Housing, airplane noise, cybersecurity were among major issues addressed by U.S. Representative Anna Eshoo at a meeting attended by about 150 members of the Silicon Valley Association of REALTORS® (SILVAR) last month. Eshoo represents California's 18th congressional district, which includes Los Gatos, Monte Sereno and Saratoga.
In her opening remarks, Eshoo told REALTORS®, "You make homeownership, which is the cornerstone of the American dream, come true for people. For thousands and thousands of people in our region you make an important contribution to the community. Outside of your sales, you have become part of their family."
Eshoo addressed the increase of aircraft noise caused by the new Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) flight paths to San Francisco, Oakland and Mineta San Jose international airports. The FAA rerouted airplanes coming into these airports last year to address safety and efficiency issues, but did not consider the noise impact. The increase in the number of flights and lower flight altitudes are causing a significant increase in aircraft noise on the ground. People have complained that the noise is disrupting their lives and impacting property values.
In Santa Clara County, the new flight paths are primarily affecting residents of the Town of Los Gatos, the cities of Palo Alto, Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, Mountain View and Saratoga. Eshoo said interesting is the problem is not local; even residents of Santa Cruz are complaining about airplane noise.
Since airplane noise is a federal issue, the matter is being handled by U.S. Representatives Sam Farr (20th District), Jackie Speier (14th District) and Eshoo. Eshoo said a Select Committee that includes leaders from each congressional district and chaired by Santa Clara County Supervisor Joe Simitian will be reviewing the FAA flight paths.
Public hearings are being conducted in each congressional district. There will be a June 29 Select Committee meeting for Santa Clara County residents at 6 p.m. at the Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts. The public is encouraged to attend. In the meantime, to ensure that their complaint is fully documented and recorded, Eshoo said residents should file a complaint with the SFO, SJC and OAK Noise Abatement Offices.
Another issue the congresswoman touched on was cybersecurity which, in 2014, cost businesses an estimated $100 billion and compromised the personal data of 40 million people. She said 90 percent of attacks are the result of poor cyber hygiene and lack of good security management. She is introducing legislation that promotes good cyber hygiene.
"What you have, your iPhone, is most powerful. Take basic steps to protect these devices by changing your password often, performing software updates, and installing security software," said Eshoo.
Eshoo also echoed state legislators' concern about affordable housing. She said she would like to see an inventory of all public lands, including school and greenspace, and examine the highest and best use of the land. She said the region is not going to get much help from the federal government on this problem, noting Congress has "leap frogged" over it.
"We are going to have to be a self-help region," said Eshoo.
In closing, Eshoo told REALTORS®, "Housing is the number one determinant of our country's national economy. To the extent you succeed, our country succeeds," she said.
The Silicon Valley Association of REALTORS® (SILVAR) is a professional trade organization representing over 4,000 REALTORS® and Affiliate members engaged in the real estate business on the Peninsula and in the South Bay. SILVAR promotes the highest ethical standards of real estate practice, serves as an advocate for homeownership and homeowners, and represents the interests of property owners in Silicon Valley.
The term "REALTOR®" is a registered collective membership mark which identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the National Association of REALTORS® and who subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics.
Variations of this article have appeared in local area newspapers.
For further information, please email or call the SILVAR office at (408) 200-0100.