CC 11-19-2020 Item No. 1 Emergency Assistance Funds for Wolfe Rd Encampment_Written CommunicationsCC 11-19-20
#1
Emergency
Assistance Funds for
Wolfe Road
Encampment
Written Comments
1
Cyrah Caburian
From:John McG <j.t.mcguigan@gmail.com>
Sent:Thursday, November 19, 2020 12:15 PM
To:City Council
Cc:John McGuigan; Pam Hershey; Deborah L. Feng
Subject:Wolf Rd. Encampment "Alternative Outdoor Location"??? - 11/19 City Council Meeting
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.
The staff report for the proposed budget action is very clear, and will likely be very welcome news to Cupertino City
residents, merchants and employeeres.
However, please address one item raised in the Staff Report which states that members of the encampments, beyond
the original 15, will be relocated to an "alternative outdoor location".
Where is the "alternative outdoor location"?
Best... John McGuigan, Resident of Cupertino
1
Cyrah Caburian
From:City of Cupertino Written Correspondence
Subject:FW: Homeless Encampments
From: Jim Moore <maxcinco@comcast.net>
Sent: Thursday, November 19, 2020 12:38 PM
To: Deborah L. Feng <DebF@cupertino.org>
Cc: Sue Moore <suemmo@comcast.net>; Danessa Techmanski <danessa@pacbell.net>; Caryl Gorska
<gorska@gorska.com>; Connie Cunningham <cunninghamconniel@gmail.com>; Liana Crabtree
<lianacrabtree@yahoo.com>; Lisa Warren <la‐warren@att.net>; Jon Robert Willey <JWilley@cupertino.org>; Liang Chao
<LiangChao@cupertino.org>; Steven Scharf <SScharf@cupertino.org>; Darcy Paul <DPaul@cupertino.org>; Rod Sinks
<RSinks@cupertino.org>; City Clerk <CityClerk@cupertino.org>
Subject: Re: Homeless Encampments
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.
Hi Deb, (copied City Council and City Clerk)
Growing up in Ohio in the 40s and 50s, I remember my mother telling me that "the devil is in the details". I don't recall
knowing then what she meant. After a 40+ year business career with a large company and a start‐up, I now do.
I expect the residents of the Homeless Community on Wolfe Road will want to learn the details. As a resident
advocating for their well‐being and the betterment of Cupertino, I do want to learn the necessary Plan details not shared
in its Staff Report or Draft Resolution.
I will participate in tonight's CCC Zoom meeting to learn the details of this City Plan for the Homeless Community on
Wolfe Road. Thanks for arranging this special CCC meeting in just one day.
Jim Moore
Resident volunteer
*********** Please include this in Written Communications for tonight's special CCC meeting *****************
On 11/19/2020 8:00 AM, Deborah L. Feng wrote:
Hi Jim,
I don’t have a lot of time to answer the questions; but yes to all.
Deb
Deborah L. Feng
City Manager
City Manager's Office
DebF@cupertino.org
(408) 777‐3250
2
From: Jim Moore <maxcinco@comcast.net>
Sent: Wednesday, November 18, 2020 6:16 PM
To: Deborah L. Feng <DebF@cupertino.org>
Cc: Sue Moore <suemmo@comcast.net>; Danessa Techmanski <danessa@pacbell.net>; Caryl Gorska
<gorska@gorska.com>; Connie Cunningham <cunninghamconniel@gmail.com>; Liana Crabtree
<lianacrabtree@yahoo.com>; Lisa Warren <la‐warren@att.net>
Subject: Re: Homeless Encampments
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recognize the sender and know the content is safe.
Hi Deb,
I'll read the staff report. I just returned from walking Obiwan, and updated two election spreadsheets.
From your description, the plan could be a good fit for all residents, even those wanting to remain on
the streets. Hopefully, the key parts of the Plan can be implemented before the Christmas Holidays (5
weeks away). Well done.
What is the duration (# of months) of the planned offer? If the Plan doesn't include all residents, which
residents are included?
Re the Plan, what outreach has been done or is planned with these Homeless Community
residents? Since early June, I've established a connection with some and can assist. Let me know where
I can help.
Jim Moore
Resident volunteer
On 11/18/2020 4:45 PM, Deborah L. Feng wrote:
You bet it will be in writing, organized in what we call a menu of options, and for those
that will, they can sign something to secure their spots and can move right
away. Storage is included; please read the staff report and any details that are not
nailed down they will be in my report tomorrow evening. There are A LOT of moving
parts. We also notices that a lot of their equipment is broken or worn, so for those that
want to remain outside, there will be new tents, sleeping bags, some gift cards for
gas/food. I am hoping they all take the housing opportunity; this is a unique offering
that I cannot guarantee in the future.
