a good starting point, we believe substantive changes are required before the 2040 General Plan can be adopted.
Thank you for considering our suggestions.
Los Gatos Community Alliance
“Cities have the capability of providing something for everybody, only because and only when, they are created by everybody” – Jane Jacobs
The General Plan is more than a legal underpinning for land use decisions; it reflects the community’s priorities and values, and it is a vision about how the community will grow in the context of those priorities and values. What makes Los Gatos special is its small-town atmosphere, unique physical setting, history, and vibrant community character that projects the Town as a safe, charming, and aesthetically pleasing place to call home. The desire to grow and expand the Town’s high quality of life is demonstrated by extensive citizen participation in many service groups and community issues.
While residents may disagree over specific issues, they share a common vision of the future of Los Gatos. Residents are resolute in their desire to maintain a high quality of life, celebrating and preserving the character of the Town while embracing change that comes from future needs. This will require a balanced approach to planning for growth which is focused on keeping the Town unique, vibrant, and livable on the one hand, while addressing future development in a thoughtful way where residents can have access to affordable housing, employment, transit, and retail services that can meet their daily needs.
It is with this overarching goal of seeking balance between our history and our future, in a Town that is almost fully developed, that we offer the following specific comments about the 2040 General Plan.
1. The 2040 General Plan growth needs to be revised downward to accommodate only the anticipated 6th cycle RHNA required growth of 1,993 units plus a 20% buffer. The 2040 General Plan therefore should reflect a potential buildout of 2,392 new units.
The 2040 General Plan currently reflects 3,263 new units (excluding hillside development) being added over the next 20 years. This is not supported by any population forecast prepared by DOF or ABAG. The draft 2040 General Plan’s inclusion of this excessive proposed growth in housing has driven material, Town-wide changes in land use designations, zoning densities and lot coverage ratios that are not necessary and would not be required if planned growth was more reasonable and more targeted to produce affordable housing in particular locations that the Town can make attractive to development. We all agree that zoning plans must accommodate future growth and be sufficient to ensure redevelopment is financially feasible. The State of California plans new housing in 8-year cycles. The general plan should reflect this 8-year planning cycle (i.e., 2023-2031) and be amended every eight years when new information and future RHNA allocations become known. This thoughtful approach assumes that incremental change is best and is made only when new information is available.
2. The center point of the 2040 General Plan must be about creating policies and a mix of mandates and incentives to develop more AFFORDABLE housing in places attractive to development as opposed to simply more housing. When few sites are available and land costs are high, developers will develop land targeting housing at the higher end of the income spectrum.
Our proposal calls for the development of 1,437 below market rate (BMR) housing units. This is 23% more than the 6th cycle RHNA allocation for BMR, with total housing exceeding the total RHNA allocation by a 20% buffer. By comparison the current draft 2040 General Plan does not commit to any level of BMR housing even though the total units being planned are 64% more than the total 6th cycle RHNA allocation. The Town’s historical performance in meeting the BMR RHNA allocation is very poor. For the 5th cycle, the Town so far (there are 2 years left) has achieved only 30% of the BMR target while achieving 84% of the above moderate income housing target. This substantiates the point that, faced with very high land costs and high material and labor costs to build, developers will build housing targeted to higher income levels.
Please see the attached “Analysis Housing Units by Income Category” for our plan of housing units by income category. Affordability requirements and proper development incentives (such as inclusionary zoning and density bonuses) can deliver affordable, income restricted housing.
3. The 2040 General Plan should incorporate the concept of opportunity areas originally outlined in the Preferred Land Use Alternative and approved by the Town Council to concentrate future affordable development where residents can access employment, transit, and retail services within a “walkable distance” (i.e., ½ mile not 1 mile to a destination).
We believe strongly that new housing should be built where it will best support economic, social, and environmental priorities. The 2040 General Plan abandons the Town Council’s previously adopted Preferred Land Use Alternative. Fundamental to this change was a significant increase in market rate housing over what was required by RHNA resulting in a shift of development from opportunity zones to a Town-wide redevelopment strategy. The DEIR showed that this change in redevelopment strategy, coupled with the lack of job growth in Town (new residents are driving to jobs outside of Town), increased VMT and GHG to unacceptable levels that cannot be mitigated. A focused development strategy around accessible opportunity areas will give the Town the best opportunity to meet the affordable housing goals and will also enable the Town to meet the State’s goals in reducing VMT and GHG over the next 20 years. A simple rule of thumb is to concentrate affordable housing in high opportunity areas where increased densities would be allowed and make sense.
