Silicon Valley, Los Gatos Alex Kamis and 15-Minute Cities

Good evening

My name is Alex Kamis

I’m here to speak favorably regarding the Complete Streets and Transportation Commission’s report from December 12

In that report, they included two proposals to address beach traffic

One route would involve turning University Avenue into a bike boulevard

And the other idea would close North Santa Cruz Avenue to cars

And would just be used by pedestrians, bikers, and emergency vehicles

They make compelling arguments

The implementing these proposals would notably improve the beach traffic problem

Even more compelling, these proposals would make Los Gatos a friendlier, more welcoming and accessible place

Particularly turning North Santa Cruz Avenue into a pedestrian promenade

Prioritizing pedestrians on a main downtown street is not a new thing among South Bay and Peninsula cities

Their number includes San Jose, which recently pedestrianized Post Street in addition to San Pedro, Sunnyvale, Mountain View and Palo Alto, to name a few

I have friends and family who live in Sunnyvale and Mountain View

Almost any time we go to eat, shop, or enjoy each other’s company

We know that the place to go is Murphy or Castro Street because of the pleasant safe people-first experiences the those places provide

Creating that environment in Los Gatos would add to the charm and appeal of our downtown

The December 12 report recommended conducting a traffic study to investigate potential impacts of these plans

I’m asking that the council put that on the agenda

And ultimately vote to fund the traffic study

And implement the proposals found in the commission’s report

Thank you