HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-01-09 City Council Agenda PacketCITY COUNCIL
Special Meeting
Monday, January 09, 2023
Council Chambers & Hybrid
6:00 PM
Amended Agenda
Amended agenda items appear below in Red
Pursuant to AB 361 Palo Alto City Council meetings will be held as “hybrid” meetings with the
option to attend by teleconference/video conference or in person. To maximize public safety
while still maintaining transparency and public access, members of the public can choose to
participate from home or attend in person. Information on how the public may observe and
participate in the meeting is located at the end of the agenda. Masks are strongly encouraged if
attending in person. The meeting will be broadcast on Cable TV Channel 26, live on
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/cityofpaloalto, and streamed to Midpen Media
Center https://midpenmedia.org.
VIRTUAL PARTICIPATION CLICK HERE TO JOIN (https://cityofpaloalto.zoom.us/j/362027238)
Meeting ID: 362 027 238 Phone:1(669)900‐6833
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Public comments will be accepted both in person and via Zoom for up to three minutes or an
amount of time determined by the Chair. All requests to speak will be taken until 5 minutes
after the staff’s presentation. Written public comments can be submitted in advance to
city.council@CityofPaloAlto.org and will be provided to the Council and available for inspection
on the City’s website. Please clearly indicate which agenda item you are referencing in your
subject line.
PowerPoints, videos, or other media to be presented during public comment are accepted only
by email to city.clerk@CityofPaloAlto.org at least 24 hours prior to the meeting. Once received,
the Clerk will have them shared at public comment for the specified item. To uphold strong
cybersecurity management practices, USB’s or other physical electronic storage devices are not
accepted.
TIME ESTIMATES
Listed times are estimates only and are subject to change at any time, including while the
meeting is in progress. The Council reserves the right to use more or less time on any item, to
change the order of items and/or to continue items to another meeting. Particular items may be
heard before or after the time estimated on the agenda. This may occur in order to best manage
the time at a meeting or to adapt to the participation of the public.
CALL TO ORDER
AT THIS TIME THE CITY CLERK WILL SWEAR IN THE NEW CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS
ED LAUING, JULIE LYTHCOTT‐HAIMS, VICKI VEENKER
SPECIAL ORDERS OF THE DAY
1.Election of the 2023 Mayor
2.Election of the 2023 Vice Mayor
3.Adoption of a Resolution Expressing Appreciation for Outstanding Public Service to
Alison Cormack as Council Member
4.Adoption of a Resolution Expressing Appreciation for Outstanding Public Service to Eric
Filseth as Mayor and Council Member
5.Adoption of a Resolution Expressing Appreciation for Outstanding Public Service to Tom
DuBois as Mayor and Council Member
6.Adoption of a Resolution Expressing Appreciation for Outstanding Public Service to Pat
Burt as 2022 Mayor
AA1.Discussion of the City's Response to Recent Storms
PUBLIC COMMENT
ADJOURNMENT
PUBLIC COMMENT INSTRUCTIONS
Members of the Public may provide public comments to hybrid meetings via email, in person,
teleconference, or by phone.
1. Written public comments may be submitted by email to city.council@cityofpaloalto.org.
2. In person public comments please complete a speaker request card located on the table at
the entrance to the Council Chambers, and deliver it to the City Clerk prior to discussion of the
item.
3. Spoken public comments using a computer or smart phone will be accepted through the
teleconference meeting. To address the Council, click on the link below to access a Zoom‐based
meeting. Please read the following instructions carefully.
You may download the Zoom client or connect to the meeting in‐ browser. If using your
browser, make sure you are using a current, up‐to‐date browser: Chrome 30 , Firefox 27 ,
Microsoft Edge 12 , Safari 7 . Certain functionality may be disabled in older browsers
including Internet Explorer. Or download the Zoom application onto your phone from the
Apple App Store or Google Play Store and enter the Meeting ID below
You may be asked to enter an email address and name. We request that you identify
yourself by name as this will be visible online and will be used to notify you that it is your
turn to speak.
When you wish to speak on an Agenda Item, click on “raise hand.” The Clerk will activate
and unmute speakers in turn. Speakers will be notified shortly before they are called to
speak.
When called, please limit your remarks to the time limit allotted.
A timer will be shown on the computer to help keep track of your comments.
4. Spoken public comments using a phone use the telephone number listed below. When you
wish to speak on an agenda item hit *9 on your phone so we know that you wish to speak. You
will be asked to provide your first and last name before addressing the Council. You will be
advised how long you have to speak. When called please limit your remarks to the agenda item
and time limit allotted.
Click to Join Zoom Meeting ID: 362‐027‐238 Phone: 1(669)900‐6833
AMERICANS WITH DISABILITY ACT (ADA)
Persons with disabilities who require auxiliary aids or services in using City facilities, services
or programs or who would like information on the City’s compliance with the Americans with
Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, may contact (650) 329‐2550 (Voice) 48 hours or more in
advance.
1 Special Meeting January 09, 2023
Materials submitted to the Board after distribution of the agenda packet are available for public inspection at
CITY COUNCILSpecial MeetingMonday, January 09, 2023Council Chambers & Hybrid6:00 PMAmended AgendaAmended agenda items appear below in RedPursuant to AB 361 Palo Alto City Council meetings will be held as “hybrid” meetings with theoption to attend by teleconference/video conference or in person. To maximize public safetywhile still maintaining transparency and public access, members of the public can choose toparticipate from home or attend in person. Information on how the public may observe andparticipate in the meeting is located at the end of the agenda. Masks are strongly encouraged ifattending in person. The meeting will be broadcast on Cable TV Channel 26, live onYouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/cityofpaloalto, and streamed to Midpen MediaCenter https://midpenmedia.org.VIRTUAL PARTICIPATION CLICK HERE TO JOIN (https://cityofpaloalto.zoom.us/j/362027238) Meeting ID: 362 027 238 Phone:1(669)900‐6833PUBLIC COMMENTSPublic comments will be accepted both in person and via Zoom for up to three minutes or anamount of time determined by the Chair. All requests to speak will be taken until 5 minutesafter the staff’s presentation. Written public comments can be submitted in advance tocity.council@CityofPaloAlto.org and will be provided to the Council and available for inspectionon the City’s website. Please clearly indicate which agenda item you are referencing in yoursubject line.PowerPoints, videos, or other media to be presented during public comment are accepted onlyby email to city.clerk@CityofPaloAlto.org at least 24 hours prior to the meeting. Once received,the Clerk will have them shared at public comment for the specified item. To uphold strongcybersecurity management practices, USB’s or other physical electronic storage devices are notaccepted.TIME ESTIMATES
Listed times are estimates only and are subject to change at any time, including while the
meeting is in progress. The Council reserves the right to use more or less time on any item, to
change the order of items and/or to continue items to another meeting. Particular items may be
heard before or after the time estimated on the agenda. This may occur in order to best manage
the time at a meeting or to adapt to the participation of the public.
CALL TO ORDER
AT THIS TIME THE CITY CLERK WILL SWEAR IN THE NEW CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS
ED LAUING, JULIE LYTHCOTT‐HAIMS, VICKI VEENKER
SPECIAL ORDERS OF THE DAY
1.Election of the 2023 Mayor
2.Election of the 2023 Vice Mayor
3.Adoption of a Resolution Expressing Appreciation for Outstanding Public Service to
Alison Cormack as Council Member
4.Adoption of a Resolution Expressing Appreciation for Outstanding Public Service to Eric
Filseth as Mayor and Council Member
5.Adoption of a Resolution Expressing Appreciation for Outstanding Public Service to Tom
DuBois as Mayor and Council Member
6.Adoption of a Resolution Expressing Appreciation for Outstanding Public Service to Pat
Burt as 2022 Mayor
AA1.Discussion of the City's Response to Recent Storms
PUBLIC COMMENT
ADJOURNMENT
PUBLIC COMMENT INSTRUCTIONS
Members of the Public may provide public comments to hybrid meetings via email, in person,
teleconference, or by phone.
1. Written public comments may be submitted by email to city.council@cityofpaloalto.org.
2. In person public comments please complete a speaker request card located on the table at
the entrance to the Council Chambers, and deliver it to the City Clerk prior to discussion of the
item.
3. Spoken public comments using a computer or smart phone will be accepted through the
teleconference meeting. To address the Council, click on the link below to access a Zoom‐based
meeting. Please read the following instructions carefully.
You may download the Zoom client or connect to the meeting in‐ browser. If using your
browser, make sure you are using a current, up‐to‐date browser: Chrome 30 , Firefox 27 ,
Microsoft Edge 12 , Safari 7 . Certain functionality may be disabled in older browsers
including Internet Explorer. Or download the Zoom application onto your phone from the
Apple App Store or Google Play Store and enter the Meeting ID below
You may be asked to enter an email address and name. We request that you identify
yourself by name as this will be visible online and will be used to notify you that it is your
turn to speak.
When you wish to speak on an Agenda Item, click on “raise hand.” The Clerk will activate
and unmute speakers in turn. Speakers will be notified shortly before they are called to
speak.
When called, please limit your remarks to the time limit allotted.
A timer will be shown on the computer to help keep track of your comments.
4. Spoken public comments using a phone use the telephone number listed below. When you
wish to speak on an agenda item hit *9 on your phone so we know that you wish to speak. You
will be asked to provide your first and last name before addressing the Council. You will be
advised how long you have to speak. When called please limit your remarks to the agenda item
and time limit allotted.
Click to Join Zoom Meeting ID: 362‐027‐238 Phone: 1(669)900‐6833
AMERICANS WITH DISABILITY ACT (ADA)
Persons with disabilities who require auxiliary aids or services in using City facilities, services
or programs or who would like information on the City’s compliance with the Americans with
Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, may contact (650) 329‐2550 (Voice) 48 hours or more in
advance.
