Attachment 2ATTACHMENT 2
From: Dene Kankel
Sent: Tuesday, March 06, 2018 10:42 AM
To: Town PPW <ppw@losgatosca.gov>
Subject: Fw: Los Gatos traffic
Hello,
Please see the copy below of an email I sent last year. My feelings on the issue and my
experience are still the same. I am taking the opportunity to reiterate before the meeting
tonight.
Thank you,
Dene' Kankel
Los Gatos Ace Hardware
From: Jennifer Liebthal
Sent: Tuesday, March 06, 2018 10:13 AM
To: Marico Sayoc; Rob Rennie; Marcia Jensen; BSpector; Steven Leonardis
Cc: JR Langer; Laurel Prevetti; Council
Subject: Summer Traffic
Major and Council members,
I am writing in support of the continued closure of the o ramp to HWY 17 by the post office and blocking
off of Almond Grove streets.
I would like locals to be able to continue to access our greatest downtown area and summer traffic is
miserable when the Hwy is open.
Thank you,
Jennifer a Liebthal
From: Maureen Smerdon
Sent: Tuesday, March 06, 2018 7:02 AM
To: Town PPW <ppw@losgatosca.gov>
Subject: Beach traffic
Thanks for asking for feedback .
I wish it would be considered to not only close S. Santa Cruz but also the hwy 9 entrance. Even if they
close it from 9-2 this would massively relieve congestion to town and still enable people to get on via
Lark ave.
Do I need to come to the meeting to defend this recommendation?
I've never been to a town meeting before.
Best regards,
Maureen
From: Raymond Roan
Sent: Monday, March 05, 2018 7:57 PM
To: Town PPW <ppw@losgatosca.gov>
Subject: Summer Beach Traffic Discussion
I read in NextDoor.com that the Town Council will discuss options for Los Gatos to deal with the
congestion caused by the summer beach traffic. Since I will not be able to attend the Town Council
meeting Tuesday evening, I will send my thoughts in this email.
The town has closed the entrance to HWY-17-South from South Santa Cruz Avenue. Although this
approach has undoubtedly de-cluttered “down-town” Los Gatos (south of HWY-9), my wife and I would
never know that because of the congestion north of the HWY-9 freeway entrances to HWY-17. I am sure
that this gridlock also means that emergency vehicles also I strongly suspect that the mass of cars
merging onto HWY-17-South from HWY-9 completely bottles up HWY-17-South and causes HWY-17-
South to back up to the Lark Avenue freeway entrance, at least. As a result, even more cars will try to
drive through town to get to the HWY-9 entrances to HWY-17-South.
Consequently, I see no relief for the Town of Los Gatos from automobile gridlock unless that Town
Council decides to close both the
1. South Santa Cruz Avenue entrance to HWY-17 (one possible exemption to this closure, that is
probably impractical, is to allow cars containing a Los Gatos resident, with a valid drivers license with a
Los Gatos address, to enter the freeway at the South Santa Cruz entrance; if a car tries to enter the
freeway there without a Los Gatos resident in the car, then they would be turned back and would have
to drive all the way north to Lark Avenue)
2. The HWY-9 entrances to HWY-17.
By closing (to all but emergency vehicles) both sets of freeway entrances to South HWY-17, there will be
NO incentive for beach-goers to try to drive through town in order to avoid the excessive traffic on
HWY-17-South. In fact, I can not see any relief for Los Gatos from beach-bound gridlock anywhere south
of Lark Avenue without closing both sets of freeway entrances (listed above). In addition, by removing
the merging traffic from the HWY-9 freeway entrances onto HWY-17-South, the HWY-17 traffic will have
a better chance of stabilizing south of Lark Avenue and the 3-lanes-to-2 merge at Lark Avenue (that is
another source of freeway congestion).
So, please go one further step and close both sets of freeway entrances. Yes, there will be inconvenience
for those Los Gatos residents who want to go the beach (if they have to drive north to the Lark Avenue
entrance), but they will at least be able to drive within the town limits.
Thank you for taking comments prior to the Town Council Meeting on this difficult subject.
Raymond & Nancy Roan
Lilac Way
Los Gatos, 95032
From: mfarnady
Sent: Monday, March 05, 2018 5:31 PM
To: Town PPW <ppw@losgatosca.gov>
Subject: Summer traffic
Dear Councilmembers,
We have lived on Hernandez Avenue for the last 44 years. The summer traffic on our street had become
impossible, very noisy and unsafe until the town closed the last onramp to the freeway. It was crazy to
look out my front door and see cars lined up, engines running, as far as I could see in either direction.
