Wild mustard is in full bloom at one of Los Gatos’ last orchards, where hundreds of bare, brown walnut trees stand as remaining vestiges of the town’s agricultural past. That may soon change. San Jose-based Urban Catalyst recently submitted revised plans for a 138-townhome development to replace the orchard at 14789 Oka Road. Plans for the...
Cupertino to install license plate reader cameras
Criminals driving through Cupertino could be caught by just their license plate as the tech hub becomes one of the last in Santa Clara County to install detection technology. The Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors voted 4-1 Tuesday to allow the County Sheriff’s Office to implement 15 cameras that automatically read license plates throughout...
Cupertino gets budget surplus surprise after fiscal uncertainty
After more than a year of unprecedented fiscal uncertainty, Cupertino’s future could be flush with cash. The unexpected turnaround in the city’s mid-year financial report projects a $4.5 million budget surplus in 2026. This comes on the heels of a $30 million loss, largely due to a depletion of sales tax revenue from tech giant...
Cupertino officials vote to let mayors serve longer
Cupertino has amended several of its governing rules — leaving some constituents happy and others concerned about what it could mean for the city. The Cupertino City Council voted 3-2 to adjust and add some council procedures March 4, with Councilmembers Sheila Mohan and J.R. Fruen voting no. One change includes removing language restricting the...
Los Gatos projects multimillion-dollar deficits
One West Valley town may have to brace for some rocky years as it faces multimillion-dollar shortfalls. Los Gatos could be looking at an estimated $5.6 million deficit for fiscal year 2025-26, a significant number for a town with a roughly $60 million budget for the current fiscal year. The shortfall is largely due to...
Cupertino to protect cyclists on Stevens Creek Boulevard
One of Cupertino’s most dangerous roads will soon become safer for cyclists. The Cupertino City Council approved the extension of a protected bike lane project down Stevens Creek Boulevard in a 3-2 vote last month. Mayor Liang Chao and Councilmember R “Ray” Wang support protective bike lanes but voted no, citing concerns about the project’s design. Golden...
Los Gatos to replace landmark hotel with housing
A large townhome development will replace a decades-old iconic Los Gatos hotel. The Los Gatos Town Council unanimously approved a 155-townhome development Tuesday to replace the Los Gatos Lodge. Councilmember Mary Badame recused herself because of her home’s proximity to the site. San Ramon-based SummerHill Homes will develop the project at 50 Los Gatos-Saratoga Road on...
Los Gatos will defend councilmembers in defamation lawsuit
The Los Gatos Town Council is standing behind two of its members accused of defaming a resident. Three Los Gatos Town officials — Mayor Matthew Hudes and Councilmembers Rob Rennie and Mary Badame — voted unanimously Friday for the town to pay legal fees to defend Vice Mayor Rob Moore and Councilmember Maria Ristow in...
Campbell housing project fills hole in downtown corridor
Nearly 100 homes could fill a vacant block next to downtown Campbell that has dragged through the development process for almost a decade. Roseville-based Cresleigh Homes recently submitted plans for a 90-home development at 600 E. Campbell Ave., sandwiched between The Pruneyard and the city’s historic downtown. Plans for the five- and six-story development include...
Campbell Library renovation needs funds for services
After years of delays and planning, Campbell is about to complete construction on its new library — and one nonprofit is counting on locals to step up and fill in the gaps. Friends of the Campbell Library aims to raise $250,000 for essentials not covered in Measure O, a $50-million bond measure voters passed in...