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HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-05-2013 Written Communications -redactedCity of Saratoga - Speaker Card Please Note: City Council meetings are both live and delayed broadcast. This card will help the meeting run smoothly, but you are not required to provide any information you do not wish to provide. Please see reverse side of this card for Speaker Guidelines. I would like to speak about: 12 Agenda Item? Yes Date: (!�' Name: Group /Organization: Address: (optional) _ Telephone: (option a1) Email: (optional) No Agenda Item number. Oppose Neutral City of Saratoga - Speaker Card Please Note: City Council meetings are both live and delayed broadcast. This card will help the meeting run smoothly but you are not required to provide any information you do not wish to provide. Please see reverse side of this card for Speaker Guidelines. I would like to speak about: G 2 co -feer Agenda Item? Yes No Agenda Item number Support Oppose Neutral Date: y� (� Name: Ma4ACAI Group /Organization: - Email: (optional) City of Saratoga - Speaker Card Please Note: City Council meetings are both live and delayed broadcast. This card will help the meeting run smoothly, but you are not required to provide any information Vou do not wish to provide. Please see reverse side of this card for Speaker Guidelines. I would like to speak about: Agenda Item? Yes No Agenda Item number C port Onnese Neutral Date: FA Name: Group /Organization: S Address: (optional) _ Telephone:(optional) Email: (optional) 1 S 0 City of Saratoga - Speaker Card Please Note: City Council meetings are both live and delayed broadcast. This card will help the meeting run smoothly, but you are not required to provide any information you do not wish to provide. Please see reverse side of this card for Speaker Guidelines. I would like to speak about; S- Agenda Item? Yes No Agenda Item number Support Oppose Neutral Date: Jul e O I Name: "91leln /P P c,— Px-�o UtIS' S'y Group /Organization: Address: (optional) Telephone:(optional) Email: (optional) City of Saratoga - Speaker Card Please Note: City Council meetings are both live and delayed broadcast. This card will help the meeting run smoothly but Vou are not required to provide any information Vou do not wish to provide. Please see reverse side of this card for Speaker Guidelines. I would like to speak about: Agenda Item? Yes Date US / Aj (-, 1A) �oWiL--)iecM L A-f-4,2 ihire, Support Oppose /,,57-/l� Name: Group /Organization: Agenda Item number Neutral Address:(optional) City of Saratoga - Speaker Card Please Note: City Council meetings are both live and delayed broadcast. This card will help the meeting run smoothly, but you are not required to Provide any information you do not wish to provide. Please see reverse side of this card for Speaker Guidelines. I would like to speak about: /VC, "V 4 61 \.At Agenda Item? Yes Support Date: Name: 7 Group /Organization: Address: (optional) 11-14, x No Oppose Telephone:(optional) Email: (optional) Agenda Item number 3 Neutral °'� City of Saratoga Speaker Gard Plea 5e Note: City Councll-meetin'c is are both live and delayed broadcast, Please-see reverse side of this card for Speaker Guidelines, Agenda, Item? yes Support, Date:_3- -s- Name: Grou,0.10rganizatibn: Address! (optional) Telephom:,(opbonal) Ernai.l:, (optional) 11 r No - Age'r Item number OPPOS'e - Neutral A M City of Saratoga - Speaker Card Please Note: City Council meetings are both live and delayed broadcast. This card will help the meeting run smoothly, but you are not required to provide any information you do not wish to provide. Please see reverse side of this card for Speaker Guidelines. I would like to speak about: 1 r Agenda Item? Yes _ No Agenda Item number Support Oppose Neutral Date: r r S / 2J , Name: I > e, &,, Group /Organization: Address: (optional) ^ Telephone: (optional) Email: (optional) Iq -r-, �-0 - City of Saratoga - Speaker Card Please Note: City Council meetings are both live and delayed broadcast. Please see reverse side of this card for Speaker Guidelines. but you are not wish to provide. Agenda Item? Yes No Agenda Item number Support Oppose u Neutral Date: 7-011 Name: 14A RL.f. 5 0&77r -�e Group /Organization: Address: (optional) '� Email: (optional City of Saratoga - Speaker Card Please Note: City Council meetings are both live and delayed broadcast. This card will help the meeting run smoothly, but you are not required to Provide any information you do not wish to provide. Please see reverse side of this card for Speaker Guidelines. I would like to speak about: Agenda Item? Yes No Agenda Item number 1 Support Date: CP Name: Group /Organization: Address: (optional) / Oppose Neutral - 2,arn 3 R-L-C City of Saratoga - Speaker Card Please Note: City Council meetings are both live and delayed broadcast. This card will help the meeting run smoothie, but you are not required to Provide any information you do not wish to provide. Please see reverse side of this card for Speaker Guidelines. I_would like to speak about: Agenda Item? Yes '--- Support Date: s- 'i.5 Name: 9�s a_ Group /Organization: Address: (optional) Telephone:(optional) c Y �- .- c &OL No Agenda Item number Oppose Neutral City of Saratoga Speaker Card Please Note: City Council meetings are both live and delayed broadcast. This card will help the meeting run smoothly, but you are not required to provide any information you do not wish to provide. Please see reverse side of this card for Speaker Guidelines. 1 would like to speak about: Agenda Item? ,Yes :� No Agenda Item number f%A.A:". Support ��� Oppose Neutral Date: ( / ' 7 _ Name: Group /Organization: Address: (optional) Telephone:(optional) City of Saratoga - Speaker Card Please Note: City Council meetings are both live and delayed broadcast. This card will help the meeting run smoothly, but you are not required to provide any information you do not wish to provide. Please see reverse side of this card for Speaker Guidelines I would like to speak about. Agenda Item? Yes c N / o Agenda Item number. Support Oppose Neutral Date: 1 1. Name • a� �,trY,�, ( tuuc Group /Organization: Address: (optional) Telephone: (optional) Email: (optional)_ City of Saratoga - Speaker Card Pease Note: City - Council meetings are both live and delayed broadcast This card will help the meeting' run smoothly but 'you are no't er puired to provide any information you do not wish to provide ,_ Please see reverse side of this card for Speaker Guidelines I would like to speak about: Agenda Item? Yes, No Age Support Oppose _ D M Item number Neutral Group /Organization: Addrew(optional) _ Telephone:(optional) Email:. (optional) City of Saratoga - Speaker Card Please Note: City Council meetings are both live and delayed broadcast This card will help the meeting run smoothly, but you are not required to Please see reverse side of this card for Speaker Guidelines. I wouldlike to speak about; pl-rx�J Agenda Item? Yes Support Date Name: Group /Organization: r/ , No Agenda Item number, j oppose Neutral ;qu- AF-nl Address: (optional) C-A'T� "r - 6 � 0 ( Telephone :(optional) City of Saratoga - Speaker Card Please Note: City Council meetings are both live and delayed broadcast. atlon Please see reverse side of this card for Speaker Guidelines. I would like to speak about: Agenda Item? Yes No Agenda Item number Support " Oppose Neutral Date: Name: Group /Organization: Address: (optional) Telephone:(optional) Email: (optional) wi �n c, y City of Saratoga - Speaker Card Please Note: City Council meetings are both live and delayed broadcast. I hell) the m vi Please see reverse side of this card for Speaker Guidelines. I would like to speak about: Agenda Item? Yes -1;1/ Support Date: Name No Agenda Item number Oppose -Z Neutral 4 Group /Organization: Address: (optional) Telephone:(optional) Email: (optional) City of Saratoga Speaker Gard Please Note: City Council m-eetings are both live and delayed broadcast., run smoothly: but Please see, reverse side of this card for Speaker Guidelines, I would like'to speak about: Agenda Item? Yes No ✓ Agenda Item: number Support Oppose Neutral Date: H oc,--� Narn'ei Group/Orgpniz, ation. P-ld 1 A'd d ress: (optional), -(S T'elephofte*(optlonal) Email* (optional)- City of Saratoga - Speaker Card Please Note: City Council meetings are both live and delayed broadcast, This card will help the meeting run smoothly, but You are not required to provide any information you do not wish to provide. Please see reverse side of this card for Speaker Guidelines. I would like to speak about: Agenda Item? Yes No Agenda Item number Support r Oppose Neutral Date: 2 °l Name: �? Group /Organization: .Jl ��L> c P►-L 4 —T c -"^ VNC)O"��� Address:(optional) Telephone: (option aI) Email: (optional) City of Saratoga - Speaker Card Please Note: City Council meetings are both live and delayed broadcast This card will help the meeting run smoothly, but you are not required to provide any Information Vou do not wish to provide Please see reverse side of this card for Speaker Guidelines, 1 would like fn s eak b t I-- V- a vu . Agenda Item? Yes Support Date: Name: Group /Organization: Address: (optional) Telephone: (optional) Email: (optional) No Agenda Item number. Oppose Neutral Speaker Guidelines • If you are attending a meeting of the City Council or other City Committee, Commission, or Board ( "Legislative Body ") and would like to address the officials, please complete the information on the reverse side of this card and give it to the City Clerk in advance of the meeting. • Speakers are customarily allotted up to three (3) minutes; however, the Legislative Body may limit the number of speakers and length of time allowed to each speaker to ensure adequate time for all items on the Agenda. • Speakers are asked to address specific Agenda items when those items are before the Legislative Body rather than during the Oral Communications portion of the meeting. • Completion of this form is voluntary. You may attend and participate in the meeting regardless of whether or not you complete this document. Its purpose is to aid staff in compiling complete and accurate records; however, this card will become part of the Public Record. In accordance with the Public Records Act any information you provide on this form is available to the public. You may elect not to include your address and telephone number. • Groups /Organizations that are supporting or opposing issues are urged to select one spokesperson. City Council meetings are both live and delayed broadcast. Thank you for your courtesy and co Traffic Safety Commission Summary 2005 -2013 Request or Concern Street Action Crosswalk Review Sarato a at Herriman Install lighted crosswalk sign Crosswalk Review Saratoga at Crestbrook No action ' Queuing concerns near school Titus Avenue Direct Traffic Engineer to assess further Speeding Oak Street Radar Feedback trailer Speeding Allendale Avenue Possible permanent radar feedback sign Speeding Can on View Install 25 mph pavement legends Speeding Brook glen Install Bott's dots at S curve Request or Concern Street Action Crosswalk - new Cox Avenue at Cumberland Install new crosswalk Crosswalk safety Fruitvale at Douglass Install high visibility striping Crosswalk safety Trinity Avenue at Prospect Remove landscaping improve corner Red curb - additional S rin er No action Sight distance and visibility Pierce Road Trim landscaping, install driveway sign Sight distance at median Pros ect at Titus Remove landscaping and lower median Speeding Prospect - W of Rolling Hills Lower speed limit from 25 to 20 Speeding Pierce Road Possible radar feedback sign Speeding Bucknall Road In-pavement warning sign Speeding Brook ten Drive Radar feedback trailer Stop sin Marshall Lane at Marilyn Lane No action Stop sin Bankmill at Stonerid a Drive No action Stop sin Paseo Presada at Dundee Install new Stop sign Stop sin Big Basin Way at 4th Needs further evaluation Stop sin Beaumont at Saratoga Vista No action Speed limit reivew Saratoga. Avenue No action Request or Concern Street Action Crosswalk safety Quito Rd at McCoy Avenue Add ladder stripes to existing crosswalk Crosswalk safety Allendale onto Fruitvale.Ave Install high visibility striping and narrow channel Crosswalk safety On Prospect at Titus Avenue Remove crosswalk, improve sidewalk Discussion of Crosswalk Policy Citywide Approve- Crosswalk Policy Parking concerns Sobey Road near school Install berms on Sobey Road Request No Parking Springer at 4th Street Extend double yellow line -100 ft max at intersec. Request No Parking Via de Marcos No action Request turn pocket Quito Road at Martha Traffic Engineer will design Safety of intersection SB Saratoga Ave at Cox Ave Directed enforcement Sidewalk request Quito bet. Old Adobe & Vessing No action Sidewalk request Saratoga Avenue near Moran Will add to future project list Sight distance at.corner Scully Avenue at Prospect Restrict parking at corner on Prospect Speeding Paseo Pueblo No action Speeding Reid Lane No action Speeding Springer and 4th Streets No action Speeding Arroyo de Arguello Use radar trailer and directed enforcement Street Light request Pierce and Old Oak Way No action 2010 Request or Concern Street Action Request edge striping Farwell Avenue Recommend striping but poll neighborhood first Request Keep Clear signs Miller Avenue No action Request No Parking Pierce Road No action Request Stop signs Quito Road Install radar feedback signs Review crosswalk decision Kirkbrook at Kirkmont Uphold decision to paint crosswalk Review intersection plan Da mar Drive Accept and put project on CIP list Review location of radar feedback si ns Quito Road Accept recommendation by Traffic Engineer Reviewspeed bump installation Three Oaks Way Install 25 mph knockdown sign Request or Concern Street Action Safety of intersection Saratoga at Herriman Avenue Place sign - Illegal to pass in bike lane Speed limit review Quito Road Review,during next Citywide Speed Survey Speeding Bankmill Road No action Speeding Mendelsohn. Use radar trailer and directed enforcement Speeding Saratoga Creek Drive Directed enforcement Speeding Sobey Road Use radar trailer and install Hidden Driveway sign Speeding Springer Avenue Sheriff will work directly with neighborhood Request or Concern Street Action Red curb Bankmill at Stoneridge Paint curb & double yellow near intersection Remove No Right Turn sin Saratoga at McFarland No action Request Crosswalk Kirkbrook Paint one crosswalk.at Kirkmont Request Hidden Driveway sin Springer Install sign Request knockdown sin Cox Add crosswalk sign at Glenbrae & Seagull Review CIP project Aspesi Move forward with median project Review CIP project Cox Avenue Waiting for neighborhood input Speeding Reid Lane Use radar trailer and directed enforcement Speeding Herriman Wait until Herriman TF process complete Speeding Seagull No action Speeding Springer No action Speeding Braemar Use radar trailer and directed enforcement Increase visibility of center line Chester Add additional reflectors on yellow line u .�- _ zoos r - Request or Concern Street Action Crosswalk Improvements Hwy 9 at P.O. Repaint crosswalk Crosswalk Improvements Cox Avenue at Quito Mkt. Traffic Engineer plan Crosswalk Improvements Allendale at Dolphin No action Misc, Median on Hwy 9) Oak PI and Oak Street Traffic Engineer plan for striping Red curb Knollwood and DeSanka Extend existing red curb 10 feet Red curb Kirkmont at Atruim Paint red curbs Red curb Marshall Lane Paint red curbs Red curb Stoneridge Drive Paint red curbs Red curb Saratoga Hills Road No action Sin Cross traffic does not stop Cumberland at Via Escuela Install "2 way stop" on Cumberland Speeding Via Roncole, Arroyo de Arguello Use radar trailer and directed enforcement Speeding Hill Avenue Use radar trailer and directed enforcement Speeding Williams Road Use radar trailer and directed enforcement Speeding Canyonview Use radar trailer and directed enforcement Speeding Reid Lane Use radar trailer and directed enforcement Stop sign Chateau at Shadow_ Mt. Install Stop sign Stop sign Ravine at Bainter Restriping plan 200;7 _ h e Request or Concern Street Action Red curbs Saratoga at Sara ark Circle Paint red curb Red curbs Montalvo No action Red curbs Big Basin Way No *action Red curbs BBW at 5th Paint red curb Red curbs Saratoga Ave Paint red curb Red curbs Douglass Paint red curb Sign Hidden Driveway Pierce Install "Hidden driveway" sign Speeding Aloha Use radar trailer and directed enforcement Speeding Aspesi Install median island Speeding Ravenwood Use radar trailer and directed enforcement Speeding Montalvo Use radar trailer and directed enforcement Speeding Portos at Harleigh Use radar trailer and directed enforcement. Speeding Regan Use radar trailer and directed enforcement Speeding Brookglen Install 2 median chokers Speeding Allendale Use radar trailer and directed enforcement Request or Concern Street Action Speeding Sobey Use radar trailer and directed enforcement Speeding Braemar Use radar trailer and directed enforcement Speeding Cox Avenue Install knockdown sign Stop sign Farr Ranch at Burnette No action Stop sign Quito at McCoy Traffic Eng. plan - pedestrian refuge median Stop sign Winter and Chateau Install 2 Yield signs Stop sign Tamworth Install Stop sign Stop sign Hill Avenue Install Stop sign Stop sign DeSanka at Knollwood No action .. im 20Ofi Request or Concern Street Action Crosswalk Improvements Saratoga Ave at Crestbrook Traffic