Officials in one West Valley city are taking action to combat a statewide policy gap that leaves residents in affordable housing vulnerable to rent increases that could price them out. The Campbell City Council voted 4-1 last month to cap affordable housing rent increases at 5%, plus cost of living changes or a flat 10%...
New Los Gatos town manager has history of public service
Chris Constantin was sure he’d enlist in the U.S. Army Airborne Rangers after receiving his master’s degree, but his past public service ended up determining his future. The Los Gatos Town Council unanimously selected Constantin as town manager, Los Gatos’ top role, last month. Constantin will oversee about 150 town employees and serve about 33,500...
Los Gatos won’t hold council elections in November
There are no elections in Los Gatos this year because no one in town stepped up to challenge the incumbents, guaranteeing two councilmembers another four years in office. Councilmembers Matthew Hudes and Maria Ristow are up for reelection, but with no challengers the Town Council appointed them to the governing body for the next four...
Campbell expands housing policy over commission’s opposition
Campbell is adjusting its affordable housing policy in hopes of creating more homes and raking in more development funds, despite an official recommendation not to. The Campbell City Council voted 4-1 last week to expand its inclusionary housing policy, which would require smaller projects to convert at least 15% of homes into affordable housing or pay...
Chick-fil-A makes second attempt at Campbell location
A popular fast-food chain known for its crispy chicken sandwiches could get a second chance in Campbell after the City Council unanimously rejected it four years ago. Some locals see this as a plus for businesses, while others question how the project is back on the table. Campbell officials want to welcome Chick-fil-A back, which is...
Campbell to implement developer fees for affordable housing
Campbell is slated to rake in hundreds of thousands of dollars for affordable housing annually, thanks to a decision to collect developer fees from projects without housing. The Campbell City Council voted 4-1 Tuesday to establish a commercial linkage fee, which is a flat rate of $9 per square foot developers must pay for all...
Campbell townhomes planned for vacant water well site
Empty land is a rarity in developed Campbell. City officials say vacant sites are an opportunity to build needed housing, but nearby residents have mixed feelings. The Campbell Planning Commission voted 6-1 last month, with Vice Chair Matt Kamkar voting no, to approve a three-story, 40 townhome development located at 320 Virginia Ave. Six homes will...
Campbell unsure about affordable housing policy change
Campbell officials are hesitant about a policy change that could increase affordable housing in a city advocates say has been at the forefront of housing solutions. The Campbell Planning Commission on Tuesday unanimously recommended the city refrain from expanding its inclusionary housing policy, which would require smaller projects to convert at least 15% of homes into affordable housing or...
Silicon Valley screens high school athletes for silent killer
It’s a silent killer that could happen to any high school student: sudden cardiac arrest. One school district wants to make sure it prevents another tragedy. The Los Gatos-Saratoga Union High School District is the second public school district in the state to require heart screenings for all student athletes, 16 years after Los Gatos...
Santa Clara County city pushes for higher sales tax
Campbell officials are asking residents to boost the city’s sales tax to the highest rate in Santa Clara County this November to provide revenue they say is necessary to maintain its quality of life. The Campbell City Council unanimously voted last week to place a 1/2-cent sales tax increase on the ballot, which could raise...