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Attachment 5 - Public CommentATTACHMENT 5 From: Ryan Rosenberg Sent: Thursday, April 15, 2021 7:10 PM To: Alexa Nolder; Jennifer Armer Cc: Melanie Hanssen Subject: My comments on the name "community place districts" There was a suggestion made today that we should submit comments on the name “community place districts” to be passed on to the planning commission when (and if) they consider this name. My comments follow… My suggestion is “Community Growth District”. Here is why. The definition in the plan is: “...Community Place Districts were identified based on the proximity of commercial services or employment to support additional development, easy access to transportation systems, and having access to infrastructure needed to support future development. These locations have the potential to facilitate mixed-use development and redevelopment at a variety of densities and intensities.” This definition makes it clear that a primary objective of these areas is to support the growth we want to see in the town and that we need to see in order to meet state mandates. Of course we don’t just want any growth — we want to manage and direct that growth in a positive direction. I did like the words “Community” and “District” because they capture the idea of a special area that brings people together and has a unique sense of identity. But I didn’t like the word “place”. The main reason is that it does not capture the concept of growth (a primary objective of these areas in the first place). But I also think people will not understand it means plus it overlaps to some degree with the word “community”. Ryan From: karen Sent: Sunday, June 27, 2021 7:01 PM To: Jennifer Armer Subject: Please add education on plant-based diets to GP2040 Hi Jennifer, I am a resident of the Town of Los Gatos. I live at 264 Calle Marguerita, Apt A, Los Gatos 95032. I am writing because I am asking the Town to add a program to educate residents about the health and environmental benefits of a plant-based diet in the 2040 General Plan. I would like this program to be added to the Environmental section, specifically section 8.12 Implementation Programs. Thank you kindly. Best regards, Karen Rubio From: Debbie Parsons Sent: Sunday, June 27, 2021 11:33 PM To: Jennifer Armer Subject: Dear Jennifer, I am a resident of the town of Los Gatos. I am writing to inform you that I strongly support including plant-based education in the town's 2040 general plan. Regards Debbie Parsons From: Danielle Hinsche Sent: Monday, June 28, 2021 10:22 AM To: Jennifer Armer Cc: karenr; kristine Subject: Plant based Education Program Hello Jennifer, I am a resident of Los Gatos and live at 11 Kimble Avenue and I support the addition of a plant-based education program in the Town’s 2040 General Plan. My family eats meat, but we enjoy meatless meals as a regular part of our diet. Dani Hinsche From: Lynne Rovin Sent: Monday, June 28, 2021 1:41 PM To: Jennifer Armer Subject: Plant-based Education in Los Gatos General Plan Dear Jennifer, I am a resident of Los Gatos and I support including a plant-based education in the town General Plan. Thank you for considering the welfare of the people in this town (and the world) by considering the inclusion of plant-based education. Respectfully, Lynne Rovin From: Karla Albright Sent: Monday, June 28, 2021 7:20 PM To: Jennifer Armer Subject: General Plan- Plant based education Hello Jennifer, My name is Karla Albright and I have been a long term proud resident of LG for the past 24 years. I am writing to encourage the town to include a plant-based education program in the Sustainability section of the 2040 General Plan. Plant based easting has a wide range of benefits for our health and the health of the planet. Education that moves the needle to get more people to embrace a plant based diet is good for everyone. Thank you for considering this. Karla Albright From: shailaja venkatsubramanyan Sent: Tuesday, June 29, 2021 6:53 AM To: Jennifer Armer Subject: plant-based education program Hi Jennifer, I am a Los Gatos resident. Just want to let you know that I would like to see a plant-based education program included in the environmental section of the 2040 general plan. Thanks, Shai From: Lisa Wade Sent: Tuesday, June 29, 2021 10:45 AM To: Jennifer Armer Subject: Information for General Plan Meeting Tonight Hi Jennifer, Please would you add this to the record for tonight's meeting? Thanks! Lisa We are a group of residents of the Town of Los Gatos who would like to see the promotion of plant-based eating featured prominently in the 2040 General Plan for Los Gatos. Some of us are plant-based eaters and some are meat eaters but we all recognize the importance of meat reduction for climate mitigation, health, and racial justice. We’d like to see plant-based eating added to the Health and Environmental sections of the General Plan. Most importantly, we recommend that the town add a program to educate residents about the environmental and health benefits of a plant-based diet. Specifically, we’d like to see such a program added to section 8.12 Implementation Programs. Numerous studies have urged a planetary shift toward a plant-based diet including a 2018 Oxford University study stating that "A vegan diet is probably the single biggest way to reduce your impact on planet earth, not just greenhouse gases, but global acidification, eutrophication, land use, and water use. . . . It is far bigger than cutting down on your flights or buying an electric car, as these only cut greenhouse gas emissions.” https://science.sciencemag.org/content/360/6392/987 According to Project Drawdown, the third- and fourth-best climate change solutions are reducing food waste and eating a plant-rich diet. (The top two solutions aren't things the average person can easily control: refrigerant management and onshore wind.) Drawdown: The Most Comprehensive Plan Ever Proposed to Reverse Global Warming. Edited by Paul Hawken. Factory farms and slaughterhouses are situated predominantly near people of color and low-income residents who suffer from illnesses caused by pollutants these operations generate. Slaughterhouse workers are usually immigrants who have few other options for work and suffer from crowded, unsafe, and unsanitary conditions, which were exposed during the recent pandemic. Climate change, caused in large part by animal agriculture, is driving more frequent and intense storms and other extreme weather events such as drought, disproportionately impacting “frontline” communities comprised mainly of low-income and people of color. For these reasons, we would like the town to add a plant-based education program to section 8.12 Implementation Programs. Local Activist Groups Supporting This Request: TWW/Indivisible-Los Gatos https://www.twwlg.org/ Plant-Based Advocates of Los Gatos http://www.plantbasedadvocates.com/ Environmental/Health Organizations that support our recommendations to the General Plan(This is a working list more organizations will be added) Center for Biological Diversity https://www.biologicaldiversity.org/ Acterra: Action for a Healthy Planet https://www.acterra.org/ Eat for The Earth http://www.plantbasedadvocates.com/ (Based in Santa Cruz) SAFE Worldwide https://www.safeworldwide.org/ (Based in Monte Sereno) Green Monday USA https://greenmondayus.org/ Factory Farm Awareness Coalition https://www.ffacoalition.org/ A Well-Fed World https://awellfedworld.org/ PhARM (Physicians Against Red Meat) https://pharm.org/ List of Residents who Support Adding a Plant-Based Education Program to the General Plan 2040 (65 Residents so far more will be added.) 1.Peter Hertan, Vice President, Los Gatos- Saratoga Union High School District Board 2.Alicia Spargo, Outreach Coordinator, Los Gatos Anti-Racism Coalition 3.Karla Albright LG. 95032 4.Shailaja Venkatsubramanyan Los Gatos, 95032 5.Sue Ann Lorig Los Gatos, California 6.Lisa Wade Los Gatos, Ca 95032 7.Christopher Wade Los Gatos, Ca 95032 8.Karen Rubio Los Gatos, California 95032 9.Fred Rubio Los Gatos, California 95032 10.Kathleen Willey Los Gatos, California 95032 11.Mark Willey Los Gatos, California 95032 12.Debbie Parsons Los Gatos, California 95032 13.James Parsons Los Gatos, California 95032 14.Carolyn Kurlin Los Gatos 95032 15.Sevil Karavelioglu. LG 95032 16.Anita Bora Los Gatos, California 17.Laura Montonye Reese Los Gatos, Ca 95030 18.Dirk Reese Los Gatos, Ca 95030 19.Tony White Los Gatos, Ca 95032 20.Hilary White Los Gatos, Ca 95032 21.Charles Wade Los Gatos, Ca 95032 22.Caroline Dempsey Los Gatos, California 23.Dawn DeMaria Los Gatos, Ca 95032 24.Prasenjit Sarkar Los Gatos, 95032 25.Pamela Wales Los Gatos, Ca 95030 26.Rob Moore Los Gatos. 27.Mary Ann Bosworth Town of Los Gatos 28.Hanley Yosfee Town of Los Gatos 29.Rosilene Martins Los Gatos, Ca 95032 30.Sara Hojjat Los Gatos, CA 95030 31.Tamara Corini Los Gatos, 95032 32.Sandeep Madduri Town of Los Gatos 33.Gregg Kurlin Los Gatos, 95032 34.Glenn Lorig Los Gatos, California 35.Laura Sneddon Town of Los Gatos 36.Linda Juhl Los Gatos Main Town of Los Gatos 37.June O Toole Los Gatos Town of Los Gatos 38.Karen Aidi Los Gatos CA 95032 39.Suzanne Meinhardt Los Gatos 40.Roger Dickinson Los Gatos, Ca 95032 41.Manan Sardana Los Gatos Ca 95032 42.Sevgi Erdengiz Town of Los Gatos 43.Kevin Hiroshima Town of Los Gatos 44.Camille Lesko Los Gatos, California 45.Jeyendran Balakrishnan Los Gatos, CA 95032 46.Erik Rubio, Los Gatos, CA 95032 47.Wendy Arienzo Town of Los Gatos 48.Shailaja Venkatsubramanyan Los Gatos, 95032 49.Ilene Dickinson Los Gatos, Ca 95032 50.Reeta Gupta Los Gatos, CA 95032 51.Rupar Iyar Los Gatos, CA 95032 52.Danielle Hinsche, Los Gatos CA 95032 53.Stuart Rovin Los Gatos, CA 95032 54.Lynne Rovin Los Gatos, CA 95032 55.Tricia Niederauer Los Gatos CA 95032 56.Liz Tompkins, Los Gatos, CA 95032 57.John Parsons Los Gatos, Ca 95032 58.Daniel Parsons Los Gatos, Ca 95032 59.Jackie Parsons Los Gatos, Ca 95032 60.Stephen Wade Los Gatos, Ca 95032 61.Lucas Wade Los Gatos, CA 95032 62.Tim Evjenth Los Gatos, CA 95032 63.Gail Evjenth, Los Gatos, CA 95032 64.Lynette Garland Los Gatos CA 95032 65.Robin Streicker Los Gatos Town of Los Gatos. Cities with PB programs In 2019 New York City’s public schools adopted Meatless Mondays https://www.pcrm.org/news/blog/new-york-city-schools-adopt-meatless-mondays •Los Angeles, California is part of the C-40 cities and are doing this:https://www.40.org/other/good-food-cities and here is a snapshot: https://www.c40.org/cities/los-angeles and Climate/Food data https://www.c40.org/research •Carrboro, North Carolina is doing this: https://townofcarrboro.org/262/Sustainability-Energy-Climate-Change set a greenhouse gas emissions reduction goal for consumption at 50% by 2025 •Santa Monica, CA is doing this:https://www.smgov.net/uploadedFiles/Departments/OSE/Climate/CAAP_SantaMonica .PDF •Denver, CO is doing this:https://www.denvergov.org/content/dam/denvergov/Portals/771/documents/CH/Food%20Action%20Plan/DenverFoodActionPlan.pdf. In Denver, lifecycle emissions from food procurement accounted for 14% of overall emissions, nearly equal to emissions from residential energy and gasoline-powered vehicles. Cities with Green Monday Resolutions or Formal Programs Emeryville, Berkeley, and Mountainview. From: Lisa Wade Sent: Tuesday, June 29, 2021 10:52 AM To: Jennifer Armer Subject: My speech for tonight My name is Lisa Wade and I am a resident of the town of Los Gatos. Tonight I am speaking on behalf of 65 residents of the town of Los Gatos. All 65 names have been sent to you with most addresses included. We expect this list to grow in the coming weeks. We want to thank you for your hard work on the General Plan. We also want to thank you for adding the words plant-based to 6.13 healthy community and ENV 9.7 employer incentive program At the last GPAC meeting, you mentioned that adding the words plant-based to these two sections would be a start and that you would do more. Tonight I have a simple request that would make us very happy. We would like you to add a plant-based education program to the Environmental section specifically section 8.12 Implementation programs. If you were to add such a section tonight our mission will be accomplished. If this can not be accomplished tonight we ask that you at least add the words plant-based to the Climate Change Education Program in the Implementation Programs section of the Environment and Sustainability Element. This request is not only supported by 65 residents of the town but it is also supported by local activist groups TWW Indivisible Los Gatos and Plant-Based Advocates of Los Gatos. We are also supported by environmental, hunger relief, and public health organizations such as A Well-Fed World https://awellfedworld.org/ The Center for Biological Diversity https://www.biologicaldiversity.org/ and , Physicians Against Red Meat pharm.org/ A United Nations Report of 2019 found that if more of the world's population shifts towards plant-based diets and reduces their meat consumption, it could significantly boost the planet's ability to fight climate change.How Eating Less Meat Could Help Protect the Planet From Climate Change The meat industry is not only responsible for environmental destruction, but it commits human rights violations on a daily basis. Slaughterhouse workers are usually people of color with few other options. They suffer high rates of PTSD and they work in dangerous, unsanitary conditions in fact in 2020 the League of United Latin American Citizens called for a meat boycott in 2020.https://janeunchained.com/2020/05/14/workers-rights-group-launches-meat-boycott-to- protest-slaughterhouse-workers-deaths/ Again we'd like to see a plant-based education program included in the General Plan and at the very least we ask that you please add the words plant-based to section 8.12 Implementation Programs. Since you were able to easily add the words plant-based to two sections at the last meeting. We feel this should be a doable goal for the committee tonight. Of course, we would love you to add a separate plant-based education program tonight, but if that needs to happen later in the Summer or Fall please at least add the words plant-based to section 8.12 Implementation Programs specifically CC Climate Change Education. We would be very grateful if you would make that change tonight. Again thank you for your hard work and for the changes you have already made in support of our efforts. From: Sandeep Madduri Sent: Tuesday, June 29, 2021 11:57 AM To: Jennifer Armer Subject: Sustainability section of the 2040 General Plan - Plant-based education program Hi Jennifer, I am a resident of , Los Gatos, CA 95032 and wanted to let you know that I support including a plant-based education program in the sustainability section of the 2040 general plan. Thank you, Sandeep From: Camille Sent: Tuesday, June 29, 2021 2:40 PM To: Jennifer Armer Subject: Plant based education Hello Jennifer, I am a resident of Los Gatos, address . I support including a plant-based education program in the Town’s 2040 General Plan since I believe this will benefit the climate as well as the health of our residents. BR, Camille Lesko From: Phil Koen Sent: Tuesday, July 6, 2021 7:55 AM To: Matthew Hudes; Mary Badame; Maria Ristow; Rob Rennie; Marico Sayoc Cc: Laurel Prevetti; Robert Schultz; Ramona Giwargis Subject: Staedler: Opportunity Housing should be decided on by a vote of the people - San José Spotlight I found this article to be very interesting and worthy of distribution. It raised this question for me: Shouldn’t the residents of LG have an opportunity to vote on the proposed land use changes in the draft General Plan 2040? Phil Koen https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fsanjosespotlight.com%2Fstaedler -opportunity-housing-should-be-decided-on-by-a-vote-of-the- people%2F&data=04%7C01%7Clprevetti%40losgatosca.gov%7C72fb6b4761fc43ad025608d9408e0 413%7C6d38cb6747eb4d139e7c523cd7ccecd5%7C1%7C0%7C637611801429603679%7CUnknown%7CT WFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C2000& amp;sdata=VlJKY5kYV%2FmslJ%2BYVCqDlqzAs2tHcGPtrPK%2Fi8QY5GY%3D&reserved=0 Sent from my iPhone From: Laura Sneddon Sent: Wednesday, July 7, 2021 7:22 AM To: Jennifer Armer Subject: Plant-based education program in 2040 General Plan Hi Jennifer, I’m writing to let you know as a Los Gatos resident, I support including a plant-based education program in the Sustainability section of Los Gatos’ 2040 General Plan. I believe it’s important to educate the town on how a plant based diet and lifestyle can help our health, environment, animal welfare, etc. Given the many benefits, I think such education has a rightful place in the upcoming general plan. Thanks ~Laura Sneddon From: Kyle Kelley Sent: Thursday, July 15, 2021 11:05 AM To: GP2040 <GP2040@losgatosca.gov> Cc: Carolyn Kelley; Subject: Thank you I just read https://sanjosespotlight.com/this-silicon-valley-town-is-doubling-its-housing-residents-are- crying-foul/. Thank you for pushing for missing middle housing in Los Gatos. I've lived and worked in Los Gatos twice. My brother went to high school there. My kids went to Daves Elementary and we used to be regulars in town. Apparently, we were such regulars that we appear in promo pics for the library (this one was in Los Gatos Magazine): We would love to come back. Los Gatos could be a great inclusive environment that welcomes more families. Please let me know if I can provide testimony at any point. I'm just over the hill in Santa Cruz now and I'm happy to dial in remotely or show up in person. -- Kyle Kelley Sent: Friday, July 16, 2021 3:51 PM To: GP2040 <GP2040@losgatosca.gov> Subject: [#20210716225120] Comment from LosGatos2040 Website Los Gatos 2040 General Plan Update Ticket: [#20210716225120] Name: Cathleen Bannon Comments: These incredibly high dense housing goals do not align with the infrastructure of our town. While rezoning unused commercial space to high density housing makes sense, the number should be in the hundreds NOT thousands. Our surface streets cannot handle the increased cars on beach traffic days, much less thousands more who live in town. Our highway can’t handle the congestion either. We need balance with a strong reality check of what our small town can really handle. Please listen to the residents who are already struggling with traffic issues. Thank you Page title: General Plan Basics From: Fred Faltersack Sent: Monday, July 19, 2021 8:51 AM To: Town Manager Subject: 2040 General Plan Laurel, I just had the opportunity to read some articles regarding the 2040 General Plan and wanted to share with you a section of the town which I think has been an overlooked and may have the opportunity to assist in accomplishing the higher density and more affordable unit goals of the Town. First and so that you do not start out on the defensive, I DO support the higher density goals shown in the 2040 General Plan. I support the many different variations of affordable dwelling units (ADU’s) within the traditional single family neighborhoods. I support the individual rights of property owners. I am against others (individuals or governments) trying to dictate to a property owner what they can and cannot do on and with their own land. Oh, and I have been a resident of the Town of Los Gatos since 1986. Now Based on where the 2040 General Plan is in it’s life-cycle, this is probably a bit late in the game to bring this up, but hear me out. I noticed that the HR zoning has been left untouched with respect to higher density for “wild-life” reasons. That being said, there are fringe areas of the HR zones that are not really situated in the steep hillside areas. I will focus on the East Los Gatos area and more specifically in the Harwood Road area which consists of HR-40, HR-20 zoning and for the most part borders the City of San Jose with subdivisions having parcel sizes of 6,000-8,000 square feet (let’s call these areas Hillside Residential "Fringe Areas"). There are many old ranch-style homes situated on 1/2 acre to 3 acre parcels of which the topography is flat or have insignificant slope. Re-zoning this area for higher density would create none of the parking or traffic issues that are of great concern with citizens along the higher density Highway 17 corridor, Highway 9, and downtown areas as there is ample room to design in off- street parking. I am sure there are other pockets of HR fringe areas within the Town that could also provide the same. Please feel free to reach out to me if you believe it warrants further discussion, or a quick visual tour of the neighborhood. Sincerely, Fred Faltersack Sent: Monday, July 19, 2021 10:29 AM To: GP2040 <GP2040@losgatosca.gov> Subject: [#20210719172912] Comment from LosGatos2040 Website Los Gatos 2040 General Plan Update Ticket: [#20210719172912] Name: Kent Kappen Comments: No increase in housing levels in the general plan! We cannot sustain the level of units suggested by the State let alone the number of units the town wants! With water, electric and school space shortages...Even before the North 40 comes online...We will