ITEM NO. 8.
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Avoiding and Defending Against RLUIPA Claims
Enforcing zoning regulations to ensure the safety of residential neighborhoods (Murphy v. Zoning Comm’n of New Milford, 289 F. Supp. 2d 87, 108 (D. Conn. 2003), vacated, 402 F.3d 342 (2d Cir. 2005)).
Preventing crime (Harbor Missionary Church Corp. v. City of San Buenaventura, 642 F. App’x 726 (9th Cir. 2016)).
A compelling interest must be more than pro forma reliance on traditional zoning interests. It must be supported by a complete and comprehensive record of the municipality’s interests, and local action must be tailored to meet those interests. Creating a complete and comprehensive record is especially important to defeat substantial burden claims, which are the perhaps the most fact-intensive type of RLUIPA claim.
If a religious institution shows that a government action has substantially burdened its religious exercise, a government can avoid liability only if its actions were taken to advance compelling interests using the least restrictive means possible. Municipalities therefore need to strongly consider the compelling interests they seek to promote when enacting a regulation or acting on an application.
Municipal counsel should speak with the responsible planner and other officials to identify these interests in advance because courts do not look favorably on after-the-fact justifications for government action.
REGULATE RELIGIOUS USE BASED ON SIZE AND IMPACT
Municipalities can treat religious uses differently than other uses based on size and impact and still comply with RLUIPA. Limiting the focus to the size and impact of proposed uses, including the compelling interests the government seeks to advance, can have significant impact when defending against RLUIPA claims, for example:
A Hindu group claimed that a local zoning code treated religious uses worse than secular uses. The court denied summary
judgment because the zoning code did not discriminate against religious uses in favor of secular uses, but against large-scale uses in favor of small-scale uses. (Adhi Parasakthi Charitable, Med., Educ. & Cultural Soc’y of N. Am. v. Township of West Pikeland, 721 F.
Supp. 2d 361, 378 (E.D. Pa. 2010).)
A court denied summary judgment to a church, finding that the city’s hostility toward the church arose not from religious discrimination but from concerns over its size and proposed growth, which “threatened to outstrip the character and size of the city” (Castle Hills, 2004 WL 546792, at *14).
ENCOURAGE REAPPLICATION AFTER A DENIAL
Encouraging modifications to a proposed religious use and suggesting that the applicant resubmit its proposal can increase a municipality’s chances of defeating a substantial burden claim.
However, disingenuously leaving open the possibility of modification and resubmission is not likely to insulate municipalities from substantial burden claims. To better defend against these claims, a municipality can express on the record a genuine willingness to entertain a modified application for a similar proposal. For example, one court found a town’s stated willingness to consider a church’s future application was not genuine. There was sufficient evidence that the town wanted to derail the church’s project after the church refused to make a payment in lieu of taxes, and the town had manipulated the statutory environmental review process to that end (under the State Environmental Quality Review Act or “SEQRA”). (Fortress Bible Church v. Feiner, 694 F.3d 208, 219 (2d Cir. 2012).) An honest effort to develop alternatives may be the best approach for municipalities to avoid a RLUIPA violation and the potential for protracted and costly litigation. However, when engaging in dialogue over possible uses, it is important to impress on applicants that approval is not guaranteed, even though the agency may be more receptive to a modified proposal that incorporates the specific recommendations of the reviewing agency. Having the applicant and the municipality jointly engage a mediator may make sense in some cases. For those municipalities that do not want to encourage reapplication, identifying compelling interests advanced using the least restrictive means possible is key to defeating the claim.
AVOIDING EQUAL TERMS CLAIMS
Municipalities must be careful to avoid the perception of unequal treatment when excluding religious uses from certain zones. RLUIPA requires that religious uses be treated as well as any comparable secular assembly use (42 U.S.C. § 2000cc(b)(1)). Imposing a different, more onerous application process on a religious institution can support a violation of the equal terms provision.
Different courts have established different tests to determine unequal treatment (see Elijah Grp., Inc. v. City of Leon Valley, 643 F.3d 419, 422-23 (5th Cir. 2011)). Several courts have found violations where zoning codes prohibit religious uses but allow secular assembly uses, such as:
Clubs.
Meeting halls.
Community centers.
Auditoriums.
Theatres.
Recreational facilities.
(Midrash Sephardi, 366 F.3d at 1231-32.)
USE THE SAME PROCESS AND PROCEDURES
If religious uses are prohibited in a particular zone, be careful to similarly prohibit analogous secular assembly uses. Violations have been found where religious uses are allowed but subject to different, more stringent standards.
Municipalities should develop comparable regulations for broad classes of similar uses. Classify assembly uses together and, if possible, permit them all in the same zones under the same standards and prohibit all of them from the same zones. Regulating for broad classes may also help municipalities to:
Establish the neutrality and general applicability of their respective codes.
Demonstrate that they do not impermissibly target religious use.
Carefully scrutinize the zoning code to determine which uses could potentially be considered assembly uses, because assembly uses may not be obvious. For example, codes that identify municipal uses may not appear to qualify as secular assembly uses, but they
ITEM NO. 8.
4 © 2017 Thomson Reuters. All rights reserved.
Avoiding and Defending Against RLUIPA Claims
can include public schools, libraries, and museums (see Cautionary Example of Unequal Treatment).
If it is unclear whether a particular use could be considered an assembly use, err on the side of caution, and regulate it in the same manner as the rest of the grouped assembly uses.
Cautionary Example of Unequal Treatment
Important lessons can be taken from the case, Corp. of Catholic Archbishop of Seattle v. City of Seattle, where a federal district court ruled that municipal uses were assembly uses (28 F. Supp. 3d 1163 (W.D. Wash. 2014)). The court found that the city violated RLUIPA’s equal terms provision by requiring a Catholic high school to apply for a variance to put up 70-foot-high light poles for its athletic field in a residential single-family zone, while allowing public schools to do the same by special exception. The city argued that the differential treatment would promote the provision of public facilities by government agencies (Catholic Archbishop of Seattle, 28 F. Supp. 3d at 1168). Making it easier for these light poles to be placed at public athletic fields may encourage members of the public to use the public fields over private fields without the same lights.
The court rejected this argument because the city’s justification for the unequal treatment did not relate to “accepted zoning criteria” (one type of equal terms tests). The court noted that objective zoning criteria contained in the city’s land use code for a single-family zone included “light, tree coverage, density, structure height, traffic, parking, aesthetic considerations and occupancy” but did not include the municipality’s justification. The city’s justification, instead, appeared in external sources, such as the State of Washington’s Growth Management Act (Wash. Rev. Code Ann. Ch. 36.70A). (Catholic Archbishop of Seattle, 28 F. Supp. 3d at 1169.) Therefore, municipalities should include any justifications for different treatment in their respective zoning codes.
AVOIDING EQUAL TERMS CLAIMS: ARTICULATE JUSTIFICATIONS
FOR USING DIFFERENT STANDARDS
There may be justifiable reasons why a municipality does not want to regulate broadly, and reasons may be acceptable if they are carefully articulated. The municipality should be mindful of the court’s decision in Catholic Archbishop of Seattle, which held that municipalities must articulate any justifications for unequal treatment in the applicable sections of the zoning code itself to avoid the claims of subjectivity (see Cautionary Example of Unequal Treatment).
Justifications that have defeated, or courts have held could potentially defeat, equal terms claims include:
Creating parking space.
Controlling traffic.
Generating municipal revenue.
Limiting a commercial zone to commercial use.
(See River of Life Kingdom Ministries v. Village of Hazel Crest, 611 F.3d 367, 373 (7th Cir. 2010).)
CONSIDER THE IMPACTS OF ALL USES IN COMMERCIAL ZONES
Municipalities should be cautious when creating a pure commercial district in name, and then allowing non-commercial secular uses while rejecting religious uses. When identifying potential justifications for different treatment, carefully consider what other uses are allowed, and whether these uses could cause the same impacts the municipality seeks to alleviate by using different standards for religious uses. If allowed uses cause the same or similar impacts as religious uses excluded from the zone, the municipality may be subject to a colorable equal terms claim.
This problem arose in a reverse urban blight case in the US Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, where a city sought to create an entertainment district (Centro Familiar Cristiano Buenas Nuevas v.
City of Yuma, 651 F.3d 1163, 1165 (9th Cir. 2011)). The city required churches, but not other secular uses, to obtain a conditional use permit because a state statute prohibited the issuance of new liquor licenses to businesses operating within 300 feet of churches. The Ninth Circuit rejected the city’s stated justification for the unequal treatment promoting the development of the entertainment district because “many of the uses permitted as of right would have the same practical effect as a church of blighting a potential block of bars and nightclubs” (City of Yuma, 651 F.3d at 1174-75).
PUBLIC STATEMENTS AS EVIDENCE OF DISCRIMINATION
Discriminatory comments made by government officials or consultants reviewing a religious group’s land use proposal, especially when made in the public record, can be particularly damaging to municipalities defending against these claims. Even if a comment was made in jest, it is important to remember that words may appear very different on paper than they sound when spoken.
Plaintiffs’ lawyers can and do construe any relevant comment as an example of overt discrimination. One court found a town’s “open hostility” to religious use, in support of finding a violation of RLUIPA’s substantial burden provision, was evinced in part by:
Agency members’ comments that they opposed the application because it was “another church.”
The agency’s instruction to the town planner to “stop” and “kill” the project.
(Fortress Bible, 694 F.3d at 214, 219-20.)
Some courts consider whether an agency’s decision was arbitrary and capricious when evaluating RLUIPA claims (Westchester Day Sch., 504 F.3d at 351). Discriminatory comments made by public officials could support a finding that an agency’s decision was arbitrary and capricious.
Even comments from municipal lawyers that are not carefully considered are subject to being misconstrued. For example, for a local historic district commission, apparently wanting to emphasize that the religious use should be treated like any secular use, said that the Jewish Orthodox group’s plans should be “reviewed as if it were a strip joint.” The point the attorney was attempting to make could have succeeded by using the example of a private club, such as ones operated by the Veterans of Foreign Wars or the American Legion, instead of a strip club. The comment followed both the attorney and client throughout the case. (Third Amended Complaint ¶ 57, Chabad Lubavitch v. Borough of Litchfield, No. 3:09 CV 1419 (JCH) (D. Conn.
Apr. 26, 2010).)
ITEM NO. 8.
© 2017 Thomson Reuters. All rights reserved. 5
Avoiding and Defending Against RLUIPA Claims
CURE DAMAGE FROM AGENCY MEMBER STATEMENTS
There are steps that can be taken to cure the damage caused by comments that are alleged to be evidence of discrimination. Agency members should immediately and publicly renounce on the record any comments that could be construed as discriminatory and should be clear that the applicant’s religious beliefs play no part in their review of the application.
If a discriminatory comment is made, the agency’s chair should consider requesting that the offending member recuse herself from further review of the application, noting on the record that the reason for recusal is due to the discriminatory comments of the agency member and again affirm that religion plays no part in its review.
Even if the meaning of a statement is unclear but could be construed in an unfavorable light, the record should be clarified. It may also be helpful to ask how the applicant would like to proceed.
If the applicant makes a suggestion and the agency acts on the suggestion, such as an official resolution condemning the statement, the applicant may have waived any opportunity to challenge the comments. While it is difficult to predict whether this would be enough to cleanse the record, as each case is highly fact-specific, it would demonstrate good faith efforts on the part of the municipality.
AVOID AN ATMOSPHERE OF HOSTILITY AT PUBLIC HEARINGS
Just as public officials need to watch what they say to avoid having their comments construed as discriminatory, they also need to be cognizant of discriminatory comments made by members of the public or risk agency members being found complicit in or, more consequentially, persuaded by, these comments. This is what happened in City of Cleburne v. Cleburne Living Center, where the city denied a special permit for a group home for persons with developmental disabilities due to residents’ prejudices against those individuals (473 U.S. 432 (1985)). The city’s deference to the negative attitudes and unsupported fears of these opponents supported a finding of discrimination under the Equal Protection Clause.
Although not a religious land use case, the same principle applies.
As the court in Cleburne noted, “[p]rivate biases may be outside the reach of the law, but the law cannot, directly or indirectly, give them effect.” (Cleburne Living Ctr., 473 U.S. at 448.)
There are several ways that public officials can prevent the public from making discriminatory comments, including:
Preparing a statement to be read at the opening of the public hearing to let the public know that the religious applicant may submit evidence about its religion, particularly regarding what its beliefs require and the space needed to accommodate its exercise of religion.
Informing members of the public that they should not challenge the applicant’s religious beliefs, even if they disagree about whether the proposed use is religious, and asking them to limit their comments to zoning issues, not religion.
If discriminatory comments are made, immediately:
z instructing the speaker to limit her comments to zoning issues; z renouncing these comments; and
z stating again on the record that religion plays no part in their review.
DENOUNCE DISCRIMINATORY PUBLIC STATEMENTS
Different problems arise when members of the public make incendiary and discriminatory comments outside of the hearing itself.
Although these comments are not part of the record, local officials who are aware of them should denounce them in a public forum to help avoid an atmosphere of hostility. For example, in response to a proposal by a Muslim group to construct a 27,000-square-foot mosque and multipurpose hall on a 1.5-acre parcel of land located in a residential neighborhood, members of the public voiced their opposition on blogs and in the comments sections of local online media, such as:
”Mosques are weapons bunkers, terrorist training centers, and places of incitement.”
”Yay, just what the USA needs, another house where they teach to kill those that disagree with their ideology.”
”Why don’t the locals just defile the ground with pork products.” (Second Amended Complaint at 57, Al Madany Islamic Ctr. of Norwalk, Inc. v. City of Norwalk, No. 3:12-cv-00949-MPS (D. Conn. May 6, 2013.) While these public comments outside a hearing are not directly relevant to governmental liability, they can taint the public debate and color an eventual denial of use.
One federal court has recently ruled that public comments is one factor to be considered under a RLUIPA nondiscrimination provision claim (Chabad Lubavitch, 768 F.3d at 195). The nondiscrimination provision states, “No government shall impose or implement a land use regulation that discriminates against any assembly or institution on the basis of religion or religious denomination” (42 U.S.C. § 2000cc(b)(2)). Although few courts have interpreted or applied this provision, the court in Chabad Lubavitch found that the provision looked to many of the same factors under the Equal Protection Clause, including statements made by community members.
Plaintiffs can also support nondiscrimination claims by pointing to other religious groups that have been treated more favorably.
However, religious animus (express or implied) is required to prove any nondiscrimination claim.
CORRECTING IMPERMISSIBLE REGULATION
UNDER RLUIPA’S SAFE HARBOR PROVISION
The availability of land for religious uses alone may not be enough to defeat an unreasonable limits or substantial burden claim. The US Department of Justice (DOJ), which investigates allegations of discrimination across the country and sometimes sues to enforce RLUIPA, cautions that courts have found violations of the unreasonable limits provision “where regulations effectively left few sites for construction of houses of worship, such as through excessive frontage or spacing requirements, or have imposed steep and questionable expenses on applications” (DOJ, Civil Rights Division:
Statement of the Department of Justice on the Land-Use Provisions of the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act (RLUIPA), at Question 15 (Dec. 15, 2010)).
There may be no opportunity to make more land available for religious use. In these situations, municipalities may want to incorporate specific mechanisms into their zoning codes that allow exceptions for religious uses having difficulty finding land.
ITEM NO. 8.
6 © 2017 Thomson Reuters. All rights reserved.
Avoiding and Defending Against RLUIPA Claims
RLUIPA contains a safe harbor provision that authorizes municipalities to exempt religious land uses from certain policies or practices that might otherwise violate the statute (42 U.S.C. § 2000cc-3(e)). Although this provision does not detail what municipalities must do to avoid liability, it gives them broad authority to act. Municipalities should add this provision verbatim to local codes.
The safe harbor provision may be used to address several issues.
Where a religious group claims that a zoning denial, coupled with the realities of the real estate market, have imposed a substantial burden on religious exercise, the safe harbor provision appears to allow municipalities to reconsider the denial (see Riverside Church v. City of St. Michael, 2016 WL 4545310 (D. Minn. Aug. 31, 2016)). A municipality could use the provision to reverse the denial and approve it subject to reasonable conditions. In this regard, municipalities should work with religious applicants to determine which conditions would be acceptable for all involved. If this is impossible, be sure that all conditions of approval are reasonable in scope and further compelling interests (public health and safety) in the least restrictive means possible.
If a RLUIPA suit is filed after a denial, or even an approval with conditions, the municipality may consider using the provision to reopen the hearing, inform the applicant of an acceptable development design, or review the application again if the former hearing was full of religious animus. The provision has been used with some success relating to possible facial violations of RLUIPA’s equal terms provision. In these situations, municipalities have amended zoning codes to ensure that religious uses are treated the same as secular uses.
PREVENTING CLAIMS BY EDUCATING AND COUNSELING
GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS
RLUIPA is not easy to understand, and even courts interpret the statute differently. Proper training of local officials before they begin to review a religious use application is essential to avoiding and defending against RLUIPA claims. Educating local officials during the review process itself is not ideal because it may lead officials to focus too much on the statute instead of the proposed use.
One factor courts consider is whether a land use agency’s decision was arbitrary and capricious or supported by substantial evidence in the record. This is particularly relevant to substantial burden claims. A finding that a decision was arbitrary and capricious weighs in favor of finding a RLUIPA violation. One court found a violation of the substantial burden provision in part because of the arbitrariness of the municipality’s decision-making process, noting that:
The planning board members “lacked legal training and possessed little to no knowledge of RLUIPA.”
There was “no attempt by the City to educate the [planning board] regarding RLUIPA.”
”To the extent members of the RBPB were even aware of RLUIPA’s existence, the evidence indicates that their understanding of the law was flawed.”
(Grace Church of N. Cty. v. City of San Diego, 555 F. Supp. 2d 1126, 1137 (S.D. Cal. 2008).)
Educating local officials about RLUIPA compliance before application review can be part of a compliance effort that avoids RLUIPA violations. Even if this training is not necessary or feasible, municipal counsel should offer refresher training tailored to the issue relevant to the specific proposal either:
When a municipality learns that it will be receiving an application for a proposed religious land use.
After it receives the application but before it opens the related public hearing.
If municipal counsel is involved in the review of the application to assist the agency members, it may be most effective for training to come from an outside source. Outside training can also help maintain the confidentiality of the attorney-client relationship.
Non-privileged actions and statements from municipal counsel, likely the municipality’s agent, will be part of the record if a RLUIPA claim is ever litigated. However, there are preventative measures that municipal counsel can offer, such as:
Providing annual courses to update members on new
developments in the law.
Updating zoning handbooks.
For municipalities without handbooks, making copies of the DOJ’s RLUIPA reports, which are freely available to decision makers (for the most recent report, see DOJ: Update on the Justice Department’s Enforcement of the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act: 2010-2016).
Administering mandatory trainings and pop quizzes for municipal officials based on their review of the handbook or other materials.
MOCK APPLICATION EXERCISES
Municipalities can create an exercise to find the weak spots in their regulations by enlisting public officials to take on roles as potential applicants and make hypothetical applications. Script the applications and build in as many teaching points as possible. Assign roles to some participants but not others. The municipality might develop a scenario regarding an application for a house of worship with a private, religious school in a residential neighborhood. Add more complexities to the example, such as:
The religious group seeking the mixed use uses hallucinogenic tea as part of its faith.
Part of the school is used for only religious classes and the other part for only secular classes.
Within the past few years, the agency has approved both secular and religious high schools in the same zone of varying sizes. Agency members:
z have a conflict of interest; or
z have made questionable comments.
There are angry neighbors.
After the exercise is complete, bring in the experts, identify the issues, and critique the agency’s decision and its handling of the public hearing.
REAL-TIME ADVICE
City or special counsel should be present at all meetings or hearings where religious land use proposals are considered. Some of the
ITEM NO. 8.
© 2017 Thomson Reuters. All rights reserved. 7
Avoiding and Defending Against RLUIPA Claims
factors under RLUIPA may conflict with certain aspects of the normal discretionary review process. For example, while financial hardship generally cannot form the basis for variance relief, a religious applicant’s financial situation is relevant to substantial burden claims (see Westchester Day Sch., 504 F.3d at 352-53). Consideration of the applicant’s ability to find ready alternatives may not be relevant to most other types of applications but are relevant to religious and other uses that have First Amendment protection, such as adult entertainment. The municipality should consider whether:
There are other sites where the religious group could locate without unreasonable delay or uncertainty.
The group has explored other alternative sites.
If an agency member makes a comment that is clearly inconsistent with RLUIPA, for example, that the agency cannot consider the availability of alternative sites when deciding a special permit application, it may be necessary for counsel to step in and provide real-time advice to avoid a decision that may later be found to have been arbitrary and capricious.
IS THE PROPOSED USE RELIGIOUS EXERCISE?
RELIGIOUS EXERCISE
RLUIPA defines “religious exercise” as “any exercise of religion, whether or not compelled by, or central to, a system of religious belief” (42 U.S.C. § 2000cc-5(7)(A)). The statute applies to “[t]he use, building, or conversion of real property for the purpose of religious exercise” (42 U.S.C. § 2000cc-5(7)(B)).
The statute’s reach is broad. RLUIPA applies to just about any type of use alleged by an applicant as a form of religious exercise, even if nontraditional, as long as the beliefs are sincerely held. Courts are not in the business of deciding what is and what is not religious exercise. (United States v. Ballard, 322 U.S. 78, 86-87 (1944).) While municipalities are free to challenge the sincerity of religious beliefs, they should not opine on what they view and do not view as religious exercise. Challenging whether an applicant’s proposed use is a form of religious exercise could also raise a red flag of discrimination.
One court recently considered when mixed use is religious exercise.
The court applied the segmented approach, under which, for each room or facility in a multi-use building, the court:
Applied the substantial burden analysis to those rooms that were used for both secular and religious purposes.
Did not apply the substantial burden analysis to rooms or facilities used only for a secular purpose.
(Chabad Lubavitch v. Borough of Litchfield, 2016 WL 370696, at *6-7 (D. Conn. Jan. 27, 2016).)
CORPORATE RLUIPA CLAIMS AFTER HOBBY LOBBY
In the wake of the Supreme Court’s decision in Burwell v. Hobby Lobby Stores, Inc., it is unclear whether privately held corporations can now bring RLUIPA claims (134 S. Ct. 2751 (2014)). In Hobby Lobby, the Court found that corporations were “persons” and could sue under RLUIPA’s predecessor, the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) (42 U.S.C. §§ 2000bb to 2000bb-4). While this decision has had its critics, including Justice Ginsburg in her dissent, and the case law ruling on claims from corporations is not yet mature, municipalities should cautiously analyze corporate claims and suits under RLUIPA and RFRA. Out of an abundance of caution, municipalities should proceed as though the statute does apply.
ADDITIONAL PROCEDURES AND PREPARING
FOR A RIPENESS DEFENSE
RLUIPA claims must be ripe to be adjudicated by a court. The Supreme Court set out the most common test to determine ripeness in Williamson County Regional Planning Commission v. Hamilton Bank, which requires that an applicant obtain a final, definitive position about how it can use its property, including exhaustion of the variance process (473 U.S. 172 (1985)). Under this test, courts have dismissed RLUIPA suits for lack of ripeness where the religious entity or individual did not seek variance relief.
RELAXED RIPENESS
Another test to determine ripeness, which must be considered before the Williamson County test, is the relaxed ripeness test. Under the relaxed test, a court adjudicates RLUIPA claims, even if the religious entity or individual did not seek a variance, if both:
The religious entity suffered immediate injury from the government’s actions.
Additional administrative remedies would not further define the alleged injuries.
(Dougherty v. N. Hempstead Bd. of Zoning Appeals, 282 F.3d 83, 90 (2d Cir. 2002).)
For example, one court concluded that a property owner’s failure to appeal a cease and desist order to a local zoning board of appeals left the owner’s asserted immediate injuries ill-defined (Murphy v.
New Milford Zoning Comm’n, 402 F.3d 342, 352 (2d Cir. 2005)).
When weighing additional procedures and to preserve the ripeness defense, municipalities should therefore consider establishing either:
An administrative procedure to allow an aggrieved religious land use applicant to appeal an adverse zoning decision to the zoning board of appeals or another agency.
A formal process of reconsideration for land use decisions, especially one that is required before a further administrative appeal.
Generally applied, additional procedures could place municipalities in a position to:
Show that an alleged immediate injury is ill-defined absent an appeal of an adverse decision.
Prompt an adjudicating court to dismiss a lawsuit, especially where the religious group did not seek a variance or other relief.
A religious group may sue after both an initial denial of its desired use and after the reconsideration or appeal, raising the possibility of two lawsuits. However, having an additional round of review has some advantages for municipalities. Municipalities using these types of additional procedures can:
See the claims in the first challenge, allowing them to know what they may be up against in later lawsuits.
ITEM NO. 8.
ITEM NO. 8.
From: Razi Mohiuddin < >
Sent: Wednesday, February 25, 2026 1:53 PM
To: Jocelyn Shoopman <[email protected]>
Subject: Re: Recommended CUP Feedback
Jocelyn,
Thanks for sharing the video. For the record, and we would like this to be included in the public comments - this individual who parked the car in front of their residence is not from our community. The individual was part of the ABC News crew. You can see in the video that the individual walked to the news van, talked to them, and walked back to the red vehicle. Our traffic guard repeatedly asked the individual not to park there, and move the vehicle, but they did not listen to us - if the video started a little earlier, you would have seen the discussion with the individual and the traffic guard.
I was personally there and observed this, and you can see me directing traffic when the individual left.
Thanks,
Razi
ITEM NO. 8.
From: Kim Ratcliff < >
Sent: Thursday, February 19, 2026 6:56 PM
To: Allen Meyer <[email protected]>
Cc: jimratcliff < >; Town Manager <[email protected]>; Jocelyn Shoopman <[email protected]>; Joel Paulson <[email protected]>; Gabrielle Whelan <[email protected]>; Sblend Sblendorio < >
Subject: Re: Following up West Valley Muslim Association, January 24, 2026 event Town of Los Gatos and Allen,
Here is a video captured by our security camera on 2/19 showing a WVMA attendee's red van blocking our driveway for 10 minutes. THIS is why we need traffic mitigation and direction/code enforcement and LGPD out here. We cannot stand out there and call LGPD every night. We're not the police. We are citizens. We were inside our home and do not want to be outside in unsafe conditions. To send I have to clip in 20 second sections. In the last video you see the driver finally cross the street and return to his vehicle.
Jocelyn, please include these videos in the Planning Commission packet.
Kim and Jim Ratcliff
ITEM NO. 8.
Jocelyn Shoopman,
Senior Planner Town of Los Gatos
110 East Main Street Los Gatos, CA 95030
Dear Jocelyn Shoopman,
We are writing to follow up on the recommendation we received from the Planning Commission Chair and Vice Chair at last week’s Planning Commission meeting (Tuesday, January 27, 2026) encouraging us to engage with other positions and departments to inform them of our concerns.
For context, last week our neighborhood community (Jim Ratcliff) spoke during the Verbal Communications agenda item, sharing our concerns about our community’s safety and the non-compliance concerns related to West Valley Muslim Association's (WVMA) upcoming 30-night Ramadan celebration (February 17- March 18, 2026) and ongoing year-round activities violating the existing CUP.
We are disheartened to learn that the members of the Planning Commission knew nothing of our plight despite the fact that over the past two years, the Town has received 15 letters from concerned neighbors on five streets bordering WVMA’s property over the past two years; we have provided the Town with numerous emails, video documentation, presentations, data, etc. and had many meetings with numerous elected officials serving on the Town Of Los Gatos’ local government and office personnel.
As a result, we are working to communicate with the Town of Los Gatos departments and all of the critical roles that support our Town and community, to actively help us get this item on the radar.. We are sharing a consistent message about the impact on our neighborhood’s safety and CUP violation concerns. We are doing this through written communication, in person meetings and participating in public forums. The goal is to get the right level of attention so we can collaboratively establish an action plan.
For your part, we are asking for your support with this effort, and asking for your availability to meet for 15-20 minutes to get your input and guidance. We believe this will support getting alignment of the parties involved and affected, while creating a consistent set of expectations and accountability.
We truly feel this is a compatibility issue. By way of example, some of the key issues being raised are reflected in The Town’s Codes (i.e. 16.20.010 (a)(1), 16.20.015). The existing CUP (U-24-010), revised in 2020, and as restated in a letter from the Town Of Los Gatos (dated 7/5/2025) responding to WVMA, reads that the property is to be maintained as an "existing church facility”; that worship is extended to 11PM only during Ramadan, and is limited to 10-25 people during the added hour, and only for that specific 30 day period. For the remainder of the year, services are permitted until 10 PM.
We look forward to your response to our request and would be happy to answer any questions you have.
Regards,
NOTE:Sentto Town’s email: Town of Los Gatos General Email Provided on Town Website Page 485 ITEM NO. 8.
From: Hongzhi Zhao < >
To: Joel Paulson <[email protected]>
Cc: Kim Ratcliff < >, < >, Allen Meyer
<[email protected]>
Subject: WVMA traffic noise level on Farley Road during its morning prayer service between 4:40 am to 6:00 am
Date: Monday, July 28, 2025 7:44:32 PM
Attachments: WVMA Traffic Noise on Farley Road during 4am to 6am.pdf Hello, Joel:
Hope you’re doing well. As you may know our sleep has been severely disrupted by the WVMA's traffic noise during its morning prayer services between 4:40am to 6:00am, especially in the mornings of Saturday and Sunday. We measured the traffic noise levels on Farley Road, which violates the LG City noise ordinance limits. I attached the report in this email. Please consider it when you review WVMA's application for the modified CUP.
