[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6366997,"mediaKeyId","2159238-678a0c862dcd3674a2d5c29ec06bc790","parentId",2159238,"title","Sunnyvale staff recommend dedicated pickleball, tennis and cricket facilities after community outreach","audioSeconds",1642,"startMs",3874000,"endMs",5516000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2159238-678a0c862dcd3674a2d5c29ec06bc790&start=3874&end=5516","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2159238-678a0c862dcd3674a2d5c29ec06bc790/thumbnail_3874000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6366997/Sunnyvale/Santa-Clara-County/California/Sunnyvale-staff-recommend-dedicated-pickleball-tennis-and-cricket-facilities-after-community-outreach","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6366997-563ac4b29e7437a901235fe68e38c9a9/orig.mp4?Expires=1771194512&Signature=ZVlOotMzUT8kfo4GeMhn-OZ1-atPnfmXI9NWyMkCiY6KtvST1soBwDq0iNkrUZg22NjBjmtQv~lYoenwVAvI2kZwi8~X9N5jvD5488AYK6BPmln-lm3Ky-WH0VNgSbWn70kJMb3wVzVeagifK-qXbSEoh3SvEHieBLOzjYgnJzeGagZqOQXAWU665ZiUBQCh6lhz1APhLELu8A-LpDKUtPC2avG-th8lnW~LVZ9uyf2VXKlaY0ktQM2S7NIWc7t56hdVzUNCjdSHvUW6Ww~UZwBoxF05imIsx1LfjxMJYkg9Z0c8OWl5scuuWdZ~ykb-N8NBSG~967rzfttMytWWgg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Sunnyvale, CA","date","2025-01-29T06:41:23Z","article","Sunnyvale staff and consultants presented findings from an outdoor sports assessment on Jan. 28, recommending a mix of dedicated courts and overlays for pickleball and tennis and improvements or new pitches for cricket at several city parks.

The study team said community outreach and a site inventory informed the recommendations. \"The top 3 responses were pickleball, cricket, and tennis,\" Pat Healy of Verde Design told the City Council as he summarized survey and meeting results.

The recommendation list included dedicated pickleball courts at De Anza and Encinal parks; tennis courts at Las Palmas and Ponderosa parks; pickleball overlays on basketball courts at Ortega and Washington parks; a new cricket pitch at Las Palmas Park; and refurbishment of the existing cricket area at Ortega Park. Staff emphasized that all recommendations would require additional neighborhood outreach, design work and inclusion in the city's capital improvement program.

Why it matters: Council members flagged tradeoffs the study raised — noise from pickleball, spacing from adjacent residences, and cricket's large spatial footprint — and said they want clearer data on current usage before projects move into design or the CIP. Several council members and the public urged an even distribution of new facilities across the city and consultation with organized sports groups.

What the study said: The project team described a two‑phase outreach effort: an initial community survey and outreach to neighboring jurisdictions to benchmark facilities, followed by a second community meeting and a second online survey. Healy said the first survey and outreach helped identify demand, and the second meeting — with 79 participants — and a follow‑up survey refined preferred park locations.

Healy and other staff walked the council through site feasibility at six parks the team flagged for near‑term consideration. De Anza was recommended for up to 12 dedicated pickleball courts because it has on‑site restrooms, paths and parking. Las Palmas, currently in a separate renovation design process, was identified as the top choice for a new cricket pitch and as the first‑rank location for additional tennis courts.

Cost and design: Staff presented rough order‑of‑magnitude costs and example layouts. A typical new small pickleball complex (several courts plus lighting, fencing and benches) was presented as a six‑court with lighting example; staff estimated a full new courts project on that scale at roughly $1.1 million. Pickleball striping overlays on existing courts were presented as lower‑cost options (the presentation estimated about $60,000 per court for some overlay scenarios). A two‑court tennis installation with lighting was shown in the $1.05 million range. Cricket estimates were larger: staff presented a rough total range of about $3.5 million to $4.2 million for a new adult cricket facility when site prep, irrigation/sod, pitch work and shared field lighting upgrades are included; the team stressed that much of the cricket cost is for shared lighting and field infrastructure that would benefit multiple sports.

Questions from council and staff responses: Mayor Kline and members asked for more precise usage data for current park reservations and informal use (hours, number of reservations, who holds them). Michelle Pereira, Director of Library and Recreation Services, and Tracy Gott, Recreation Services Manager, said staff had reached out to sports groups and class registrants and that survey respondents were largely Sunnyvale residents but that staff would report more detailed ZIP‑code and group participation breakdowns in follow‑up materials. Chip Taylor, Director of Public Works (on Zoom), said funding placement would be considered through the annual CIP process and that having the report completed early in the year helps staff propose projects for the next CIP cycle.

Public comment: Organized players and residents spoke in favor of more free, publicly accessible pickleball courts and for proper cricket pitches so local youth and adult players could practice locally rather than travel outside Sunnyvale. Speakers asked that new facilities be built with community access in mind and requested follow‑up neighborhood outreach to ensure nearby residents' concerns about noise and lighting are addressed.