face even more struggles to support these new "low-income residents" (114K is not low income by the way). Considering gridlock traffic during the summer, parking spaces taken away from the "parklets" and businesses shuttering for better lease options Los Gatos is becoming a less desirable destination. I have lived here for over 50 years and even teach at Blossom Hill School. Every day i see that the roadways cannot support the current level of traffic. That's the main reason why we had to open up the Police operations building right? PLEASE SHOW LIMITED OR NO GROWTH TO THE PLAN. WE JUST CANNOT SUPPORT IT!!! Page title: General Plan Basics Sent: Monday, July 19, 2021 11:15 AM To: GP2040 <GP2040@losgatosca.gov> Subject: [#20210719181450] Comment from LosGatos2040 Website Los Gatos 2040 General Plan Update Ticket: [#20210719181450] Name: Lynn Williams Comments: While I favor increased price diversity, I highly disagree with the plan for more housing than is required by the mandatory allocation. Our town is already suffers increased traffic, water, environmental and other issues due to the north 40 and other developments. At some point the quality of life in town will be so deteriorated that it will be unattractive to people moving to the area or upgrading. Page title: General Plan Basics Sent: Monday, July 19, 2021 11:21 AM To: GP2040 <GP2040@losgatosca.gov> Subject: [#20210719182102] Comment from LosGatos2040 Website Los Gatos 2040 General Plan Update Ticket: [#20210719182102] Name: Sondra Garcia Comments: As one who is from a Latino background, my family worked hard to afford the quality and character of Los Gatos. We strongly oppose this plan, which will DESTROY the character and quality of the neighborhoods, schools, and town we worked so hard to afford. Page title: General Plan Basics Sent: Monday, July 19, 2021 2:47 PM To: GP2040 <GP2040@losgatosca.gov> Subject: [#20210719214725] Comment from LosGatos2040 Website Los Gatos 2040 General Plan Update Ticket: [#20210719214725] Name: Tim Delaney Comments: Hello All, I live off H17 by summit store. And I own a home in Incline Village NV. Just so you all know I am totally against increasing housing density and moving away from single family homes. I also have a home in SJ that has all sorts of affordable housing nearby. I'll be blunt. My SJ home is nice but the surrounding area is really horrible. Way too many people. Plenty of crime. It is a filthy mess sometimes. My mail is ripped off regularly. And police pretty much don't want to bother with the situation. Everywhere they attempt this high density housing nonsense it turns into a disaster. Tahoe is a very good example as well. The hordes of people and tourists have totally destroyed the east shore beaches of Tahoe. Fact is people only care about themselves. And in this era they don't even care about themselves. You have a very nice town. Scrap the plan. Start over. Don't F up your town. It's fabulous. I am crystal clear on the matter. Sincerely, Tim Delaney Page title: General Plan Basics From: Michael Glow Sent: Monday, July 19, 2021 6:39 PM To: Laurel Prevetti; LosGatos, Weekly Times; Marico Sayoc; Rob Rennie; Robert Schultz Subject: Shocked by stumbling on this news article regarding our little town, Los Gatos The altruistic goals are commendable, but way too radical and detrimental to our schools, traffic, and our uncontrollable limits on natural resources, specifically water. This calls for civic involvement, civic activism, and pushback on Town Council members, and mainly on the Town Manager, Laurel Prevetti. Please get involved. I got involved with the pushback on the hideous high density development we now see at the North 40 on Lark Avenue, across from the Classic Car Wash. It was a frustrating experience because the expended energy on the issue fell on deff ears, and the development proceeded unaltered by citizen input. It was obvious that we needed larger numbers, and the involvement of more of our high-profile citizens that may have exercised their political clout. Early involvement is essential, before things get too far down the road, and the invested interests get heard and entrenched. It may be premature, but a large public outcry for the resignation of Town Manager, Laurel Prevetti may be the best way of demonstrating that this time, the citizens of the Town are serious about their voices being heard. https://www.sfgate.com/news/bayarea/article/This-Silicon-Valley-Town-Is-Doubling-Its-Housing- 16322529.php From: Aaron Eckhouse Sent: Tuesday, July 20, 2021 12:11 PM To: Planning <Planning@losgatosca.gov> Subject: Planning Commission discussion of General Plan update Hello, I was excited to see coverage of proposed land use alternatives for the Los Gatos General Plan update that included missing middle housing & mixed use development of major corridors. Has the next Planning Commission discussion of the General Plan been scheduled? Also, what provision is there for remote participation in Planning Commission meetings? thank you, Aaron Eckhouse Regional Policy Manager, California YIMBY he/him/his Sent: Wednesday, July 21, 2021 1:32 PM To: GP2040 <GP2040@losgatosca.gov> Subject: [#20210721203138] Comment from LosGatos2040 Website Los Gatos 2040 General Plan Update Ticket: [#20210721203138] Name: Lori Ingle Comments: Please ask for an exemption, like Saratoga did. This is a radical change to long standing building policies in our community and will dramatically change LG as we know it! I would like to demand delay of acceptance of this proposed general plan to later in 2022, not November 2021, for full evaluation. Announcing the details of this plan publicly through SJ Spotlight in mid-July 2021 with a plan to have it accepted by November 2021 is unacceptable and unfair to the citizens of this town. Page title: Home Sent: Wednesday, July 21, 2021 3:15 PM To: GP2040 <GP2040@losgatosca.gov> Subject: [#20210721221517] Comment from LosGatos2040 Website Los Gatos 2040 General Plan Update Ticket: [#20210721221517] Name: Vivian Tan Comments: This is a radical change to our long standing building policies in our community and will dramatically change Los Gatos as we know it. I would highly request to deny the plan because our public resources will not be enough to sustain all the newly added living units. The traffic is already horrible and the public schools will not be able to handle all the new students. We need to have a detailed and reasonable plan to ask citizens who live in Los Gatos for approval. It is not fair to ask current Citizens to approve the plan in such a short notice. As a residents who just moved to Los Gatos, we are fond of living in our community because of it’s current building policies. If this plan gets approved, it will dramatically change our living experience here, and might dive us away from living in such a beautiful town. Page title: Home Sent: Thursday, July 22, 2021 11:05 PM To: GP2040 <GP2040@losgatosca.gov> Subject: [#20210723060502] Comment from LosGatos2040 Website Los Gatos 2040 General Plan Update Ticket: [#20210723060502] Name: Charles Tripp Comments: High density housing? Is there water for that? I live on 1 & 1/4 acres near Lark, and to imagine 15 houses on my property, or one that size is horrible to think about. If I want high density housing like that, I'd move to Fremont, and brave all the traffic. I've lived in Los Gatos since 1961 because it's not high-density, it's peaceful and quiet. Now you want to ruin all that, reduce Los Gatos Blvd to 2 lanes, right when it will be overloaded from the N. 40? Makes a whole lot of sense. If someone were trying to destroy Los Gatos, I couldn't have even thought of something as dis-tasteful as this plan. Make Los Gatos crowded and with busy traffic like the North Bay? I think not. We need less housing, not more. There's no water for all this, anyway, and the traffic's already bad enough with the beach traffic. Page title: Home Sent: Saturday, July 24, 2021 5:02 PM To: GP2040 <GP2040@losgatosca.gov> Subject: [#20210725000155] Comment from LosGatos2040 Website Los Gatos 2040 General Plan Update Ticket: [#20210725000155] Name: Stephen Brodsky Comments: I saw this article about doubling the housing capacity: https://www.ktvu.com/news/one-silicon-valley-town-plans-to-double-its-housing-capacity-but-residents-are-crying-foul Please do not add thousands of extra housing units into the town. We should be filing for the exceptions instead of adding thousands of units into the town. The residents of the town have been clear that this is the opposite of the wishes of the town residents. Page title: Home Sent: Saturday, July 24, 2021 7:33 PM To: GP2040 <GP2040@losgatosca.gov> Subject: [#20210725023254] Comment from LosGatos2040 Website Los Gatos 2040 General Plan Update Ticket: [#20210725023254] Name: Ross Liebman Comments: Please limit the amount of new housing to the state mandate. Increasing beyond this limit is not fair to the current residents of Los Gatos. Building high density buildings next to single family homes is not fair to those homeowners who were buying into the suburban lifestyle. Any increase in housing development above the state mandate should be put to a vote of the people. Also, as all other cities are appealing the state mandate it seems we should as well or risk being inundated with developers who care more about making a buck then the beauty of Los Gatos. Page title: Home From: Phil Koen Sent: Sunday, July 25, 2021 10:19 PM To: Matthew Hudes; Mary Badame; Rob Rennie; Marico Sayoc; Maria Ristow Cc: Laurel Prevetti; Robert Schultz; Lee Fagot; jvannada; GP2040 <GP2040@losgatosca.gov> Subject: RHNA Dear Town Council, Please find attached the RHNA appeal filed by the City of Saratoga on July 9, 2021. All of the points detailed by the City of Saratoga would form the basis for similar appeal by the Town. Why didn’t the Town appeal our RHNA allocation? Did the Town Council ever discuss the option to appeal the RHNA allocation? What was the basis for the decision not to appeal? The residents of the Town deserve a detail explanation from the Town Council as to why the Town did not appeal given the incredible increase in allocation this cycle over the prior cycle. Thank you. Phil Koen https://www.saratoga.ca.us/DocumentCenter/View/2700/2021-City-of-Saratoga-RHNA-Appeal?bidId= Sent from my iPhone ABAG 2023-2031 RHNA Appeal Request Form | Page 1 2023-2031 Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) Appeal Request Submit appeal requests and supporting documentation via DocuSign by 5:00 pm PST on July 9, 2021. Late submissions will not be accepted. Send questions to rhna@bayareametro.gov Jurisdiction Whose Allocation is Being Appealed: _____________________________________________________ Filing Party: { HCD { Jurisdiction: _______________________________________________________________ Contact Name: ______________________________________ Title: __________________________________________ Phone: _______________________________________________ Email: ________________________________________ APPEAL AUTHORIZED BY: Name: ________________________________________________ Signature: ___________________________________________ Date: _________________________________________________ PLEASE SELECT BELOW: { Mayor { Chair, County Board of Supervisors { City Manager { Chief Administrative Officer { Other: ____________________________________ IDENTIFY ONE OR MORE BASES FOR APPEAL [Government Code Section 65584.5(b)] ABAG failed to adequately consider information submitted in the Local Jurisdiction Survey regarding RHNA Factors (Government Code Section 65584.04(e)) and Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing (See Government Code Section 65584.04(b)(2) and 65584(d)(5)): Existing and projected jobs and housing relationship. Sewer or water infrastructure constraints for additional development due to laws, regulatory actions, or decisions made by a provider other than the local jurisdiction. Availability of land suitable for urban development or for conversion to residential use. Lands protected from urban development under existing federal or state programs. County policies to preserve prime agricultural land. Distribution of household growth assumed for Plan Bay Area 2050. County-city agreements to direct growth toward incorporated areas of county. Loss of units contained in assisted housing developments. Households paying more than 30% or 50% of their income in rent. The rate of overcrowding. Housing needs of farmworkers. Housing needs generated by the presence of a university campus within a jurisdiction. Housing needs of individuals and families experiencing homelessness. Loss of units during a declared state of emergency from January 31, 2015 to February 5, 2020. The region’s greenhouse gas emissions targets to be met by Plan Bay Area 2050. Affirmatively furthering fair housing. ABAG failed to determine the jurisdiction’s Draft RHNA Allocation in accordance with the Final RHNA Methodology and in a manner that furthers, and does not undermine the RHNA Objectives (see Government Code Section 65584(d) for the RHNA Objectives). A significant and unforeseen change in circumstances has occurred in the local jurisdiction or jurisdictions that merits a revision of the information submitted in the Local Jurisdiction Survey (appeals based on change of circumstance can only be made by the jurisdiction or jurisdictions where the change occurred). 3'9-+22:)034) Community Development Director City of Saratoga City of Saratoga Debbie Pedro dpedro@saratoga.ca.us (408) 868-1231 Yan Zhao 7/8/2021 ABAG 2023-2031 RHNA Appeal Request Form | Page 2 Pursuant to Government Code Section 65584.05, appeals shall be based upon comparable data available for all affected jurisdictions and accepted planning methodology, and supported by adequate documentation, and shall include a statement as to why the revision is necessary to further the intent of the objectives listed in Government Code Section 65584(d). An appeal shall be consistent with, and not to the detriment of, the development pattern in the sustainable communities strategy (Plan Bay Area 2050 Final Blueprint). Number of units requested to be reduced or added to jurisdiction’s Draft RHNA Allocation: { Decrease Number of Units: ___________ { Increase Number of Units: __________ Brief description of appeal request and statement on why this revision is necessary to further the intent of the objectives listed in Government Code Section 65584(d) and how the revision is consistent with, and not to the detriment, of the development pattern in Plan Bay Area 2050. Please include supporting documentation for evidence as needed, and attach additional pages if you need more room. List of supporting documentation, by title and number of pages 1. ___________________________________________________________________________________________________ 2. ___________________________________________________________________________________________________ 3. ___________________________________________________________________________________________________ The maximum file size is 25MB. To submit larger files, please contact rhna@bayareametro.gov. Click here to attach files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aratoga RHNA Appeal Letter July 7, 2021, 4 pages Incorporated October 22, 1956 CITY OF SARATOGA 13777 FRUITVALE AVENUE • SARATOGA, CALIFORNIA 95070 • (408) 868-1200 COUNCIL MEMBERS: Mary-Lynne Bernald Kookie Fitzsimmons Rishi Kumar Tina Walia Yan Zhao July 7, 2021 Therese McMillan ABAG/MTC Executive Director Bay Area Metro Center 375 Beale Street San Francisco, CA 94105 Subject: City of Saratoga Appeal of Draft 2023-2031 Regional Housing Needs Assessment Allocation Dear Ms. McMillan, On behalf of the Saratoga City Council and the Saratoga community, the City of Saratoga hereby submits an appeal to the Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG) of the Draft 2023-2031 Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) Allocation. The City of Saratoga is appealing on the grounds the ABAG failed to adequately consider information submitted in the Local Jurisdiction Survey regarding RHNA Factors, including existing and projected jobs and housing relationship, availability of land suitable for urban development or for conversion to residential use; and the region’s greenhouse gas emissions targets to be met by Plan Bay Area 2050. Furthermore, we request a 50% reduction in the City of Saratoga RHNA from 1,712 new housing units to 856 new units. RHNA Total Very Low Income Low Income Moderate Income Above Moderate Draft 1,712 454 261 278 719 Proposed 856 227 131 139 360 3'9-+22:)034) Nearly all of Saratoga land has been devoted to residential housing. Saratoga’s commercial space is already extremely limited, especially after 80,000 square feet of retail and office space was lost to a Senate Bill 35 project. The parcels in purple on the adjacent map represent commercial properties in the City that provide services and jobs to the community and represent areas for future mixed use higher density housing in the City of Saratoga. The City is being forced to consider reducing the limited commercial job producing development that it has to accommodate the new housing required by the State, leading to longer commutes and personal trips for current and future residents. This directly conflicts with the RHNA Methodology objective to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The City of Saratoga is also incorrectly identified as being in a Transit-Rich Area (TRA), which would include cities with a bus stop with peak service frequency of 15 minutes or less. Currently, there are no bus routes within City limits with peak service frequency of 15 minutes or less. As you can see on the map displaying bus routes in Saratoga, public transportation options in Saratoga consist of only 5 bus lines that serve only a small part of the City. These routes offer varying service on weekdays, ranging from every 20 to 60 minutes. Clearly, Saratoga is far from any reasonable interpretation of Transit-Rich. With hardly any public transportation options in Saratoga, this forces residents into their cars, and that ultimately increases emissions and traffic. This is counterproductive to the City’s and ABAG’s efforts thus far and future goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. 