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CC 12-17-2024 Item No. 6 City Work Program_Written CommunicationsCC 12-17-2024 Item No. 6 City Work Program and Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) Program prioritization process Written Communications From:Frank Shen To:City Clerk; City Council Subject:Unfair rezone of 20865 McClellan from R1 to R3 behind residents backs and request to re-assess the upzoning Date:Tuesday, December 17, 2024 11:22:37 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear City Clerk, Please include the below in written communications for the 12/17/2024 city council meeting. Dear Mayer Chao and Cupertino City Council Members, I am writing to bring your attention to one unfair matter that is the rezoning of 20865 McClellan from R1 to R3. The upzoning was done WITHOUT residents' knowledge and was approved COMPLETELY AGAINST resident's will! I an attest this because I have personally talked to 60+ households in the immediate neighborhood! How is that a fair "public process" when no one in the neighborhood was aware of the rezoning and how is it a representation of people when the entire neighborhood is against this and yet the prior city council still approved it? Well, you might say thee are meetings, newsletters that published this, but I'd argue if no one knew about this, then this is not the right process and therefore groundless. The current rezone of that property from R3 to R3TH follows some public process that made us aware of the request, why the prior rezone from R1 to R3 failed to follow??? Why was it double-standard? I request this city council to re-assess this rezoning matter, listen to the residents and truly represent people to put people's will front and center in all your decision making process. Put this matter back on your agenda and gather residents' inputs and correct the wrongdoing!!! Frank Shen Cupertino Resident on Bonny Dr. From:Raman@H To:City Council; City Clerk; Chad Mosley; David Stillman; stevenscreekvision@iteris.com Subject:Removal of Lanes in Cupertino City Date:Monday, December 16, 2024 9:21:11 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear sir, I am not of an opinion to remove the lanes in Cupertino's busy streets. Post COVID, things have started changing as more and more offices are making in-person work mandatory. We are already seeing a surge in traffic. My removing the lanes, it is going to be more congested. On top of it, more residential units are being added in the city which will aggravate the situation further more. Therefore, I am against the removal of lanes on our roads. Thank you for taking this into consideration. Best Regards, Raman Mummidivarapu 10134 S Tantau Ave Cupertino, CA 95014 From:James Choi To:City Council; Pamela Wu; City Clerk; Kristina Alfaro Subject:[Reevaluate R3 Projects] Building a Strong Foundation for Cupertino’s Future Date:Sunday, December 15, 2024 12:57:19 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear City Clerk, Please include in written communications for the 12/17/24 city council meeting. Subject: [Reevaluate R3 Projects] Building a Strong Foundation for Cupertino’s Future Dear Mayor Chao, Vice-Mayor Moore, Council Members Wang and Moore, City Manager Wu, and other Council Members, Congratulations to Mayor Chao and Vice-Mayor Moore on your new leadership roles, and to Council Member Wang on your election to the council. Your dedication to serving Cupertino is appreciated, and I look forward to seeing the positive impact of your efforts. As a resident of Cupertino, I urge the council and staff to work together with respect, trust, and shared purpose. Residents have placed their faith in this council to prioritize the community's needs, and now is the time to focus on initiatives that make Cupertino an even better place to live. Here are two key areas I believe should guide your priorities: 1. Reevaluate R3 Projects Explore downzoning R3 projects on Linda Vista Drive and McClellan Road. Shift these units to more suitable locations on De Anza Boulevard, Stevens Creek Boulevard, and Homestead Road, where infrastructure and public transit are better equipped to handle increased density. This approach would align new development with community priorities and infrastructure capacity. 