The Cupertino Courier

News

Some express opposition as annexation talks go on

By HUGH BIGGAR

Cupertino's city council unanimously approved launching annexation proceedings for unincorporated county land on Sept. 5.

In an agreement with Santa Clara County, Cupertino has agreed to try to annex land in exchange for the county's support on tax equity. The county wants to divest itself of pockets of unincorporated land to reduce expenses such as police protection and street repair. Cupertino--along with Saratoga, Los Altos Hills and Monte Sereno--receives the least amount of tax revenue in California, 4 percent, compared to the standard 7 percent. If the governor signs the tax equity allocation bill passed this month, which would bring those cities up to the standard, Cupertino could receive up to $3 million.

The council's decision kicks off a process that could add 17 acres to Cupertino. The islands of unincorporated land are home to about 15 dwellings and about 40 people. It could also help the city financially.

Residents of the unincorporated areas, currently under the jurisdiction of Santa Clara County, can protest the annexation at the Oct. 3 council meeting.

One such resident spoke at the Sept. 5 meeting.

"My wife and I have gone through all the proposals and are not interested in being annexed," said Mark Adams, a resident of Upland Way. "The reasons are an increase in taxes [and] increased review on building regulations."

If more than 50 percent of those affected by the annexation feel the same way and protest, annexation won't happen. If between 25 percent and 50 percent protest, the matter goes to the voters, and if less than 25 percent protest, the annexation proceeds.

Adams said seven neighbors also had reservations about being annexed by Cupertino.

Councilman Patrick Kwok encouraged residents to be open to the process.

"There are many benefits," he said. "It lets you voice your opinion in city government, and that's important in a democratic society. As for the city [code] requirements, that's a good thing because it makes consistency in the size of buildings."

Cupertino has been aggressive about annexing land in the past, recently adding Rancho Rinconada, Garden Gate and Monta Vista.

This time the city has extra incentive to pursue annexation.

However, the largest pocket of unincorporated land in Cupertino, the Creston community of about 150 homes along Foothill Expressway, will not be a part of the annexation discussions.

Dave Knapp, Cupertino's city manager, earlier told the Courier the community has said it is not interested in becoming a part of Cupertino.

Creston residents also have a Los Altos address since they receive their mail from a post office in that community.