West Valley Eyes Safe Overnight Parking Expansion

Mercury News reported on May 17, 2026 that West Valley leaders are considering expanding designated "safe parking" lots to give people living in vehicles legal, supervised places to sleep overnight. (mercurynews.com) The City of Campbell released the West Valley Homeless Services Feasibility Study for public review on Feb. 4, 2026, and officials say the study frames safe parking as one possible regional response. (sanjoseca.gov) San José officials and local service providers are cited as an example in coverage, and city-run programs in San José are already contracting with nonprofits to operate overnight safe parking sites. (campbellca.gov) ### Which West Valley jurisdictions are involved in the plan? The City of Campbell’s February 2026 news release names Campbell, Cupertino, Monte Sereno, Saratoga and the Town of Los Gatos as participants in the West Valley study. (mercurynews.com) The consultant report dated Jan. 26, 2026 was prepared for those five municipalities and assesses options ranging from shared services to shelter and parking programs. (campbellca.gov) ### How do San José’s safe parking sites operate and what results have they shown? The City of San José contracts with service providers to operate two safe parking sites, including locations at the Santa Teresa light rail station and Berryessa Road. (sanjoseca.gov) The Berryessa site, which opened in early 2025 with roughly 86 vehicle spaces, has connected dozens of participants to housing — the nonprofit WeHOPE reported moving 24 people into permanent housing and 11 into temporary housing from that site. (campbellca.gov) ### What did West Valley officials say about the potential benefits? Campbell City Manager Brian Loventhal said the study "allows you to start connecting the dots to where you can make the difference," framing regional coordination as the goal. (cupertino.gov) Campbell Mayor Sergio Lopez said the issue "crosses borders" and praised a multijurisdictional approach, according to local reporting. (sanjoseca.gov) ### Who is operating safe parking programs in the West Valley and Silicon Valley? The nonprofit WeHOPE operates San José’s Berryessa site, providing meals, sanitation and case management, while other nonprofits such as LifeMoves run the Santa Teresa location. (sanjosespotlight.com) Regionally, rotating safe-parking efforts and volunteer-run programs operate in parts of the West Valley through groups like Silicon Valley Safe Parking and church-based rotating car parks. (sanjosespotlight.com) ### What objections or limitations have been raised about safe parking? San José residents and some program participants have complained about access to services and case management; a San José Spotlight report quoted a participant saying her health declined and housing remained out of reach despite entry to a safe parking site. (sanjosespotlight.com) Advocates and providers acknowledge that safe parking is an interim measure that requires wraparound services — case management, housing navigation and funding — to move people into permanent housing. (sanjosespotlight.com) ### What are the next steps and timeline for West Valley officials? (siliconvalleysafeparking.org) The City of Campbell posted the feasibility study for public review on Feb. 4, 2026 and called for community input, the city said in a news release. San José Spotlight reported that participating municipalities plan to review the study’s findings with their councils in August and continue deliberations later this year; officials will decide whether to pilot or expand safe parking programs after those council reviews. (sanjosespotlight.com) Sources: Mercury News, City of Campbell news release and the Jan. 26, 2026 West Valley Homeless Services Feasibility Study, the City of San José safe-parking pages, and reporting from San José Spotlight and local providers. (sanjoseca.gov) (mercurynews.com) (sanjosespotlight.com) (campbellca.gov)