4. The Housing Element must be prepared simultaneously with both the Land Use Element, and Community Design Element to ensure internal consistency of all the elements and provide residents with a complete understanding of the 2040 General Plan.
Currently the draft 2040 General Plan does not include an updated Housing Element but rather incorporates an outdated 2015 Housing Element that was built on the 5th cycle RHNA allocation.
There are no substantive changes being proposed to the Housing Element as part of the 2040 General Plan. This is a major failing. Given that the 2040 General Plan defines the policy framework by which the Town’s physical and economic resources are to be managed and used for the next 20 years, the General Plan must be complete with all elements updated to ensure internal consistency. Only then should the 2040 General Plan be adopted. It is simply too important a document to be developed piecemeal. Only the Housing Element needs to be approved by the State, and this is not due until 2023. There is sufficient time to prepare a complete, well-integrated 2040 General Plan.
5. A Fiscal Impact Analysis (FIA) needs to be prepared to estimate the fiscal impacts of full buildout of the 2040 General Plan.
New development brings increased demands on local government services and infrastructure, but also generates new revenues for local government through additional taxes and fees. A fiscal impact analysis of these increased expenditures and revenues would help to evaluate whether the proposed development would generate sufficient new fiscal revenues to cover the fiscal costs associated with provision of public services over the 20-year planning horizon. This is also consistent with the General Plan’s guiding principles of fiscal stability/responsibility.
Without completing a FIA, it cannot be known if the 2040 General Plan is fiscally stable. The 2040 General Plan should not be adopted until the full economic impacts of it are known and publicly disclosed.
We appreciate the opportunity to submit these comments on the 2040 General Plan. We want to also publicly acknowledge the countless hours and hard work that GPAC and Staff have spent on creating the current draft 2040 General Plan. It is a good starting point for sure, but we believe substantive changes are required.
We look forward to having an opportunity to further discuss our thoughts with each Council Member and working constructively together to develop a 2040 General Plan that the Town’s residents will overwhelmingly support.
Analysis Housing Units by Income Category
(excludes Hillside Residential)
AMI for Family 4 5th Cycle 6th Cycle 2040 GP LGCA 6th Cycle Surplus Income Category Threshhold 30% per month RHNA Actual % of RHNA RHNA Draft Draft 2040 GP LGCA Very Low - <50% of Area Median Income $82,850 $2,071 201 49 24% 537 537 537 0 0 Low - 80% of Area Median Income $117,750 $2,944 112 3 3% 310 310 310 0 0 Moderate - 120% of Area Median Income $181,560 $4,539 132 81 61% 320 320 590 0 270 >> Subtotal Below Market Rate Housing Units 445 133 30% 1,167 1,167 1,437 0 270 Above Moderate - above 120% of Area Median Income NA NA 174 146 84% 826 2,096 955 1,270 129 >>Total Housing Units 619 279 45% 1,993 3,263 2,392 1,270 399 Footnote:
2021 Area Mean Income - Family of 4 $151,300
From: Kathleen Willey
Sent: Monday, September 20, 2021 3:09 PM
To: Jennifer Armer
Cc: Maria Ristow; Marico Sayoc; Rob Rennie; Mary Badame; Matthew Hudes Subject: Public comment for September 20 meeting - Plant Based Diets Dear Los Gatos Town Council members, I have been a resident of Los Gatos since 2010. It is such a wonderful town to raise my family. However, I am saddened by the fear and panic that Covid has created.
I wish the media would focus more on what we can all do to help our chances of becoming severely ill if we catch Covid.
