AGENDA
City of Monte Sereno
Tuesday, December 2, 2025
City Council
7:00 PM
Monte Sereno City Council Chambers - 18041 Saratoga -
Los Gatos Road, Monte Sereno, Ca 95030
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Page
CALL TO ORDER
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
ROLL CALL
PRESENTATIONS
1. Commendation for Mayor Craig on behalf of Supervisor Margaret AbeKoga
2. Youth Commission Update
CITY COUNCIL REORGANIZATION
ORDERS OF THE DAY
The Mayor, or a majority of the Council by vote, may change the order of business, except for public hearings on the agenda for a set time.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Persons wishing to address the Council on any matter of City business not listed on the agenda may do so at this time. Each speaker will normally be allotted three minutes, subject to the Mayor or a majority of the Council’s ability to limit the amount of time allocated to speakers based on the number of speakers and the need for expedient administration of City business in light of the number and length of items on the agenda.
WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS
Copies of communications have been provided to Council for review prior to this meeting. Council Members desiring to read or discuss any written communication may do so at this time. No action may be taken except to place a particular item on a future agenda for Council consideration.
CONSENT CALENDAR
It is recommended that all items listed below be acted on simultaneously unless separate discussion and/or action is required by a Councilmember. One public comment period will be provided, although speakers speaking on more than one item may be allocated additional time by the Mayor or a majority of the Council.
3. Approve the Minutes of the November 18, 2025 Regular City Council Meeting
Staff recommends approval of the Minutes of the November 18, 2025 Regular City Council Meeting
Staff Report -SR-22-148 - Pdf
5 - 9
4. Approve Warrant List Dated December 2, 2025 in the Amount $176,682.24
Staff recommends the City Council approve the Warrant List.
Staff Report - SR-25-221 - Pdf
10 - 13
PUBLIC HEARINGS
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
5. Adoption of Health & Safety Element 14 - 104
Staff recommends the City Council adopt a resolution adopting the revised Health & Safety Element.
Staff Report - SR-25-219 - Pdf
NEW BUSINESS
6. Consideration of Three Applications and Appointment to Fill Two Vacancies on the Monte Sereno Site and Architectural Commission Staff recommends the City Council consider the applicants who applied for the Site and Architectural Commission and appoint two applicants to the Monte Sereno Site and Architectural Commission.
Staff Report - SR-25-198 - Pdf
105 - 116
7. Consideration of Two Applications and Appointment to Fill Two of the Three Vacancies on the Monte Sereno Better Streets Commission Staff recommends the City Council consider the two applicants who applied for the Better Streets Commission and appoint two applicants to the Monte Sereno Better Streets Commission.
Staff Report - SR-25-199 - Pdf
117 - 126
8. Introduction and Waiver of First Reading of Ordinance No. NS-249, an Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Monte Sereno Amending Section 9.07.035 (Mechanical Blowers – Gas-Powered Devices Prohibited)
Staff recommends the City Council introduce and waive the first reading of Ordinance No. NS-249 to revise the responsible party.
Staff Report - SR-25-220 - Pdf
127 - 130
9. City Council Reorganization
1. Remarks by Outgoing Mayor
2. Election of Mayor and Vice Mayor
COMMITTEE/COMMISSION REPORTS
This time is set aside to allow Councilmembers serving on Council committees or appointed by the City to serve on the boards, commissions or committees of other agencies to present a verbal report on the activities of the respective boards, commissions or committees on which they serve. No discussion or action may be taken other than to place the matter on a future agenda.
Toren
Cities Association – Board of Directors
Cities Association – Legislative Action Committee
Cities Association - Cities Selection Committee
Mekechuk
Valley Transportation Authority Policy Advisory Committee West Valley Stormwater Authority
West Valley Solid Waste Management Authority Board
Silicon Valley Clean Energy Authority
Santa Clara County Recycling and Waste Reduction Commission Shannon
Santa Clara Valley Water Commission
West Valley Sanitation District Board
Allan
Silicon Valley Animal Control Authority
Association of Bay Area Governments
League of California Cities Peninsula Division
Craig
Monte Sereno Youth Commission
Santa Clara County Library JPA
West Valley Mayors & Managers
Mayors of Santa Clara County
Santa Clara County Mayors Group
COUNCIL MEMBER COMMENTS
This time is set aside to allow Councilmembers to make brief announcements or reports on the Councilmember’s own activities. No discussion or action may be taken other than to place the matter on a future agenda.
CITY MANAGER’S REPORT
FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
This time is set aside to allow Councilmembers to make a specific request for an item to be placed on a future agenda. No discussion or other action may be taken.
10. Council Tentative Council Meeting Calendar 2025 131 - 141
ADJOURN
* All items on the agenda are subject to action/or change by the City Council In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance to participate in this meeting, please contact the City Clerk (408) 354-7635. If requested of the City Clerk, agendas and documents in the agenda packet can be made available in appropriate alternative formats to persons with a disability.
Notification 48 hours prior to the meeting will enable the City to make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility to this meeting. [28CFR 35.102-35.104 ADA Title II]
STAFF REPORT
Meeting: City Council - Dec 02 2025
Agenda Heading: CONSENT CALENDAR
Staff Contact: Gloisy Gonzalez-Langarica, City Clerk
Department: City Clerk
Title: Approve the Minutes of the November 18, 2025 Regular City Council Meeting
Recommendation(s):
Staff recommends approval of the Minutes of the November 18, 2025 Regular City Council Meeting
Fiscal Impact:
There are no unbudgeted fiscal impacts with this agenda item.
Public Noticing:
The City Council’s agenda was posted at City Hall and the agenda and this report appear on the City’s website.
Attachments:
11-18-25 Regular Meeting Minutes DRAFT
MONTE SERENO CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING
7:00 p.m.
November 18, 2025
MEETING CALLED TO ORDER
At approximately 7:01 p.m., Mayor Craig called the meeting to order.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Assemblymember Gail Pellerin lead the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL
Present – Chambers: Councilmember Toren, Councilmember Shannon, Councilmember Mekechuk, Vice Mayor Allan and Mayor Craig
Present – Remote: None
Absent: None
Staff: City Clerk Gonzalez-Langarica, City Manager Perkins and City Attorney Powell
Staff – Remote: None
ORDERS OF THE DAY
None.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
None.
PRESENTATIONS
1. Legislative Update Presentation by Assemblymember Gail Pellerin Assemblymember Gail Pellerin shared that all 10 bills she sent to the governor were signed into law.
Assemblymember Pellerin shared her legislature prioritized affordability and shared how she worked with local groups, organizations, and government agencies to help develop her legislative package and is now currently working on next year’s package. She followed up with going through all 10 bills in her presentation.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
Former Mayor Lawler would like Council to consider implementing a curb identification program.
This program would help identify homes with pools for firefighters.
WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS
None.
CONSENT CALENDAR (TO BE ACTED UPON BY A SINGLE MOTION)
2. Approve the Minutes of the November 4, 2025 Regular City Council Meeting
3. Approve Warrant List Dated November 18, 2025 in the Amount $47,004.89
4. Acceptance of the 2024 Silicon Valley Clean Energy Noncompetitive Member Agency Grant
5. Adoption of Ordinance No. NS-248, an Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Monte Sereno Amending Title 9 of the Monte Sereno Municipal Code to Adopt by Reference Title 24 of the California Code Of Regulations, 2025 California Building Standards Code, including California Residential Code, California Plumbing Code, California Electrical Code, California Mechanical Code, California Wildland-Urban Interface Code, California Green Building Code, California Energy Code, California Fire Code, California Existing Building Code, Historical Building Code, Referenced Standards Code, and International Property Maintenance Code Subject to the Specified Local Amendments
Councilmember Mekechuk requested to pull Item #5.
Mayor Craig opened the Consent Calendar for Public Comment. With no one wishing to speak, Mayor Craig closed Public Comment.
MOTION: Motion by Vice Mayor Allan to approve Items #2, #3, and #4 on the Consent Calendar. Seconded by Councilmember Mekechuk.
VOTE: Motion passed. (5-0-0)
5. Adoption of Ordinance No. NS-248, an Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Monte Sereno Amending Title 9 of the Monte Sereno Municipal Code to Adopt by Reference Title 24 of the California Code Of Regulations, 2025 California Building Standards Code, including California Residential Code, California Plumbing Code, California Electrical Code, California Mechanical Code, California Wildland-Urban Interface Code, California Green Building Code, California Energy Code, California Fire Code, California Existing Building Code, Historical Building Code, Referenced Standards Code, and International Property Maintenance Code Subject to the Specified Local Amendments
City Attorney Powell provided information on the ordinance and assisted with answering questions.
MOTION: Motion by Vice Mayor Allan to approve Item #5 on the Consent Calendar.
Seconded by Councilmember Mekechuk.
VOTE: Motion passed. (5-0-0)
PUBLIC HEARING
None.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
None.
NEW BUSINESS
None.
COMMITTEE/COMMISSION REPORTS
Councilmember Mekechuk shared he attended a meeting with the Valley Transportation Authority Policy Advisory Committee last week. He believes there is grant money available that the City needs to pursue. Both West Valley Stormwater Authority and West Valley Solid Waste Management Authority Board met last week. A meeting of the Silicon Valley Clean Energy Authority had to be cancelled due to a Board member being unavailable to participate remotely from his public noticed location. The meeting was rescheduled as a special meeting last Friday. Lastly, there was no meeting of the Santa Clara County Recycling and Waste Reduction Commission.
Councilmember Toren shared he attended the Cities Association meeting on November 13th. He shared the most significant item was the election of the executive committee members of the association. Councilmember Toren announced that the Santa Clara County Social Service Agency has a veteran service office providing support for local veterans and a veterans crisis line. Lastly, he shared that this Thursday he will be attending the Wildfire Advisory Group.
Vice Mayor Allan shared he will be attending the Wildfire Advisory Group this Thursday. He is scheduled to meet with Silicon Valley Animal Control Authority tomorrow.
Councilmember Shannon shared the West Valley Sanitation District Board having a meeting yesterday. The Board is moving right along in the process of looking for a new district manager. The board is scheduled to begin interviews on December 3rd. The hope is to then make an offer to someone shortly thereafter. Councilmember Shannon shared she also attended the TPAC meeting were she sits as the alternate and shared that one of the big discussions was that they are going to bring in a $3 million contract for an outside agency to do all kinds of testing for all the different districts that feed into the San Jose wastewater and re-evaluate how each district is charged. This is a big deal for the West Valley Sanitation District because it can very much alter what districts are paying currently.
Mayor Craig shared he was the in-house host of the Monte Sereno Youth Commission meeting, as City Clerk Gonzalez-Langarica had to be remote. Mayor Burton shared the Commission producing a podcast, and so he volunteered for the Council to be a possible interviewee. Mayor Craig expressed the Commission is very interested in documenting some of the history of Monte Sereno. Mayor Craig also shared that the Youth Commission started their food drive for the year and extended an invitation for the donation of non-perishable goods.
COUNCILMEMBER COMMENTS
Vice Mayor Allan expressed everyone’s prayers have been effective. He shared he and his wife Mary had a meeting at Stanford Hospital yesterday and were informed Mary is cancer free now. Vice Mayor Allan expressed appreciation for the support received.
Councilmember Toren shared he is one of the broadcasters for the upcoming holiday parade on December 6th, along with John Lockner from Town of Los Gatos.
Councilmember Mekechuk shared he unfortunately will not be able to attend the parade this year, as he will be out of Town. Councilmember Mekechuk shared the Tyler program is making good
progress and there are lots of positive changes being made.
Mayor Craig shared that after running last week’s Youth Commission meeting, he recommends the City get a new computer for the AV system.
CITY MANAGER’S REPORT
City Manager Perkins shared that the Youth Commission has a can food drive going on right now. A table is set outside of the chambers, so donations can be dropped at any time, whether the front office is open or not. Secondly, she shared that both the City Council and Youth Commission will be participating in the Annual Holiday parade this year.
FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
6. A copy of the Tentative 2025 Council Meeting Calendar was included on the agenda.
Councilmember Toren shared he would like to see a discussion on ways to improve the visibility of the City of Monte Sereno.
ADJOURN
Mayor Craig adjourned the meeting at approximately 7:59 p.m.
Burton Craig, Mayor
ATTEST:
____________________________________
Gloisy Gonzalez-Langarica, City Clerk
STAFF REPORT
Meeting: City Council - Dec 02 2025
Agenda Heading: CONSENT CALENDAR
Staff Contact: Diana Perkins, City Manager
Department: City Manager
Title: Approve Warrant List Dated December 2, 2025 in the Amount $176,682.24 Recommendation(s):
Staff recommends the City Council approve the Warrant List.
Background Information:
The Warrant List includes payments to be made to vendors for goods and services procured by the City. The attached report lists each payment to be made by vendor, amount, and by accounting fund.
California Environmental Quality Act:
The action being considered does not constitute a “project” within the meaning of the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15378(b)(4) in that it is a fiscal activity that does not involve any commitment to any specific project which may result in a potential significant impact on the environment.
Public Noticing:
The City of Monte Sereno's Council meeting agenda was posted on the bulletin board outside of Monte Sereno's City Hall and the agenda with this staff report can be accessed on the City of Monte Sereno's website located at www.montesereno.org.
Attachments:
1. Warrant List 12-2-2025
11/25/2025 7:44:55 PM ***The payables contained in this report are in an open packet, and have not posted to the General Ledger*** Page 1 of 3 Warrant List 12/02/2025
City of Monte Sereno, CA By Vendor Name
APPKT00038
Vendor Name Description (Payable) (None) Post Date (None) Amount Vendor: Alana Consulting, LLC
11/26/2025 November 11/30/2025 6,210.00
Services
Alana Consulting, LLC
11/26/2025 November 11/30/2025 7,475.00
Services
Alana Consulting, LLC
Vendor Alana Consulting, LLC Total: 13,685.00
Vendor: Bay Area News Group
Classified Ads Los Gatos 10/31/2025 176.80
Weekly Times
Bay Area News Group
Classified Ads Los Gatos 10/31/2025 161.20
Weekly Times
Bay Area News Group
Vendor Bay Area News Group Total: 338.00
Vendor: BMI Imaging Systems
BMI Imaging Systems 11/19/2025 Web Hosting 11/19/2025 225.00 Vendor BMI Imaging Systems Total: 225.00
Vendor: Corodata Records Management, Inc.
Corodata Records 10/31/2025 Records Storage 10/31/2025 64.40 Management, Inc.
Vendor Corodata Records Management, Inc. Total: 64.40
Vendor: Corodata Shredding Inc.
Corodata Shredding Inc. 10/31/2025 Shredding Services 10/31/2025 10.00 Vendor Corodata Shredding Inc. Total: 10.00
Vendor: County of Santa Clara/HHW Program
County of Santa Clara/HHW 06/30/2025 True Up Billing 06/30/2025 12,986.47 Program
Vendor County of Santa Clara/HHW Program Total: 12,986.47 Vendor: Delta Dental of California
Delta Dental of California 11/01/2025 Monthly Premium 11/01/2025 234.98 Delta Dental of California 12/01/2025 Monthly Premium 12/01/2025 234.98 Vendor Delta Dental of California Total: 469.96
Vendor: Kier & Wright Civil Engineers and Surve
10/26/2025 18411 Lexington 10/26/2025 1,947.75
Dr
Kier & Wright Civil Engineers
and Surve
Vendor Kier & Wright Civil Engineers and Surve Total: 1,947.75 Vendor: Liebert Cassidy Whitmore
Liebert Cassidy Whitmore 10/31/2025 Legal Fees 10/31/2025 1,891.50 Liebert Cassidy Whitmore 10/31/2025 Legal Fees 10/31/2025 765.50 Vendor Liebert Cassidy Whitmore Total: 2,657.00
Vendor: M-Group
M-Group 10/31/2025 M Group 10/31/2025 4,952.50
M-Group 10/31/2025 M Group 10/31/2025 1,345.00
Vendor M-Group Total: 6,297.50
Vendor: Municipal Resource Group, LLC
Accounting Assistance 07/31/2025 1,300.00
07/31/2025
Municipal Resource Group, LLC
Vendor Municipal Resource Group, LLC Total: 1,300.00
Vendor: Pacific Gas & Electric
Pacific Gas & Electric 11/13/2025 Electricity 11/13/2025 20.00 Pacific Gas & Electric 11/13/2025 Electricity 11/13/2025 672.10 Vendor Pacific Gas & Electric Total: 692.10
Warrant List 12/02/2025 Packet: APPKT00038
11/25/2025 7:44:55 PM ***The payables contained in this report are in an open packet, and have not posted to the General Ledger*** Page 2 of 3 Vendor Name Description (Payable) (None) Post Date (None) Amount Vendor: Porter Capital Corporation
Porter Capital Corporation Transaction Processin… 11/16/2025 2,800.00 Vendor Porter Capital Corporation Total: 2,800.00
Vendor: Regenerative Landscaping LLC
11/01/2025 Monthly 11/01/2025 255.00
Landscape Services
Regenerative Landscaping LLC
Vendor Regenerative Landscaping LLC Total: 255.00
Vendor: Ricoh USA, Inc.
11/14/2024 Monthly Printer 11/14/2025 480.23
Services
Ricoh USA, Inc.
Vendor Ricoh USA, Inc. Total: 480.23
Vendor: SANDIS
SANDIS 10/31/2025 Design Services 10/31/2025 2,492.50
Vendor SANDIS Total: 2,492.50
Vendor: Silicon Valley Animal Control
Silicon Valley Animal Control 01/02/2026 Q3 Services 01/01/2026 8,454.75 Vendor Silicon Valley Animal Control Total: 8,454.75
Vendor: Town of Los Gatos Finance Department
Police Services - November 11/21/2025 121,526.58
2025
Town of Los Gatos Finance
Department
Vendor Town of Los Gatos Finance Department Total: 121,526.58 Grand Total: 176,682.24
Warrant List 12/02/2025 Packet: APPKT00038
11/25/2025 7:44:55 PM ***The payables contained in this report are in an open packet, and have not posted to the General Ledger*** Page 3 of 3 Report Summary
Fund Summary
Fund Expense Amount
100 - General Fund 46,700.91
200 - Law Enforcement Fund 121,526.58
205 - Public Safety 8,454.75
Grand Total: 176,682.24
Account Summary
Account Number Account Name Expense Amount
100-000-6045 Dental Insurance Premi… 469.96
100-200-6289 General Plan Update 4,952.50
100-210-6008 Employee Separation Ex… 2,657.00
100-230-6322 Web Site Hosting 225.00
100-230-6326 e-Permits Software Main… 6,210.00
100-230-6349 Printer and Copier Expe… 480.23
100-300-6344 Legal Notices 338.00
100-400-6070 Supplemental Services 2,800.00
100-400-6210 Accounting Assistance 1,300.00
100-500-6070 Supplemental Services 1,345.00
100-510-6070 Supplemental Services 9,422.75
100-600-6333 Household Hazardous W… 12,986.47
100-600-6397 Green Stormwater Infras… 2,492.50
100-800-6124 Landscaping Services 255.00
100-800-6357 Document Storage and … 74.40
100-800-6370 Utilities, Electricity 692.10
200-700-6170 Law Enforcement LG-MS… 121,526.58
205-710-6140 Animal Control Expenses 8,454.75
Grand Total: 176,682.24
Project Account Summary
Project Account Key Expense Amount
**None** 176,682.24
Grand Total: 176,682.24
STAFF REPORT
Meeting: City Council - Dec 02 2025
Agenda Heading: UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Staff Contact: Diana Perkins, City Manager
Department: City Manager
Title: Adoption of Health & Safety Element
Recommendation(s):
Staff recommends the City Council adopt a resolution adopting the revised Health & Safety Element.
Background Information:
General Plan Update
M-Group is working with the City of Monte Sereno to update the City’s 2008 General Plan. The State requires nine elements (sections) of a general plan: Land Use, Circulation, Housing (on a separate, eight-year, cycle that was last updated in 2024), Conservation, Open Space, Air Quality, Noise, Safety, and Environmental Justice (new for general plans adopted after 2020).
Monte Sereno’s 2008 General Plan combined Open Space and Conservation into a single element, Noise and Safety into a single element, and includes an optional element: Public Services and Facilities. Environmental Justice was not yet a required element at 2008 adoption.
Table 1: General Plan Element Requirements
Required Element Monte Sereno 2008 General
Plan
M-Group General Plan
Land Use Land Use Land Use
Circulation Circulation Circulation
Housing Housing Housing
(M-Group worked with the
City to develop a compliant
Housing Element earlier in
2024)
Open Space and
Conservation
Open Space and
Conservation
Open Space and
Conservation
Air Quality, Noise & Safety Health & Safety Health & Safety Environmental Justice Was not required in 2008. Environmental Justice Element requirements will be
Required Element Monte Sereno 2008 General
Plan
M-Group General Plan
interspersed within existing
Elements
Public Services and Facilities Public Services and Facilities The project team is first updating the Health & Safety Element in order to prioritize addressing wildfire hazards and emergency response during fire season. These are State-required items in a safety element, along with seismic activity, slope instability (mudslides and landslides), flooding, hazardous materials and hazardous waste, air quality, noise, and climate risk. The resolution to adopt the Health & Safety Element is available as Attachment 1. The revised adoption draft Health & Safety Element is available as Attachment 1.
The project team will work on the updates to the remaining documents with the intention of bringing them forward for adoption in spring 2026.
Several project documents have been published in advance of the final adoption draft Health & Safety Element. These include:
Existing Conditions & State Law Report (March 21, 2025) Safety Policy Framework (May 15, 2025)
Public Review Draft Health & Safety Element (June 13, 2025) Adoption Draft Health & Safety Element (September 4, 2025) Revised Adoption Draft Health & Safety Element (September 19, 2025) Site and Architectural Commission Review
On June 24, 2025, the Public Review Draft of the Health & Safety Element was brought to a joint study session with the Site and Architectural Commission and City Council. On October 8, 2025, the revised Adoption Draft of the Health & Safety Element was brought to the Site and Architectural Commission and recommended for adoption by City Council with a vote of 5-0.
Feedback from these meetings are listed in the Changes to Adoption Draft section alongside changes made after consultation with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE).
Community and Stakeholder Engagement
In addition to the June 24, 2025 study session, and the October 8, 2025 Site and Architectural meeting, the project team reached out to the Monte Sereno community for input on the Health & Safety Element. This outreach included two surveys:
General survey (January 21, 2025, to March 21, 2025)
Safety-focused survey (April 15, 2025, to June 13, 2025)
These surveys provided the project team with valuable insight into community concerns that were translated into policy language in the element itself. In addition, the project team published seven newsletters to interested community members via the project website, www.monteserenogpu.com. The official Monte Sereno newsblast was also used to inform the public about public meetings and other key dates.
Stakeholder Outreach
In June 2025, the project team reached out to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, the California Office of Emergency Services, the California Geological Survey, and the Native American Heritage Commission as required by State law.
The California Geological Survey provided recommended revisions to maps during the public review period, clarifying data sources. A summary of their revisions resulting from this review is provided below in the Changes to the Adoption Draft section.
The project team have been in ongoing discussions and two revision cycles with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE). CAL FIRE’s Land Use Planning program assists the CAL FIRE board in ensuring that Monte Sereno’s Health & Safety Element meets State Law regarding land uses, methods and strategies for wild land fire risk reduction, and fire prevention in very high fire hazard severity zones. On November 4,2025, CAL FIRE informally approved the adoption draft for submission to the Board of Forestry. Subsequently, CAL FIRE will complete a formal review, and the draft will be presented to the Board of Forestry for approval on December 9, 2025.
The project team requested tribal consultation with relevant tribes on July 30, 2025, in accordance with SB 18. Ongoing consultation with tribes will continue throughout the General Plan Update process.
Analysis:
The revised adoption draft Health & Safety Element includes the requested policy revisions following the June 24, 2025 study session, the October 8 Site and Architecture meeting, public comment revisions, and CAL FIRE review. The track changes version of the revised adoption draft Health & Safety Element is available as Attachment 2.
Changes to the Goals, Policies, and Actions
Redline changes to the document after the joint study session on June 24, 2025 include:
Policy HS-1.2: Collaborate with Santa Clara County Central Fire District, Santa Clara County Office of Emergency Services, and the Town of Los Gatos in developing a quarterly summary and yearly report by staff summarizing types of emergency requests and response times.
Policy HS-1.3: Conduct a periodic review of theEvery year, the City Council will review and cConsider theCity’s emergency response plan in conjunction with Emergency Responses Santa Clara County Office of Emergency Services to ensure that escape routes are adequate, existing programs can be carried out, and new programs added.
Action HS-4.A: Monte Sereno city staff will cConduct an annual review of the performance of the Los Gatos/Monte Sereno Police Department to ensure that existing programs are carried out and new programs considered.
Changes to the document from the Site and Architectural Commission feedback on October 8, 2025 include:
Policy HS-1.4: Ensure areas of high fire hazard have low density development and gated emergency access roads where needed to maintain appropriate level of service, meet California State Minimum Fire Safe Regulations, and encourage appropriate defensible space. Ensure gates can be opened as needed to support evacuation. Policy HS-1.11, HS-1.12, HS-1.17, and Action HS-1.A: Addition of “hazardous trees” with eucalyptus trees to ensure all dangerous trees are accounted for.
Policy revisions were made per CAL FIRE’s review to address residential development in Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones and emergency evacuation routes and protocols (including ingress and egress), to meet California State Minimum Fire Safe Regulations. Policies were updated to require essential public facilities to be built outside of Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones and outreach to at-risk populations regarding evacuation routes and defensible space. Policy revisions addressed inclusion of agencies who would work with the City to evaluate redevelopment after a large or destructive fire and to establish a plan to create and maintain fire breaks. The policies include:
Updated: HS-1.3, HS-1.4, HS-1.6, HS-1.8, HS-1.9, HS-1.18, HS-1.21, HS-4.4 Added: HS-1.23, HS-1.24, HS-1.25, HS-1.26, Action HS-1.D, HS-5.7 Added “natural” to Goal HS-4
Additional policies and actions added since the review of the Public Review Drafts in June are included below:
Added Policies: HS-3.8, HS-5.5, HS-5.6
Added Actions: HS-1.B, HS-1.C, HS-5.F
There are further revisions incorporated throughout the Health & Safety Element to address feedback from public comments, the joint study session, review by the Site & Architectural Commission, and review by state agencies:
Introduction
Revision of language regarding element goals, policies, and actions for clarity
1. Wildland and Urban Fires
Additional context on existing wildfire map located on the Office of the State Fire Marshal’s website.
Updated street names and date on Fire Hazard Severity Zones map
Addition of Land Uses and Fire Severity map, subsequent language and data sources per CAL FIRE review
Addition of agencies and plans responsible for fire protection and fire code reference per CAL FIRE review
Additional context added for nearby fire stations
Revision of “2024 Los Angeles area fires” to “2025 Los Angeles area fires” to fix a typo per public comment.
Additional context on eucalyptus fire danger, including Monte Sereno’s tree removal rebate program.
