Exhibit 12.Public comments received by 1100 a.m., Friday, August 8, 2025From:
To:Ryan Safty
Subject:LRCC-Tree Removal
Date:Monday, March 31, 2025 11:07:21 PM
[EXTERNAL SENDER]
My concern regarding the Re-design of the La Rinconada CC is both the removal of
200 Trees as well as, the omissions & misleading approach by the Re-design
Committtee who failed to mention the tree removals, until I asked at a membership
meeting, how many trees were going to be removed. Sadly, this project is being
told/sold to the citizens of Los Gatos as an Eco-Friendly project when in reality it is a
project that is removing over 200 trees which is NOT necessary to save water (the eco-
friendly angle). When the Committee was asked if the members could vote on more
than 1 option: total golf course Re-design, or Option 2: install a new irrigation system
and improved grass (less water requirement) the Golf Course Re-design committee
generally said, No, this is our opportunity to improve this Golf Course and keep up
with the other premier courses on the Peninsula/Bay Area. Because there has been
some member push back, the Re-design Committee contacted: The Los Gatan, The
Patch & The Mercury News and gave them the "Eco-Friendly angle, in an attempt to
get community support. I have considered responding to their articles but am fearful
that I will receive retribution at the club. As you may know, the club removed 12
healthy Redwoods with diameters of 4-5 feet without a LG Town permit (received a
fine about $750- a small fine to pay for a $42 Million project) because the Committee
said they were preventing grass from growing near the trees and Redwoods use a lot
of water. However, Arborist, Rob Moulden whom I imagine you know, said that
Redwoods in this area survive because we are in the Coastal Fog Line... I have
Redwood trees on my property which I don't water...
My hope is that the LG Planning Commission when considering this project will
follow the Tree Protection Ordinance (Sections 29.10.0950-29.10.0985) policies on
removal of trees especially Redwoods that are 60-80 years old and have become
integral to the ecosystem of the neighborhood and town. LRCC is the largest Open
Space in the town and has been in existence for over 100 years. These mature trees
provide invaluable benefits, including air purification habitat for wildlife, and erosion
control. Their absence will have a significant lasting impact on our local environment
and alters the visual landscape that many residents cherish. These mature trees also
offer a sound barrier to highway 85 for the communities of Los Gatos & Monte
Sereno. There is a plan to replace some of the removed trees but with much smaller
24-48 inch box tress which will take decades to grow to the size of the removed trees.
Thus, I urge the Planning Commission to seek alternative solutions that will preserve
the healthy existing trees. Please notify me if and when this project will be placed on
the Calendar for discussion by the Town Council..
Thanks for listening,
Lisa Sieber
EXHIBIT 12
From: noreply@civicplus.com <noreply@civicplus.com>
Sent: Thursday, May 15, 2025 11:33 AM
To: Planning <Planning@losgatosca.gov>
Subject: Online Form Submission #15935 for Community Development Contact Form
[EXTERNAL SENDER]
Community Development Contact Form
First Name Lisa
Last Name Sieber
Email Address
(Required)
Phone Number
Tell Us About Your
Inquiry (Required)
Comment Regarding A Planning Project
Address/APN you are
inquiring About
(Required)
14702 La Rinconada Dr., Los Gatos, CA 95032
Message (Required) This is NOT an ECO-FRIENDLY Project as reported... La
Rinconada CC is the largest Open Space in the Town
of Los Gatos and therefore should be on the Council
Agenda so neighbors and Town residents may voice an
opinion about the removal of 207 Mature, Healthy,
Native Trees. Please provide me with the status of this
project?
