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CC 03-04-2025 Oral CommunicationsCC 03-04-2025 Oral Communications Written Comments From:Liang Chao To:City Clerk; Ying Dillaha Subject:Fw: Urgent Request for Comprehensive EIR and Immediate Action on Fire Risks for Evulich Ct Date:Tuesday, March 4, 2025 3:02:29 PM Attachments:image232653.png Dear Resident, Thank you for reaching out with your comments. Due to a change in the implementation of how written communication is collected for the upcoming council meeting, your email will not be included in the official record unless a councilmember forwards it to the City Clerk. Dear City Clerk, Please enter the enclosed communication as written communication for the upcoming council meeting from a councilmember, per CMC 2.08.100. I am submitting this comment at the request of my constituents to ensure that community voices are included in written communications of council meetings as requested, rather than at the discretion of councilmembers, which might inadvertently leave out some minority voices. Thank you for your attention to this matter. Regards, Liang ~ Cupertino City Council (elected in 2018, re-elected in 2022) Liang Chao​​​​ Mayor City Council LChao@cupertino.gov 408-777-3192 From: Ying Dillaha <ydillaha@yahoo.com> Sent: Tuesday, March 4, 2025 2:59 PM To: City Council <citycouncil@cupertino.gov>; City Clerk <cityclerk@cupertino.gov>; Pamela Wu <pamelaw@cupertino.gov>; Luke Connolly <lukec@cupertino.gov>; Piu Ghosh (she/her) <piug@cupertino.gov>; Emi Sugiyama <emis@cupertino.gov>; City of Cupertino Planning Commission <planningcommission@cupertino.gov> Subject: Urgent Request for Comprehensive EIR and Immediate Action on Fire Risks for Evulich Ct CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear City Council Members and Planning Commission: Please include in written communications for the next city council meeting on March 4, 2025. We previously requested a full Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the Evulich Ct project, a development of 51 dense units in a small single family home neighborhood due to significant concerns about fire, traffic, safety, and infrastructure. The State Fire Marshal’s recent (Feb 2025) designation of the area surrounding Evulich Ct, particularly around Linda Vista Dr, as a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone validates our point of view and makes performing proper due diligence and mitigation instead of performative action and strict adherence to housing element goals even more imperative. It is important to emphasize that this “Very High Risk” fire designation does not apply to the majority of Cupertino, which makes the risks for this neighborhood especially alarming. The City must ensure that developments in such very high risk zones are met with equally high standards of safety and due diligence. While we recognize the City's obligations to comply with state housing laws, including SB 330 and housing element requirements, compliance alone cannot justify moving forward with the Evulich Ct project without a comprehensive EIR and fire safety review. The heightened fire risks and other safety concerns specific to this site demand a far more rigorous review. Simply meeting baseline requirements without thoroughly addressing these unique dangers would fail to protect current residents. The City must prioritize public safety and financial security for existing homeowners. Moving forward responsibly means pausing approvals until all risks are transparently and comprehensively assessed. Additionally, the Evulich Ct site has already been the subject of inadequate notifications. This remains a liveissue that over 700 nearby residents are well aware of and remain deeply concerned about. In fact, a working session by the Council on March 3, 2025 addressed on its agenda this very issue of inadequate notifications to nearby residents. It is imperative that the city council does not compound the problem by missing this urgent opportunity to understand and mitigate fire risk to our community. The proposed density of 51 units would significantly increase traffic on narrow roads such as McClellan, Bubb, and Hyannisport, Columbus, Santa Teresa, Wilkinson, Terrace and beyond, which are already strained by existing traffic. This is particularly concerning given the proximity of three schools in the area, which exacerbates traffic challenges and complicates emergency evacuations. The increased density would not only heighten the risk of traffic bottlenecks during an emergency but also severely impact emergency response times. In a very high fire risk zone, where every second counts, overlooking these factors would be a serious mistake. A comprehensive EIR is essential to fully assess these risks and ensure that the project does not compromise the safety of residents. Given the State Fire Marshal's designation we also urge the City not to grant density bonus waivers for height and setbacks at EvulichCt. Allowing these waivers would increase fire risks and complicate emergency access and evacuation. Prioritizing fire safety in very high-risk zones is essential. There are also significant financial risks that must be considered. The recent fire hazard designation raises serious concerns about home insurance availability and cost. Insurers are increasingly withdrawing from high-risk areas or dramatically raising premiums, which could leave many residents either uninsured or facing skyrocketing costs. This is not a hypothetical risk but a very real and pressing concern for homeowners in this area. The EIR must thoroughly assess these risks to prevent residents from being left in a financially untenable position, potentially making their homes unsellable. These risks make the Evulich Ct project fundamentally incompatible with the safety and financial security of current residents. Moving forward with this project would expose residents to severe financial burdens that cannot be adequately mitigated, further underscoring the need to halt approvals until a comprehensive EIR fully addresses these threats. Given these significant risks and unresolved issues, we urge the City Council to suspend further approvals for the Evulich Ct project until a full EIR is completed and all fire risk assessments are thoroughly addressed. It is also crucial to reassess the feasibility of accommodating 51 units on the site, considering the heightened fire hazard, evacuation challenges, and infrastructure limitations. Approving this project without addressing these risks would not only endanger residents but could also lead to severe financial consequences for our community. The safety and well-being of Cupertino residents must come first. We look forward to your response and to seeing decisive actions that prioritize our community's safety. Sincerely, Ying Sosic Cupertino resident From:Liang Chao To:City Clerk; Santosh Rao Subject:Fw: Please undo the new fee imposed on residents for credit card payments. Date:Tuesday, March 4, 2025 2:56:48 PM Attachments:image101297.png Dear Resident, Thank you for reaching out with your comments. Due