2. Seismic Activity
Additional context on Alquist-Priolo Earthquake fault zone based on feedback from California Geological Survey
Updated source of Regional Faults and Fault Rupture Zones maps based on feedback from California Geological Survey
Updated street names and date on Regional Faults and Fault Rupture Zones maps Clarification of “new building” for geotechnical engineering
3. Slope Instability Leading to Mudslides and Landslides Updated percentage of area susceptible to earthquake induced landslides based on data from California Geological Survey
Addition of language explaining the change of data from the 2008 General Plan Updated data and source of Landslide Hazard Zones map based on feedback from California Geological Survey
Updated street names and date on Landslide Hazard Zones map
4. Subsidence, Liquefaction, and other Seismic Hazards
Addition of explanation of “unreasonable risk”
Addition of water main map and water main risk paragraph from San Jose Water Updated data and source on Liquefaction Hazard Zones map based on feedback from California Geological Survey
Updated street names and date on Liquefaction Hazard Zones map
5. Flooding, Including Tsunami, Seiche, and Dam Failure Updated street names and date on Flood Hazard Zones map
6. Hazardous Materials and Hazardous Waste
Addition of paragraph on the City’s responsibility towards hazards on Highway 17
7. Emergency Response
Addition of paragraph describing Los Gatos Emergency Services Coordinator duties and relationship with Monte Sereno
Addition of paragraph describing how Monte Sereno residents may receive their emergency event alerts
Updated street names and date on SB 99 Parcels map
Addition of language describing the methodology for identifying SB 99 parcels with only one egress per public comment.
Removal of Quito Road from emergency evacuation analysis Addition of analysis to include bikeways, pedestrian pathways, single lanes, and private roads
Addition of analysis exploring the possibility of using La Rinconada Country Club golf course, equestrian open space, and HOA lands for emergency evacuation routes Addition of deeper analysis into Highway 9 capacity
8. Noise
Refined paragraph indicating no dramatic increase of future traffic noise to affect Monte Sereno
9. Climate Risk
Revision and addition of multiple sentences as requested during June 24 Joint Study Session
Revision of multiple sentences for clarity and consistency following edits with preceding sections
Next Steps
The project team will begin working on the policy framework and review drafts for the remaining elements (Land Use, Circulation, Open Space and Conservation, Public Service and Facilities, and Environmental Justice). An initial draft will be available in early 2026 and will be presented for feedback during a second joint study session with the Site and Architectural Commission and City Council before an adoption draft is brought forward in spring 2026.
Additional surveys and newsletters to the public will be published as part of this process.
The project team will continue to work with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection and the California Board of Forestry and Fire Protection for formal adoption. The adoption draft is scheduled to be approved by the Board of Forestry on December 9, 2025.
The project team will continue working with any Tribal governments interested in consultation on any revisions that may be deemed necessary and provide these potential revisions alongside the adoption drafts for the remainder of the General Plan Update in spring 2026.
California Environmental Quality Act:
The General Plan Update project proposes to update the existing General Plan that was adopted by City Council in 2008. The Project includes confirming a community vision and augmenting background and policy in the Land Use, Circulation, Open Space and Conservation, Public Services and Facilities, and the Health & Safety Elements to be consistent with updates to State law.
The project is eligible for CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3) Common Sense Exemption and Section 15308 Actions by Regulatory Agencies for the Protection of the Environment.
Common Sense Exemption
The project brings forward policy changes that will not result in any construction or direct environmental impacts. All proposed changes will bring the General Plan into compliance with mandatory state laws, including SB 747 and AB 1409 (requiring the identification and evaluation of evacuation routes), SB 901 (Fire Standards) and SB 99 (two emergency evacuation routes). Additionally, the General Plan does not propose increased density or intensity of use except as may be required by SB 10 (which will be reviewed later in the project during the review of the Land Use Element, and is exempt from CEQA). As such, the Project is exempt under CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3) because it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the activity in question may have a significant effect on the environment, and the activity is not subject to CEQA.
Actions by Regulatory Agencies for the Protection of the Environment The Class 8 categorical exemption consists of actions taken by regulatory agencies, as authorized by state or local ordinance, to assure the maintenance, restoration, enhancement, or protection of the environment where the regulatory process involves procedures for protecting the environment. The project includes new policy language that regulates City procedures for mitigating and preventing hazards. There is no physical construction or work that will take place through the adoption of these policies. As such, the project is eligible for categorical exemption pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15308.
Reviews for Exceptions to Exemption
If a project qualifies for use of a categorical exemption, then the lead agency must determine whether the project is subject to any of the exceptions to the use of a categorical exemption, pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15300.2. A project will not qualify for use of a categorical exemption if any of the following circumstances exist:
1. Location. Certain classes of projects (Classes 3, 4, 5, 6, and 11) are qualified by consideration of where the project is to be located and whether it may impact an environmental resource of hazardous or critical concern.
2. Cumulative Impact. All exemptions are inapplicable when the cumulative impact of successive projects of the same type in the same place, over time is significant.
3. Significant Effect. A categorical exemption shall not be used for an activity where there is a reasonable possibility that the activity will have a significant effect on the environment due to unusual circumstances.
4. Scenic Highways. A categorical exemption shall not be used for a project which may result in damage to scenic resources within a highway officially designated as a state scenic highway.
5. Hazardous Waste Sites. A categorical exemption shall not be used for a project located on a site which is included on any list compiled pursuant to Section 65962.5 of the Government Code.
6. Historical Resources. A categorical exemption shall not be used for a project which may cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a historical resource.
The new policies are citywide and not site specific. Future development on sites meeting the above conditions would be subject to project specific CEQA analysis. Therefore, none of the
exceptions to the use of a categorical exemption as set forth in Section 15300.2 of the CEQA Guidelines apply. As such, the project qualifies for the use of the 15308 categorical exemption, and no further environmental review is required.
Public Noticing:
The City Council's agenda was posted on November 25, 2025, at City Hall and this agenda and this report was published November 25, 2025, on the City's website.
Attachments:
1. Draft Resolution to Adopt the Health & Safety Element
2. Track Changes Revised Adoption Draft Safety Element (2025Nov13)
RESOLUTION NO. 25-###
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MONTE SERENO UPDATING THE 2008 GENERAL PLAN TO ADOPT THE MONTE SERENO
HEALTH AND SAFETY ELEMENT OF THE GENERAL PLAN IN COMPLIANCE WITH STATE LAW.
WHEREAS, State Law (Government Code Section 65302(g) et seq.) requires that the City Council adopt a Health & Safety Element for the protection of the community from any unreasonable risks associated with the effects of seismically induced surface rupture, ground shaking, ground failure, tsunami, seiche, dam failure; slope instability leading to mudslides and landslides; subsidence; liquefaction; flooding, wildland and urban fires, mapping of known seismic and other geologic hazards, climate change, evacuation routes, military installations, peakload water supply requirements, minimum road widths and clearances around structures, as those items relate to identified fire and geologic hazards; and
WHEREAS, Monte Sereno has updated its existing Health & Safety Element to comply with new State Law; and
WHEREAS, as provided in Government Code Section 65302 et. seq., adoption of the Health & Safety Element constitutes a General Plan Amendment; and WHEREAS, as provided in Government Code Sections 65352 – 65352.5 the City emailed a public notice to all California Native American tribes provided by the Native American Heritage Commission; and
WHEREAS, as provided in Government Code Sections 65352 – 65352.5 the City mailed a public notice to all California Native American tribes provided by the Native American Heritage Commission and to other entities listed; and WHEREAS, the City conducted community outreach over the last 10 months including seven newsletters, two online surveys; and
WHEREAS, the City and project team have corresponded with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, the California Office of Emergency Services, California Geological Survey, and the Native American Heritage Commission; and
WHEREAS, on March 21, 2025, the City and project team published the Existing Conditions & State Law Report on the project website; and WHEREAS, on May 15, 2025, the City and project team published the Health & Safety Policy Framework on the project website; and
WHEREAS, on June 13, 2025, the City and project team published the Public Review Draft Health & Safety Element on the project website; and
WHEREAS, on June 24, 2025, the City Council, as the City’s planning agency, and Site and Architectural Commission held a special public joint meeting to consider and provide feedback on the proposed Health & Safety Element public review draft; and WHEREAS, on September 4, 2025, the City and the project team posted the Health & Safety Element adoption draft on the project website; and WHEREAS, on September 19, 2025, the City and the project team posted the revised Health & Safety Element adoption draft within the staff report on the project website; and
WHEREAS, on October 8, 2025, the Site and Architectural Commission recommended approval of the Health & Safety Element to the City Council; and WHEREAS, the revised adoption draft has been reviewed by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE), who consulted on edits and have informally approved the document; and
WHEREAS, on December 9, 2025, the California Board of Forestry and Fire Protection will formally approve the adoption draft; and WHEREAS, the City reviewed the project's environmental impacts under the California Environmental Quality Act (California Public Resources Code §§ 21000, et seq., "CEQA") and the regulations promulgated thereunder (14 California Code of Regulations §§ 15000, et seq., the "CEQA Guidelines”). The proposed Health & Safety Element will not have the effect of substantially changing regulatory standards or findings required therefore in accordance with CEQA, the proposed Health & Safety Element is exempt from CEQA pursuant to Section 15061(b) (3) because the activity is governed by the general rule that CEQA applies only to projects that have the potential for causing a significant effect on the environment, and any changes to the City’s General Plan Health & Safety Element as required by State Law will be reviewed for environmental impacts at such time as they are adopted or implemented; and WHEREAS, the City determined that the Health & Safety Element Update is exempt from further review under the California Environmental Quality Act (California Public Resources Code §§ 21000, et seq., "CEQA") and the regulations promulgated thereunder (14 California Code of Regulations §§ 15000, et seq., the "CEQA Guidelines"), that in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the City reviewed the project's environmental impacts under the California Environmental Quality Act (California Public Resources Code §§ 21000, et seq., "CEQA") and the regulations promulgated thereunder (14 California Code of Regulations §§ 15000, et seq., the "CEQA Guidelines") and deemed the project to be exempt from further CEQA review pursuant to section 15308 (Class 8 Actions by Regulatory Agencies for the Protection of the Environment), in that the adoption of the Health & Safety Element and subsequent mitigation and prevention policies by regulatory agencies, as authorized by state or local ordinance, assures the maintenance, restoration, enhancement, and protection of the environment where the regulatory process involves procedures for protecting the environment. In addition, there
are no physical construction or work that will take place through the adoption of these policies.
WHEREAS, the City Council desires to consider the proposed Health & Safety Element as amended for adoption and after a public hearing.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council of the City of Monte Sereno, as follows:
Section 1. The foregoing recitals are true and correct and are incorporated by reference into this action.
Section 2. The Monte Sereno Health & Safety Element substantially complies with State Law, as provided in Government Code 65302 et seq., and contains all provisions required by State Element Law, as shown in Attachment 1 to this resolution, incorporated herein.
Section 3. The Monte Sereno Health & Safety Element, as shown in Attachment 1 to this Resolution, incorporated herein, is hereby adopted and replaces the existing Health & Safety Element.
Section 4. This Resolution shall become effective upon adoption by the City Council.
Section 5. The City Manager or designee is hereby directed and authorized to make all non-substantive changes to the Health & Safety Element to make it internally consistent or to address any non-substantive changes or amendments requested by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection to achieve certification.
REGULARLY APPROVED this 2nd day of December 2025 by the following roll call vote:
Ayes:
Noes:
Abstain:
Absent:
Burton Craig, Mayor
Attest:
Gloisy Gonzalez-Langarica, City Clerk
Attachment A: Monte Sereno Health & Safety Element Adoption Draft
ADOPTION DRAFT (Revised)
HEALTH & SAFETY ELEMENT
CITY OF MONTE SERENO
Prepared by M-Group
November 5, 2025
Monte Sereno General Plan Update: Health and Safety Element – Revised Adoption Draft | Page 1 Table of Contents
A. Background Information................................................................. 2
1. Wildland and Urban Fires .......................................................... 3
2. Seismic Activity ............................................................................ 7
3. Slope Instability Leading to Mudslides and Landslides ........ 9
4. Subsidence, Liquefaction, and other Seismic Hazards ....... 10
5. Flooding, Including Tsunami, Seiche, and Dam Failure...... 12 a. Dam Failure ............................................................................ 13 b. Levee Protection.................................................................... 13 c. Seiche....................................................................................... 13 d. Tsunami .................................................................................. 14
6. Hazardous Materials and Hazardous Waste ......................... 14
7. Emergency Response ............................................................... 14 a. Evacuation Analysis ............................................................... 15
8. Air Quality .................................................................................. 20
9. Noise........................................................................................... 22 a. Land Use Compatibility......................................................... 22 b. Existing and Future Noise..................................................... 24
10. Climate Risk ............................................................................. 25 a. Community Profile................................................................. 25 b. Climate Hazards..................................................................... 26 B. Goals, Policies, and Actions.......................................................... 30
Monte Sereno General Plan Update: Health and Safety Element – Revised Adoption Draft | Page 2 The Health and Safety Element provides information about risks in Monte Sereno due to natural and human-made
hazards. The Element contains goals, policies and actions designed to protect the community and its property from the hazardous impacts of fire, seismic activity, flooding, toxic materials, and climate change. This Element also
addresses noise within the community and general
emergency and disaster preparedness including
emergency evacuation analysis.
As required by State law, the Health and Safety Element addresses the following:
1. Wildland and urban fires
2. Seismic activity, including seismically induced
surface rupture, ground shaking, and ground
failure
3. Slope instability leading to mudslides and landslides
4. Subsidence, liquefaction, and other seismic hazards
5. Flooding, including tsunami, seiche, and dam failure
6. Hazardous Materials and hazardous waste1
7. Emergency response2
1 This is not a State requirement, but is supported by the State for inclusion into a Safety Element.
2 As of general plan adoption, Monte Sereno is not a party to the 2024 Santa Clara County Multi-Jurisdictional Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP). However, information and data related to the city are included throughout the plan as appropriate and
8. Air quality3
9. Noise3
10. Climate Risk
A. Background Information
This section contains information on current risks due to natural and human-made hazards. Existing noise sources
and their projected levels are also addressed in the
background information section.
relevant. Action HS-5.D directs the City to participate in the next update of the LHMP. The current LHMP expires in February 2029. 3 State law mandates that a City’s General Plan address air quality as well as current and foreseeable noise impacts. Air quality and noise are not contained in a stand-alone element but are instead addressed in this Health and Safety Element.
Monte Sereno General Plan Update: Health and Safety Element – Revised Adoption Draft | Page 3
1. Wildland and Urban Fires
Open space areas and residential areas that are heavily vegetated and grassy are especially vulnerable to fire
hazards. The risk of fire is highest in the steep, heavily vegetated hillside areas south of Highway 9. The risk of fire is also highest during the summer and fall dry seasons. The risk of fires has also increased due to increased frequency of heatwaves and drought. Because most wildfires are
caused by people, increased accessibility to fire hazard areas further increases the risk of fire. Figure HS-1 identifies the wildfire hazard areas in Monte Sereno. Monte Sereno will continue to use the most current Fire Hazard Severity Zone map data from the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection Fire and Resource Assessment Program per Policy HS-1.23.
Figure HS-2 depicts Monte Sereno’s land uses, structures, roads, and essential public facilities in relation to the city’s Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones. No areas are lacking service.
Figure HS-1: Fire Hazard Severity Zones
Source: California Office of the State Fire Marshal
Monte Sereno General Plan Update: Health and Safety Element – Revised Adoption Draft | Page 4 Figure HS-2: Land Uses and Fire Severity
Source: California Office of the State Fire Marshal, City of Monte Sereno 4 “Fire Hazard Severity Zones” (Office of the State Fire Marshal), available at https://osfm.fire.ca.gov/what-we-do/communitywildfire-preparedness-and-mitigation/fire-hazard-severity-zones A significant portion of Monte Sereno is prone to wildfires and is located in the Wildland-Urban Interface, or WUI, where houses and other development meet or mix with
undeveloped natural areas. As of February 24, 2025,
identified by the State Fire Marshal, 16 percent of Monte Sereno is within a High or Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones. The majority of the south end of the city is within a Fire Hazard Severity Zone, either designated as Moderate Fire Hazard Severity, High Fire Hazard Severity, or Very High Fire Hazard Severity. More information and mapping of Fire Hazard Severity Zones can be found on the Office of the State Fire Marshal’s website.4
Proximity to wildfire danger must also be understood to include the risk from windblown embers. Fire embers,
which are pieces of burning vegetation or other flammable material, can often travel several miles, before landing and potentially igniting new fires. The distance they travel depends on factors like wind strength, the size of the
embers, and the intensity of the fire.
Due to the recent wildfires in California including the following:5
• Tubbs Fire in Santa Rosa; Oct. 2017 – 5,643 structures destroyed, 22 dead
5 See: “20 Most Destructive California Wildfires (CAL FIRE: 2025),
available at https://www.fire.ca.gov/our-impact/statistics.
Monte Sereno General Plan Update: Health and Safety Element – Revised Adoption Draft | Page 5 • Camp Fire in Paradise fire; Nov. 2018 – 18,804
structures destroyed, 85 dead
• North Complex Fire in Butte, Yuba & Plumas
Counties; Aug. 2020 – 2,352 structures destroyed, 15
dead
• Eaton Fire in Altadena; Jan. 2025 – 9,413 structures
destroyed, 18 dead
• Palisades Fire in Pacific Palisades; Jan. 2025 – 6,833 structures destroyed, 12 dead
It is now known beyond a reasonable doubt that the wildfire danger zone can extend several miles beyond the mapped
high fire zones. Therefore, all of Monte Sereno should be considered for fire protective measures, precautions and planning.
The residences as well as private roads and City-maintained roads are at risk in these areas. Utilities that provide water or electricity to these homes and businesses are also at risk.
No critical facilities in Monte Sereno are at risk, but the Quito Fire Station is very close to a Moderate Hazard Severity Zone.
6 CAL FIRE Historical Fire Perimeters Map, available at Fire Perimeters | CAL FIRE: https://www.fire.ca.gov/what-we-do/fireresource-assessment-program/fire-perimeters. Additional historical data is available through the United States Geological Survey (USGS), see “Combined wildland fire datasets for the United States and certain territories, 1800s-Present”, available at According to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection Fire and Resource Assessment Program and U.S.
Geological Survey historical fire perimeter data, there have been no historical wildfires within the city boundaries of Monte Sereno6
. The closest historical wildfire to Monte
Sereno was the Lexington Fire near Los Gatos, which
burned from June 26, 1985, to August 19, 1985. This federal wildfire disaster included six counties. In Santa Clara County, the worst of the fires affected the Santa Cruz
Mountains south of the City of San José, threatening at least 2,000 homes and forcing the evacuation of more than 4,500 people.
Monte Sereno is part of Santa Clara County’s Community
Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP)7
. Monte Sereno was first
annexed to the plan in 2016, and the data has been
subsequently updated in 2025. The Community Wildfire
Protection Plan outlines a mitigation and preparedness plan to work toward reducing wildfire risk, establishes
collaborative relationships with federal and state agencies as well as local stakeholders before an event occurs. These agencies include the Santa Clara County Fire Department, Santa Clara County Fire Safe Council, Santa Clara Valley https://www.usgs.gov/data/combined-wildland-fire-datasetsunited-states-and-certain-territories-1800s-present. 7 Santa Clara County Community Wildfire Protection Plan available at
https://sccfc.maps.arcgis.com/sharing/rest/content/items/59c5a 1772e3849ad8f225e8f638431d1/data
Monte Sereno General Plan Update: Health and Safety Element – Revised Adoption Draft | Page 6 Water District, Caltrans, and California Department of
Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE). The Plan includes pre-attack plans or tactical maps for suppression personnel to improve firefighter readiness and safety, and documents planning and projects for garnering grant success.
In addition to the CWPP, which is a CAL FIRE Santa Clara Unit Strategic Fire Plan, Mone Sereno is a part of the Santa Clara County Operational Emergency Plan (EOP). The Plan is an all-hazards document describing the County’s Emergency
Operations organization, compliance with relevant legal statutes, other guidelines, and critical components of the Emergency Response System. These plans are incorporated into this Health and Safety Element by reference.
Santa Clara County Central Fire Protection District,
specifically the Santa Clara Unit, serves the City of Monte Sereno for fire protection services. There is one fire station, Quito Station, located at 18870 Saratoga-Los Gatos Road in the City’s Sphere of Influence. The next closest fire stations are the Los Gatos Fire Station at 306 University Avenue (on University Avenue south of Saratoga/Los Gatos Road) and Winchester Fire Station (northeast of the city on Winchester Avenue south of Lark Avenue). California Office of
Emergency Services, Region 2, may also provide fire and rescue services during a wildfire event.
8 See:
https://library.municode.com/ca/monte_sereno/codes/code_of_o rdinances?nodeId=MOSECA_ORNONS
Monte Sereno adopted the Uniform Fire Code in 1999 via
Ordinance NS-112.8 Later, to reduce fire hazards, Monte Sereno adopted a weed and brush abatement ordinance in
2007. This ordinance, codified as Municipal Code Chapter
8.02, broadly defines fire hazards as dry or dead shrubs, dead trees, combustible refuse and waste, and any
vegetation that could pose dangers. Monte Sereno
residents are required by this ordinance to remove and
properly dispose of fire hazards from their property.
Historically, jurisdictions often relied on existing fire hydrants and urban water pressure-based systems to
mitigate fires in the wildland-urban interface (WUI).
However, as seen in the 2025 Los Angeles area fires, it is impossible to maintain water pressure in widespread
wildfire scenarios.
9 Although the Santa Clara County Fire
Department has alternatives in place for water sources, such as carrying water from reservoirs, damming existing streams, and using residential pools, this could be
insufficient in particularly hot or gusty wildfires. Sufficient water pressure is only one aspect of a multifaceted
approach to wildfire mitigation and resilience.
Due to Monte Sereno being at significant risk of wildfire, proactive tree management is necessary. Monte Sereno
also has a significant amount of eucalyptus trees. These are 9 Gregory Pierce, et al., “How have the LA Fires affected water systems in LA County?” (UCLA Luskin Center for Innovation:
2025), available at http://escholarship.org/uc/item/7km452tj
Monte Sereno General Plan Update: Health and Safety Element – Revised Adoption Draft | Page 7 highly flammable and currently deemed ‘Unsuitable trees” within Monte Sereno’s municipal code (Chapter
10.15.015(C)), requiring removal. In the case of an
emergency, a eucalyptus tree is allowed to be removed if it is a hazard to life or property.
In addition, Monte Sereno offers a hazardous tree removal rebate program for residents located in a Wildland Urban Interface Area or a Local Selection Area.10 Eligible
participants may receive reimbursement of up to 50 percent of the tree removal cost, provided the tree meets a
minimum circumference and is listed among the accepted
species.
2. Seismic Activity
Seismic activity includes activity such as seismically induced surface rupture, ground shaking, and ground failure. Monte Sereno is located within the seismically-active San Francisco Bay region, one of the most seismically-active zones in the United States. The faults in the San Francisco Bay region are capable of generating earthquakes of at least 8.0 in
magnitude on the Richter Scale, producing very strong
ground shaking in Monte Sereno.
A fault is a fracture or zone of closely associated fractures along which rocks on one side have been displaced with
respect to those on the other side. A fault zone is a zone of 10See:
https://montesereno.org/DocumentCenter/View/4117/Hazardou s-Tree-Removal-Rebate-Application
related faults which commonly are braided, but which may be branching. The closest major fault is the San Andreas Fault, specifically the Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zone, which passes through Monte Sereno’s SOI southwest of
Lyndon Canyon and is shown on Figure HS-3. Figure HS-4
displays fault rupture zones within Monte Sereno and the vicinity. A portion of Monte Sereno also is near the
potentially active Shannon Fault, just north of Monte Sereno in Los Gatos.
• Ground Failure means mudslide, landslide.
liquefaction, or soil compaction caused by a seismic
event. Monte Sereno is a risk of these occurrences
due to being near the San Andreas fault.
• Ground Shaking a term used to describe the
vibration of the ground during an earthquake.
Ground shaking is caused by body waves originating
from deep within the earth, and surface waves. As a
generalization, the severity of ground shaking
increases as magnitude increases and decreases as
distance from the causative fault increases.
• Seismically Induced Surface Rupture means a
break in the ground’s surface and associated
deformation resulting from the movement of a fault.
Monte Sereno General Plan Update: Health and Safety Element – Revised Adoption Draft | Page 8 Figure HS-3: Earthquake Regional Faults
Source: California Geological Survey, Santa Clara County Figure HS-4: Fault Rupture Zones
Source: Santa Clara County
Monte Sereno General Plan Update: Health and Safety Element – Revised Adoption Draft | Page 9 According to the 2024 Santa Clara County MultiJurisdictional Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP), Monte Sereno has 1,078 buildings at risk of earthquake exposure.
To address these seismic hazards the City requires new
construction to be built using the most recent building codes, which minimizes potential damage to structures as a result of an earthquake. Development or substantial
renovations in Monte Sereno must comply with the
California Building/Residential Code (BBC/CRC), which
outlines standards for seismic design, foundations and
drainage and requires that geotechnical engineering
studies be undertaken for all newly constructed buildings, including accessory dwelling units, as well as earth works.
3. Slope Instability Leading to Mudslides and Landslides Landslides resulting from earthquakes are the greatest
earthquake hazard concern for residents of Monte Sereno.
A landslide is the movement of masses of loosened rock and soil down a hillside or slope. Slope failures occur when the strength of the soils forming the slope is exceeded by the pressure, such as weight or saturation, acting upon them. • Landslide Creep is a slow-moving landslide often
only noticed through leaning trees and disturbed
structures. Monte Sereno residents within the
hillside areas could be impacted by landslide creep.
11 ”Landslide Inventory” (California Geological Survey: 2025) • Mudslides (or debris flows) are rivers of rock, earth, organic matter, and other soil materials saturated
with water.
Figure HS-5 identifies susceptible areas in landslide hazard zones. According to the California Geological Survey,
approximately 12 percent of Monte Sereno is located in
areas with some potential for earthquake-induced
landslides. This change from the 2008 general plan is due to updated data provided by California Geological Survey as directed by State law. However, no landslides have been mapped in the City of Monte Sereno. There have been four historic landslides that have been mapped near the city’s southern border.
11
Monte Sereno General Plan Update: Health and Safety Element – Revised Adoption Draft | Page 10 Figure HS-5: Landslide Hazard Zones
Source: California Geological Survey
12 Government Code 65302(g)
4. Subsidence, Liquefaction, and other Seismic Hazards
State law requires protection from unreasonable risks from subsidence, liquefaction, and other seismic hazards
identified pursuant to Chapter 7.8 (commencing with
Section 2690) of Division 2 of the Public Resources Code, and other geologic hazards known to the legislative body.12 The term “unreasonable risk” is not explicitly defined within government code. It may be best interpreted as the
mitigation risk using up-to-date scientific knowledge and standards.
• Subsidence is the gradual, local settling or sinking of the earth’s surface with little or no horizontal motion (subsidence is usually the result of gas, oil, or water extraction, hydro compaction, or peat oxidation),
and not the result of a landslide or slope failure. As
droughts become more intense and frequent, Monte
Sereno is at higher risk for subsidence.
• Liquefaction is a phenomenon primarily associated
with saturated, cohesionless soil layers located close
to the ground surface. During liquefaction, soils lose
strength and ground failure may occur. Since soils
must be saturated to be at risk of liquefaction, areas
with high groundwater levels are most susceptible to
liquefaction. Figure HS-6 shows that the majority of
the city has a very low potential for liquefaction.
Monte Sereno General Plan Update: Health and Safety Element – Revised Adoption Draft | Page 11 Areas with high liquefaction potential are located
along the west border of the city limit.
