Addendum with Attachment
PREPARED BY: JENNIFER ARMER, AICP
Senior Planner
110 E. Main Street Los Gatos, CA 95030 ● 408-354-6832
www.losgatosca.gov
MEETING DATE: 10/30/2018
ADDENDUM
TOWN OF LOS GATOS
GENERAL PLAN UPDATE ADVISORY COMMITTEE
REPORT
DATE: OCTOBER 29, 2018
TO: GENERAL PLAN UPDATE ADVISORY COMMITTEE
FROM: JOEL PAULSON, COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
SUBJECT: FIRST MEETING OF THE GENERAL PLAN UPDATE ADVISORY COMMITTEE
REMARKS:
Attached is a copy of the Workshop Overview for Community Workshop #1, which was held on
October 17, 2018.
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachments previously received with October 30, 2018 Staff Report:
1. General Plan Update Advisory Committee Resolution and Guiding Principles (four pages)
2. Newsletter #1 (four pages)
3. Engagement Overview (eight pages)
4. Schedule (one page)
Attachments received with this Addendum Report:
5. Workshop #1 Overview (17 pages)
Community Workshop #1
October 17, 2018
Page 1 of 17
WORKSHOP #1 OVERVIEW
Workshop #1 was held on October 17, 2018 at 6:30 PM in
the Jewish Community Center (JCC), 14855 Oka Road in
Los Gatos. The purpose of the workshop was to:
Provide an overview of the General Plan update;
Explain why the Town is updating its General Plan;
and
Develop a list of issues and opportunities that
should be addressed as part of the General Plan
update.
The workshop was attended by 17 individuals seated into
three small groups. The workshop included a brief
opening presentation that gave an overview of the
General Plan purpose and process. As part of the
presentation, the Town’s General Plan consultants brieflly
explained areas of State law that have changed since the
Town’s existing General Plan was adopted in 2010.
Assisting with the workshop activities were members of
the Town’s staff and General Plan consultants.
Community Workshop #1
October 17, 2018
Page 2 of 17
Workshop Exercise #1: Introductory Live-Polling Questions
The first workshop exercise was a live polling activity. Workshop participants were asked a series of six
questions which they answered via their smart phones or other electronic devices with internet
capabilities. For those who did not have a smart phone device capable of accessing the internet, a paper
answer sheet was provided and tabulated after the workshop. The purpose of the questions was to gain
an understanding of the audience at the workshop and how they found out about the workshop.
The following are the six questions and results of those who participated and answered the questions as
part of the exercise.
Question 1: How long have you lived in Los Gatos?
Of those not living in Town, one person lived in the unincorporated county area south of Town and three
had a business, office, or property in the Town but did not live in Town.
7%
33%
33%
27%
Less than 1 year (0%)
1 ‐ 5 years (0%)
6 ‐ 10 years (7%)
11 ‐ 20 years (33%)
Greater than 20 years
(33%)
Don't live in Town (27%)
Community Workshop #1
October 17, 2018
Page 3 of 17
Question 2: How did you hear about tonight’s workshop?
The purpose of this question was to understand how and where participants heard about the
community workshop. Over 50 percent of community members stated they heard it from local
organizations, groups, and non‐profits. In preparation for our next public meeting, we were asked to
post more flyers and place advertisements at local community centers, recreation centers, parks, and
public gathering places (i.e., LGS Recreation Center, Jewish Community Center, Downtown, grocery
store informational boards). These ideas will be used to enhance the notfications to the community of
upcoming General Plan update events.
6%
6%0%
6%
0%
25%
6%
50%
Newspaper (6%)
GP Website
(losgatos2040.com) (6%)
Town's Website (0%)
Other Internet Site (6%)
Social Media (0%)
Word of Mouth (25%)
Flyer (6%)
Other (50%)
Community Workshop #1
October 17, 2018
Page 4 of 17
Question 3: Are you familiar with the 2010 General Plan?
