HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC 11-04-2025 Late CommunicationsCC 11-04-2025
Oral
Communications
Written Comments
From:j w
To:Liang Chao; Cupertino City Manager"s Office
Cc:City Clerk; City Council
Subject:Re: Subject: time sensitive!Request for Support, Restoration of Communication, and lift the "political
prisoner/hostage"/Fair Treatment from the City
Date:Tuesday, November 4, 2025 4:55:30 PM
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Please include in the public record for next meeting-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
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Mayor Chao, Vice-Mayor Moore, Councilmembers Fruen, Mohan and Wang,
On Monday, November 3, 2025 at 11:27:26 PM PST, j w <jzw97@yahoo.com> wrote:On Monday,
October 20, 2025 at 03:51:05 PM PDT, j w <jzw97@yahoo.com> wrote:
Subject: Request for Support, Restoration of Communication, and Fair Treatment from the City
Dear Mayor,
I would like to share some background and respectfully request that the City treat our situation with the fairness,
dignity, and compassion it extends to all residents.
Our family lives at the bottom edge of the city’s economic and social margins. We are doing our best to hold on —
even now, part of our roof requires patching every few months just to keep things livable. Years ago, we were
misled by an Indian real estate agent, which led to major losses and hardship. Despite this, we took full
responsibility and followed the proper path through the City Planning and Building Department. We worked with
licensed, experienced professionals to carry out an approved plan for the 2nd time.
Unfortunately, a complaint from the 1st construction — made by someone who has since left their position — led to
retaliation on the 2nd one, and lack of the communication as stated below caused more confusion. We did our best
to stand up, but over time, we lost everything: the property, our belongings, and the sense of home we built over
years as long-standing residents. It felt like persecution. And the pain didn’t stop there — we were falsely labeled,
our rights stripped away, and our lives disrupted in ways that had nothing to do with the original matter. These
labels have followed us into every corner of life.
It has reached a point so tragic and unjust that criminals were able to attack us, but we could not fight back —
not legally, not financially, not even emotionally — because of how the court accepted the City's false narrative. The
damage from these untrue labels has led to severe mental and emotional decline for our family. The refusal of the
courts to hear our side, to look at the full truth, has left us in a state of hopelessness and fear.
Making things worse, the lack of communication from the City over the past several years has deepened the
hardship. We were not able to schedule even a single in-person meeting, despite repeated efforts. One of our elder
family members is now immobile, and the sense of isolation and exclusion has been profound. We’ve been forced
to pay unnecessary legal fees, not only for the property matter, but also for broader issues where City sanctions
were misapplied or extended beyond their scope — even into private disputes, turning what should have been
civil into something resembling a political prisoner situation. We’ve had to spend even more money six figure just
to settle matters that were never ours to begin with, nothing to do with city, but couldn't defend since city hold as
'prisoner' on all unrelated matter.
We have no place else to turn. We have always believed in the City Council’s mission to support residents. We
believe in redemption and renewal. We accepted the outcome the first time and tried to rebuild. But now, I’m
asking — from the deepest part of my heart — that you extend that same belief to us.
No one — no matter their flaws — deserves to be forgotten in the system, lost in endless procedures, enduring
punishment far beyond what justice requires. Please see us. Please give us the opportunity to be heard and to
heal.
We respectfully ask that this be treated as a high-priority matter, and that steps be taken to restore open
communication, offer fair support, and ensure no resident is left behind.
Thank you for your time and your service to the people of this City.
Jane for Huang family
4086731820
From:j w
To:City Council
Cc:City Clerk; Cupertino City Manager"s Office
Subject:Re: Request to Prioritize Rebuilding Direct Communication Between City Leadership and Residents Dear
[Recipient
Date:Tuesday, November 4, 2025 4:50:34 PM
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Please include in the public record for this meeting-----------------------------------------
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Mayor Chao, Vice-Mayor Moore, Councilmembers Fruen, Mohan and Wang,
Could someone please get back to me on this, or forward it to the City Manager’s
Office for a response? I’ve raised this issue several times over the past few years, and
we would appreciate an update.
>>>>>>
On Monday, October 20, 2025 at 12:02:03 PM PDT, j w <jzw97@yahoo.com> wrote:
We would like to express our concerns about the ongoing lack of direct communication between residents and the
City, including the City Council, in recent years.
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, it was common to see the Mayor and City Manager walking around in front of
City Hall, engaging openly with residents. The City Manager also maintained open office hours almost daily, and
City Hall was accessible — doors were not locked, and transparency was part of the everyday culture.