The well respected British Medical Journal came out with a recent study confirming that those who follow a plant based diet were up to 73% less likely to have a severe case of Covid. "plant-based diets are rich in nutrients, especially phytochemicals (polyphenols, carotenoids), vitamins and minerals, all of which are important for a healthy immune system, say the researchers." https://www.bmj.com/company/newsroom/plant-based-and-or-fish-diets-may-help-lessen-severity-ofcovid-19-infection/ According to the CDC people with underlying health conditions such as Cancer, Diabetes, obesity, asthma, high blood pressure etc….. are much more likely to become severely ill or die from Covid than someone who is a healthy weight with no health conditions. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/people-with-medicalconditions.html The science is clear. Even the American Heart Association says "Whether you’re considering eating less meat or giving it up entirely, the benefits are clear:
less risk of disease and improved health and well-being. Specifically, less meat decreases the risk of:
• Heart disease
• Stroke
• Obesity
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Type 2 diabetes
• Many cancers"
https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating/eat-smart/nutrition-basics/how-does-plantforward-eating-benefit-your-health Therefore, I would like to ask the Town to please promote Plant Based Eating in the next General Plan to keep our residents and our planet healthy.
Thank you,
Kathleen Willey
http://www.plantbasedadvocates.com
Sent: Monday, September 20, 2021 8:51 PM
To: GP2040 <[email protected]>
Subject: [#20210921035034] Comment from LosGatos2040 Website Los Gatos 2040 General Plan Update
Ticket: [#20210921035034]
Name: J L
Comments:
I'm a Los Gatos resident since 2014, I like this place, am raising family here and caring about this town's future. I listened today(9/20)'s meeting, heard voice of people, feel the same frustrations and share some of the same concerns. In addition, particularly I have to say, I'm very disappointed by commissioner Mr. Suzuki's comments, I don't think he has any intention to address the concerns raised by fellow townsman/townswoman. His logic is like that: "too many housing development"? There are already quite some existing, "budgeted" development, so it's "OK" for us to add more, just breakdown the numbers, then people will see "smaller" number; "traffic will be worse"? Jam is everywhere in the Valley, so don't "bother". Mr. Suzuki probably is a smart young man and I appreciate his volunteer works, however, I hope him, as well as commissioners and council members would really listen to the voice of Los Gatos people, acknowledge problems rather than covering them.
Page title: Home
From: Claudia Kenyon
Sent: Tuesday, September 21, 2021 9:15 AM
To: GP2040 <[email protected]>
Subject: The plan
I intend to read all of it. So far I love the vision statement and the racial, social, and environmental justice ideas. I understand that many many people fear above all the increased traffic that might accompany justice, but I would hope that we could let justice and inclusivity drive the plan and then find solutions to the traffic. Good work!
From: Carleen Schomberg
Sent: Tuesday, September 21, 2021 12:03 PM
To: GP2040 <[email protected]>
Subject: Town General Plan
To Town Planning Commission and City Council,
Unfortunately, I was unable to participate in the zoom meeting regarding the general plan. However, I feel it’s necessary to make my feelings known. It is with great frustration I write again because it’s felt for some time like my concerns and those of others I know have been falling on deaf ears.
As a fourth generation Los Gatos resident (whose great, great uncle owned the Los Gatos Soda Works) I have seen one of the most beautiful places anywhere go from a mecca for travelers and artists to a congested, unaffordable town that is now not even as desirable as nearby Campbell or Willow Glen. Where we once had flowering orchards that were beautiful beyond compare and not only produced food, but sheltered wildlife and helped clean the air, we now have overcrowded streets, unbelievable auto pollution, and our last orchard is now covered with over 250 homes and roughly (when occupied) 500 more cars to add to an already crowded street.
It should be obvious to any thinking person by now that our biggest challenge is climate change. The notion of building on or paving over one more piece of open land, no matter how small, is just another nail in the coffin.
I am begging you, for the sake of everyone’s grandchildren, to think about the repercussions of your actions on their future and that of the planet.
I find it heartbreaking that my kids and grandkids can’t afford to live in the town where their ancestors lived. And, sadly, if we don’t change our priorities, it will become unlivable for anyone.
Hoping someone hears this message and really considers how grave our situation is becoming.
Carleen Ambrosini Schomberg
From: Lisa Wade
Sent: Tuesday, September 21, 2021 1:22 PM
To: Jennifer Armer
Cc: Council <[email protected]>; PlantBasedAdvocatesCore Subject: Plant-Based Education Implementation Program
Hi Jennifer,
Thank you for hearing our comments last night!
I wanted to submit our specific reccommendation in writing for clarification.
We would like a Plant-Based Education Implementation Program to be added to Section 8 Environmental and Sustainability Element.