Regards, Hongzhi.
ITEM NO. 8.
West Valley MuslimAssociation (WVMA) TrafficNoise Levels on Farley Road Between 4:00am -6:00am During the Summer Morning Services Hongzhi Zhao
7/27/2025
• Los Gatos Noise Ordinance Sec. 16.20.030. - Public property noise limits:
No person shall cause, make,suffer or allow to be made by any machine, animal, device or combination ofsame, on public property a noise level more than fifteen (15) dB noise level
specified for that particular noise zone, asshown on the Noise Zone Map, during that particular time frame, at any point outside of the property plane. • Los Gatos Noise Zone Map Limit:
Between 10:00pm to 6:00am, the ambient noise level limit is 43dBa during the weekends/Holidays, and it is 48dBa during the weekdays. The violation limits are 58dBa during the weekends and 63dBa during the weekdays.
• WVMA Traffic Noise Level Measurement:
The Sound level meter (SLM) was placed on the property lot line of 16742 Farley Road which is about 8 feet from Farley Road. The SLM was set to “Fast” response. • WVMA Traffic Noise Level Plots:
In the following plots, the black line is the sound level meter recorded noise level in dBa.
The red star (*) points indicate WVMA traffic noise levels violate the noise ordinance limits.
(Continue to next page)
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1: Weekends:
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3: WVMA Traffic Noise Measurement Location:
ITEM NO. 8.
From: [email protected] < >
Sent: Monday, June 30, 2025 9:56 AM
To: Jocelyn Shoopman <[email protected]> Cc: Town Manager <[email protected]>
Subject: WVMA concerns
To Whom It May Concern:
We're writing to request that the following information about our neighbor, the West Valley Muslim Association, be included in the Planning Commission meeting packet. The information WVMA provided for my wife, Ann, did not accurately reflect how Ann and I feel. It is essential to establish a clear set of boundaries for WVMA's CUP modification to prevent the organization from continuing to negatively impact the character of our small, quiet residential street.
On July 12, 2024, and July 19, 2024, I was approached by one of WVMA's representatives who was conducting traffic and parking control on Farley Road. This traffic control has happened very infrequently since the above dates. The attendee asked if I had any concerns. My major concern was the lights from the exiting cars shining right into our front window and bedroom.
They offered to plant trees or hedges on our property to block the light. I replied that that wouldn't work due to the offset of driveways. What was left out of my response in the Neighborhood Report submitted to the Town by WVMA was my suggestion to reverse the direction of driveways at the entrance and exit points. I also suggested a stop sign to slow down the continuous flow of cars leaving the mosque. On the 7/19/2024 interaction, I was again approached by the same rep asking if had thought about her suggestion of planting trees or hedges. I again stated that it would not work to alleviate the light from hitting our front window. I again asked about my suggestion, she would bring it to the Board. To date, as of 7/20/2025, I have not heard back from any WVMA representative.
On 11/25/24, two WVMA reps came to our door and spoke with Ann Bundlie (wife) to seek feedback about her concerns. Again, Ann mentioned the lights, traffic, noise, and the speed of cars leaving and entering the mosque. The attendees promised to remind the community. All problems still exist as of this date 7/20/25.
On 3/14/2024, a WVMA rep approached Mary Hogan (sister-In-law) who lives in a cottage on the property. She was asked about her concerns with the attendees of the Mosque. Mary voiced her concern about the sudden acceleration/noise made by members leaving the mosque. The rep promised that attendees would be reminded of concerns.
Since our last interaction with attendees from the Mosque on November 25, 2024, there has been no follow-up regarding our concerns. Our concerns have increased:
1. WVMA's Maintenance/Gardening crew runs a gas blower (violation of city ordinance) for at least 2 hrs. a week.
ITEM NO. 8.
2. WVMA's attendees' vehicles constantly turn around in our driveway, day and night.
Clearly, the communication they mention in their CUP modification, asking members to respect neighbors, is not working.
3. During Friday prayers and special events, vehicles routinely block our mailbox and driveway.
4. During Friday prayers and special events, vehicles routinely park in front of the fire hydrant across the street. The next hydrant is located over 100 yds away.
5. There is constant weekend traffic from activities in our neighborhood, as well as lots of screaming and yelling in WVMA's parking lot. It's as if no adults are supervising.
6. Attendees congregate in groups on the street, some with loud voices, including during Ramadan as we tried to sleep. Attendees chat, fold up strollers, chirp their car alarms to unlock vehicles, etc.
7. Once the services end during Friday prayers and other events, the constant stream of vehicles on Farley Road prevents us from leaving our home. There is no yielding on behalf of the attendees. At times, my wife or sister-in-law has to get out of the car and physically stop vehicles in the road.
I'm sure that none of the WVMA members would want this to happen to them. We have endured a great deal over the past two years, in terms of being negatively impacted by WVMA.
Their neighborhood report in the CUP modification application does not accurately reflect how we, as neighbors,
feel.
Respectfully,
Ann & Roger Bundlie
ITEM NO. 8.
From: Kim Ratcliff < >
Sent: Thursday, June 26, 2025 10:09 AM
To: Jocelyn Shoopman <[email protected]>; Town Manager <[email protected]>; ; jimratcliff < >; Allen Meyer <[email protected]>
Subject: Fwd: WVMA gardeners using gas blower
Dear Jocelyn,
We would like to ask that this communication be included in the Planning Commission meeting packet as it demonstrates a continued lack of cohesion between WVMA leadership and the vendors in their employ as well as a continued disregard of Town ordinances.
Thanks,
Kim and Jim Ratcliff
Roger and Ann Bundlie
---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Allen Meyer <[email protected]>
Date: Tue, Jun 24, 2025 at 7:38 AM
Subject: RE: WVMA gardeners using gas blower
To: Kim Ratcliff < >, Bridgette Falconio <[email protected]> Cc: >, jimratcliff < >
Good morning Kim,
The equipment did appear to be a gasoline powered leaf blower. I have drafted a notice and will be sent out in todays mail. I’ll conduct an inspection in a few weeks to confirm that the violation has been resolved.
Best,
Allen Meyer ● Code Compliance Officer
Community Development Department ● 110 E. Main Street, Los Gatos CA 95030 Ph: 408.399.5746 ● [email protected]
www.losgatosca.gov ● https://www.facebook.com/losgatosca
Regular Code Compliance hours:
7:00 AM – 3:30 PM, Monday – Friday
All permit submittals are to be done online via our Citizen’s Portal platform. All other services can be completed at the counter. For more information on permit submittal, resubmittal, and issuance, please visit the Building and Planning webpages.
ITEM NO. 8.
CONFIDENTIALITY DISCLAIMER
This e-mail is intended only for the use of the individual(s) named in this e-mail. If you receive this e-mail and are not a named recipient, any use, dissemination, distribution or copying of the e-mail is strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please immediately notify us at the above e-mail address.
From: Kim Ratcliff < >
Sent: Monday, June 23, 2025 3:18 PM
To: Allen Meyer <[email protected]>; Bridgette Falconio <[email protected]> Cc: ; jimratcliff
Subject: Re: WVMA gardeners using gas blower
Dear Allen,
I shared the video with you and Bridgette Falconio in the WVMA Google Folder that Bridgette created so I could share other videos with the Town.
The video is too long to send via email so hopefully she can show you the video. Please let us know if it was in fact a gas blower.
Thanks,
Kim
On Mon, Jun 23, 2025 at 1:36 PM Allen Meyer <[email protected]> wrote:
Good afternoon Kim,
Please provide me with your video documentation. If I observe a violation in the video, I will send an Administrative Warning to WVMA.
Thank you,
Allen
From: Kim Ratcliff
Sent: Monday, June 23, 2025 1:20 PM
To: Allen Meyer <[email protected]>; ; jimratcliff < > Subject: WVMA gardeners using gas blower
Dear Allen,
Today, from approximately 10:30-1130 am, and also for 2+ hours last week, West Valley Muslim Association's gardening crew used a gas blower. We have video documentation if you need to view it.
Can you please reiterate the Town's rules to WVMA about gas blowers?
Thanks,
Kim and Jim Ratcliff
Roger Bundlie
ITEM NO. 8.
From: Jinping Yang < >
Sent: Sunday, June 22, 2025 9:30 PM
To: Jocelyn Shoopman <[email protected]>
Subject: Re: Concern regarding the CUP modification request by WVMA Hi Jocelyn,
We'd like to write to you again to reemphasize our family's stance regarding WVMA's CUP modification.
This year's Ramadan was much better than before. We appreciate WVMA's consideration and wish it remains this way in the future. To reciprocate, my family would consider it acceptable to delay the deadline to 11:00PM in the few months when sundown happens late (July & June). In any case, it should never be over 11:00PM. Frankly, 11:00PM is already ridiculous for any neighborhood.
Our community should have a say in the terms of CUP. The CUP modification should not be approved without prior consent by the community.
Thanks & best regards,
Jinping Yang & Zhuo Wang
ITEM NO. 8.
From: Hongzhi Zhao < >
Sent: Wednesday, June 4, 2025 1:43 PM
To: Jocelyn Shoopman <[email protected]>
Cc: Kim Ratcliff < >
Subject: Re: Concerns about a Modified CUP for WVMA
Hello, Jocelyn:
Hope you’re doing well. I documented WVMA traffic and traffic noise during current morning service and during last Ramadan month. It is attached. Our normal sleep is severely disrupted by WVMA traffic noise between 10:00pm to 6:00am.
Regards,
Hongzhi.
ITEM NO. 8.
WVMA Traffic & Traffic Noise
Between 10:00pm to 6:00am
Hongzhi Zhao
ITEM NO. 8.
House Location:
• My residence is situated on Farley Road, approximately halfway between the West Valley Muslim Association (WVMA) and Los Gatos Boulevard, with the house positioned about 40 feet from Farley Road itself. • Most WVMA members drive to the WVMA property via Los Gatos Blvd and Farley Road, passing by our home. • The vehiclestravelsignificantly faster near our house than at the WVMA entrance gate, resulting in much higher traffic noise.
• Our bedroom faces Farley Road, and the noise from WVMA traffic between 10:00 PM and 6:00 AM severely disrupts our sleep.
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Morning Prayer Services During Summer,
(4:40am – 6:00am)
• Saturday: About 40 vehicles attend the services. The total in-and out vehicles is about 50 passing by my house.
• Sunday-Friday: About 13 vehicles attend the services. The total in-and-out vehicles is about 20 passing by my house.
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WVMA Ramadan, Prayer Services,
(After Daylight Saving Time Starts,
3/9/2025-3/28/2025)
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Evening Services, Traffic, 8:30pm-10:00pm:
The services started around 9:00pm and ended around 10:30pm.
There were about 200-320 vehicles attended the evening services. 350
300
WVMA Traffic (Number of Vehicles), 8:30pm-10:00pm
250
200
150
100
50 0
ITEM NO. 8.
Evening Services, Traffic, 8:30pm-10:00pm:
There were bumper-to-bumper congestion on Farley Road between 8:40pm to 9:05pm.
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Evening Services, Traffic, 10:00pm-11:00pm:
Around 10:30pm to 11:00pm, there were about 120-170 vehiclesleaving WVMA through Farley Road toward Los Gatos Blvd.
There were about same number of vehiclesleaving WVMA through Farley Road toward Izorah Way/Flintridge Dr.
WVMA Traffic (Number of Vehicles), 10:00pm -11:00pm
200
180
160
140
120
100
80 60
40 20
0
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By SLM. Red * indicated noise level violates the violation limit (54dBa)
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Morning Service, Traffic, 6:00am-7:00am
There were about 60 in-and-out WVMA’s vehicles between 6:00am – 7:00am WVMA Traffic (Number of Vehicles), 6:00am-7:00am
80 70
60 50
40 30
20 10
0
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Reference: Vehicle Noise Level versus Speed:
Reference link: https://nonoise.org/resource/trans/highway/spnoise.htm
ITEM NO. 8.
May 20, 2025
To: Jocelyn Shoopman, Senior Planner
Town of LosGatos Community Development
110 E. Main St.
Los Gatos, CA 95031
Re: WVMA 16769 Farley Road Ms.
Shoopman:
The Muslim Legal Fund of America’s Legal Division is a nonprofit law center dedicated to defending the constitutional rights of Muslims in America. We offer guidance to the Town of Los Gatos regarding the West Valley Muslim Association’s (WVMA) application to extend its hours of operations in its conditional use permit (CUP) to allow it to hold early morning and evening prayers as required by Islam.
Prayer (salah) is one of Islam’s Five Pillars, meaning that Muslims are obligated to observe daily prayers and cannot waive this requirement without good cause. Islam requires Muslims to pray a minimum of five times per day at pre-determined times that depend on the sun’s placement in the sky— approximately dawn (fajr), early afternoon (dhuhr), later afternoon (asr), sunset (maghrib), and night (isha). As the sun’s placement in the sky fluctuates overthe course of a year, so too do the timesfor daily prayers. Fajr prayers will take place earlier in the summer than in the winter, while maghrib and isha prayers will occur later in the summer than in the winter. Additionally, fasting during Ramadan (sawm), the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, representing another mandatory Pillar of Islam. During Ramadan, Muslims increase their religious observance by performing extra prayers after the nightly isha prayer called taraweeh. These prayers usually involve reading one chapter of the Quran each night so that the prayer can complete all 30 chapters of the Quran during Ramadan, and therefore can last multiple hours. Because the Islamic calendar is a lunar calendar, the month of Ramadan does not align with a month in the Gregorian U.S. standard calendar and therefore changes every year. To fulfill their religious obligations under Islam, WVMA’s Muslim community will need access to a communal space to pray during fajr, isha, and taraweeh prayers during these times that vary throughout the year.
As you are aware, the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act (RLUIPA) prohibits local governments from implementing a land use regulation in a manner that imposes a substantial burden on the religious exercise of a person, including a religious assembly or institution. 42 U.S.C. § 2000cc(a)(1).
Both the current CUP and the Town of Los Gatos’s request that WVMA modify its worship schedule substantially burden WVMA’s ability to operate its mosque in accordance with the Islamic faith. The times set for prayer are mandated by the Quran and are therefore not subject to change. While the current CUP prohibits WVMA from offering worship activities after 10PM during most of the year, except for the 30- day period of Ramadan during which worship activities are prohibited after 11 PM, Muslim worshippers are obligated to worship at specified times that may extend pass the hours of 10 PM and 11 PM. As WVMA stated in its Letter of Justification, WVMA is the only mosque in Los Gatos, CA and the largest mosque in the area, with the next largest mosque being north of San Jose, nearly 12 miles away. If WVMA cannot hold space for Muslim worshippers to pray during religiously obligated times— indeed, the primary
ITEM NO. 8.
function of any mosque—the Muslim community of Los Gatos and neighboring counties will not have a space to exercise their religion and will instead need to incur a substantial burden to attend the nearest facility that offers prayers during a schedule compliant with Islam. See Bethel World Outreach Ministries v. Montgomery Cnty Council, 706 F.3d 548, 558 (4th Cir. 2013) (holding that considerable evidence that current facilities inadequately serve religious needs is sufficient to show substantial burden).
Under RLUIPA, the Town of Los Gatos must show that the imposition of this burden on WVMA and its Muslim community furthers a compelling government interest and is the least restrictive means of doing so. 42 U.S.C. § 2000cc(a)(1)(A)–(B). Courts do not consider bans on noise disturbances to be a compelling government interest sufficient to prohibit a religious assembly from operating. See Guru Nanak Sikh Soc’y v. County of Sutter, 456 F.3d 978, 991–92 (9th Cir. 2006) (holding county did not show a compelling government interest when it cited noise, traffic, and environmental concerns as reasons for prohibiting construction of a temple). And even if it was, banning all communal worship after 10 PM (or 11 PM during Ramadan) to comply with a town ordinance prohibiting noise disturbances does not constitute the least restrictive means of furthering that interest, especially in light of the importance of religious freedom and exercise enshrined in RLUIPA.
Note that RLUIPA separately forbids local governments from imposing or implementing a land use regulation in a manner that treats a religious assembly less equally than a nonreligious assembly or that discriminates against an assembly on the basis of religion. 42 U.S.C. § 2000cc(b). WVMA has made multiple significant modifications to its premises and operations in good faith to comply with all applicable regulations and satisfy neighbor complaints, even when those complaints were not made in good faith. To continue to demand that WVMA further modify its observances in ways not asked of any other religions or nonreligious assemblies ignores WVMA’s obligations as a Muslim organization, and also violates RLUIPA’s nondiscrimination provisions, as well as its substantial burden provision.
Due to the requirements of Islam, WVMA requests a modest extension of its operating hours to 10:30 PM most of the year, and to at most 12 AM during only the 30 days of Ramadan depending on the applicable time of sunset. We hope that the Town of Los Gatos, now better informed, will respect WVMA’s religious rights and those of others, as well as its own legal obligations. We are happy to address any questions, and we look forward to hearing your response. Thank you for your prompt consideration and response.
Thank you,
/s/ Christina A. Jump
Christina Jump, [email protected] Chelsea
Glover, [email protected]
ITEM NO. 8.
SENT VIA EMAIL April 21, 2025
Sean Mullin Planning
Manager Townof Los
Gatos Planning
Division 110 E. Main
St.
Los Gatos, CA 95030 [email protected]
[email protected]
Re: Public Commentin Support of Application for Modification of Conditional Use Permit at 16769 Farley Road
Dear Mr. Mullin:
We write on behalf of the ACLU and the ACLU Foundation of Northern California regarding the West Valley Muslim Association’s(WVMA) pending Application for Modification of Conditional Use Permit at 16769 Farley Road. WVMA seeks to extend the hours of its conditional use permit to allow for indoor, non-amplified morning and evening prayers, in addition to nightly Ramadan prayers in accordance with the Islamic faith. In its staff technical review, Los Gatos (“the Town”) identified several alleged deficiencies in WVMA’s application. Most concerning is the staff’s request that WVMA explain how it will avoid any noise disturbances between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. We write to ensure that this request and others do not reflect an intent to deny the modified permit outright or to impose conditions that would unlawfully prevent the congregation from engaging in morning and evening prayers.
Specifically, we write to remind the Town of its obligations under the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act (RLUIPA).
1 For decades, cities and towns across the country improperly denied zoning permits and other approvals for houses of worship and congregations seeking to use their property for religious purposes.
2 These denials were often rooted in discrimination against a particular faith or religious practice, even as local officials cited ostensibly “neutral” reasons—such as noise, traffic, or parking concerns—for their decisions.
3 To put an end to these harmful zoning procedures, Congress passed RLUIPA. Under the statute, if denying a zoning permit would substantially burden an applicant’s religious exercise, the government must demonstrate that the burden is “in furtherance of a compelling governmental 1 42 U.S.C. § 2000cc et seq. (2000). 2 See DOJ, Report on the Twentieth Anniversary of the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act, 3-5 (Sep. 22, 2020), https://www.justice.gov/media/ 1096176/dl?inline. 3 See id. at 4.
ITEM NO. 8.
interest” and “is the least restrictive means of furthering that compelling governmental interest.”4 This legal standard, known as “strict scrutiny,” is “rigorous” and “exceptionally demanding.”5 Indeed, “it requiresthe government to show that it lacks other means of achieving its desired goal without imposing a substantial burden on the exercise of religion.”6 Generalized and speculative concerns relating to traffic, parking, noise, safety, or other factors will not overcome the applicant’s religious-freedom rights. 7 RLUIPA also mandates that “[n]o government shall impose or implement a land use regulation in a manner that treats a religious assembly or institution on less than equal terms with a nonreligious assembly or institution.”8 And it prohibits the government from imposing or implementing “a land use regulation that discriminates against any assembly or institution on the basis of religion or religious denomination.”9
I. RLUIPA applies whenever a zoning decision imposes a “substantial burden” on religious exercise.
RLUIPA prohibitsthe imposition ofsubstantial burdens on religious exercise, including actionsthat effectively bar the use of a particular property for religious activity. 10 Here, denying the modified permit
or imposing conditions that would prevent entry to or exit from the facility for pre-dawn (Fajr) prayers, evening (Isha) prayers, or nightly prayers during Ramadan would undoubtedly constitute a substantial burden. Los Gatos’s Staff Technical Review requests an explanation of how the hours of operation for the Conditional Use Permit Application will comply
4 42 U.S.C. § 2000cc(a). 5 See Holt v. Hobbs, 574 U.S. 352, 364 (2015) (internal quotation marks omitted). 6 Id. (internal quotation marks omitted). 7 See, e.g., Burwell v. Hobby Lobby Stores, Inc., 573 U.S. 682, 726 (2014) (noting that, under strict scrutiny, the governmental interest cannot be “couched in very broad terms” but must be “focused” on the particular claimant whose religious exercise is substantially burdened) (internal quotation marks omitted); Guru Nanak Sikh Soc. of Yuba City v. Cnty of Sutter, 456 F.3d 978, 982, 990-91 (9th Cir. 2006) (holding that county violated RLUIPA by denying conditional use permits based, in part, on neighbors’ asserted noise and traffic concerns); Westchester Day Sch. v.
Vill. of Mamaroneck, 417 F. Supp. 2d 477, 562-63 (S.D.N.Y. 2006), aff’d, 504 F.3d 338 (2d Cir. 2007) (“Factors bearing on the public health, safety and welfare, such as traffic, that may suffice to deny a permit for commercial use generally will not suffice to deny an educational or religious use.”); Fortress Bible Church v. Feiner, 734 F. Supp. 2d 409, 505 (S.D.N.Y. 2010), aff’d, 694 F.3d 208 (2d Cir. 2012) (ruling that traffic, parking, and other concerns cited by town as basis for rejecting zoning requests “were contrived for the sole purpose of rationalizing the Town’s denial”); cf., e.g., Beaulieu v. City of Alabaster, 454 F.3d 1219, 1234 (11th Cir. 2006) (holding, under strict-scrutiny analysis, that city’s “interests in aesthetics and traffic safety [were] substantial but they [were] not compelling” and could not justify restriction on political signs in residential areas). 8 42 U.S.C. § 2000cc(b)(1). 9 Id. §2000cc(b)(2). 10 See Apache Stronghold v. United States, 101 F.4th 1036, 1043 (9th Cir. 2024) (en banc) (affirming that, under RLUIPA, “preventing access to religious exercise is an example of substantial burden”).
ITEM NO. 8.
with the Town Code which statesthat “no persons shall between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. make, cause, suffer or permit to be made any noise disturbance[.]”11 While the Town is permitted to have and enforce a neutral noise ordinance, an interpretation of that noise ordinance that would prevent WVMA members from carrying out congregate prayers, as directed by their faith, would “impose a significantly great restriction or onus upon such exercise” under RLUIPA. 12 There can be no dispute that congregate prayer within the mosque is an integral part of the congregation’s religious practice. The performance of Salah (prayer) is one of the Five Pillars of Islam and is considered by many Muslims to be the most fundamental. Moreover, congregational prayer is deeply rooted in the Islamic faith. In particular, it is highly encouraged for Muslims to pray the pre-dawn (Fajr) and evening (Isha) prayer in congregation.
13 Therefore, denying the modified permit or imposing other regulations that prevent congregants from engaging in this practice at the mosque would implicate RLUIPA’s religious-freedom protections.
14 II. Los Gatos cannot impose a substantial burden on WVMA’s religious exercise unless the burden is the least restrictive means of furthering a compelling governmental interest.
Under RLUIPA, once a permit applicant shows a substantial burden on religious exercise, the evidentiary burden shifts to the government to “demonstrate[] that imposition of the burden” on the applicant is “in furtherance of a compelling governmental interest” and the “least restrictive means of furthering that compelling governmental interest.”15 “Demonstrate” means that the 11 Town of Los Gatos, Staff Technical Review Comments, at 1 (Sept. 25, 2024). 12 Guru Nanak Sikh Soc., 456 F.3d at 988 (internal quotation marks omitted). Such an interpretation of the noise ordinance could also violate RLUIPA’s Equal Terms provision, if the town has treated comparable secular assemblies more favorably. See 42 U.S.C. §2000cc(b)(1); cf. Anchor Stone Christian Church v. City of Santa Ana, No. 8:25-CV-00215-JWH-DFM, 2025 WL 1086360, at *15 (C.D. Cal. Apr. 7, 2025) (“The City voiced concerns regarding . . . the possibility that community assembly would generate traffic, noise, or solid waste. But it is unclear why those same concerns would not apply to medical facilities, daycare centers, or museums, and those facilities are permitted as of right. Thus, to the extent that the City’s concerns are legitimate, it appears that the City has declined to act upon those concerns with respect to analogous nonreligious conduct.”) (internal quotation marks omitted). For example, we understand that a Jack in the Box restaurant operates from 6 a.m. to 12 a.m. daily, just two-tenths of a mile away from WVMA on Farley Road. 13 “Whoever prays Isha in congregation, it is as if he spent the night in prayer, and whoever prays Fajr in congregation, it is as if he spent the whole night in prayer.” Saheeh Muslim 656. “If they knew the reward in Isha and Fajr prayer, they would come to [the prayers] even if they had to crawl.” Al-Bukhaari 615; Saheeh Muslim 437. 14 Cf., e.g., Greene v. Solano Cnty. Jail, 513 F.3d 982, 988 (9th Cir. 2008) (holding that refusal to allow prisoner to attend group religious worship services imposed substantial burden under RLUIPA). 15 42 U.S.C. § 2000cc(a)(1).
ITEM NO. 8.
government must meet “the burdens of going forward with the evidence and of persuasion.”16 Thus, Town officials’ “mere say-so” is not enough.
17 The Town “has the burden of showing that there is evidence supporting its proffered justification” for any denial of WVMA’s application. 18 A compelling governmental interest is an interest of the “highest order.”19 As noted above, general appeals to public safety, health, traffic, and property values are typically not sufficiently compelling to meet this exacting standard.
20 We are not aware of any compelling interest demonstrated by the Town to date that would justify denying the mosque’s request to expand its hours to accommodate pre-dawn and evening prayers. Indeed, it is our understanding that, in WVMA’s recent survey of neighbors, nearly all neighbors surveyed expressed no concerns about expanded hours.
Moreover, even if the town could prove a compelling governmental interest, any decision on WVMA’s modified permit application must constitute the least restrictive means available of furthering that interest. Notably, WVMA has already implemented many mitigation measures in response to any concerns regarding noise and traffic. WVMA has also proposed additional mitigation measures, offering to plant more trees and hedges to help muffle sound. In considering WVMA’s permit application, rather than denying the requested permit outright, the Town must take into account these and any other mitigation measures that could address any concerns while still accommodating the ability of WVMA’s congregation to gather in morning and evening prayers.
21 16 Id. § 2000cc-5(2); see also id. § 2000cc-2 (“[T]he government shall bear the burden of persuasion on any element of the claim, except that the plaintiff shall bear the burden of persuasion on whether the law (including a regulation) or government practice that is challenged by the claim substantially burdens the plaintiff’s exercise of religion.”).17 See Holt, 574 U.S. at 369 18 See Kuba v. 1-A Agr. Ass’n, 387 F.3d 850, 859 (9th Cir. 2004) (holding that state actor did not satisfy First Amendmentstrictscrutiny standard because it “failed to meet its burden of proving that demonstrators handing out leaflets and carrying signs on the parking lots and walkways . . . would cause the congestion and danger to safety” it cited as the basis for restrictions). 19 Westchester Day Sch., 504 F.3d at 353. 20 See id. (“The district court’s findings reveal the [zoning board’s]stated reasons for denying the application were not substantiated by evidence in the record before it. The court stated the application was denied not because of a compelling governmental interest that would adversely impact public health, safety, or welfare, but was denied because of undue deference to the opposition of a small group of neighbors.”); see also n.7 (collecting cases). 21 See, e.g., Harbor Missionary Church Corp. v. City of San Buenaventura, 642 F. App’x 726, 730 (9th Cir. 2016) (holding that district court abused its discretion in concluding that “complete denial” of a conditional use permit for church’s homeless ministry “was the least restrictive means by which the City could further its compelling interest in public safety” and ordering district court to consider whether other measures or restrictions would “protect the neighborhood from any negative effects shown to be the result of the Church’s ministry to the homeless”); Anchor Stone Christian Church, No. 8:25-CV-00215-JWH-DFM, 2025 WL 1086360, at *15 (“[E]ven if the Court were to assume that the City had some compelling interest in denying
ITEM NO. 8.
* * *
In adopting RLUIPA, Congress was especially concerned about the risks to “new, small, or unfamiliar” faiths in attempting to establish their congregations in the face of neighborhood opposition. 22 We urge the Town to consider and take seriously the purpose of the statute and its robust religiousfreedom protections in rendering a decision on WVMA’s application and to approve the modified permit without delay.
Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Angélica Salceda, Director
Democracy, Speech, and Technology Project ACLU
Foundation of Northern California
Heather L. Weaver Senior
Staff Attorney
ACLUProgramon Freedomof
Religion & Belief
Lauren Davis, Legal Fellow
ACLU Foundation of Northern California
Brandee Calagui, Paralegal
ACLU Foundation of Northern California
Anchor Stone’s CUP application, the outright denial isstill unlikely to have been the least restrictive means by which the City could further [that] compelling interest.”) (internal quotation marks omitted). 22 146 CONG. REC. S7774. (daily ed. July 27, 2000) (joint statement of Sen. Hatch and Sen. Kennedy).
ITEM NO. 8.
ITEM NO. 8.
Warm Regards,
Heba El-Haddad
Clinical Educator and Training Director-Bay Area
Sabreen Azhar
Operations Manager-Bay Area
ITEM NO. 8.