3'9-+22:)034) Roughly half of Saratoga is in the Wildland Urban Interface area and at high or very high risk for wildfires. The area in red on the map below shows the Wildland Urban Interface area in the City of Saratoga. Saratoga’s downtown business district, a location most cities plan for higher density mixed use housing, is in a Very High Fire Hazard Zone and Wildland Urban Interface area. Last year, the CZU August Lightning Complex burned nearly 87,000 acres of land and destroyed 7,000 buildings in the Santa Cruz Mountains just outside Santa Clara County and the City of Saratoga. Many roads in Saratoga are narrow and winding, serving as the only entry and exit point for hillside neighborhoods. The Plan Bay Area 2050 Draft Environmental Impact Report, which helps shape the RHNA Allocation process, acknowledges that an increase in housing units in the San Francisco Bay Area will intensify the risk of wildland fires and mitigation measures, such as educating the public and enforcing defensible space requirements, will not minimize this threat. The significant increase in the City of Saratoga RHNA Allocation and State legislative penalties for failing to reach RHNA targets incentivize increasing housing development in areas like Wildland Urban Interface area that simply cannot sustain increased housing density. Conversely, planning for the addition of more than 1,700 new homes in other sections of Saratoga that are outside of the Wildland Urban Interface is simply impractical and unrealistic given the financial realities of residential construction. Further compounding this issue, Santa Clara Valley Water recently declared a water shortage emergency and instituted a mandatory 15% reduction in water use compared to 2019. Vegetation in our fire risk areas is extraordinarily dry and many of us fear what this and future fire seasons will look like, as it has become clear that drought conditions may be the new normal. As reported in the San Jose Mercury News, a recent study of this year’s runoff from the Sierra Mountains indicates that due to climate change, past hydrology models are no longer reliable. Santa Clara County is also extremely sensitive to drought conditions locally as well as elsewhere in the State. Approximately 50% of Santa Clara County’s water supply comes from outside the County. The Draft EIR for Plan Bay Area 2050 states that even after mitigation measures are implemented, water supplies will be insufficient to support the Bay Area’s projected population increases. It is clear that Saratoga simply cannot accommodate an increased demand for water that would result from the addition of more than 1,700 new homes. The proposed RHNA Allocation places an undue burden on the City of Saratoga with our limited commercial services, job base, access to public transportation, and over half 3'9-+22:)034) of the City is in a Moderate to Very High Fire Severity Zones. For these reasons, we urge you to reduce the City of Saratoga 2023-2031 RHNA Allocation from 1,712 to 856 new units. This proposal from the City of Saratoga represents a far more realistic and feasible target. Sincerely, Yan Zhao, Mayor City of Saratoga YYYYaYaYYYYYYaYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYn Zhao Mayor 3'9-+22:)034) July 27, 2021 Jennifer Armer, AICP, Senior Planner Town of Los Gatos 110 E. Main Street Los Gatos, CA 95030 Re: Draft 2040 General Plan Dear Ms. Armer, On behalf of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District (Midpen), we respectfully submit the following comments regarding the draft version of the Los Gatos 2040 General Plan Update (2040 General Plan Update or Project). Midpen is pleased to see the Los Gatos 2040 General Plan Update identified protecting natural resources, open space preserves, recreational trails, surrounding hillsides and waterways as one of the document’s guiding principles. Midpen owns and manages nearly 65,000 acres of open space land in the Santa Cruz Mountains region. Our mission is: To acquire and preserve a regional greenbelt of open space land in perpetuity; protect and restore the natural environment; and provide opportunities for ecologically sensitive public enjoyment and education. Midpen’s 26 Open Space Preserves include redwood, oak, and fir forests, chaparral-covered hillsides, riparian corridors, grasslands, coastal terraces along the Pacific Ocean, and wetlands along the San Francisco Bay. Ranging from 55 to over 18,000 acres, 24 of the 26 preserves are open to the public free of charge, 365 days a year. Midpen owns and manages three preserves adjacent to the town of Los Gatos: El Sereno, St. Joseph’s Hill, and Sierra Azul Open Space Preserves. The St. Joseph’s Hill and Sierra Azul Open Space Preserves are particularly significant recreation sites, with extensive trails available for public use. Given that St. Joseph’s Hill and Sierra Azul Open Space Preserves are within the town limits and in close proximity to the Opportunity Areas identified in the 2040 General Plan Update, Midpen would like to share the following suggestions for the draft general plan. Midpen is currently planning and developing wildlife and regional trail crossings of Highway 17 in the Town of Los Gatos Planning Area north of Lexington Reservoir. The regional trail crossing and its associated 6 to 9 miles of connecting trails includes connections to the Town managed Los Gatos Creek Trail and Novitiate Park, as well as Midpen’s trail systems in El Sereno, St. Joseph’s Hill, and Sierra Azul Preserves. This project represents a significant increase in regional trail connectivity in and adjacent to the Town Planning Area, including a critical link for approximately 50 miles of existing Bay Area Ridge Trail and approximately 22 miles of the Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail. Consistent with General Plan Policy MOB-3.8, this project provides regional trail connections identified in the Santa Clara Countywide Trails Master Plan that will be a significant benefit to Town residents. In accordance with Goal LU-21, Midpen looks forward to greater coordination with the Town of Los Gatos as a project stakeholder and partner and will continue to engage the Town on relevant project developments. Additional information can be found on the project website at https://www.openspace.org/our- work/projects/wildlife-crossing. Midpen staff reviewed the draft Los Gatos 2040 General Plan Update and would like to share the following suggestions. Section LU-3.2 Reducing Project Impacts Projects shall be evaluated and the Town shall apply appropriate mitigation measures and/or conditions of approval to reduce impacts on urban services and wildfire risk, including utilities, police, and fire. Consider including a statement reducing project impacts on the environment. Section LU-20.1 Community Input The Town shall facilitate opportunities for all residents and stakeholders to provide meaningful and effective input on proposed planning activities early on and continuously throughout development review and the public review process. Suggest adding “other local governments,” after “all residents.” “The Town shall facilitate opportunities for all residents, other local governments, and stakeholders to provide meaningful and effective input on proposed planning activities early on and continuously throughout development review and the public review process.” Section 3.10, LU-21 and LU-21.1 3.10 Interagency Coordination Many local, regional, State, and Federal agencies have land use planning, permitting or development review authority in the Los Gatos Planning Area and surrounding region. Coordination among agencies ensures regulatory compliance, increases efficiency for development projects, and eliminates redundancies among agencies. The following goal and policies will provide guidance on interagency coordination. LU-21 Enhance interagency coordination to achieve mutually beneficial land use development and conservation. LU-21.1 Regional Planning Continue and expand Town participation in planning processes in neighboring jurisdictions, Santa Clara County, and regional agencies and organizations to develop innovative, effective, and coordinated land use, transportation, and hillside development plans and standards. Consider including a statement on how the Town will engage and coordinate with public agency stakeholders, such as Midpen, in Town planning and policy projects that may impact the lands or responsibilities of those local agencies. Section CD-2.12 Street Trees in New Development If feasible, require street trees to be installed for all new developments, to enhance neighborhood character and identity and to maximize shade coverage when mature. Consider including a requirement for native, non-invasive or non-fire-prone street tree species. Section CD-2.30 Street and Structure Lighting Require street and structure lighting to minimize its visual, health, and ecological impacts by preventing glare, limiting the amount of light that falls on neighboring properties, and avoiding light pollution of the night sky. Consider including the dark-sky and/or the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America Model Lighting Ordinance or reference section ENC-7.11. The following link provides additional information on the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America Model Lighting Ordinance. https://www.darksky.org/our-work/lighting/public-policy/mlo/ Section CD-2.40 Landscaped Gateways Ensure that public improvements and private development provide landscaped Town gateways that create visual connections between the natural hillsides and open space areas and the community of Los Gatos. Consider including a requirement for native, non-invasive or non-fire-prone plant species. Section CD-5 Preserve the natural beauty and ecological integrity of the Santa Cruz Mountains and surrounding hillsides. Under section CD-5 Preserve the natural beauty and ecological integrity of the Santa Cruz Mountains and surrounding hillsides, consider adding: CD-5.6 Preserve Sensitive Natural Communities. Sensitive natural communities are communities that are of limited distribution statewide or within a county or region and are often vulnerable to environmental effects of projects. These communities may or may not contain special status plants or their habitat. Section CD-6.5 Lighting Design in Hillside Areas Outdoor lighting shall be limited and shielded so as not to be viewable from non-hillside areas and shall be of low intensity. Consider including the dark-sky and/or the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America Model Lighting Ordinance or reference ENC-7.11 The following link provides additional information on the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America Model Lighting Ordinance. https://www.darksky.org/our-work/lighting/public-policy/mlo/ Section CD-9.9 Landscaping To soften the appearance of hardscape, incorporate landscaped medians using drought tolerant plants, landscape buffers, and street trees. Consider including a requirement for native, non-invasive or non-fire-prone plant species. Section PFS-5 Conserve landfill space. Consider including composting, green waste and chipping programs. Section OSPR-2.1 Hillside Natural Open Space Character Preserve the natural open space character of hillside lands, including natural topography, natural vegetation, wildlife habitats and migration corridors, and viewsheds. Suggest changing the word “natural” vegetation to “native” vegetation. “Preserve the natural open space character of hillside lands, including natural topography, native vegetation, wildlife habitats and migration corridors, and viewsheds.” Key Terms Section Ecosystem. A community or group of living organisms that live in and interact with each other in a specific environment. Suggest adding the word “physical” after “specific” “Ecosystem. A community or group of living organisms that live in and interact with each other in a specific physical environment.” Section ENV-2.3 Landscape Design Continue to update landscape design guidelines for development consistent with Biological Resources goals and policies. Landscape design should promote the implementation of native species, drought tolerant species, and fire-wise plants and designs, including in hillside areas and future planning areas. Consider updating to “Santa Cruz Mountain” species or “locally” native species. Similar to section ENV 5.1. Section ENV-5.2 Special Status Native Plant Species Protection Require public and private projects to protect special-status native plant species. Consider adding “sensitive natural communities”. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife website provides additional information on sensitive natural communities. https://wildlife.ca.gov/Data/VegCAMP/Natural-Communities#environmental%20review Section ENV-7.6 Minimize Use of Herbicides and Pesticides Consider changing to “utilizing herbicides and pesticides as one tool within a comprehensive integrated pest management framework” and adding “Integrated Pest Management (IPM)” to the list of key terms. Section ENV-8 Improve the air quality in Los Gatos. Consider trade-offs between reduced carbon sequestration from reduced fuel load and emissions from prescribed fires that establish ecological resiliency in the face of wildfire, given the overwhelming benefits of reduced risks of catastrophic wildland fire on climate change. Section ENV-10 Become a zero-waste Town through encouraging sustainable procurement, extended producer responsibility, and innovative strategies. Consider including composting, green waste and chipping programs. Section ENV-19.1 Noise-sensitive Developments Require all new noise-sensitive developments to provide a noise study prepared by a licensed acoustician with recommendations for reducing noise impacts to the maximum allowed level in the Noise Ordinance. Projects with proposed sound- or noise-generating uses near open space should undergo a noise level study to ensure there will be no negative impacts to wildlife or visitors. Figure 8-6 Land Use Noise Compatibility Criteria show normal acceptable sounds from 55- 75 dB Ldn depending on the land use category. Rural or open space areas exposed to 55 dB Ldn noise levels may be more affected by these levels than an urban area where sounds are often masked by the typically higher level of background noise associated with an urban area. The perception of noise increases when the background noise is muted or nonexistent such as in a preserve. An example of a use that could cause noise impacts include amplified music from an event venue. Section 9.2 Urban and Wildland Fire Hazards Consider explaining that according to CALFIRE, 95% of all fires are caused by people (e.g., arson, escaped debris burns, and equipment use) and this is why “Fires that occur along the wildland-urban interface (WUI) are much more of a hazard…” It is also important to note that a high fire hazard severity zone does not describe the risk of a fire start, but rather describes potential impacts to natural ecosystems, known as fire severity. Additionally, due to the current need for remote work during the COVID-19 pandemic, Midpen requests to be kept informed of this project’s status via email. Updates can be sent to the two following staff: Jane Mark, Planning Manager, at jmark@openspace.org and Melissa Borgesi, Planner I, at mborgesi@openspace.org. We appreciate the opportunity to comment and participate in any further planning processes. Should you have any questions about this letter, please contact me at jmark@openspace.org or at (650) 691-1200. Sincerely, Jane Mark, AICP Planning Manager CC: Ana Ruiz, AICP, General Manager, Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District Susanna Chan, Assistant General Manager, Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District Alice Kaufman, Legislative Advocacy Director, Green Foothills Sent: Tuesday, July 27, 2021 4:45 PM To: GP2040 <GP2040@losgatosca.gov> Subject: [#20210727234526] Comment from LosGatos2040 Website Los Gatos 2040 General Plan Update Ticket: [#20210727234526] Name: Scott Weinstein Comments: This plan is rather poorly conceived. The water and electricity needs of this community are not being served today. How will adding so many units - with updated state requirements for all electric kitchens - help reduce the load on the electric grid? Given that there is a constant need to reduce electricity between 5pm and 10pm - how will such dwellings be able to actually cook dinner? Why does the committee think it’s a good idea to entreat more people into an area that can’t support its current residents? Please revert with a sustainable and workable plan that doesn’t punish the current residents. Also, please ensure that “affordable” housing is offered to teachers and municipal workers as opposed to the progeny of wealthy people who qualify based upon “low income” even if they have substantial assets. Page title: Home Sent: Tuesday, July 27, 2021 5:21 PM To: GP2040 <GP2040@losgatosca.gov> Subject: [#20210728002033] Comment from LosGatos2040 Website Los Gatos 2040 General Plan Update Ticket: [#20210728002033] Name: Mark Brine Comments: The North part of Los Gatos has at least 254 housing units going in to the first half of the North Forty. The 2nd half of the North forty will be another dense addition of housing. The rest of Los Gatos is not contributing to dense housing. A small project on main/college was cancelled, a project on Blossom Hill is now a memory care facility. I do not want faster density growth in my neighborhood. North Los Gatos has stepped up. Stop the Density growth in North Los Gatos. Lark Avenue is congested, there is no transit and we need to drive to commerce. No housing density increases please. Page title: General From: Alexandra Sung Sent: Thursday, July 29, 2021 10:12 PM To: GP2040 <GP2040@losgatosca.gov> Subject: Concern with 2040 General Plan Hello, I am writing to express my concern with the draft Los Gatos 2040 General Plan and EIR. While I support smart development, particularly development that enables more people of varied backgrounds and income levels to enjoy living in Los Gatos, I fear that the plan is not realistic in terms of traffic impacts and wildfire safety. Already our streets face considerable traffic during busy times, and with population growth, traffic will become a nightmare. With regard to the notion that more people will bike / walk / take a bus around town, could the Town conduct a survey of residents to see whether the interest for these modes of transportation truly exists? If people have little interest in these alternatives, then the Town should build out the infrastructure to support how people desire to move around. With electric vehicles becoming more and more common, the argument that cars are far worse for the environment weakens. I grew up in Portland, OR. I recall a couple decades ago Portland also wanted to “go green” with transportation. They built out the light rail and diverted funds away from highways and roads. Now, those modes of transportation are underutilized, and traffic is a nightmare. I fear Los Gatos is headed in the same direction. Lastly, imagine all of Los Gatos wanted to leave town at the same time right now. What do you think Los Gatos Blvd or University Ave or Hwy 9 would look like? Now, add in the proposed growth. Let’s say the reason everyone wanted to leave town was because a wildfire broke out dangerously close to the city with oppressive smoke and real risk of harm. Do you think people will hop on their bicycles to evacuate or wait for the bus to take them out of town? No. Everyone is taking a car and splitting up and taking both family cars if they can. Will our proposed infrastructure be able to handle such an event when life or death is at stake? We all know what happened in Paradise. Please do not allow the same thing happen here. Regards, Alexandra Sung From: Jeff Sung Sent: Thursday, July 29, 2021 10:43 PM To: GP2040 <GP2040@losgatosca.gov> Subject: Comments on the 2040 plan Dear Committee Members, Thank you for soliciting input regarding the 2040 general plan. While I agree that gradual growth, accounting for state mandates and expected population increases is important, I believe that the proposed 2040 General Plan is too ambitious and should be revised to a lower target that meets the aforementioned needs, but does not impose unnecessary risks and hardships to the Los Gatos population. Chief among my concerns is safety. With climate change and drought, the risk of fires in the Los Gatos area is accelerating. Not long ago, 85 people from Paradise, CA died as a result of the Camp Fire. One of the terrifying factors that contributed to the fatalities was the terrible traffic that people faced as they tried to flee the fire. People talked about burning to death in parking lots of traffic. The 2040 GP aspires that traffic will not be an issue by banking on people walking and bicycling. In the event of a fire, I'm going to pray that I can get my family into the car and drive them to safety. Thousands of other residents will be trying to do the same. We have learned that every small increase in cars on the road can lead to large increases in traffic. Increasing the population to the extent described in the plan without fixing traffic issues and expanding major roadways for cars will have deadly consequences in the event of a fire, and the General Plan has a responsibility to the residents of Los Gatos to be realistic and account for these rising risks. On the subject of traffic, I think that while the idea of having people walk and bicycle throughout the town is idyllic, the reality for a small town like Los Gatos is that the majority of residents probably work in a different part of the Bay Area and need to drive to work. More cars on the road going to and fro from work due to the ambitious housing targets will lead to more congested streets which will make it difficult on those businesses that are in town (thinking of the well publicized effects of beach traffic on those businesses), increase pollutants/greenhouse gases, while those cars sit idling, and add an unnecessary hardship to the residents of the town. Finally, I think the other largest issue is schools. I understand that the committee does not have planning authority for the schools. However, the committee needs to take schools into consideration and plan in conjunction with the school districts. North 40 is not finished yet, and the impacts of the development on the schools has not been seen, yet it seems clear that Los Gatos needs additional schools. Without the Town and School Districts working together to set aside land and money to build school buildings to accommodate the additional residents, the schools and most importantly, the children, will suffer. In conclusion, I urge you to reconsider the 2040 GP, and make changes to account for these important issues. We the people of Los Gatos are depending on you to be realistic and prudent in your planning and decisions. Thank you for your time and service. Sincerely, Jeff Sung On Jul 30, 2021, at 9:42 AM, Fred Faltersack wrote: Town council Members, Periodically I’ll read an article on the 2040 General Plan and I stop long enough to put in my 2 cents. This is one of those moments having just read the latest on Patch.com. There are defiantly two very strong opinions by residents both for and against growth. I tend to be more middle of the road but leaning towards the pro-development side. I feel that if Los Gatos had been supporting a moderate to medium growth position over the past 30 years, then there would not be the need to pack so much growth into the next 20 years…So YES, we need to now address it. By way of this email, I am reaching out to you to share my opinion on portions within the Towns borders which I think have