• Creep is the imperceptibly slow, steady, downward
movement of slope-forming soil or rock. Movement
is caused by shear stress sufficient to produce
permanent deformation, but too small to produce
shear failure. Creep is indicated by curved tree
trunks, bent fences or retaining walls, tilted poles or fences, and small soil ripples or ridges. Monte
Sereno residents within the hillside areas could
potentially be impacted by creep.
Earthquakes and droughts can cause earth to move or sink, affecting water sources. Although Monte Sereno currently does not have a groundwater management plan, it has a
relatively low risk of subsidence, liquefaction, and hazards such as creep due to its foothill location (see Figure HS-6).
There is some liquefaction risk along Quito Road and Los Gatos Creek.
Figure HS-7 depicts water mains serviced by San Jose Water and the diameter of the pipes. As subsidence increases with longer periods of droughts, these water mains may require maintenance by San Jose Water.
Figure HS-6: Liquefaction Susceptibility
Source: California Geological Survey
Monte Sereno General Plan Update: Health and Safety Element – Revised Adoption Draft | Page 12 Figure HS-7: Water Mains
Source: San Jose Water
5. Flooding, Including Tsunami, Seiche, and Dam Failure Large-scale flooding is not a significant hazard in Monte Sereno. Most of the properties in Monte Sereno are built above the base flood elevation. There are no critical facilities susceptible to flooding in Monte Sereno. However, both
surface and subsurface local drainage problems do exist in some parts of Monte Sereno, and there is currently no
drainage plan for Monte Sereno. Monte Sereno is part of the National Flood Insurance Program.
• A floodplain is the land area along the sides of a
river that becomes inundated with water during a
flood.
• The 1-Percent-Annual-Chance (100-Year)
Floodplain is the area flooded by the flood that has
a 1 percent chance of being equaled or exceeded in
a given year.
• The 0.2-Percent-Annual-Chance (500-Year)
Floodplain is the area flooded by the flood that has
a 0.2 percent chance of being equaled or exceeded
in a given year.
There has been no historical flooding in Monte Sereno.
There is a small area of the city to the northwest that is subject to a 1% annual chance of flood hazard. Land uses in this area include Single-Family Residential.
Monte Sereno General Plan Update: Health and Safety Element – Revised Adoption Draft | Page 13 Figure HS-8: Flood Hazard Zones
Source: Federal Emergency Management Agency
There are five parcels on Monte Sereno’s western boundary in the 100-year flood plain. The land uses subject to this 100- year flooding are Single-Family Residential (1 DU/ac), and only two of them are buildable. The others are either rightsof-way or consist of San Tomas Aquinas Creek.
Agencies responsible for flooding include Santa Clara Valley Water District, San Jose Water Company, Valley Water and California Office of Emergency Services. Monte Sereno
partners with the Town of Los Gatos with a combined police force for public safety and emergency response services. a. Dam Failure
Monte Sereno does not have any dams within its borders.
The Town of Los Gatos has Vasona Percolating to the east of Monte Sereno and Rinconada Reservoir to the north of Monte Sereno. Vasona Percolating is within the Extremely High category for inundation or dam failure resulting in significant flooding. However, the flooding would likely occur north of Monte Sereno, not within city boundaries. b. Levee Protection
There are no levees within Monte Sereno. There are three levees near Monte Sereno including Los Gatos Creek, Santa Clara County Levee 82, and Santa Clara County Levee 90.
Impacts on any of these levees are unlikely to affect Monte Sereno.
c. Seiche
Seiche is an earthquake-induced wave in a lake, reservoir, or harbor. Monte Sereno is not at risk for seiche as there are no significant bodies of water within the city.
Monte Sereno General Plan Update: Health and Safety Element – Revised Adoption Draft | Page 14 d. Tsunami
A tsunami is a series of high-energy waves that radiate outward like pond ripples from an area where a generating event occurs, arriving at shorelines over an extended
period. Monte Sereno is not at risk for a tsunami as the city is not located near any large body of water.
6. Hazardous Materials and Hazardous Waste
Hazardous material usage and hazardous waste are
primarily associated with residential uses in Monte Sereno.
Household hazardous materials including pesticides,
herbicides, fertilizers and oil are the most commonly
occurring hazardous material in the city. Other household hazardous waste can include flammable, corrosive, toxic and oxidizer materials. The California Environmental
Protection Agency, Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) is authorized by the Federal Environmental
Protection Agency to enforce and implement Federal
hazardous materials laws and regulations, including
disposal and transportation of hazardous materials.
Santa Clara County operates a Household Hazardous Waste disposal program for incorporated and unincorporated
residents and small businesses. Household hazardous
waste includes flammable, corrosive, toxic and oxidizer material and can be dropped off at facilities located in Sunnyvale, San Jose and San Martin.
13 See Santa Clara County Emergency Operations Plan, available at https://files.santaclaracounty.gov/exjcpb1566/migrated/2022%2 Monte Sereno Municipal Code section 8.02.020 prohibits
the accumulation of hazardous material, stating that “No owner, agent, lessee or other person occupying or having charge or control of any building, lot or premises within the City of Monte Sereno shall permit weeds, dirt, rubbish, rank growths and other hazardous material to remain upon said premises, or public sidewalks, or streets, or alleys between said premises and the centerline of any public street or alley.”
The City is responsible for ensuring implementation of the ordinance and overall protection of the community,
including through its contracted police services agreement.
The City is not solely in charge of hazards on Highway 17 and works with responsible agencies.
There are no hazardous waste producing land uses in the City of Monte Sereno, which contains only residential and institutional land uses as well as open space.
7. Emergency Response
As required by law, Monte Sereno has established
emergency preparedness procedures to respond to a
variety of natural and man-made disasters that could occur within the area. The City participates in the Santa Clara County Operational Emergency Plan (EOP)13 and the City has representatives on the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) Steering Committee. The Plan is an all-hazards document 0EOP_County%20of%20Santa%20Clara_01.20.2022%20Accessibili ty%20Check.pdf.
Monte Sereno General Plan Update: Health and Safety Element – Revised Adoption Draft | Page 15 describing the County’s Emergency Operations
organization, compliance with relevant legal statutes, other guidelines, and critical components of the Emergency
Response System. This system is activated during
extraordinary emergency situations associated with largescale disasters affecting Santa Clara County and/or the Santa Clara County Operational Area. By definition of the State of California, the Santa Clara County Operational Area consists of the cities, special districts, and the
unincorporated areas of the county. This plan is not
intended to address emergency responses for specific
events.
The Plan continues the County’s compliance with the
California Standardized Emergency Management System
(SEMS) and establishes compliance with the National
Incident Management System (NIMS), the National
Response Framework (NRF), and the National Preparedness Guidelines (NPG).
Monte Sereno works with the Los Gatos Emergency Services Coordinator who plans and implements disaster response
and training activities including community educational programs. The coordinator functions as a liaison between the town and governmental agencies. The coordinator
additionally works in emergency planning management
involving data collection, analysis and preparation of state and federal reports.
Monte Sereno residents also have an important role in
responding to emergencies. Many neighborhoods in Monte
Sereno and Los Gatos have organized to plan and prepare for disasters through the Community Emergency Response
Team (CERT) program. The CERT program educates people
about disaster preparedness and trains them in basic
disaster response skills. In the event of an emergency, CERT members can assist others in their neighborhood before
professional responders are able to arrive. The Town of Los Gatos currently offers CERT training courses that are
available to Monte Sereno residents.
During an emergency event, residents who subscribe to the city newsletter will receive updates. In the event the
emergency effects Santa Clara County as a whole and
residents are subscribed to Santa Clara County alerts,
residents will receive emergency updates from this source.
There are also several public and private emergency
communications. Policy HS-5.2 directs the City to continually update and collaborate on communications links with
surrounding jurisdictions during emergency events.
a. Evacuation Analysis
Updated State law requires additional evacuation analysis requirements:
• SB 99 (2019) requires identification of residential
developments in any hazard area identified in the
Safety Element that do not have at least two
emergency evacuation routes.
• AB 747 (2019) requires identification of evacuation
routes and their capacity, safety, and viability and
evacuation locations under a range of emergency
scenarios.
Monte Sereno General Plan Update: Health and Safety Element – Revised Adoption Draft | Page 16 The SB 99 residential development identification map is Figure HS-9.
Figure HS-9: Residential Developments with One
Evacuation Route
Source: M-Group
Monte Sereno General Plan Update: Health and Safety Element – Revised Adoption Draft | Page 17 Parcels are identified on Figure HS-9 if they have only one egress route. These are typically parcels on cul-de-sac or foothill street that “dead-end” before connecting to another street. Streets are considered dual-egress even if both ends of the street connect to the same street in a horseshoe development pattern, under the theory that households
would be able to evacuate from an impassable hazard, even if they were required to take a longer, more winding, route.
The primary evacuation routes out of Monte Sereno include Highway 9 (Saratoga-Los Gatos Road), crossing the city eastwest, and Winchester Boulevard to the east. Additional evacuation routes include Highway 17, on the eastern side of Monte Sereno.
Of these roads, Highway 9 is a divided highway for much of its path through Monte Sereno, with two lanes in each
direction. Winchester Boulevard is one lane in each
direction. Highway 17 is a divided freeway, with the
interchange at Highway 9 located .60 miles from the Monte Sereno border.
In addition to major streets, Monte Sereno has many singlelane and private roads. As seen in Figure HS-9 many residents have only one evacuation route. It is important for these single-lane and private roads to be properly
maintained both for residents and emergency responders.
Monte Sereno has ability to evacuate residents through
biking and pedestrian pathways. Bike routes exist on
Saratoga-Los Gatos Road/Highway 9, Winchester Avenue,
sections of Quito Road and Daves Avenue, and along Twin Creeks Road. Some additional streets have Class II bike lanes. There is a bridle path between Via Cabellero and Vineland Avenue. Pedestrian pathways including sidewalks exist on some streets including parts of Daves Avenue.
Above the northeast border of Monte Sereno is the La
Rinconada Country Club golf course. While not considered a primary evacuation route, in the event of wildfire the golf course could provide an additional evacuation route. Some parts of La Rinconada Country Club golf course may be
impacted by a 100-year flood.
Another potential means of evacuation is the open space between Vineland Avenue and La Rinconada Country Club.
In the event of an emergency evacuation, the city could potentially establish easement rights to use these areas for pedestrian egress.
Monte Sereno General Plan Update: Health and Safety Element – Revised Adoption Draft | Page 18 i. Evacuation Route Capacity
Highway 9 through Monte Sereno has annual average daily traffic (AADT) of 12,631 in a 2010 count, with an estimated growth rate of 1.3% per year.14 Peak AM/PM volumes are
described in Table HS-1:
Table HS-1: 2010 Peak Hour Volumes on Highway 9
Highway 9 Peak Hour
Volumes Passenger Vehicles/Hour
Eastbound
Peak Hour Volume AM 552
Peak Hour Volume PM 994
Westbound
Peak Hour Volume AM 1,049
Peak Hour Volume PM 782
“Eastbound” means towards Highway 17 and Los Gatos, while “Westbound” means towards Saratoga Avenue and Saratoga.
These volumes are all well under the typical maximum
capacity rate of 1,800 passenger vehicles an hour –
especially considering that lanes may be reversed in times of emergency (i.e., if there is a wildfire to the west of Monte 14 https://dot.ca.gov/-/media/dot-media/district-4/documents/d4- transportation-planning-local-assistance/system-regionalplanning/tcrs/f0020323_sr9-tcr-final-a11y.pdf Sereno, one or more westbound lanes may be temporarily
converted to eastbound to ease emergency traffic).
ii. Evacuation Route Safety and Viability
Monte Sereno is situated between Highways 85 and 17,
giving residents and workers two complementary routes
away in case of emergency. In addition, Daves Avenue and Winchester Boulevard can provide alternate connections to these main routes. All of these roads are in good repair and well maintained by the appropriate authorities.
The primary hazard facing Monte Sereno is wildfire in the south of the city. There are additional hazard risks to a lesser extent:
• Flooding (along western boundary)
• Liquefaction (along western boundary)
• Landslides (northern, western, and southern
portions of the city)
All of these parcels are single-family residential or open space, with a relatively low density of occupants compared to commercial or high-density residential uses. Table HS-2 quantifies the parcels that could be potentially affected:
Monte Sereno General Plan Update: Health and Safety Element – Revised Adoption Draft | Page 19 Table HS-2: Parcels Affected by Potential Hazards*
Hazard # of Parcels (including in
Sphere of Influence)
Wildfire 234
Moderate 80
High 85
Very High 69
Flood (100-Year Flood) 5
Liquefaction 55
Moderate 24
High 31
Landslides 153
* All parcels in Table HS-2 are zoned for single-family residential uses or open space
Beach Traffic
In outreach conducted for the 2026 General Plan Update, many community members expressed concern over a
wildfire hazard event occurring during a summer afternoon (PM), when Highway 17 is particularly congested with
beach-goers above and beyond a “typical” peak hour
volume. The traffic is often exacerbated by individuals 15 “State Route 17 Resiliency and Adaptation Plan” (Caltrans:
2024).
16 Damien Pierce and John Anderson, “Improving traffic
evacuations: A case study” (Google Research: 2023), available at attempting to bypass Highway 17 traffic using local Monte Sereno roads.
This concern is well-understood by Caltrans, the State
transportation agency. At the time of General Plan Update development, Caltrans is working on a State Route 17
Resiliency and Adaptation Plan.15 This plan will prioritize project opportunities that align with assessing physical climate risk and safety improvements, along with other plan priorities. Monte Sereno will review the plan and support implementation, as appropriate (see Action HS-5.E).
In any case, Monte Sereno community members can
potentially also evacuate via Winchester Boulevard or
Highway 9. Due to Monte Sereno’s relatively small and lowdensity development pattern, community members have alternate evacuation routes should Highway 17 be
temporarily not viable. Analysis conducted in other
communities indicate that a policy of encouraging residents to evacuate with only one vehicle rather than multiple
vehicles per household should be considered. Traffic
models confirm that this policy can significantly improve evacuation times, potentially saving lives during a severe wildfire event.16
https://research.google/blog/improving-traffic-evacuations-acase-study/.
Monte Sereno General Plan Update: Health and Safety Element – Revised Adoption Draft | Page 20 iii. Evacuation Locations
Monte Sereno is a small community, both in terms of
population and geography. Although Daves Avenue
Elementary School could prove to be a viable evacuation location in case of small-scale hazards, in case of largerscale hazards Monte Sereno community members will likely seek evacuation further towards Campbell, and San Jose.
For safe and efficient evacuation to these jurisdictions north of Monte Sereno, it is crucial that community members are aware of emergency messaging systems, such as those
administered by the Los Gatos-Monte Sereno Police
Department and the Santa Clara County Fire Department,
as well as the Monte Sereno – Los Gatos CERT.
8. Air Quality
The Bay Area Air District (BAAD, formerly Bay Area Air
Quality Management District, or BAAQMD) regulates air
quality in Santa Clara County. The county, including Monte Sereno, is part of a region-wide non-attainment area in which ambient levels exceed State or Federal air quality standard for ground-level ozone and airborne particulates (PM2.5, and PM10.). Additionally, ozone precursors generated in Santa Clara County often move to other communities,
where smog is formed several hours later. Thus, the BAAD tries to minimize local emissions that will contribute to an existing violation of State and Federal standards in any part of the Bay Area.
The BAAD monitors air quality at numerous sites within the nine-county District, although not within Monte Sereno. The closest air monitoring station is in Los Gatos, but the closest air monitoring station with complete annual data is in San Jose.
Local air pollutant levels measured over the most recent three years (2017 to 2019) at the San Jose stations are reported in Table HS-3. The air pollutants of greatest
concern are ground-level ozone, PM10, and PM2.5, because health standards for these compounds are exceeded in the Bay Area. CO, lead, and NO2 standards have been achieved, primarily through cleaner fuels, more efficient motor
vehicles, and evolving regulations.
As shown in Table HS-3, measurements of ozone in San Jose exceeded air quality standards during the 2017-2019
monitoring period. Carbon monoxide measurements met
Federal and State standards during the 2017-2019 period.
Measurements of PM10 exceeded California air quality
standards on one day during the 2017-2019 monitoring
period.
Monte Sereno General Plan Update: Health and Safety Element – Revised Adoption Draft | Page 21 Table HS-3: Measured Air Pollutant Concentrations in San Jose (2017-2019)17 Pollutant Average
Time
National
Ambient Air
Quality Standard
California Ambient
Air Quality
Standard
2017 2018 2019
Ozone 1-hour n/a 0.09 ppm 0.121 ppb 0.078 ppb 0.095 ppb Ozone 8-hour 0.070 ppm 0.070 ppm 0.098 ppb 0.061 ppb 0.081 ppb Carbon Monoxide 1-hour 35 ppm 20 ppm 2.1 ppm 2.5 ppm 1.7 ppm Carbon Monoxide 8-hour 9 ppm 9.0 ppm 1.8 ppm 2.1 ppm 1.3 ppm Respirable
Particulate Matter
(PM10)
24-hour 150 ug/m3 50 ug/m3 70 ug/m3 122 ug/m3 77 ug/m3
Respirable
Particulate Matter
(PM10)
Annual n/a 20 ug/m3 21.6 ug/m3 23.1 ug/m3 19.2 ug/m3
17 Source: Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD)
Monte Sereno General Plan Update: Health and Safety Element – Revised Adoption Draft | Page 22
9. Noise
For the purpose of the General Plan, noise is defined as a sound or series of sounds that are considered invasive, irritating, objectionable or disruptive to the quality of life.
Noise varies in its range, source and volume and can derive from individual incidents such as a lawnmower, to sporadic disturbances such as a car horn, to more constant irritants such as traffic along major arterials.
State Law requires that all City and County General Plans address noise to limit the exposure of the community to excessive noise levels. To this end, local governments are required to “analyze and quantify noise levels and the
extent of noise exposure” through field measurements or noise modeling, and “implement measures and possible
solutions to existing and foreseeable noise problems.”
Noise contours for current and projected conditions within the community are required to be prepared in terms of
either the Community Noise Equivalent Level (CNEL) or the Day-Night Average Level (Ldn), which are descriptors of total noise exposure at a given location for an annual average day. CNEL and Ldn are generally considered to be equivalent descriptors of the community noise environment within
plus or minus 1.0 dBA. Table HS-4 provides definitions of the acoustical terminology used in this document.
a. Land Use Compatibility
Land uses deemed noise sensitive by the State of California include schools, hospitals, rest homes, long-term care and mental care facilities. Many jurisdictions also consider residential uses noise sensitive since families and
individuals expect to use time in the home for rest and relaxation, and excess noise can interfere with those
activities. Monte Sereno considers residential uses as noise sensitive since the quiet community character is one of attractions to living in the city.
Monte Sereno is generally a quiet, residential community.
The primary noise generator that impacts Monte Sereno
residents is vehicular noise from major roadways. To ensure that future development is not adversely impacted by noise generators, or is itself a negative noise source, the City will utilize land use compatibility guidelines as part of planning and development decisions. Figure HS-10 summarizes
which areas of Monte Sereno are affected by the different noise levels from highways and throughfares.
Monte Sereno General Plan Update: Health and Safety Element – Revised Adoption Draft | Page 23 Table HS-4: Definitions of Acoustical Terms
Term Definition
Decibel, dB A unit describing the amplitude of sound, equal to 20 times the logarithm to the base 10 of the ratio of the pressure of the sound measured to the reference pressure, which is 20 micropascals (20 micronewtons per square meter).
A-Weighted Sound
Level, dBA
The sound pressure level in decibels as measured on a sound level meter using the A-weighting filter network. The A- weighting filter de-emphasizes the very low and very high frequency components of the sound in a manner similar to the frequency response of the human ear and correlates well with subjective reactions to noise. All sound levels in this report are A-weighted, unless reported otherwise
Community Noise
Equivalent Level, CNEL
The average A-weighted noise level during a 24-hour day, obtained after addition of 5 decibels in the evening from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm and after addition of 10 decibels to sound levels measured in the night between 10:00 pm and 7:00 am
Day/Night Noise Level,
Ldn
The average A-weighted noise level during a 24-hour day, obtained after addition of 10 decibels to levels measured in the night between 10:00 pm and 7:00 am Ambient Noise Level The composite of noise from all sources near and far. The normal or existing level of environmental noise at a given location.
Intrusive That noise which intrudes over and above the existing ambient noise at a given location. The relative intrusiveness of a sound depends upon its amplitude, duration, frequency, and time of occurrence and tonal or informational content as well as the prevailing ambient noise level.
Monte Sereno General Plan Update: Health and Safety Element – Revised Adoption Draft | Page 24 Figure HS-10: Noise Levels
Sources: Los Gatos General Plan (2022); Saratoga General Plan (2024) b. Existing and Future Noise
Automobiles are the most common noise source in Monte
Sereno. As shown on Figure HS-10, automobile noise is
greatest on Highway 9 and Winchester Boulevard. Local and regional growth is not anticipated to lead to a dramatic increase traffic noise during the next 20 years. Figure HS10 depicts projected future noise levels for sample roadways based on future traffic levels.
Monte Sereno General Plan Update: Health and Safety Element – Revised Adoption Draft | Page 25 The majority of traffic increases will result from regional growth, over which the City has no control. Noise levels are only shown for those roadways that were studied as part of neighboring General Plan traffic analysis, published from 2020-2024.
18 Roadways that were not modeled for noise
contours also experience traffic noise, with noise levels along local streets anticipated to be similar or quieter than those modeled streets.
Noise impacts also result from construction and
landscaping activities. To limit noise from these sources, Chapter 9.07 of the Monte Sereno Municipal Code
establishes permitted hours for construction and
mechanical blowers. Construction requiring a building
permit is permitted from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday
through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Saturday and
prohibited on Sundays and holidays. Construction not
requiring a permit can occur at any time. The use of
mechanical blowers is limited to 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Monday through Saturday, and permitted from 10:00 a.m.
to 5:00 p.m. on Sundays and holidays. The maximum
volume for mechanical blowers is 65 decibels as measured 50 feet from the fully operating mechanical blower.
10. Climate Risk
California is experiencing increased frequency and severity of heatwaves, wildfires, precipitation, and droughts.
18https://www.losgatosca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/31984/8- LGGP_2040_Environment-and-Sustainability-Element;
Temperature increases will cause longer droughts and
overall water supply problems, and the Bay Area’s electrical grid will be venerable to power outages during high winds and wildfires. Climate change may increase the effects of socioeconomic inequity as the abilities of individuals to prepare for and recover from heat waves, floods, and
wildfires will vary.
a. Community Profile
Monte Sereno is a community of 3,582 people nestled
within the hills of Santa Clara County, just west of Los Gatos.
Demographically in Monte Sereno, in 2020 decennial
census, White residents make up the majority at 75.3
percent, 7.3 percent identified as Hispanic or Latino, 17.7 percent of persons identified as Asian, 1.3 percent of
persons identified as Black or African American, 2.1 percent of persons identified as two or more races. The average household size is 2.90 individuals and the average family size is 3.27 individuals. The 2020 American Community
Survey (ACS) has the median household income of Monte
Sereno to be $250,000+. The median age of Monte Sereno
residents according to American Community Survey 2023
Census Data is 55.1.
Monte Sereno does not have any disadvantaged
communities according to California Office of
Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA)’s
https://www.saratoga.ca.us/DocumentCenter/View/5403/Genera l-Plan-Noise-Element-PDF
Monte Sereno General Plan Update: Health and Safety Element – Revised Adoption Draft | Page 26 CalEnviroScreen 4.0. defined as a census tract meeting
certain income levels and/or public health indicators.
Monte Sereno is primarily made up of single-family
residential land uses of one unit per acre, consisting of 692 acres within the city (74 percent of land in the city). Areas for single-family residential homes of two dwelling units per acre consist of 56 acres. Areas for single-family residential homes of 3-5 dwelling units per acre consist of 134 acres.
Land uses allowing for multi-family residential homes of 3- 8 dwelling units per acre consist of 4.5 acres. Public land use consists of 9 acres. Open Space land use consists of 38 acres.
Critical Facilities in Monte Sereno include Quito Fire Station (in the Sphere of Influence), Daves Avenue Elementary
School, and City Hall.
b. Climate Hazards
Climate Change is projected to affect Monte Sereno through risk of wildfires, droughts, landslides, and air quality. These impacts will cause a secondary impact to emergency service groups and plans supporting Monte Sereno residents.
Areas not expected to increase their current effect on Monte Sereno include sea level rise and flooding.
i. Drought
A drought is where conditions are drier than normal for an extended period, making less water available for people and ecosystems. While drought is a normal occurrence in California, prolonged drought conditions can harm
ecosystems and the regional economy. Droughts do not
typically cause direct loss of life or structural damage, but they can lead to critical environmental and economic harm, including agricultural losses, increased water costs, habitat degradation, and heightened wildfire risks.
Historical droughts in Santa Clara County in the extreme to exceptional range include an exceptional drought from the years of January 2014 to March 2016, according to U.S.
Drought Monitor. The extreme drought continued until
November 2016. Another extreme drought started in April 2021 and extended to December of 2021 with an
exceptional drought also occurring in this timeframe.
Monte Sereno receives its water from the Santa Clara Valley Water District, San Jose Water Company and Valley Water.
San Jose Water receives its water supply from three sources of potable water supply: purchased, or imported, treated surface water from Valley Water, groundwater from the
Santa Clara Subbasin, and surface water from local
watersheds. A fourth and growing source of supply is nonpotable recycled water. Drought poses significant challenges to the continued operations from these water supply systems. All of Monte Sereno residents will be
affected by drought conditions.
According to Valley Water’s 2020 Urban Water Management Plan, Valley Water will have sufficient supplies to meet San Jose Water’s, and other retailers’ demands through 2045 under average year, single dry year, and five consecutive dry year conditions. San Jose Water indicated by use of current and implementation of new water sources, such as recycle water, and conservation efforts and programs in
Monte Sereno General Plan Update: Health and Safety Element – Revised Adoption Draft | Page 27 conjunction with Valley Water, Monte Sereno’s water supply demands will be met.
As temperatures increase, precipitation will occur more frequently as rain than snow affecting the availability of water supplies. Identified by Cal Adapt, the City of Monte Sereno is projected to have an increase in annual
precipitation from (1961 to 1990) of an average of 31 inches, to an average of 33.7 inches by mid-century (2035 to 2064) and an average of 38.0 inches by late-century (2070 to
2099).
A decrease in water supply could slightly affect emergency response availability to protect the city in a wildfire event. ii. Extreme Heat
As climate change poses greater impacts to the City of
Monte Sereno, extreme heat will pose a threat and can
result in loss of power and high energy bills and will
significantly increase the risk of wildfires. This change will affect all residents in the City of Monte Sereno, from those in High and Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones and those at high risk of heat related illnesses. Identified by Cal-Adapt, climate change is expected to increase extreme heat days in the city from a historic annual average (1961 to 1990) of 4 days per year, to an average of 14 days per year by midcentury (2035 to 2064) and an average of 17 days per year by late-century (2070 to 2099).
A loss of power could effect critical facilities in Monte Sereno including the Quito Fire Station, Daves Avenue Elementary School, and City Hall. A loss of power could also affect Monte Sereno’s police force services. In an emergency event Monte Sereno’s city hall can provide an on-site generator. The Town of Los Gatos and Santa Clara County could provide
cooling centers for those in need.
The harm of extreme heat is often compounded when
nighttime temperatures do not cool off to more normal
levels, which means that the community gets little or no relief for the duration of the heat wave. Identified by CalAdapt, a warm night in Monte Sereno is when temperatures remain above 58.7 degrees. Warm nights are projected to increase from a historic 5 nights per year to 34 nights per year by midcentury and 43 nights per year by late century. iii. Flood
As there are more extended years of drought, heavy bursts of rainfall are expected to cause an increase in flooding.