From: William Armaline <
Sent: Tuesday, April 15, 2025 8:00 AM
To: Jocelyn Shoopman <[email protected]>
Cc: Sean Allen < >
Subject: NAACP SJ/SV Letter of Support for WVMA Jocelyn, We write in favor of WVMA's current request to extend the hours of their current CUP. Please see the letter of support attached for you, Los Gatos City Council, and City staff (however necessary and appropriate).
Please do not hesitate to contact us at any time regarding our recommendation. Thank you very much--have a great day.
peace. bill.
--
William T. Armaline
Professor, Sociology and Interdisciplinary Social Sciences [SISS] San Jose State University Order our new book now from Routledge Press: Human Rights Praxis and the Struggle for Survival.
Check out the San Jo Lo Down [SJLD] Podcast on our website, Instagram, and Spotify. Please listen, follow, leave a review, and
ITEM NO. 8.
April 14, 2025
TO: Los Gatos City Council and Staff
C/O Senior City Planner, Jocelyn Shoopman
FROM: NAACP of San José and Silicon Valley
Executive Committee
SUBJECT: Letter of Support of West Valley Muslim Association [WVMA] Senior City Planner Jocelyn Shoopman and Los Gatos Council Members:
As a local branch of the NAACP, we work tirelessly to support and defend the civil rights of all people in our communities. It is our understanding that the West Valley Muslim Association [WVMA] operatesthe only Mosque in Los Gatos (16769 Farley Road), and thus serves as a critical resource for our Muslim community members for preserving their religious practices and cultural traditions.
It is also our understanding that the WVMA is currently seeking to extend the hours of operation of the Mosque under their conditional use permit [CUP], such that they could hold morning (Fajr) and evening (Isha) prayers in accordance with their faith. We are writing in fullsupport of their request (extending the hours of their CUP), as the timing and consistency of daily prayer is fundamental to Islamic spiritual practice, and they are the only organization offering such organized prayer services in the city.
While it is always important to weigh the impacts of such decisions on neighbors and other community members, it seems that WVMA has made every reasonable attempt at public education (to the city and to the community) about the importance of these practices, and have demonstrated a willingnessto operate with good faith considerations of noise,traffic, and so forth. Further, we believe that WVMA is within their rights to offer morning and evening prayer service in accordance with their faith under the Federal Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act (2000), which prohibits the government from substantially burdening religious exercise.
In sum, we write in support of WVMA’s request to extend their hours of operation under their current CUP, in order to ensure the ability of Muslim community members in Los Gatos to freely practice their faith. Please do not hesitate to contact us at any time regarding this matter.
Thank you for yourtime and consideration.
Sincerely on behalf of the Executive Committee,
Sean Allen William Armaline, Ph.D.
President, NAACP SJ/SV CriminalJustice Chair, NAACP SJ/SV
ITEM NO. 8.
From: Razi Mohiuddin <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, March 29, 2025 2:48 PM
To: Kim Ratcliff
Cc: Town Manager <[email protected]>; Gabrielle Whelan <[email protected]>; Bill Garrett < >; Alina Hernes < >; Joel Paulson <[email protected]>; Allen Meyer <[email protected]>; Chris Constantin <[email protected]>; Jocelyn Shoopman <[email protected]>; Robert Gray <[email protected]>; jimratcliff < >
Subject: Re: I was threatened today by WVMA representatives Kim,
Thank you for bringing this to my attention. We sometimes have to deal with situations that we cannot control, such as occasional panhandlers who come to benefit from the additional generosity of our community during Ramadan when most of us give out our annual 2.5% of our savings in charity (Zakat). We do not allow these panhandlers on our property, we seek help from the police, advise the panhandlers to file a Zakat application to get help directly and privately from our Mosque, and advice our congregants to not give them directly. The two individuals from our community went out to advise the panhandlers about this and did not appreciate being filmed. On behalf of WVMA, I apologize to you on their confrontational approach to you.
Kim - I want to reach out to you again to get feedback from you and learn what we can do better. As you know, we just completed a month of nightly prayers. Today is the last day of our fasting. We will offer prayers and celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr tomorrow (Sunday) - believe it or not at a parking structure at Vallco Parking Garage in Cupertino this year so as not to inconvenience neighbors (we will pray on the first floor of the parking garage, and park on the 2nd and 3rd). This Ramadan, we had made a number of adjustments, including shortening prayers, using both driveways for exit, placing traffic guards during the entry and exit, multiple repeated announcements to minimize noise, clearing the facility in 20 minutes or less of 180+ vehicles from the parking lot, lowering lights, asking LG police to place a speed radar sign, asked them to increase patrols, blocking the parking spots in front of your home (and anyone else who requested), and many others. I personally stood outside at the exit for the last 10 busiest nights not just observing, but also directing traffic, asking attendees to be quiet, and to help minimize the impact to our neighbors.
I again want to extend my hand to you to meet with you and Jimmy to find solutions that are a win-win for all of us. We are not here to “win” and make you “lose”. We want to be part of this neighborhood, practice our faith, and ensure that we are a net positive to everyone around us. A small delegation of 3 or 4 of us, including our clergy (Imam) would welcome an opportunity to learn what worked this past month, and what did not work, and how we can improve and make it even better. Our goal is to work with you in a cooperative rather than an adversarial manner. I have tried that in the past (see screenshots of text messages with Jimmy below). Hope this time the answer is different. Happy to meet whenever, wherever, and with you and anyone you want to include, including Town officials.
Thanks,
Razi
ITEM NO. 8.
From: Kim Ratcliff < >
Sent: Friday, March 28, 2025 9:20 PM
To: Razi Mohiuddin <[email protected]>
Cc: Town Manager <[email protected]>; Gabrielle Whelan <[email protected]>; Bill Garrett < >; Alina Hernes < >; Joel Paulson
<[email protected]>; Allen Meyer <[email protected]>; Chris Constantin <[email protected]>; Jocelyn Shoopman <[email protected]>; Robert Gray <[email protected]>; jimratcliff < >
Subject: I was threatened today by WVMA representatives March 28, 2025
Razi Mohiuddin, Founder
West Valley Muslim Association
16769 Farley Road, Los Gatos, CA 95032
Razi,
As you know, we have experienced unreasonable intrusions on our right to quiet enjoyment of our home, which is next door to the West Valley Muslim Association (WVMA) facility for the last 30 nights during Ramadan. Today, on March 28 during WVMA’s busy Friday afternoon prayers during which traffic lasts for several hours, a man and his two sons entered our residential neighborhood and stood at WVMA’s entrance. They held up signs, and waved to WVMA members as they drove in the entrance in an effort to solicit money. This is not the first instance people have come into our neighborhood and solicited money in front of WVMA.
After reporting this to the Los Gatos-Saratoga Police Department, I documented the situation from my property.
Eventually two men emerged from WVMA’s entrance, and spoke to the man and his sons. The two men then walked to our residence, and approached me in a confrontational manner. One began to film me, then spoke to me aggressively. He demanded, “Don’t put me on your social media. If you put me on your social media, I will put you, ‘The Karen of Farley Road,’ on mine. You are the reason that family is here panhandling.” I felt threatened by these men. I asked for his name since he appeared to represent WVMA in an official capacity but he said, “You don’t need to know my name.” This is the second time a representative of your religious organization has treated me, a woman, in a hostile and disrespectful manner.
Kim Ratcliff
Jim Ratcliff
ITEM NO. 8.
From: Kim Ratcliff < >
Sent: Friday, March 21, 2025 12:14 PM
To: Chris Constantin <[email protected]>; jimratcliff < >; Bill Garrett < >; Alina Hernes < >
Cc: Jocelyn Shoopman <[email protected]>; Town Manager <[email protected]>; Joel Paulson <[email protected]>; Gabrielle Whelan <[email protected]>; Sean Mullin <[email protected]>; Allen Meyer <[email protected]>; Robert Gray <[email protected]>
Subject: Re: We invite you to experience Ramadan Traffic Dear Chris,
Thanks for making an effort to come out to see the situation several times. Last night was especially chaotic on Farley Road. This 10-minute video shows countless vehicles and members streaming by our residence until 10:55 pm. Please take into account this was only 10 minutes of two hour-long disturbances both coming and going and was the 21st consecutive night of such activity. We encourage the staff in your planning departments to watch the video.
Thanks also for your suggestion of meeting with West Valley Muslim Association (WVMA). Many neighbors have met with Razi Mohiuddin, WVMA founder.
Jim and I met with Razi on three separate occasions for a total of six hours, including inviting him into our home and backyard to see how we are affected. He was not amenable to any of our compromises/suggestions, ie., weekend activities appropriate to a residential neighborhood, shuttles for Ramadan, removal of right turn only signs, etc.
All, he said, would be inconvenient for members.
I have reviewed Chapter 16 - NOISE | Code of Ordinances | Los Gatos, CA | Municode Library many times. I hope we can both agree this video illustrates WVMA's Ramadan (and Friday prayer activity) is not "the normal and customary noise and actions involving gatherers" and is not limited to parking onsite at WVMA. There are 50-70 cars parking in our neighborhood at night. The Ramadan curfew extension violates Los Gatos' normal 10 p.m. curfew. Members who come in for early morning prayers as early as 4 a.m. also violate Los Gatos' 8 am quiet hours.
Also, we're unclear as to your statement, I will leave it to code enforcement in applying when this activity than [sic] crosses into a violation of code. Does this mean we should ask Town Compliance Officer Allen Meyer to come out and measure the noise? Call the police? The acoustics professional specifically asked me to determine what the Town's measurement requirements are as they differ from Town to Town. Please provide the specifics.
Sincerely,
Kim and Jim Ratcliff
ITEM NO. 8.
From: Kim Ratcliff < >
Sent: Thursday, March 20, 2025 1:15 PM
To: Jocelyn Shoopman <[email protected]>; Town Manager <[email protected]> Cc: Joel Paulson <[email protected]>; Gabrielle Whelan <[email protected]>; Sean Mullin <[email protected]>; Chris Constantin <[email protected]>; Allen Meyer <[email protected]>; Robert Gray <[email protected]>; ; ; < >
Subject: We invite you to experience Ramadan Traffic
March 20, 2025
Chris Constantin, Town of Los Gatos Manager
110 E Main Street, Los Gatos, CA 95032
CC: Gabrielle Whelan, Town of Los Gatos Attorney
William R. Garrett, Esq., Hanna & Van Atta
Sean Mullin, Planning Manager
Robert Gray, Chief Building Officer
Jocelyn Shoopman, Senior Planner
Joel Paulson, Community Development Director
Allen Meyer, Town Compliance Officer
Subject: We invite you to experience Ramadan traffic
March 20, 2025
Dear Chris,
We’re three-quarters of the way through West Valley Muslim Association's (WVMA) Ramadan, so we thought it would be pertinent to touch base. Although WVMA has complied with its 11 pm curfew so far and hired traffic direction, the noise, traffic, and overflow street parking (50-75 cars per night) continue to be burdensome to us as next-door neighbors and to our neighborhood. This includes 45 minutes of slamming doors and engines revving in WVMA's parking lot as we try to sleep. One recent example: As Jim was walking our senior dog, a member sped around Izorah Way onto Farley Road as he rushed to find parking. Had Jim not shone his flashlight into the driver's windshield, he would've been hit. We reported the incident to LGPD.
Before Ramadan ends next Thursday, March 28, we encourage you, Jocelyn Shoopman, Gabrielle Whelan, Joel Paulson, and Allen Meyer, to experience the traffic and noise congestion so that you can understand what we endure for 30 days. Until you stand on our porch, in our front or backyard or even in any of our three bedrooms, you can not imagine the visceral impact. It's as if 300 cars are barrelling through our bedroom every night for an hour, coming and going.
Next Wednesday and Thursday at the very end would be ideal as those were the busiest nights last year, with one WVMA rep telling us, "It's going to get crazy." Timing is key as 300 cars descend upon our neighborhood and then depart in two concentrated time blocks before and after our street returns to its pin-drop quiet state. I've included the times for next week here. Page 534
ITEM NO. 8.
Additionally, we'd appreciate help with the following:
We hired an acoustic professional to measure noise levels. He has requested that we provide the Town’s designated measuring point (i.e., on our property, inside the residence, etc.). - At our meeting with you on March 3, you encouraged us to write a letter to WVMA requesting the conditions that would allow us to regain the peaceful enjoyment of our home and neighborhood. We have 20 neighbors who are interested in writing this joint letter. To achieve this and maintain consistency, it’s essential to be aware of all restrictions imposed on other religious organizations in Los Gatos, particularly those located in residential neighborhoods, and the reasons behind these conditions. Can you provide us with that information, or should we submit a public records request? CUPs are available online, but they vary significantly in terms of conditions. We will need more detailed information and the most current data.
Sincerely,
Kim and Jim Ratcliff
ITEM NO. 8.
From: Razi Mohiuddin < >
Sent: Sunday, March 9, 2025 1:30 PM
To: Kim Ratcliff
Cc: jimratcliff < >; Bill Garrett < >; Alina Hernes
< >; Chris Constantin <[email protected]>; Town Manager <[email protected]>; Gabrielle Whelan <[email protected]>; Joel Paulson <[email protected]>; Jocelyn Shoopman <[email protected]>; Allen Meyer <[email protected]>
Subject: Re: Sunday Construction - February 23, 2025
Kim,
On behalf of WVMA, I sincerely apologize to you if obscenities were used. We do not condone this language, and it goes against our teachings.
I do not have anything to add beyond what I communicated earlier.
Thanks,
Razi
ITEM NO. 8.
From: Kim Ratcliff < >
Sent: Friday, March 7, 2025 7:19 AM
To: Razi Mohiuddin <[email protected]>; jimratcliff ; Bill Garrett < >; Alina Hernes <a >; Chris Constantin
<[email protected]>; Town Manager <[email protected]>; Gabrielle Whelan <[email protected]>; Joel Paulson <[email protected]>; Jocelyn Shoopman <[email protected]>; Allen Meyer <[email protected]> Subject: Sunday Construction - February 23, 2025
Razi Mohiuddin, Founder
West Valley Muslim Association
16769 Farley Road
Los Gatos, CA 95032
CC: Chris Constantin, Town of Los Gatos Manager
Gabrielle Whelen, Town of Los Gatos Attorney
Jocelyn Shoopman, Senior Planner
William R. Garrett, Esq., Hanna & Van Atta
Joel Paulson, Community Development Director
Allen Meyer, Code Compliance Officer
March 7, 2025
Razi,
Thank you for your email response attempting to cast blame in my direction but to no avail, as no blame can be fairly placed on me. Your property manager, Jay Sheikh’s egregious conduct on February 23 speaks for itself, as does WVMA’s violation of the Town’s ordinance(s). What WVMA was doing or allowing to be done that early on a Sunday morning is prohibited. This was no “misunderstanding.”
Curiously, you do not refute what WVMA's property manager said to me—“Lower your fucking voice”—so I must conclude that you believe (a) it was okay for him to have said that to a woman or, really, to anyone on behalf of WVMA, and (b) that he then just “ultimately walked away to deescalate the situation,” never mind that he was the one responsible for the escalation.
Also, I didn't record on your property on February 23. I have never walked around WVMA’s parking lot and recorded your congregation at any gathering. All video documentation we've shared with WVMA and the Town of Los Gatos shows that we filmed from our property or the street.
You mentioned in your email that your leadership is exercising patience. Please know that we, your next-door neighbors and 20 families on five streets, have shown extraordinary patience for the past five and a half months while WVMA has slow-walked its CUP modification application, ignored the six (at a minimum) deficiencies identified by the Town in September 2024, and continued to violate our right to quiet enjoyment of our properties.
Respectfully,
Kim & Jim Ratcliff Page 537
ITEM NO. 8.
From: Razi Mohiuddin
Sent: Monday, March 3, 2025 4:21 PM
To: Kim Ratcliff
Cc: Lubna Shaikh ; jimratcliff ; Town Manager
<[email protected]>; Gabrielle Whelan <[email protected]>; Jocelyn Shoopman <[email protected]>; Maria Ristow <[email protected]>; Allen Meyer <[email protected]>; Joel Paulson <[email protected]>; Bill Garrett < >
Subject: Re: WVMA Construction on Sunday
Hi Kim,
Thank you for bringing this to my attention. I wanted to take the time to investigate and talk to everyone involved before responding.
There appears to be a misunderstanding. No construction was planned, and no construction took place on Sunday 2/23. We had a team come in to move furniture inside the building, from one auditorium to another. However, you came onto WVMA property and spoke aggressively about how there was no construction allowed, and the team needed to leave. You also demanded to see the facility’s occupancy signs, even though I had already shared that information with you in our meeting on 2/20. Even though there was no construction occurring or planned, the property manager respected your request not to have anyone moving furniture internally and asked them to leave. Upon the team leaving, we gave you a courtesy call to let you know that they had left. We hoped that this would resolve the issue, as we accommodated your request.
However, you later returned to WVMA’s property without permission and raised your voice at our property manager who repeatedly asked you not to raise your voice at him. He ultimately walked away to deescalate the situation. You also began recording on our property, making people feel uncomfortable.
We have been informed that you have walked around the parking lot and recorded our congregation at various gatherings. Young children have asked their parents why they're being recorded. The WVMA leadership has tried to be patient and accommodating but this is getting very troubling. We ask that you refrain from entering the property without authorization and from troubling our members and workers.
In the future, we ask you to contact me directly at my cell so we can hopefully resolve any issues directly. I will be your point of contact going forward so that there are no further misunderstandings or miscommunications. Feel free to call me or text me any time.
Thanks,
Razi
ITEM NO. 8.
From: Kim Ratcliff < >
Sent: Monday, February 24, 2025 7:57 AM
To: Town Manager <[email protected]>; Chris Constantin <[email protected]>; jimratcliff ; Bill Garrett < >
Cc: Maria Ristow <[email protected]>; Sean Mullin <[email protected]>; Gabrielle Whelan <[email protected]>; Robert Gray <[email protected]>; Jocelyn Shoopman <[email protected]>; Matthew Hudes <[email protected]>; Mary Badame <[email protected]>; Rob Rennie <[email protected]>; Rob Moore <[email protected]>; Joel Paulson <[email protected]>; Allen Meyer <[email protected]>; < >
Subject: WVMA Ramadan Curfew/Certificate of Occupancy Clarification/Removal of Signage February 24, 2025
Chris Constantin, Town of Los Gatos Manager
Town of Los Gatos Community Development Dept.
110 E Main Street, Los Gatos, CA 95032
CC:
Gabrielle Whelan, Town of Los Gatos Attorney
William R. Garrett, Esq., Hanna & Van Atta
Mayor Maria Ristow
Sean Mullin, Planning Manager
Robert Gray, Chief Building Officer
Jocelyn Shoopman, Senior Planner
Vice Mayor Matthew Hudes
Councilmember Mary Badame
Councilmember Rob Moore
Councilmember Rob Rennie
Joel Paulson, Community Development Director
Allen Meyer, Code Compliance Officer
Subject: WVMA Ramadan Curfew Clarification/Certificate of Occupancy/Removal of Right Turn Only Signage
Dear Chris,
My husband, Jim, and I are requesting to meet with you, Gabrielle Whelan, and Jocelyn Shoopman to discuss our continued frustration that the Town of Los Gatos continues to allow West Valley Muslim Association (WVMA) to operate under a thirty-five-year-old Conditional Use Permit granted to the property’s former owner, the Jehovah’s Witness Church in 1990. Our right to quiet enjoyment of our home is being compromised daily by WVMA as it continues to ignore the six deficiencies (at a minimum) identified by the Town in September 2024.
At our meeting, we would like to discuss specifically the following urgent issues:
ITEM NO. 8.
Ramadan Curfew Clarification:
Jim and I asked to meet with Razi Mohiuddin, WVMA Founder, and Lubna Saikh, WVMA Executive Director, on February 20 to discuss their Ramadan 2025 protocol. We attended this meeting in hopes of learning what WVMA has planned so that we are not kept up until midnight again this year as we were in 2024 for 30 consecutive nights as 300 vehicles exited WVMA’s facility along a narrow one-way driveway that is within 100 feet of our bedroom.
During our meeting, we were told by Mr. Mohiuddin and Ms. Saikh that WVMA would do their best to have all attendees exit the property by 10:50 pm. during Ramadan 2025. When and I met with you on February 12, 2025, you told us that WVMA’s current CUP curfew extension of 11 pm did not mean all vehicles had to vacate the facility by 11 pm. This appears to conflict with something we read previously. In a letter from Ms. Whelen to WVMA dated July 5, 2024, we found she had written in footnote 1:
“At our meeting, we discussed whether or not the word “operation” includes the time needed for worshippers to enter and exit the facility. Based on the application for the modification, which was approved, the hours of operation include the time needed to enter and exit the facility.” Did something change between Ms. Whelan’s meeting with WVMA and our conversation with you? If the answer is no, we ask again what we’ve been asking for the past two months: How will the Town of Los Gatos enforce WVMA’s current CUP which mandates an 11 pm curfew during Ramadan? What are the consequences if violated (i.e., fines, revocation of CUP, etc.) and how are these going to be managed?
Confirmation of Maximum Permitted Occupancy and Status of Certificate of Occupancy:
When and I met with you, you said that you did not know the maximum permitted occupancy for WVMA but would provide that number to us. We would appreciate receiving that, along with a copy of WVMA’s Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) which, according to our research, is required by law when a property changes hands and the occupancy changes. In a Staff Technical Review from Robert Gray, Town of Los Gatos Chief Building Official, to WVMA dated September 24, 2024, Mr. Gray wrote:
“A comprehensive plan review has not been completed for this CUP modification…and compliance with codes have not been verified. No change in the character of occupancy or change to a different group of occupancies as described by the Building Code shall be made without first obtaining a Certificate of Occupancy from the Chief Building Official.”
Doesn’t this mean that when the property came into WVMA’s hands the occupancy changed? In fact, the character and the extent of the occupancy changed from a Jehovah’s Witness Church with two small services/week to a 24/7 mosque/community center. We understand that it is illegal for a religious organization to operate without a C of O and have a fine of $1,000/day.
On February 21, 2025, Henry Read, Town of Los Gatos Planning Technician, emailed us a copy of a Business License Form. This form was submitted by WVMA and approved by the Town. Attached to that form was a letter sent by the Town in 1990 to Keith Marshall, POC for the Jehovah’s Witness
ITEM NO. 8.
Church by then Planning Director Lee Bowman. Mr. Read also attached an Occupancy Clearance form from 1990 that also lists the Jehovah’s Witness Church. All departments checked off on this form and the Town seemingly did their due diligence – thirty-five years ago and for the Jehovah’s Witnesses.
However we received no documentation showing the Town departments checked off on WVMA when the property changed hands, nor did we receive WVMA’s actual Certificate of Occupancy. We are asking for clarity: did all Town departments inspect for compliance before approving WVMA’s application or did they rely on information from 1990? And does WVMA have a current C of O? (See attached documents sent by Mr. Read.)
Removal of Right-Turn Only Signage on WVMA property:
When we met with you, I requested that the right-turn-only signage erected by WVMA on its interior property be removed as it directs hundreds of vehicles by our home day and night, in particular during Friday afternoon prayers and Ramadan. We have been asking WVMA to remove the signage for the last six months to no avail.
During our meeting, Mr. Mohiuddin indicated that he is willing to remove the signage if the Town (and his lawyer) permits. We ask that the Town strongly encourage WVMA to remove this signage by the start of Ramadan this Friday, February 28 to give us respite from the onslaught of vehicles driving past our residence.
As tax-paying citizens of this Town, we expect our elected and appointed representatives to protect our right to quiet enjoyment of our home. We expect the Town to enforce its curfew and maximum permitted occupancy laws during Ramadan 2025 so that we are not faced with another month-long nightmare of losing sleep in our home, and indeed, a lack of peace and quiet in our neighborhood.
We've provided the Town with ample video documentation (document attached; Ms. Shoopman can provide access to the shared Google Drive) showing how drastically WVMA has changed the character of our peaceful neighborhood. We would prefer not to be compelled by the Town’s inaction to take legal action.
We will call your office this week to schedule a meeting.
Sincerely,
Kim & Jim Ratcliff
ITEM NO. 8.
From: Kim Ratcliff < >
Sent: Sunday, February 23, 2025 9:42 AM
To: Razi Mohiuddin < >; Lubna Shaikh ; jimratcliff
; Town Manager <[email protected]>; Gabrielle Whelan <[email protected]>; Jocelyn Shoopman <[email protected]>; Maria Ristow <[email protected]>; Allen Meyer <[email protected]>; Joel Paulson <[email protected]>; Bill Garrett < >
Subject: WVMA Construction on Sunday
February 23, 2025
Razi Mohiuddin, Founder, West Valley Muslim Association Lubna Saikh, Executive Director
West Valley Muslim Association
16769 Farley Road
Los Gatos, CA 95032
Cc: Chris Constantin, Town of Los Gatos Manager
Gabrielle Whelen, Town of Los Gatos Attorney
Jocelyn Shoopman, Senior Planner
Mayor Maria Ristow
Joel Paulson, Community Development Director
Allen Meyer, Code Compliance Officer
William R. Garrett, Esq., Hanna & Van Atta
Dear Razi and Lubna,
On Sunday, February 23, 2025 at 8:30 a.m. several Lyte Construction truck and workers arrived at West Valley Muslim Association with a crew of six workers preparing to do work inside the building on the west side next to our home. Upon arrival there was noise from multiple trucks, and a motorcycle.
The disturbance continued as workers stood outside talking/preparing for the work and moving/setting up equipment, etc.
When I walked over to speak with your property manager, Jay, he told me to “lower my fucking voice.”
As we have reminded you many times, the Town of Los Gatos does not allow construction on Sundays.
It is unacceptable that we have to continually monitor and document your violations.
It is also unacceptable that your property manager used profanity with me. I now feel unsafe in my own home after being treated in such a hostile and unprofessional manner.
We would appreciate it if you could comply with the Town of Los Gatos ordinances.
We documented a video your crew’s departure at approximately 9:15 a.m.
Sincerely,
Kim & Jim Ratcliff Page 542
ITEM NO. 8.
From: Kim Ratcliff < >
Sent: Monday, February 3, 2025 8:02 AM
To: Chris Constantin <[email protected]>; Allen Meyer <[email protected]>; Amanda Baker < >; Rose Dao < >; Mike Baker
; Hongzhi Zhao < >; jimratcliff < >;
Jocelyn Shoopman <[email protected]>; Maria Ristow <[email protected]>; ; Barbara Page < >; ; Rob Rennie
<[email protected]>; Matthew Hudes <[email protected]>; Rob Moore <[email protected]>; Mary Badame <[email protected]>; ; Tehua Lin < >; Gareth < >
Cc: Gabrielle Whelan <[email protected]>; Joel Paulson <[email protected]> Subject: Re: Action for WVMA CUP modification application -- Ramadan is five weeks away Subject: Ramadan is 3 & ½ weeks away
February 3, 2025
Chris Constantin, Town of Los Gatos Manager
Town of Los Gatos Community Development Dept.
110 E Main Street, Los Gatos, CA 95032
CC
Sean Mullin, Planning Manager
Jocelyn Shoopman, Senior Planner
Mayor Mary Badame
Vice Mayor Matthew Hudes
Councilmember Maria Ristow
Councilmember Rob Moore
Councilmember Rob Rennie
Gabrielle Whelan, Town of Los Gatos Attorney
Joel Paulson, Community Development Director
Allen Meyer, Code Compliance Officer
Dear Chris,
Thank you for your acknowledgment of our email dated January 20, 2025, and for providing us access to the communications between the Town of Los Gatos and West Valley Muslim Association (WVMA.) We are extremely concerned that there has been no further follow-up from you and WVMA’s Ramadan holiday is 25 days away. To the best of our knowledge, there has been no protocol put in place to address concerns raised below stemming from violations during Ramadan in 2024, nor has WVMA submitted a response to the deficiencies identified by the Town of Los Gatos in response to WVMA’s request submitted to modify the CUP application.
Given the urgency with the limited time remaining, our neighborhood is requesting a meeting with you, our neighborhood representatives Kim/Jim Ratcliff and , and the appropriate Town of Los
ITEM NO. 8.
ITEM NO. 8.
Tehua Lin,
Hongzhi Zhao,
Brian Thompson,
Gareth Williams,
ITEM NO. 8.
ITEM NO. 8.
ITEM NO. 8.
Jocelyn Shoopman relayed in her most recent response (January 9, 2025) that “staff has been in communication with WVMA regarding concerns of the resubmittal of the CUP application with the Ramadan holiday approaching.” However, it’s doubtful the CUP application will be resolved in the five weeks until Ramadan. We’re asking the Town of Los Gatos to provide an explicit plan of how the Town will manage the safety of our neighborhood during Ramadan with the influx of excessive traffic, overflow parking, building occupancy limitations and noise curfew violations.
We are requesting that The Town of Los Gatos provide the tools and methods that will be utilized to ensure a safe environment and address critical concerns impacting our neighborhood including:
#1 Traffic control (see document outlining videos, dates attached) What traffic control will be implemented to protect residents, pedestrians, and WVMA members? What/Where/How will first responders be provided to ensure clear passage and unobstructed access? During Ramadan 2024, due to gridlock traffic in both directions on our small residential street, it would have been difficult, if not impossible, for first responders to get through. #2 Noise Curfew
Ms. Shoopman indicated that… “if the CUP application has not been heard at a public hearing by the Planning Commission by the start of the 2025 Ramadan holiday, the current CUP will be enforceable which mandates that the hours of operation for the Ramadan holiday shall not extend past 11:00 p.m.” We are looking for clarification as to whether the 11:00 pm curfew means that all vehicles and members must be departed from the property by that time. This is crucial to neighbors who live next to the property as it can take 168 vehicles 45 minutes or longer to exit WVMA’s narrow driveway.
