Item 1 - Staff Report with Attachments
PREPARED BY: JENNIFER ARMER, AICP
Senior Planner
110 E. Main Street Los Gatos, CA 95030 ● 408-354-6832
www.losgatosca.gov
MEETING DATE: 12/03/2020
ITEM: 1
TOWN OF LOS GATOS
GENERAL PLAN UPDATE ADVISORY COMMITTEE
REPORT
REPORT
DATE: November 25, 2020
TO: General Plan Update Advisory Committee
FROM: Joel Paulson, Community Development Director
SUBJECT: Review and Discussion of the Initial Draft of the Racial, Social, and Environmental
Justice Element.
BACKGROUND:
The Los Gatos General Plan update process has so far included:
• Task A: Initiation;
• Task B: Background Report;
• Task C: Issues, Opportunities, and Constraints Report;
• Task D: General Plan Vision and Guiding Principles; and
• Task E: Land Use Alternatives Report.
Based on the Background Report, visioning, and alternatives planning in previous tasks, the
General Plan Update Advisory Committee (GPAC) has begun Task F, which is the process of
reviewing the Goals, Policies, and Implementation Programs of the General Plan elements.
In addition to the Vision and Guiding Principles, the General Plan is made up of a collection of
elements, or topic categories. State law requires the General Plan to address nine elements:
land use; circulation; housing; conservation; open space; noise; safety; environmental justice;
and air quality. A jurisdiction may organize its general plan in any format, including
consolidated elements, so long as all the relevant statutory issues are addressed. The Town’s
existing General Plan contains the following elements:
• Land Use Element (review began on November 5, 2020);
• Community Design Element (review began on November 5, 2020);
• Housing Element (not part of this update);
• Transportation Element (now called the Mobility Element, reviewed on July 16, 2020);
• Vasona Light Rail Element (now part of the Mobility Element, reviewed on July 16,
2020);
PAGE 2 OF 2
SUBJECT: Initial Draft of the Racial, Social, and Environmental Justice Element
November 20, 2020
N:\DEV\GPAC\GPAC Staff Reports\2020\12-03-20\Item 1 - Staff Report.docx
BACKGROUND (continued):
• Open Space, Parks, and Recreation Element (reviewed on March 5, 2020);
• Environment and Sustainability Element (reviewed on July 2, 2020);
• Noise Element (now part of the Hazards and Safety Element, reviewed August 6, 2020);
• Safety Element (now called the Hazards and Safety Element, reviewed August 6, 2020);
and
• Human Services Element (now called the Public Facilities, Services, and Infrastructure
Element, reviewed on June 18, 2020).
This update will integrate the environmental justice and air quality topic categories into the
existing elements, and will include a new element, the Racial, Social, and Environmental Justice
Element. This update will also include consolidation and renaming of elements, and
redistribution of goals, policies, and implementation programs between the elements.
On July 30, 2020, the GPAC met to have a broad discussion of how the topics of pandemic
response, and racial, social, and environmental justice can be incorporated into the Town’s
General Plan. As a result of the comments received at that meeting, and additional community
discussions conducted in the Town over the following months, a new element has been
prepared to cover the topics of racial, social, and environmental justice.
DISCUSSION:
The purpose of this GPAC meeting is to review the initial draft of a new element, the Racial,
Social, and Environmental Justice Element (Attachment 1), and make recommendations for any
additions, deletions, or revisions.
All suggestions for changes to the text of this element, whether from committee members or
the public, that are received by 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, December 2, 2020, will be provided
to the GPAC in an Addendum Report that afternoon so that text changes can be considered by
all committee members prior to the meeting. Any comments received after that time, but
before 11:00 a.m. on the day of the meeting will be provided in a Desk Item.
NEXT STEPS:
The next GPAC meeting is scheduled for December 17, 2020, for review of the revised draft of
the Mobility Element.
Attachment:
1. Initial Draft of Racial, Social, and Environmental Justice Element
2
Racial, Social, and Environmental Justice Element
November 2020 Public Review Draft 2-1
Like many other communities in the United States, Los Gatos has a history which includes racial injustice. Often,
racial injustice also leads to other forms of injustice, including social and environmental injustice. A number of
existing and former Town residents, who identify as Black, Indigenous, or People of Color (BIPOC), have come
forward during the 2020 Black Lives Matter protests and
subsequent Los Gatos community conversations to share
their experiences and provided suggestions for improving
inclusivity in Town. [Source: New Text]
The Town recognizes that it needs to increase its efforts to
ensure that all the members of the Los Gatos community
feel valued, safe, respected, and secure. Increasing
diversity and inclusivity involves enhancing community
engagement, considering the implications of Town
decisions for all members of the community, and being
open new approaches to meet the changing needs of Los
Gatos. [Source: New Text]
Los Gatos enjoys relative affluence compared with the rest
of California, and scores well in State-wide assessment
tools such as CalEnviroScreen 3.0 and the California
Healthy Places Index. Places and people of privilege have
a responsibility to maintain and increase their awareness
and understanding of social issues. This Element
represents a commitment to that responsibility. Making
progress toward racial, social, and environmental justice
can be difficult and requires all community members to
engage on these issues over a long period of time. As a
result, this Element includes goals, policies, and programs
that encourage and support local efforts to increase
participation in local governance processes and to improve
local awareness of racial, social, and environmental justice.