2 Special Meeting January 09, 2023
Materials submitted to the Board after distribution of the agenda packet are available for public inspection at
CITY COUNCILSpecial MeetingMonday, January 09, 2023Council Chambers & Hybrid6:00 PMAmended AgendaAmended agenda items appear below in RedPursuant to AB 361 Palo Alto City Council meetings will be held as “hybrid” meetings with theoption to attend by teleconference/video conference or in person. To maximize public safetywhile still maintaining transparency and public access, members of the public can choose toparticipate from home or attend in person. Information on how the public may observe andparticipate in the meeting is located at the end of the agenda. Masks are strongly encouraged ifattending in person. The meeting will be broadcast on Cable TV Channel 26, live onYouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/cityofpaloalto, and streamed to Midpen MediaCenter https://midpenmedia.org.VIRTUAL PARTICIPATION CLICK HERE TO JOIN (https://cityofpaloalto.zoom.us/j/362027238) Meeting ID: 362 027 238 Phone:1(669)900‐6833PUBLIC COMMENTSPublic comments will be accepted both in person and via Zoom for up to three minutes or anamount of time determined by the Chair. All requests to speak will be taken until 5 minutesafter the staff’s presentation. Written public comments can be submitted in advance tocity.council@CityofPaloAlto.org and will be provided to the Council and available for inspectionon the City’s website. Please clearly indicate which agenda item you are referencing in yoursubject line.PowerPoints, videos, or other media to be presented during public comment are accepted onlyby email to city.clerk@CityofPaloAlto.org at least 24 hours prior to the meeting. Once received,the Clerk will have them shared at public comment for the specified item. To uphold strongcybersecurity management practices, USB’s or other physical electronic storage devices are notaccepted.TIME ESTIMATESListed times are estimates only and are subject to change at any time, including while themeeting is in progress. The Council reserves the right to use more or less time on any item, tochange the order of items and/or to continue items to another meeting. Particular items may beheard before or after the time estimated on the agenda. This may occur in order to best managethe time at a meeting or to adapt to the participation of the public.CALL TO ORDERAT THIS TIME THE CITY CLERK WILL SWEAR IN THE NEW CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS ED LAUING, JULIE LYTHCOTT‐HAIMS, VICKI VEENKERSPECIAL ORDERS OF THE DAY1.Election of the 2023 Mayor2.Election of the 2023 Vice Mayor3.Adoption of a Resolution Expressing Appreciation for Outstanding Public Service toAlison Cormack as Council Member4.Adoption of a Resolution Expressing Appreciation for Outstanding Public Service to EricFilseth as Mayor and Council Member5.Adoption of a Resolution Expressing Appreciation for Outstanding Public Service to TomDuBois as Mayor and Council Member6.Adoption of a Resolution Expressing Appreciation for Outstanding Public Service to PatBurt as 2022 MayorAA1.Discussion of the City's Response to Recent Storms
PUBLIC COMMENT
ADJOURNMENT
PUBLIC COMMENT INSTRUCTIONS
Members of the Public may provide public comments to hybrid meetings via email, in person,
teleconference, or by phone.
1. Written public comments may be submitted by email to city.council@cityofpaloalto.org.
2. In person public comments please complete a speaker request card located on the table at
the entrance to the Council Chambers, and deliver it to the City Clerk prior to discussion of the
item.
3. Spoken public comments using a computer or smart phone will be accepted through the
teleconference meeting. To address the Council, click on the link below to access a Zoom‐based
meeting. Please read the following instructions carefully.
You may download the Zoom client or connect to the meeting in‐ browser. If using your
browser, make sure you are using a current, up‐to‐date browser: Chrome 30 , Firefox 27 ,
Microsoft Edge 12 , Safari 7 . Certain functionality may be disabled in older browsers
including Internet Explorer. Or download the Zoom application onto your phone from the
Apple App Store or Google Play Store and enter the Meeting ID below
You may be asked to enter an email address and name. We request that you identify
yourself by name as this will be visible online and will be used to notify you that it is your
turn to speak.
When you wish to speak on an Agenda Item, click on “raise hand.” The Clerk will activate
and unmute speakers in turn. Speakers will be notified shortly before they are called to
speak.
When called, please limit your remarks to the time limit allotted.
A timer will be shown on the computer to help keep track of your comments.
4. Spoken public comments using a phone use the telephone number listed below. When you
wish to speak on an agenda item hit *9 on your phone so we know that you wish to speak. You
will be asked to provide your first and last name before addressing the Council. You will be
advised how long you have to speak. When called please limit your remarks to the agenda item
and time limit allotted.
Click to Join Zoom Meeting ID: 362‐027‐238 Phone: 1(669)900‐6833
AMERICANS WITH DISABILITY ACT (ADA)
Persons with disabilities who require auxiliary aids or services in using City facilities, services
or programs or who would like information on the City’s compliance with the Americans with
Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, may contact (650) 329‐2550 (Voice) 48 hours or more in
advance.
3 Special Meeting January 09, 2023
Materials submitted to the Board after distribution of the agenda packet are available for public inspection at
From:Aram James
To:Lydia Kou; Tanaka, Greg; Julie Lythcott-Haims; vicki@vickiforcouncil.com; Greer Stone; Pat Burt; Ed Lauing;Shikada, Ed; Council, City; Rebecca Eisenberg
Subject:Re: Who should be our next Vice Mayor?
Date:Monday, January 9, 2023 12:47:46 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
Monday, January 9, 2023
Re: Who should be our next Vice Mayor?
Hi Council-member Lydia Kou:
I hope you and your family are doing well. I’m pulling for you to be
our next mayor and look forward to supporting you in
that role in 2023. You have worked hard & tirelessly for the
community members of Palo Alto for many years. I will
advocate for you this coming year even when we disagree or even
strongly disagree on an issue as we did over the role of America’s
greatest civil rights organization the NAACP during the issues
surrounding Foothills Park.
I write you also on another critical issue the selection of our next
vice mayor. There is no doubt that both Greg Tanaka & Greer Stone
are worthy candidates for the position. But for now, one of these
candidates stands head and shoulders
above the other. Both Greg and Greer have visited me at my home
met my wife and been gracious to my family.
Greer has served in many high-profile positions including on our
Human Relations Commission and a similar position on the county
level. He is a fine lawyer and no doubt an excellent schoolteacher.
And he has served well during his first two years on the city council.
Greg served for four years as the president of the College Terrance
Residents Association a community of very high-energy individuals.
When Karen Holman stepped down from
her position on the Planning and Transportation Commission (PTC)
to take a seat on the city council Greg was unanimously selected by
Item 1
Public Comment
Item 1: Page 1 Packet Page 4 of 77
our then-city council to replace Karen Holman on the PTC. Greg
served honorably on the PTC for six years including a year as the
chair.
All along the path, Greg has honed his leadership skills. Next, Greg
was twice elected to our city council and has now served six years on
the council including a year as the chair of the critically important
finance committee.
I admire Greg immensely. He is like you a tireless worker on behalf
of all members of our community. Greg holds endless
office meetings with community members on a wide variety of
issues inviting community members from all perspectives and all
backgrounds.
I have discussed many issues with Greg at his Sunday office
meetings. We have talked about Tasers, police canines, the hiring
process for our police chief, and reparations for African Americans,
all of which discussions Greg has made available by video and
YouTube for the public at large to view.
Greg understands racism and he and his family have suffered the
indignity and sting of hate and racism personally. His
father, grandfather, and great-grandfather were all incarcerated in
American concentration camps during World War 2. Hisfamily’s property was confiscated by our government. The
generational trauma to Greg and his family cannot be easily
measured.
Despite the odds and obstacles faced by Greg, he has prevailed. He is
a graduate of the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) and a
successful businessman. He is a family man and father of two
wonderful children both attending Palo Alto High School. As you
know Greg has attended many rallies against despicable hate
directed at Asian Americans and has organized a rally on the issue
here in Palo Alto. Greg is a remarkably authentic, accountable,
accessible, and accomplished individual.
I would like to ask you to please unambiguously and wholeheartedly
support Greg Tanaka as our next vice mayor.
Item 1
Public Comment
Item 1: Page 2 Packet Page 5 of 77
Greer Stone will no doubt have an opportunity to serve as Palo
Alto’s vice mayor in the future. But now is Greg Tanaka’s time to
serve as our vice mayor. He has more than earned the opportunity to
serve in this capacity.
Best regards,
Aram B. James
Attorney & Community Activist
415-370-5056
Item 1
Public Comment
Item 1: Page 3 Packet Page 6 of 77
From:Katherine Causey
To:Council, City
Subject:Selecting Mayor & Vice Mayor
Date:Sunday, January 8, 2023 10:10:56 PM
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Hello Palo Alto City Councilmembers,
I am writing in support of two issues -
First, I strongly believe that in the future how our city selects a mayor, should be decided in a
separate election by the voters, I recognize that this would be a significant change - potentially to our city
charter, but it's also far enough from the next election cycle that this should be considered
being implemented for 2024 or 2026. I have worked for local campaigns 3 cycles now and I have
overwhelmingly heard this from the community each election cycle.
Second, I do believe Councilmember Stone should be our next Vice Mayor. I may not always agree with
Councilmember Stone, but I do believe he is a very effective councilmember - he thoroughly reviews the
council packet and comes prepared to meetings. I think he has been very effective at bringing both sides
to the table on a lot of divisive issues, finding common ground, and making progress. Most importantly he
is our only renter on council, despite about half our population being renters - the pandemic has
massively impacted renters in Palo Alto and as we go forward with working on the housing element and
implementing our rental registry - I believe having Councilmember Stone's perspective will be critical.
Thank you!
Katie Causey
Item 1
Public Comment
Item 1: Page 4 Packet Page 7 of 77
From:Mary Sylvester
To:Council, City
Subject:Lydia Kou for Mayor
Date:Sunday, January 8, 2023 4:48:34 PM
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January 8, 2022
Dear City Council Members,
I am writing to endorse City Council member Lydia Kou for Mayor. I got to know
Lydia in her first term on Council and have worked with her since on a number of local
political issues. During this time, I have been impressed with how much she
contributes to any project, leadership skills, knowledge from her diverse work andvolunteer experiences as well as her sense of personal and professional ethics.
Since Lydia’s election to City Council, she has been a strong and independent voice
on behalf of Palo Alto’s residents, renters and homeowners alike. She has providedeffective leadership on measures to: limit nonresidential growth; ensure renter
protections and housing for low-income and unhoused residents: and, protect our
natural environment from further harm (e.g. trees, groundwater, air).
Lydia has been a long-time Emergency Preparedness volunteer in Palo Alto and
since being elected to Council has continued her advocacy on behalf of this critical
community issue, no more so than right now. This last week’s storm system has
seen her providing leadership as well as active involvement in ensuring residentsreceive needed services, including filling sandbags herself and helping to disseminate
them throughout the community.