There were countless curfew and exterior noise violations until midnight and beyond during Ramadan 2024. We are asking that all members and vehicles depart by 11:00 pm.
Additionally, how will the 11 pm curfew and noise ordinances be monitored and enforced by the Town of Los Gatos during Ramadan 2025? What are the consequences if violated (i.e. fines, revoke use permit?) We know that the Town of Los Gatos Code Compliance Officer’s working hours end at 4:00 pm, therefore we want to be informed of the Town's plan to manage these known issues. #3 Parking. What will the Town and/or WVMA do to remedy WVMA’s parking overflow beyond their 168 spaces? During Ramadan 2024, there were an excess of 100+ vehicles on Farley Road and adjacent streets. When we met with Gabrielle Whelan in April 2024, she referenced parking enforcement on Farley Road and adjacent streets (i.e. Flintridge, Chirco, Izorah) to ensure residents’ safety. Will the Town of Los Gatos put that enforcement in place during Ramadan? In addition, we request access to the documentation related to the deficiencies identified and communicated to WVMA by the Town, and any related correspondence.
We would appreciate a reply by Monday, January 27, 2025. We are open to meeting if you have questions or need any further information to help address our request.
Sincerely,
Kim & Jim Ratcliff,
ITEM NO. 8.
Ann & Roger Bundlie,
Barbara & Mike Page,
Rose Dao,
Amanda & Mike Baker,
Tehua Lin,
Hongzhi Zhao,
Brian Thompson,
ITEM NO. 8.
From: Kinsey Lee < >
Sent: Sunday, January 12, 2025 10:56 PM
To: Jocelyn Shoopman <[email protected]>
Subject: Allowing The West Valley Muslim Association to Access their Mosque During Ramadan To the Town of Los Gatos,
I hope this message finds you well. I write to you both as a concerned resident of Los Gatos and a member of the Los Gatos Anti-Racism Coalition.
It has recently come to my attention that our town is considering restricting our Muslim neighbors’ right to practice Ramadan. I understand that is likely not the sentiment that is getting passed around, in so many words. From what I gather, the technical point of contention is whether the West Valley Muslim Association may be permitted to extend their hours of operations during Ramadan.
However, in effect, the town is contemplating denying our Muslim community members’ ability to worship asthey need in Los Gatos during the holiest month of the year. Generally, practicing Ramadan means—in addition to one’s normal sundown obligations—breaking fast, eating dinner, and going to the mosque for evening prayers within the few hours between sunset and lights out. Access is important, and WVMA is the only mosque in Los Gatos.
We espouse inclusion. We say we want to “Develop and implement Town-wide strategies, practices, and services that…acknowledge and reflect diversity” (2040 General Plan, 2-4). If we prevent the sole place of Muslim worship in Los Gatos from offering sacred evening services, I don’t see how we can call ourselves a welcoming town. Muslim residents would literally need to drive out of our community to practice their faith.
I ask that we take our commitments to diversity and inclusion to theirlogical endpoint, take a moment to understand how the legalese of this conditional use permit will impact the lives of the Muslim individuals embedded in our community. To welcome people to Los Gatos means little if we will not support them and their beliefs.
Sincerely,
Kinsey Lee
ITEM NO. 8.
From: Jeremy Barnes < >
Sent: Friday, January 10, 2025 10:00 AM
To: Jocelyn Shoopman <[email protected]>
Subject: West Valley Muslim
Association To the Town of Los
Gatos,
I am disturbed and upset to learn the West Valley Muslim Association is facing the prospect of being denied the conditional use permit they would need to worship during the month of Ramadan. I am not Muslim, but I understand the use of the Mosque which depends on the issuance of this permit is a fundamental component of Muslim religious practice. Granting the permit is a reasonable accommodation to support our local Muslims in practicing their faith.
I notice the Town of Los Gatos has been making a commendable effort to improve its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. To deny ourfellow community members their right to the full extent of their religious practice would fly in the face of this effort, and specifically the goals outlined in the "Town of Los Gatos Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Plan" accepted by the Town Council on October 17, 2023. I need not mention it would also be in stark contradiction to the principles of religious freedom our nation was founded on.
Denying this conditional use permit would be a savage blow not only to the trust and unity within our community, but to the town's reputation. It would be a source of grief,shame, and embarrassment to see this violation of my community members' rights transpire in the town I call home.
The West Valley Muslim Association's request is extremely modest: to extend their hours of operation a single hour during a single month of the year. I ardently hope the Town will extend this very basic measure of respect to the WVMA by granting them the conditional use permit as they request. Thank you for your work in making Los Gatos a safe and inclusive place for all its residents.
Regards,
Jeremy
Barnes
Member of the Los Gatos Anti-Racism Coalition
ITEM NO. 8.
From: Miles Tasker < >
Sent: Thursday, January 9, 2025 12:21 AM
To: Jocelyn Shoopman <[email protected]>
Subject:
[email protected] To
the Town of Los Gatos,
I am writing to you as a concerned private citizen and long time resident of Los Gatos, I've recently heard that the WVMA has had trouble getting approval for a conditional use permit to extend their hours for Ramadan. Given the time extension is for prayers that are necessary for Ramadan, to not approve the permit seems close to, if not directly, infringing on their religious rights. I understand there has been some concern over additional noise at late hours; however, we're not talking about a street takeover, these are peaceable religiousrites, there's no concerted effort to cause a disturbance.
I strongly encourage the town council to allow this permit and uphold the values of religious freedom we hold dear as Americans.
Thank you,
Miles Tasker
ITEM NO. 8.
From: Kim Ratcliff < >
Sent: Thursday, January 9, 2025 7:08 AM
To: Jocelyn Shoopman <[email protected]>
Cc: Matthew Hudes <[email protected]>; Mary Badame <[email protected]>; Maria Ristow <[email protected]>; Rob Moore <[email protected]>; Rob Rennie <[email protected]>; Gabrielle Whelan <[email protected]>; Joel Paulson <[email protected]>; Allen Meyer <[email protected]>; Amanda Baker < >; Mike Baker < >; Rose Dao
; jimratcliff < >; ;
Barbara Page < >; ; ;
Tehua Lin < >; Hongzhi Zhao < >; Chris Constantin
<[email protected]>
Subject: Action for WVMA CUP modification application resubmittal -- Ramadan is six weeks away Jocelyn Shoopman, Senior Planner
Town of Los Gatos Community Development Dept.
110 E Main Street, Los Gatos, CA 95032
Cc:
Chris Constantin, Town of Los Gatos Manager
Mayor Mary Badame
Vice Mayor Matthew Hudes
Councilmember Maria Ristow
Councilmember Rob Moore
Councilmember Rob Rennie
Gabrielle Whelan, Town of Los Gatos Attorney
Joel Paulson, Community Development Director
Allen Meyer, Code Compliance Officer
Subject: Action for WVMA CUP modification application resubmittal -- Ramadan is six weeks away January 8, 2025
Dear Jocelyn,
We’re following up on our letter dated December 16, 2024 for which we received no response from you or any Town of Los Gatos government representative (see below.) Ramadan is only six weeks away (Fri. Feb 28 – Sat. Mar 29, 2025) and we have not seen a proposed remediation plan in almost a year since our original concerns were raised to Alan Meyer and Joel Paulson.
We first reached out to the Town in March of 2024 in the midst of an unprecedented thirty consecutive days and nights of unsafe street conditions, fire and health/safety code violations and curfew noise violations during West Valley Muslim Association’s (WVMA) 2024 Ramadan activities. We likened the conditions on our small residential street to Vasona Park's Fantasy of Lights but with no traffic control or any semblance of order whatsoever. Page 553 ITEM NO. 8.
Almost 20 neighbors on four streets have since reached out to the Town with concerns. The Ratcliffs documented code violations and provided videos to the Town. Yet we are still no closer to resolution nor has WVMA been held accountable for violations of their current CUP.
This is unacceptable to us as tax paying Los Gatans.
We do not want our neighborhood or WVMA members to be put in an unsafe position again this year, especially during Ramadan.
As conveyed in our last letter, we are perplexed that no deadline was provided to WVMA to address the identified deficiencies in violation, which the Town of Los Gatos documented and communicated to WVMA. It’s imperative that a deadline is put in place so that we do not have a repeat of Ramadan 2024.
We wish to improve our neighbor relations with WVMA. Several of us have met with one on one with Razi Mohiuddin, WVMA founder, who has provided no proposals or action plan addressing how or what improvements will be made to address the list of issues identified – both short term and long term as the organization states its goal is to grow both members and community events.
We are requesting that the Town of Los Gatos government enforce the current CUP as no mitigation plan or mutual resolution has been identified. We request a deadline for WVMA to submit a comprehensive plan proposal to cover the deficiencies and concerns raised by our neighborhood for short and long term commitments.
Based on the current status, we do not see relations improving for our neighborhood if we have a repeat of WVMA Ramadan 2024 issues persisting.
We are requesting a response and inclusion of this matter as part of the next Town of Los Gatos public meeting. If that is not feasible, we recommend a dedicated session with all interested parties by the end of January given the Ramadan 2025 start date.
Thank you,
Kim & Jim Ratcliff,
Roger & Ann Bundlie,
Barbara Page,
Rose Dao,
Amanda & Mike Baker,
Tehua Lin,
Hongzhi Zhao,
ITEM NO. 8.
From: Autumn < >
Sent: Monday, January 6, 2025 9:29 AM
To: Jocelyn Shoopman <[email protected]>
Subject: Ensuring West Valley Muslim Association can practice Ramadan To the Town of Los Gatos,
I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing because I recently learned that the West Valley Muslim Association may not be able to fully practice Ramadan this year due to limitations of their conditional use permit. As a Los Gatos resident who is not religious herself, but recognizes (i) the importance of religious expression and (ii) the sacredness of Ramadan for Muslims, I was disheartened to hear this. It reminded me that in my childhood (outside of Los Gatos), I observed Muslim friends and classmates navigate many systemic barriers to practicing Ramadan -- such as having to explain why they needed to miss school on certain days, to why they were not eating or participating in certain school events. However, I had never thought about the possibility of not being able to practice faith at one's own religious institution, and I can only imagine how heavily this is weighing on West Valley Muslim Association members. To ensure that all of our faith communities feel welcome in Los Gatos, I respectfully urge the town to work to make sure that West Valley Muslim Association members can fully practice Ramadan.
Thank you,
Autumn
ITEM NO. 8.
From: James Smeenge < >
Sent: Friday, January 3, 2025 6:44 PM
To: Jocelyn Shoopman <[email protected]>
Subject: West Valley Muslim Association conditional use permit to celebrate Ramadan To the Town of Los Gatos
I recently heard thatthe West Valley Muslim Association, which has a mosque in the town of Los Gatos, is having trouble being able to appropriately conduct their Ramadan timeframe religious observances due to time constraints on their use permit.
I would support a conditional use permit that altered the time of use to be conducive to the later-in- the-evening needs for Muslim worship during the period of Ramadan.
This act would show a positive level of inclusion and support for our neighbors who would desire to practice their religion within our town at their facility.
Bestregards -
Jim Smeenge
resident, Los Gatos
Jim Smeenge [email protected]
ITEM NO. 8.
From: Alice A Miano < >
Sent: Wednesday, December 25, 2024 10:19
PM To: Jocelyn Shoopman
<[email protected]>
Subject: Message in support of Ramadan at WVMA
Dear officials and residents of the Town of Los Gatos:
Although I currently serve on the Complete Streets & Transportation Commission, I write to you simply as a concerned citizen to urge you to allow the West Valley Muslim Association (WVMA) to fully practice Ramadan, according to the Muslim custom.
As a Catholic and longtime resident of Los Gatos, I look back with fondness on the many times over the years that I attended midnight mass on Christmas Eve. I remember my older brothers dressed in their red and white alter boy vestments, carrying red lanterns only brought out on Christmas Eve. These days, St. Mary's offers a 10:00 PM mass instead of the traditional midnight service, the red lanterns are gone, and the alter servers' smocks don't look quite so regal. And while I appreciate the solemnity of today's services, they don't seem to inspire quite as much wonder as in days gone by.
Perhapsthat's what makes me admire all the more WVMA's desire to keep Ramadan alive and well, to maintain a centuries' old tradition and keep their community grounded in the wisdom of their forebears.
But beyond any parallels between midnight mass and Ramadan, I wanted to point out another kind of ritual that is quite prevalent in our town. As a downtown resident for nearly 30 years, I can tell you that these streets can sometimes get noisy after midnight, especially around 2 AM when the bars close. It may not happen every weekend, but several times I've been awakened from my slumber by a bar hopper or teen partier celebrating loudly. But I've always acknowledged that if you're going to live downtown, you're going to have to put up with a certain amount of that kind of noise.
I wonder, if this were a Christian denomination celebrating evening Lenten services or an Easter Vigil, would there be such preoccupation with the faithful starting their cars and driving home from nighttime services?
For centuries, our country has touted its founding based on practicing religious freedom. Los Gatos needs to step up and defend the rights of all religions to safely and solemnly practice the rituals handed down to them by their ancestors. To do otherwise is simply un-American.
Thank you,
Ali Miano
Alice A. Miano, Ph.D.
Advanced Lecturer & Coordinator, Spanish Language
Program Stanford University
President, California Language Teachers'
Association #BlackLivesMatter
ITEM NO. 8.
#FreedomForImmigrants Pronombres: ella/la,
she/her
I acknowledge that I live and work on the lands of the Muwekma Ohlone.
ITEM NO. 8.
ITEM NO. 8.
From: LG Anti-Racism Coalition < >
Sent: Tuesday, December 17, 2024 8:19 AM
To: Jocelyn Shoopman <[email protected]>
Subject: The West Valley Muslim Association Needs Access to their Mosque during Ramadan Hello Jocelyn,
I am writing to you not as a Complete Streets and Transportation Commissioner, but as a private citizen, resident, and president of the Los Gatos Anti-Racism Coalition.
I would like to take some time to reflect on the opening paragraphs of the Town’s commitment, Becoming an Inclusive Community:
“The Town of Los Gatos is committed to inclusivity. We value all our community members, regardless of religion, immigration status, ethnicity, race, disability, gender, sexual orientation, or gender identity. We strive to ensure all community members feel safe, respected, and comfortable to be themselves and express all aspects of theiridentities. The Town promotes equal treatment, equitable distribution of and access to resources, and engagement in issues affecting the lives of residents, workers, and visitors.”
It has recently come to my attention that the West Valley Muslim Association is currently struggling to obtain a conditional use permit to extend their hours of operation during the month of Ramadan.
I, and many others in our community, believe that failing to accommodate the needs of the West Valley Muslim Association would render the words of our commitment hollow. While I do not practice my faith in any religious institution, I do recognize that religious pluralism and accommodation are both an integral part of our national identity as Americans. It is vitally important for Los Gatos to make reasonable accommodations to members of our religious community.
To deny Muslims in our community the ability to practice the fundamental tenets of their faith represents a failure to uphold their fundamental right to religious expression. The Coalition, and many others in our community, are distraught that Los Gatos might legally prohibit our Muslim community from being able to practice their faith. Regardless of the interpretive lens we take, the fact remains that Muslims will not be able to properly observe Ramadan in Los Gatos if we do not grant a conditional use permit.
The aforementioned assurances to allow residents to “express all aspects of their identities” and to promote “accessto resources” are not mere rhetorical turns of phrase. We have to walk the talk. To prevent Muslims from entering their mosque during Ramadan would show our residents and neighboring communities that we are willing to abandon the principles we espouse the moment it becomes inconvenient. If we fail to accommodate people’s right to worship, we will alienate our Muslim community and damage our reputation as a town immeasurably.
I ask that we do everything in our power to ensure that Muslimsfeel welcome and safe here.
Regards,
Jeff Suzuki –
President of the Los Gatos Anti-Racism Coalition
ITEM NO. 8.
ITEM NO. 8.
feel there is no alignment between the Town, WVMA, and the concerned neighborhood regarding a clear outline of the next steps, timing, process, and ownership. We are looking to you to provide us clarity in a transparent communication that we can share with our neighbors who are asking for an update.
We are also asking for your help to identify the timeline and key milestones so we may avoid the ongoing safety issues and disruption in the future. We first reached out to the Town in March 2024.
Ramadan is less than three months away (Fri, Feb 28, 2025 – Sat, Mar 29, 2025) and we would like to know from you what the ETA to address (town council, town meeting, etc.), and if there isn't one, when one will be established and what processes are used to communicate transparently with all interested and involved groups?
Thank you,
Kim & Jim Ratcliff,
Roger & Ann Bundlie,
Barbara Page,
Rose Dao, R
Amanda & Mike Baker,
Tehua Lin,
ITEM NO. 8.
From: Amina Darwish < >
Sent: Friday, December 13, 2024 10:07 AM
To: Jocelyn Shoopman <[email protected]>
Subject: Mosque Worship Times
Dear Ms. Shoopman,
In an era of epidemic loneliness, places of worship and community centers are protective to the social fabric of our society. They save lives by helping vulnerable people find support systems and build a sense of identity and belonging. The West Valley Muslim Association (WVMA) is an inspiring example of such a critical community space.
My name is Amina Darwish, and I am the Muslim chaplain at Stanford University. My students have a special relationship with the WVMA mosque in Los Gatos. They consistently get zip cars and carpool to WVMA even as they drive past other mosques on the ride over. They joined engaging programs, made friends, and met their life partners. I remember my students sharing excitedly about an AI focused dinner they attended. Two of them left with incredible internship opportunities. They felt safe to connect after the COVID-19 shutdowns had impacted their high school experience, which are critical years for young people to learn social skills and psychologically mature. I encouraged my students to attend the WVMA mosque knowing that the community was inclusive. I also knew that they would directly witness female leadership through the executive director and male allyship through the countless community leaders who respected and supported her.
I ask you to provide the permit for the WVMA mosque to operate at the hours that honor the times of Muslim prayer. The early morning prayeris a deeply spiritual time for Muslims. Ramadan is the Muslim superbowl, where I and countless others have built lifelong friendships. California in general and Los Gatos in particular should not be a place where Muslims are only allowed to worship within regular church hours. This is a mosque, not a church. Not allowing the mosque to operate during Muslim prayer times would be akin to asking Jewish worshipers to move the sabbath to Sunday for convenience or asking Hindu worshipers to pray the Brahma muhurta after sunrise instead of its allocated time. Because Sunday is the day of Christian worship, it is a day off in all Western countries. Other minority religious groups must consistently adjust to a system that is not built around them. For Los Gatos to truly be a multifaith, multicultural community, the mosques, synagogues, and temples must be allowed to worship at the times their religious traditions mandate.
I hope you consider this time adjustment as a means of creating a better Los Gatos community.
Thank you. Sincerely,
Amina
ITEM NO. 8.
ITEM NO. 8.
From: Kareem Darwish < >
Sent: Thursday, December 12, 2024 11:09 AM
To: Jocelyn Shoopman <[email protected]>
Subject: The West Valley Muslim Association
Community Dear Jocelyn,
I hope you are doing amazing and that everything is going well! I live in South San Jose right along the Los Gatos border, and I have been coming to WVMA for a few years now.
I have been a resident of the Bay Area for 25 years, and for most of that time my main purpose in life was driven by that 'Bay Area mindset'. Everything I was doing in my life was done with the purpose of driving and investing into my future academics and career. When I finally completed my undergraduate degree and landed my first job, my life finally slowed down for just a moment to allow me to take a second and reflect. I got a head start on my peers and decided to have a mid-life crisis at the age of 22. I realized that because of the fact that I simply focused on academics, I had allowed other parts of myself to slack, and this was highlighted in the circle of people I kept around me at that time. So, I set out to find a fresh start and look for a new community of people that could help guide me on my journey and push to become an answer to the problems I'd always complained about.
The timing of this coincided with Ramadan two years ago, and my family and I decided to spend our Ramadan with this young and growing community that had opened nearby our home. That month was one of the most beautiful and transformational phases of my life. The WVMA community is really like no other. I was engrossed by the strength and connectedness of the community, and the spiritual and moral guidance that was prevalent. I continued to come every night for that month and quickly found myself rooted in a new purpose within just 30 days. And then just as suddenly, the month of Ramadan ended and the evening rituals tied to the month were done. Everyone returned to their normal routines and schedules, still trying to fit the community into their everyday lives while still under pressure by that 'Bay Area mindset'. I continued to come during the early morning and evening congregational prayers, which were the only prayers that worked around my schedule because of my job. I have continued to come and have met some of the most inspiring and wise people I have ever seen in my life, and I truly remain humbled every time I go (which is nearly every day). It is absolutely a miracle that all of these insanely talented and motivated people all come together regularly under this same roof. People who are leaders in not just Islamic orspiritual thinking, but leaders in every field of industry and academic. I personally know dozens of people who come weekly to this community all the way from as south as Monterey and as far up as Sacramento because, like me, they see something special in the WVMA community. I have seen people transformed by this community and have had their lives changed for the better, leading them to become positive influences on their own families and communities.
There are no other environments or communities that I can think of in the Bay Area where I am able to connect with the youth and the elderly to the degree that I can at WVMA, and where we all feel at home with each other.
ITEM NO. 8.
We should not underestimate the impact that this growing community has on its surrounding communities. One of the primary reasons that I fell in love with this community is because it is constantly at the service of its members and the communities around it. The programs are deeply intentional and they are built to provide personal growth amongst all different groups of backgrounds and ages. I have seen programs geared towards building confidence and character in our youth, which I have witnessed become leaders in their own communities all across the Bay Area. I have seen the spiritual programming at WVMA invoke transformations in people that have led them to turn their lives around. I have seen this community step up and take the lead in charity efforts during difficult times to support our local communities, including our local unhoused populations. I have seen scholars and professionals from across the nation, and even across the world, coming to California to visit this specific community, because they see the value in it. I have seen this community step up to global issues and supports people on the other side of the world, especially during this past year during the genocide in Palestine. When members of the congregation were receiving news almost daily of their loved ones and relatives being killed in Gaza, this community was there to support them. When the devastating earthquakesin Turkey and Syria happened last year killing tens of thousands, or whenever tragedy struck other communities around the globe, this community was a source of light for people affected local and abroad. This community has become so deeply connected with its local and global communities in such a short span of time, and the value that it provides its own members and whomever interacts with them is truly immeasurable.
I humbly urge you to modify the use permits for WVMA to allow for the first and last prayers of the day, and to allow this community to observe Ramadan and all of its traditions. This community has become a model for other communities across the nation, and its role in the Bay Area as a leader in the service of others will only increase. I would love for others to have the same opportunity that I had to interact with this community and witness themselves transform into who they want to become.
Thank you for all of your time and consideration, I really sincerely appreciate it. Happy holidays! Best regards,
Kareem Darwish
ITEM NO. 8.
From: Lina Abushaaban < >
Sent: Wednesday, December 11, 2024 9:18 PM
To: Jocelyn Shoopman <[email protected]>
Subject:
WVMA Hello,
I am a resident of Campbell and I work at Stanford Healthcare in Los Gatos. I am a single young professional and I love coming to WVMA because it feels like my home, more than my home. When I feel down, I come here. When I want to see friends, family, and help community - this is where my car takes me. I have friends who drive over 2 hours to come for a 1 hour lecture at this mosque.
This place is more than just an address in a neighborhood, it's a safe haven that nurtures community healing and connections through good and hard times. The board listens to the community needs and treats each other so kindly with a smile. The classes offered are enlightening and make me a better person and human being. WVMA is a safe space for communities' children to be themselves, and not be bullied, and not called names in schools.
Prayers in a Mosque are highly recommended, and I try to pray in congregation whenever possible. In the month of Ramadan, which is only 1 month in the year, it is a time for reflection and prayers and itis important for me to pray in congregation standing and sitting side by side.
My family is from Palestine, Gaza to be exact. The past year has been really hard on us.
There were times where I would come to WVMA to sit and just let it out, because it felt so safe to be there. And community members would sit by me too. I never feel alone because of this space.
We want to thank the planning department and the commission for their consideration. We would appreciate it if WVMA's request for additional use in the morning, night and Ramadan is granted.
Thank you,
Lina Abushaaban
ITEM NO. 8.
ITEM NO. 8.
From: yamin khan < >
Sent: Tuesday, December 10, 2024 12:42 PM
To: Jocelyn Shoopman <[email protected]>
Subject: WVMA 16769 Farley Road
Dear Jocelyn,
I live in Hayward, CA and visit WVMA on Farley Road multiple times a week and benefit from their programsfor the community. The classes offered here are amazing and make me a better person. I’d love to be able to spend Ramadan practicing and spending time reflecting at WVMA in congregation.
I would like to thank the planning department and commission fortheir consideration. I would really appreciate it if WVMA’s request for additional use in the morning, night and Ramadan is granted.
Sincerely,
Yamin
Khan
ITEM NO. 8.
From: amr abuellil <
Sent: Tuesday, December 10, 2024 9:10 AM
To: Jocelyn Shoopman
<[email protected]> Cc:
[email protected]
Subject: WVMA 16769 Farley
Rd. Hello Mr/Mrs Shoopman,
I am sending this email regarding the prayer schedule in wvma, I have been a resident here for more than 3 years, I live near the Lexington reservoir, , los gatos and I am a frequent visitor of wvma and the office of my company is on los gatos blvd (near panera bread)
When I first moved to los gatos from laguna beach in the south , the community was barley starting and started volunteering in multiple project almost from the first day I came, at the early days it was a lot of backyard cleaning and trimming trees and building benches and renovation and painting all around , after a while this place became a very important part of my life especially the early morning prayers and the time we spend as families in Ramadan time.
I am saying this since there are couple of reasons why los gatos is the best city for me and my company, and WVMA is one of those reasons among the amazing other reasons am sure you guys are working hard to keep and preserve in this place, after I heard of the conditional use permit to allow dawn (early morning prayers), night prayers and our blessed time in Ramadan, I wanted to let you know that this is on great importance to us as a community and to me as a person.
Looking forward to seeing you in person one day or invite you to a cup of coffee one day, let me know how can I be of help as I am very connected in los gatos around Bear Creek area.
Peae Am
ITEM NO. 8.
ITEM NO. 8.
From: Rasha Lashin < >
Sent: Friday, December 6, 2024 12:20 PM
To: Jocelyn Shoopman <[email protected]>
Cc: [email protected]
Subject: Support WVMA for its permit
Hi All,
I would like to ask for your support to the request from WVMA for modifying its permit for the following:
- early morning prayers before sunrise
- night prayers usually 9-10pm
- Ramadan support time to 10:30pm
Thisis crucial for usto practice our faith as part of the difference and diverse community in the city.
Your support to achieve my personal fulfilment, engage with the religious community and feel of belonging, help me instill positive impact which WVMA support ongoing through the programs, and facility.
I appreciate yoursupport again.
Kind regards,
Rasha
ITEM NO. 8.
From: Brian Thompson
Sent: Friday, December 6, 2024 9:50 AM
To: Jocelyn Shoopman <[email protected]>
Subject: West Valley Muslim Association CUP
Hello Jocelyn,
As a neighbor of the West Valley Muslim Association on Farley Road, I would like to add my voice to the chorus of neighbors concerned about the modifications requested by the WVMA to its CUP.
As it is, we neighbors of the WVMA didn't recognize how much more the WVMA would utilize their space at 16769 Farley Road than did the Jehovah's Witnesses when they owned and utilized it. This has meant much more traffic, noise, parking in the neighborhood, and in my case, congregants occasionally walking through my yard.
Extending the association's hours of operation, especially during the month of Ramadan, would obviously, only exacerbate these problems.
I understand that we are dealing with issues of religious freedom here, but this is also a residential neighborhood, whose residents have their own concerns.
Thanks very much,
Brian Thompson
Yahoo Mail: Search, Organize, Conquer
ITEM NO. 8.
From: Hi Everyone < >
Sent: Thursday, November 28, 2024 2:57 AM
To: Jocelyn Shoopman <[email protected]>
Subject: Why should WVMA have extended hours?
Dear Jocelyn,
I am a young college student with a deep attachment to the WVMA mosque & community. I have been coming to WVMA since I was a child.
There is deep fulfillment, peace, and companionship for muslims and non muslims alike. Keeping WVMA at its operational capacity is a net positive for the whole Los Gatos community.
I’ve seen on more than one occasion, non muslims meeting our community and walking away with a peace in their heart or having their mood uplifted. This is especially true during our dawn/night prayers as well as other community events/activities.
Muslims are community oriented and charitable in nature. By allowing the Los Gatos Muslim community to flourish, you will find the families and neighborhoods tending to one another.
As Muslims in America we are highly respectful and sensitive to people’s wishes around us. Our director Lubna is an amazing leader who listens and acts with empathy to our community and the nearby residents.
WVMA helps nurture Muslim youth in a safe environment where they can comfortably and openly learn about and practice their faith.
Our hearts are attached to the community, prayers, and the building. I would love to see WVMA keep its dawn, night, and ramadan prayer hours.
Feel free to reach out to me if you would like to continue this discussion. Sincerely, Nas
ITEM NO. 8.
ITEM NO. 8.
From: Subul Siddiqui < >
Sent: Tuesday, November 26, 2024 9:12 PM
To: Jocelyn Shoopman <[email protected]>
Subject: WVMA 16769 Farley Road - from a Young Professional Dear Jocelyn,
I was lonely.
