Monte Sereno City Council
August 4, 2026

Monte Sereno General Plan Update Adoption Draft
Health & Safety | HS-27
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 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.

Monte Sereno General Plan Update Adoption Draft
Health & Safety | HS-28
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, 12 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 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

Monte Sereno General Plan Update Adoption Draft
Health & Safety | HS-29
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 Boulevard
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 Adoption Draft
Health & Safety | HS-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 Company 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.

HS-1.8. Require all new development to be
constructed according to fire safety

Monte Sereno General Plan Update Adoption Draft
Health & Safety | HS-31
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 and vegetation, including
through the hazardous tree removal
rebate program.

HS-1.12. Require eucalyptus trees and other
potentially hazardous trees and
vegetation to be maintained and/or
removed in public rights-of-way
(especially Highway 9) 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 Coordinate with Caltrans, the State,
County, Saratoga, and Los Gatos to
coordinate efforts to reduce fire hazard
risks, including continuous vegetation and
fuel management, along 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
maintenance (particularly eucalyptus and

Monte Sereno General Plan Update Adoption Draft
Health & Safety | HS-32
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 fuel reduction
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 CountyMulti-
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.

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 re-
development, 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

Monte Sereno General Plan Update Adoption Draft
Health & Safety | HS-33
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
withstand stress caused by an
earthquake.

HS-2.4. Consider emergency evacuation and
safety when designing and/or

maintaining roads and utility lines.

Monte Sereno General Plan Update Adoption Draft
Health & Safety | HS-34
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
District 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
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.

Action:

Monte Sereno General Plan Update Adoption Draft
Health & Safety | HS-35
Action HS-3.A: Monte Sereno will prepare a citywide drainage plan.

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,
Saratoga) and the County of Santa Clara
providing emergency services.

HS-5.4. Support and encourage resident
involvement in the Monte Sereno-Los

Monte Sereno General Plan Update Adoption Draft
Health & Safety | HS-36
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.

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.

Monte Sereno General Plan Update Adoption Draft
Health & Safety | HS-37
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.

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

Monte Sereno General Plan Update Adoption Draft
Health & Safety | HS-38
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.

CITY OF MONTE SERENO
Prepared by M-Group
July 20, 2026

ADOPTION DRAFT

IMPLEMENTATION PROGRAM

Monte Sereno General Plan Update Adoption Draft
Implementation Program | IP-1

9. IMPLEMENTATION PROGRAM
This Implementation Program summarizes the specific
actions and programs needed to implement the goals and
policies contained in the General Plan. This Program helps to ensure that the General Plan functions as a living
document that guides City decisions and activities on a daily basis.

A. Implementation Program Overview
A general plan is often referred to as the “constitution” governing the future growth, development, and
conservation of a community. As a constitution, this General Plan should guide all decisions and activities of the City Council, appointed committees and City staff. The General Plan should be a living document that is used on a daily basis to guide the implementation of key community goals and values.

This General Plan includes actions and programs as part of each Element to identify specific measures needed to
achieve the goals and policies of the General Plan. The success of this General Plan in achieving the communitywide goals and policies will depend to a large extent on the effective implementation of the actions and programs in each element of the Plan. This Implementation Program
provides a basis for the City to effectively put these actions 1 This commitment is excluding Housing Element programs, which are on a different planning cycle. The Housing Element and programs into effect, to monitor their success, and to make adjustments to reflect changing conditions and
priorities in the years ahead.

By adopting this Implementation Program as part of the
General Plan, the City Council is making a commitment to put into action the General Plan and to ensure that all City decisions and actions are consistent with the General Plan.

It is also the Council’s intention to initiate and, if possible, complete all General Plan programs within ten years of the date of adoption of this General Plan.1
B. Implementation Program Summary Table
Table IP-1 identifies the responsible party and timeframe for each action in the General Plan. Alongside the Housing Element implementation schedule, this table is intended to serve as a guide for the City when preparing the annual budget and its capital improvement program (CIP). Table IP1 also helps to identify amendments to the City Municipal Code necessary to implement the General Plan and comply with State law.
implementation schedule is included in the Housing Element itself.

Monte Sereno General Plan Update Adoption Draft
Implementation Program | IP-2
Table IP-1: Implementation Program Summary Table
Action # Action Responsible Agency Time Frame
Land Use Element
LU-1.A Every Housing Element cycle, City staff will review City regulations on a regular basis to ensure that
development within the city occurs in a manner
compatible with the City’s character.

Planning Director Ongoing
LU-3.A Annually, City staff shall identify and review areas subject to flooding identified by the Federal Emergency
Management Agency (FEMA) or the Department of Water
Resources.

Planning Director Ongoing
Circulation Element
C-5.A The City will continue to update its Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan, in coordination with the community, and
prioritize projects accordingly.

Planning Director
City Council
June 2031
Open Space and Conservation Element
OSC-1.A In development review, ensure projects meet State energy standards, including Building Energy Efficiency
Standards and Reach Codes, for new and remodeled
homes.

City Manager
City Council
Ongoing
OSC-1.B Continue to require the completion of GreenPoint checklists as part of all Building Permit applications.

Planning Director
Building Official
Ongoing
OSC-1.C Develop and implement public education programs to increase residents’ awareness of energy issues, including

City Manager Ongoing
Monte Sereno General Plan Update Adoption Draft
Implementation Program | IP-3
Action # Action Responsible Agency Time Frame
rewilding opportunities, conservation measures and
resources.

OSC-1.D Require all new development to comply with CalGreen and Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance requirements.

Planning Director Ongoing
OSC-1.E Consider revisions to applicable City regulations that will reduce pollution exposure and improve quality of life for Monte Sereno residents.

Planning Director
City Council
Ongoing
OSC-1.F Conduct proactive education and outreach about indoor and outdoor air quality and protective actions that can be taken to both improve air quality inside one’s home and to minimize exposure to poor air quality index days.

Planning Director
City Council
Ongoing
OSC-2.A Continue to maintain a list of all parks and open space areas in surrounding jurisdictions on the City website, including accessibility and fee information.

City Manager Ongoing
OSC-8.A Conduct community outreach and provide educational materials online regarding organic waste and household
hazardous waste recycling.

City Manager Ongoing
OSC-9.A Consider the establishment of a location to display historical material.

City Manager
City Council
Ongoing
Health and Safety Element
HS-1.A Update the Tree Removal Process to incentivize the removal and replacement of trees that especially
City Manager
City Council
June 2031

Monte Sereno General Plan Update Adoption Draft
Implementation Program | IP-4
Action # Action Responsible Agency Time Frame
contribute to fire events, such as eucalyptus and including other hazardous trees.

HS-1.B Conduct Wildfire Preparedness Workshops in
collaboration with neighboring jurisdictions, such as Los Gatos and Cupertino.

City Manager
Santa Clara County Fire
Department
Office of the State Fire
Marshal
Ongoing
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.

City Manager
Office of the State Fire
Marshal
Ongoing
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.

City Manager
City Council
June 2031
HS-3.A Monte Sereno will prepare a citywide drainage plan. City Engineer 2036 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.

City Manager
City Attorney
Chief of Police
Ongoing
HS-5.A Conduct emergency response exercises and
communication drills by the City in cooperation with other Director of Emergency
Services
Ongoing

Monte Sereno General Plan Update Adoption Draft
Implementation Program | IP-5
Action # Action Responsible Agency Time Frame
appropriate agencies. Exercises should be designed to
test and upgrade various disaster response plans.

Los Gatos Emergency Service
Coordinator
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.

Director of Emergency
Services
City Manager
Ongoing
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.

Director of Emergency
Services
City Manager
Ongoing
HS-5.D Participate in upcoming Santa Clara County MultiJurisdictional Local Hazard Mitigation Plan preparation.

When future plans are adopted, update the Health and
Safety Element to incorporate the plan by reference.

City Manager
Santa Clara County Staff
2029
HS-5.E Collaborate with Caltrans in implementing the State Route 17 Resiliency and Adaptation Plan, as appropriate.

Caltrans Staff
City Manager
Ongoing
HS-5.F Collaborate with Los Gatos’ Emergency Services
Coordinator on emergency evacuation routes.

City Manager
Los Gatos Emergency Service
Coordinator
Ongoing
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.

Building Official Ongoing

ADOPTION DRAFT

GLOSSARY

CITY OF MONTE SERENO
Prepared by M-Group
July 20, 2026

Monte Sereno General Plan Update Adoption Draft
Glossary | G-1

10. GLOSSARY
This glossary explains the technical terms used in the Monte Sereno General Plan. Definitions come from several
sources, including existing Monte Sereno codes, the
California Office of Planning and Research and the
American Planning Association Glossary of Zoning,
Development and Planning Terms.

A. Abbreviations
ABAG Association of Bay Area Governments
ADA Americans with Disabilities Act
ADT Average daily trips made by vehicles or persons
in a 24-hour period
AMI Area Median Income
BAAQMD Bay Area Air Quality Management District
BMPs Best Management Practices
CAL FIRE California Department of Forestry and Fire
Protection
Caltrans California Department of Transportation
CDBG Community Development Block Grant
CERT Community Emergency Response Team
CEQA California Environmental Quality Act
CESA California Endangered Species Act
CHAS Comprehensive Housing Affordability Strategy
CIP Capital Improvement Program
CNDDB California Natural Diversity Database
CNEL Community Noise Equivalent
CUP Conditional Use Permit
dB Decibel
dBA A-Weighted Sound Level
DFW California Department of Fish and Wildlife
DTSC California Environmental Protection Agency,
Department of Toxic Substances Control
du/acre Dwelling units per acre
du Dwelling units
EOP Santa Clara County Operational Emergency Plan
EPA Environmental Protection Agency (US)
FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency
HCD California Department of Housing and
Community Development
LAFCo Local Agency Formation Commission
Ldn Day/Night Average Level
Leq Average noise levels
LOS Level of Service

Monte Sereno General Plan Update Adoption Draft
Glossary | G-2
MFI Median Family Income
NIMS National Incident Management System
NPDES National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System
NPG National Preparedness Guidelines
NRF National Response Framework
OES Santa Clara County Office of Emergency Services
PG&E Pacific Gas & Electric
PM2.5 Particulate matter, 2.5 microns or less in
diameter
PM10 Particulate matter, 10 microns or less in
diameter
PPM Parts per Million
RHNA Regional Housing Needs Allocation
RWQCB Regional Water Quality Control Board
SEMS Standardized Emergency Management System
sf Square footage
SOI Sphere of Influence
UBC Uniform Building Code
USA Urban Service Area
USFWS United States Fish and Wildlife Service
VMT Vehicle Miles Traveled
V/C Volume/Capacity
VTA Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority
WVC&R West Valley Collection and Recycling or West
Valley Recycles
WVSD West Valley Sanitation District
B. Terminology
Action
An action is a program, implementation measure,
procedure or technique intended to help achieve a specified goal. (See “Goal”)
Affordable Housing
Housing capable of being purchased or rented by a
household with very low, low, or moderate income, based on a household’s ability to make monthly payments
necessary to obtain housing. Housing is considered
affordable when a household pays less than 30 percent of its gross monthly income (GMI) for housing including
utilities.

