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Home My WebLink About20200608plCC5 City of Palo Alto 5/25/2020 250 Hamilton Avenue Palo Alto, CA. 94301 Attn: City Council Sub: Mac’s Smoke Shop Council Member’s, I am writing in support of Mac’ Smoke Shop, Neil is a friend who has owned this establishment for the last 20 years and now he and his family are subject to going out of business for selling flavored tobacco that his store sells. I really think you all should take a look at how your decision will effect his business, his lively hood, and most of all his family. If people want to use this product it’s the decision of the adult purchasing the product should not be put into your hand’s as council member’s. I would appreciate a long hard look at what you would be doing to this man. Sincerely, Jim Soares 10 Baumb, Nelly From:Debra Ambrose <baggachips@yahoo.com> Sent:Sunday, May 24, 2020 9:31 PM To:Council, City Subject:Mac’s Smoke Shop CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. ________________________________ City Council Members, I was so disheartened to hear we may lose a staple of our community. Mac’s has been with this community through so many parts of our lives. This has been our go to venue we have turned to, in times of the assignation of our president, to other times of Landing on the Hudson. A place where we can be asked, how old our children are now?, or is your mom still planting her roses? Political discussions, opinions of world events and the elation of grabbing the newest publication of that cherished issue. It has all been at this special place. Friends and families have frequented Mac’s for decades and grown up around its location. Yes, the pandemic has taken a lot from us and we are dealing the best way we know how. Please do not take away this major part of Palo Alto. Mac’s IS us and we ARE Mac’s. This is who we are. Thank you, Debra Ambrose Sent from my iPhone 11 Baumb, Nelly From:jonathonsalama@yahoo.com Sent:Sunday, May 24, 2020 8:45 PM To:Council, City Subject:Hookah nites Palo Alto CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. ________________________________ To the honorable mayor and city council members City of Palo Alto. am writing you on behalf of a business that is providing income for families of employees working at this establishment.we are asking you to keep this business open to provide services to Mediterranean culture that is been a part of this city for almost one hundred years,the owners of this business always followed the rules and regulations of the City And State and will continue to put clients safety and health it is top priority during these hard times.we are asking you to treat this business just like any other that offers services to their clients and not to discriminate against one and favor others. Thank you for your support and excellent leadership during these challenges.we are all hoping that this dark cloud shall pass so we can go back to normal life.best regards Jonathon Salama 12 Baumb, Nelly From:luis lerma <luckylerma@yahoo.com> Sent:Sunday, May 24, 2020 5:39 PM To:Council, City Cc:luis(lucky) lerma Subject:Re: Mac’s smoke shop CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. ________________________________ Hello my name is Luis L. I live in San Jose, Ca. And fully support Mac’s Smoke Shop. Please let this Business continue to prove a Serivce that people and I from all around the Bay‐area and More have the option too buy their products!!! Thank you very much, Luis L. Sent from my iPhone 13 Baumb, Nelly From:Carol Alzriqat <carolz21@sbcglobal.net> Sent:Sunday, May 24, 2020 4:43 PM To:Council, City Subject:Hookah Nites Closure CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. ________________________________ Good Afternoon, As one of the many costumers of the Hookah Nites lounge, I would really appreciate it if you reconsider the decision of it’s closure due to the fact that it’s our main source of entertainment where our friends get together. In addition to this, Hookah Nites is a part of our traditions in our country. As The United States of America is a place for all cultures and ethnicities we would appreciate that ours continues to flourish in the city of Palo Alto. Thank you for your time and I hope you take my email into consideration. Best Regards, Carol Alzriqat 15 ., Palo Alto 94301 Still working hard, so YOU can relax! https://calbears.com/schedule.aspx?path=wcrew EHLentz@GMail.com GLentzRealEstate@GMail.com Gene@EHLentz.REALTOR California Bureau of Real Estate # 01184258 www.EHLentz.REALTOR 