to a change in the implementation of how written communication is collected for the upcoming council meeting, your email will not be included in the official record unless a councilmember forwards it to the City Clerk. Dear City Clerk, Please enter the enclosed communication as written communication for the upcoming council meeting from a councilmember, per CMC 2.08.100. I am submitting this comment at the request of my constituents to ensure that community voices are included in written communications of council meetings as requested, rather than at the discretion of councilmembers, which might inadvertently leave out some minority voices. Thank you for your attention to this matter. Regards, Liang ~ Cupertino City Council (elected in 2018, re-elected in 2022) Liang Chao​​​​ Mayor City Council LChao@cupertino.gov 408-777-3192 From: Santosh Rao <santo_a_rao@yahoo.com> Sent: Tuesday, March 4, 2025 9:03 AM To: City Council <citycouncil@cupertino.org>; City Clerk <cityclerk@cupertino.org>; Pamela Wu <pamelaw@cupertino.org>; Kristina Alfaro <kristinaa@cupertino.org>; Rachelle Sander <rachelles@cupertino.org>; Chad Mosley <chadm@cupertino.gov>; Benjamin Fu <benjaminf@cupertino.gov> Subject: Please undo the new fee imposed on residents for credit card payments. CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear City Clerk, Please include the below in written communications for the upcoming city council meeting. Thank you. [Writing on behalf of myself only, as a Cupertino resident, voter, and taxpayer.] Subject: Urgent Request to Reverse Credit Card Transaction Fee on Residents Dear Mayor Chao and Cupertino City Council Members, This week, signs have been posted at city facilities announcing a new credit card transaction fee that will take effect in April 2025. The notice does not specify the fee amount, but its a stark reminder of the past two years of an anti-resident council majority. I urge the current pro-resident council majority to take immediate action to reverse this credit card transaction fee and act swiftly so that Cupertino residents are not burdened with this symbolic fee that serves as the signature of two years of an anti-resident council majority. While this credit card transaction fee may appear minor in isolation, it is emblematic of the broader pattern of anti-resident policies implemented under the previous two mayors and vice- mayors in 2023 and 2024. Over the past two years, we have seen residents subjected to a series of fee increases while developers were granted financial breaks—most notably, a $77 million fee waiver for a single project and protracted discussions about eliminating crane lift fees for projects. These actions prioritized external interests over Cupertino residents, and it is imperative that the new council demonstrates a decisive break from these past anti- resident practices. I respectfully request that you place this issue on the earliest possible City Council agenda and take swift action to overturn this fee. Doing so would send a clear message to Cupertino residents that their voices are now being heard and that the new pro-resident council majority is committed to putting residents interests first. The residents who voted for change in November 2024 expect the new council majority to consistently act in the best interests of residents. Undoing this transaction fee is a small but meaningful step toward rebuilding trust and ensuring that the city's policies reflect a pro- resident approach. I appreciate your prompt attention to this matter and look forward to your leadership in reversing this fee increase. Sincerely, San Rao (Cupertino resident) From:Liang Chao To:City Clerk; Deepa Mahendraker Subject:Fw: New fee hikes Date:Tuesday, March 4, 2025 2:55:13 PM Attachments:image557517.png Dear Resident, Thank you for reaching out with your comments. Due to a change in the implementation of how written communication is collected for the upcoming council meeting, your email will not be included in the official record unless a councilmember forwards it to the City Clerk. Dear City Clerk, Please enter the enclosed communication as written communication for the upcoming council meeting from a councilmember, per CMC 2.08.100. I am submitting this comment at the request of my constituents to ensure that community voices are included in written communications of council meetings as requested, rather than at the discretion of councilmembers, which might inadvertently leave out some minority voices. Thank you for your attention to this matter. Regards, Liang ~ Cupertino City Council (elected in 2018, re-elected in 2022) Liang Chao​​​​ Mayor City Council LChao@cupertino.gov 408-777-3192 From: Deepa Mahendraker <deepam@yahoo.com> Sent: Tuesday, March 4, 2025 9:19 AM To: City Council <citycouncil@cupertino.gov>; Pamela Wu <PamelaW@cupertino.gov>; City Clerk <cityclerk@cupertino.gov>; Chad Mosley <ChadM@cupertino.gov>; David Stillman <DavidS@cupertino.gov>; Rachelle Sander <RachelleS@cupertino.org>; Kristina Alfaro <kristinaa@cupertino.org>; Benjamin Fu <BenjaminF@cupertino.gov> Subject: New fee hikes CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear City Clerk, Kindly include the below in written communications for the 03/04/24 city council meeting. Dear Mayor Chao and City Council, This week, I heard signs went up at city facilities announcing a new credit card transaction fee starting in April 2025. It didn’t mention the amount, but I strongly urge you to stop this fee immediately. While the fee might seem small, it reminds us of the last two years when residents were hit with various fees, while developers got huge breaks, like the $77 million fee waiver. This is not what residents want. Please make this a priority at the next council meeting and reverse this fee. It’s time for the new council to show that residents come first, unlike what we saw under the previous leadership. Residents who voted for change are expecting quick, meaningful actions like this. We need a council that acts in our best interest. Thank you for your attention to this. Sincerely, Deepa Sent from my iPhone From:Liang Chao To:City Clerk; Jayshri Yadwadkar Subject:Fw: New fee hikes to residents Date:Tuesday, March 4, 2025 2:53:56 PM Attachments:image932246.png Dear Resident, Thank you for reaching out with your comments. Due to a change in the implementation of how written communication is collected for the upcoming council meeting, your email will not be included in the official record unless a councilmember forwards it to the City Clerk. Dear City Clerk, Please enter the enclosed communication as written communication for the upcoming council meeting from a councilmember, per CMC 2.08.100. I am submitting this comment at the request of my constituents to ensure that community voices are included in written communications of council meetings as requested, rather than at the discretion of councilmembers, which might inadvertently leave out some minority voices. Thank you for your attention to this matter. Regards, Liang ~ Cupertino City Council (elected in 2018, re-elected in 2022) Liang Chao​​​​ Mayor City Council LChao@cupertino.gov 408-777-3192 From: Jayshri Yadwadkar <jayshri_sharma@yahoo.com> Sent: Tuesday, March 4, 2025 9:24 AM To: City Council <citycouncil@cupertino.gov>; Pamela Wu <PamelaW@cupertino.gov>; City Clerk <cityclerk@cupertino.gov>; Chad Mosley <ChadM@cupertino.gov>; David Stillman <DavidS@cupertino.gov>; Rachelle Sander <RachelleS@cupertino.org>; Kristina Alfaro <kristinaa@cupertino.org>; Benjamin Fu <BenjaminF@cupertino.gov> Subject: New fee hikes to residents CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear City Clerk, Kindly include the below in written communications for the 03/04/24 city council meeting. Dear Mayor Chao and City Council, This week, I heard signs went up at city facilities announcing a new credit card transaction fee starting in April 2025. It didn’t mention the amount, but I strongly urge you to stop this fee immediately. While the fee might seem small, it reminds us of the last two years when residents were hit with various fees, while developers got huge breaks, like the $77 million fee waiver. This is not what residents want. Please make this a priority at the next council meeting and reverse this fee. It’s time for the new council to show that residents come first, unlike what we saw under the previous leadership. Residents who voted for change are expecting quick, meaningful actions like this. We need a council that acts in our best interest. Thank you for your attention to this. Sincerely, Jayshri Yadwadkar == From:Liang Chao To:City Clerk; AR. Yazdi Subject:Fw: Urgent Request for Comprehensive EIR and Immediate Action on Fire Risks for Evulich Ct Date:Tuesday, March 4, 2025 2:52:59 PM Attachments:image785331.png Dear Resident, Thank you for reaching out with your comments. Due to a change in the implementation of how written communication is collected for the upcoming council meeting, your email will not be included in the official record unless a councilmember forwards it to the City Clerk. Dear City Clerk, Please enter the enclosed communication as written communication for the upcoming council meeting from a councilmember, per CMC 2.08.100. I am submitting this comment at the request of my constituents to ensure that community voices are included in written communications of council meetings as requested, rather than at the discretion of councilmembers, which might inadvertently leave out some minority voices. Thank you for your attention to this matter. Regards, Liang ~ Cupertino City Council (elected in 2018, re-elected in 2022) Liang Chao​​​​ Mayor City Council LChao@cupertino.gov 408-777-3192 From: AR. Yazdi <aryazdi@yahoo.com> Sent: Tuesday, March 4, 2025 11:04 AM To: City Council <citycouncil@cupertino.gov>; City Clerk <cityclerk@cupertino.gov>; Pamela Wu <pamelaw@cupertino.gov>; Piu Ghosh (she/her) <piug@cupertino.gov>; Emi Sugiyama <emis@cupertino.gov>; City of Cupertino Planning Commission <planningcommission@cupertino.gov> Subject: Urgent Request for Comprehensive EIR and Immediate Action on Fire Risks for Evulich Ct CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Subject: Urgent Request for Comprehensive EIR and Immediate Action on Fire Risks for Evulich Ct Dear City Council Members and Planning Commission: Please include in written communications for the next city council meeting on March 4, 2025. We previously requested a full Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the Evulich Ct project, a development of 51 dense units in a small single family home neighborhood due to significant concerns about fire, traffic, safety, and infrastructure. The State Fire Marshal’s recent (Feb 2025) designation of the area surrounding Evulich Ct, particularly around Linda Vista Dr, as a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone validates our point of view and makes performing proper due diligence and mitigation instead of performative action and strict adherence to housing element goals even more imperative. It is important to emphasize that this “Very High Risk” fire designation does not apply to the majority of Cupertino, which makes the risks for this neighborhood especially alarming. The City must ensure that developments in such very high risk zones are met with equally high standards of safety and due diligence. While we recognize the City's obligations to comply with state housing laws, including SB 330 and housing element requirements, compliance alone cannot justify moving forward with the Evulich Ct project without a comprehensive EIR and fire safety review. The heightened fire risks and other safety concerns specific to this site demand a far more rigorous review. Simply meeting baseline requirements without thoroughly addressing these unique dangers would fail to protect current residents. The City must prioritize public safety and financial security for existing homeowners. Moving forward responsibly means pausing approvals until all risks are transparently and comprehensively assessed. Additionally, the Evulich Ct site has already been the subject of inadequate notifications. This remains a live issue that over 700 nearby residents are well aware of and remain deeply concerned about. In fact, a working session by the Council on March 3, 2025 addressed on its agenda this very issue of inadequate notifications to nearby residents. It is imperative that the city council does not compound the problem by missing this urgent opportunity to understand and mitigate fire risk to our community. The proposed density of 51 units would significantly increase traffic on narrow roads such as McClellan, Bubb, and Hyannisport, Columbus, Santa Teresa, Wilkinson, Terrace and beyond, which are already strained by existing traffic. This is particularly concerning given the proximity of three schools in the area, which exacerbates traffic challenges and complicates emergency evacuations. The increased density would not only heighten the risk of traffic bottlenecks during an emergency but also severely impact emergency response times. In a very high fire risk zone, where every second counts, overlooking these factors would be a serious mistake. A comprehensive EIR is essential to fully assess these risks and ensure that the project does not compromise the safety of residents. Given the State Fire Marshal's designation we also urge the City not to grant density bonus waivers for height and setbacks at Evulich Ct. Allowing these waivers would increase fire risks and complicate emergency access and evacuation. Prioritizing fire safety in very high-risk zones is essential. There are also significant financial risks that must be considered. The recent fire hazard designation raises serious concerns about home insurance availability and cost. Insurers are increasingly withdrawing from high-risk areas or dramatically raising premiums, which could leave many residents either uninsured or facing skyrocketing costs. This is not a hypothetical risk but a very real and pressing concern for homeowners in this area. The EIR must thoroughly assess these risks to prevent residents from being left in a financially untenable position, potentially