Specifically, we would like such a program to be added to Section 8.12. This section has Implementation programs A-M listed. We would like Implementation Program N to be added. We'd like program N to be a Plant-Based Education program to educate residents about the environmental and health benefits of a Plant-Based Diet.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Best,
Lisa
From: Levine, Joshua
Sent: Thursday, September 23, 2021 4:10 PM
To: Town Manager <[email protected]>
Cc: Council <[email protected]>
Subject: Plant Based Education Program
Hi Jennifer,
I have lived in Los Gatos for 3 years and have a son attending Fisher Middle School. I am writing to extend my support for the city incorporating a dedicated Plant Based Implementation Program added to Section 8 Environmental and Sustainability Element of the General Plan (section 8.12). It would be great if Los Gatos become leaders in the environmental space and model for other townships to follow.
Incorporating a plant based eating program could further this cause.
Our family follows a plant based diet for better nutrition and to reduce our carbon footprint.
Please let me know if you have any questions. Thank you for your consideration Best
Josh
_________________________________________________
Joshua Levine | Senior Vice President – Financial Advisor RBC Wealth Management
From: Mythri Ramesh
Sent: Saturday, September 25, 2021 8:27 AM
To: Jennifer Armer
Subject: Plant-based program for sustainability
Hi Jennifer,
Myself and my family lives in Los Gatos. We always thought that the Los Gatos city needs more education and awareness about Plant-based program for our health, animals and planet. It is simply not sustainable to breed billions of land animals every year, the land use, the deforestation, fresh water consumption, fossil fuels and Carbon emission. There is no way we can support that. We request that Los Gatos town include plant-based program in general plan 2040 under sustainability section. We look forward to hearing from you.
Thanks,
Mythri
From: Vinay Ramaswamy
Sent: Saturday, September 25, 2021 9:30 AM
To: Jennifer Armer
Subject: Vegan diet inclusion plan in general plan 2040 Hi Jennifer,
We moved to Los Gatos last February, we like the some plant-based programs on lgs recreation. But I believe no one should pay to get education on plant-based nutrition. The world is inevitably changing and we need to grow along with it. I plead you to include my petition for plant-based education for general public.
Thanks,
Vinay Ramaswamy
From: Laura Montonye Reese
Sent: Tuesday, September 28, 2021 6:51 PM
To: Town Manager <[email protected]>; Council <[email protected]> Subject: Please add a dedicated Plant-Based Education Program to the General Plan Hello Manager Armer and distinguished members of the Los Gatos City Council, I live at XX XXXXXXXXXXX, right next to the fire station on University Ave. I've lived here for over a year and would like to make a request: the addition of a dedicated Plant-Based Education Implementation Program added to Section 8.12 - Environmental and Sustainability Element of the General Plan. This program could include things like cooking classes, speaker series, a Vegfest, film screenings, etc.
Here's why:
Climate scientists stress that shifting toward plant-rich diets is essential if we are to avert climate catastrophe.[1] In the US, the EPA reports that methane emissions from livestock are on par with methane emissions from the entire fossil fuel sector.[2] Eating more plants and fewer animals is not only good for the planet, but it's also essential for preventing the leading causes of death.
The National Institute of Health reports that insufficient dietary fiber intake is associated with many serious conditions and leading causes of death: cardiovascular disease, cancer, strokes, type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, obesity, and high blood pressure. And yet, USDA experts report that 95% of Americans are deficient in dietary fiber intake, and on average, American adults consume only half the fiber they need.[3][4]
Since the mapping of the gut microbiome in 2006, evidence is mounting of the crucial function of fiber in our health. Studies show that even small increases in dietary fiber can prevent these chronic diseases.[5] Given that dietary fiber is exclusively found in plant foods like legumes, grains, vegetables, fruits, nuts, and seeds, it follows that we need to eat more fiber-rich plant foods.
Los Gatos residents will greatly benefit from learning about the crucial link between plant-rich diets and planetary and human health. So I encourage you to add this sensible Plant-Based Education Implementation Program to Section 8.12 of the General Plan.