While we understand that the pandemic required changes, those restrictions have long since ended. Yet, the level of
public access and face-to-face communication has not returned to pre-COVID standards. We've even seen news
reports raising concerns about public employees holding multiple remote jobs simultaneously, which further
undermines public trust.
Most concerning is the fact that some long-term residents have not had an opportunity to meet with city leadership
in person for years. This disconnect does not reflect the values or mission of the City to serve its community with
transparency, accountability, and accessibility.
We respectfully ask that this issue be treated as high priority — and that steps be taken to restore regular, in-person
engagement between the City’s leadership and its residents.
Thank you for your attention.
Sincerely,
Jenny
Huang family
CC 11-04-2025
Item No. 1- Closed Session
Public Employee
Appointment
Consideration
Written Comments
From:Santosh Rao
To:City Council; City Clerk; Tina Kapoor; Kirsten Squarcia; Lauren Sapudar
Subject:Closed session agenda item 1 written comments.
Date:Tuesday, November 4, 2025 4:33:54 PM
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Dear City Clerk,
Please include the below in written communications for closed session agenda item 1 for the
11/04/25 city council meeting:
1. Subject: Public Employee Appointment Consideration; California
Government Code
Sections 54954.5(e) and 54957(b)(1); Title: City Manager
[Writing on behalf of myself only as a Cupertino resident]
Dear Mayor Chao, Vice-Mayor Moore and Cupertino city council members,
I am writing on agenda item 1. I can only speculate on the agenda since it is closed session but
I am assuming this item relates to the appointment of Tina Kapoor as city manager.
I whole heartedly endorse and support the appointment of Tina Kapoor as the next permanent
Cupertino city manager.
I urge you to go further and appoint Kirsten Squarcia as Asst City Manager and Lauren
Sapudar as city clerk.
Under the leadership of Tina Kapoor there has been a considerable change in staff and resident
engagement as well as the tone of council meetings have gotten considerably better.
Under the prior city manager the council meetings were downright rude and disrespectful. I
often took council calls on zoom with kids around me. I could not let them watch the
mannerisms of the prior city manager as she set a bad example for polite respectful treatment
of colleagues, council members and residents.
Under Tina Kapoor all that is a closed chapter. Tina Kapoor puts the job before her
personality. She restores respect and pride in the role of the city manager.
Cupertino has great city facilities called Quinlan and Don Brown. Do you know what
those names are? They are names of past city managers. Not names of Mayors. Not
names of council members. But names of city managers.
The role of city manager is one of great honor. The office of city manager must be treated with
respect, service and humility. Tina Kapoor fits the bill perfectly to do that.
Tina Kapoor has improved city written outbound communications such as newsletters. She has
stayed engaged on resident issues such as Phar Lap Dr crosswalk safety, Mary Ave Villas, and
many more. Tina Kapoor has been striving for the right balance between managing staff
bandwidth, city use of resources and meeting resident and council needs and expectations. She
maintains a neutral posture across factions with diverse needs and views.
By confirming Tina Kapoor you demonstrate trust in staff and also pave the way to appoint
Kirsten Squarcia to asst city manager and Lauren Sapudar to city clerk.
All three have served our city admirably and deserve the roles ahead.
Please promote Tina Kapoor to city manager today. Please agendaize the appointment of
Kirsten Squarcia to assistant city manager next.
Thank you.
Thanks,
San Rao (writing on behalf of myself only as a Cupertino resident)
CC 11-04-2025
Item #11
Municipal Code
Amendments for
California Buildings
Standards Code and Fire
Code
Written Communications
From:Paul Joseph
To:City Clerk; City Council; Tina Kapoor; Benjamin Fu; Luke Connolly; City Attorney"s Office
Subject:Resident Concerns and Recommendations on 2025 Building Code Ordinance
Date:Tuesday, November 4, 2025 4:52:32 PM
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Dear City Clerk,
Please include the below in written communications for the upcoming council meeting.
Dear Mayor Chao, Vice Mayor Moore, Council Members, Interim City Manager Kapoor, and
Director Fu,
As a longtime resident of Cupertino, I am deeply concerned that the proposed 2025 Building
Code ordinance would impose substantial new financial and regulatory burdens on
homeowners. The increased costs of compliance—combined with added layers of complexity
—risk disenfranchising many long-term residents, particularly those on fixed or moderate
incomes, who may no longer be able to afford to maintain or upgrade their homes.