2020 Presidential Liaison, Public Policy Committees, California Assoc of REALTORS 2018‐2019 Trustee, California Real Estate PAC (CREPAC) 2016‐2017 Trustee, California Real Estate PAC (CREPAC) 2015 Presidential Liaison, Public Policy Committees, California Assoc of REALTORS 2013 Chair, Region 9 of the California Assoc of REALTORS 2012‐2014 Trustee, California Real Estate PAC (CREPAC) 2011 President, Silicon Valley Association of REALTORS (SILVAR) 2010 Vice Chair, California Assoc of REALTORS Political Affairs Committee 2008‐present, Director, California Assoc of REALTORS http://www.gpmechanicstrust.com/ Would YOU like to help? Redacted 22 Baumb, Nelly From:Chelby Sauao <chelbysauao@icloud.com> Sent:Friday, May 22, 2020 6:25 PM To:Council, City Subject:SAVE MACS SMOKE SHOP CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. ________________________________ Hi my name is chelby and I wanna save MACS SMOKE SHOP. It’s been there for 85 years and I would love to see it their for another 85 years more. Please save this shop although what happened is not good but I believe this shop is there for a good reason. Let them have there shop and give them the credit for being open during this hard time please don’t take there shop away I would hate to see it go. Thank you for your time I hope you show mercy and let them keep there shop. With love and gratitude, Chelby S. Sent from my iPhone 23 Baumb, Nelly From:Jerald Sauao <sauaomusic@icloud.com> Sent:Friday, May 22, 2020 4:34 PM To:Council, City Subject:Save Macs smoke shop CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. ________________________________ Hello Please reconsider closing Macs smoke shop, it’s been great to me I used to work at Stanford hospital for a couple of years and this was the best place for me to get my lunches and snacks this store is very great I remember chatting with All the clerks very friendly people, it would be ashamed to lose this great store that’s been here for a long time Sent from my iPhone 26 Los Altos council OKs tobacco ordinance & See Me Flags Melissa Hartman - Staff Writer/melissah@latc.com The new tobacco ordinance – the first to regulate the sale of tobacco or tobacco-related products in Los Altos ... 27 Edward’s Pipe and Tobacco Shop at Village Court Shopping Center falls under this exemption. The owner of Edward’s, Debbie Morton, told Los Altos council that she "would have likely had to close her shop without the exemption". To quote Debbie “I cannot maintain a business without my flavored tobacco,” she said. “I have vanilla (flavored tobacco), I have rum runner, I have chocolate, I have custards. Those are what you’re listing in your article.” That is the exact same circumstance Mac's is in now. Los Altos council recognized the potential hardship, empathized with the business owner, and granted the exemption.We request you do the same. Los Altos Tobacco Exemption language: M. Flavored tobacco products prohibited. No retailer shall sell a tobacco product containing, as a constituent or additive, an artificial or natural flavor or aroma (other than tobacco) or an herb or spice, including but not limited to mint, wintergreen, cotton candy, mango, candy, cocoa, dessert, alcoholic beverage, herb, menthol, or spice, that is a characterizing flavor or aroma of the tobacco product, smoke, or vapor produced by the tobacco product. 1.Paragraph (M) of this subsection (4.48.040) shall not apply to any retailer that meets all of the following criteria: a. Primarily sells tobacco products; b. Generates more than sixty (60) percent of its gross revenues annually from the sale of tobacco products; c. Does not permit any person under twenty-one (21) years of age to be present or enter the premises at any time, unless accompanied by the person's parent or legal guardian, as defined in Section 6903 of the Family Code; d. Does not sell alcoholic beverages or food for consumption on the premises; and e. Posts a sign outside the retail location that clearly, sufficiently, and conspicuously informs the public that persons under twenty-one (21) years of age are prohibited from entering the premises. I hope you will reconsider your vote and allow an exemption for the sale of flavored tobacco. Regards, Mac’s Smoke Shop Neil and Lori Khoury 28 I hope you will reconsider your vote and allow an exemption for the sale of flavored tobacco. Regards, Mac’s Smoke Shop Neil and Lori Khoury 32 I ask you to reconsider your decision or at least provide a public hearing through which patrons of Hookah Nites are given an opportunity to explain the