been overlooked and may have the opportunity to assist in accomplishing the higher density requirements and provide more affordable housing in Los Gatos. First, I DO support the higher density goals shown in the 2040 General Plan. I support the many different variations of affordable dwelling units (ADU’s) within the traditional single family neighborhoods. I support ADU’s in the HR Zoned areas. I support the individual rights of property owners. I am against others (individuals or governments) trying to dictate to a property owner what they can and cannot do on and with their own land. Oh, and I have been a resident of the Town of Los Gatos since 1986. Now Based on where the 2040 General Plan is in it’s forward progress, this is probably a bit late in the game to bring this up, but hear me out. I noticed that the HR zoning has been left untouched with respect to higher density for “wild-life” reasons. That being said, there are fringe areas of the HR zones that are not really situated in the steep hillside and largely open areas. I will focus on the East Los Gatos area and more specifically in the Harwood Road area (where I’ve lived the past 35 years) which consists of HR-40, HR-20 zoning and borders the City of San Jose with subdivisions having parcel sizes of 6,000- 8,000 square feet (let’s call these areas Hillside Residential "Fringe Areas"). There are many old ranch- style homes situated on 1/2 acre to 3 acre parcels of which the topography is flat or have insignificant slope. Re-zoning this area for higher density would create none of the parking or traffic issues that are of great concern with citizens along the higher density Highway 17 corridor, Highway 9, and downtown areas as there is ample room to design-in off-street parking. Plus let’s not forget, people don’t get politically charged over the goings-on of EAST Los Gatos! I am sure there are other pockets of HR fringe areas within the Town that could also provide the same. Please feel free to reach out to me if you believe it warrants further discussion and be sure to take a quick visual tour along the Harwood Road neighborhood some day. Sincerely, Fred Faltersack From: Jeff Sung Sent: Saturday, July 31, 2021 1:28 PM To: Marico Sayoc Cc: Laurel Prevetti; Joel Paulson; Jennifer Armer Subject: Re: General Plan Comments Thank you for your prompt reply Mayor Sayoc. I have read the environmental impact report available on the website, and the impacts on the environment and traffic will certainly be significant. I am glad that the Planning Commission will be holding hearings. However, attending these hearings is not necessarily easy with the responsibilities that many of us have woth work and busy families. If I could suggest one more thing, I would ask that the town leadership consider polling the residents to Los Gatos regarding priorities to consider in development to make sure that the priorities of our leaders are in line with the people they serve. Respectfully, Jeff Sung From: Margaret Yu Sent: Monday, August 2, 2021 6:12 PM To: GP2040 <GP2040@losgatosca.gov> Subject: Los Gatos General Plan 2040 Hello, I have been a Los Gatos resident since 2015. I moved to this city specifically for its smaller size, community feel, and family friendly environment. After moving, I was surprised to discover that Los Gatos suffers from disproportionately heavy traffic (particularly in the summertime), limited parking (I have spent >45 minutes trying to find a parking spot downtown Los Gatos), and outdated infrastructure (we are <1 mile from the Los Gatos High school and have limited options for internet and water). I am highly supportive of building additional housing but it must be balanced by a plan to address the increased traffic, parking, utilities, and demand for public resources (schools, fire safety, etc). The current LG General Plan 2040 will overdevelop Los Gatos in a short time frame without adequately addressing the impacts to other aspects of our community. I do NOT support the plan in its current form and have yet to meet anybody who does Please do NOT move forward with the current LG General Plan. Sincerely, Dr. Margaret Yu, MD Los Gatos resident since 2015 On Aug 2, 2021, at 11:04 PM, Kathy Anderson wrote: As a resident of Los Gatos since 1955, I have seen changes in our town. Most Councils adopted General Plans that provided some growth but had safe guards to prevent developments that would be detrimental to our town. Safe guards that would allow citizens to question and prevent developers from having a free hand to develop projects that did not align with our town. The new General Plan has not only increased the size of possible new residences without considering water, traffic, and other issues- it has removed the safe guards that allow citizens to object to most developments - height, density, etc. Please review this Plan with all the changes carefully. Please allow citizens to have input. Most citizens are just now learning of the changes that will drastically change Los Gatos. Please do not rush to pass . When reviewing what the Plan would allow think is it something that you would want next door to you. Would you want your neighbor’s single family home removed and a 4 plex built. Your decision will determine what will become of Los Gatos. Kathy Anderson On Aug 3, 2021, at 7:11 PM, Kathleen Barry wrote: Dear Mayor and Council Members, I am disappointed and sad as I review the General Plan. I was born and raised here. I grew up across from an orchard in much simpler times. We played in the orchard and our parent's would yell out to us to come home for dinner. Eventually, that orchard went away and multiple homes were built. I am saddened to think about what the General Plan could bring to our lovely, little "town". I would like to believe most of us live here because of the town and it's charm. However, sadly, the charm is changing and if we don't stop to analyze now what we want and what we envision, it won't be our charming little "Tree Town" any longer. Where I realize there has to be some growth, I think there needs to be a much deeper thought process without rushing into a decision. I think the citizens who live here need to be involved and be able to participate. These items should be explained so the general population is able to read and understand the consequences. If you take for example the North 40. It's not even built and traffic is a disaster. I can vouch for that the multiple days a week I drive down Los Gatos Boulevard to work. I tried to pull out of Lark Avenue Car Wash yesterday and narrowly missed being hit. The traffic flow there is insane. Not to mention, turning left onto Lark from Los Gatos Boulevard, it seems the majority of people can't figure out how to stay in their lane since they have been changed. I believe there should be much more consideration to the following to start: • Water shortage...where are we going to get it? • Energy crisis-conservation? • Infrastructure • Schools • Density • Poor air quality with more people • Parking • Quality of life It seems as if the General Plan would like to turn us into a "city". We are not a city, but, a town, smaller. Charming. With virtually no land left to develop. How on earth does anyone think this will work in the long term? You already can't get around town on a the weekends with beach traffic. How do we support our local business that are in need of our business? What if there is a fire or emergency? How do people get out when the roads are already clogged? This is just a brief snippet of thoughts I have on the initial plan. I will be following closely to see if our elected officials are listening to our residents. Sincerely, Kathleen Barry From: Cynthia Ptacek Sent: Wednesday, August 4, 2021 6:21:18 PM To: Mary Badame Subject: General Plan 2040 - please amend Dear Ms. Badame, The draft of the General Plan 2040 for the next 20 years is frightening! I'm not sure why the town of Los Gatos didn't push back on the number of houses the state wanted us to fit into our little town, but we should have pushed back. The 3,378 new homes and the ability to build a duplex or a fourplex in what is a one-house lot are completely unacceptable. Our town cannot handle the water and traffic needs of that many additional houses. If people want to live in high-density housing then they can live in the North 40 or in another town like San Jose. We did not buy a house here to live in an overcrowded town. And speaking of the North 40, that end of Los Gatos is a nightmare! The traffic is already horrific and no one is living in those buildings yet. Please do not do more damage to our town than already done by allowing the North 40. Please do not allow the developers to ruin our cute town by building it up and crowding it so they can go live in Saratoga where they don't have this happening (because that town asked for a variance). The 1900 houses that the state wants us to build are too many. Push back! Considering the fire risks, the traffic on 17 and Los Gatos Boulevard, we are at capacity now. We have a diverse town, lots of people come here for the weekend to shop and eat at our restaurants, let's keep it desirable. Sincerely, Cynthia Ptacek Sent: Friday, August 6, 2021 4:48 PM To: GP2040 <GP2040@losgatosca.gov> Subject: [#20210806234746] Comment from LosGatos2040 Website Los Gatos 2040 General Plan Update Ticket: [#20210806234746] Name: kay maurer Comments: To continue on a path of adding more residences when the town is already crammed with cars and people is something I cannot understand. What about quality of life for those who do live here. Why would we want to plan for more units than required by state law. It makes no sense at all. Until the town can move electrical wires underground to prevent fires, and find a solution to weekend traffic, no further housing should be considered. You will ruin the small town feel in a misled path to be inclusive. Page title: Home From: Phil Koen Sent: Monday, August 9, 2021 12:57 PM To: Laurel Prevetti; Arn Andrews Cc: Matthew Hudes; Rob Rennie; Maria Ristow; Mary Badame; Marico Sayoc Subject: Marketing hype vs factual update Dear Laurel, I just saw this notice on Nextdoor and immediately read the “newsletter” which was suppose to discuss “key proposed changes in this General Plan Update”. Boy, was I sadly disappointed. Let me remind everyone that the residents were initial told at the kickoff of the general plan update process the Council was happy with the existing General Plan 2020 and that the update would be “fine tuning”. This clearly is not even remotely the case. Given the magnitude of the changes being proposed, and the initial positioning of the update, the Town has a very real obligation obligation to be forthcoming about all of the changes being proposed, in a factual, non-spin manner. It is called the duty to adequately inform. This newsletter was extremely disappointing in-tone and substance. It was a marketing piece and not a thoughtful discussion of the “key changes”. Where was the discussion of why the draft general plan allows for a maximum possible buildout of 3,738 units, which exceeds the RHNA requirement (1,993) by 88%? Why is 3,738 units the correct number and 1,993 the wrong number? How many other cities in Santa Clara County are proposing 88% more housing than their RHNA requirement? Please name them. Where was the detail discussion of the impact on residential zoning densities and intensity as a result of this increase in housing? Why is this good policy and is it consistent with the objective of retaining the Town’s unique character? Where was the disclosure of how many of the 3,738 additional units would truly be “affordable” (i.e BMP vs MP) housing? Where was the discussion if the “missing middle” was built, what is the estimated MP for the smaller units being planned? Would these really be “affordable” (I.e spending 30% or less on housing) for a family of 4 making 100% of current AMI? How do we know the “missing middle” strategy will be successful? Where was a land use map which showed the land uses as is vs. proposed changes so the public could easily understand the location and magnitude of the proposed changes? I’ll stop here because you get the point. Please put forth a newsletter that fairly describes what is in the draft General Plan 2040 so residents can easily grasp what is being proposed. As Walter Cronkite said - “hold up the mirror and tell and show the public what has happened”. I am asking every Council Member to pledge that the Town will publish in plain English, a comprehensive and accurate analysis of the changes proposed in the draft General Plan 2040 so the residents are adequately informed and can participate in the process. It is impossible to participate if you aren’t aware and knowledgeable. The residents of this Town deserve nothing less. Respectfully, Phil Koen Sent: Thursday, August 12, 2021 8:53 AM To: Jennifer Armer Cc: Council; Chris & Lisa Wade Subject: Promoting plant-based foods in Los Gatos Dear Jennifer, This is to let you know how appreciative I and many of our fellow citizens are for the steps that the town has taken to encourage the adoption of plant based foods. I understand that the town is considering including a plant-based education program in the 2040 General plan to support the promotion of meat and dairy reduction. I would like to add my support to this proposal as an important step forward in promoting this important goal. I have personally been involved in a program that will use technology to protect rhinos from poaching and certain extinction if the situation is not addressed. A major issue in achieving our goal as well as protecting multiple other threatened species is the encroachment of land on wilderness areas by cattle and other ranching activities. The only solution is to reduce or eliminate meat consumption and every small step helps. We have been residents of Los Gatos for 35 years and our address is: Los Gatos, CA 95032-1116 Sincerely, Antony G White Sent: Thursday, August 12, 2021 8:56 AM To: Jennifer Armer Cc: Council; Chris & Lisa Wade Subject: Promoting plant-based foods in Los Gatos Dear Jennifer, I understand that the town is considering including a plant-based education program in the 2040 General plan to support the promotion of meat and dairy reduction. I would like to add my support to this proposal as an important step forward in promoting this worthy goal. We have been residents of Los Gatos for 35 years and our address is: Los Gatos, CA 95032-1116 Sincerely, Hilary B White From: Shailaja Venkatsubramanyan Sent: Thursday, August 12, 2021 3:00 PM To: Jennifer Armer Cc: Council Subject: Hello, I am a resident of the Town of Los Gatos. My address is , Los Gatos, CA 95032. I would like the town to include a plant-based education program in the 2040 General plan. This would involve the promotion of plant-based diets in Los Gatos through talks, classes, cooking demos, flyers, banners, etc. Climate change is here, and we have to take all the steps to reverse its effects. Thank you so much for taking my input into consideration. I am sincerely grateful. Shai Shailaja Venkatsubramanyan, Ph.D. Associate Professor Emeritus School of Information Systems and Technology, San Jose State University From: Levine, Joshua Sent: Tuesday, August 17, 2021 4:22 PM To: Jennifer Armer Cc: Council Subject: Recommendation for plant based diet Hi Jennifer, I am resident of Los Gatos () and I’m writing to recommend that the city includes and funds the plant based education program in the 2040 General Plan. My family is vegetarian and enjoys the enormous health benefits that a plant based diet offers. Even our 11 year old son who plays on a top team for Los Gatos United, and is an all-star with Los Gatos Little League, has incredible of amounts of energy and focus in large part because of his diet and exercise regimen. Including the plant based program should have enormous benefits for the community Thank you for your consideration! Best Josh _________________________________________________ Joshua Levine | Senior Vice President – Financial Advisor RBC Wealth Management RBC Wealth Management does not accept buy, sell, or cancel orders by email, or any instructions by email that would require your signature. Please visit RBC Wealth Management Email Disclosures for material details about our products and accounts, as well as for other important information. Investment and insurance products offered through RBC Wealth Management are not insured by the FDIC or any other federal government agency, are not deposits or other obligations of, or guaranteed by, a bank or any bank affiliate, and are subject to investment risks, including possible loss of the principal amount invested. Disclosure information regarding potential conflicts of interest on the part of RBC Capital Markets, LLC in connection with companies that are the subject of any third-party research report included in this email message may be found at Third-Party Research Disclosures. RBC Wealth Management, a division of RBC Capital Markets, LLC, Member NYSE/FINRA/SIPC. From: Kevin Arroyo Sent: Saturday, August 21, 2021 10:54 AM To: Jennifer Armer Cc: Council Subject: 2040 General Plan - Plant-Based Education Program Hello Jennifer and Town of Los Gatos, I am a Los Gatos resident and support a plant-based education program in the Town’s 2040 General Plan. Due to the rapidly increasing effects of climate change, there needs to be a CO2 reduction through the reduction of eating animal products. It would help reduce water consumption and pollution so our children can live in a healthier environment. I am also assisting with the creation of the Pinehurst Community Garden and look forward to integrating these sustainable policies within our project. Please let me know if there are any questions. Thank you, Kevin Arroyo From: Joanne Benjamin Sent: Thursday, August 26, 2021 11:47 AM To: Marico Sayoc; Rob Rennie; Mary Badame; Matthew Hudes; Maria Ristow Cc: Town Manager Subject: Our Comments on the Los Gatos General Plan 2040 Housing Element & Single Family Zoning Dear Mayor Sayoc, Please forward the attached letter to the Town Council regarding our comments on the Los Gatos 2040 Housing Element and Single Family Zoning. Thank you, Joanne Benjamin Town of LG Single Family Zoning.docx Los Gatos, CA 95030 August 26, 2021 Los Gatos Council Members We were surprised and stressed to learn that the Council is considering elimination of single-family zoning in Los Gatos. To us, this is ill advised for multiple reasons. First, people make major, long-term decisions when they choose to purchase a home and they naturally assume that the Town’s zoning ordinances will continue to protect their neighborhoods. Zoning is expected to be long term and consistent, with deviations allowed only on extraordinary basis. Second, changing the zoning for an existing neighborhood from single family to four-plex multi-family is very significant to the homeowner. Allowing a fourplex (plus ADUs) in an existing single-family neighborhood could significantly impact the quality of life and the living conditions for the residents. The greater density could negatively impact and intensify parking, traffic, privacy, noise, fire safety, viewshed, sun/shade, walkability, and other important elements. In addition, there is the subjective impact of converting even one home in a single-family neighborhood to a multi-unit property as it could permanently alter the neighborhood’s character. Until this latest update of the General Plan 2040, Los Gatos thoughtfully valued preserving its historic past, its hillsides, and the charm and character of its different neighborhoods and commercial districts. For example, the Town always seriously considered impacts to adjacent residents when issuing building permits, including relatively minor situations such as repositioning windows, constructing a room addition, adding a second story, or relocating a driveway. This thorough and respectful practice has balanced change against the status quo and has resulted in neighborhoods retaining their vibrancy and attractiveness while still growing and staying up to date. Third, enabling and even encouraging developers to purchase homes in a single-family neighborhood for the purpose of redeveloping to multiple units causes irreversible harm and damage. Once such conversions happen, there is no turning back as its essentially impossible to return to a previous state. Real estate development is relatively permanent with an assumed minimum lifetime of 40 years for most structures (and much, much longer when they are maintained such as homes in the Almond Grove!) Fourth, housing is an extremely important component of our General Plan. While we understand the demand for more homes and more affordable homes, we feel that higher density housing should be focused in existing multi-family zones, undeveloped regions, or rezoning of existing commercial, industrial, or office areas, but not in existing single-family neighborhoods. Although Los Gatos isn’t yet well served by public transit, the Town should plan for