Since Lydia was first elected, I have been impressed with how hard she works inpreparing for Council meetings, coming to sessions knowledgeable about the facts at
hand as well as pertinent laws and policies that impact City decision-making. In all
my interactions with her on local issues, I have found her to be well-informed, highly
ethical and dedicated to the well-being of Palo Alto residents and our environment!
I hope that you will consider casting your vote for Lydia Kou to be Palo Alto’s next
Mayor!
Appreciatively,
Mary Sylvester
Item 1
Public Comment
Item 1: Page 5 Packet Page 8 of 77
From:Terry Martin
To:Council, City
Subject:Public Comment for the 1/9/23 Palo Alto city council meeting
Date:Sunday, January 8, 2023 11:24:56 AM
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I wish to offer a public comment for the 1/9/23 Palo Alto city council meeting
As I read the agenda, I see you are electing the mayor and vice mayor for "2022".
Assuming the agenda is incorrect, and you are electing a mayor and vice mayor for 2023, I
would like to offer my strong recommendation for Greg Tanaka as mayor, or at least vice
mayor.
I have been a Palo Alto resident for 54 years and home owner for 46 years, and thus have
some perspective of the development of our city. Also, I have spent 19 years as a Stanford
physicist, where technical excellence is the key to success, and then 15 years in the private
sector where leadership and getting results were paramount.
City government was once efficient and effective, but after the installation of a former city
manager years ago, I observed the decay of quality service and numerous technical blunders
throughout city departments.
I found it disappointing to follow city government over the last few decades, but now I feel
some urgency to pay more attention ... hence this comment.
I appreciate everyone who volunteers their time and energy to serve city government, but I
believe the city urgently needs experienced leadership to correct the decay of technical
performance of city services.
From personal experience, I could lecture for hours on the blunders and incompetence of city
departments from utilities to the attorney's office. And these blunders cost the city an
enormous amount of money.
I don't agree with Greg Tanaka on some issues, but given the experience of the current
council, I strongly feel that Greg Tanaka is the best qualified to restore quality performance to
the city.
Dr. Terry Martin
Item 1
Public Comment
Item 1: Page 6 Packet Page 9 of 77
3616 Evergreen Dr.
Item 1
Public Comment
Item 1: Page 7 Packet Page 10 of 77
From:Darlene Yaplee
To:Council, City
Cc:Darlene E. Yaplee
Subject:Election of Mayor and Vice Mayor
Date:Saturday, January 7, 2023 6:55:44 AM
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Honorable Council Members,
I am writing to endorse the election of Vice Mayor Kou to Mayor and Council Member Stone to Vice Mayor.
Vice Mayor Kou to Mayor
Mayorship represents the diversity in the Palo Alto community.
Proven leadership: dedication, understanding, and problem solving for complex topics within and
outside of Palo Alto.
Engaged with and respected by residents.
Council Member Stone to Vice Mayor
Vice Mayorship represents next generation Palo Alto leadership.
Demonstrated performance: agile learner, hard working, and engagement with residents.
Principled leadership on important issues.
Respectfully,
Darlene Yaplee
Item 1
Public Comment
Item 1: Page 8 Packet Page 11 of 77
From:Aram James
To:Lydia Kou; Tanaka, Greg; Julie Lythcott-Haims; vicki@vickiforcouncil.com; Greer Stone; Pat Burt; Ed Lauing;Shikada, Ed; Council, City; Rebecca Eisenberg
Subject:Re: Who should be our next Vice Mayor?
Date:Monday, January 9, 2023 12:47:46 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
Monday, January 9, 2023
Re: Who should be our next Vice Mayor?
Hi Council-member Lydia Kou:
I hope you and your family are doing well. I’m pulling for you to be
our next mayor and look forward to supporting you in
that role in 2023. You have worked hard & tirelessly for the
community members of Palo Alto for many years. I will
advocate for you this coming year even when we disagree or even
strongly disagree on an issue as we did over the role of America’s
greatest civil rights organization the NAACP during the issues
surrounding Foothills Park.
I write you also on another critical issue the selection of our next
vice mayor. There is no doubt that both Greg Tanaka & Greer Stone
are worthy candidates for the position. But for now, one of these
candidates stands head and shoulders
above the other. Both Greg and Greer have visited me at my home
met my wife and been gracious to my family.
Greer has served in many high-profile positions including on our
Human Relations Commission and a similar position on the county
level. He is a fine lawyer and no doubt an excellent schoolteacher.
And he has served well during his first two years on the city council.
Greg served for four years as the president of the College Terrance
Residents Association a community of very high-energy individuals.
When Karen Holman stepped down from
her position on the Planning and Transportation Commission (PTC)
to take a seat on the city council Greg was unanimously selected by
Item 2
Public Comment
Item 2: Page 1 Packet Page 12 of 77
our then-city council to replace Karen Holman on the PTC. Greg
served honorably on the PTC for six years including a year as the
chair.
All along the path, Greg has honed his leadership skills. Next, Greg
was twice elected to our city council and has now served six years on
the council including a year as the chair of the critically important
finance committee.
I admire Greg immensely. He is like you a tireless worker on behalf
of all members of our community. Greg holds endless
office meetings with community members on a wide variety of
issues inviting community members from all perspectives and all
backgrounds.
I have discussed many issues with Greg at his Sunday office
meetings. We have talked about Tasers, police canines, the hiring
process for our police chief, and reparations for African Americans,
all of which discussions Greg has made available by video and
YouTube for the public at large to view.
Greg understands racism and he and his family have suffered the
indignity and sting of hate and racism personally. His
father, grandfather, and great-grandfather were all incarcerated in
American concentration camps during World War 2. Hisfamily’s property was confiscated by our government. The
generational trauma to Greg and his family cannot be easily
measured.
Despite the odds and obstacles faced by Greg, he has prevailed. He is
a graduate of the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) and a
successful businessman. He is a family man and father of two
wonderful children both attending Palo Alto High School. As you
know Greg has attended many rallies against despicable hate
directed at Asian Americans and has organized a rally on the issue
here in Palo Alto. Greg is a remarkably authentic, accountable,
accessible, and accomplished individual.
I would like to ask you to please unambiguously and wholeheartedly
support Greg Tanaka as our next vice mayor.
Item 2
Public Comment
Item 2: Page 2 Packet Page 13 of 77
Greer Stone will no doubt have an opportunity to serve as Palo
Alto’s vice mayor in the future. But now is Greg Tanaka’s time to
serve as our vice mayor. He has more than earned the opportunity to
serve in this capacity.
Best regards,
Aram B. James
Attorney & Community Activist
415-370-5056
Item 2
Public Comment
Item 2: Page 3 Packet Page 14 of 77
From:John Mark Agosta
To:Council, City
Subject:Support for Tanaka as Vice-Mayor
Date:Monday, January 9, 2023 6:19:55 AM
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Dear City Council Members,
I am writing in support for Councilmember Tanaka as the next vice mayor of PaloAlto. His serviceto the community is exemplary, both as a member of the City Council, and previously,in various offices in the city that he has held. His current position chairing the FinanceCommittee evidences his ability to run fair and efficient meetings. I worked with himwhen he served as President of the College Terrace Residents Association and Irespect his judgment and commitment to the needs of the community. His weeklyoutreach sessions are an example of his personal touch to service.
Greg has widespread support in the community as past election results show. He isinvolved raising a family, and running a local start-up. His roots run deep in thecommunity, and his record of leadership is clear.
I urge you to vote for Greg and to support him in this role. Thank you for your timeand consideration.
Sincerely,
John Mark Agosta______________John Mark AgostaPalo Alto, CAjohnmark.agosta@gmail.com
Item 2
Public Comment
Item 2: Page 4 Packet Page 15 of 77
From:Katherine Causey
To:Council, City
Subject:Selecting Mayor & Vice Mayor
Date:Sunday, January 8, 2023 10:10:56 PM
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Hello Palo Alto City Councilmembers,
I am writing in support of two issues -
First, I strongly believe that in the future how our city selects a mayor, should be decided in a
separate election by the voters, I recognize that this would be a significant change - potentially to our city
charter, but it's also far enough from the next election cycle that this should be considered
being implemented for 2024 or 2026. I have worked for local campaigns 3 cycles now and I have
overwhelmingly heard this from the community each election cycle.
Second, I do believe Councilmember Stone should be our next Vice Mayor. I may not always agree with
Councilmember Stone, but I do believe he is a very effective councilmember - he thoroughly reviews the
council packet and comes prepared to meetings. I think he has been very effective at bringing both sides
to the table on a lot of divisive issues, finding common ground, and making progress. Most importantly he
is our only renter on council, despite about half our population being renters - the pandemic has
massively impacted renters in Palo Alto and as we go forward with working on the housing element and
implementing our rental registry - I believe having Councilmember Stone's perspective will be critical.
Thank you!
Katie Causey
Item 2
Public Comment
Item 2: Page 5 Packet Page 16 of 77
From:vshi95@yahoo.com
To:Council, City
Subject:Tanaka as Vice Mayor
Date:Sunday, January 8, 2023 1:44:06 PM
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Dear Palo Alto City Council,
I am writing to express my strong endorsement of Councilman Greg Lin Tanaka for theposition of vice mayor. As someone who has lived in Palo Alto for many years, I have been
consistently impressed by Councilman Tanaka's leadership and dedication to our community.
One of the issues that I believe sets Councilman Tanaka apart is his commitment to combatinganti-Asian violence and hate. In recent times, we have seen a disturbing increase in attacks
against Asian Americans, and Councilman Tanaka has been a vocal advocate for addressingthis issue. He has worked tirelessly to raise awareness about the impact of hate crimes, and
helped organize the community to demonstrate resolve and solidarity.
In addition to his leadership on this issue, Councilman Tanaka has also demonstrated a deepunderstanding of the many other challenges facing our city. He is a thoughtful and
compassionate leader who is always willing to listen to the concerns of his constituents andwork towards solutions. I believe he would be an excellent choice for vice mayor and would
be a strong asset to our city council.
I urge you to consider Councilman Greg Tanaka for the vice mayor role and I have everyconfidence that he will serve our community with distinction.