From: noreply@civicplus.com <noreply@civicplus.com>
Sent: Thursday, May 15, 2025 2:52 PM
To: Planning <Planning@losgatosca.gov>
Subject: Online Form Submission #15938 for Community Development Contact Form
[EXTERNAL SENDER]
Community Development Contact Form
First Name Ron
Last Name Laugesen
Email Address
(Required)
Phone Number
Tell Us About Your
Inquiry (Required)
General Planning Inquiry
Address/APN you are
inquiring About
(Required)
17400Wedgewood and 17445 Zena Ave
Message (Required) Concerned that there are many large trees which
could be removed, impacting the visual scene of the
area, a major reduction in CO2 capture and major
increase in noise, particularly from 85 and 17
freeways. Also substantial dust in the air while this
project is in progress.
Add An Attachment if
applicable
Field not completed.
From: noreply@civicplus.com <noreply@civicplus.com>
Sent: Thursday, May 15, 2025 4:13 PM
To: Planning <Planning@losgatosca.gov>
Subject: Online Form Submission #15939 for Community Development Contact Form
[EXTERNAL SENDER]
Community Development Contact Form
First Name Judith
Last Name Marlin
Email Address
(Required)
Phone Number Field not completed.
Tell Us About Your
Inquiry (Required)
Comment Regarding A Planning Project
Address/APN you are
inquiring About
(Required)
17400 Wedgewood
Message (Required) 170 trees to be removed? When Inhas to remove a
tree from my property I has to replace it either or my
property or elsewhere in town. But how does one
replace 170 MATURE trees? Surely this huge
number is not necessary. Loss of the O2 and CO2
exchange is HUGE, not to mention their purpose as
wikdlife habitats. This seems entirely,y too extreme.
Add An Attachment if
applicable
Field not completed.
Page 1 of 3
July 13, 2025
The Honorable Members of the Los Gatos Town Council
Town of Los Gatos
110 East Main Street
Los Gatos, CA 95030
(via email: council@losgatosca.gov)
RE: Our Support for La Rinconada Country Club’s Golf Course Modernization
and Sustainability Project
Dear Mayor Hudes & Councilmembers,
We are long-time members of La Rinconada Country Club and also neighbors who live
near the golf course. We are joining together to let the Town’s leaders know of our
early and strong support for the Club’s proposed modernization and sustainability
project which we understand will come before the Planning Commission for
consideration later this summer. These progressive improvements will make the golf
course more playable, sustainable and safer for future generations and are important to
the entire community.
La Rinconada is one of the most time-honored organizations in Town, which was
founded almost 100 years ago, and we want the Club to continue for another century.
The course modernization project is an important step toward ensuring the Club’s long-
term viability, and it has overwhelming support of Club members who will be paying for
the $21 million cost through special assessments.
The plan is about more than just enhancing the golfing experience; it's about securing a
sustainable future for the course and community and deepening the Club’s commitment
to environmental stewardship. At the heart of this initiative is an ambitious goal to
reduce overall water consumption by 30%. This is a direct response to the Club's
responsibility to conserve precious resources and contribute positively to regional water
sustainability efforts, saving more than 30 million gallons of water per year.
Page 2 of 3
Beyond state-of-the-art irrigation technology and new drought-tolerant turfgrass, the
plan also addresses the crucial role of landscaping in water conservation and ecological
health. To truly maximize water savings and enhance the course's natural resilience,
the plan includes the strategic removal of many non-native trees that are simply not
drought tolerant. These trees, while often beautiful, require significant water resources
that are unsustainable in our environment over the long term. This isn't a decision to be
made lightly, but it's essential for long-term water conservation and overall safety and is
coupled with an extensive and ambitious replanting initiative focused on native, drought-
tolerant trees and plants.
This will not only dramatically reduce the course’s water needs but also create a more
ecologically balanced and resilient landscape that thrives naturally in our climate. Many
golf courses in the region have gone through similar sustainability initiatives in past
years, including new drought tolerant grass, water reduction, tree removal and
replanting, with the support of their local government, and we hope Los Gatos will do
the same.
