The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) and the California Energy Commission have released a draft proposal to establish and adopt a charter for a newly created Disadvantaged Communities Advisory Group. This new Advisory Group will review and provide advice on state programs proposed to achieve… Read More »New Disadvantaged Communities Advisory Group for CPUC
Since the early 2000’s, the City of Sunnyvale Housing Division has administered a first-time home buyer (FTHB) loan program for moderate- and lower-income, first-time home buyer households. It is open to prospective first-time buyers who live or work in Sunnyvale, meet the program’s eligibility requirements,… Read More »Shared equity for home buyers in Sunnyvale
Today, I would like to pause to congratulate India for reaching the milestone of 70 years since achieving independence and becoming the largest democracy in the world. For the past two years, I’ve joined my neighbors to celebrate Indian Independence Day by celebrating songs and… Read More »Happy 70th Birthday, India
In 2016, I took the Emerge California training for women who want to run for office. I found the program profoundly helpful and am committed to expanding the wonderful things that can happen when women support each other. It was great to stretch my wings… Read More »Hurry and apply – Emerge California is seeking well-qualified women
Many people have expressed concerns about the increase in utility rates and have asked questions ranging from what gives the City the authority to set and collect fees for handling water, wastewater, solid waste and recycling to asking how each council member will vote.
In this post, I attempt to set forth the roles of the City Council, the City staff, and the property owners or utility account holders impacted by the utility rate increase proposal and to answer several questions and concerns I’ve heard.
The utility rates support both ongoing operations as well as infrastructure renovation.
New digester at Sunnyvale’s Wastewater treatment plant
Wastewater rates support replacements of pipes, pump stations, and the Water Pollution Control Plant renovation. Water rates support water distribution renovations to water tanks, pipes, pumps, valves and more. Solid waste rates support the collection, recycling and disposal of solid waste generated within the City of Sunnyvale, including the new FoodCycle program.
Read More »Information about the proposed utility rate increase
Low-income housing projects are not like they used to be. The mean streets of Sunnyvale are not mean at all. Hardly any Council members are unsympathetic to the plight of people being displaced by regional economic conditions and the application of City policy. From the… Read More »Challenge your confirmation bias – affordable housing and current status of El Camino
It’s great news that Congressional leaders support our Caltrain electrification project! They included it in their recent budget proposal! Our area still needs Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao to sign off. Now is the time to activate the powerful potential energy of your strong and weak… Read More »The power of weak social ties – let’s push for Caltrain
You’ve not seen me in public very much since April 4th, The reason is that I fell and broke my hip that day while touring a local business facility on behalf of the City of Sunnyvale, The fine folks at El Camino Hospital surgically repaired… Read More »On the mend
The 1920s saw the beginnings of Sunnyvale’s growth. The people of Sunnyvale wanted modern conveniences like paved roads, a municipal water and sewer system and even an especially controversial item, a civic center. In 1925, the voters of Sunnyvale approved an $86,000 bond for the… Read More »Forget selfish personal interests: California’s first woman mayor
I, Nancy Smith, am the 15th woman to serve on Sunnyvale City Council since the City was set up in 1912. March is Women’s History month, so watch this space for more information about women leaders of Sunnyvale past and present.