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...
Cupertino prioritizes growing its business community
Cupertino’s decision to draw in new businesses and support longtime merchants has the commerce community cheering. The Cupertino City Council voted 3-2 earlier this month to prioritize economic development and small business support for the next two fiscal years as part of a citywide work program. Councilmembers J.R. Fruen and Sheila Mohan supported the effort,...
West Valley may build new homes in risky fire zones
California is requiring two West Valley communities to build thousands of homes, while the state is ringing alarm bells over increasing fire risk where some of these homes might be constructed. Cal Fire released updated fire hazard severity maps for the first time since 2011 last month — and Los Gatos and Cupertino are in...
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...
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...
Cupertino hotel project pulled amid slow hospitality sector
A Cupertino hotel that would have provided millions of dollars for the city is no longer in the pipeline, as the hospitality sector continues to struggle post pandemic. Los Altos-based De Anza Properties has pulled its 7-story De Anza Hotel project at 10931 N. De Anza Blvd. It would have replaced the existing Goodyear Auto...
Cupertino city buildings get greener with solar
Three prominent Cupertino government buildings are set to switch to green energy as the city warms up to the idea of solar power. The Cupertino City Council voted 3-2 Feb. 4 to install solar panels at the Quinlan Community Center, Cupertino Sports Center and Community Hall. Mayor Liang Chao and Councilmember R “Ray” Wang voted...
Cupertino council majority shifts commission appointments
The political tides in Cupertino are shifting again, exciting some residents while worrying others. The Cupertino City Council appointed more than 20 commissioners out of more than 50 applicants on Jan. 27-28, many of whom support the council’s new, less development-friendly majority. The appointments reflect a continued political shift in a city often divided on...