Impossible for us to leave our home every weekend for normal activities, let alone have people over or,
heaven forbid, handle an emergency requiring a trip to the hospital. Always a possibility given our ages.
Please, please consider closing the Wood Road onramp again this summer. It made a huge difference.
Or, consider posting some streets in the Almond Grove and Glen Ridge neighborhoods for residents
only, which I understand forces Waze and other such apps to remove them as alternative routes during
heavy traffic periods. Of course, the same might be done in other affected areas.
Thank you very much for your thoughtful consideration of this difficult issue.
Sincerely,
Marcia and Dez Farnady
From: Gavin Cato
Sent: Monday, March 05, 2018 5:00 PM
To: Town PPW <ppw@losgatosca.gov>
Subject: Summer Beach Traffic - a potential solution
One option to consider is something similar to how New Jersey handled the traffic during peak commute
hours
http://nymag.com/selectall/2017/12/waze-traffic-forces-new-jersey-town-to-shut-down-its-roads.html
They provided local residents tags and charged for violations. Worth the read….
I do note that challenge for local businesses but we could actually help them with this as well…
Some ideas -
1) Tags/stickers could be provided to local residents for the cars (or simply have residents register their
license plates in a database). Could extend the designation of local as far as needed...
2) Downtown businesses could provide a one time pass valid within a three hour window
3) The 17 downtown ramp and other key roads leading downtown to prevent the backups getting to the
HW9 interchange could then be restricted on certain hours where beach traffic is highest with fines of
$200 to violators
4) For instances where there is an extenuating circumstance (accident shutting down 17) then
restrictions can be dropped / fees waved
5) Recognizing tags via cameras on the cut through point to 17 downtown or key roads/intersections can
enable enforcement while allowing local access to cut down or resources required from the town / that
said, this should initially generate some revenue to offset the cost of implementation
6) To eliminate mistakes if a violation occurs, the violator can submit a temporary tag or receipt from a
downtown business that is within three hours of the violation and the fee could be removed
7) For providing the temporary tags and encourage walking around downtown to drive local
business, machines could be located in central areas to recognize local business receipts and provide
temporary tags vs putting them in all the businesses.
Definitely needs to be flushed out but there are ways to preserve the benefits for the residents and local
communities around our area as we reduce the beach traffic. With something like this, we support local
businesses (even encourage it) and discourage the beach traffic both via the fines and the fact that he
applications such as Waze will change the routing with the fines in place….
I think you’re finding all of the residents and businesses looking forward to seeing some movement on
the issue and a bunch of folks willing to help….
Gavin Cato
Tourney Road
Los Gatos
And just to be sure I have no vested interest in the technology selected but definitely am vested as a
resident in seeing a solution….
From: Pam Shepard
Sent: Monday, March 05, 2018 4:12 PM
To: Town PPW <ppw@losgatosca.gov>
Subject: Freeway closure
I will not be able to attend but I do not know why you do not widen the freeway to bear creek road. It
would be nice if it was widen in both directions
From: Ellen Blumenfeld
Sent: Monday, March 05, 2018 4:34 PM
To: Town PPW <ppw@losgatosca.gov>
Subject: summer beach traffic
Dear Town Council,
Ever since N Santa Cruz ave was closed during summer peak hours the traffic on my street,
Harding Ave, and some of the surrounding streets have been gridlocked during those times. Harding is a
narrow street without sidewalks in many areas and cars parked on both sides. It was unsafe for children
and walking dogs and impossible for my husband who is an on call surgeon to get out of our driveway
and on to LG Blvd. Either keep N Santa Cruz open at all times or place a “No Left Turn between the hours
of _ and _ “ on weekends for Harding Ave and Englewood, maybe Shannon too. It’s out of control!
Something needs to be done or the same gridlock and hazards will be repeated. I get that LG Blvd and N
Santa Cruz are major streets which may be inundated with traffic, but small neighborhood streets? That
is a disaster waiting to happen. On many occasions my neighbors needed to step out into the street,
stop traffic, and have their partner move the car out because non locals using Harding as a so called
short cut were unwilling to let us pull out of our own driveways.