making their homes unsellable. These risks make the Evulich Ct project fundamentally incompatible with the safety and financial security of current residents. Moving forward with this project would expose residents to severe financial burdens that cannot be adequately mitigated, further underscoring the need to halt approvals until a comprehensive EIR fully addresses these threats. Given these significant risks and unresolved issues, we urge the City Council to suspend further approvals for the Evulich Ct project until a full EIR is completed and all fire risk assessments are thoroughly addressed. It is also crucial to reassess the feasibility of accommodating 51 units on the site, considering the heightened fire hazard, evacuation challenges, and infrastructure limitations. Approving this project without addressing these risks would not only endanger residents but could also lead to severe financial consequences for our community. The safety and well-being of Cupertino residents must come first. We look forward to your response and to seeing decisive actions that prioritize our community's safety. Sincerely, Ahmad R. Yazdi From:Liang Chao To:City Clerk; V Lentfer Subject:Fw: Subject: Urgent Request for Comprehensive EIR and Immediate Action on Fire Risks for Evulich Ct Date:Tuesday, March 4, 2025 2:52:16 PM Attachments:image522549.png Dear Resident, Thank you for reaching out with your comments. Due to a change in the implementation of how written communication is collected for the upcoming council meeting, your email will not be included in the official record unless a councilmember forwards it to the City Clerk. Dear City Clerk, Please enter the enclosed communication as written communication for the upcoming council meeting from a councilmember, per CMC 2.08.100. I am submitting this comment at the request of my constituents to ensure that community voices are included in written communications of council meetings as requested, rather than at the discretion of councilmembers, which might inadvertently leave out some minority voices. Thank you for your attention to this matter. Regards, Liang ~ Cupertino City Council (elected in 2018, re-elected in 2022) Liang Chao​​​​ Mayor City Council LChao@cupertino.gov 408-777-3192 From: V Lentfer <vlentfer@gmail.com> Sent: Tuesday, March 4, 2025 12:24 PM To: City Council <citycouncil@cupertino.gov>; City Clerk <cityclerk@cupertino.gov>; Pamela Wu <pamelaw@cupertino.gov>; Luke Connolly <lukec@cupertino.gov>; Piu Ghosh (she/her) <piug@cupertino.gov>; Emi Sugiyama <emis@cupertino.gov>; City of Cupertino Planning Commission <planningcommission@cupertino.gov>; Liang Chao <lchao@cupertino.gov> Cc: Jim Lentfer <jim.lentfer@gmail.com> Subject: Subject: Urgent Request for Comprehensive EIR and Immediate Action on Fire Risks for Evulich Ct CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear Mayor Liang Chao, City Council Members and Planning Commission: Please include in written communications for the next city council meeting on March 4, 2025. We previously requested a full Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the Evulich Ct project, a development of 51 dense units in a small single family home neighborhood due to significant concerns about fire, traffic, safety, and infrastructure. The State Fire Marshal’s recent (Feb 2025) designation of the area surrounding Evulich Ct, particularly around Linda Vista Dr, as a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone validates our point of view and makes performing proper due diligence and mitigation instead of performative action and strict adherence to housing element goals even more imperative. Here is a Mercury News article about this: https://www.mercurynews.com/2025/02/24/new-bay-area-fire-hazard-maps-is-your-city- among-those-seeing-striking-increases/ It is important to emphasize that this “Very High Risk” fire designation does not apply to the majority of Cupertino, which makes the risks for this neighborhood especially alarming. The City must ensure that developments in such very high risk zones are met with equally high standards of safety and due diligence. While we recognize the City's obligations to comply with state housing laws, including SB 330 and housing element requirements, compliance alone cannot justify moving forward with the Evulich Ct project without a comprehensive EIR and fire safety review. The heightened fire risks and other safety concerns specific to this site demand a far more rigorous review. Simply meeting baseline requirements without thoroughly addressing these unique dangers would fail to protect current residents. The City must prioritize public safety and financial security for existing homeowners. Moving forward responsibly means pausing approvals until all risks are transparently and comprehensively assessed. Additionally, the Evulich Ct site has already been the subject of inadequate notifications. This remains a live issue that over 700 nearby residents are well aware of and remain deeply concerned about. In fact, a working session by the Council on March 3, 2025 addressed on its agenda this very issue of inadequate notifications to nearby residents. It is imperative that the city council does not compound the problem by missing this urgent opportunity to understand and mitigate fire risk to our community. The proposed density of 51 units would significantly increase traffic on narrow roads such as McClellan, Bubb, and Hyannisport, Columbus, Santa Teresa, Wilkinson, Terrace and beyond, which are already strained by existing traffic. This is particularly concerning given the proximity of three schools in the area, which exacerbates traffic challenges and complicates emergency evacuations. The increased density would not only heighten the risk of traffic bottlenecks during an emergency but also severely impact emergency response times. In a very high fire risk zone, where every second counts, overlooking these factors would be a serious mistake. A comprehensive EIR is essential to fully assess these risks and ensure that the project does not compromise the safety of residents. Given the State Fire Marshal's designation, we also urge the City not to grant density bonus waivers for height and setbacks at Evulich Ct. Allowing these waivers would increase fire risks and complicate emergency access and evacuation. Prioritizing fire safety in very high-risk zones is essential. There are also significant financial risks that must be considered. The recent fire hazard designation raises serious concerns about home insurance availability and cost. Insurers are increasingly withdrawing from high-risk areas or dramatically raising premiums, which could leave many residents either uninsured or facing skyrocketing costs. This is not a hypothetical risk but a very real and pressing concern for homeowners in this area. The EIR must thoroughly assess these risks to prevent residents from being left in a financially untenable position, potentially making their homes unsellable. These risks make the Evulich Ct project fundamentally incompatible with the safety and financial