The purpose of this question was to understand how many particpants were familiar with the 2010
General Plan. Approximatly 75 percent of workshop attendees were familiar with the plan and a few
individuals were involved in the previous General Plan udpate.
33%
27%
40%Yes (33%)
No (27%)
Somewhat (40%)
Community Workshop #1
October 17, 2018
Page 5 of 17
Question 4: Do you work in Los Gatos?
The purpose of this question was to understand how many particpants worked in Los Gatos. Feedback
was received from the participants that a category should be added for those individuals who volunteer,
work out of their home, or are stay at home parents. These choices will be added for the November
online quesitons on EngagementHQ (on the project website).
27%
20%
0%
53%
Yes (27%)
No (20%)
Student (0%)
Retired/Do no currently
work (53%)
Community Workshop #1
October 17, 2018
Page 6 of 17
Question 5: How far do you travel to work?
The purpose of this question was to follow up on Question 4 to guage how far indivuduals travel to
work. We received feedback from the participants that the we should update the first multiple choice
answer to inlcude in‐Town trips, changing the option to 0‐5 miles. This update will be made for the
November online quesitons on EngagementHQ (on the project website).
Note. The percent under “Retired/Do not work” is different on this question than Question 4 (53%). This
varied due to the number of participants in each question and potential mistyping of a response.
25%
6%
0%
6%
0%
63%
1 to 5 miles (25%)
6 to 10 miles (6%)
11 to 20 miles (0%)
20 to 30 miles (6%)
Greater than 30 miles
(0%)
Retired / Do not work
currently (63%)
Community Workshop #1
October 17, 2018
Page 7 of 17
Question 6: What three words describe Los Gatos?
The purpose of this question was to hear what the community thought of Los Gatos by decribing the
Town in three words. All of the particpants answers were formed into a word cloud that organizes the
description entries on how many times they were entered. In this instance, the larger the word in the
diagram below, the more times the word was used to describe Los Gatos (i.e., Safe, Traffic, Diverse,
Community, Schools, etc.).
Community Workshop #1
October 17, 2018
Page 8 of 17
Workshop Exercise #2: Issues and Opportunities
In the second workshop exercise, participants were asked to write down the issues and opportunities
that they feel the General Plan update should address. Participants put each issue on a separate white
index card and each opportunity on a separate green index card. Participants could use as many cards
as they wanted.
Once complete, the participants at each table were asked to discuss the issues and opportunities that
they came up with individually with the other participants at their table. Then, working together, each
table was asked to identify their top three issues and top three opportunities.
The issue and opportunity cards typically covered broad items relative to the Town.
At the end of this exercise, each table identified a spokesperson that read aloud the table’s top three
issues and opportunities for everyone to hear.
The following are the top issues and opportunities identified by each of the three tables at the
workshop. There is no order or emphasis intended in the following lists. These items are presented as
written, without editing. See pages 10‐14 for complete list of the issues and opportunities.
Top Three Issues
Table 1:
o Traffic ‐ affects lifestyle choice and affects daily life (certain times of day). Lights
sensitivity (not timed)
o Not enough publicity of benefits for the library ‐ limited parking
o Safety for pedestrians, cyclists (non‐auto‐transportation) (crosswalk someone killed) (on
sidewalk to bump people)
Table 2:
o Housing ‐ mix below market, move down, affordable (not market rate)
o Traffic ‐ more communication, with schools, and specific projects (e.g., North 40)
o Downtown ‐ high rent, increase economic vitality to lower rent
Table 3:
o Los Gatos outside of downtown ‐ planning/ prioritizing other gems (i.e., car dealerships)
o Lack of diversity: economic, housing, stock, community activities
o How do we define density: increasing density in Los Gatos; density vs. intensity
Community Workshop #1
October 17, 2018
Page 9 of 17
Top Three Opportunities
Table 1:
o Close proximity to freeways/one‐ways streets?
o HPC height on buildings (keep small town); historical‐ preserving ‐ have small town feel
o Round‐abouts for traffic; Diversity ‐ include more cultural events, many town events,
concerts, cultured town parade
Table 2:
o Open space ‐ don't develop; outdoor events, parks for all ages
o County pockets ‐ eliminate pockets or increase communication between public safety
agencies
o Volunteers ‐ involve non‐profits and make sure Town volunteers have jobs to do.