Engineer plan Crosswalk Improvements Prospect at Covina Striping Crosswalk Improvements Village Traffic Engineer Village Improvement plan Crosswalk Improvements Prospect at Titus Seek grants for in- pavement lighting Misc, (cars traveling in bike lane ) Saratoga at Saratoga Glen Pl. Install sign and chatter bars Misc. audible signals) Citywide Traffic Engineer plan Misc. Blocked intersection Oak at Lomita Install "Keep Clear" pavement legend Misc: keep cars in lane Montalvo Install Bott dots Misc. Turn pocket Sara- Sunnyvale at Kirkmont No action Misc: Turn pocket Ranfre Install turn pocket Sin Children at Play Manor Drive No action Sign No Trucks El Quito North Install "No Truck" signs Sight Distance Crisp and Fruitvale Trim landscaping Speeding Allendale Install knockdown sign Speeding Brookglen Use radar trailer and directed enforcement Speeding Komina Speed bum Speeding Purdue Striping plan Speeding Herriman Traffic Engineer plan Speeding 6th Use radar trailer and directed enforcement Speeding Martha Striping plan Speeding Glen Brae Median choker Speeding Pierce at Foothill No action Speeding Pierce at Surry No action Speeding Pierce at Pike No action Speeding Austin Way Use radar trailer and directed enforcement Speeding Oak Use radar trailer and directed enforcement Speeding Fredericksburg Use radar trailer and directed enforcement S" eeding Farwell Use radar trailer and directed enforcement Stop sin BBW & 4th St. No action Stop sign Marilyn at Ravenwood Install Stop sign Traffic light Herriman at Saratoga Ave. No action �, 2005(;MayD�ec) Request or Concern Street Action Crosswalk Improvements Prospect at Titus Traffic Engineer Improvement plan Misc. (confusing lanes at intersection Hwy 9 at BBW Traffic Engineer plan Misc. (Guardrails) Parker Ranch Signage and striping Red curb Gypsy Hill install "Keep to the right" sign Sin 25 mph) Cox Install knockdown sign Sign Thru traffic Ritanna Ct. Install "Not a Thru Street" sign Sight Distance Allendale Trim landscaping Sight Distance Glen Arbor Trim landscaping Speeding Aspesi Striping and chatterbars Speeding Clemson Stop sign at Villanova Speeding Cox at Miller Permanent Radar feedback sign Speeding Lower Pierce Speed bumps Speeding Three Oaks Speed bumps Stop sign Surry & Saraview I No action �ga(SAkgT� City of Saratoga �q�FOR�p Memorandum To: Saratoga City Council From: Debbie Bretschneider, Deputy City Clerk Date: June 5, 2013 Subject: Written Communications The City received the following written communications, listed below and attached to this memo, regarding items on the June 5, 2013 City Council Agenda. Agenda Item 13: Zoning Amendment to Modify Building Heights, Setbacks, and Allowed Uses in the Commercial- Visitor and Commercial - Neighborhood Zoning Districts - E -mail from Mr. Byrne - E -mail from Mr. Everett - E -mail from Ms. Lam - E -mail from Ms. Muller - E -mail from Mr. Bhatt - E -mail from Ms. Chan - E -mail from Mr. Cheriyan - E -mail from Mr. Habbu - Letter from Mr. Kaufman - E -mail from Mr. Koon - 2nd E -mail from Mr. Koon - E -mail from Ms. Paulose - E -mail from Ms. Jamello Michael Fossati From: City Clerk [Crystal Bothelio] Sent: Thursday, May 16, 2013 3:58 PM To: Michael Fossati Subject: FW: In support of increaseing height limits in our commercial areas. Crystal Bothelio City Clerk I City of Saratoga 13777 Fruitvale Avenue Saratoga, CA 95070 Phone /Fax: 408.868.1269 1 Email: ctclerk @saratoga.ca.us Web: www.saratoga.ca.us Interested in serving on a City Commission? Visit www.saratoga.ca.us /comvac to learn about getting involved! - - - -- Original Message---- - From: Bruna M Byrne fmailto:brunabyrne @gmail.com] Sent: Thursday, May 16, 2013 3:51 PM To: Jill Hunter; Emily Lo; Howard Miller; Manny Cappello; Chuck Page; Dave Anderson; City Clerk [Crystal Bothelio] Cc: Jeff Byrne Byrne; brunabVrne @gmail.com Subject: Re: In support of increaseing height limits in our commercial areas. On May 16, 2013, at 3:48 PM, Bruna M Byrne wrote: > Please allow Saratoga to grow and become vibrant. Allow for increased height limits in commercial areas. We need it. • Thanks, • Bruna and Jeff Byrne • Bonnie Brae Way, Saratoga Michael Fossati Subject: FW: Supporter - raise the Saratoga business district height limit From: Steve Everett <tennisfan2008@=ail.com> Date: June 4, 2013, 9:05:31 PM PDT To: "ihunter (@saratoga.ca.us" <jhunter ,saratoga.ca.us >, "elo(a�saratoaa.ca.us" <elo(a sarato�a.ca.us >, "hinillergsaratoga.ca.us" <hmillerOsaratoga.ca.us >, "mcappello(@sarato a.ca.us" <mcappello(cD,saratoga.ca.us >, "cpage - saratoga.ca.us" <cpagegsaratoga.ca.us >; "davea(@saratoga.ca.us" <davea(a),saratoga.ca.us >, "ctclerk(a,saratoaa.ca.us" <ctclerk(a),sarato a.ca.us> Subject: Supporter - raise the Saratoga business district height limit Saratoga City Council, I am a long -time Saratoga resident and I strongly support raising the business district building height to 26 feet. I am a supporter because I believe increasing the height limit will create more vibrant business districts that will raise the quality of life for residents. There will be more choices of businesses to shop, to dine, and to choose services. More business activity -will bring additional tax dollars for city services. In general, Saratoga would be an even mote desirable location for people to live and raise families. I find the arguments against raising the height limit to be full of hyperbole, nuscharacterization, and bordering on outright lies. Such phrases as "I don't want to live in an urban jungle" doesn't make sense. We're talking about raising the height limit in the business districts, not in the residential areas where people live. Nobody is proposing Santana Row version 2. I urge the city council to vote yes on raising the business district height limit. This will give businesses more flexibility to create thriving businesses while preserving all that residents enjoy about living in Saratoga. Steve Everett Glasgow Dr. Michael Fossati :.. .,,,:ros,xi:�,,,,m.,.,— ..�.., -.w. .x�:,ax.nr:.. r.a:.•.n - o.; �, rv�-..:. 5r�;,•,. �.,. �:•,..' e. ria:.:.,.•, u�., r.•,., �,, r•.,, �,,.:..:.... a:,r., .�.:�:_s:� „- ..•..,.u.•.•n•.ro:�: •,e,. •i•.�x.r -. na,.,... ..:- .v..:,.;rt•,.r. -w..:: o,,..w, .,...,.,,c.�, Subject: FW: Increasing building height limit is good for business in Saratoga From: slamym <slam x�n mail-coin Date: June 4, 2013, 9:01:44 PM PDT To: "jhunter a,saratoga,ca.us <ihunter(2�saratoga.ca.us >, "elo(a,saratoaa.ca.us” <elo(a,saratoga.ca.us >, "hmiller(@saratoga.ca.us" <hmiller(a-) sarato ag ca.us>, "mcappello(a),saratoga.ca.us" <mcappello(a,sarato .ga.ca.us >, "cpage(a saratoga.ca.us" <cpage(a,saratoga.ca.uu >, "davea(@sarato a.ca.us" <davea(a,saratoga.ca.us >, "ctclerk(a,saratoga:ca.us" <ctclerk(a,saratoga.ca.us> Subject: Increasing building height limit is good for business in Saratoga Reply -To: slamym < slamm((_) mail.com> City Council Members, When Measure Q was defeated in 2010, the majority of Saratoga residents had spoken. Whether it is by 2, 20 or 200 votes, or whether it is a silent majority, a majority is a majority. Saratoga residents voted against the height limit. As a long time Saratoga resident, I was insulted by what I read after the election about outside money, cheating, etc. Most Saratoga residents,are highly educated and well off. I am fully capable of making informed choices so do not accuse me of being bought or fooled by propaganda. Please do not let the vocal minority speak for the majority of Saratoga residents. I would very much like to see new businesses come to Saratoga•and for businesses to be successful in Saratoga. Businesses bring tax revenue. Businesses create jobs. Businesses give residents more choices for services, shopping, and dining. It is difficult to see how raising the height limit by several feet in business districts would cause any problem. It would only benefit businesses by giving them a little more flexibility. Thank you. Sharon Lam Michael Fossati From: City Clerk [Crystal Bothelio] Sent: Tuesday, May 21, 2013 12:35 PM To: DL - Council Cc: Dave Anderson; Michael Fossati; James Lindsay Subject: FW: Height Limits Mayor & Council Members, Please see the message below on height limits that was sent to Council Member Miller. Crystal Bothelio City Clerk I City of Saratoga 13777 Fruitvale Avenue Saratoga, CA 95070 Phone /Fax: 408.868.1269 1 Email: ctclerk @saratoga.ca.us Web: www.saratoga.ca.us Interested in serving on a City Commission? Visit www.saratoga.ca.us /comvac to learn about getting involved! From: Elvira Muller <elviramuller(a_comcast.net> Subject: Height Limits Date: May 21, 2013 8:52:06 AM PDT To: <hmiller(aD-saratoga.ca.us> Dear Mr. Miller: I have lived in Saratoga since 1990, and would like to see the town of Saratoga