CC 03-21-2023 Item No. 7. Petition for Reconsideration_Written Communications (2)CC 03-21-2023
Item No. 7
Consider petition for
reconsideration regarding
two requested freeway-
oriented signs for Public
Storage
Written Communications
From:Liana Crabtree
To:Hung Wei; Sheila Mohan; Liang Chao; J.R. Fruen; Kitty Moore
Cc:City Clerk
Subject:written communication: 3/21/2023 Council meeting, Agenda Item 7, reconsideration of the approval of the non-
conforming sign on HWY 280
Date:Tuesday, March 21, 2023 1:01:01 AM
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Honorable Mayor Wei, Vice Mayor Mohan, and Council Members Chao, Fruen, and Moore:
Please include my letter as written communication for the 3/21/2023 Council meeting, Agenda
Item 7, “Consider petition for reconsideration regarding the City Council decision of February
7, 2023 to uphold the appeal in part, approve one of the two requested freeway-oriented signs,
and deny the requested sign exception….”
I request that Council undo its decision from 2/7/2023 that allows a self-storage business to
add excessive nighttime lighting and an extra sign that is not compliant with the municipal
code by size or number.
An extra sign and excessive nighttime illumination from the sign and the lighted faux hallways
would be a distraction for drivers on HWY 280, a nuisance for people living nearby and
unable to block the added light from their windows, and is not in keeping with the “scenic
highway eligible” designation assigned to HWY 280 in Cupertino.
I note that both the Santa Clara Valley Audubon Society and the Loma Prieta Chapter of the
Sierra Club are advising support of the reversal of Council’s 2/7/2023 decision to allow the
non-conforming business to add a sign and excessive nighttime lighting to its place of
business.
This 1.5 minute video illustrates why the extra sign and excessive nighttime illumination
should not be allowed on the building that fronts a highway and the many homes located just
beyond the highway:
https://youtu.be/duCbf8is4I0
The second highway-facing sign and excessive building lighting Council approved on
2/7/2023 were misrepresented and the decision to allow both should be undone.
Sincerely,
Liana Crabtree
Cupertino resident
From:Caryl Gorska
To:Hung Wei; Sheila Mohan; J.R. Fruen; Kitty Moore; Liang Chao; Pamela Wu; Christopher Jensen; City of Cupertino
Planning Dept.
Cc:Caryl Gorska
Subject:Public Storage signage approval
Date:Tuesday, March 21, 2023 1:03:15 PM
Attachments:PublicStorage.jpeg
Dear City Council, Planning Department, City Manager, and City Attorney,
- pause a minute to take this image in before reading more below -
This image is of the signage *already* approved and installed. Note that the signage is NOT
just the bright white lighted letters, it’s the whole side of the building that’s lit up!
Even this signage is against Cupertino city code 19.104.220 (g) The sign’s color and
illumination shall not produce distraction to motorists or nearby residents.
I don’t how this got through in the first place — surely the residents who will suffer weren’t
consulted. And I would have thought that the first thing our Planning Department does when a
project proposal comes through is to check to see if it complies with our own City law.
For the love of your fellow humans, please don’t approve more illegal signage at Public
Storage!
Thank you,
Caryl Gorska
10103 Senate Way
Dear City Council, Planning Department, City Manager, and City Attorney,
- pause a minute to take this image in before reading more below -
This image is of the signage *already* approved and installed. Note that the signage is NOT just the
bright white lighted letters, it’s the whole side of the building that’s lit up!
Even this signage is against Cupertino city code 19.104.220 (g) The sign’s color and illumination shall
not produce distraction to motorists or nearby residents.
I don’t how this got through in the first place — surely the residents who will suffer weren’t consulted.
And I would have thought that the first thing our Planning Department does when a project proposal
comes through is to check to see if it complies with our own City law.
For the love of your fellow humans, please don’t approve more illegal signage at Public Storage!
Thank you,
Caryl Gorska
10103 Senate Way
From:Anne Ezzat
To:Kirsten Squarcia; City Clerk
Subject:Item #7 Public Storage Sign on Tonight"s Agenda
Date:Tuesday, March 21, 2023 10:53:51 AM
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Dear Kirsten,
During my public comment on item #7 for the Public Storage Sign reconsideration, I would like to show this
YouTube that is on a Change.org petition.