Monte Sereno General Plan Update Adoption Draft
Glossary | G-3
Archaeological Resource
Material evidence of past human activity found below the surface of ground or water, portions of which may be visible above the surface.

Arterials
Major streets that primarily serve through-traffic and
provide access to abutting properties as a secondary
function. Arterials are generally designed with two to six travel lanes and have signals at major cross-street
intersections. This roadway type is divided into two
categories major and minor arterials.

Bicycle Lane (Class II facility)
A paved corridor expressly reserved for bicycles, existing on a street or roadway, with markings or lane stripes, in
addition to lanes for use by motorized vehicles.

Bicycle Path (Class I facility)
A paved facility, not on a street or roadway, expressly reserved for bicycles traversing an otherwise unpaved area.

Bicycle paths may parallel roads but are typically separated from them by landscaping.

Bicycle Route (Class III facility)
A facility shared with motorists and identified only by signs, a bicycle route has no pavement markings or lane stripes.

Bikeways
A term that encompasses “bicycle lanes” and “bicycle paths.” Built-out; Build-out
Land developed to its full potential or theoretical capacity as permitted under current or proposed planning or
zoning designations.

California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
Legislation and corresponding procedural components
established in 1970 by the State of California to require environmental review for projects anticipated to result in adverse impacts to the environment.

City Boundaries
The legal boundaries of the geographical area subject to the jurisdiction of the City of Monte Sereno government. For example, development applications for properties located within the City limits must be reviewed by the City.

Monte Sereno General Plan Update Adoption Draft
Glossary | G-4
Collectors
Collectors are streets that provide land access and traffic circulation within residential areas. They connect local streets to arterials and are typically designed with two travel lanes.

Community Noise Equivalent Level (CNEL)
A descriptor for the 24-hour A weighted average noise level.

The CNEL concept accounts for the increased acoustical
sensitivity of people to noise during the evening and
nighttime hours. Sound levels during the hours from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. are penalized 5 dB; sound levels during the hours from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. are penalized 10 dB. A 10 dB increase in sound level is perceived by people to be a doubling of loudness.

Conditional Use Permit
A permit authorizing a use not routinely allowed on a
particular site, subject to a public hearing. If approval is granted, the developer must meet certain conditions to
harmonize the project with its surroundings.

Creep
The imperceptibly slow, steady, downward movement of
slope-forming soil or rock.

Cultural Resources
Includes historic, archaeological and paleontological
resources, as well as human remains.

Decibel (dB)
A unit used to express the relative intensity of a sound as it is heard by the human ear. The lowest volume a normal ear can detect under laboratory conditions is 0 dB, the
threshold of human hearing. Since the decibel scale is
logarithmic, 10 decibels are ten times more intense and 20 decibels are a hundred times more intense than 1 db.
dBA
The “A-weighted” scale for measuring sound in decibels, which weighs or reduces the effects of low and high
frequencies in order to simulate human hearing. Every
increase of 10 dBA doubles the perceived loudness even
though the noise is actually ten times more intense.

Density, Residential (du/acre)
The number of permanent residential dwelling units per
acre of land.

Monte Sereno General Plan Update Adoption Draft
Glossary | G-5
Density Bonus
The allocation of development rights that allow a parcel to accommodate additional square footage or additional
residential units beyond the maximum for which the parcel is zoned, usually in exchange for the provision or
preservation of an amenity at the same site or at another location.

Development
The physical extension and/or construction of non-farm
land uses. Development activities include subdivision of land; construction or alteration of structures, roads, utilities and other facilities; grading; deposit of refuse, debris or fill materials; and clearing of natural vegetative cover (with the exception of agricultural activities).

Dwelling Unit (du)
The place of customary abode of a person or household,
which is either considered to be real property under State law or cannot be easily moved.

Element
California State Government Code Section 65302 requires each General Plan to contain seven separate “elements” that set goals, policies and actions for each mandated subject.

Topics can sometimes be combined or included into other elements, as allowed by State law.

Exaction
A contribution or payment required as an authorized
precondition for receiving a development permit; usually refers to mandatory dedication (or fee in lieu of dedication) requirements found in many subdivision regulations.

Fault
A fracture in the earth’s cruse that forms a boundary
between rock masses that have shifted.

General Plan
A compendium of City policies regarding its long-term
development, in the form of maps and accompanying text.

The General Plan is a legal document required of each local agency by the State of California Government Code Section 65301 and adopted by the City Council. In California, the General Plan has nine mandatory elements (Air Quality,
Circulation, Conservation, Environmental Justice Housing, Land Use, Noise, Open Space and Safety) and may include any number of optional elements the City deems important.

Monte Sereno General Plan Update Adoption Draft
Glossary | G-6
Goal
A description of the general desired results that Monte Sereno seeks to create through the implementation of the General Plan. Goals are included in each element of the Plan and may include the key physical or community
characteristics that the city and its residents wish to maintain or develop.

Greenhouse Gases
Gases in the atmosphere that trap the sun's energy and
thereby contribute to rising surface temperatures; include carbon dioxide (byproduct of burning fossil fuels), methane (from agricultural sources) and nitrous oxide (from
industrial sources).

Habitat
The physical location or type of environment in which an organism or biological population lives or occurs.

Impact Fee
A fee charged to a developer by the City according to the proposed development project, typically by number of
units, square footage or acreage. The fee is often used to offset costs incurred by the municipality for services and infrastructure such as schools, roads, police and fire
services, and parks.

Impervious Surface
Surface through which water cannot penetrate, such as a roof, road, sidewalk, and paved parking lot. The amount of impervious surface increases with development and
establishes the need for drainage facilities to carry the increased runoff.

Implementation
Actions, procedures, programs or techniques that carry out policies and goals.

Infill Development
Development that occurs on vacant or underutilized land within areas that area already largely developed.

In-lieu Fee
Cash payments that may be required of an owner or
developer as a substitute for a dedication of land for public use, usually calculated in dollars per lot, and referred to as in-lieu fees or in-lieu contributions. (See “dedication”)

Monte Sereno General Plan Update Adoption Draft
Glossary | G-7
Land Use
The occupation or utilization of an area of land for any human activity or any purpose.

Land Use Designation
One particular category in a classification series of
appropriate use of properties established by the General Plan Land Use Element.

Level of Service (LOS) Standard
A standard used by government agencies to measure the
quality or effectiveness of a municipal service, such as police, fire or library, or the performance of a facility, such as a street or highway.

Level of Service (Traffic)
A scale that measures the amount of traffic that a roadway or intersection can accommodate, based on such factors as maneuverability, driver dissatisfaction and delay. Level of service are usually described on a scale of A to F, as
described in the Circulation Element.

Liquefaction
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.

Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCo)
A five- or seven-member commission within each county
that reviews and evaluates all proposals for formation of special districts, incorporation of cities, annexation to special districts or cities, consolidation of districts and merger of districts with cities. Each county’s LAFCo is empowered to approve, disapprove or conditionally
approve such proposals.

Local Street
Local streets provide direct access to abutting residential properties as their primary function. In Monte Sereno, the majority of streets are local streets.

Noise Contour
A line connecting points of equal noise level as measured on the same scale.

Monte Sereno General Plan Update Adoption Draft
Glossary | G-8
Non-Conforming Use
A use that was valid when brought into existence, but no longer permitted by later regulation. “Non-conforming use” is a generic term and includes (1) non-conforming
structures (because their size, type of construction, location on land, or proximity to other structures is no longer
permitted); (2) non-conforming use of a conforming
building; (3) non-conforming use of a non-conforming
building; and (4) non-conforming use of land. Any use
lawfully existing on any piece of property that is inconsistent with a new or amended General Plan, and that in turn is a violation of a zoning ordinance amendment subsequently
adopted in conformance with the General Plan, will be a non-conforming use. Typically, non-conforming uses are
permitted to continue for a designated period of time,
subject to certain restrictions.

Parcel
A lot, or contiguous group of lots, in single ownership or under single control, usually considered a unit for purposes of development.

Policy
A specific statement of principle or of guiding actions that implies clear commitment but is not mandatory. A general direction that a governmental agency sets to follow, in order to meet its goals before undertaking an implementing
action. (See “Action”)
Riparian Corridor
A habitat and vegetation zone which is associated with the banks and floodplains of a river, stream or lake. Riparian trees and shrubs are typically phreatophytes, plants whose root systems are in constant contact with groundwater.

Sensitive Receptors
Uses sensitive to noise such as residential areas, hospitals, convalescent homes and facilities, and schools.

Sphere of Influence (SOI)
The probable physical boundaries and service area of the City, as determined by the Local Agency Formation
Commission (LAFCO) of the county.

Monte Sereno General Plan Update Adoption Draft
Glossary | G-9
Thoroughfare
Thoroughfares are roadways that accommodate higher
volumes of traffic at higher speeds. In Monte Sereno, these roads connect the City to adjacent communities.

Traffic Calming
Measures designed to reduce motor vehicle speeds and to encourage pedestrian and bicycle use, including
• Narrow streets
• Tight turning radii
• Parking bays
• Textured paving at intersections
Unincorporated Area
Encompasses properties that are located outside of cities.

Development in the unincorporated area is subject to
County jurisdiction.

