Council PacketPage 1
TOWN OF LOS GATOS
TOWN COUNCIL
JUNE 29, 2016
110 EAST MAIN STREET
COUNCIL CHAMBERS (DOWNSTAIRS)
LOS GATOS, CA
PARTICIPATION IN THE PUBLIC PROCESS
The Town of Los Gatos strongly encourages your active participation in the public process, which is the
cornerstone of democracy. If you wish to speak to an item on the agenda, please complete a “speaker’s card”
located on the back of the chamber benches and return it to the Clerk Administrator. If you wish to speak to
an item NOT on the agenda, you may do so during the “verbal communications” period. The time allocated to
speakers may change to better facilitate the Town Council meeting
The purpose of the Town Council meeting is to conduct the business of the community in an effective and
efficient manner. This is done by following meeting guidelines set forth in State law and in the Town Code.
Conduct which is considered disruptive during Town Council meetings include, but is not limited to:
•Addressing the Town Council without first being recognized;
•Interrupting speakers, Town Council, and Town staff;
•Continuing to speak after the allotted time has expired;
•Failing to relinquish the podium when directed to do so; and
•Repetitiously addressing the same subject
For the benefit of the community, the Town of Los Gatos asks that you follow the Town’s meeting guidelines
while attending Town Council meetings and treat everyone with respect and dignity.
IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT, IF YOU NEED SPECIAL ASSISTANCE TO
PARTICIPATE IN THIS MEETING, PLEASE CONTACT THE CLERK DEPARTMENT AT (408) 354-6834.
NOTIFICATION 48 HOURS BEFORE THE MEETING WILL ENABLE THE TOWN TO MAKE REASONABLE
ARRANGEMENTS TO ENSURE ACCESSIBILITY TO THIS MEETING [28 CFR §35.102-35.104]
Barbara Spector, Mayor
Marico Sayoc, Vice Mayor
Marcia Jensen, Council Member
Steven Leonardis, Council Member
Rob Rennie Council Member
Town Council Meetings Broadcast Live on KCAT, Channel 15
1st and 3rd Tuesdays at 7:00 p.m.
Rebroadcast of Town Council Meetings
2nd and 4th Mondays at 7:00 p.m.
Live & Archived Council Meetings can be viewed by going to:
www.losgatosca.gov/Councilvideos
1
Page 2
TOWN OF LOS GATOS
TOWN COUNCIL
JUNE 29, 2016
6:00:00 PM
REMOTE LOCATION PARTICIPANT
COUNCIL MEMBER ROB RENNIE
LOCATION: 13567 ROSCO RD. ALBERTON, MT 59820
SPECIAL MEETING CALLED TO ORDER
ROLL CALL
VERBAL COMMUNICATIONS (Members of the public may address the Town Council on any
matter that is not listed on the agenda. Unless additional time is authorized by the Town Council, remarks
shall be limited to three minutes.)
OTHER BUSINESS (Up to three minutes may be allotted to each speaker on any of the following
items.)
1.Consider a time extension for Story Poles for the Phase 1 North Forty Development Applications.
APNS: 424-07-024 through 027, 031 through 037, 070, 083 through 086, 090, and 100.
Staff Report - Story Pole Time Extension
2.Report on pilot closure of South Santa Cruz Avenue to address cut through traffic
Staff Report - Cut Through Traffic
Attachment 1 Cut Through Traffic
Attachment 2 - Public Comment Cut Through Traffic
ADJOURNMENT
Writings related to an item on the Town Council meeting agenda distributed to members of the
Council within 72 hours of the meeting are available for public inspection at the front desk of
the Los Gatos Town Library, located at 100 Villa Avenue, and are also available for review on
the official Town of Los Gatos website. Copies of desk items distributed to members of the
Council at the meeting are available for review in the Town Council Chambers
Note:The Town of Los Gatos has adopted the provisions of Code of Civil Procedure §1094.6;
litigation challenging a decision of the Town Council must be brought within 90 days after the
decision is announced unless a shorter time is required by State or Federal law.
2
PREPARED BY: JOEL PAULSON
Community Development Director
_______________________________________________________________________________________
Reviewed by: Assistant Town Manager Town Attorney Finance
_________________________________________________________________________
S:\COUNCIL REPORTS\2016\06-29-16\Staff Report - Story Pole Time Extension FINAL.docx
MEETING DATE: 06/29/16
ITEM NO: 1
COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
DATE: JUNE 27, 2016
TO: MAYOR AND TOWN COUNCIL
FROM: LAUREL PREVETTI, TOWN MANAGER
SUBJECT: CONSIDER A TIME EXTENSION FOR STORY POLES FOR THE PHASE 1
NORTH FORTY DEVELOPMENT APPLICATIONS. APNS: 424-07-024
THROUGH 027, 031 THROUGH 037, 070, 083 THROUGH 086, 090, AND
100.
RECOMMENDATION:
Consider a time extension for story poles for the Phase 1 North Forty development applications.
REMARKS:
On February 16, 2016, the Town Council approved an exception to the Town’s Story Pole Policy
for the pending development applications in the North Forty Area. Specifically, the exception
allows and requires the applicant to:
Provide an alternative to standard story pole installation to illustrate and provide notice
of the proposed project including six additional buildings in the interior of the site;
Install flag ropes for the 40-foot building, double roped with flags spaced as close
together as possible and as large as possible for visibility to make them as visible as
netting;
Keep story poles up for 60 days, as closely sandwiched around the Planning Commission
meeting;
Maintain the poles and associated materials in good condition throughout the
installation;
3
PAGE 2
MAYOR AND TOWN COUNCIL
SUBJECT: NORTH 40 STORY POLE TIME EXTENSION
JUNE 27, 2016
Provide a scale model to be available for public viewing for the entire process, with
flexibility as to the location of the model; and
Install appropriate signage and photographs which include the information that there is a
scale model available.
On April 5 and 19, 2016, the Council considered an additional request by the applicant to further
modify the previously granted story pole exception. Following public testimony and
consideration, the Council denied the additional story pole exception. The motion directed staff
to convene a joint study session with Town Council, Planning Commission, and affected school
districts (the study session occurred on June 15, 2016).
After the Council’s decision, the applicant completed the story pole installation pursuant to the
initial exception on May 2, 2016. The 60-day period ends on July 2, 2016. The Planning
Commission is scheduled to resume its public hearing on the North Forty development
applications on July 12, 2016.
Extensive photographs have been taken of the poles and once received by the Town, they will be
posted to the North Forty website: www.losgatosca.gov/N40SP. The scale model is on exhibit in
the Los Gatos Library and is intended to remain publicly accessible through the public hearings
on the North Forty development applications.
The Council should be aware that under the doctrine of vested rights, if a property owner has
received a permit from a public agency to do something, and then incurs substantial costs in
reliance of that permit, then the property owner has the right to rely on that permit.
CONCLUSION:
The placement of this item on the agenda provides an opportunity for the Council to discuss the
possibility of extending the time period for the story pole installation in light of existing uses on
the site, public testimony, and other considerations.
ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS:
Action on the requested time extension does not constitute a “project” as defined by section
15378 of the CEQA Guidelines because it is not an action which has a potential for resulting in
either a direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment.
Distribution:
Grosvenor Americas, Don Capobres, 1 California Street, Suite 2500, San Francisco, CA 94111
Summerhill Homes, Wendi Baker, 3000 Executive Parkway, Suite 450, San Ramon, CA 94583
4
PREPARED BY: MATT MORLEY
Director of Parks and Public Works
Reviewed by: Assistant Town Manager Town Attorney Finance
S:\COUNCIL REPORTS\2016\06-29-16\Traffic Staff Report FINAL.docx 6/28/2016 3:16 PM
MEETING DATE: 06/29/16
ITEM NO: 2
COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
DATE: JUNE 27, 2016
TO: MAYOR AND TOWN COUNCIL
FROM: LAUREL PREVETTI, TOWN MANAGER
SUBJECT: REPORT ON PILOT CLOSURE OF SOUTH SANTA CRUZ AVENUE TO ADDRESS
CUT THROUGH TRAFFIC
RECOMMENDATION:
Accept the report on the pilot closure of South Santa Cruz Avenue to address cut through traffic.
BACKGROUND:
At the June 7, 2016 Town Council meeting, staff provided a report on cut through traffic (Attachment 1)
and the Council provided specific direction to implement a pilot partial closure of South Santa Cruz
Avenue for three consecutive weekends beginning June 25, 2016.
DISCUSSION:
As noted in previous reports on this topic, warm weather significantly impacts the amount of traffic
heading to Santa Cruz from the Bay Area. Leading up to the first closure, the weather was very warm
with inland temperatures in the mid 90’s and higher on Saturday. Traffic reflected these hot
temperatures with a significant number of vehicles heading over the hill. By 10:30 a.m. on Saturday,
June 25, 2016, southbound Highway 17 traffic was backed up to Camden Avenue. Highway 9 also
experienced heavy backups early in the day. This heavy traffic spilled onto local streets throughout the
day with a particularly heavy impact beginning at 11:30 a.m. and lasting until approximately 2:00 p.m.
when traffic volumes on local streets began to decrease. Traffic on Saturday was significantly heavier
than on Sunday.
During the peak traffic time, heavy traffic continued to attempt to use the freeway entrance on South
Santa Cruz Avenue and was rerouted through the temporary traffic circle back towards Highway 9. This
resulted in heavy traffic in both directions on Santa Cruz Avenue and to some extent northbound on
University Avenue and on Main Street.
5
PAGE 2
MAYOR AND TOWN COUNCIL
SUBJECT: REPORT ON PILOT CLOSURE OF SOUTH SANTA CRUZ AVENUE TO ADDRESS
CUT THROUGH TRAFFIC
JUNE 27, 2016
DISCUSSION (cont’d):
In preparation for the traffic, staff had implemented several actions to help forewarn travelers of the
issue. These actions fell into the following areas, with lessons learned included within each topic.
Mapping Technology
The road closure was programmed into Waze ahead of the weekend closure. Drivers utilizing Waze to
identify the quickest way to the coast were not directed to the closure. In spite of this, a large number of
drivers continued to attempt to use the South Santa Cruz ramp. Many who were turned around at the
traffic circle asked for directions on how to access Highway 17. Because some traffic software is not
interactive (so closures are not added into the system), these drivers may have been following directions
from these systems. Future closures may be subject to these same limitations.
Because the software does not update to show the closure, this may negate the learning curve that would
otherwise occur from multiple weekends of closures. Each weekend could be a case on its own.
Community Outreach and Feedback
Reviews from the community in the field were equally mixed, with both positive and negative feedback.
Community input has been provided in Attachment 2. Many were appreciative of the closure and happy
that the Town was trying the closure. Others, especially residents in the mountains, were frustrated with
having to sit in traffic through Town to get back to Highway 17.
Community outreach was broad to local residents, including through social media and news articles.
Additional outreach of some type for future closures may be warranted to help residents in Town and
outside of Town to plan for the closures. For future pilots that may involve a road closure, additional
approaches may be appropriate, such as coordinated communication with outside jurisdictions, mailers,
published ads, and signs at the post office. Some of these methods have a cost and funding would need
to be identified and allocated for this purpose.
Signage
Staff identified signage locations ahead of the closure and added additional locations mid-day on
Saturday and on Sunday to provide increased advance notice. In spite of this signage, many drivers
seemed to choose to proceed through downtown anyway. Signage that seemed to work particularly well
was the changeable message sign on southbound University prior to Highway 9 directing traffic to turn
left to the freeway. University south of Highway 9 appeared fairly light most of the day. Signage on
Highway 9 seemed to have a lesser impact. Traffic from Highway 9 coming from Saratoga may have
been one of the biggest contributors to traffic reaching the traffic circle on Saturday.
Convincing drivers to not try to use the South Santa Cruz Avenue ramp was a major identified key to
success. Based on the amount of traffic reaching the traffic circle on Saturday, drivers did not see, heed,
or understand the signage.
6
PAGE 3
MAYOR AND TOWN COUNCIL
SUBJECT: REPORT ON PILOT CLOSURE OF SOUTH SANTA CRUZ AVENUE TO ADDRESS
CUT THROUGH TRAFFIC
JUNE 27, 2016
DISCUSSION (cont’d):
Traffic Circle Function
Overall, the traffic circle design functioned very well. Vehicles were able to enter the traffic circle and
make their way around and back the other direction. The circle integrated vehicles from Wood Road
and the freeway off-ramp into the flow with only a few exceptions where queues stacked up along the
off-ramp. At these times, managed traffic control held the traffic at the circle to allow for relief from the
off-ramp. Additionally, a number of vehicles attempted to utilize Wood Road as an outlet. Future
closures will need to include “No Outlet” or “No Right Turn Local Traffic Only” signage at Wood
Road.
Broader Impacts
The premise behind the partial closing South Santa Cruz Avenue was to to gather traffic data and public
input to help implement the Town’s Transportation Element by encouraging vehicles to remain on the
freeway or to enter the freeway at Highway 9. The result of this effort shifts all of the vehicles that
would have utilized the South Santa Cruz ramp to other locations. If fully implemented, this will likely
shift the traffic impact from the downtown area south of Highway 9 to the part of downtown north of
Highway 9. This may not provide better access to businesses due to the result being a shift in the impact
and location of the congestion and not a reduction in vehicles travelling on local streets.
Public Safety
One way traffic congestion (southbound Santa Cruz Avenue) provides some manageable potential delay
in response times for public safety services such as Police and Fire. Generally emergency vehicles can
utilize the opposite (counter flow) lane to navigate traffic. This option may not exist as readily where
traffic is returned along the same roadway. In other words, if because of the traffic circle, both
northbound and southbound lanes of Santa Cruz Avenue are congested, the ability for public safety to
respond to emergencies may be hampered.
Planned Upcoming Closures
Staff anticipates that with the continued warm weather and a holiday weekend that at least one day (and
likely two or three days) next weekend will match or exceed the amount of traffic experienced on
Saturday. Given the anticipation that traffic will overwhelm the capacity of the freeway and highway
and spill onto local streets, staff is expecting the same scenario as experienced Saturday of last weekend.
Staff will be implementing the lessons learned as appropriate.
Legality
The Town maintains that the temporary, pilot partial closures are within the authority of the Town to
implement. Additional closures beyond those already approved by Council for defined for a set period
of time require significant studies, including environmental analysis and permits from other affected
agencies.
7
PAGE 4
MAYOR AND TOWN COUNCIL
SUBJECT: REPORT ON PILOT CLOSURE OF SOUTH SANTA CRUZ AVENUE TO ADDRESS
CUT THROUGH TRAFFIC
JUNE 27, 2016
CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
Due to the limited amount of time for data analysis since the weekend, staff is working with the Town’s
consultants to obtain additional information and observations that are expected to be verbally presented
at the Council meeting.
Staff recommends that the Council accept the report on the pilot closure of South Santa Cruz Avenue to
address cut through traffic. The Council is welcome to provide additional direction on the continuation
of the closures for the next two weekends and on additional steps staff should take for future cut through
traffic measures.
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT:
This is not a project defined under CEQA, and no further action is required.
COORDINATION:
This report has been coordinated with the Police Department and the Town Attorney.
FISCAL IMPACT:
On June 21, 2016, the Council appropriated the early funding for cut through traffic to accommodate the
pilot closure that spans two fiscal years. Of the total $215,000 appropriation, the estimated costs for the
implementation of the closures for all three weekends include the following:
Data Collection - $ 25,013
Traffic Control - $ 28,935
Traffic Patterns - $ 7,275
In addition, salaried staff from Parks and Public Works and the Police Department spent many hours
preparing for the closure and were present onsite all weekend. Staff costs are not included in the
expenses outlined above, however, they are important to acknowledge as this effort takes away from the
capacity to deliver on other priorities.
Attachments:
1. Cut Through Traffic Council Report from June 7, 2016
2. Public Comment received through 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, June 28, 2016
8
PREPARED BY: MATT MORLEY
Director of Parks and Public Works
Reviewed by: Assistant Town Manager Town Attorney Finance
S:\COUNCIL REPORTS\2016\06-07-16\Cut Through Traffic\Staff Report - Cut Through Traffic FINAL.docx6/2/2016 3:03 PM MM
MEETING DATE: 06/07/16
ITEM NO: 12
COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
DATE: JUNE 2, 2016
TO: MAYOR AND TOWN COUNCIL
FROM: LAUREL PREVETTI, TOWN MANAGER
SUBJECT: APPROVE A PILOT CLOSURE OF A PORTION OF SOUTH SANTA CRUZ
AVENUE TO ADDRESS CUT THROUGH TRAFFIC
RECOMMENDATION:
Approve a pilot closure of a portion of South Santa Cruz Avenue to address cut through traffic.