Although a General Plan, by itself, cannot make a
community more equitable, it can set up the framework to
empower residents to make progress towards equality .
[Source: New Text]
Race, Income, and Language in Los Gatos
As of 2018, the median Los Gatos household
income was $140,395; over a third of Town
households earned more than $200,000. Los
Gatos residents are also well-educated, where
67.4 percent of residents over 25 years of age
had at least a bachelor’s degree. Of those who
had at least a bachelor’s degree, nearly 45
percent also had a graduate or professional
degree. In 2018, the Los Gatos community was
82.8 percent White, 17.7 percent Asian, 8.4
percent Hispanic or Latino, 2.7 other (includes
American Indian and Alaska Native, Native
Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander, and some
other race), and 2.0 percent Black or African
American.
Asian residents comprised the largest minority
group in Los Gatos and tend to have higher
incomes and levels of educational attainment.
Among the Asian population in Los Gatos, those
of Chinese descent made up the largest group,
followed by East Indians. Although the minority
population has been growing, 94.8 percent of
residents speak English very well. Most
residents – 77.3 percent – also speak a
language other than English. Speakers of Asian
and Pacific Island (API) languages, however,
have the lowest rate of English fluency, over 40
percent of whom are 65 years of age or older.
Of working age adults (18-64 years old), over a
third of API language speakers have very low
English fluency.
ATTACHMENT 1
Public Review Draft Policy Document
2-2 Public Review Draft November 2020
The themes covered in this Element lay the foundation for creating a more equitable and inclusive Town for all
residents, businesses, visitors, and organizations of Los Gatos. Equity-oriented goals and policies can also be
found throughout the rest of the General Plan, including, but not limited to, the Housing Element, Mobility
Element, and the Healthy Community Section in the Land Use Element. [Source: New Text]
This element is divided into the following sections:
Section Title Page
Key Terms .............................................................................................................................................. 2
Racial and Social Justice ....................................................................................................... 3
Environmental Justice ............................................................................................................ 4
Civil Engagement in the Public Decision-Making Process .................................................... 5
Implementation Programs ...................................................................................................... 7
Key Terms
BIPOC. Acronym referring to Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color.
Disadvantaged Community. An area identified by the California Environmental Protection Agency (CalEPA)
pursuant to Section 39711 of the Health and Safety Code or an area that is a low -income area that is
disproportionately affected by environmental pollution and other hazards that can lead to negative health effects,
exposure, or environmental degradation.
Environmental Justice. The fair treatment of people of all races, cultures, incomes, and national origins with
respect to the development, adoption, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and
policies.
Equality. The state of being equal, especially in status, rights, and opportunities .
Equity. Fairness or justice in the way people are treated.
Implicit Bias. Attitudes or stereotypes that affect our understanding, actions, and decisions in an unconscious
manner, often based on characteristics such as race, ethnicity, age, and appearance.
Social Capital. The ability for residents to feel a sense of belonging in their community and to have a meaningful
connection to the place where they live.
Socially Disadvantaged Individuals and Groups. Socially disadvantaged individuals and groups who have
been subjected to prejudice or some form of discrimination or bias based on race, ethnicity, culture, sex, age,
sexual-orientation, immigration status, or some other bias within American society because of their identities as
members of groups and without regard to their individual qualities.
2. Racial, Social, and Environmental Justice Element
November 2020 Public Review Draft 2-3
Racial and Social Justice
This section includes goals and policies that seek to further racial and social justice efforts in the Town. While the
Town cannot immediately fix all injustices past and present, this section provides actionable efforts the Town can
implement in pursuit of a more racially and socially just Los Gatos. [Source: New Text]
The following goals and policies are intended to promote equality in Los Gatos.
Ensure equity, inclusion, and access to opportunities for all residents. [Source: New
Goal]
Service Delivery
Provide Town services and infrastructure investments to address any existing inequities .
[Source: New Policy]
Community Budgeting
Enage the community through mulitple participation opportunities in the Town’s budget process.
[Source: New Policy]
Institutional Bias
Continue to build organizational and institutional skills in all Town Departments to advance equity
and eliminate potential institutional and structural inequities and implicit bias. [Source: New
Policy]
Celebrate Town Diversity
Allocate resources in a manner that provides community programs that are appropriate to a wide
variety of ages, interests, and backgrounds to celebrate Los Gatos’ cultural diversity.
