HomeMy WebLinkAboutPSC 09-10-2026 Written CommunicationsPSC 04-28-2026
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From:Minna
To:City of Cupertino Public Safety Commission
Cc:neil.valenzuela; City Clerk
Subject:Public safety concern raised in my neighborhood
Date:Thursday, September 10, 2026 2:21:21 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 Public Safety Commissioners, Dear Sheriff,
Recently, several of our neighbors living on Newsom Avenue near Bollinger Road, between
Wunderlich Drive and Johnson Avenue, have repeatedly found unauthorized signs installed
along their fences (refer to the attached photo). Unfortunately, several incidents involving
these unauthorized signs have raised broader public safety concerns in our neighborhood.
However, my intention in this email is not to complain since I know the Public Safety
Commission can't really launch any law enforcement. As Cupertino residents, we simply hope
to better understand the rules and standards, and to clearly understand what rights and options
residents have to protect their private property and personal safety in situations like this.
Here is my list of questions:
1. Removing unauthorized political signs
If a political sign is placed on private property without the owner’s permission, may the
property owner authorize a friend or neighbor to remove and dispose of it on their behalf? If
so, does that authorization need to be verbal or written?
2. Filing a police report on behalf of a homeowner
If unauthorized signs are repeatedly placed on private property, may the homeowner authorize
another person to file a police report on their behalf? If so, is there a required form of
authorization?
3. Tracking devices and cameras
Is it legal to place a tracking device on an object located on another person’s private property
without the property owner’s knowledge or consent? Or, is it everyone's public right of way to
do so on another person’s private property without the property owner’s knowledge
or consent? Furthermore, if the object itself was placed on the property without the
homeowner’s permission, would placing a tracking device on that object raise additional legal
concerns or make the situation more serious?
Similarly, is it legal to install a wireless camera, whether on a homeowner’s fence, city tree,
light pole, or other location, specifically directed toward someone else’s private property
without their consent?
If either situation may violate the law, who may report it? Must the report come from the
property owner, or may another resident who observes the activity and has safety or privacy
concerns contact law enforcement?
This is particularly important because many neighbors walk or jog in the area at night. The
presence of hidden tracking devices or cameras, especially from someone not belonging to our
neighborhood, could reasonably raise safety and privacy concerns. I would
appreciate guidance on who may file a police report and when residents may contact the police
or request assistance in these circumstances.
As I just mentioned, these questions arise from several recent incidents in our neighborhood,
and I want to make sure residents understand their rights and the appropriate way to respond
and protect ourselves.
Thank you for your time and guidance!
P.S. City Clerk, could you please help to keep all of my communication in public record?
Thank you!
Best,
Minna Xu
From:Rhoda Fry
To:City of Cupertino Public Safety Commission
Cc:Fryhouse@earthlink.net
Subject:Voter Interference and vandalism
Date:Thursday, September 10, 2026 3:04:33 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 Public Safety Commission,
Sadly we are finding voter interference and vandalism in Cupertino again.
Political signs were placed on my property without permission and those of others.
Additionally, people have been stealing signs in the middle of the night.
This is not acceptable.
I suggested to the planning commission that they consider a ban on political signs in our city.
Or perhaps signs should only be placed on private property and not the right of way.
Thanks, Rhoda Fry