become a more vibrant place to walk, visit, shop, as well as dine. I am in favor of raising the commercial height limits in downtown Saratoga. Thank you, Elvira Muller Michael Fossati Subject: , FW: June 5th meeting - Raising buildng heights in the Gateway area From: Amal Bhatt <amalbhatt@yahoo.com> Reply -To: Amal Bhatt<amalbhatt@yahoo.com> Date: Wednesday, June 5, 2013 10:32 AM To: Jill Hunter <ihunter @saratoga.ca.us >, Emily Lo <elo @saratoga.ca.us >, Howard Miller <hmiller @saratoga.ca.us >, Manny Cappello <mcappello @saratoga.ca.us >, Chuck Page <cpage @saratoga.ca.us >, Dave Anderson <davea @saratoga.ca.us >, Crystal Bothelio <ctclerk @saratoga.ca.us> Subject: June 5th meeting - Raising buildng heights in the Gateway area As a resident of Saratoga, I would like to place on record my strong protest for the Planning Commission's recommendation to raise commercial building heights in the Gateway area from 20 ft. to 26 ft It'appears to be very odd and grossly unfair that only the gateway area has been chosen for this and it is very apparent that it is first step towards making Gateway area to be the main area for State - mandated low- income housing. Why not this is distributed across the whole city to minimize the impact of traffic noise and congestion ? I would request council to vote against the plan. Sincerely, Amal Bhatt Vaishali Shastri 20665 Oak Creek Ln. Saratoga , CA 95070 aural (408 ) 750 7277 SkSTpe: amal.bhatt Michael Fossati Subject: FW: Contact the City Council of Saratoga, California Form Submission From: website(c saratoaa.ca.us Sent: Friday, May 24, 2013 1:10:01 AM (UTC- 08:00) Pacific Time (US & Canada) To: City Council Subject: Contact the City Council of Saratoga, California Form Submission Submission from the Saratoga City Council Comment Form Your Name: Elaine Chan Phone Number: Email Address : echannkandg.com Your Comments to the City Council of Saratoga, California : I am writing to you regarding the Public Hearing Notice regarding APP ZOA 13- 0003. I only started to attend late last year after I moved to Saratoga. I wonder if The Gateway guideline had been provided initially to the then potential buyer of the Time Space Project on Saratoga - Sunnyvale Road, such App ZOA 13 -003 would not exist. Now it is left for us, Saratoga residences, to fight to oppose this project. Not to mention that 99% of the people who voiced their concerns at all the public hearings opposed the project but the Planning Commission simply ignores them. The developers bought this abandoned land cheap and try to maximize his project at the expense of the surrounding Saratoga citizens. Property value of houses that are behind and near a two story buildings will be significantly discounted. The developers initial project proposal was an enonnous block of concrete with minimal parking space. They even requested to reduce side setback to MAXMIZE all the footage. There is no architectural design to make it look anything like the Growing Tree Montessori School at Prospect Road which the Planning Commission now always use for comparison. The Planning Commission went back and forth with the developers to have them modify their draft for two years. One of the City Councilmen made a very good point at the May 15 meeting, i.e. questioning the Planning Commission did the Council instruct them to consider height increase. The answer from the Planning Commission is NO. So the increase of height limits should'not have been on the agenda at all. From the Public Hearing about usage permit on May 22, we learned that the developers have an agreement/contract with the owner of the adjacent building (that has not been build yet) to share drive way. I am concern in a block of three 2 -story tall cruise ships -like buildings (including the exiting Saratoga Square) with massive underground parking at that Gateway area. It does not fit the character of Saratoga. The description on the City of Saratoga Home Page: " Tucked away in the foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains of California, Saratoga is a lovely residential community with a small -town feel. The City is well known for its'excellent schools, fine dining, unique shops, and distinctive cultural institutions. Saratoga offers a high quality of life to its residents and a chance to escape the hustle of Silicon Valley. " I would urge the Council to preserve the , heritage and lifestyle of the city. Keep the height limit of commercial CV and CN to 20 feet. We have seen how the neighborhood cities are being converted to multi -stone high -rise mixed -use residential and commercial . buildings. They have been ruined by all these exceptions to increase the height of commercial buildings. That increases traffic and density. Not to mention crime rate. «7e moved to. Saratoga less than a year ago. We'are attracted to Saratoga by the small. town feel, spacious, village like and calm environment. Our young kid can play in the backyard and see the sky and mountain while playing in the swung. If you permit the height increase, to CV zone building, it is like putting a big wall almost in front of our backyard. Currently, when we are, driving on Saratoga - Sunnyvale Road to Saratoga from HWY 280, once we pass Prospect Road, we can feel the change of the scene fi-om super dense and chaotic to suburb, peaceful and calm environment. 'It immediately leads to an open view of the mountains, trees and blue sky. Please preserve the village environment of Saratoga and•keeb $le height limits to 20ft in the Gateway area. Don't turn Saratoga to San Jose and Cupertino. Sincerely, Elaine Chan Michael Fossati Subject: FW: June 5th meeting - Raising buildng heights in the Gateway area From: Chandran Cheriyan <ccheriyan(@ sbcglobal. net> Date: June 4, 2013, 5:29:37 PM PDT To: <ihunter(a),saratoga.ca.us >, <elo(s rato a.ca,us >, <hmiller(a saratoga.ca.us >, <mcappello@saratoga.ca.us >, <cpage(a sarato, a.ca.us >, <daveaPsaratoga.ca.us >, <ctclerk(a sarato a.ca.us> Subject: June 5th meeting - Raising buildng heights in the Gateway area I attended my very first Saratoga City Council meeting on May 15th - to protest the Planning Commission's recommendation to raise commercial building heights in the Gateway area from 20 ft. to 26 ft. I was exrtemely surprised that, despite the many residents who voiced their opposition, the Council seemed to be leaning in favor - with the sole exception of Mayor Jill Hunter. I applaud Mayor Hunter for recognizing the concerns of residents. As I understood from other speakers, scores of residents had also spoken up against this recommendation at the Planning Commission's meetings, but to no avail. Do our opinions mean anything? Not from what I saw. It had seemed very odd to me that the Planning Commission had proposed that only the Gateway area was to have the building heights raised to 26 ft., while excluding other commercial areas like Argonaut and Quito centers. But, comments from Councilman Manny Cappello made it all clearer. He mentioned that Gateway would be the main area for State - mandated low- income housing. He even asked the Planning Commission to allow ground -floor residential in the Gatewal commercial area - even though the Commission's proposal is to eliminate all Saratoga ground -floor residential in a mixec use zone. Mr. Cappello's statements are all captured on the video. So, as I see it, passing the 26ft. height ordinance is presumably.the first step for the Gateway area to be the low- income housing site. That seems to be the true intent. If this state mandate has to be met, why is the Gateway area (less than 0.86% of Saratoga, according to the Planning Commission's figures) being the.only one considered? Such housing will have a negative impact on traffic noise & congestion, and property values, if concentrated in one area. Shouldn't such housing be spread out to minimize these negative effects? I see this as highly discriminatory and grossly unfair to those of us who live in the Gateway area. I urge the Council to vote against this recommendation when you meet again on June 5th. Thank you Chandran Cheriyan 20555 Oak Creek Ln Saratoga, CA 95070 .ti.0 '.T.. •.4 :..): a(n- .ulr� - v.�F'ci .!.t�: .�A.. .�TK ..W'.. �f:i:e�:� /'.: is /':nflk'�.�IrX t.V. a,.,:..