Cupertino housing approvals amid fire-safety/traffic concerns, Mary Ave Villas denied; Santosh Rao enters council race
Key Questions
What housing decisions did the Cupertino City Council make recently?
The council approved the Linda Vista project 4-1 and Stevens Creek 3-2 but denied Mary Ave Villas over lawsuit risks and Highway 85 impacts. Discussions also addressed I-280/Wolfe improvements and the FY2026-27 budget.
Who is Santosh Rao and what is his platform for City Council?
Santosh Rao, a Planning Commissioner and MVHS parent, is running for Cupertino City Council. His platform emphasizes pedestrian safety near schools, sensible development, and collaboration with FUHSD, drawing on his experience with MVHS Site Council and Safe Routes to School.
What safety and traffic concerns were raised regarding local schools?
Parents highlighted traffic, enrollment pressures, and fire risks at MVHS-area schools, referencing the 2014 Vallco bike fatality. The council also discussed updates to the Health & Safety Plan amid Earth Day activities and a recent 3-2 vote on disability affordable housing.
Apr 1 Council 4-1 Linda Vista 51/Stevens Creek 32; denied Mary Ave (lawsuit/Hwy85); Vallco 2014 MVHS bike fatality; Council transparency issues. I-280/Wolfe $124M + medians; FY2026-27 budget. Earth Day/safety ties; parent concerns on traffic/enrollment/fire risks at MVHS-area schools. Recent 3-2 vote on disability affordable housing. Latest council meeting also covered Health & Safety Plan update, Finch property purchase, and ballot measures. Santosh Rao, Planning Commissioner and MVHS parent, is running for City Council on a platform of pedestrian safety near schools, sensible development, and partnering with FUHSD. He has served on MVHS Site Council and Safe Routes to School.