this eventuality and consider higher density housing along future transportation corridors. . Fifth, besides creating more (and more affordable) housing, our community as well as the state is facing many other critical challenges – water shortages; electricity reliability; sewage treatment and capacity; Town of LG Single Family Zoning.docx roads, highway, bicycle and pedestrian improvements; public transportation; wildfire prevention and containment; plus enhanced law enforcement and public safety. Increasing the housing supply without solving these other problems will exacerbate these problems and is simply irresponsible. Finally, we understand that the state requires Los Gatos to accommodate additional housing. Los Gatos should meet this requirement by approving greater density in areas other than the current single-family zones, and in areas adjacent to future transportation corridors. This is greatly preferred to blanketly allowing multifamily conversions in single family neighborhoods. And, if after considering all of the above, you are still intent on eliminating single-family zoning, then you should initiate a ballot measure and let the Town’s citizens advise on the matter. Please don’t destroy Los Gatos’ unique character, charm, and quality of life, that has been the precedent of our community and was carefully planned, implemented, respected, and enforced by prior Town Councils. Very truly yours, Joanne and Jim Benjamin 3 September 2021 Jennifer Armer, AICP, Senior Planner Town of Los Gatos 110 E. Main Street Los Gatos, CA 95030 Re: Draft 2040 General Plan Dear Ms. Armer, Santa Clara Valley Audubon Society (SCVAS) is one of the largest National Audubon Society chapters in California. SCVAS’ mission is to promote the enjoyment, understanding, and protection of birds and other wildlife by engaging people of all ages in birding, education, and conservation. Earlier this year we advocated for the inclusion of bird-safe design and dark sky policies in the General Plan 2040. The General Plan Update Advisory Committee (GPAC) supported these recommendations and included both goals and program measures in the draft General Plan Update. We write today in support of these draft policies and with additional comments and recommendations. Birds make people happy, are key indicators for healthy ecosystems, and are inherently valuable. At SCVAS, our bird conservation advocacy areas have focused on: endangered species, bird-safe buildings and architecture, and land use. Threats to local and migratory birds include: loss of habitat and migration rest areas, collisions with glass that kill an estimated hundreds of millions of birds each year in North America alone, collisions with other human-made structures, Artificial Light At Night (ALAN), climate change, depredation by outdoor cats, and poisoning from rodenticides and insecticides. The Los Gatos General Plan Update is a critical opportunity to address biodiversity and bird safety, and in doing so, protect open space and nature, for the benefit of both the community and natural environment. One focus of our advocacy has been on reducing ALAN. The impacts of night-time lighting are pervasive and affect biological function and behavior in almost all living things. A recent United Nations report highlights the many biological and ecological impacts of ALAN, and outlines guidelines to help preserve ecosystems, species and our night sky1. A scientific review draws together wide-ranging studies over the last decades that catalogue the effects of ALAN upon living species and their environment. Numerous examples are given of how widespread exposure to ALAN is perturbing many aspects of plant and animal behavior and survival: foraging, orientation, migration, seasonal reproduction and more2. 1 https://www.iau.org/static/publications/dqskies-book-29-12-20.pdf 2 https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnins.2020.602796/full Moreover, pervasive ALAN has been found to have a wide-ranging impact on human health. Cancer, sleep disorders, and a degradation of mental health have all been linked to pervasive ALAN3. Addressing ALAN and setting clear limits on lighting within the General Plan Update can have a great positive impact on our community. Reading through the draft General Plan Update, we appreciate the thoughtfulness and intentionality when including environmental goals and programs. Many standards and guidelines in the town already help to protect the environment, such as the lighting element within the Hillside Development Standards and Guidelines, the inclusion of native plant species, and protection of wildlife movement. We hope these standards can be reinforced. Additionally, we hope you will take into consideration the following comments and recommendations specific to the draft General Plan Update. These comments pertain to the Guiding Principles, lighting, the Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design program, habitat protections, and tree canopy. 1. Guiding Principle (pdf pg. 12) Draft Language: Protect Natural Resources “Protect the natural resources and scenic assets that define Los Gatos, including open space preserves, recreational trails, surrounding hillsides, and natural waterways.” Proposed Language: Protect the Natural Environment “Protect and enhance the natural environment, scenic assets and biotic communities that define Los Gatos, including but not limited to open space preserves, recreational trails, surrounding hillsides, and waterways.” On April 1, 2021 we gave a public comment to the General Plan Advisory Committee (GPAC) asking the committee to consider changing the Guiding Principle for “Protect our Natural Resources” to “Protect the Natural Environment.” The GPAC agreed with the comment, however, since the Guiding Principles have already been approved by the Planning Commission and Town Council, this change must go through the formal approval process. The principle is meant to protect the environment, but by naming natural resources, it implies that nature is meant to be protected for the benefit of humans. Nevertheless, the environment has inherent value and should be protected regardless of its benefit to humans, which is why we recommend this change to the Guiding Principle. 2. Lighting CD-2.24 Public Realm Improvements (pdf pg. 77) Draft Language: “Encourage improvements to the public realm, including tree canopies, street furniture, paving, landscaping, and lighting.” 3 https://acsjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/cncr.33392; https://time.com/5033099/light- pollution-health/ Proposed Language: Encourage improvements to the public realm, including tree canopies, street furniture, paving, and landscaping. Please consider removing lighting from CD-2.24 Public Realm Improvements. In the past, improvements for lighting has usually meant expanded lighting. Lighting should not be expanded in Los Gatos. CD-2.30 Street and Structure Lighting (pdf pg. 79) We support CD-2.30 Street and Structure Lighting, preventing glare, light spillage, and light pollution. CD-2.31 Lighting (pdf pg. 79) Draft Language: “Encourage lighting for mixed-use and commercial developments such as string lighting, pole mounted lighting, and tree-hanging lighting, to further illuminate the site during nighttime hours for safety and community.” Proposed Language: Provide clear limits for lighting in mixed-use and commercial developments, including the prohibition of uplighting, limiting the Correlated Color Temperature of lighting, and turning off lights after activity hours, in order to find the balance between friendly illumination and preventing unnecessary light at night. We ask that you consider making policy CD-2.31 Lighting more explicit and restrictive. Decorative lighting should only be allowed in commercial areas, and only during activity hours. All lighting should be directed down since uplighting causes light pollution. The Town of Los Gatos Hillside Development Standards and Guidelines (85 of Draft General Plan, Page 6 of Chapter 6 of Standards) Chapter 6 Site Elements provides strong and sound requirements for outdoor lighting in the Hillside4. We highly recommend the General Plan Community Design Element 4.4 Hillside Development consider retaining and/or strengthening the lighting language found in its complementing Chapter 6 Site Elements. One way to complement this language would be to include a guideline for Correlated Color Temperature (CCT), such as, “Lighting within the Hillside should use the lowest CCT available.” CD-6.5 Lighting Design in Hillside Areas (pdf pg. 86) Draft Language: “Outdoor lighting shall be limited and shielded so as not to be viewable from non- hillside areas and shall be of low intensity.” 4 https://www.losgatosca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/172/Hillside-Standards-60-Site-Elements?bidId= 1. Outdoor lighting shall comply with the Town of Los Gatos Zoning Ordinance. 2. Lighting shall be the minimum needed for pedestrian safety, and shall be low level, directed downward, and shielded so that no bulb is visible, and no light or glare encroaches onto neighboring properties. 3. Unshaded or non-recessed spotlights are prohibited. 4. Lighting for purely decorative purposes is prohibited. Up-lighting of trees, lighting of facades and architectural features is prohibited. 5. Lighting for night use of outdoor game courts (e.g., tennis, paddle tennis, basketball, etc.) is prohibited. Proposed Language: Outdoor lighting shall be limited and shielded so as not to be viewable from non- hillside areas and shall be of low intensity and of the lowest Correlated Color Temperature (CCT) available, no more than 3000K. We support CD-6.5 Lighting Design in Hillside Areas to limit outdoor lighting and to be of low intensity. Mentioning CCT would emphasize the need for warmer light, especially in sensitive ecological areas such as the Hillside. Mobility Element program I Streetlighting Policy and Guidelines (pdf pg. 135) We support the Mobility Element program I Streetlighting Policy and Guidelines to update the town street lighting guidelines and for acknowledging the need for both adequate nighttime lighting and reducing light pollution. Public Facilities, Services, and Infrastructure Element program L Outdoor Lighting Standards (pdf pg. 174) Draft Language: “Establish outdoor lighting standards in the Town Code to address energy efficiency.” Proposed Language: Establish outdoor lighting standards in the Town Code to address energy efficiency, dark sky conservation, and healthy ecosystems. 3. Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) CD-2.21 Adequate Pedestrian Lighting (pdf pg. 77) Draft Language: “Pedestrian-oriented lighting shall be provided in active pedestrian areas and common areas for safety and security.” Proposed Language: In high-density planning zones, the minimal amount of pedestrian-oriented lighting necessary should be provided in active pedestrian areas and common areas for safety and security purposes. More lighting does not necessarily mean more safety. A recent study in Tucson, Arizona found that dimming their city lights to 30% of capacity had no effect on rates of crime, accidents, or other safety measures. In fact, virtually no one noticed that the street lights had been dimmed5. We are concerned that allowing the expansion of lighting under safety programs will unnecessarily expand light into sensitive areas. All lighting facilities should have dimmers, motion sensors, and/or timers. If included, goal CD-2.21 needs to be more explicit in the amount and type of light used. PFS-18.1 CPTED Site Planning for Crime Prevention (pdf pg. 159) 5 https://www.darksky.org/nights-over-tucson/ Draft Language: “Emphasize the use CPTED principles in physical site planning as an effective means of preventing crime. Open spaces, landscaping, parking lots, parks, play areas, and other public spaces shall be designed with maximum possible visual and aural exposure to community residents.” Proposed Language: Consider the use of CPTED principles in physical site planning as a potential means of reducing crime. We request clarification on PFS-18.1 CPTED Site Planning for Crime Prevention. Open spaces, parks, landscaping, play areas, and even some parking lots are ecologically sensitive areas and light should be severely limited6. They should not be designed with maximum possible visual and aural exposure, rather with the minimum possible visual and aural exposure. There have been instances of other cities in the Bay Area expanding lighting into parks under the label of “public safety.” Expanded lighting in parks is not necessary because they are closed at night time, increases in lighting do not correlate with reductions in crime, and parks are ecologically sensitive areas in which more lighting will actually be causing more harm than good. 4. Habitat Protections CD-6.6 Hillside Fencing Design (pdf pg. 86) We support Goal CD-6, especially CD-6.6 Hillside Fencing Design to be of open design. Habitat connectivity for wildlife in ecological areas is crucial for species and biodiversity. OSPR-2.4 Uninterrupted Wildlife (pdf pg. 184) We support OSPR-2.4 to provide an “uninterrupted band of usable segments for wildlife corridors.” We ask you to consider adding a program for creating a wildlife corridor study to reinforce this goal. Without a relevant study to identify where primary and critical wildlife corridors are, enforcing development standards and making hillside development decisions can be challenging. ENV-7.7 Herbicides and Pesticides Adjacent to Aquatic Habitats (pdf pg. 199) Draft Language: “Require that herbicides and pesticides used in areas adjacent to creeks and other water bodies are approved for use in aquatic habitats.” Proposed Language: Require that herbicides and pesticides used in areas adjacent to creeks and other water bodies are approved for use in aquatic habitats, ensuring minimized potential damage to public health, native plants, birds, and other wildlife. The Los Gatos IPM plan should be updated to consider new information and guidelines regarding herbicides and pesticides. We recommend considering adding a program for ENV-7.7 to update the Los Gatos IPM plan. 6 https://www.darksky.org/values-centered-lighting-resolution/?eType=EmailBlastContent&eId=e18a9f9f-e20c- 469d-9cea-fc43510d1c14 Herbicides and pesticide runoff is extremely detrimental to aquatic ecosystems7. For instance, the EPA identified Glyphosate, a common herbicide, as a potential risk to terrestrial and aquatic plants and birds, and as low toxicity to honeybees8. ENV-6 and OSPR-5 (pdf pgs. 199, 185) We support Goal ENV-6, Protect wetlands and riparian corridors, including intermittent and ephemeral streams. Additionally, we support OSPR-5 Preserve and enhance Los Gatos Creek, and Ross Creek as open space amenities. Specifically, we support restoring both creeks to a more natural state and reducing encroachment by structures and disturbances due to incompatible development and human activity. In 2007 Los Gatos signed a resolution to join the Water Resources Protection Collaborative through Valley Water9. Los Gatos should implement and improve upon these guidelines, including require minimum riparian setbacks and seek opportunities to expand and widen stream corridors. ENV-7.10 and ENV-7.11 (pdf pg. 200, 220) We support ENV-7.10 and ENV-7.11, Bird Safe Design and Dark Skies, along with the complementary programs to implement these policies. Creating ordinances for bird safe design and dark skies will help Los Gatos achieve its goal of protecting sensitive habitats and its environment. In April of this year, Cupertino passed a bird safety and dark sky ordinance, which controls lighting on all private properties in Cupertino. Additionally, the ordinance mandates bird safe design treatments to all glass surfaces in “bird-sensitive areas”. These include hillside areas as well as within 300 feet of water features and vegetated open space. Environment and Sustainability Element Program K Riparian Corridor Lighting (219) Draft Language: “Require careful lighting design in and near natural riparian corridors to direct light away and to maximize the distance between nighttime lighting and the corridor.” Proposed Language: Establish a lighting setback policy for riparian corridors to protect these sensitive ecological areas and to maximize the distance between nighttime lighting and the corridor. No light should be placed in or directed towards the riparian corridor. 5. Tree Canopy Racial, Social, and Environmental Justice element program N Tree Canopy Study (pdf pg. 31) Draft Language: “Develop a study to measure tree canopy distribution throughout the Town and encourage the use of native plants when increasing green space.” 7 https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0048969703001414 https://www.raptorsarethesolution.org/ 8 https://www.epa.gov/ingredients-used-pesticide-products/glyphosate 9 https://www.valleywater.org/contractors/doing-businesses-with-the-district/permits-working-district-land-or- easement/water-resources-protection-collaborative https://www.valleywater.org/sites/default/files/WRPC%20Los%20Gatos.pdf Proposed Language: Develop a study to measure tree canopy distribution throughout the Town and encourage the use of native plants. Consider habitat value in tree selection for the town’s forest, and disallow the planting of invasive species. A healthy, robust tree canopy is crucial for human health and well-being, social justice issues, and enhancing our urban ecosystem. Nonetheless, when considering trees for a tree canopy, we must consider benefits to overall ecosystem health. We are in the midst of a global insect apocalypse, and many native trees, such as oaks10 are critical to maintaining these habitats. Therefore, the tree canopy study should also measure the types of trees and their biodiversity and habitat value, so that we can have a better understanding of not just how many trees are distributed throughout the town, but how these trees sustain the lives of birds, insects, amphibians, and others. 6. Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District Comment Letter In addition to our comments, we support the following comments from the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District comment letter submitted on July 27, 2021 to Senior Planner Jennifer Armer: Section LU-3.2 Reducing Project Impacts Projects shall be evaluated and the Town shall apply appropriate mitigation measures and/or conditions of approval to reduce impacts on urban services and wildfire risk, including utilities, police, and fire. Consider including a statement reducing project impacts on the environment. Section CD-2.12 Street Trees in New Development If feasible, require street trees to be installed for all new developments, to enhance neighborhood character and identity and to maximize shade coverage when mature. Consider including a requirement for native, non-invasive or non-fire-prone street tree species. Section CD-2.30 Street and Structure Lighting Require street and structure lighting to minimize its visual, health, and ecological impacts by preventing glare, limiting the amount of light that falls on neighboring properties, and avoiding light pollution of the night sky. Consider including the dark-sky and/or the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America Model Lighting Ordinance or reference section ENC-7.11. The following link provides additional information on the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America Model Lighting Ordinance. https://www.darksky.org/our-work/lighting/public-policy/mlo/ Section CD-2.40 Landscaped Gateways 10 “Native oaks support over 300 species of vertebrate animals and provide food for more species of moths and butterflies than any other plant. Insects that live on oaks provide high-protein food for birds to feed their nestlings” http://ucanr.org/sites/oak_range by Rebecca Miller-Cripps, UC Cooperation 2. Download report by San Francisco Estuary Institute here: https://www.sfei,org/projects/integrated-planning-nature-building-resilience- across urban-and-rural-landscapes-silicon Ensure that public improvements and private development provide landscaped Town gateways that create visual connections between the natural hillsides and open space areas and the community of Los Gatos. Consider including a requirement for native, non-invasive or non-fire-prone plant species. Section CD-5 Preserve the natural beauty and ecological integrity of the Santa Cruz Mountains and surrounding hillsides. Under section CD-5 Preserve the natural beauty and ecological integrity of the Santa Cruz Mountains and surrounding hillsides, consider adding: CD-5.6 Preserve Sensitive Natural Communities. Sensitive natural communities are communities that are of limited distribution statewide or within a county or region and are often vulnerable to environmental effects of projects. These communities may or may not contain special status plants or their habitat. Section CD-6.5 Lighting Design in Hillside Areas Outdoor lighting shall be limited and shielded so as not to be viewable from non-hillside areas and shall be of low intensity. Consider including the dark-sky and/or the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America Model Lighting Ordinance or reference ENC-7.11 The following link provides additional information on the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America Model Lighting Ordinance. https://www.darksky.org/our-work/lighting/public-policy/mlo/ Section CD-9.9 Landscaping To soften the appearance of hardscape, incorporate landscaped medians using drought tolerant plants, landscape buffers, and street trees. Consider including a requirement for native, non-invasive or non-fire-prone plant species. Thank you for your consideration of these submitted comments. If you have any questions please contact Giulianna Pendleton at . Sincerely, Giulianna Pendleton Environmental Advocacy Assistant Santa Clara Valley Audubon Society Sent: Friday, September 3, 2021 5:54 PM To: GP2040 <GP2040@losgatosca.gov> Subject: [#20210904005346] Comment from LosGatos2040 Website Los Gatos 2040 General Plan Update Ticket: [#20210904005346] Name: Jill VanHoesen Comments: The town should not almost double the number of housing units that the state is requiring. Without addressing infrastructure no plan should be approved. What about traffic, what about schools? More people may seem like a good idea but we don't have the ability to absorb these numbers. And changing neighborhoods from single family to multi family is a very bad idea. I live on a street that has both single family and multifamily but I chose that. I would hate to see single family homes removed so that multifamily units can be built in their place. We have a great town and I wouldn't want that to change by adding housing units that can't be supported by the infrastructure in place. Please reduce the numbers to the earlier plan as submitted. Page title: Home From: Lisa Wade Sent: Monday, September 6, 2021 5:47 PM To: Jennifer Armer Cc: Karen Rubio; Rob Moore Subject: Plant- Based Education Plan Proposal Hi Jennifer, I hope you had a great weekend! I am submitting our Plant-Based Education Program proposal attached below for your review. Our program has widespread support in Los Gatos. Close to 200 residents of Los Gatos have signed on to support our efforts so far. We also have the support of environmental and community groups. Additionally, prominent leaders (outside of Los Gatos) have reached out to offer their support. I am happy to share the document with you now, or I can send it when we have updated it and added additional supporters (as we hear from more residents and leaders.) We appreciate all your hard work. Please let me know if you have any questions. Best, Lisa Los Gatos Plant-Forward Diets Program Proposal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and reverse environmental destruction Date:September, 2021 Organization:Plant-Based Advocates Climate change is the defining issue of our time.The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), which consists of more than 1,300 scientists from around the world, forecasts a temperature rise of 2.5 to 10 degrees Fahrenheit over the next century. We are in a period of accelerated global warming that is already having devastating consequences such as drought,fires and hurricanes. Weather events are becoming more frequent and more extreme. We now know that raising livestock is a primary cause of land depletion, global warming, water usage, deforestation, pollution, and biodiversity loss. According to World Watch, livestock is responsible for 51% of greenhouse gas emissions.“Livestock and Global Warming” (pdf), (World Watch, Nov/Dec 2009). The challenges we are facing are so vast and so serious we can’t afford to wait for small, incremental steps; we need to effect a sea change in how the U.S.views and operates its food system. Los Gatos-based advocacy group Plant-Based Advocates is proposing the following plant-forward diets and lifestyles program for the Town to incorporate into their 2040 General Plan. These programs, which have widespread community support, are targeted at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and environmental degradation and include an estimated cost range. Program: Marketing, Promotion, Education Estimated Cost 1)Monthly Film and Speaker Series: Organize film/speaker series on diet, environment and nutrition. These will be advertised by the Town and PB Advocates. Free to residents and the general public. a)Lectures by health professionals, nonprofits and environmental experts. b)These could be on zoom or in person. c)For in-person events provide plant-based food for people to try. Cost for Speakers: Many great speakers are available for free or honorarium of $100-300/speaker Higher profile speakers may cost more. Town venue: Free Other Venue: $200-$400 Cost for documentaries/films: Several good docs are license-free Others: License fee $100-$200 Town venue: Free Other Venue: $200-$400 Cost for health professionals, non-profits, and environmental experts presentation: Usually free; Possible honorarium: $100-$200. Town venue: Free Other Venue $200-$400 2)Monthly free plant-based cooking classes sponsored by the town. a)20 – 40 people per class b)Can be via Zoom or in person (in the future) 3)Monthly free food-tasting events for the public, held once/month. * Can be combined with speaker series or events. $300/class. Assume they could be held at a town venue with a kitchen and or via Zoom. Possible grant money reimbursement available if the Town takes the lead. *A small fee between $5-10 could possibly also be used to partially fund the event; and also ensure participants show up. Food for in person events: Approx $300 4)Monthly email newsletter and online survey program to keep track of residents who pledge to reduce animal consumption and also provide encouragement, support, tips etc. Residents can sign up online, or at any of the other events in this list (films, cooking classes, etc.).This will allow the town to quantify greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction resulting from this program. ~$2000 for database setup, $100/month for IT and maintenance. Maybe less if town IT support is available. Prizes for survey. 5)Creation of custom branded marketing materials (brochures, etc.) for residents, explaining the importance of plant-based diet. Display at the chamber of commerce, library, town events, etc. $500 - $5000, depending on quantity and complexity. Potential for free/donated graphic design. 6)Incorporate plant-based food and lifestyle promotion into all Town sustainability material used around education and information. -In their websites/online channels -During town-organized events -Work with local school boards and PTAs to disseminate education about plant-based diets. Minimal. A huge database of information on sustainability, plant-based diets and lifestyle etc. is widely available. PB Advocates is also happy to support in terms of providing content and ideas. Program: Restaurants/Residents Initiatives/Promotional Events Estimated Cost 1)Encourage Los Gatos restaurants to offer: a)Plant-based specials b)Days of the week, promoting PB specials Minimal. Local non-profits can assist with this effort. c)Display promotional materials around PB options Town to provide stickers for restaurants. A friendly competition for restaurants - winner gets press etc. A week (every month/regular basis) celebrating “plant based”/restaurants participate and get featured. Town to provide an incentive or reward to restaurants. 2)Annual Plant-based Cooking competition (or even twice a year) for restaurants and residents, perhaps a “Chili Cook-off.” or Vegan Mac ‘n Cheese contest. Possibility of promoting other ethical businesses around the event. $2000 for venue, prizes, and advertising. $5000 for organization of the event. Local advocacy can help with volunteer and organization efforts. 3)Restaurants: Los Gatos restaurant competition where participating restaurants feature plant-based specials over the course of a month and residents try the specials and vote for their favorite. The winning restaurant receives a prize and publicity. Could be done in conjunction with the VegFest. $200 - $2000, depending on level of publicity 4)Residents: Creation of a volunteer citizen-based sustainability committee to develop and implement strategies and branding to promote a more plant-centric lifestyle in Los Gatos. Some coordination required. Advocacy groups can help/support. 5)Hold a Los Gatos Plant-based food festival, also known as a “VegFest.” VegFest features local restaurants and organizations, speakers, food samples, etc. Vegfest is a great way to bring consumers into Los Gatos. Similar events have been held in San Francisco, Oakland, Santa Cruz, Seattle and many other cities. It is a great way to bring consumers into Los Gatos. Ranges from net positive revenue to a cost of $15,000 depending on the venue, sponsorships, vendor fees, etc. Local non-profits can assist with this effort. Total estimated cost of the program (annual)$25-30,000* USD Note: We are asking the Town of Los Gatos to dedicate approximately 30K to this program. As a precedent, the city of Mountain View has pledged $30,000 to educate residents about the benefits of a plant based lifestyle. This proposal has the support of a wide cross-section of Los Gatos community leaders, social organizations and residents. Additionally, many prominent leaders (outside of Los Gatos) have also reached out to offer their support. These names will be provided as an attached document additionally for reference. *Please also note that the town might need to consider a dedicated staffer to oversee and manage this program. The Plant Based Advocates group will support the Town to the best of its ability. Other ideas (minimal expenses) Have Los Gatos take the “Cool Food Pledge.” Encourage businesses in our town to take this pledge as well. Cool Food If the Town caters (or plans menus) for events or meetings the council will ensure that there are identified plant-based options. Better yet, the town will have a default veg menu which means animal products are absent unless specifically requested.https://defaultveg.com/ Advertising campaign to promote the initiative, including banners, print and radio ads. Potential to have donor match funds for the advertising campaign. $5000 - $15000, with potential for donated matching funds if the Town takes the lead. The need for education, promotion and advocacy for a plant based diet and lifestyle For over a decade the United Nations has warned governments to make fundamental changes to reduce animal products and increase plants in their food system to address runaway global warming. The message has fallen on deaf ears - until now. Trailblazing cities across the United States are starting to promote plant-forward policies among their residents as the most effective way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The following actions and resolutions are being taken by cities and organizations to fight global warming through diet change: ●Mountain View, CA has signed a 3-year Sustainability Plan which includes an initiative to dramatically reduce meat & dairy consumption by their residents. ●The City Council of Berkeley passed a resolution to slash the amount of animal products the city purchases by 50 percent by 2024, with progress on the goal to be reported to the Council by the City Manager by January 31, 2022. ●Emeryville passed a Green Monday Resolution including: ○ Sourcing plant-based meals for city council meetings ○ Encouraging local restaurants to feature plant-based specials on Mondays ○ Featuring educational programming and displays at community centers and libraries ●The Town of Los Gatos passed a Green Monday Resolution in Dec. 2019 ●New York City has implemented a Meatless Monday program for all 1,700 public schools within the City. This program started in 2019 and mandates that all breakfast and lunch options are 100% vegetarian on Mondays. ●The cities of Santa Barbara and New York City have both banned the sale of processed meat products (including hot dogs, bacon, salami, etc.)in schools. This is mostly health-related, since processed meats have been found to significantly increase the risk of certain forms of cancer. ●Many cities and municipalities have passed food procurement policies that stipulate a reduction in meat and dairy purchasing.Friends of the Earth has a great guide that outlines the process and highlights cities that have incorporated food purchasing policies into their Climate Action Plans. ●The group “Scientists for Less Meat” is making an urgent call to all City mayors to enact policies that will reduce the amount of meat consumed in their city, and increase the proportion of plant-based foods. ●Harvard University recently committed to reduce their food-related GHG emissions by 25% before 2030, by emphasizing a shift towards plant-based foods.This is based on a UN & World Resources Institute initiative called the "Cool Food Pledge." ●The city of Philadelphia has a "Vegan Restaurant Week"each year. This event is a collaboration between nonprofits, the city, and restaurants. ●Many US cities, including San Jose, San Francisco,Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Cleveland, and numerous others have passed “Meatless Monday” resolutions. We are proposing for Los Gatos to be a part of this solution towards climate change by adopting these much-needed initiatives.The challenges we face are so vast and so serious we can’t afford to take small, incremental steps. We need fundamental, systemic change on a local level that recognizes and starts to address this crisis. In 2016, Los Gatos took a leadership position by signing the Mayor’s Climate Agreement, thereby pledging to address global warming. As residents and global citizens, it’s our duty to contribute as much as possible towards one of the most pressing environmental issues of our time. Plant-Based Advocates calls upon our Town to implement plant-forward policies that will dramatically reduce greenhouse gas emissions and begin to reverse environmental destruction. From: Anita Bora Sent: Wednesday, September 8, 2021 11:01 AM To: Jennifer Armer Subject: Support for PB Education in the 2040 General Plan Hi Jennifer, I am resident of the town of Los Gatos, having moved here last year. I really enjoy the area and am discovering the joys of living here including the parks, library, downtown area amongst others. As someone who enjoys eating out and exploring various options, and following a compassionate lifestyle, I would also like to voice my support for adding programs and initiatives about the health and environmental benefits of a plant based diet and lifestyle in the 2040 General Plan. Though it is encouraging to see many restaurants, eateries and take outs offer options, I don't feel it's enough yet. Offering one token tem on the menu that does not have an animal part in it, in my mind is not doing enough. What we need is education at every level to make this gradual shift happen. The town can play an important role in making this shift. It does have the power and should definitely look at taking on more responsibility. As a concerned citizen, I feel that it's up to each of us to individually and collectively, to do whatever we can to mitigate the current climate and environmental disaster that we find ourselves in. Education rests on schools, social organizations and the the towns - and the town of Los Gatos should start recognizing this challenge and addressing it. A lot of people seem to think that food is personal. That might have been the case, but no longer applies in the current climate crisis we find ourselves in. Change starts with everyone and it starts with what we eat - this is something that everyone needs to understand. We do make a decision everyday about what we buy, what we cook and what we put in our stomach. I've found that there is interest, but not enough resources or education or encouragement for plant based options. There is also very low awareness about the ramifications about animal agriculture. https://www.kinderworld.org/videos/environment/the-devastating-consequences-of-animal- agriculture-on-earth/ Having learned that a plant based education program was approved by the town of Mountain View recently gives me hope. I feel it's the right time for everyone, including the Town of Los Gatos to start looking at this seriously. I would like to strongly advocate and request for such a program to be added to the town's plan, specifically the environmental section (8.12 Implementation Programs). I hope that the town will take this thoughtful and much needed decision so we can start proactively working towards a better world. Thank you! Anita ------------------------ Anita Bora Los Gatos 95032 Sent: Thursday, September 9, 2021 5:36 PM To: GP2040 <GP2040@losgatosca.gov> Subject: [#20210910003628] Comment from LosGatos2040 Website Los Gatos 2040 General Plan Update Ticket: [#20210910003628] Name: Marc Caligiuri Comments: Dear Los Gatos City Council The current EIR should not be approved. The 2040 General Plan should plan on adding enough over the regional housing requirements to hit its requirements of 1,993. Please don’t ruin our Town!! Page title: Home Sent: Thursday, September 9, 2021 8:10 PM To: GP2040 <GP2040@losgatosca.gov> Subject: [#20210910030952] Comment from LosGatos2040 Website Los Gatos 2040 General Plan Update Ticket: [#20210910030952] Name: Richard Katz Comments: Folks, let's call a spade a spade. This is about development and the almighty dollar. Each land owner will have incentive to convert to the maximum number of units, and those that do so will be either speculators or doing so as part of their own get out of town strategy. The ladder will end up simply moving to the nicer communities some of which are only nicer as a result of the downward turn that this change in regulation will bring upon our town. Seriously how is increasing density going to fix the abysmal beach traffic. As this will catapult change in this town, begs the question what are you all thinking Los Gatos will be in the future? We have held on to a somewhat sleepy natured small town with a good vibe and nice things to do. We have an excellent school system though it is already impacted. What will quadrupling our numbers do and how will that really benefit anyone? As our density then exceeds places like Willow Glen and Campbell Cambrian etc What is the vision? Page title: Home Sent: Thursday, September 9, 2021 8:58 PM To: GP2040 <GP2040@losgatosca.gov> Subject: [#20210910035808] Comment from LosGatos2040 Website Los Gatos 2040 General Plan Update Ticket: [#20210910035808] Name: Lou Albert Comments: This EIR fails to predict the full buildout potential under this proposed GP. It is a lawsuit waiting to happen. EX: The EIR LDR buildout estimate is based on an assumption that only 5% of the potential 7,340 new dwellings allowed under this plan's increased LDR density limits will actually be built. The EIR's rational for this limit is basically “more than that hasn’t happened in the past, so it won’t happen in the future”. But higher buildout wasn’t really possible under past GPs and this EIR doesn't account for the increased economic incentive to redevelop under the 2040 GP. EX: A home on 1/2 acre could under this plan be redeveloped into a 6-plex that yields more than $1M in gains over its current market value. But such an incentive will drive buildout beyond 5% and significantly affect the EIR’s findings. The TC should reject this EIR and inform every LG residents on how this 2040 GP differs from State requirements by sending a flyer to every LG resident before approval is granted Page title: Home Sent: Friday, September 10, 2021 8:35 AM To: GP2040 <GP2040@losgatosca.gov> Subject: [#20210910153453] Comment from LosGatos2040 Website Los Gatos 2040 General Plan Update Ticket: [#20210910153453] Name: Eric Thune Comments: The current EIR should not be approved. The 2040 General Plan should plan on adding enough over the regional housing requirements to hit its requirements of 1,993. The city should be targeting about 2,400 units and not the 3,738 in the draft 2040 plan. This is what the state has asked for. The 3,738 units is not required by any State law. By over committing to an excessive number of units to add, the Town is making unnecessary and unneeded changes in density and zoning laws that will lead to more green house gas and terrible traffic issues. If Los Gatos is serious about building affordable housing, the 2040 GP needs to commit to a specific number of those units and not just allow too much growth all at market rate. The General Plan should be adopted by a majority vote of residents. Going from 4 houses per acre to 12 is entirely too high and isn’t needed to meet what the State is asking for and the environmental impact report says traffic will be minimized. Page title: Home Sent: Friday, September 10, 2021 10:45 AM To: GP2040 <GP2040@losgatosca.gov> Subject: [#20210910174508] Comment from LosGatos2040 Website Los Gatos 2040 General Plan Update Ticket: [#20210910174508] Name: Sacha Arts Comments: The 2040 General Plan should plan on adding enough over the regional housing requirements to hit its requirements of 1,993 new units. The city should be targeting about 2,400 units and not the 3,738 in the draft 2040 plan. This is what the state has asked for. The 3,738 units is not required by any State law. By over committing to an excessive number of units to add, the Town is making unnecessary and unneeded changes in density and zoning laws that will lead to more green house gas and terrible traffic issues. 