- f.:,^� Michael Fossati •T: k 4:Ft: i +: Subject: FW: Request to Vote AGAINST Plan to Increase Height of Buildings in Gateway Area From: Hemant Habbu <hrhabbu @habbulaw.com> Date: June 5, 2013,3:20:46 PM PDT To: 'Jill Hunter' <ihunter @saratoga.ca.us >,'Emily Lo' <elo @saratoga.ca.us >,'Howard Miller' <hmiller @saratoga.ca.us >, 'Manny Cappello' <mcappello @saratoga.ca.us >, 'Chuck Page' <cpage @saratoga.ca.us >, 'Dave Anderson' <davea @saratoga.ca.us >, "'City Clerk [Crystal Bothelio "' <ctclerk @saratoga.ca.us> Cc:'Hemant Habbu' <hrhabbu @habbulaw.com> Subject: Request to Vote AGAINST Plan to Increase Height of Buildings in Gateway Area Hello Saratoga Council: We live near the so- called Gateway area by Prospect and Saratoga - Sunnyvale Roads and are rather troubled by the proposal before you to increase the height of the commercial buildings in our neighborhood. In and of itself, the proposal may seem innocuous enough to some people but its inevitable ramifications in the current context are the cause significant anxiety. 1. It will exponentially increase traffic and young children will no longer be able to play or move around freely due to safety concerns. 2. It will gradually but surely increase the risk of crime. Since even one burglary, let alone a more serious offence, is one burglary too many, safety will become the first casualty. 3. Why is our zone the only zone to be selected for the increase in height? Why not allow increase of the height of business buildings say in downtown Saratoga? I am sure one of the answers will be that if the height is increased in downtown Saratoga, the quaintness and quality of the shopping /restaurants will be negatively impacted because of additional traffic, noise pollution, parking issues, etc. So why would that be any different for people in our neighborhood? We are not naive to not understand that one man's food is another man's poison but this is a business issue versus quality -of -life issue, something which Saratoga has been very protective about. So why are we now being sacrificed at the altar of Mammon? 4. The proposal — or one that is bound to come about anyway — to block the center divide on Saratoga - S'vale Rd., is a terrible idea because it will not permit anyone to make left turns from our side without first going to Seagull and making a U -turn. That cannot but lead to traffic jams at best or to accidents at worst. Hopefully, there will be no injury but then we all know that statistically, it is just a matter of time before somebody does get hurt in the traffic congestion. 5. Our property values are going to be drastically and negatively impacted. 6. Would any of the council members, all things being equal, swap houses with any of the inhabitants in our little island of relative quietude at present, if and when the hustle and :. bustle of commercial enterprises begin to take hold? Please ponder on that. For each one and more of the foregoing reasons, please do NOT allow the height of the commecial buildings to be increased. Regards, Hemant R. Habbu Attorney at Law Habbu & Park Inc. (A Law Corporation) 95 South Market Street, Suite 530 June 4, 2013 City Council City of Saratoga Saratoga City Hall 13777 Fruitvale Avenue Saratoga, CA 95070 Dear Council members: Saratoga Commercial Building Height Limits It is my understanding that the City Council will re -visit the issue of changes to zoning limits; most notably the City's commercial building heights in certain zones. The purpose of this letter is to express my position (as well as that of my wife, Marcia Kaufirrann). We have been residents of Saratoga for almost 40 years and have observed the results of years of change in the areas surrounding Saratoga, as well as within the City. Having read, in the Saratoga News, the reporting of the previous meetings and discussions, I am troubled by the inability of the Council to heretofore simply rule that the increased height limit is inappropriate in our community, and no changes are necessary. Troublesome, too, is the decision to keep kicking the can down the road in face of substantial opposition from residents, by requesting more information. I believe that the concern should be that the preponderance of residents would favor a no- change decision. I believe, too, that no amount of economic impact studies will sway this sentiment, irrespective of whether or not the result would be "even a fraction of Santana Row." The fundamental issue is that the residents do not want or need to expand the City's commercial position. They want to maintain the City's residential position. Neighboring cities that have already made the expansion decision are close enough to fill any needs of Saratoga residents. Once this model is changed there would be no return, and the flavor of the city so many of us have come to know and appreciate would be forever diminished, to the ostensible benefit of a select few. Please do not*vote in favor of this change. Respectfully, Sidney Kaufmann 19677 Saratoga Los Gatos Road Michael Fossati Subject: FW: Contact the City Council of Saratoga, California Form Submission From: City Council <saratoga cc @saratoga.ca.us> Date: Tuesday, June 4, 2013 1:23 PM To: Chuck Page <cpage @saratoga.ca.us >, Jill Hunter <jhunter @saratoga.ca.us >, Howard Miller <hmiller @saratoga.ca.us >, Manny Cappello <mcappello @saratoga.ca.us >, Dave Anderson <davea @saratoga.ca.us >, Emily Lo <elo@saratoga.ca.us >, Crystal Bothelio <ctclerk @saratoga.ca.us> Subject: FW: Contact the City Council of Saratoga, California Form Submission From: website(a)saratoga.ca.us Sent: Tuesday, June 04, 2013 1:23:40 PM (UTC- 08:00) Pacific Time (US & Canada) To: -City Council Subject: Contact the City Council of Saratoga, California Form Submission Submission from the Saratoga City Council Comment Form Your Name : Ivan Koon Phone Number : Email Address : ivan @koonfamily.net Your Comments to the City Council of Saratoga, California : On the issue of allowing building heights to go up to 26 feet, I found the comments from some council members supporting the issues that "there are lots of myths floating around" to be offensive. The major functions of the city council are to (1) provide necessary services to the residents of Saratoga (2) ensure the residential property value of Saratoga to be protected and enhanced. Under NO circumstances shall the council take any action that can potentially bring the value of our residential properties down. The argument that the building height increase proposal may not impact the residents of-Saratoga is totally irresponsible. Any council member who would vote to support the increase of the building height MUST present his /her case that the increase in the building height WILL increase the value of the residential properties in Saratoga. Lacking that, what is the reason to support the increase of the building height limit? Residents of Saratoga DO NOT want to trade dow n their property value in exchange for some potential gain in taxes. We will want to remind the council that their purpose is to protect and enhance the residential property value for all home owners in Saratoga. Their other intentions are of no concern to the residents of Saratoga. Michael Fossati Subject: FW: Contact the City Council of Saratoga, California Form Submission From: City Council <saratoga cc(_a),saratoga.ca.us> Date: June 4, 2013, 5:01 :12 PM PDT , To: Chuck Page <cpage(a,saratoga.ca.us >, Jill Hunter <jh� unter(a,saratoga.ca.us >, Howard.Miller <hmiller@sarato ag ca.us >, Manny Cappello <mcappello(a saratoga.ca.us >, Dave Anderson <davea(@,,saratoga.ca.us >, Emily Lo <elo(a saratoga.ca.us >, "City Clerk [Crystal Bothelio]" <ctclerk@sarato aa. ca.us> Subject: FW: Contact the City Council of Saratoga, California Form Submission From: websiteCcbsaratoga.ca.us Sent: Tuesday, June 04, 2013 5:01:03 PM (UTC- 08:00) Pacific Time (US & Canada) To: City Council Subject: Contact the City Council of Saratoga, California Form Submission Submission from the Saratoga City Council Comment Form Your Name: Ivan Koon Phone Number: Email Address : ivan(a- ,koonfamily.net Your Comments to the City Council of Saratoga, California : Just replacing older buildings with newer ones does not convey a plan to increase value in Saratoga. For example, in many parts of London, Tokyo and Boston, maintaining the old buildings create high value for those cities. I cannot imagine what would happen to those cities if their older buildings were to be replaced with stucco or glass buildings. Saratoga is a small town. People chose to live in this town because it is a small town that tucked in the hills and woods. I know my family chose to move here because we love the Norman Rockwell way of life. The downtown struck us as that. It is not pretentious. Yes, it looks old and some parts of it looks run down. But that is Saratoga. We don't want Los Gatos or Cupertino. Had we want that, we and most people who live in Saratoga can most definitely afford to live in Los Gatos or Cupertino. We know for a fact that the average and general residential property value is much higher in Saratoga than those in Los Gatos or Cupertino. It is our choice to keep Saratoga as a small quiet town. There are many well -to -do folks