Monte Sereno is not near a large body of water and even with higher potential for heavy rainfall events, the city is not at risk of flooding in the next 100 to 200 years. There have been no historical flooding events in Monte Sereno.
Monte Sereno is not at risk for climate change sea level rise impacts or tsunami’s as the city is not near a large body of water.
iv. Landslides
Monte Sereno is at risk for landslides. No historic landslides have been mapped in the City of Monte Sereno. Four have been mapped outside the city’s borders.
12 percent of Monte Sereno is currently susceptible to an earthquake induced landslide. Climate change is expected
Monte Sereno General Plan Update: Health and Safety Element – Revised Adoption Draft | Page 28 to exacerbate landslide hazards by increasing frequency of wildfires that can elevate the risk of fast moving debris landslides. Landslides can displace residents, block
transportation routes such as private roads within the hills and can damage critical infrastructure such as electricity, water, and sewer pipelines. Such impacts can disrupt daily life in Monte Sereno and deprive community members of
key services and access, even for those not near the
landslide hazard zones.
Higher earthquake potential increases the risk of Monte Sereno being susceptible to ground failure events which can be more severe due to climate change impacts.
Earthquakes are primarily caused by the movement of
faults and Monte Sereno is at high risk for earthquakes as the city is located near the San Andreas Fault, which passes through the city’s Sphere of Influence (SOI), and is
southwest of Lyndon Canyon and Shannon Fault in Los
Gatos, just north of the city. An earthquake along one of these faults can cause ground failure, defined as mudslides, landslides, liquefaction, or soil compaction.
v. Wildfire
Climate change is expected to significantly increase Monte Sereno wildfire risk, as raising temperatures and severe drought events cause vegetation to dry out. Wildfire
frequency, severity, and impacts are difficult to predict as they rely on various situational factors such as development patterns, vegetation, increase in temperatures, wind
patterns, and change in precipitation.
There is a substantial portion of Monte Sereno, 16 percent, within a High or Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones. The risk of fire is highest in the steep, heavily vegetated hillside area south of Highway 9, in open space and residential
areas that are heavily vegetated and grassy and during the summer and fall dry seasons. Fires in this area can spread to the remainder of the city by strong winds pushing fire embers into attics, crawlspaces and flammable landscaping near homes and other structures as seen in the recent
wildfire disasters in other communities.
Human activity also increases the risk of wildfire occurring.
To reduce the risk, Monte Sereno adopted a weed and brush abatement ordinance in 2007. This ordinance requires
Monte Sereno residents to remove and properly dispose of fire hazards from their property.
There are two land use designations, Single-Family
Residential Home (1 DU/acre), and Single-Family Residential Home (2 DU/acre) at wildfire risk. In these wildfire-prone areas, private and City-maintained roads are at risk. Utilities that provide water or electricity to homes in these areas are also at risk. Wildfires are not projected to reach any of Monte Sereno’s critical facilities.
According to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection and Resource Assessment Program, there have
been no historical wildfires within the city boundaries of Monte Sereno. The closest historical wildfire to Monte
Sereno was the Lexington Fire towards Los Gatos burning from June 26, 1985, to August 19, 1985. This federal wildfire disaster included six counties. In Santa Clara County, the
Monte Sereno General Plan Update: Health and Safety Element – Revised Adoption Draft | Page 29 worst of the fires affected the Santa Cruz Mountains south of the City of San José, threatening at least 2,000 homes and forcing the evacuation of more than 4,500 people.
vi. Air Quality
Air pollutants come from mobile sources such as cars and trucks, dust from construction sites, and smoke from
wildfires. Monte Sereno is at high risk for poor air quality due to a wildfire occurrence. Climate change directly
impacts and exacerbates air quality through increased
temperatures, wildfires, and changes in precipitation
patterns. Warmer temperatures lengthen the growing
seasons of plants and trees, increasing allergen production.
Poor air quality can lead to additional health issues in Monte Sereno residents.
vii. Emergency Event
Monte Sereno partners with the Town of Los Gatos to
provide emergency services including police forces. The Town of Los Gatos also serves as the emergency evacuation zone for the city. Santa Clara County Central Fire Protection District serves the City of Monte Sereno for fire protection services. The next closest fire stations are the Los Gatos Fire Station at 306 University Avenue (on University Avenue
south of Saratoga/Los Gatos Road) and Winchester Fire
Station (northeast of the city on Winchester Avenue south of Lark Avenue).
Monte Sereno also has a Community Emergency Response
Team (CERT) program. In the event of an emergency, CERT members can assist others in their neighborhood before
professional responders are able to arrive.
The transportation infrastructure in Monte Sereno is made up of local city maintained or local private roads, connector roads, throughfares, and Highway 9 that connect different parts of the city with neighboring communities. Roadways can be blocked or damaged by wildfires, flooding, or
earthquakes, cutting off major routes and isolating the community. Damage or improper maintenance to these
roads could limit evacuation options and delay healthcare and emergency services. People who live in homes on
single-access roads are particularly vulnerable to
transportation disruptions, as it can be challenging for them to leave their home or for emergency responders to provide assistance if the only roadway access is blocked. There are few streets with bikeways and sidewalks, which may force evacuations to be undertaken by private vehicle.
Monte Sereno is a city that receives beach traffic going to Santa Cruz as a popular road Santa Cruz Avenue in Los
Gatos is impacted. Highway 9 and local roads are impacted as travelers try to avoid traffic. During an emergency event, emergency responses could be impacted by predicted
human behaviors on Monte Sereno streets and other
frequently used roads including Santa Cruz Avenue.
As climate change events become more frequent and
intense, Monte Sereno is committed to reducing climate
risks and increasing the resilience of the city and its residents.
Policies related to climate change adaptation are in the
Goals, Policies, and Actions, below.
Monte Sereno General Plan Update: Health and Safety Element – Revised Adoption Draft | Page 30 B. Goals, Policies, and Actions
HS-1. Prevent and reduce risks to property and protect
residents from urban and wildfire hazards.
HS-1.1. Collaborate with Santa Clara County
Central Fire District in providing fire
protection facilities needed to maintain or
improve existing fire protection
standards.
HS-1.2. Collaborate with Santa Clara County
Central Fire District, Santa Clara County
Office of Emergency Services, and the
Town of Los Gatos in developing a yearly
report by staff summarizing types of
emergency requests and response times.
HS-1.3. Every year, the City Council will review and
consider the City’s emergency response
plan in conjunction with Santa Clara
County Office of Emergency Services to
ensure that evacuation routes are
adequate and meet California State
Minimum Fire Safe Regulations, and that
mitigation measures or improvement
plans are created as necessary to reduce
risk, existing programs can be carried out,
and new programs might be added.
Evacuation in Very High Fire Hazard Safety
Zones must meet Ingress and Egress
requirements (Article 2) of the California
State Minimum Fire Safe Regulations.
HS-1.4. Ensure areas of high fire hazard have low
density development and gated
emergency access roads where needed to
maintain appropriate level of service,
meet California State Minimum Fire Safe
Regulations, and encourage appropriate
defensible space. Ensure gates can be
opened as needed to support evacuation.
HS-1.5. Work with the San Jose Water Company to
ensure that infrastructure is sufficient for
fire protection in all areas of Monte
Sereno including high risk areas such as
the hillside and foothill neighborhoods.
HS-1.6. Require that new development provide all
necessary water service, fire hydrants,
and access consistent with the standards
of San Jose Water District and the Santa
Clara County Fire Department, meeting
California State Minimum Fire Safe
Regulations.
HS-1.7. Require fire-safe roofing materials in all
buildings throughout the city.
Monte Sereno General Plan Update: Health and Safety Element – Revised Adoption Draft | Page 31 HS-1.8. Require all new development to be
constructed according to fire safety
standards, including having two means of
ingress/egress if feasible and meet
California State Minimum Fire Safe
Regulations as well as all other related
regulations in all areas of the city.
HS-1.9. Require that new development includes
the use of fire-resistant landscaping,
building materials, defensible space and
fuel modification around the perimeter of
structures, especially in moderate, high
and very high fire hazard areas. Provide
informational handouts to applicants or
residents, especially at-risk populations,
who may want to voluntarily design and
build fire protective measures, where
otherwise not required to do so.
HS-1.10. Require property owners to remove fire
hazards, including vegetation, hazardous
structures and materials, and debris to
current State and/or local fire standards
for vegetation clearance in moderate,
high and very high fire hazard areas.
HS-1.11. Encourage property owners to remove
eucalyptus trees and other potentially
hazardous trees, including through the
hazardous tree removal rebate program.
HS-1.12. Require eucalyptus trees and other
potentially hazardous trees to be
maintained and/or removed in public
rights-of-way and open space.
HS-1.13. Request that Pacific Gas & Electric
inventory the existing gas mains in the
vicinity of the Planning Area, review their
condition and upgrade them as
necessary.
HS-1.14. Prohibit the accumulation of weeds, dirt,
rubbish, rank growths as well as
hazardous material in any building, lot or
premises within the city.
HS-1.15. Work with the State, County, Saratoga,
and Los Gatos to coordinate efforts to
reduce fire hazard risks on Highway 9.
HS-1.16. Develop a fire-safe landscaping policy for
all areas of Monte Sereno, especially areas
in Moderate, High, or Very High Fire
Hazard Severity Zones.
HS-1.17. Conduct regular maintenance of
evacuation routes through vegetation
Monte Sereno General Plan Update: Health and Safety Element – Revised Adoption Draft | Page 32 maintenance (particularly eucalyptus and
other hazardous trees) on roadways and
critical facilities and verify private and
public road emergency access routes.
HS-1.18. Consider requiring existing buildings to
incorporate fire-resistant materials and
home-hardening requirements when
alterations which affect such materials are
done. Proactively notify residents,
including at-risk populations (such as
senior citizens), of voluntary actions that
can be taken to reduce fire risk to their
properties.
HS-1.19. Ensure that utility providers, including
Pacific Gas & Electric, have the ability to
monitor, inspect, replace, and move
equipment that may pose a fire hazard.
HS-1.20. Require all new development to be built
within safe perimeters of fire buffer zones
as designated in coordination with the
Santa Clara County Fire Department.
HS-1.21. Require all new uses of land to meet fire
code regulations. In Very High Fire
Hazard Safety Zones, new residential
development should be minimized. Any
new development (or re-development
after a large or destructive fire) in Very
High Fire Hazard Severity Zones must
comply with the most current version of
the California Building Codes and
California Fire Code, statewide minimums
in Fire Safe Regulations, as well as meet 14
CCR D. 1.5, Ch. 7, Art. 1-5, 14 CA ADC §
1299, and Government Code 51182(a)(5)
regulations.
HS-1.22. Collaborate with Santa Clara County and
other jurisdictions and agencies on efforts
to update the Santa Clara County Multijurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan.
HS-1.23. Maintain an updated map of parcels in
High and Very High Fire Hazard Severity
Zones on the City website.
HS-1.24. Require any new essential public facilities
to be located outside of the Very High Fire
Hazard Severity Zone, when feasible.
HS-1.25. If a large or destructive fire (defined as a
fire impacting more than 24,000 acres)
impacts Monte Sereno, evaluate redevelopment, fire safety, and evacuation processes in coordination with Santa Clara
County Central Fire District, Santa Clara
County Fire Department, California
Monte Sereno General Plan Update: Health and Safety Element – Revised Adoption Draft | Page 33 Department of Forest and Fire Protection
(CAL FIRE), the Santa Clara County Fire
Safe Council, Santa Clara Valley Water
District, California Transportation, Santa
Clara County Office of Emergency
Services, and the Town of Los Gatos.
HS-1.26. Coordinate with local and regional
agencies (including the Monte Sereno
Engineering Department, Caltrans, Santa
Clara County Central Fire District, Santa
Clara County Fire Department, California
Department of Forest and Fire Protection
(CAL FIRE), the Santa Clara County Fire
Safe Council) to establish a plan to
maintain community fire breaks, weed
abatement, and other fuel
modification/reduction zones for fire risk
reduction.
Actions:
Action HS-1.A: Update the Tree Removal Process to incentivize the removal and replacement of trees that especially contribute to fire events, such as eucalyptus and including other
hazardous trees.
Action HS-1.B: Conduct Wildfire Preparedness Workshops in collaboration with neighboring jurisdictions, such as Los Gatos and Cupertino.
Action HS-1.C: Annually, after fire hazard zones are updated by the Office of the State Fire Marshal, inform residents in High and Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones of their location in such a zone and provide them with information on wildfire mitigation and resilience.
Action HS-1.D: Adopt the most current (2022) California Fire Code, replacing Ordinance No. NS-112. Continue to adopt updated California Fire Codes as they are updated by the State.
HS-2. Prevent loss of life, injury, and property damage due to geologic and seismic hazards.
HS-2.1. Evaluate seismic risks and require
earthquake protection measures as part
of the development review process.
HS-2.2. Development project applicants shall
conduct geologic hazard investigations
for all projects proposed in hillside areas
to ensure mitigation of potential landslide
hazards.
HS-2.3. Require new building plans in high risk
areas to meet current seismic building
codes and use methods of construction to
Monte Sereno General Plan Update: Health and Safety Element – Revised Adoption Draft | Page 34 withstand stress caused by an
earthquake.
HS-2.4. Consider emergency evacuation and
safety when designing and/or
maintaining roads and utility lines.
HS-2.5. Prepare for a major earthquake and other
natural disasters through the measures
identified in the Emergency Response
Plan.
HS-2.6. Require that buildings and structures
needed for emergency services and other
essential services exceed the California
Building Code for seismic strengthening
to withstand a major earthquake.
HS-3. Minimize the risk to lives, property and public
liability due to landslides, soil erosion, and flood.
HS-3.1. Engineer all roads, including Citymaintained public roads in hillside areas, to standards that prevent excessive
maintenance and repair costs in case of
flood, earthquake, landslide, and
emergency evacuation.
HS-3.2. Require the preparation of soils reports
prior to the approval of new structures or
significant additions to existing structures.
Based on the findings of these reports, the
City shall require that any identified soil
problems are mitigated in the design and
construction of new structures.
HS-3.3. Require that new development is
constructed in such a manner as to
protect life and property from soil erosion
and slope failure.
HS-3.4. Require re-vegetation where feasible and
safe to mitigate the appearance of
engineered slopes and to control erosion
contour grading.
HS-3.5. Cooperate with Santa Clara Valley Water
to maintain natural creek settings to the
extent possible while providing for
adequate drainage capacity.
HS-3.6. Require, as appropriate, construction of
storm drainage improvements and
impervious coverage regulations to
prevent flooding during periods of heavy
rainfall.
HS-3.7. Cooperate with Santa Clara Valley Water
District, San Jose Water Company, Santa
Clara Emergency Operations, and the
Monte Sereno General Plan Update: Health and Safety Element – Revised Adoption Draft | Page 35 Town of Los Gatos, for flood protection
and during emergency flooding events.
HS-3.8. Maintain a map of parcels in a potential
landslide hazard area on the City website.
HS-4. Protect the community from natural and humanmade hazards such as air pollution, hazardous materials and criminal activity.
HS-4.1. Provide information to residents about
household use and disposal of hazardous
materials.
HS-4.2. Continue to work with the police
department to maintain a high level of
police services for response times and
community events.
HS-4.3. Support the police department’s efforts to
use modern technology and provide
adequate training to maximize job
performance.
HS-4.4. Encourage service and pro-active
education programs which respond to
community concerns such as elderly
people living alone, drug and alcohol
abuse, and crime. These programs should
include wildfire preparedness education
targeting at-risk populations (such as
senior citizens) and focus on defensible
space as well as evacuation routes and
planning.
Action:
Action HS-4.A: Monte Sereno city staff will conduct an annual review of the performance of the Los Gatos/Monte Sereno Police Department to ensure that existing programs are carried out and new programs considered.
HS-5. Ensure the City’s ability to respond effectively to natural and human-caused emergencies.
HS-5.1. Maintain the Emergency Operations
Center in the Town of Los Gatos to
coordinate relief efforts during natural
disasters. Monte Sereno City Hall will
remain a potential emergency backup
location and recommended disaster
supplies should be kept on hand.
HS-5.2. The City shall maintain mutual aid
agreements and communications links
with surrounding jurisdictions for
assistance during times of emergency.
HS-5.3. Maintain and update the Emergency
Operations Plan which coordinates with
neighboring cities (such as Los Gatos,
Monte Sereno General Plan Update: Health and Safety Element – Revised Adoption Draft | Page 36 Saratoga) and the County of Santa Clara
providing emergency services.
HS-5.4. Support and encourage resident
involvement in the Monte Sereno-Los
Gatos CERT (Community Emergency
Response Team) program.
HS-5.5. Investigate the feasibility to obtain public
easements that would allow emergency
evacuations to utilize La Rinconada golf
course, private properties with equestrian
open space, HOA lands, and private roads
during an emergency evacuation.
HS-5.6. Provide online resources that inform
residents on private roads with
information on how to properly maintain
their road in the event of an emergency
evacuation.
HS-5.7. Ensure emergency vehicle access roads
and emergency evacuation protocols
meet California State Minimum Fire Safe
Regulations in Very High Fire Hazard
Severity Zones.
Actions:
Action HS-5.A: Conduct emergency response exercises and communication drills by the City in cooperation with other appropriate agencies. Exercises should be designed to test and upgrade various disaster response plans.
Action HS-5.B: Conduct on an annual basis a public education workshop to familiarize residents of Monte Sereno’s emergency procedures, evacuation routes, and other related information, including emergency event communication.
Action HS-5.C: Conduct a periodic review of the City’s emergency response plan in conjunction with Emergency Response to ensure that escape routes are adequate, existing programs can be carried out, and to identify needed new programs.
Action HS-5.D: Participate in upcoming Santa Clara County Multi-Jurisdictional Local Hazard Mitigation Plan preparation.
When future plans are adopted, update the Health and Safety Element to incorporate the plan by reference.
Action HS-5.E: Collaborate with Caltrans in implementing the State Route 17 Resiliency and Adaptation Plan, as appropriate.
Action HS-5.F: Collaborate with Los Gatos’ Emergency Services Coordinator on emergency evacuation routes.
HS-6. Reduce noise levels within neighborhoods
resulting from vehicular traffic and construction
activity.
Monte Sereno General Plan Update: Health and Safety Element – Revised Adoption Draft | Page 37 HS-6.1. The City shall restrict truck traffic to
designated truck routes and monitor the
speed of local traffic in order to reduce
noise levels in residential areas.
HS-6.2. Encourage the use of the latest noise
control technology to minimize noise in
residential neighborhoods.
HS-6.3. Continue to enforce local and State noise
regulations to minimize noise impacts
associated with construction and public
and private activities, including yard
maintenance.
HS-6.4. Encourage new development in noise
impacted areas to provide effective noise
attenuation measures.
HS-6.5. Cooperate with Santa Clara County, State
and federal agencies, private businesses
and individuals to control and maintain an
acceptable noise environment in Monte
Sereno.
HS-6.6. Provide input on regional decisions which
will affect noise levels in Monte Sereno.
HS-6.7. Minimize potential transportation-related
noise through street circulation design,
coordination of routing and other traffic
control measures, and consider use of
noise-absorbing “quiet” pavements when
resurfacing roadways.
Action:
Action HS-6.A: Require construction techniques for noise buffering, barriers or setbacks in development subject to high noise levels, to reduce noise to a level within the noise/land use compatibility standards.
HS-7. Ensure the City’s ability to be resilient to climate change.
HS-7.1. Collaborate with local, regional, State,
and/or federal jurisdictions and agencies
on climate resiliency and adaptation
strategies.
HS-7.2. Encourage the use of green infrastructure
(green roofs, rainwater boxes, permeable
pavements etc.) and natural landscaping
in all city and public buildings.
HS-7.3. Promote green infrastructure in private
construction.
Monte Sereno General Plan Update: Health and Safety Element – Revised Adoption Draft | Page 38 HS-7.4. Ensure effective notification of current
and ongoing events during disasters
through proper information channels.
HS-7.5. Provide educational materials and
programs to support water conservation
efforts that consider extended drought
conditions associated with climate
change.
HS-7.6. Evaluate and incorporate appropriate new
technology to support water efficiency
and conservation.
HS-7.7. Encourage water conservation and
support reducing carbon emissions.
Monte Sereno General Plan Update: Health and Safety Element – Revised Adoption Draft | Page 1 Table of Contents
A. Background Information...................................................................2
1. Wildland and Urban Fires............................................................3
2. Seismic Activity ..............................................................................7
3. Slope Instability Leading to Mudslides and Landslides .........9
4. Subsidence, Liquefaction, and other Seismic Hazards ....... 10
5. Flooding, Including Tsunami, Seiche, and Dam Failure...... 13 a. Dam Failure ............................................................................. 14 b. Levee Protection..................................................................... 14 c. Seiche........................................................................................ 14 d. Tsunami.................................................................................... 15
6. Hazardous Materials and Hazardous Waste.......................... 15
7. Emergency Response ................................................................ 15 a. Evacuation Analysis................................................................ 16
8. Air Quality.................................................................................... 21
9. Noise ............................................................................................ 23 a. Land Use Compatibility.......................................................... 23 b. Existing and Future Noise...................................................... 25
10. Climate Risk .............................................................................. 26 a. Community Profile ................................................................. 26 b. Climate Hazards ..................................................................... 27 B. Goals, Policies, and Actions........................................................... 32
Monte Sereno General Plan Update: Health and Safety Element – Revised Adoption Draft | Page 2 The Health and Safety Element provides information about risks in Monte Sereno due to natural and human-made
hazards. The Element contains goals, policies and actions designed to protect the community and its property from the hazardous impacts of fire, seismic activity, flooding, toxic material hazardsmaterials, and climate change. This Element also addresses noise within the community and
general emergency and disaster preparedness including
emergency evacuation analysis.
As required by State law, the Health and Safety Element addresses the following:
1. Wildland and urban fires
2. Seismic activity, including seismically induced
surface rupture, ground shaking, and ground
failure
3. Slope instability leading to mudslides and landslides
4. Subsidence, liquefaction, and other seismic hazards
5. Flooding, including tsunami, seiche, and dam failure
6. Hazardous Materials and hazardous waste1
7. Emergency response2
1 This is not a State requirement, but is supported by the State for inclusion into a Safety Element.
2 As of general plan adoption, Monte Sereno is not a party to the 2024 Santa Clara County Multi-Jurisdictional Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP). However, information and data related to the city are included throughout the plan as appropriate and
8. Air quality3
9. Noise3
10. Climate Risk
A. Background Information
This section contains information on current risks due to natural and human-made hazards. Existing noise sources
and their projected levels are also addressed in the
background information section.
relevant. Action HS-5.D directs the City to participate in the next update of the LHMP. The current LHMP expires in February 2029. 3 State law mandates that a City’s General Plan address air quality as well as current and foreseeable noise impacts. Air quality and noise are not contained in a stand-alone element but are instead addressed in this Health and Safety Element.
Monte Sereno General Plan Update: Health and Safety Element – Revised Adoption Draft | Page 3
1. Wildland and Urban Fires
Open space areas and residential areas that are heavily vegetated and grassy are especially vulnerable to fire
hazards. The risk of fire is highest in the steep, heavily vegetated hillside areas south of Highway 9. The risk of fire is also highest during the summer and fall dry seasons. The risk of fires has also increased due to increased frequency of heatwaves and drought. Because most wildfires are
caused by people, increased accessibility to fire hazard areas further increases the risk of fire. Figure HS-1 identifies the wildfire hazard areas in Monte Sereno. Monte Sereno will continue to use the most current Fire Hazard Severity Zone map data from the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection Fire and Resource Assessment Program per Policy HS-1.23.
Figure HS-2 depicts Monte Sereno’s land uses, structures, roads, and essential public facilities in relation to the city’s Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones. No areas are lacking service.
Figure HS-1: Fire Hazard Severity Zones
Source: California Office of the State Fire Marshal
Monte Sereno General Plan Update: Health and Safety Element – Revised Adoption Draft | Page 4 Figure HS-2: Land Uses and Fire Severity
Source: California Office of the State Fire Marshal, City of Monte Sereno 4 “Fire Hazard Severity Zones” (Office of the State Fire Marshal), available at https://osfm.fire.ca.gov/what-we-do/communitywildfire-preparedness-and-mitigation/fire-hazard-severity-zones A significant portion of Monte Sereno is prone to wildfires and is located in the Wildland-Urban Interface, or WUI, where houses and other development meet or mix with
undeveloped natural areas. As of February 24, 2025,
identified by the State Fire Marshal, 16 percent of Monte Sereno is within a High or Very High Fire Hazard Zone
Area.Severity Zones. The majority of the south end of the Citycity is within a High Fire Hazard Severity Zone, either designated as Moderate Severity, HighFire Hazard Severity, or Very High Fire Hazard Severity. , or Very High Fire Hazard Severity. More information and mapping of Fire Hazard
Severity Zones can be found on the Office of the State Fire Marshal’s website.4
Proximity to wildfire danger must also be understood to include the risk from windblown embers. Fire embers,
which are pieces of burning vegetation or other flammable material, can often travel several miles, before landing and potentially igniting new fires. The distance they travel depends on factors like wind strength, the size of the
embers, and the intensity of the fire.
Due to the recent wildfires in California including the following:5
• Tubbs fireFire in Santa Rosa; Oct. 2017 – 5,643
structures destroyed, 22 dead
5 See: “20 Most Destructive California Wildfires (CAL FIRE: 2025),
available at https://www.fire.ca.gov/our-impact/statistics.
Monte Sereno General Plan Update: Health and Safety Element – Revised Adoption Draft | Page 5 • Camp fireFire in Paradise fire; Nov. 2018 – 18,804
structures destroyed, 85 dead
• North Complex fireFire in Butte, Yuba & Plumas
Counties; Aug. 2020 – 2,352 structures destroyed, 15
dead
• Eaton fireFire in Altadena; Jan. 2025 – 9,413
structures destroyed, 18 dead
• Palisades fireFire in Pacific Palisades; Jan. 2025 –
6,833 structures destroyed, 12 dead
It is now known beyond a reasonable doubt that the wildfire danger zone can extend several miles beyond the mapped
high fire zones. Therefore, all of Monte Sereno should be considered for fire protective measures, precautions and planning.
The residences as well as private roads and City-maintained roads are at risk in these areas. Utilities that provide water or electricity to these homes and businesses are also at risk.
No critical facilities in Monte Sereno are at risk, but the Quito Fire Station is very close to a Moderate Hazard Severity danger areaZone.
6 CAL FIRE Historical Fire Perimeters Map, available at Fire Perimeters | CAL FIRE: https://www.fire.ca.gov/what-we-do/fireresource-assessment-program/fire-perimeters. Additional historical data is available through the United States Geological Survey (USGS), see “Combined wildland fire datasets for the United States and certain territories, 1800s-Present”, available at According to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection Fire and Resource Assessment Program and U.S.
Geological Survey historical fire perimeter data, there have been no historical wildfires within the city boundaries of Monte Sereno6. The closest historical wildfire to Monte Sereno was the Lexington Fire near Los Gatos, which
burned from June 26, 1985, to August 19, 1985. This federal wildfire disaster included six counties. In Santa Clara County, the worst of the fires affected the Santa Cruz
Mountains south of the City of San José, threatening at least 2,000 homes and forcing the evacuation of more than 4,500 people.
