The Public Record — Joint Meeting for the Rules and Open Government Committee and Committee of the Whole, January 8, 2025

RULES COMMITTEE: 1/08/2025
Item: B.1
File ID: ROGC 25-015
TO: Honorable Mayor & FROM: Toni J. Taber, MMC
City Council City Clerk
SUBJECT: The Public Record DATE: January 8, 2025
December 5, 2024 – January 2, 2025

ITEMS FILED FOR THE PUBLIC RECORD
Letters from Boards, Commissions, and Committees

1. Letter from Climate Advisory Commission, December 19, 2024, regarding: Climate Advisory Commission Recommendation Letters.

Letters from the Public

2. Letter from Sergon Attisha, dated December 7, 2024, regarding: Request for Inclusion of Chynoweth Avenue in the Oversized and Lived-In Vehicle Pilot Program.

3. Letter from Joyce Tachner, dated December 8, 2024, regarding: safety on our public streets'.

4. Letter from Jordan Moldow, dated December 9, 2024, regarding: Vision Zero Action Plan 2025 – Open Letter.

5. Letter from Pacific Gas and Electric Company, dated December 9, 2024, regarding:

NOTICE OF PACIFIC GAS AND ELECTRIC COMPANY’S REQUEST TO INCREASE RATES FOR ITS 2024 WILDFIRE MITIGRATION AND
CATASTROPHIC EVENTS APPLICATION (A.24-11-009).
6-9. Letters from two members of the public, dated December 15-17, 2024, regarding:

ENCAMPMENT ON GREAT OAKS.

Rules and Open Government Committee
Januray 8, 2025
Subject: Public Record

Page 2 ends

10. Letter from Kendra O’Donoghue, dated December 18, 2024, regarding: Letter to City Council Re: Animal Shelter.

11. Letter from Francois Gauthier, dated December 19, 2024, regarding: Appeal to Remove Homeless Encampment.

12. Letter from David Vieira, dated December 23, 2024, regarding: Letter in support of David Pandori for interim D3 seat.

13. Letter from Barbara Gallaty, dated December 30, 2024, regarding: Big Rigs Parked on Las Colinas San Jose CA 95119.
____________________________
Toni J. Taber, MMC
City Clerk
TJT/tt

Data by Bret Andersen & Bruce Hodge of Carbon Free Palo Alto has shown that the commonly available heatpump selection would still be quite restricted by the current(Nov 3) 55 dBA limits.

For these reasons, along with the importance of facilitating electrification to reach our climate goals, we strongly encourage Palo Alto to establish property boundary noise targets of 60 dBA, for heatpump sideyard installations for inverter heatpumps and especially for properties with restricted sideyards of 8 feet or less.

Thank you for your consideration.

Glen Garfunkel
Climate Reality Project - Silicon Valley Chapter (Co-Chair) https://www.climaterealitysiliconvalley.org/
Begin forwarded message:

Sept 25, 2023
Re: Proposed Amendments to Municipal Code Concerning Noise Ordinances and Heat Pump Setbacks
Honorable Members of the City Council of Palo Alto,
There needs to be a suitable balance between important electrification goals and worst case noise concerns. Sideyard placement for heat pumps (suitcase footprint style) is preferable for many home owners with common lot sizes, and accommodating this placement will facilitate adoption of heat pumps. But noise ordinances which are overly conservative will unnecessarily impede the adoption of heat pumps. We believe the proposed noise ordinance is too conservative in two respects.

First, it does not make accommodations for ‘inverter' type heat pumps, which generally operate at conditions much quieter than their dBA noise value, which by definition is the worst case noise value. Inverter heat pumps have variable speed fans (and compressors) and rarely operate at 100% speed. Non-inverter heat pumps, on the other-hand, are either 100% on (full speed) or completely off. While non-inverter heat pumps regulate building temperature by toggling on(100%) and off(0%), inverter heat pumps can vary heat (or cooling) delivery continuously, and will modulate down to match the load, and normally operate well under 100% speeds(capacity). At reduced speeds, inverter heat pumps can easily be 5dBA or more quieter than at the full speed(dBA). (’Night mode’ and fan speed limits exist in some models explicitly for noise reduction purposes.)
This inverter heat pump issue is referenced briefly in staff introduction to the proposed ordinance, but the ordinance so far does not address this. We strongly encourage Palo Alto to address this and relax the noise requirements for inverter heat pumps to strike a more reasonable balance between rare low occurrence noise issues, and electrification goals.

Our second point of concern is that regardless of heat pump types, the noise requirements appear overly conservative. The ordinance seeks to maintain a noise level of less than 50dBA at the property line nearest the heat pump, and imposes heat pump noise limits of 53dBA for a setback of 5 feet from the property line, and further setback limits for slightly higher noise cases. But normal speech can measure around 60dBA, and cabin noise levels inside a car at normal speeds are typically in the ballpark of 65-70dB(A). We experience these levels everyday.

While Palo Alto here is seeking to keep noise under 50dBA at the property line other communities have different higher noise limits. From a brief search we find Portland OR targets at 55dbA, numerous cities target 60dBA, Houston TX targets 65dBA, and it appears Chicago may have limits over 70dBA (daytime noise limits). We suspect there are very few (if any) appropriate heat pumps that would meet these proposed dbA limits, and the ordinance impact would be to severely limit and delay the installations, force homeowners to install in front or back yards, and frustrate them in the process. In practice heat pumps are installed in various other communities in sideyards with 5-8feet of space, with little known issue.

There are a few other factors too that should be pointed out that support higher noise limits.

Noise levels drop 6dB with the doubling of distance, so for example a 56dbA heat pump placed at 6.0feet from property line would just fail the ordinance(50dB at property line), but measured at only another 6 feet into the neighbor's property, it’s noise level would be down to 44-45dBA, which is very low. The basic point is that noise levels decay strongly with 'doubling distance', so for heat pump placement in sideyards close to the property line, eg at 5 feet, then the doubling distance is only 10feet, and the zone of elevated noise in the neighbor's property is exceedingly small. (This is not true if the noise source is say 50feet from property line, and it's noise value reaches 50dBA at the property line: here one need to go 50feet into the neighbors property to reach the additional 6dB drop in noise.). Sideyard placement is important, and we feel this consideration of the short spatial extent of the noise further supports additional relaxation of the ordinance.

There is another detail worth noting. Heat pumps will run strongest when it is very hot or very cold, but that is exactly when people tend to keep their house windows closed. So in practice, at least for indoor noise (from the outdoor unit), on average, this will tend to additionally reduce noise levels that residents are exposed to.

For sideyard installations we propose that the ordinance target to reach 60dBA at the property edge.

Due to the importance of the electrification efforts in addressing our climate goals, we feel every effort should be made to assure that the ordinances facilitate heat pump installations and do not unnecessarily restrict them. We appreciate your review and consideration of these issues.

Sincerely,
Glen Garfunkel, Co-Chair, Climate Reality Project - Silicon Valley Chapter Adam Sweeney, Co-Chair, Climate Reality Project - Silicon Valley Chapter Debbie Mytels(Palo Alto Resident), Decarbonization Action Director, Climate Reality Project - Silicon Valley Chapter.

From:

To:

Subject:

Date:

Attachments:

FYI
Begin forwarded message:

Hi All,
Thanks for your work on this important ordinance which has an outsize impact upon the ability of Palo Alto to electrify and meet its 80/30 climate goals.

First we offer two different spreadsheets, then a proposal.

The document Sound levels in side yards essentially provides the reverse relationship established by the proposed ordinance - for a given allowed noise level (in dBA) at the property line it lists the maximum sound levels for any device given its distance from the property line. We’ve listed values in 1 ft increments starting at 3’ from the property line and ranging up to 10’ away. It’s quite easy to extend the table to have a finer granularity of distances or a greater range. This table is populated using the formula referenced by this resource and assumes that the maximum sound levels provided by the manufacturer are measured at 3’ from the device. The table in the proposed ordinance makes the same assumption.

Looking at the lines in the table for 55 dBA as the maximum allowed noise (starting at line 18), one can see that a device located at 3’ from the property line would have to be rated at 55 dBA or less. This is essentially the situation for all 6’ side yards (we allocate a 3’ wide zone for a device sited next to the building wall). If you have a 8’ side yard then you can locate the device 5’ from the property line and your device can emit up to 59.4 dBA. So 55 dBA for inverter units is better than before, but it’s still problematic for 6’ side yards. The reason for that is that not many devices have sound levels low enough to qualify.

HP HVAC Noise Levels shows data from a survey of maximum noise levels of heat pump inverter condensers from various primary manufacturers. The range of maximum noise levels is approximately 48-68 dBA. Based on our limited survey and incorporating some amount of guesswork, we estimate that only about a third of the units we surveyed qualify at the 55dBA property line limit in 6’ setback yards.

If that limit is raised to 60dBA at the property line, then about half of the units would qualify in 6’ setback yards.

We also note that manufacturers vary in the way the measure and disclose levels, some provide a minimum sound level (e.g. Bryant / Carrier) in brochures and maximums only in their data sheets. Some values in the table and graphs are extrapolated in those cases. We did not check every model in every range but we attempted to capture the low and high capacity, which generally corresponds to lower to higher max noise levels for units within a given model range. We would actually be in favor of disallowing devices where the manufacturer does not provide maximum noise levels. It would also be helpful if all manufacturers disclosed their methodology for obtaining the maximum sound levels.

In light of this data, we propose adding a third table that allows up to 60 dbA at the property line for inverter based units in 6’ setback yards. This could be conditional such that if about half of available units eventually qualify under the 55 dBA limit, then the 60 dbA limiit would be retired.

We’re in favor of moving ahead with the current 55dBA limit for inverter units for now to allow projects that have been put on hold to proceed. Then staff should come back in 3 months or less with further analysis and either accept our proposal or make a counter proposal that would allow a greater choice of inverter units in 6’ side yards.

Thanks for your attention to this and happy to answer questions or meet.

Best,
Bruce Hodge
Bret Andersen
Carbon Free Palo Alto

Lastly, please note the recent announcement of a goal to install 20 million heat pumps in the US by 2030: https://rmi.org/what-a-20-million-heat-pump-commitment-meansfor-the-us/. This is mainstream activity now.

Thanks and hope to hear from you shortly as we understand this is coming to council on Oct 2nd.

Sincerely,
Bruce Hodge - Chairperson
Bret Andersen - Board member
Carbon Free Palo Alto
Carbon Free Silicon Valley

From:

To:

Cc:

Subject:

Date:

There are a few other factors too that should be pointed out that support higher noise limits.

For sideyard installations we propose that the ordinance target to reach 60dBA at the property edge.