Can you please make sure that I can show it this evening?
https://www.dropbox.com/s/ekfftoxbdg25wsf/Cupertino%20Public%20Storage%20Plan%20vs%20Actual.mp4?
dl=0
Thanks,
Brooke
From:Angela Ma
To:City Council; City Clerk
Subject:3/21 Agenda #7 Public Storage
Date:Tuesday, March 21, 2023 1:03:52 PM
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Dear Cupertino City Councilmembers,
I understand that there will be a City Council meeting today at 6:45pm. I will attend via Zoom, as I need to
take care of my two children and pick them up from their school's game.
I am an owner and resident at Oak Park Terrace. This new 4-story Public Storage has already obstructed
my view of the mountains and horizon, and now, I only see a large building when I look out my windows. I
had voiced my concerns and opinions at that time but to no avail. Below is a picture when I look out the
window before sunrise and at night time. The lights are extremely bright and blinding as you can see in
the picture below, and I can no longer sleep with my curtains and windows opened when the nights are
warm. Please do not approve for Public Storage to install highly, lit signs. I can no longer enjoy the view
nor enjoy the night sky from my home. Please feel free to contact me with any questions. Thank you for
your consideration.
Kind regards,
Angela J.
mobile: 415-215-9989
Sent from my iPhone
From:Rhoda Fry
To:City Clerk; City Council
Subject:March 21 #7 Public Storage - for public comment
Date:Tuesday, March 21, 2023 11:53:33 AM
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Dear City Clerk,
Please include the following for public comment March 21 #7 Public Storage
These are calls to action from Audubon, Sierra Club, Change.org, and 2 letters to the editor in the San Jose Mercury News to Say No to the Sign
Thank You,
Rhoda Fry
From: Santa Clara Valley Audubon Society [mailto:Santa_Clara_Valley_Audubon_Socie@mail.vresp.com]
Sent: Friday, March 17, 2023 5:27 PM
To: fryhouse@earthlink.net
Subject: SCVAS Action Alert: Tell Cupertino to say no to lighted sign
Click to view this email in a browser
LETTERHEAD_LOGO
Tell Cupertino to say no to lighted sign
What is happening
The Public Storage facility on Highway 280 near De Anza Boulevard was expected to look like an
office building and not be visible from the highway. Instead, it is brightly colored and clearly
visible. Now, the owners want to add a second, huge orange illuminated sign to attract
motorists' attention.
The Planning Commission previously rejected this sign because it did not meet Cupertino
Municipal Code, which requires that a “sign’s color and illumination shall not produce distraction
to motorists or nearby residents.” The City Council approved the sign but was petitioned to
reconsider its decision on Tuesday, March 21.
Why it is important
Parts of Highway 280 are designated Scenic Highway, and the Cupertino section is a candidate
for Scenic designation. This sign, if approved, could be the first of many highway facing signs
that will degrade scenic resources, distract drivers, bring light pollution, and waste energy along
Highway 280.
What you can do
Please help us oppose this project! Watch this video to see what the facility looks like and the
light pollution already coming from the facility without the illuminated sign.
Please email Mayor Wei and Councilmembers (citycouncil@cupertino.org). Tell them a
little about yourself, and ask them to:
Say no to the illuminated sign and to excessive lighting on the Public Storage building
Stop the proliferation of light pollution and waste of energy
Adhere to Cupertino sign ordinance that requires that a “sign’s color and illumination shall
not produce distraction to motorists or nearby residents”
Initiate the designation of the Cupertino section of Highway 280 as a Scenic Highway
If you can, please speak at the Council meeting on Tuesday, March 21, to oppose the
illuminated sign. The meeting starts at 6:45 p.m. This is item #7 on the agenda.
In-person at Cupertino Community Hall (10300 Torre Avenue and 10350 Torre Avenue),
or
Zoom (register here)
Thank you,
Shani Kleinhaus, PhD
Environmental Advocate
Santa Clara Valley Audubon Society
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Call to Action in Cupertino
Dear
Please attend Cupertino’s City Council meeting this coming Tuesday (March 21st). There will be an agenda item (#7) asking City Council to
reverse the decision that it made on February 7 that would allow for reconsideration of allowing a sign with four-and-a-half foot tall letters
along a 50 foot long orange wall. The sign is ugly – simply a large orange background with the company’s name – it is incompatible with the
aesthetic character of the neighborhood. The sign would be facing hwy 280 and would be a potential distraction at night.