I grew up in Campbell, went to Rolling Hills in Los Gatos, graduated from Westmont High, went to Berkeley, graduated in 2019, then came back. I was surrounded by people - school friends, college friends, family friends, work friends, friends I’ve had my entire life - but I was lonely, and especially so after COVID.
I had started coming to WVMA regularly with my family while in high school (daily in Ramadan, weekly otherwise), and after COVID, I decided to start coming again, this time, by myself, without my family. It was the most profound decision I made in my adult life.
Through WVMA's young professionals' programming (called Siraat), I reconnected with my faith, on my terms, and gained the spiritual fulfillment I was looking for. I also found my community, by fostering meaningful relationships and making lifelong friends with other young professionals in similar stages (and struggles!) of life.
WVMA empowered so many of us young adults to create our own safe space while coming into our own identities. We come together to support each other not justspiritually, but in so many other ways as well.
• Emotionally, such as with healing circles, when 2 of our own regulars (young professionals) passed away just months apart earlier this year.
• Socially, by facilitating eventsfor to meet like-minded individuals with whom we can grow life-long bonds with.
• Professionally, such as through networking while we navigate the challenges of our early careers. • Business-wise, such as how we supported the numerous new local small businesses started by our very own young professional community members, and inspired several more to do the same. • Health-wise, such as through mental and physical health related events. • Community-wise, through volunteering, interfaith events, and other ways of giving back. • And of course,spiritually, as we seek to establish what our religion means to us as we grow into our identities.
And all this is just from WVMA’s young professionals group alone - it doesn’t include all the programming for children, youth, women, families, seniors, neighbors, and our local Los Gatos community at large.
The community WVMA’s young professionals group has built is so strong that some regulars come weekly from as far as Richmond, San Francisco, and Gilroy to immerse themselves into the serenity of the City of Los Gatos and WVMA. They make the entire day about it - come early to avoid traffic, drop by a local coffee shop to catch up on work, take a walk along a trail, come to WVMA, then grab dinner from a local joint before heading home. All while dreaming about living in place like this idyllic small town one day.
ITEM NO. 8.
I would like to thank you and the entire planning department and commission for all the work and service that you do forthe community. It’sthe work that oftentimes goes unnoticed, yet is essential to keep our city such an idyllic one.
I hope you consider and approve WVMA’srequest for additional morning, night, and Ramadan usage - small requests with such profound impacts on so many people.
As a young professional,the last prayer ofthe day is actually the only one I amable to pray at WVMA, in congregation, after work. It is the time I am able to reconnect with my space and my community.
And during Ramadan, it’s after this last prayer (going late, even up to 11:30pm) that I can best focus on my spiritual needs through WVMA programming.
For others, the same is true for the morning prayer as they start the day.
But in the end, just like forso many others, when I’m at WVMA, I’m home.
I’m not lonely. I’m connected.
A local young professional who found her community,
Subul Siddiqui
ITEM NO. 8.
From: Enes Bayramli < >
Sent: Tuesday, November 26, 2024 5:53 PM
To: Jocelyn Shoopman <[email protected]>
Subject: WVMA 16769 Farley Rd.
Dear Mr. Shoopman,
I am writing to support the West Valley Muslim Association's (WVMA) request to change its Conditional Use Permit. This change would allow early morning (Fajr) and late evening (Isha) prayers and let the center stay open until 11:30 PM during Ramadan.
The WVMA is an important part of our community. It is not just a place to pray but also a place where people come together, learn, and support one another. The morning and night prayers are very important to us, and being able to gather for them means a lot.
I really love how welcoming and peaceful the WVMA is. It brings people together and helps usfeel connected to each other and our faith. It has helped me and many others in so many ways.
I hope you can approve thisrequestso the WVMA can continue to help our community. Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
Enes Bayramli
ITEM NO. 8.
From: Bayann < >
Sent: Tuesday, November 26, 2024 1:04 PM
To: Jocelyn Shoopman <[email protected]>
Subject: Cup permit for Los Gatos Islamic center
Dear Jocelyn Shoopman,
My name is Bayann Reynolds, I am a long time member of Los Gatos Islamic Center along with my husband Elijah Reynolds and our three kids, Maryam and Malik and just recently born Yunus.
We love taking the beautiful scenic route from our home on to our favorite restaurants in downtown LG. My kids love going to the beautiful library, my daughter Maryam actually learned how to knit there many years ago from one of the after school classes. I have a biking club that rides the all of Vason and we make a loop at the coffee shop near the high school and back. We love this city and all that the city does for our communities, especially the Muslim community here in Los Gatos.
As I’m sure you are aware I am writing to you to urge you to please approve the conditional use permit that our mosque desperately needs to offer our required five daily prayers, as Muslims we have five obligatory prayers that span from before sunrise till after sunset and all prayers are offered in congregation. We are working with our community to make sure the neighborhood rules are respected and followed at these specific times.
We have invested so much in our community it would be a shame if we couldn’t operate the most basic use of the space as a place of prayer to all.
As you read through the many emails urging you to help keep our mosque open I want to say we are very grateful to the city council and our neighbors for making us feel welcome and safe.
Thank you for taking the time to read our emails. I trust that you will give it your thoughtful compassionate consideration.
Below, A pic of ourson Malik enjoying ourspot at Vasona creek :) Sincerely,
Bayann Reynolds
ITEM NO. 8.
ITEM NO. 8.
From: Hadeer T < >
Sent: Tuesday, November 26, 2024 12:40 PM
To: Jocelyn Shoopman <[email protected]>
Subject: We love WVMA
Dear Ms. Jocelyn Shoopman,
I hope you are well. I am writing to you to express my gratitude forthe support and efforts you do to the community of Los Gatos.
We (my family and I) as residents of Los Gatos love WVMA and the work they do.
We visit it on a daily basis and it plays huge positive role in our lives. The programs they do to different age groups including (prayers- lectures- workshops- art and stress relieving activitiesstudy groups - book clubs - arabic and quran classes). The 5 daily prayers on time and the programs WVMA is offering help us have a deeper connection to ourselves, a sense of purpose beyond the material world, while also actively engaging with and contributing positively to the community around us, fostering healthy relationships and a sense of belonging.
We love and respect our community and our neighbors by sharing kindness and smiles, inviting them to WVMA for a meal or a cup of coffee, and by driving carefully, parking legally, and minimizing noise.
We would be happy if you support us further to develop our spiritual and psychological wellbeing more by giving us the ability to perform our Fajr (before Sunrise) and our Isha (during night) prayers on time.
Thank you for understanding and supporting us, Best,
Hadeer Talal
ITEM NO. 8.
From: M. Restrepo < >
Sent: Tuesday, November 26, 2024 11:31 AM
To: Jocelyn Shoopman <[email protected]>
Cc: [email protected]
Subject: West Valley, Muslim Association permit
Hi there,
I am writing as a neighbor to West Valley Muslim Association, to express my strong support for the permit modification requestsubmitted by West Valley Muslim Association. The request to include the celebration of Ramadan and the observance of daily prayers, including the morning and end-of-day prayers.( I did not realize a religious organization had to put in a special permit for parking, but I guess that makes sense. I guess other religious organizations might have to do that let’s say for Christmas mass or Easter mass, etc.)
West Valley Muslim Association is a thriving community space, providing invaluable services to an otherwise under-supported segment of our town's population. Itserves not only as a place of worship but also as a center for cultural exchange, events, education, and community support.
The mosque's presence has enriched our town's diversity and fostered interfaith understanding.
And isn’t this what the town is wanting to promote inclusivity and diversity? Ramadan is the most sacred month in the Islamic calendar, and if you are unaware of what it symbolizes to them and are familiar with Lent in the Christian religious calendar, Ramadan is like Lent on steroids. Not trying to be disrespectful, but trying to inform.
WVMA plays a central role in its observance for the Los Gatos Community. As a small town, we are dependent on our local nonprofit organizations to provide support for our community members, and West Valley Muslim Association has being doing so with amazing success. The ability to gather for prayers, especially during the pre-dawn and evening hours, is fundamental to religious practice and the first amendment.
I understand that there were some concerns from a small group of neighbors regarding increased activity, particularly related to traffic and noise. In this town, we deal with a lot of traffic issues, be it beach goers or Christians going to The Festival of Lights or the Christmas parade. We deal with streets getting shut down,rerouting and delays. (While some people will think these are not religious events, they would be mistaken. Christmas has become commercialized, and therefore some people don’t equate it with religion. Having depiction of a Saint bearing gifts, is a religious symbol. And while people are celebrating these religious symbols in a commercial way at times streets are shut down and the town supports it.) While WVMA is not looking to shut down any streets, they are just looking to have their congregation be able to pray, I support their efforts.
WVMA has taken steps to better support all their neighbors by:
1. Encouraging carpooling and the use of designated parking areas
2. Implementing a quiet zone policy in the immediate vicinity of the mosque
3. Conducting outreach to their congregation to raise awareness about being respectful of neighbors
ITEM NO. 8.
We understand that being a town means that we support each other’srightsto religion and the traffic it may cause, and by approving this permit modification, the Town would be acknowledging the importance of someone else’s religious freedom and be truly inclusive.
This permit would allow WVMA to fully practice their faith while continuing to contribute positively to the town’s diverse, vibrant social fabric.
In hope and unity,
Martha Restrepo
ITEM NO. 8.
ITEM NO. 8.
From: Danish Shahzad < >
Sent: Tuesday, November 26, 2024 11:05 AM
To: Jocelyn Shoopman <[email protected]>
Cc: [email protected]
Subject: WVMA 16769 Farley Road
Dear Ms. Shoopman,
I hope you are doing well.
I am a resident of Cupertino and regularly attend WVMA on Farley Road with my family. For us, 16769 Farley Road is not only a place of worship but also an educational institute grounded in a sense of community, love for others, and collective reflection. It is a safe space for me and my family to thrive and grow spiritually for which we are thankful to not only WVMA administrators but also the town of Los Gatos and our neighbors on Farley Road for their support.
My family and I also appreciate the planning department and the commission for considering modifying the use permit. It is highly recommended in Islam to pray morning and night prayers in congregation, especially in the month of Ramadan and your support in granting WVMA'srequest can greatly help us fulfil our spiritual obligations. Therefore, we would be grateful if the request for additional use in the morning, night, and Ramadan is granted.
Thanks and best regards,
Danish Shahzad
ITEM NO. 8.
From: Ayam Nouiouat < >
Sent: Monday, November 25, 2024 11:02 PM
To: Jocelyn Shoopman <[email protected]>
Cc: [email protected]
Subject: WVMA 16769 Farley Road
Dear Jocelyn,
I hope this message finds you well. I am a young professional writing to express my strong support for the request by the West Valley MuslimAssociation (WVMA)tomodify its ConditionalUse Permit.
I fully support the modification to allow for morning prayers, night prayers, and extended use of the facilities during Ramadan until 11:30 PM.
WVMA has been an incredible blessing to our community. As a member of this community, I can’t overstate how much the mosque has meant to me. The WVMA is more than just a place of worship—it is a sanctuary of peace, belonging, and support. It has become a space where we connect with others in our faith, share joyous moments, and find comfort during times of difficulty. The ability to gather weekly for events held specifically for young adults is something I find unique to WVMA. The extended use during Ramadan is essential, not just for prayer, but for the sense of unity and spiritual fulfillment it brings.
In addition to its spiritual and social significance, WVMA has always shown great respect for its surroundings and the neighborhood. The mosque has been a considerate and peaceful neighbor, and we are always mindful of our responsibilities to the community at large. We work to ensure that our activities do not disrupt the neighborhood, and the ability to adjust our hours to accommodate worship during Ramadan isin keeping with our commitment to being good stewards of the community around us.
Religious freedom is a core value in our country, and the ability for all faith communities, including ours, to practice their beliefs freely and without undue restriction is essential. WVMA's request to modify its hours for prayer and worship during the blessed month of Ramadan is a request to continue practicing our faith in a way that is respectful and considerate, and in line with our religious obligations.
I have witnessed firsthand how much WVMA contributes to the vibrancy of our community. From educational programsfor our children to programsfor young adultsto giving back to Bay Area charities to social events that bring community together, WVMA’s impact goes beyond just religious observance. It is a place where we celebrate, reflect, and grow together in a safe and supportive environment. The flexibility to extend hours during Ramadan and the opportunity to perform prayers together as a community at all times of day only strengthens the deep connection we share.
Thank you for considering this request. I truly hope that the Planning Department will approve the modification, enabling WVMA to continue serving the community in such a meaningful way. Kindly, Ayam Nouiouat
ITEM NO. 8.
From: Zeyad Zaky < >
Sent: Monday, November 25, 2024 10:27 PM
To: Jocelyn Shoopman <[email protected]>; [email protected] Subject: WVMA 16769 Farley Road
Dear Mr. Shoopman,
I hope you are well, and I wish you a joyous holiday season.
I am writing to express my strongest support for the West Valley Muslim Association’s (WVMA) request to modify its conditional use permit to allow for morning prayers, night prayers, and extended use during Ramadan until 11:30 PM at its location on 16769 Farley Road.
I reside merely 6 minutes from WVMA, and it has been a life changing community center for myself.
Never in my life have I been this close to a Muslim community space; it has given me a sense of identity, community, and purpose. It is extremely welcoming to people of all backgrounds.
Not only has this space allowed me to grow spiritually, it has introduced me to many great community members. I wanted to stress that some of the strongest spiritual and community connection I have made at the center is in fact at the morning prayers, evening prayers, and of course during the holy month of Ramadan.
Another auxiliary benefit is the space’s proximity to Los Gatos and downtown. I have spent much time in the nearby Philz, Willow Street Pizza, Whole Foods, Vasona Park, and Sweet Pea (my mom’s favorite crepe restaurant). This space has made Los Gatos hold a dear place in my heart.
I sincerely ask you approve the WVMA use permit, as it will have a great impact upon me and the community at large.
Thank you for your consideration.
Best,
Zeyad Zaky
ITEM NO. 8.
ITEM NO. 8.
From: Fahad Farooq < >
Sent: Monday, November 25, 2024 5:30 PM
To: Jocelyn Shoopman <[email protected]>
Subject: Request to grant WVMA Congregation Hours
Dear Jocelyn,
I hope you are doing well. I live in the Bay Area, CA, and I have been attending WVMA for two years now. It has positively changed my life. The community I have found there is remarkable and commendable, along with the courses, workshops, and the opportunity to pray in congregation. I take full advantage of every opportunity to revive my spirituality through WVMA.
During Ramadan, it is uplifting to pray in congregation, asit providesstrength from fellow members to complete the entire month of fasting. I would like to thank the planning department and the commission for their consideration. I would greatly appreciate it if WVMA's request for additional use in the morning, evening, and during Ramadan is granted.
Best regards,
Fahad Farooq
ITEM NO. 8.
From: Anas Syed < >
Sent: Monday, November 25, 2024 12:33 PM
To: Jocelyn Shoopman <[email protected]>
Subject: WVMA 16769 Farley Road
Dear Jocelyn,
I hope this email finds you well as you prepare for thanksgiving, and a season of family and community.
I'm a young professional living in Sunnyvale and value the activities hosted by WVMA on Farley road. WVMA has become central to my spiritual journey and has been an avenue for me to foster close relationships with others; I've met countless new friends here, developed business connections, mentored students through college and job applications, and learned a plethora of life lessons here. One of my favorite activities is being able to attend the early morning prayers and ramadan prayers in congregation. Thisisspiritually uplifting; providing an excellent opportunity for usto push one another to be better humans and do more good in the world.
WVMA's strong programming and investment in people was one of the biggest factors in influencing where I live. As WVMA has bloomed into a community center, it has made me want to see the town of Los Gatos also flourish with a rich culture that's unique to the area. WVMA has such a positive impact on anyone who attends their programming–I strongly urge the planning commission to adjust WVMA's conditional use permit to allow for the morning and nightly prayers as well as extended use in Ramadan until 11:30 PM.
Sincerely,
Anas Syed
ITEM NO. 8.
From: Musab Kemal Harun < >
Sent: Monday, November 25, 2024 12:01 PM
To: Jocelyn Shoopman <[email protected]>
Subject: WVMA 16769 Farley Road
Dear Jocelyn,
I live near WVMA Campbell and regularly attend activities at WVMA on Farley Road. It’s a wonderful space where I enjoy special occasions and connect with the community.
I want to thank the planning department and the commission for considering WVMA’s request. I would greatly appreciate it if the request for additional use in the morning, night, and during Ramadan is granted, as it would allow even more opportunities for community engagement.
Thank you for yourtime and support Sincerely,
Musab Harun
ITEM NO. 8.
From: Nebat Ali < >
Sent: Monday, November 25, 2024 11:33 AM
To: Jocelyn Shoopman <[email protected]>
Subject: WVMA 16769 Farley Road
Dear Jocelyn,
I hope you are doing well. I'm writing to you in support of WVMA'srequest to modify its current permit. As a young professional here in the Bay Area, there are very few places that have built community for my demographic like WVMA. Congregational prayers in the mosque are central to our faith and the programming provided during one of the most important times of the year, Ramadan, is central to my experience and in feeling like I have community. I have found close friends and met so many like- minded individuals that care about community, learning about our faith, and helping those in need through WVMA. I implore you to consider WVMAsrequest and thank you for all that you've done for our community.
Best,
Nebat Ali
ITEM NO. 8.
From: E M < >
Sent: Monday, November 25, 2024 11:08 AM
To: Jocelyn Shoopman <[email protected]>
Subject: WVMA 16769 Farley Road
Dear Jocelyn,
My name’s Elsherif, I’m a young professional who enjoys coming to WVMA on daily basis. Praying in the mosque is an integral part of my Muslim faith and WVMA was literally the very first mosque I prayed in when I moved to California and I’ve been frequenting it ever since. I have not felt this warm sense of community and belonging anywhere else, especially during the holy month of Ramadan. My wife and I decided to pay higher rent just to be close to WVMA and be able to have access to it on daily basis. Coming to Isha and Fajr prayers are the highlights of my day before and after a long day at work.
The community at WVMA is one of the most welcoming communities I’ve ever been part of in all the four states I lived in and I’m very grateful for that. Thanks to this community I’ve had the chance to volunteer to help plan and run robotics bootcamp for 6th-12th graders for two summers. With this community I’ve been able to make life long supportive friends in a time where I needed it the most. At WVMA I was able to express my love forthe community with food during Fajr and Coffee on Saturdays during which we would perform our morning prayer (Fajr) and share a breakfast meal and (Coffee) as a community.
At WVMA I was able to practice my faith with no fear,shame orjudgement and I’m deeply grateful for that.
I would like to thank the planning department and the commission for their consideration. I would truly appreciate it if WVMA's request for additional use in the morning, night and Ramadan is granted.
Thank you,
Elsherif Mahmoud
ITEM NO. 8.
From: Leslie McAlavey < >
Sent: Monday, November 25, 2024 11:00 AM
To: Jocelyn Shoopman <[email protected]>
Subject: West Valley Muslim Association
Dear Ms. Shoopman and the Town of Los Gatos Planning Commission, I am writing today to voice my enthusiastic support of the Los Gatos Planning Commission granting the West Valley Muslim Association a modification to their conditional use permit to include time for morning and late night prayers.
Although I am not part of the Muslim community, I have so much admiration and respect for the people practicing the Muslim faith. In my experience, they exemplify the pillars of all strong communities: fellowship, connection, altruism and unimpeachable ethics.
It is my hope, as a resident of the town of Los Gatos, that we continue to ensure places like the WVMA are accessible and available to support the inclusivity and diversity we all deserve.
Thank you for yourtime.
Leslie McAlavey
Los Gatos, CA 95032
ITEM NO. 8.
From: Negad Zaky < >
Sent: Monday, November 25, 2024 9:14 AM
To: Jocelyn Shoopman <[email protected]>
Cc: [email protected]
Subject: WVMA 16769 Farley Road
Greetings Honorable Mr. Shoopman,
I hope this email finds you and your loved ones in great health and spirits as we approach the holiday season.
My name is Negad. I am a husband, father, brother,son, prosecutor, and local resident with a deep commitment to the success of Los Gatos--particularly the neighborhood along Farley Road.
I write you to humbly request your consideration of a small yet meaningful modification to WVMA's use permit.
As you know, WVMA is a religious community space serving the local Muslim community. It hosts many social events, but also serves core religious functions considered sacred and essential to a full practice of the faith. These core functions include five (5) daily prayers (prescribed atspecific times of the day) and, during one lunar month of the year, 29-30 days of "late night" prayer worship, which effectively requires congregational access to WVMA until 11:30 pm each night for those 29-30 nights.
These core functionssupersede most prioritiesforthe community at large and are therefore a major priority when organizing and operating the space at WVMA.
My humble request is for you and your office to generously allow the space to operate as early as 5 a.m., daily, and as late as 11:30 p.m. once a year (annually) for those 29-30 days in the year that prayer is prescribed in congregation in the evenings.
I am not a board member or official spokesperson for WVMA, but I can confidently assert that the WVMA board and spokesmen consistently reiterate the need to respect the character of the surrounding neighborhood by minding noise levels, posted signs, and otherwise respecting neighbors. I am confident that WVMA would respectfully and thoughtfully implement any modified conditional use permit and that the congregants would be thankful and respectful, too.
I can't emphasize enough how much this space means to me, my wife, my two baby boys, their cousins, my parents, and countless young families who meet and socialize there regularly. We conceive of ourselves as stewards of the space and want only the best for WVMA and the surrounding neighborhood.
Thank you for yourthoughtful consideration, Negad A. Zaky
ITEM NO. 8.
From: Ulia Zaman < >
Sent: Sunday, November 24, 2024 11:54 PM
To: Jocelyn Shoopman <[email protected]>
Subject: West Valley Muslim Association
Hello Jocelyn,
My name is Ulia Zaman. I am a new member of the West Valley Muslim Association (WVMA). I moved to this area in September to pursue my PhD in Computer Science. I am excited to participate in the community at WVMA.
I am writing to request your assistance in allowing WVMA to adjust their hours of operation so that the community can pray the early morning (Fajr) and evening (Isha) prayers together. Additionally, I would appreciate it if we could get approval to have special hours of operation in place for the holy month of Ramadan. I am looking forward to attending the prayers and events at WVMA during Ramadan. I would greatly appreciate your understanding and assistance in this matter.
Thank you for your time! Best,
Ulia Zaman
ITEM NO. 8.
From: Chakib Khemici < >
Sent: Sunday, November 24, 2024 10:49 PM
To: Jocelyn Shoopman <[email protected]>
Subject: WVMA 16769 Farley Rd
Dear Jocelyn,
I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to express my heartfeltsupport for the West Valley Muslim Association (WVMA) and its request to modify its conditional use permit to allow morning prayers, night prayers, and use during Ramadan until 11:30 PM.
Having waited over 35 years for a mosque in Los Gatos, WVMA feels like a dream finally realized. It has become more than just a place of worship for me—it is my sanctuary, a source ofspiritual renewal that inspires me to give back to our community. Through WVMA, I have found purpose as a volunteer, striving to be a good neighbor and an active participant in making Los Gatos the vibrant, welcoming town we all cherish.
Los Gatos holds an irreplaceable place in my heart. It is where my children grew up and where my family has built countless cherished memories. My kids enjoyed hours at the old library, learned to swim at Los Gatos High during summers, and later became swim instructors at the Los Gatos Swim and Racquet Club. My son proudly worked at Sportissimo near Kings Plaza, a beloved business whose closure hasn’t dulled ourfondness forthe friendships formed there—we still greet the owner warmly at Courtside.
As a family, we’ve built lasting connections through Los Gatos United soccer and youth baseball.
Walking through town, I often meet old friends orreconnect with my children’s friends who now work in local stores. This town has shaped our lives in ways that are hard to put into words. I also contributed as a volunteer at Carlton Elementary, stepping in as a technical support engineer when the school lost funding for its media center. These experiences make it impossible to imagine calling anywhere else home.
The addition of WVMA has deepened my connection to this town even further. It’s not only a place of worship but also a hub that fosters a sense of belonging and community. The mosque’s programs and services have brought together people from diverse backgrounds, united by shared values of kindness, compassion, and service. By permitting WVMA to extend its hours for morning and night prayers and Ramadan observances, you would enable many of us to practice our faith fully while continuing to contribute positively to the Los Gatos community.
I understand your time is valuable, and I could share countless stories about the impact Los Gatos and WVMA have had on my life. Instead, I’ll end with a heartfelt plea for your support. Granting this request would mean the world to my family and me, as well as to so many others who deeply value their connection to this wonderful town.
Thank you for your consideration and understanding. Together, let’s continue building an inclusive and welcoming Los Gatos for all its residents.
Warm regards, CK
ITEM NO. 8.
From: Ashraf Dawood < >
Sent: Sunday, November 24, 2024 9:57 PM
To: Jocelyn Shoopman <[email protected]>
Cc: Ashraf < >
Subject: WVMA 16769 Farley Road
Dear Ms. Jocelyn,
I am writing to express my support for the West Valley Muslim Association (WVMA), located at 16769 Farley Road in Los Gatos, CA.
As a resident of the West Valley-Cupertino area, I frequently attend programs and special events at WVMA's Los Gatos campus, including family nights and Ramadan programs. These events provide a vitalservice to the community, fostering family bonds, promoting positive values, and helping to guide our children away from harmful influences such as drugs, gangs, and alcohol.
Whenever I travel to the Farley Road campus, I make a conscious effort to drive cautiously, reducing my speed to around 20 miles per hour—below the residential speed limit of 25 miles per hour—for the safety of the neighborhood residents. I know many others in the community who do the same.
I sincerely appreciate the Los Gatos City Council and Planning Commission's time and consideration of this matter. I respectfully request that the WVMA be granted the conditional use permit to continue hosting its family-friendly Ramadan and daily morning and evening programs.
Thank you for your attention and support. Sincerely,
Ashraf Dawood Cupertino, CA November 24, 2024
ITEM NO. 8.
From: Riaz Khaja
Sent: Sunday, November 24, 2024 9:56 PM
To: Jocelyn Shoopman <[email protected]>
Subject: WVMA 16769 Farley Road
Dear Jocelyn,
I live near WVMA in Cupertino and regularly attend activities at WVMA on Farley Road along with my family. The services offered by WVMA allows me and my family to connect with other families and also fulfill my obligation for mandatory prayers in congregation. My family loves this place and always looks forward to the activities offered by WVMA.
My family and I thank the planning department and the commission for their consideration. We would appreciate it if WVMA's request for additional use in the morning, night and Ramadn is granted.
--
Riaz Khaja
ITEM NO. 8.
From: Hadiya Aziz < >
Sent: Sunday, November 24, 2024 9:51 PM
To: Jocelyn Shoopman <[email protected]>
Subject:
Dear Jocelyn
My name is Hadiya Aziz and I work in Los Gatos. I moved here from Santa Clara with my family 10 years ago. I was brought to this area to be closerto a deaf/hard of hearing inclusion school for my daughter. I was able to find a lot of diversity and support with our deaf peers and families. But we left the major Muslim place of worship in Santa Clara to be here so I was really concerned about my kids' connection to our faith.
As WVMA has started running a mosque in Los Gatos, me and my family were able to go to the center more often and it strengthened my children's Muslim identity (which is not always easy).
A lot of our communities and connections suffered in a post pandemic world. Being Muslim, having community is a central part of our faith. While we pray 5 times a day, we are required to have a communal prayer weekly.
I want to thank the planning department and the commission for all their hard work. I would love to have WVMA's request for additional use in the morning, night and Ramadan granted.
Thank you, Hadiya Aziz
ITEM NO. 8.
From: Amanda Flowers
Sent: Sunday, November 24, 2024 8:15 PM
To: Jocelyn Shoopman <[email protected]>
Subject: WVMA Permit Support
Hi there,
I am writing as a community member to express my strong support for the permit modification request submitted by West Valley Muslim Association to include the celebration of Ramadan and the observance of daily prayers, including the morning and end-of-day prayers.
West Valley Muslim Association is a thriving community space, providing invaluable services to an otherwise under-supported segment of ourtown's population. Itserves not only as a place of worship but also as a center for cultural exchange, events, education, and community support.
The mosque's presence has enriched our town's diversity and fostered interfaith understanding.
As I am sure you know, Ramadan is the most sacred month in the Islamic calendar, and WVMA plays a central role in its observance for the Los Gatos Community. As a small town, I know we are dependent on our local nonprofit organizations to provide support for our community members, and West Valley Muslim Association has being doing so with amazing success. The ability to gather for prayers, especially during the pre-dawn and evening hours, is fundamental to religious practice and the first amendment.
I understand that there were some concerns from a small group of neighbors regarding increased activity, particularly related to traffic and noise. I know that WVMA has taken steps to better support all their neighbors by:
1. Encouraging carpooling and the use of designated parking areas
2. Implementing a quiet zone policy in the immediate vicinity of the mosque
3. Conducting outreach to their congregation to raise awareness about being respectful of neighbors These steps are more than enough for me and most of the neighborhood. We understand that being a town means that we support each others rights to religion and by approving this permit modification, the Town would be acknowledging the importance of religious freedom and inclusivity in our community. This permit would allow WVMA to fully practice their faith while continuing to contribute positively to the town’s vibrant social fabric.
Thank you for yourtime, Amanda Flowers
ITEM NO. 8.
From: ashiqur rahaman < >
Sent: Sunday, November 24, 2024 7:05 PM
To: Jocelyn Shoopman <[email protected]>
Subject: WVMA 16769 Farley Road
Dear Jocelyn,
This is Ashikur Rahman. I am neighbor of WVMA’s facility on Farley Road. I live in Cupertino and I attend activities at WVMA on Farley Road. WVMA is a safe space for me and our children to be themselves, and not be bullied, and not called names in school. The classes offered are enlightening and make me a better person and human being, Prayers in a Mosque are highly recommended, and I try to pray in congregation whenever possible, Ramadan is a time for reflection and prayers and it is important for me to pray in congregation. Something very special you feel about WVMA.