Richard Heath & Associates, Inc.
rhainc.com
Submitted by:

Submitted to:

Silicon Valley Clean Energy
333 W. El Camino Real, #330
Sunnyvale, CA 94087
Last Updated: May 17, 2024
SILICON VALLEY CLEAN ENERGY | CONSIDERATIONS WHEN SITING OUTDOOR MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT i

PREFACE
Acknowledgments
The authors would like to express our deepest gratitude and recognize the contributions of individuals who have supported the development of this guide. This work would not be possible if it were not for the contributions from: Anthony Eulo with SVCE; Shaunn Mendrin, Aastha Vahist, Suzanne Park and George Schroder with the City of Sunnyvale; Jennifer Armer and Robert Gray with the Town of Los Gatos; Sam Fishman and Wen Yang with SPUR; Sean Hatch with the City of Cupertino; Bruce Hodge and Bret Anderson with Carbon Free Palo Alto; Tom Kabat with Redwood Energy; the AWHI equity committee; Geoff Wickes with Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance; Scott Blunk with SMUD; Caren Ferrari with ASF Electric; Steve Israel and Allan Rago with Quality Conservation Services; Scott Lovotti and Brian Thomspon with Lovotti Air Inc.; Dave Graves with Simple Switch; Aaron Gianni and Alejandro Perez with Larratt Brothers Plumbing; and SFPUC Power Enterprise.

About SVCE
Silicon Valley Clean Energy (SVCE), a Community Choice Energy agency, was formed as a Joint Powers Authority in 2016 and now serves approximately 270,000 residential and commercial electricity customers across a service area comprised of the following 13 communities: Campbell, Cupertino, Gilroy, Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, Los Gatos, Milpitas, Monte Sereno, Morgan Hill, Mountain View, Saratoga, Sunnyvale and Unincorporated Santa Clara County. 97% of electricity customers in SVCE’s service area receive their electricity from SVCE. SVCE was formed with the primary intention to address climate change through a variety of services provided to residential and business customers.

Since SVCE-provided energy is significantly less carbon-intensive than both general grid power and methane gas combustion, much of SVCE’s work has centered on encouraging and supporting building electrification.

About RHA
Richard Heath & Associates, Inc. (RHA) is a Minority Business Enterprise and leading California program design and management firm, specializing in delivering equitable access to energy efficiency, resiliency and beneficial decarbonization. Founded in 1980, RHA’s earliest initiatives included partnering with a California utility to pioneer one of the state’s first income-qualified energy efficiency programs. RHA has since built on this legacy and operates over 50 programs as a program administrator/implementer, government and utility technical consultant and training organization. This work has helped lead over 2.7 million Californians to more efficient, cleaner energy solutions, healthier homes and lower utility bills.

Disclaimer
The information presented in this document serves as a general guide for building code compliance and is for informational purposes only. The content herein does not constitute legal advice. Always consult licensed professionals regarding the details of any construction project. Richard Heath & Associates Inc. disclaims any expressed or implied warranty of the information provided herein, including any warranties of merchantability and/or fitness for a particular purpose of this content.

SILICON VALLEY CLEAN ENERGY | CONSIDERATIONS WHEN SITING OUTDOOR MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT ii

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Preface ............................................................................................................ i Purpose .......................................................................................................... 1 What’s Included ............................................................................................... 1 Background ..................................................................................................... 1 Section 1: Recommendations for Code Updates ..................................................... 2

1.1 Procedural Recommendations................................................................. 3

1.2 Ordinance Recommendations ................................................................. 3 Section 2: Specific Recommendations and Examples .............................................. 6

2.1 Noise Ordinance................................................................................... 6

2.2 Setbacks............................................................................................. 8

2.3 Screening or Shielding .......................................................................... 9 Section 3: Additional Resources .......................................................................... 9

3.1 Research Findings Key Takeaways........................................................... 9

3.2 Additional Findings ..............................................................................13

3.3 Building Codes, Manufacturer Instructions, and Ordinances ........................14

3.4 Contractor Design Recommendations......................................................15

3.5 Model Community Ordinances................................................................15 Section 4: Appendix.........................................................................................16

4.1 References .........................................................................................16

4.2 Model Communities .............................................................................17 SILICON VALLEY CLEAN ENERGY | CONSIDERATIONS WHEN SITING OUTDOOR MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT iii
Revision Table
Version Date Description

1.0 03/28/24 Initial draft

2.0 04/19/24 Revised per SVCE feedback, added graphics, modified recommendation section

3.0 05/17/24 Revised per stakeholder suggestions
Table of Acronyms, Abbreviations, and Definitions
Abbrev. Definition
A Ampere
AHJ Authority Having Jurisdiction
BEV Battery Electric Vehicle
CA California
CEC California Electric Code
dBA Decibel
EMS Energy Management System
EVSE Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment
GHG Greenhouse Gas
HEA Home Energy Analytics
HPWH Heat Pump Water Heater
NEC National Electric Code
NFPA National Fire Protection Association
RHA Richard Heath & Associates, Inc.

ROW (public) Right of Way
SME Subject Matter Expert
SVCE Silicon Valley Clean Energy

TABLE OF FIGURES
Figure 1: Typical Retrofit Condenser Installation .................................................... 1 Figure 2: Competing Rules Impacting Siting of Mechanical Equipment....................... 2 Figure 3: Mechanical Equipment Side Yard Setback Encroachment............................ 4 Figure 5: Mechanical Equipment Setback Encroachments ........................................ 4 Figure 4: Mechanical Equipment Front Yard Setback Encroachment........................... 4 Figure 6: Equipment Screening ........................................................................... 5 Figure 7: Noise Thresholds and Compressor Types ................................................10 Figure 8: Average Decibel Levels for Common Sounds ...........................................12 Figure 9: Survey of Noise Concerns ....................................................................13

TABLE OF TABLES
Table 1: Sample Setback Requirements ............................................................... 8 Table 2: Equipment Noise Levels........................................................................14 Table 3: Model Communities .............................................................................17 Table 4: Palo Alto Setback Requirements-Extract..................................................20

SILICON VALLEY CLEAN ENERGY | CONSIDERATIONS WHEN SITING OUTDOOR MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT 3 1.1 Procedural Recommendations
There are several municipal codes affecting mechanical equipment siting that building authorities may need to amend to facilitate easier retrofit installation. The regulations include:
1) Zoning ordinances – Update language regarding setbacks, aesthetics and other relevant topics.
2) Noise ordinances – Update language regarding allowable setbacks, noise levels and mechanical equipment shielding.
3) Reach codes – While they generally do not contain language related to siting mechanical equipment, review reach codes to ensure any changes to other regulations do not conflict with the reach codes.
4) Regulatory documents – When possible, coordinate between departments to update necessary regulatory documents in parallel to ensure accuracy, adoption timeliness and swift implementation.
5) Exceptions – Ordinances should include exceptions for existing buildings where space constraints would otherwise make the siting of mechanical equipment impractical or unnecessarily costly. Specific examples are listed in Section 2.2.

However, each jurisdiction must consider its unique building stock, public sentiment, and other factors to determine which exceptions to allow. 6) Stakeholder meetings – Actively promote and host stakeholder engagement meetings early during the updating process to build public buy-in, including with contractors, homeowners’ associations, engineers and architects, and the general public.

1.2 Ordinance Recommendations
The following recommendations, while not exhaustive, stem from research on existing codes. They focus on technical thresholds and requirements that allow more flexibility in siting mechanical equipment. Importantly, these guidelines aim to balance individual quality of life with reasonable and legal standards.

Setbacks
Allow mechanical equipment to be installed within the 5-foot setback, with a minimum of 3 feet (36 inches, see Figure 3) net clear space between equipment and fences or other obstructions required for ingress/egress and fire/life safety access, as measured from the nearest point of the equipment to the property line or permanent barrier.

SILICON VALLEY CLEAN ENERGY | CONSIDERATIONS WHEN SITING OUTDOOR MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT 6 Section 2: Specific Recommendations and Examples
Model noise, setback and screening/shielding ordinances are provided below for review and inclusion into code updates. This language is not meant to be exhaustive but rather to provide a starting point for ordinance changes to still meet public protection requirements while increasing options for siting equipment.

2.1 Noise Ordinance
Definitions apply to all 3 examples provided below:
“Decibel (dBA)” means a unit measuring the amplitude of sound or noise, weighted to the range of human hearing (A-weighting scale on a sound level meter). “L30” means the maximum noise level to be exceeded no more than thirty percent (30%) over the cumulative period.
“L50” means the maximum noise level to be exceeded no more than fifty percent (50%) over the cumulative period.
“Noise level” means the measurement of sound in decibels (dBA) obtained by using a sound level meter at slow response.

Noise Ordinance Example 1
Successfully implemented in several cities, including Ashland, Oregon and in Gilroy, CA; these thresholds use a cumulative period, such as 30% (L30) of operating time at a specific noise level. This is an effective modification to existing code language and has the advantage of allowing temporary fluctuations while still keeping overall thresholds within accepted bounds.

It shall be unlawful to generate noise within the city limits that exceeds the limits established in this section.
1) Maximum Outdoor Noise Levels
a. Mechanical Equipment Noise Impacting Residential Properties. Fixedsource outdoor mechanical or electrification equipment (e.g., pool, spa, air conditioning or similar equipment) is limited to a maximum of:
i. Sixty-five (65) dBA as measured at the residential property line or seventy (70) dBA (L50) measured at the residential property line.

Such noise is limited to the hours of 7:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. ii. Sixty (60) dBA as measured at the residential property line or sixtyfive (65) dBA (L30) measured at the residential property line. Such noise is limited to the hours of 10:00 p.m. – 7:00 a.m.

SILICON VALLEY CLEAN ENERGY | CONSIDERATIONS WHEN SITING OUTDOOR MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT 7 Noise Ordinance Example 2
Similar to the cumulative reporting example 1, this example 2 includes building type and proximity to major transportation corridors. Providing guidance by building types allows for flexibility.
1) Residential Noise Limits
a. Fixed-source outdoor mechanical or electrification equipment (e.g., pool, spa, air conditioning or similar equipment).
i. Operational noise shall not exceed sixty (60) dBA during nighttime or sixty-five (65) dBA during daytime hours at any point on the property line of the adjacent single-family or duplex uses. ii. Operational noise shall not exceed sixty (60) dBA during nighttime or sixty-five (65) dBA during daytime hours on the primary useable open space of multi-family uses.
iii. Operational noise shall not exceed sixty (60) dBA during nighttime or seventy (70) dBA during daytime hours on the primary useable open space of residential uses located along major transportation corridors (freeways, expressways, arterials, and rail lines) or mixeduse residential properties. 2) Exceptions to Residential Noise Limits
a. Operational noise for residential air conditioners shall not exceed sixty-five (65) dBA for a cumulative period of no more than 30% (L30) of nighttime hours and shall not exceed seventy (70) dBA for a cumulative period of no more than 50%(L50) of daytime hours.