It is not compatible with the Cupertino’s own ordinance on signs which require architectural harmony and minimization of distraction of
vehicle traffic. The sign is brightly illuminated, and it would shine into the homes of De Anza Forge Condominiums. The sign is for an
industrial region such as near the airport.
Please either email the council (citycouncil@cupertino.org) and/or attend the Council Meeting on the 21st at 5:30. Emails should refer to
Item #7 – Reconsideration of Public Storage Sign.
On February 21, 3 residents spoke out against the City Council’s decision to approve the huge, illuminated sign.
You can watch them on YouTube here.
Sincerely,
Gary Latshaw, Guadalupe Regional Group Chair
Sierra Club Loma Prieta Chapter
Santa Clara Valley Audubon Society22221 McClellan RdCupertino, California 95014US
Read the VerticalResponse marketing policy.
From: Sierra Club Loma Prieta Chapter <reply@emails.sierraclub.org>
Date: March 20, 2023 at 7:00:46 PM PDT
To: Subscriber
Subject: Your local opportunities to make an impact!
Reply-To: Sierra Club Loma Prieta Chapter
Sierra Club, Loma Prieta Chapter, Guadalupe Regional Group
Change.org
Say No to Huge Illuminated Sign Facing 280 on Cupertino Public Storage Building Agenda #7
Rhoda Fry started this petition to Cupertino City Council Cupertino City Council and 1 other
Stop Giant Illuminated Commercial Sign Facing Highway 280 (3/21 Agenda #7)
Have you noticed the new Public Storage building facing Highway 280 near De Anza? The building was supposed to resemble an office building
that would not be seen from the freeway. Now they want to install a huge illuminated sign with four-and-a-half foot tall letters along a 50-foot long
orange wall that will be distracting to motorists and nearby residents. The sign will beam into the homes of residents until 11PM nightly and
brighten our mostly-dark Highway 280.
* Please Do Not give money to change .org to promote this petition *
If City Council approves this sign, then any business facing the freeway or residents' homes might claim entitlement to having their own sign
which will forever impact the quality of life of Cupertino residents.
The Santa Clara Valley Audubon Society has also created a call to action: SCVAS Action Alert: Tell Cupertino to say no to lighted
sign http://hosted.verticalresponse.com/756507/a6fe1796c4/282972443/ae0cc1ebd3/
The City Council meeting is on March 21 at 6:45 PM in Community Hall next to the library at: 10800 Torre Ave, Cupertino, CA 95014
What You Can Do:
1. Go to the Meeting In Person and speak or attend online
Register for zoom here:
https://cityofcupertino.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_G-KTGVhYR_GYoe-yz0zkRg
2. Write to City Council
TO: citycouncil@cupertino.org; CityClerk@cupertino.org
SUBJECT: Agenda Item #7 No Public Storage Sign
Dear City Council,
On March 21, please vote no on the Public Storage freeway-facing sign. Our community begs you to reconsider your February vote to allow
Public Storage to have a new huge sign with 4-and-a-half-foot tall illuminated letters that face the freeway. Unfortunately, the staff report lacked
the facts you needed to make an informed decision such as the Cupertino Municipal code 19.104.220 C. and G. that dictates that "The sign shall
also be compatible with the aesthetic character of the surrounding developments and neighborhood" and "The sign's color and illumination shall
not produce distraction to motorists or nearby residents." You were neither shown that the sign would face condominiums nor that the building
already had its one allowable freeway-oriented sign. Moreover, this building was approved on the basis of it not being visible from the freeway.
Public Storage needs to have a sign program that meets the needs of your constituents. You can get an idea as to how bad the sign is by driving
by the over-illuminated building at night; this needs to be fixed because it is a distraction to motorists and residents. Vote no on the new sign.
Sincerely,
It is best to write a letter on how you would be affected by the sign and its illumination on the freeway.