BACKGROUND:
Summer weather has brought the return of cut through traffic to the Town as residents in the greater Bay
Area seek to travel over Highway 17 to Santa Cruz. Staff continues to look for ways to lessen the
impact of this traffic. One option suggested frequently by community members is the closure of South
Santa Cruz Avenue. The idea behind this closure is to eliminate the opportunity for vehicles to bypass
Highway 17 through the downtown. The downtown and neighboring residential streets receive the
greatest impact from cut through traffic. As with many of the modifications to address cut through
traffic, tradeoffs exist.
DISCUSSION:
Staff has developed a plan for the closure of South Santa Cruz Avenue at Wood Road. This is the most
southerly part of South Santa Cruz Avenue abutting Caltrans right of way. In developing the plan, staff
explored various locations for a potential closure. Several items were taken into consideration that led
to the recommended location, including:
Avoiding Caltrans right of way: Caltrans has an involved process for closing an on-ramp which
includes significant studies. Actual closures occur infrequently.
Minimizing the impact on Town businesses: The proposed closure location allows for access to
local businesses including the Toll House, Ace Hardware, and others.
Providing for a turnaround: Staff anticipates the need to redirect some vehicles back to
Highway 9. The closure location needs to provide enough space to accommodate this.
9
PAGE 2
MAYOR AND TOWN COUNCIL
SUBJECT: PILOT CLOSURE OF A PORTION OF SOUTH SANTA CRUZ AVENUE
JUNE 2, 2016
DISCUSSION (cont’d):
Accommodating traffic exiting the freeway from northbound Highway 17 at South Santa Cruz
Avenue: It is important that access to the downtown from Highway 17 is preserved for
residents and businesses.
The identified location at Wood Road accounts for these considerations. The diagram provided in
Attachment 1 demonstrates the preliminary plan. Through the use of traffic cones and barricades, a
traffic circle would be constructed to provide for a U-turn and to accommodate exiting freeway traffic
and traffic from Wood Road. This would remain in place on designated days from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Other locations that were considered included the portion of South Santa Cruz Avenue adjacent to Plaza
Park and locations along North Santa Cruz between Main Street and Highway 9. These were not
ultimately recommended as each allows for cut through routes within neighborhoods to avoid the
closure, affect businesses more significantly, and/ or provide challenges for traffic exiting Highway 17
northbound.
Keys to Success
This plan has been coordinated with the Los Gatos-Monte Sereno Police Department and with County
Fire to ensure consideration of public safety. County Fire has asked that the closure be staffed to allow
for moving of the cones or barricades in the case of emergency access needs. Town Parks and Public
Works staff or a Town contractor would be working at the closure site to respond to immediate needs in
the field.
This plan relies on informing drivers prior to their arriving at the closure location. Staff believes that
having vehicles reach the closure and then having them turn around will significantly compound the
traffic issue in the downtown. To achieve appropriate levels of notification, staff intends to deploy six
changeable message signs on Highway 9, North Santa Cruz Avenue, University Avenue, and Los Gatos
Boulevard. These signs will direct traffic to enter Highway 17 at Highway 9.
In addition to signage, staff will input a road closure into Waze to assist with pre-emption of that system.
This will serve to notice users of that system, directing those users to other routes.
Risks
The most significant risk to the pilot is if warnings do not adequately convince drivers of the closure.
This could lead to significantly compounded traffic in the downtown as drivers who reach Wood Road
are forced back through the area. Staff anticipates that early in the closure more drivers will be forced to
turn around and anticipate that other mobile applications will identify the closure for drivers later in the
morning, leading to a greater benefit in the afternoon. Should this pilot not function as intended, staff
can remove the cones and barricades fairly quickly and easily.
On weekends with especially heavy traffic, such as holiday weekends, staff does not anticipate that a
closure with cones and barricades will be sufficient. During these weekends more significant barriers
may be needed to redirect traffic.
10
PAGE 3
MAYOR AND TOWN COUNCIL
SUBJECT: PILOT CLOSURE OF A PORTION OF SOUTH SANTA CRUZ AVENUE
JUNE 2, 2016
DISCUSSION (cont’d):
This pilot project does not address traffic on local streets from Lark Avenue to Highway 9 and on
Highway 9 towards the City of Saratoga. By eliminating South Santa Cruz Avenue as an entry point to
Highway 17, staff anticipates greater queuing north of Highway 9 and into Saratoga. This may shift the
greatest impact to those areas and create cut through traffic in other locations.
Staff has heard mixed input from downtown businesses in relation to traffic. Some businesses benefit
from the increased traffic while others feel the impact from locals not trying to reach them due to traffic
levels. It is important to retain the welcoming charm of downtown for the health of the businesses
there.
This pilot program is resource intensive. An important factor in continuing the effort includes the
degree of success balanced with the financial cost and resulting impacts that spread through other
locations. The estimated costs as provided in the fiscal impact section below reflect providing these
services through the use of a contractor. Planning and coordination will involve a significant amount of
staff time. Although staff time for a pilot can be absorbed in the operating budget, the hours spent on
this project pull from other efforts.
Timing
In order to deliver this pilot project, staff will need to contract with a traffic control company to provide
the setup, breakdown, and monitoring of the traffic control equipment. Funding for this project is
identified in next year’s capital budget and will be available starting July 1. Staff recommends
implementation for the weekend of July 16 and 17. Evaluation of the effectiveness and available
funding would determine if future closures are to occur. More regular closures would also require
Caltrans coordination and approval.
ALTERNATIVES
The Council could direct staff to conduct the closure at an alternative location along Santa Cruz Avenue.
Staff has not recommended other locations as the Wood Road location eliminates all cut through routes
and alternate closure locations leave cut through options open.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the Council approve the proposed pilot to close access to the southbound ramp to
Highway 17 as described in this report. The Council is welcome to provide additional comments and
direction on the proposed closure. The pilot would provide useful information that could be considered
as the Town explores other strategies to address cut through traffic.
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT:
This is not a project defined under CEQA, and no further action is required.
11
PAGE 4
MAYOR AND TOWN COUNCIL
SUBJECT: PILOT CLOSURE OF A PORTION OF SOUTH SANTA CRUZ AVENUE
JUNE 2, 2016
COORDINATION:
This report has been coordinated with the Police Department and County Fire.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Funding for this project is identified in the Fiscal Year 2016-17 Capital Improvement Budget. Costs are
estimated at $7,000 per day which includes personnel and equipment for eight hours each day.
Attachment:
1. Draft Closure of a Portion of South Santa Cruz Avenue
12
13
PREPARED BY: MATT MORLEY
Director of Parks and Public Works
Reviewed by: Assistant Town Manager Town Attorney Finance
S:\COUNCIL REPORTS\2016\06-07-16\Cut Through Traffic\Addendum - Cut Through Traffic FINAL.docx6/3/2016 1:15 PM MM
MEETING DATE: 06/07/16
ITEM NO: 12
ADDENDUM
COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
DATE: JUNE 3, 2016
TO: MAYOR AND TOWN COUNCIL
FROM: LAUREL PREVETTI, TOWN MANAGER
SUBJECT: APPROVE A PILOT CLOSURE OF A PORTION OF SOUTH SANTA CRUZ
AVENUE TO ADDRESS CUT THROUGH TRAFFIC
REMARKS:
After the staff report was distributed on June 2, 2016, the attached public comments were received
(Attachment 2).
Attachment 1 (Previously received with staff report on June 2, 2016:
1. Draft Closure of a Portion of South Santa Cruz Avenue
Attachment (Received with this Addendum):
2. Communication received from 11:01 a.m. Thursday, June 2, 2016 through 11:00 a.m. Friday, June 3,
2016.
14
From: Maryam Azizi
Date: June 2, 2016 at 6:22:42 PM PDT
To: Matt Morley
Subject: Re: Traffic in Los Gatos
Hi Matt,
It was nice to speak with you today regarding the traffic in our downtown streets. I live off of Highway 9
and often the traffic on HWY 9 and N. Santa Cruz is so bad (no matter what time of day) that if we would
like to go to our downtown, we are swayed otherwise. We moved to this area because of the beautiful
downtown and now it has become a thoroughfare for the people interested in getting onto HWY 17 and
we are often dissuaded from going to town. I reached my boiling point yesterday when I went to the
downtown ACE hardware store and could not get out of it's parking lot, because there was a long line of
cars speeding to get onto 17 south..lt took me approximately 5 -10 minutes to be able to leave the
parking lot. As a taxpayer, it is very disconcerting that non - taxpayers are using these city streets for
their use to get onto the highway. Another area of congestion is where we need to turn left onto HWY 9
from massol and there is such heavy traffic on HWY 9 that would like to either turn onto N. Santa Cruz
to get onto HWY 17 or go straight onto HWY 17 and they no regard for people who need to turn that it
can sometime take up to 15 minutes to turn onto HWY 9 to go to our house (Rose avenue).
thank you for allowing me to vent my grievances and I hope that I can come to the council meeting, it
not, I would appreciate it if you would count this e-mail for the residents who are unhappy with this
situation.
Best,
Maryam
ATTACHMENT
15
From: Kaye and Stephanie
Sent: Thursday, June 02, 2016 4:24 PM
To: Laurel Prevetti
Subject: Beach Traffic
Dear Town Manager Prevetti,
Last Sunday was utter chaos in Los Gatos! If you were not in town to witness the absolute shut down of
our downtown, no words can really describe what happened.
Cars were flooding into Town on Hiway 9 from Saratoga turning onto Ridgecrest and Massol.
Cars that came off 17 to cut through Town had N. Santa Cruz, University, Main, and the Boulevard
bumper to bumper at 3 mph. The frantic efforts of the drivers had them turning on any street that
might take them south. They turned onto Mariposa to San Benito and also used Olive and Andrews to
get to Monterey Ave in their efforts to get to Massol. Pennsylvania and Broadway were not moving, nor
was any other part of the Almond Grove.
Sunday beach goers truly had our Town under siege! It felt like the Town forgot it was a hot,
Memorial Weekend!
At the very least, please close the entrance to Tait and Massol at Hwy 9 on weekends. Clearly,
the only way to stop the mayhem is to close off the street at the 17South entrance on the weekends.
Please help us get our Town back!
Respectfully,
Kaye Little
Stephanie Adcock
16
On Jun 2, 2016, at 2:51 PM, Carolyn Hornberger wrote:
Hi Marico-
I know you're well aware of the horrible situation the weekend beach traffic is creating for our town. I
can't attend the meeting next week but I hope the solution is to close the access to the 17 south on
ramp.
I could not get my car out of the driveway on Sunday. Also, a fire truck tried to get down Bayview and
had serious difficulty. Drivers blocked the intersection in front of our house at Bayview and
Pennsylvania. This can't continue.
Thanks for working to resolve the issue.
Regards,
Carolyn Hornberger
17
Subject: FW: beach traffic
Original Message--- -
From: Barbara Holden
To: Barbara Spector _ _ Steven Leonardis
Marcia Jensen
Sent: Sat, May 28, 2010 12:54 pm
Subject: beach traffic
FYI,
I was coming home at 12:30 today. Intersections at level D /F:
Main St west, University
Main St west, N Santa Cruz
Hwy 9 east, N Santa Cruz (traffic backed up to Daves Ave)
Hwy 9 east, University
N Santa Cruz south, Hwy 9 & Main St
Marico Sayoc
Also, traffic was stop and go west on Hwy 9 to make the left turn onto Bachman
Rob Rennie
18
Subject: FW: Bayview ave- Sunday 11am
On May 29, 2016, at 11:26 AM, Goddard, Nick (SJC)
wrote:
Marico- we need to close these neighborhoods to through traffic again.
This was the same picture yesterday from 10am -3pm Thanks for allowing me to vent:)
cid:59B39E427CB D2245 BF41E9 F4F3346B710col Iie rsparrish.com]
Sent from my Whone
19
k
ems%
20
From: John McLaren
Sent: Sunday, May 29, 2016 11:33 AM
To: Town Manager
Subject: Weekend traffic!!!
Writing once again because I cannot get in and out of my house near Winchester and Dave's. The traffic situation needs
far greater remedies than the effort to paint Highway 17 Green logos on N. Santa Cruz Ave. which nobody is paying
attention to or following. Yes I sat there and observed on my bike and everybody goes straight through town to highway
the 17 on ramp. The neighborhood streets of my friends to the of North Santa Cruz (Almond Grove *) are gridlocked
back to back with additional cut through traffic.
I truly believe the only remedy is for the town to shut down N. Santa Cruz Ave. before it gets to the highway 17 on ramp
to provide a realistic deterrent for people to even think about cutting through town. Doing so would take exactly one
weekend for the problem to disappear for good.
We actually joked about this but my suggestion is we put in a tollbooth on N. Santa Cruz Ave. across from the post
office. Residents of Los Gatos, Saratoga and Monte Sereno can pass for free as can anybody that spends $20 or more in
town with merchants. Everybody else is charged a $20 fee to pass. That would solve the traffic problem instantly.
Guaranteed.
Please take this email as representation of myself and my neighbors who are increasingly frustrated with the situation
which needs an immediate remedy before we go through this every weekend this summer.
I'm truly concerned that if I needed emergency services at my home that the fire department, ambulance or police etc.
could not get to me if I needed them. This is a serious problem that demands immediate attention.
Thanks for your consideration.
John
21
Subject: FW: downtown traffic
From: James Manganello
Sent: Sunday, May 29, 2016 11:35 AM
To: Town PPW
Cc: BSpector; Marcia Jensen; Marico Sayoc; Rob Rennie
Subject: downtown traffic
hello
my name is james manganello, and i have lived with my wife and family, in los gatos, for the last 45 years. i am writing
to complain about the traffic in downtown and on the boulevard from the beach traffic. let me make this clear. we will
not stand for this much longer, if it means taking civil disobedience action then so be it. so far the efforts made by the
town are embarrassingly inane. painting highway 17 signs on the boulevard, really? i have lived here long enough to
know that the actual cure for this malaise, is in closing the south entrance to highway 17 from Santa cruz ave. we did
this before and it immediately solved the problem. i do not want to hear that cal trans controlls that. let me tell you cal
trans doesn't control the closing of santa cruz ave at wood road... seriously, homeowners, businesses and emergency
vehicles have been severely impacted by this nightmare and we won't stand for it any longer. maybe it's time we shut it
down with a sit in. call me foolish if you must but it has come to that, due to the towns inept attempts to deal with the
problem. we will not go away. this is our town, and we intend to stand up for it. i implore you to stand up for us. we
have always supported the public works dept, and the leaders of this town, but enough is enough. thank you for your
time james manganellc
22
Subject: FW: Council Referral: Los Gatos: A Town Under Siege
From: Kevin Falini
Sent: Sunday, May 29, 2016 3:39 PM
To: BSpector
Subject: Los Gatos: A Town Under Siege
Mayor Spector,
Siege" is defined as "a military operation in which enemy forces surround a town or building, cutting off
essential supplies, with the aim of compelling the surrender of those inside."
The Town of Los Gatos is under siege.
Yesterday, I observed more traffic than I had ever seen in this town. It was as much traffic as I had ever seen
anywhere. What I saw today dwarfed my previous observations.
Today, I witnessed complete gridlock. I saw:
Stop and go beach traffic on Los Gatos Blvd, Blossom Hill, Lark, University, Santa Cruz, Industrial, Hwy 9 (both
directions... because people are turning left onto Massol), Bachman, Nicholson, Tait, Massol, Glen Ridge,
Peralta, Pennsylvania and Main. The entirety of the Almond Grove and Glen Ridge neighborhoods were
effectively at a standstill.
Beach traffic crawling along Andrews, between Santa Cruz and Rose, with people going up the hill to turn
left on Rose and then left again onto Hwy 9.
Cars turning right onto Andrews and then left onto Monterey, to turn right onto Hwy 9 and then left onto
Massol.
Cars turning left onto Andrews and then left onto San Benito, only to find that San Benito is not a through
street, forcing them to turn around and then go up or down Andrews again.
Frustrated drivers peeling out when they found any open space to move, driving straight into opposing
traffic when there was not and parking their cars in the middle of the road while they got out to stretch.
Many, many frustrated neighbors, standing on their porches and sidewalks, with a mix of shock, frustration
and anger. Some took pictures to send to you. All looked to each other for ideas and support. To a person,
we agreed that this must stop now.
While I appreciate the intent of the portable electric signs on Hwy 9, Winchester Blvd and Los Gatos Blvd, as
well as the new "Hwy 17" shields painted on various roads, these measures have proven to be completely
ineffective. If anything, these experiments have proven that a) people are not on our surface streets because
they don't know where Hwy 17 is and b) appealing to the common courtesy of these drivers is an exercise in
futility.
23
We are trapped in our homes. Our residents do not feel safe walking, riding bicycles or letting children play in
our once quite neighborhoods. With all roads blocked at the same time, we can't get to the stores and
emergency services can't get to us. This situation is more than annoying, it is unsafe.
We are a town under siege!
We must not surrender. We cannot continue to be victims. We must be bold! This is our town and it is up to
us to protect our investments, our quality of life and our safety.
Several people I met today mentioned the idea of closing the South end of Santa Cruz Ave, near Ace and the
Toll House. PLEASE DO IT IMMEDIATELY!