Sincerely,
Ellen and Ken Blumenfeld
From: John F. Kim
Sent: Monday, March 05, 2018 3:21 PM
To: Town PPW <ppw@losgatosca.gov>
Subject: Public comment on dealing with Los Gatos summer traffic congestion
Dear Town Council,
My opinion is YES the town should again close the Santa Cruz Avenue onramp on weekends for at least
part of the summer. I suggest closing it towards the middle of the summer beach season so we can
compare before and after traffic behavior. Many residents who oppose the closure complain that it
created extra traffic jams on University and Santa Cruz north of Hwy 9 and on Los Gatos Boulevard in the
region of Kennedy/Shannon. It is possible that is true but it's impossible to say for sure since the amount
of beach traffic and the use of navigation apps have both increased since the last summer when the
Santa Cruz Avenue onramp was not closed. It's possible or even likely that without closing it there will still
be traffic jams on University and SC Ave. and around Kennedy/Shannon during busy beach weekends.
So leave the Santa Cruz onramp open for the first 3 or 4 weekends of the beach season then close it for
5 or 6 weekends and measure the traffic differences on Kennedy and Shannon, in Almond Grove, and on
University/Santa Cruz north of Hwy 9.
In addition I endorse the idea of redesignating certain streets as residential, blocking 1 or 2 turns from
eastbound Hwy 9 into the Almond Grove neighborhood (for example no right turn onto Massol). It will be
very important to monitor Google, Waze, and Apple Maps to verify that they are showing any road
closures, turn restrictions, or redesignations of roads from collectors to residential.
I also endorse putting signs on Hwy 17 encouraging beach traffic drivers to stay on the Hwy and not to
detour through town. The previous signs used in the summer of 2017 were informative but only visible to
drivers who had already exited the freeway. It would be better if the signs would indicate that cutting
through town does not save any time.
In the long run, the town should work with Caltrans to widen Hwy 17 to three lanes in each direction from
Hwy 9 to Redwood Estates.
John F. Kim
Roberts Road, Los Gatos
From: Cathy Weiner
Sent: Monday, March 05, 2018 4:08 PM
To: Town PPW <ppw@losgatosca.gov>
Subject: Beach traffic
I live on Massol, and I do not want my street closed. Two years ago when Massol was closed, it made it
impossible for my guests to get in or out of the neighborhood. It doesn’t seem fair for someone, not
living in Massol, to ask for my street to be closed. Closing southbound 17 ramp made downtown usable
and didn’t create the nightmare backup from Almond Grove, up through Glenridge area to Ridgecrest,
Monte Sereno. The only other solution would to be to make Almond Grove for local traffic only and get
Google and Apple maps to take them off their maps. Thank you.
Cathy Weiner
From: Fred Faltersack
Sent: Monday, March 05, 2018 12:56 PM
To: Town PPW <ppw@losgatosca.gov>
Subject: Blocking of Beach Traffic Opinion
To whom it may concern.
I am AGAINST any manipulation of traffic by the closing or re-directing natural traffic patterns. My belief
is that you tried it and it does not work! I along with many other Los Gatos Residents now stay away
from trying to enter downtown because the congestion surrounding (the perimeter) the downtown area
has been worsened by this practice. It’s kinda like you’ve built impenetrable “wall of traffic” around all
the downtown restaurants and merchants”. Also, i’ve spoken with numerous restaurant
owners/managers and every one has stated they are hurting because of this practice and as such…also
against it! Please admit to yourselves that you tried, it failed, and let-it-go!
Good luck with whatever you decide,
Fred Faltersack
From: Christiane Webster
Sent: Monday, March 05, 2018 1:38 PM
To: Town PPW <ppw@losgatosca.gov>
Subject: Beach traffic plan
Just wanted to register my opinion as supportive of the closure of the So. Santa Cruz Ave freeway access
to deter beach traffic!
Thanks,
-Christiane Webster
Buena Vista Ave
From: Aimee DeGolyer
Sent: Monday, March 05, 2018 11:49 AM
To: Town PPW <ppw@losgatosca.gov>
Subject: Summer Beach Traffic
Hello,
I wanted to provide some input on summer beach traffic before the Tuesday meeting, in addition I had
an unrelated topic that I will add, and would like direction on how it might be fleshed out.
1) Beach traffic. As we saw last year, shutting down Santa Cruz just meant diverting traffic to other
streets in LG – essentially moving the problem around. Unfortunately, the long term fix needs
to be widening highway 17, which I hope is part of the long term plan that our community is
pushing for. In the short term, we should look for other programs to help ease numbers – ride
share / park and ride / bussing programs (that would encourage additional public transportation
beach-side). Anecdotally, I had a few downtown business owners tell me that business
decreased over the weekend when Santa Cruz shut down – if this is happening we need to think
about how we get more people into, and staying downtown to continue to bolster our local
economy (not find ways to keep them out) instead of making a break for the beach.