Table 3:
o Transportation: walkability, public transportation, traffic calming
o Transparency: communication, engagement i.e. standalone pillars for flyers‐ arts and
STEM
o Social interaction: public spaces, smaller activities targeted toward both youth and
adults‐‐not more large sports fields ‐ neighborhood centers as part of community
buildings
Community Workshop #1
October 17, 2018
Page 10 of 17
The following is a list of all entries provided for issues and opportunities. The list is divided into general
categories by topic. There is no ranking or order to these ideas. These items are presented as written,
without editing.
Issues:
Topic Participant Comment
Transportation / Parking
Traffic
Traffic ‐ some elderly are afraid to drive to Los Gatos due to dense
traffic and aggressive drivers; before 10, after 3pm
Traffic is a big issue ‐ most people I know plan their day around when
there is less traffic
Fix cut thru traffic
More parking
Public transportation
Fix all traffic lights to be censored
Egress walking‐riding, biking
Parking
Traffic ‐ stop cut thru driving ‐ coordinate signals
Better bus system
One‐way streets
School district should be more able to work with Town about parking
and traffic
Cut number of cars to H.S. students
Continue momentum on alienating traffic around schools
Put the full court files on Waze, etc. i.e. traffic thru the neighborhoods
Town should give more regular info ‐‐ No. 40 traffic congestion
Traffic is bad and getting worse with new development and will
continue to deteriorate
Parking downtown for big events, maybe shuttle
Slowdown the traffic in residential areas with speed bumps
Public transportation
Road repairs (Shannon is dangerous)
Community Workshop #1
October 17, 2018
Page 11 of 17
Topic Participant Comment
Housing
Adequate housing opportunities for the multiple RHNA cycles that this
plan will cover (i.e. 2 plus cycles)
Lack of housing options ‐ both small houses and lower cost
opportunities
Resources for homeless and at risk are needed
Look to develop housing for moderate income and seniors, teachers
etc. Not market rate or above
Economic
Greater economic diversity
Downtown as a draw for people (millennials, younger) living outside
Los Gatos ‐ downtown economic vitality for
Lack of diversity income and social
Create more opportunities
Retail/ Businesses
Business rent control
Should be more retail stores in Town ‐ we miss Donus, Chrislows
Need more family restaurants
Economic Vitality, downtown focus
Help downtown businesses improve parking, support events
Clubs ‐ not many
Car dealerships that are closed be redeveloped
Town Operations
Sometimes police will not even direct traffic when needed
Police need to be friendlier
Town government transparency on financial matters
Unrealistic expectation of what is within the power of Town to
influence a change
Development/ Design
Design Guidelines
Historic Preservation
Density Issues: housing, existing residential, commercial
Height control on residences
Objective standards for new development, not just "neighborhood
compatibility"
If possible ‐ reduce density of housing which will reduce number of
cars
Services and Programs
Provide more public opportunity for volleyball, basketball etc. in small
courts‐ not large soccer, baseball courts or fields
Provide opportunities for community gardens year‐round (not just
high school during summers)
More visibility on resources ‐ where to go online ‐ where to go in
person
Promote Libraries
Community Workshop #1
October 17, 2018
Page 12 of 17
Topic Participant Comment
Parks and Open Space
Provide more public opportunity for volleyball, basketball etc. in small
courts‐ not large soccer, baseball courts or fields
Create more small gathering spaces rather than large parks, that
encourage socialization
More lighting on the trails
Town Identity / Community
hard to get engaged/ involved
Bubble community
Better local paper
Public recognition that Los Gatos is part of a greater community with
responsibilities that go beyond protecting status quo
Environment
Fences and wildlife corridors can be built in without impacting
homeowners only
Fire protection in hills
Other Utilities: power‐water
Opportunities
Topic Participant Comment
Transportation
Bike/ped facilities are improving ‐ please add on ‐ long way to go to be
great
Transportation for seniors
Sidewalks and walkability is amazing ‐ keep improving
Convert lights into roundabouts
Downtown area is easy to get around ‐ walkable
Small size, large area of relatively flat terrain offer opportunity for non‐
auto transportation
Housing
Senior move down housing need to encourage through planning
process
Affordable housing for young adults need to encourage through
planning process
The state continues to be active with housing legislation. This GP is an
opportunity to activate in Los Gatos, to anticipate, but also allow Los
Gatos to be responsive and flexible to meet the needs of the
community with out compromising for state leg.