We should also consider longer -term solutions including closing off more streets during the weekends or
turning the whole of the downtown into a "pedestrian friendly" zone on weekends (...and maybe more
often at some point).
We need to get the cars back onto Hwy 17 and out of our neighborhoods. I am confident that the residents
of Los Gatos will work with you. We need your help now.
Thank you.
Kevin Falini
24
Subject: FW: COUNCIL REFERRAL: Tait Avenue Sunday Accident
From: Cynthia
Sent: Sunday, May 29, 2016 3:44 PM
To:BSpector
Subject: Tait Avenue Sunday Accident
Hi Barbara,
It was nice to speak with you after the APR Saratoga meeting last Tuesday.
The traffic wake -up call happened this afternoon on Tait Ave. 6th grader from Fisher was struck by a car. Fortunately he
is ok. The traffic congestion was horrible today.
Police and paramedics had a hard time reaching the scene.
It's time for this to change before something more serious happens.
Warm regards,
Cyndi Stewart
Sent from my iPhone
25
From: Kim Roper
Sent: Sunday, May 29, 2016 4:57 PM
To: Council
Subject: Weekend traffic problems & damaged Hernandez Roadway
Dear Town of Los Gatos Council Members,
I live on Chestnut Ave., off of Hernandez. My sister was coming for a visit on Sunday, May 29, 2016. 1 told her to come up
the back way off of Highway 9 and turn onto Ridgecrest. Earlier in the year a section of this road was wiped out by a
fallen tree resulting in only a single lane where drivers must stop in each direction and take turns. A curtesy that is almost
never followed. My sister called letting me know that traffic was at standstill. She was stuck in traffic closer to Beck. I
walked over to the section of Hernandez that is damaged. Right when I got there I saw a driver trying to make a U -turn. It
did not end well. Thankfully one lane of traffic could still get through. I, with the help of my neighbor, had to direct traffic in
both directions until my sister made it through. Something really needs to be done with this particular "alternative to
Highway 17 ". This section of roadway is also pretty congested every evening during the commute hours. Drivers headed
towards town almost never stop to let drivers go in the other direction. I have had to physically get out of the car when I
am not the driver and walk over to the oncoming traffic to make them stop so that we can get through. What does the
town intend to do about the beach traffic? I'd also like to know when will this section of Hernandez get repaired?
Sincerely,
Kim Rnnar
Los Gatos, CA 95030
26
27
From: Julie Conlisk
Sent: Monday, May 30, 2016 12:27 PM
To: Council; Rob Rennie; Steven Leonardis; Marcia Jensen; Marico Sayoc; BSpector
Subject: GRIDLOCK HOLDS US HOSTAGE
Attachments: IMG 0896.MOV
You are all well aware of the problem. The residents ofthis town deserve better. The fact that there were no measures put in place for Memorial Day
weekend to keep this from happening is unacceptable.
The access to Hwy 17 on ramp from N. Santa Cruz avenue needs to be closed every weekend throughout the summer.
This video was taken on Sunday afternoon at 12pm This is the traffic coining down Hernandez Avenue. People are coining from Hwy 9 down
Ridgecrest to Hernandez and Pennsylvania Avenues. It's bumper to bumper for hours.
Brian and Julie Conlisk
28
From: S Chou
Sent: Monday, May 30, 2016 5:07 PM
To: Town Manager; Police, Town PPW; Council
Cc: Sylvia Chou
Subject: Beach Goers need to STAY on Hwy17
RE: Traffic Mess on Saturday & Sunday, May 28 -29, 2016
Dear Ms. Prevetti, Chief Frisby, Mr. Morley, Los Gatos Town Council,
I have been a homeowner and resident on Tait Avenue since 1993. The past two days between 1lam to 3pm have
been the worst as far as traffic gridlock to date (at least on Tait Avenue between W. Main & Bean Avenue). The
motorists were not residents, not visitors, but people cutting through Los Gatos to get on the SB Hwy17 onramp
towards Santa Cruz.
I assume by the time you read this, you will have been notified of some of the traffic issues, reported and unreported
but witnessed such as:
The 100 block of Tait: 10 year old boy vs. Car.
64 Broadway: Homeowner rage /meltdown.... using garden hose on motorists to which PD had to intervene
Pennsylvania & Bayview: Motorist rage /meltdown.... throwing items from car
Hernandez: Motorist frustration... Illegal U -turn and part of car in the ditch resulting in additional traffic blockage
Tait Avenue and many other streets: Driving the Wrong Way, Illegal U- turns, running Stop signs, fender benders.
I read in the LG Weekly Times - May 18, 2016 that $200,000 has been set aside for beach traffic control, and a
quote from Matt Morley (PPW) regarding a "...pilot of closure of S Santa Cruz Ave.... ". I am also aware of a Study
conducted last year regarding beach traffic. Other than the big green paint job on N. Santa Cruz pointing the way
to Hwy 17, 1 saw NO traffic control, NO PD presence and NO PPW presence this weekend.
This is a health and safety issue for residents and visitors in their car or on foot.
The solution: Close S. Santa Cruz Avenue leading to the SB17 onramp on weekends, Memorial Day - Labor
Day. Provide signage at strategic locations - No Thru Traffic to SB17 -. Issue Press Release. The first weekend of
implementation may be painful when beach goers must double back to Hwy17, but the word will get out.
YOU, as paid Los Gatos employees and elected officials have the responsibility and accountability to provide for the
health and safety of the residents and visitors by not putting us at risk.
Do the right thing. Do it now.
I am requesting a reply to this email with your Plan, prior to next weekend (June 4, 2016).
Thank you.
S. Chou
29
Subject: FW: Council Referral Google Maps/Waze - downtown traffic
From: Marsie Sweetland
Sent: Monday, May 30, 2016 1:09 PM
To: Marcia Jensen; BSpector; Marico Sayoc
Subject: Google Maps /Waze - downtown traffic
Hello,
I wanted to see if the town of LG had any plans in place to help block or mitigate having hwy 17 traffic
overflow into town? We live downtown (near Vice Mayor Sayoc on Edelen) and we spent over 30 minutes
driving from our home to the High School yesterday, and even longer going from a party near Courtside back
home.
It seems like blocking the downtown on -ramp during busy weekends could be a solution - - -if that data could be
properly put into the google maps algorithm (eventually it would "learn", but it would be great ifit could be
proactively done with Google.)
Either way, some solution is needed - -it was like 5 miles of Fantasy of Lights traffic yesterday -- through all of
the streets feeding to the hwy 17 onramp- -going all the way up to Withey Rd.
Thanks,
Marsie
Marsie Sweetland
30
On May 29, 2016, at 2:55 PM, Sheila Bannan wrote:
Hello Rob,
We have another traffic nightmare in the Almond Grove on this Memorial weekend. I thought
there was a plan in place to try to minimize and divert the traffic headed to the beach.
Apparently there was no plan for this weekend.
Jerry called the non emergency police number regarding this traffic situation and was told that
there was no plan to divert traffic.
When he said he would not be able to return home if he had to leave he was told it would just
take longer.
Massol is completely backed up as well as the other streets and now cars are speeding down
the alley behind my house.
I urge you and the other council members and the police to decide on a plan and get it started. I
hope the plan includes blocking access to 17 from North Santa Cruz Ave. since that seems to
be the reason the Almond Grove area is so impacted.
Thank you,
Sheila Bannan
31
Subject: FW: Traffic Sample on Massol
From: Wilfrid Houdc
Sent: Monday, May 30, 2016 11:31 AM
To: Rob Rennie
Subject: Traffic Sample on Massol
Good Morning Mr Rennie,
On Saturday 5/28 and Sunday 5/29 1 took a sample of the number of cars driving South (one way only)and passing 315
Massol Ave.
Here are the results:
Saturday 5/28 From 2:OOPM to 2:15 PM Icounted 162 cars. (avg.10.8 per minute)
Sunday 5/29 From 2:15 PM to 2:30 PM I counted 156 cars. (avg. 10.4 per minute)
It appears that beach traffic should not be allowed to turn right on Massol from highway. 9 on weekends and holidays..
Sincerely,
Wilfrid Houde
Los Gatos 95030
1
32
twNOv
I i
COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
DATE: JUNE 6, 2016
TO: MAYOR AND TOWN COUNCIL
FROM: LAUREL PREVETTI, TOWN MANAGER
MEETING DATE: 06/07/16
ITEM NO: 12
ADDENDUM B
SUBJECT: APPROVE A PILOT CLOSURE OF A PORTION OF SOUTH SANTA CRUZ
AVENUE TO ADDRESS CUT THROUGH TRAFFIC
REMARKS:
After the addendum was distributed on June 3, 2016, staff received the following comment from a
Council Member and the attached public comment (Attachment 3).
What is your basis for July 16/17 start date? Specifically what are the action items and their
timing?
Funding to mitigate cut through traffic will be available July 1, pending approval of the Capital
Budget. Staff will need to put a contract in place for the services to effect the closure. Staff anticipates
costs of $7,000 per weekend (not per day as stated in the original Council report) based on estimates
from a traffic control company, which includes setup and takedown ofcones, barricades, and six
message boards as well as monitoring for each day. Sundays are more expensive due to overtime
rates. This cost also includes the cost to have the Town Traffic Engineer inspect the work each day.
Attachment 1 (Previously received with staff report on June 2 2016•
1. Draft Closure of a Portion of South Santa Cruz Avenue
Attachment 2 (Previously received with Addendum on June 3 2016)•
2. Communication received from 11:01 a.m. Thursday, June 2, 2016 through 11:00 a.m. Friday, June 3, 2016.
Attachment (Received with this Addendum):
3. Communication received from 11:01 a.m. Friday, June 3, 2016 through 11:00 a.m. Monday, June 6,
2016.
PREPARED BY: MATT MORLEY
Director of Parks and Public Works
Reviewed by: Assistant Town Manager Town Attorney Finance
S:\COUNCB- REPORTS\2016 \06 -07 -16 \Cut Through Traaic\Addendunr B -Cut Through Traffic FINAL.docx6 /6/2016 3:54 PM MM
33
From:
On Jun 5, 2016, at 5:14 PM, Lucille Weidman
Mayor Spector and Town Councilmembers:
What would the results be of metering access onto southbound 17 off South Santa Cruz to perhaps one
car every 45 -60 seconds? CalTrans meters on -ramps all the time. It would be a meter that Los Gatos
could turn on and off as needed and change the delay times of the green light events as needed. The
town might need to have some kind of "Awareness Signage" that turns on at the north, east and west
entrances to Los Gatos so drivers are aware of the consequences of trying to go through town.
It would probably require someone official (Highway Patrol or LGPD on motorcycle) to be visible in the
area of the metering light to deter more than one car per green light event. The metering light might
deter enough drivers to avoid going through town in the future.
Just as the recent signage indicates, drivers coming from Saratoga, Campbell, and Blossom Hill
directions need to get on southbound 17 via Highway 9.
If the metering light makes it less beneficial for drivers to go through town and residential streets to
get to areas south of Los Gatos, they will stay on southbound 17 and /or access southbound 17 at
Highway 9.
Respectfully,
Sam Weidman
From: Barnaby James
Sent: Sunday, June 05, 2016 12:00 AM
To: Council; Town Manager
Subject: Feedback about Ramp Closure Experiment
I understand the town is considering experimenting with closing the south bound HWY 17 onramp from
North Santa Cruz Ave. I am very encouraged the town is taking action and I'd just like to reiterate the
feeling of many people in the town that this is a huge issue that the town collectively needs to solve.
Clogged streets "lock in" residents who may not be able to return to their homes
Creates an enormous disincentive to visiting down town businesses on weekends both for residents and
actual visitors
Creates a hazard to EMT services - I made a video of one of many times I have seen this happen along
Los Gatos Blvd where an ambulance had to drive on the opposite side of a divided road to make
progress. See htips: / /www.voutube.com /watch ?v= LSSOBikbpHe
I think for the ramp closure experiment to be representative it would ideally take place over several
weekends and needs to be heavily advertised in advance (possibly using the electronic billboards that
suggest staying on / rejoining HWY 17).
Thanks!
Barnaby James
Los Gatos, CA
ATTACHMENT
34
From: Richardsons
Sent: Saturday, June 04, 2016 10:20 PM
To: Council
Subject: Beach traffic
I just rode my bike downtown on a Saturday around I I:OOAM. Thankfully, Massol and Tait Ave's were
coned off for the Highway 9 traffic. Those streets were much quieter / safer because of them being
coned off.
I wanted to voice my recommendation as to how to handle beach traffic: I have posted this suggestion
on Nextdoor.com
Leave Lark Ave as the only on ramp to Highway 17 South during the beach traffic crunch time. The
traffic "APP'S" would advise all who use them that driving through town is a dead end. It would also
force those that come South on 85 to Highway 9 (Saratoga Ave exit) to go back to Lark Ave.... hopefully
encouraging them to stay on 85 in the first place. That would leave downtown to those who want to
stroll, shop, and or taste. The city could set up temporary signs so stating and possibly using the "amber
alert" signs on the freeways.
Please consider my idea?
Thanks
Lainey Richardson
55 year resident living in La Rinconada
ATTACHMENT
35
wx .
f >r I
s`GAt g
COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
DATE: JUNE 7, 2016
TO: MAYOR AND TOWN COUNCIL
FROM: LAUREL PREVETTI, TOWN MANAGER
MEETING DATE: 06/07/16
ITEM NO: 12
DESK ITEM
SUBJECT: APPROVE A PILOT CLOSURE OF A PORTION OF SOUTH SANTA CRUZ
AVENUE TO ADDRESS CUT THROUGH TRAFFIC
REMARKS:
After the addendum was distributed on June 6, 2016, the attached public comments were received
Attachment 4).
Attachment 1 (Previously received with staffrenort on June 2 2016-
1. Draft Closure of a Portion of South Santa Cruz Avenue
Attachment 2 (Previously received with Addendum on June 3 2016)-
2. Communication received from 11:01 a.m. Thursday, June 2, 2016 through 11:00 a.m. Friday, June 3,
2016.
Attachment 3 (Previously received with Addendum B on June 6 2016):
3. Communication received from 11:01 a.m. Friday, June 3, 2016 through 11:00 a.m. Monday, June 6,
2016.
Attachment (Received with this Desk Item):
4. Communication received from 11:01 a.m. Monday, June 6, 2016 through 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, June
7, 2016.
PREPARED BY: MATT MORLEY
Director of Parks and Public Works
Reviewed by: Assistant Town Manager Town Attorney - Finance
SACOT-NCIL REPORTS\2016 \06 -07 -16 \Cut Through Traffic\Desk Item -Cut Through Traffic FINAL.docx
36
From: Greg Marrone
Sent: Monday, June 06, 2016 2:43 PM
To: Town PPW; Matt Morley
Cc: BSpector, Marico Sayoc; Marcia Jensen; Steven Leonardis; Rob Rennie
Subject: Almond Grove access over weekend
To Whom It May Concern:
I see that the town again is limiting access into the Almond Grove off highway 9 (the turn at Massol) and
also from Ridgecrest (Hernandez onto Ellenwood a week or two back) during times of high- volume
beach traffic, and am trying to understand the logic. The problem, as I understand it, is congestion in the
neighborhood streets. So the solution is to require the residents to drive into highly congested areas in
order to get home or in order to move within the neighborhood ?? This seems utterly ridiculously to me—
you solve the problem of congestion (i.e. access) by restricting the access even further. How is one to
make sense of this?
I find it particularly annoying that a week or two ago you had cones up at the entrance to Ellenwood from
Hernandez. Thus, a trip from my house on Overlook to my mother's house (at the top ofBachman)
would have required waiting in a three -block line of cars down to the corner at Glenridge, presuming you
did not cone off Glenridge as well. Again, if these traffic control "solutions" are intended to aid the
residents, I suggest a re -boot.
I tried calling Public Works about this, but no one actually answers the phone there near as one can tell. I
also understand that there is a council meeting tomorrow night that will cover this issue, but cannot make
the meeting. Accordingly, I have copied the council members hoping this resounding "no" will end up in
their packets.
Sincerely,
Greg Marrone
From: Barbara Holden
Sent: Monday, June 06, 2016 5:06 PM
To: Matt Morley
Cc: Marico Sayoc; Steven Leonardis; Rob Rennie; BSpector; Marcia Jensen
Subject: closing south entrance 17
Dear Matt:
I am very excited about your proposal to close S Santa Cruz at Wood on heavy beach traffic days. I hope
you are getting lots oftraffic counts before & during to see how much help it gives us.
Thank you!
Barbara F. Holden
ATTACHMENT 4
37
From: Kevin Falini
Sent: Monday, June 06, 2016 11:08 PM
To: Laurel Prevetti
Subject: Re: Council Referral: Los Gatos: A Town Under Siege - I will try to attend - In case I cannot,
here are the key points I have in mind
Laurel,
Thank you for your note.
I will try to be at the Town Council Meeting tomorrow night by the time Item 12 is covered but I
am not certain that this will be possible. I am the president of a small HOA and we are holding
a general meeting tomorrow night which also begins at 7:00 PM.