[Source: New Policy]
Respect, protect, promote, and fulfill the civil and human rights of all, including but
not limited to low-income persons, BIPOC, and LGBTQ+. [New Goal]
Culturally Informed and Competent Services
Ensure that the Town’s strategies, practices, services, and materials are culturally informed and
competent for a diverse population. [Source: New Policy]
Socially Disadvantaged Populations
Ensure that new policies, services, and programs improve the liv es of community members and
avoid displacement of those more vulnerable to poor health outcomes. [Source: New Policy]
Diverse Representation
Seek diverse representation on all Town boards, committees, and commissions . [Source: New
Policy]
Advancing Racial Equity Work
Encourage appointed Town boards, committees, and commissions to advance the Town’s racial
equity work. [Source: New Policy]
Public Review Draft Policy Document
2-4 Public Review Draft November 2020
Workforce Development
Collaborate with public and private universities, colleges, and technical schools to support
innovation and the development, training, and retention of a skilled workforce. [Source: New
Policy]
Diversity Training
Support diversity training for landlords and business-owners in Los Gatos, which includes implicit
bias training. [Source: New Policy]
Environmental Justice
CalEnviroScreen 3.0 indicates that Los Gatos does not have any disadvantaged communities as defined by State
law. The Town, however, is committed to improving the well-being of all Los Gatos residents. Environmental
justice objectives and policies seek to reduce health risks by minimizing pollution exposure, improving air quality,
and promoting better access to public facilities, healthy food, and safe and sanitary homes . [Source: New Text]
The following goals and policies will guide the incorporation of environmental justice for all citizens of Los Gatos.
Ensure that land use decisions benefit all Los Gatos residents, and do not create a
disproportionate burden to any neighborhood based on location, income, race,
color, national origin, or another characteristic. [Source: New Goal]
Environmental Justice
Evaluate and avoid, reduce, or mitigate potential adverse health and safety impacts associated
with land use decisions and provide for the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all
people regardless of income, race, color, national origin, or another characteristic . [Source: New
Policy]
Negative Impacts from Potential Hazards
Reduce negative impacts associated with environmental hazards, including, but not limited to,
industrial operations and roadway-generated air and noise pollution, through the enforcement of
additional project specific mitigations for all development. [Source: New Policy]
Coordination on Siting of Utilities
Coordinate with utility providers in the siting, site layout, and design of gas and electric facilities,
including changes to existing facilities, to minimize environmental, aesthetic, and safety impacts
on existing and future residents. [Source: New Policy]
Ensure all residents have access to healthy foods, schools, parks/recreation
areas/open spaces, medical services, and other amenities. [Source: New Goal]
Acceptance of Government-Issued Vouchers
Coordinate with Farmer’s Market vendors and local food retailers to accept payment through
Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT), which allows residents in the Supplemental Nutrition
Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women,
Infants, and Children (WIC) to purchase food with their program benefits. [Source: New Policy]
2. Racial, Social, and Environmental Justice Element
November 2020 Public Review Draft 2-5
Regulations Allowing Healthy Foods
Ensure the Zoning Ordinance and other regulations allow for increased access to healthy foods
by all residents (e.g., healthy food retail outlets, community gardens, farmers markets), while
discouraging unhealthy choices (e.g., fast food chains) around vulnerable p opulations.
[Source: New Policy]
Access to Community Assets
Determine and address any gaps between neighborhoods, commercial service areas, recreation
facilities, education, medical services, and other community assets in the Town to provide
equitable access to these assets and facilitate physical activity in everyday life. [Source: New
Policy]
Evaluation of Capital Projects
Ensure equitable investment in capital improvements Town-wide. [Source: New Policy]
Non-Profit Partnerships
Work with non-profit and governmental sectors to provide access to homeless, rental assistance,
food assistance, and other poverty alleviating programs and services . [Source: New Policy]
Additional policies relating to healthy communities are covered in Section 3.10 (Healthy Community)
in the Land Use Element.
Ensure safe and sanitary homes. [Source: New Goal]
Code Violation Enforcement
Continue to enforce municipal and State code violations that compromise the safety of homes
and the health of its residents. [Source: New Policy]
Civil Engagement in the Public Decision -Making
Process
Racial, social, and environmental justice efforts must be bolstered by a strong culture of civ il engagement in the
Town’s decision-making processes. Studies have shown that well-rounded public engagement processes
increase social capital in projects and promote equitable community development. This section is devoted to
goals and policies that build social capital through engagement and empowerment of the public, while
emphasizing public participation, transparency, and inclusion. [Source: New Text]
Policies within this Section are specifically designed to enhance communications to underrepresented
populations. General civic engagement in planning is covered in Section 3.8 (Civic Engagement) in
the Land Use Element.