significance of this establishment to their community. With kinds regards, Mohammed M. Hafez, Ph.D. Professor Department of National Security Affairs Naval Postgraduate School Glasgow Hall Room GL‐337 Monterey, CA 93943 mmhafez@nps.edu Mobile: 831‐233‐0272 Web: Mohammed Hafez Web Page Redacted 34 Baumb, Nelly From:Lena Jabri <ljabri@my.smccd.edu> Sent:Friday, May 22, 2020 11:23 AM To:Council, City Subject:Hookah nites CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. ________________________________ The business hookah nites is family home establishment that I have going to for many years. I heard about the possibility that it may not continue it’s business. I was sadden you hear that because of all the great memories, friendly faces an great service. I had attended many parties and always had a great time and I remember the day my friend graduated from school and we had music, food family and friends were all together. Enjoying each other company and laughing with each other, and seeing everyone who is happy really made my day. Hookah nites is like a home away from home to me. It would really sadden me to see it go. From Lena 35 Baumb, Nelly From:alexandra bateh <alexandrabateh700@gmail.com> Sent:Friday, May 22, 2020 8:54 AM To:Council, City Subject:Hookah nights closure CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. ________________________________ To whom this may concern, my name is Alexandra bateh and I am reaching out in regards to the closure of hookah nights. As a member of this community for several years I have truly loved the way hookah nights has ran their business. University avenue is truly unique and hookah nights adds to that. Many have gone here for years, and have found it to be a safe and welcoming environment with great entertainment. It is the only one of its kind on that street and would like you to reconsider its reopening! Thank you, Alexandra Bateh 37 Baumb, Nelly From:hannah khoury <khoury-hannah1@hotmail.com> Sent:Thursday, May 21, 2020 10:45 PM To:Council, City Subject:Closing hookah place CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. ________________________________ To whom it concerns, we regret closing the Hookah nites lounge Under David Zoumut we and a big group of friends and family have been customers in this place for years and we were so happy and satisfied with the service and with the owner himself. He‘s always been obeying the rules and the restrictions regarding the safety and the age of the customer to keep service trustworthy as possible as he can, never allow under age and his place and it is always clean and welcoming for the customers . Palo Alto community and visitors were always enjoy the hookah nites lounge .its always been a remarkable place in Palo alto. Even after the quarantine we are all positive that David Zoumot, the owner, will take all the safety precautions to ensure customers satisfaction. Please take all these positive things about this place into consideration, and give your decision for closing the hooks nites lounge another look . We all want this place to stay open for us. Sent from my iPhone 38 Baumb, Nelly From:hannah khoury <khoury-hannah1@hotmail.com> Sent:Thursday, May 21, 2020 10:44 PM To:Council, City Subject:Closing hookah place CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. ________________________________ To whom it concerns, we regret closing the Hookah nites lounge Under David Zoumut we and a big group of friends and family have been customers in this place for years and we were so happy and satisfied with the service and with the owner himself. He‘s always been obeying the rules and the restrictions regarding the safety and the age of the customer to keep service trustworthy as possible as he can, never allow under age and his place and it is always clean and welcoming for the customers . Palo Alto community and visitors were always enjoy the hookah nites lounge .its always been a remarkable place in Palo alto. Even after the quarantine we are all positive that David Zoumot, the owner, will take all the safety precautions to ensure customers satisfaction. Please take all these positive things about this place into consideration, and give your decision for closing the hooks nites lounge another look . We all want this place to stay open for us. Sent from my iPhone 39 Baumb, Nelly From:Abeer Hamed <abeerhamed@icloud.com> Sent:Thursday, May 21, 2020 10:29 PM To:Council, City Subject:Hookah Nights CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. ________________________________ This is a shame