In case I am not able to attend, here is the key points on my mind:
As I have shared previously, I am very supportive of closing the south end of Santa Cruz
Ave. However, a single weekend test is little more than lip service and almost certainly doomed
to failure. It won't prove anything. If used to test the success of failure of the idea, it
will simply suggest that we are helpless. We are not.
Very few experiments of any kind yield valid results after a single trial and there is no reason to
believe that this would be the case with this test. With the proposed closure, there will be a
learning curve, aided by both formal and informal, personal and electronic communication and
socialization. This will simply not happen in one or two days on a given weekend. There will be
return traffic in the first weekend and possibly a lot of it. That return traffic will dissipate over
time as people come to understand that Santa Cruz Ave is closed as a route to 17S EACH AND
EVERY WEEKEND, ALWAYS AND FOREVER.
This will not be bad for business. It will be the best thing to happen to downtown businesses in
the last few years. Most people I know who live outside of Los Gatos simply refuse to come to
town anymore, calling it "an absolute disaster" even on weekdays. Talking about "how bad Los
Gatos is" has become a common rant for people in neighboring communities. While the streets
are jammed with weekend beach traffic, the parking lots are empty. Nobody in their right mind
would come to Los Gatos to shop or dine in this environment and very few do. Almost none of
the beach goers stop to do business in Los Gatos, for fear of losing their place in the endless line
of traffic they have joined.
Please feel free to share the above thoughts with the Town Council.
Again, I appreciate your efforts. They are directionally correct. Now we need to follow -
through. A check swing won't do the trick.
Thank you.
Kevin
38
Public Comment from Nextdoor.com
Linda, Angelia, Jan, and 8 others thanked Matt
Dan O. from Los Gatos Village 17h ago
On Saturday, around 12:30 pm, the traffic was so bad trying to get downtown, that I finally gave up. Based on the
backup, I won't be venturing downtown on weekend afternoons when the on ramp is closed.
Howard B. from Vista 17h ago
If the town can get Waze to keep people off the back streets everyone will win. The closure is a long overdue idea
The truth of the matter is that 17 is the fastest way to SC and perhaps the Town ... View more should work with
CalTrans to get that msg to the public at large.
Personally, I miss the train I used to take as a kid (OK, that was a long time ago). I have no idea whether the rail
approach can be resurrected, but if there was ever an argument for mass transit, this is it.
For the life of me, I don't see how folks can stand to commute from the coast to the valley during the week. Not a
problem for the town, but certainly a transportation issue for SV.
BTW, if you really hate the stop and go, there is always 101 to 152.
Danielle S. from Los Gatos Main 17h ago
I just returned home from out of town (-2:30pm on Sunday), could see that 17 was dead stopped on Google maps
through LG, so I got off on Camden and took Bascom /LG Blvd home to LGHS neighborhood and ... View more had
absolutely zero problems. No backups at any of the stop lights, clear signage at Lark and Hwy 9 advising Hwy 17
traffic that the DT ramp was closed and directing through traffic to the onramps. Tremendous difference from
previous weekends and last summer on the stretch of LG Blvd /Main St between Blossom Hill and the HS /library.
Much appreciated!
Pamela B. from Los Gatos Main 17h ago
I heard this from a long time grocery checker at Lunardi's that the Lark Ave exit off of 17 had no signage indicating
the road closure. So people exiting the Highway there in order to avoid some highway traffic would still create
traffic on Los Gatos Blvd or Winchester. I didn't verify, just passing along his observation.
Jan E. from Vista 17h ago
Coming home from Saratoga on Highway 85 1:00 p.m.Saturday - we saw absolutely no signs to let people know to
stay on highway 17. We got off at Lark where it was backed up and slow to exit. We took LG Blvd and got off at
Shannon because the blvd was so backed up. Engelwood was not bad but I read that lots of people were using it
and not respecting the stop signs.
Cyrus T. from Vasona 17h ago
I live off of Winchester. The South Santa Cruz closure made the traffic on Winchester, and Highway 9 to my
understanding, much worse. The South Santa Cruz closure only benefits downtown residents.... View more Closing
South Santa Cruz just moves the problem to the Highway 9 onramp, which made the traffic worse for anyone
trying to get downtown. I think the experiment should be terminated. The idea that closing South Santa Cruz
would improve anything was not based on anything but supposition.
Denise B. from Monte Sereno 17h ago
On Saturday, we live off Hwy 9 by 12 traffic was backed up to Quito Rd to get into LG. In addition the light at Quito
was backed up more than we have ever seen. So traffic was being averted to Hwy 9.... View more Hwy 9 has been
effected by the weekend traffic but yesterday was terrible. We cannot even think about going downtown if the
Page 1 of 7
ATTACHMENT 2
39
traffic continues like this through the summer. Yesterday people were saying LG Blvd was highly congested which
is unusual. Sunday traffic on 9 has been lighter but that usually happens on summer weekends.
Paul Y. from Los Gatos Main 17h ago
Saturday was a very congested day, one of the worst ever, for non - residents and residents. Having said that,
Sunday's level of traffic was as good as it has been for quite some time (i.e., it was very ... View more easy to get
around Los Gatos) because the learning and training regarding on -ramp shutdown has begun. On the other hand
traffic on 17 was reduced over Saturday. Regardless, it seems like Day 2 is a step in the right direction and is
appreciated.
Renee S. from Los Gatos Main 17h ago
We live near main St by the high school. Traffic both days was better than I can remember. We actually went to
downtown both days which we wouldn't have before. I believe that until adequate signage is placed on the
freeways 85 at Saratoga and up 17 that we won't get good data.
Meredith O. from Los Gatos Main 17h ago
Returning from running errands Saturday about 11 am, LG BLvd was a Parking lot all the way to LG- Saratoga Rd. It
make sense Sunday was less congested fewer people go on Sunday. It will be interesting to see Fourth of July
traffic next week...
Chad S. from Belwood- Belgatos 16h ago
It was a total nightmare. Tried to go in town to do some shopping.
Karen H. from Los Gatos Main 16h ago
I live on University close to the intersection of Hwy 9 and University. The backup seemed just as bad yesterday and
I can't imagine how anyone who got off the HWY would have found this a better idea.... View more I was
monitoring Waze all day and the MPH on University and Hwy 9 was 1/2 of the speed of Hwy 17. How could the
town streets be better?
I do believe that the closure of the ramp helped keep cars off the town streets, but the overall traffic kept people
out of Los Gatos for shopping including residents. My son works at Main Street Burger and he was let off early
yesterday because there simply was no business - -- on a Saturday! It seems like the beach traffic for Summer
months will keep shoppers from neighboring towns out of Los Gatos because they simply can't get in. They'll stay
home or go walk around Santana Row. The local Los Gatos residents will stay out because they can't move around
town. Everyone loses here. Somehow we still need to get the message to drivers exiting the freeways and onto the
town streets that alternate routes through town are a bad idea. If the in -town traffic was eased maybe the town
residents would make it a point to "shop local" on those days. This could require merchants banding together to
get the word out or offer special deals.
How about beach shuttles and carpool lots to share the ride? This may require some social campaigns or local
shopping campaigns to re- educate drivers, shoppers, and residents. The first closure of the on -ramp was probably
a good first start but there are obviously more spots where signage and guidance would be helpful.
I guess the good news is that this is only for 3 months but I also guess that 3 months of continuing to see hour
business decline could kill some local business owners.
Anyway, that's my 2 cents. I would continue to experiment with signage that provides guidance to people just
passing through, then at the end of the summer evaluate overall effectiveness and possibly discuss strategies for
next year. Are there other towns who have experience this issue. How have they dealt with it? I'm curious.
Nancy F. from Los Gatos Main 16h ago
Page 2 of 7 40
I was out both days at the same time actually collecting data. Saturday was insane but to be expected on the first
day of the closure. I traveled on Saturday on LG Blvd and Winchester both from Lark ... View more Ave which was
said to be the worst. I was also at N Santa Cruz and Highway 9 from 11:OOam to 1:45pm then at 1:45pm on
Winchester and 2:45 on LG Blvd. I have a picture attached that shows Winchester at 1:45 at Vineland and not a
single car heading towards town. This would NOT be the case in the last 2 years at the same time. The major jams
throughout town was from 11:30am to 1:30pm and that is a huge improvement from 10am to 4pm that has been
the typical congestion before the closure. Here is the link to the videos I took coming up LG Blvd at 2:45pm from
Bascom and 85. There are 2 videos due to a 10 second phone call interruption:
https: / /youtu.be /671tef3cHsY
https.,//youtu.be/Oj_bnFMkWkk
I will post my videos from today, Sunday, as soon as uploaded to YouTube. Basically today at 12:30pm there was
NO traffic. Yes, 12:3011 drove all around town in 20 minutes! From downtown to Lark and back covering all major
streets. Traffic on 17 was stop and go and backed up to its normal spot of Camden (checked Google maps) which
IMO does indicate the closure is having an impact in a positive way.
I hope we hear feedback and comments not based on personal self interest. Complaining is not feedback. There
has to be an overall look at the big picture. Q
Lon A. from Monte Sereno 16h ago
I think beach goers will soon learn to avoid downtown LG so closing access to the ramp will greatly reduce traffic.
Catherine C. from Alta Vista 16h ago
As a huge consumer of Los Gatos - I will not go into town with the current congestion occurring this summer. Our
family supports many shops and restaurants and the parking abundant - but it took 30 minutes to return to
Saratoga.
Linda S. from Kennedy North 16h ago
I went to a meeting at the Rec Center on Main Street at 12 on Saturday. Traffic was bad to highway 9 on LG Blvd
but eased up significantly after that. HOWEVER, by the time I left the meeting only 30... View more minutes later,
at 12:30, there was complete gridlock on Main Street. I thought maybe it was just a cluster so I decided to brave
the traffic and attempt to run some errands closer to the center of Downtown. After I got on the road, I realized
that the traffic was a never - ending almost complete standstill headed from the Rec Center towards Santa Cruz. I
aborted my mission and turned around the block at Purple Onion. It took me over 10 minutes to get from the Rec
Center to Purple Onion. I think that is one block. Maybe it was turnaround traffic causing this, but it was really bad.
Linda C. from Los Gatos Main 16h ago
I was on University Ave at Hwy 9 most of Saturday and the traffic I saw appears to be people who went into town
and had to turn around - came back north on University to turn right on Hwy 9 to get ... View more back on 17. This
caused crazy grid lock on University. However, as others have said, there weren't signs in obvious spots so drivers
didn't know to stay on 9 and 17. 1 ventured out to Ace about 2PM and was surprised how light traffic was at LG
Blvd and Loma Alta (where I pop out of my super- secret back way). It was essentially clear sailing all the way to
College when I returned at 3PM.
Today (Sunday) I ventured out a numbers of times starting at 9AM (University Ave /Boyer), Ace Hardware
30:30AM), and then to the Farmer's Market (11AM) and it was amazingly quiet as compared to yesterday
perhaps word is getting out ?) I parked in front of Willow Street and noticed that there didn't seem to be as manyfolksmakingtheu -turn as I would have expected.
That I'm actually able to shop in the downtown area multiple times on a weekend is a win in my book.
I do think that 3PM is too early to cut off though -just look at the traffic on 17 at 3PM if that's any indication
Page 3 of 7 41
Aileen G. from West Los Gatos 16h ago
We live in LG near Bicknell and Highway 9. We had to go to Safeway for a few items and decided to go to the new
one on Santa Cruz Boul. Well, right away we hit the traffic on Highway 9. We then turned ... View more around and
used Davis to get to Santa Cruz Avenue. It was gridlock there as well. It took one hour and twenty minutes to run
an errand that should not have taken more than twenty minutes. I understand about the closure of the on -ramp,
but I think somebody did a poorjob of alerting the motorists that were exiting 17 to cut through the Town. By
trying to help eliminate the traffic in the neighborhoods who had beach traffic cutting through their neighborhood,
we now have a problem with Town residents not being able to frequent our Town businesses. I think some
additional measures and solutions have to be explored.
Melanie H. from East Los Gatos Hills 15h ago
We noticed on Saturday that traffic on Los Gatos Boulevard was just terrible when we came home from our health
club on Oka Road at around noon -- much worse than previous weekends. We live off of ... View more Shannon. We
would have liked to have shopped at our Whole Foods on the corner of LG Blvd and Blossom Hill but access from
LG Blvd was backed up for several blocks - -worse than usual - -I guess we could have gone the back streets but we
got frustrated - -it normally takes just a few minutes. Today Sunday seemed somewhat better. I think beach drivers
are still getting off 17 at Lark or Camden and going to highway 9 ramp to 17 via Winchester, University and LG Blvd.
But I do think in the long run closing the Santa Cruz downtown access to 17 will help. I just wish we could find a
way to get the 17 beach traffic off all of our streets because shopping or dining downtown or even close to
downtown on the weekends is not an option right now for residents due to those major north /south streets being
clogged with beach traffic.
Elizabeth A. from Los Gatos Main 15h ago
Santa Cruz Hwy 17 South traffic was particularly bad on Saturday 6/25 (backed up before 9 a.m.). On Saturday, I
left the 1CC to go to Trader Joe's. I could see Lark Ave was congested (around 10:45 ... View more a.m.) I left Ti's
around 11 a.m. and it took about 30 minutes to get home on Villa Avenue (near library) - I cut off LG Blvd at
Caldwell Ave to get off the very congested LG Blvd - I know this saved me time. This was unprecedented for my
post gym experience; worst traffic ever leaving the JCC gym Saturday morning for me (I typically leave gym
anytime from 10 a.m. to noon). Today (Sunday 6/26) 1 went to Nob Hill at 1 p.m. and traffic was light on LG
Blvd.... Santa Cruz traffic was very light on Hwy 17 on Sunday based on my view from LG Creek trail (10 a.m.).
Sandy G. from North Los Gatos 15h ago
The closure is great! As a long time resident it is nearly impossible to get downtown on the weekend due to beach
traffic. We live 1.8 miles from downtown. It took us 30+ minutes to get into town on ... View more Saturday due to
the traffic. We were so frustrated that Instead of shopping and eating downtown we went to Campbell where the
access and road were clearer.
When the word spreads that the entrance is closed our quality of life will get better.
Pat R. from National & LG Almaden rd. 14h ago
Saturday I left my home (off National Ave.) at 11:OOam for the Post Office. (My mail required Saturday's postal
date.) As soon I had hit the corner of L.G. Almaden Rd. & L.G. Blvd I ran into bumper ... View more to bumper
traffic, due to the new closures designed to reduce the beach traffic. My route was L.G. Blvd., Roberts Rd.,
University Ave. Main Street. Unfortunately, the new plan only expanded the congestion. I was subsequently late
for an important appointment in Morgan Hill. I suspect the plan being tested is not working. It doesn't take a brain
surgeon to understand that closure of any street will only throw the traffic onto an adjacent street. Interestingly,
my trip to Morgan Hill also met with heavier than usual weekend traffic.... possibly headed to the beach via
Watsonville?
Lori S. from Vasona 14h ago
Page 4 of 7 42
Did some shopping at old town around 2pm today. I live off lark /garden hill. 17 was dead stopped, took LGB, no
problems at all!!!! So excited to be able to go downtown on the weekends. There was ample parking and the shops
were full. I say it was a great success. I love the idea of being a railroad back to SC. I would love to go to the beach,
but there is no way I would sit in that traffic
Lynlee B. from Oka 14h ago
No idea what it was like down town - but over here at Lark & Los Gatos Blvd - it was noticeably "lighter ". It would
be more effective if there were a way to let beack goer's know about the closer — ... View more perhaps with time.
I am curious however why the "detour" signs on LG Blvd were still up for Blossom Hill (closure @ Linda) - when the
work is NOT being done on the weekends - and so there is no reason for the bill board redirecting traffic to LG
Almaden & Union Avenue area. Sure the people who live there are pretty tired of the "misinformation" directing
people their way on the weekend too.
Pat R. from National & LG Almaden rd. 13h ago
Love Lori's idea of the bringing the train back! I rode it back in the good old days and it was great! Don't remember
where parking for it was.
Gina K. from Carlton Ave 13h ago
It took us 2 hours to get to Scotts Valley. We didn't realize the ramp was closed. It took us 45 minutes to realize it
was closed from our house on Carlton Ave. Traffic all ways to 17 was awful! It makes no sense to me to try closing
it on a Sat. Especially around a busy time. It really sucked.
Linda C. from Los Gatos Main 13h ago
Lynlee: I wondered the same about the detour signs for Blossom Hill @ Linda - why they are up but not one for the
weekend closure.
Mark B. from Los Gatos Main 13h ago
Personally, I am very happy of the closure pilot .The lack of enough signage on Saturday however really did not
help fully "test" the potential of this pilot (what was the town really thinking ?) .... View more As a result there was
a lot of driver frustration, people driving around others erratically or on the wrong side of the road to pass others,
etc.. because people did not know of closure, we ended up with total gridlock in the Bay view / Pennsylvania area
where we live.