Noise Ordinance Example 3
Successfully implemented in Palo Alto, higher allowable noise levels for inverter-based condenser units promote more energy efficient equipment with quieter operation.

Additionally, a table of minimum setbacks from the receiving property line simplifies equipment selection and enforcement.
1) Exterior noise limits.
a. Mechanical or electrification equipment shall be deemed to comply with this noise ordinance if the equipment complies with the maximum equipment sound levels and is placed at the setbacks established in Table 1 - Setback Requirements.

SILICON VALLEY CLEAN ENERGY | CONSIDERATIONS WHEN SITING OUTDOOR MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT 9 2.3 Screening or Shielding
Simple and effective guidance for screening/shielding (similar to those implemented in Morgan Hill and Mountain View, CA) allow for both noise and aesthetic concerns to be addressed through mitigations.

Screening Mechanical Equipment from Public (ROW) View
1) Roof- or ground-mounted mechanical or electrification equipment, including, but not limited to, air conditioning units, shall be visually screened from public view.

When feasible, roof-mounted mechanical equipment shall be incorporated into the roof design in such a way that it becomes an integral part of the architecture or is concealed from view. Replacement of existing equipment shall trigger this requirement. Mechanical equipment shall be screened as follows:
a. Acceptable screening methods include, but are not limited to, architectural elements, fences and landscaping.
b. Screening or shielding shall not inhibit the proper, safe operation of the mechanical equipment, nor shall it encroach into the required clearances for service and operation, as specified by the manufacturer.

Section 3: Additional Resources
The following sections are provided as reference information and to compile research findings for cities evaluating these updates. For all thirteen member agencies, code language was reviewed and sited. Ordinance documents from three communities (Menlo Park, Palo Alto and Ashland) that recently passed codes related to noise, setbacks and aesthetics are included.

The key findings from relevant code inquiries, important contextual references and technical data that informed the recommendations and form the basis of the model ordinance language. Information was acquired through four primary activities: 1) Evaluating model communities, 2) Conducting stakeholder interviews to gain local perspectives and insights, 3) Reviewing staff reports, presentations and local authority having jurisdiction’s (AHJ) municipal codes and ordinances and 4) reviewing equipment manufacturers specifications and requirements.

3.1 Research Findings Key Takeaways
Key findings are summarized below. Emphasis is placed on challenges facing the siting of new mechanical equipment in residential retrofit applications. 1) There are discrepancies among member agencies in allowable noise levels (dBA) and the published peak levels from manufacturers, as illustrated in Figure 7. a. Thresholds for member agency ordinances ranged from 40 dBA to 65 dBA. b. The rated dBA levels for manufacturers reported at 3 feet away ranged from:
i. Low-profile side-discharge “suitcase” style condensers: Average of 58 dBA

SILICON VALLEY CLEAN ENERGY | CONSIDERATIONS WHEN SITING OUTDOOR MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT 11 some concern about relaxing mechanical equipment design guidelines, with some agencies citing public perception and the potential for increased noise complaints. 6) Many agencies cite understaffing as a barrier to prioritizing code modifications, with planning and building officials struggling with existing workloads. Another barrier cited was the complexity of coordinating planning and building departments, the public engagement process and city council/board of supervisor’s approval. Several agencies have observed increased issues with siting mechanical equipment in permit submittals.
a. Local building stock plays a more significant role than population density alone. For example, Sunnyvale did not cite location of mechanical equipment as an issue, whereas Palo Alto did, yet Sunnyvale’s population density (6,800/Sq. Mile) is more than double Palo Alto’s (2,871/Sq. Mile). 7) Several cities in the US have already proposed or implemented specific policies.

These will be reviewed and incorporated as appropriate into the draft guidelines.

These cities include Palo Alto, CA; Ashland, OR Seattle, WA; and various cities across the United Kingdom.
8) There is little empirical evidence regarding the prevalence of customer complaints related to condenser noise or visual aesthetics. Additional research into public noise complaints would be required to better understand public perception.

Noise Thresholds
1) Noise is defined as sound typically received as excessive, disturbing or a nuisance. Noise levels are measured in decibels (dB). To better relate noise levels to human hearing, dBs are typically adjusted using “A-weighting” (dBA). 2) Thresholds differ among member agencies and may depend on:
a. Time of day
b. dBA above ambient levels versus absolute levels
c. Land use (zoning)
d. Inverter based condenser units versus one and two-speed units 3) Typical sound from a condensing unit is equivalent in dBA levels to normal conversation (see Figure 8). This is an important reference point when considering the impact of noise ordinance modifications.

SILICON VALLEY CLEAN ENERGY | CONSIDERATIONS WHEN SITING OUTDOOR MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT 13 3.2 Additional Findings
Public Perception
A comprehensive planning report on air source heat pumps (ASHPs) from the United Kingdom published in 20231 summarizes four studies conducted on public perception of ASHPs (see Figure 9) It should be noted that the studies did not distinguish between condenser noise and interior noise for inside equipment. Some relevant conclusions from the paper are:
1) Public acceptance of condenser noise was high due to its prevalence in Europe. 2) Perception of noise as a disturbance was higher in multi-unit buildings where condensers were co-located in confined areas.
3) In urban areas, ambient noise from traffic, public streets and neighbors were of greater concern.

Figure 9: Survey of Noise Concerns2
Exemptions and Exceptions for Condensing Units
In interviews and documentation review, exceptions to language in municipal codes and noise ordinances were mentioned. Further investigation into this area is needed, but findings related to this issue include:
1) The City of Palo Alto3 recently adopted noise ordinance allows for higher allowable noise levels for inverter based condenser units. 2) The United Kingdom study calls for exceptions to encroachment or equipment under certain conditions.
3) In all cases, AHJ staff approval is required before permit issuance. Measurements or manufacturer testing data may be required for submission before approval. 1 DESNZ Research Paper Number 2023/046. Final Report. “Review of Air Source Heat Pump Noise Emissions, Permitted Development Guidance and Regulations” 2 DESNZ Research Paper Number 2023/046. Final Report. “Review of Air Source Heat Pump Noise Emissions, Permitted Development Guidance and Regulations” pg. 30 3 City on Palo Alto Chapter 9.10 NOISE

SILICON VALLEY CLEAN ENERGY | CONSIDERATIONS WHEN SITING OUTDOOR MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT 15 Real world operating dBA levels vary widely. These levels are influenced by equipment accessories and external factors as described below.
1) Manufacturers offer noise attenuation equipment including:
a. Isolation dampers or pads
b. Sound attenuation blankets
c. Shields
d. Fan blade dampers
2) External factors influencing equipment operating dBA levels include:
a. Age and condition
b. Unit size and capacity
c. Compressor type and/or fan speed
d. Installation quality
e. Operating mode (variable speed, single speed)
f. Inverter driven*
Note: Inverter heat pumps, also known as variable-speed heat pumps, have several benefits over traditional systems, including energy efficiency, faster heating and cooling4, quieter operation and more consistent temperatures5

3.4 Contractor Design Recommendations
1) Select the quietest equipment possible and utilize the manufacturer’s noise control packages where applicable.
2) Utilizing landscaping to dampen sound
3) Increasing adjacent fence height (when regulations allow) 4) Locate equipment as far as possible from adjacent property lines or in areas shielded by structures or noise barriers. Acoustical enclosures may not always be feasible noise control options as airflow requirements, setback requirements or other constraints may limit their effectiveness.
5) Orient the equipment to take advantage of the directionality of the noise source (i.e., point the equipment away from known bedroom or other windows that are commonly open).

3.5 Model Community Ordinances
Below are examples of ordinance language from Menlo Park, Palo Alto and Ashland, all of which recently modified their codes for mechanical equipment associated with beneficial decarbonization. These communities embody ways codes can be successfully modified to support mechanical equipment associated with beneficial decarbonization.

The Menlo Park zoning ordinance may be found here: Title 16 ZONING The City of Palo Alto noise ordinance may be found here: Chapter 9.10 NOISE The Ashland, OR noise ordinance may be found here: Chapter 9.08 NUISANCES 4 Mitsubishi Heating and Air, https://www.mitsubishicomfort.com/articles/keep-warm-thiswinter-inverter-technology-for-any-climate 5 Advantage Heating and Air, https://advantageheatingllc.com/learning-center/inverter-heatpump/ SILICON VALLEY CLEAN ENERGY | APPENDIX: CONSIDERATIONS AND ALTERNATIVES FOR SITING OUTDOOR MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT 16 Section 4: Appendix
This is the Appendix for Considerations and Alternatives for Siting Outdoor Equipment documentation.

4.1 References
Department of Energy. Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. “Residential HVAC Installation Practices” 2018.

Air-Conditioning, Heating & Refrigeration Institute. “Standard for Application of Outdoor Unitary Equipment A-Weighted Sound Power Ratings.” 2023.

Echo Barrier. “The Decibel Scale Explained” 2019 www.blog.echobarrier.com/blog/thedecibel-scale-explained Department for Energy Security & Net Zero. United Kingdom. DESNZ Research Paper Number 2023/046. Final Report. “Review of Air Source Heat Pump Noise Emissions, Permitted Development Guidance and Regulations” 2023.

Mitsubishi Heating and Air, https://www.mitsubishicomfort.com/articles/keep-warmthis-winter-inverter-technology-for-any-climate Advantage Heating and Air, https://advantageheatingllc.com/learning-center/inverterheat-pump/ Ashland City Charter. “An Ordinance Relating to Noise and Heat Pumps or Mechanical Devices Amending AMC 9.08.170, 9.08.175, AND 15.04.185” 2023.

Paz, Ori. BAYREN Forum. “Removing Known Barriers: Changing Zoning to Help Electrify Existing Homes” December 2023.