that the city of Palo Alto is closing down Hookah Nights. Its a great place to go & relax & enjoy a coffee & hookah. Do the community a favor & Keep this business open . Sincerely Abeer & Moe Sent from my iPhone 40 Baumb, Nelly From:Akram Kildani <kildani1@yahoo.com> Sent:Thursday, May 21, 2020 10:26 PM To:Council, City Subject:Hookah nites lounge CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. ________________________________ Hi Sir, Madam I am writing this email regarding your decision to close Hookah nites lounge Under David Zoumut Especially at this time were family owned businesses trying to survive The lounge offers different type of adults relaxing time other than restaurants and bars not everyone like alcohol drinks I hope you reconsider you decision and keep the place opened Thank you Akram kildani Sent from my iPhone 41 Baumb, Nelly From:Paul Sandoval <paulsandoval@me.com> Sent:Thursday, May 21, 2020 10:02 PM To:Council, City Subject:PLEASE DON’T CLOSE HOOKAH NITES CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. ________________________________ Hello my name is Paul Sandoval I have been going to Hookah Nites ever since it opened. It is definitely a staple in downtown Palo Alto just like the bars and across the street and along with Pizza My Heart. Yes we know that Palo Alto is changing via trendy and tech but let’s not forget what help build downtown places like Hookah Nites. We have seen CEO’s there NFL, NBA players I mean come on what are you going to put there? Just keep it open for the community and you will notice that is a staple off of University. Thank you! Sent from my iPhone 44 Baumb, Nelly From:Steve Garcia <garcstv@gmail.com> Sent:Thursday, May 21, 2020 5:08 PM To:Council, City Subject:Mac’s Smoke Shop CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. ________________________________ To whom this may concern. I’m writing to request an exemption for Mac’s Adult Smoke Shop on Emerson Ave. in the city of Palo Alto. I have visited many times since I am an avid cigar smoker. I always find their location well kept and is staff be a very help staff. I believe them to be very courteous and very professional in dealing with their customers. I’m sure you are no doubt aware that they has serviced the City of Palo Alto for over 50 years now. I’d appreciate the city of Palo Alto doing what they can to save this family owned business and protect this history of Palo Alto’s fine establishment. Best Regards, Steven Garcia Sent from my iPhone 45 Baumb, Nelly From:Nerrisa Mailo <nerrisam@icloud.com> Sent:Thursday, May 21, 2020 4:55 PM To:Council, City Subject:Save Macs! CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. ________________________________ Hello City Council, I hope this email finds you well ‐ I am writing you today and asking you to reconsider closing Macs in Palo Alto. This family store is a part of Palo Alto History. Their family has become a family to the people in this community. I truly feel this store is more than just a smoke shop, it’s a place where people go to get their newspaper and read it across on a bench. It’s a place to find cool gifts for family and friends. I ask you again to reconsider the closing of Macs as it would be so sad to see them close their doors. Warmest regards, Nerrisa Mailo Sent from my iPhone 48 Baumb, Nelly From:Jason Chand <jay_raynil@hotmail.com> Sent:Thursday, May 21, 2020 1:52 PM To:Council, City Subject:macs smoke shop CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. ________________________________ please do not close macs smoke shop.. it’s been in our community for years and sells more products besides vape products and can survive without selling vape products as it did for decades before vape products became available Sent from my iPhone 50 Baumb, Nelly From:hermosadp@aol.com Sent:Thursday, May 21, 2020 12:06 PM To:Council, City Subject:Potential Closing of Macs Smoke Shop CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. ________________________________ To the City Council and Mayor of Palo Alto I was very sad and emotional when I heard Macs might be closing due to an unfair City Council vote. I feel that during the Covid‐19 crisis there are much more important things for the City Council to do than vote to punish the hard working owners of a longtime Palo Alto business. I was very upset that members of the city council have voted to basically end MACs historical stay in Palo Alto. Shouldn't you be more worried about a looming budget deficit from Covid‐19 and trying to keep business taxes flowing? Lately