2. Improve Engagement and Transparency Reinstate prior council procedures that allowed for greater public involvement. Additionally, ensure that commission appointments are decided solely by the council, giving residents a fair and transparent opportunity to serve. Closing Thoughts Cupertino is at a turning point, and this council has a tremendous opportunity to lead with vision, accountability, and a focus on residents’ needs. By fostering collaboration with staff and making thoughtful, impactful decisions, you can build a legacy that benefits our community for generations. Thank you for your service to our city. I look forward to seeing the great progress all stakeholders can achieve together. Sincerely, James Choi Cupertino Resident From:Unique Family To:City Council; Pamela Wu; City Clerk; Chad Mosley; David Stillman; Rachelle Sander; Kristina Alfaro; Benjamin Fu Subject:Building a Strong Foundation for Cupertino’s Future Date:Saturday, December 14, 2024 3:30:04 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear City Clerk, Please include in written communications for the 12/17/24 city council meeting. Subject: Building a Strong Foundation for Cupertino’s Future Dear Mayor Chao, Vice-Mayor Moore, Council Members Wang and Moore, City Manager Wu, Department heads, Congratulations to Mayor Chao and Vice-Mayor Moore on your new leadership roles, and to Council Member Wang on your election to the council. Your dedication to serving Cupertino is appreciated, and I look forward to seeing the positive impact of your efforts. As a resident of Cupertino, I urge the council and staff to work together with respect, trust, and shared purpose. Residents have placed their faith in this council to prioritize the community's needs, and now is the time to focus on initiatives that make Cupertino an even better place to live, work, and play. Here are key areas I believe should guide your priorities: Public Safety First Strengthen public safety by increasing sheriff patrols and enhancing traffic enforcement. These measures would provide an immediate sense of security and demonstrate your commitment to residents’ well-being. No to Lane Reductions Residents have been clear in their opposition to lane reductions on DeAnza Boulevard. Redirect resources toward repairing and repaving our roads instead. Our community deserves functional and efficient roadways, not diminished traffic capacity. Elevate Pedestrian Safety Install beacon-activated lights at all pedestrian crossings to ensure safe and accessible walkways. A balanced approach is needed to address the needs of both pedestrians and cyclists. Streamline Spending Conduct a transparent review of all consultant-led projects. Focus on completing meaningful projects internally, leveraging the skills of city staff wherever possible. This approach not only saves money but also builds expertise within the city. Reprioritize Infrastructure Goals Shift resources away from projects like purchasing an older office building or building a new city hall. Instead, fund seismic upgrades for the current city hall and invest in critical infrastructure improvements. Cut Wasteful Programs Review and reduce funding for non-essential third-party projects and websites. Prioritize resources for community-benefiting initiatives such as parks, public works, and resident- focused events. Improve Engagement and Transparency Reinstate prior council procedures that allowed for greater public involvement. Additionally, ensure that commission appointments are decided solely by the council, giving residents a fair and transparent opportunity to serve. Expand Community Accessibility Restore hybrid Zoom meetings for Parks and Recreation and consider adding virtual options for other commissions like Audit and Public Safety. These tools are critical to engaging more residents in city processes. Support Local Businesses Focus economic development efforts on bringing more restaurants, cafes, and experiential retail to Cupertino. Simplify regulations to attract businesses that align with residents’ preferences and make our city a destination for dining and leisure. Invest in New Parks Work toward acquiring parcels like those near Sedgwick Elementary or Montebello Road to create new parks, providing residents with more recreational spaces. Enhance Resident Services Reestablish walk-in service desks for Building and Planning and improve responsiveness to inquiries. Timely, accessible service is essential for a well-functioning city. Revive Community Events Bring back cherished events such as the July 4th evening celebration, Pacific Coast Farmers Market, and Bobateeno. These programs foster a sense of community and connection among residents. Reevaluate R3 Projects Explore the possibility of downzoning R3 projects on Linda Vista Drive and McClellan Road. Shift these units to more suitable locations on DeAnza Boulevard, Stevens Creek Boulevard, and Homestead Road, where infrastructure and public transit are better equipped to handle increased density. This approach would align new development with community priorities and infrastructure capacity. Strengthen Communication Introduce office hours for council members and staff at community events like the Farmers Market or through virtual platforms. This initiative would make city leadership more accessible and approachable. Closing Thoughts Cupertino is at a turning point, and this council has a tremendous opportunity to lead with vision, accountability, and a focus on residents’ needs. By fostering collaboration with staff and making thoughtful, impactful decisions, you can build a legacy that benefits our community for generations. Thank you for your service to our city. I look forward to seeing the great progress all stakeholders can achieve