While the City’s goals of improving safety and sustainability are important, these measures
must be balanced against economic accessibility. Without reasonable flexibility, the ordinance
could unintentionally force many homeowners to defer essential maintenance, abandon
planned remodels, or ultimately relocate outside Cupertino. This outcome would not only
reduce housing stability for existing residents but also undermine the City’s long-standing goal
of preserving an inclusive and diverse community.
There is a growing feeling of being completely insensitive to cost of these measures and
making living unaffordable in Cupertino.
--
thanks,
Paul
From:Kirsten Squarcia
To:Kitty Moore; Lauren Sapudar
Subject:RE: Item 11 Written Communications Referenced in Motion
Date:Tuesday, November 4, 2025 9:17:35 PM
Thank you Vice Mayor. The material will be included with the written communications and referenced in the minutes.
Kirsten Squarcia
Interim Deputy City Manager/City Clerk
City Manager's Office
KirstenS@cupertino.gov
(408) 777-3225
From: Kitty Moore <KMoore@cupertino.gov>
Sent: Tuesday, November 4, 2025 8:43 PM
To: Kirsten Squarcia <KirstenS@cupertino.gov>; Lauren Sapudar <LaurenS@cupertino.gov>
Subject: Item 11 Written Communications Referenced in Motion
Dear City Clerk,
Below are the referenced potential revisions from the Item 11 motion:
Replacement Text – Section 113, Appeals
(To replace current Section 113 in the Draft Ordinance)
SECTION 113 – APPEALS
113.1 General.
In order to provide a means for resolving disputes concerning the interpretation or application of this Title or the technical codes adopted herein, there shall
be a Board of Appeals. Nothing in this section shall be construed as creating a right to appeal issues outside the Building Official’s jurisdiction.
113.2 Board of Appeals – Creation and Purpose.
A. There is hereby established a Board of Appeals consisting of five members appointed by the City Council. Members shall be qualified by experience and
training to pass upon matters pertaining to building construction and code enforcement.
B. The Board shall act in an advisory and technical capacity, hearing and considering appeals from orders, decisions, or determinations made by the Building
Official relative to the application and interpretation of the codes.
C. The Building Official shall serve as ex-officio secretary to the Board but shall have no vote.
113.3 Scope of Review.
A. The Board of Appeals shall limit its consideration to whether the true intent of the code or the rules legally adopted thereunder have been correctly
interpreted, and whether the provisions of the code apply to the particular case.
B. The Board shall not waive code requirements or approve any alternate that lessens minimum safety standards unless such alternate is expressly permitted
by the code.
113.4 Decision and Recommendation.
A. After hearing an appeal, the Board shall prepare written findings and a recommended decision setting forth the facts and reasoning supporting its
conclusion.
B. The recommendation shall be transmitted to the City Council within ten (10) days following the Board’s action.
113.5 City Council Review and Final Determination.
A. Upon receipt of the Board’s recommendation, the City Council shall schedule the matter for consideration at a noticed public meeting.
B. The Council may affirm, modify, or reverse the Board’s recommendation. The Council’s action shall constitute the City’s final administrative decision.
C. The Council may remand a matter to the Board for additional technical findings as necessary.
113.6 Record of Proceedings.
The Board shall maintain a record of each hearing, including testimony, documents, and findings. Such record shall be forwarded to the City Council and
maintained as part of the permanent file for the subject property or permit.
113.7 Effect of Decision.
The City Council’s decision on appeal shall be final and binding upon all departments and officials of the City. Judicial review may be sought in accordance
with applicable law.
113.8 Consistency with State Law.
This appeals process shall not modify or create any technical building standard beyond those adopted by the State of California. It is an administrative
mechanism consistent with California Building Code §113 and Assembly Bill 130 (2025).
Optional Supplement – Council Interpretive Authority
(Can be added after Section 104.1 in your draft)
104.1.1 Council Interpretive and Policy Authority
The City Council may adopt resolutions or administrative policies clarifying procedures for implementation of this Title.
Such policies shall not establish or amend building standards as defined in Health & Safety Code § 18909, but may guide enforcement priorities,
interpretation, and administrative practices to ensure consistency with state law and local needs.