Urban Service Area
Geographic planning areas that encompass all lands,
incorporated or unincorporated, intended to be urbanized and provided with urban services and infrastructure upon annexation to a city. USAs include lands currently urbanized and annexed to cities and provided with urban services, as well as unincorporated lands that a city intends to annex in order to develop those lands and provide them with urban services within five years.

Use
The purpose for which a lot or structure is or may be leased, occupied, maintained, arranged, designed, intended,
constructed, erected, moved, altered and/or enlarged in accordance with the City zoning ordinance and General Plan land use designations.

Vehicle Miles Traveled
The total amount of vehicular travel by the population of a specific area and is used to analyze potential air quality and greenhouse gas impacts. VMT is required to analyze
transportation impacts per CEQA guidelines.

Wastewater
Water that has already been used for washing, flushing, or in a manufacturing process, and therefore contains waste products such as sewage or chemical by-products.

Monte Sereno General Plan Update Adoption Draft
Glossary | G-10
Watershed
The region of land from which surface or underground
water drains into a river, river system or other body of water.

Wetland
An area that is inundated or saturated by surface water or groundwater at a frequency and duration sufficient to
support a prevalence of vegetation typically adapted for life in saturated soil conditions, commonly known as
hydrophytic vegetation.

Zoning
The division of a city or town by ordinance or other
legislative regulation into districts or zones, which specify allowable uses for real property and size restrictions for buildings constructed in these areas; a program that
implements the land use policies of the General Plan.

m-group.us 1275 4th Street, #265, Santa Rosa, CA 95404 707.540.0723 July 20, 2026
Diana Perkins
City Manager
City of Monte Sereno
Subject: City of Monte Sereno General Plan Update
California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
Exemption Applicability Memorandum
Dear Diana:

As requested, we have conducted environmental review in compliance with CEQA Guidelines Section 15061 (Review for Exemption) for the City of Monte Sereno General Plan Update (“Project”). Based on the findings of this review, we conclude that the Project was sufficiently analyzed under prior environmental reviews, no further environmental analysis is required under CEQA, and the project qualifies for exemption from further review. The following memorandum provides a summary of prior environmental reviews prepared for the 2008 General Plan and the 5th and 6th cycle Housing Elements; summarizes the General Plan Update (Project), describes the Project in relation to the prior environmental review, and analyzes the Project’s eligibility for use of the Common Sense and Class 8 Exemptions.

BACKGROUND
Prior Environmental Reviews
A Negative Declaration (SCH No. 2008102059) was previously prepared to evaluate potential environmental impacts associated with implementation of the 2008 Monte Sereno General Plan, which included updates to the Land Use, Housing, Circulation, Open Space and Conservation, Public Services and Facilities, and Health and Safety Elements. Consistent with State law, the city’s 5th cycle (2015-2023) Housing Element was adopted in 2015 and impacts associated with implementation were analyzed in a Mitigated Negative Declaration (SCH No. 2015042038). In 2025, the city’s 6th cycle (2023- 2031) Housing Element was adopted and impacts associated with implementation were determined to be exempt from further environmental review under CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3) (Common Sense Exemption) and Section 15332 (Class 32 In-Fill Development Projects).

The Health and Safety Element of the General Plan was recently updated and adopted on December 2, 2025 (Resolution 25-3944). Consistent with the requirements of State law, the updated Health and Safety Element included modifications 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. The updated Health & Safety Element was determined to be exempt from CEQA pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3) and Section 15308 (Actions By Regulatory Agencies For Protection Of The Environment).

PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Monte Sereno is located in western Santa Clara County adjacent to the Town of Los Gatos, City of Saratoga, and unincorporated Santa Clara County, and encompasses approximately 1.6 square miles.

m-group.us 1275 4th Street, #265, Santa Rosa, CA 95404 707.540.0723 The City of Monte Sereno is fully developed, consisting of single-family residential land uses (ranging from one to five dwelling units per acre), multi-family residential land uses (three to eight dwelling units per acre), public, and open space land uses. Any future development under the updated General Plan will occur within already-urbanized areas of the city. The Project involves updating the 2008 General Plan to:

Revise and clarify the community vision.

Add background and existing conditions information.

Modify the Land Use, Circulation, Open Space and Conservation, and Public Services and Facilities Elements to add new and modified goals, policies, and actions/programs that achieve compliance with California Government Code Section 65302, SB 743 (2013), SB 32 (2016), SB 1383 (2016), SB 1000 (2016), SB 100 (2018), SB 1425 (2022), AB 1279 (2022), AB 1857 (2022), and AB 1889 (2024).

Modify the recently adopted Health and Safety Element to adjust the Sphere of Influence boundary and refresh the text and policy framework to maintain overall accuracy and consistency across the General Plan.

Modify the Introduction, Guiding Principles, and Implementation Program chapters to ensure consistency across the General Plan.

In summary, the Project will retain 65 goals, policies and actions/programs, will modify 69 goals, policies and actions/programs, and will add 15 new policies and 6 new actions/programs. In addition, the General Plan Update includes minor modifications to other existing goals, policies, and actions/programs to fix grammar, update agency names, and revise policy framework numbering. The updated General Plan will not involve any land use or circulation changes that would result in direct, indirect, or reasonably foreseeable environmental impacts beyond what was previously analyzed in prior environmental documents.

PROJECT SUFFICIENTLY ANALYZED BY PRIOR ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW As previously stated, the City of Monte Sereno 2008 General Plan was adopted in December 2008 and reviewed for environmental impacts pursuant to CEQA. The updated policy framework does not alter land use designations, change circulation patterns, or increase development density and intensity that would result in indirect impacts, nor does it include new or modified goals, policies, or actions/programs that would result in reasonably foreseeable physical development beyond what is already considered in the current General Plan. Rather, the Project proposes to update the existing General Plan to comply with State law, minimize environmental damage, and maximize the City’s resiliency. The new and modified goals, policies, and actions/programs (such as those addressing green infrastructure, stormwater quality, and safe hazardous waste disposal) are protective in nature and will not result in changes to the physical environment. Consequently, the Project was sufficiently analyzed in prior environmental review and further environmental analysis is not required.

Furthermore, as detailed below, the Project qualifies for exemption from CEQA under Section 15061(b)(3) and 15308.

m-group.us 1275 4th Street, #265, Santa Rosa, CA 95404 707.540.0723

CEQA EXEMPTION APPLICABILITY
The following provides a discussion of the project’s eligibility for use of the Common Sense and Class 8 exemptions.
15061(b)(3) (Common Sense Exemption)
The Project involves updating the existing General Plan to achieve compliance with State law. The Project includes but is not limited to new or modified goals, policies, and actions/programs that support the protection of the environment by implementing sustainable practices, minimizing safety hazards, and restoring natural landscapes and resources. The General Plan Update will not result in direct or indirect physical development. As with current regulations, future discretionary actions are subject to environmental review pursuant to CEQA and would be required to comply with new, modified, and existing goals, policies, and actions/programs of the General Plan, which are designed to minimize environmental degradation and protect the environment from hazards including but not limited to climate change, wildfires, flooding, and hazardous materials and waste. As stated previously, the Project proposes minor modifications to the recently adopted Health and Safety Element to ensure consistency with other General Plan elements and represent an accurate Sphere of Influence boundary. As such, 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 thus the Project is exempt pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3).
15308 (Actions By Regulatory Agencies For 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 regulatory process involves procedures for protection of the environment.

As stated above, the Project will not result in direct or indirect physical changes to the environment, but rather involves updating the existing General Plan to comply with State law by modifying and establishing goals, policies, and actions/programs. These modified and newly established goals, policies, and actions/programs include but are not limited to educating the community on sustainable practices and programs, encouraging green infrastructure, managing traffic, encouraging agency and jurisdictional coordination, and reducing hazard risks and are intended to prevent natural and humanmade hazards from resulting in personal injury, loss of life, property damage, or environmental damage. Additionally, they intend to protect and restore the City’s natural landscapes and resources, increase biodiversity, support climate resiliency, and reduce climate change effects.

As previously stated, the Project does not involve physical development and any subsequent development would be subject to the General Plan Update’s goals, policies, and actions/programs, which support environmental protection by enhancing biodiversity, community-wellbeing, and climate resiliency. As such, the Project is eligible for categorical exemption pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15308.

Exceptions to Exemptions
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:

m-group.us 1275 4th Street, #265, Santa Rosa, CA 95404 707.540.0723 (a) 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.

Section 15300.2(a) does not apply to the Class 8 categorical exemption and therefore, this exception is not applicable.
(b) 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.

The Project involves updating the existing General Plan pursuant to State law including updating existing conditions and background information and providing new and modified goals, policies, and actions/programs that support climate resiliency, prevent natural and human-made hazards from resulting in personal injury, loss of life, property damage, or environmental damage, increase biodiversity, preserve and restore natural landscapes and resources, and reduce climate change effects. The Project does not involve physical development that would result in cumulative impacts, nor does it involve reasonably foreseeable physical development that would result in cumulative impacts. As with current regulations, future discretionary actions would be subject to environmental review and would be required to demonstrate consistency with the General Plan Update’s goals, policies, and actions/programs. As such, the Project will not result in cumulative impacts, and this exception does not apply.
(c) 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.

The Project does not involve any physical development that would have a significant effect on the environment due to unusual circumstances. The Project involves updating the existing General Plan with new background information and revisions to the policy framework, which consists of goals, policies, and actions/programs, in compliance with State law. Subsequent discretionary actions would be subject to environmental review and would be required to demonstrate consistency with the General Plan Update’s goals, policies, and actions/programs. As such, the proposed General Plan Update will not have a significant effect on the environment due to unusual circumstances, and this exception does not apply.
(d) 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.

Route 9 is within the City of Monte Sereno is an officially designated state scenic highway.1 As Route
9 goes east of the City of Monte Sereno, the designation changes to eligible. The Project does not involve any physical development. Furthermore, modified Policy LU-2.4 of the Project focuses on 1 California Department of Transportation, California State Scenic Highway System Map, https://caltrans.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=465dfd3d807c46cc8e8057116f 1aacaa, accessed April 9, 2026.

m-group.us 1275 4th Street, #265, Santa Rosa, CA 95404 707.540.0723 preserving scenic views. Since the Project does not involve physical development and there is a modified policy focused on preserving scenic views, the Project would not result in damage to scenic resources within a state scenic highway. As such, this exception does not apply. (e) 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.