together. Sincerely, Selvi Sathya Cupertino Resident From:K - To:City Council; Pamela Wu; City Clerk; Chad Mosley; David Stillman; Rachelle Sander; Kristina Alfaro; Benjamin Fu Subject:Building a Strong Foundation for Cupertino’s Future Date:Friday, December 13, 2024 7:02:25 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear Mayor Chao, Vice-Mayor Moore, Council Members Wang and Moore, City Manager Wu, Department heads, Congratulations to Mayor Chao and Vice-Mayor Moore on your new leadership roles, and to Council Member Wang on your election to the council. Your dedication to serving Cupertino is appreciated, and I look forward to seeing the positive impact of your efforts. As a resident of Cupertino, I urge the council and staff to work together with respect, trust, and shared purpose. Residents have placed their faith in this council to prioritize the community's needs, and now is the time to focus on initiatives that make Cupertino an even better place to live, work, and play. Here are key areas I believe should guide your priorities: Public Safety First Strengthen public safety by increasing sheriff patrols, clearing homeless encampments, and enhancing traffic enforcement. These measures would provide an immediate sense of security and demonstrate your commitment to residents’ well-being. No to Lane Reductions Residents have been clear in their opposition to lane reductions on DeAnza Boulevard. Redirect resources toward repairing and repaving our roads instead. Our community deserves functional and efficient roadways, not diminished traffic capacity. Elevate Pedestrian Safety Install beacon-activated lights at all pedestrian crossings to ensure safe and accessible walkways. A balanced approach is needed to address the needs of both pedestrians and cyclists. Streamline Spending Conduct a transparent review of all consultant-led projects. Focus on completing meaningful projects internally, leveraging the skills of city staff wherever possible. This approach not only saves money but also builds expertise within the city. Reprioritize Infrastructure Goals Shift resources away from projects like purchasing an older office building or building a new city hall. Instead, fund seismic upgrades for the current city hall and invest in critical infrastructure improvements. Cut Wasteful Programs Review and reduce funding for non-essential third-party projects and websites. Prioritize resources for community-benefiting initiatives such as parks, public works, and resident- focused events. Improve Engagement and Transparency Reinstate prior council procedures that allowed for greater public involvement. Additionally, ensure that commission appointments are decided solely by the council, giving residents a fair and transparent opportunity to serve. Expand Community Accessibility Restore hybrid Zoom meetings for Parks and Recreation and consider adding virtual options for other commissions like Audit and Public Safety. These tools are critical to engaging more residents in city processes. Support Local Businesses Focus economic development efforts on bringing more restaurants, cafes, and experiential retail to Cupertino. Simplify regulations to attract businesses that align with residents’ preferences and make our city a destination for dining and leisure. Invest in New Parks Work toward acquiring parcels like those near Sedgwick Elementary or Montebello Road to create new parks, providing residents with more recreational spaces. Enhance Resident Services Reestablish walk-in service desks for Building and Planning and improve responsiveness to inquiries. Timely, accessible service is essential for a well-functioning city. Revive Community Events Bring back cherished events such as the July 4th evening celebration, Pacific Coast Farmers Market, and Bobateeno. These programs foster a sense of community and connection among residents. Reevaluate R3 Projects Explore the possibility of downzoning R3 projects on Linda Vista Drive and McClellan Road. Shift these units to more suitable locations on DeAnza Boulevard, Stevens Creek Boulevard, and Homestead Road, where infrastructure and public transit are better equipped to handle increased density. This approach would align new development with community priorities and infrastructure capacity. Strengthen Communication Introduce office hours for council members and staff at community events like the Farmers Market or through virtual platforms. This initiative would make city leadership more accessible and approachable. Closing Thoughts Cupertino is at a turning point, and this council has a tremendous opportunity to lead with vision, accountability, and a focus on residents’ needs. By fostering collaboration with staff and making thoughtful, impactful decisions, you can build a legacy that benefits our community for generations. Thank you for your service to our city. I look forward to seeing the great progress all stakeholders can achieve together. Sincerely, Keith Bachmeier Cupertino Resident From:Ram Sripathi To:City Council; Pamela