Kitty Moore
Vice Mayor
City Council
KMoore@cupertino.gov
(408) 777-1389
CC 11-04-2025
Item #13
Active Transportation
Plan
Written Communications
From:Yuvaraj Athur Raghuvir
To:City Council; Tina Kapoor; City Clerk; Chad Mosley; Matt Schroeder; David Stillman
Subject:Request for Moratorium on Bike Lane Projects and Focus on Proven Traffic Safety Solutions
Date:Tuesday, November 4, 2025 6:23:26 PM
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Dear Mayor Chao, Vice-Mayor Moore, Council Members, Interim City Manager Kapoor,
Director Mosley, Transportation Manager Stillman, and Transportation Planner Schroeder,
I respectfully request that the City of Cupertino cancel and defund the current ATP bike lane
proposals and pause all new bike lane or lane reconfiguration projects for at least two years
until accurate bicycle usage counts are gathered for De Anza Boulevard, Stevens Creek
Boulevard, Blaney Avenue, and other key routes.
The proposed design changes, such as lane reductions, narrowed lanes, bulb-outs, and turning
restrictions may seriously disrupt traffic flow and increase congestion on already busy streets.
These actions could also impact the ability of seniors, parents, and emergency services to
move efficiently through our city.
Instead, Cupertino should emphasize technological and balanced traffic safety improvements,
such as:
Red-light and speed enforcement cameras to discourage dangerous driving, Coordinated and
synchronized traffic signals to reduce unnecessary idling and cut emissions, and
Improved signal timing and visibility for all road users.
These strategies enhance safety without reducing mobility or increasing frustration for drivers.
I urge the Council to redirect funding away from ATP bike lane projects and invest instead in
smart, efficient traffic management that truly benefits all Cupertino residents.
Sincerely,
Yuva Athur
From:Seema Swamy
To:City Council; Tina Kapoor; City Clerk; Chad Mosley; David Stillman
Cc:Seema Swamy
Subject:Request to Pause and Reassess Bike Lane Projects Under ATP
Date:Tuesday, November 4, 2025 4:37:45 PM
Dear Mayor Chao, Vice-Mayor Moore, Council Members, Interim City Manager Kapoor,
Director Mosley, Transportation Manager Stillman, and Planner Schroeder,
I am writing to express my strong concern about the direction of the City’s Active
Transportation Plan (ATP). I respectfully request that the City cancel and defund any
future ATP bike lane projects under consideration and place a two-year moratorium on
all future bike lane plans until we have at least two full years of traffic and usage data
from De Anza Boulevard, Stevens Creek Boulevard, Blaney Avenue, and other proposed
corridors.
Many of us who live and work in Cupertino rely on our roads daily for commuting, school
drop-offs, and errands. The proposed changes, such as lane reductions, removal of right
turns on red, bulb-outs, and narrower lanes will only create additional congestion and
safety issues without any evidence that they improve cyclist safety or increase ridership.
These projects could also make life harder for seniors, working families, and parents
juggling multiple destinations.
It would be far more practical for Cupertino to focus on better traffic signal coordination,
road maintenance, and data-driven planning before making irreversible changes.
Responsible governance requires that we first measure actual bike usage and evaluate
whether these large-scale investments make sense for our community.
Please act to cancel these projects, preserve traffic flow, and ensure transparency in
transportation planning.
Sincerely,
Seema
Seema Swamy
SSwamy@cupertino.gov
From:Pam Hershey
To:City Clerk; Cupertino City Manager"s Office; City Council
Subject:Request to pause and reassess Bike Lane ProjectsUnder ATP
Date:Tuesday, November 4, 2025 4:31:12 PM
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Dear Mayor Chao, Vice-Mayor Moore, Council Members Interim City Manager
Kapoor, Director Mosley, Manager Stillman and Planner Schroeder,
Today I am writing you to let you know my concern about the direction the City's ATP
.
Please request the City to cancel and define this plan and any plan the near future.
The city needs a couple of years to assess tthe traffic and usage data from DeAnza
Blvd Steven Creek Blvd, Blaney Ave and any other proposed corridors
I rely on these road everyday and without evidence that this will improve cyclist safety
or help rideship
does not seem right at this time.
Please cancel these project to preserve traffic flow and transparency in transportation
planning.
Regards,
Pamela Hershey
From:Deepa Mahendraker
To:City Council; Tina Kapoor; City Clerk; Chad Mosley; David Stillman; Matt Schroeder
Subject:Request for Moratorium on Bike Lane Projects and Focus on Proven Traffic Safety Solutions
Date:Tuesday, November 4, 2025 4:04:54 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, Interim City Manager Kapoor, Director Mosley,
Transportation Manager Stillman, and Transportation Planner Schroeder,
I respectfully request that the City of Cupertino cancel and defund the current ATP bike lane proposals and pause all
new bike lane or lane reconfiguration projects for at least two years until accurate bicycle usage counts are gathered
for De Anza Boulevard, Stevens Creek Boulevard, Blaney Avenue, and other key routes.