that share our reasons of choosing to buy and live in Saratoga. My whole neighborhood can attest to that. You will hear that in the 2014 election. If Saratoga changes to become the next Los Gatos or Cupertino, then those well-to-do ,folks will leave and the would be buyers who share the same value will not buy into Saratoga. What would that do to the value of our homes? I really don't understand why walking away from the proven Saratoga way of lives and becoming somebody else' imitation is a way to increase home value. Every town that can enhance their home values done it through creating uniqueness not through copy cat and the wannabe way. Look at Palo Alto, Los Altos, Atherton, Pacific Heights, Cannel, Beverly. Hills, each of their is .unique. When you mention any one of these cities, a certain image comes to mind. Can you imagine that about Cupertino? We must have a strategic plan for Saratoga. What is the "Position" that Saratoga should take and therefore clearly differentiate us against all other municipalities in the rninds of would -be home buyers and even would -be commercial developers. If we cannot differentiate, then we will only be able to demand lower rent than Los Gatos or Cupertino. If people like to rent'commercial places in Cupertino or Los Gatos,'they can do that already today, nalit? Why would they come to a place that.want to look like Los Gatos or Cupertino? They .. y. r......•,... rr.::•. 4:•.: r.:_.{ �...:. It' �. If':;. ra._' t.' �t�+,:.. y% r. r.:-. r., e:.. VR:._ r:.. .r..�.t,- :: \;':.wvk6�:V....r•'. •rS.✓•:�5,. - �:ilrl•: r: %:•i '..xu, - .::4... - Michael Fossati ..n:. i:: tyrr;:!V'rM:E .i:.r..i.�...r. .v.. •n -)i n:�::r..ya:'. M:..: ^'.:i•_:'L Subject: FW: June 5th meeting - Raising buildng heights in the Gateway area From: Rita Paulose <ritapm(a),pacbell.net> Date: June 5, 2013, 2:42:21 PM PDT To: Emily Lo <elo0),saratoga.ca.us >, <hmillernsaratoaa.ca.us >, Manny Cappello <mcappello(@sarato a� ca.us >, Chuck Page <cpa e(a�saratoga.ca.us >, Dave Anderson <davea(a,saratoga.ca.us >, <ctclerk@saratoga. ca.us> Subject: June 5th meeting - Raising buildng heights in the Gateway area As a resident of Saratoga, I would like to express strong protest for the Planning Commission's recommendation to raise commercial building heights in the Gateway area from 20 ft. to 26 ft. An increase will have a serious impact on traffic, noise and congestion. With some of current businesses (STAR Swim Center, Learning Tree, Brighter Future Learning Center) we already experience a high volume of traffic. At times it takes upwards of 5 minutes just to get across Saratoga - Sunnyvale Road! It seems very unfair that the Planning Commission has proposed the height increase to 26ft only for the Gateway area. Why are other commercial areas like Argonaut and Quito centers not affected? I would urge the council to vote against the plan. Sincerely, Rita Paulose 20643 Oak Creek Lane Saratoga Michael Fossati From: nancy jamello <nancy @nancyjamello.com> Sent: Monday, June 03, 2013 4:54 PM To: Jill Hunter; Emily Lo; Howard Miller; Manny Cappello; Chuck Page; City Clerk [Crystal Bothelio]; Michael Fossati Subject: NO two story No two story Most of Saratogans oppose two story commercial but many of us also oppose two story homes. So rather than raise the commercial from 20 feet to 26 feet to match the residential... please hold the commercial at 20 feet and work to lower the residential to 20 feet except in the rare places where it is already two story. We do not want two story commercial (or two story anything). Two story commercial will block our views, invade our privacy, increase traffic and cause more crime. We applaud your goal to withdraw the rental residential but we oppose raising the commercial. Raising the commercial would only please developers and would give nothing good to home owners. We have voted for you to represent us and we feel that the majority of us would like you to say NO to two story commercial. We have bought our homes in Saratoga for the safety, the views and the peaceful atmosphere. Keep Saratoga safe... Just say INTO Voting in Saratoga since 1984... Nancy Portugal Jamello Menthol - flavored cigarettes currently account for 25 percent of cigarette sales in the United States. An overwhelming majority of menthol smokers are from minority populations, which are specifically targeted by the tobacco industry in its advertising and marketing campaigns. The Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act, signed into law in June 2009, gave the U.S. Food and Drug. Administration (FDA) the authority to regulate tobacco products. The law made the sale of most flavored cigarettes illegal but exempted menthol - flavored cigarettes. However, the law provides that the FDA may create future regulations banning or restricting the use of menthol in cigarettes. The FDA is currently reviewing information about menthol cigarettes and deciding what, if any, action to take. Cities and counties can pass a local resolution to encourage the FDA to regulate or completely ban the use of menthol in cigarettes. Once passed, a resolution may be submitted to the FDA and other officials to urge them to act in accordance with the resolution. Public Health Law & Policy developed this Model Resolution to help cities and counties in this effort; it includes some suggestions regarding to whom the city or county may want to send a copy of the resolution once it is passed. RESOLUTION OF SUPPORT OF FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION (FDA) REGULATION OF MENTHOL IN CIGARETTES AND FLAVORING IN OTHER TOBACCO PRODUCTS WHEREAS, 44% of children aged 12 -17 years who smoke,' and 51% of Asian American and Latino, 79% of African American, and 37% of white high school -aged smokers use menthol cigarettes;2 WHEREAS, tobacco industry documents clearly show how the tobacco industry designed flavored tobacco products to target youth ;3 WHEREAS, mentholated and flavored products have been shown to be "starter" products for youth who begin smoking; 4, s, 6 WHEREAS, the tobacco industry has been manipulating the dose of menthol in cigarettes to ensure the uptake and continued use of tobacco, especially byyoung people and other vulnerable populations for many years;' WHEREAS, the tobacco industry has targeted African Americans with mentholated products and as a result nearly 83% of African American smokers smoke menthol cigarettes, compared with 24% of white smokers;9 WHEREAS, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has the authority to issue product standards to promote public health, which can include eliminating or reducing certain ingredients;'() WHEREAS, the FDA already prohibits cigarettes from having candy, fruit, and spice as characterizing flavors because these flavors make tobacco products especially appealing to kids, and can lead to a lifetime of tobacco addiction;" WHEREAS, menthol was expressly exempted from the ban on characterizing flavors in cigarettes;12 WHEREAS, other tobacco products (including but not limited to smokeless tobacco, cigars, hookah tobacco, and dissolvable tobacco products) are not included in the ban on candy, fruit, spice or other characterizing flavors; 13 WHEREAS, the tobacco industry has a well- documented history of developing and marketing mentholated brands to racial and ethnic minorities and youth; 14, is WHEREAS, in cigarettes, menthol is the only cigarette additive that is actively marketed to consumers, and virtually all cigarettes contain at least some menthol to make cigarettes more palatable ;16 WHEREAS, the [City /County] of [_1 is committed to the health and well being of its residents and is particularly concerned about preventing tobacco use among youth; WHEREAS, the [City /County] of [_1 is committed to the health and well being of its residents and is particularly concerned about preventing tobacco use among youth; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the [City Council /Board of Supervisors] of the [City /County] of [ ] hereby supports the Food and Drug Administration's exercise of its authority to better regulate the use of menthol in cigarettes and other flavored (candy /fruit /alcohol) tobacco products in the United States; BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the [City Council /Board of Supervisors] shall send this resolution to the following individuals: Name of Signatory Date I Jennifer M. Kreslake et al., Tobacco Industry Control of Menthol in Cigarettes and Targeting of Adolescents and Young Adults, 98 Ann. J. PUB. HEALTH 1685, 1685 -92 (2008). z My- Charllins Vilsaint, et al., Cigarette Smoking among Youth. Results from the 2002 National Youth Tobacco Survey, Center for Tobacco Control Research and Education, UC San Francisco, June 1, 2004, available at http: / /escholarship.org /uc /item /4ln8d2x8. 