The Club’s leadership has maintained a great relationship with its neighbors over many
decades and has worked hard to share information about this proposed modernization
plan, contacting more than 800 nearby homes by letter early in the process, holding a
half dozen open houses, and meeting one-on-one with many neighbors.
The Club’s membership includes over 250 families who live in Los Gatos and another
100 in nearby Monte Sereno. We understand communications from a couple neighbors
have been submitted to the Town which do not express the wishes of the vast majority
of Club members, nor most of our neighbors. They have also engaged in circulating
inaccurate information about the Club’s proposal.
We ask Town leaders to focus on the facts and benefits of the modernization and
sustainability plan for the Club and our Town. We also hope you will take note that the
many families signing this letter represent even more members of our community who
overwhelmingly support the Club’s proposal to tee up a greener future for golf in Los
Gatos!
Sincerely,
MEMBERS AND NEIGHBORS OF LA RINCONADA COUNTRY CLUB
Stephen M. Rice
Los Gatos, CA 95030-7131
Planning Commission
Town of Los Gatos
110 E. Main Street
Los Gatos, CA 950390
Re: Application S-25-005 – La Rinconada Country Club Renovation Project
Commissioners:
I am a former Planning Commissioner, Council Member and Mayor. I am also a member of
La Rinconada and serve on the committee for this project. I have been playing golf at La
Rinconada since the 1960’s and have seen the club and course go through many changes.
It is my belief that this project epitomizes the Town’s sustainability initiatives and benefits
the Town in many ways. The application is completely in line with the Town’s tree
protection policies as I applied those policies when I served on the Commission and
Council.
There has been limited and isolated concerns expressed about the reforestation portion of
the application. The independent Arborist’s report demonstrates that La Rinconada took a
very cautious and conservative approach to this particular area. In the plan, the club
proposes the removal of several Eucalyptus trees and non-native Redwood trees. With a
planned significant reduction of irrigation, these trees, if not removed, will present a danger
to players and employees and present a fire danger to the community at large. The vast
majority of these trees will be replaced with large, mature native species – primarily native
oak trees – and an additional contribution to the Town’s Urban Reforestation program.
The golf course renovation plan will include turf-grass replacement, which will replace the
current grasses with drought-tolerant grasses, requiring 30% - 40% less water than is used
currently. A state-of-the-art irrigation system will allow for more precise watering patterns,
further saving this precious resource. Many other clubs in the area have undergone similar
turf-grass replacement with significant decreases in potable water use. The new grass is
also more tolerant of salt and other contaminants present in recycled water, should that
become available for use in the future.
The club has taken great care to engage the community and other stakeholders in the
process of planning the project. Special measures have been taken to minimize, or even
eliminate, impacts on the surrounding neighborhoods during construction.
With the strong arguments that favor the approval of this application, I ask that you support
the La Rinconada renovation project.
Respectfully Submitted,
Steve Rice
From:
To:
Subject:Urgent Request: Add Petition to Agenda – Protection of 287 Mature Trees at LRCC in Los Gatos
Date:Wednesday, August 6, 2025 2:05:03 PM
Attachments:save-240-mature-trees-in-los-gatos-monte-sereno-help-protect-the-largest-open-space-in-los-gatos (1).pdf
signatures-20250806.csv
[EXTERNAL SENDER]
Dear Members of the Los Gatos Town Council and Town Clerk,
On behalf of a growing group of concerned Los Gatos residents, I am submitting the
attached petition titled “Stop the Irreversible Destruction of 240 Mature
Trees in Los Gatos”, along with a list of resident signatures collected in support of
this effort.
We respectfully request that this matter be added as an urgent item for public
discussion at the next Town Council meeting, and that time be allotted for a
representative of the petition to speak on behalf of the signatories. The matter is
time-sensitive, as the plan by La Rinconada Country Club to remove 240 mature trees
is already in advanced stages, and the full environmental impact has not been
adequately addressed or disclosed to the public.