12 units/acre in the LDR is also excessive and we need strong safeguards in place to keep the integrity of our neighborhoods. It is too hard to build in LG, but this plan goes way too far. Page title: Home Sent: Saturday, September 11, 2021 9:23 AM To: GP2040 <GP2040@losgatosca.gov> Subject: [#20210911162229] Comment from LosGatos2040 Website Los Gatos 2040 General Plan Update Ticket: [#20210911162229] Name: Christina Jansson Comments: Make this plan more detailed and less vague. Page title: Home Sent: Saturday, September 11, 2021 4:01 PM To: GP2040 <GP2040@losgatosca.gov> Subject: [#20210911230126] Comment from LosGatos2040 Website Los Gatos 2040 General Plan Update Ticket: [#20210911230126] Name: Christine Klesney Comments: The 2040 plan has population growth goals that are aggressive and exceed the infrastructure capacity. Roads are already too congested. Should a wildfire come through here the roads could never handle the traffic to allow a safe escape. Every warm weekend I limit my driving due to the beach traffic. How about we solve our existing problems before we make it exponentially worse? Page title: Home Sent: Sunday, September 12, 2021 4:26 PM To: GP2040 <GP2040@losgatosca.gov> Subject: [#20210912232609] Comment from LosGatos2040 Website Los Gatos 2040 General Plan Update Ticket: [#20210912232609] Name: Felix and Lulu Sterling Comments: The Town is faced with two overarching challenges which are each exacerbated by increased density: (1) Wildfire risk and related insurance and land use complications, and (2) severe traffic congestion due to the Hwy 17 bottleneck and the North 40 project. These conditions would provide a very strong basis to appeal the RHNA allocation, but instead the Town failed to appeal voluntarily doubled it!? The RHNA+ commitment, combined with North 40 and rezoning for "missing middle" housing, would reduce defensible space after many residents have already had their fire insurance cancelled in recent years, and further congest already unacceptable traffic. The local infrastructure simply cannot accommodate higher density near downtown Los Gatos, and we believe that the vast majority of residents do not want it and particularly object to the character of single family neighborhoods altered with rezoning to retrofit "missing middle" multifamily structures into established neighborhoods. Page title: Home Sent: Sunday, September 12, 2021 6:19 PM To: GP2040 <GP2040@losgatosca.gov> Subject: [#20210913011909] Comment from LosGatos2040 Website Los Gatos 2040 General Plan Update Ticket: [#20210913011909] Name: Jared Ajlouny Comments: I am saddened to read about what the town is considering for the 2040 general plan. Los Gatos is a beautiful town with so much charm and character. By changing the general plan to allow so much more housing density the town will be forever changed for the worse. The vast majority of residents of Los Gatos have worked hard and sacrificed much to be able to afford to live in this town. We did/do it because this town is so special. By changing the zoning rules to be like that of surrounding cities you will forever tarnish this place. Los Gatos is so special because of what it is. Please use your head when deciding on ruining thousands of peoples "home town". Page title: Home Sent: Sunday, September 12, 2021 7:00 PM To: GP2040 <GP2040@losgatosca.gov> Subject: [#20210913015958] Comment from LosGatos2040 Website Los Gatos 2040 General Plan Update Ticket: [#20210913015958] Name: Emma A Ajlouny Comments: please don't change Los Gatos and the beautiful town that allows visitors from ALL over to enjoy all the charm it has to offer Page title: Home Sent: Sunday, September 12, 2021 9:51 PM To: GP2040 <GP2040@losgatosca.gov> Subject: [#20210913045043] Comment from LosGatos2040 Website Los Gatos 2040 General Plan Update Ticket: [#20210913045043] Name: Mitzi Anderson Comments: The General Plan should not exceed the RENA numbers mandated by the state. By doing so, the GP proposes zoning changes that far exceed what is needed and what the town can support (water, traffic, schools, and VMT rating goes up as we export more people into the areas with jobs.) Also, the proposed growth changes for the town are undervalued. The zoning changes will create more growth then the numbers the GP is proposing this the EIR is not an adequate study of the real growth. The town was misled when we were told the GP 2050 would have minor changes to the existing plan. This proposed plan is a radical change for the direction and design of the town. The residents should have the final say if we want these changes to our town not a small committee of people and the Town Council. The changes are just too much to be thrust on the town. As a resident of Los Gatos, I do not support the zoning density, height or middle housing proposals. Page title: Home On Sep 12, 2021, at 9:32 PM, Kathleen Anderson wrote: Please do not rush to judgment concerning the 2040 General Plan. Give the citizens of Los Gatos time to input their thoughts on the Plan. You do not have to vote in November. The new General Plan will have a long lasting impact on our town. In my opinion a detrimental impact. I am concerned about The increased number of residential units without infrastructure in place to handle it. The traffic, lack of water, evacuation in an emergency, parking, the trend away from single family homes to multi housing, the impact it will have on climate change with the increased traffic fumes. Most new residents will not work here but will need to travel to their employment. There are other issues that make this new General Plan a negative for Los Gatos. I am extremely concerned about the housing element with increased density and height allowance. There are many issues that need further discussion before this Plan should be voted on by Council. Much of the work on this General Plan was done while we were in a pandemic. Most people were just trying to avoid getting the virus. They did not have the time to review the General Plan and especially the housing element. Give the citizens the time needed . Put off voting in November. Kathy Anderson Los Gatos Sent from my iPad From: Charles Wade Sent: Tuesday, September 14, 2021 1:14 PM To: Jennifer Armer Cc: Council; Lisa Wade Subject: Plant based education program-2040General Plan Hello, Jennifer. I'd like to express my support for a plant based education program in the 2040 General Plan. I moved to Los Gatos at mid life and suddenly I've been here 41 years. As I've aged I've paid more attention to diet and as a chemist I could relate to changes recommended for longevity. In particular, the environmental and health impact of red meat is troublesome. Science is unequivical that red meat is a no no for health, and the environmental impact for hamburgers alone includes replacing forests with space for cattle at a rate that threatens the planet. I grew up a meat and potatoes kid on a small farm in the midwest, and I can hear my father turning in his grave when he hears I've left the diet from our cattle, that diet he felt would make me the healthiest kid in the county. But science shows otherwise, and I've gone that direction personally. Los Gatos should be a leader in health, so I'm asking the city to support these changes. Thanks. Charles Wade , Los Gaos, CA 95032 From: Lisa Wade Sent: Thursday, September 16, 2021 10:34 AM To: Jennifer Armer; Council Cc: Karen Rubio; Rob Moore Subject: Written Comments for General Plan Joint Study Session on 9/20/2021 Hi Jennifer, Mayor Sayoc, and Town Council members, We wanted to provide you with the following written comments to be included in the staff report for the Joint Study Session Meeting for the 2040 General Plan on Monday, September 20. Plant-Based Advocates would like to request the inclusion and funding of a Plant-Based Education program in the Environmental Section of the Town's 2040 General Plan. The City of Mountian View has included such a plan in the Environmental Element for the City. Mountain View has pledged $30,000 to support Plant-Based education for residents. We would like to request $30,000 to fund such a plan in Los Gatos. We have outlined an action plan attached below for your review. We have widespread community support for Plant-Based Education in Los Gatos. Residents are enthusiastic about learning the whys and hows of plant-based eating. So far we have the support of 216 residents of Los Gatos. We also have the support of 32 close neighbors (Monte Sereno, Cambrian area of San Jose, Campbell, etc.) Who expressed strong interest in signing since they spend time in Los Gatos. We also have the support of some prominent leaders from nearby areas such as Lucas Ramirez Vice Mayor of the City of Mountian View and Alison Hicks City Council member in Mountian view. In addition organizations including Environmental and Health NGOs are in strong support of our proposals. We are very proud that the Center for Biological Diversity included written testimony in support of our efforts. I have attached the testimony below. I have also attached our petition signatures for your review. We continue to receive support and we believe our list will continue to grow, but we wanted to submit this list in advance of the meeting on Monday. Thank you for your consideration. Lisa Wade , Los Gatos. Los Gatos Plant-Forward Diets Program Proposal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and reverse environmental destruction Date:September, 2021 Organization:Plant-Based Advocates Climate change is the defining issue of our time. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), which consists of more than 1,300 scientists from around the world, forecasts a temperature rise of 2.5 to 10 degrees Fahrenheit over the next century. We are in a period of accelerated global warming that is already having devastating consequences such as drought, fires and hurricanes. Weather events are becoming more frequent and more extreme. We now know that raising livestock is a primary cause of land depletion, global warming, water usage, deforestation, pollution, and biodiversity loss. According to World Watch, livestock is responsible for 51% of greenhouse gas emissions.“Livestock and Global Warming” (pdf), (World Watch, Nov/Dec 2009). The challenges we are facing are so vast and so serious we can’t afford to wait for small, incremental steps; we need to effect a sea change in how the U.S.views and operates its food system. Los Gatos-based advocacy group Plant-Based Advocates is proposing the following plant-forward diets and lifestyles program for the Town to incorporate into their 2040 General Plan. These programs, which have widespread community support, are targeted at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and environmental degradation and include an estimated cost range. Program: Marketing, Promotion, Education Estimated Cost 1)Monthly Film and Speaker Series: Organize film/speaker series on diet, environment and nutrition. These will be advertised by the Town and PB Advocates. Free to residents and the general public. a)Lectures by health professionals, nonprofits and environmental experts. b)These could be on zoom or in person. c)For in-person events provide plant-based food for people to try. Cost for Speakers: Many great speakers are available for free or honorarium of $100-300/speaker Higher profile speakers may cost more. Town venue: Free Other Venue: $200-$400 Cost for documentaries/films: Several good docs are license-free Others: License fee $100-$200 Town venue: Free Other Venue: $200-$400 Cost for health professionals, non-profits, and environmental experts presentation: Usually free; Possible honorarium: $100-$200. Town venue: Free Other Venue $200-$400 2)Monthly free plant-based cooking classes sponsored by the town. a)20 – 40 people per class b)Can be via Zoom or in person (in the future) 3)Monthly free food-tasting events for the public, held once/month. * Can be combined with speaker series or events. $300/class. Assume they could be held at a town venue with a kitchen and or via Zoom. Possible grant money reimbursement available if the Town takes the lead. *A small fee between $5-10 could possibly also be used to partially fund the event; and also ensure participants show up. Food for in person events: Approx $300 4)Monthly email newsletter and online survey program to keep track of residents who pledge to reduce animal consumption and also provide encouragement, support, tips etc. Residents can sign up online, or at any of the other events in this list (films, cooking classes, etc.).This will allow the town to quantify greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction resulting from this program. ~$2000 for database setup, $100/month for IT and maintenance. Maybe less if town IT support is available. Prizes for survey. 5)Creation of custom branded marketing materials (brochures, etc.) for residents, explaining the importance of plant-based diet. $500 - $5000, depending on quantity and complexity. Potential for free/donated graphic design. Display at the chamber of commerce, library, town events, etc. 6)Incorporate plant-based food and lifestyle promotion into all Town sustainability material used around education and information. -In their websites/online channels -During town-organized events -Work with local school boards and PTAs to disseminate education about plant-based diets. Minimal. A huge database of information on sustainability, plant-based diets and lifestyle etc. is widely available. PB Advocates is also happy to support in terms of providing content and ideas. Program: Restaurants/Residents Initiatives/Promotional Events Estimated Cost 1)Encourage Los Gatos restaurants to offer: a)Plant-based specials b)Days of the week, promoting PB specials c)Display promotional materials around PB options Minimal. Local non-profits can assist with this effort. Town to provide stickers for restaurants. A friendly competition for restaurants - winner gets press etc. A week (every month/regular basis) celebrating “plant based”/restaurants participate and get featured. Town to provide an incentive or reward to restaurants. 2)Annual Plant-based Cooking competition (or even twice a year) for restaurants and residents, perhaps a “Chili Cook-off.” or Vegan Mac ‘n Cheese contest. Possibility of promoting other ethical businesses around the event. $2000 for venue, prizes, and advertising. $5000 for organization of the event. Local advocacy can help with volunteer and organization efforts. 3)Restaurants: Los Gatos restaurant competition where participating restaurants feature plant-based specials over the course of a month and residents try the specials and vote for their favorite. The winning restaurant receives a prize and publicity. Could be done in conjunction with the VegFest. $200 - $2000, depending on level of publicity 4)Residents: Creation of a volunteer citizen-based sustainability committee to develop and Some coordination required. Advocacy groups can help/support. implement strategies and branding to promote a more plant-centric lifestyle in Los Gatos. 5)Hold a Los Gatos Plant-based food festival, also known as a “VegFest.” VegFest features local restaurants and organizations, speakers, food samples, etc. Vegfest is a great way to bring consumers into Los Gatos. Similar events have been held in San Francisco, Oakland, Santa Cruz, Seattle and many other cities. It is a great way to bring consumers into Los Gatos. Ranges from net positive revenue to a cost of $15,000 depending on the venue, sponsorships, vendor fees, etc. Local non-profits can assist with this effort. Total estimated cost of the program (annual)$25-30,000* USD Note: We are asking the Town of Los Gatos to dedicate approximately 30K to this program. As a precedent, the city of Mountain View has pledged $30,000 to educate residents about the benefits of a plant based lifestyle. This proposal has the support of a wide cross-section of Los Gatos community leaders, social organizations and residents. Additionally, many prominent leaders (outside of Los Gatos) have also reached out to offer their support. These names will be provided as an attached document additionally for reference. *Please also note that the town might need to consider a dedicated staffer to oversee and manage this program. The Plant Based Advocates group will support the Town to the best of its ability. Other ideas (minimal expenses) Have Los Gatos take the “Cool Food Pledge.” Encourage businesses in our town to take this pledge as well. Cool Food If the Town caters (or plans menus) for events or meetings the council will ensure that there are identified plant-based options. Better yet, the town will have a default veg menu which means animal products are absent unless specifically requested.https://defaultveg.com/ Advertising campaign to promote the initiative, including banners, print and radio ads. Potential to have donor match funds for the advertising campaign. $5000 - $15000, with potential for donated matching funds if the Town takes the lead. The need for education, promotion and advocacy for a plant based diet and lifestyle For over a decade the United Nations has warned governments to make fundamental changes to reduce animal products and increase plants in their food system to address runaway global warming. The message has fallen on deaf ears - until now. Trailblazing cities across the United States are starting to promote plant-forward policies among their residents as the most effective way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The following actions and resolutions are being taken by cities and organizations to fight global warming through diet change: ●Mountain View, CA has signed a 3-year Sustainability Plan which includes an initiative to dramatically reduce meat & dairy consumption by their residents. ●The City Council of Berkeley passed a resolution to slash the amount of animal products the city purchases by 50 percent by 2024, with progress on the goal to be reported to the Council by the City Manager by January 31, 2022. ●Emeryville passed a Green Monday Resolution including: ○ Sourcing plant-based meals for city council meetings ○ Encouraging local restaurants to feature plant-based specials on Mondays ○ Featuring educational programming and displays at community centers and libraries ●The Town of Los Gatos passed a Green Monday Resolution in Dec. 2019 ●New York City has implemented a Meatless Monday program for all 1,700 public schools within the City. This program started in 2019 and mandates that all breakfast and lunch options are 100% vegetarian on Mondays. ●The cities of Santa Barbara and New York City have both banned the sale of processed meat products (including hot dogs, bacon, salami, etc.) in schools. This is mostly health-related, since processed meats have been found to significantly increase the risk of certain forms of cancer. ●Many cities and municipalities have passed food procurement policies that stipulate a reduction in meat and dairy purchasing.Friends of the Earth has a great guide that outlines the process and highlights cities that have incorporated food purchasing policies into their Climate Action Plans. ●The group “Scientists for Less Meat” is making an urgent call to all City mayors to enact policies that will reduce the amount of meat consumed in their city, and increase the proportion of plant-based foods. ●Harvard University recently committed to reduce their food-related GHG emissions by 25% before 2030, by emphasizing a shift towards plant-based foods.This is based on a UN & World Resources Institute initiative called the "Cool Food Pledge." ●The city of Philadelphia has a "Vegan Restaurant Week"each year. This event is a collaboration between nonprofits, the city, and restaurants. ●Many US cities, including San Jose, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Cleveland, and numerous others have passed “Meatless Monday” resolutions. Large Health Care Providers Promoting Plant-based Eating In 2013 Kaiser Permanente published a nutritional update for physicians, which advised doctors to recommend plant-based diets, “to all their patients, especially those with high blood pressure, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, or obesity.” https://thrive.kaiserpermanente.org/care-near-you/southern-california/center-for-healthy-l iving/wp-content/uploads/sites/30/2020/03/plant_based_diet_e.pdf ElCamino Health- Lifestyle Medicine promotes adopting a nutrient-dense, plant-predominant eating pattern. https://www.elcaminohealth.org/services/lifestyle-medicine Sutter Health offers plant-based eating classes (will include link.) We are proposing for Los Gatos to be a part of this solution towards climate change by adopting these much-needed initiatives.The challenges we face are so vast and so serious we can’t afford to take small, incremental steps. We need fundamental, systemic change on a local level that recognizes and starts to address this crisis. In 2016, Los Gatos took a leadership position by signing the Mayor’s Climate Agreement, thereby pledging to address global warming. As residents and global citizens, it’s our duty to contribute as much as possible towards one of the most pressing environmental issues of our time. Plant-Based Advocates calls upon our Town to implement plant-forward policies that will dramatically reduce greenhouse gas emissions and begin to reverse environmental destruction. May 5, 2021 Jennifer Armer, Senior Planner Community Development Project Town of Los Gatos Via JArmer@losgatosca.gov Dear Ms. Armer, On behalf of the Center for Biological Diversity and our California members, I thank you for considering food sustainability initiatives and emissions strategies in the Los Gatos General Plan. The Center strongly supports these actions. The Center for Biological Diversity is a national conservation nonprofit with nearly 2 million members and supporters. Our expertise is grounded in a staff of scientists and legal experts tackling crucial issues like climate change and effective mitigation strategies. Food emissions are a substantial part of global and national human-induced greenhouse gas emissions. Studies show we cannot meet climate mitigation targets without tackling emissions from the food and agriculture sector, and namely by shifting diets toward lower emissions foods. The agriculture sector accounts for as much as 37%1 of global greenhouse gas emissions. Food procurement is an important opportunity to reduce consumption-driven emissions. Most emissions come from only a few types of foods. The foods with the highest emissions are meat and dairy products,2 which are responsible for approximately half of all food-related emissions and 16%34 of global greenhouse gases. The overproduction (and consumption) of meat and dairy come with a high cost to the climate,5 as well as to water6, land7, and biodiversity8. Tracking institutional food purchases and shifting toward climate-friendly foods is a crucial climate solution that also has health and other environmental benefits. Unfortunately, some sustainability initiatives overlook the need to address overproduction of animal- based foods in their commitments. Instead, municipal plans should build on frameworks of supporting 1 Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (2019). Special Report on Climate Change and Land Use. https://www.ipcc.ch/srccl/. 