Monte Sereno is part of Santa Clara County’s Community
Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP).)
7 . Monte Sereno was first
annexed to the plan in 2016, and the data has been
subsequently updated in 2025. The Community Wildfire
Protection Plan outlines a mitigation and preparedness plan to work toward reducing wildfire risk, establishes
collaborative relationships with federal and state agencies as well as local stakeholders before an event occurs. These agencies include the Santa Clara County Fire Department, Santa Clara County Fire Safe Council, Santa Clara Valley https://www.usgs.gov/data/combined-wildland-fire-datasetsunited-states-and-certain-territories-1800s-present. 7 Santa Clara County Community Wildfire Protection Plan available at
https://sccfc.maps.arcgis.com/sharing/rest/content/items/59c5a 1772e3849ad8f225e8f638431d1/data
Monte Sereno General Plan Update: Health and Safety Element – Revised Adoption Draft | Page 6 Water District, Caltrans, and California Department of
Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE). The Plan includes pre-attack plans or tactical maps for suppression personnel to improve firefighter readiness and safety, and documents planning and projects for garnering grant success.
In addition to the CWPP, which is a CAL FIRE Santa Clara Unit Strategic Fire Plan, Mone Sereno is a part of the Santa Clara County Operational Emergency Plan (EOP). The Plan is an all-hazards document describing the County’s Emergency
Operations organization, compliance with relevant legal statutes, other guidelines, and critical components of the Emergency Response System. These plans are incorporated into this Health and Safety Element by reference.
Santa Clara County Central Fire Protection District,
specifically the Santa Clara Unit, serves the City of Monte Sereno for fire protection services. There is one fire station, Quito Station, located at 18870 Saratoga-Los Gatos Road in the City’s Sphere of Influence. The next closest fire station isstations are the Los Gatos Fire Station at 306 University Avenue. (on University Avenue south of Saratoga/Los Gatos Road) and Winchester Fire Station (northeast of the city on Winchester Avenue south of Lark Avenue). California Office of Emergency Services, Region 2, may also provide fire and rescue services during a wildfire event.
8 See:
https://library.municode.com/ca/monte_sereno/codes/code_of_o rdinances?nodeId=MOSECA_ORNONS
ToMonte Sereno adopted the Uniform Fire Code in 1999 via Ordinance NS-112.8 Later, to reduce fire hazards, Monte Sereno adopted a weed and brush abatement ordinance in
2007. This ordinance, codified as Municipal Code Chapter
8.02, broadly defines fire hazards as dry or dead shrubs, dead trees, combustible refuse and waste, and any
vegetation that could pose dangers. Monte Sereno
residents are required by this ordinance to remove and
properly dispose of fire hazards from their property.
Historically, jurisdictions often relied on existing fire hydrants and urban water pressure-based systems to
mitigate fires in the wildland-urban interface (WUI).
However, as seen in the 20242025 Los Angeles area fires, it is impossible to maintain water pressure in widespread
wildfire scenarios.
9 Although the Santa Clara County Fire
Department has alternatives in place for water sources, such as carrying water from reservoirs, damming existing streams, and using residential pools, this could be
insufficient in particularly hot or gusty wildfires. Sufficient water pressure is only one aspect of a multifaceted
approach to wildfire mitigation and resilience.
Due to Monte Sereno being at significant risk of wildfire, proactive tree management is necessary. Monte Sereno
also has a significant amount of eucalyptus trees. These are 9 Gregory Pierce, et al., “How have the LA Fires affected water systems in LA County?” (UCLA Luskin Center for Innovation:
2025), available at http://escholarship.org/uc/item/7km452tj
Monte Sereno General Plan Update: Health and Safety Element – Revised Adoption Draft | Page 7 highly flammable and currently deemed ‘Unsuitable trees” within Monte Sereno’s municipal code (Chapter
10.15.015(C)), requiring removal. In the case of an
emergency, a eucalyptus tree is allowed to be removed if it is a hazard to life or property.
In addition, Monte Sereno offers a hazardous tree removal rebate program for residents located in a Wildland Urban Interface Area or a Local Selection Area.10 Eligible
participants may receive reimbursement of up to 50 percent of the tree removal cost, provided the tree meets a
minimum circumference and is listed among the accepted
species.
2. Seismic Activity
Seismic activity includes activity such as seismically induced surface rupture, ground shaking, and ground failure. Monte Sereno is located within the seismically-active San Francisco Bay region, one of the most seismically-active zones in the United States. The faults in the San Francisco Bay region are capable of generating earthquakes of at least 8.0 in
magnitude on the Richter Scale, producing very strong
ground shaking in Monte Sereno.
A fault is a fracture or zone of closely associated fractures along which rocks on one side have been displaced with
respect to those on the other side. A fault zone is a zone of 10See:
https://montesereno.org/DocumentCenter/View/4117/Hazardou s-Tree-Removal-Rebate-Application
related faults which commonly are braided, but which may be branching. The closest major fault is the San Andreas Fault, specifically the Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zone, which passes through Monte Sereno’s SOI southwest of
Lyndon Canyon and is shown on Figure HS-23. Figure HS-34 displays fault rupture zones within Monte Sereno and the vicinity. A portion of Monte Sereno also is near the
potentially active Shannon Fault, just north of Monte Sereno in Los Gatos.
• Ground Failure means mudslide, landslide.
liquefaction, or soil compaction caused by a seismic
event. Monte Sereno is a risk of these occurrences
due to being near the San Andreas fault.
• Ground Shaking a term used to describe the
vibration of the ground during an earthquake.
Ground shaking is caused by body waves originating
from deep within the earth, and surface waves. As a
generalization, the severity of ground shaking
increases as magnitude increases and decreases as
distance from the causative fault increases.
• Seismically Induced Surface Rupture means a
break in the ground’s surface and associated
deformation resulting from the movement of a fault.
Monte Sereno General Plan Update: Health and Safety Element – Revised Adoption Draft | Page 8 Figure HS-23: Earthquake Regional Faults
Source: California Geological Survey, Santa Clara County Figure HS-34: Fault Rupture Zones
Source: United States Geological SurveySanta Clara County
Monte Sereno General Plan Update: Health and Safety Element – Revised Adoption Draft | Page 9 According to the 2024 Santa Clara County MultiJurisdictional Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP), Monte Sereno has 1,078 buildings at risk of earthquake exposure.
To address these seismic hazards the City requires new
construction to be built using the most recent building codes, which minimizes potential damage to structures as a result of an earthquake. Development or substantial
renovations in Monte Sereno must comply with the
California Building/Residential Code (BBC/CRC), which
outlines standards for seismic design, foundations and
drainage and requires that geotechnical engineering
studies be undertaken for all major new buildings ornewly constructed buildings, including accessory dwelling units, as well as earth works.
3. Slope Instability Leading to Mudslides and Landslides Landslides resulting from earthquakes are the greatest
earthquake hazard concern for residents of Monte Sereno.
A landslide is the movement of masses of loosened rock and soil down a hillside or slope. Slope failures occur when the strength of the soils forming the slope is exceeded by the pressure, such as weight or saturation, acting upon them. • Landslide Creep is a slow-moving landslide often
only noticed through leaning trees and disturbed
structures. Monte Sereno residents within the
hillside areas could be impacted by landslide creep.
11 ”Landslide Inventory” (California Geological Survey: 2025) • Mudslides (or debris flows) are rivers of rock, earth, organic matter, and other soil materials saturated
with water.
Figure HS-5 identifies susceptible areas in landslide hazard zones. According to the County of Santa ClaraCalifornia Geological Survey, approximately 90 percentof 12 percent of Monte Sereno is located in an areaareas with some
potential for earthquake-induced landslides. This change from the 2008 general plan is due to updated data provided by California Geological Survey as directed by State law.
However, no landslides have been mapped in the City of
Monte Sereno.
FourThere have been four historic landslides that have been mapped near the city’s borders. Figure HS-4 identifies
incidences of mapped landslides in and around Monte
Sereno as well as land susceptible to landslides. HS-4:
Landslide Hazard Zonessouthern border.
11
Monte Sereno General Plan Update: Health and Safety Element – Revised Adoption Draft | Page 10 Figure HS-54: Landslide Hazard Zones
Source: United StatesCalifornia Geological Survey
Monte Sereno General Plan Update: Health and Safety Element – Revised Adoption Draft | Page 11
4. Subsidence, Liquefaction, and other Seismic Hazards
State law requires protection from unreasonable risks from subsidence, liquefaction, and other seismic hazards
identified pursuant to Chapter 7.8 (commencing with
Section 2690) of Division 2 of the Public Resources Code, and other geologic hazards known to the legislative body.12 The term “unreasonable risk” is not explicitly defined within government code. It may be best interpreted as the
mitigation risk using up-to-date scientific knowledge and standards.
• Subsidence is the gradual, local settling or sinking of the earth’s surface with little or no horizontal motion (subsidence is usually the result of gas, oil, or water extraction, hydro compaction, or peat oxidation,),
and not the result of a landslide or slope failure. As
droughts become more intense and frequent, Monte
Sereno is at higher risk for subsidence.
• Liquefaction is a phenomenon primarily associated
with saturated, cohesionless soil layers located close
to the ground surface. During liquefaction, soils lose
strength and ground failure may occur. Since soils
must be saturated to be at risk of liquefaction, areas
with high groundwater levels are most susceptible to
liquefaction. Figure HS-46 shows that the majority of
the city has a very low potential for liquefaction.
12 Government Code 65302(g)
Areas with high liquefaction potential are located
along the west border of the city limit.
• Creep is the imperceptibly slow, steady, downward
movement of slope-forming soil or rock. Movement
is caused by shear stress sufficient to produce
permanent deformation, but too small to produce
shear failure. Creep is indicated by curved tree
trunks, bent fences or retaining walls, tilted poles or fences, and small soil ripples or ridges. Monte
Sereno residents within the hillside areas could
potentially be impacted by creep.
Earthquakes and droughts can cause earth to move or sink, affecting water sources. Although Monte Sereno currently does not have a groundwater management plan, it has a
relatively low risk of subsidence, liquefaction, and hazards such as creep due to its foothill location (see FiguresFigure HS-4 and HS-56). There is some liquefaction risk along Quito Road and Los Gatos Creek.
Figure HS-57 depicts water mains serviced by San Jose
Water and the diameter of the pipes. As subsidence
increases with longer periods of droughts, these water
mains may require maintenance by San Jose Water.
Monte Sereno General Plan Update: Health and Safety Element – Revised Adoption Draft | Page 12 Figure HS-65: Liquefaction Susceptibility
Source: United StatesCalifornia Geological Survey
Monte Sereno General Plan Update: Health and Safety Element – Revised Adoption Draft | Page 13 Figure HS-7: Water Mains
Source: San Jose Water
5. Flooding, Including Tsunami, Seiche, and Dam Failure Large-scale flooding is not a significant hazard in Monte Sereno. Most of the properties in Monte Sereno are built above the base flood elevation. There are no critical facilities susceptible to flooding in Monte Sereno. However, both
surface and subsurface local drainage problems do exist in some parts of Monte Sereno, and there is currently no
drainage plan for Monte Sereno. Monte Sereno is part of the National Flood Insurance Program.
• A floodplain is the land area along the sides of a
river that becomes inundated with water during a
flood.
• The 1-Percent-Annual-Chance (100-Year)
Floodplain is the area flooded by the flood that has
a 1 percent chance of being equaled or exceeded in
a given year.
• The 0.2-Percent-Annual-Chance (500-Year)
Floodplain is the area flooded by the flood that has
a 0.2 percent chance of being equaled or exceeded
in a given year.
There has been no historical flooding in Monte Sereno.
There is a small area of the city to the northwest that is subject to a 1% annual chance of flood hazard. Land uses in this area include Single -Family Residential.
Monte Sereno General Plan Update: Health and Safety Element – Revised Adoption Draft | Page 14 Figure HS-68: Flood Hazard Zones
Source: Federal Emergency Management Agency
There are 5five parcels on Monte Sereno’s western
boundary in the 100-year flood plain. The land uses subject to this 100-year flooding are Single -Family Residential (1 DU/ac), and only two of them are buildable. The others are either rights-of-way or consist of San Tomas Aquinas Creek.
Agencies responsible for flooding include Santa Clara Valley Water District, San Jose Water Company, Valley Water and California Office of Emergency Services. Monte Sereno
partners with the Town of Los Gatos with a combined police force for public safety and emergency response services. a. Dam Failure
Monte Sereno does not have any dams within its borders.
The Town of Los Gatos has Vasona Percolating to the east of Monte Sereno and Rinconada Reservoir to the north of Monte Sereno. Vasona Percolating is within the Extremely High category for inundation or dam failure resulting in significant flooding. However, the flooding would likely occur north of Monte Sereno, not within city boundaries. b. Levee Protection
There are no levees within Monte Sereno. There are three levees near Monte Sereno including Los Gatos Creek, Santa Clara County Levee 82, and Santa Clara County Levee 90.
Impacts on any of these levees are unlikely to affect Monte Sereno.
c. Seiche
SeichSeiche is an earthquake-induced wave in a lake,
reservoir, or harbor. Monte Sereno is not at risk for seiche as there are no significant bodies of water within the city.
Monte Sereno General Plan Update: Health and Safety Element – Revised Adoption Draft | Page 15 d. Tsunami
A tsunami is a series of high-energy waves that radiate outward like pond ripples from an area where a generating event occurs, arriving at shorelines over an extended
period. Monte Sereno is not at risk for a tsunami as the city is not located near any large body of water.
6. Hazardous Materials and Hazardous Waste
Hazardous material usage and hazardous waste are
primarily associated with residential uses in Monte Sereno.
Household hazardous materials including pesticides,
herbicides, fertilizers and oil are the most commonly
occurring hazardous material in the city. Other household hazardous waste can include flammable, corrosive, toxic and oxidizer materials. The California Environmental
Protection Agency, Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) is authorized by the Federal Environmental
Protection Agency to enforce and implement federalFederal hazardous materials laws and regulations, including
disposal and transportation of hazardous materials.
Santa Clara County operates a Household Hazardous Waste disposal program for incorporated and unincorporated
residents and small businesses. Household hazardous
waste includes flammable, corrosive, toxic and oxidizer material and can be dropped off at facilities located in Sunnyvale, San Jose and San Martin.
13 See Santa Clara County Emergency Operations Plan, available at https://files.santaclaracounty.gov/exjcpb1566/migrated/2022%2 Monte Sereno Municipal Code section 8.02.020 prohibits
the accumulation of hazardous material, stating that “No owner, agent, lessee or other person occupying or having charge or control of any building, lot or premises within the City of Monte Sereno shall permit weeds, dirt, rubbish, rank growths and other hazardous material to remain upon said premises, or public sidewalks, or streets, or alleys between said premises and the centerline of any public street or alley.”
The City is responsible for ensuring implementation of the ordinance and overall protection of the community,
including through its contracted police services agreement.
The City is not solely in charge of hazards on Highway 17 and works with responsible agencies.
There are no hazardous waste producing land uses in the City of Monte Sereno, which contains only residential and institutional land uses as well as open space.
7. Emergency Response
As required by law, Monte Sereno has established
emergency preparedness procedures to respond to a
variety of natural and man-made disasters that could occur within the area. The City participates in the Santa Clara County Operational Emergency Plan (EOP)13 and the City has 0EOP_County%20of%20Santa%20Clara_01.20.2022%20Accessibili ty%20Check.pdf.
Monte Sereno General Plan Update: Health and Safety Element – Revised Adoption Draft | Page 16 representatives on the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) Steering Committee.
The Plan is an all-hazards document describing the County’s Emergency Operations organization, compliance with
relevant legal statutes, other guidelines, and critical components of the Emergency Response System. This
system is activated during extraordinary emergency
situations associated with large-scale disasters affecting Santa Clara County and/or the Santa Clara County
Operational Area. By definition of the State of California, the Santa Clara County Operational Area consists of the cities, special districts, and the unincorporated areas of the
county. This plan is not intended to address emergency
responses for specific events.
The Plan continues the County’s compliance with the
California Standardized Emergency Management System
(SEMS) and establishes compliance with the National
Incident Management System (NIMS), the National
Response Framework (NRF), and the National Preparedness Guidelines (NPG).
Monte Sereno works with the Los Gatos Emergency Services Coordinator who plans and implements disaster response
and training activities including community educational programs. The coordinator functions as a liaison between the town and governmental agencies. The coordinator
additionally works in emergency planning management
involving data collection, analysis and preparation of state and federal reports.
Monte Sereno residents also have an important role in
responding to emergencies. Many neighborhoods in Monte
Sereno and Los Gatos have organized to plan and prepare for disasters through the Community Emergency Response
Team (CERT) program. The CERT program educates people
about disaster preparedness and trains them in basic
disaster response skills. In the event of an emergency, CERT members can assist others in their neighborhood before
professional responders are able to arrive. The Town of Los Gatos currently offers CERT training courses that are
available to Monte Sereno residents.
During an emergency event, residents who subscribe to the city newsletter will receive updates. In the event the
emergency effects Santa Clara County as a whole and
residents are subscribed to Santa Clara County alerts,
residents will receive emergency updates from this source.
There are also several public and private emergency
communications. Policy HS-5.2 directs the City to continually update and collaborate on communications links with
surrounding jurisdictions during emergency events.
a. Evacuation Analysis
Updated State law requires additional evacuation analysis requirements:
• SB 99 (2019) requires identification of residential
developments in any hazard area identified in the
Safety Element that do not have at least two
emergency evacuation routes.
Monte Sereno General Plan Update: Health and Safety Element – Revised Adoption Draft | Page 17 • AB 747 (2019) requires identification of evacuation
routes and their capacity, safety, and viability and
evacuation locations under a range of emergency
scenarios.
The SB 99 residential development identification map is Figure HS-79.
Figure HS-79: Residential Developments with One
Evacuation Route
Source: M-Group
Monte Sereno General Plan Update: Health and Safety Element – Revised Adoption Draft | Page 18 Parcels are identified on Figure HS-9 if they have only one egress route. These are typically parcels on cul-de-sac or foothill street that “dead-end” before connecting to another street. Streets are considered dual-egress even if both ends of the street connect to the same street in a horseshoe development pattern, under the theory that households
would be able to evacuate from an impassable hazard, even if they were required to take a longer, more winding, route.
The primary evacuation routes out of Monte Sereno include Highway 9 (Saratoga-Los Gatos Road), crossing the city eastwest, and Quito Road, at the city’s northwest corner and Winchester Boulevard to the east. Additional evacuation routes include Highway 17, on the eastern side of Monte Sereno.
Of these roads, Highway 9 is a divided highway for much of its path through Monte Sereno, with two lanes in each
direction. Quito Road and Winchester Boulevard are bothis one lane in each direction. Highway 17 is a divided freeway, with the interchange at Highway 9 located .60 milemiles from the Monte Sereno border.
In addition to major streets, Monte Sereno has many singlelane and private roads. As seen in Figure HS-9 many residents have only one evacuation route. It is important for these single-lane and private roads to be properly
maintained both for residents and emergency responders.
Monte Sereno has ability to evacuate residents through
biking and pedestrian pathways. Bike routes exist on
Saratoga-Los Gatos Road/Highway 9, Winchester Avenue,
sections of Quito Road and Daves Avenue, and along Twin Creeks Road. Some additional streets have Class II bike lanes. There is a bridle path between Via Cabellero and Vineland Avenue. Pedestrian pathways including sidewalks exist on some streets including parts of Daves Avenue.
Above the northeast border of Monte Sereno is the La
Rinconada Country Club golf course. While not considered a primary evacuation route, in the event of wildfire the golf course could provide an additional evacuation route. Some parts of La Rinconada Country Club golf course may be
impacted by a 100-year flood.
Another potential means of evacuation is the open space between Vineland Avenue and La Rinconada Country Club.
In the event of an emergency evacuation, the city could potentially establish easement rights to use these areas for pedestrian egress.
Monte Sereno General Plan Update: Health and Safety Element – Revised Adoption Draft | Page 19 i. Evacuation Route Capacity
Highway 9 through Monte Sereno has annual average daily traffic (AADT) of 12,631 in a 2010 count, with an estimated growth rate of 1.3% per year.14 Peak AM/PM volumes are
described in Table HS-1:
Table HS-1: 2010 Peak Hour Volumes on Highway 9
Highway 9 Peak Hour
Volumes
Passenger Vehicles/Hour
Eastbound
Peak Hour Volume AM 552
Peak Hour Volume PM 994
Westbound
Peak Hour Volume AM 1,049
Peak Hour Volume PM 782
“Eastbound” means towards Highway 17 and Los Gatos, while “Westbound” means towards Saratoga Avenue and Saratoga.
These volumes are all well under the typical maximum
capacity rate of 1,800 passenger vehicles an hour –
especially considering that lanes may be reversed in times of emergency (i.e., if there is a wildfire to the west of Monte 14 https://dot.ca.gov/-/media/dot-media/district-4/documents/d4- transportation-planning-local-assistance/system-regionalplanning/tcrs/f0020323_sr9-tcr-final-a11y.pdf Sereno, one or more westbound lanes may be temporarily
converted to eastbound to ease emergency traffic).
ii. Evacuation Route Safety and Viability
Monte Sereno is situated between Quito RoadHighways 85
and Highway 17, giving residents and workers two
complementary routes away in case of emergency. In
addition, Daves Avenue and Winchester Boulevard can
provide alternate connections to these main routes. All of these roads are in good repair and well maintained by the appropriate authorities.
The primary hazard facing Monte Sereno is wildfire, in the south of the city. There are additional hazard risks to a lesser extendextent:
• Flooding (along western boundary)
• Liquefaction (along western boundary)
• Landslides (northern, western, and southern
portions of the city)
Compared to the large capacity of the city’s
evacuation routes, there are relatively few parcels in
the hazard areas.
All of these parcels are single-family residential or open space, with a relatively low density of occupants compared
Monte Sereno General Plan Update: Health and Safety Element – Revised Adoption Draft | Page 20 to commercial or high-density residential uses. Table HS-2 quantifies the parcels that could be potentially affected:
Table HS-2: Parcels Affected by Potential Hazards*
Hazard
# of Parcels (including in
Sphere of Influence)
Wildfire 234
Moderate 80
High 85
Very High 69
Flood (100-Year Flood) 5
Liquefaction 55
Moderate 24
High 31
Landslides 153
* All parcels in Table HS-2 are zoned for single-family residential uses or open space
Beach Traffic
In outreach conducted for the 2026 General Plan Update, many community members expressed concern over a
wildfire hazard event occurring during a summer afternoon (PM), when Highway 17 is particularly congested with
beach-goers above and beyond a “typical” peak hour
15 “State Route 17 Resiliency and Adaptation Plan” (Caltrans:
2024).
volume. The traffic is often exacerbated by individuals attempting to bypass Highway 17 traffic using local Monte Sereno roads.
This concern is well-understood by Caltrans, the State
transportation agency. At the time of General Plan Update development, Caltrans is working on a State Route 17
Resiliency and Adaptation Plan.15 This plan will prioritize project opportunities that align with assessing physical climate risk and safety improvements, along with other plan priorities. Monte Sereno will review the plan and support implementation, as appropriate (see Action HS-5.E).
In any case, Monte Sereno community members can
potentially also evacuate via Quito Road or, in case of a dual wildfire and other hazard, Winchester Boulevard or
Highway 9. Due to Monte Sereno’s relatively small and lowdensity development pattern, community members have alternate evacuation routes should Highway 17 be
temporarily not viable. Analysis conducted in other
communities indicate that a policy of encouraging residents to evacuate with only one vehicle rather than multiple
vehicles per household should be considered. Traffic
models confirm that this policy can significantly improve evacuation times, potentially saving lives during a severe wildfire event.16
16 Damien Pierce and John Anderson, “Improving traffic
evacuations: A case study” (Google Research: 2023), available at
Monte Sereno General Plan Update: Health and Safety Element – Revised Adoption Draft | Page 21 iii. Evacuation Locations
Monte Sereno is a small community, both in terms of
population and geography. Although Daves Avenue
Elementary School could prove to be a viable evacuation location in case of small-scale hazards, in case of largerscale hazards Monte Sereno community members will likely seek evacuation further towards Campbell, and San Jose.
For safe and efficient evacuation to these jurisdictions north of Monte Sereno, it is crucial that community members are aware of emergency messaging systems, such as those
administered by the Los Gatos-Monte Sereno Police
Department and the Santa Clara County Fire Department,
as well as the Monte Sereno – Los Gatos CERT.
8. Air Quality
The Bay Area Air District (BAAD, formerly Bay Area Air
Quality Management District, or BAAQMD) regulates air
quality in Santa Clara County. The county, including Monte Sereno, is part of a region-wide non-attainment area in which ambient levels exceed State or federalFederal air quality standard for ground-level ozone and airborne
particulates (PM2.5, and PM10.). Additionally, ozone
precursors generated in Santa Clara County often move to other communities, where smog is formed several hours
later. Thus, the BAAD tries to minimize local emissions that https://research.google/blog/improving-traffic-evacuations-acase-study/. will contribute to an existing violation of State and
federalFederal standards in any part of the Bay Area.
The BAAD monitors air quality at numerous sites within the nine-county District, although not within Monte Sereno. The closest air monitoring station is in Los Gatos, but the closest air monitoring station with complete annual data is in San Jose.
Local air pollutant levels measured over the most recent three years (2017 to 2019) at the San Jose stations are reported in Table HS-3. The air pollutants of greatest
concern are ground-level ozone, PM10, and PM2.5, because health standards for these compounds are exceeded in the Bay Area. CO, lead, and NO2 standards have been achieved, primarily through cleaner fuels, more efficient motor
vehicles, and evolving regulations.
As shown in Table HS-3, measurements of ozone in San Jose exceeded air quality standards during the 2017-2019
monitoring period. Carbon monoxide measurements met
federalFederal and State standards during the 2017-2019 monitoring period. Measurements of PM10 exceeded
California air quality standards on one day during the 2017- 2019 monitoring period.
Monte Sereno General Plan Update: Health and Safety Element – Revised Adoption Draft | Page 22 Table HS-3: Measured Air Pollutant Concentrations in San Jose (2017-2019)17 Pollutant
Average
Time
National
Ambient Air
Quality Standard
California Ambient
Air Quality
Standard
2017 2018 2019
Ozone 1-hour n/a 0.09 ppm 0.121 ppb 0.078 ppb 0.095 ppb Ozone 8-hour 0.070 ppm 0.070 ppm 0.098 ppb 0.061 ppb 0.081 ppb Carbon Monoxide 1-hour 35 ppm 20 ppm 2.1 ppm 2.5 ppm 1.7 ppm Carbon Monoxide 8-hour 9 ppm 9.0 ppm 1.8 ppm 2.1 ppm 1.3 ppm Respirable
Particulate Matter
(PM10)
24-hour 150 ug/m3 50 ug/m3 70 ug/m3 122 ug/m3 77 ug/m3
Respirable
Particulate Matter
(PM10)
Annual n/a 20 ug/m3 21.6 ug/m3 23.1 ug/m3 19.2 ug/m3
17 Source: Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD)
Monte Sereno General Plan Update: Health and Safety Element – Revised Adoption Draft | Page 23
9. Noise
For the purpose of the General Plan, noise is defined as a sound or series of sounds that are considered invasive, irritating, objectionable or disruptive to the quality of life.
Noise varies in its range, source and volume and can derive from individual incidents such as a lawnmower, to sporadic disturbances such as a car horn, to more constant irritants such as traffic along major arterials.