We are particularly concerned that the ecological report submitted by La Rinconada
Country Club contains misleading and potentially false representations
regarding the health, species, and condition of the trees proposed for removal. Our
own observations and those of local environmental professionals indicate that many
of these trees are in good condition and pose no imminent safety risk. The
justification for removal appears to be driven primarily by a design initiative and
water conservation, rather than ecological necessity or public safety.
We are formally requesting that the Town of Los Gatos commission an
independent, third-party environmental assessment to verify the actual
condition of the trees and assess the broader environmental implications of this
proposal. An impartial evaluation is essential before any irreversible action is taken
that would permanently alter our community’s landscape, air quality, wildlife habitat,
and character.
Further, we note that La Rinconada Country Club has previously engaged in
unauthorized tree removals without permits, and failed to disclose such
actions to the Town. This pattern of non-compliance and lack of transparency
raises serious concerns about the integrity of the current proposal and the
credibility of their reporting.
Additional points of concern include:
Misidentification of tree species, including incorrect classification of
healthy native trees as non-native or invasive (e.g., eucalyptus).
Unsubstantiated claims of storm damage, with no supporting evidence or
public record of fallen or hazardous trees.
A lack of clear disclosure of the long-term environmental and
community impact of this large-scale removal.
Given the scale of this proposed removal and the Town's stated commitment to
environmental stewardship, climate resilience, and community involvement, we urge
you to take this petition seriously and act swiftly to pause any approvals until
independent findings can be reviewed in a public forum.
Thank you for your attention to this urgent and deeply impactful matter. We look
forward to your confirmation that this item will be added to the upcoming Town
Council agenda and that an opportunity to speak will be granted.
Sincerely,
Lisa Sieber
On behalf of the petitioners of “Stop the Irreversible Destruction of 240 Mature Trees
in Los Gatos”
Attachments:
Stop_the_Irreversible_Destruction_of_240_Mature_Trees_Petition.pdf
List_of_Supporting_Signatures.csv
ÿ Stop the Irreversible Destruction of 240 Mature Trees in Los Gatos
To: La Rinconada Country Club members, Los Gatos Residents, arborists, naturalists, and conservationists
The proposed removal of 240 mature trees is not just a landscaping decision 4 it is an
environmental threat with lasting consequences for the entire community. These trees are a living
infrastructure that support ecological balance, climate stability, and public health.
Scientific and Environmental Impact:
1. Loss of Tree Canopy 3 These trees purify air, sequester carbon, reduce noise, and provide
essential shade. Their removal will measurably increase air pollutants and heat levels.
2. Wildlife Displacement 3 Birds, pollinators, and small mammals rely on this established habitat.
Destroying it means mass displacement and ecological disruption.
3. Increased Fire Risk & Heat 3 Mature trees act as a buffer against climate extremes. Their
removal will elevate local fire risk and contribute to the urban heat island effect.
4. Soil Degradation & Runoff 3 Removing deep-rooted trees will destabilize soil, leading to erosion,
increased runoff, and waterway pollution.
5. Public Health Consequences 3 Trees improve mental health, lower stress, and are vital to
respiratory health 4 particularly for children, seniors, and those with asthma or COPD.
Why is this important?
La Rinconada Country Club and Los Gatos City Council - This is not just a golf course issue. These
trees are part of our town’s ecological fabric and legacy. Removing them undermines decades of
environmental growth and community investment.
' We Demand Immediate Action:
1. A full pause on all tree removals pending review.
2. A second, independent arborist report to verify the necessity of removals.
3. Transparent public consultation before any further action is taken.
4. Alternatives to tree removal that prioritize sustainability and long-term environmental health.
We acknowledge the need to modernize irrigation and reduce water use, but replacing 240 trees
4 many over 60 years old 4 with grass is not an ecological solution. It’s a short-sighted tradeoff
with permanent consequences.
ÿ Sign the petition now to protect our community’s green lungs.