I want to thank the planning department and the commission for their consideration. I would appreciate it if WVMA's request for additional use in the morning, night and Ramadan is granted.
Sincerely, Ashikur Rahman
Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPhone
ITEM NO. 8.
From: Mohib Ali < >
Sent: Sunday, November 24, 2024 4:51 PM
To: Jocelyn Shoopman <[email protected]>
Cc: [email protected]
Subject: WVMA 16769 Farley Road - Letter of Support
Dear Jocelyn,
I hope you are doing well. My name is Mohib Ali, and I am writing to express my wholehearted support for the West Valley Muslim Association (WVMA) and their request to modify the Conditional Use Permit for their facility on Farley Road. Specifically, I support their request to allow for morning prayers, evening prayers, and extended use during Ramadan until 11:30 PM. I believe that granting this modification is essential to ensure the continued spiritual growth and well-being of the community.
I have been attending services and activities at WVMA for several years, and it has become an indispensable part of my life. What I love most about WVMA is the sense of belonging and peace it provides. It’s not just a mosque—it’s a place where people from all walks of life can come together in prayer, reflection, and support. The community here feels like family, and it’s a space where I can deepen my faith, connect with friends, and find solace in moments of quiet prayer. WVMA is truly a place where I can connect with my faith and experience a sense of peace in the company of others who share my values.
The ability to gather for morning and evening prayers, especially during the holy month of Ramadan, is essential for ourspiritual well-being. These prayers are a vital part of ourfaith, and being able to pray in a congregation makes a profound difference in how we experience both our faith and community. I sincerely hope that you will approve the request for extended use during Ramadan, as it will allow us to observe our religious practices fully and meaningfully.
Additionally, I would like to take a moment to express my appreciation forthe town of Los Gatos. It is a community that values diversity and inclusion, and WVMA is a key part of what makes Los Gatos such a special place. I am grateful to live in a town that is welcoming to people of all faiths and backgrounds. The town’s commitment to fostering mutual respect and understanding is truly commendable.
I sincerely thank you and the planning department for considering this request. I would greatly appreciate it if WVMA'srequest for additional use during the morning, evening, and Ramadan hoursis granted. Your support would mean so much to me, and I am grateful for the work you and your colleagues do to make Los Gatos a welcoming and inclusive place for all.
Thank you for yourtime and attention. Best regards,
Mohib Ali
ITEM NO. 8.
From: Taha Rafiq
Sent: Sunday, November 24, 2024 3:06 PM
To: Jocelyn Shoopman <[email protected]>
Subject: Support for modification of conditional use permit for WVMA Hi Jocelyn,
I wanted to send a quick email in support of WVMA's conditional use permit modification for use in morning and night prayers, and extended use in Ramadan.
WVMA is a second home for me, my kids and many Muslims in the Los Gatos and South Bay community. The mosque offers a welcoming environment for everyone and is a beacon of inclusivity.
It would be truly sad to see the operation of the facility limited as morning and evening times are often when folks are available (e.g. outside of business hours).
Thanks,
Taha and family
ITEM NO. 8.
From: Syed Husaini < >
Sent: Sunday, November 24, 2024 9:24 AM
To: Jocelyn Shoopman <[email protected]>
Cc: [email protected]
Subject: WVMA 16769 Farley Road
Dear Jocelyn,
As a Stanford campus resident, I, along with many families and students, rely on the WVMA community center as a vital hub for our region.
Ramadan is a sacred time of reflection and prayer, and communal worship is essential to our spiritual practice. The WVMA’s central location makes it an ideal gathering place for our community.
We express our sincere gratitude to the planning department and commission for their consideration.
We kindly request approval for the WVMA’s application to extend its hours of use during mornings, evenings, and the holy month of Ramadan.
Sincerely, SyedHusaini
ITEM NO. 8.
From: Talal Khan < >
Sent: Sunday, November 24, 2024 8:21 AM
To: Jocelyn Shoopman <[email protected]>
Cc: [email protected]
Subject: WVMA permissions - WVMA 16769 Farley Road
Dear Jocelyn,
Hope you are well. I’m writing to expresssupport for WVMA’s request to allow morning, night prayers and usage till 11:30 in Ramadan.
I live in Willow Glen and drive over to use the facility, and find it a great spot to meet community.
I currently rent, but because of the facility I’d consider buying in its area to be closer to it. This helps improve the community’s appeal to a large subset of the population and also brings economic activity.
I understand that these activities can be disruptive to the neighborhood. If there are specific concerns we could address, please let us know.
Regards Talal
ITEM NO. 8.
From: Rukiya Dirir < >
Sent: Sunday, November 24, 2024 12:31 AM
To: Jocelyn Shoopman <[email protected]>
Subject: WVMA 16769 Farley Road
Dear Jocelyn,
I live near WVMA in West San Jose. Ramadan is a time for reflection and prayers and it is important for me to pray in congregation. We would appreciate it if WVMA's request for additional use in the morning, night and Ramadan is granted.
Sincerely, RukiyaDirir.
ITEM NO. 8.
From: Khalil Sarwari < >
Sent: Saturday, November 23, 2024 9:59 PM
To: Jocelyn Shoopman <[email protected]>
Cc: [email protected]
Subject: WVMA 16769 Farley Road
Dear Jocelyn,
I hope this email finds you well.
I am a young professional who lives close to WVMA on Farley Road, and regularly attendsits programming.
WVMA is a hub for the community - it offers me programs that not only are educational and thought- provoking, but also an opportunity to connect with my fellow community members. In this day and age especially, having a place like WVMA is invaluable. It serves as a sanctuary for personal growth, cultural enrichment, and meaningful connections. The sense of belonging it fosters and the diverse perspectives it brings together make it a cornerstone of our community. I am grateful for its presence and the impact it has on my life and the lives of those around me.
I am writing in support of the request of WVMA to modify its conditional use permit to allow the morning prayers, night prayers, and extended use in Ramadan until 11:30 PM. These prayers are a central part of our faith, and it is highly encouraged to pray in congregation. The size of the congregation and timings are not unmanageable in my opinion; the challenges of location and environment are unique, but the community is ready to take the measures necessary to ensure a positive outcome from this modification.
I would like to thank you, the planning department, and the commission for your consideration.
We would be very grateful if WVMA's request for additional use in the morning, night and Ramadan was approved.
Sincerely,
Khalil Sarwari
ITEM NO. 8.
From: Zaak Jonah < >
Sent: Saturday, November 23, 2024 9:36 PM
To: Jocelyn Shoopman <[email protected]>
Subject: Re: 16769 Farley Rd.
Greetings!
I wanted to write this note in support of the modification of the conditional use permit for West Valley Muslim Association’s Los Gatos campus on Farley Road. The request is in regards to allowing use of the facility for the morning and night prayers (which, depending on the season, can be before 8a and around 10p, respectively), as well as special extended hours usage during the month of fasting (Ramadan).
We have been residents of Los Gatos for over 10 years, and have been thrilled to have a spiritual community to call home at WVMA. WVMA has added a richness and robustnessto our day-to-day lives here that cannot be measured. We believe it has also added to the diversity and special fabric of this town. The WVMA board, and its members, have been very cognizant of our location on a largely residential street; the community has made every effort to be respectful of our neighbors, and to ensure minimal disruption to their day-to-day lives.
We hope that this request can be accommodated to allow WVMA to serve the full needs of the local community.
Warm Regards, Zaak Y.
Resident,
ITEM NO. 8.
From: Safa Yoonas
Sent: Saturday, November 23, 2024 9:14 PM
To: Jocelyn Shoopman <[email protected]>
Subject: WVMA 16769 Farley Rd.
Dear Ms. Shoopman,
My name is Safa and I am 13 years old. I play competitive soccer through LGU and am on the U11 Girls team. I am also a Cadette in Girl Scouts and am in leadership at my school. Some of my favorite places to hang out in Los Gatos are the farmers market, Creekside Sports Complex, and WVMA. All of these places are special to me because they make me feel included and connected to the community. I want to show my support for allowing morning, night and Ramadan prayers until 11:30 PM. Being at WVMA enables me to connect with my friends while getting stronger in my faith.
Thank you for reading my email.
Safa Yoonas
Los Gatos, CA 95032
ITEM NO. 8.
From: Asma G < >
Sent: Saturday, November 23, 2024 8:55 PM
To: Jocelyn Shoopman <[email protected]>
Subject: WVMA 16769 Farley Rd.
Dear Ms. Shoopman and the Town of Los Gatos Planning Commission, I hope this letter finds you well. I was born and raised in the Bay Area and moved to Los Gatos in November of 2012. My husband and I quickly fell in love with the Los Gatos community and all it has to offer. We chose to purchase a home and raise our family (Ayoub - 16 year old son, Safa - 14 year old daughter, Ibrahim - 6 year old son) here and for the last 12 years we have thoroughly enjoyed being a part of the Los Gatos community. Some of the places we have enjoyed spending time at over the years are the many parks, the Los Gatos Farmers Market, hiking Los Gatos creek trail, Creekside sports park where we spend many hours watching out kids compete or practice competitive soccer through Los Gatos United, Los Gatos Parents Nursery School, Los Gatos Library, NUMU, the many restaurants and shops in downtown (especially Los Gatos cafe, Willow Street Pizza, She She Boutique and Great Bear Coffee). We want to thank you for your work and the continued work of the Commission for creating a community that has such beautiful outdoor spaces, a walkable downtown but most importantly is full of inviting people who embody warmth and understanding. This supportive community of people is what has encouraged me to serve on school boards, as a soccer coach for 7 years and pursue my masters of education to serve the Los Gatos community as an educator.
Although all of these amazing things were part of the Los Gatos community for us from day one, we were acutely aware that Los Gatos was lacking a religious space in which we could practice our religion and deepen our spirituality. We felt elated when West Valley Muslim Association (WVMA), purchased a space at 16769 Farley Rd. Some of the activities that my family enjoys and benefits from are the daily prayers services, Sunday school, art classes, Eid celebrations, community service projects, Ramadan prayers and as my daughter just added hanging out with friends. WVMA not only established a mosque for us to perform our daily prayers, but also established a community center and cultural hub that represents a diverse population. WVMA is a place where we can bring our children and ourselvesto connect with othersfrom our faith, teach our children the values of faith, and deepen our spiritually.
I am writing to express my family support for WVMA’s request to modify its conditional use permit to allow morning and night prayers to be held at the mosque and to extend use during Ramadan until 11:30 PM. These prayers, particularly during Ramadan, provide a sense of connection, peace and renewal that cannot be replaced.
WVMA has quickly become part of the fabric of the Los Gatos community as it fosters diversity and inclusion. Thank you for continuing to work with us in allowing us to use this space in such a meaningful way. We appreciate all of the work that you do.
With warmth and gratitude, Asma Ghori,
Los Gatos, CA 95032
ITEM NO. 8.
From: Fouzia Babar < >
Sent: Saturday, November 23, 2024 8:25 PM
To: Jocelyn Shoopman <[email protected]>
Subject: WVMA 16769 Farley Rd.
Good evening Ms. Shoopman and the Town of Los Gatos Planning Division, By way of introduction, my name is Fouzia Babar, and I am writing to you regarding the Conditional Use Permit Application for the West Valley Muslim Association (WVMA). I recently relocated to the Willow Glenn area, but I lived with my husband and two sons in Los Gatos for 8 wonderful years. Both of my sons attended Daves Avenue and St Mary of the Immaculate Conception School for elementary and middle school.
I want to start by thanking you and the entire Town Council for the wonderful work you do. It is no doubt that Los Gatos is known as one of California's safest, most beautiful, and welcoming communities. I am still in Los Gatos every day, and one of my favorite aspects of living in the Bay Area is bumping into friends, fellow parents, soccer moms, and neighbors, every time I run an errand! Los Gatos has an absolute "small-town" charm that is simply magical in the hustle of Silicon Valley. Every year, my family looks forward to taking part in Los Gatos traditions with our neighbors and friends - the Fantasy of Lights, hot chocolate on the Holiday Trolley, Trick-or-Treating on Tait Ave, Jones Trail morning Hikes, the St. Mary's Country Fair, Jazz on the Plaz, and a flat white at Manresa Bread. We know you help make those traditions a reality for us, so thank you.
Another beautiful aspect of being a part of the Los Gatos Community for us, is the West Valley Muslim Association, our mosque, and our second home. WVMA is so much more than just a place where we congregate for weekly service. As Muslims, we are required to pray five times a day, with great emphasis on praying together in congregation. In the month of Ramadan, we also gather to break our fasts together, share meals with those in need, and at night we pray together. WVMA is a place where seniors, adults, and children of every age come together to break bread, and it is something we love to do. Our kids wake up before dawn on Saturday mornings, just to meet their friends and play (in pajamas!) at morning prayer at the mosque; we spend downtime between school, soccer at Creekside, and dinner at the mosque, and after dinners in downtown LG we pray together at the mosque. It is a wonderfully unique environment. Just last week, the kids at WVMA gathered to make 40 blankets for the Santa Clara Valley Medical Center pediatric department for donation. Our community fits so well in the town of Los Gatos, because we are full of compassion, we are welcoming, and we foster a sense of togetherness that only adds to the rich culture of this Town.
By allowing our congregants to hold required morning, night, and Ramadan prayers (until 11:30PM) at WVMA, the Town of Los Gatos will directly help sustain our vibrant community. One of the Town's motto's is 'Community Stewardship,' an idea which embodies inclusivity, empowerment, and wellbeing of community-based organizations. As the only religious center for Muslims of Los Gatos and surrounding neighborhoods, we deeply rely on WVMA and your administrative team to work collectively to extend the use hours and allow people of all faithsto thrive, grow, and contribute back to the greater community.
Thank you so much for your time and I wish you a Happy Thanksgiving, Fouzia Babar
(former addresses - and )
ITEM NO. 8.
From: Erik Swanson < >
Sent: Saturday, November 23, 2024 7:56 PM
To: Jocelyn Shoopman <[email protected]>
Subject: Support forthe WVMA cup
Hello Los Gatos City Council,
God’s peace be with you all. My name is Rev. Erik Swanson, and I want to highly commend to you the faithful congregation of the West Valley Muslim Association. I have gotten to know their community through my time as the Chair of the Saratoga Ministerial Association and have attended quite a few gatherings in the warmth of their community. I have joined them in prayer, I have broken fast with them during their holy days, and I have worked with them for justice in the larger community. I know how difficult it can be to find a footing in the communities surrounding houses of worship as we work to find a voice in this world, and I am also confident that their community has a voice that will continue to make Los Gatos and the Santa Clara County a better and more healthy place. I am concerned for their voice as I have heard some neighbors are speaking out against them. When I have attended services there, I have found them to always be respectful and cognizant of their neighbors. I know that they have done their work to reach out to those around them to do their part in building relationships in Los Gatos. I also know how important it is for a faith community to continue its rituals of prayers and community support and service. They hold us together. They keep us grounded and give us hope even when the world around us seems to be headed in a dark direction. I know that these gatherings don’t always happen at the most convenient times for those around them, and yet they remain incredibly important to a faith community. With all of this in mind, I sincerely encourage you to support the WVMA by approving the modifications in their Conditional Use Permit to allow for morning prayers, night prayers and use in Ramadan until 11:30p I know these lie at the heart of their community life. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me. Please help to care for my friends and colleagues there.
I remain faithfully yours, Erik
--
Rev. Erik Swanson
Westhope Presbyterian Church, Pastor
Follow us on Instagram at Westhope_Presbyterian
I refuse to accept the view that [humankind] is so tragically bound to the starless midnight of racism and war that the bright daybreak of peace and [siblinghood] can never become a reality. I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word. (Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.)
ITEM NO. 8.
From: Fayaz R < >
Sent: Saturday, November 23, 2024 5:41 PM
To: Jocelyn Shoopman <[email protected]>
Cc: [email protected]
Subject: WVMA 16769 Farley Road
Dear Jocelyn,
I hope this email finds you well.
I am writing to express my strong support for the renewal of the use permit forthe West Valley Muslim Association (WVMA). WVMA has been an integral part of our community, fostering inclusivity, understanding, and connection among people of diverse backgrounds.
I believe the modification of the use permit to allow for prayers during the early and late parts of the day, as well as the observance of Ramadan, is essential for ensuring the continued spiritual and cultural vibrancy of our community. These practices are not only central to the faith of many WVMA members but also reflect the values of diversity and respect that make Los Gatos such a special place to live and work.
Personally, I have greatly appreciated the positive impact WVMA has on our community. Their commitment to service and creating a welcoming environment for all has been inspiring. I hope the Town of Los Gatos will continue to support their efforts through this permit renewal.
Thank you for your consideration and for the work you and your colleagues do for our town. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you need any additional information.
Best regards,
Fayaz Rafiqzad
ITEM NO. 8.
From: Juweria Khan Vora < >
Sent: Saturday, November 23, 2024 3:35 PM
To: Jocelyn Shoopman <[email protected]>
Subject: Please help our mosque
Dear Mrs. Shoopman and the Town of Los Gatos Planning Commission, I’m a 9 year old resident of Cambrian Park. I’m writing to tell you that WVMA is a magical place. I've met 89% of all my friends there. I have been going to WVMA since I was about 4-5 years old, and I have a LOT of memories there. I also feel really safe there too. It’s like my second home. I love WVMA.
Ramadan and our morning & evening prayers are really special to us. For Ramadan, we have special prayers, and fun for kids of all ages. We get to see our friends there. There are so many kids there, and they get sad when they can’t see their friends.
And our prayers are better for us because they make us better people. WVMA is sooo close to my family’s house. It’s the best.
So please Mrs. Shoopman. Please let us keep our WVMA traditions. Sincerely, Radia Vora
ITEM NO. 8.
From: Juweria Khan Vora < >
Sent: Saturday, November 23, 2024 3:32 PM
To: Jocelyn Shoopman <[email protected]>
Subject: Please support your local Muslim community
Dear Senior Planner Shoopman and the Town of Los Gatos Planning Commission, Thank you for keeping the town of Los Gatos a clean,safe, and welcoming city for everyone. I am a resident of Cambrian Park where I reside with my husband and children.
We are blessed to have the West Valley Muslim Association close to our home. To be able to have a community center and mosque all in one is a huge deal for the Muslim community. We have been attending regular prayers and services at the mosque since the location on Farley Avenue was purchased. Over the years, the community that attends the WVMA has grown and flourished.
This is due to the amazing programsit has provided for our community at large, including all age groups. My children consider WVMA theirsecond home, where they feel comfortable, recognized, and can meet with other children their age. This has been crucial in developing their identity as proud American Muslims. Not only this, but we have continuously given our time to charitable causes that benefit other communities, such as a backpack project where backpacks were donated to underserved children in our community, or packing lunches for the homeless living within our own city of San Jose. Further, as you may have noticed, the property of WVMA has been continuously beautified since it was purchased, with additions of lovely plants to the landscape and the building and paving of small portions at a time so that it can be appealing and fit the standards of an already beautiful neighborhood.
That being said, the five daily prayers are an integral aspect of our spiritual well being. Having a place to come to pray and bond with fellow Muslims at these times is invaluable. Especially during the holy month of Ramadan, the community comes together in worship and service to the greater community, engaging in special prayers and service projects that also aim to help out our neighbors. These situations may call for very early/later stays at the WVMA. However, we have always been mindful of the neighboring community, their privacy and peace of mind, and will always continue to do so. It is understandable for neighbors to be concerned about these things as they have so warmly welcomed usto their neighborhood. However, as practicing Muslims, we are taught to take care of our neighbors, and love them as we would love ourselves, and I truly feel that we have tried our best in staying true to this.
Thank you for everything you do. Please support the request of WVMA to modify its conditional use permit to allow the morning and night prayers, and use in Ramadan till 11:30 PM.
Sincerely, JuweriaVora
ITEM NO. 8.
From: Monzer Aldimassi < >
Sent: Saturday, November 23, 2024 2:27 PM
To: Jocelyn Shoopman <[email protected]>
Subject: WVMA 16769 Farley Road
Dear Ms. Shoopman,
I hope this message finds you well. My name is Monzer Aldimassi, and I am a resident of Campbell. I am writing to express my strong support for the West Valley Muslim Association (WVMA) and its request to modify its Conditional Use Permit to allow for morning prayers(Fajr), evening prayers (Isha), and extended use during Ramadan until 11:30 PM.
My family and I have been regular attendees at WVMA, and we truly cherish the peaceful, welcoming space it provides. We come to pray our daily obligatory prayers, and it is a place where my children, especially my 8-year-old daughter, feel safe to pray, socialize, and play. She eagerly looks forward to coming to the mosque every weekend, and we are grateful for the sense of community and belonging that WVMA fosters.
The opportunity to gather for prayers during the early mornings and late evenings, as well as during the holy month of Ramadan, is essential to our spiritual well-being. The mosque’s programs and activities have brought us closer to our faith and have created a deep connection with others in the community. We are confident that granting this request will only serve to further strengthen the bonds within our community.
I kindly ask that you supportthisrequestformodification, asthe proposed changes will allow WVMA to continue being a place of worship, reflection, and growth for all of us. We deeply appreciate your consideration of this matter, and we sincerely hope that the necessary approval is granted.
Thank you for yourtime and support. Warm regards,
Monzer Aldimassi Campbell Resident
Sent from my iPhone
ITEM NO. 8.
From: Naiema Din < >
Sent: Saturday, November 23, 2024 1:54 PM
To: Jocelyn Shoopman <[email protected]>
Subject: WVMA 16769 Farley Rd.
Dear Jocelyn Shoopman and the Town of Los Gatos Planning Commission, Thank you very much for your work and the continued work of the Commission for creating a wonderful city for our families to work and visit and spend time in. We love visiting downtown Los Gatos and the beauty and life that it has.
I am also one of the business owners of the Kenz Coffee Bar on Leigh Ave. We have been honored to be a part ofthe vibrant Los Gatos community and to provide space forthe local neighborsto meet and hang out in, while getting a delicious cup of coffee. :) My husband, my 14 year old son and 8 year old son are also long-time congregations member at West Valley Muslim Association (WVMA), which has a mosque at 16769 Farley Rd. I’m writing to ask that the planning committee support the request by WVMA to modify its conditional use permit to allow the morning prayers, night prayers, and daily use in Ramadan till 11:30 PM.
My family and I spend almost every weekend at WVMA in Los Gatos, as well as many days during the week. It has been a cornerstone for our family and we have learned and have grown so much from our time spent there. The community is welcoming and our friendships and relationships are deep. The WVMA is also a cultural hub for our community. I myself have lead improv and acting classes at the mosque, and we have put on two children’s theater productions at the center! We learn and practice ourfaith at the mosque in a way that is holistic, meaningful and fulfilling. Part of our faith requiresthat we have congregational prayer together at sunrise and at night at our mosque. I understand that these two prayers do fall outside the hours listed on the current CUP with the town. We ask that the city considers the importance of what we are requesting, according to our faith requirements.
We are so thankful for the Los Gatos Town planning committee to continue to work with us in allowing us to use this space in such a meaningful way. We appreciate all of the work that you do and continue to do with our mosque, and even with our coffee bar on Leigh Ave. Thank you! Naiema Din
ITEM NO. 8.
From: Ahmad Subeh < >
Sent: Saturday, November 23, 2024 1:13 PM
To: Jocelyn Shoopman <[email protected]>
Subject: WVMA 16769 Farley Rd. Importance: High
Dear Ms. Shoopman,
I am writing to support the West Valley Muslim Association's request to modify its conditional use permit to allow morning and night prayers and use in Ramadan until 11:30 PM. I am a local attendee for WVMA’s daily events (such as prayers, community dinners, and other forms of congregation). It would be horrible if the city did not permit us to attend WVMA during the morning and night each day. Every time I go to any event at WVMA, I witness the unity of the people of Los Gatos, which is what makes many people appreciate coming to WVMA.
Please consider allowing our mosque in the city of Los Gatos to hold early morning and late night events.
Thank you,
Ahmad Subeh
ITEM NO. 8.
From: Zahra Kassam < >
Sent: Saturday, November 23, 2024 12:43 PM
To: Jocelyn Shoopman <[email protected]>
Subject: WVMA 16769 Farley Rd
Dear Senior Planner Shoopman,
My family moved to Los Gatos in August 2023 in order to live near the WVMA. We purchased a home on where we plan to live after renovating. We currently rent a home on . The WVMA is a very special place that offers a tremendous service to the community.
Before living in Los Gatos, we lived in Oakland and Half Moon Bay. In Oakland, our son Musa, who was 7 years old at the time, was bullied at school for being Muslim. The situation got so bad that his mental health suffered severely and we ended up moving to Half Moon Bay for a complete change. Living by the beach was lovely but there was no mosque in the area so we had nowhere to go for prayers and celebrations. We wanted our children to grow up with community and we began researching all of our options in the Bay Area. When we found the WVMA, we found our home. We have no extended family in the Bay Area but it honestly feels like we now have the village we needed to help raise our children and to support us through the ups and downs of life.
Congregational prayer at the five fixed times of day is the most important part of this as it is the primary way that we keep ourselves and our children connected to our faith. With work and school taking place during the day, the early morning prayers and the night prayers are often the only ones that we can attend. The night prayers during Ramadan are also extremely important as this is the month when we focus most on cultivating faith and community. Without morning and night prayers and without late prayers during Ramadan, a mosque is not really mosque anymore.
I implore you to allow us to continue to practice our faith freely. I implore you to support a rich and diverse Los Gatos.
Thank you,
Zahra Kassam
p.s. Below is a letter to you from my son Musa.
The WVMA masjid is like home to me. I’m sure I speak for many others too when I say that without our morning and night prayers at the masjid we feel a part of us has been taken away. It is a chance to pray with others and that is really important in Islam. God says in our book the Quran “A person’s prayer observed along with another is purer than his prayer observed alone”. I am 12 years old and live very close to the masjid and even I can see the masjid is a beautiful place where people can gather.
Especially during the best month of Ramadan where we all fast for 30 days. It means so much to do this with my friends and family. Please do not take away our night prayers during Ramadan. It is a late night prayer but it’s not just that. It’s more. It’s a chance to celebrate a day of fasting with your friends and it brings us joy. So please do not take away thisjoy from all of us. We all love living in Los Gatos. It's a beautiful city and the masjid helps people who live in Los Gatos.
Thank you for reading my letter from Musa Ali.
ITEM NO. 8.
From: [email protected] < >
Sent: Saturday, November 23, 2024 12:26 PM
To: Jocelyn Shoopman <[email protected]>
Subject: WVMA 16769 Farley Rd.
Dear Jocelyn,
I am writing to let you know about my support of the request of WVMA to modify its conditional use permit to allow morning and night prayers and for use in the holy month of Ramadan until 11:30PM.
WVMA is a very special place to our family. The morning and night prayers in particular are a refuge from the chaos and hectic nature of Silicon Valley life and a much needed spiritual oasis for the Los Gatos community at large. WVMA recently helped our family navigate and overcome a very difficult time period of our lives. We can only imagine what it must have done for so many other families.
We believe that any concerns about WVMA can be amicably resolved if approached in good faith.
Our family always does our personal part to minimize disruption to the surrounding neighborhood.
Thank you and best regards,
The Iqbal Family (Shan, Isra, Abdulah, Aisha, Ibrahim, Sulaiman)
ITEM NO. 8.
From: Mohamad Suleiman < >
Sent: Saturday, November 23, 2024 12:15 PM
To: Jocelyn Shoopman <[email protected]>
Subject: WVMA @ 16769 Farley Rd.
Hi Jocelyn,
I am emailing you regarding the West Valley Muslim Association (WVMA) located at 16769 Farley Rd.
I am personally reaching out to you asking that the Town of Los Gatos approve WVMA’s request to modify the Conditional Use Permit (CUP) to allow prayer times before 8 AM and after 10 PM, specifically for Fajr (morning) and Isha (night) prayers, up until 11:30PM during the month of Ramadan.
I moved to the neighborhood from Willow Glen and bought a home in June 2023 specifically to be closerto this mosque. Living a little over a mile from the mosque allows my family and I to participate in the Fajr and Isha prayers. These prayer times are a crucial part of our daily lives given how busy our days are after sunrise and before night time (kids school drop off, work, kids pickup, extracurricular activities, dr. appointments, dinner, bedtime, etc).
I am worried that losing the ability to pray at the mosque at those times would disconnect me and my family from the Muslim neighbors in Los Gatos. My two girls love coming here and making friends, learning to be a great community member, meeting mentors and future leaders who are role modelsin the community. A big part of our family’s social fabric is tied to this mosque and losing the ability to pray Fajr and Isha would have an immeasurable impact on our life and as a family unit.
Thank you fortaking the time to read this. Regards,
Mohamad Suleiman
ITEM NO. 8.
From: Shafi Razzack < >
Sent: Saturday, November 23, 2024 12:11 PM
To: Jocelyn Shoopman <[email protected]>
Subject: WVMA 16769 Farley Rd.
Dear Jocelyn,
My name is Shafi Razzack. I live close to WVMA off of . WVMA is my community and mosque. I am a regular attendee of their morning (Fajr) and night (Isha) prayer services. I am a bay area resident since 1988. WVMA is special. I take my kids to activities/events such as the kids story time. I have found this community very engaging and welcoming. I remember when we had power outages about 2 years back that WVMA offered neighbors generators for free when retailers such as Home Depot had the item sold out. It is apparent to me that WVMA cares for the wider community at large and is continuously making attemptsto improve itsrelations with neighbors. I don't know how I would be able to function without WVMA; it is at the core of my daily life.
