Cupertino has been vulnerable to the “Builder’s Remedy” since it missed its January 2023 deadline for an approved Housing Element from the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD). The “Builder’s Remedy” is a State law that allows developers to bypass local zoning laws for projects that offer affordable housing. Menlo Park developer Acclaim Properties has submitted […]
The Latest Updates on Vallco – September 2023
Five years have passed since Cupertino employees approved the 2018 Vallco Town Center SB 35 project (Vallco SB 35 project, located on Stevens Creek Blvd and N. Wolfe Rd) under ministerial approval provisions of the 2017 SB 35 bill. The last project updates published on the City of Cupertino’s website and on the property owner’s […]
2023-2031 Cupertino Housing Element Update
On July 25, 2023, the Cupertino City Council received an update on the 6th Cycle Housing Element, 2023-2031. The Housing Element (HE) is one of 8 required elements of every California city or town’s General Plan. Whereas, the General Plan is a kind of long-term roadmap for all kinds of development in a jurisdiction, the […]
Simple Explanation of RHNA and Housing Mandates
By Amy KalishMarin Post & Citizen Marin https://marinpost.org/blog/2023/6/10/rhna-and-housing-mandates-made-easy WHAT IS RHNA? RHNA is the Regional Housing Needs Assessment — the number of housing units (a place for at least one person to live) assigned to an area by the state. This happens in eight-year housing cycles, and the allocation numbers are determined by the California […]
Cupertino: It is a Lot More Than Vallco!
This is going to be our last email before the elections. 1. The Vallco Obsession 2. Opt-In Email List The Vallco Obsession The coterie of ex-mayors sent out another email showing the Vallco lot. We wanted to set the record straight. Vallco SB35 Plan: Stuck due to Toxic Contamination The SB35 plan approved by the previous city council (Rod Sinks, […]
Balanced vs Unbalanced Development: Contrasting Visions
This email is about two different visions about new development in Cupertino: The balanced approach which considers the impact on the residents, the city infrastructure especially traffic & schools, and the viability of the project. The unbalanced approach which focuses on maximizing investors’ profits without regards to impact on the quality of life of […]
Whose Interests does JR Fruen Represent?
JR Fruen is running again as a candidate for Cupertino City Council. The questions for voters to ask is: Whose Interests does JR Fruen Represent? This election is primarily a battle between Those who want to preserve their neighborhood, and vote out those who support school closures Those who want to serve investor’s interests which […]
Responsible Governance in Action: Cupertino City Council on SB9
What is SB9? SB9 is a California state law that allows single family homeowners to split their residential lot into two separate lots. Further it permits the construction of up to two new housing units on each of the separate lots. SB9 requires all cities to comply with the law. How did the City Respond? In […]
Responsible Governance in Action: Cupertino City Council on SB9
What is SB9? SB9 is a California state law that allows single family homeowners to split their residential lot into two separate lots. Further it permits the construction of up to two new housing units on each of the separate lots. SB9 requires all cities to comply with the law. How did the City Respond? In […]
SB10: 10 (+4) Units on Single Family Lot
What does SB10 Permit? The SB10 law allows a 10 unit apartment building (upto 14 units including ADUs/JADUs) [1] on a single family lot located within half a mile of transit. Most of Cupertino is within half mile of public transit (VTA) on Stevens Creek Blvd, De Anza Blvd, Foothill Blvd etc. Unlike other laws […]
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