3 Department of Health and Human Services, Food and Drug Administration, FDA Parental Advisory on Flavored Tobacco Products — What You Need to Know, available at: www. fda. gov/ TobaccoProducts/ ProtectingKidsfromTobacco /FlavoredTobacco /ucml83196.htm. 4 Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Office. of Applied Studies, The NSDUH Report: Use of Menthol Cigarettes, Nov. 19, 2009, available at: htt�: / /oas.samhsa.gov /2k9 /134 /134MentholCigarettes.htm. 5 James C. Hershey et al., Are Menthol Cigarettes a Starter Product for Youth? 8 NICOTINE & TOBACCO RES. 403,403- 13 (2006). 6 Olivia Wackowski & Cristine D. Delnevo, Menthol Cigarettes and Indicators of Tobacco Dependence Among Adolescents, 32 ADDICTIVE BEHAV. 1964, 1964 -69 (2007). Jennifer M. Kreslake et al. Tobacco Industry Control of Menthol in Cigarettes and Targeting of Adolescents and Young Adults. 98 Ann. J. PUB. HEALTH 1685, 1685 -1692 (2008). S National Youth Advocacy Coalition, Coming Out About Smoking, NYAC WIKI, available at: http : / /wiki.nvacyouth.oriz/index.php ?title= Coming Out About Smoking &oldid =1674. 9 Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Office of Applied Studies, The NSDUH Report: Use of Menthol Cigarettes, Nov. 19, 2009, available at. httb: / /oas.samhsa.gov /2k9 /134 /134MenthoiCigarettes.htm. to Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act, Pub. L. No. 111 -31, § 102, 123 Stat. 1776 (codified as amended in scattered sections of 5 U.S.C., 15 U.S.C., and 21 U.S.C.); 21 U.S.C. § 387a -1 (2010). 1121 U.S.C. § 387g(a)(1)(A) (2010). 121d. 13 Id. 14 United States v. Philip Morris, 449 F. Supp. 2d 1, 11 (D.D.C. 2006) aff'd, 566 F.3d 1095 (D.C. Cir. 2009). 15 Valerie B. Yerger et al., Rocialized Geography, Corporate Activity, and Health Disparities: Tobacco Industry Targeting of Inner Cities, 18 J. OF HEALTH CARE FOR THE POOR & UNDERSERVED 10, 10 -38 (2007). 16 Summary of the Second Conference on Menthol Cigarettes: Menthol in Cigarettes: It helps the poison go down easier A Report to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Prepared as Public Comment by Phillip Gardiner, Dr. P.H., University of California: Office of the President, Tobacco Related Disease Research Program Pamela Clark, Ph.D., University of Maryland College Park, School of Public Health. December 21St, 2009. STATE CAPITOL P.O. BOX 942849 SACRAMENTO, CA 94249 -0024 (916) 319 -2024 FAX (916) 319 -2124 DISTRICT OFFICE 100 PASEO DE SAN ANTONIO, SUITE 300 SAN JOSE, CA 95113 (408) 282 -8920 FAX (408) 282 -8927 WEBSITE www.assembly.ca.gov /beall April 6, 2011 C .Ss hfij CTA,� P ' `o Sle : fr ^u w M JIM BEALL, JR.. ASSEMBLYMEMBER,TWENTY- FOURTH DISTRICT Dr. Lawrence Deyton, MSPH, MDD Director, Center for Tobacco Products Food and Drug Administration 9200 Corporate Boulevard Rockville, MD 20850 -3229 Dear Dr. Deyton: COMMITTEES CHAIR, HUMAN SERVICES BUDGET BUDGET SUBCOMMITTEE 1 ON HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES JOBS, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, AND THE ECONOMY PUBLIC SAFETY REVENUE AND TAXATION SELECT COMMITTEES CHAIR, ALCOHOL AND DRUG ABUSE CHAIR, FOSTER CARE DISABILITIES DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SAFETY AND PROTECTION OF AT -RISK COMMUNITIES IN CALIFORNIA WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT WITHIN THE DEVELOPMENTALLY DISABLED COMMUNITY In June 2009, Congress passed HR 1256, banning flavored cigarettes, but exempting menthols from the ban. The FDA was ordered to study the effects of menthol cigarettes and follow up with recommendations for regulation. As I am sure you are aware, the committee's recommendations were due in March of this year. I am writing as the State Assembly representative for the 24th District of California to urge you to ban menthol cigarettes. Menthol cigarettes produce a cooling sensation that helps smokers inhale greater quantities of nicotine. Recent research has backed up this claim, suggesting that menthol cigarettes may result in a greater intake of carcinogens by smokers. Studies have also show that smokers who use menthol cigarettes exhibit a higher level of nicotine dependence. Menthol cigarettes are currently the only legal form of flavored cigarettes and might therefore be more attractive to younger smokers. The tobacco industry has a well - documented history of developing and marketing mentholated brands to racial and ethnic minorities and youth. The court's findings in United States v. Philip Morris illustrates that tobacco companies have marketed menthol cigarettes as a healthier option, and used them as "starter products" directed at youth. For these reasons, I urge you to recommend a ban on all menthol flavored cigarettes. Thank you for your time and consideration of this request. Best regards, x7,4th District STATE CAPITOL P.O. BOX 942849 SACRAMENTO, CA 94249.0022 (916) 319 -2022 FAX (916) 319 -2122 DISTRICT OFFICE 274 CASTRO STREET, SUITE 202 MOUNTAIN VIEW, CA 94041 (408) 277 -2003 / (650) 210 -2000 FAX (408) 277 -2084 / (650) 210 -2005 E -MAIL assemblymember.tong@assembly.ca.gov March 21, 2011 Doctor Margaret A. Hamburg Ammhlv ST�Td'. `P PAUL FONG ASSEMBLYMEMBER, TWENTY - SECOND DISTRICT Commissioner, Food and Drug Administration 10903 New Hampshire Ave Silver Spring, MD 20993 -0002 Dear Doctor Hamburg, COMMITTEES CHAIR, ELECTIONS AND REDISTRICTING BANKING AND FINANCE HIGHER EDUCATION UTILITIES AND COMMERCE SELECT COMMITTEES AEROSPACE BIOTECHNOLOGY COMMUNITY COLLEGES DOMESTIC VIOLENCE INNOVATION AND THE BAY AREA ECONOMY In June 2009, Congress passed HR 1256 banning flavored cigarettes but exempted menthols from the ban. The FDA was ordered to study the effects of menthol cigarettes and make recommendations for regulation. As I am sure you are aware, the committee's recommendations are due in March of this year am writing in my official capacity as the representative for the 22nd Assembly District of California, to urge you to ban menthol cigarettes. One of my responsibilities as a member of the Assembly is public health. Menthol cigarettes produce a cooling sensation that helps smokers inhale greater quantities of nicotine. A recent study by the University of Oxford suggested that menthol cigarettes may result in a greater uptake of carcinogens and nicotine. Similarly, a November 2010 study prepared for the Center for Tobacco Products finds that starting smoking with menthol leads to higher levels of nicotine depe'ndence2. Finally, there has been speculation in the scientific community that the lower quit rates within the Latino and African American communities are associated with menthol use. Menthol cigarettes are currently the only legal form of flavored cigarettes, and might therefore ' be more attractive to younger smokers. For these reasons I must urge you to recommend a ban on menthol cigarettes. Thank: you for your consideration of my request. Sincerely, Paul Fong Assemblymember, District 22 . �" Printed on Recycled Paper CCTV OF ^-=:� SANJQSE CAPITAL OF SILICON VALLEY July 31, 2012 Dr. Lawrence Deyton, MSPH, MD Director Center for Tobacco Products Food and Drug Administration 9200 Corporate Boulevard Rockville, MD 20850 -3229 Dear Dr. Deyton, Ash Kalra COUNCILMEMBER DISTRICT 2 I am the Councilmember for District 2 in the City of San Jose, and I am writing to express my support of banning menthol - flavored cigarettes. Signed into law in June 2009, the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act gave the FDA the authority to regulate tobacco products. While the law made the sale of most cigarettes from having candy, fruit, and spice as characterizing flavors, it has exempted menthol - flavored cigarettes. Currently the only legal form of flavored cigarettes, menthol cigarettes can be especially appealing to younger smokers, and can lead to a lifetime of tobacco addiction. Aside from health concerns related to tobacco use, the tobacco industry has a well- documented history of developing and marketing mentholated brands to ethnic minorities and youth. More than half a million people account for communities of color here in San Jose and approximately 35 percent of our population is made up of those under the age of 25. The City of San Jose is the largest city of Santa Clara County and has a history of supporting tobacco prevention and regulation, As a member of the City Council, I am committed to the health and well -being of San Jose residents and I am particularly concerned about preventing tobacco use among youth and historically marginalized communities. I believe that a recommendation to ban all menthol - flavored cigarettes would serve to protect Californians for many generations to come. Thank