security of current residents. Moving forward with this project would expose residents to severe financial burdens that cannot be adequately mitigated, further underscoring the need to halt approvals until a comprehensive EIR fully addresses these threats. Given these significant risks and unresolved issues, we urge the City Council to suspend further approvals for the Evulich Ct project until a full EIR is completed and all fire risk assessments are thoroughly addressed. It is also crucial to reassess the feasibility of accommodating 51 units on the site, considering the heightened fire hazard, evacuation challenges, and infrastructure limitations. Approving this project without addressing these risks would not only endanger residents but could also lead to severe financial consequences for our community. The safety and well- being of Cupertino residents must come first. We look forward to your response and to seeing decisive actions that prioritize our community's safety. Sincerely, Veronica Lentfer, Cupertino resident From:Liang Chao To:City Clerk; Subhash Gopinath Subject:Fw: Credit card fees Date:Tuesday, March 4, 2025 2:51:35 PM Attachments:image377628.png Dear Resident, Thank you for reaching out with your comments. Due to a change in the implementation of how written communication is collected for the upcoming council meeting, your email will not be included in the official record unless a councilmember forwards it to the City Clerk. Dear City Clerk, Please enter the enclosed communication as written communication for the upcoming council meeting from a councilmember, per CMC 2.08.100. I am submitting this comment at the request of my constituents to ensure that community voices are included in written communications of council meetings as requested, rather than at the discretion of councilmembers, which might inadvertently leave out some minority voices. Thank you for your attention to this matter. Regards, Liang ~ Cupertino City Council (elected in 2018, re-elected in 2022) Liang Chao​​​​ Mayor City Council LChao@cupertino.gov 408-777-3192 From: Subhash Gopinath <subhashg@gmail.com> Sent: Tuesday, March 4, 2025 12:56 PM To: City Council <citycouncil@cupertino.gov>; Pamela Wu <PamelaW@cupertino.gov>; City Clerk <cityclerk@cupertino.gov>; Chad Mosley <ChadM@cupertino.gov>; Rachelle Sander <RachelleS@cupertino.org>; Kristina Alfaro <kristinaa@cupertino.org>; Benjamin Fu <BenjaminF@cupertino.gov> Subject: Credit card fees CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear Mayor Chao and City Council, This week, I heard signs went up at city facilities announcing a new credit card transaction fee starting in April 2025. It didn’t mention the amount, but I strongly urge you to stop this fee immediately. While the fee might seem small, it reminds us of the last two years when residents were hit with various fees, while developers got huge breaks, like the $77 million fee waiver. This is not what residents want. Please make this a priority at the next council meeting and reverse this fee. It’s time for the new council to show that residents come first, unlike what we saw under the previous leadership. Residents who voted for change are expecting quick, meaningful actions like this. We need a council that acts in our best interest. Thank you for your attention to this. Sincerely, Subhash From:Liang Chao To:City Clerk; Helena Cohen Subject:Fw: Urgent Request for Comprehensive EIR and Immediate Action on Fire Risks for Evulich Ct Date:Tuesday, March 4, 2025 2:50:51 PM Attachments:image806494.png Dear Resident, Thank you for reaching out with your comments. Due to a change in the implementation of how written communication is collected for the upcoming council meeting, your email will not be included in the official record unless a councilmember forwards it to the City Clerk. Dear City Clerk, Please enter the enclosed communication as written communication for the upcoming council meeting from a councilmember, per CMC 2.08.100. I am submitting this comment at the request of my constituents to ensure that community voices are included in written communications of council meetings as requested, rather than at the discretion of councilmembers, which might inadvertently leave out some minority voices. Thank you for your attention to this matter. Regards, Liang ~ Cupertino City Council (elected in 2018, re-elected in 2022) Liang Chao​​​​ Mayor City Council LChao@cupertino.gov 408-777-3192 From: Helena Cohen <4helenacohen@gmail.com> Sent: Tuesday, March 4, 2025 1:10 PM Subject: Urgent Request for Comprehensive EIR and Immediate Action on Fire Risks for Evulich Ct CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear City Council Members and Planning Commission: Please include in written communications for the next city council meeting on March 4, 2025. We previously requested a full Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the Evulich Ct. project, a development of 51 dense units in a small single family home neighborhood due to significant concerns about fire, traffic, safety, and infrastructure. The State Fire Marshal’s recent (Feb 2025) designation of the area surrounding Evulich Ct., particularly around Linda Vista Dr, as a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone validates our point of view and makes performing proper due diligence and mitigation, instead of performative action and strict adherence to housing element goals even more imperative. It is important to emphasize that this “Very High Risk” fire designation does not apply to the majority of Cupertino, which makes the risks for this neighborhood especially alarming. The City must ensure that developments in such very high risk zones are met with equally high standards of safety and due diligence. While we recognize the City's obligations to comply with state housing laws, including SB 330 and housing element requirements, compliance alone cannot justify moving forward with the Evulich Ct. project without a comprehensive EIR and fire safety review. The heightened fire risks and other safety concerns specific to this site demand a far more rigorous review. Simply meeting baseline requirements without thoroughly addressing these unique dangers would fail to protect current residents. The City must prioritize public safety and financial security for existing homeowners. Moving forward responsibly means pausing approvals until all risks are transparently and comprehensively assessed. Additionally, the Evulich Ct site has already been the subject of inadequate notifications. This remains a live issue that over 700 nearby residents are well aware of and remain deeply concerned about. In fact, a working session by the Council on March 3, 2025 addressed on its agenda this very issue of inadequate notifications to nearby residents. It is imperative that the city council does not compound the problem by missing this urgent opportunity to understand and mitigate fire risk to our community. The proposed density of 51 units would significantly increase traffic on narrow roads such as McClellan, Bubb, and Hyannisport, Columbus, Santa