2 Our World in Data (2020). Environmental Impacts of Food Production. https://ourworldindata.org/food-choice-vs-eating-local. 3 Calculated using the 2017 online update to the FAO 2013 GLEAM assessment that estimates the livestock sector emitted 8.1 GT CO2eq in 2010 (using 298 and 34 as global warming potentials for N20 and CH4, based on the IPCC 2014 report). The IPCC 2014 report estimates total anthropogenic GHG emissions in 2010 of 49 GT CO2eq. See: FAO, Global Livestock Environmental Assessment Model (GLEAM) [online], Rome, www.fao.org/gleam/en/ and IPCC [Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change], Climate Change 2014: Synthesis Report. Contribution of Working Groups I, II and III to the Fifth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, [Core Writing Team, R.K. Pachauri & L.A. Meyer (eds.)], IPCC, Geneva, Switzerland (2014), http://www.ipcc.ch/pdf/assessment-report/ar5/syr/SYR_AR5_FINAL_full_wcover.pdf. 4 Gerber, P. J., Steinfeld, H., Henderson, B., Mottet, A., Opio, C., Dijkman, J., ... & Tempio, G. (2013). Tackling climate change through livestock: a global assessment of emissions and mitigation opportunities. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). http://www.fao.org/3/i3437e/i3437e.pdf. 5 University of Michigan. Center for Sustainable Systems (2017). Carbon Footprint Factsheet. http://css.umich.edu/sites/default/files/Carbon%20Footprint_CSS09-05_e2020_0.pdf. 6 Water Footprint Network (2021). Water Footprint of Crop and Animal Products: A Comparison. https://waterfootprint.org/en/water-footprint/product-water-footprint/water-footprint-crop-and-animal-products/. 7 Carbon Brief (2021). Interactive: What is the Climate Footprint of Eating Meat and Dairy? CarbonBrief.org. https://interactive.carbonbrief.org/what-is-the-climate-impact-of-eating-meat-and-dairy/. 8 Center for Biological Diversity (2021). Extinction Facts. TakeExtinctionOffYourPlate.com. 2 environmental goals through procurement, in line with similar efforts regarding recycled and sustainable products and local food. Food procurement has a significant impact9 on the environment and overall municipal emissions and can often be addressed by resolution or executive directive requiring government food purchases to meet specific guidelines. Making a moderate shift toward climate-friendly menus can make a big difference in advancing sustainability goals, particularly emissions targets. The 2018 Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change10 affirmed we have only a decade left to avoid irreversible climate damage. This fact has driven municipalities to include meat and dairy reductions as key factors in emissions reductions and sustainability policies, including the initiatives recommended to add to the Los Gatos General Plan. For example, Los Angeles, California recently joined the C-40 cities initiative; and Santa Monica, CA integrated food procurement commitments into their Climate Action Plan and committed to a 15% reduction of meat and dairy procurement to meet its emissions targets; Carrboro, North Carolina has set food emissions targets in their Climate Action Plan and set a goal to reduce emissions from consumption by 50% by 2025; Denver, CO found emissions from food procurement accounted for 14% of overall emissions, nearly equal to emissions from residential energy and gasoline-powered vehicles. Reducing beef procurement – if replaced with plant-based foods - would immediately help reduce the city’s emissions as beef emits more greenhouse gases than any other food.11 Beef is also a particularly water-intensive process that depletes vital watersheds, from the Colorado River to local waterways.12 Thus, reducing beef procurement also supports water conservation goals. Given California’s drought, wildfires and extreme weather, municipalities must do what they can to support water-saving efforts. Cities and townships must strive to mitigate the emissions associated with municipal operations. Increasing support for local produce growers will also improve engagement with farmers markets and local food hubs, bringing economic benefits to your community. Similarly, increasing access to healthy, climate-friendly foods with city-supported neighborhood-based community gardens bring equitable solutions for those who lack access to healthy, sustainable foods. Sustainable food policies can increase climate resilience, help eradicate poverty13, improve public health and equity, and protect biodiversity.14 The urgency of these issues and the health of the planet demand action to transform unsustainable food systems. Sincerely, Jennifer Molidor, Ph.D. Senior Food Campaigner Center for Biological Diversity BiologicalDiversity.org 9 United Nation System Standing Committee on Nutrition (2017). Sustainable Diets for Healthy People and a Healthy Planet. https://www.unscn.org/uploads/web/news/document/Climate-Nutrition-Paper-EN-WEB.pdf. 10 Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (2018). Special Report on Global Warming of 1.5c. https://www.ipcc.ch/sr15/. 11 Our World in Data (2020). Environmental Impacts of Food Production. https://ourworldindata.org/food-choice-vs-eating-local. 12 Richter, B. (2020). Water Sustainability and Fish Imperilment Driven by Beef Production. Nature Sustainability. https://www.fs.usda.gov/treesearch/pubs/59918. 13 Smith, P. (2012). “Climate Change and Sustainable Food Production.” Cambridge University Press. https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/proceedings-of-the-nutrition-society/article/climate-change-and-sustainable-food- production/DE02043AE462DF7F91D88FD4349D38E7. 14Food and Agriculture Organization (2010). Sustainable Diets and Biodiversity. http://www.fao.org/3/i3004e/i3004e.pdf. Supporters of Adding Plant-Based Education to Los Gatos General Plan 2040 Name, Last Name, First Position / Affiliation Address / Town Area Letter to Jennifer Comments Community and Business Leaders of Los Gatos Albright Karla Together We Will/Indivisible Los Gatos Los Gatos x Arroyo Kevin Pinehurst Community Garden organizer Los Gatos x Great idea and I support this plan! Brown Elisabeth Educator Los Gatos I am a teacher in town. I’d love to incorporate any lessons into my curriculum. I also lead student council and would be willing to organize an assembly. Chan Wendy Business owner: Tai Zhan Plant-Based Microbakery Los Gatos Goetz Alicia Owner, Los Gatos Theatre Monte Sereno Hertan Peter Vice President, Los Gatos-Saratoga Union High School District Board Iyar Rupar Owner, Pura Wellness; philanthropist Los Gatos Montonye Reese Laura Agriculture Fairness Alliance; Vegan Justice League Los Gatos Moore Rob LG Anti-Racism Coalition; Plant-Based Advocates Los Gatos Owens Heidi Community leader Los Gatos Preville Bruce CERT Leader, Los Gatos Los Gatos Romano Andrea Owner, Centonove Restaurant Los Gatos Spargo Alicia Outreach Coordinator, Los Gatos Anti-Racism Coalition Los Gatos Residents of Los Gatos Aidi Karen Los Gatos x Anji Roberto Los Gatos x Arienzo Wendy Los Gatos Arroyo Frank Los Gatos Arroyo Susie Los Gatos Bagatelos Mary Ann Los Gatos Balijepalli Priya Los Gatos Balakrishnan Jeyendran Los Gatos Barden Ben Los Gatos Barden Sue Los Gatos Barnett Kaitlyn Los Gatos Bayne Daphne Los Gatos Bernholz Malte Los Gatos Biller Jason Physician Los Gatos Bolen JP Los Gatos Bolen Rachel Los Gatos Booth Sandra Bora Anita Los Gatos x Bosworth Mary Ann Los Gatos Boyd Sandy Los Gatos Brzak Lukas Los Gatos Burkhart Chris Los Gatos Bz Linda Los Gatos Cao Xuong Los Gatos Cappon-Javey Maureen Los Gatos Carol Amy Los Gatos Carpio Virginia Los Gatos 95032 I support putting into the General Plan a plant based education program. There are several benefits from such a program, including potentially better general health and a healthier air quality in our community from consuming less meat, i.e., raising fewer animals that contribute to the increase of methane gas. I think this program would be very good for our community and far beyond it. Chavez Vana Los Gatos Christensen Beverly Los Gatos Christensen John Cisneroz Diane Larson Los Gatos Clark Kylie Los Gatos Corini Tamara Los Gatos Dai Biller Jenny Physician Los Gatos Davies Tiffany Physician Los Gatos Davies Mark Physician Los Gatos De Cesare Anne Marie Los Gatos De Louraille Karen Los Gatos Czinski Laura Los Gatos Deak David Los Gatos Dempsey Caroline Los Gatos DeMaria Dawn Los Gatos Dickinson Ilene Los Gatos Dickinson Roger Los Gatos Dillehay Kristine Los Gatos Dreiger Jeannie Los Gatos Dreher Diane Los Gatos Erdengiz Sevgi Los Gatos Evjenth Gail Los Gatos Evjenth Tim Los Gatos Fletcher Lisa Los Gatos Fox Audrey Los Gatos Fox Larry Owner, Valet Custom Cabients Los Gatos Frager Bernadette Los Gatos Freedom Rea Los Gatos Pollution and waste in Factory Farms;, use of land for meat production, killing of wildlife and use acres of land to support livestock; nets in the ocean killing millions of sea creatures; all contribute to climate change. Reducing meat consumption is something we all can do. Please place plant based education in the general plan. It is the right thing to so. Garland Lynette Los Gatos x Gibbons Maria Eugenia Los Gatos Goldberg Kristine Los Gatos Goldberg Michael Los Gatos Griffin Julie Los Gatos Gupta Reeta Los Gatos Gummow Todd Los Gatos I support plant based diet education programs Hamilton Georgia Hamilton Scott Los Gatos Hassoun Joe Los Gatos Haylock Archna , Los Gatos Yes we need more options at school and at local restaurants. Hemmis Matt , Los Gatos Hendry Dan , Los Gatos Hendry Wendy , Los Gatos Hinsche Danielle , Los Gatos x I am a resident of Los Gatos and I support the addition of a plant-based education program in the Town’s 2040 General Plan. Hiroshima Kevin Los Gatos Hojjat Sara District Leader Volunteer- California Congressional District 18. Member of Plant-Based Advocates Los Gatos x Honorio Mia Los Gatos Houghton John , Los Gatos Howe Chelsea , Los Gatos Hsieh Cynthia ., Los gatos I would love to see a vegan, zero waste restaraunt in Los Gatos. Huang Jenny , Los Gatos Hussey Jacklyn , Los Gatos Anything that will help save our planet I will definitely support! Ingle Lori . Los Gatos Isaacs Varily , Los Gatos Iyer Harish Los Gatos Javey Shahram , Los Gatos Jog Chetan Los Gatos Johnson Karen , Los Gatos Johnston Jan Los Gatos Juhl Linda Los Gatos Thank you Kamali Kristine , Los Gatos Karavelioglu Sevil , Los Gatos Keating Kathleen Los Gatos I believe it is to the best interest of Los Gatos to establish a plant based education program at the high school and for the general public. I believe many of our children and others need to know that plant based eating is good for their bodies if done right. Please provide funding for an education for plant based eating. Please sponsor cooking classes as well. Keller Lisa Los Gatos, CA 95033 Love it. Yes!! Koch Charlene Foster Los Gatos I would LOVE to see this happen!! So very needed. Kollu Badrinath Los Gatos Kurlin Carolyn Los Gatos Kurlin Gregg Los Gatos Kurtz Karen Lasso Alberto Los Gatos Lawton Ann , Los Gatos YES! Lazzarino Dominic , Los Gatos Le Denise Los Gatos I’m not a vegan or vegetarian but I’d love to incorporate more plant based and less meat protein to my diet. Leeds Felice , Los Gatos Lesko Camille , Los Gatos x Cooking classes are a great idea! Levine Joshua Los Gatos x Levine Marni Los Gatos Lewis Jessica Los Gatos Education is key for this important information. Thanks to all involved in making this happen! Lammers Victoria Los Gatos Need more vegetarian places/options Liu Andre Los Gatos Liu Calista Los Gatos Liu Gabriela Los Gatos Lockman Juliana Los Gatos Lorig Glenn Los Gatos Lorig Sue Ann Los Gatos x Lowe Debbie Los Gatos McKinnon Skyler Los Gatos Madduri Sandeep Los Gatos Malhotra Priti Los Gatos Malhotra Neeraj Los Gatos Mandurrago Gloria Los Gatos A fantastic idea! Margolis Sonya Los Gatos McGill Alex Los Gatos Menhardt Trixi Los Gatos Mordaunt Joshua Los Gatos Newlin Kerry Los Gatos Mager Nan Los Gatos Mano Robin Los Gatos Martins Rosilene Los Gatos Meinhardt Suzanne Los Gatos Miramontes Emily Los Gatos Morley Eric Los Gatos Nguyen Kim Los Gatos Niederauer Tricia Los Gatos North Pamela Los Gatos x O'Connor Rebecca Los Gatos O'Toole June Los Gatos Park Monica Los Gatos Parker Dana Los Gatos Parsons Daniel Los Gatos Parsons Debbie Los Gatos x Parsons Jackie Los Gatos Parsons James Los Gatos Parsons John , Los Gatos Patel Minal Los Gatos Rai Vivek Los Gatos Yes, I am in for plant based projects. Raad Mona Los Gatos Raad Ellie Los Gatos Ramaswamy Vinay Los Gatos Ram Amrith Los Gatos Ramesh Mythri Los Gatos Made verbal comments at GPAC Reese Dirk Los Gatos Rennie Isabella , Los Gatos Reyna Melody Los Gatos Reyna Orlando Los Gatos Rhine Molly , Los Gatos Richter Jessica Los Gatos Riley Kate Los Gatos Rittenhouse Simone Los Gatos Rovin Lynne , Los Gatos Rovin Stuart , Los Gatos Rubio Karen CERT volunteer Los Gatos x Made verbal comments at Town council meeting for 2040 General plan Rubio Fred , Los Gatos Rubio Erik Los Gatos Rude Christina , Los Gatos Ry Regina Los Gatos Sand Gretchen , Los Gatos Sardana Manan Los Gatos Sarkar Prasenjit Los Gatos Sathyamurthy Shreelatha , Los Gatos I strongly support this initiative. Schirmer Lisa Los Gatos Schwartz Jan , Los Gatos Shah Swati , Los Gatos I support the local effort! Shoff Sue . Los Gatos 95032. Seshadri Sruba Los Gatos Smith Angie , Los Gatos Smith Rucy Climate Reality presenter and activist , Los Gatos Sneddon Laura , Los Gatos Snyder Stephen Los Gatos Srinivasan Kiran Los Gatos Starov Vladimir Los Gatos I fully support this worthy cause! Stillinger Kelsey Los Gatos Would love to see more emphasis on plant-based diet - through restaurants, education, community garden, etc. Streicker Robin Los Gatos Tompkins Liz Los Gatos Venkatesan Arun Los Gatos Venkatsubramanyan Shailaja Los Gatos x Made verbal comments at GPAC Von Luehrte Missy Los Gatos Vuckovich Melissa Los Gatos Wade Christopher Los Gatos Wade Lisa Los Gatos Gave verbal comments at GPAC Wade Lucas Los Gatos Wade Stephen Los Gatos Wade Charles Audobon Society Lifetime Achievement Award Los Gatos x Wales Pamela CERT; Animal search and rescue disaster response team; animal sanctuary volunteer Los Gatos Walker Kelsey Los Gatos Waters Michelle Los Gatos Wentzien Erin Los Gatos White Tony Los Gatos x White Hillary Los Gatos x Willey Kathleen Los Gatos Gave verbal comments at GPAC Willey Mark Los Gatos Willing Lara Los Gatos Plant based eating is part of a long term solution. Wilson Beth Los Gatos Yannoni Mike Los Gatos Yosfee Hanley Los Gatos Zilka Stephanie Los Gatos Let’s join the scientific community and educate people about the importance of plant based living!!! It’s vital to the survival of our planet and species!!! Supporting Organizations and Politicians Plant-Based Advocates of Los Gatos http://www.plantbasedadvocates.com/ TWW/Indivisible-Los Gatos https://www.twwlg.org/ Center for Biological Diversity https://www.biologicaldiversity.org/Provided Written testomony on behalf of our proposal Acterra: Action for a Healthy Planet https://www.acterra.org/ Eat for the Earth (Based in Santa Cruz) https://www.eatfortheearth.org/ SAFE Worldwide https://www.safeworldwide.org/ (Based in Monte Sereno) Green Monday USA https://greenmondayus.org/ Factory Farm Awareness Coalition https://www.ffacoalition.org/ A Well-Fed World https://awellfedworld.org/ Physicians Against Red Meat https://pharm.org/ Other Community and Business Leaders Hicks Alison City Council Member of Mountain View Ramirez Lucas Vice Mayor of Mountain View and Council Member Brook Dan Professor at SJSU; author; environmentalist San Jose State University Gurunathan Mohan Environmentalist; designed Mountain View plant-based outreach program Mountain View, CA Love Beth Environmentalist; Founder of Eat for the Earth, a Santa Cruz-based group promoting plant-based diets for sustainability Santa Cruz, CA Mackey Mary Actress; Model; SAG BookPals program (reading to children in homeless shelters) and LIFE (Living in Freedom Everyday) Program, teaching life skills to inmates San Jose Middlesworth Linda Owner, V-Dog; health coach Sacramento, CA Sehgal Tony Documentary Filmmaker Saratoga, CA Support from Neighboring Residents Adalja Anish San Jose Anand Monico San Jose Balachandran Jackie San Jose As a vegetarian of 17 yrs and a registered nurse, I strongly support this plant-based education program because I believe it will help improve the health of members in our community. Berlinberg Jacqueline Monte Sereno Bengt Amanda San Jose 95124 Bevard Mariah Monte Sereno Castro Jennifer San Jose I support adding an education component to the Los Gatos 2040 plan which would educate citizens about plant-based foods. Chaykin Lori Monte Sereno Chugh Rahul San Jose Duguma Jemanesh Campbell East Rowena San Jose Emerson Ziba San Jose Good job. Giacomini-McDonald Cathy Monte Sereno Guh Teresa Monte Sereno Harrold Kat Campbell Thank you for this, I frequent Los Gatos so this would be great to see. Also I believe in the power of empowering our local farmers, and the more money we can get them, the better for everybody locally. Back to our roots! Better for the planet and better for everyone Isis Dawn Campbell Though I don't live IN Los Gatos, I hope my support will indicate interest in this important issue in the wider area, & that Los Gatos may become a model for addressing it. Jain Beena San Jose I support the educational program. Kinger Amit San Jose Lambert Jennifer Monte Sereno Lanzl Linda Monte Sereno Matar Elizabeth Monte Sereno Thank you! Yes!!! Matar Lisa Monte Sereno Thank you! I’m completely in for this!! Mesler Michelle San Jose Mulchandani Mukesh Campbell Moving to Los Gatos soon! Petroff Patrice Monte Sereno Ramirez Gustavo San Jose We need more plant based food options! The meat industry is cruel and unsustainable. Renson Kellee Campbell Yes need more veggie places to eat Shearer David San Jose I support this effort Stolberg Robb Environmental Education: Veggielution, Walden West San Jose Streicker Robin Monte Sereno Thakur Smita Saratoga I have been plant based for the last two years. It has made me healthier and it's the best thing for the planet. Would love to have more people join plant based way of life. Woodhouse Dori San Jose