State Law requires that all City and County General Plans address noise to limit the exposure of the community to excessive noise levels. To this end, local governments are required to “analyze and quantify noise levels and the
extent of noise exposure” through field measurements or noise modeling, and “implement measures and possible
solutions to existing and foreseeable noise problems.”
Noise contours for current and projected conditions within the community are required to be prepared in terms of
either the Community Noise Equivalent Level(CNEL) or the Day-Night Average Level (Ldn), which are descriptors of total noise exposure at a given location for an annual average day. CNEL and Ldn are generally considered to be equivalent descriptors of the community noise environment within
plus or minus 1.0 dBA. Table HS-4 provides definitions of the acoustical terminology used in this document.
a. Land Use Compatibility
Land uses deemed noise sensitive by the State of California include schools, hospitals, rest homes, long-term care and mental care facilities. Many jurisdictions also consider residential uses noise sensitive since families and
individuals expect to use time in the home for rest and relaxation, and excess noise can interfere with those
activities. Monte Sereno considers residential uses as noise sensitive since the quiet community character is one of attractions to living in the city.
Monte Sereno is generally a quiet, residential community.
The primary noise generator that impacts Monte Sereno
residents is vehicular noise from major roadways. To ensure that future development is not adversely impacted by noise generators, or is itself a negative noise source, the City will utilize land use compatibility guidelines as part of planning and development decisions. Figure HS-810 summarizes
which areas of Monte Sereno are affected by the different noise levels from highways and throughfares.
Monte Sereno General Plan Update: Health and Safety Element – Revised Adoption Draft | Page 24 Table HS-4: Definitions of Acoustical Terms
Term Definition
Decibel, dB A unit describing the amplitude of sound, equal to 20 times the logarithm to the base 10 of the ratio of the pressure of the sound measured to the reference pressure, which is 20 micropascals (20 micronewtons per square meter).
A-Weighted Sound
Level, dBA
The sound pressure level in decibels as measured on a sound level meter using the A-weighting filter network. The A- weighting filter de-emphasizes the very low and very high frequency components of the sound in a manner similar to the frequency response of the human ear and correlates well with subjective reactions to noise. All sound levels in this report are A-weighted, unless reported otherwise
Community Noise
Equivalent Level, CNEL
The average A-weighted noise level during a 24-hour day, obtained after addition of 5 decibels in the evening from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm and after addition of 10 decibels to sound levels measured in the night between 10:00 pm and 7:00 am
Day/Night Noise Level,
Ldn
The average A-weighted noise level during a 24-hour day, obtained after addition of 10 decibels to levels measured in the night between 10:00 pm and 7:00 am Ambient Noise Level The composite of noise from all sources near and far. The normal or existing level of environmental noise at a given location.
Intrusive That noise which intrudes over and above the existing ambient noise at a given location. The relative intrusiveness of a sound depends upon its amplitude, duration, frequency, and time of occurrence and tonal or informational content as well as the prevailing ambient noise level.
Monte Sereno General Plan Update: Health and Safety Element – Revised Adoption Draft | Page 25 Figure HS-810: Noise Levels
Sources: Los Gatos General Plan (2022); Saratoga General Plan (2024) b. Existing and Future Noise
Automobiles are the most common noise source in Monte
Sereno. As shown on Figure HS-810, automobile noise is
greatest on Highway 9 and Winchester Boulevard. Local and regional growth is not anticipated to createlead to a
largedramatic increase in traffic noise during the next 20 years. Figure HS-510 depicts projected future noise levels for sample roadways based on future traffic levels. These contours are very similar to existing noise conditions, with a slight increase of noise levels occurring during the next 20 years along the major regional roadways.
Monte Sereno General Plan Update: Health and Safety Element – Revised Adoption Draft | Page 26 The majority of traffic increases will result from regional growth, over which the City has no control. Noise levels are only shown for those roadways that were studied as part of neighboring General Plan traffic analysis, published from 2020-2024.
18 Roadways that were not modeled for noise
contours also experience traffic noise, with noise levels along local streets anticipated to be similar or quieter than those modeled streets.
Noise impacts also result from construction and
landscaping activities. To limit noise from these sources, Chapter 9.07 of the Monte Sereno Municipal Code
establishes permitted hours for construction and
mechanical blowers. Construction requiring a building
permit is permitted from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday
through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Saturday and
prohibited on Sundays and holidays. Construction not
requiring a permit can occur at any time. The use of
mechanical blowers is limited to 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Monday through Saturday, and permitted from 10:00 a.m.
to 5:00 p.m. on Sundays and holidays. The maximum
volume for mechanical blowers is 65 decibels as measured 50 feet from the fully operating mechanical blower.
10. Climate Risk
California is experiencing increased frequency and severity of heatwaves, wildfires, precipitation, and droughts.
18https://www.losgatosca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/31984/8- LGGP_2040_Environment-and-Sustainability-Element;
Temperature increases will cause longer droughts and
overall water supply problems, and the Bay Area’s electrical grid will be venerable to power outages during high winds and wildfires. Climate change will alsomay increase the effects of socioeconomic inequity as the diverging abilities of individuals to prepare for and recover from heat waves, floods, and wildfires become more apparentwill vary.
a. Community Profile
Monte Sereno is a community of 3,582 people nestled
within the hills of Santa Clara County, just west of Los Gatos.
Demographically in Monte Sereno, in 2020 decennial
census, White residents make up the majority at 75.3
percent, 7.3 percent identified as Hispanic or Latino, 17.7 percent of persons identified as Asian, 1.3 percent of
persons identified as Black or African American, 2.1 percent of persons identified as two or more races. The average household size is 2.90 individuals and the average family size is 3.27 individuals. The 2020 American Community
Survey (ACS) has the median household income of Monte
Sereno to be $250,000+, the highest category.+. The median age of Monte Sereno residents according to American
Community Survey 2023 Census Data is 55.1.
Monte Sereno does not have any disadvantaged
communities according to California Office of
Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA)’s
https://www.saratoga.ca.us/DocumentCenter/View/5403/Genera l-Plan-Noise-Element-PDF
Monte Sereno General Plan Update: Health and Safety Element – Revised Adoption Draft | Page 27 CalEnviroScreen 4.0. defined as a census tract meeting
certain income levels and/or public health indicators.
Monte Sereno is primarily made up of single-family
residential land uses of one unit per acre, consisting of 692 acres within the city (74 percent of land in the city). Areas for single-family residential homes of two dwelling units per acre consist of 56 acres. Areas for single-family residential homes of 3-5 dwelling units per acre consist of 134 acres.
Land uses allowing for multi-family residential homes of 3- 8 dwelling units per acre consist of 4.5 acres. Public land use consists of 9 acres. Open Space land use consists of 38 acres.
Critical Facilities in Monte Sereno include Quito Fire Station (in the Sphere of Influence), Daves Avenue Elementary
School, and City Hall.
b. Climate Hazards
Climate Change is projected to affect Monte Sereno through risk of wildfires, droughts, landslides, and air quality. These impacts will cause a secondary impact to emergency service groups and plans supporting Monte Sereno residents.
Areas not expected to increase their current effect on Monte Sereno include sea level rise and flooding.
i. Drought
A drought is where conditions are drier than normal for an extended period, making less water available for people and ecosystems. While drought is a normal occurrence in California, prolonged drought conditions can harm
ecosystems and the regional economy. Droughts do not
typically cause direct loss of life or structural damage, but they can lead to critical environmental and economic harm, including agricultural losses, increased water costs, habitat degradation, and heightened wildfire risks.
Historical droughts in Santa Clara County in the extreme to exceptional range include an exceptional drought from the years of January 2014 to March 2016, according to U.S.
Drought Monitor. The extreme drought continued until
November 2016. Another extreme drought started in April 2021 and extended to December of 2021 with an
exceptional drought also occurring in this timeframe.
Monte Sereno receives its water from the Santa Clara Valley Water District, San Jose Water Company and Valley Water.
San Jose Water receives its water supply from three sources of potable water supply: purchased, or imported, treated surface water from Valley Water, groundwater from the
Santa Clara Subbasin, and surface water from local
watersheds. A fourth and growing source of supply is nonpotable recycled water. Drought poses significant challenges to the continued operations from these water supply systems. All of Monte Sereno residents will be
affected by drought conditions.
According to Valley Water’s 2020 Urban Water Management Plan, Valley Water will have sufficient supplies to meet San Jose Waters’sWater’s, and other retailers’ demands through 2045 under average year, single dry year, and five
consecutive dry year conditions. San Jose Water indicated by use of current and implementation of new water sources, such as recycle water, and conservation efforts and
Monte Sereno General Plan Update: Health and Safety Element – Revised Adoption Draft | Page 28 programs in conjunction with Valley Water, Monte Sereno’s water supply demands will be met.
As temperatures increase, precipitation will occur more frequently as rain than snow affecting the availability of water supplies. Identified by Cal Adapt, the City of Monte Sereno is projected to have an increase in annual
precipitation from (1961 to 1990) of an average of 31 inches, to an average of 33.7 inches by mid-century (2035 to 2064) and an average of 38.0 inches by late-century (2070 to
2099).
A decrease in water supply could slightly affect emergency response availability to protect the city in a wildfire event. ii. Extreme Heat
As climate change poses greater impacts to the City of
Monte Sereno, extreme heat will pose a threat and can
result in loss of power and high energy bills and will
significantly increase the risk of wildfires. This change will affect all residents in the City of Monte Sereno, from those in high fire hazard severity zonesHigh and Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones and those at high risk of heat related illnesses. Identified by Cal-Adapt, climate change is
expected to increase extreme heat days in the city from a historic annual average (1961 to 1990) of 4 days per year, to an average of 14 days per year by mid-century (2035 to
2064) and an average of 17 days per year by late-century (2070 to 2099).
A loss of power could effect critical facilities in Monte Sereno including the Quito Fire Station, Daves Avenue Elementary School, and City Hall. A loss of power could also affect Monte Sereno’s police force services. In an emergency event Monte Sereno’s city hall can provide an on-site generator. The Town of Los Gatos and Santa Clara County could provide
cooling centers for those most in need.
The harm of extreme heat is often compounded when
nighttime temperatures do not cool off to more normal
levels, which means that the community gets little or no relief for the duration of the heat wave. Identified by CalAdapt, a warm night in Monte Sereno is when temperatures remain above 58.7 degrees. Warm nights are projected to increase from a historic 5 nights per year to 34 nights per year by midcentury and 43 nights per year by late century. iii. Flood
As there are more extended years of drought, heavy bursts of rainfall are expected to cause an increase in flooding.
Monte Sereno is not near a large body of water and even with higher potential for heavy rainfall events, the city is not at risk of flooding in the next 100 to 200 years. There have been no historical flooding events in Monte Sereno.
Monte Sereno is not at risk for climate change sea level rise impacts or tsunami’s as the city is not near a large body of water.
Monte Sereno General Plan Update: Health and Safety Element – Revised Adoption Draft | Page 29 iv. Landslides
Monte Sereno is at risk for landslides. No historic landslides have been mapped in the City of Monte Sereno. Four have been mapped outside the city’s borders. In 2005, a historic debris slide occurred in the hills above Wood Acres Road.
Three are located on the edge of the southern border of the city.
12 percent of Monte Sereno is currently susceptible to an earthquake induced landslide. Climate change is expected to exacerbate landslide hazards by increasing frequency of wildfires that can elevate the risk of fast moving debris landslides. Landslides can displace residents, block
transportation routes such as private roads within the hills and can damage critical infrastructure such as electricity, water, and sewer pipelines. Such impacts can disrupt daily life in Monte Sereno and deprive community members of
key services and access, even for those not near the
landslide hazard zones. 90% of Monte Sereno is susceptible to a landslide.
Climate change may increase risk of earthquakesHigher
earthquake potential increases the risk of Monte Sereno being susceptible to ground failure events which can be more severe due to climate change impacts. Earthquakes
are primarily caused by the movement of faults and Monte Sereno is at high risk for earthquakes as the city is located near the San Andreas Fault, which passes through the city’s Sphere of Influence (SOI)), and is southwest of Lyndon
Canyon and Shannon Fault, in Los Gatos, just north of the city. An earthquake along one of these faults can cause ground failure, defined as mudslides, landslides,
liquefaction, or soil compaction. Higher earthquake
potential increases the risk of the whole of Monte Sereno being susceptible to landslide events.
v. Wildfire
Climate change is expected to significantly increase Monte Sereno wildfire risk, as raising temperatures and severe drought events cause vegetation to dry out. Wildfire
frequency, severity, and impacts are difficult to predict as they rely on various situational factors such as development patterns, vegetation, increase in temperatures, wind
patterns, and change in precipitation.
The southernThere is a substantial portion of Monte Sereno (Insert percentage) is , 16 percent, within a high fire hazard severity zoneHigh or Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones.
The risk of fire is highest in the steep, heavily vegetated hillside area south of Highway 9, in open space and
residential areas that are heavily vegetated and grassy and during the summer and fall dry seasons. Fires in this area can spread to the remainder of the city by strong winds pushing fire embers into attics, crawlspaces and flammable landscaping near homes and other structures as seen in the recent wildfire disasters in other communities.
Human activity also increases the risk of wildfire occurring.
To reduce the risk, Monte Sereno adopted a weed and brush abatement ordinance in 2007. This ordinance requires
Monte Sereno residents to remove and properly dispose of
fire hazards from their property.
Monte Sereno General Plan Update: Health and Safety Element – Revised Adoption Draft | Page 30 Monte Sereno’sThere are two land usesuse designations,
Single-family residential homeFamily Residential Home (1 DU/acre), and Single-family residential homeFamily
Residential Home (2 DU/acre), especially in the sphere of influence area, in the southern end of Monte Sereno are ) at wildfire risk. PrivateIn these wildfire-prone areas, private and City -maintained roads and collector roads are at risk in these areas.. Utilities that provide water or electricity to homes in these homes and businessesareas are also at risk.
Wildfires are not projected to reach any of Monte Sereno’s critical facilities.
According to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection and Resource Assessment Program, there have
been no historical wildfires within the city boundaries of Monte Sereno. The closest historical wildfire to Monte
Sereno was the Lexington Fire towards Los Gatos
burnedburning from June 26, 1985, to August 19, 1985. This federal wildfire disaster included six counties. In Santa Clara County, the worst of the fires affected the Santa Cruz
Mountains south of the City of San José, threatening at least 2,000 homes and forcing the evacuation of more than 4,500 people.
vi. Air Quality
Air pollutants come from mobile sources such as cars and trucks, dust from construction sites, and smoke from
wildfires. Monte Sereno is at high risk for poor air quality due to a wildfire occurrence. Climate change directly
impacts and exacerbates air quality through increased
temperatures, wildfires, and changes in precipitation
patterns. Warmer temperatures lengthen the growing
seasons of plants and trees, increasing allergen production.
Poor air quality leadscan lead to moreadditional health issues in Monte Sereno residents. Air quality is a risk when a fire impacts the residents of Monte Sereno.
vii. Emergency Event
Monte Sereno partners with the Town of Los Gatos to
provide emergency services including police forces. The Town of Los Gatos also serves as the emergency evacuation zone for the city. Santa Clara County Central Fire Protection District serves the City of Monte Sereno for fire protection services. The next closest fire stations are the Los Gatos Fire Station at 306 University Avenue (on University Avenue
south of Saratoga/Los Gatos Road) and Winchester Fire
Station (northeast of the city on Winchester Avenue south of Lark Avenue).
Monte Sereno also has a Community Emergency Response
Team (CERT) program. In the event of an emergency, CERT members can assist others in their neighborhood before
professional responders are able to arrive.
The transportation infrastructure in Monte Sereno is made up of local city maintained or local private roads, connector roads, throughfares, and Highway 9 that connect different parts of the city with neighboring communities. Roadways can be blocked or damaged by wildfires, flooding, or
earthquakes, cutting off major routes and isolating the community. Damage or improper maintenance to these
roads could limit evacuation options and delay healthcare and emergency services. People who live in homes on
Monte Sereno General Plan Update: Health and Safety Element – Revised Adoption Draft | Page 31 single-access roads are particularly vulnerable to
transportation disruptions, as it can be challenging for them to leave their home or for emergency responders to provide assistance if the only roadway access is blocked. There are few streets with bikeways and sidewalks, which may force evacuations to be undertaken by private vehicle.
Monte Sereno is a city that receives beach traffic going to Santa Cruz as a popular road Santa Cruz Avenue in Los
Gatos is impacted. Highway 9 and local roads are impacted as travelers try to avoid traffic. During an emergency event, emergency responses could be impacted by predicted
human behaviors on Monte Sereno streets and other
frequently used roads including Santa Cruz Avenue.
As climate change events become more frequent and
intense, Monte Sereno is committed to reducing climate
risks and increasing the resilience of the city and its residents.
Policies related to climate change adaptation are in the Goals, Policies, and Actions, below.
Monte Sereno General Plan Update: Health and Safety Element – Revised Adoption Draft | Page 32 B. Goals, Policies, and Actions
HS-1. Prevent and reduce risks to property and protect
residents from urban and wildfire hazards.
HS-1.1. Collaborate with Santa Clara County
Central Fire District in providing fire
protection facilities needed to maintain or
improve existing fire protection
standards.
HS-1.2. Collaborate with Santa Clara County
Central Fire District, Santa Clara County
Office of Emergency Services, and the
Town of Los Gatos in developing a
quarterly summary and yearly report by
staff summarizing types of emergency
requests and response times.
HS-1.3. Conduct a periodicEvery year, the City
Council will review ofand consider the
City’s emergency response plan in
conjunction with Santa Clara County
Office of Emergency Services to ensure
that escapeevacuation routes are
adequate and meet California State
Minimum Fire Safe Regulations, and that
mitigation measures or improvement
plans are created as necessary to reduce
risk, existing programs can be carried out,
and new programs might be added.
Evacuation in Very High Fire Hazard Safety
Zones must meet Ingress and Egress
requirements (Article 2) of the California
State Minimum Fire Safe Regulations.
HS-1.4. Ensure areas of high fire hazard have low
density development and gated
emergency access roads where needed to
maintain appropriate level of service,
meet California State Minimum Fire Safe
Regulations, and encourage appropriate
defensible space. Ensure gates can be
opened as needed to support evacuation.
HS-1.5. Work with the San Jose Water Company to
ensure that infrastructure is sufficient for
fire protection in all areas of Monte
Sereno including high risk areas such as
the hillside and Foothillfoothill
neighborhoods.
HS-1.6. Require that new development provide all
necessary water service, fire hydrants,
and access consistent with the standards
of San Jose Water District and the Santa
Clara County Fire Department, meeting
California State Minimum Fire Safe
Regulations.
Monte Sereno General Plan Update: Health and Safety Element – Revised Adoption Draft | Page 33 HS-1.7. Require fire-safe roofing materials in all
buildings throughout the city.
HS-1.8. Require all new development to be
constructed according to fire safety
conformance standards and with
allstandards, including having two means
of ingress/egress if feasible and meet
California State Minimum Fire Safe
Regulations as well as all other related
regulations in all areas of the city.
HS-1.9. Require that new development includes
the use of fire-resistant landscaping,
building materials, defensible space and
fuel modification around the perimeter of
structures, especially in moderate, high
and very high fire hazard areas. Provide
informational handouts to applicants or
residents, especially at-risk populations,
who may want to voluntarily design and
build fire protective measures, where
otherwise not required to do so.
HS-1.10. Require property owners to remove fire
hazards, including vegetation, hazardous
structures and materials, and debris to
current State and/or local fire standards
for vegetation clearance in moderate,
high and very high fire hazard areas.
HS-1.11. Encourage property owners to remove
eucalyptus trees and other potentially
hazardous trees, including through the
hazardous tree removal rebate program.
HS-1.12. Require eucalyptus trees and other
potentially hazardous trees to be
maintained and/or removed in public
rights-of-way and open space.
HS-1.11.HS-1.13. Request that Pacific Gas &
Electric inventory the existing gas mains in
the vicinity of the Planning Area, review
their condition and upgrade them as
necessary.
HS-1.12.HS-1.14. Prohibit the accumulation of
weeds, dirt, rubbish, rank growths as well
as hazardous material in any building, lot
or premises within the city. (Originally HS4.2, but moved due to fire concerns identified in policy)
HS-1.13.HS-1.15. Work with the State, County,
Saratoga, and Los Gatos to coordinate
efforts to reduce fire hazard risks on
Highway 9.
Monte Sereno General Plan Update: Health and Safety Element – Revised Adoption Draft | Page 34 HS-1.14.HS-1.16. Develop a fire-safe landscaping
policy for all areas of Monte Sereno,
especially areas in moderate, high or very
high fire hazard severity zonesModerate,
High, or Very High Fire Hazard Severity
Zones.
HS-1.15.HS-1.17. Conduct regular maintenance
of evacuation routes through vegetation
maintenance of(particularly eucalyptus
and other hazardous trees) on roadways
and critical facilities and verify private and
public road emergency access routes.
HS-1.16.HS-1.18. Consider requiring existing
buildings to incorporate fire-resistant
materials and home-hardening
requirements when alterations which
affect such materials are done. Proactively
notify residents, including at-risk
populations (such as senior citizens), of
voluntary actions that can be taken to
reduce fire risk to their properties.
HS-1.17.HS-1.19. Ensure that utility providers,
including Pacific Gas & Electric, have the
ability to monitor, inspect, replace, and
move equipment that may pose a fire
hazard.
HS-1.18.HS-1.20. Require all new development to
be built within safe perimeters of fire
buffer zones as designated in
coordination with the Santa Clara County
Fire Department.
HS-1.19.HS-1.21. Require all new uses of land to
meet fire code regulations setbacks. In
Very High Fire Hazard Safety Zones, new
residential development should be
minimized. Any new development (or redevelopment after a large or destructive fire) in Very High Fire Hazard Severity
Zones must comply with the most current
version of the California Building Codes
and California Fire Code, statewide
minimums in Fire Safe Regulations, as well
as meet 14 CCR D. 1.5, Ch. 7, Art. 1-5, 14
CA ADC § 1299, and Government Code
51182(a)(5) regulations.
HS-1.20.HS-1.22. Collaborate with Santa Clara
County and other jurisdictions and
agencies on efforts to update the Santa
Clara County Multi-jurisdictional Hazard
Mitigation Plan.
HS-1.23. Maintain an updated map of parcels in
High and Very High Fire Hazard Severity
Zones on the City website.
Monte Sereno General Plan Update: Health and Safety Element – Revised Adoption Draft | Page 35 HS-1.24. Require any new essential public facilities
to be located outside of the Very High Fire
Hazard Severity Zone, when feasible.
HS-1.25. If a large or destructive fire (defined as a
fire impacting more than 24,000 acres)
impacts Monte Sereno, evaluate redevelopment, fire safety, and evacuation processes in coordination with Santa Clara
County Central Fire District, Santa Clara
County Fire Department, California
Department of Forest and Fire Protection
(CAL FIRE), the Santa Clara County Fire
Safe Council, Santa Clara Valley Water
District, California Transportation, Santa
Clara County Office of Emergency
Services, and the Town of Los Gatos.
HS-1.26. Coordinate with local and regional
agencies (including the Monte Sereno
Engineering Department, Caltrans, Santa
Clara County Central Fire District, Santa
Clara County Fire Department, California
Department of Forest and Fire Protection
(CAL FIRE), the Santa Clara County Fire
Safe Council) to establish a plan to
maintain community fire breaks, weed
abatement, and other fuel
modification/reduction zones for fire risk
reduction.
Actions:
Action:
Action HS-1.A: Update the City’s Tree Removal Process to incentivize the removal and replacement of trees that especially contribute to fire events, such as eucalyptus and including other hazardous trees.
Action HS-1.B: Conduct Wildfire Preparedness Workshops in collaboration with neighboring jurisdictions, such as Los Gatos and Cupertino.
Action HS-1.C: Annually, after fire hazard zones are updated by the Office of the State Fire Marshal, inform residents in High and Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones of their location in such a zone and provide them with information on wildfire mitigation and resilience.
Action HS-1.D: Adopt the most current (2022) California Fire Code, replacing Ordinance No. NS-112. Continue to adopt updated California Fire Codes as they are updated by the State.
HS-2. Prevent loss of life, injury, and property damage due to geologic and seismic hazards.
HS-2.1. Evaluate seismic risks and require
earthquake protection measures as part
of the development review process.
Monte Sereno General Plan Update: Health and Safety Element – Revised Adoption Draft | Page 36 HS-2.2. Development project applicants shall
conduct geologic hazard investigations
for all projects proposed in hillside areas
to ensure mitigation of potential landslide
hazards.
HS-2.3. Require new building plans in high risk
areas to meet current seismic building
codes and use methods of construction to
withstand stress caused by an
earthquake.
HS-2.4. Consider emergency evacuation and
safety when designing and/or
maintaining roads and utility lines.
HS-2.5. Prepare for a major earthquake and other
natural disasters through the measures
identified in the Emergency Response
Plan.
HS-2.6. Require that buildings and structures
needed for emergency services and other
essential services exceed the California
Building Code for seismic strengthening
to withstand a major earthquake.
HS-3. Minimize the risk to lives, property and public
liability due to landslides, soil erosion, and flood.
HS-3.1. Engineer all roads, including Citymaintained public roads in hillside areas, to standards that prevent excessive
maintenance and repair costs in case of
flood, earthquake, landslide, and
emergency evacuation.
HS-3.2. Require the preparation of soils reports
prior to the approval of new structures or
significant additions to existing structures.
Based on the findings of these reports, the
City shall require that any identified soil
problems are mitigated in the design and
construction of new structures.
HS-3.3. Require that new development is
constructed in such a manner as to
protect life and property from soil erosion
and slope failure.
HS-3.4. Require re-vegetation where feasible and
safe to mitigate the appearance of
engineered slopes and to control erosion
contour grading.
HS-3.5. Cooperate with Santa Clara Valley Water
to maintain natural creek settings to the
extent possible while providing for
adequate drainage capacity.
Monte Sereno General Plan Update: Health and Safety Element – Revised Adoption Draft | Page 37 HS-3.6. Require, as appropriate, construction of
storm drainage improvements and
impervious coverage regulations to
prevent flooding during periods of heavy
rainfall.
HS-3.7. Cooperate with Santa Clara Valley Water
District, San Jose Water Company, Santa
Clara Emergency Operations, and the
Town of Los Gatos, for flood protection
and during emergency flooding events.
HS-3.8. Maintain a map of parcels in a potential
landslide hazard area on the City website.
HS-4. Protect the community from mannatural and
human-made hazards such as air pollution,
hazardous materials and criminal activity.
HS-4.1. Provide information to residents about
household use and disposal of hazardous
materials.
HS-4.2. Continue to work with the police
department to maintain a high level of
police services for response times and
community events.
HS-4.3. Support the police department’s efforts to
use modern technology and provide
adequate training to maximize job
performance.
HS-4.4. Encourage service and pro-active
education programs which respond to
community concerns such as elderly
people living alone, drug and alcohol
abuse, and crime. These programs should
include wildfire preparedness education
targeting at-risk populations (such as
senior citizens) and focus on defensible
space as well as evacuation routes and
planning.
Actions:
Action:
Action HS-4.A: ConductMonte Sereno city staff will conduct an annual review of the of the performance of the Los Gatos/Monte Sereno Police Department to ensure that existing programs are carried out and new programs considered.
HS-5. Ensure the City’s ability to respond effectively to natural and human-caused emergencies.