Wu; City Clerk; Chad Mosley; David Stillman; Rachelle Sander; Kristina Alfaro; Benjamin Fu Subject:Building a Strong Foundation for Cupertino’s Future Date:Friday, December 13, 2024 5:25:20 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Subject: Building a Strong Foundation for Cupertino’s Future Dear Mayor Chao, Vice-Mayor Moore, Council Members Wang and Moore, City Manager Wu, Department heads, Congratulations to Mayor Chao and Vice-Mayor Moore on your new leadership roles, and to Council Member Wang on your election to the council. Your dedication to serving Cupertino is appreciated, and I look forward to seeing the positive impact of your efforts. As a resident of Cupertino, I urge the council and staff to work together with respect, trust, and shared purpose. Residents have placed their faith in this council to prioritize the community's needs, and now is the time to focus on initiatives that make Cupertino an even better place to live, work, and play. Here are key areas I believe should guide your priorities: Public Safety First Strengthen public safety by increasing sheriff patrols and enhancing traffic enforcement. These measures would provide an immediate sense of security and demonstrate your commitment to residents’ well-being. No to Lane Reductions Residents have been clear in their opposition to lane reductions on DeAnza Boulevard. Redirect resources toward repairing and repaving our roads instead. Our community deserves functional and efficient roadways, not diminished traffic capacity. Elevate Pedestrian Safety Install beacon-activated lights at all pedestrian crossings to ensure safe and accessible walkways. A balanced approach is needed to address the needs of both pedestrians and cyclists. Streamline Spending Conduct a transparent review of all consultant-led projects. Focus on completing meaningful projects internally, leveraging the skills of city staff wherever possible. This approach not only saves money but also builds expertise within the city. Reprioritize Infrastructure Goals Shift resources away from projects like purchasing an older office building or building a new city hall. Instead, fund seismic upgrades for the current city hall and invest in critical infrastructure improvements. Cut Wasteful Programs Review and reduce funding for non-essential third-party projects and websites. Prioritize resources for community- benefiting initiatives such as parks, public works, and resident-focused events. Improve Engagement and Transparency Reinstate prior council procedures that allowed for greater public involvement. Additionally, ensure that commission appointments are decided solely by the council, giving residents a fair and transparent opportunity to serve. Expand Community Accessibility Restore hybrid Zoom meetings for Parks and Recreation and consider adding virtual options for other commissions like Audit and Public Safety. These tools are critical to engaging more residents in city processes. Support Local Businesses Focus economic development efforts on bringing more restaurants, cafes, and experiential retail to Cupertino. Simplify regulations to attract businesses that align with residents’ preferences and make our city a destination for dining and leisure. Invest in New Parks Work toward acquiring parcels like those near Sedgwick Elementary or Montebello Road to create new parks, providing residents with more recreational spaces. Enhance Resident Services Reestablish walk-in service desks for Building and Planning and improve responsiveness to inquiries. Timely, accessible service is essential for a well-functioning city. Revive Community Events Bring back cherished events such as the July 4th evening celebration, Pacific Coast Farmers Market, and Bobateeno. These programs foster a sense of community and connection among residents. Reevaluate R3 Projects Explore the possibility of downzoning R3 projects on Linda Vista Drive and McClellan Road. Shift these units to more suitable locations on DeAnza Boulevard, Stevens Creek Boulevard, and Homestead Road, where infrastructure and public transit are better equipped to handle increased density. This approach would align new development with community priorities and infrastructure capacity. Strengthen Communication Introduce office hours for council members and staff at community events like the Farmers Market or through virtual platforms. This initiative would make city leadership more accessible and approachable. Closing Thoughts Cupertino is at a turning point, and this council has a tremendous opportunity to lead with vision, accountability, and a focus on residents’ needs. By fostering collaboration with staff and making thoughtful, impactful decisions, you can build a legacy that benefits our community for generations. Thank you for your service to our city. I look forward to seeing the great progress all stakeholders can achieve together. Sincerely, Ram sripathi Cupertino Resident From:Liang Chao To:City Clerk Cc:Santosh Rao Subject:Fw: Setting Priorities for a New