City of Campbell. https://www.campbellca.gov/120/Building-Inspection-Division City of Cupertino. https://www.cupertino.org/our-city/departments/communitydevelopment/building City of Gilroy. https://www.cityofgilroy.org/209/Building-Safety-Division City of Los Altos. https://www.losaltosca.gov/development-services/page/buildingservices Town of Los Altos Hills. https://www.losaltoshills.ca.gov/292/Building-Department Town of Los Gatos. https://www.losgatosca.gov/220/Building 1) City of Milpitas. https://www.milpitas.gov/195/Building-Permits-Resources

SILICON VALLEY CLEAN ENERGY | APPENDIX: CONSIDERATIONS AND ALTERNATIVES FOR SITING OUTDOOR MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT 19 Palo Alto
The City of Palo Alto recently made changes to their noise ordinance specific to mechanical equipment. It includes a table with permissible sound levels for equipment relative to its distance from the property line as well as higher allowable noise levels for inverter-based condenser units. The Palo Alto noise ordinance may be found here:

Chapter 9.10 NOISE. Palo Alto’s adopted noise ordinance is somewhat unique because it separates the city into two “noise” zones with varying noise levels for each part of the city.

All mechanical equipment in Palo Alto must be hidden from public view using screens, landscaping or architecture. Residential noise-producing equipment can be located anywhere on the property but must adhere to residential zoning requirements for front yard setbacks for building and building systems. Properties bordering a side street must maintain a minimum 10-foot setback from the street.

Key parts of the ordinance include section 9.10.030 Residential property noise limits.
(a) No person shall produce, suffer or allow to be produced by any machine, animal or device, or any combination of same, on residential property, a noise level more than six dB above the local ambient at any point outside of the property plane, except as modified in (c) below.
(b )No person shall produce, suffer or allow to be produced by any machine, animal, or device, or any combination of same, on multi-family residential property, a noise level more than six dB above the local ambient three feet from any wall, floor, or ceiling inside any dwelling unit on the same property, when the windows and doors of the dwelling unit are closed, except within the dwelling unit in which the noise source or sources may be located.
(c) Electrification Equipment shall be deemed to comply with this Section 9.10.030 if the equipment complies with the maximum equipment sound levels and is placed at the setbacks established in Table 6 - Setback Requirements. As an alternative to compliance with Table 6, a property owner may utilize the limits set forth in subsections (a) and (b) of this Section 9.10.030 if those provisions would be more permissive.

SILICON VALLEY CLEAN ENERGY | APPENDIX: CONSIDERATIONS AND ALTERNATIVES FOR SITING OUTDOOR MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT 20 Table 4: Palo Alto Setback Requirements-Extract
Equipment
Sound Level
(dBA) West of
Foothill
Expressway
Equipment
Sound Level
(dBA) East of
Foothill
Expressway
Equipment
Sound Level
(dBA) West of
Foothill
Expressway for
Inverter Pumps
Equipment
Sound Level
(dBA) East of
Foothill
Expressway for
Inverter Pumps
Minimum
Setback
from
Receiving
Property
Line (ft.)
43 53 45 55 3
44 54 46 56 4
45 55 47 57 4
46 56 48 58 5
47 57 49 59 5
48 58 50 60 6
49 59 51 61 7
50 60 52 62 7
51 61 53 63 8
52 62 54 64 9
53 63 55 65 10
Ashland, Oregon
In Ashland, Oregon, a draft ordinance codified in Sections 9.08.170 to 9.08.175 was recently approved. It sets noise levels based on equipment age, with 45 dBA allowed for equipment made after 1981 and 50 dBA allowed for equipment made in 1981 or earlier, measured at the property line during the day.

Mechanical equipment must not be situated between the main structure and any adjacent street. The equipment’s location should be chosen to keep it out of sight from neighboring public streets. While there are no strict rules for shielding or screening, enclosures for mechanical equipment must not exceed permitted fence heights and must comply with local noise regulations.

The City of Ashland, Oregon, recently sought to amend its ordinances concerning noise levels associated with heat pumps and other mechanical devices. The proposed ordinance introduced definitions for prohibited noise, specifically including heat pumps and mechanical devices, and set noise thresholds.

Ashland adopted a straightforward approach for equipment placement and established a single noise level limit at the property line. This limit is based on the age of the equipment and the noise level produced in any given hour. For equipment manufactured after 1981, the following noise level policy applies:

SILICON VALLEY CLEAN ENERGY | APPENDIX: CONSIDERATIONS AND ALTERNATIVES FOR SITING OUTDOOR MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT 21 Any source of noise which exceeds the following standards is considered a public nuisance:

1. Decibel Noise Standards7
Allowable Statistical Noise Levels in any One Hour:
7 a.m. to 9 p.m. 9 p.m. to 7 a.m.

L50--50 dBA L50--45 dBA
L10--55 dBA L10--50 dBA
L1--60 dBA L1--55 dBA
Where:

L50 = noise level exceeded 50% of the time
L10 = noise level exceeded 10% of the time
L1 = noise level exceeded 1% of the time
San Mateo County
San Mateo County has a noise control ordinance for the placement of mechanical equipment but no additional rules for screening or setbacks. The county uses a cumulative number of minutes and day/night thresholds to set noise limits. For example, a maximum of 55 dBA is allowed for a cumulative amount of 30 minutes in any one-hour time period during day (7 a.m.-10 p.m.), and a maximum of 50 dBA is allowed during the night (10 p.m.-7 a.m.).

Coral Gables, Florida
Coral Gable, Florida, permits noise levels for heat pumps of 55 dBA at night and 60 dBA during the day at the property line (7 a.m.-11 p.m., 9 a.m.-11 p.m. on weekends).

Coral Gables requires that all mechanical equipment be screened to 100% opacity and comply with the setbacks required by the zoning ordinance. The setbacks are as follows for single-family homes: 25 feet from a principal front, 20% or 5 feet from a side interior, 15 feet from a side street, 10 feet from a rear, 10 feet from a rear at an alley, and 35 feet from a waterway.
7 Ashland City Charter. “An Ordinance Relating to Noise and Heat Pumps or Mechanical Devices Amending AMC 9.08.170, 9.08.175, AND 15.04.185” 2023.

Public Record: 2
This message is from outside the City email system. Do not open links or attachments from untrusted sources.

District 2 Resident
On Sunday, November 24, 2024 at 05:00:16 PM PST, sergon attisha wrote:

Dear Sergio/Jennifer/Matt,
I hope this message finds you well. My name is Sergon Attisha, and I am a resident of District 2. I am writing to express my growing concerns regarding the large RV encampment that has taken over Chynoweth Avenue. Over the past year, the situation has become increasingly difficult to live with, and I feel compelled to reach out to ensure that my concerns are heard and addressed.

As you may know, Mayor Mahan's program with the Department of Transportation (DOT) aims to address parking restrictions and enforce regulations on RVs and oversized vehicles. While this initiative is a step in the right direction, Chynoweth Avenue has unfortunately become one of the largest RV encampments in the neighborhood, and residents are facing significant challenges due to this issue.

For over a year, we have dealt with unsafe and unhygienic conditions, which have made living in our community less enjoyable and, frankly, less safe. Some of the specific issues include:

Illegal dumping, which is causing significant environmental degradation in our area.

Continuous noise and air pollution, with engines and generators running throughout the day and night, disrupting the peace and air quality.

Blocked walkways and bike lanes, reducing safety and accessibility for pedestrians and cyclists, and making it harder for residents to navigate the street.

Given the severity of these issues, I respectfully request that Chynoweth Avenue be considered as one of the 30 locations included in the pilot program for street sweeping and addressing oversized and lived-in vehicles. This would be an important first step toward restoring the safety, cleanliness, and quality of life that our neighborhood deserves.

If there’s anything I can do to support this initiative or assist with any efforts in my area, please do not hesitate to reach out. I am more than willing to help in any way I can to ensure that our concerns are taken seriously and addressed promptly.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to your response and hope for a positive resolution to this growing problem.

Warm regards,
Sergon Attisha
1/2/25, 8:52 AM Mail - Rules and Open Government Committee Agendas - Outlook https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADhhYzk3NTk1LTBmZDAtNDc4Yi1hN2Q0LTZjNmZjNTk5MT… 2/2 Public Record: 3

Public Record: 4
To the Honorable Mayor and Council of the City of San José, With the Vision Zero Task Force coming to an end, we urge Mayor Mahan and City Council to take decisive action in ushering in a new era of Vision Zero initiatives. It is essential that our city leaders fully embrace this new phase by ensuring the Vision Zero Action Plan 2025 draft contains bold, actionable steps that reflect the commitments of Vision Zero San José.

We would like to acknowledge that the City has made significant progress following the adoption of its Vision Zero Action Plan 2020, bringing the total miles of usable bike network to 543 miles, adding 800 leading pedestrian intervals, and implementing more than 900 safety improvement projects. However, fatality statistics make it clear that this still falls far short of the commitment needed to eliminate deaths and serious injuries in the city. The reality is that families are not only feeling unsafe—they are physically unsafe. The most recent three-year average of 58 traffic-related deaths per year, with 60% of those fatalities being pedestrians and bicyclists, is a troubling 20% increase from the 2015 average, the same year San José committed to Vision Zero.

This rise in traffic-related deaths calls for immediate and decisive action to ensure the safety of vulnerable users of our streets. To achieve Vision Zero 2025, the council must ensure that the draft action plan includes clear metrics, timelines, and actionable goals. The City also needs to streamline its processes and expedite the implementation of proven, cost-effective quick-build projects like:
● Protected Intersections
● Road diets and installation of bike lanes
● Slip lane removals
● Marked continental crosswalks
● Daylighting
The City should complement these strategies by passing legislative measures that steer us toward proven safety improvements, such as
● Making the lower speed limit at school zones the default to improve safety for all residents year-round
● Eliminating right turn on red in downtown
With international events on the horizon and other cities setting the bar for what’s possible, the time to act is now. Vision Zero priorities must guide every project, with a focus on reducing fatalities and serious injuries. Mayor Mahan and City Council must commit to leading the Vision Zero initiatives, proactively reviewing the 2025 Action Plan, and hold themselves and the City accountable for the planning and execution of quick-build projects without delay. The City is at a turning point—either we continue to fall behind on our commitment to Vision Zero, with rising traffic fatalities and outdated approaches, or we embrace a bolder, more ambitious path toward true safety for all road users.

We appreciate the City Council and staff for their efforts. Our coalition of community organizations looks forward to engaging with you to create safer streets for everyone in San José.