* Please Do Not give money to change .org to promote this petition *
This petition will have a very short lifespan and it is not worthwhile to promote it with your money. Ask your community to sign on, write your own
personal letter, and show up at City Council on March 21 at 6:45 PM (next to the Cupertino Library).
San Jose Mercury News Letters to the Editor
Tell Cupertino to say no to lighted sign
The Public Storage facility on Highway 280 near De Anza Boulevard was supposed to emulate an office building (it does not) and not be visible from the
highway (it is). Now, they want a huge illuminated sign with four.5-foot-tall letters along a 50-foot orange wall that will distract motorists and residents.
Residents already suffer from the building’s brightly illuminated fake façade that resembles hallways with orange doors.
On March 21, the City Council will reconsider its February 4-to-1 decision that allowed the sign. The Planning Commission previously rejected it because it
didn’t meet city code: “… sign’s color and illumination shall not produce distraction to motorists or nearby residents.” If approved, other businesses might
claim entitlement to signs facing residents’ homes or our mostly-dark highway.
Write the City Council (citycouncil@cupertino.org) and say no to the sign and excessive lighting on the Public Storage building.
Rhoda Fry
Cupertino council should reverse OK for billboard
As a recent college graduate who grew up in the Cupertino area, I am writing to speak out against the addition of a massive illuminated sign directly facing
Highway 280.
Besides being a waste of energy, this sign would be a significant source of light pollution, which could have negative effects on motorists, residents and
raptors who nest nearby. Furthermore, approval of this sign by the City Council will set a precedent for the potential proliferation of illuminated signs along
Highway 280, endangering the designation of this section as a “Scenic Highway.”
On Tuesday, March 21, the Cupertino City Council will reconsider its approval of this ugly sign. I firmly believe that the safety and comfort of Cupertino’s
residents and wildlife are worth fighting for, and would urge residents to contact the City Council via email or attend the meeting on March 21 to speak up
about this issue.
KC Hetterly, Palo Alto
From:betsy3ross@comcast.net
To:City Council; City Clerk; Cupertino City Manager"s Office
Cc:Nikki Musso; Stephanie Opsasnick; Deborah Torres; ninadaruwalla@gmail.com
Subject:Public Storage Sign by 280
Date:Tuesday, March 21, 2023 12:09:53 PM
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As one of 96 residents in our condominium community I think I can speak for most of
us in asking that you deny approval of a large, bright sign on the Public Storage
building across from us on the 280 freeway.
My concern is not only the light shining into our windows but also the distraction for
drivers on the freeway. And I'm concerned that it will set a president and we'll end up
with gaudy bright sign up and down the freeway.
Thank you for your consideration.
Betsy Ross
Board Member/Resident
20719 Celeste Circle
Cupertino, CA 95014
From:Connie Cunningham
To:City Clerk; City Council
Cc:Pamela Wu
Subject:23-3-21 CC Agenda Item 7: Sign: Consider petition for reconsideration
Date:Tuesday, March 21, 2023 2:06:57 PM
Attachments:page1image28459792.png
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23-3-21 Agenda Item 7: Sign: Consider petition for reconsideration
Good evening, Mayor, Vice-Mayor and Councilmembers:
I am Connie Cunningham, resident, Audubon Member and Housing Commissioner, speaking for
myself only.
If it is possible, I would urge the City to approve this Reconsideration. The illuminated signs
are a health and safety hazard. If that is not possible, I would ask that the Council ensure
that this does not happen again.
I respect the right of businesses to make a good living, however, businesses have
responsibilities to the communities they serve. It may be hard to balance those two needs,
but health and safety risks are the most important considerations. City policies establish
guidance to help businesses and residents make decisions. A strong safety net is an
imperative for government to provide for less fortunate and vulnerable residents in our city.
Consider the current Housing Element process. Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing is a
new law in that process. Those whom we strive to provide with affordable housing will be
most harmed by light pollution and other climate change impacts.
<!--[if !supportLists]-->I. <!--[endif]-->First, I urge Public Storage management to
consider limiting the hours that they leave lights on to be in keeping with the
intent of city ordinances. If business hours end at 9:00 pm, please turn off
lights at that time. Please listen to the people who are affected by your work.