I understand that Ramadan and traffic has been an issue. When I drive/walk to WVMA, I make a concerted effort to keep my carlights off and proceed in a quiet manner. Ramadan is part of our faith; it is part of a pillar in Islam under fasting. WVMA is working to modify its CUP to allow for the morning, night, and Ramadan services. I fully support this request and consider it as my religious obligation.
I thank you for your time and consideration,
- Shafi Razzack
ITEM NO. 8.
From: Omar Ali
Sent: Saturday, November 23, 2024 12:06 PM
To: Jocelyn Shoopman <[email protected]>
Cc: [email protected]
Subject: WVMA 16769 Farley Rd
Dear Ms. Shoopman,
I am writing this letterin support of modifying WVMA’s conditional use permit to allow the morning prayers, night prayers, and use in Ramadan until 11:30pm. Our family moved to the Bay Area in 2016 looking for a community to call home. We have explored from East Bay to all overthe Peninsula and we could not find a more sincere, welcoming and supportive community than the people of WVMA.
My Wife and two sons and I moved to Los Gatos in August 2023 to join the beautiful Los Gatos town and WVMA. Before that, my wife and I could sense loneliness and depression entering our lives and even our 12 year old boy needed therapy sessionsfrom a bout with bullying. Now, with the support of WVMA in Los Gatos, our two boys have never been better as they call the mosque their home and look forward to participating in the service projects, prayers and family activities. The WVMA community has help make the whole Los Gatos town feel like home as we enjoy the great restaurants, hikes in the parks and affordable treasures together! For me, I can’t imagine Los Gatos without the WVMA, which has helped strengthen my faith in both God and the beauty and potential of people.
We have experienced communities that lack the connection and empathy for others and the service mission that the WVMA embodies. The WVMA community is also unique and beautiful in its diversity of professional and ethnic backgrounds and the services provided keep the community connected, caring and active. My life, and I fear the same for the world at large, is growing so individualistic and lonely that I would be deeply saddened and concerned if the morning and evening gathering times for prayer at WVMA were taken away. These are the exact types of programs we need to support!
I am asking you to please not take away the morning and evening prayers as it is a lightsource for this sound and wholesome community, especially with such busy professional lives during the day. Even when we gather for just a short time to pray, it is a beautiful start and end of the day that fosters lightheartedness and immense love for others at the WVMA and forthe broader Los Gatos community!
Thank you for your time and consideration. I am happy to help in any way I can.
All the Best,
Omar Ali
ITEM NO. 8.
From: Seema Sulemani < >
Sent: Saturday, November 23, 2024 11:49 AM
To: Jocelyn Shoopman <[email protected]>
Cc:
Subject: Request for use of the facility-WVMA
Dear Ms. Shoopman,
This is to request your support and guidance for the community platform located at Farley Road, Los Gatos, West Valley Muslim Association (WVMA).
There is no single way to show our children, families, neighbors and the generations to come the absolute beauty in diversity. Similar to the old sayings it takes a village to influence and change culture. I’m not sure how inclined you are spiritually and religiously, but supporting the efforts of this building located at Farley Road, a place for children, families and friends to gather and celebrate the mercy, kindness and blessings of the Lord, demonstrates to the community, your/ the Town of Los Gatos‘s (the people of the town) solidarity and support, helping the fellow human beings to pursue their connections and interests with peace is a tremendous human task.
Today the prayers of many fellow humans relies on you / the people of the town to allow this unusual request to accommodate the temporary revision of hours of use of this facility use beyond the beyond the conditional use permit (CUP) during the month of Ramadan.
I was extremely fortunate growing up in a place with extreme diversity we celebrated Christmas Diwali and Eid. We welcomed all the holidays participated in the neighborhood activities. It was a joy that allowed us to exchange our ideas/values and develop human virtues.
We looked after each other and be there for each other and transform the community and society.
Continuing the same journey of embracing diversity even today I and my family, while raising our children.
Recently, my daughter and my family had the pleasure and privilege of being part one of her friends Bat mitzvah which was a beautiful celebration, the kind family welcomed all of us in their homes in their temple and then we had a party after at a lovely restaurant in downtown San Jose, we celebrated and danced the night off.
We as a community can continue to do this and be part of each other’s lives for generations to come, and all this will depend on some of very crucial important decisions made by the town of Los Gatos at this location, please this is our humble request to allow the opportunity fortheir community platform to operate bit of unusual extended hours during the month of Ramadan. Please feel free to reach out to me if you do have any other questions. By profession I’m a healthcare provider and when I do take care of my patients, I do not look at their Faith color, age gender. I treat them as humans and my family with kindness, care, caution, precision, and responsibility just like the messages of prophet Mohammed SWT. I would want us and our children to grow up with the similar kind of Humanness.
Appreciate your time and consideration. May Allah bless you and reward you.
Sincerely,
Seema Sulemani
ITEM NO. 8.
From: Marya S < >
Sent: Saturday, November 23, 2024 11:41 AM
To: Jocelyn Shoopman <[email protected]>
Subject: WVMA 16769 Farley Road
Hi there!
My name is Marya, and I am a third generation South Asian American.
I believe in true American values, and what is stated in the Declaration of Independence that all men are created equal, and endowed with their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, among them, Life, Liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
The Los Gatos Islamic Center on Farley Road is an embodiment of these timeless values for my own family and so many others. It serves as a beacon for mental, social, emotional, educational, and most of all, spiritual renewal.
It serves as a fountain of hope to sojourn to and grants us sustenance to forge back into the hustle and bustle of modern life, not unlike Wilder's retreat to Walden, or Frost's poem, echoing the words, "I have promises to keep, and miles to go before I sleep."
Future generations of American Muslims depend on this welcoming space to nurture them into citizens who give back to the Los Gatos community and make ripples of positive change wherever they go. Middle aged families rely on their network from the masjid for friendships and support through life's challenges. Elderly rely on theirsocial interactions from the masjid that bridge a foreign upbringing and a new American frontier.
Our center is not just for Muslims. It has held countless events for the greater community, including fundraisers for the disadvantaged, art classes, workshops for creating lanterns for homeless people, and winter clothes drives. "Come, come, whoever you are," Rumi said, "Ours is not a caravan of despair!"
We are one humanity, and we all deserve the freedom to pursue happiness and love.
We all feel something greater than ourselves when we swim out to the deep Pacific, or hiking up amongst towering Redwoods here in Los Gatos. We feel it when we watch our children play soccer with Los Gatos United amidst friends from Union School District. We know that there is a greater purpose and that connection, service, and community are important, now more than ever.
We are one humanity, and we all deserve the freedom to pursue happiness and love.
Though people may try to stifle the light, we still rise. "Into a daybreak that's Wondrously clear. I rise. Bringing the gifts that my ancestors gave, I am the dream and the hope of the slave. I rise. I rise.
I rise."
Thank you Marya
ITEM NO. 8.
From: Mariam Farooq
Sent: Saturday, November 23, 2024 11:13 AM
To: Jocelyn Shoopman <[email protected]>
Subject: WVMA 16769 FARLEY RD
Mr. Shoopman,
I am writing to express my strong support for WVMA's request to modify its conditional use permit to allow for morning prayers, night prayers, and extended use during the holy month of Ramadan until 11:30 PM.
We are a young family residing in Los Gatos on Hamsher Court, and this space has already become a cornerstone for us. It holds special significance for my 1.5-year-old daughter, who has formed meaningful connections and joyful memories here. As a parent, I hope this space continues to be a nurturing environment where she can grow, learn, and feel a deep sense of belonging.
For families like ours, WVMA is much more than a place of worship. It serves as a foundation for building relationships, fostering community, and creating lasting experiences. Approving this request will only strengthen the positive impact this space has on its members and the broader community.
I kindly urge you to approve WVMA's request, as it will ensure that this space continues to thrive as a hub of growth, connection, and support for families like mine.
Thank you for yourtime and consideration. Best regards, Mariam Farooq
ITEM NO. 8.
From: Nada Attar
Sent: Saturday, November 23, 2024 11:03 AM
To: Jocelyn Shoopman <[email protected]>
Cc: [email protected]
Subject: WVMA 16769 Farley Rd
Dear Jocelyn,
My name is Nada Attar, and I have been a Los Gatosresident forseveral years, living off , not far from , with my husband and my two daughters. I am writing to respectfully urge your office to approve the West Valley Muslim Association’s conditional use application for extended hours during Ramadan, specifically for before 8 am, night prayers, and until 11:30 pm.
We chose to live in Los Gatos in large part due to the presence of WVMA in the community, and we greatly appreciate being part of a safe and child-friendly neighborhood. I regularly attend WVMA with my young children, in particular, benefit from the space, where my children can play, learn, and socialize with others. As newcomers to California, we have found great support from the WVMA community, especially during urgent situations such as hospital visits or when we needed assistance with our pet during travel. My daughters enjoy Arabic and Quran classes and they have made many friends. This sense of community has been a vital part of our lives, made possible by the regular interactions during early morning prayers and especially during Ramadan.
As a family in Los Gatos, we would deeply appreciate your consideration of this request, which would help sustain a thriving, close-knit, and diverse community here. As members of WVMA, we are committed to being conscientious neighbors, and we value our role in the community.
Thank you for yourtime and understanding. Sincerely,
Nada Attar
--
******************************* Nada Attar
Assistant Professor Office: MH218 Phone:
Department of Computer Science San Jose State University One Washington Square San Jose, CA 95192-0249
ITEM NO. 8.
From: Hisham Mabrook < >
Sent: Saturday, November 23, 2024 10:54 AM
To: Jocelyn Shoopman <[email protected]>
Subject: 16769 Farley Rd.
Dear Jocelyn -
My name is Hisham Mabrook and I have been a Los Gatos resident for the past many years with my family. We live off not far from . I am writing to respectfully urge your office to consider approving West Valley Muslim Association’s conditional use application to be open for before 8am, night prayers, and late till 1130pm just during Ramadan.
We bought our place in Los Gatos largely because of the presence of WVMA in the town, in a safe and child-friendly neighborhood. I regularly come to WVMA for early morning prayers as a part of my daily routine, and my young 4-year old twins in particular hugely benefit from a second space which they proactively ask to be taken to where they can play with other children, learn skills, and socialize. As recent California transplants, we have hugely benefited from the WVMA social network, especially when we had urgent hospital visits or we needed someone we trusted locally to tend to a pet while we traveled. This community we built has only been possible from regular bonding at early morning prayers and in particular the month of Ramadan.
As a LG family, we would be greatly appreciated if you can approve this conditional use application and therewith support a thriving, close-knit, and diverse community in Los Gatos. As WVMA members, we in turn owe it back to your office to be extra conscientious of the neighborhood that WVMA is situated in, and are committed to doing so. After all, we are its neighbors.
Hisham
ITEM NO. 8.
From: Daniah Din < >
Sent: Saturday, November 23, 2024 10:51 AM
To: Jocelyn Shoopman <[email protected]>
Cc: [email protected]
Subject: WVMA 16769 Farley Rd.
Hi there,
My name is Daniah, and my family and I are congregants of the West Valley Muslim Association in Los Gatos.
I am writing to request the approval of allowing morning, night, and Ramadan prayers.
My family and I have benefitted deeply from this mosque and community, and it is my sincere hope that they get approval to allow prayer services at these times.
For some background on myself, I have young daughters, and when choosing a place to live for my family, proximity to WVMA was a deciding factor. This mosque provides an incredibly warm and welcoming environment, and is one of the few places of worship I’ve attended that makes an active effort to connect and work with their neighbors.
As a mother of Muslim children, being able to pass on traditions to them is extremely important to me. Thisrequest is particularly important to us because during Ramadan my young daughter is very excited to come to the mosque and attend evening prayers. It allows her to connect with and have pride in her faith and traditions, and by not being allowed to congregate, my daughter wouldn’t have such a lovely place to come to during Ramadan.
Thank you for considering extending the permit, my hope is that you take these requests from our community sincerely and allow Los Gatos to be a place where all. communities can thrive and be welcomed.
Best, DaniahDin
ITEM NO. 8.
From: Seema Siddiqui < >
Sent: Saturday, November 23, 2024 10:51 AM
To: Jocelyn Shoopman <[email protected]>
Subject: WVMA 16769 Farley Rd.
Hello,
I am writing to express my wholehearted support for the request of WVMA to modify its conditional use permit to allow morning prayers, night prayers, and extended use during Ramadan until 11:30 PM.
The WVMA isso much more than a place of worship—it is a cornerstone of our community. It provides a space for connection, reflection, and spiritual growth. For me, it has been a haven where I’ve found peace, guidance, and a deep sense of belonging. The morning and night prayers are especially meaningful, as they allow us to start and end our days with gratitude and purpose, and the extended hours during Ramadan create an unparalleled sense of community and spirituality that enriches our lives.
The WVMA is not just a building; it’s a home. It brings people together, fosters understanding, and strengthens bonds across diverse backgrounds. By allowing this modification, the WVMA will be able to continue fulfilling its role as a vital resource for our community’s spiritual and social needs.
Thank you for considering this request, which means so much to so many of us. I hope the WVMA will be granted the opportunity to serve our community even more fully.
Sincerely,
Seema Siddiqui, DDS
ITEM NO. 8.
From: lamia ibrahim < >
Sent: Saturday, November 23, 2024 10:10 AM
To: Jocelyn Shoopman <[email protected]>
Subject: WVMA 16769 Farley Rd
Dear Ms. Shoopman,
My name is Lamia Ibrahim, and I am writing to express my family’s wholehearted support for WVMA’s request to modify its conditional use permit to allow morning prayers (Fajr), night prayers (Isha), and extended use during Ramadan until 11:30 PM. My husband Omar and I live on Benedict Lane with our eight children, and WVMA is truly a cornerstone of our daily lives. We moved to Los Gatos specifically to be close to this vibrant community center. It is not just a place of worship for us—it’s where our family finds connection, peace, and belonging.
Our daughter Danya loves attending the playgroups at WVMA, where she’s built meaningful friendships and grown in a nurturing environment. Ourson Adam eagerly meets his friends there, and as parents, we are deeply grateful for the safe and welcoming space WVMA provides for our children. On Saturday mornings, my husband Omar looksforward to his Fajr prayersfollowed by coffee with the brothers, a tradition that not only deepens his faith but also builds bonds with the men in our community.
As a mother, I can’t express enough how critical it is for our family to have a place like WVMA. It is where we pray, connect, and teach our children the values of faith, respect, and community.
Being able to gather for Fajr and Isha prayers is vital to our religious practice and strengthens the ties that hold our community together. These prayers, particularly during Ramadan, bring a sense of peace and renewal that cannot be replaced.
We urge you to approve this modification so that WVMA can continue to serve as a lifeline for families like ours. This center is not just important to us—it’s a staple in the broader Los Gatos community, fostering diversity and inclusion in meaningful ways. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely, Lamia Ibrahim
Los Gatos, CA
ITEM NO. 8.
From: Omar Sobh < >
Sent: Saturday, November 23, 2024 10:01 AM
To: Jocelyn Shoopman <[email protected]>
Subject: WVMA 16769 Farley Rd.
Dear Mr. Shoopman,
We are writing to express ourstrong support for WVMA’s request to modify its conditional use permit to allow morning prayers (Fajr), night prayers (Isha), and extended use during Ramadan until 11:30 PM.
Our family lives on in Los Gatos, and WVMA has been an essential part of our livessince we moved here. With eight children, it was crucial for us to find a community that would foster both our faith and a sense of belonging. WVMA is not just a religious center for us; it is the heartbeat of our daily lives.
Our children regularly participate in activities at WVMA, from youth groups to educational programs, and they accompany us for all five daily prayers. Walking togetherto the masjid is a cherished routine that reinforces our values as a family and as part of the larger Los Gatos community. The ability to gather for Fajr and Isha is central to this experience, as these prayers hold deep spiritual and communal significance.
WVMA is not just a place of worship; it is a safe, nurturing environment where our children learn to be active and contributing members of society. It is also a space where families like ours come together to celebrate diversity, share traditions, and support one another. We chose Los Gatos specifically because of the vibrant and welcoming community WVMA fosters, and we hope it continues to thrive with your support.
We kindly urge you to approve this modification so that WVMA can continue to serve as a cornerstone for families like ours, ensuring we have access to early and late prayers that are vital to our faith, particularly during Ramadan.
Thank you for yourtime and consideration. Sincerely,
Omar Sobh
Los Gatos, CA
ITEM NO. 8.
From: Sadi Khan < >
Sent: Saturday, November 23, 2024 9:47 AM
To: Jocelyn Shoopman <[email protected]>
Subject: WVMA 16769 Farley Road
Hi, I'm Sadi Khan, CEO of Aven, and a resident of Los Gatos ( ).
I'm reaching out as a neighbor and community member who strongly values the West Valley Muslim Association (WVMA). Of all the things I love and cherish about the city of Los Gatos - the West Valley Muslim Association is the most important - for both myself, and my family.
I am writing this in regards to the permit modification - to support the community's request to modify its conditional use permit to allow morning prayers, night prayers, and Ramadan prayers.
For my family, and many others in Los Gatos - WVMA is a critical cornerstone of our community, and helps myself, and my child to practice their faith in safety and comfort. My daughter's ability to have a religious community that she can learn from, and feel safe & welcome to practice her religion year round in - is my #1 priority.
I appreciate you considering thisrequest and supporting our community.
Thank you,
-Sadi
ITEM NO. 8.
From: Tariq Abed < >
Sent: Saturday, November 23, 2024 9:44 AM
To: Jocelyn Shoopman <[email protected]>
Subject: WVMA 16769 Farley Rd.
Dear Ms. Shoopman,
I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to express my support for the request of WVMA to modify its Conditional Use Permit to allow morning prayers, night prayers, and extended use during Ramadan until 11:30 PM.
Having lived around and been part of many mosques and communities across the valley, Bay Area, and Southern California, I can confidently say that WVMA is truly unique. I’ve been a Los Gatos resident and have been part of this community for the past three years, and from the very beginning, it stood out as something special. WVMA is more than just a place of worship - it’s a vibrant community that prioritizes the well-being of its members, especially our youth.
WVMA fosters a safe and nurturing environment where children can play, grow spiritually, and thrive academically. Programs like the entrepreneurial club, coding classes, leadership talks, investing courses, and many others are designed to help children and youth develop essential skills while staying connected to their faith and values.
Morning and night prayer times at the mosque hold particularsignificance. These moments allow usto disconnect from the digital world, engage face-to-face with others, and build genuine relationships. This sense of connection extends beyond our congregation, as WVMA has consistently emphasized community outreach and engagement with our neighbors. Initiatives such as the quarterly “Coffee with Neighbors” eventsfoster understanding and collaboration, while other programsfocus on finding meaningful ways to give back to the broader community.
I urge you to approve this request to modify the Conditional Use Permit and allow WVMA to continue serving its members during these spiritually significant times. These small changes will have an enormous impact on the well-being of our community, helping us nurture meaningful relationships, provide safe spaces for children, and create lasting positive contributions to the Los Gatos area.
Thank you for your consideration and understanding!
Best regards,
Tariq Abed
Los Gatos CA 95032
Sent from my iPhone
ITEM NO. 8.
From: Nadya Abdallah < >
Sent: Saturday, November 23, 2024 9:43 AM
To: Jocelyn Shoopman <[email protected]>
Subject: WVMA 16769 Farley Rd
To whom it may concern,
About 2 years ago when searching for a home, we knew Los Gatos would be a desirable area to raise our young family. We love the school district, the downtown, as well as the diversity we found around us.
Another important aspect to us was a Mosque where the community was active and our 2 girls can build their own community. With all the diverse programs the Mosque hasto offeritisreally easy to find something that suits all of our interests and needs.
Since buying our home we have used the Mosque to its fullest extent, for morning prayers, and during the holy month of Ramadan for the extended night prayers.
As a member of the WVMA community it is important to my family and the community that benefits from the inclusion to have the extended morning and night hours to cater to our needs.
Thank you in advance,
Nadya Abdallah
ITEM NO. 8.
From: Brandon Bennett < >
Sent: Saturday, November 23, 2024 9:34 AM
To: Jocelyn Shoopman <[email protected]>
Subject: WVMA 16769 Farley Rd.
Hello,
I’m reaching out in support of WVMA’s request to modify its conditional use permit to allow morning and night prayers, as well as extended use during Ramadan until 11:30 PM. This community center has become an essential part of my life, giving me the opportunity to connect, build friendships, and grow in ways that have genuinely changed me for the better. The peaceful moments of morning and night prayers offer me a chance to decompress, to start my day with calm and end it with gratitude.
WVMA has become my “third place.” Beyond home and work, it’s where I find connection, peace, and a deeper sense of belonging. It’s where my wife and I have formed lasting friendships, where I have been able to find comfort in challenging times, and where I truly feel at home. For us, this building is so much more than just a place of worship—it’s a community and a safe space that has been a cornerstone in our lives.
Thank you for considering this request that means so much to so many of us. Thank you, Brandon Bennett
Sent from my iPhone
ITEM NO. 8.
From: Gaitie Z < >
Sent: Friday, November 22, 2024 11:48 AM
To: Jocelyn Shoopman <[email protected]>
Subject: Re: WVMA 16769 Farley Road
Hello,
I’m writing to you in regard to the furor oursmall community based mosque, WVMA on Farley Rd seems to have created.
I’llstart off by saying I reside around the corner at the end of in LG and often walk to the Mosque for prayers and events as do my husband and children. Our immediate neighbors to the right and left are pretty friendly. The rest…like to stare, a lot. The elderly gentleman acrossthe street used to come outside *every* time our car pulled up and just stand and stare on his porch as we got out. This lasted quite a few months until I finally introduced myself and offered assistance as he was on crutches, and that was when it finally stopped. There’s another lady who walks her dog past our home regularly and loves to glare the entire time she’s facing our home and sometimes even when she walks past. Many others drive by and stare as well. You’d think after our being here a couple of years it would stop, but that hasn’t been the case. My daughter got honked at and shouted at when riding herscooter from the high school to our home, because like me, she covers and is visibly Muslim. She’s since graduated but my son has had a myriad of issues as well which we’ve addressed with the principal and admin. It’s hurtful, but it’s one of those things I’ve learned to swallow being brown/Muslim in America.
I grew up in small towns like this my entire life. We were always made to feel as if we were outsiders. It’s nothing new. I never thought I would move to a place like this and yet here I am.
Because this is where my children are provided the resources they need to thrive. WVMA provides a sense of belonging and support for my family as well. I would so appreciate your allowing the modification of their conditional use permit to allow for wider spread hours so we can continue to have a safe place for myself, my family and my community. From what I’ve experienced living here I’m not surprised a group of neighbors have organized in trying to shut it down likely from a place of intolerance. Just last week my mom was walking to the mosque for evening prayers and was stopped and questioned by a neighbor asking if she’d parked in front of her home and that she was from the neighborhood watch. My mom was kind of startled and responded no and kept walking. I was irritated because one, there is no neighborhood watch and two, even if my mom had parked on the curb it’s public parking. I’m tired. I’m tired of being made to feel like we don’t belong when we’re just trying to make it from one day to the next just like everyone else.
As a parent to a special needs child, now teen, our world can be very limited and isolating. There are very few places we can go as a family or even on my own with my son and be treated with kindness and respect, WVMA is one of those places. My son is completely non verbal and has severe autism as well as an intellectual disability. He vocalizes loudly when anxious, and that gets us a lot of stares when we’re walking outside or trying to grocery shop. It’s extremely stressful for me and made even more so by the unfriendly attitudes we encounter. From the first moment I peeked inside sort of hesitantly, where the mosque was holding our obligatory Friday prayers, with my son in tow in his wheelchair, I was met with the complete opposite. A guy I’d never seen before in my life came running out and wheeled my son’s wheelchair inside asking where we’d be most comfortable and if
ITEM NO. 8.
Gatos, or the Los Gatos we’ve known for the past 3 years we’ve lived here. The mosque represents community and warmth to us, it’s a place where my other 17 year old son goes when he’s having a tough day and needs to unwind. He can often be seen walking down the street to attend daily prayers or when he needs some quiet time to reflect. As a matter of fact he did so last week. He disappeared for 2 hours, after seeming upset and just seemed to be having a rough day. He came back relaxed back to his normal self and said he’d spent time at the mosque reading the Quran and reflecting. He was able to do so because it’s open to us from morning til night. My family deserves to have a space, to practice our faith and receive the support that we need, same as every other family that has their respective churches and temples in our town. Thank you for your time, I’m sure you will give your decision the utmost care and thought.
Best
Gaitie Zaheer
ITEM NO. 8.
From: Manel Khan < >
Sent: Friday, November 22, 2024 10:18 AM
To: Jocelyn Shoopman <[email protected]>
Cc: [email protected]
Subject: WVMA 16769 Farley Road
My name is Manel Khan, and I am a proud resident of in Los Gatos.
Today, I am reaching out as a neighbor and community member who deeply values the positive impact the West Valley Muslim Association (WVMA) has had on my life, my family, and our broader neighborhood. I humbly ask for your support in approving WVMA’s request to modify its conditional use permit to allow morning prayers, night prayers, and Ramadan prayers until 11:30 PM.
For my family, WVMA is more than a mosque—it is a cornerstone of our community. It is a safe haven where our children can truly be themselves, a place where they can grow in an environment filled with love, support, and understanding. WVMA brings people of all backgrounds together, fostering bonds that allow us to freely practice our religion in comfort and peace For my husband, WVMA offers a moment of calm and solace during morning prayers. Each day, he wakes before dawn and heads to the mosque. There, in the stillness of the morning, surrounded by a sense of unity, he finds the peace and clarity he needs to face his demanding day.
As someone who has experienced WVMA’s warmth and seen its respect for the neighborhood, I can confidently say that it is an exceptional institution. During Ramadan, WVMA becomes an even greater source of connection. Night prayers and community iftars allow us to reflect, celebrate, and bond in ways that uplift not only our spirits but also our collective sense of belonging.
Approving this permit modification is about more than just extending prayer times; it is about preserving a space that brings peace, purpose, and unity to hundreds of families like mine. It’s about supporting a place that strengthens our community and makes Los Gatos a model of inclusivity and harmony.
Thank you for your time and for considering this request. Best Regards, Manel
ITEM NO. 8.
From: Amina Shahid < >
Sent: Friday, November 22, 2024 8:41 AM
To: Jocelyn Shoopman <[email protected]>
Cc: [email protected]
Subject: Support for WVMA’s Conditional Use Permit Modification Dear Los Gatos Planning Department,
I am writing to express my strong support for the West Valley Muslim Association’s (WVMA) request to modify its Conditional Use Permit to allow morning prayers, night prayers, and extended use during Ramadan until 11:30 PM.
WVMA is more than just a place of worship—it is a vibrant hub for meaningful community programs that benefit people of all backgrounds. From educational workshops and interfaith dialogues to charitable initiatives that support the broader community, WVMA plays a vital role in fostering understanding, connection, and unity. Its contributions extend far beyond its walls, positively impacting Los Gatos and surrounding areas.
As a Willow Glen resident, I am fortunate to live in a community that values inclusivity and mutual respect. With nine churches in my neighborhood, none of our residents have ever complained about their programs or activities. We respect their right to practice their faith and appreciate the enrichment they bring to our community. I hope the Los Gatos community can demonstrate the same level of inclusivity and support for WVMA and its members.
The ability to perform morning and night prayers, as well as extended hours during Ramadan, is deeply significant to the spiritual lives of WVMA’s members. These practices are integral to their faith and bring familiestogether in a spirit of peace and reflection. Approving this request is a matter of ensuring that all members of our community have the opportunity to practice their beliefs without unnecessary barriers.
I respectfully urge the Planning Department to approve WVMA’s request. Supporting this modification is a step toward embracing the diversity and richness that make our towns and neighborhoods thrive. Let us work together to create a community where everyone feels valued, respected, and included.
Thank you for yourtime and thoughtful consideration. Sincerely, Amina Shahid
ITEM NO. 8.
November 18, 2024
Jocelyn Shoopman, Senior Planner
Town of Los Gatos Community Development
Dept. 110 E Main Street, Los Gatos, CA 95032
Cc: Gabrielle Whelan, Town of Los Gatos
Attorney Joel Paulson, Community
Development Director Allen Meyer, Code
Compliance Officer
Mayor Maria Ristow
Subject: WVMA CUP modification
Dear Jocelyn,
As residents of , living next door to the West Valley Muslim Association (WVMA) at 16769 Farley Road, we’re following up on the status of WVMA’s CUP modification request, which has been under review since August 27, 2024. This has been an ongoing issue for nine months. Because Ramadan starts on February 28, 2025, we ask for immediate action, including a public hearing before the Planning Commission.
We share multiple fences with the facility, including WVMA’s sole exit, a narrow, single lane driveway that measures 12 ft 8 inches and is located less than 30 feet from our home (Photo 1). WVMA’s main building less than 100 feet from us. The unsafe street conditions, constant noise, and traffic generated by WVMA make for an unconducive living environment (sleeping, relaxing, exiting our driveway) and violate the California Civil Public Nuisance Code.
ITEM NO. 8.
ITEM NO. 8.
Photo 2: WVMA publicizes its “doors are always open.”
WVMA’s volume is unprecedented for a Los Gatos religious organization zoned residential and is comparable to Calvary Church (see Calvary’s CUP). But Farley Road does not have access directly onto a major thoroughfare like Los Gatos Blvd (i.e.six traffic lanes and controlled intersections); it lacks the infrastructure (no sidewalks, traffic signals and streetlights) and our residential footprint scale can not accommodate WVMA’s traffic and activities.
