Mosque in Los Gatos neighborhood becomes focus of local complaints as it seeks to extend hours

"Located on a quaint street in Los Gatos, the West Valley Muslim Association has been a gathering point for local Muslims for years. But being a community hub has also brought challenges, according to some who live nearby. "It's very disruptive. It's very impactful in a negative way to our quality of life. We have safety concerns," said Kim Ratcliff, a Los Gatos resident. Neighbors like Ratcliff say the mosque has led to an increase in traffic, headlights shining through bedroom windows and noise."

"The city of Los Gatos says that the mosque has a conditional use permit. However, it has also recently applied to have that permit modified. If approved, the mosque would be able to operate for extended hours, so prayers can be held before sunrise and up until midnight during Ramadan, the Islamic holy month which began Tuesday night. MORE: Ramadan: How Muslims observe the holiest month in the Islamic calendar"

West Valley Muslim Association in Los Gatos functions as a local mosque and community hub. Neighbors report increased traffic, headlights shining through bedroom windows, noise, and safety concerns, sometimes after the city's 10 p.m. quiet time. The mosque holds a conditional use permit and has applied to modify it to allow extended hours before sunrise and up until midnight during Ramadan. Some neighbors say the congregation has not offered reasonable compromises. Mosque leaders state they are trying to be good community partners by limiting activities and noise before 10 p.m., while some members feel unfairly targeted and scrutinized.

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