Next steps: Staff said the recommendations will be factored into the final report and the 20‑year parks CIP prioritization and that specific projects (notably Las Palmas Park) could be considered in the current design process. Council asked for additional outreach with neighborhood groups, youth sports organizations (Little League, soccer associations) and more detailed usage/reservation data to be returned with refined cost and schedule recommendations.

Ending: The council did not take any formal action on the study at the Jan. 28 meeting; staff will return with refined analysis and outreach results before advancing projects into design and budgeting.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City Council Meeting - Jan. 28, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Sunnyvale staff and consultants presented findings from an outdoor sports assessment on Jan. 28, recommending a mix of dedicated courts and overlays for pickleball and tennis and improvements or new pitches for cricket at several city parks.","taxTitle","Sunnyvale , Santa Clara County, California","taxId",2858,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6366985,"Sunnyvale sets 2025 advocacy priorities, hires Townsend Public Affairs for state and federal advocacy",3876,14499000,18375000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2159238-678a0c862dcd3674a2d5c29ec06bc790&start=14499&end=18375","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2159238-678a0c862dcd3674a2d5c29ec06bc790/thumbnail_14499000.jpg","/articles/6366985/Sunnyvale/Santa-Clara-County/California/Sunnyvale-sets-2025-advocacy-priorities-hires-Townsend-Public-Affairs-for-state-and-federal-advocacy","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6366985-287e15062b42fbbc26a15181bda9417e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771194512&Signature=IshL1zED3LcqYSKeR9MN1VCnlMrmY84rdqCGohBnkID8Qkeyd8GBvBsgX22O7PdqynJ2uiPlVVFbYpzOnxIk9NQRKVUiDxLjX3DriJzYM2tFe55DdPk~HIhqFfc62PqyDK32e7eniNIpNhGq2jxWxliyOPMeKCY3yawqaQ51xKOV87tm58vDWrwrn6HhitZZw6oYdmpcjpn7IrmaPHg2vW4VFcN5V4lBfs10f2lkBa-L1MOlVtlWoffdCejELz~0F9dtJ7fUbopa3lsCqhVqNwGJR5DKNxZMNtDQguxXgS1ueDmy~dluGt~i~nfPbYJYrvPGaIfLp2hqeztmy6hM~w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Sunnyvale City Council on Jan. 28 reviewed the annual list of new laws, adopted updates to its 2025 priority advocacy issues and long‑term legislative positions, and introduced Townsend Public Affairs as the city's new state and federal advocacy partner.

Staff presentation and consultant introduction: City Manager staff presented staff recommendations and a list of new state laws that may affect operations; Sarah Johnson and Senior Management Analyst Michelle Zarai guided the council through the staff report. Townsend Public Affairs Vice President Niccolo DeLuca introduced the firm and its Sacramento and Washington, D.C. teams and summarized the firm's experience, noting it has helped clients secure billions in project funding and has a state and federal advocacy and grants team.

Council direction and adopted modifications: Councilmember Mellinger moved a modification package to the staff recommendation that asked staff to return with drafted language on several targeted items: increased technical assistance and objective evaluation criteria for housing element certification, modernization of CEQA to address climate‑scale projects, programs and policies aimed at preventing homelessness, advocacy language on fair energy distribution and pricing, explicit support for civil and human rights in the city's advocacy materials, and retaining/modifying an existing policy (7.0f11) to advocate for communities of interest during redistricting. Councilmember Cisneros seconded the motion; the motion carried 7‑0. The council also asked staff to coordinate the new advocacy firm into the onboarding process and to use the updated platform to guide advocacy work this year.

Why it matters: The adopted priorities and the addition of a retained advocacy firm signal Sunnyvale’s intent to be active in state and federal policy and budget discussions that could affect housing, infrastructure, climate and public services. The council specifically requested staff refine the language on several items (housing element assistance, CEQA modernization, homelessness prevention, energy equity and civil rights) so that the city has clear positions to use when bills and funding opportunities arise.

Contracting and next steps: Townsend offered a brief overview of services (state/federal advocacy and grant support) and introduced team members who will work with Sunnyvale. Staff said Townsend will help the city target state and federal funding, track legislation and aid in quick‑response advocacy when bills emerge. The council’s motion directs staff to return with specific policy language on the identified items and continues the city’s practice of publishing positions and letters on the city’s legislative webpage.

Vote and administration: Councilmember Mellinger made the motion; Councilmember Cisneros seconded. The clerk recorded the vote as 7‑0 in favor. Staff will integrate Townsend into the city’s advocacy program and return with drafted policy language for the items council flagged.