On Sunday however, the town must have read some of the posts, and there was a lot more signage (West Main for
example). That really seemed to help out set driver's expectations, and reduce gridlock in my opinion.
Thanks to the town for trying out this pilot and I look forward the next one (with proper signage- and lots of them
please!).
Ellis W. from Vista 13h ago
The closure appears to have generated a great deal of traffic chaos the first day, but calmed down a lot on the
second. See the pictures I posted. This was to be expected. There was a lot of retraining necessary. We will have to
see what the next two weekends bring, but today was a great day to be downtown.
Susan D. from Los Gatos Main 12h ago
I thought the closure was great! I live in Prospect (off College). In the past, we can't go anywhere on the weekends
because the traffic on Main St is so bad. I went out several times with no problems. On Saturday there was a lot of
traffic on LG Blvd coming home from Lunardi's, but I went back streets and had no trouble and the back streets
were empty.
Page 5 of 7 43
Kay M. from Los Gatos Main 12h ago
It is a good step. We do need more signage on feeder streets and need police at the closures to be sure people are
not going around them ... giving tickets would offset the cost of this and let drivers know we are serious about these
closures. Hoping next weekend is even better
Carol R. from Los Gatos Main 12h ago
So, I checked out what route WAZE suggests for places north of here, and it looks like it is routing drivers using 85
to exit Saratoga Ave to Fruitvale Ave to Hwy 9 (more traffic there now) to Hwy 17 -... View more no routing
through downtown LG. I would now surmise that the majority of drivers exiting Winchester, & going through town
is from prior knowledge.
Also earlier signage is needed on LG Blvd- ie. Blossom Hill Rd? From Lunardi's to Spinello's 20 minutes at 2pm
Saturday- majority before right turn to Hwy 17.
Austin S. from Monte Sereno 12h ago
Great job by the town to do this and try to fix a huge issue. I think the retraining people will continue, and it will
get better. Today was so much better than we've had for a while. It would be ... View more great to get WAZE to
not send people through town, but there is no guarantee this will happen.
The closure approach forces Caltrans to fix the issue, whether it's a wider highway, railway or both. We all pay for
Caltrans to solve these problems, as do the people driving thru town to get to Santa Cruz. The planned
developments in and around town will make this issue much worse. We are happy (and grateful) that the town is
taking this seriously. We need to stick with it, if drivers know this restriction is short lived we are sure to revisit the
pain in a few weeks. Thank you for hearing us... Some "adjustment" pain is well worth a hopefully long term
benefit. Fingers are crossed.
Maxine G. from Kennedy North 11h ago
Though I do think it is too soon to call this a success or failure, I will say that traffic on LG Blvd southbound
between Lark and Hwy 9 was pretty terrible. Closing the entrance to the ramp in downtown seems, at least for
now, to have just moved the traffic one exit north. I hope that all the effects of the closure are looked at, and not
just the downtown impact.
Patrick L. from Los Gatos Village 11h ago
Turns out Waze did NOT show the closure of the SB17 ramp. Nice, eh? Supposedly, they don't post temporary
closures. And, when you look at the Waze map, the SB ramp appears in the color green, meaning ... View more its
free and clear. At the same time, Waze apparently highlighted the blockages in SF due to the Pride activity. As my
son, who lives in Denver reports, he contacted Waze about the problems with the road closures associated with
major league baseball. You can read the non - response from Waze in this picture.
a
Dan S. from Los Gatos Main 11h ago
Every time I looked at Waze during the temporary closures, the roads were marked as closed. Google Maps,
however, was showing them open.
Jessica R. from Kennedy North 11h ago
Page 6 of 7 44
It sounds like Sat traffic was awful and Sunday traffic better. How would drivers know not to cut through Los Gatos
with no sign? The other day I had to cut up through Shannon to Hicks because of ... View more blossom hill Rd
closure and because there were no construct signs, I got stuck in construction traffic on Shannon. The Blossom Hill
sign was up for weeks before the date of closure. I would think a sign needs to be up on 17 for a while before there
can be any good data. Also -- isn't the town working to use any objective measures? People seem to have such
different observations and experiences.
Dale M. from Monte Sereno 11h ago
We need to close the ramp for an entire summer in order to gauge the effect. 3 weekends is not enough
Ken A. from North Los Gatos 10h ago
Wow, the City of Los Gatos was packed with cars going Southbound to the closed 17 on -ramp and then they
turned around and clogged all the streets going Northbound back to Highway 91 In other words, ... View more the
whole Downtown was gridlocked. Thank God that only the real locals know how to get out of that dilemma.
Let's grow up and widen 17 past Highway 9, southbound only. The freeway was designed to be widened back
when the grown -ups were running the show.
Thank you.
Dan S. from Los Gatos Main 1h ago
Patrick- I'm not sure what program you got that screen shot from, but it doesn't look at all like waze? Google Maps
does NOT have the same data.
Patrick L. from Los Gatos Village 39m ago
Hi Dan, I got the link from a friend on FaceBook that clearly was a Waze address. I just clicked on the same link now
and I agree it looks totally different than the one I used. Notwithstanding, during Saturday about 2:30PM, the
Waze view did not show the closure of the ramp. When I decided to take the screen shot from my Mac laptop, I
apparently grabbed google maps. Sorry for the confusion.
Page 7 of 7 45
Subject: Santa Cruz Ave Closure Pilot - Weekend #1 Review
From: Debbie McNulty
Date: June 27, 2016 at 4:34:18 PM PDT
To: <chamber (&-,,los¢atoschamber.com >, <bspectorCdlos atgosca.gov >, <msayocCa)losQatosca.uov >,
sleonardisCa losgatosca.uov >, <rrennie@lost atosca.gov >, <KKauweloa n LosGatosCA.€,,ov>
Subject: Santa Cruz Ave Closure Pilot - Weekend #1 Review
Dear Town Officals,
First, I would like to say thank you for taking action to try an relieve the current Los Gatos
weekend traffic issue. This is not an easy fix.
I would like to share my experience with the Pilot Closure on Saturday:
I held an event at my home on Saturday from I OAM -Noon. I live off of Shannon Road on
Amanda Lane. My clients who traveled from the West side of Los Gatos to my home
experienced grid -lock traffic. One client reported travel time from her house in West LG to my
house off of Shannon road to be one full hour. She was on this route between 11:15 and
12:15. Another client who lives in Saratoga who can usually get to my home in 10 -15 minutes
reported a drive time of 45 minutes from Lark Ave via Los Gatos Blvd to my home. She was
also on the road between 11:15 and Noon.
My experience is that the traffic on the East side of town was further impacted by the road
closure the portion of Blossom Hill Road between Linda Avenue and Union Avenue. People
who would have traveled on Blossom Hill Road to get to my home were having to detour and
ending up in the Los Gatos Blvd adding to the traffic there. This is a major thoroughfare which
should be kept open on the weekends to help with the traffic flow overall. Is there any way to
get Blossom Hill opened up on the weekends until the work is completed?
I am glad to hear that the problem was less on Sunday. I look forward to seeing how things go
this weekend.
Thanks again for trying to find a solution to this serious problem.
Regards,
Debbie McNulty
46
Stefanie Hockemeyer
Subject: FW: Private message: 17 closure
Original message -- - - - - --
From: Virginia via Nextdoor <reulyCrs.email.nextdoor.com>
Date: 6/27/16 11:18 AM (GMT- 08:00)
To: Matt Morley <MMorleya,,losgatosca.eov>
Subject: Private message: 17 closure
I,,, III III 1 ie e. " e t Los ( atus
I support the closure.
This is what I observed this weekend: We live off Quito and there seems to be much more traffic on the road all weekend
long. Perhaps it is local residents trying to get around stalled traffic?
At about 2:00pm Saturday we tried to go to Whole Foods, via hiway 9. it was jammed up to about Daves Ave. We had to
make a U -Turn and go the back routes to get to University Ave.. That was backed up to almost Daves. It was gridlocked
and took about 10 minutes to get to the left turn lane on Blossom Hill to get to Whole Foods. To go back home, we stayed
off off hiway 9 and went to Lark, and used back routes by Rinconada .
nrunrlrgG I< vcscs.ec.
I .r_i i +.cnc or ndius youremail Settings
t II'I,,,I `,-CrttI. >uitc ainJ, S:m I, "ICism_ (';A M Ids
47
Subject: FW: Private message: RE: South Santa Cruz Avenue Pilot Closure - Feedback Wanted
From: "SueAnn W. via Nextdoor° <reply&rs.email.nextdoor.com>
Date: 6/27/16 9:02 AM (GMT- 08:00)
To: Matt Morley <MMorley tDlosuatosca.gov>
Subject: Private message: RE: South Santa Cruz Avenue Pilot Closure - Feedback Wanted
Sur .Ann W. Taylor, Los Gatos Main
Happy with the closure. Once beach -goers realize that the SB 17 ramp is closed, they will hopefully remain on
17. Obviously, it will take time to educate the public, but more "closure" signage at certain key points is
required. Also, public announcements (radio, TV, newspapers, etc.) are definitely very important . I do feel that
three weekends is NOT enough time to settle this matter; it will take longer to get the word out and retrain the
beach - goers. It is a matter of patience at this point, this is not an easy fix.
Thanks Matt, nice meeting you in front of Toll House Saturday.
SueAnn & Jim Taylor -- Overlook Road
nn •saen is Oilended for rnniorlev(<iilosgatoeca.gov.
Unsubscribe or adjust your email settings
7 „ MwKot Stwol. Suite 300, San Francisco. CA 94102
48
From: Leesa Gidaro
Sent: Sunday, June 26, 2016 11:10 FM
To: Town PPW
Subject: Feedback on Pilot Closure
Thanks for all the efforts to improve the traffic situation...
It's way too early to call the pilot a success or failure, but we do need better signage. I've heard there weren't
any after the Highway 9 intersection (not sure ifthis was true or not) but the result was cars blocking road at
Broadway while they made illegal u turns. And no cops out ticketing!
It may have improved downtown (I don't know since I can't leave my house or I won't be able to get back home)
but hasn't improved our end of town (north side of Highway 9) and in fact, it's made things worse.
It would help if the town put up traffic cameras (if it's legal) at the Blossom Hill and North Santa Cruz
intersection with signage warning of red light/blocked intersection violations /fines. Cars block the intersection
all day long - every light! But I've never seen any law enforcement ticketing, and those of us who live up San
Benito area have angry drivers zooming up only to find they have to go back to North Santa Cruz... maybe
Google maps doesn't show that San Benito is blocked to thru traffic?
So, my hope is for better signage and traffic cameras and signage warning of red light, blocked intersection
tickets. Or, get cops out ticketing -- where are they on the weekends!!? Is the traffic too much for them too? ;-
As someone else stated -- our town should turn these poor drivers into a cash cow for us, but where are the
police ??
Leesa Gidaro
49
From: Belis Etem
Sent: Sunday, June 26, 2016 7:32 PM
To: Town PPW; info@losgatosbaby.com
Subject: Closure of ramp - sales dropped
Hi,
Just a quick comment -
Our sales at the store Saturday June 25th were dismal- we did 50% of what we usually do on a Saturday. Correlation
does not imply causality, but if it happens next Saturday it could become causal!
Either way, I really appreciate that the town is trying to get a handle on this horrible problem.
Thank you,
Belis
Belis Etem
CEO Chief Enfant Officer
Los Gatos Baby & Kids Boutique
50
From: daniel Fields
Sent: Sunday, June 26, 2016 7:19 PM
To: Town PPW
Subject: Road closures
Big signs need to be placed on highway 9 Santa Cruz and university ave that there is a road closure ahead and no
entrance onto 17 having all those cars drive through town only to turn around to get on 17 was a nightmare on
Saturday. I was in town at 1030 no problem getting in and parking but left at 100 and took 25 minutes to go from Main
Street to hwy 9 on university I have lived her since 1973 and never experienced anything so crazy! Fix the problem or I'll
be going to willow glen to spend my $$$
Sent from my iPad
51
Subject: FW: South Santa Cruz Avenue Pilot Closure - Feedback
From: Tricia Capri Date: June 26, 2016 at 5:18:32 PM PDT
To: PPW(ci)los atgosca.trgov <maiIto:PPW dlosgatosca.gov>
Subject: South Santa Cruz Avenue Pilot Closure - Feedback
Saturday it took me over 45 minutes to get from courtside to downtown via Los Gatos Blvd.
I ran in my house to get something and 10 minutes later when I left it took me about 15 minutes
to get back on the highway (via Hey 9).
I wish I knew the solution for this, but we have to do something! I think signs (on 880 before you
get to the Lark Avenue exit), telling people that the downtown ramps are closed might help ?!
I ended up missing an appointment this weekend due to this traffic. I think we're going to see
road rage follow if it continues.
52
From: Caron Rakich
Sent: Sunday, June 26, 2016 5:01 PM
To: Town PPW
Subject: Closure
The closure has been effective
Improved downtown access for merchants and residents as well as safety
Please do some public awareness so people understand this is to balance the traffic situation not los Gatos just
being uppity
Have A Wonderful Day,
Caron Rakich
Dial 001 for International
Sent from my handheld device
53
Subject: FW: South Santa Cruz Avenue Pilot Closure - Feedback Wanted
From: Kevin Lynott
Sent: Sunday, June 26, 2016 4:41 PM
To: Town PPW
Subject: RE: South Santa Cruz Avenue Pilot Closure - Feedback Wanted
This first day was a complete disaster as drivers ignored the signs and continued to drive down north Santa Cruz Avenue,
University, Highway 9 and Winchester Blvd in an attempt to access the onramp at NSC onto 17. Having everyone
throughout the downtown arteries U- Turning was completely expected and a total inconvenience and affecting anyone
trying to get to Safeway for food.... really ? ? ? ? ?? Businesses are affected as a result.
I don't understand why this isn't something that will be in place for the entire summer .... not just a few designated
weekends. This is like putting a finger in a dike that's ready to explode. The safety of the town residents should be a
number ONE priority. I saw cars blocking even the "DO NOT BLOCK" space in front of the Fire Department..... REALLY.
chime in about your experience! yesterday!
Begin forwarded message:
From: "Nextdoor Alta Vista" <rrwly uxs.email.nextdoor.com>
Subject: South Santa Cruz Avenue Pilot Closure - Feedback Wanted
Date: June 26, 2016 at 2:47:56 PM PDT
54
From: Karen Kurtz
Sent: Sunday, June 26, 2016 4:31 PM
To: Town PPW
Subject: pilot closure
First of all, thank you for your efforts in listening to the Los Gatos citizens & all their various comments &
giving their suggestion a try. I personally do not think the closure will work as it pushes too much traffic to
the HWY 9 ramp which is already crowded during a normal workweek. I believe the only way to deal with
mass amounts of people going to Santa Cruz is with mass transit, which is Cal Trans job. I do not like the idea
of widening anymore freeways which only brings more pollution, noise & cuts into our beautiful landscape. I
support the town counsel in their decision to not widen Hwy 17 or Hwy 85. We must get out of our cars &
into mass transportation. I know that will take years & is not an immediate solution.
Suggestions: Close the shopping district on N. Santa Cruz to traffic on weekends during the summer for casual
strolling & outdoor dining to help our business district survive. Or make N. Santa Cruz & University one way
streets but, closing off Massol & Tait would probably still be necessary. Have weekend events in the Park
without closing the street to get people to stop, park & shop. I think our first priority is to do something to
help our merchants. ( I do not own a business in town) Focus on getting them to stop. Grab them while they
are here.
I do not envy your job right now with all the complaints. Thank you for all you do.
k' l r "O A f'— Ct' LZ
55
Subject: FW: Private message: Closure
From: Mary via Nextdoor < reply n rs.email.nextdoor.com>
Date: June 26, 2016 at 4:29:53 PM PDT
To: <mmorley a losgatosca.gov>
Subject: Private message: Closure
Waze directed cars to go to Los Gatos Blvd ... up Englewood and back
to Hwy 17 South entrance. How does this help the town ..... what a
MESS!!! Solid cars!!
View or reply '
This message is intended for rnmorleyLlosgatosca.gov.
Unsubscribe or adjust your email settings
lr r 760 Market Stroet, Suite 300, San Francisco, CA 94102
1
56
Subject: FW: Private message: South Santa Cruz Avenue Pilot Closure - Feedback Wanted
From: Michael via Nextdoor <reply n,rs.email.nextdoor.com>
Date: June 26, 2016 at 4:09:34 PM PDT
To: <mmorley@lost,atosca.gov>
Subject: Private message: South Santa Cruz Avenue Pilot Closure - Feedback Wanted
Michael Hi schklau. Monte Sereno
I live by Winchester and Daves. Took my dog for a walk early Saturday
afternoon. Traffic on Winchester backed up to Daves as usual. Traffic
on N. Santa Cruz towards Highway 9 was moving very slowly. A lot of
cars trying to make a left turn onto Highway 9. They were competing
with cars on 9 coming east and cars on N. Santa Cruz coming north
from downtown and trying to make a right turn. In downtown the cars
going north on N. Santa Cruz were backed all the way to Main Street.
