You Ask, Patch Answers: New Olive Zone Near Downtown Los Gatos?

This is the eighth installment of our Sunday feature, “You Ask ... Patch Answers,” where we strive to find answers to all your questions—big, small and in-between—about the town we live and work in.

Whether it’s something you’ve always wondered about, some information you just can’t put your hands on or a sudden curiosity, we want to hear it.

Send your queries to or leave them in the comments section below, and I will do my best to dig up an answer for you. You also can call me at 408-391-8725.

This week, Los Gatos Patch reader John J. Liston asked: "Hello ... do you know anything about the "Olive Zone"? All of the sudden last week, on my street (Johnson Ave), a bunch of signs were posted ... ugh, I can't stand the Olive Zone over on the other side of town (Hannegan's at 7 p.m. I got a ticket!!) ... and now LG thinks they need to "Olive" Johnson and Alta Loma, over 3/4 mile from downtown!?!? What's up with the Town Council ... do they really need the extra revenue from tickets? Thanks, John."

Los Gatos-Monte Sereno Police Sgt. Steve Walpole said the Town of Los Gatos did create a new residential parking permit area last month at the request of the residents who live on Los Gatos Boulevard Extension, Cross Way, and the 100 Block of Johnson Avenue (see attached map for details – the green area is the new zone).

Walpole explained the residents in that area were upset about the number of high school students who were using it as an unofficial parking lot for student drivers who could not find a parking spot at the school. The residents in that area could never find parking on their street and asked if they could change their area into a permit zone.

Walpole said the residents formed a petition and had more than 90 percent of the residents in that area agree to make the switch to a permit zone.

The issue was brought to the Los Gatos Parking and Transportation Commission for review of their plan. After several months the decision was made to change the street to a permit zone. The change was entirely initiated by the residents who live in the area and was not a plan conceived by town staff, he added.

The change had the desired effect, according to the sergeant. After the zone was created, the streets cleared out and the residents now have a place to park.

"It appears Mr. Liston lives several blocks outside the affected area, so he may have been unaware of the petition. There is no plan to extend the parking zone to his area so he does not need to worry about receiving a ticket for parking in front of his house. If Mr. Liston has any additional comments please provide him with my direct number so I can address his concerns. Thanks."

Contact Sgt. Walpole for any additional details at 408-354-6851, or email him at swalpole@losgatosca.gov.