HS-5.1. Maintain the Emergency Operations
Center in the Town of Los Gatos to
coordinate relief efforts during natural
Monte Sereno General Plan Update: Health and Safety Element – Revised Adoption Draft | Page 38 disasters. Monte Sereno City Hall will
remain a potential emergency backup
location and recommended disaster
supplies should be kept on hand.
HS-5.2. The City shall maintain mutual aid
agreements and communications links
with surrounding jurisdictions for
assistance during times of emergency.
HS-5.3. Maintain and Updateupdate the
Emergency Operations Plan which
coordinates with neighboring cities (such
as Los Gatos, Saratoga) and the County of
Santa Clara providing emergency services.
HS-5.4. Support and encourage resident
involvement in the Monte Sereno-Los
Gatos CERT (Community Emergency
Response Team) program.
HS-5.5. Investigate the feasibility to obtain public
easements that would allow emergency
evacuations to utilize La Rinconada golf
course, private properties with equestrian
open space, HOA lands, and private roads
during an emergency evacuation.
HS-5.6. Provide online resources that inform
residents on private roads with
information on how to properly maintain
their road in the event of an emergency
evacuation.
HS-5.7. Ensure emergency vehicle access roads
and emergency evacuation protocols
meet California State Minimum Fire Safe
Regulations in Very High Fire Hazard
Severity Zones.
Actions:
Action HS-5.A: Conduct emergency response exercises and communication drills by the City in cooperation with other appropriate agencies. Exercises should be designed to test and upgrade various disaster response plans.
Action HS-5.B: Conduct on a regularan annual basis a public education workshop to familiarize residents of Monte Sereno’s emergency procedures, evacuation routes, and other related information, including emergency event communication.
Action HS-5.C: Conduct a periodic review of the City’s emergency response plan in conjunction with Emergency Response to ensure that escape routes are adequate, existing programs can be carried out, and to identify needed new programs.
Action HS-5.D: Participate in upcoming Santa Clara County Multi-Jurisdictional Local Hazard Mitigation Plan preparation.
Monte Sereno General Plan Update: Health and Safety Element – Revised Adoption Draft | Page 39 When future plans are adopted, update the Health and Safety Element to incorporate the plan by reference.
Action HS-5.E: Collaborate with Caltrans in implementing the SateState Route 17 Resiliency and Adaptation Plan, as
appropriate.
Action HS-5.F: Collaborate with Los Gatos’ Emergency Services Coordinator on emergency evacuation routes.
HS-6. Reduce noise levels within neighborhoods
resulting from vehicular traffic and construction
activity.
HS-6.1. The City shall restrict truck traffic to
designated truck routes and monitor the
speed of local traffic in order to reduce
noise levels in residential areas.
HS-6.2. Encourage the use of the latest noise
control technology to minimize noise in
residential neighborhoods.
HS-6.3. Continue to enforce local and State noise
regulations to minimize noise impacts
associated with construction and public
and private activities, including yard
maintenance.
HS-6.4. Encourage new development in noise
impacted areas to provide effective noise
attenuation measures.
HS-6.5. Cooperate with Santa Clara County, State
and federal agencies, private businesses
and individuals to control and maintain an
acceptable noise environment in Monte
Sereno.
HS-6.6. Provide input on regional decisions which
will affect noise levels in Monte Sereno.
HS-6.7. Minimize potential transportation-related
noise through street circulation design,
coordination of routing and other traffic
control measures, and consider use of
noise-absorbing “quiet” pavements when
resurfacing roadways.
Action:
Action HS-6.A: Require construction techniques for noise buffering, barriers or setbacks in development subject to high noise levels, to reduce noise to a level within the noise/land use compatibility standards.
HS-7. Ensure the City’s ability to be resilient to climate change.
Monte Sereno General Plan Update: Health and Safety Element – Revised Adoption Draft | Page 40 HS-7.1. Collaborate with local, regional, State,
and/or federal jurisdictions and agencies
on climate resiliency and adaptation
strategies.
HS-7.2. Encourage the use of green infrastructure
(green roofs, rainwater boxes, permeable
pavements etc.) and natural landscaping
in all city and public buildings.
HS-7.3. Promote green infrastructure in private
construction.
HS-7.4. Ensure effective notification of current
and ongoing events during disasters
through proper information channels.
HS-7.5. Provide educational materials and
programs to support water conservation
efforts that consider extended drought
conditions associated with climate
change.
HS-7.6. Evaluate and incorporate appropriate new
technology to support water efficiency
and conservation.
HS-7.7. Encourage water conservation and
support reducing carbon emissions.
STAFF REPORT
Meeting: City Council - Dec 02 2025
Agenda Heading: NEW BUSINESS
Staff Contact: Gloisy Gonzalez-Langarica, City Clerk
Department: City Clerk
Title: Consideration of Three Applications and Appointment to Fill Two Vacancies on the Monte Sereno Site and Architectural Commission Recommendation(s):
Staff recommends the City Council consider the applicants who applied for the Site and Architectural Commission and appoint two applicants to the Monte Sereno Site and Architectural Commission.
Background Information:
The Site and Architectural Commission was established by the City Council and has the responsibility to review and decide upon certain Planning Department land use applications, provide recommendations to the City Council on land use applications determined by the Council, and to review and provide recommendations to the City Council on modifications to the zoning ordinance and the General Plan. The ordinance establishing the Commission specifies the Commission consists of five members with each member serving a term of two years.
The Commission currently has two open seats for the term from January 1, 2026 through December 31, 2027. On October 27, 2025 a notice of the recruitment for these two seats was posted on the City’s web site, e-mailed to a list of interested parties, and posted on the City’s social media. The following (three) applications from qualified residents were received before the recruitment closed on November 21, 2025:
Dona Tam (incumbent)
Liz Lawler (incumbent)
Arvin Jain
Attendance report:
Nine meeting have been held and one canceled this far in the calendar year of 2025 Commissioner Tam 2 absences
Commissioner Lawler no absences (Appointed in March)
Commissioner Connelly no absences
Commissioner Srivastava 5 absences
Commissioner Lapcevic no absences (Appointed in August)
Fiscal Impact:
The is no unbudgeted fiscal impacts with this agenda item.
Public Noticing:
The City Council's agenda was posted at City Hall and the agenda and this report appear on the City's website. In addition, recruitment notices were posted on the City website, sent to our e-mail distribution list, and posted on the Nextdoor social media website.
Attachments:
Application - Donna Tam - Site and Architectural Commission Application - Liz Lawler - Site and Architectural Commission Application - Arvind Jain- Site and Architectural Commission
City of Monte Sereno
Commission Application
Date Received: November 13, 2025
Applying for: Site and Architectural Commission
Name: Donna Tam
Previously Held Elected or
Appointed Governmental
Positions:
Previously a council member on S&A Commission 2024-2025.
Civic or Charitable Organizations
You Have Belonged To:
Co-Founder of Connor Gable Foundation, Sereno 1% For Good, Stanford Lucile Packard Children's Hospital
Education: Cal Poly SLO, Bachelors Industrial Engineering Why do you want to be on the
selected Commission?:
I care about and want to be involved in local residential building planning and decisions.
Tell us about your skills,
experience, or interests that
relate to the Commission that
you feel would assist us in
considering your application:
I've been a council member the last 1.5 years and would like to continue to learn and add value to the S&A Commission.
Please list your current
commitments:
S&A Commission through December 2025
What strengths do you possess
that you believe will make you a
successful commissioner?:
I feel that my background in residential housing and loyalty as community member will make me a successful Commissioner.
What do you see as the
important issues in Monte
Sereno?:
Ensuring that new developments and planning are within our guidelines and agreed upon. Ensuring a safe environment for our community.
What strengths do you possess
that you believe will make you a
successful commissioner?:
I feel that my background in residential housing and loyalty as community member will make me a successful Commissioner.
What is your understanding of
the City's General Plan?:
Currently and actively drafting and refining the document which entails land use, housing, open space, conservation, noise/safety/fire.
How do you view the role of the
Site and Architectural
Commission?:
Ensuring my evaluation and study of the site on the upcoming agenda and providing valuable insight and opinion at monthly S&A meetings.
Site and Architectural
Commission decisions rarely
involve a black and white issue.
There are usually several shades
of gray in making land use
decisions. Would you be willing
to put aside your personal land
use philosophy and design
preferences in order to reach
consensus, or would you prefer
to press on with your personal
convictions because you believe
that compromise might result in
a less than desirable outcome?:
I'm willing to put aside my personal land use philosophy and design preferences in order to reach consensus.
Please describe, as concisely as
possible, your basic
philosophical position regarding
past, present, and future growth
within the City of Monte Sereno:
I hope and see to conserve existing elements and improve the beauty and safety of Monte Sereno.
CITYOF MONTESERENO
SITEANDARCHITECTURAL
TermEndingCOMMISSION APPLICATION 12/31/2027
Submitto: Of?ceofthe City Clerk 11
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Telephone: (408) 354- 7635 [1 Fax: (408) 395- 7653 ElEmail: (w c1ernxolmontoauenoorg Subm1ttalDead11ne 5:00 pm, November 21 2026
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SITE& ARCHITECTURALCOMMISSION
Membership and Criteria for Appointment.
The Commissionshall consistof ?ve (5) members, each of whom shall serve for terms of two (2) years.
All members of the Commissionshall be residents and registered voters of the City and have particular interest in and familiarity with planning matters. The City Councilwill consider selecting membersfor the Commission who have backgrounds, experience, and/or interest in architecture, planning, construction,landscaping and knowledge of the City’s General Plan.
CommissionDuties andResponsibilities
The purpose of the Site & ArchiteCtural Commission is to review and regulate the‘aesthetic andfunctional aspects of structures. The Commissionspeci?cally reviews conceptual plans for newdevelopment.
Scroll down for the Site & ArchitecturalCommissionApplication
QUESTIONSFOR SITE & ARCHITECTURAL COMMISSION APPLICANTS .110», ‘1 -- ,
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SITE & ARCHITECTURAL COMMISSION
Membership and Criteria for Appointment.
The Commission shall consist of five (5) members, each of whom shall serve for terms of two (2) years.
All members of the Commission shall be residents and registered voters of the City and have particular interest in and familiarity with planning matters. The City Council will consider selecting members for the Commission who have backgrounds, experience, and/or interest in architecture, planning, construction, landscaping and knowledge of the City’s General Plan.
Commission Duties and Responsibilities
The purpose of the Site & Architectural Commission is to review and regulate the aesthetic and functional aspects of structures. The Commission specifically reviews conceptual plans for new development.
Scroll down for the Site & Architectural Commission Application
CITY OF MONTE SERENO
SITE AND ARCHITECTURAL COMMISSION APPLICATION
Term Ending 12/31/2027
Submit to: Office of the City Clerk
18041 Saratoga-Los Gatos Road
Telephone: (408) 354-7635 Fax: (408) 395-7653 Email: [email protected] Submittal Deadline – 5:00 p.m., November 21, 2026
Please type or print legibly
Last Name: _________________________________ First Name: _____________________________ Address: ____________________________________ City: __________________ Zip: __________ Home Phone: ________________________________ Work Phone: _____________________________ Email: _______________________________________ Fax: _____________________________________ Present Employer: _____________________________ Job Title: ________________________________ Length of Residency in Monte Sereno:_____________
Previously Held Elected or Appointed
Governmental Positions Position/Office Held Dates
Civic or Charitable Organizations
You Have Belonged To Position/Office Held Dates
Education Degree Dates
A separate application is required for each Commission. Please list other Commissions you are applying to:
_________________________________________________________________________________________ Signature: _____________________________________ Date: ___________________ Jain Arvind
18540 Bicknell Rd Monte Sereno 95030
408 391 9027
[email protected]
Omnis Bay Inc Co Founder, Architect
14 Months
None
JCNC (Jain Center of Northern California) Life Member, Volunteer 2015 Onwards Carnegie Mellon University MBA 2010
Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) BS. (B.Tech) 1998
Site & Architecture Commission
11/19/2025
QUESTIONS FOR SITE & ARCHITECTURAL COMMISSION APPLICANTS
1. Why do you want to be on the Site & Architectural Commission?
2. Tell us about your skills, experience or interests that you feel would assist us in considering your application. __________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________
3. Please list your current commitments. _____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________
4. How many weekday hours per month would you be able to commit to the Site & Architectural Commission? Please circle one or fill in “other.”
1-3 hours
4-6 hours
7-9 hours
10+ hours
Other ____________________
5. What do you see as important issues in Monte Sereno? I am applying to actively contribute to the preservation of Monte Sereno’s unique, low-density, semirural character while supporting thoughtful, modern design that strictly adheres to the Residential Design Guidelines.
With over 25 years in technology leadership and a concurrent background in real estate investment, and construction management of ADU at my old home, I offer a unique perspective. I possess the aesthetic appreciation required for design review and the practical, functional knowledge necessary to assess a project’s buildability and compliance with Municipal Code. My goal is to leverage this experience to ensure Monte Sereno remains a small city with large benefits for its residents through high-quality, manageable, and efficient development review.
Professional: VP, AI/ML and Generative AI at OMNIS BAY Inc (Full-Time) Investment/Management: Part Time. ,
Community/Personal: Weekends - JCNC, Charitable events of RANA etc.
The most critical issues center on maintaining our city's distinct character while addressing the functional aspects of modern development:
Protecting Semi-Rural Aesthetic: Rigorous enforcement of design standards to ensure that new projects respect the existing topography, scale, and density, specifically safeguarding our tree canopy and low-density feel.
Maintaining Design Quality & Functional Integrity: Ensuring every proposal complies with the Residential Design Guidelines and the Municipal Code, focusing on both the aesthetic and functional aspects of structures and sites.
Process Efficiency: Leveraging best practices to ensure the review process is transparent, predictable, and timely for residents, balancing thoroughness with efficiency.
6. What is your understanding of the City’s General Plan?
7. How do you view the role of the Site & Architectural Commission?
8. Site & Architectural Commission decisions rarely involve a black and white issue. There are usually several shades of gray in making land use decisions. Would you be willing to put aside your personal land use philosophy and design preferences in order to reach consensus, or would you prefer to press on with your personal convictions because you believe that compromise might result in a less than desirable outcome?
9. Please describe, as concisely as possible, your basic philosophical position regarding past, present, and future growth within the City of Monte Sereno.
10. Why are you interested in serving on this Commission?
11. What strengths do you possess that you believe will make you a successful commissioner? My understanding is that the General Plan is the constitution for Monte Sereno's development, providing the foundational policy upon which all land use and design decisions are based. For the Site & Architectural Commission, this means the Land Use, Open Space, Conservation, and Safety elements provide the mandatory criteria against which we measure all development proposals. The General Plan’s central role is ensuring that the City’s community vision—especially regarding low-density residential use and environmental quality—is maintained consistently through the application of the Municipal Code.
I view the Commission's role as the essential guardian of the City's aesthetic and functional standards, as set forth in the Municipal Code and Residential Design Guidelines. This role is three-fold:
Regulatory Enforcement,
Functional Review, & Collaborative Guidance.
I am fully committed to setting aside personal land use philosophy and design preferences. My professional experience in corporate leadership is built on navigating complex, multi-stakeholder conflicts to achieve collective, objective outcomes. I will focus on the objective standards of the City’s code and the explicit intent of the General Plan. In the 'shades of gray,' my priority will be to achieve a consensus-driven outcome that represents the best possible adherence to policy and the preservation of community character, while being fair and pragmatic to the applicant.
Past: The history of low-density, semi-rural charm must serve as the non-negotiable anchor for all future development decisions. Present: Rigorous and consistent enforcement of the Residential Design Guidelines is necessary to ensure new projects are context-sensitive and functionally superior.
Future: Growth must be dictated by exceptional, sustainable design, integrated with modern technology (PropTech) to improve compliance and process efficiency, ensuring we maintain our quality of life and deliver "big benefits" to residents.
I am interested because this Commission is the direct nexus where my unique professional skills— extensive real estate investment/construction knowledge, analytical rigor, and technology background— can create immediate, positive impact on my community. Serving here allows me to ensure the physical development of Monte Sereno is handled with both professional competence and community passion, safeguarding our aesthetics and functional integrity for future generations.
My key strengths are: Dual Domain Expertise: Hands-on experience in construction/real estate management
combined with an executive background in technology, providing both practical and analytical review capabilities.
- Process-Oriented Judgement: A track record in executive roles requiring data-driven, objective decisionmaking and negotiation, critical for consensus-building and impartial review. - Familiarity with Regulatory Framework: A strong understanding of the City’s General Plan and the importance of strictly applying the Residential Design Guidelines to maintain community character.
STAFF REPORT
Meeting: City Council - Dec 02 2025
Agenda Heading: NEW BUSINESS
Staff Contact: Gloisy Gonzalez-Langarica, City Clerk
Department: City Clerk
Title: Consideration of Two Applications and Appointment to Fill Two of the Three Vacancies on the Monte Sereno Better Streets Commission Recommendation(s):
Staff recommends the City Council consider the two applicants who applied for the Better Streets Commission and appoint two applicants to the Monte Sereno Better Streets Commission.
Background Information:
On October 17, 2017, the City Council took action to form the Better Streets Commission for the purpose of advising the City Manager on design, operations, and maintenance of the City’s street system and identifying and advising on integrated, coordinated, environmentally sustainable and economically efficient street rehabilitation solutions that address the multiple street system demands such as underground utilities, street trees, stormwater management and contamination runoff issues. The ordinance establishing the Commission specified that the Commission consist of five members of the public selected by a majority of the City Council and one member of the Youth Commission to serve on the Commission as an Ex Officio member.
The Commission currently has three open seats for the term from January 1, 2026 through December 31, 2027. On October 27, 2025 a notice of the recruitment for these three seats was posted on the City’s web site, e-mailed to a list of interested parties, and posted in the City’s social media. The following two applications from qualified residents were received before the recruitment closed on November 21, 2025:
Genevieve Duflock
Paige Craig
Attendance report:
Three meeting have been held in this year
Commissioner Chaffin no absences
Commissioner Billawala no absences
Commissioner White 1 absences
Commissioner Zeidler 1 absences
Commissioner Kirkbride 2 absences
Fiscal Impact:
There are no unbudgeted fiscal impacts with this staff report.
Public Noticing:
The City Council’s agenda was posted at City Hall and the agenda and this report appear on the City’s website. In addition, recruitment notices were posted on the City website, sent to our e-mail distribution list, and posted on the Nextdoor social media website.
Attachments:
Application - Genevieve Duflock - Better Streets Commission Application - Paige Craig - Better Streets Commission
City of Monte Sereno
Commission Application
Date Received: November 16, 2025
Applying for: Better Streets Commission
Name: Genevieve Duflock
Length of Residency: 26 years
Previously Held Elected or
Appointed Governmental
Positions:
Monte Sereno Youth Commission 2015-2017
Civic or Charitable Organizations
You Have Belonged To:
National Charity League 2011-2017
Education: Santa Clara University, bachelors degree of political science, 2020-2024 Why do you want to be on the
selected Commission?:
I want to join the Better Streets Commission because I’m trying to become more involved in my community. I believe it’s important to look out for each other, and safer streets help kids walk to school and make public transportation easier for everyone. By getting involved, I hope to make our streets safer and more accessible for everyone.
Tell us about your skills,
experience, or interests that
relate to the Commission that
you feel would assist us in
considering your application:
I previously served on the Youth Commission in high school.
I’m dedicated to public service, invested in my community, and passionate about making a difference.
Please list your current
commitments:
I babysit some weekday mornings, and I tutor Sunday-Thursday afternoons.
What strengths do you possess
that you believe will make you a
successful commissioner?:
I’m a strong communicator, I believe in accountability, hold myself to a high standard, and care deeply about helping improve Monte Sereno.
What do you see as the
important issues in Monte
Sereno?:
Specific to Better Streets commission, fixing bike lanes in residential areas off downtown, and adding crosswalks to Winchester are the top two.
What strengths do you possess
that you believe will make you a
successful commissioner?:
I’m a strong communicator, I believe in accountability, hold myself to a high standard, and care deeply about helping improve Monte Sereno.
Tell us about your background,
experience and/or interest in
I’m most interested in pedestrian safety and sustainability
traffic, bicycle, and pedestrian
safety, street standards, storm
water management, or
sustainable infrastructure that
you feel would assist us in
considering your application:
What do you see as important
streets or traffic-related issues in
Monte Sereno?:
Lack of crosswalks on Winchester boulevard, erosion of bike lanes, and traffic congestion on 17 spilling into town in the summer.
City of Monte Sereno
Commission Application
Date Received: November 21, 2025
Applying for: Better Streets Commission
Name: Paige Craig
Length of Residency: 22 years
Civic or Charitable Organizations
You Have Belonged To: LULAC (League of United American Citizens) 2021 - 2024 Monte Sereno Youth Commission 2019 - 2021
Education: American University, BS Environmental Science and Mathematics 2021 - 2024 Why do you want to be on the
selected Commission?:
I would like to be a part of a commission that cares for the community and is committed to assisting with urban planning where we can. As a Monte Sereno resident for twenty-two years, I have witnessed new traffic calming devices, paint, pothole fillings, and more implemented into our community. I would love the opportunity to be a part of helping my city and giving back to a community that has always been supportive and welcoming.
Tell us about your skills,
experience, or interests that
relate to the Commission that
you feel would assist us in
considering your application:
I graduated last winter from American University in Washington, D.C, with a BS in Environmental Science and Mathematics. During my undergraduate experience, I participated in two research labs that were committed to public health. For four years, I researched the presence of microplastics in the Anacostia Watershed. I analyzed government policies, wastewater legislation, and applied for and obtained grants from the DC Water Board. This research supported better management of stormwater runoff, trash removal, and urban planning. I also supported research in an Urban Geochemistry Research Lab investigating the presence of siloxanes in the Anacostia Watershed. Here, we were investigating point sources for water runoff, which is impacted by traffic congestion, street cleaning, and stormwater runoff. I developed a strong background in how our streets play an integral part in not just our daily commute but our overall health as well.
Additionally, I took an Urban Ecology class that was lab based. We did tree surveys, street designs, GIS mapping, and projects around urban sprawl. I became proficient in R and was able to interpret data from a multitude of sources. I learned about the importance of bike lanes, the different kinds of ways we can make our streets safer to walk on, and how to avoid traffic congestion.
Please list your current
commitments:
I currently work with a nonprofit called SolPods that is dedicated to providing education on sustainability and earth science. It is a once-a-week meeting, and the rest of my work is done remotely at my own pace.
What strengths do you possess I believe I will make a successful commissioner because I not only have
that you believe will make you a
successful commissioner?:
experience in the topic, but I have also served on several executive boards while in undergrad, which has strengthened my abilities to work and listen to others and reach an agreement. I am experienced in reading lengthy documents and learning about new measures for urban development. I am always open to hearing suggestions, coming to a united decision, and engaging in meaningful discourse so that our recommendations are based on community input and overall good for the city.
What do you see as the
important issues in Monte
Sereno?:
I believe that we can better equip our streets with traffic calming measures that are both cost-effective and deliver results. For example, we could utilize the youth commission to bring back the “Drive 25” campaign, set up more community hearings to bring light to new issues, and see which methods are already enacted that are not as effective and try to fix them. A lot of times, the speed limit signage is not clearly posted on quiet streets, and this can cause drivers to drive 35 mph or faster due to a lack of information posted.
What strengths do you possess
that you believe will make you a
successful commissioner?:
I believe I will make a successful commissioner because I not only have experience in the topic, but I have also served on several executive boards while in undergrad, which has strengthened my abilities to work and listen to others and reach an agreement. I am experienced in reading lengthy documents and learning about new measures for urban development. I am always open to hearing suggestions, coming to a united decision, and engaging in meaningful discourse so that our recommendations are based on community input and overall good for the city.
Tell us about your background,
experience and/or interest in
traffic, bicycle, and pedestrian
safety, street standards, storm
water management, or
sustainable infrastructure that
you feel would assist us in
considering your application:
I graduated last winter from American University in Washington, D.C, with a BS in Environmental Science and Mathematics. During my undergraduate experience, I participated in two research labs that were committed to public health. For four years, I researched the presence of microplastics in the Anacostia Watershed. I analyzed government policies, wastewater legislation, and applied for and obtained grants from the DC Water Board. This research supported better management of stormwater runoff, trash removal, and urban planning. I also supported research in an Urban Geochemistry Research Lab investigating the presence of siloxanes in the Anacostia Watershed. Here, we were investigating point sources for water runoff, which is impacted by traffic congestion, street cleaning, and stormwater runoff. I developed a strong background in how our streets play an integral part in not just our daily commute but our overall health as well.
Additionally, I took an Urban Ecology class that was lab based. We did tree surveys, street designs, GIS mapping, and projects around urban sprawl. I became proficient in R and was able to interpret data from a multitude of sources. I learned about the importance of bike lanes, the different kinds of ways we can make our streets safer to walk on, and how to avoid traffic congestion.
What do you see as important
streets or traffic-related issues in
Monte Sereno?:
I believe that we can better equip our streets with traffic calming measures that are both cost-effective and deliver results. For example, we could utilize the youth commission to bring back the “Drive 25” campaign, set up more community
hearings to bring light to new issues, and see which methods are already enacted that are not as effective and try to fix them. A lot of times, the speed limit signage is not clearly posted on quiet streets, and this can cause drivers to drive 35 mph or faster due to a lack of information posted.
Paige J. Craig
[email protected] • (408) 375-3760
Recent graduate in Environmental Science and Mathematics with research experience in paleoceanography, microplastics pollution, and urban stream geochemistry. Skilled in laboratory methods, data analysis, and environmental modeling, including Python Coding, K-Nearest Neighbors, Bayesian Regression, and R. Experienced in SEM imaging, chemical analysis, and field sampling.
Education
American University
B.S. Environmental Science, Minor in Mathematics
August 2021 - December 2024
● Cumulative GPA (3.52/4.0)
● Relevant Coursework: ArcGIS, Biogeochemistry, Biology I-II (with lab), Calculus I-III, Chemistry I-II (with lab), Ecohydrology, Environmental Computer Modeling, Environmental Geology, Environmental Laboratory Methods, Foundations of Mathematics, Introduction to Computer Science, Linear Algebra, Physics with Calculus (with lab), Statistics with Calculus
Academic Awards
2021 & 2022 - Dean’s list (Fall 2021 and Spring 2022)
2024 - STEM Peer Mentoring Honors
Research Experience
Fall 2024 - Senior Capstone – Investigating the Decline of Brook Trout in Shenandoah National Park ● Conducted a study to examine environmental factors influencing Brook Trout population density in headwater streams.
● Applied K-Nearest Neighbors and Bayesian Regression models to assess correlations among water quality parameters (pH, calcium, sulfate, magnesium).
Summer 2024 - December 2024 - Paleoceanography Lab, American University, Washington, DC, Dr. Balestra ● Analyzed twelve water samples from the International Ocean Discovery Program (IODP) Expedition 401, focusing on the Mediterranean–Atlantic Gateway Exchange ● Used a Scanning Electron Microscope and Leitz Polarized Light Microscope to identify and classify living coccolithophore species.
● Data analysis in R to identify correlations between coccolithophore assemblages and environmental parameters.
● Presented research poster at the AGU 2024 Conference.
Spring 2022 - December 2024 - Microplastics Lab, American University, Washington, DC, Dr. Balestra, ● Conducted research on microplastic pollution and glass microbead contamination in Anacostia and Potomac River sediments.
● Identified and quantified microplastics using light microscopy and calculated total concentrations across various size fractions.