The Project does not involve any physical development, including development on existing hazardous waste sites. As such, this exception does not apply.
(f) 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 Project does not involve any physical development nor does it propose new or modified goals, policies, or actions/programs that would facilitate the demolition or alteration of historic resources.

As such, the Project would result in a substantial adverse change in the significance of historic resources and this exception does not apply.

Consistent with SB 18, on July 30, 2025, the City of Monte Sereno sent formal notification to the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band, Amah Mutsun Tribal Band of Mission San Juan Bautista, Costanoan Rumsen Carmel Tribe, Indian Canyon Mutsun Band of Costanoan, Muwekma Ohlone Tribe of the SF Bay Area, Tamien Nation, The Ohlone Indian Tribe, and Wuksachi Indian Tribe/Eshom Valley Band. On August 14, 2025, the Indian Canyon Mustun Band of Costanoan requested to consult on the Project. The City entered into consultation with the Indian Canyon Mustun Band of Costanoan and as a result of consultation, the City added tribal history information to the General Plan Update Introduction and policies were incorporated to address the inclusion of educational events, resources, and continued tribal notification. On July 30, 2025, and August 1, 2025, individuals from the Muwekma Ohlone Tribe of the SF Bay Area requested to consult on the Project. The City entered into consultation with the Muwekma Ohlone Tribe of the SF Bay Area and as a result of consultation, a map of creeks and water bodies was added to the General Plan Update, policies were incorporated to address the inclusion of educational events, resources, and continued tribal notification, and tribal history information was added to the General Plan Update Introduction.

As stated above, the Project does not involve physical development. As such, there is no possibility that the Project will directly result in the accidental discovery of buried archaeological or tribal cultural resources. Additionally, through consultation with the Indian Canyon Mustun Band of Costanoan and the Muwekma Ohlone Tribe of the SF Bay Area, policies were refined to incorporate tribal involvement during incidents, emergencies, or actions that may affect tribal interests or protected sites, which will ensure protection of cultural and tribal cultural resources. Therefore, this exception is not applicable.

Conclusion
As provided above, the proposed General Plan Update is sufficiently analyzed by prior environmental review and no further environmental analysis is required under CEQA. In addition, the General Plan Update qualifies for exemption from further environmental review pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Sections 15061(b)(3) (Common Sense Exemption) and 15308 (Actions By Regulatory Agencies For

m-group.us 1275 4th Street, #265, Santa Rosa, CA 95404 707.540.0723 Protection of the Environment), and none of the exceptions to the use of a categorical exemption pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15300.2 apply.

Krystle Rizzi
Principal Planner
[email protected]
707-540-0723 x208

REFERENCES

1. California Department of Transportation, California State Scenic Highway System Map, https://caltrans.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=465dfd3d807c46cc8e80571 16f1aacaa, accessed April 9, 2026.

2. City of Monte Sereno, General Plan Update Adoption Draft

STAFF REPORT
Meeting: City Council - Aug 04 2026
Agenda Heading: NEW BUSINESS
Staff Contact: Gloisy Gonzalez-Langarica, City Clerk
Department: City Clerk
Title: Discuss and Consider the Nominees for Monte Sereno Citizen of the Year and Make an Appointment
Recommendation(s):

Staff recommends that the City Council consider the nominees for Citizen of the Year and make an appointment.

Background Information:

Quality Public Service and Community Engagement are the objectives of the Monte Sereno City Council. The Citizen of the Year award is intended to engage the community of Monte Sereno and offer an opportunity to honor an outstanding citizen.

On June 18, 2026, City staff sent a notification out to Monte Sereno residents calling for nominations for Monte Sereno Citizen of the Year. The nomination period ended on Friday July 24, 2026. The Citizen of the Year is typically selected by the City Council at the first meeting in August and introduced by the Mayor at the Monte Sereno Annual City Picnic. The annual picnic is scheduled for Sunday, August 23, 2026. The Monte Sereno Citizen of the Year will remain as Citizen of the Year until the next Citizen of the Year is appointed in August of 2027.

This year the City received two nominations. The nominations are attached to this report for review and consideration.

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.

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:

Citizen of the Year Nominee - Javed Ellahie
Citizen of the Year Nominee - Johann Jacob

18041Sumtoga—LosGntos
RoadMonteSereno, Califomla
950304299: City of MonteSereno 408.354.7635
www.cityo?nontesereuo.oxg
2026 Citizen of the Year Nomination Form
Do you know an outstanding Monte Sereno resident? An individualwho goes above and beyond the callto serve their community? ifyou do, please consider nominating your choice for Monte Serena "Citizenof the Year." The nominationperiod willbegin June 18, 2026, and end July 24, 2026. The City Council willreview all applications received and select the Citizen of the Year at the August 4, 2026, City Council Meeting. The Citizenof the Year willbe honored by the Mayor of Monte Serena at the annual Monte Sereno picnic August 23, 2026, 11:30am-2:00pm.

Please Print Clearly
Nominee information
First and last name til/Fri}? 9 gLLA—Hl?
Address:

City:

Zip Code:

Contact Number:

Email:

Nominator Information
Name of Nominator: L 0 U A Lat/V
Relation to Nominee: ¥€L4 "o u M c iL—M Fit
Email:

Contact Number:

Describe the nominee’s contributions, accomplishments and actions that qualifythem for this award.

Include theirspeci?c role and responsibilities:

Maw/y, M kWY 7 FW/L: <) 3: PIArTAPULSE [Li/tat? , To 0 vii. COMM wwrv k; MAYort + co uNcrLMeu, 3 ck Describe how this person’s activities have made an impact on, or a difference in, the Monte Sereno community? A—Poérrlue‘ 10L? MaDFL Four Mite’k by 1])??va Please state reasons why you believe this person should be recognized by the community for their contributions, positive in?uence, and role model qualities. ya? A3a v F‘
Nominations should be submitted to City Clerk either by e-mail to [email protected] or dron off in nerson at: 18041 Saratnna Lns Gatns Rnarl Mnnfg Snmnn CA 95030

2026 Citizen of the Year Nomination Form – Johann Jacob Page 1 2026 Citizen of the Year Nomination Form
Describe the nominee’s contributions, accomplishments, and actions that qualify them for this award. Include their specific role and responsibilities:

Johann Jacob has served the City of Monte Sereno as a Youth Commissioner for four consecutive terms (2022–2023, 2023–2024, 2024–2025, and 2025–2026), and as Chair of the Youth Commission in 2024–2025. As Chair, he led the Commission’s meetings, managed its activities, and guided the group toward its core mission of representing the voice of Monte Sereno’s youth. Under his leadership, the Youth Commission expanded its slate of community outreach activities for 2025.

His record of leadership extends well beyond City service. Johann is an Eagle Scout with Boy Scout Troop 2 in Los Gatos, which he has been a member of since February 2019. He rose through the troop’s leadership ranks – serving as Webmaster, Patrol Leader, Assistant Senior Patrol Leader, and ultimately Senior Patrol Leader, the troop’s highest youth leadership position, in which he was responsible for managing the entire troop. He completed the week-long National Youth Leadership Training along with several troop-level leadership courses.

Johann has also given back to younger students through STEM mentorship: he was a member of the Iron Claw Robotics Team at Los Gatos High School (2022–2024), served as Co-President of the Fisher Robotics Club (2020–2022), and currently mentors the Fisher Middle School robotics team, teaching middle school students coding and robotics.

Describe how this person’s activities have made an impact on, or a difference in, the Monte Sereno community:

Johann has contributed to Monte Sereno through his volunteer work at City Hall, working with our City Clerk on several projects, including archiving City documents. As part of his Eagle Scout service project, he designed and implemented a city-wide survey. Through his four years on the Youth Commission, and especially as Chair, he has given Monte Sereno’s young people a stronger and more organized voice in local civic life, and has increased the Youth Commission’s community outreach for 2024-2026.

His commitment to serving Monte Sereno has been consistent and genuine. Despite scheduling conflicts with his Boy Scout obligations, Johann made a point of attending Youth Commission meetings and activities, maintaining near-perfect attendance throughout his service. That reliability set the tone for the Youth Commission and ensured its work moved forward. His broader mentorship of local students in coding and robotics

2026 Citizen of the Year Nomination Form – Johann Jacob Page 2 has also strengthened the pipeline of engaged, capable young people in the Monte Sereno and Los Gatos community.

Please state reasons why you believe this resident should be recognized by the community for their contributions, positive influence, and role model qualities:

Johann Jacob embodies the qualities this award is meant to honor. He is a young leader who consistently chooses service over convenience: even when his commitments competed for his time, he showed up, took responsibility, and followed through – a standard reflected in his near-perfect Youth Commission attendance and his rise to the highest leadership positions in both the Youth Commission and his Scout troop. He does not simply participate; he leads, organizes, and lifts others up.

Equally important is how he invests in the next generation. By mentoring middle school students in robotics and coding, Johann multiplies his impact and models the kind of community-minded leadership Monte Sereno should celebrate. His contributions have already earned outside recognition: he was named Los Gatos Youth Citizen of the Year in 2024 for his community involvement across Los Gatos and Monte Sereno, and was interviewed by KCAT about that work.

Recognizing Johann as Monte Sereno’s Citizen of the Year would affirm the value the City places on youth leadership, civic engagement, and service – and would honor a resident who has already given a great deal to our community.

Johann would be one of our youngest Citizens of the Year, and would inspire other youth to become engaged in our community.

Johann is a truly deserving recipient of Citizen of the Year.

From: Lionel Allan
To: Gloisy Gonzalez-Langarica
Cc: Diana Perkins; Kirsten Powell
Subject: Javed Ellahie for Citizen of the Year
Date: Tuesday, August 4, 2026 5:44:11 PM
Dear Gloisy
Please add the following written communication to my nomination of Javed Ellahie to be Citizen of the Year.

Many thanks.