The proposed design changes, such as lane reductions, narrowed lanes, bulb-outs, and turning restrictions may
seriously disrupt traffic flow and increase congestion on already busy streets. These actions could also impact the
ability of seniors, parents, and emergency services to move efficiently through our city.
Instead, Cupertino should emphasize technological and balanced traffic safety improvements, such as:
Red-light and speed enforcement cameras to discourage dangerous driving, Coordinated and synchronized traffic
signals to reduce unnecessary idling and cut emissions, and
Improved signal timing and visibility for all road users.
These strategies enhance safety without reducing mobility or increasing frustration for drivers.
I urge the Council to redirect funding away from ATP bike lane projects and invest instead in smart, efficient traffic
management that truly benefits all Cupertino residents.
Sincerely,
Deepa M
Sent from my iPhone
CC 11-04-2025
Item #16
Upcoming Draft Agenda
Items Report
Written Communications
From:Santosh Rao
To:City Council; City Attorney"s Office; Tina Kapoor; City Clerk
Subject:Fw: Public Comment Opportunity on Future Agenda Items Pursuant to the Brown Act
Date:Tuesday, November 4, 2025 11:20:40 PM
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[Writing on behalf of myself only as a Cupertino resident]
Dear CAO, ICM Kapoor, Mayor Chao, Vice-Mayor Moore,
I am re-iterating below feedback sent previously and observing that items on an agenda must
be dealt with in some form.
Please continue the meeting to 4am if needed. Council members can take a page from our
great mayors and council members of the past that fearlessly went on to 4am.
————-
It has been observed that recent meetings have been adjourned
without hearing City Manager Reports, Council Reports, or
Future Agenda Items. This practice raises compliance concerns
under California Government Code Sections 54954.2(a)(1),
54954.3(a), and 54953(a), Cupertino Municipal Code
Section 2.08.040, and Rosenberg’s Rules Sections IV(A) and
VII, all of which require agendized items to be publicly
considered, continued, or formally removed. Skipping items or
adjourning without disposition denies the public its statutory
right to comment.
Thanks,
Santosh Rao
Begin forwarded message:
On Tuesday, November 4, 2025, 7:20 AM, Santosh Rao <santo_a_rao@yahoo.com> wrote:
Dear City Clerk,
Please include the below in written communications for items not on agenda for
the upcoming city council meeting
[Writing on behalf of myself only as Cupertino resident]
Subject: Request for Public Comment Opportunity on Agenda Item 16 (“Future
Agenda Items”) Pursuant to the Brown Act
Dear Mayor Chao, Vice-Mayor Moore, ICM Kapoor, City Clerk, CAO,
I am writing to request that the City Council take public comment on Agenda
Item 16, “Future Agenda Items,” at all regular Council meetings, in accordance
with California Government Code Section 54954.3(a), a core provision of
the Ralph M. Brown Act.
Section 54954.3(a) requires that members of the public be permitted to address
the legislative body on any item appearing on the agenda, before or during the
body’s consideration of that item. The agenda item titled “Future Agenda
Items”clearly falls within this scope, as it involves Council direction to staff
regarding matters for future consideration.
Under Rosenberg’s Rules of Order, which govern Cupertino’s meeting
procedures, public comment must precede any direction by the body. Withholding
comment on agendized items is inconsistent with both the Brown Act and the
City’s procedural standards.
It has been observed that recent meetings have been adjourned without hearing
City Manager Reports, Council Reports, or Future Agenda Items. This practice
raises compliance concerns under California Government Code Sections
54954.2(a)(1), 54954.3(a), and 54953(a), Cupertino Municipal Code Section
2.08.040, and Rosenberg’s Rules Sections IV(A) and VII, all of which require
agendized items to be publicly considered, continued, or formally removed.
Skipping items or adjourning without disposition denies the public its statutory
right to comment.
I respectfully request that the Council ensure:
1. Public comment is permitted on Future Agenda Items at every meeting; and
2. All agendized items, including City Manager Reports, Council Reports, and
Future Agenda Items, are either heard, formally continued, or removed by
vote before adjournment.
Thank you for ensuring Cupertino’s governance remains consistent with state law
and City procedures.
Sincerely,
San Rao (writing on behalf of myself only as a Cupertino resident)