Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Los Gatos public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
22 issues with medium priority
76-foot wireless tower at 42 Miles Avenue
A 76-foot cell tower is proposed on PG&E-owned land on Miles Avenue, near multi-family zoning. The Commission will decide whether the conditional use permit is warranted.
Protected tree removal, 16401 Kennedy Road
A resident is challenging the approved removal of a large protected tree on Kennedy Road. The hearing will weigh the tree's significance against the Director's approval.
$1.16 Million Downtown Holiday Tree Lighting Contract
The Bear Electrical Solutions contract grew to $1.16 million to add Holiday Plaza tree and downtown tree-wrap lighting. Resident Gus Who calculated roughly $7,075 per tree and called for competitive bidding or a community alternative.
Electronic pet fences in the Los Gatos hillsides
Hillside pet owners are caught in a code contradiction: dogs must be behind six-foot fences, but hillside fences must be short and wildlife-friendly. The council unanimously told staff to draft an ordinance allowing invisible fences on hillside and one-acre-plus properties — a resident has been cited $100 for using one.
Creekside Park soccer field and GMAX testing concerns
Los Gatos United Soccer Club, serving 3,000 kids, says losing Creekside Sports Park has been 'brutal,' and asks the town to help restore the field, which also serves adult players and homeschool PE programs.
Multicultural winter celebration proposal
Community groups, including Congregation Shir Hadash, asked the town to waive a $696 permit fee and co-sponsor an inclusive holiday display in Plaza Park. Council members split over church-state concerns about religious symbols in town-sponsored events, and sent staff back for options.
Roadside vegetation management contract award
A bidder's $5,000 mistake cost the town its low bid of roughly $375,000; the contract went to the next bidder at $700,344, nearly double. One resident called the process wasteful and said the bid should simply be corrected.
Commercial Sign Standards — 536 N. Santa Cruz Avenue
The commission granted a rare exception letting ROEM Development use 18-inch letters (vs. the 12-inch C-1 standard) with a 7 p.m. shutoff. Neighbors objected to building-mounted, halo-lit signage on a two-lane residential-adjacent corridor.
Pickleball Court Access at La Rinconada and Blossom Hill
Two East Los Gatos residents asked the town to update its noise measurement methodology for impulsive pickleball sounds, set minimum setbacks for private courts, and pause permitting of new private courts until standards exist.
Long-Term Community Benefit Fund and Forbes Mill Footbridge Art
Council Member Hudes polled thousands of residents and found 64% want any proceeds from the potential ForTate property sale to go to a tangible community asset. The council unanimously committed $3 million for long-term capital projects — a community center, sports courts, parks, bike/ped improvements, or affordable housing — excluding operating costs and deferred maintenance.
Construction and security impacts on Jewish Silicon Valley / JCC
Jewish Silicon Valley, which runs two schools next door, asked the town and developer to coordinate on construction management, parking, security, and school protection given its unique security concerns. Council and staff pointed to existing conditions and a standing agreement to work through issues.
Rental assistance program scrutiny
Multiple speakers, including Council questions, pressed the town's three rental-assistance providers on how many families they serve and how funds are used. The Anti-Racism Coalition and St. Vincent de Paul defended their programs as complementary and volunteer-run, serving households that don't yet face eviction notices.
Future of the Town Attorney Position
The town's top legal job is in transition. The Council decided to recruit a new full-time in-house attorney rather than rely solely on outside counsel, with contract attorneys covering the gap in the meantime. The choice affects how the town handles legal advice, contracts, and litigation costs.
Potential Creek Trail connection from the project site
Council members want the public open space easement to actually connect to Cerro Vista, warning a trail ending in a private driveway is useless. Staff is researching whether an existing 11-foot public utility easement could legally double as trail access.
Community grant program oversight questioned
A Finance Commission letter questioning controls on the town's small nonprofit grants — especially direct rental assistance — split the council. The majority refused to delay funding, but the commission reviews the program August 10 and its work plan change still needs council approval.
Chamber of Commerce Destination Marketing Funding
The Chamber says the town's $88,000 covers only about 57% of what destination marketing and the visitor center actually cost. The council approved the $88,000 contract now and will come back in August with an amendment to potentially reach $108,000, while a bigger rethink of the town's whole economic development approach is planned for next year — including Council Member Hudes' idea of tying incremental funding to Transient Occupancy Tax growth.
Landscape and Lighting Assessment District Renewals and Herbicide Concerns
The council started the annual process to levy assessments in the town's Landscape and Lighting Districts, which fund landscaping and lighting in specific neighborhoods. A public hearing on the levy is set for June 16, 2026, where residents can protest the assessments.
Blighted property at 208 Bachman Avenue (former CB Hannigan's)
A resident delivered a petition with hundreds of signatures urging the town to address the blighted former CB Hannigan's building in the historic district and produce a feasibility/remediation report by fall. The Town Manager confirmed code enforcement is on it and will update the council.
Permanent public restroom downtown
A resident relayed an advocate's push to replace the $44,000-a-year portable restroom with a $100,000 permanent self-cleaning facility serving visitors, businesses, and the homeless.
Bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure on Winchester and North Santa Cruz
A resident praised the green bollards on Winchester as life-changing for cyclists and asked for connected protected lanes beyond Blossom Hill; council discussed adding Class III bike lanes to the North Santa Cruz reconstruction project and heard updates on the Lenzen Avenue pedestrian path.
116 Vallecitos Way two-story home
Neighbors on a quiet cul-de-sac pushed back hard against a 3,561-square-foot, 27.5-foot two-story home — the largest and tallest on the street — citing privacy from the east balcony, tree removal, and bulk. The hearing was continued so the applicant can come back with compromises.
Historic Resources Inventory — 241 Los Gatos Boulevard
The owner wanted a 1911 craftsman bungalow removed from the Historic Resources Inventory, citing heavy post-1990 alterations. The commission said the house still reads as a California craftsman and denied the appeal, so the home keeps its protected status.