Victor Shi
Item 2
Public Comment
Item 2: Page 6 Packet Page 17 of 77
From:Lin Sun-Hoffman
To:Council, City
Subject:Vice Mayor
Date:Sunday, January 8, 2023 11:37:48 AM
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on links.
________________________________
Honorable City Council,
I am a resident of 15 years living in 739 De Soto Dr. and raised both kids, now grow up in Palo Alto. I used to be
on PAUSD PTA executive committee (2015-2017).
I am here to endorse Greg Tanaka. Councilmember Tanaka should be the next vice mayor of Palo Alto. I appreciate
the leadership he has shown in in Stopping Asian Hate.
In addition to his leadership on this issue, Councilman Tanaka has also demonstrated a deep understanding of the
many other challenges facing our city. He is a thoughtful and compassionate leader who is always willing to listen to
the concerns of his constituents and work towards solutions. I believe he would be an excellent choice for vice
mayor and would be a strong asset to our city council.
I urge you to consider Councilman Greg Tanaka for this important role and I have every confidence that he will
serve our community with distinction.
Thank you.
Regards,
Lin
Item 2
Public Comment
Item 2: Page 7 Packet Page 18 of 77
From:Terry Martin
To:Council, City
Subject:Public Comment for the 1/9/23 Palo Alto city council meeting
Date:Sunday, January 8, 2023 11:24:56 AM
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I wish to offer a public comment for the 1/9/23 Palo Alto city council meeting
As I read the agenda, I see you are electing the mayor and vice mayor for "2022".
Assuming the agenda is incorrect, and you are electing a mayor and vice mayor for 2023, I
would like to offer my strong recommendation for Greg Tanaka as mayor, or at least vice
mayor.
I have been a Palo Alto resident for 54 years and home owner for 46 years, and thus have
some perspective of the development of our city. Also, I have spent 19 years as a Stanford
physicist, where technical excellence is the key to success, and then 15 years in the private
sector where leadership and getting results were paramount.
City government was once efficient and effective, but after the installation of a former city
manager years ago, I observed the decay of quality service and numerous technical blunders
throughout city departments.
I found it disappointing to follow city government over the last few decades, but now I feel
some urgency to pay more attention ... hence this comment.
I appreciate everyone who volunteers their time and energy to serve city government, but I
believe the city urgently needs experienced leadership to correct the decay of technical
performance of city services.
From personal experience, I could lecture for hours on the blunders and incompetence of city
departments from utilities to the attorney's office. And these blunders cost the city an
enormous amount of money.
I don't agree with Greg Tanaka on some issues, but given the experience of the current
council, I strongly feel that Greg Tanaka is the best qualified to restore quality performance to
the city.
Dr. Terry Martin
Item 2
Public Comment
Item 2: Page 8 Packet Page 19 of 77
3616 Evergreen Dr.
Item 2
Public Comment
Item 2: Page 9 Packet Page 20 of 77
From:Max Rayner
To:Council, City
Subject:Annual selection of city council leadership
Date:Saturday, January 7, 2023 10:58:53 PM
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Dear members of the Palo Alto city council,
As a Palo Alto homeowner and voter, I'm writing to express my strong
encouragement for you to select councilman Greg Tanaka as vice mayor for this
coming year.
I've been impressed by Mr. Tanaka's work as a member of the planning and
transportation commission and as chair of the finance committee. In both roles, he's
demonstrated a strong commitment to serving the needs of our community andmaking thoughtful, informed decisions.
I particularly appreciate councilman Tanaka's attention to fiscal responsibility and
his efforts to ensure that our city's financial resources are used wisely andeffectively. His leadership on the finance committee has been invaluable, and I haveno doubt that he will continue to serve our city well in this new role.
His dedication to the community's welfare has also been evident in hisinvolvement as President of the College Terrace Residents Association, andalthough only one of my children is still in the Palo Alto school system, I appreciate
his perspective as a working parent in our community.
I believe that councilman Tanaka is an excellent choice for vice mayor, and Iencourage you to give him your full support.
With many thanks for your attention,Maximillian Rayner+1-650-619-4787
Item 2
Public Comment
Item 2: Page 10 Packet Page 21 of 77
From:Stephen Smith
To:Council, City
Subject:support for Greg Tanaka as Vice Mayor of Palo Alto
Date:Saturday, January 7, 2023 4:59:39 PM
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As council is expected to select a Vice Mayor this coming session, I want to take the opportunity to
support Greg Tanaka for that position.
From my perspective, Greg is a voice of reason. Greg understands that the complex problems of thetwenty-first century require rational, evidence-based, and data-driven decisions that are made in the bestinterest of the constituents. Greg brings that mindset to his role as council member, and would be anexcellent choice for Vice Mayor. best regards, steve smith
Item 2
Public Comment
Item 2: Page 11 Packet Page 22 of 77
From:Maggie Maese
To:Council, City
Subject:Vice Mayor Vote
Date:Saturday, January 7, 2023 4:51:43 PM
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Please consider Greg Tanaka as Vice Mayor for the following reasons:
He has more experience (CEO vs teacher, was chair of the Planning and Transportation commission
and finance committee) and more seniority.
Sincerely,
Maggie Maese
Sent from Mail for Windows
Item 2
Public Comment
Item 2: Page 12 Packet Page 23 of 77
From:Darlene Yaplee
To:Council, City
Cc:Darlene E. Yaplee
Subject:Election of Mayor and Vice Mayor
Date:Saturday, January 7, 2023 6:55:44 AM
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Honorable Council Members,
I am writing to endorse the election of Vice Mayor Kou to Mayor and Council Member Stone to Vice Mayor.
Vice Mayor Kou to Mayor
Mayorship represents the diversity in the Palo Alto community.
Proven leadership: dedication, understanding, and problem solving for complex topics within and
outside of Palo Alto.
Engaged with and respected by residents.
Council Member Stone to Vice Mayor
Vice Mayorship represents next generation Palo Alto leadership.
Demonstrated performance: agile learner, hard working, and engagement with residents.
Principled leadership on important issues.
Respectfully,
Darlene Yaplee
Item 2
Public Comment
Item 2: Page 13 Packet Page 24 of 77
Resolution
EXPRESSING APPRECIATION TO ALISON CORMACK FOR
OUTSTANDING PUBLIC SERVICE AS COUNCIL MEMBER
WHEREAS, Alison Cormack served as Councilmember from January 2019 through December
2022, including chairing both the Finance and Policy and Services committees; and
WHEREAS, Alison was always focused on improved communications with the community,
including holding weekly open office hours, assisting the communications staff daily during the
pandemic crisis, improving the clarity of Council motions, co-creating the new handbook for board
members and commissioners, suggesting a welcome letter to new residents, and drafting the enduring
values for Council; and
WHEREAS, Alison was not afraid to make tough financial decisions, including freezing rates and
assessments during the financial crisis, then rebuilding reserves, and actively supported long delayed
projects like the bike bridge and the public safety building as well as stable funding for the future; and
WHEREAS, Alison represented the city on the San Francisquito Creek Joint Powers Authority, the
Bay Area Water Supply and Conservation Agency, including the Board Policy Committee, and the Joint
Recycled Water Committee, and served as a board member of the League of California Cities Women’s
Caucus for two years; and
WHEREAS, Alison championed climate action in terms meaningful to every resident, by asking
for a detailed plan in 2020, suggesting an adoption life cycle model, including and encouraging students,
recommending a workshop for residents to learn how to get the gas out of their homes, and serving on
the Sustainability and Climate Action Plan ad hoc over two years; and
WHEREAS, Alison co-authored colleagues memos on prohibiting flavored tobacco, requiring safe
gun storage, and creating a skate park, and ensured a welcoming environment as Foothills Nature
Preserve was opened to all, personally helping park staff welcome visitors every weekend for six months
in 2021, making our community safer and healthier; and
WHEREAS, Alison demonstrated professionalism and courtesy at all times, modeling her belief
that how we do the work of the community is as important as the work itself.
NOW, THEREFORE, LET IT BE RESOLVED that the Council of the City of Palo Alto hereby
commends Alison’s outstanding public service and gratefully records both its appreciation, and the
appreciation of the citizens of this community, for her meritorious service as a City of Palo Alto Council
Member.
INTRODUCED AND PASSED: January 9, 2023
ATTEST: APPROVED:
___________________ _________________
City Clerk Mayor
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
___________________ _________________
City Manager City Attorney
Item 3
Cormack Resolution
2022
Item 3: Page 1 Packet Page 25 of 77
Resolution
EXPRESSING APPRECIATION TO ERIC FILSETH FOR OUTSTANDING PUBLIC
SERVICE AS COUNCIL MEMBER
WHEREAS, Eric Filseth was a persistent advocate for good government, and served Palo Altans on the
Council Finance committee, including twice as chair, the Council Appointed Officers committee, the Policy and
Services Committee, the Utility Advisory Commission, the Parks and Recreation Commission, the City-School
Advisory Committee, the Rail Committee, and as Mayor in 2019; and
WHEREAS, Eric was a steady proponent of both short-term and long-term fiscal pragmatism, including
both funding for programs that serve Palo Altans, and simultaneously applying data-driven analysis and sensible
cost-management, including the use of public-private partnerships where appropriate; and
WHEREAS, Eric was a consistent advocate for community services, including saving the Animal Shelter,
the Boulware Park land acquisition, the expansion of Aquatics hours and programming through a public-private
partnership, and the Parks and Recreation Master Plan and adequate park impact fees; and
WHEREAS, Eric initiated and helped lead a broad policy program to re-engineer the City’s pension
accounting and financing, in order to halt the growth of the City’s $500M unfunded pension liability and establish
a multi-decade path to pay it down; and
WHEREAS, Eric championed and helped lead the effort to establish Residential Parking Permit programs,
in order to protect Palo Alto residential neighborhoods from large-scale commuter parking intrusion; and
WHEREAS, Eric was a principal on the initiative to reengineer and staff the City Auditing function, in order
to increase its efficiency, effectiveness, and core technical expertise; and
WHEREAS, Eric was a consistent advocate for Affordable Housing financing, including City funding for
the Buena Vista rescue, the Wilton Court project, the 525 Charleston project, the 231 Grant teacher-housing
project, and the forthcoming LifeMoves project; and for rebuilding the City’s Affordable Housing Fund through
commercial development impact fees that more realistically align with their affordable-housing demand
generation, and through the new voter-approved tax on large businesses; and
WHEREAS, Eric supported, and co-wrote the ballot argument for, the Transient Occupancy Tax increase
which made it possible to complete the Blue Ribbon Infrastructure Plan in the face of rapid construction-cost
increases, including the new seismically-secure Public Safety Building; and
WHEREAS, Eric was a vocal advocate that the City’s Climate Action initiative must explicitly transition
from high level objectives to a quantitative, executable implementation plan; and
WHEREAS, Eric contributed materially to the City Manager and City Clerk successions over the past eight
years; and
WHEREAS, Eric has been an unstinting advocate that, subject to constitutionality, the local voters of Palo
Alto are the most appropriate owners and determiners of our community’s values, preferences and evolution.
