Self-driving cars could hit the West Valley’s small, suburban streets as one company tries to expand its footprint outside big cities. Waymo submitted a letter to the California Public Utilities Commission last month seeking approval for its updated passenger safety plan — a move that could bring self-driving cars to Los Gatos, Cupertino and Campbell....
Los Gatos group collaborates on reducing wildfire risk
One group is clearing hundreds of forestland acreage in one of the largest wildfire risk reduction projects in Santa Clara County. The Los Gatos Creek Watershed Collaboration began testing tools to clear brush and restore the forest’s ecosystem on 155 acres along Montevina Road a little more than a week ago. The effort is part...
Cupertino development adds homes, shrinks retail space
A Cupertino assisted living facility is one step closer to being built after years of delays — but not as originally planned. The Cupertino Planning Commission unanimously recommended changes Tuesday to an older adult assisted living facility as part of the Westport development along Stevens Creek Boulevard. Modifications to the multistory building, requested by developer...
West Valley street festivals need city support to stay afloat
The West Valley is known for its flagship festivals that bring multicultural food, live music and dancing to the streets. Those festivals come with a lofty price tag, and organizers are asking their cities for help keeping these beloved events afloat. The Campbell City Council voted 4-1 April 15 to cover 30% of the fee costs for qualifying...
Los Gatos affordable housing could rise near downtown
Pricey downtown Los Gatos is being primed to become more affordable to live near. The Los Gatos Planning Commission voted 4-1 April 8 to recommend the Town Council adopt zoning changes to allow developers to build 100% affordable housing near downtown along Los Gatos Boulevard, without requiring retail space in their plans. Commissioner Susan Burnett...
West Valley cities team up to consider homeless shelter
The West Valley has scarce resources for the hundreds of homeless residents living on its streets. That may change as elected leaders consider adding its first shelter. All five West Valley municipalities — Cupertino, Saratoga, Monte Sereno, Campbell and Los Gatos — recently approved a homeless shelter feasibility study conducted by Good City Company. The...
Silicon Valley college district first to provide free meals
Leilany Huerta-Hernandez remembers her throbbing headaches in the late afternoons because she couldn’t afford to purchase food as a West Valley College student. Her hunger was ever-present, but she felt ashamed to ask for help. Students like Huerta-Hernandez will soon be able to cross this one worry off their list. West Valley-Mission Community College District...
Campbell quick to approve backyard homes
Campbell homeowners applying for a tiny home could get city approval in days. Campbell launched an express backyard home permit process this month that shortens approval time to a week or less — the fastest in Santa Clara County where approvals can average between two to three months. The city is accepting two qualifying applications...
Cupertino sued over expired housing proposals
Housing advocates are suing Cupertino over two controversial development proposals the city claims can’t be built. Housing groups Yes in My Backyard (YIMBY) Law and California Housing Defense Fund filed two lawsuits against Cupertino April 8, claiming the city shouldn’t have deemed two housing project proposals expired. Developers filed the projects — 20 condos and...
Housing project next to Los Gatos High raises safety issues
A 30-home project could be built across the street from Los Gatos High School, bringing student safety to the forefront. The Los Gatos Planning Commission voted 4-2 on March 26 to recommend the Town Council approve a 4-story, mixed-use housing development at 143-151 E. Main St. across the street from Los Gatos High School. Commissioners...