Lon Allan
Javed has been a resident of Monte Sereno since 1987 (almost 40 years) and has raised his 4 children here. One of his kids became one of the captains of the Los Gatos football team.

Javed was elected to the Monte Sereno city council where he served from 2018 to 2025 and
as it’s Mayor in 2022.

He also served, on behalf of Monte Sereno, on the Silicon Valley Clean Energy Commission, and was instrumental in moving the city to meet its climate and safety goals.

He also championed Monte Sereno joining the Santa Clara County Cities Association, where he ensured that the interests of small cities like Monte Sereno receive the same consideration as big cities. These efforts resulted in Monte Sereno having the same vote as the big cities.

Javed also worked to mitigate onerous state RENA requirements by promoting the ADU concept to meet zoning numbers.

He also promotes non profit organizations that aid and assist the needy in Monte Sereno and its surrounding areas, such as the West Valley Community Services.

He is an active member of Rotary and fully engaged in its goal of community service.

STAFF REPORT
Meeting: City Council - Aug 04 2026
Agenda Heading: NEW BUSINESS
Staff Contact: Gloisy Gonzalez-Langarica, City Clerk
Department: City Clerk
Title: Consideration of Applications and Appointment to Fill One (1) Vacancy on the Monte Sereno Site and Architectural Commission for an Unexpired Term Ending December 31, 2027
Recommendation(s):

Staff recommends the City Council consider the applicants who applied for the Site and Architectural Commission and appoint one applicant to the Monte Sereno Site and Architectural Commission for an unexpired term ending December 31, 2027.

Background Information:

On May 26, 2026, the City received the resignation of Donna Tam on the Site and Architectural Commission. Per California Government Code Section 54974, a Notice of Unscheduled Commission Vacancy (attached) was posted in the cabinet outside of City Hall, on the City's website, and was distributed on the City's various social media outlets. The Notice was posted no later than twenty (20) days after the vacancy occurred as required by law and final appointment to the Commission shall not be made by the City Council for at least ten (10) working days after posting.

The following applications were received:
 Mike Nugent
 Rick Knauf
 David Propach
The City did not receive any additional applications for the vacant position.

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:

Notice of Unscheduled Commission Vacancy
Application - Mike Nugent - Site and Architectural Commission Application - Rick Knauf - Site and Architectural Commission Application - David Propach - Site and Architectural Commission

NOTICE OF UNSCHEDULED COMMISSION VACANCY
Pursuant to Section 54974 of the California Government Code, NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that one (1) unscheduled vacancy has occurred on the SITE AND ARCHITECTURAL COMMISSION. The term period is through December 31, 2027. Applicants must be residents of the City of Monte Sereno and registered voters of the City of Monte Sereno and have background, experience, and/or interest in architecture, planning, construction, landscaping and knowledge of the City’s General Plan. Additional information regarding the appointment can be found at https://www.montesereno.org/2192/CityClerk or by contacting the City Clerk at [email protected]. To be considered for this vacancy, please complete a Commission Application and submit to the City Clerk.

This NOTICE was duly posted no later than twenty (20) days after the vacancy occurred as required by law. Final appointment to the Commission shall not be made by the City Council for at least ten (10) working days after posting this notice in the City Clerk’s Office.

June 2, 2026
Gloisy Gonzalez-Langarica
City Clerk
Docusign Envelope ID: 8291414C-CD23-8EE2-8362-69FF5D97D605

From: Mike Nugent
To: Gloisy Gonzalez-Langarica
Subject: Out of town
Date: Friday, July 24, 2026 2:52:21 PM
Hi Gloisy,
Thanks for your voicemail.

Please pass this message on to the City Council:

Monte Sereno City Council Members,
Unfortunately I am on a campervan trip in Alaska until mid August so will not be able to attend or call in to the City Council meeting on August 4th. All my questions were answered at the April 7th meeting and I am confident I know what is involved and expected on the Site and Architecture commission. If anyone has any further questions for me, please email me at [email protected] and I will try to respond prior to the meeting.

Thank you. I look forward to having the opportunity to serve on the commission.

Sincerely,
Mike Nugent
Thanks Gloisy!

City of Monte Sereno
Commission Application
Date Received: July 24, 2026
Applying for: Site and Architectural Commission
Name: Rick Knauf
Length of Residency: 26 years
Previously Held Elected or
Appointed Governmental
Positions:

N/A
Civic or Charitable Organizations
You Have Belonged To:

San Mateo County Economic Development Board 2016-2023; St. Mary's Catholic Church in Los Gatos - participant for 35 years.

Education: Santa Clara University, Bachelor of Science in Finance, Class of 1981.

Why do you want to be on the
selected Commission?:

I want to be part of the Architecural and Site Commission to give back to the community and further my involvment with the City of Monte Sereno. I also feel that this is an area that I can add value.

Tell us about your skills,
experience, or interests that
relate to the Commission that
you feel would assist us in
considering your application:

I have been in commercial real estate (brokerage) and residential development a combined 45 years with 7 of those years spent in the residential development business. Through the knowledge I have gained, I am well versed to read plans, understand building codes and planning issues when working with applicants.

Please list your current
commitments:

Full time work at Colliers and being a good husband, father, grandfather and son.

What strengths do you possess
that you believe will make you a
successful commissioner?:

Having been in residential development, I have an excellent understanding of plans, setbacks, variances, building codes and development standards to help make good decisions. I am a good listener, and enjoy working with people to help them meet their goals and objectives.

What do you see as the
important issues in Monte
Sereno?:

I want to see the City continue to have a fabulous quality of life, be a great place to live and see controlled growth.

What strengths do you possess
that you believe will make you a
successful commissioner?:

Having been in residential development, I have an excellent understanding of plans, setbacks, variances, building codes and development standards to help make good decisions. I am a good listener, and enjoy working with people to help them meet their goals and objectives.

What is your understanding of
the City's General Plan?:

I have reviewed the General Plan and understand that it is an overriding guide for the City of Monte Sereno. I also understand that the Housing Element is part of

the General Plan and the City needs to fullfill certain requirements for providing housing during the 8 year period.

How do you view the role of the
Site and Architectural
Commission?:

I view the role to review applications, visit the subject homes and understand what the homeowners are trying to achieve. We need to listen to the applicants as well as the neighbors and interested parties to arrive at good solutions.

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 will put aside my personal land use philosophy and design preferences with the goal of reaching concensus with applicants, neighbors and interested parties.

Please describe, as concisely as
possible, your basic
philosophical position regarding
past, present, and future growth
within the City of Monte Sereno:

I think growth in the City has been controlled responsibly while we have lived here and I believe this should continue while also meeting the needs and requirements of the Housing Element.

From: Knauf, Rick
To: Gloisy Gonzalez-Langarica
Cc: Knauf, Rick
Subject: Application for the Site and Architectural Commission Date: Friday, July 24, 2026 1:47:07 PM
Attachments:

To Ms. Gloisy Gonzalez and the members of the City Council of Monte Sereno:

I have submitted my application for the S&A Commission and am very interested in the open position. I wanted to apologize as I am not able to attend the Council meeting on August 4th as we have a family vacation planned during that week.

Lastly, I have looked at the calendar of meetings for the foreseeable future, and want to proactively let you know that the only meeting I am not available for is the Sept. meeting due to previous plans.

Thank you very much for your consideration.

Rick Knauf
Executive Vice President | Silicon Valley
CA DRE Lic. No. 00823386
Direct: +1 408 282 3840 | Mobile: +1 408 402 2161
225 W Santa Clara St., 10th Floor, Suite 1000 | San Jose, CA 95113 | USA View Privacy Policy

City of Monte Sereno
Commission Application
Date Received: July 24, 2026
Applying for: Site and Architectural Commission
Name: David Propach
Length of Residency: 19 years
Previously Held Elected or
Appointed Governmental
Positions:

N/A
Civic or Charitable Organizations
You Have Belonged To:

Boy Scouts of America (Assistant Scout Master for ~7 years in 2010s).

Education: Harvey Mudd College, B.S. Applied Physics, minor in Economics, 1987 Why do you want to be on the
selected Commission?:

I think I could positively contribute to its work.

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 remodeled, rehabilitated, and expanded over 70,000 SF of residential space I've owned over the past 30 years including 2 homes in Monte Sereno.

Please list your current
commitments:

I own and operate several companies, manage investments, and am an independent real estate broker.

What strengths do you possess
that you believe will make you a
successful commissioner?:

Significant construction experience over 30 years including multi-million dollar and multi-year projects on our 2 homes in Monte Sereno.

What do you see as the
important issues in Monte
Sereno?:

Keeping the overall character and feel of the community as consistent as possible while allowing necessary growth, improvements, and updating.

What strengths do you possess
that you believe will make you a
successful commissioner?:

Significant construction experience over 30 years including multi-million dollar and multi-year projects on our 2 homes in Monte Sereno.

What is your understanding of
the City's General Plan?:

I have general knowledge of it while working through various projects over the years. I understand it's in the process of a multi-year update as well.

How do you view the role of the I believe it would help review the General Plan and provide some useful input

Site and Architectural
Commission?:
during the multi-year General Plan update effort.

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 believe a consensus reached after collecting and reviewing all relevant input always generates the best possible results.

Please describe, as concisely as
possible, your basic
philosophical position regarding
past, present, and future growth
within the City of Monte Sereno:

Monte Sereno was founded with a goal of retaining lower density housing. This has become more challenging with recent state level housing density mandates.

It's important to meet all requirements well into the future while preserving the overall feel of the Monte Sereno community as much as possible.

STAFF REPORT
Meeting: City Council - Aug 04 2026
Agenda Heading: NEW BUSINESS
Staff Contact: Gloisy Gonzalez-Langarica, City Clerk
Department: City Clerk
Title: Designation of Voting Delegates and Alternates for the 2026 League of California Cities Annual Conference
Recommendation(s):

Staff recommends the City Council appoint a voting delegate and up to two voting alternates to attend the League of California Cities 2026 Annual Conference.

Background Information:

The League of California Cities is an association of cities within the State of California, founded in 1898. Most of the state's 482 cities, including Monte Sereno, are members of the League.

The League advocates for cities at the State Capital on a multitude of topics.

The Annual Conference is the League’s largest and most comprehensive educational event.