NOW, THEREFORE, LET IT BE RESOLVED that the Council of the City of Palo Alto hereby commends
Eric’s outstanding public service and gratefully records both its appreciation, and the appreciation of the citizens
of this community, for his meritorious service and commitment as City of Palo Alto Council Member and Mayor.
INTRODUCED AND PASSED: January 9, 2023
ATTEST: APPROVED:
___________________ _________________
City Clerk Mayor
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
___________________ _________________
City Manager City Attorney
Item 4
Filseth Resolution
2022
Item 4: Page 1 Packet Page 26 of 77
Resolution
EXPRESSING APPRECIATION TO TOM DUBOIS FOR OUTSTANDING PUBLIC
SERVICE AS COUNCIL MEMBER
Tom DuBois was elected to the Palo Alto City Council in 2014, re-elected in 2018, and became Mayor in
2021. Tom accomplished much in his eight years focusing on community building, infrastructure, the social safety
net, sustainability, and transparent local government; and
COMMUNITY BUILDING From the moment he decided to run for Palo Alto City Council, Tom had the
community’s quality of life in mind. He has helped strengthen the importance of neighborhood associations and
town halls, improved neighborhood parking protections, and expanded Foothill Preserve and Boulware Park. He
was instrumental in creating the first domestic Sibling City relationship to bridge differences within the United
States. He championed the use of the Roth Building for a Palo Alto History Museum. Tom worked to resume and
expand community events including the May Fete, Asian American Pacific Islander Month, World Music Month,
more than 20 events during Together Again Week, a Sustainability workshop with the Danish Consulate, and
discussions on racial equity; and
INFRASTRUCTURE Tom prioritized funding, council alignment and staff focus to advance major projects
including completion of a parking garage serving the California Avenue district, a fire station, the Children’s
Museum & Zoo, a bike bridge connecting residents to the Baylands, and many other projects including the long-
delayed $100M Public Safety building. He spent years working on purified recycled water, resulting in millions
of dollars coming to Palo Alto for investment in our wastewater treatment plant. He helped establish a business
tax and increased hotel tax to fund infrastructure. Tom was a tireless champion for fiber to the home to provide
excellent Internet service to all Palo Altans; and
SOCIAL SAFETY NET Tom is passionate about improving the social safety net. He worked extensively on
two housing elements. He introduced legislation to increase the minimum wage, to provide protections for renters
and safe parking for the unhoused. His collaborative efforts also led to increasing impact fees for funding
affordable housing, increasing the City of East Palo Alto’s access to water, and to evaluating the impacts of short
term rentals on housing stock. As a leader, he focused on deeply affordable housing resulting in the saving of
Buena Vista and multiple new housing projects; and
SUSTAINABILITY Tom advanced environmental and fiscal sustainability. He led a team that developed a
financial model to fund an innovative heat pump water heater replacement program. He fought for office caps to
balance jobs and housing. He passionately supported the city’s tree canopy and increased protection of mature
trees. Throughout his tenure, he advocated for pension reform, key to the City’s fiscal sustainability; and
TRANSPARENT LOCAL GOVERNMENT Tom believes strongly in local representation, done
transparently with integrity. Along with several colleagues, he proposed and gained unanimous council support
for transparency in labor agreements. He helped increase the effectiveness of the City audit function through
outsourcing, increasing the quality and number of audits completed. Tom was often a voice of reason, improving
ordinances and helping the Council move forward. He guided reform of the City’s Boards and Commissions to
make them more effective in providing a public forum and supporting Council. He has fought for preserving local
control and opposed state legislation detrimental to Palo Alto’s environment and quality of life; and
Tom’s leadership as a public servant exemplified his integrity, passion and commitment toward the
betterment of this community. His involvement in regional and global issues offer contributions that will be of
lasting value.
NOW, THEREFORE, LET IT BE RESOLVED that the Council of the City of Palo Alto hereby commends
Tom’s outstanding public service and gratefully records both its appreciation, and the appreciation of the citizens
of this community, for his meritorious service and commitment as City of Palo Alto Council Member and Mayor.
INTRODUCED AND PASSED: January 9, 2023
ATTEST: APPROVED:
___________________ _________________
City Clerk Mayor
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
___________________ _________________
City Manager City Attorney
Item 5
DuBois Resolution
2022
Item 5: Page 1 Packet Page 27 of 77
Resolution
EXPRESSING APPRECIATION AND GRATITUDE TO PAT BURT AS 2022 MAYOR
WHEREAS, Pat Burt was first elected to the Palo Alto City Council in 2007, was reelected in 2012 and
2020, and served as Mayor in 2010, 2016, and 2022; and
WHEREAS, in 2022, Pat led a year of economic and social recovery from the pandemic, restoring city
services, and initiating a plan for revitalization of the City’s downtowns; and
WHEREAS, the City Council worked to restore its services and sustainable finances from the pandemic
impacts in large part through the voter approval of Measure L and Measure K, the City’s first business tax, which
increases funding for affordable housing, provides a necessary local cost share for railroad grade separations, and
funds restored public safety staffing; and
WHEREAS, the Council advanced renter protections and multiple affordable housing projects including the
opening of the 59-unit Wilton Ct project, obtaining state funding and approvals for the 88-unit transitional housing
project, final approvals of the 110-unit teacher affordable housing project, approving the 50-unit county-led
affordable housing project for adults with disabilities, advancing a 129-unit very-low income affordable housing
project, and agreement in principle on 1.1 acres for affordable housing along with two acres toward new parkland;
and
WHEREAS, the Council approved and submitted to the state the City’s Housing Element for over 6,000
housing units at all income levels over the next eight years; and
WHEREAS, the Council approved major land-use projects including the North Ventura Coordinated Area
Plan and the Castilleja School reconstruction and expansion; and
WHEREAS, the Council oversaw major infrastructure projects including the ongoing construction of the
Public Safety Building, expansion of the Charleston Rd bike corridor project, improvements to city parks, and
approval of the rebuilding of the Palo Alto Regional Water Quality Control plant; and
WHEREAS, as a member of the Board member of the Santa Clara Valley Transit Authority (VTA) Pat was
instrumental in securing over $800 Million in Measure B funds for the north county cities toward Caltrain grade
separations with over $400 Million dedicated to the Palo Alto grade crossings; and
WHEREAS, Pat served on the Board of the San Francisquito Creek Joint Power Authority (SFCJPA),
advancing the environmental analysis, design, and funding of flood control and sea level rise projects; and
WHEREAS, Pat served on the Board of the Bay Conservation and Development Commission (BCDC)
including the state agency’s adoption of the Bay Adapt plan in response to sea level rise; and
WHEREAS, Pat led the Council Sustainability and Climate Action Plan (SCAP) initiatives to accelerate
progress toward its 8030 Goal of an 80% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 including the adoption
of a first-of-its-kind residential electrification program, passing a next Reach Code for electrification of
transportation and buildings, approving an extensive 3-year set of Climate Goals and Key Actions, adopting a
goal of Carbon-Neutrality by 2030, and the 250 person Climate Collaboration Summit in partnership with the
Palo Alto Student Climate Coalition; and
NOW, THEREFORE, LET IT BE RESOLVED that the Council of the City of Palo Alto hereby commends
Pat’s outstanding public service and gratefully records both its appreciation, and the appreciation of the citizens
of this community, for his meritorious service and commitment as a City of Palo Alto Mayor.
INTRODUCED AND PASSED: January 9, 2023
ATTEST: APPROVED:
___________________ _________________
City Clerk Mayor
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
___________________ _________________
City Manager City Attorney
Item 6
Burt Resolution 2022
Item 6: Page 1 Packet Page 28 of 77
JANUARY 9, 2023 www.cityofpaloalto.org
STORM RESPONSE BRIEFING
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FORECAST VS. ACTUAL –DECEMBER 31
•NOAA predicted rainfall for
NYE Friday, December 30
storm:2 inches
•Actual observed rainfall in NYE
storm:6 inches
•The tripled rainfall caused a
peak flowrate of about 6,300
cfs (more than 10 times the
predicted 600 cfs peak)
2
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www.cityofpaloalto.org/floodalert
EMERGENCY RESPONSE
•Street closures due to
flooding
•Traffic accidents & rescue
•Trees down in roadways
3
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www.cityofpaloalto.org/floodalert
STORM PREPARATION & RESPONSE
Storm Preparation examples included:
•Delivered materials for 100,000 sandbags
•Clearing fallen trees/debris/mud from roadways
•Removing debris from creeks and storm drains
4
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www.cityofpaloalto.org/floodalert
STORM PREP & RESPONSE
Storm Response:
•Removing debris
•Checking trail systems
for mudslides, other
hazardous conditions
due to the storms
•Several trails will be
closed through June
due to mudslides so
that repairs can be
made.
5
Foothills
Nature
Preserve is
closed
tomorrow
(January 10)
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www.cityofpaloalto.org/floodalert
EMERGENCY RESPONSE: POWER OUTAGES
Power outage response:
•One power outage continues
with restoration time
estimated for 8 p.m. this
evening, impacting 21
customers
•20 outages since Dec.31
•Customers impacted total:
5,800
•Most outages due to
downed trees.
6
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www.cityofpaloalto.org/reportflooddamage
STORM IMPACT SUPPORT FOR RESIDENTS
•Community Resource Center
opened Jan. 4 –5 with 15 visitors
(7 stayed overnight).Center also
open today (1/9) during the day.
•13 reports of damaged homes.