Sincerely,
Laura Reese
References:
1. https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2021-02/documents/us-ghg-inventory-2021- chapter-5-agriculture.pdf#page=3
2. https://www.drawdown.org/solutions/plant-rich-diets
3. https://www.dietaryguidelines.gov/resources/2020-2025-dietary-guidelines-onlinematerials/food-sources-select-nutrients
4. https://sites.tufts.edu/nutrition/winter-2019/10-things-you-need-to-know-about-fiber/
5. https://academic.oup.com/aje/article/181/2/83/2739206
From: Amy Nishide
Sent: Wednesday, September 29, 2021 2:22 PM
To: Jennifer Armer
Subject: general plan feedback
2040 general plan feedback
9/27/21
General:
Change is inevitable. The general plan seems to do a good job of setting the direction to manage it in an equitable, purposeful, conscientious, environmentally sound way.
The draft should be more easily navigable facilitate private citizen review/input Needs more concrete measurable metrics. Since there don’t seem to be many included, what is the process for turning the general plan into an actionable, measurable programs over the next 20 years?
There are plans to make LG more inclusive through adding more affordable housing.
Are there also plans for bringing in ethnic grocery stores, places of worship which aren’t Christian, a cultural center (w/ ESL classes), and other cultural amenities as well? If we really want to include people of different cultures, it’s not enough to just make physical space for them.
RSEJ
1.1 Change to: Identify inequities, and direct town staff … Inequities need to be discovered through looking at services through a more equitable lens in order to properly address them
1.4 Replace encourage with encourage development and improved access.
How can you encourage access to something that barely exists?
1.6 Some data collection/analysis needed to measure the perceptions of residents, workers, and visitors. Improve the perception score of LG as a welcoming… Promoting something that you want people to believe doesn’t make it true.
1.7 Increase or improve, not promote
What are some of the ways the town can achieve this? Recruit higher paying business to operate in town? Such as start-ups, light manufacturing?
2.5 add recruiting/hiring from SJSU.
It’s a diverse school filled with lots of Santa Clara County students.
2.7 Drop develop and add: implement, and require cultural… for Town staff.
No need to reinvent the wheel. Plenty of DEI training exists already.
2.8 Drop promote, and add provide and encourage instead.
4.1 Good, it’s highly actionable
6.2 What does this mean? Specifically, who is the target?
6.3 Add develop and provide before promote
Land Use Element
LU 20.4 To increase public participation : Include the use of traditional forms of communication, such as flyers mailed to homes, local newspaper ads, posters around town and places of worship, and other gathering points, and inclusion in school-published bulletins sent to parents, etc. Hopefully, this will avoid future complaints about “not being part of the process: and avoid last minute demands.
From: Georgia Hamilton
Sent: Thursday, September 30, 2021 5:34 PM
To: Jennifer Armer
Subject: 2040 General Plan
Dear Town Council Members,
I live in the Town of Los Gatos and I'm writing to ask you to please include a dedicated Plant-Based education program in the Environmental section of the 2040 General Plan.
It would be great to have programs such as cooking classes, talks, and events to teach people how to incorporate more plants into their diets. This would be healthy for people and the planet.
Thank you for your consideration!
Sincerely.
Georgia Hamilton
From: karenr
Sent: Thursday, September 30, 2021 6:21 PM
To: Council
Cc: Jennifer Armer
Subject: Support for Plant-Based Education in Los Gatos Dear Los Gatos Town Council:
I support the efforts of Plant-Based Advocates to establish a dedicated plant-based education program for Los Gatos. Please add this to the environmental section of the General Plan 2040.
Best regards,
Karen Rubio
Los Gatos resident for 36 years
From: Fred Rubio
Sent: Thursday, September 30, 2021 6:28 PM
To: Council
Cc: Jennifer Armer
Subject: Please include Plant-Based Education programs into General Plan 2040 Dear Los Gatos Town Council:
I support the efforts of Plant-Based Advocates to establish a dedicated plant-based education program for Los Gatos. Please add this to the environmental section of the General Plan 2040.
Climate change is the single biggest issue we are facing today, and reducing our intake of meat, dairy and eggs is a crucial part of reducing greenhouse gas emissions. We MUST take action now to ensure a livable planet for our children.
Best regards,
Fred Rubio II
Los Gatos resident for 40 years
From: Manan Sardana
Sent: Thursday, September 30, 2021 6:57 PM
To: Council
Cc: Jennifer Armer
Subject: Support for Plant-Based Education in Los Gatos Dear Los Gatos Town Council:
I support the efforts of Plant-Based Advocates to establish a dedicated plant-based education program for Los Gatos. I support adding this to the environmental section of the General Plan 2040.