Ending: Council adopted the 2025 platform with the amendments and welcomed Townsend Public Affairs as the city’s state and federal advocacy partner; staff will return with refined policy language and an onboarding plan for the consultant.","The Sunnyvale City Council on Jan. 28 reviewed the annual list of new laws, adopted updates to its 2025 priority advocacy issues and long‑term legislative positions, and introduced Townsend Public Affairs as the city's new state and federal advocacy partner.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6366990,"Sunnyvale Council advances rezoning package to align zoning with existing residences, add ITR sites for future housing",3537,7243000,10780000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2159238-678a0c862dcd3674a2d5c29ec06bc790&start=7243&end=10780","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2159238-678a0c862dcd3674a2d5c29ec06bc790/thumbnail_7243000.jpg","/articles/6366990/Sunnyvale/Santa-Clara-County/California/Sunnyvale-Council-advances-rezoning-package-to-align-zoning-with-existing-residences-add-ITR-sites-for-future-housing","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6366990-1bc3efd59119cb04fa6c78052add5d84/orig.mp4?Expires=1771194512&Signature=VB385AbOkmH9tvhD37p5TutDN-WNp2VgG7UMrduqmlA6-mOEAvMJf5IHGfLdXFETjiM9L~vTt~SN4vmdSi3dt0iIi2lb39X0V-OY83fUy4L76sgwbdRvUfiLYyeGDoFieeOXZxMJJDLct7kRWTEl4gKXyi4v8OTuZmIlMYNcY04OIOA0VDLuw47xfAQUfoodYSR2aJZHdmQGJsqPYtA9S-TnUYwowpmv333KQsHDO3xRKLqdpEqsR1w0N26Hu9ToeqtPgUxuySnd3QOmOZe8yusNb4naeAQu7hAOoe8qEmjJyfQkQ0Hn77aWC2nLRnYPs6RTm91A93JoOlV1fo2lhQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Sunnyvale City Council on Jan. 28 introduced a package of zoning and general‑plan amendments intended to regularize existing residential uses and enable future residential redevelopment on selected industrial parcels.

At the meeting Associate Planner Wendy Lau told the council the effort has four parts: bring 27 legal nonconforming single‑family and two‑family residences into residential zoning; rezone several previously designated ‘‘ITR’’ (industrial‑to‑residential) combining district parcels that have already been redeveloped to residential; add the ITR combining district on three industrial‑zoned properties in East Sunnyvale to allow future redevelopment; and amend the zoning code so that once an ITR site transitions to residential it cannot be returned to industrial use.

Why it matters: The changes are aimed at aligning zoning and general plan designations with on‑the‑ground uses, reducing legal nonconforming status for long‑standing homes and allowing the city to plan for housing capacity identified in the housing element. At the same time, staff flagged environmental considerations for some East Sunnyvale sites where contamination or deed restrictions currently limit residential use.

What council approved for introduction: Council adopted a motion to pursue staff’s recommended “Alternative 1,” which staff presented as a set of ordinances and a resolution to (a) rezone 27 properties to residential zoning consistent with the general plan; (b) remove ITR overlay from some previously transitioned parcels; (c) add ITR/R‑3/PD to three East Sunnyvale industrial parcels (sites 1–3) to allow future residential redevelopment; and (d) amend Sunnyvale Municipal Code section 19.26.120 to prevent returning redeveloped ITR parcels to industrial use. The Planning Commission had recommended approval on Jan. 13 by a 6‑0 vote.

Environmental and safety notes: Staff said the actions are exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act as set out in the staff report. For some East Sunnyvale parcels the record notes environmental contamination or deed restrictions that currently prevent residential use; staff said any future redevelopment proposals on those sites will require clearance and oversight from the appropriate environmental regulators before the city would approve residential permits.

Council discussion and public comment: Council members asked detailed questions about the parcels along Charles Street, Waverly and Pastoria where long‑standing single‑family homes are currently zoned nonresidential. Council Member Mellinger noted that some homeowners have been unable to expand homes because of nonconforming zoning. Staff explained those parcels were legal residences established when residential uses were allowed in a wider set of zoning districts years ago and that the proposed rezones will regularize those uses.

Safety and cleanup: Council members also asked about groundwater and historical contamination for parcels near Deguine and Stewart drives. Staff said past Superfund and water board processes and site‑specific mitigation (soil removal, vapor barriers) have been used on similar Sunnyvale redevelopment projects; any future residential project will need the appropriate state or federal cleanup agency clearances before the city issues permits.

Vote and next steps: Council Member Mellinger moved Alternative 1 and Council Member Srinivasan seconded. City Clerk recorded the motion as carrying 7‑0. Staff will return for second reading of the ordinances as required by law (the ordinances will become effective 30 days after adoption following second reading) and will work with property owners and environmental regulators as individual development proposals move forward.

Ending: The introduced ordinances and the accompanying code amendment create a path for several existing homes to be formally recognized as residentially zoned and for selected industrial parcels to be eligible for future residential projects contingent on environmental clearance and subsequent entitlements.","Council introduced four ordinances and adopted a resolution to rezone multiple properties — including 27 legal nonconforming single‑ and two‑family homes — and to add ITR (Industrial to Residential) combining districts on selected industrial parcels. Council voted 7‑0 to introduce the ordinances and find the action exempt from CEQA.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Sunnyvale staff recommend dedicated pickleball, tennis and cricket facilities after community outreach

Sunnyvale sets 2025 advocacy priorities, hires Townsend Public Affairs for state and federal advocacy

Sunnyvale Council advances rezoning package to align zoning with existing residences, add ITR sites for future housing