•City building officials have begun
assessing home damage caused
by flooding.
•Local hotels provided emergency
rates
•Staff established a webform to
share damage, at
www.cityofpaloalto.org/reportfl
ooddamage
7
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www.cityofpaloalto.org/floodalert
DEPARTMENTS ENGAGED IN STORM PREP &
RESPONSE
•City Manager’s Office –Overall direction, communication, resource coordination
•Public Works –Logistics, creek monitoring, storm drain clearing, tree and street/traffic response
•Emergency Services –Preparation and response facilitation, after-action review
•Administrative Services –Supplies procurement, financial tracking, lodging
•Community Services –Human support services
•Fire –Preparation and emergency rescue response
•Planning & Development Services –Building and site inspections
•Police –Preparation communication, incident response
•Transportation –Parking resources
•Utilities –Emergency response and service restoration, outage communication
8
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www.cityofpaloalto.org/floodalert
NEIGHBORS HELPING NEIGHBORS
Numerous examples of volunteerism demonstrated:
•Emergency Service Volunteers helped reach residents to
ensure they are informed of possible storm-related
impacts, by going door to door.
•Thank you to Youth Community Services (YCS) for their
support, especially with helping community members fill
sandbags.
•Resident sharing expert storm forecasts and creek effects
and interpreting them for neighbors
9
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www.cityofpaloalto.org/floodalert
REAL-TIME COMMUNICATIONS
•Real-time communications continues, daily updates, FAQs
•Door-to-door outreach, printed
flyers
•Emergency
Alerts
•Nixle Alerts
•Special storm
edition
Uplift Local
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www.cityofpaloalto.org/floodalert
WHAT’S CHANGED SINCE 1998
Downstream improvements and Stormwater (measure) improvements.
•2018 remove flood risk at Highway 101 and downstream, JPA Highway 101 to Bay and
Caltrans Highway 101 projects increased capacity to flows that exceed 9,600 cfs
•New Pump stations completed: allows water to be pumped back into creeks
•San Francisquito Creek pump station (2009)
•Matadero Creek pump station (2019)
•Channing and Lincoln Avenue upgrades (2012-2018),fiber
optics system upgrades (2018), and Guinda flap gate improve efficiency of the
system (2015)
11
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LOOKING AHEAD
12
Looking Ahead:
•Continue coordinated storm and emergency response to storm series
•Address funding gap to complete Newell Road Bridge renovations
•Complete Pope/Chaucer Bridge replacement, other SFC JPA projects
•Complete City of Palo Alto storm water CIP
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STAY INFORMED
Daily Updates through the Storm Events at:CityofPaloAlto.org/FloodAlert
Gain Real-Time Storm Information: CityofPaloAlto.org/Connect
*Follow the City of Palo Alto on Nextdoor, Twitter,
Facebook
*Sign up for SCCAlert, the City’s emergency alert
system
*Follow Palo Alto Police on Nixle
www.cityofpaloalto.org/floodalert13
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STAY INFORMED
Quick Online Resources:CityofPaloAlto.org/FloodAlert
•Read daily updates
•Print informational flyer for neighbors
•Gain important phone numbers to report an issue
•Monitor creek levels online
•Gain answers to questions about flood risk
•Learn about storm forecasts,power outages, other impacts
•View video on flood stages
www.cityofpaloalto.org/floodalert14
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Attachment available until Feb 8, 2023
From:Anne Taylor
To:Tom C. Rindfleisch
Cc:CPNA; Shikada, Ed; Eggleston, Brad; Rebecca Eisenberg; Margaret Bruce; Murray, Kevin; Council, City
Subject:Re: [CPNA] SFC Status -- One Down, One to Go - IMPORTANT UPDATE #4
Date:Monday, January 9, 2023 10:18:32 AM
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This was Pope/Chaucer Bridge at 9:33am today. It was not getting worse in the next 15minutes we were there.
Anne Taylor
Click to Download
IMG_3886.MOV
39.8 MB
On Jan 9, 2023, at 9:54 AM, Thomas Rindfleisch <tcr@stanford.edu> wrote:
Friends, one more positive sign is from the NOAA GOES-West CONUS satellitevideo (this link). It looks like we are nearing the end of the main storm system
passing over the bay area. Remember though, it takes on the order of an hour forthe last vestiges of rainfall in the watershed to get down to the USGS gauge and
another 45 minutes for what the USGS SFC gauge shows to reach the Pope-Chaucer bridge. The latest gauge readings are 3560 cfs and 9.6 ft stage (see plot
below) so I'm more hopeful that we can squeak by...
Tom R.
<5cLhXvTdlGlfwO9I.png>
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From:Maurice L DruzinTo:Thomas C Rindfleisch; CPNA
Cc:Shikada, Ed; Eggleston, Brad; Rebecca Eisenberg; Margaret Bruce; Murray, Kevin; Council, City
Subject:Re: [CPNA] SFC Status -- One Down, One to Go - IMPORTANT UPDATE #4
Date:Monday, January 9, 2023 10:01:09 AM
Attachments:5cLhXvTdlGlfwO9I.png
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Thank you Tom, Master of the Stream gage Universe!
We are all so grateful for your flow of information!
Maurice
From: crescent-park-pa@googlegroups.com <crescent-park-pa@googlegroups.com> on behalf of Thomas Rindfleisch
<tcr@stanford.edu>
Date: Monday, January 9, 2023 at 9:55 AM
To: CPNA <crescent-park-pa@googlegroups.com>
Cc: Ed Shikada <ed.shikada@cityofpaloalto.org>, Brad Eggleston <brad.eggleston@cityofpaloalto.org>, Rebecca Eisenberg
<reisenberg@valleywater.org>, Margaret Bruce <mbruce@sfcjpa.org>, Kevin Murray <kmurray@sfcjpa.org>, Palo Alto City
Council <city.council@cityofpaloalto.org>
Subject: [CPNA] SFC Status -- One Down, One to Go - IMPORTANT UPDATE #4
Friends, one more positive sign is from the NOAA GOES-West CONUS satellite video (this link). It looks like we arenearing the end of the main storm system passing over the bay area. Remember though, it takes on the order of an hour forthe last vestiges of rainfall in the watershed to get down to the USGS gauge and another 45 minutes for what the USGSSFC gauge shows to reach the Pope-Chaucer bridge. The latest gauge readings are 3560 cfs and 9.6 ft stage (see plotbelow) so I'm more hopeful that we can squeak by...
Tom R.
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From:Thomas Rindfleisch
To:CPNA
Cc:Shikada, Ed; Eggleston, Brad; Rebecca Eisenberg; Margaret Bruce; Murray, Kevin; Council, City
Subject:SFC Status -- One Down, One to Go - IMPORTANT UPDATE #4
Date:Monday, January 9, 2023 9:55:05 AMAttachments:5cLhXvTdlGlfwO9I.png
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Friends, one more positive sign is from the NOAA GOES-West CONUS satellite video (this link). It looks like we arenearing the end of the main storm system passing over the bay area. Remember though, it takes on the order of an hour forthe last vestiges of rainfall in the watershed to get down to the USGS gauge and another 45 minutes for what the USGSSFC gauge shows to reach the Pope-Chaucer bridge. The latest gauge readings are 3560 cfs and 9.6 ft stage (see plot below)so I'm more hopeful that we can squeak by...
Tom R.
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From:egas1044@aol.com
To:Council, City; Transportation
Cc:crescent-park-pa@googlegroups.com
Subject:Suspend Parking Restrictions for Monday and Tuesday"s storm impact
Date:Monday, January 9, 2023 9:35:10 AM
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Today's creek situation cries for another suspension of timed parking restrictions to give residents a
chance to move vehicles from areas likely to be affected.
Please issue another proclamation, thank you.
Eileen Skrabutenas650-224-6402
1044 Hamilton Avenue
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From:JORDAN BAJOR
To:Thomas Rindfleisch
Cc:CPNA; Shikada, Ed; Eggleston, Brad; Rebecca Eisenberg; Margaret Bruce; Murray, Kevin; Council, City
Subject:Re: [CPNA] SFC Status -- One Down, One to Go - IMPORTANT UPDATE #3
Date:Monday, January 9, 2023 9:34:09 AM
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Tom,
as always, your exceptional data analysis is so appreciated. That said, we stand at the ready!
Cheers!
Jordan
On Jan 9, 2023, at 9:30 AM, Thomas Rindfleisch <tcr@stanford.edu> wrote:
Friends, CNRFC computers have finally caught up with the real-time data -- they are trying tocompute predictions for dozens of rivers and streams and are swamped! Their latest plot below
gives some hope that we can squeak by, but I would not trust its predictions very strongly atthis point given the precarious situation we are in. Focus on what is actually happening in the
creek from the USGS and Palo Alto Creek monitors. On the bright side, the latest USGS plot(9:15 AM, see second plot below) shows some lessening of the rate of increase (currently
3650 cfs and stage of 9.7 ft). This is beguiling but look at the New Years Even peaks and don'tlet down your guard...
Tom R.
<pRrJXs0Zx0NPwU8c.png>
<GwPpmm921sDQ6hYl.png>
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pa/82252cc5-7f6c-035b-85ba-ea3c026ac988%40stanford.edu.
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From:Thomas Rindfleisch
To:CPNA
Cc:Shikada, Ed; Eggleston, Brad; Rebecca Eisenberg; Margaret Bruce; Murray, Kevin; Council, City
Subject:SFC Status -- One Down, One to Go - IMPORTANT UPDATE #3
Date:Monday, January 9, 2023 9:30:34 AMAttachments:pRrJXs0Zx0NPwU8c.pngGwPpmm921sDQ6hYl.png
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Friends, CNRFC computers have finally caught up with the real-time data -- they are trying to compute predictions fordozens of rivers and streams and are swamped! Their latest plot below gives some hope that we can squeak by, but I wouldnot trust its predictions very strongly at this point given the precarious situation we are in. Focus on what is actuallyhappening in the creek from the USGS and Palo Alto Creek monitors. On the bright side, the latest USGS plot (9:15 AM,see second plot below) shows some lessening of the rate of increase (currently 3650 cfs and stage of 9.7 ft). This isbeguiling but look at the New Years Even peaks and don't let down your guard...
Tom R.