Deb
Deborah L. Feng
City Manager
City Manager's Office
DebF@cupertino.org
(408) 777‐3250
3
From: Maxcinco <maxcinco@comcast.net>
Sent: Wednesday, November 18, 2020 3:38 PM
To: Deborah L. Feng <DebF@cupertino.org>
Cc: Sue Moore <suemmo@comcast.net>; Danessa Techmanski <danessa@pacbell.net>;
Caryl Gorska <gorska@gorska.com>; Connie Cunningham
<cunninghamconniel@gmail.com>; Liana Crabtree <lianacrabtree@yahoo.com>; Lisa
Warren <la‐warren@att.net>
Subject: Re: Homeless Encampments
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.
Hi Deb,
I will join your Thursday 6PM Zoom meeting. Thanks for arranging.
It appears from your below e‐mail that Abode is a participant in this agency/non‐profit
plan to help the homeless resident community on N. Wolfe Road.
In my visits and chats, I learned that this homeless community had declined a verbal‐
only offer from someone with Abode. Residents told me they wanted something they
could rely on. Will this new Plan Offer be in writing? Additionally, each resident has
accumulated "street" survival gear (tents, folding chairs, sleeping bags, cooking gear,
etc.) in addition to their personal belongings. A Plan needs to store and safeguard their
personal property for the duration of the planned housing.
Please share this e‐mail with the Abode, County, and non‐profit participants prior to the
Thursday meeting. Thanks.
Jim Moore
Resident volunteer
On Nov 18, 2020, at 12:34 PM, Deborah L. Feng <DebF@cupertino.org> wrote:
Hello,
I have blind copied the City Council. I wanted to let you know that we
have finally worked a plan with other agencies and non‐profits to help
the homeless encampment members along Wolfe Road get on a
pathway to housing. Many of the details I anticipate you looking for will
be in a staff report posted this afternoon for a Special City Council
meeting that will be noticed for tomorrow evening, starting at 6:00
pm. In attendance will be the County’s Interim Director for the Office of
Supportive Housing, Ms. Consuelo Hernandez, and Mr. Louis Chacoine,
CEO of Abode, to help answer questions that you might have.
The City Council will be considering a unique offering in the region
during this COVID‐19 pandemic. Since we last exchanged emails, we
have been working diligently on this highly coordinated effort.
Deb
4
<image001.png>
Deborah L. Feng
City Manager
City Manager's Office
DebF@cupertino.org
(408) 777‐3250
<image002.png> <image003.png><image004.png><image005.png> <image006.png><image007.png><image008.png>
Virus-free. www.avg.com
1
Cyrah Caburian
From:Connie Cunningham <cunninghamconniel@gmail.com>
Sent:Thursday, November 19, 2020 2:10 PM
To:City Council
Subject:Special meeting tonight, Agenda Item 1, Emergency Assistance Funds
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sender and know the content is safe.
Subject: Emergency Assistance Funds to assist unhoused members of the encampments located along Wolfe Road near
Interstate 280 (Wolfe Road Encampment) to mitigate safety hazards including COVID-19; related budget modification.
Dear Mayor, Vice‐Mayor, and Councilmembers,
Kudos to the City Manager, Deb Feng, for the Homelessness Task Force and the formulation of this plan for assisting our
Unhoused Residents on 280/ Wolfe Road. I agree that prioritizing a pathway to housing for fifteen of Cupertino’s
vulnerable residents is critical. It is heartening to read that additional people at the site will also, be assisted with
temporary housing. The details of the Staff Report show that our Staff has a very good understanding of the complexity
of the issues. Thank you for listening to many concerned residents and taking the time to answer questions.
Six months will be very helpful for each person, especially during these winter months of continued pandemic impacts.
I urge the Council to approve this Recommended Action.
I, also, urge the Council, as the City moves forward in working with the Santa Clara County Community Plan to End
Homelessness 2020‐25, that we continue to prioritize a pathway to housing for all our unhoused residents.
Specifically, it is important to build more housing in Cupertino for people of all incomes and abilities.
Sincerely,
Connie L Cunningham
Housing Commission (self‐only)
⡈⡉⡊⡋⡌⡍⡎⡏Watch out for typos; Siri might be on duty.
1
Cyrah Caburian
From:Jim Moore <maxcinco@comcast.net>
Sent:Thursday, November 19, 2020 5:21 PM
To:Deborah L. Feng; Sue Moore; Danessa Techmanski; Caryl Gorska; Connie Cunningham; Liana
Crabtree; Lisa Warren
Cc:City Clerk
Subject:Re: Homeless Encampments
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.