I've never seen this before. I'm not sure where they were coming from
the temporary rotary). Meet a friend who drove into LG from Saratoga.
She said the traffic was terrible and will be avoiding LG on the
weekends during the summer.
o is emended for imnorley@losgatosca.gov.
Unsuoscnbe or adjust your email settings
rJOx.our. 760 Marko.1 Soeet. Suite 300, San Francisco, CA 94102
57
Subject: FW: Private message: 17 closure compounded by other things
From: Sherri via Nextdoor <renly rs.email.nextdoor.com>
Date: June 26, 2016 at 4:04:01 PM PDT
To: <mmorle a los atgosca.;ov>
Subject: Private message: 17 closure compounded by other things
M Sherri Tomlin, East Los Gatos Hills
i think it is essential to keep in mind that what is going on with hwy 17
and people bypassing is compounded by a very important problem of
lack of parking in downtown. those looking for parking are circling and
circling. this makes things worse. that problem should be addressed
immediately, following the example of campbell and mountain view,
who addressed their parking issues earlier. getting on that issue
immediately would help build downtown without upsetting those who
want to feel they have space to move in their own town.
Tl, message is intended for rr•,moiley@Iosgatosca.gov-
Unsubscribe or adjust your email settings
Ncxlnooi 760 Market Street, Suite 390, San Francisco, CA 94102
58
From: Julie Oderio
Sent: Sunday, June 26, 2016 3:54 PM
To: Town PPW
Subject: FW: South Santa Cruz Avenue Pilot Closure - Feedback Wanted
Hello,
I'm one of the people who thinks the south ramp should remain open. I think it is totally unfair to expect (tax paying)
residents who live in south Los Gatos to back track to Highway 9, if they want to go to the coast. Despite the closure and
notifications, U- turning drivers are causing just as much congestion on Santa Cruz Ave. and they are even more
aggravated and driving even more poorly.
The reality is, Highway 17 is unable to service the current population and all these "efforts" are just band aids and
highlighting the grave concerns for North 40 and the additional traffic on surface roads. The Hwy 9 single lane on /off
ramps absolutely cannot support all the cars.
Sorry, I don't see any short term remedies, the Town really needs to work with Caltrans to find bigger sustainable
solutions (Le more efficient exits at Lark, Hwy 9 and SC Ave. Widening Hwy 17 further than Lark. Bring back the train
and bus service.) and work with DT Merchants on a campaign to convert all these cars into increased patronage. The
summertime passersbys aren't going to decrease, so turn some lemons into lemonade.
Again sorry, those are just my 2 cents. Contrary to some of my neighbors, I definitely do not have a problem with the
Netflix development and additional office space. I do however have major concerns about higher density residential
because most importantly, I don't believe our schools can handle it. I do believe, Retail can still work but, it requires
more thoughtful consideration.
Good luck!
Julie Oderio
From: Nextdoor Rinconada [ma ilto :reply@rs.emai1.nextdoor.com]
Sent: Sunday, June 26, 2016 2:48 PM
To: Julie Oderio <julie@jodcom.com>
Subject: South Santa Cruz Avenue Pilot Closure - Feedback Wanted
9zi! [oricy. Mown of Los Gati s AG6KCY
With the conclusion ofthe first weekend of the pilot closure of South Santa
Cruz Avenue, the Town would like to gather your feedback. The Town
Council may discuss this topic as early as this Wednesday. All comments to
my previous post and all comments to this post will be shared with the
Council. In addition, you can send an email to PPW( 1losgatosca.gov and we
will include that as well.
Thank you for your assistance.
tun 3G III (111111 C Salety 10 all areas in ['own of Los Oatos 59
From: Gwen Pinkston
Sent: Sunday, June 26, 2016 3:50 PM
To: Town PPW
Subject: So. 17 closure
I avoided downtown during the hours of closure so that I wouldn't add to the congestion.
A real shame when I would have like to go to the farmer's market. Perhaps soon I will
be able return to my normal routine. I can tell you that especially on Saturday the traffic
on LG Blvd was very heavy, it was busy but not as bad on Sunday.
Thanks for all that you are doing to alleviate this traffic nightmare.
Gwen Pinkston
60
From: Kelli OGorman
Sent: Sunday, June 26, 2016 3:30 PM
To: Town PPW
Subject: Beach Traffic
Thank you for the closure of the entrance to Hwy 17 at N Santa Cruz. I agree it worked for the downtown
traffic jam. Unfortunately, LG Blvd by Kennedy Road was a bottleneck and traffic was non -stop on Kennedy
Road and Vista del Monte all day long both days this weekend. Many of the drivers rolled thru or did not stop
at the stop signs at all and were speeding down our neighborhood streets.
All the traffic seem to be rerouted to the neighborhood streets!!
Thank you for taking measure to prevent the traffic bottlenecking in our neighborhood making it unsafe for
residents.
Dan & Kelli O'Gorman
Kelli O'Gorman
Do not pray for easier lives; pray to be stronger women. bo not pray for tasks equal to your powers; pray
for powers equal to your tasks. Then the doing of your work shall be no miracle, but you shall be a miracle."
Bishop Phillips Brooks)
61
From: Matt Hammer
Sent: Sunday, June 26, 2016 3:29 PM
To: Town PPW
Subject: traffic
Hi — The traffic was terrible in downtown Los Gatos on Sat., June 25; if it continues that way, I'll try to avoid downtown
and shop elsewhere. Thanks, Matt Hammer
62
From: Anne Fleisher
Sent: Sunday, June 26, 2016 2:55 PM
To: Town PPW
Subject: 17 ramp closure
I definitely noticed a difference this first weekend; traffic was much lighter. I expect it will continue to improve as more
people get the message. Thanks for finding a workable solution.
Anne Fleisher
Sent from my Whone
63
Subject: FW: Private message: Weekend road closure
From: Andrea via Nextdoor <replvna,rs.email.nextdoor.com>
Date: June 26, 2016 at 3:11:57 PM PDT
To: <mmorley(a),los ,,atosca.t,yov>
Subject: Private message: Weekend road closure
Andrea Skov, Los Gatos Main
People will get used to the closure so the traffic overall may dissipate.
Sunday it was quite pleasant downtown. However, University Ave.
from Lark heading to highway 9 was a parking lot for 3 hours on
Saturday. Further, the people waiting in line blocked intersections,
drove around one another to get off onto side streets, and it was nearly
impossible for residents to exit side streets to turn toward downtown or
the other direction because the line of cars was not moving. For the
next closure, police presence in that stretch of road could greatly
benefit the citizens who live in that area.
his is intended for rnniorley@losgatosca.gov.
Unsubscribe or adjust your email settings
N,y,(Ouor. 760 Market Street, Suite 3W San Francisco, GA 94102
64
Subject: FW: WAZE routing to Santa Cruz right now.
From: "Nextdoor Los Gatos Main"
Date: June 26, 2016 at 10:58:41 AM PDT
To:
Subject: WAZE routing to Santa Cruz right now.
I -rol Riordan, Los Gatos Main
So, I checked out what route WAZE suggests for places
north of here, San Mateo, Cupertino, Palo Alto to Santa Cruz and it
looks like it is routing drivers using 85 to exit Saratoga Ave to Fruitvale
Ave to Hwy 9 to Hwy 17- no routing through LG. I would now surmise
that the majority of drivers exiting Winchester, & going through town is
from prior knowledge.
Jun 20 in General Lo 8 neighborhoods
Thank Private message
You ; an also reply to this email or use Nextdoor for Fhone or Android
Unsubscribe or adjust your email settings
Nextdoor, 760 Market Street, Suite 300, San Francisco, CA 94102
1
65
Subject: Los Gatos Traffic
From: Joy Almquist
Sent: Sunday, June 26, 2016 6:35 AM
To: Michael D'Antonio
Cc: Matt Morley; Janette Judd; Council
Subject: Re: Los Gatos Traffic
I was severely inconvenienced as a resident of Los Gatos. I expressed my concern last year. All of us mountain residents
who are Los Gatos residents were not told about this.
Anyone who lives in The Lexington Hills, Aldercroft Heights, and Redwood Estates neighborhoods of Los Gatos were
treated yesterday like all your beach traffic goers, when we use the post office to access our mailboxes at local main
post office.
we were told we had to join the rest of the herd.
There were no notices posted for us in our neighborhoods, not at the post office, nor anyone reach out to our
neighborhood associations to get our input or feedback.
I sent this email last year and was told we wouldn't be inconvenienced since we were residents.
I am nurse who has served Santa Clara County since 2006 -2009 and again from 2010 -2016.
I've been very busy moving from
Los Gatos to Davis.
I stopped to get my mail in the uhaul van I needed to get another load of stuff as I had a deadline to get to my house at
20725 Locust Drive Los Gatos before 11:30. Because of the unforeseen and unfair circle that didn't let residents get
home, I didn't get there till 12:45.
This severely cut into my time getting home from the post office. This also cost me extra time and money for the rental
van I had. I wasn't able to pick up as much as I had first wanted to and now I have to spend a second day because the
Town failed to inform us mountain residents.
We don't all watch television.
You needed mailers 30 days ahead and notices posted at the post office 30 days ahead at both exits.
The town consistently ignores us residents who live up here.
We have no access to Los Gatos public safety and public works. We get the sheriff or CHP- basically whoever isn't busy.
When there was an electrical power line that crossed the highway several years ago, the Los Gatos Police, CHID, and
sheriff didn't talk to one another, so Mountain residents didn't know what was causing the traffic nor how long it would
take to get home.
When I first moved here in 2011, they tried to take away the local elementary school and even though I have no kids, I
know that school meant a lot to my neighbors' children and they had planned to do report after costly report where we
all knew anyway from common sense that it matters and stick these kids in portables indefinitely in town.
The consistent lack of information and consideration from the Town is annoying, rude, and is not fair to those who
access our post office boxes and are residents just up at the Bear Creek Road exit.
Anyone who has a post office box with a Los Gatos address should be allowed access to freely travel home.
66
408) 354 -8600 (Main Line)
408) 356-4957 (Fax)
mda ntonioOlosgatosca.gov
image0ol.jpg>
From: Janette Judd
Sent: Monday, August 03, 2015 5:04 PM
To: ioyalmouist
Subject: FW: Los Gatos Traffic
cc: Town Council
Town Manager
Parks and Public Works Director
Police Department
Thank you for your e-mail, received by the Town Council, Town Manager, Police and Public
Works Department staff.
The Manager's office has referred your comments to LGMS Police Captain Mike D'Antonio,
and Parks and Public Works Director Matt Morley. Additionally, your comments will be
retained and included (along with all Public Comment) in staff report materials for any future
potential Town Council meeting discussion.
Once again thank you for contacting the Town of Los Gatos and voicing your comments.
Sincerely,
Janette Judd
Executive Assistant
Town Council and Town Manager's Office
408) 354 -6832
JJudd@LosGatosCA. gov
Original Message -----
From: Joy Almquist mailto:
Sent: Saturday, August 01, 2015 8:13 PM
To: Council
Subject: Los Gatos Traffic
I am a resident in the Santa Cruz Mtns in the Lexington Hills neighborhood of Los Gatos. Recently I have
seen signs that "beach traffic" will get tickets. On the weekends I usually go to get my mail, grocery
shop, run errands, farmer's market, etc in town.
My concern is that us Los Gatos mountain residents might get citations for doing things in town, when
we are just trying to get home -since using that on ramp near the post office is so convenient!
I would hope that you would consider the mountain residents in your decision. I would fight any ticket I
might receive since I am doing business in town and am a resident.
Thank you,
Joy Almquist, RN, PHN 67
Santa Clara County Public Health Nursing Dept.
Resident on
Locust Drive, Los Gatos, CA
Sent from my Whone
68
Subject: FW: Online Form Submittal: Customer Feedback Form
Original Message - - - --
From: noreply@civicplus.com [mailto:noreply @civicplus.coml
Sent: Saturday, June 25, 2016 8:11 PM
To: Town Manager; Christina Gilmore
Subject: Online Form Submittal: Customer Feedback Form
The following form was submitted via your website: Customer Feedback Form
Name:: Bryn Truett Chavez, Owner /Practitioner TrueSpirit Healing Arts
Address::
City:: Los Gatos
State:: Ca
Zip:: 95060
Home Phone Number::
Daytime Phone Number::
Email Address::
Please let us know how we are doing or what we can do for you!: First, I would like to say that your web site does not
allow a click through on email addresses. I tried all the Council Members and the Mayor and nothing. So, I will send this
here and hope it gets to the right eyes /ears.
I got to my office today, June 25, 2016 around 9:30 am. The traffic south on N. Santa Cruz was bumper to bumper ... and
it only got worse..my first client, due at loam, was 1/2 hour late, making her incredibly anxious and upset.
All my clients today were late, as a matter of fact, and not pleased with the difficulty getting down Winchester, N. Santa
Cruz, any of the streets after 10. It was a disaster.
I know this is an experiment... not sure why as traffic coming through creates opportunities for revenues doesn't it?
Anyway, I respectfully submit that t his experiment has failed and merchants aren't happy.
Please discontinue this road closure to southbound SR 17. How about traffic officers to direct traffic ?.
thanks!
69
Subject: FW: Online Form Submittal: Customer Feedback Form
Original Message - - - --
From: noreplv@civicplus.com [ma i Ito: noreply @civicplus.com]
Sent: Saturday, June 25, 2016 3:53 PM
To: Town Manager, Christina Gilmore
Subject: Online Form Submittal: Customer Feedback Form
The following form was submitted via your website: Customer Feedback Form
Name:: Rea Freedom
Address::
City:: Los Gatos
State:: Ca
Zip:: 95033
Please let us know how we are doing or what we can do for you!: Today I went to do errands in what I think of as my
town - clearly you don't want me shopping there, or getting gas, or visiting nails, hair, restaurants, rural supply, movie
theater, etc. you closed my exit - I waited in line to get out of town and to my home.
I work in Campbell, I think I will take my business there where they are happy for it.
70
From: Greg Marrone
Sent: Saturday, June 25, 2016 3:37 PM
To: BSpector; Marico Sayoc; Marcia Jensen; Steven Leonardis; Rob Rennie
Cc: Town PPW; Matt Morley
Subject: RE: Traffic (out of) control today
Well, folks, that worked brilliantly! Great idea.
I just (Saturday, June 25) came home from my office in Campbell, arriving home about twenty minutes
ago. This is a drive that usually takes just over twenty minutes, but today it took nearly an hour. South
on Bascom, right on Blossom Hill, left on Roberts Road, wait in a queue from the Roberts Road bridge to
the stop sign at University for a good 7 -3 minutes, wait to turn left into the alley between University and
N. Santa Cruz, give up, whip a nasty U -turn and then head into the DMV parking lot, out onto N. Santa
Cruz heading north, left on Daves Avenue, up to Highway 9, left on the highway and then Ridgecrest to
home. It was the worst I have seen the situation since the water main broke up on highway 17 some years
ago.
While doing something can give the appearance of trying to solve a problem, some problems do not have
simple solutions, and when the solution is worse than the problem, well...
Cheers,
Greg Marrone
71
Subject: FW: Online Form Submittal: Customer Feedback Form
Original Message---- -
From: noreply@ciyicplus.com (mailto:noreply @civicplus.com)
Sent: Saturday, June 2S, 2016 3:08 PM
To: Town Manager; Christina Gilmore
Subject: Online Form Submittal: Customer Feedback Form
The following form was submitted via your website: Customer Feedback Form
Name:: Leigh Ann Huff
Address::
City:: Los Gatos
State:: CA
Zip:: 95033
Please let us know how we are doing or what we can do for you!: I live in LG mountains and work at 750 University
Avenue in LG. THE CLOSING OF THE SANTA CRUZ RAMP has created the biggest GRIDLOCK of the city I've seen EVER!
I'm not sure whose idea this was but I would luv for them to be driving in this MESS!!!!
Santa Cruz Ave is not moving!. It took me 30 minutes to get from my office to Blossom Hill, a distance of a 1/4 Mile!
I cannot get from my office on University to my home just past Summit Rd. In the mountains.
72
Subject: FW: Online Form Submittal: Customer Feedback Form
Original Message - - - --
From: noreply@civicplus.com [mailto:noreply @civicplus.com]
Sent: Saturday, June 25, 2016 2:50 PM
To: Town Manager, Christina Gilmore
Subject: Online Form Submittal: Customer Feedback Form
The following form was submitted via your website: Customer Feedback Form
Name:: Brenda kiefer
Address::
City:: Los gatos
State:: Ca
Zip:: 95033
Please let us know how we are doing or what we can do for you!: Way to make even more of a cluster fuck of traffic with
your brilliant idea to close the on ramp to 17. Clearly that is NOT a solution to the traffic problem on Los Gatos. I live off
the Summit and I do all of my shopping in Los Gatos but after today I will not make the same mistake again if that ramp
is closed. The traffic issue went all the way back past blossom hill and Ig Blvd. Los Gatos is as much my town as someone
who lives in town I spend every bit as much time there ..know shop owners by name etc. you need to discuss real
solutions to 17 traffic ... like widening 17 and making it safer ... that's what will end traffic issues. Not ludicrous ideas to
shut roads that create more of a traffic jam and hurt businesses. I hope you rethink the next planned dates and stop this
foolishness.
