Just read your recent article about housing and the mention that the state has made granny units easier. Technically that may be true, but realistically the burdens still far outweigh the benefits. I have spent the last two months researching building a granny unit in my back yard here in Campbell, California. My husband and I have a nearly 13,000 square-foot lot with the large open space backyard, perfect for a secondary dwelling unit. However, after checking with every utility company and the city regarding policies and permits, I soon realized I need to come up with roughly 35K (possibly more) before I even begin working with a contractor. The only noticeable change my city made in regards to the new ordinance is in regards to the size of unit I am allowed to build changed from 640 to 900 ft.², and the strict parking restrictions went away. However, the utility requirements set by the city, plus all their fees is still making it quite difficult for people to consider a backyard unit.
Letters To The Editor
The developer, Lamb Partners (Randy Lamb – Atherton Planning Commissioner) started to purchase the two single family homes along Monroe, 906 Monroe St. and 930 Monroe St. in Feb 2019 and Sep 2019 respectively. This was just after the Santa Clara Downtown Community Task Force (DCTF) was formed by the City Council in December 2018. Lamb Partners
Santa Clara is the ONLY city in the entire State of California to have an elected Chief of Police. I contend that Santa Clarans don’t actually have a choice in selecting their Chief of Police. The current Chief of Police, Pat Nikolai, ran unopposed in his last two elections March 2020 and November 2020. Mike
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) states that racial discrimination in employment is illegal, as provided for under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The law forbids employers from discriminating against employees or applicants based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. The provision also prohibits employers from creating or
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Letters To The Editor
I am a 35‑year‑old graduate student, returning mid‑career to pursue a second master’s degree, and I am deeply concerned about the impact artificial intelligence is having on learning. I began my program at San Francisco State University in the fall of 2023, just as ChatGPT 3.5 was exploding into mainstream use. Like many students, I ... Read more
Bryant BaoThe City of Santa Clara this week, starting March 17th is putting on Fix A Leak week which focuses on all the potential ways to seek out water leaks in your home. However, for the City of Santa Clara leaking pipes of water is not their only concern with “leaks”. The consistent leaky pipes of ... Read more
Roger KintThe County and the City of Santa Clara have their share of elected and appointed officials who have pushed the boundaries of how much voters and residents can tolerate. Most will miss the fine details of their behavior, their actions, their ethics and transparency. Recently, workers at the Santa Clara Valley Water District demanded the ... Read more
Roger Kint