Hi Deb, + City Council bcc'd
This afternoon, I visited and chatted with some of the residents (6+) at the larger Homeless Community on Wolfe
Road. While visiting, I also met and chatted with Brian Barth, a freelance journalist, who was there at the same
time. Brian had brought three bags of camping supplies to give to the residents. Brian and I exchanged contact
info. For more info on him, please see the photo below of his posted flyer.
I distributed copies of tonight's Agenda and the Staff Report to the residents. I asked the ones I talked with to notify the
other residents.
I informed them how they could listen to the meeting, and speak during Oral Communications. After reading the Staff
Report and hearing my summary, they had questions on the details of the Plan including: "Am I included"? and "Where
is the housing and the campground located"? Some said they were "originals". Some said they had been "assessed". I
assume your Homeless Task Force can answer all their questions.
None knew about tonight's meeting or the proposed Plan. All were pleased that the City wanted to help them,
especially with a proposed $200,000 to provide them housing, either inside (?motel) or outside (a safer camping site in
Cupertino). None seemed concerned with the six‐month cap on housing.
I took 25 photos during my visit. This Homeless Community camp has grown in size since September. Their tents and
belongings now stretch to the Porta Potty and Hand‐washing station. The residents question whether the Porta Potty
and washing station are serviced 2X/week. I have the same suspicion.
I met Jen (Jennifer) this visit. She, along with Jessie (nickname), are the two women in the camp. They have been camp
residents since, at least, early June when I first visited. I have visited the camp near the Hamptons, but have never seen
anyone out and about to chat with. One tent remains at this smaller camp with many belongings in carts and stacked
along the sidewalk.
I asked the residents what they needed for the cold weather. One said long johns ‐ the other said a winter jacket. No
one mentioned sleeping gear.
The male resident that Jon and I chatted with in October has a day job and was not available. I had exchanged two e‐
mails with him Wednesday evening and had provided him with digital PDF copies of the Agenda, Staff Report, and
Resolution. If his work schedule allows, he said he would participate in the meeting.
Much more to say, but not enough time before tonight's meeting. This will have to do for now. A 2nd day of meeting
notice would have been appreciated by the Homeless Community residents and by housed residents such as me.
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Thanks.
Jim
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5
**** Please include in 11/19/2020 CCC Written Communications ******
Jim Moore
Resident volunteer
On 11/18/2020 12:34 PM, Deborah L. Feng wrote:
Hello,
I have blind copied the City Council. I wanted to let you know that we have finally worked a plan with
other agencies and non‐profits to help the homeless encampment members along Wolfe Road get on a
pathway to housing. Many of the details I anticipate you looking for will be in a staff report posted this
afternoon for a Special City Council meeting that will be noticed for tomorrow evening, starting at 6:00
pm. In attendance will be the County’s Interim Director for the Office of Supportive Housing, Ms.
Consuelo Hernandez, and Mr. Louis Chacoine, CEO of Abode, to help answer questions that you might
have.
The City Council will be considering a unique offering in the region during this COVID‐19
pandemic. Since we last exchanged emails, we have been working diligently on this highly coordinated
effort.
Deb
Deborah L. Feng
City Manager
City Manager's Office
DebF@cupertino.org
(408) 777‐3250
Virus-free. www.avg.com
1
Cyrah Caburian
From:Cupertino ForAll <cupertinoforall@gmail.com>
Sent:Thursday, November 19, 2020 5:20 PM
To:City Council; Cupertino City Manager's Office
Subject:Tonight's Special Meeting Item RE: homelessness
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 Cupertino City Council,
This is a letter representing the opinions of Cupertino for All's steering committee
regarding tonight's Item #1. We are in full support of allocating $200,000 from the
general fund to the city's affordable housing/BMR fund.
We are grateful to the city for respectfully working with the residents at the
280/Wolfe encampment. Study after study confirms that the best way to address
homelessness is by providing homes for the people who need them. In the long run,
supportive housing saves immense sums of money for cities, counties, and agencies.
Often, we may disagree with decisions made by our city, but we believe that this
council will stand in solidarity with the houseless community, given that many in the
local encampment are previous residents of our town and neighboring cities. We
support the recommended action that is before you because of its equitable,
realistic approach to quickly house those in our community.
Moving forward, we hope that Cupertino develops a much more concrete plan on
tackling homelessness—in partnership with the county, financers, and affordable
housing developers. Many in the community are still shocked to see an encampment
in plain sight—right here in our home. But other cities have been dealing with mass
homelessness for years now, as a result of the housing crisis and a lack of renter
protections. It's crucial that Cupertino moves hastily and judiciously toward building
much more housing in Cupertino for people of all incomes and abilities, such that we
can play our role in preventing FUTURE homelessness, while addressing those
currently unhoused.
Sincerely,
Cupertino for All