Respectfully,
San José Local Team
Silicon Valley Bike Coalition
Carter Lavin
Co-Founder, Transbay
Coalition California Walks
Walk Safe San Jose Program
Mothers Out Front Silicon
Valley
Transform
Melody-Serenade
Neighborhood Association
(D2, 95111)
Seven Trees Neighborhood
Association (D7, 95111)
Bike Fremont
SCC4Transit
D7 Leadership Group
Amigos de Guadalupe
Center for Justice and
Empowerment
Regina Celestin Williams,
Executive Director,
SV@Home
Asian Law Alliance
Latinos United for a New
America (LUNA)
Ashley Guerrero,
Catalyze Silicon Valley Working Partnerships USA
District 1:

Gina LaBlanc
mother of Kyle LaBlanc
Member of SF Bay Area
Families for Safe Streets
Tony Stieber
Seth Barberee - 95117
Nicole Bowen - 95129
District 2:

Melody-Serenade
Neighborhood Association -
95111
Tuan Tu - 95111
Janice Ickert - 95111
Judith Torres - 95111
Jacynda Torres - 95111
Tiana Torres - 95111
Thomas Hoye - 95111
Sampann Nigam - 95111
District 3:

Jordan Moldow - 95112
Eamonn Gormley - 95112
Robert Gonzalez - 95112
Ann Wawrose - 95112
Eleni Jacobson - 95112
Ra Hopkins - 95112
Andrew Siegler - 95112
Crystal Rast - 95112
Bruce Akizuki - 95112
Jimi (James) Kogura - 95112
Shelly Glennon
Sayanan Sivaraman - 95112
Joanne Dorga - 95112
District 5:

Willie Diaz - 95116
District 6:

Haojun Li - 95126
Diane Solomon - 95125
Max Siegel, CPA - 95125
Tony Rossetti - 95125
Eric Snider
Ann Ferris - 95125
Carissa Norberg - 95125
District 7:

Seven Trees Neighborhood
Association - 95111
D7 Leadership Group
Al Park - 95111
Moria Merriweather - 95111
District 8:

Jeremy Barousse - 95135
District 9:

Linda Hutchins-Knowles -
95118
Denis Lynch - 95124
Mary Frances Lynch - 95124
Steve Dakin - 95118
District 10:

Jeff Boissier - 95120
Anthony Montes - 95123
Unincorporated San
José:

Daniel Strokis - 95128
Kelly Moore - 95128
Employed in San José:

Kai Mast (Professor, SJSU)
Julie Meyerson
References
Vision Zero Action Plan 2025 draft -
<https://www.sanjoseca.gov/Home/Components/News/News/6037/5104>

TRANSPORTATION NEWS

HELP DEVELOP THE PLAN FOR THE NEXT FIVE YEARS OF TRAFFIC SAFETY Post Date: 07/08/2024 4:23 PM
Español | Tiếng Việt | 中⽂
The City of San José is updating our Vision Zero Action Plan to guide our tra�c safety e�orts for the next �ve years. We want to hear from you! Share your thoughts on tra�c safety and ideas on making our roads safer.

Vision Zero is the City of San José’s initiative to eliminate tra�c deaths. Vision Zero programs have existed all over the world since the late 1990s. The Vision Zero Action Plan guides our Safe System Approach to prevent tra�c deaths in San José. The federal Department of Transportation de�nes the Safe System Approach as a strategy that “works by building and reinforcing multiple layers of protection to both prevent crashes from happening in the �rst place and minimize the harm caused to those involved when crashes do occur. It is a holistic and comprehensive approach that provides a guiding framework to make streets safer for everyone.”
Our 2020 Vision Zero Action Plan is approaching the end of its �ve-year span, and we are in the process of reviewing our accomplishments and challenges over the past four and a half years. As we draft a revised plan, we invite you to review our progress and share your feedback using our feedback form below by August 31, 2024.
2025 VISION ZERO ACTION PLAN UPDATE
For the next Action Plan, we are proposing �ve key action areas with new objectives and deliverables:

Key Action Area #1: Prioritize Equity and Vulnerable Road Users

OBJECTIVES
• Prioritize resources to areas with high fatal and severe tra�c injuries for project planning and delivery and grant applications, especially in areas with the highest equity scores • Improve safety at locations where vulnerable users are experiencing fatal and severe injury crashes • Provide accessibility improvements (e.g., audible pedestrian signals, Americans with Disabilities Act [ADA] transition plan, ADA ramps, trail access)
• Reduce pedestrian fatalities and injury crashes
• Enhance mobility for all road users, especially vulnerable road users https://www.sanjoseca.gov/Home/Components/News/News/6037/5104 1 of 5

DELIVERABLES
• Pilot street safety near hotspot locations involving vulnerable road users • Implement Walk Safe San José pedestrian safety study recommendations • Improve roadway accessibility
• Provide interpreters at community meetings for engagement when needed Key Action Area #2: Center Data Analytics and Report Metrics

OBJECTIVES
• Increase accountability
• Understand project e�ectiveness
• Expand data to better understand where fatal and severe injuries are occurring • Data sharing: Trauma injury data from hospitals
• Data sharing: Light rail crashes and injuries
• Improve and update public facing data dashboards
• Implement evidence-based strategies and policies

DELIVERABLES
• # of before/after project evaluations
• Create metrics for tracking progress of Action Plan
• Frequency of reporting key metrics: TBD
• Data sharing agreement with county-level agencies (EMS, VTA) • Utilize trauma injury data in data analysis
• New public facing crash data dashboards
Key Action Area #3: Strategize Tra�c Enforcement

OBJECTIVES
• Inform tra�c enforcement using top three known violations that lead to fatal and severe injury crashes • Implement speed cameras per AB 645
• Implement red light cameras
• Strategize enforcement using data-driven enforcement e�orts • Utilize technology to enhance enforcement capabilities https://www.sanjoseca.gov/Home/Components/News/News/6037/5104 2 of 5

DELIVERABLES
• Report on top three tra�c citations (SJPD)
• Implement 33 speed cameras in a �ve-year pilot
• Implement red light running cameras at four intersections in a six-month pilot • Conduct before/after study of camera program e�ectiveness Key Action Area #4: Engineer for Safety

OBJECTIVES
• Vision Zero Quick-Build program
• Pedestrian Safety Enhancement program
• Capital improvement projects
• Align and build controlled crosswalks near bus stop pairs on Priority Safety Corridors • Improve safety around K-12 schools
• Tra�c fatality review
• Collaborate with Santa Clara County Roads and Airports Department to improve safety at top 3 City/County severe injury locations
• Implement data-driven quick-build and capital safety improvements • Benchmark and adopt best practices and innovative engineering solutions from other cities and countries • Optimize signal timing to reduce wait times for pedestrians and cyclists and reducing con�icts https://www.sanjoseca.gov/Home/Components/News/News/6037/5104 3 of 5

DELIVERABLES
Slow Down Vehicles
• Lower speed limit through 2021 AB 43: # of analyses, # installed • # of tra�c studies completed; # implemented
• # of paving projects and paving miles per year
• # of bike projects and bike project miles per year
• # of safety request projects per year
• # of tra�c fatalities reviewed and changes made
• # of pedestrian safety enhancements per year
• # of Vision Zero quick-build projects and miles per year • # of signal studies per year
Pedestrian Safety Improvements
• # of signal projects (leading pedestrian interval, signal timing, etc.) per year • # of daylighted intersections per 2023 AB 413
• # of safety projects delivered through development per year • # of safety capital projects from grant funding per year Near Schools
• Speed reduction near K-12 schools
• Pedestrian safety near K-12 schools
Key Action Area #5: Engage the Community and Message Safety

OBJECTIVES
• Increase public awareness of tra�c safety issues
• Speed camera and red light running camera engagement
• Promote street safety awareness month campaigns and awareness of darker months ◦ April: Distracted Driving Awareness Month
◦ October: Pedestrian Safety Awareness Month
◦ November-March: Look out when it’s dark out
• Tra�c safety education: School-aged children, older adults, people experiencing homelessness • Conduct safety engagement work at schools, community events, and through Walk n’ Roll • Coordinate with organizations serving vulnerable road users when increasing injury trends are observed • Explain the purpose and bene�ts of safety projects (“How do I use this?”) after they are built • Continue “Slow Down, San José” speeding reduction campaign • Encourage safer driving and mindful behavior as pedestrians and bicyclists https://www.sanjoseca.gov/Home/Components/News/News/6037/5104 4 of 5

DELIVERABLES
• Changeable message signs with safety messages (pending funding) • Engage community for speed camera and red-light running camera deployments • # of adults receiving tra�c safety education
• # of children ages 5-17 receiving tra�c safety education • # of educational videos online explaining projects that have been built https://www.sanjoseca.gov/Home/Components/News/News/6037/5104 5 of 5

Public Record: 6
These homeless are roaming all thru our businesses and shopping centers all day and night. They need to be placed somewhere else.

Maybe in your neightborhood……
So whats the plan now????
I’ve seen nothing happen in 3 months. Who pays for all the broken fencing, our tax dollars? Thats not right either.

How do we get action on this now?
Barbara Gallaty
Ace Seal LLC
From: Barbara Gallaty
Sent: Sunday, December 15, 2024 1:39 PM
To: Barbara Gallaty
Subject:
1/2/25, 8:56 AM Mail - Rules and Open Government Committee Agendas - Outlook https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADhhYzk3NTk1LTBmZDAtNDc4Yi1hN2Q0LTZjNmZjNTk5M… 2/10 1/2/25, 8:56 AM Mail - Rules and Open Government Committee Agendas - Outlook https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADhhYzk3NTk1LTBmZDAtNDc4Yi1hN2Q0LTZjNmZjNTk5M… 3/10 1/2/25, 8:56 AM Mail - Rules and Open Government Committee Agendas - Outlook https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADhhYzk3NTk1LTBmZDAtNDc4Yi1hN2Q0LTZjNmZjNTk5M… 4/10 1/2/25, 8:56 AM Mail - Rules and Open Government Committee Agendas - Outlook https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADhhYzk3NTk1LTBmZDAtNDc4Yi1hN2Q0LTZjNmZjNTk5M… 5/10 1/2/25, 8:56 AM Mail - Rules and Open Government Committee Agendas - Outlook https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADhhYzk3NTk1LTBmZDAtNDc4Yi1hN2Q0LTZjNmZjNTk5M… 6/10 1/2/25, 8:56 AM Mail - Rules and Open Government Committee Agendas - Outlook https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADhhYzk3NTk1LTBmZDAtNDc4Yi1hN2Q0LTZjNmZjNTk5M… 7/10 1/2/25, 8:56 AM Mail - Rules and Open Government Committee Agendas - Outlook https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADhhYzk3NTk1LTBmZDAtNDc4Yi1hN2Q0LTZjNmZjNTk5M… 8/10 1/2/25, 8:56 AM Mail - Rules and Open Government Committee Agendas - Outlook https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADhhYzk3NTk1LTBmZDAtNDc4Yi1hN2Q0LTZjNmZjNTk5M… 9/10 This message is from outside the City email system. Do not open links or attachments from untrusted sources.

