Los Gatos proposes changes for Blossom Hill safety improvements
Reducing speed limits is one of the town's several ideas .
Blossom Hill traffic
Town officials are reassuring Los Gatos residents that the increased traffic along Blossom Hill Road won’t be permanent. In response to safety concerns for cyclists and pedestrians near Blossom Hill Elementary School, officials began implementing changes to the road—including reduced speed limits—in July. Since then, there have been some growing pains. But town staff say they are actively monitoring the traffic in the area and will address it however they can, including modifying traffic lights in the area.
Parking downtown
Next Thursday, Aug. 10, residents interested in the town’s downtown parking programs can attend a stakeholder meeting to discuss recent recommendations to the Town Council about paid parking and employee parking permits. The council is set to discuss the item at its Aug. 15 meeting, but business and property owners—as well as staff who work in the area—are invited to give input in one of two sessions ahead of time. The Chamber of Commerce will host two sessions on Thursday, at 9 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. To register for a session, email mrenn@losgatosca.gov.
Beach traffic
They say life’s a beach, but traffic sure isn’t. Town officials are reminding residents of ways to help mitigate traffic in Los Gatos as people from across the region flock to Santa Cruz and other beach towns. Officials are asking beach-goers to take Highway 17 rather than local roads; to walk or bike rather than drive around town if staying local; and to plan around peak hours and schedule outings before 10 a.m. or after 3 p.m.
Despite these mitigation efforts, headaches are bound to happen. Residents concerned with traffic conditions can call the Beach Traffic Hotline at 408-354-6810.
Bike rentals
Public bike rentals are now available weekends at Vasona Park, thanks to a partnership between Los Gatos-Saratoga Recreation and Summit Bicycles. Rental hours are Saturday and Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Renters will be required to pay by credit card and present a driver’s license, but bikes are available for adults and children. Bikes will be available at the Vasona Lake Boathouse.