2) New idea. Ironically, my second idea is about pedestrianizing Santa Cruz on the weekends
(shutting the street down to all traffic to bring more people/foot-traffic in). Specifically, I would
love to create on ongoing pedestrian zone during the summer – maybe Saturdays from 4 PM – 9
PM. So many people come to Los Gatos to eat and stroll – wouldn’t it be wonderful if the
entirety of Santa Cruz was a pedestrian zone (no vehicles allowed). We could encourage
restaurants to expand into the street, have street vendors/trucks, entertainment, and allow
alcohol consumption in this zone. Essentially create a destination for our town every
weekend. Many cities embrace this in their business districts. Last summer I was in Tokyo with
my family – the Ginza district shuts traffic to automobiles for the entire weekend. Considering
how busy this high-end shopping district is with traffic during the week it is hard to imagine that
it would be possible. But people flock there – to shop, socialize, and enjoy life. They do this for
the entire weekend. Every year after the Christmas parade, I love walking up Santa Cruz with
my kids letting them go safely on their own, and I wish we would pedestrianize the
street. While I know we can’t always have it that way, running a pilot for 5 hours every Saturday
could show the interest and impact to business (I’d love to extend it more/earlier to take
advantage of small business hours). Is there an appetite for such a program?
Thank you for offering the opportunity to provide my input.
Regards,
Aimee DeGolyer
From: Liz Walker
Sent: Monday, March 05, 2018 12:20 PM
To: Town PPW <ppw@losgatosca.gov>
Subject: Beach Traffic
Has anyone considered shutting down Highway 9 entrance to Seventeen? Perhaps the traffic would be
diverted from downtown and our neighborhoods.
From: Chris Szeles
Sent: Monday, March 05, 2018 11:46 AM
To: Town PPW <ppw@losgatosca.gov>
Subject: Agenda Item: Summer Beach Traffic - Town Council Discussion
Los Gatos Council Members:
In order to mitigate traffic conditions and maintain the peaceful atmosphere for locals and businesses
located within the township boundaries, I would like to propose the following:
• Proposal for a town ordinance of 'no thru traffic' within town boundaries on town-managed
surface streets.
This proposal is to help alleviate congestion caused by traffic traversing the town surface street in order
to bypass Hwy 17 congestion.
Based on a technical investigation, it appears that applications such as Waze and other traffic
mitigation software are required of adhere to town/city traffic laws and ordinances. Adopting a 'no thru
traffic' ordinance will most likely be a 'short-circuit' to mitigate all traffic bypass technology.
Thank You,
Christopher Szeles
From: Steve P
Sent: Monday, March 05, 2018 11:25 AM
To: Town PPW <ppw@losgatosca.gov>
Subject: Fwd: Summer Beach Traffic - Town Council Discussion
Regarding summer beach traffic:
Please don't lose sight of the fact that the major traffic congestion in Los Gatos isn't solely caused by
cars trying to get onto southbound 17 via the S. Santa Cruz Ave onramp. I'm confident people are trying
to "cut the corner" by going down Winchester, Los Gatos/Saratoga Road, and many other local side
streets in order to get onto southbound Highway 17 via the onramp at Highway 9.
It seems the town focuses solely on the downtown onramp instead of the multitude of the other
possibilities for the traffic.
Steve Pace
From: Tricia Blue
Sent: Monday, March 05, 2018 11:30 AM
To: Town PPW <ppw@losgatosca.gov>
Subject: Summer Beach Traffic
I am a resident of the town of Los Gatos on Englewood Ave. When the South Santa Cruz Ave freeway
access is closed during summer we cannot get down town, those of us on the “odd” numbered side of
the street cannot get out of our driveway. The whole town becomes grid locked so I am voting against
shutting the freeway access down.
Tricia Blue
Corp. Sec.
Blues Roofing Co
From: Christine Dumery
Sent: Monday, March 05, 2018 11:37 AM
To: Town PPW <ppw@losgatosca.gov>
Subject: Input beach traffic this summer
Hello,
Just wanted to share my input before the town council meeting.
As a Los Gatos resident, I'd definitely recommend closing the south Santa Cruz avenue on ramp to 17
south on weekends; however to free access to town, I would also suggest closing highway 9 on ramp to
17 south as well on weekends. This will help keep beach traffic on 17 south from Lark Ave on and free up
the access to town.
Thanks for your consideration.
Christine D