Best regards,
Manan Sardana
From: Kristine Goldberg
Sent: Thursday, September 30, 2021 7:13 PM
To: Council
Cc: Jennifer Armer
Subject: FW: Can you ask your sister?
Dear Los Gatos Town Council:
I support the efforts of Plant-Based Advocates to establish a dedicated plant-based education program for Los Gatos. I support adding this to the environmental section of the General Plan 2040.
Best regards,
Kristine Goldberg
From: Kristine Goldberg
Sent: Thursday, September 30, 2021 7:14 PM
To: Council
Cc: Jennifer Armer
Subject: Plant Based Education Program
Dear Los Gatos Town Council:
I support the efforts of Plant-Based Advocates to establish a dedicated plant-based education program for Los Gatos. I support adding this to the environmental section of the General Plan 2040.
Best regards,
Mike Goldberg
From: Emily Miramontes
Sent: Thursday, September 30, 2021 8:16 PM
To: Council
Cc: Jennifer Armer
Subject: Support for Plant-Based Education in Los Gatos Dear Los Gatos Town Council:
I support the efforts of Plant-Based Advocates to establish a dedicated plant-based education program for Los Gatos. I support adding this to the environmental section of the General Plan 2040.
Best regards,
Emily Miramontes
From: Erik Rubio
Sent: Thursday, September 30, 2021 8:51 PM
To: Council
Cc: Jennifer Armer
Subject: Please include plant-based education in GP 2040 Dear Los Gatos Town Council:
I support the efforts of Plant-Based Advocates to establish a dedicated plant-based education program for Los Gatos. Climate change is devastating our planet, and people need to learn more about how to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by reducing or eliminating animal foods such as meat, dairy and eggs. Please add plant-based education to the environmental section of the General Plan 2040.
Best regards,
Erik Rubio
Los Gatos resident
From: John Parsons
Sent: Thursday, September 30, 2021 10:25 PM
To: [email protected]; Jennifer Armer
Subject: Plant based education
Dear Town Council,
I am a resident of Los Gatos and a junior at San Jose State University. I am majoring in global and environmental studies. Through my education, I have developed a deep concern for the future of our planet and for humanity. I realize that we are currently in a very dire situation. However, I have learned that the simple act of changing the way we eat is a powerful way to combat climate change and keep warming under 1.5° C.
For these reasons, I would like to see a Plant-Based Education program included in the Environmental section of the Town's 2040 General Plan in the Environmental section.
I am proud to live in Los Gatos and would be proud to see us be a leader in a movement that can provide real hope for the future.
Sincerely,
John Parsons
From: Michelle Waters Art
Sent: Thursday, September 30, 2021 10:53 PM
To: Jennifer Armer; Council
Subject: Plant-based education program
Dear Mayor Sayoc and Town council members,
I live in Los Gatos and I would like to request that you add a Plant-Based Education program to section 8.12 of the 2040 General Plan. We urgently need to address climate change and plantbased eating is a very powerful way to protect our planet.
I would love to see town-sponsored events such as a vegfest, cooking classes, and a speaker series. The city of Mountain View promotes plant-based eating as part of its sustainability element and I'd like to see a similar program here in Los Gatos.
Sincerely,
Michelle Waters
Animal and Environmental Artist
From: Priti Malhotra
Sent: Friday, October 1, 2021 8:35 AM
To: Council
Subject: Plant based education
Hello
I live in Los Gatos and would like to see a plant-based education program in the town. Being a plant based advocate I see the benefits and impact this kind of education would have.
I support the development and funding to have a plant-based education program Thank you
Priti Malhotra
From: Christopher Wade
Sent: Friday, October 1, 2021 8:36 AM
To: Jennifer Armer ; Council
Subject: Please add Plant-Based Education to the General Plan To the Los Gatos Town Council,
Thank you for your efforts in creating the General Plan for our Town.
I have lived in Los Gatos for over 40 years. I love living in this town which is why I still live here.
I attended Blossom Hill School, Fisher Middle School, and Los Gatos High School.
I strongly support all efforts by the town to address climate change and GHG emissions.