Teresa, Wilkinson, Terrace and beyond, which are already strained by existing traffic. This is particularly concerning given the proximity of three schools in the area, which exacerbates traffic challenges and complicates emergency evacuations. The increased density would not only heighten the risk of traffic bottlenecks during an emergency but also severely impact emergency response times. In a very high fire risk zone, where every second counts, overlooking these factors would be a serious mistake. A comprehensive EIR is essential to fully assess these risks and ensure that the project does not compromise the safety of residents. Given the State Fire Marshal&#39;s designation we also urge the City not to grant density bonus waivers for height and setbacks at Evulich Ct. Allowing these waivers would increase fire risks and complicate emergency access and evacuation. Prioritizing fire safety in very high-risk zones is essential. There are also significant financial risks that must be considered. The recent fire hazard designation raises serious concerns about home insurance availability and cost. Insurers are increasingly withdrawing from high-risk areas or dramatically raising premiums, which could leave many residents either uninsured or facing skyrocketing costs. This is not a hypothetical risk but a very real and pressing concern for homeowners in this area. The EIR must thoroughly assess these risks to prevent residents from being left in a financially untenable position, potentially making their homes unsellable. These risks make the Evulich Ct project fundamentally incompatible with the safety and financial security of current residents. Moving forward with this project would expose residents to severe financial burdens that cannot be adequately mitigated, further underscoring the need to halt approvals until a comprehensive EIR fully addresses these threats. Given these significant risks and unresolved issues, we urge the City Council to suspend further approvals for the Evulich Ct project until a full EIR is completed and all fire risk assessments are thoroughly addressed. It is also crucial to reassess the feasibility of accommodating 51 units on the site, considering the heightened fire hazard, evacuation challenges, and infrastructure limitations. Approving this project without addressing these risks would not only endanger residents but could also lead to severe financial consequences for our community. The safety and well- being of Cupertino residents must come first. We look forward to your response and to seeing decisive actions that prioritize our community's safety. Sincerely, Helena Cohen 408.313.2899 From:Liang Chao To:City Clerk; Srividya Sundaresan Subject:Fw: Fees Date:Tuesday, March 4, 2025 2:49:58 PM Attachments:image061760.png Dear Resident, Thank you for reaching out with your comments. Due to a change in the implementation of how written communication is collected for the upcoming council meeting, your email will not be included in the official record unless a councilmember forwards it to the City Clerk. Dear City Clerk, Please enter the enclosed communication as written communication for the upcoming council meeting from a councilmember, per CMC 2.08.100. I am submitting this comment at the request of my constituents to ensure that community voices are included in written communications of council meetings as requested, rather than at the discretion of councilmembers, which might inadvertently leave out some minority voices. Thank you for your attention to this matter. Regards, Liang ~ Cupertino City Council (elected in 2018, re-elected in 2022) Liang Chao​​​​ Mayor City Council LChao@cupertino.gov 408-777-3192 From: Srividya Sundaresan <vidya.sun@gmail.com> Sent: Tuesday, March 4, 2025 2:17 PM To: City Council <citycouncil@cupertino.gov>; Pamela Wu <PamelaW@cupertino.gov>; City Clerk <cityclerk@cupertino.gov>; Chad Mosley <ChadM@cupertino.gov>; Rachelle Sander <RachelleS@cupertino.org>; Kristina Alfaro <kristinaa@cupertino.org>; Benjamin Fu <BenjaminF@cupertino.gov> Subject: Fees CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear City Clerk, Kindly include the below in written communications for the 03/04/24 city council meeting. Dear Mayor Chao and City Council, I am writing to you regarding the credit card transaction fee which is supposedly starting in April, but we had to already pay this last month when submitting for a remodeling permit. This is an unacceptable burden on residents on top of the recent hike in fees for permits. Why doesn't the city accept e-checks like the county does for taxes? This is especially galling because developers got huge breaks, like the $77 million fee waiver. Shortfalls in budget due to such breaks to developers should not be pushed on to the residents. Please make this a priority at the next council meeting and reverse this fee. It’s time for the new council to show that residents come first, unlike what we saw under the previous leadership. Residents who voted for change are expecting quick, meaningful actions like this. We need a council that acts in our best interest. Thank you for your attention to this. Sincerely, Srividya Sundaresan From:Liang Chao To:City Clerk; Ram Sripathi Subject:Fw: Reducing fees Date:Tuesday, March 4, 2025 2:48:50 PM Attachments:image041325.png Dear Resident, Thank you for reaching out with your comments. Due to a change in the implementation of how written communication is collected for the upcoming council meeting, your email will not be included in the official record unless a councilmember forwards it to the City Clerk. Dear City Clerk, Please enter the enclosed communication as written communication for the upcoming council meeting from a councilmember, per CMC 2.08.100. I am submitting this comment at the request of my constituents to ensure that community voices are included in written communications of council meetings as requested, rather than at the discretion of councilmembers, which might inadvertently leave out some minority voices. Thank you for your attention to this matter. Regards, Liang ~ Cupertino City Council (elected in 2018, re-elected in 2022) Liang Chao​​​​ Mayor City Council LChao@cupertino.gov 408-777-3192 From: Ram Sripathi <ramsripathi@me.com> Sent: Tuesday, March 4, 2025 2:42 PM To: City Council <citycouncil@cupertino.gov>; Pamela Wu <PamelaW@cupertino.gov>; City Clerk <cityclerk@cupertino.gov>; Chad Mosley <ChadM@cupertino.gov>; Rachelle Sander <RachelleS@cupertino.org>; Kristina Alfaro <kristinaa@cupertino.org>; Benjamin Fu <BenjaminF@cupertino.gov> Subject: Reducing fees CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear City Clerk, Kindly include the below in written communications for the 03/04/24 city council meeting. Dear Mayor Chao and City Council, This week, I heard signs went up at city facilities announcing a new credit card transaction fee starting in April 2025. It didn’t mention the amount, but I strongly urge you to stop this fee immediately. While the fee might seem small, it reminds us of the last two years when residents were hit with various fees, while