General sessions feature premiere keynote speakers, while breakout sessions allow city staff and elected officials to explore topics that fit their specific needs and areas of interest.

During the annual conference, the League conducts its annual business meeting where the membership considers and takes action on resolutions that establish League policy. The City Council of each member city is allowed to designate a city official to serve as the voting delegate and up to two alternates. The voting delegate is authorized to cast votes at the business meeting on various League policies. This year the Annual Conference is scheduled for September 23-25, 2026in Anaheim, California. Voting delegates and alternates must be submitted to the League no later than Tuesday, September 1, 2026.

At this time, Council Members Mekechuk and Toren have registered to attend the 2026 Annual Conference.

Fiscal Impact:

Conference registration is $725 per person for the three days for the voting delegate and any alternates. Additional charges will be incurred for airfare, hotel accommodations, and food allowances in accordance with the City’s policy.

Public Noticing:

The City Council’s agenda was posted at City Hall and the agenda and this report appeared on the City’s website.

Attachments:
2026 Voting Delegate Information Packet

1400 K Street, Suite 400, Sacramento, CA 95814 • 916.658.8200 • calcities.org DATE: Wednesday, May 13, 2026
TO: Mayors, Council Members, City Clerks, and City Managers RE: DESIGNATION OF VOTING DELEGATES AND ALTERNATES
League of California Cities Annual Conference and Expo, Sept. 23-25, 2026 Anaheim Convention Center
Every year, the League of California Cities convenes a member-driven General Assembly at the Cal Cities Annual Conference and Expo. The General Assembly is an important opportunity where city officials can directly participate in the development of Cal Cities policy.

Taking place on Friday, Sept. 25, 2026 the General Assembly is comprised of voting delegates appointed by each member city; every city has one voting delegate. Your appointed voting delegate plays an important role during the General Assembly by representing your city and voting on resolutions.

To cast a vote during the General Assembly, your city must designate a voting delegate and up to two alternate voting delegates, one of whom may vote if the designated voting delegate is unable to serve in that capacity. Voting delegates may either be an elected or appointed official.

Action by Council Required. Consistent with Cal Cities bylaws, a city’s voting delegate and up to two alternates must be designated by the city council. Please note that designating the voting delegate and alternates must be done by city council action and cannot be accomplished by individual action of the mayor or city manager alone.

Following council action, please submit your city’s delegates through the online submission portal by Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2026. When completing the Voting Delegate submission form, you will be asked to attest that council action was taken. You will need to be signed in to your My Cal Cities account when submitting the form.

Submitting your voting delegate form by the deadline will allow us time to establish voting delegate/alternate records prior to the conference and provide pre-conference communications with voting delegates.

Conference Registration Required. The voting delegate and alternates must be registered to attend the conference. They need not register for the entire conference; they may register for Friday only. Conference registration opens June 2.

For a city to cast a vote, one voter must be present at the General Assembly and in possession of the voting delegate card and voting tool. Voting delegates and Council Action Advised by September 1, 2026

alternates need to pick up their conference badges before signing in and picking up the voting delegate card at the voting delegate desk. This will enable them to receive the special sticker on their name badges that will admit the voting delegate into the voting area during the General Assembly.

Please view Cal Cities’ event and meeting policy in advance of the conference.

Transferring Voting Card to Non-Designated Individuals Not Allowed. The voting delegate card may be transferred freely between the voting delegate and alternates, but only between the voting delegate and alternates. If the voting delegate and alternates find themselves unable to attend the General Assembly, they may not transfer the voting card to another city official.

Seating Protocol during General Assembly. At the General Assembly, individuals with a voting card will sit in a designated area. Admission to the voting area will be limited to the individual in possession of the voting card and with a special sticker on their name badge identifying them as a voting delegate.

The voting delegate desk, located in the conference registration area of the Anaheim Convention Center, will be open at the following times: Wednesday, Sept. 23, 8:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. and Thursday, Sept. 24, 7:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m. On Friday, Sept. 25, the voting delegate desk will be open at the General Assembly, starting at 7:30 a.m., but will be closed during roll calls and voting.

The voting procedures that will be used at the conference are attached to this memo.

Please share these procedures and this memo with your council and especially with the individuals that your council designates as your city’s voting delegate and alternates.

Once again, thank you for submitting your voting delegate and alternates by Tuesday, Sept. 1. If you have questions, please contact Zach Seals at [email protected].

Attachments:
• General Assembly Voting Guidelines
• Information Sheet: Cal Cities Resolutions and the General Assembly

1400 K Street, Suite 400, Sacramento, CA 95814 • 916.658.8200 • calcities.org General Assembly Voting Guidelines

1. One City One Vote. Each member city has a right to cast one vote on matters pertaining to Cal Cities policy.

2. Designating a City Voting Representative. Prior to the Cal Cities Annual Conference and Expo, each city council may designate a voting delegate and up to two alternates; these individuals are identified on the voting delegate form provided to the Cal Cities Credentials Committee.

3. Registering with the Credentials Committee. The voting delegate, or alternates, may pick up the city's voting card at the voting delegate desk in the conference registration area. Voting delegates and alternates must sign in at the voting delegate desk. Here they will receive a special sticker on their name badge and thus be admitted to the voting area at the General Assembly.

4. Signing Initiated Resolution Petitions. Only those individuals who are voting delegates (or alternates), and who have picked up their city’s voting card by providing a signature to the credentials committee at the voting delegate desk, may sign petitions to initiate a resolution.

5. Voting. To cast the city's vote, a city official must have in their possession the city's voting card and voting tool; and be registered with the credentials committee. The voting card may be transferred freely between the voting delegate and alternates but may not be transferred to another city official who is neither a voting delegate nor alternate.

6. Voting Area at General Assembly. At the General Assembly, individuals with a voting card will sit in a designated area. Admission to the voting area will be limited to the individual in possession of the voting card and with a special sticker on their name badge identifying them as a voting delegate.

7. Resolving Disputes. In case of dispute, the credentials committee will determine the validity of signatures on petitioned resolutions and the right of a city official to vote at the General Assembly.

Sixty days before the
Annual Conference
and Expo, Cal Cities
members may submit
policy proposals on
issues of importance
to cities. The resolution must
have the concurrence of at least
five additional member cities or
individual members.

How it works: Cal Cities
Resolutions and the General Assembly
General Assembly
General Resolutions Policy Committees
Developing League of California Cities policy is a dynamic process that engages a wide range of members to ensure Cal Cities represents cities with one voice. These policies directly guide Cal Cities’ advocacy to promote local decision-making, and lobby against statewide policies that erode local control.

The resolutions process and General Assembly is one way that city officials can directly participate in the development of Cal Cities policy. If a resolution is approved at the General Assembly, it becomes official Cal Cities policy. Here’s how resolutions and the General Assembly work.

The petitioned
resolution is an
alternate method
to introduce policy
proposals during
the annual conference. The
petition must be signed by
voting delegates from 10% of
member cities, and submitted to
the Cal Cities President at least
24 hours before the beginning
of the General Assembly.

Petitioned Resolutions
The Cal Cities
President assigns
general resolutions
to policy committees
where members
review, debate, and recommend
positions for each policy proposal.

Recommendations are forwarded
to the Resolutions Committee.

Who’s who
The Resolutions Committee
includes representatives
from each Cal Cities
diversity caucus, regional
division, municipal
department, and policy
committee, as well as
individuals appointed by
the Cal Cities president.

Voting delegates
are appointed by each
member city; every city
has one voting delegate.

The General Assembly is a
meeting of the collective
body of all voting
delegates —one from
every member city.

Seven policy committees
meet throughout the year
to review and recommend
positions to take on bills
and regulatory proposals.

Policy committees include
members from each Cal
Cities diversity caucus,
regional division, and
municipal department,
as well as individuals
appointed by the Cal
Cities president.

During the General Assembly, voting delegates
debate and consider general and petitioned
resolutions forwarded by the Resolutions
Committee. Potential Cal Cities bylaws
amendments are also considered at this meeting.

Cal Cities policy
development is a memberinformed process,
grounded in the voices and
experiences of city officials
throughout the state.

For more information visit www.calcities.org/general-assembly Prior to the Annual Conference and Expo
Resolutions Committee
The Resolutions
Committee considers
all resolutions. General
Resolutions approved1 by
either a policy committee
or the Resolutions Committee are next
considered by the General Assembly.

General resolutions not approved, or
referred for further study by both a
policy committee and the Resolutions
Committee do not go to the General
Assembly. All Petitioned Resolutions
are considered by the General
Assembly, unless disqualified.2
During the Annual Conference and Expo
1 The Resolution Committee can amend a general resolution prior to sending it to the General Assembly. 2 Petitioned Resolutions may be disqualified by the Resolutions Committee according to Cal Cities Bylaws Article VI. Sec. 5(f).

STAFF REPORT
Meeting: City Council - Aug 04 2026
Agenda Heading: NEW BUSINESS
Staff Contact: Diana Perkins, City Manager
Department: City Manager
Title: Consideration of Support for the Diablo Canyon 2045 Coalition Recommendation(s):

Staff recommends that the City Council consider support for the Diablo Canyon 2045 Coalition.

Background Information:

Diablo Canyon Power Plant began operations in 1984 and is California's only operating nuclear power facility, providing carbon-free electricity and serving millions of homes. Located in San Luis Obispo County, the Plant is operated by Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E). Current legislation permits the plant to operate through 2030.

Diablo Canyon 2045 is an alliance of businesses, labor groups, and clean energy organizations that launched on April 23, 2026. The coalition urges California lawmakers to pass legislation extending the operations of the Diablo Canyon Power Plant to 2045.

Councilmember Mekechuk currently supports the coalition as an individual and in his capacity as a member of Silicon Valley Clean Energy. He is proposing that he also be able to support the coalition in his capacity as a City Council Member which requires City Council approval.

Councilmember Mekechuk has prepared the attached memorandum with information on the Diablo Canyon 2045 Coalition and how their efforts would benefit Monte Sereno.

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.

Fiscal Impact:

No fiscal impact is anticipated with this discussion.