73
Sent: Saturday, June 25, 2016 2:47 PM
To: BSpector
Subject: Santa Cruz traffic
Hello,
My name is Jennifer Lewis and I am a current Los Gatos resident. I have also been a Los Gatos or Monte
Sereno resident for the last 28 years. Over this last year the traffic cutting through town to go to Santa
Cruz has gotten out of hand. It is now taking anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour to run local errands
like going to the post office or grocery store. It makes it so that we are almost trapped in our homes on
the weekend because the traffic has gotten out of control. It would be one thing if they were shopping
in town, but this is not the case. The town council needs to do something about the weekend beach
traffic.
Thank you,
Jennifer Lewis
74
From: Nextdoor <reply@rs.emai1.nextdoor.com>
Sent: Saturday, June 25, 2016 12:35 PM
To: Matt Morley
Subject: Re: South Santa Cruz Avenue Closure Begins This Weekend
stina Schmidt, Monte Sereno
The worst traffic ever today, took me 19 mins to get from DD's to Pizza
My Heart on Santa Cruz at 10:25, and it became so backed up that I
just pulled over and parked and walked where I needed to be. To get
back home I went the back way and it took 15 mins just to get from
Ridgecrest to Rose Ave on Highway 9. 1 hope this will get better soon, I
am afraid this will affect our local businesses. I myself almost missed
my appointment.
Original post by Matt Morley from Town of Los Gatos (10 replies):
Traffic in Los Gatos on busy weekends can significantly impact the
quality of life in Town neighborhoods. The Town Council has taken this
challenge seriously and continues to explore solutions to...
Jun 23 in Crime & Safety to all areas in Town of Los Gatos
Thank Private message
Not interested in following this discussion?
You receivers this update because you thanked or replied to this post. Stop receiving
immediate updates on this post
rnm go is inlcnded for nimor ley@Iosgatoscaaov.
Unsubscribe or adjust your email settings
Nexidnoi 760 Market Street, Suite 300, San Francisco. CA 94102
1
75
From: Nextdoor <reply@rs.email.nextdoor.com>
Sent: Friday, June 24, 2016 10:18 AM
To: Matt Morley
Subject: Re: South Santa Cruz Avenue Closure Begins This Weekend
9 Linda Caplinger, Los Gatos Main LEAD
Can we please continue the closure until the Town Council reconvenes
first week of August? Seems they should have already collected the
control" data - yes?
If we find that this is truly effective, we'll have to endure 3 weeks of
traffic without the ability to "turn it back on" quickly.
Thanks!
Original post by Matt Morley from Town of Los Gatos (9 replies).
Traffic in Los Gatos on busy weekends can significantly impact the
quality of life in Town neighborhoods. The Town Council has taken this
challenge seriously and continues to explore solutions to...
Jun 23 in Crime & Safety to all areas in Town of Los Gatos
Thank Private message
Not interested in following this discussion?
Ycou Irlcoived this update because you thanked or replied to this post. Stop receiving
immediate updates on this post
l I,4s message is Intended for rnmorley@losgatosca.gov.
Unsubscribe or adjust your email settings
flextdoor. 760 Market Street, Suite 300. San Francisco, CA 94102
76
From: Nextdoor <reply@rs.email.nextdoor.com>
Sent: Friday, June 24, 2016 7:35 AM
To: Matt Morley
Subject: Re: South Santa Cruz Avenue Closure Begins This Weekend
Carri Mallard, Cordova Woods
Coincidentally, I am actually in Boulder, CO, right now and the section
of Pearl which is pedestrian is really fun and buzzy. Lots of seating
outside restaurants, cool shops, kids runnning around, a few street
musicians. Was only saying last night, how great it would be if they
made Santa Cruz pedestrian, even just at weekends. I think local
businesses would benefit greatly.
Original post by Matt Morley from Town of Los Gatos (8 replies):
Traffic in Los Gatos on busy weekends can significantly impact the
quality of life in Town neighborhoods. The Town Council has taken this
challenge seriously and continues to explore solutions to...
Jun 23 in Crime & Safety to all areas in Town of Los Gatos
Thank Private message
Not interested in following this discussion?
rorr,ved this update because you thanked or replied to this post. Stop receiving
immediate updates on this post
I nis message is intended for rnmorley` fosgatosca.gov.
Unsubscribe or adjust your email settings
Nemloor, 760 Market Street. Suite 300, Sari Francisco, CA 94102
77
From: Nextdoor <reply@rs.email.nextdoor.com>
Sent: Friday, June 24, 2016 7:18 AM
To: Matt Morley
Subject: Re: South Santa Cruz Avenue Closure Begins This Weekend
mes Hogan, Los Gatos Main
I live on the south end of town. Let's see how the closure goes the next
three weekends. Adjust, if necessary, when we have some data, and
give thanks for the work that our town leadership has done to address
the problem. We're blessed.
Original post by Matt Morley from Town of Los Gatos (7 replies):
Traffic in Los Gatos on busy weekends can significantly impact the
quality of life in Town neighborhoods. The Town Council has taken this
challenge seriously and continues to explore solutions to...
Jun 23 in Crime & Safety to all areas in Town of Los Gatos
T + • Thank Private message
Not interested in following this discussion?
You received this update because you thanked or replied to this post. Stop receiving
immediate updates on this post
Thi, :i rssage is intended for mrnorleyco,losgatosca .gov.
Unsubscribe or adjust your email settings
Nex ?door, 760 Market Street. suite 300, San Francisco, CA 94102
1
78
From: Nextdoor <reply@rs.email.nextdoor.com>
Sent: Thursday, June 23, 2016 9:30 FM
To: Matt Morley
Subject: Re: South Santa Cruz Avenue Closure Begins This Weekend
David Hough, Belwood- Beigatos
it might have been a good idea for the local papers like the Murky
news to give even more advance warning.
get our town back'? not gonna happen. we have the ever growing,
over -dense south bay area from Fremont hills to Morgan Hill to Palo
Alto ALL trying to go to the beach on 2 lanes thru our town. this is all
part of the price of the 'techie' boom.
ahh„ life is good in East LG„ ;)
Ori ,final post by Matt Morley from Town of Los Gatos (6 replies):
Traffic in Los Gatos on busy weekends can significantly impact the
quality of life in Town neighborhoods. The Town Council has taken this
challenge seriously and continues to explore solutions to...
Jun 23 in Crime & Safety to all areas in Town of Los Gatos
Thank Private message
Not interested in following this discussion?
You received this update because you thanked or replied to this post. Stop receiving
immediate updates on this post
Th, a message is intended for mmorlev@Josgatosca,gov.
Unsubscribe or adjust your email settings
Novtinol 760 Market Street, Suite 300. San Francisco, CA 94102
I
79
From: Nextdoor <reply@rs.email.nextdoor.com>
Sent: Thursday, June 23, 2016 8:31 PM
To: Matt Morley
Subject: Re: South Santa Cruz Avenue Closure Begins This Weekend
Geoff Beale, vasona
I think with the assistance of signage and the cutters giving feedback
to the traffic apps we will hopefully get our town back on weekends.
Look at it this way, I have lived in LG for 18 years now and up until a
year ago I don't waist my time going down town on weekends anymore
because I have "learned" that there will be beach traffic and it would
not be worth waisting my time. Well... it's time to turn the tables, the
cutters will "learn" only this time it will be in our favor. (Hopefully)
I am not saying it is a perfect solution but at lease we are trying
something and any efforts are appreciated.
Original post by Matt Morley from Town of Los Gatos (5 replies):
Traffic in Los Gatos on busy weekends can significantly impact the
quality of life in Town neighborhoods. The Town Council has taken this
challenge seriously and continues to explore solutions to...
Jun 23 in Crime & Safety to all areas in Town of Los Gatos
Thank Private message
Not interested in following this discussion?
On received this update because you thanked or replied to this post. Stop receiving
immediate updates on this post
This rnessat;e is intended for mrnorley@losgatosca.gov.
Unsubscribe or adjust your email settings
Nextdonr 760 Market Street, Suite 300. San Francisco, CA 94102
1
80
From: Nextdoor
Sent: Thursday, June 23, 2016 7:27 PM
To: Matt Morley
Subject: Re: South Santa Cruz Avenue Closure Begins This Weekend
HDiana Pleasant, West Los Gatos
Won't the cars turned back on S Santa Cruz cause a jraffic jam?
Where will they go? North back up on Santa Cruz Ave to Highway 9?
ri;inal post by Matt Morley from Town of Los Gatos (4 replies):
Traffic in Los Gatos on busy weekends can significantly impact the
quality of life in Town neighborhoods. The Town Council has taken this
challenge seriously and continues to explore solutions to...
Jun 23 in Crime & Safety to all areas in Town of Los Gatos
Thank Private message
Not interested in following this discussion?
You rv_eivecl this update becauso you thanked or replied to this post. Stop receiving
immediate updates on this post
nessac is wende i for mmorley -g osgatosca.gov.
Unsubscribe or adjust your email settings
NC * ,Inor. 760 Market Street, Suite 300, San Francisco, CA 94102
1
81
From: Nextdoor <reply@rs.email.nextdoor.com>
Sent: Thursday, June 23, 2016 6:41 PM
To: Matt Morley
Subject: Re: South Santa Cruz Avenue Closure Begins This Weekend
off Beale, Vasona
I'm not even going to comment on the last post....... Great job Matt,
town officials and all others who came up with this great! idea to close
the ramp. I will make it a point of going down down this weekend and
spend some money in support of the town businesses.
Original post by Matt Morley from Town of Los Gatos (3 replies):
Traffic in Los Gatos on busy weekends can significantly impact the
quality of life in Town neighborhoods. The Town Council has taken this
challenge seriously and continues to explore solutions to...
Jun 23 in Crime & Safety to all areas in Town of Los Gatos
Thank Private message
Not interested in following this discussion?
You received this update because you thanked or replied to this post. Stop receiving
immediate updates on this post
o is untended for minoiieyey@losgatosca.gov.
Unsubscribe or adjust your email settings
ldo-,ztdoor, 160 Market Street, Suite 300. San Francisco, CA 94102
1
82
From: Nextdoor <reply@rs.email.nextdoor.com>
Sent: Thursday, June 23, 2016 5:51 PM
To: Matt Morley
Subject: Re: South Santa Cruz Avenue Closure Begins This Weekend
Saelon Renkes, Los Gatos Main
And those of us who live at the south end of town but need to drive to
the coast on a weekend, now we all have to add 20 -30 minutes to our
drive by backtracking to the north, getting on 17 at the farther entrance
and then going slowly back towards where we started from, along with
all the other crowds? I'm not thrilled with this "solution ". I hope
someone comes up with a better idea.
Original post by Matt Morley from Town of Los Gatos (2 replies):
Traffic in Los Gatos on busy weekends can significantly impact the
quality of life in Town neighborhoods. The Town Council has taken this
challenge seriously and continues to explore solutions to...
Jun 23 in Crime & Safety to all areas in Town of Los Gatos
Thank Private message
Not interested in following this discussion?
You received this update because you thanked or replied to this post. Stop receiving
immediate updates on this post
Ti;'.:; message is intended for mmorley@losgatosea.gov,
Unsubscribe or adjust your email settings
Ne,:door, 760 Market Street, Suite 300. San Francisco, CA 94102
83
From: Nextdoor <reply@rs.email.nextdoor.com>
Sent: Thursday, June 23, 2016 3:46 PM
To: Matt Morley
Subject: Re: South Santa Cruz Avenue Closure Begins This Weekend
Bruce McCombs, Los Gatos Main
Hi Matt,
Thanks very much for all that you continue to do to make our Town
such a great place to live.
We are all hoping that this solution might be the answer, and in the
meantime, thank you again.
Have a great day, Matt, and I'll talk with you soon.
Bruce McCombs
Original post by Matt Morley from Town of Los Gatos (1 reply):
Traffic in Los Gatos on busy weekends can significantly impact the
quality of life in Town neighborhoods. The Town Council has taken this
challenge seriously and continues to explore solutions to...
Jun 23 in Crime & Safety to all areas in Town of Los Gatos
Thank Private message
Not interested in following this discussion?
w received this update because you thanked or replied to this post. Stop receiving
immediate updates on this post
T1 .s message is intended for rnmorley blosgatosca.gov.
Unsubscribe or adjust your email settings
Novoloor. 760 t0arket Street, Suite 300. San Francisco, CA 94102
1
84
Subject: FW: (exit closure) Online Form Submittal: Customer Feedback Form
From: noreply@civicplus.com [mailto:noreplv@civicplus.comj
Sent: Thursday, June 09, 2016 3:06 PM
To: Town Manager, Christina Gilmore
Subject: Online Form Submittal: Customer Feedback Form
The following form was submitted via your website: Customer Feedback Form
Name:: Vonza Thompson
Address:: City:: Los Gatos
Please let us know how we are doing or what we can do for you!:
I appreciate the problems you are trying to solve with the planned closure of South bound access to Hwy 17
from Santa Cruz Avenue and would like to request a safety consideration for those of us who live on the Santa
Cruz side of Los Gatos.
I use the exit you are considering closing several times a week. Usually I am headed home from doing
business in Los Gatos. This is my preferred exit because it provides better visibility for the entering driver than
the Hwy 9 entrance. This is particularly important during the end of the work day heavy traffic.
85
Subject: Objection to the proposal to close the 17S on ramp on S Santa Cruz Ave
From: Janine Shaw
Sent: Friday, June 10, 2016 7:52 PM
To: Council
Subject: Objection to the proposal to close the 17S on ramp on S Santa Cruz Ave
Dear Los Gatos City Council
I'm a resident of unincorporated Los Gatos, in the Las Cumbres development off of Skyline Boulevard. The Town of Los
Gatos is where I shop and dine. I love our local Rural Supply Ace Hardware, the Apple Store, the Farmers Market,
Lexington House, Oak and Rye, and many other businesses in Los Gatos downtown.
When I leave Los Gatos to go home, which I do essentially every weekend day once or twice, I exit onto Southbound 17
using the onramp you've proposed closing.
I share your frustration with beach traffic spilling onto Los Gatos Boulevard and Santa Cruz Avenue.
But please don't make me double back through downtown to Highway 9, and then retrace my steps on 17, to go home
after spending time (and money!) in Los Gatos this summer.
Best,
Janine Shaw
86
Subject: closing the onramp to 17
From: Mary Aumack
Sent: Friday, June 10, 2016 12:09 PM
To: Council
Subject: closing the onramp to 17
Hi
I live in the mountains just above LG. I have two thoughts about the closure:
1) It is really inconvenient for mountain residents, and those on the west side will probably just avoid LG
altogether in favor of using hwy. 9 to Saratoga
2) It most likely won't work because many people will think they are "outsmarting" the system, only to end up
turning around
I'm concerned that there seemed to be no process for input from the people like me who use this onramp as our
way back from visiting shops, restaurants, the post office, etc.
People will still get off at Lark and back on at Hwy 9. You will still have the problems on
Los Gatos Blvd., Winchester/N. Santa Cruz, and University.
Seems to have a small chance of being successful, with real negative impacts to residents. We will have to
battle traffic BOTH ways through town.
thank you
Mary Aumack
87
Subject: Road closures and mountain residents
From: David Kay
Sent: Friday, June 10, 2016 10:37 AM
To: Council
Subject: Road closures and mountain residents
Dear Los Gatos City Council -
I'm a resident of unincorporated Los Gatos, in the Las Cumbres development off of Skyline Boulevard. The Town of Los
Gatos is where I shop and dine. I love our local Rural Supply Ace Hardware, the Apple Store, the Farmers Market,
Lexington House, Oak and Rye, and many other businesses in Los Gatos downtown.
When I leave Los Gatos to go home, which I do essentially every weekend day once or twice, I exit onto Southbound 17
using the onramp you've proposed closing.
I share your frustration with beach traffic spilling onto Los Gatos Boulevard and Santa Cruz Avenue.
But please don't make me double back through downtown to Highway 9, and then retrace my steps on 17, to go home
after spending time (and money!) in Los Gatos this summer.
Best,
David
88
Subject: Southbound 17
From: Kathleen Hart
Sent: Friday, June 10, 2016 10:43 AM
To: Council
Subject: Southbound 17
Dear Los Gatos City Council -
I'm a resident of unincorporated Los Gatos, in the Las Cumbres development off of Skyline Boulevard. The Town of
Los Gatos is where I shop and dine. I love our local Rural Supply Ace Hardware, the Apple Store, the Farmers
Market, Lexington House, Oak and Rye, and many other businesses in Los Gatos downtown.