developers got huge breaks, like the $77 million fee waiver. This is not what residents want. Please make this a priority at the next council meeting and reverse this fee. It’s time for the new council to show that residents come first, unlike what we saw under the previous leadership. Residents who voted for change are expecting quick, meaningful actions like this. We need a council that acts in our best interest. Thank you for your attention to this. Sincerely, Ram (long time Cupertino resident) From:Liang Chao To:Nick Williams; City Clerk Subject:Re: Request for Comprehensive EIR and Immediate Action on Fire Risks for Evulich Ct Date:Tuesday, March 4, 2025 2:47:35 PM Attachments:image263565.png image925058.png Forgot to include the City Clerk. Liang Chao​​​​ Mayor City Council LChao@cupertino.gov 408-777-3192 From: Liang Chao <LChao@cupertino.gov> Sent: Tuesday, March 4, 2025 2:45 PM To: Nick Williams <nick.r.williams45@gmail.com> Subject: Fw: Request for Comprehensive EIR and Immediate Action on Fire Risks for Evulich Ct Dear Resident, Thank you for reaching out with your comments. Due to a change in the implementation of how written communication is collected for the upcoming council meeting, your email will not be included in the official record unless a councilmember forwards it to the City Clerk. Dear City Clerk, Please enter the enclosed communication as written communication for the upcoming council meeting from a councilmember, per CMC 2.08.100. I am submitting this comment at the request of my constituents to ensure that community voices are included in written communications of council meetings as requested, rather than at the discretion of councilmembers, which might inadvertently leave out some minority voices. Thank you for your attention to this matter. Regards, Liang ~ Cupertino City Council (elected in 2018, re-elected in 2022) Liang Chao​​​​ Mayor City Council LChao@cupertino.gov 408-777-3192 From: Nick Williams <nick.r.williams45@gmail.com> Sent: Tuesday, March 4, 2025 2:08 PM To: Kitty Moore <kmoore@cupertino.gov>; Liang Chao <lchao@cupertino.gov>; R "Ray" Wang <rwang@cupertino.gov>; J.R. Fruen <jrfruen@cupertino.gov>; Sheila Mohan <smohan@cupertino.gov>; City of Cupertino Planning Commission <planningcommission@cupertino.gov>; Emi Sugiyama <emis@cupertino.gov>; Pamela Wu <pamelaw@cupertino.gov>; Piu Ghosh (she/her) <piug@cupertino.gov> Subject: Request for Comprehensive EIR and Immediate Action on Fire Risks for Evulich Ct Dear City Council Members, City Manager and Planning Commission: Please include in written communications for today's city council meeting on March 4, 2025. We previously requested a full Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the Evulich Ct project, a development of 51 dense units in a small single family home neighborhood due to significant concerns about fire, traffic, safety, and infrastructure. The State Fire Marshal’s recent (Feb 2025) designation of the area surrounding Evulich Ct, particularly around Linda Vista Dr, as a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone validates our point of view and makes performing proper due diligence and mitigation instead of performative action and strict adherence to housing element goals even more imperative. It is important to emphasize that this “Very High Risk” fire designation does not apply to the majority of Cupertino, which makes the risks for this neighborhood especially alarming. The City must ensure that developments in such very high risk zones are met with equally high standards of safety and due diligence. While we recognize the City's obligations to comply with state housing laws, including SB 330 and housing element requirements, compliance alone cannot justify moving forward with the Evulich Ct project without a comprehensive EIR and fire safety review. The heightened fire risks and other safety concerns specific to this site demand a far more rigorous review. Simply meeting baseline requirements without thoroughly addressing these unique dangers would fail to protect current residents. The City must prioritize public safety and financial security for existing homeowners. Moving forward responsibly means pausing approvals until all risks are transparently and comprehensively assessed. Additionally, the Evulich Ct site has already been the subject of inadequate notifications. This remains a live issue that over 700 nearby residents are well aware of and remain deeply concerned about. In fact, a working session by the Council on March 3, 2025 addressed on its agenda this very issue of inadequate notifications to nearby residents. It is imperative that the city council does not compound the problem by missing this urgent opportunity to understand and mitigate fire risk to our community. The proposed density of 51 units would significantly increase traffic on narrow roads such as McClellan, Bubb, and Hyannisport, Columbus, Santa Teresa, Wilkinson, Terrace and beyond, which are already strained by existing traffic. This is particularly concerning given the proximity of three schools in the area, which exacerbates traffic challenges and complicates emergency evacuations. The increased density would not only heighten the risk of traffic bottlenecks during an emergency but also severely impact emergency response times. In a very high fire risk zone, where every second counts, overlooking these factors would be a serious mistake. A comprehensive EIR is essential to fully assess these risks and ensure that the project does not compromise the safety of residents. Given the State Fire Marshal's designation we also urge the City not to grant density bonus waivers for height and setbacks at Evulich Ct. Allowing these waivers would increase fire risks and complicate emergency access and evacuation. Prioritizing fire safety in very high-risk zones is essential. There are also significant financial risks that must be considered. The recent fire hazard designation raises serious concerns about home insurance availability and cost. Insurers are increasingly withdrawing from high-risk areas or dramatically raising premiums, which could leave many residents either uninsured or facing skyrocketing costs. This is not a hypothetical risk but a very real and pressing concern for homeowners in this area. The EIR must thoroughly assess these risks to prevent residents from being left in a financially untenable position, potentially making their homes unsellable. These risks make the Evulich Ct project fundamentally incompatible with the safety and financial security of current residents. Moving forward with this project would expose residents to severe financial burdens that cannot be adequately mitigated, further underscoring the need to halt approvals until a comprehensive EIR fully addresses these threats. Given these significant risks and unresolved issues, we urge the City Council to suspend further approvals for the Evulich Ct project until a full EIR is completed and all fire risk assessments are thoroughly addressed. It is also crucial to reassess the feasibility of accommodating 51 units on the site, considering