I feel that more emphasis should be put on the promotion of plant-based diets as a way to mitigate climate change and reduce GHG emissions. Eating plant-based is a powerful and cost-effective way to address climate change.
I think the Climate Implementation section 8.12 could be greatly enhanced by the addition of a Plant-Based Education Implementation program. Such a program would enhance the health of residents, help address climate change, and foster community.
Thank you for your consideration.
Chris Wade
From: Lisa Wade
Sent: Friday, October 1, 2021 10:34 AM
To: Jennifer Armer; Council
Cc: Karen Rubio ; Rob Moore
Subject: My Comments for Meeting on October 6
My name is Lisa Wade and I am with Plant-based Advocates in Los Gatos. I have lived in Los Gatos for over 30 years.
Thank you for your hard work on the General Plan. We appreciate your efforts.
We also want to thank you for adding the words Plant-based to the Healthy Communities Section and also the Employer Incentives section. (6.13:Healthy Community and ENV 9.7 Employer Incentive Programs.) When the GPAC added the words plant-based to these 2 sections of the General Plan they also stated that they would do more because of the widespread public support for plant-based eating education and promotion in Los Gatos.
Our specific ask is this. We would like to see Plant-Based Eating Education added to section 8.12 Environmental Sustainability Element Implementation Programs. Section 8.12 has Implementation Programs A-M. We are requesting that you add a Program N PlantBased Eating Education.
According to Project Drawdown, the third- and fourth-best climate change solutions are reducing food waste and eating a plant-rich diet. (The top two solutions aren't things the average person can easily control: refrigerant management and onshore wind turbines.) Making the transition to a plant-based diet may well be the most effective way an individual can stop climate change." page 40 Project Drawdown The Most Comprehensive Plan Ever Proposed TO Reverse Global Warming edited by Paul Hawken.
Numerous peer-reviewed scientific studies agree that plant-based eating is the most effective way for individuals to help the planet. For this reason, any plan to address climate and sustainability should include the promotion of plant-based eating. Please do not leave out this powerful, cost-effective solution and add a Plant-based education program to section 8.12. This section will not be complete without such a program.
We understand that the General Plan is not a document that outlines details. For this reason, we request Implementation Program N with a simple heading Plant-Based Eating Education Program and a couple of sentences (just like the other implementation programs listed in section
8.12.)
We have a petition with 220 signatures from residents of Los Gatos plus 32 signatures from nearby neighbors (bordering on Los Gatos) who frequent Los Gatos businesses. We also have the support of local activist groups Health and Environmental NGOs including The Sierra Club Loma Prieta Chapter and Center for Biological Diversity. We also have the support of prominent citizens both in Los Gatos and neighboring cities such as Lucas Ramirez vice mayor of Mountian View and Alison Hicks city council member in Mountian View.
Also, the planning commission and council have received numerous emails requesting a plantbased eating education program be added to the General Plan 2040.
I am attaching our petition below.
Thank you for your consideration!
Lisa Wade
From: Rob Moore
Sent: Friday, October 1, 2021 4:21 PM
To: Council ; Jennifer Armer
Cc: karenr; Lisa Wade
Subject: Plant-Based Education in Los Gatos
Hello Town Council,
I want to write briefly to express my support of the efforts of Plant-Based Advocates to establish a dedicated plant-based education program for Los Gatos.
As an active resident of Los Gatos, I see educating community members about the importance of plant-based as vital to ensuring community health and moreover, meaningfully addressing climate change. I have seen plant-based eating growing in popularity throughout our town and I think encouraging that behavior is an excellent, easy step we can take as a town to take action against climate change.
Reducing consumption of meat and dairy is the single most impactful thing individuals can do to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and curb climate change. Please add this very important item to the Environmental Section of the General Plan 2040.
Thank you very much for your consideration and all that you do for the town.
Take care,
Rob Moore
From: btdodson
Sent: Saturday, October 2, 2021 4:13 PM
To: Town Manager
Subject: The 2040 Draft General Plan
Dear Ms. Prevetti:
Attached is a letter describing my feelings about the 2040 Draft General Plan.
Sincerely,
Barbara Dodson
SUBJECT: THE 2040 DRAFT GENERAL PLAN
Dear Town Officials:
I would like the following to happen as you review and revise the 2040 General Plan:
• Demand that the Plan specify that the Town will NEVER allow any more homes to be built than the number specified by RHNA, which for the period 2023-2031 is 1,993.