The following goal and policies will guide inclusive public decision-making processes.
Public Review Draft Policy Document
2-6 Public Review Draft November 2020
Engage the public in Town decision-making and facilitate the public’s involvement
in civic life. [Source: New Goal]
Community Capacity-Building
Collaborate with local organizations and partners to build and strengthen historically marginalized
communities’ capacity to participate in local planning, governmental affairs, and policy decision -
making. [Source: New Policy]
Leadership Development
Support leadership development programs for youth and adults to enhance effective engagement
in Town processes, including but not limited to planning, land use, and budgeting. [Source: New
Policy]
Opportunities to Communicate with Town Leaders
Encourage creative approaches to communicate with the community and provide more
opportunities for the community to engage with Town staff, such as “Coffee with Town Leaders.”
[Source: New Policy]
Facilitate a Culture of Inclusion and Compassion
Work with non-profit, faith, education, and other community-based partners to facilitate a culture
in Los Gatos of inclusion, empathy, compassion, acceptance, and unity. [Source: New Policy]
Transparency and Public Participation Opportunities
Facilitate transparent Town decision-making processes through enhanced public outreach,
engagement, and participation. [Source: New Policy]
Event Scheduling
Schedule Town events during different times of the day and week (e.g., daytime/evening,
weekday/weekend). [Source: New Policy]
Services at Events
Provide childcare and translation services at public events, as necessary. [Source: New Policy]
2. Racial, Social, and Environmental Justice Element
November 2020 Public Review Draft 2-7
Implementation Programs
Programs
Implements
which
Policy(ies)
Responsible
Supporting
Department(s) 2021 – 2025 2026 – 2030 2031 – 2040 Annual Ongoing A Community-Based Budget Process
Develop and facilitate a community-based
budgeting process to provide the public an
opportunity to identify funding priorities
annually. This program could feature in-
person and online engagement
opportunities. [Source: New
Implementation Program]
RSEJ-1.1
RSEJ-1.2
Town Manager
◼
B Equity Evaluation of the Proposed
Budget
Annually evaluate the proposed Capital
Improvement Budget and any service
expansion/contraction in the Operating
Budget to ensure that all neighborhoods are
treated equitably in the availability of
services and infrastructure investment.
[Source: New Implementation Program]
RSEJ-1.2 Town Manager
◼
C Town Staff Diversity and Other Training
Require all Town staff to undergo on-going
diversity and implicit bias training. [Source:
New Implementation Program]
RSEJ-1.3
Town Manager
◼ ◼
D Expand Recruitment for Town
Employment Opportunities to Attract
Diverse Candidates
Determine innovative recruitment strategies
to attract diverse candidates to Town
employment opportunities. Work with
educational institutions and other entities to
promote local government job opportunities
with middle school, high school, technical
school, and college students. [Source: New
Implementation Program]
RSEJ-1.3
RSEJ-2.5
Town Manager
Human
Resources
◼
E Career and Job Training
Coordinate with the Chamber of Commerce
and other organizations to organize an
annual career and job fair with local
employers to highlight local employment
and employment training opportunities for
RSEJ-2.5 Town Manager
◼ ◼
Public Review Draft Policy Document
2-8 Public Review Draft November 2020
Programs
Implements
which
Policy(ies)
Responsible
Supporting
Department(s) 2021 – 2025 2026 – 2030 2031 – 2040 Annual Ongoing Los Gatos residents. [Source: New
Implementation Program]
F Healthy Food Access Regulations Audit
and Update
Conduct an internal audit of and make
necessary changes to Town regulations,
including but not limited to the Zoning
Ordinance, to remove any administrative
barriers to increase access to healthy foods.
[Source: New Implementation Program]
RSEJ-4.2 Community
Development
◼
G Rental Multi-Family Housing Inspection
Program
Create a program to ensure that all rental
multi-family housing is inspected on a three
to five-year cycle to ensure compliance with
all building, housing, and other codes for
safe and sanitary housing. [Source: New
Implementation Program]
RSEJ-5.1
Town Manager
Community
Development
Code
Compliance
◼
H Expand Outreach and Communication
Materials to Enhance Transparency and
Participation. Develop clear and inclusive
outreach materials, expand media
campaigns, and implement other strategies
to engage the public in the Town’s
processes. [Source: New Implementation
Program]
RSEJ-6.5
Town Manager ◼
I Childcare at Public Meetings and Events
Work with non-profit partners to provide
childcare services and children activities
during in-person Town public meetings (i.e.,
Town Council, Planning Commission) and
Town events. [Source: New
Implementation Program]
RSEJ-6.7
Town Manager
◼ ◼