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. Councilmember Mekechuk's Memo Regarding the Diablo Canyon 2045 Coalition

2. Diablo Canyon Photograph

Monte Sereno Coalition Benefits Memo.docx Page 1

MEMORANDUM
To: Diana Perkins, City Manager
From: Bryan Mekechuk, Councilmember
Date: July 21, 2026
Re: Benefits to the City of Monte Sereno of Joining the Diablo Canyon 2045 Coalition I. Purpose
At your request, this memo sets forth the benefits to the City of Monte Sereno of joining the Diablo Canyon 2045 Coalition, together with the considerations the Council should weigh. The Diablo Canyon 2045 Coalition advocates for legislation aligning state authorization that expires with in 2030 with the federal licenses, which have been extended to 2045. Membership carries no dues, no fiscal commitment, and no obligation of staff time.

The question before the Council is therefore not one of cost but of position: whether the City wishes to lend its name to an advocacy effort on a matter of state energy policy that directly affects the rates paid by our residents and the City itself.

My interest in this relates to my service on the Board of Directors of Silicon Valley Clean Energy (SVCE), which serves Monte Sereno and eleven other Santa Clara County jurisdictions. SVCE customers bear a portion of the statewide cost of Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Plant’s (DCPP) extended operations, and SVCE’s carbon-free portfolio content depends in part on allocations attributable to the plant. On March 11, 2026, the SVCE Board approved a position supporting extended operation of DCPP, and on April 2, 2026, SVCE transmitted legislative principles to its legislative delegation conditioning that support on provisions protecting ratepayer affordability.

On June 23, 2026, I toured the Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Plant (DCPP) with resident Terry McCarthy (SVCE Alternate Director) on a visit arranged by SVCE.

II. Background
Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Plant supplies roughly 9 percent of California’s in-state electricity generation and approximately 17 percent of its zero-carbon supply. On April 2, 2026, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission issued renewed federal operating licenses running to November 2044 for Unit 1 and August 2045 for Unit 2, following a full license renewal review that included a safety evaluation and a final supplemental environmental impact statement.

State law, however, presently authorizes operation only through 2029 and 2030 under Senate Bill 846 and extension beyond those dates requires an act of the Legislature. No extension bill has yet been introduced; Assembly Speaker Rivas has convened a working group of Assembly members to examine the question, and the California Energy Commission is separately directed under AB 2647 (Calderon), should it be enacted, to complete a comprehensive nuclear assessment by July 1, 2027.

The Diablo Canyon 2045 Coalition advocates for legislation aligning state authorization with the federal licenses. It comprises approximately 46 organizations — including the Bay Area Council, IBEW Local 1245, the California Farm Bureau, and clean-energy advocates — and roughly 70 elected officials from San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Merced, Madera, Fresno, Butte, Shasta, and other counties. The Coalition states that it is not funded by ratepayers.

From Santa Clara County the Coalition presently lists Supervisor Otto Lee and me.

Monte Sereno Coalition Benefits Memo.docx Page 2
III. Why This Matters Specifically to Monte Sereno
Monte Sereno is served by SVCE, with more than 270,000 customers in Santa Clara County. Two consequences follow, and they are the reason this is a local matter rather than a distant one.

First, our residents already pay for DCPP. The costs of extended operations are recovered through a nonbypassable charge imposed on all customers of the three large investor-owned utilities, expressly including community choice aggregation customers. The CPUC set that charge at $723 million statewide for 2025 and $382 million for 2026. Monte Sereno ratepayers contribute to those amounts whether or not the City takes a position, and they will continue to do so through 2030 regardless.

Second, our clean-energy content depends in part on the plant. A meaningful share of SVCE’s greenhouse-gas-free portfolio content derives from allocations attributable to DCPP. Retirement in 2030 would remove that allocation into a market in which firm zero-carbon supply is scarce and increasingly expensive, with the replacement cost ultimately borne by SVCE customers, including this City’s households and its own accounts for facilities, street lighting, and public works.

On March 11, 2026, the SVCE Board of Directors — on which I serve — approved a position supporting extended operation of DCPP, and on April 2, 2026, SVCE transmitted legislative principles to its delegation conditioning that support on provisions protecting ratepayer affordability: reasonable and competitive costs with fair cost and benefit allocation; inclusion of DCPP resources in statewide planning and procurement orders so that load-serving entities are not compelled to procure replacement resources for a plant that continues to operate; and market mechanisms permitting loadserving entities to resell or purchase DCPP allocations. A City position supporting extension would therefore align Monte Sereno with the adopted position of its own electricity provider.

IV. Benefits of Joining

1. Ratepayer cost avoidance.

Analysis by John E. Parsons of the MIT Center for Energy and Environmental Policy Research (Research Commentary RC 2026-03, April 2026), synthesizing the CPUC’s own RESOLVE modeling, finds present-value system cost savings for the 2031–2045 window of approximately $7.6 billion measured against the Commission’s Least-Cost Case, and approximately $20 billion measured against the Proposed Base Case incorporating AB 1373 procurement. The larger figure depends substantially on

4.5 gigawatts of offshore wind not being built. The $7.6 billion figure, on the order of $500 million per year, is the defensible floor. These are statewide system costs rather than a direct rebate to any city, but system costs are recovered from ratepayers, including our residents.

2. Grid reliability.

DCPP is the State’s largest single source of firm, around-the-clock generation, unaffected by weather or time of day. Its 2,240 megawatts materially reduce exposure to late-summer evening shortfalls when solar output falls and demand remains high. Reliable supply matters to every household in Monte Sereno and to the continuity of municipal and emergency operations.

3. Influence on the financial terms, not merely the outcome.

This is, in my view, the strongest reason to participate. The eventual legislation will turn on fee structures, cost allocation among load-serving entities, decommissioning trust treatment, and the disposition of surplus revenues — all matters within my professional experience. The existing SB 846 framework compensates PG&E through a fixed payment and a volumetric performance fee, and permits only PG&E-territory customers to benefit from any surplus revenue collection, while customers of Southern California Edison, San Diego Gas & Electric, and the community choice aggregators bear their share of the costs. Participation in the Coalition provides standing to press for correction of that

Monte Sereno Coalition Benefits Memo.docx Page 3
asymmetry from within the effort rather than from outside it. A City that is at the table when terms are drafted has more influence than one that comments afterward.

4. Civic voice for a small city.

The Coalition’s membership is concentrated in the Central Coast and Central Valley. Santa Clara County is represented by two officials. A small residential city that joins now is disproportionately visible and gives the Bay Area’s community choice aggregation perspective a presence it currently lacks.

5. No fiscal commitment.

Membership requires no dues, no contribution, and no indemnity. The City’s exposure is limited to the reputational consequences of the position itself. I am volunteering my time through SVCE and there is no incremental effort on my behalf.

V. Considerations and Limitations
Candor requires three qualifications, each of which the Council should have before it.

First, cost and reliability, not carbon, are the defensible grounds for the City’s support. The greenhouse gas benefit is smaller than commonly asserted. Earlier work estimated avoided emissions of roughly 7 million metric tons annually, but that estimate rested on a renewable-procurement mandate as the binding constraint. Under the CPUC’s current modeling, in which a greenhouse gas limit binds in either case, emissions are nearly identical whether or not DCPP operates..

Second, the savings figures are statewide system costs. They should not be presented as a specific dollar benefit to Monte Sereno or to its General Fund, which cannot be reliably quantified at the City level. The savings are trivial to a single household in Monte Sereno, but certainly add up in SVCE’s service territory and statewide.

Third, this is a state policy question outside the City’s jurisdiction. The Council should be satisfied that the ratepayer impact on our residents makes it a proper subject of municipal comment. In my judgment it does, on the same basis that cities routinely comment on utility rate proceedings.

VI. Disclosure and Recommended Action
For the record, I am presently listed on the Coalition’s website among elected officials under my City title. The City has adopted no position and, as disclosed, I have asked that the listing be annotated to show that I participate in an individual capacity and that my title appears for identification only.

I recommend that Council consider a resolution authorizing the City of Monte Sereno to join the Diablo Canyon 2045 Coalition, expressing support for extension of DCPP operations to 2045 conditioned on legislation that:
(i) compensates PG&E on a no-profit, cost-of-service basis rather than replicating SB 846 fee structure; (ii) allocates resource adequacy and greenhouse-gas-free attributes to all paying load-serving entities in proportion to cost responsibility;
(iii) makes excess-revenue rebates automatic and payable to all contributing customers; (iv) resolves the community funding and unitary tax issues carried by SB 931; and (v) provides full transparency to the data, assumptions and methodologies underlying the annual forecasts.

Conditions (ii) and, in substance, (i) and (iii) track SVCE’s adopted principles. A conditioned resolution supports the objective while protecting our residents’ interest in what the extension costs them.

STAFF REPORT
Meeting: City Council - Aug 04 2026
Agenda Heading: NEW BUSINESS
Staff Contact: Diana Perkins, City Manager
Department: City Manager
Title: Discuss How the City Uses Volunteers for Commissions and Committees Recommendation(s):

Staff recommends that the City Council discuss how the City uses volunteers for commissions and committees.

Background Information:

At the June 3, 2026 City Council meeting, Councilmember Toren requested this item be placed on an agenda to discuss how the City uses volunteers in the community and how the City engages the community for various commissions and committees.

Currently, the city has three commissions – the Site and Architectural Commission, Youth Commission, and Better Streets Commission. Additionally, the City Council has appointed residents to represent the city on the VTA Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee and as an alternate on the Silicon Valley Clean Energy board. The City Council has also established special committees for specific purposes and limited duration, most recently the Community Center Committee.

Any commission or committee appointed by the City Council is required to follow the open meeting requirements of the Brown Act. This requires public notice of meetings, posting of agenda, open meetings, preparation of meeting minutes, and limitations on commission/committee members communication outside of meetings.

When there is an open seat on a commission or committee, staff posts a notice on the city’s social media sites, emails a list of interested parties (over 700 emails are on this distribution), and puts the information on the city’s web page. Also, an article is placed in the Peaceful Mountain Monitor newsletter when timing allows. Once the application period has ended, the applications received are considered by the City Council at a City Council meeting and the Council selects and appoints applicants to the open seats.

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.