● Conducted pyrolysis gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (TD/Py-GCMS) to determine polymer composition.
● Presented research poster at the AGU 2024 Conference.
Spring 2024 - Summer 2024 - Biogeochemistry Lab, American University, Washington, DC, Dr. MacAvoy ● Conducted research on the occurrence and concentration of siloxanes in the Anacostia River. ● Performed percent organic matter analysis on 75 sediment samples using standardized methodologies and precise calculations.
● Responsible for fecal coliform and E. coli analysis in water samples to monitor bacterial contamination levels.
Summer 2023 - Coral Reef Lab, American University, Washington, DC, Dr. Cardenas ● Successfully set up coral reef petri dishes for the lab. ● Carried out several test procedures to determine the contamination level of the lab. ● Assisted in setting up and organizing the lab bench.
Further Professional Experience
Present – STEM Curriculum Developer and Sustainability Analyst, SolPods, Menlo Park, CA ● Developing a curriculum on microplastics and plastic waste tailored for Latina high school students in underserved communities.
● Designing content to educate and empower students while providing them with a certificate of completion to strengthen college applications.
● Collaborating with educators and community partners to ensure accessibility and impact.
Summer 2024 – Sustainability Data Analytics Internship, Dispatch Goods, San Francisco, CA ● Analyzed large datasets to create graphs and projections, providing actionable insights for clients. ● Gained proficiency in data processing languages (SQL) and business intelligence (BI) tools to streamline reporting.
● Designed and implemented 18 user-friendly dashboards, enabling clients to track carbon savings, shipment schedules, and accounting details efficiently.
Leadership and Volunteering
Teaching Volunteer – Field Trip Program, American University, Washington, DC, April 2025 ● Led activities that talked about diversity in STEM to empower children of different backgrounds to pursue a career in STEM.
Treasurer – League of United Latin American Citizens, American University, Washington, DC, 2022 - 2024 ● Managed organizational finances, created budgets, and submitted purchase and budget requests.
President – Latinas Promoviendo Comunidad, Lambda Pi Chi Sorority Inc., American University, Washington, DC, 2022 - 2024
● Led chapter operations and coordinated events focused on cultural empowerment and community service.
Life Writer - El Aguila, American University, Washington, DC, 2022 - 2023 ● Reported in Spanish on Latine-led campus clubs, cultural events, and city-wide community initiatives.
Chair of Communications – Women in Science, American University, Washington, DC, 2021 - 2023 ● Organized and promoted a STEM alumni panel highlighting the experiences of women in science, including a live Q&A session.
Skills
● Programming & Data Analysis: Python, R, Mathematica, SQL, Power BI ● Scientific Software & Tools: ArcGIS Pro, Google Earth Pro, Ocean Data View, LaTeX, Microsoft Office ● Microscopy & Spectroscopy: Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM; JEOL IT-100), Polarizing Microscope, Light Microscope, Fourier Transmission Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Pyrolysis Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (TD/Py-GCMS)
● Lab Techniques: Thermal Deposition Analysis, Density Separation, Microplastic & Glass Microbead Extraction, Percent Organic Matter Analysis, Gel Electrophoresis, Dry Sieving, Siloxane Filtration ● Microcontroller Programming: C++ (Arduino)
● Languages: English & Spanish
Professional & Student Club Memberships
Member – GeoLatinas
Member – Micropaleontological Society
Member – Seismological Society of America
Member – The Mycological Association of Washington, Inc.
Executive Board Member – Math Club
Executive Board Member – Sustainable Engineers
Executive Board Member – Climate Reality
Crew Member – Society for the Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science Additional Portfolio Pieces
ArcGIS Final Story Map
Foundations of Mathematics Portfolio
STAFF REPORT
Meeting: City Council - Dec 02 2025
Agenda Heading: NEW BUSINESS
Staff Contact: Diana Perkins, City Manager
Department: City Manager
Title: Introduction and Waiver of First Reading of Ordinance No. NS-249, an Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Monte Sereno Amending Section 9.07.035 (Mechanical Blowers – Gas-Powered Devices Prohibited) Recommendation(s):
Staff recommends the City Council introduce and waive the first reading of Ordinance No. NS249 to revise the responsible party.
Background Information:
In October 2023, the City Council adopted an ordinance which prohibited the use of gaspowered leaf blowers in Monte Sereno. The ordinance was effective in January 2024; however, the City Council directed staff to delay enforcement of this new requirement until January 2026. The delayed enforcement was designed to provide sufficient time for staff to inform the community of the new requirements and for residents to transition to electric leaf blowers.
Information regarding the prohibition on the use of gas-powered leaf blowers was included in the Spring 2024 and October 2025 Peaceful Mountain Monitor Newsletter. Staff also made several social media posts and emails to interested parties regarding these revised regulations.
Analysis:
The wording of the current ordinance prohibits any person from operating a gas-powered leaf blower. As staff has been working to develop a code enforcement plan, it was realized that the current language would require staff to notify and enforce the prohibition on the person operating the gas-powered leaf blower. This is problematic for enforcement purposes as staff would typically not be able to respond to a complaint while the operator is still on the site and would not have the landscape/gardening business’s information.
The proposed revised language would clarify that the property owner and/or the operator are both responsible for complying with this ordinance, as is the case for all other code enforcement issues.
California Environmental Quality Act:
This ordinance is not a “project” as defined by CEQA Guidelines Section 15378: “Adoption of the ordinance does not have the potential for resulting in either a direct physical change in the environment or a reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment. Further projects subject to the ordinance will require a discretionary permit and CEQA review, and will be analyzed at the appropriate time in accordance with CEQA.” Therefore, no environmental assessment is required.
Fiscal Impact:
No fiscal impact will result with the proposed ordinance revision.
Public Noticing:
The City of Monte Sereno's council meeting agenda was posted on the bulletin board outside of Monte Sereno City Hall and the agenda with this staff report can be accessed on The City of Monte Sereno's website located at www.montesereno.org.
Attachments:
1. Draft Ordinance NS-249
ORDINANCE NO. NS-249
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MONTE SERENO AMENDING SECTION 9.07.035 (MECHANICAL BLOWERS – GAS-POWERED DEVICES PROHIBITED) WHEREAS, the use of motorized leaf blowers adversely impacts community health and welfare; and
WHEREAS, the use of motorized leaf blowers increases the volume of particulate matter in the air and thereby exacerbates allergies and respiratory ailments; and WHEREAS, the adoption of this ordinance is not a “project” as defined by the CEQA guidelines Section 15378: “Adoption of the ordinance does not have the potential for resulting in either a direct physical change in environment or a reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment.” Therefore, no environmental assessment is required or necessary.
NOW THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF MONTE SERENO DOES ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. Amend Section 9.07.035. Section 9.07.035 of Chapter 9.07 of the Monte Sereno Municipal Code is hereby amended to read as follows:
“9.07.035 - Mechanical blowers—Gas-powered devices prohibited.
It shall be unlawful for any person to operate, cause the operation of or allow the operation of any gasoline-powered leaf blower in any zoning district or public space. This shall include, but not be limited to, a leaf blower operator, leaf blower operator’s employer, property owner, property manager, tenant, or other person authorizing or employing the use of a leaf blower on property in any district or public space).”
SECTION 3. Environmental Review.
The adoption of this ordinance is not a “project” as defined by the CEQA guidelines Section 15378: “Adoption of the ordinance does not have the potential for resulting in either a direct physical change in environment or a reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment. Further projects subject to the ordinance will require a discretionary permit and CEQA review and will be analyzed at the appropriate time in accordance with CEQA.” Therefore, no environmental assessment is required or necessary.
SECTION 4. Effective Date.
This ordinance shall be in full force and effective 30 days after its adoption.
SECTION 5. Severability.
If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase or portion of this Ordinance is for any reason held invalid or unconstitutional by any court of competent jurisdiction such portion shall be deemed a separate, distinct and independent provision of such Ordinance and shall not
affect the validity of the remaining portions thereof.
SECTION 6. Certification.
The City Clerk shall cause this ordinance to be posted and/or published in the manner required by law.
This Ordinance was introduced at the meeting of the City Council on the 2nd day of December 2025, and was adopted at a regular meeting of the City Council on the 16th day of December 2025, by the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
Burton Craig, Mayor
Attest: ___________________________
Gloisy Gonzalez-Langarica, City Clerk
Approved as to form:
___________________________________
Kirsten Powell, City Attorney
Monte Sereno City Council
2025 Tentative Council Meeting Calendar
Updated: November 26, 2025
Council Meeting
Date
Agenda Item Staff Public
Hearing?
Agenda
Category
January 7, 2025 Presentation of Certificates of Recognition to 2024 STEM Winners from the City of Monte Sereno
GGL N Presentation
Finance Reports DP N Consent Calendar
Meeting Minutes GGL N Consent Calendar
Accept the Annual Approval and Signing of the City Council Code of Ethics GGL N Consent Calendar Revisions to City of Monte Sereno Council Ad-Hoc Committees DP N New Business Discuss Selection of Meeting Date for Strategic Goal Setting DP N New Business Flock Cameras DP N New Business
Consider and Approve City Council Committee/Commission Assignments for Calendar Year 2025
DP N New Business
Review of Municipal Code Chapter 10.09 (Personal Wireless Service Facility and Antenna Criteria) and Discussion of Draft Revisions
DP N New Business
January 21, 2025 Finance Reports DP N Consent Calendar
Meeting Minutes GGL N Consent Calendar
Consider Establishment of an Appointment to the Monte Sereno City Council Improving Financial Controls and Reporting Ad Hoc Committee DP N Consent Calendar
Hold Public Hearing and Adopt a Reso Overruling Objections and Determining to Proceed with Weed Abatement
GGL Y Public Hearing
Review Options for the Use of the Auxiliary Building DP N Unfinished Business
Flock Cameras DP N Unfinished
Business
Accept the FY 2024-25 Mid-Year Budget Report DP N New Business City Manager’s Quarterly Report DP N New Business
Consider and Appoint One Additional Member to the 2024-2025 Monte Sereno Youth Commission
GGL N New Business
February 4, 2025 Finance Reports DP N Consent Calendar
Meeting Minutes GGL N Consent Calendar
Hold Public Hearing and Adopt a Reso Overruling Objections and Determining to Proceed with Weed Abatement
GGL Y Public Hearing
Monte Sereno City Council
2025 Tentative Council Meeting Calendar
Updated: November 26, 2025
Council Meeting
Date
Agenda Item Staff Public
Hearing?
Agenda
Category
Discuss Hosting a City Picnic and Consider a Budget for the City Picnic DP N New Business Discussion and Consideration of a City of Monte Sereno Community Grants Deadline, Selection Dates, and Budget Amount
DP N New Business
February 18, 2025 Finance Reports DP N Consent Calendar Meeting Minutes GGL N Consent Calendar
Receive Information Regarding the CalPERS Unfunded Pension Liabilities DP N New Business March 4, 2025 Santa Clara County Fire Department Semi-Annual Public Safety Report Fire N Presentation Finance Reports DP N Consent Calendar
Meeting Minutes GGL N Consent Calendar
Wildfire Prevention, Preparation, and Response Discussion DP N New Business March 18, 2025 Closed Session
Special Meeting POTENTIAL LITIGATION
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(b): Two Cases Staff present- City Attorney and Interim City Manager
PUBLIC EMPLOYMENT AND PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE
EVALUATION
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957(b)(1)
Title: City Manager/Interim City Manager
Staff Present: Interim City Manager, City Attorney
March 18, 2025 Finance Reports DP N Consent Calendar
Meeting Minutes GGL N Consent Calendar
Consideration to Authorize the Interim City Manager to Execute Amendment #1 to the Professional Services Agreement with AIM Engineering Consultants, Inc. for Public Works/City Engineering Consulting.
DP N Consent Calendar
Consideration to Authorize the City Manager to Execute Amendment #2 to the Professional Services Agreement with DKG Consultants for Financial Services Consulting.
DP N Consent Calendar
Monte Sereno City Council
2025 Tentative Council Meeting Calendar
Updated: November 26, 2025
Council Meeting
Date
Agenda Item Staff Public
Hearing?
Agenda
Category
Authorize the Mayor to Send a Letter to Assemblymember Gail Pellerin Regarding Wildfire Safety Concerns Regarding the Eucalyptus Trees Along Highway 9
DP N Consent Calendar
Application 2024-3086 for a Site Development Permit for a single-story addition of approximately 554 square feet and a Variance application for reduced front of five feet where 25 feet is required.
DP Y Public Hearing
Consider and Appointment of Betters Streets Commissioner for Unscheduled Commission Vacancy
GGL N New Business
Annual Council Goal Setting Session for Fiscal Year 2025-2026 DP N New Business Receive the Informational Update from the Improving Finance Controls and Reporting Ad Hoc Committee
DP N New Business
Accept the Resignation of Council Member Shannon as Alternate Director of the Silicon Valley Clean Energy and Appoint a New Alternate Director DP N New Business
April 1, 2025 Finance Reports DP N Consent Calendar
Meeting Minutes GGL N Consent Calendar
Adoption of 2025-2026 City Council Goals DP N Consent Calendar Consider Modification to the City Council’s City Manager Search Ad Hoc Committee to Extend the Effective Date of the Committee to October 1, 2025 DP N Consent Calendar
Housing Element Annual Progress Report DP N Consent Calendar Adopt a Resolution Declaring Support for Efforts to Provide Universal Child Care DP New Business Authorize the Interim City Manager to enter into an agreement with the West Valley Cities to conduct a feasibility study for the possible development of temporary and emergency housing facilities and programs to service the unhoused population within the five jurisdictions.
DP N New Business
Consider Amending the Purpose of the Improving Financial Controls and Reporting Ad Hoc Committee
DP N Consent Calendar
Special Meeting
Closed Session
Discuss revisions to the Agreement for Law Enforcement Services between the City of Monte Sereno and the Town of Los Gatos
DP N New Business
Monte Sereno City Council
2025 Tentative Council Meeting Calendar
Updated: November 26, 2025
Council Meeting
Date
Agenda Item Staff Public
Hearing?
Agenda
Category
Special Meeting
April 11, 2025
Consideration to Authorize the Interim City Manager to Execute an Agreement for a Financial Services Program (title will be updated once a vendor is selected) DP N New Business
April 15, 2025 Los Gatos Monte Sereno Police Department Semi-Annual Report Police N Presentation Finance Reports DP N Consent Calendar
Meeting Minutes GGL N Consent Calendar
Introduce and waive the first reading of Ordinance No. NS244 to Amend Municipal Code Section 10.09 Personal Wireless Telecommunications Regulations.
DP Y Public Hearing
Adopt a Resolution Declaring Support for Efforts to Provide Universal Child Care DP N Unfinished Business
Approve Agreement for Law Enforcement Services between the City of Monte Sereno and the Town of Los Gatos
DP N Unfinished
Business
Adopt a Resolution to Update the City’s Financial Investment Policy and Become Shareholder of California Asset Management Trust
DP Y New Business
Discuss the Possibility of Establishing a Wildfire Prevention and Preparedness Commission or Committee
DP N New Business
City Manager’s Quarterly Report DP N New Business
May 6, 2025 Steinbeck Sign unveiling and Ice Cream Social Special Meeting
May 6, 2025 Finance Reports DP N Consent Calendar
Meeting Minutes GGL N Consent Calendar
Adopt Ordinance No. NS-244 to Amend Municipal Code Section 10.09 Personal Wireless Telecommunications Regulations.
DP N Consent Calendar
Measure B Bicycle/Pedestrian Education and Encouragement Program Funding Amended and Restated Agreement with the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority
DP N Consent Calendar
Authorize the Interim City Manager to Execute the First Amendment to the Agreement with the County of Santa Clara for the Countywide Household Hazardous Waste Collection Program.
DP N Consent Calendar
Award of contract to Radius Earthwork, Inc. for the Fiscal Year 2024-25 DP N Consent Calendar
Monte Sereno City Council
2025 Tentative Council Meeting Calendar
Updated: November 26, 2025
Council Meeting
Date
Agenda Item Staff Public
Hearing?
Agenda
Category
Pavement Improvement Project in Total Amount Not to Exceed $398,507 and Determining Project Exempt from CEQA Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15301
First Study Session for Review of Proposed FY 25/26 Budget DP N New Business Discuss Civic Engagement Goal for Fiscal Year 2025-2026 DP N New Business Foster Care/Resource Parent Awareness Month DP N New Business May 20, 2025 Finance Reports DP N Consent Calendar
Meeting Minutes GGL N Consent Calendar
Adoption of a Resolution Declaring Hazardous Vegetation (Brush) a Public Nuisance and Set Public Hearing (SCCF)
GGL N Consent Calendar
Adoption of a Resolution Setting Appropriations Limit for Fiscal Year 2025-26 and Adopting Amended Appropriations Limits for Fiscal Years 2023-24 and 2024-25 DP N Consent Calendar
Consideration to Approve and Authorize the Interim City Manager to Execute a Professional Services Agreement with DKG Consultants for Financial Services Consulting.
DP N Consent Calendar
Application 2023-3073 for a Site Development Permit for a new approximately 5,997 square foot two-story house and an approximately 977 square foot detached accessory building; a Grading Use Permit for 2,934 cubic yards of cumulative grading; and a Tree Removal Permit to remove 13 trees at 18340 Lexington Drive. (CEQA: Exempt, Guidelines sections 15302, 15303) DP Y Public Hearing
Consideration of Awarding Community Based Organization Grants DP N New Business June 3, 2025 Finance Reports DP N Consent Calendar
Meeting Minutes GGL N Consent Calendar
Annual Street Maintenance - Adoption of Projects FY 25/26 DP N Consent Calendar Updated Fee Schedule for User and Regulatory Fees DP N Consent Calendar Introduce and waive the first reading of Ordinance No. NS-245 to Adopt Updated Local Responsibility Fire Hazard Severity Maps
DP Y Public Hearing
Accept a Report on the Status of the City’s Vacancies, Recruitment, and DP Y Public Hearing
Monte Sereno City Council
2025 Tentative Council Meeting Calendar
Updated: November 26, 2025
Council Meeting
Date
Agenda Item Staff Public
Hearing?
Agenda
Category
Retention Efforts Pursuant to Assembly Bill 2561
Consideration of Awarding Community Based Organization Grants DP N New Business June 17, 2025 Warrant List DP N Consent Calendar
Treasurer Report DP N Consent Calendar
Meeting Minutes GGL N Consent Calendar
Adoption of Resolution Establishing and Fixing the Amount of Special Real Property Tax Levy for Police Protection Purposes for the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 GGL N Consent Calendar
Adoption of Ordinance No. NS-245, an Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Monte Sereno Designating Fire Hazard Severity Zones within the Local Responsibility Area
DP Y Consent Calendar
Authorize the City Manager to Execute an Agreement with Los Gatos‐Monte Sereno Safe Routes to School, Inc. for Providing Services Eligible Under Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority’s 2016 Measure B Bicycle and Pedestrian Education and Encouragement Program
DA N Consent Calendar
Adopt Resolution No. 25-### Approving the Fiscal Year 2025-26 Salary Schedule to comply with the California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS) Statutory and Regulatory Requirements for Compensation and Publicly Available Salary Schedules
DP N Consent Calendar
Adopt a Resolution Overruling Protest Regarding Brush Abatement GGL Y Public Hearing Adoption of the FY 25/26 Budget DP N Unfinished
Business
Introduction and Waiver of First Reading of Ordinance No. NS-###, an Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Monte Sereno Amending Municipal Code Section
12.03.020.A to Reduce the Number of Youth Commissioners GGL N New Business
Appointment of 2025-2026 Youth Commissioners GGL N New Business July 1, 2025
July 15, 2025
Meetings Cancelled
August 5, 2025 Finance Reports DP N Consent Calendar
Meeting Minutes GGL N Consent Calendar
Monte Sereno City Council
2025 Tentative Council Meeting Calendar
Updated: November 26, 2025
Council Meeting
Date
Agenda Item Staff Public
Hearing?
Agenda
Category
Adoption of Ordinance NS-246, and Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Monte Sereno Amending the Municipal Code Section 12.03.020.A and 12.03.020 to Decrease the Number of Youth Commissioners and Amend the Appointment Process
DP N Consent Calendar
Adopt a Resolution Confirming a Weed Abatement Report and Assessment List to be Entered on the Tax Assessment Roll
GGL Y Public Hearing
Consider and Appoint One (1) Additional Member to the 2025-2026 Monte Sereno Youth Commission
GGL N Unfinished
Business
Consideration of Nominees Citizen of the Year Award GGL N New Business League of California Cities Annual Conference Voting Delegate GGL N New Business Discuss Potential Police Service Parcel Tax Ballot Measure DP N New Business Appointment to Fill One Vacancy on the Monte Sereno Site and Architectural Commission for an Unexpired Term Ending December 31, 2026 GGL N New Business
Consider and Approve City Council Committee/Commission Reassignments for Calendar Year 2025
DP N New Business
Consider the Opportunity for up to two Monte Sereno Residents to Participate in the 2025-2026 Leadership Los Gatos Program
DP N New Business
Consider and Accept the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Financial Audit Report DP N New Business Consider Approval of Updated Job Descriptions DP N New Business August 19, 2025 Finance Reports DP N Consent Calendar
Meeting Minutes GGL N Consent Calendar
Consider Amending Resolution 25-3936 to Increase the Number of Youth Commissioners for the 2025-2026 School Year from Seven to Nine GGL N Consent Calendar
FY 24-25 Pavement Improvement Project Acceptance DA N Consent Calendar Application 2025-3034 for a Site Development Permit for a single-story addition of approximately 829 square feet and a second-story addition of approximately 1,289 square feet and a Variance application for reduced side yard setback of 22 feet where 25 feet is required at 17951 Saratoga Los Gatos Road. (CEQA:
Exempt, Guidelines sections 15302, 15303)
DP Y Public Hearing
Application 2025-3042 for a Tentative Parcel Map to subdivide one lot into two lots at 15541 Palos Verdes Drive. (CEQA: Exempt, Guidelines sections 15315) DP Y Public Hearing
Consider and Appoint Three (3) Additional Members to the 2025-2026 Monte GGL N Unfinished
Monte Sereno City Council
2025 Tentative Council Meeting Calendar
Updated: November 26, 2025
Council Meeting
Date
Agenda Item Staff Public
Hearing?
Agenda
Category
Sereno Youth Commission Business
Selection of Vice Mayor to Fill the Recently Vacated Position DP N New Business Filling the Vacant Council Seat DP N New Business
Consider Establishment of and Appointment to the Monte Sereno City Council Potential Police Service Parcel Tax Ad Hoc Committee
DP N New Business
Update on the City Council Adopted Goal to Improve Wildfire Prevention and Preparedness and Provide any Direction to Staff
DP N New Business
City Manager’s Quarterly Report DP N New Business
September 2, 2025 Finance Reports Warrant list DP N Consent Calendar Meeting Minutes GGL N Consent Calendar
Discuss Civic Engagement / Building Community DP N Unfinished Business
Consideration of a Letter of Opposition to SB 707 (Durazo) Open Meetings:
Meeting and Teleconference Requirements
DP N New Business
Receive the Informational Update from the Improving Finance Controls and Reporting Ad Hoc Committee
DP N New Business
September 16, 2025 Interview and Appointment to Fill Vacant City Councilmember Seat DP N New Business Special Meeting
September 16, 2025 County Sales Tax Ballot Measure N Presentation Finance Reports DP N Consent Calendar
Meeting Minutes GGL N Consent Calendar
Proclamation recognizing September as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month GGL N New Business October 7, 2025 Santa Clara County Fire Department Semi-Annual Public Safety Report Fire N Presentation Fire District Overview Fire N Presentation
Finance Reports DP N Consent Calendar
Meeting Minutes GGL N Consent Calendar
Monte Sereno City Council
2025 Tentative Council Meeting Calendar
Updated: November 26, 2025
Council Meeting
Date
Agenda Item Staff Public
Hearing?
Agenda
Category
Consideration to Authorize the City Manager to Execute the Second Amendment to the Professional Services Agreement with AIM Engineering Consultants, Inc. for Public Works/City Engineering Consulting.
DP N Consent Calendar
Consideration to Authorize the City Manager to Execute First Amendment to the Professional Services Agreement with Metropolitan Planning Group (M-Group) for Planning Department Professional Services
DP N Consent Calendar
Discuss Civic Engagement / Building Community DP N Unfinished Business
Consider and Approve City Council Committee/Commission Reassignments for Calendar Year 2025
DP N New Business
October 21, 2025 Los Gatos Monte Sereno Police Department Semi-Annual Report Police N Presentation Finance Reports DP N Consent Calendar
Meeting Minutes GGL N Consent Calendar
Introduction of an Ordinance to Review/Reconsider projects that require a Planning Department Site Development Permit
DP Y Public Hearing
City Manager’s Quarterly Report DP N New Business
November 4, 2025 Finance Reports DP N Consent Calendar
Meeting Minutes GGL N Consent Calendar
Adoption of an Ordinance to Review/Reconsider projects that require a Planning Department Site Development Permit
DP N Consent Calendar
Acceptance Report for Pavement Improvement DA N Consent Calendar Building Code Adoption Intro DP Y Public Hearing
Update Report from Ad Hoc on Ballot Measure DP N New Business Review of the Council Policy for Regulations and Guidelines for the Conduct of Public Meetings
DP N New Business
Hwy 9 Trees DP N New Business
Commission that allows public participation GGL N New Business November 18, 2025 Legislative update on behalf of Assemblymember Gail Pellerin Presentation Finance Reports DP N Consent Calendar
Monte Sereno City Council
2025 Tentative Council Meeting Calendar
Updated: November 26, 2025
Council Meeting
Date
Agenda Item Staff Public
Hearing?
Agenda
Category
Meeting Minutes GGL N Consent Calendar
Acceptance of the 2024 Silicon Valley Clean Energy Noncompetitive Member Agency Grant
DP N Consent Calendar
Adoption of Building Code DP N Public Hearing
December 2, 2025 Youth Commission Report GGL N New Business Finance Reports Warrant list N Consent Calendar
Meeting Minutes GGL N Consent Calendar
Safety Element Adoption DP N Unfinished
Business
Introduction and Waiver of First Reading of Ordinance No. NS-250 an Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Monte Sereno Amending Section 9.07.035 (Mechanical Blowers – Gas Powered Devices Prohibited to Revise the Responsible Party
DP Y Public Hearing
Better Street Commission & S&A Applicants GGL N New Business Council Nomination of Mayor and Vice Mayor DP N New Business December 16, 2025 Finance Reports DP N Consent Calendar Meeting Minutes GGL N Consent Calendar
Declaring Weeds a Public Nuisance GGL N Consent Calendar Consider Approval of Updated Job Descriptions DP N Consent Calendar Supplemental Law Enforcement Service Fund (SLESF) GGL N Consent Calendar Adoption of Ordinance No. NS-250 an Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Monte Sereno Amending Section 9.07.035 (Mechanical Blowers – Gas Powered Devices Prohibited to Revise the Responsible Party
DP N Consent Calendar
Accepting changes of the Council Policy for Regulations and Guidelines for the Conduct of Public Meetings
DP N Unfinished
Business
Consider and Set City Council Meeting Dates for 2026 GGL N New Business Recognition of Outgoing Betters Streets Commissioners and Site and Architectural Commissioners
DP N New Business
Committee/Commission Assignments for CY2026 DP N New Business
Monte Sereno City Council
2025 Tentative Council Meeting Calendar
Updated: November 26, 2025