Era in Cupertino Date:Friday, December 13, 2024 11:02:50 AM Please add this to the written communication for the 12/17 council meeting. Liang Chao​​​​ Mayor City Council LChao@cupertino.gov 408-777-3192 From: Santosh Rao <santo_a_rao@yahoo.com> Sent: Friday, December 13, 2024 10:07 AM To: City Council <citycouncil@cupertino.org>; David Stillman <davids@cupertino.org>; Chad Mosley <chadm@cupertino.org>; City Clerk <cityclerk@cupertino.org>; Ray Wang <rwang@cupertino.gov>; Pamela Wu <pamelaw@cupertino.org>; Rachelle Sander <rachelles@cupertino.org>; Kristina Alfaro <kristinaa@cupertino.org>; Benjamin Fu <benjaminf@cupertino.gov>; Christopher Jensen <christopherj@cupertino.org> Subject: Setting Priorities for a New Era in Cupertino CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear City Clerk, Please include the below in written communications for the upcoming 12/17 city council meeting. Subject: Setting Priorities for a New Era in Cupertino Dear Mayor Chao, Vice-Mayor Moore, Cupertino Council Members, City Manager Wu, and Department heads, Congratulations to Mayor Chao on your election as Mayor, Vice-Mayor Moore on your election as Vice-Mayor, and Council Member Wang on joining the council. I was delighted to see the beaming smiles on the new council member page—may it reflect the collaborative spirit and humor needed to build strong working relationships with staff. As residents, we deeply value the contributions of city staff and leadership. A thriving workplace for city employees is essential to retaining and attracting top talent, but it must be paired with a commitment to excellence and a focus on the priorities that residents clearly voiced during the 2024 election. I respectfully urge the council to prioritize the following: 1. Public Safety Increase neighborhood patrols and traffic enforcement. This visible commitment to safety will reassure residents and should be a straightforward, impactful initiative to implement. 2. Preserve DeAnza, Stevens Creek Boulevard and Bollinger, Homestead Rd, Halt lane reduction projects. Residents have overwhelmingly opposed these changes, favoring roadway improvements over lane eliminations. Redirect resources toward repaving and maintaining our roads. 3. Enhance Pedestrian Safety Prioritize pedestrian safety by equipping all crosswalks with beacon-activated lights. Prioritize pedestrian safety. 4. Eliminate Wasteful Spending Publish a transparent list of consultant projects and reduce reliance on external consultants. Instead, empower staff to take on projects in-house, as demonstrated by the excellent work of Kristina Alfaro’s team on budget outreach. 5. Reassess Capital Projects Cancel plans for a new city hall and private-public partnerships for office buildings. Instead, fund seismic retrofits for the existing city hall and focus on essential infrastructure. 6. Improve Financial Transparency Publish a clear list of third-party organizations and projects receiving city funding. Eliminate wasteful expenditures on non-essential initiatives and redirect resources to impactful projects, such as parks, public works, and community events. 7. Restore Stakeholder Engagement Reinstate transparent council procedures and ensure that commissioners are chosen directly by the council. Staff pre-screening and shortlisting of volunteers undermines public trust. 8. Expand Community Engagement Bring back hybrid Zoom meetings for Parks and Recreation and explore virtual options for the Audit and Public Safety Commissions. These tools enhance accessibility for residents. 9. Support Economic Development Focus on attracting experiential retail and restaurants that align with residents' preferences. Simplify regulations that hinder small businesses, and reimagine Main Street as a vibrant destination for dining and leisure. 10. Pursue New Parks Consider acquiring and converting parcels near Sedgwick Elementary and Montebello Road into parks to enhance public green spaces. 11. Increase Accessibility Reopen in-person service desks for Building and Planning departments and improve responsiveness to resident inquiries. Timely and direct communication is critical. 12. Bring Back Events Restore beloved community events like the July 4th evening celebration, Pacific Coast Farmers Market, and Bobateeno. These initiatives strengthen community bonds. 13. Enhance Community Interaction Establish office hours at popular community events, such as the Farmers Market, and offer virtual options. This practice, as modeled by other agencies, fosters trust and transparency. Conclusion This is a new chapter for Cupertino, and residents are hopeful. I urge you to focus on creating a legacy of excellent infrastructure, vibrant events, and a thriving community. None of this can be achieved without strong, positive relationships between leadership and staff. Treating all parties with respect and working in good faith will make Cupertino a great place to work and live. Thank you for your dedication to our city. Sincerely, San Rao Cupertino resident and voter