Fiscal Impact:

No fiscal impact is anticipated with this discussion. Based on direction from Council, additional staffing impacts or consultant services may be needed.

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.

STAFF REPORT
Meeting: City Council - Aug 04 2026
Agenda Heading: NEW BUSINESS
Staff Contact: Diana Perkins, City Manager
Department: City Manager
Title: Consider and Accept the City Manager's Quarterly Report Covering April 1, 2026 through June 30, 2026
Recommendation(s):

Staff recommends that the City Council consider and accept the City Manager's report 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. City Managers Quarterly Report April-June 2026

City Manager’s Highlights
April – June 2026
Wimberly Walkway Maintenance
The Wimberly Walkway is a pedestrian path that connects the end of Zena Avenue with Eaton Lane. Maintenance of the path is the responsibility of the City. Staff recently received feedback that the walkway was in need of maintenance. The City’s contract gardener who services the City Hall property will also maintain the landscaping at the Wimberly Walkway.

Staff will also assess the existing facilities at the Wimberly Walkway to determine if other maintenance is necessary and how the path complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessibility requirements.

Santa Clara County Civil Grand Jury Reports
The Santa Clara Civil Grand Jury has recently issued the following two reports that affect the City of Monte Sereno:

Pothole Damage: Improving claims processes within Santa Clara County (Issued June 12, 2026) https://santaclara.courts.ca.gov/system/files/civil/pothole-damage-improvingclaims-processes-within-santa-clara-county.pdf VTA’s Management and Oversight of BART Silicon Valley Phase II (Issued June 17, 2026) https://santaclara.courts.ca.gov/system/files/civil/vtas-management-and-oversightbart-silicon-valley-phase-ii.pdf When a Grand Jury report requests a response from a public agency, California Penal Code Sections 933 and 933.05 establish the response timing and content requirements. The City is required to submit comments within 90 days of the issuance date of the report. The recommended responses to these two Grand Jury reports are scheduled for consideration by the City Council at the September 1, 2026 regular Council meeting.

Building Permit Activity
Building permit activity for the past three months was as follows:

April – June 2026 Same Range
Last Year
Permits/Inspections
Building Permits Issued 61 70
Construction Valuation $11,544,067 $9,865,379
Building Permit Revenue $317,178 $265,073
Inspection Completed 242 198

Grant Funding
Potential grant funding opportunities have recently been mentioned at Council meetings this year. Grants are offered by local, regional, state, and federal agencies. Staff does monitor grant opportunities and looks for opportunities that would be applicable and beneficial to the City.

Grant application processes can be complex and time-consuming for staff to complete. And funding is often awarded to larger jurisdictions with projects that impact a larger segment of the community and who have staff dedicated to grant sourcing and grant writing. Without these resources, smaller jurisdictions, such as Monte Sereno, must prioritize their highest need and focus staff resources on opportunities that support the services and projects the City is required to provide. Grants, even If awarded, for programs that are beyond the City’s scope of services take away staff time from providing our core services.

Over the past several years, the City has been awarded one-time grants including:

Local Early Action Program from the State of California – In 2023 the City received a reimbursement for $65,000 towards the consultant costs for the development of the 6th Cycle Housing Element, which required updated due to State law.

Regional Early Action Program from the Association of Bay Area Governments - In 2023 the City received a reimbursement for $20,000 towards the consultant costs for the development of the 6th Cycle Housing Element, which required updated due to State law.

SB2 Planning Grant from the State of California – in 2023 the City received $160,000 in reimbursements for costs to develop the city’s Objective Design Standards for ministerial panning projects as well as towards the cost of developing the electronic building and planning permit tracking system. These two projects were required in order to respond to State legislation to streamline housing permitting.

California Automated Permit Process Program from the State of California – In 2024 the City received $40,000 in reimbursements for the cost to automate the permit processing for the installation of photovoltaic systems and for back-up energy storage batteries. The implementation of an automated permit processing program for photovoltaic systems and for back-up energy storage batteries was mandated by State legislation SB 379.

Prop 68 California Parks Grant – In 2021 the city was awarded two grants from the California Department of Parks and Recreations totaling $180,171. The original purpose of these grants was for the remodel of the City Hall Auxiliary Building into a community center. When Council tabled that project due to the costs, staff was able to obtain approval to re-direct the grant funds to be used for the Green Stormwater Infrastructure project that is required at City Hall as part of the stormwater regulations. This project would redesign some landscape and hardscape areas at City Hall to provide additional required stormwater retention onsite. Staff anticipates bidding for this project in the current fiscal year.

Following is a description of other grants offered as well as how each is applicable to Monte Sereno.

Valley Transportation Authority (VTA)
The VTA provides many funding opportunities for local jurisdictions. These funding opportunities are offered in both non-competitive or competitive grants. The non-competitive grants are

funding allocations made to each jurisdiction based on population. The VTA uses population estimates published annually by the California Department of Finance. Alterative local population estimates would not be considered by the VTA.

Competitive grants are available for other funds. Competitive grants require jurisdictions with a qualifying project to submit an application and the VTA considers the applications and selects which projects will be funded.

Following is a summary of the grant opportunities through VTA.

Transportation Development Act Article 3 (TDA 3) Program (Non-Competitive) These funds come from a 0.25% State-wide sales tax. State law sets aside about 2% of these funds for bicycle and pedestrian projects. In Santa Clara County, these funds are distributed to jurisdiction by the VTA based on population.

Monte Sereno is allocated approximately $6,000 to $7,000 annually in TDA 3 funds.

Funds not spent each year are banked by the VTA. Monte Sereno currently has approximately $24,000 in unspent funds. Historically, Monte Sereno has banked these funds for about four years to have sufficient funding of a small project. Staff anticipates use of these funds in 2027 signage and striping improvements near Daves Elementary School.
2016 Measure B Funds for Bicycle and Pedestrian Education and Encouragement(NonCompetitive) This funding comes from a 0.5% Santa Clara County sales tax which was approved by voters in 2016. These funds can be used to support activities, development and distribution of materials that are designed to:
(i) promote, educate, and/or encourage safe walking or bicycling for residents or visitors of every age and ability;
(ii) communicate to residents and visitors the benefits of walking and bicycling and
(iii) communicate to school children, residents, and visitors the rights and responsibilities of pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorists.

These funds are for educational and encouragement activities and not for construction or maintenance of bicycle or pedestrian facilities.

Monte Sereno is allocated $10,000 annually. Monte Sereno has allocated these funds in the past to the Los Gatos Monte Sereno Safe Routes to School program to support bicycle safety education. As funds have not been fully spent, there is currently about $80,000 in banked funds.
2016 Measure B Funds for Local Streets and Roads (Non-Competitive) This funding comes from the 2016 Measure B 0.5% Santa Clara County sales tax which was approved by voters in 2016 as well as Vehicle Registration Fee funds which are allocated to the local jurisdiction.

These funds can be used to support the annual street pavement maintenance program.

Monte Sereno is allocated approximately $200,000 annually for this funding. An annual street pavement project was not completed in Fiscal Year 2025/2026 as staff is planning to complete one project in later 2026 which would use funds from Fiscal Year 2025/2026

as well as Fiscal Year 2026/2027. The reason for a two-year project is to see if we realize cost savings on the mobilization or overheard costs. As Monte Sereno’s annual street pavement maintenance work is a small scope relative to other jurisdiction; however, the contractor must still do a significant amount of mobilization to prepare for the project. In the past, the mobilization costs for the annual pavement management work were about half of the total cost. Staff anticipates with a larger scope of work the mobilization costs will be a smaller portion of the overall cost.

One Bay Area Grant Cycle 4 (OBAG 4) (Competitive Grant) This grant is funded through federal gas taxes. A strong priority is placed on projects located with a designated Priority Development Aera (PDA) or Transit-Oriented Community (TOC). Monte Sereno is not located within either of these areas.

Transportation Fund for Clean Air (TFCA) 40% Fund (Competitive Grant) This grant funding is obtained through a $4 surcharge added to annual vehicle registrations in the Bay Area and is to be used to reduce air pollution from motor vehicles. Projects eligible for these funds include first- and last-mile connections, trip reduction pilots, and bicycle infrastructure that reduce greenhouse gas emissions. These types of projects are not applicable for Monte Sereno.

Transit Oriented Communities Program (Competitive Grant) This grant funding has been designated by the VTA. Projects eligible for these funds include those that implement equitable Transit-Oriented Communities and remove barriers to safe, walkable, healthy, resilient, and thriving neighborhoods next to transit.

As such, the grants fund specific activities that increase transit ridership, reduce the need for car trips, support intensive mixed-use, mixed-income development around light rail, commuter rail stations and transit hubs, and strengthen communities. These types of projects are not applicable for Monte Sereno.

Silicon Valley Clean Energy
Silicon Valley Clean Energy (SVCE) recently had two grant opportunities open to member agencies. Both grants were focused on electrification projects; one was a competitive grant and other non-competitive.

Staff submitted an application for the competitive grant; however, the funding was not awarded.

For the non-competitive grant, Monte Sereno was awarded approximately $140,000 in funding to install photovoltaic panels with back-up batteries on the City Hall building. Staff anticipates completing this project during the current fiscal year.

West Valley Collaboration for Homeless Needs Assessment In April 2025, the City Council approved Resolution 25-3925 entering into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the four other West Valley cities to formalize collaborative efforts to conduct a feasibility study related to potential temporary and emergency housing facilities. The study was funded by the City of Campbell.

The West Valley Homeless Services Feasibility Study was completed in January 2026 and analyzes potential policy and program responses to address homelessness in the West Valley area. The study notes that while homelessness is a complex problem, investing in proven

strategies can have considerable positive impact on people experiencing homelessness and the community at large.

On May 5, 2026, the City Council received the study and adopted a resolution with the intent to participate with the West Valley cities in implementing the findings. At that meeting, the City Council also emphasized the desire to implement programs sooner than later and to limit the amount of time and resources discussing implementation.

The next steps in implementing some identified programs was discussed at the June 24, 2026 West Valley Mayor’s and Managers meeting. The Mayor’s were in agreement that any program implementation should occur as quickly as possible. This will be discussed by the group in August and a plan is expected to be suggested for consideration by each City.