Sent from my iPhone
1/2/25, 8:56 AM Mail - Rules and Open Government Committee Agendas - Outlook https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADhhYzk3NTk1LTBmZDAtNDc4Yi1hN2Q0LTZjNmZjNTk5… 10/10

What is your plan for abatement at Great Oaks/Endicott abatement? It is on a special tax district parcel tax paid by us.

The folks you abate from the other end would just come to our end. The entire Great Oaks needs to abated at the same time in Jan 2025.

Thanks
Dhanya
408-431-1574
On Mon, Dec 16, 2024 at 11:56 AM Stanton, Garrett <[email protected]> wrote:

Good morning Barbara,
Thank you for sharing your concerns and the photos of the situation behind the church on Great Oaks. I understand your frustration, especially given the continued challenges faced.

The BeautifySJ team, along with coordinating departments, is currently planning to complete an abatement behind the property by January 2025. Their teams will do the following during the week of the abatement:

1. Clean and remove the garbage and debris associated with the encampment.

2. Abate the area and post City “No Trespassing/No Encampment Zone" signs for future enforcement.

3. Repair the property line fence that has been damaged by the encampment occupants as well as install a new gate for future enforcement/service.

Lastly, I encourage all to visit the City’s new Homelessness Hub which is a resource provided by the City of San José to offer information and support related to the homelessness crisis. The Hub includes a frequently asked section with FAQ’s for current and commonly asked questions. It also includes details about the City's efforts to address homelessness and available services. It is a portal for community members to learn more about the City's strategies and initiatives aimed at reducing homelessness. The site provides access to various resources such as shelter programs, outreach services, and tools to report encampments or other homelessness-related concerns.

Thank you,
Garrett Stanton | He/Him
Homelessness Systems Coordinator
Office of the City Manager
200 E. Santa Clara Street, San José, CA 95113
1/2/25, 8:55 AM Mail - Rules and Open Government Committee Agendas - Outlook https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADhhYzk3NTk1LTBmZDAtNDc4Yi1hN2Q0LTZjNmZjNTk5M… 2/12 [External Email. Do not open links or attachments from untrusted sources. Learn more] From: Barbara Gallaty < >
Sent: Sunday, December 15, 2024 2:04 PM
To: Mahan, Matt <[email protected]>; Kamei, Rosemary <[email protected]>; Jimenez, Sergio <[email protected]>; Candelas, Domingo <[email protected]>; Torres, Omar <[email protected]>; Cohen, David <[email protected]>; Davis, Dev <[email protected]>; Ortiz, Peter <[email protected]>; Doan, Bien <[email protected]>; Foley, Pam <[email protected]>; Batra, Arjun <[email protected]>; Cranford, Sandra <[email protected]>; Wilcox, Leland <[email protected]>; Solivan, Erik <[email protected]>; City Clerk <[email protected]>; District 10 <[email protected]>; District2 <[email protected]>; HomelessConcerns <[email protected]>; beautifysj <[email protected]>; ; Maguire, Jennifer <[email protected]>; Hertzberg, Keith <[email protected]>; parking.compliance <[email protected]>; ; ; ; ;
; ; ;
; ; Stanton, Garrett
<[email protected]>; Kamath, Sudha <[email protected]>; Dang, Tara <[email protected]>; Donohue, Stephen <[email protected]> Subject: ENCAMPMENT ON GREAT OAKS
Below are pictures taken today behind the church on Great Oaks. 95119 Nothing has changed maybe worse. More fence has been broken down and the church is still feeding them.

I was asured months ago by The mayor himself at a local meeting and by Garrett that it would take 90 days to get this cleaned up, and that would happen By the end of December.

We have two weeks left. Any progress, NO.

What is happening?
This area is so bad. And its deep inside.

These homeless are roaming all thru our businesses and shopping centers all day and night. They need to be placed somewhere else.

Maybe in your neightborhood……
So whats the plan now????
I’ve seen nothing happen in 3 months. Who pays for all the broken fencing, our tax dollars? Thats not right either.
1/2/25, 8:55 AM Mail - Rules and Open Government Committee Agendas - Outlook https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADhhYzk3NTk1LTBmZDAtNDc4Yi1hN2Q0LTZjNmZjNTk5M… 3/12 How do we get action on this now?
Barbara Gallaty
Ace Seal LLC
23 las Colinas Lane Suite 111-112
San Jose CA 95119
408-513-1070
From: Barbara Gallaty < >
Sent: Sunday, December 15, 2024 1:39 PM
To: Barbara Gallaty < >
Subject:
1/2/25, 8:55 AM Mail - Rules and Open Government Committee Agendas - Outlook https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADhhYzk3NTk1LTBmZDAtNDc4Yi1hN2Q0LTZjNmZjNTk5M… 4/12 1/2/25, 8:55 AM Mail - Rules and Open Government Committee Agendas - Outlook https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADhhYzk3NTk1LTBmZDAtNDc4Yi1hN2Q0LTZjNmZjNTk5M… 5/12 1/2/25, 8:55 AM Mail - Rules and Open Government Committee Agendas - Outlook https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADhhYzk3NTk1LTBmZDAtNDc4Yi1hN2Q0LTZjNmZjNTk5M… 6/12 1/2/25, 8:55 AM Mail - Rules and Open Government Committee Agendas - Outlook https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADhhYzk3NTk1LTBmZDAtNDc4Yi1hN2Q0LTZjNmZjNTk5M… 7/12 1/2/25, 8:55 AM Mail - Rules and Open Government Committee Agendas - Outlook https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADhhYzk3NTk1LTBmZDAtNDc4Yi1hN2Q0LTZjNmZjNTk5M… 8/12 1/2/25, 8:55 AM Mail - Rules and Open Government Committee Agendas - Outlook https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADhhYzk3NTk1LTBmZDAtNDc4Yi1hN2Q0LTZjNmZjNTk5M… 9/12 1/2/25, 8:55 AM Mail - Rules and Open Government Committee Agendas - Outlook https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADhhYzk3NTk1LTBmZDAtNDc4Yi1hN2Q0LTZjNmZjNTk5… 10/12 1/2/25, 8:55 AM Mail - Rules and Open Government Committee Agendas - Outlook https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADhhYzk3NTk1LTBmZDAtNDc4Yi1hN2Q0LTZjNmZjNTk5… 11/12 This message is from outside the City email system. Do not open links or attachments from untrusted sources.

This message is from outside the City email system. Do not open links or attachments from untrusted sources.

Sent from my iPhone
1/2/25, 8:55 AM Mail - Rules and Open Government Committee Agendas - Outlook https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADhhYzk3NTk1LTBmZDAtNDc4Yi1hN2Q0LTZjNmZjNTk5… 12/12 Public Record: 8
City Leaders and media,
Please look at this presentation regarding a giant encampment in a special tax district.

We have been fighting for a solution for almost 3 years now Hi Garrett,
What is your plan for abatement at Great Oaks/Endicott abatement? It is on a special tax district parcel tax paid by us.

The folks you abate from the other end would just come to our end. The entire Great Oaks needs to abated at the same time in Jan 2025.

Thanks
Dhanya
On Mon, Dec 16, 2024 at 11:56 AM Stanton, Garrett wrote:

1. Clean and remove the garbage and debris associated with the encampment.

2. Abate the area and post City “No Trespassing/No Encampment Zone" signs for future enforcement.

3. Repair the property line fence that has been damaged by the encampment occupants as well as install a new gate for future enforcement/service.

Also, if there are new or changing issues that occur, please always report these concerns.

The most important thing that the community can do is report through designated City systems. This is the fastest way for staff to intake, assess, and respond to concerns pending resource availability and order in which reports are received. Please use the Report an Encampment function on the City’s website to report all encampment related concerns. For matters related to illegal dumping, vehicle concerns, right of way issues, and other general concerns, use SJ311. To report a spill, leak, release, or discharge to the storm drain or street gutter, use the Storm Drain Discharge Complaint Form or call (408) 945-3000. In case of an emergency, please always dial 911 for immediate support. For non-emergency law enforcement and safety concerns, use the non-emergency number (408) 277-8900. 1/2/25, 8:55 AM Mail - Rules and Open Government Committee Agendas - Outlook https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADhhYzk3NTk1LTBmZDAtNDc4Yi1hN2Q0LTZjNmZjNTk5M… 2/13

By the end of December.

We have two weeks left. Any progress, NO.

What is happening?
This area is so bad. And its deep inside.

These homeless are roaming all thru our businesses and shopping centers all day and night. They need to be placed somewhere else.

Maybe in your neightborhood……
So whats the plan now????
I’ve seen nothing happen in 3 months. Who pays for all the broken fencing, our tax dollars? Thats not right either.

How do we get action on this now?
Barbara Gallaty
Ace Seal LLC
From: Barbara Gallaty
Sent: Sunday, December 15, 2024 1:39 PM
To: Barbara Gallaty
Subject:
1/2/25, 8:55 AM Mail - Rules and Open Government Committee Agendas - Outlook https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADhhYzk3NTk1LTBmZDAtNDc4Yi1hN2Q0LTZjNmZjNTk5M… 4/13 1/2/25, 8:55 AM Mail - Rules and Open Government Committee Agendas - Outlook https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADhhYzk3NTk1LTBmZDAtNDc4Yi1hN2Q0LTZjNmZjNTk5M… 5/13 1/2/25, 8:55 AM Mail - Rules and Open Government Committee Agendas - Outlook https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADhhYzk3NTk1LTBmZDAtNDc4Yi1hN2Q0LTZjNmZjNTk5M… 6/13 1/2/25, 8:55 AM Mail - Rules and Open Government Committee Agendas - Outlook https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADhhYzk3NTk1LTBmZDAtNDc4Yi1hN2Q0LTZjNmZjNTk5M… 7/13 1/2/25, 8:55 AM Mail - Rules and Open Government Committee Agendas - Outlook https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADhhYzk3NTk1LTBmZDAtNDc4Yi1hN2Q0LTZjNmZjNTk5M… 8/13 1/2/25, 8:55 AM Mail - Rules and Open Government Committee Agendas - Outlook https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADhhYzk3NTk1LTBmZDAtNDc4Yi1hN2Q0LTZjNmZjNTk5M… 9/13 1/2/25, 8:55 AM Mail - Rules and Open Government Committee Agendas - Outlook https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADhhYzk3NTk1LTBmZDAtNDc4Yi1hN2Q0LTZjNmZjNTk5… 10/13 1/2/25, 8:55 AM Mail - Rules and Open Government Committee Agendas - Outlook https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADhhYzk3NTk1LTBmZDAtNDc4Yi1hN2Q0LTZjNmZjNTk5… 11/13 This message is from outside the City email system. Do not open links or attachments from untrusted sources.