When I leave Los Gatos to go home, which I do essentially every weekend day once or twice, I exit onto
Southbound 17 using the onramp you've proposed closing.
I share your frustration with beach traffic spilling onto Los Gatos Boulevard and Santa Cruz Avenue.
But please don't make me double back through downtown to Highway 9, and then retrace my steps on 17, to go
home after spending time (and money!) in Los Gatos this summer.
Best-
Kathleen Hart
89
Subject: 17 South Onramp
From: Ricardo Cortes
Sent: Friday, June 10, 2016 11:00 AM
To: Council
Subject: 17 South Onramp
Dear Los Gatos City Council -
I'm a resident of unincorporated Los Gatos, in the Las Cumbres development off of Skyline
Boulevard. The Town of Los Gatos is where I shop and dine. I love the downtown Los Gatos area,
including the Apple Store, the Farmers Market, Lexington House, Oak and Rye and especially Main
St Burger and Willow Street. When I leave Los Gatos to go home, which I do essentially every
weekend day, I exit onto Southbound 17 using the onramp you've proposed closing. I share your
frustration with beach traffic spilling onto Los Gatos Boulevard and Santa Cruz Avenue. But please
don't make me double back through downtown to Highway 9, and then retrace my steps on 17, to go
home after spending time (and money!) in Los Gatos this summer.
Regards,
Ricardo Cortes
i
90
Subject: 17s ramp closure
From: David Blado
Sent: Friday, June 10, 2016 11:18 AM
To: Council
Subject: 17s ramp closure
Dear Los Gatos City Council -
I'm a resident of unincorporated Los Gatos, in the Las Cumbres development off of Skyline Boulevard. The
Town of Los Gatos is where I shop and dine. I love our local Rural Supply Ace Hardware, the Farmers Market,
Oak and Rye and many other businesses in Los Gatos downtown.
When I leave Los Gatos to go home, which I do essentially every weekend day once or twice, I exit onto
Southbound 17 using the onramp you've proposed closing.
I share your frustration with beach traffic spilling onto Los Gatos Boulevard and Santa Cruz Avenue.
But please don't make me double back through downtown to Highway 9, and then retrace my steps on 17, to go
home after spending time (and money!) in Los Gatos this summer. Perhaps issue stickers to residents for
access?
Best,
David
91
Subject: Southbound 17 on ramp proposed closure
From: Jill Barsby
Sent: Friday, June 10, 2016 11:46 AM
To: Council
Subject: Southbound 17 on ramp proposed closure
Dear Los Gatos City Council -
I'm a resident of unincorporated Los Gatos, in the Las Cumbres development off of Skyline Boulevard (near
Black Road). The Town of Los Gatos is where I shop and dine. I love our wonderful friendly Post Office, the
best Safeway around, local Rural Supply Ace Hardware, Cin Cin, the Apple Store, Steamers, Anthropologie,
Oak and Rye, and many other businesses in Los Gatos downtown. I often visit downtown Los Gatos on a
Saturday morning just to buy some bread from Manresa Bread and to grab a coffee at Fleur de Cocoa.
When I leave Los Gatos to go home, which I do every weekend at least once, I exit onto Southbound 17 using
the onramp you've proposed closing.
I share your frustration with beach traffic spilling onto Los Gatos Boulevard and Santa Cruz Avenue.
But please don't make me double back through downtown to Highway 9, and then retrace my steps on 17, to go
home after spending time (and money!) in Los Gatos this summer.
Regards,
Jill Barsby
92
Subject: Access to Neighborhood
From: camiller
Sent: Saturday, June 11, 2016 1:48 PM
To: Council
Cc: Matt Frisby; Matt Morley; Steve Regan; dsparrer @community- newspapers.com; Laurel Prevetti
Subject: Access to Neighborhood
Dear Council Members, Town Leaders, (and CC to Dick Sparer as a letter to the Editor),
I was excited to see in the June 10 issue of the Los Gatos Weekly Times that the North Santa Cruz Ave. will be blocked
near HW 17 on select weekends in an effort to avoid gridlock due to beach traffic - -- -Thank you for your leadership and
pro- active response to this issue.
At the same time, I was discouraged to find a police officer blocking the intersection of HW 9 and Massol earlier today,
Saturday June 11, 2016. By blocking this intersection, residents of the Glenridge neighborhood, such as myself, are
restricted from using this entrance into the neighborhood, instead forcing residents of the Glenridge and Overlook
neighborhoods to use University, Santa Cruz Avenue, or Ridgecrest Avenue. Ridgecrest Avenue, with its narrow width
and sharp turns, was not intended as a major thoroughfare. In essence, the town is creating another problem (a
potential safety issue) by trying to solve one problem (beach traffic). Local residents, such as myself, use this entrance to
the neighborhood twice a year —the Holiday Parade and the Bike Race Day. If Massol is going to be blocked on
weekends, forcing local residents to use Ridgecrest, the chance of an accident on the semi - mountain road of Ridgecrest
significantly increases.
In late May, the Parks and Public Works Department issued a survey for local residents to complete. Several residents in
my neighborhood suggested blocking Massol at Bachman (after the intersection), so as to allow residents of the
Glenridge and Overlook neighborhoods to access their homes, and Almond Grove residents can use the alleyways to
access their homes. Alternatively, if the town is going to spend money having an officer stationed at HW 9 and Massol,
as in today, he /she could check drivers licenses of local residents, and allow access to their homes, similar to what
jurisdictions do during or after an emergency situation.
I hope Town leaders better examine how to handle summer beach traffic while allowing local residents (some lifelong,
as myself) to access their homes, and keep in mind that trying to solve one problem (congestion due to beach traffic) is
creating another one (additional cars on Ridgecrest, which is not meant to serve as a thoroughfare to two
neighborhoods).
Sincerely,
Chris Miller
93
Subject: (freeway access) Online Form Submittal: Customer Feedback Form
From: noreply @civicplus.com [mai Ito: noreply @civicplus.com]
Sent: Sunday, June 12, 2016 10:51 AM
To: Town Manager, Christina Gilmore
Subject: Online Form Submittal: Customer Feedback Form
The following form was submitted via your website: Customer Feedback Form
Name:: Hugh Jass
Address::
City:: Campbell
State:: California
Zip:: 95008
Email Address::
Please let us know how we are doing or what we can do for you!:
I will be driving up and down Santa Cruz Ave extensively during the weekends of June 25 -26, July 2 -4, and July
9 -10. Fuck your rich town closing off freeway access to Santa Cruz on a street named Santa Cruz. Please eat a
big bowl of soggy dicks. Regards, Hugh.
94
Subject: (Hwy 17 on ramp) Online Form Submittal: Customer Feedback Form
From: noreply@civicplus.com [mailto:noreply@civicplus.comj
Sent: Sunday, June 12, 2016 8:41 AM
To: Town Manager; Christina Gilmore
Subject: Online Form Submittal: Customer Feedback Form
The following form was submitted via your website: Customer Feedback Form
Name:: Charlotte Pla
Address
City:: Los Gatos
State:: California
Zip:: 95933
Please let us know how we are doing or what we can do for you!: Hi there,
My name is Charlotte Pla and I am an incoming senior at Los Gatos High School. I am a commissioner on the Los Gatos
Youth Commission and have resided in the Santa Cruz Mountains for five years now.
I read recently that the council approved blocking the 17 South on -ramp at Wood road to help monitor traffic in town
for a couple of upcoming weekends, which I personally thank you for as a teenager with a license, but also have qualms
about as a mountain resident.
Traffic directly interferes with my commute to school, work, the grocery store, and anywhere else in town, but it also
interferes with my commute home; or, as other people consider it, their commute to the beach. I do thank you
personally for moving to block the on -ramp, as it has proven to be a big issue for Los Gatos residents, but it also raises
the issue of driving home for my family, my neighborhood, and my community.
Now I am not presenting a concrete plan, but I am willing to adopt one and develop it as I firmly believe that special
access to the on -ramp should be granted to Los Gatos residents who live in the Santa Cruz mountains. The mountain
community is isolated within itself and frequently, the feeling of loyalty and belonging in mountain residents is more
significantly to the specific mountain area than it is to the town of Los Gatos, which I consider a rather upsetting side of
living in the mountains; the loss of a sense of belonging to a specific town and instead just a general mountainous area.
It is my personal belief that closing the on -ramp to mountain residents is another way of estranging the mountain
community and enables the feelings of isolation. If the on -ramp is being closed to benefit the residents of Los Gatos,
then I believe all residents should be considered, including those in live in the mountains.
I am very passionate and possess much conviction over this issue that is affecting a community I feel proud to be a part
of. I will be attending future town council meetings, though I noticed that the July meeting has been canceled.
Please get back to me with any thoughts, questions, comments, or concerns. I eagerly await your reply.
Thank you very much for your time,
Charlotte Pla
95
Subject: Closure of Southbound 17 Onramp
From: bfinfrock
Sent: Sunday, June 12, 2016 3:28 PM
To: Council
Subject: Closure of Southbound 17 Onramp
Attn: Los Gatos City Council:
I grew up in the Los Gatos manor, graduating from LGHS in 1968. 1 have been a Santa Cruz
mountain resident since 1974. My husband & I use the southbound 17 onramp (by Rural Supply)
most often when we leave town to head home. While I am frustrated with beach traffic spilling onto
Los Gatos Boulevard and Santa Cruz Avenue, I DO NOT want you to close that southbound 17
onramp, forcing me to double back to the hwy9 -LG- Saratoga onramp.
We have green Mountain Resident stickers on all our vehicles (provided by our state rep), that can be
used to let locals through. If you are going to close that onramp, PLEASE let us Mtn Residents
through the barricade. We come in to Los Gatos to spend money with many, many Los Gatos
merchants, but closing the onramp to us would make us seriously reconsider our visits to town.
96
Subject: weekend closing of 17 ramp in LG
From: Emilie Herr
Sent: Monday, June 13, 2016 6:28 AM
To: Council
Subject: weekend closing of 17 ramp in LG
Attn Los Gatos City Council:
I grew up in the Los Gatos manor, graduating from LGHS in 1969. 1 have been a Santa Cruz
mountain resident since 1974. My husband & I use the southbound 17 onramp (by Rural Supply)
most often when we leave town to head home. While I am frustrated with beach traffic spilling onto
Los Gatos Boulevard and Santa Cruz Avenue, I DO NOT want you to close that southbound 17
onramp, forcing me to double back to the hwy9 -LG- Saratoga onramp.
We have green Mountain Resident stickers on all our vehicles (provided by our state rep), that can be
used to let locals through. If you are going to close that onramp, PLEASE let us Mtn Residents
through the barricade. We come in to Los Gatos to spend money with many, many Los Gatos
merchants, but closing the onramp to us would make us seriously reconsider our visits to town.
Emilie Herr
Los Gatos Ca 95033
97
Subject: FW: Santa Cruz Ave Closure Pilot - Weekend #1 Review
From: Los Gatos Chamber of Commerce [ mailto: chambeKa )losgatoschamber.ccsend.com] On Behalf Of Los Gatos
Chamber of Commerce
Sent: Monday, June 27, 2016 3:31 PM
To: Laurel Prevetti
Subject: Santa Cruz Ave Closure Pilot - Weekend #1 Review
Summer Traffic - S. Santa Cruz Ave. at Wood Rd. Closures
ilt GH9MBi'PiOfGOMMXG
Summer Traffic Closure Pilot Program
Weekends of June 25th -26th, July 2 -4th and July 9th -10th
The on ramp to Hwy 17 at Wood Road will be closed 9 am until 3 p.m.
The Northbound Hwy 17 ramp will remain open.
98
Weekend #1 Review - Conversations with the Chamber
We had a great meeting with folks today about their thoughts on the first traffic
closure of S17 on ramp.
Thanks to all who ventured out for the 8 a.m. meeting and to those of you from
whom we have received emails.
Here is what we learned:
More signage is necessary
Positive messaging is important
The mountain residents felt they had not been properly forewarned of the
closures
Traffic on Saturday was gridlock going both ways but Sunday seemed to be
better
The biggest delay people found was on both University and Santa Cruz Ave. -
going north and trying to turn right on Rte. 9 to get onto HWY 17. Some traffic
personnel would have been helpful at these two corners.
Parking lots downtown were empty. Business owners are definitely concerned.
Illegal and dangerous u -turns were witnessed.
All in all, it was a good experiment. We will send all comments and feedback to
the Department of Public Works and and to the Town Manager later today.
We want to hear from you
Thank you to everyone who has shared their thoughts with us via emails, phone
calls and Facebook. Keep it coming. Your opinions matter, and we want you to
be heard. It is so important to continue this open dialogue, as community,
to collectively & creatively find a workable solution.
Our next Conversation with the Chamber will be on Tuesday. July 19th at 8:30
a.m. At that meeting we will be able to fully evaluate all three pilot closure
program weekends as well as discuss a Downtown Los Gatos Summer
Sidewalk Sale for July 23 -24th. We hope you will join us.
99
From: Jennifer Riano
Sent: Monday, June 27, 2016 1:41 PM
To: Town PPW
Subject: Feedback about closures
To Whom This May Concern-
The closures to the streets impacted the Lark /Los Gatos Blvd area in a positive way. Our family was able to drive through
the area on all days of the closures with very little beach -goer traffic. Usually it's a disaster but the closures worked for
where we were traveling. With that said, we live near National and LGA Rd, not downtown area.
Thanks for the efforts to improve traffic quality. Have a great day!
Jennifer Riano
100
From: Brent Knudsen
Sent: Monday, June 27, 2016 12:59 PM
To: Town PPW
Cc: Kathryn Knudsen
Subject: South Santa Cruz Pilot
Per your request, we live on Alpine Avenue and are supportive of closing the South Santa Cruz exit to Hwy 17 on
weekends to mitigate town traffic. I know it doesn't solve the full problem, but it helps, and word will get out via Waze,
etc. My personal feeling is that we need to do it every weekend in the summer otherwise it's a guessing game for people
and the traffic will result from people trying to get onto 17 even if it is closed. Bottom line is we should do whatever we
need to to avoid beach traffic through downtown Los Gatos.
Thank you very much.
Brent Knudsen
Alpine Avenue
Los Gatos, CA 95030
101
From: Judy Holcomb
Sent: Monday, June 27, 2016 10:48 AM
To: Town PPW
Subject: traffic this past weekend
Good morning.
My husband and I feel that the experiment went pretty well, considering it was the first time. I am sure you will hear all
sorts of reports and may have to come up with ways to solve new problems. We live downtown and still felt "trapped"
until about 3 P.M. Traffic on University going north was all backed up. A few suggestions: I know that waze was notified
of the ramp closure, but information on sig alert didn't appear until past 1P.M. Also, is it possible to post something in
the Mercury news?
Hope this helps.
Judy Holcomb
102
From: Karen Tamsen -
Sent: Monday, June 27, 2016 11:24 AM
To: Town PPW
Subject: Pilot Closure Feedback
I am responding to a request on Nextdoor Monte Sereno for feedback on the pilot closure of Santa Cruz Avenue
last weekend.
In my opinion the closure is a great idea as long as people are made aware of it AHEAD to time. That means
the word needs to get to drivers prior to them getting off of hwy 17 or hwy 85. This could include the use of a
flashing road sign just prior to the LG exits on both freeways, or it could include a permanent sign stating that
the Santa Cruz on ramp to hwy 17 will be closed all weekends May through September.
Once traffic has exited the freeways into LG, the traffic just became more congested this past weekend, as there
was not an awareness of the closure until it was too late. Not all drivers use WAZE for all drives, especially if
they were already aware of the alternative route through town. I personally looked at Google Maps and there
was not a mention of the closure in town. But I could see that traffic was heavily congested not only with
drivers driving towards the Santa Cruz Avenue on ramp, but also those that got to the closure and had to turn
around to go back to the hwy 9 on ramp.
Again, drivers need to be aware of the closure PRIOR to exiting the freeway if the closure is going to work.
Karen
Some people come into your life as blessings. Others come into your life as lessons. " - Mother Teresa
103
From: Michael Brozicevic
Sent: Monday, June 27, 2016 8:53 AM
To: Town PPW
Subject: closure of South Santa Cruz Avenue
This worked
Keep it up all summer
Thanks
Mike
104
Subject: Public Comment - Pilot Closure
From: Pat Sharp
Sent: Tuesday, June 28, 2016 10:26 AM
To: Town PPW
Subject: Pilot Closure
I'(UFTii
I can only comment on what I observed in my neighborhood. On Saturday, cars were streaming out of
Englewood. Most turned down Kennedy. When Kennedy backed up (only one or two cars can get through the light
given the traffic on Los Gatos Blvd), cars sped up Vista Del Campo and down Harding. I will be interested in seeing how
the traffic patterns emerge over the 4th.
Traffic is such an ongoing issue, I avoid going downtown every weekend. When the new developments are completed,
we can look forward to "beach traffic' in town every day!
Pat Sharp
Harding Avenue
105