Build apartments above retail downtown
Community Workshop #1
October 17, 2018
Page 13 of 17
Topic Participant Comment
Economic
Fed. Funding where possible and appropriate
Economics, Entro Pengrial
Promote local businesses
Small business opportunities
Support entrepreneurs (neighbors selling to community/ lemonade
stands/small business)
Town Operation
Community Development Department is excellent and well managed ‐
give them more power
Town clerk is good give her a raise
Work with County Sheriff and CHP to better coordinate police
coverage
Allow town volunteers more autonomy for decision making ‐ use their
expertise
Volunteers ‐ involve non‐profits; make sure town volunteers are given
jobs to do
To increase transparency of Town government and processes
While doing update‐ improve 1.) its organization 2.) clarity and
meaning
Development / Design
Mountain views avoid development that blocks views
An update of building design and guidelines
The Town's historical context
The quaint feeling of Los Gatos should be preserved
It's natural setting ‐ restrict inappropriate applications for bldg.
complexes
Buildings that were empty car lots need to become new opportunities
Building height limits
Services and Programs
Youth participation is palpable
Sport teams
Outdoor events like jazz in the plaza, farmer's market, music in the
park ‐ because climate is so beneficial
Volunteers ‐ involve non‐profits; make sure town volunteers are given
jobs to do
Expand market to Sat. and Sun.
Schools increase communication between schools, home and school
clubs etc. to help mitigate problems
Add more arts and STEM opportunities by adding resources more than
one library/ community center
Allow the voice of students to be heard
Library is well managed ‐ increase their budget
More downtown events to raise money
Community Workshop #1
October 17, 2018
Page 14 of 17
Topic Participant Comment
Many town events
Existing events: wine concerts, parades
At LGS Recreation plethora of classes and opportunities for seniors:
walks, dance, games, food, computer help
Excellent school facilities
Let our community know the Los Gatos library is more than books:
lectures, ebooks, audio, Hoopla (free movies etc. on phone)
Culture: concerts, 3x etc would like more plays @ LGHS and use of the
theater
Parks and Open Space
Off leash dog areas
Embrace nature ‐ exercise and community
Community Gardens
Parks for all ages, ie dogs, seniors (walkable)
More open space
Maintain /improve/do not change (i.e. develop) our beautiful open
space
Open space feeling is a big factor in Los Gatos ‐‐ limit high rise
construction to keep open space feeling
Preservation of natural settings
Town Identity/ Community
Recognize that Los Gatos is not just downtown library (school and
university)
Close to 280, 85 and 17 highways
Quaint, historical downtown
Small town feel
Uniqueness diversity
Community Workshop #1
October 17, 2018
Page 15 of 17
In the final step of the Exercise #2, participants were asked mark locations on a map of the community
that had location specific issues (red dots) or opportunities (green dots). The following are the maps
done by each of the three tables. The information in the bottom left corner is for the issues and
opportunities exercise. These top three issues and opportunities are shown on pages 8 and 9.
Table 1
Community Workshop #1
October 17, 2018
Page 16 of 17
Table 2
Community Workshop #1
October 17, 2018
Page 17 of 17
Table 3