Sent from my iPhone
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1/2/25, 8:55 AM Mail - Rules and Open Government Committee Agendas - Outlook https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADhhYzk3NTk1LTBmZDAtNDc4Yi1hN2Q0LTZjNmZjNTk5… 12/13 Public Record: 9
This area, if you haven’t seen it up close will take a long time to get done. It should of been started earlier. You had 90 days to start it, and no visible action has been taken.

And it wont be competed by Jan.

We all appreciaite correct information that is given to all of us who are trying to get this area cleaned up. Its gone on to long.
4 years, and no end in sght.

I would like the newspapers to go out and take pictures. Print it.

Lets let all of South San Jose see what is in their neighborhoods. Maybe all of California needs to see so it dosen’t end up in their neighboorhoods.

This s what we are dealing with. We need some action.

Barbara Gallaty
Ace Seal LLC
On Mon, Dec 16, 2024 at 11:56 AM Stanton, Garrett <[email protected]> wrote:

1. Clean and remove the garbage and debris associated with the encampment.

2. Abate the area and post City “No Trespassing/No Encampment Zone" signs for future enforcement.

3. Repair the property line fence that has been damaged by the encampment occupants as well as install a new gate for future enforcement/service.

Also, if there are new or changing issues that occur, please always report these concerns. The most important thing that the community can do is report through designated City systems. This is the fastest way for staff to intake, assess, and respond to concerns pending resource availability and order in which reports are received. Please use the Report an Encampment function on the City’s website to report all encampment related concerns. For matters related to illegal dumping, vehicle concerns, right of way issues, and other general concerns, use SJ311. To report a spill, leak, release, or discharge to the storm drain or street gutter, use the Storm Drain Discharge Complaint Form or call (408) 945-3000. In case of an emergency, please always dial 911 for immediate support. For non-emergency law enforcement and safety concerns, use the non-emergency number (408) 277- 8900.
1/2/25, 8:55 AM Mail - Rules and Open Government Committee Agendas - Outlook https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADhhYzk3NTk1LTBmZDAtNDc4Yi1hN2Q0LTZjNmZjNTk5M… 2/13 [External Email. Do not open links or attachments from untrusted sources. Learn more] Lastly, I encourage all to visit the City’s new Homelessness Hub which is a resource provided by the City of San José to offer information and support related to the homelessness crisis. The Hub includes a frequently asked section with FAQ’s for current and commonly asked questions. It also includes details about the City's efforts to address homelessness and available services. It is a portal for community members to learn more about the City's strategies and initiatives aimed at reducing homelessness. The site provides access to various resources such as shelter programs, outreach services, and tools to report encampments or other homelessness-related concerns.

Thank you,
Garrett Stanton | He/Him
Homelessness Systems Coordinator
Office of the City Manager
200 E. Santa Clara Street, San José, CA 95113
From: Barbara Gallaty
Sent: Sunday, December 15, 2024 2:04 PM
To: Mahan, Matt <[email protected]>; Kamei, Rosemary <[email protected]>; Jimenez, Sergio <[email protected]>; Candelas, Domingo <[email protected]>; Torres, Omar <[email protected]>; Cohen, David <[email protected]>; Davis, Dev <[email protected]>; Ortiz, Peter <[email protected]>; Doan, Bien <[email protected]>; Foley, Pam <[email protected]>; Batra, Arjun <[email protected]>; Cranford, Sandra <[email protected]>; Wilcox, Leland <[email protected]>; Solivan, Erik <[email protected]>; City Clerk <[email protected]>; District 10 <[email protected]>; District2 <[email protected]>; HomelessConcerns <[email protected]>; beautifysj <[email protected]>; Maguire, Jennifer <[email protected]>; Hertzberg, Keith <[email protected]>; parking.compliance <[email protected]>; Stanton, Garrett <[email protected]>; Kamath, Sudha <[email protected]>; Dang, Tara <[email protected]>; Donohue, Stephen <[email protected]>
Subject: ENCAMPMENT ON GREAT OAKS
Below are pictures taken today behind the church on Great Oaks. 95119 Nothing has changed maybe worse. More fence has been broken down and the church is still feeding them.

I was asured months ago by The mayor himself at a local meeting and by Garrett that it would take 90 days to get this cleaned up, and that would happen
By the end of December.
1/2/25, 8:55 AM Mail - Rules and Open Government Committee Agendas - Outlook https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADhhYzk3NTk1LTBmZDAtNDc4Yi1hN2Q0LTZjNmZjNTk5M… 3/13 We have two weeks left. Any progress, NO.

What is happening?
This area is so bad. And its deep inside.

These homeless are roaming all thru our businesses and shopping centers all day and night. They need to be placed somewhere else.

Maybe in your neightborhood……
So whats the plan now????
I’ve seen nothing happen in 3 months. Who pays for all the broken fencing, our tax dollars? Thats not right either.

This message is from outside the City email system. Do not open links or attachments from untrusted sources.

As youth who are invested in the well-being of our community, we urge the City Council to consider the following actions:

1. Increase funding for animal shelters to ensure they have all the resources to provide proper care, medical treatment, and most importantly staff support.

2. Launch community outreach and education programs to promote adoption, spay/neuter initiatives, and responsible pet ownership and educate youth that want to work with animals in their future.

3. Expand partnership with local nonprofits and rescue groups to improve adoption rates and reduce shelter overcrowding.

4. Provide mental health and wellness resources for shelter staff/ volunteers, as they face high levels of stress and emotional burnout in this line of work.

By addressing these issues, San Jose can create a more compassionate and effective shelter system that benefits animals, shelter workers and volunteers, and our entire community.

Thank you for your time and attention to this important issue. We would love the opportunity to discuss these ideas further or participate in future initiatives to improve the welfare of animals in San Jose.

Sincerely,
Franchesca Facio, Reina T, Daniel Benitez, Carlos Reyes, Our Teacher Kendra and the EYP staff --
Kendra Fujino O'Donoghue (she/her)
Executive Director
Envision Your Pathway
Watch our video
1/2/25, 9:27 AM Mail - Rules and Open Government Committee Agendas - Outlook https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADhhYzk3NTk1LTBmZDAtNDc4Yi1hN2Q0LTZjNmZjNTk5MT… 2/2 Public Record: 11

[External Email. Do not open links or attachments from untrusted sources. Learn more] Beginning Jan 1, 2025, we will have a newly elected councilmember for District 2, Pamela Campos. Her email will be .

Best regards,
Tara Dang
Community Outreach Coordinator
Mayor’s Office
City of San Jose
200 E. Santa Clara Street, 17th Floor, San Jose, California 95113 p: (408) 886-8996 | e:

On Thu, 19 Dec at 12:20 PM , zz 1491 San Jose Charter Park Dr Site < > wrote:

Hello Tara,
Thank you for the information you provided in the email.

Just to update you, we see that the situation is not getting any better. They are lighting fires at night, setting up tent in NK Technologies' property, trash scattered and they even clogged the drains when it rained over the weekend that semi-flooded the street. Although they cleaned it up, they still left the trash along the curbside leading to the drainage.

At any rate, we will try to reach out to the different agencies and departments and hopefully get action as far as removing the encampment here is concerned.

Thank you again for taking the time last week to meet with us.

All the best,
jerry bennett | store manager | extra space storage
This e-mail (including attachments) is privileged and confidential and is intended only for addressee(s) listed above. The sender doesn’t waive any rights or privileges regarding this information. The sender is not authorized to enter any contract via e-mail. The recipient is not authorized to distribute or copy this message. If message was received in error, please notify sender and delete
From: City of San Jose Mayor's Office < >
Sent: Tuesday, December 17, 2024 4:50 PM
1/2/25, 9:28 AM Mail - Rules and Open Government Committee Agendas - Outlook https://outlook.office365.com/mail/ inbox/id/AAQkADhhYzk3NTk1LTBmZDAtNDc4Yi1hN2Q0LTZjNmZjNTk5M… 3/10 [External Email. Do not open links or attachments from untrusted sources. Learn more]
To: zz 1491 San Jose Charter Park Dr Site < >
Subject: Re: Appeal to Remove Homeless Encampment
Hi Jerry and all (I don't have all emails of the gentlemen that were in the meeting, except Francois),
I forwarded the information and pic to BeautifySJ and Captain Donohue. I though the following information would help with reporting. Please let me know if you have any questions.

1. Please use the Report an Encampment function on the City’s website to report all encampment related concerns.

2. For matters related to illegal dumping, vehicle concerns, right of way issues, and other general concerns, use SJ311.

3. To report a spill, leak, release, or discharge to the storm drain or street gutter, use the Storm Drain Discharge Complaint Form or call (408) 945 3000.

4. In case of an emergency, please always dial 9-1-1 for immediate support. For non emergency law enforcement and safety concerns, use the non emergency number (408) 277-8900.

5. In case of mental illness, substance abuse, domestic violence, please dial the County line 9-8-8
Thank you and Happy Holidays!
Best regards,
Tara Dang
Community Outreach Coordinator
Mayor’s Office
City of San Jose
200 E. Santa Clara Street, 17th Floor, San Jose, California 95113 p: (408) 886-8996 | e:

On Mon, 9 Dec at 10:30 AM , zz 1491 San Jose Charter Park Dr Site < > wrote:

You don't often get email from . Learn
why this is important
Hello Tara,
Thank you, once again for reaching back with regards to our serious concern here in our street.

I spoke to the business owners such as NK Technologies, Myo CrossFit Gym and Canna Culture and they are available on 1/2/25, 9:28 AM Mail - Rules and Open Government Committee Agendas - Outlook https://outlook.office365.com/mail/ inbox/id/AAQkADhhYzk3NTk1LTBmZDAtNDc4Yi1hN2Q0LTZjNmZjNTk5M… 4/10 Wednesday morning at 11AM for a meeting and a walk of the properties affected. Please let me know if the schedule works with you.

Best,
jerry bennett | store manager | extra space storage
This e-mail (including attachments) is privileged and confidential and is intended only for addressee(s) listed above. The sender doesn’t waive any rights or privileges regarding this information. The sender is not authorized to enter any contract via e-mail. The recipient is not authorized to distribute or copy this message. If message was received in error, please notify sender and delete.

From: City of San Jose Mayor's Office
< >
Sent: Wednesday, December 4, 2024 5:39 PM
To: zz 1491 San Jose - Charter Park Dr Site
< >
Subject: Re: Appeal to Remove Homeless Encampment
Hi Jerry,
Thank you for reaching out to Mayor's Office on your
concerns of the lived in vehicles homeless. My name is Tara Dang and I serve as a community outreach
coordinator here. I hear and feel for you and the
businesses/residents who are being negatively impacted
by homelessness. i have forwarded your concerns over to SJPD Captain Donohue and BeautifySJ asking for their
responses.