Together, we must demand transparency, science-based decisions, and responsible stewardship of
our shared environment. Every signature counts.
Signed by 109 people:
id first_name last_name postcode comment
325288954 lisa sieber 95032
325290518 Lisa Sieber 95032
325344349 Mags McInerney 95030
325426283 Cathy Call 95030
325602244 Tiffany Sieber 95030
325605697 Dean Tajik 95032
325635688 Teresa Lasaga 95032
325641468 cassandra joseph 95032
325648441 sunny hernandez 95032
325655549 Barbara Meyer 95125
325664206 Anne Plane 95030
325664790 Penny Alexa 95035
325665246 Megan McNally 95032
325720682 Margaret Williams 95125
325725896 Yu Ting Huang 95039
325738948 Jason Atchison 94024
325834357 Glynn Lewis 95032
325843323 Kylie Hall 80132
325851832 Ujjal Kohli 95070
325851896 Paige Shand 95030
325851939 Cheri Johnson 95030
325852003 Phil Arney 95030
325852011 Laura Tillett 95070
325852072 KELLY ARONICA 95008
325852087 David Rivas 94086
325852163 Lotus Mahon 95032-1146
325852224 Barbara Stake 95125
325852231 Leslie Matteoni 95128
325853559 Roger Milton 95030
325853692 Jill Milton 95030
325853777 Daniela Rogers 95032
325854793 Minio Bakke 95070
325856597 Jennifer Liu 95030
325866604 Ryan Greco 95032
325869473 Elizabeth Twaddell 95030
325871090 Sue Nystrom Walsh 95030
325871327 Lucille Switzer 95032
325871543 Martin Saso 95117
325872805 Tessa Arguijo 95030
325872891 Allen Arguijo 95030
325877278 John Hogan 95030
325883031 Bradley Jennings 95008
325883470 Gary McNeal 95032
325883765 Maureen Howard 95066
325884447 Patrice Flageollet 95032
325897851 Cliff Geddes 95030
325899821 jeff hopkins 95032
325901799 Sharon Elder 95032
325902109 Aubrie Avina 95033
325954782 Kirsten Franz 95032
326074783 Michelle Collins 6517
326164600 Scott Eschen 95030
326207108 Shamita Pisal 95032
326300382 Jennifer Almaneih 95030
326475219 Timothy Lundell 95030
326475315 Justin Sieber 95032
326480097 Keo King 95032
326480335 Ginger McDonald 95032
326484464 Ann Rice 95030
326487140 Miriam Brody 95030
326487183 susana craig 95030
326487444 Larisa Dorfman 95032
326487565 Judith Marlin 95032
326494064 Isabella Rennie 95030
326539829 scott caplener 95030
326547611 Paulette DAVIS 95124
326565384 Bruce Wayne 95051
326565424 Sadie Hawkins 95111
326565711 Jeanette Belser 95032
326565858 Amrito Chaube 98125-3826
326567026 Alison Walton 95032
326591659 Melany Moore 95030
326597710 Lorraine Lawson 95008
326598611 Dan Lawson 95008
326599485 Cindy Simon 95003
326599504 Vickie Menkemeller 95128
326620341 Harry Dunn 43123
326626155 darrell monda 95032
326626180 Ted Striker 90045
326627956 Anita RobinStreicker 95030
326659351 Kevin Camara 95030-3235
326681808 Wendy Novakovich 95070
326847403 shannon mcelyea 95070
326847638 JoAn Smith 95032
326847665 Pamela Ross 95032
326847798 Michael Egleston 95130
326847943 Michael Hyman 95030
326848070 Joe Pirzynski 95032
326860143 Alice Chan 95070
326888908 Stephen Guruwaiya 95126
327013192 Teri Christensen 95030
327192524 Barbara Alford 95030
327199150 Lorena Stepp 96793-9666
327201822 Alison Haazer 94019
327208085 Irene Rhodeman 92869
327208186 Anela Rhodeman 92869
327208315 Shirley Gines 96797
327208353 Tim Cox 94062
327211111 Matt Vaughan 95128
327221125 Carol Waitte 95030
327221308 Carol Braham 95030
327225028 Maureen Cappon-Javey 95030
327228291 Sarah Zweng 95030
327228317 Shannon Susick 95030
327228471 Ann Wilson 95030
327247994 Nancy Lee 95030
327273949 Homer Simpson 90010
327328666 Lynn RAMIREZ 94566
327347020 Werner Frei 95030
From:
Sent: Thursday, August 7, 2025 6:27 PM
To: Planning <Planning@losgatosca.gov>
Subject: Tree removal by La Rinconada CC
[EXTERNAL SENDER]
Please look into this.