the heightened fire hazard, evacuation challenges, and infrastructure limitations. Approving this project without addressing these risks would not only endanger residents but could also lead to severe financial consequences for our community. The safety and well-being of Cupertino residents must come first. We look forward to your response and to seeing decisive actions that prioritize our community's safety. Thanks for your consideration From:Liang Chao To:City Clerk; David Yan Subject:Fw: Request for Comprehensive EIR and Immediate Action on Fire Risks for Evulich Ct Date:Tuesday, March 4, 2025 2:46:48 PM Attachments:image105374.png Dear Resident, Thank you for reaching out with your comments. Due to a change in the implementation of how written communication is collected for the upcoming council meeting, your email will not be included in the official record unless a councilmember forwards it to the City Clerk. Dear City Clerk, Please enter the enclosed communication as written communication for the upcoming council meeting from a councilmember, per CMC 2.08.100. I am submitting this comment at the request of my constituents to ensure that community voices are included in written communications of council meetings as requested, rather than at the discretion of councilmembers, which might inadvertently leave out some minority voices. Thank you for your attention to this matter. Regards, Liang ~ Cupertino City Council (elected in 2018, re-elected in 2022) Liang Chao​​​​ Mayor City Council LChao@cupertino.gov 408-777-3192 From: David Yan <davidcyan@outlook.com> Sent: Tuesday, March 4, 2025 1:24 PM To: City Council <citycouncil@cupertino.gov>; City Clerk <cityclerk@cupertino.gov>; Pamela Wu <pamelaw@cupertino.gov>; Luke Connolly <lukec@cupertino.gov>; Piu Ghosh (she/her) <piug@cupertino.gov>; Emi Sugiyama <emis@cupertino.gov>; City of Cupertino Planning Commission <planningcommission@cupertino.gov> Subject: Request for Comprehensive EIR and Immediate Action on Fire Risks for Evulich Ct CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear City Council Members and Planning Commission: Please include in written communications for today's city council meeting on March 4, 2025. We previously requested a full Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the Evulich Ct project, a development of 51 dense units in a small single family home neighborhood due to significant concerns about fire, traffic, safety, and infrastructure. The State Fire Marshal’s recent (Feb 2025) designation of the area surrounding Evulich Ct, particularly around Linda Vista Dr, as a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone validates our point of view and makes performing proper due diligence and mitigation instead of performative action and strict adherence to housing element goals even more imperative. It is important to emphasize that this “Very High Risk” fire designation does not apply to the majority of Cupertino, which makes the risks for this neighborhood especially alarming. The City must ensure that developments in such very high risk zones are met with equally high standards of safety and due diligence. While we recognize the City's obligations to comply with state housing laws, including SB 330 and housing element requirements, compliance alone cannot justify moving forward with the Evulich Ct project without a comprehensive EIR and fire safety review. The heightened fire risks and other safety concerns specific to this site demand a far more rigorous review. Simply meeting baseline requirements without thoroughly addressing these unique dangers would fail to protect current residents. The City must prioritize public safety and financial security for existing homeowners. Moving forward responsibly means pausing approvals until all risks are transparently and comprehensively assessed. Additionally, the Evulich Ct site has already been the subject of inadequate notifications. This remains a live issue that over 700 nearby residents are well aware of and remain deeply concerned about. In fact, a working session by the Council on March 3, 2025 addressed on its agenda this very issue of inadequate notifications to nearby residents. It is imperative that the city council does not compound the problem by missing this urgent opportunity to understand and mitigate fire risk to our community. The proposed density of 51 units would significantly increase traffic on narrow roads such as McClellan, Bubb, and Hyannisport, Columbus, Santa Teresa, Wilkinson, Terrace and beyond, which are already strained by existing traffic. This is particularly concerning given the proximity of three schools in the area, which exacerbates traffic challenges and complicates emergency evacuations. The increased density would not only heighten the risk of traffic bottlenecks during an emergency but also severely impact emergency response times. In a very high fire risk zone, where every second counts, overlooking these factors would be a serious mistake. A comprehensive EIR is essential to fully assess these risks and ensure that the project does not compromise the safety of residents. Given the State Fire Marshal's designation we also urge the City not to grant density bonus waivers for height and setbacks at Evulich Ct. Allowing these waivers would increase fire risks and complicate emergency access and evacuation. Prioritizing fire safety in very high-risk zones is essential. There are also significant financial risks that must be considered. The recent fire hazard designation raises serious concerns about home insurance availability and cost. Insurers are increasingly withdrawing from high-risk areas or dramatically raising premiums, which could leave many residents either uninsured or facing skyrocketing costs. This is not a hypothetical risk but a very real and pressing concern for homeowners in this area. The EIR must thoroughly assess these risks to prevent residents from being left in a financially untenable position, potentially making their homes unsellable. These risks make the Evulich Ct project fundamentally incompatible with the safety and financial security of current residents. Moving forward with this project would expose residents to severe financial burdens that cannot be adequately mitigated, further underscoring the need to halt approvals until a comprehensive EIR fully addresses these threats. Given these significant risks and unresolved issues, we urge the City Council to suspend further approvals for the Evulich Ct project until a full EIR is completed and all fire risk assessments are thoroughly addressed. It is also crucial to reassess the feasibility of accommodating 51 units on the site, considering the heightened fire hazard, evacuation challenges, and infrastructure limitations. Approving this project without addressing these risks would not only endanger residents but could also lead to severe financial consequences for our community. The safety and well-being of Cupertino residents must come first. We look forward to your response and to seeing decisive actions that prioritize our community's safety.