For future reporting, it would be helpful to use the
following platforms to get prompt attention. Your
reporting will help city deparments to assign proper
resources in addressing your concerns and also for future pilot programs/projects addressing the homeless crisis.

For reporting on homeless concerns, please use this link:
https://www.sanjoseca.gov/yourgovernment/departments offices/parks recreation neighborhood-services/report-an-encampment
For blight and illegal dumpings, please report on 3-1-1 1/2/25, 9:28 AM Mail - Rules and Open Government Committee Agendas - Outlook https://outlook.office365.com/mail/ inbox/id/AAQkADhhYzk3NTk1LTBmZDAtNDc4Yi1hN2Q0LTZjNmZjNTk5M… 5/10 [External Email. Do not open links or
attachments from untrusted sources.

Learn more]
app online using this link on your iPhone and/or
computer https://311.sanjoseca.gov
For public safety concerns, please all 9-1-1 to report and obtain a report number.

I would like to take a walk with you in the area together with other business owners/managers. Please let me
know your time availiability.

Thank you!
Best regards,
Tara Dang
Community Outreach Coordinator
Mayor’s Office
City of San Jose
200 E. Santa Clara Street, 17th Floor, San Jose, California 95113
p: (408) 886-8996 | e:

On Wed, 4 Dec at 4:14 PM , zz 1491 San Jose
Charter Park Dr Site
< > wrote:

You don't often get email from
. Learn why this
is important
Honorable Mayor Matt Mahan
City of San Jose
California
Dear Mayor Matt Mahan,
My name is Jerry Bennett. I am currently a
Store Manager for a self-storage facility
here in San Jose. The company is Extra
Space Storage and my property is located
at 3510 Charter Park Dr. San Jose, CA.

I am writing to you in the hope of getting
your support with regards to dealing with
the problem of homeless people who are
living in their vehicles that are illegally
parked here along the street since
September 2024. It has actually become a
1/2/25, 9:28 AM Mail - Rules and Open Government Committee Agendas - Outlook https://outlook.office365.com/mail/ inbox/id/AAQkADhhYzk3NTk1LTBmZDAtNDc4Yi1hN2Q0LTZjNmZjNTk5M… 6/10 homeless encampment along the street. I
am aware that this issue I am raising is a
small speck among the myriad of problems
you are handling, but we are confident that
you will give heed to our legitimate
concern.

We understand that the current economic
situation is making it impossible for a lot of
people to rent apartments and so they live
in their cars. However, if the homeless
start causing problems that are nonexistent before, there is need for us to deal with it. And so, we are reaching out with
confidence that you, as our Mayor, one
who advocates for ending street
homelessness, public safety, beautification
and common-sense laws will be able to
support our urgent appeal.

Allow me to enumerate the issues that we
are dealing with that pose serious threat to
the health, safety and security of our
storage facility and the neighboring
businesses here. I am reaching out on
behalf of the other companies doing
business sin this location such as NK
Technologies and Crossfit Gym. We all
agree that the homeless encampment
along our street needs to go to a place or
area provided by the City of San Jose.

The issues are:

1. HEALTH - Hygiene and cleanliness.

Charter Park Dr, as you know, is an
industrial and business area and the
street has always been clean. For us
who work and live in the storage
facility, it is part of our job to keep
our premises, both inside and
outside clean. However, the
homeless who have parked here
have made a mess. Drive along the
street and you will see plastic bags,
discarded food wrappers, food
items, pieces of garbage and at one
time, even human waste on the
curbside. I know this for a fact
because I was the one who had to
pick them up and sanitize the area. I
am reporting as well that garbage
bags are sometimes left in our
curbside and we never had these
1/2/25, 9:28 AM Mail - Rules and Open Government Committee Agendas - Outlook https://outlook.office365.com/mail/ inbox/id/AAQkADhhYzk3NTk1LTBmZDAtNDc4Yi1hN2Q0LTZjNmZjNTk5M… 7/10 problems before. We are always the
ones who clean up after. Also, as a
result of this, we have started to
have rodents within and outside our
property and this is something we
never had before. We are a storage
facility and having rodents and pests
are a huge risk for us that will affect
our business.

2. SAFETY - Another serious issue is
risk to our lives and property. I have
noted on three (3) occasions already
that they start a fire at night, possibly
to cook and or to warm themselves.

And on one recent evening, they put
up a fire right beside a wooden
plank and this might cause a fire.

What they are doing is clearly a fire
hazard. And this is not far-fetched as
we have seen report after report of
fires linked to homeless
encampments in the State of
California..

3. SECURITY - We also would like to
bring to your attention that at night,
we would hear shouting and even
quarrelling. There was an instance
one late afternoon when a car
parked in the middle of the street
and out came 4 young people in
masks and we had a scare as they
acted menacingly towards the
people in the homeless
encampment.

Our tenants are starting to complain about
this problem and some have already
moved out, citing this as a reason. They
just don't feel safe coming over, especially
at night to the storage area when they see
the situation on the street. If our tenants
see this as a safety concern, please
imagine how we who live on-site feel and
so pray for our safety.

I believe that NK Technologies have
already called the City for help about 3 or
4 times and was told that the vehicles
cannot be towed as people are living in
them. We pity NK Technologies because
these homeless individuals use their wellkept grass garden area as their own place, brazenly placing bicycle parts, bags, carts
1/2/25, 9:28 AM Mail - Rules and Open Government Committee Agendas - Outlook https://outlook.office365.com/mail/ inbox/id/AAQkADhhYzk3NTk1LTBmZDAtNDc4Yi1hN2Q0LTZjNmZjNTk5M… 8/10 and even letting their unleashed dog play
even during office hours. They have totally
disregarded basic courtesy and respect for
private property. NK Technologies also
shared with me that they saw one of the
people living in one of the vehicles
trespass in their parking area. We have
had the same incident here as well and
once again; this is a serious risk of breakins, a clear security issue.

Mayor Matt, we understand their plight and
the misfortune of having to live in the
street and sleeping in their vans and box
trucks, but if their actions negatively
impact on the those who live here and do
business here, particularly on issues of
health, safety and security, we simply
cannot continue to ignore this and thus
need to be addressed, sir.

Our kind appeal is for these homeless who
have illegally parked along Charter Park
Dr be relocated by the City to a shelter or
an area where they can get help and not
pose risks to residences and businesses.

I would consider it a privilege to provide
more information and your office is more
than welcome to reach back to me for any
questions you may have regarding our
concern by replying to this email or calling
(408) 309-0390 during office hours which
are Monday to Friday 9:30AM to 6PM and
Saturdays from 9AM to 5:30PM.

We are looking up to you with the sincere
gratitude for the help that you will be able
to provide us here.

Thank you and all the best to you and your
beautiful family,
jerry bennett | store manager | extra space
storage
This e-mail (including attachments) is privileged and confidential and is intended only for addressee(s) listed above. The sender doesn’t waive any 1/2/25, 9:28 AM Mail - Rules and Open Government Committee Agendas - Outlook https://outlook.office365.com/mail/ inbox/id/AAQkADhhYzk3NTk1LTBmZDAtNDc4Yi1hN2Q0LTZjNmZjNTk5M… 9/10 This message is from outside the City
email system. Do not open links or
attachments from untrusted sources.

This message is from outside the City email system. Do
not open links or attachments from untrusted sources.

This message is from outside the City email system. Do not open links or attachments from untrusted sources.

This message is from outside the City email system. Do not open links or attachments from untrusted sources. rights or privileges regarding this information. The sender is not authorized to enter any contract via e-mail. The recipient is not authorized to distribute or copy this message. If message was received in error, please notify sender and delete.
69316 2660666
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December 23, 2024
San José City Council
200 E Santa Clara Street
San José, CA 95112
Dear Councilmembers,
My name is Davide Vieira, and I am writing this letter in support of David Pandori for the interim position representing District 3.

I have known David for decades. When he represented District 3 as our Councilmember, he went above and beyond in his dedication to his constituents.

One story immediately comes to mind.

There was a dive bar on E Santa Clara St in our neighborhood that was a menace.

There was as much or more happening outside the bar in the residential neighborhood as there was inside the bar. David was invited to spend a Saturday night inside the home of a nearby resident to personally witness the prostitution, drug sales, public drinking, urination and defecation.

After David saw what was happening around the bar, it was shut down permanently to the relief of our neighborhood.

I urge you to approve David Pandori as our District 3 interim councilmember. He has already demonstrated his ability to represent us. Please give him that opportunity again.

Sincerely,
Davide Vieira
Roosevelt Park/Little Portugal Neighborhood

I have reported it many times and also the other small businesses on this street have also, and today I see a notice that it is in compliance from 311, your reporting tool you are having the public use.

Right next to the other picture of the 2 hr. parking sign.

Why is this person so special that he doesn't have to pay to store his vehicle or park it in front of his own home or business in Morgan Hill?
Why does he get to park on a narrow street along with the other big rigs across from it, that makes it a problem to get down this street for regular cars. We usually have to stop and let the on coming car go by first, because the street is not wide enough for all these big rigs you are allowing to park here also for free.

Why is this area the dumping grounds?
I actually had to stop and wait for a driver who had his big rig door open into the lane while talking on his phone in the middle of the street. Kind of like he owned the road. And threw his hands in the air, when I tried to pass.

Me, trying to get to my job, him, parking where he shouldn't. What is happening....We are not enforcing any laws?
Why, please explain to all of us.

Newspapers, do your jobs. Start reporting what we are seeing. Or we will never get it cleaned up. We are slowly starting to look like a
third world country. Oh, Yes, I have also attached the pictures of the 20 Great Oaks encampment the mayor told me would be cleaned up in 90 days, by the end of December, now they are saying January.

He didn't keep his word. And its much worse then it was months ago. These pictures were from Saturday.

I think they thought we would forget!
1/2/25, 9:39 AM Mail - Rules and Open Government Committee Agendas - Outlook https://outlook.office365.com/mail/[email protected]/inbox/id/AAQkADhhYzk3NTk1LTBmZDAtNDc4Yi1hN2Q0LTZjNmZjNTk5MT… 2/3 This message is from outside the City email system. Do not open links or attachments from untrusted sources.

Barbara Gallaty President
Ace Seal LLC
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Joint Meeting for the Rules and Open Government Committee and Committee of the WholeJanuary 8, 2025

Joint Meeting for the Rules and Open Government Committee and Committee of the Whole
January 8, 2025