We want your storage units. We want you to make a good living . We, also, want
you to respect the needs of the residents and drivers in and through our
community.- your community, too.
<!--[if !supportLists]-->II. <!--[endif]-->Secondly, I urge City Council to direct Staff
<!--[if !supportLists]-->1) <!--[endif]-->To revise the Sign Ordinance (CHAPTER
19.104: SIGNS) to strengthen the requirement for reducing light pollution and
light trespass. This would prevent harm to residents and drivers.
<!--[if !supportLists]-->2) <!--[endif]-->The applicant stated that there was precedent
for using lighted signs. Wording in our ordinance must clearly state that the fact
another firm has a lighted sign does not give added weight to the new request.
I have spoken before about declining biodiversity at City Council. This is just one of many
decisions that will impact the health of our residents and biodiversity.
One indicator of the damage caused by light pollution is that birds are dying by the billions
because of light pollution. Scientists have warned us that their deaths are a harbinger of
the deadly impact of light pollution on the human body. Just like the canary in the coal mine,
these birds’ untimely deaths can serve to help us save human lives by limiting light pollution.
In Closing:
As a City, it is imperative we change with new knowledge. Light pollution not only harms
plants, trees, insects, bees, birds and wildlife. Light pollution also impacts humans (that
means all of us here, and those at home watching). Research has shown links with Eye
Injury, Sleeplessness, Obesity, Depression, and Breast Cancer. Companies, government and
residents must learn and grow together.*
Thank you for this time to speak.
*a. Light pollution: The dangers of bright nights, January 14, 2021
https://www.dw.com/en/light-pollution-the-dangers-of-bright-skies-at-
night/a-56209536
Excerpt: “Science shows links between artificial light and eye injury,
sleeplessness, obesity and in some cases, even depression. A US study on
shift workers from 2007 even makes a connection with breast cancer. It is all
related to melatonin, a hormone that is released when it gets dark.”
*b. BBC Future: The argument for switching off lights at night July 19, 2021
https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20210719-why-light-pollution-is-
harming-our-wildlife
Excerpt: “That includes us. Humans may create light pollution, but we don't escape its harmful
effects. Artificial light affects our melatonin levels, altering our natural circadian rhythm and
putting sleep patterns out of whack. Exposure to artificial light at night has also been linked to
diabetes, mood disorders and an increased risk of breast, prostate, and other cancers.
"There are also huge intangible costs," said Paul Bogard, author of The End of Night: Searching
for Natural Darkness in an Age of Artificial Light. "What do we lose when we can't walk out and
come face to face with the universe?"”
Below is a photo of Cedar Waxwings—they migrate at night through Cupertino every
winter. During the day you will see them in flocks of a dozen or twenty or more!
In the photo below on the left are two Cedar Waxwings who have died during migration.
The photo, also includes three American Robins who died while migrating through Cupertino.
From:harlan chiu
To:City Clerk; City Council
Subject:March 21 Agenda #7 No Huge Public Storage Sign Facing Freeway
Date:Tuesday, March 21, 2023 3:44:30 PM
Attachments:image002.png
image001.png
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Dear Cupertino Council members - Hung Wei, Sheila Mohan, Liang Chao, J.R. Fruen, Kitty Moore
I have resided in my current home for the last 15 years at De Anza Forge. The Public Storagebuilding height and excessive bright lighting intrudes thru my patio window and into my living
room. I share with you a daytime picture of the Public Storage structure with its bright orange color
doors and purple trims with great visibility from my living room window: 1) a daytime picture and 2)
a night-time picture with the bright glaring lights. What was once a peaceful and harmonious view of
the mountains is now a towering gray cement structure with bright contrasting color trims in
discordance with the rest of the surroundings of my neighborhood environment.
Please do not allow a gigantic sign with its bright glaring lights to be erected in direct line of sight to
all of us De Anza forge residents. The current building and bright color scheme already invade the
view from the complex entrance as we drive in from our long day at work and especially when we
take our daily walks around the complex neighborhood to decompress ourselves. The towering
Public Storage erected has already taken over the tranquility of our residence skyscape and by
approving this Signage with Glaring Lights will make it worse.
Thank you,
Harlan Chiu
Cupertino, De Anza Forge resident of 15 years