you for your attention to this request. Sincerely, L ��� Ash Kalra Councilmember, District 2 City of San Jose 200 East Santa Clara Street, San Josd, CA 95113 -1903 tel (408) 535 -4902 fax (408) 292 -6451 district2 @sanjoseca.gov May 31, 2013 Santa Clara County Group Urges FDA Action to Prevent Future Generations Getting Hooked on Tobacco by Ridding Flavored Tobacco Starter Products Santa Clara County – Local diverse group of students and community health advocates are taking action together from the Menthol & Flavored Tobacco Prevention Project ( MFTPP) of the Santa Clara County Tobacco Free Coalition in a Bay Area and national campaign to urge the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to ban flavorings — including menthol —from tobacco products. They created the Don't Yuck Our Yum Awareness campaign to prevent future generations from becoming hooked on tobacco by eliminating enticing flavored 'starter' products. It is imperative to eliminate menthol and all flavorings from all tobacco products with no exceptions." urges community co- chair, Vic Bourdon, a long time youth /young adult advocate and Mt. Pleasant HS alum, who grew up in Eastside San Jose and now resides in the Willow Glen neighborhood. A March 2012 U.S. Surgeon General's Report states, "Tobacco companies have long known of menthol's ability to mask harshness associated with cigarette smoke, increase the ease of smoking and provide a cooling sensation that appeals to many smokers, particularly new smokers." Tobacco industry documents reveal that they formulate and market menthol cigarettes to appeal to youth and ethnic groups. An estimated 44 percent of children age 12 to 17 who smoke report smoking menthols. Additionally, 79 % of African - American, 51% of Asian American, 51% Latino and 37% White high school -aged smokers use menthol cigarettes. In 2011, City of Milpitas and recently in April 2013, City of San Jose adopted resolutions supporting FDA regulation of menthol and flavorings (candy, fruit, alcohol) in tobacco products to halt youth tobacco starter products and tobacco use /nicotine addiction and rising health care costs due to tobacco - related illness such as cancer, lung and heart diseases. The volunteer MFTPP peers came from local community colleges, high schools and universities and completed an observational survey at stores selling tobacco. The survey of over 100 tobacco retailers found that 100% of all businesses sold menthol cigarettes and flavored tobacco especially "little cigars or cigarillos ". "A disturbing finding is that fruit flavored cigarillos were more affordable and accessible than actual fruit sold at the same store" shares long time education & public health advocate, Ronnel Corre. National tobacco advertising targets African - Americans, resulting in four out of five (82 %) of African - American smokers using menthol cigarettes and a whopping 32% of Asian immigrant Filipino male smokers compared to the SCC adult smoking rate of 10 %. MFTPP co -chair Brendan Vu said studies show that tobacco companies target upon poor, immigrant and ethnic communities, pricing menthol cigarettes lower and linking advertising with pop culture such as hip hop music and trends. The MFTPP plans to have signed petitions and resolutions sent to the FDA Director of Center of Tobacco. For more information, please contact Vic Bourdon at vic9bourdon @gmail.com Menthol & Flavored Tobacco Prevention Project Don't Yuck Our Yum Awareness Campaign (youth /young adults) Purpose: Prevent addiction by controlling access to product • Prevent nicotine addiction by better regulation (which cam include banning items & who can have access) to flavored tobacco products Why? Big Tobacco needs new customers! • Trendy, hip & sweet tasting tobacco products hook attract & hook youth • Research shows that smokers that start before 18 years old become lifelong hardcore users. • Attract young adult users (18 -29 yrs) too as casual recreational tobacco users. Research shows that adults over 26 yrs don't usually become chronic hardcore smokers. • Historically, Big Tobacco aggressively markets & targets the following groups: • Women • Blue collar /Low Socio- Economic workers • Ethnic Communities (African American, Filipino & Pacific Islander smokers mostly use menthol tobacco) • LG BTQ • Youth /Young Adults How? MFTPP /Don't Yuck Our Yum Awareness Campaign will send a strong message to the Food & Drug Administration — Regulate Menthol & Flavored Tobacco Better! • Organize volunteer diverse persons to become peer educators informed about how Tobacco Industry (Big Tobacco) uses aggressive target advertising to certain groups and to educate and advocate for prevention, treatment and public health. • Surveying all places that sell tobacco products or tobacco retailers /stores • Educating policymakers, decision makers, community groups and members by writing articles, creating info sheets & opinion surveys • Collect support letters from individuals • Collect support letters from organizations • Collect support letters from policymakers & elected legislators • Collect Resolutions from at least 2 cities of Santa Clara County MFTPP peers believe in being part of the solution in transforming communities to become sustaining healthy environments for everyone! They are a very dedicated volunteer diverse group of students, parents, educators who believe healthy communities are a right, not a privilege. Through being culturally savvy and aware, MFTPP created the Don't Yuck Our Yum Awareness Campaign to reach out to youth, young adults, workers, families and diverse communities to raise public awareness about the Tobacco Industry's marketing mentholated and special flavored tobacco products and advocate for a healthier environment free from tobacco addiction and litter. Contact Community Co- chair, Vy Hoang at vy hgPvahoo.com for further questions. The �;`kS��J ���9i�;3`7 r`3 prey: New products aimed at �� uU� and Dry snuff: flavored, neat, and compact r Nicotine dissolvables: mints, strips, and sticks Cigarillos and "little" cigars: flavored E- Cigarettes: same look, without the smoke Snus: 1��O spitless, flavored, discreet .MS - Energy dip: t caffeine and nicotine _ smokeless, flavored, k000;�.� Hookah: WARNING: All tobacco products contain chemicals that cause cancers, heart disease, birth defects, halitosis, and teeth discoloration- - even when they look and taste like California Youth Advocacv Network iulia(acvanoline.ore www.cvanonhne.ore Supporters of FDA Regulation of Menthol in Cigarettes and Flavoring in Other Tobacco Products List of individuals /legislators /non - profits that have written a support letter or adopted a support Resolution requesting the Food & Drug Administration to better regulate youth /young adult starter tobacco products with candy, menthol and fruit flavors. Bay Area Cities & Counties • San Jose (April 2013) • Milpitas (September 2011) • City & County of San Francisco • City of Berkeley, Community Health Commission • Oakland • San Pablo • Martinez • Richmond • Vallejo • County Alameda • County of Contra Costa • County of San Mateo • County of Solano Santa Clara County Legislators who wrote a Letter of Support: • Senator Ellen Corbett — District 10, Majority Leader • Senator Elaine Kontominas Alquist - District 13 • Senator Joseph Simitian - District 11, currently Santa Clara County Board of Supervisor • Assembly Member Jim Beall, Jr. - District 24, currently Senator District 13 • Assembly Member Nora Campos - District 23 • Assembly Member Paul Fong - District 22 • Assembly Member Bob Wieckowski — District 20 • Assembly Member Rich Gordon — District 21 • Assembly Member Bill Mon ning —District 27 Santa Clara County Organizations that signed on the Resolution of Support: • West Valley Community College Director of Health Services • West Valley Community College Community Resource Coordinator, George Mageles • West Valley Community College Associated Student Organizations, President • Gavilan Community College, Coordinator Student Health Services, Alice DuFresne -Reyes • Santa Clara County Tobacco -Free Coalition • Asian Americans for Community Involvement • NAACP — San Jose plus Bay Area San Francisco, Alameda /Oakland, Berkeley • Breathe California of the Bay Area • Billy De Frank — Health Services & Transgender Support Lead • SJSU Urban Pride — African American LGBTQ • SJSU Queer and Asian • SJSU Women's Resource Center • San Jose Spirit — Interfaith community group • Community Health Partnerships • Californians for Justice • SOMOS Mayfair • SIREN Immigrant support services • TIGRA • Next Generation • Friday Night Live • 100 Black Men of Silicon Valley • Health Trust AIDS Services • Project 4PLAY — HIV /AIDS prevention • FutureArtsNow!