Additionally, Calvary has implemented strict measures to protect its neighbors, including a locked gate at the church’s Shannon Road exit that is unlocked only on Sundays (Photo 3), and a locked gate at the back parking lot next to Robie Lane. We have no such protection.
Because WVMA’s exit driveway is the sole egress for hundreds of cars, we take the entirety of WVMA’s traffic (except for some low- attendance weeknight activities when vehicles exit vehicles through the entrance driveway.)
Photo 3: Calvary Church, with activities and traffic comparable to WVMA, hasthree two-way driveways, including the Shannon Road gate which remains locked except on Sundays.
ITEM NO. 8.
To address these existing issues and our growing concerns, we request that at a minimum the conditionslisted below be included in WVMA's CUP modification. We’ve shared video documentation with Bridgette Falconio.
Please share our letter and videos with all relevant departments by November 27, 2024, as we believe it’s crucial information. We also ask that these materials also be included in the planning commission packet.
We requestthatthe Town conduct noise and traffic studiesin relation to the close proximity of our home to WVMA’s main building and exit driveway. We want to ensure the Town Of Los Gatos and WVMA are formalizing the necessary mitigations that will provide a datadriven plan to address the safety and capacity issues (see Calvary’s CUP details for reference).
Minimum conditions specific to Ratcliff residence, , to be included in WVMA's CUP modification:
1. Ramadan: Last year during WVMA’s month-long Ramadan, we experienced nightly traffic comparable to the Vasona Park Fantasy of Lights. Farley Road was unsafe.
Additionally, we could not sleep. We were deluged with street noise until past midnight – engines revving, attendees talking loudly, honking horns, car alarms beeping, brakes squealing. There were countless curfew and exterior noise violations. (Curfew Noise Ordinance – Town Code Section 16.20.010.) We request that WVMA hold Ramadan events at the Saratoga location or alternate between Saratoga and Los Gatos locations with mandatory park and ride program and all vehicles/attendees departed WVMA property by 10 p.m. to adhere to Town quiet hours based on the detriment to public health, safety and general welfare, and impairment to integrity and character of the zone. Shuttles to pick up and drop off passengers on WVMA property. No neighborhood parking.
2. Friday Prayer Traffic Mitigation: During Friday prayers from 12:30-4:00 pm, hundreds of vehicles stop at the end of WVMA’s exit driveway, then accelerate and turn right (per no left turn signage posted on WVMA’s property) and drive past our home. The traffic impedes our passage affecting our personal, medical, and work appointments. Recently, I could not get out of our driveway. My husband had to stand out in the street, hold up his hand, and physically stop WVMA’s traffic. (see videos.) The traffic is so voluminous, in fact, families have stood at the WVMA driveway and panhandled. We have tested vehiculartraffic noise, and it violates the Town’s acceptable levels. At a minimum, we request WVMA remove their right turn-only signage.
3. Noise Mitigation: WVMA to erect a six-foot noise barrier/sound wall along the property line between WVMA parking lot/exit driveway and Ratcliff home (comparable to those outlined in CUPs for St. Mary’s Church at the 30 Tait Avenue residence, and Calvary Church.) Ratcliffs to review the proposed materials and plan, along with approval by a noise consultant. WVMA to fill in seams on concrete driveway that make loud noises as vehicles drive by Ratcliff backyard. WVMA to post permanent signage at the back fence that abuts Ratcliff backyard advising attendees to avoid parking in nine parking spaces
ITEM NO. 8.
Calvary Church locks the gate in the back parking lot at Robie Lane which is designated as overflow parking only.)
Photo 4: Right turn only signage posted on WVMA property creates a custom traffic pattern on a public street, and sends hundreds of cars past Ratcliff residence and through adjacent neighborhoods on Flintridge and Chirco Dr.
4. Westside Doors and Windows: As stated in the current CUP west side windows shall be closed at all times when activities are being held inside the building. We ask that this be included for doors, too, as we are affected by exterior noise from the main building. (see video of WVMA’s recent 3rd Annual Siraat Anniversary Market held on Saturday, Oct 26, 2024 from 4-8 pm)
Minimum neighborhood conditions to be included in WVMA's CUP modification:
Ensure WVMA sanctuary occupancy limits are not exceeded during Ramadan and special events; ensure compliance on Fire & Safety Permits: WVMA website shows photo (since removed) of attendees spilling out of prayer hall during Ramadan. (Photo 5.)
ITEM NO. 8.
Photo 5: Photo posted to WVMA’s social media (since removed from Youtube) during Ramdan services 2024, showing overflow attendees standing outside the building.
Mandate a park and-ride program for services outside of quiet hours (8 am - 10 pm):
WVMA has asked the Town to allow vehicles into our neighborhood as early as 4:30 am and as late as 11:30 pm causing traffic and sleep-related concerns for resident, headlights shining into our bedroom windows, etc.
WVMA to hold an agreed upon number of activities and programs (outside daily prayers) appropriate to the residential zone: WVMA holds numerous daily activities, some days as many as 14, including weeknights and weekends. This volume creates a tortuous daisy chain of traffic in and out of WVMA’s property. Kid’s and adult’s programs are often held outdoors. Residents on multiple streets with shared fences are unable to peacefully enjoy our backyards due to the disruption of slamming car doors, revving engines, attendees talking loudly, children playing/yelling in the parking lot, etc.
WVMA to hold an agreed upon number of special events appropriate to the residential zone and publish an annual schedule: WVMA holds outdoor events, including festivals, markets, bazaars with food trucks, bounce houses, etc. (see video of WVMA’s 3rd Annual Siraat Anniversary Market held on Saturday, Oct 26, 2024 from 4-8 pm ) Neighbors receive no advance notice. These events bring continuous traffic, overflow street parking and noise.
Similar to Faith Lutheran Church’s CUP, we request the Town limit the number of annual special events, and mandate that any on-site activity exceeding 100 attendees not specifically authorized by CUP be approved by the Town with 90 days prior notice to neighbors. No overflow parking on street or adjacent neighborhoods. WVMA to publish annualschedule. Events to end and attendees depart at published time. No overflow parking
ITEM NO. 8.
on street or adjacent neighborhoods.
Limit the number of outdoor ceremonies, including baptisms, weddings, etc.: WVMA allows the hosting of gatherings for large groups and PA systems in the parking lot. These activities are not listed on WVMA’s website so we have no way of knowing what kind of disruption any weekend will bring. These ceremonies contribute more weekend traffic in addition to WVMA’s many calendared activities, and further disrupt neighbors on three streetsfrom enjoying our homes and backyards. We request the Town to limit such gatherings and mandate that any on-site ceremony exceeding 100 attendees not specifically authorized by CUP be approved by the Town with 90 days prior notice to neighbors.
Develop a Communications Plan: We request WVMA implement an outreach campaign to be published in their newsletters and website (including social media promoting events) asking attendees to respect our neighborhood.
Post large visible signage in front of and throughout the parking lot including “Quiet: Residential Neighborhood,” and “Drive with Caution.” (Photo 6) Currently, there are several small signs.
Photo 6: Example of desired signage.
In summary, we ask for the resolution of WVMA’s CUP modification to be expedited since the Town is not enforcing WVMA’s current CUP and Ramadan is fast approaching. Please provide a response and the date of the planning commission meeting by November 27, 2024, to align with the Town’s 90-day review period. In preparation for that meeting, we request all relevant communications submitted to the town by WVMA. Thank you in advance.
Sincerely,
Kim and Jim Ratcliff
ITEM NO. 8.
From: Hongzhi Zhao < >
Sent: Monday, November 18, 2024 10:55 AM
To: Jocelyn Shoopman <[email protected]>
Subject: Concerns about a Modified CUP for WVMA
Dear Jocelyn,
Hope you’re doing well. I am informed that WVMA (at 16769 Farley Road) has filed a CUP modification request with the City. I’mwriting to you to express my concerns overthe unprecedented WVMA's traffic volume & noise, congestion & safety on Fraley road, and the impacts to our normally quiet residential neighborhood.
1: Traffic noise:
According to the LG Noise Zone Map
(https://www.losgatosca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/38492/Noise-Zone-Map), between 10:00pm to 6:00am, the noise level limits are 43dBA for weekends/holidays, 48dBA for weekdays. The violation limit is 6dB. The violation limits are 49dBA and 54dBA respectively. Many members of WVMA drive noisy high power vehicles like min-Van, SUV, and sports engine cars. The WVMA vehicle’s noise levels are up to 55dBA - 60dBA, and it is above 65dBA when cars move over manhole covers on Farley Rd. (The noise levels were measured at the walls of bedrooms facing Farley Road). My house is about 350 feet from WVMA property, it is between WVMA property and Los Gatos Blvd. Like other houses on Farley Rd, we have bed room facing Farley Rd. Our normally sleep is badly interrupt before 6:00am. It is the worst in Saturday morning, about 30 to 50 cars to attend the pre sunrise prayer service before 6:00am. (It is around 5:00am during the summer time). The current WVMA CUP operation hours is from 8:00am to 10:00pm. WVMA pre sunrise prayer services violate current CUP.
2: Safety on Farley Road.
There are no designated sideways and street lights for pedestrians on Farley Rd. Many MVMA members drive very fast. The worst isthe Friday afternoon 1:30pm prayersservice, about 140 to 200 vehicles pour into Farley Road. They basically take over the road. 3: During the Month of Ramadan:
WVMA activities during the month of last Ramadan were almost around clock. The service activities started as early 4:30am, and ended aslate as 12:00pm. It was a disasterfor our neighborhood. There were up to 200 vehicles attending to services during the evenings. 4: LG City Zoning Code:
WVMA's property on Farley Road is designated R1 zoned. According to Los Gatos <<Conditional Use Permit Table>> (https://www.losgatosca.gov/997/Conditional-Use-Permit-Table), a CUP is not allowed for a business open between hours of 2:00am and 6:00am in R1 Zone. The same shall be true for WVMA.
5: Enforcement of a CUP:
City must consider the factor if a modified CUP can be enforced or not by current City resources. The Fact is that WVMA does not adhere to current CUP.
Regards, Hongzhi. Page 649
ITEM NO. 8.
ITEM NO. 8.
From: Chigiy Edson < >
Sent: Friday, November 15, 2024 4:12 PM
To: Jocelyn Shoopman <[email protected]>
Subject: WVMA Conditional Use Permit Modification Request Dear Jocelyn,
At first when I heard WVMA was moving in on Farley Road, I was excited. I welcomed them. I am no longer excited. The noise and traffic are horrible. The mosque is operated more like a recreation center than a place of worship.
My family has been in this neighborhood since 1964. I have seen many changes but the amount of disruption and dangerous traffic conditions that the mosque causes is unprecedented.
Sometimes the traffic backs up from the light at Chirco Drive and LG Blvd. all the way down the street to the corner of Flintridge Drive. Pedestrians are unsafe walking in our own neighborhood during these instances which occur regularly.
There was a car accident in front of my house at lastsummer which involved traffic from the mosque. I have photos if you would like to see them.
Please deny WVMA's CUP modification request to extend Ramadan until 11:30 pm. At a minimum I'm asking the Town to place the following conditions in WVMA's modified CUP:
- To control the month-long Ramadan traffic, WVMA to hold Ramadan at their Saratoga location which is zoned commercial; and/or alternate events between Farley Rd with mandatory park and ride shuttles. Ensure traffic control during events so fire trucks and ambulances can through in case of emergency.
- Ensure WVMA occupancy limits are not exceeded during Ramadan. (WVMA website photos show congregants overflowing out the doors of sanctuary.)
- Mandatory off-site park and ride program for any prayer services outside the Town’s quiet hours (8 am-10 pm)
- Cap the number of weekly non-religious events, lectures, gatherings, activities, etc. held by WVMA that bring traffic and noise to our neighborhood during weeknights and weekends. - Enforce the no rental condition for baptisms, weddings, etc. These events are often held outdoors in the parking lot during the weekend and disturb those of us like me who share a fence with WVMA.
Please help us return our neighborhood to the quiet, peaceful place it once was.
Thank you,
Chigiy Edson
ITEM NO. 8.
From:
Sent: Sunday, November 10, 2024 9:34 PM
To: Jocelyn Shoopman <[email protected]>
Cc:
Subject: WVMA - CUP request (Farley Road and surrounding neighbors, Los Gatos) Dear Jocelyn,
I’m writing to express concerns over the increasing traffic volume, congestion, parking impacts, and noise disturbance in our normally quiet residential neighborhood. As neighbors to the West Valley Muslim Association (WVMA), we would like to request that a more well-represented and long-term list of solutions be considered and included, and are suggesting the minimum of the following conditions be included in WVMA's CUP modification request:
• Ramadan hours to end at 11 p.m. with all attendees off-site by 11 pm. • Mandatory off-site park and ride program to be implemented for all Ramadan attendees based on the detriment to public health, safety, and general welfare; and impairment to integrity and character of the zone. Shuttles to pick up and drop off passengers only on WVMA property. • Daily, mandatory off-site park and ride program for any prayerservices outside the Town’s quiet hours (8 am - 10 pm)
• Cap non-religious events and activities and hours during weekendsto alleviate constant neighborhood traffic and noise.
• Allot a maximum number of special event uses per year (i.e. any on-site activity exceeding 100 attendees that is not specifically authorized by a dedicated CUP) with at least 90 days prior notice to neighbors.
• Town of Los Gatosto provide a controlled left turn signal at the intersection of Farley and Los Gatos Blvd to provide safe conditions for pedestrians and autos to exit from WVMA • Town of Los Gatos to investigate with traffic survey/study the addition of a left turn only for vehicles exiting WVMA facility
• Town of Los Gatos to investigate and perform a traffic survey/study to determine if a 3-way stop sign or yield sign should be installed at the "T" intersection of Farley and Izorah Way (Note that at the opposite end of Izorah Way at Placer Oaks, there is a 3-way stop sign in place already)
• Town of Los Gatosto pursue adding sidewalks on Farley forsafety and continuity in the neighborhood.
• Town of Los Gatos to postspeed limit signs on Farley Road and ensure speed limit signs are visible on surrounding streets in the neighborhood (i.e. Placer Oaks, Leroy, Frank, Izorah, Flintridge, Chirco, etc.).
• WVMA to implement an outreach campaign asking attendees to be respectful of the neighborhood, refrain from speeding/street racing, making U-turns in residents' driveways, reverse down Farley Road from exit driveway to entrance, and adhere to quiet hours. This includes departing expeditiously and silently in the parking lot following any activities at the facility.
ITEM NO. 8.
In the interest of transparency, I would like to request that the Town of Los Gatos provide the outline of the process which this CUP (Conditional use permit) is being managed - to include the specific timeline with details the CUP will undergo (i.e. review forums, approval requirements, public meeting date(s)), to ensure everyone is fully informed and have the opportunity to ask any questions to ensure there is an equitable understanding of the situation, proposal, mitigation, negotiation, and opportunity to respond in the appropriate public forum.
I am also interested in knowing what types of impact surveys have been conducted related to traffic surveys, noise impact, and how a 30-year-old CUP for very different circumstances is being monitored and enforced without approval to date.
I look forward to hearing back from you via email with additional information related to this situation.
Regards,
ITEM NO. 8.
From: Jinping Yang
Sent: Saturday, November 9, 2024 2:14 PM
To: Jocelyn Shoopman <[email protected]>
Subject: Concern regarding the CUP modification request by WVMA Hi Jocelyn,
ThisisJinping Yang and Zhuo Wang, who have been living at since June 2019.
Writing to express our concern regarding the CUP modification request from WVMA.
Thisis the first time we write to authority. But it is only because we wanted to be a good neighbor to the community, of which WVMA is also a part. The reality is, mosque traffic is getting heavier year over year, especially in the past Ramadan. Did not realize it until first-hand experience, a mosque involves traffic at late night and early morning on a daily basis. Ideally, a mosque should not be chosen to be located in a quiet neighborhood in the first place, if the plan is to expand its activities continuously.
It is time to stand with the residents of the neighborhood. Our request is simple. Any CUP modification should be agreed upon by the affected neighborhood first, before approval is granted.
No agreement has been reached by far.
Appreciate your kind attention to this matter. Best regards, Jinping Yang & Zhuo Wang
, Los Gatos CA 95032
ITEM NO. 8.
From: Mark Leonard < >
Sent: Friday, November 8, 2024 9:35 AM
To: Jocelyn Shoopman <[email protected]>
Subject: West Valley Muslim Association CUP modification Hello Jocelyn,
I've been living on Farley Road forthe past 25 years and have concerns about the traffic volume, congestion and parking impacts to our normally quiet residential neighborhood.
I've met with some of the leaders at WVMA and shared my concerns (speeding, parking issues, early and late hours) but their response indicated their inflexibility to work with the neighbors and their willingnessto continue to ignore the existing CUP. Forthis reason, I am reaching out to the Town of Los Gatos for help.
As neighbors to the West Valley Muslim Association (WVMA), I would like to request that the following conditions be included in WVMA's CUP modification:
• Ramadan hours to end at 11 p.m. with all attendees off-site by 11 pm. • Reduction of traffic during Ramadan.
• No services outside the Town’s quiet hours (8 am - 10 pm) • Cap non-religious events and activities during weekendsto alleviate constant neighborhood traffic and noise.
• Allot a maximum number ofspecial event uses per year (i.e. any on-site activity exceeding 100 attendees that is not specifically authorized by CUP) with at least 90 days prior notice to neighbors.
Thank yourfor yourtime,
Mark Leonard
ITEM NO. 8.
From: Summer Che < >
Sent: Thursday, November 7, 2024 10:59 AM
To: Jocelyn Shoopman <[email protected]>
Subject: WVMA'S CUP Modification!
Dear Jocelyn,
I’m writing to express concerns over the unprecedented traffic volume, congestion and parking impacts to our normally quiet residential neighborhood. As neighbors to the West Valley Muslim Association (WVMA), we would like to request that the following conditions be included in WVMA's CUP modification:
• Ramadan hours to end at 11 p.m. with all attendees off-site by 11 pm. • Mandatory off-site park and ride program to be implemented for all Ramadan attendees based on the detriment to public health, safety and general welfare; and impairment to integrity and character of the zone. Shuttles to pick up and drop off passengers only on WVMA property. • Mandatory off-site park and ride program for any prayerservices outside the Town’s quiet hours (8 am - 10 pm)
• Cap non-religious events and activities during weekendsto alleviate constant neighborhood traffic and noise.
• Allot a maximum number ofspecial event uses per year (i.e. any on-site activity exceeding 100 attendees that is not specifically authorized by CUP) with at least 90 days prior notice to neighbors.
• WVMA implemented an outreach campaign asking attendees to be respectful of the neighborhood, refrain from speeding/street racing, making U turns in residents' driveways, reversing down Farley Road from exit driveway to entrance, and adhere to quiet hours. etc.
Warm Regards,
Summer
ITEM NO. 8.
From: Mike Baker < >
Sent: Monday, November 4, 2024 2:03 PM
To: Jocelyn Shoopman <[email protected]> Cc: Amanda Baker < >
Subject: WVMA LG feedback
Hi,
This is Mike & Amanda Baker, homeowners sharing a fence with WVMA on . We don’t deal with their traffic but are concerned with their extended hour request. We understand they are asking to start services as early as 4:30 am and as late as 11:30pm. We have a child that goes to a local elementary and is a very lightsleeper and we also both work and those hours would be very disruptive to us.
The WVMA are great people and I don’t mind their music playing, cars driving in / parking (which is next to our back yard and bedrooms), car doors shutting, accidental alarms going off, kids playing, conversations, etc. during normal hours.
Although they are respectful, If they have noise before 7am and after 9pm would greatly us and our ability to relax and sleep at night. They cannot control the noise their cars make driving in and closing doors and alarms going off which is loud when they arrive and leave alone.
Please let me know if we need to share this with anyone else or if there are any updates.
Mike & Amanda Baker
Sent from my iPhone
ITEM NO. 8.
From: Jeremy Braidish < >
Sent: Monday, November 4, 2024 10:51 AM
To: Jocelyn Shoopman <[email protected]>
Subject: WVMA Followup
Dear Jocelyn,
I’m writing to express concerns over the unprecedented traffic volume, congestion and parking impacts to our normally quiet, residential neighborhood. As neighbors to the West Valley Muslim Association (WVMA), we would like to request that the following conditions be included in WVMA's CUP modification:
• Ramadan hours to end at 11 p.m. with all attendees offsite by 11 pm. • Mandatory off-site park and ride program to be implemented for all Ramadan attendees based on the detriment to public health, safety and general welfare; and impairment to integrity and character of the zone. Shuttles to pick up and drop off passengers only on WVMA property. • Mandatory offsite park and ride program for any prayerservices outside the Town’s quiet hours (8 am - 10 pm)
• Cap non-religious events and activities during weekendsto alleviate constant neighborhood traffic and noise.
• Allot a maximum number ofspecial event uses per year (i.e. any on-site activity exceeding 100 attendees that is not specifically authorized by CUP) with at least 90 days prior notice to neighbors.
• WVMA to implement outreach campaign asking attendees to be respectful of the neighborhood, refrain from speeding, making U turns in residents' driveways, reversing down Farley Road from exit driveway to entrance, adhere to quiet hours. etc.
My wife and I feel that these are very reasonable asks. In our 10 yearsliving in thiszone on Farley, we've not witnessed the volume of cars traveling at high speeds before turning into WVMA (presumably because they're running late), the volume of overflow parking in front of our home (for long periods of time) that don't allow us or our guests access to street parking and the unwillingness of WVMA leadership to put themselves in our shoes (and truly collaborate) as I can guarantee they themselves would not accept this in their own neighborhoods.
Thank you,
Jeremy & Anne Braidish
ITEM NO. 8.
From: Huzaifah Simjee
Sent: Saturday, March 14, 2026 12:20:30 AM
To: Jocelyn Shoopman <[email protected]>
Cc:
Subject: WVMA Use Permit in Los Gatos
[EXTERNAL SENDER]
Hey Jocelyn,
I’m Huzaifah Simjee and I’m emailing you in support for the WVMA modified permit allowing morning and night prayers as well as Ramadan prayers.
I moved to NorCal back in October 2024 and, in a time when I didn’t know anyone, WVMA welcomed me with open arms and gave me a beautiful and loving community with friends I hope to keep forever. I’ve always felt that this is not only a testament to the type of community WVMA is but also to Los Gatos as a city that creates a nurturing environment for communities like WVMA to thrive.
I really hope to see you continue doing the great work you’ve been doing and allow this community that has grown so close to my heart to thrive and be a beneficial resource within Los Gatos.
Thanks,
Huzaifah Simjee
ITEM NO. 8.
From:
Sent: Saturday, March 14, 2026 10:53 AM
To: Alexa Nolder <[email protected]>; Jocelyn Shoopman <[email protected]>; Planning <[email protected]>
Cc: Rob Moore <[email protected]>; Maria Ristow <[email protected]>; Rob Rennie <[email protected]>; Mary Badame <[email protected]>; Matthew Hudes <[email protected]>
Subject: Oppose Application to Modify Conditional Use Permit– 16769 Farley Road | The "Farley Road Residential Consistency" Precedent - PUBLIC COMMENT [EXTERNAL SENDER]
Dear Planning Commission and Associate Planners,
I am writing to formally oppose the proposed application for the modification of the Conditional Use Permit (CUP) for 16769 Farley Road. As a resident, I urge the Commission to maintain the same standards of neighborhood protection it has historically applied to our specific street.
The "16750 Farley Road" Precedent
The Planning Commission and Town Council have established a clear history of protecting the residential character and "quiet enjoyment" of families on Farley Road. In the case involving the major addition at 16750 Farley Road, the Town intervened specifically to address the concerns of the neighbor at 16472 Farley Road.
In that instance, the Town mandated significant project modifications to protect the neighbors, including:
• Lowering building heights to reduce massing and scale. • Restricting window placement to preserve residential privacy. • Requiring specific landscape buffering to mitigate the visual and environmental impact on the adjoining property.
The Town’s decision in the 16750 Farley case proved that the "residential feel" and the specific concerns of Farley Road homeowners outweigh an applicant's desire for expansion.
Application to 16769 Farley Road
If the Town was willing to force a homeowner to lower their roofline and move windows just to protect the privacy of one neighbor on our street, it must apply that same standard of care to our entire community. The proposed modification at 16769 Farley Road introduces late-night
ITEM NO. 8.
and early-morning traffic, noise, and intensity that far exceed the impact of any residential second-story addition.
Allowing this expansion would be a direct contradiction of the "Neighborhood Compatibility" and "Massing and Scale" protections the Town has already upheld for Farley Road residents. We ask the Commission to remain consistent with its prior rulings and deny this modification to protect the established rhythm of our neighborhood.
Sincerely,
Farley Neighbor, Los Gatos
ITEM NO. 8.
From: Aaisha Shaik
Sent: Saturday, March 14, 2026 3:21:13 PM
To: Jocelyn Shoopman <[email protected]>
Cc:
Subject: WVMA Modified Permit
[EXTERNAL SENDER]
Dear Jocelyn Shoopman,
My name is Aaisha and I am fairly new to the Los Gatos community. My husband and I moved here over a year ago for work. We didn't know anyone in the area and months before we even made the move an acquaintance saved WVMA into my phone saying that the community there is very welcoming. When I reflect on the impact this community has had on my life after moving to California I think about the friends I have made at WVMA and how I would have not met them otherwise. WVMA is much more than a place of worship in the community, it is where people come to volunteer, to learn, to attend weddings and funerals. As a community we are doing our best despite the circumstances to cause the least amount of disturbance to the neighborhood. Every event, without fail, leadership makes numerous announcements about keeping parking, noise and traffic to a minimum. Which is why I am asking you to consider supporting WVMA's modified use permit to allow us to continue being a welcoming place for the community. I hope that our efforts as a community are not unnoticed by you or the neighborhood and we will continue to do our best to keep doing better.
Regards,
Aaisha Shaik Aitq
ITEM NO. 8.
From:
Sent: Saturday, March 14, 2026 4:22 PM
To: Rob Moore <[email protected]>; Maria Ristow <[email protected]>; Mary Badame <[email protected]>; Rob Rennie <[email protected]>; Matthew Hudes <[email protected]>; Jocelyn Shoopman <[email protected]>; Alexa Nolder <[email protected]>; Planning <[email protected]> Subject: Conformity and Double Standard - Opposition 16769 Farley Road [EXTERNAL SENDER]
Dear Mayor Moore, Vice Mayor Ristow, and Members of the Council and Commission, As a +20 year homeowner in Los Gatos, I am intimately aware of how strictly this Town enforces conformity and in many ways that enforcement is why Los Gatos is still a very desirable place to call home. If a resident tries to remodel a kitchen, add a second story or anything that could impact the character of the neighborhood and the city, they are subjected to months of rigorous Design Review to ensure our private homes "conform" to the neighborhood's quiet, small-town charm.
Why, then, is the Town considering yet another change to the already modified C.U.P.? The proposed hours of expansion will allow a regional-scale assembly—larger than Fisher Middle School—to operate in the middle of a quiet residential street from 4:00 AM to 11:30 PM? We don't allow businesses to operate at these hours in business districts. How can we consider this for a R-1 zoned small quiet residential neighborhood?
1. The Conformity Double Standard: Scale and Intensity: The Town routinely denies residential projects for being "out of scale." Yet, the applicant is asking for a 20-hour workday (4 AM to midnight) all while having a facility with a 41% parking deficit. This isn’t a corner lot on a main boulevard; this is 16769 Farley Road is situated in the heart of our neighborhood. If a homeowner and local businesses are held to city standards in order to maintain "neighborhood character," how can the Town justify a 1,217-person regional hub—larger than the student body of Fisher Middle School—operating while families are trying to sleep or walk to school? This is a commercial-scale operation forced into a space that was never engineered to hold it.
2. Speeding on Residential Feeder StreetsUnlike a facility on a major arterial road like Winchester, this location sits in the middle of a residential network. When 1,200+ people depart at once in the predawn or late-night hours, Farley Road becomes a high-speed exit ramp.
Dangerous Acceleration: As drivers leave the facility and turn from Farley onto the connecting feeder streets (like Frank or Flintridge), they "speed away" to reach the main roads or make traffic lights.
ITEM NO. 8.
NO SIDEWALKS: Most streets in this neighborhood have no sidewalks. So as these, already occurring traffic jams happen, walkers and cyclists are forced to the center of the road into oncoming traffic. As a dog walker and avid cyclist I have experienced this issue myself.
Blind Spots & Narrow Shoulders: Our streets have several dangerous turns and blind spots where visibility is severely limited. Forcing hundreds of drivers—who are often rushing to get home or to work—to navigate these blind curves in total darkness with no streetlights and no sidewalks is a recipe for tragedy.
Neighborhood Saturation: This isn't just about one property; it’s about the safety of every child and senior living on these "feeder" routes. Headlights sweep into bedroom windows on every curve, and the sound of accelerating engines at 4:00 AM permanently destroys the "quiet enjoyment" of this R-1 zone
As a long-time resident and parent, I ask you to approach this decision with empathy and to consider not only the inconvenience these changes will cause, but also the very real safety risks created when hundreds of cars are released onto narrow residential streets within minutes— especially late at night and in the morning. These are the same streets where your constituents, both young and old, walk their dogs or walk and ride to school, and live their daily lives.
Bottomline if a project doesn't conform to the safety, scale, and quiet of an R-1 neighborhood, it should be DENIED.
Sincerely,
, Resident and Home Owner
- Los Gatos, CA