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From:Thomas RindfleischTo:CPNA
Cc:Shikada, Ed; Eggleston, Brad; Rebecca Eisenberg; Margaret Bruce; Murray, Kevin; Council, City
Subject:SFC Status -- One Down, One to Go - IMPORTANT UPDATE #2
Date:Monday, January 9, 2023 9:03:02 AM
Attachments:Tr0NDm75rnOFmLek.png4RYZ85ECy0xIKC2P.png
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Friends, the SFC surge for Monday (9th) continues to be of concern. Unfortunately the prediction by the CNRFC appearsto be well short of the mark and I am afraid it cannot be trusted. Their current prediction plot (see below) shows badlyinconsistent results -- a real-time river stage of 9 feet and a prediction of 6.8 ft. This means we will have to focus on thePalo Alto Creek Monitor and the USGS SFC stream gauge that have only limited prediction value -- the trend and slope ofthe flow record. The USGS gauge updates every 15 minutes and currently (8:45 AM, see second plot below) shows a watersurface height of 9.5 ft corresponding to a flow of 3510 cfs. The point where Pope-Chaucer will overflow is a stage ofabout 12.5 ft which corresponds to its capacity of 5500 cfs. There is some indication that the rate of increase of the flow ismoderating slightly but, as you can see from the New Years Eve event peaks, it is very hard to predict how the rain willcome and go. The NOAA GOES-West CONUS satellite video (see this link) shows the storm coming squarely over ourarea with hours to go before it passes.
This is going to be very close and I cannot predict at this point what the likelihood of P-C overflow is. I think residentsshould be ready for something similar to New Years Eve at this point. The web locations you might want to visit include:
Palo Alto creek monitor: this linkUSGS creek gauge: this linkNOAA CNRFC hydrograph forecast: this linkNOAA GOES-West CONUS satellite video: this link
I will continue to check the objective data and update this message as appropriate.
Very best wishes and stay safe, Tom R.
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From:Thomas RindfleischTo:CPNA
Cc:Shikada, Ed; Eggleston, Brad; Rebecca Eisenberg; Margaret Bruce; Murray, Kevin; Council, City
Subject:SFC Status -- One Down, One to Go - IMPORTANT UPDATE
Date:Sunday, January 8, 2023 11:40:56 PM
Attachments:pXnjgJBa2LJIMSHH.png
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Friends, the SFC surge prediction for Monday (9th) has changed significantly:
The most likely deterministic forecast is that the peak stage has increased back to 9.6 ft from the earlier 7.5 ft. Thisnew stage corresponds to a flow of 4320 cfs under the old USGS rating curve or 3550 cfs under the new rating curveThe 95th percentile range for the forecast uncertainty runs from a lower stage of 4.7 ft to an upper stage of 12.5 ft.This upper stage corresponds to a possible high flow of 6477 cfs under the old USGS rating curve or 5470 cfs underthe new rating curveThe time of the expected surge maximum is earlier, 12:00 PM instead of 5:00 PM
The NOAA GOES-West CONUS satellite video (see this link) now shows the storm body reconcentrating with a pathheaded directly over the bay area. Recall that the maximum capacity of the Pope-Chaucer bridge is ~5500 cfs. These newdata indicate that the Pope-Chaucer bridge will hold under the deterministic forecast, but may overtop again if the surgeestimate is off by as much as the upper error bound.
The projected peak surge time is now ~12 hours away and things may change significantly over time. It is all the moreimportant to check the indicator web sites often and to note that should the storm stall to any degree over the peninsula, thepossibility of a P-C overflow increases. Take this uncertainty into account as you decide what precautions to take --deploying strategic sand bags, moving important objects to higher locations, having a go kit ready.
The web locations you might want to visit include:
Palo Alto creek monitor: this linkUSGS creek gauge: this linkNOAA CNRFC hydrograph forecast: this linkNOAA GOES-West CONUS satellite video: this link
I will check the objective data in the morning and update this message as appropriate before the storm hits.
Very best wishes and stay safe, Tom R.
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From:Thomas Rindfleisch
To:CPNA
Cc:Shikada, Ed; Eggleston, Brad; Rebecca Eisenberg; Margaret Bruce; Murray, Kevin; Council, City
Subject:SFC Status -- One Down, One to Go
Date:Sunday, January 8, 2023 4:17:50 PM
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Friends, the creek surge this morning (Sun, 1/8, ~6:45 AM) peaked at 211 cfs on the USGS San Francisquito Creek gauge-- pretty much a non-event. The next storm is bigger and trickier though.
As of this writing, the CA/NV River Forecast Center is predicting a surge Monday (1/9) at about 5:00 PM with a peakwater level at the USGS gauge of 7.5 ft or a flow of ~2870 cfs (recall the Pope-Chaucer maximum capacity is ~5500 cfs).The CNRFC prediction chart is shown below with the Monday peak circled in red and the 95th percentile uncertaintiesnoted in magenta. Also recall that the CNRFC peak water surface elevation prediction for Monday has been decreasingfrom ~9.4 ft yesterday to 7.5 ft today. That may be supported by the NOAA GOES-West CONUS satellite video (see thislink) showing the storm body splitting with a large mass moving south. The actual landfall is a day away though so muchcan happen between now and then. Also it is possible that the storm could stall over the peninsula watershed and increasethe total precipitation as happened in the New Years Eve event.
Now there is a complication that I want you to be aware of so you can exercise your judgement about what to believe.Recall that on New Years Eve we had a stalled storm and an unexpectedly large surge in the creek -- USGS reported apeak water surface level of ~13.9 ft at their gauge. This was initially reported by USGS as corresponding to a 7400 cfsflow. This was corrected within hours down to ~6340 cfs. The USGS was taken by surprise and was initially using an oldrating curve for the SFC gauge -- the function that relates water level (stage) to flow level. The reduction in estimated flowcame from a recalibration of the gauge rating curve by noon on the 31st. This recalibration has been incorporated intoUSGS gauge measurements since then, but it is still in the process of being incorporated into the CNRFC site predictions.The 2870 cfs estimate above for Monday's peak is based on the old USGS SFC rating curve. Using the new USGS ratingcurve, the 7.5 ft stage would correspond to a (smaller) peak flow of 2360 cfs. Both are within the flow capacity of thePope-Chaucer bridge (43% and 52% respectively) and would nominally not cause an overflow. (Note these rating curveissues do not affect the CNRFC tools to predict precipitation levels from storm data, just how that precipitation isconverted into stream stage and flow levels.)
You should take this uncertainty into account as you decide what precautions to take. Also remember that nature may bringunpredictable changes to the coming event that could affect outcomes. I will continue to watch the objective data availablein the next day and update this message as appropriate before the storm hits.
Very best wishes and stay safe, Tom R.
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From:Rosalinda Quintanar
To:Katherine Pompili; marni barnes
Cc:TC Rindfleisch; crescent-park-pa@googlegroups.com; Margaret Bruce; Murray, Kevin; Rebecca Eisenberg;
Council, City
Subject:Re: [CPNA] SFC: What"s Coming Down the Pipe
Date:Saturday, January 7, 2023 5:34:49 PM
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Thanks for the update and all your recommendations.
Rosalinda Quintanar, Ph. D.Professor, Teacher Education & Masters Programs
On Friday, January 6, 2023 at 04:54:38 PM PST, marni barnes <purplebeachcow@gmail.com> wrote:
Ditto Kathy’s remarks below
Marni
On Jan 6, 2023, at 1:03 PM, Katherine Pompili <kpompili@pacbell.net> wrote:
Tom,
You are a scholar and a gentleman. Thank you for continuing to provide our community with this
important, updated information with honesty and clarity. We appreciate you so very much!
Happy New Year,
Kathy
On Jan 6, 2023, at 12:43 PM, Thomas Rindfleisch <tcr@stanford.edu> wrote:
Friends, we dodged a bullet Thursday morning (5th) when the main part of the storm system was pullednorth of us. The USGS gauge for San Francisquito Creek peaked at about 909 cfs around 1:30 AM andthere was a secondary peak somewhat smaller (~825 cfs) at around 3:15 PM (see gauge plot below).The difference between what the NOAA River Forecast folks predicted and what the USGS measuredwas within +/- 100 cfs. They are not always this accurate though, given the vagaries of precipitationforecasting.
Anyway, I'm glad we have a few days to clean up, let things settle, and dry out. However, we have
another couple of storms coming early next week that will swell SFC again. The first is a weak one (~900
cfs) on Sunday (8th) ~7:00 AM and the second is a considerably stronger one (~3400 cfs -- 62% of P-C
overflow capacity) on Monday (9th) at about 5:00 PM. The precipitation forecasters' models do not agree
yet on the strength of these events and there are significant uncertainties. In the second CNRFC plot
below, I show the current hydrograph forecast with red bars at the upcoming peaks illustrating the
uncertainties (95th percentile) in the estimates. In the next days the models should converge better on the
precipitation predictions and thus the SFC stream flow estimates. Stay tuned (and safe!).
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Regards, Tom R.
USGS SFC Gauge Record to 1/6/23
<Tv5DhAwlh5HKNJIO.png>
CA/NV River Forecast Center Flow Estimates for SFC
<bjx0oOb4oddovCAR.png>
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From:Jennifer Landesmann
To:Sherry Scott
Cc:Deborah Wexler; amy kacher; egas1044@aol.com; Council, City; crescent-park-pa@googlegroups.com
Subject:Re: [CPNA] for those who have a clean up day on Monday Jan 9
Date:Saturday, January 7, 2023 3:08:23 PM
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I'm afraid it's still on for those with the January 9 date because there was no notice that it has changed, andwhen I check my address it still has January 9.
Am keeping things away from the curb until just before the pick up
Jennifer
On Sat, Jan 7, 2023 at 2:59 PM Sherry Scott <sherrysco@gmail.com> wrote:That’s strange. I’m on your same block but closer to Lincoln and my date is the 16th. I wonder if they havedifferent days for different sides of the street?Probably best to check for specific addresses.
Sent from my iPhone
On Jan 7, 2023, at 2:50 PM, Deborah Wexler <drkwexler@gmail.com> wrote:
Looks like the 1000 block of Forest still scheduled for 1/9/23. I agree, ti should be rescheduled.