• Insist that the Housing Element be included in the General Plan. There is no reason to rush approval of the General Plan. Approval should be contingent upon inclusion of an acceptable Housing Element. (Without the Housing Element, the General Plan fails to provide a clear vision for the Town over the next 10-20 years. We need to know upfront where and in what volume new housing will be created. Near Pollard? Harwood? Los Gatos Boulevard?)
• Make it impossible for developers to create high-end housing without first creating affordable housing.
California needs more housing, but in the right places — near jobs, schools, parks, shopping centers, transportation. Los Gatos is already built out near its schools, parks, and shopping centers. It is not a job center—and doesn’t have the potential to become one--and does not have good transportation. Building more homes in Los Gatos will not change this. It will only create more traffic, more greenhouse gas emissions, and more demand for ever-decreasing water resources. If we must add 1,993 homes, let’s not go overboard and offer to build twice as many.
Los Gatos continues to be largely a bedroom community. Netflix is an aberration, not a new standard. People commute to work from Los Gatos. They chose to live in a town like Los Gatos so that they can come home to a certain amount of living and breathing space. Please keep in mind that Los Gatos was built up and built out around old-fashioned ideas about suburbia. A town like this cannot turn around on a dime and become any of the following.
• IT WILL NOT BE--A location for one or more transportation hubs around which high density housing can be created. (It seems clear that the VTA system will not be extended into Los Gatos.)
• IT WILL NOT BE--A location for new businesses and industries that can create large numbers of jobs to which local people can then commute by bicycle or public transportation. (The Plan’s notion that we will reduce traffic emissions over the next 20 years by having people travel to work by bicycle or public transportation is just wishful thinking. What might really lower emission is the widespread use of electric vehicles—which might happen.)
A General Plan based on the above two premises is completely unrealistic. These premises are popular with urban planners; they don’t reflect the realities of an already built-out suburban community like Los Gatos. Our Town planners seem to be getting on an urban-planning bandwagon that has absolutely no relevance to the Town of Los Gatos.
Sincerely,
Barbara Dodson
From: jvannada
Sent: Saturday, October 02, 2021 5:50 PM
To: Rob Rennie; Maria Ladle Ristow; Marico Sayoc; Matthew Hudes; Mary Badame Cc: Shelley Neis
Subject: General Plan Meeting 10/6/21
Dear Los Gatos Town Council,
I support the efforts of Plant-Based Advocates to establish a dedicated plant-based consumption education program for Los Gatos. Reducing consumption of meat and dairy is the single most impactful thing individuals can do to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and curb our climate crisis. The source of this statement is the Oxford study noted at https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/may/31/avoiding-meat-anddairy-is-single-biggest-way-to-reduce-your-impact-on-earth I urge you to add this very important plant-based consumption education program to the Environmental Section of the General Plan 2040.
Jak VanNada
From: awhite
Sent: Sunday, October 3, 2021 6:06 PM
To: Jennifer Armer
Subject: Plant- Based Initiative
Hi Jenifer,
My wife and I are long-term residents of the town of Los Gatos. We have lived here for 35 years. I am involved in a conservation program to save rhinos from poaching and extinction using technology. My involvement in this project has opened my eyes to the dire situation facing so many species. A very important step we can take to protect wildlife is to protect their habitat. Raising animals for food uses huge amounts of land and cuts into the habitat of wild animals. Meat and dairy reduction is a powerful way to conserve land and therefore endangered species as well.
According to the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, humans account for about 36 percent of the biomass of all mammals. Domesticated livestock, mostly cows and pigs, account for 60 percent, and wild mammals for only 4 percent. www.pnas.org/content/115/25/6506 Essentially we are replacing wild animals with livestock. I would like to believe that future generations will be able to enjoy the wildlife I have so appreciated throughout my life.
I am in full support of a program to educate residents about plant-based eating. Reducing meat and dairy consumption is an important step in protecting our planet and its amazing wildlife. I support including a plant-based education program in the Town's General Plan.
Thank you for the steps you have already taken in this regard. I look forward to seeing more programs to encourage healthy, environmentally friendly eating in Los Gatos.
Sincerely,
Antony G. White