Darrell
Darrell Monda
From:
Sent: Thursday, August 7, 2025 6:27 PM
To: Planning <Planning@losgatosca.gov>
Subject: La Rinconada plan to cut down trees
[EXTERNAL SENDER]
Please review and see if this can be stopped.
Darrell
Darrell Monda
From: Andrew Quan
Sent: Friday, August 8, 2025 10:52 AM
To: Planning <Planning@losgatosca.gov>
Cc: Lisa Brancatelli
Subject: Valley Water Comments re: Redevelopment of the La Rinconada Golf Course
[EXTERNAL SENDER]
Hi Ryan Safty,
Valley Water has reviewed the mailed plans for the consideration of approval of a grading
permit and removal of large protected trees associated with a comprehensive
redevelopment of the La Rinconada Golf Course located in the Town of Los Gatos, received
on August 4, 2025. Per our review, we have the following comment:
1. Please note that there appears to be proposed improvements within Valley Water’s
easement for our Rinconada Force Main and possibly within Valley Water’s fee title
property consisting of our Vasona Canal. Said improvements include, but may not
be limited to, a 6-inch storm drain line, a rock headwall and outfall, and two 12-inch
RCP culverts with concrete case.
Therefore, in accordance with Valley Water’s Water Resources Protection Ordinance, a
Valley Water encroachment permit is required for the proposed improvements and plans
must be submitted for permit review and issuance. The encroachment permit application
can be found here: https://www.valleywater.org/contractors/doing-businesses-with-the-
district/permits-working-district-land-or-easement/encroachment-permits.
Please forward the completed permit application and construction plans for the project to
Valley Water at CPRU@valleywater.org for review. For the to-be-submitted construction
plans, please clearly delineate and label Valley Water’s easement and fee title property, the
Vasona Canal, and the Rinconada Force Main. Additionally, please clearly identify any
proposed improvements crossing or adjacent to Valley Water’s facilities, fee, and
easement.
2. Please note that grading on the project site needs to be designed in such a way that
drainage is directed away from Valley Water’s easement, fee title property, and
Smith Creek. Runoff from the site needs to be directed to the Town of Los Gatos’
storm drain system, not to the creek by overland or through a new outfall.
3. Valley Water records indicate that 3 active wells are located on the subject property.
If the wells will continue to be used following permitted activity, they must be
protected so that they do not become lost or damaged during completion of
permitted activity. If the wells will not be used following permitted activity, they must
be properly destroyed under permit from Valley Water.
While Valley Water has records for most wells located in the County, it is always possible
that a well exists that is not in Valley Water’s records. If previously unknown wells are found
on the subject property during development, they must be properly destroyed under permit
from Valley Water or registered with Valley Water and protected from damage. For more
information, please call Valley Water’s Well Ordinance Program Hotline at 408-630-2660.
For any questions, please contact me at or at . For
any future correspondence, please reference File No. 22077.
Thank you,
ANDREW QUAN
ASSISTANT ENGINEER II - CIVIL
Community Projects Review Unit
VALLEY WATER
5750 Almaden Expressway, San Jose CA 95118
www.valleywater.org