Deborah Wexler
On Jan 7, 2023, at 1:26 PM, amy kacher <amykacher1@gmail.com> wrote:
I just checked and I think my clean up date for Dana Ave was supposed to be 1/9also, but I looked at the site and its now 2/6 so glad I double checked...maybe I wasmistaken in the first place but maybe they've changed some dates because of thestorm. https://www.greenwasteofpaloalto.com/?account=30025850&s=1324+dana+ave+palo+alto+&post_type=cleaning_day&go=Search
Amy
On Fri, Jan 6, 2023 at 5:12 PM egas1044 via Crescent Park PA <crescent-park-pa@googlegroups.com> wrote:City Clean up date with Greenwaste occurs on Monday January 9 for areas in Crescent
Park likely to impacted if the creek again overflows.
Can this be suspended so that we don't have streets littered with junk that is likely to
exacerbate flooding/overflow problems?
Respectfully,
Eileen Skrabutenas1044 Hamilton Avenue
-----Original Message-----
From: Jennifer Landesmann <jlandesmann@gmail.com>To: crescent-park-pa@googlegroups.com
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Sent: Fri, Jan 6, 2023 5:04 pm
Subject: [CPNA] for those who have a clean up day on Monday Jan 9
Hi neighbors,
One of the two annual prized City clean up days is on January 9 for my block. My two most
anticipated days of the year - I'm on Fife Ave, you can check your day on the site.
I called Greenwaste to see if there are any changes due to the storm, there are no
changes.
Also - if possible use clear or labeled bags for recycling as well as labels for donations, so
that they are not confused with garbage. Any hazardous materials should go to
the household hazardous waste program.
Jennifer
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From:Aram James
To:Pat Burt; Julie Lythcott-Haims; Tanaka, Greg; Lydia Kou; vicki@vickiforcouncil.com; Shikada, Ed; Ed Lauing;Greer Stone; Jason Green; Diana Diamond; Gennady Sheyner; Rebecca Eisenberg; Human RelationsCommission; Binder, Andrew; Josh Becker; Assemblymember.Berman@assembly.ca.gov; Braden Cartwright;Council, City; Joe Simitian; Lewis. james
Subject:Why two troublesome bridges haven’t been replaced 25 years after the last flood
Date:Saturday, January 7, 2023 8:51:55 AM
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NewsBreakUsed by over 45 million people Open APP
Why two troublesome bridges haven’t been replaced 25
years after the last flood
padailypost.com
I found this on NewsBreak: Why two troublesome bridges haven’t been replaced 25
years after the last flood
Click to read the full story
Sent from my iPhone
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From:Thomas Rindfleisch
To:CPNA
Cc:Margaret Bruce; Murray, Kevin; Rebecca Eisenberg; Council, City
Subject:SFC: What"s Coming Down the Pipe
Date:Friday, January 6, 2023 12:43:41 PM
Attachments:Tv5DhAwlh5HKNJIO.pngbjx0oOb4oddovCAR.png
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Friends, we dodged a bullet Thursday morning (5th) when the main part of the storm system was pulled north of us. TheUSGS gauge for San Francisquito Creek peaked at about 909 cfs around 1:30 AM and there was a secondary peaksomewhat smaller (~825 cfs) at around 3:15 PM (see gauge plot below). The difference between what the NOAA RiverForecast folks predicted and what the USGS measured was within +/- 100 cfs. They are not always this accurate though,given the vagaries of precipitation forecasting.
Anyway, I'm glad we have a few days to clean up, let things settle, and dry out. However, we have another couple ofstorms coming early next week that will swell SFC again. The first is a weak one (~900 cfs) on Sunday (8th) ~7:00 AMand the second is a considerably stronger one (~3400 cfs -- 62% of P-C overflow capacity) on Monday (9th) at about 5:00PM. The precipitation forecasters' models do not agree yet on the strength of these events and there are significantuncertainties. In the second CNRFC plot below, I show the current hydrograph forecast with red bars at the upcomingpeaks illustrating the uncertainties (95th percentile) in the estimates. In the next days the models should converge better onthe precipitation predictions and thus the SFC stream flow estimates. Stay tuned (and safe!).
Regards, Tom R.
USGS SFC Gauge Record to 1/6/23
CA/NV River Forecast Center Flow Estimates for SFC
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From:Aram James
To:Council, City; Human Relations Commission; Rebecca Eisenberg; Julie Lythcott-Haims; Kou, Lydia; Greg Tanaka;Vicki Veenker; Greer Stone; Shikada, Ed; Ed Lauing; Lait, Jonathan; Josh Becker;Assemblymember.Berman@assembly.ca.gov
Subject:Heavy storms, flood risks renew sense of urgency over delayed San Francisquito Creek projects | News | Palo
Alto Online |
Date:Thursday, January 5, 2023 3:01:59 PM
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on links.
________________________________
https://www.paloaltoonline.com/news/2023/01/04/flood-anxieties-renew-sense-of-urgency-for-delayed-san-
francisquito-creek-projects?utm_source=express-2023-01-05&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=express
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From:egas1044@aol.com
To:Council, City
Subject:City Storm Response
Date:Thursday, January 5, 2023 10:13:08 AM
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Dear Mayor Burt, and fellow Council Members -
I want to thank the city council and city work crews who have been working to keep us safe during the
recent batch of storms. We're not out of the woods, but it is reassuring to this resident that you have been
diligent and understanding of what needs to be done and doing it quickly.
I also want to offer a shout-out to the many residents who have been assisting others to prepare, from the
YCS teams filling sandbags to neighbors looking after each other. This is the true measure of a
community.
Gratefully,
Eileen Skrabutenas
1044 Hamilton Avenue
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From:Loran Harding
To:Loran Harding; alumnipresident@stanford.edu; antonia.tinoco@hsr.ca.gov; David Balakian; boardmembers;bballpod; beachrides; bearwithme1016@att.net; fred beyerlein; Cathy Lewis; Council, City; Chris Field; DougVagim; dallen1212@gmail.com; Daniel Zack; Scott Wilkinson; Gabriel.Ramirez@fresno.gov;George.Rutherford@ucsf.edu; huidentalsanmateo; hennessy; Irv Weissman; Sally Thiessen; Joel Stiner; jerryruopoli; kfsndesk; karkazianjewelers@gmail.com; Leodies Buchanan; lalws4@gmail.com; Mark Standriff; Mayor;margaret-sasaki@live.com; merazroofinginc@att.net; newsdesk; news@fresnobee.com; nick yovino; davidpomaville; russ@topperjewelers.com; Steve Wayte; tsheehan; terry; vallesR1969@att.net
Subject:Fwd: Flooding in B.A. Sat into Sunday 1-1-23
Date:Thursday, January 5, 2023 2:27:00 AM
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---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Loran Harding <loran.harding@stanfordalumni.org>Date: Thu, Jan 5, 2023 at 1:24 AM
Subject: Flooding in B.A. Sat into Sunday 1-1-23To: Loran Harding <loran.harding@stanfordalumni.org>
Late on Wed. 1-4-23
This was extremely hard to find. It is usually people standing at maps. SF, Woodside, PaloAlto, Oakland, Castro Valley. Worth seeing. ~8 minutes. The storm on Sat. into Sunday, 1-
1-23:
San Francisco TODAY! Crazy Flash Flooding in Bay Area, California, US - YouTube
Sure glad I went from Fresno to my dentista in San Mateo on Friday, Dec. 2 and Dec. 16,2022! The issue there was fog east of Los Banos. So I got those trips in about 15 days ahead
of real trouble. I always tell them when they schedule apptments "I want to try to avoid therainy season".
One time going over there was a Chevy SUV sitting on its roof on 152 right at the summit
of Pacheco Pass and another overturned SUV that day on 280 near Page Mill Rd. in Palo Alto.Both had wheels facing straight up. Rescuers were down on the ground talking to the
occupants who were hanging upside down on 280.
Now late Wed. night in 1-4-23. I think Fresno has escaped most of it up to now. Somerain tonight in NW Fresno. Hope our luck holds. 1:54 AM- Now we have real rain, heavy, in
NW Fresno. Steady, heavy.
BTW, now trillions of gallons of precious water will flow down the Sacramento and SanJoaquin Rivers to the Delta and out to the sea from these storms. Researchers at Stanford 10
years ago proposed building berms on farmland, maybe marginal farmland, around maybe 100acres at a time and impounding water in those in heavy rain years. Canals would bring the
water from the two rivers, so build these near the rivers. That way, the water could rechargeour aquifer instead of going straight to the Pacific. It has not been done to my knowledge. We
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have a crisis with our vast aquifer under the San Joaquin Valley with over pumping andresulting ground subsidence. Even with some of that, many crops are being cancelled here for
lack of water! This fiscal year the US will spend $856 billion to defend the whole world. $1billion would probably build a lot of these berms to recharge our aquifer. But the rest of the
world comes first, and the American people can go hang.
L. William Harding Fresno, Ca.
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From:Dhruv Khanna
To:Board of Directors; Council, City
Subject:Re: Newell bridge debris
Date:Wednesday, January 4, 2023 1:31:40 PM
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Sorry for the typos: Efforts at keeping our creeks clear of debris are woefully
inadequate.
Dhruv
On Wednesday, January 4, 2023 at 01:28:45 PM PST, Dhruv Khanna <dhruvkhanna2002@yahoo.com>
wrote:
Efforts are keeping our creeks clear of debris and woefully inadequate.
Dhruv Khanna
----- Forwarded Message -----From: Dhruv Khanna <dhruvkhanna2002@yahoo.com>To: San Francisquito Creek Joint Powers Authority <mbruce@sfcjpa.org>Sent: Wednesday, January 4, 2023 at 10:27:21 AM PSTSubject: Newell bridge debris
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From:Dhruv Khanna
To:Board of Directors; Council, City
Subject:Fw: Tree at Chaucer
Date:Wednesday, January 4, 2023 1:30:02 PM
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Yesterday's fallen tree at the mouth of the Chaucer Bridge remain unremoved as of
10 a.m. this morning.
Dhruv Khanna
----- Forwarded Message -----From: Dhruv Khanna <dhruvkhanna2002@yahoo.com>To: Dhruv Khanna <dhruvkhanna2002@yahoo.com>Sent: Tuesday, January 3, 2023 at 08:12:23 AM PSTSubject: Tree at Chaucer
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