many downtown businesses such as Walgreens announced closings for economic reasons so you should be working to keep retail businesses in Palo Alto. All some of the city council members seem to care about is having more and more venture capital firms and startups in downtown. I have been patronizing MACs since the 1980s and buy magazines and newspapers there. I think there is a middle ground here to let them stay in business with selling flavored tobacco. Why do you have to be the health police right now when many other things to worry about. Lets keep them open! Why doesn't the City Council and Mayor work on finding solutions instead of running family owned businesses out of town. In the past year longtime businesses I patronized have closed such as Prolific Oven and Village Cheese House likely due to landlords raising rents. I doubt this letter will change things but this decision really hits a nerve as my family has lived in Palo Alto since the 1960s and many longtime businesses have closed recently. Hoping someone gets back to me and Macs is saved. thanks Dirk Price Sent from my iPhone SE Redacted 53 Baumb, Nelly From:Smedley, Luanne <LSmedley@stanfordchildrens.org> Sent:Thursday, May 21, 2020 10:02 AM To:Council, City Subject:Mac’s - DON’T CLOSE! CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. ________________________________ To whom it may concern: Mac’s has been a staple in the community for 85 years and serves a real need for the people of Palo Alto! Please do not close this very needed resource! Luanne Smedley Sent from my iPhone CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This communication and any attachments may contain confidential or privileged information for the use by the designated recipient(s) named above. If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that you have received this communication in error and that any review, disclosure, dissemination, distribution or copying of it or the attachments is strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please contact me and destroy all copies of the communication and attachments. Thank you. 54 Baumb, Nelly From:Linzi Burrows <britlinzi@yahoo.com> Sent:Thursday, May 21, 2020 10:02 AM To:Council, City Subject:Mac’s Smoke shop CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. ________________________________ Mac’s smoke shop is an icon in Palo Alto, I have been going there for years as a restaurant employee and if it closes there will be nowhere to go on my breaks. It is one of the only places you can purchase newspapers and magazines. Please reconsider closing it... Thankyou Sent from my iPhone 1 Baumb, Nelly From:Alexandra Nijmeh <alexandranijmeh@gmail.com> Sent:Monday, May 25, 2020 7:59 PM To:Council, City Subject:Hookah Nites CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. ________________________________ PLEASE DON’T CLOSE HOOKAH NITES Hello my name is Alexandra Nijmeh, I have been going to Hookah nights since I was 18, I am now 27. Hookah Nites has been a place of culture that I never received in my own town. The owner of the place makes me feel like I’m home. This is part of Downtown. I don’t drink, so Hookah Nites is the place where I go to relax and have fun with my friends and family. This is a safe heaven for some people who live away from their home and they aren’t able to go to a place that is out of town. All of those international students, who go to the schools in the area, would want a place that reminds them of home, won’t have that anymore if you shut down. It’s a great place for people who are part of this culture. Please don’t shut them down, I need my safe spot. Alexandra Nijmeh 1 Baumb, Nelly From:Don Jackson <dcj@clark-communications.com> Sent:Tuesday, May 26, 2020 7:18 AM To:Council, City Subject:Washington Post article: Cities are closing streets to make way for restaurants and pedestrians CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. ________________________________ Another article about cities closing streets to support outdoor, socially‐distant dining https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/trafficandcommuting/cities‐are‐closing‐streets‐to‐make‐way‐for‐restaurants‐ and‐pedestrians/2020/05/25/1f1af634‐9b73‐11ea‐ad09‐8da7ec214672_story.html May 22, 2020 City of Palo Alto, Office of the City Clerk 250 Hamilton Avenue Palo Alto, CA 94301 Dear Mayor Fine & City Council Members, California Avenue is the smaller downtown in Palo Alto and it offers the community the opportunity to enjoy small businesses and incredible food. With the coronavirus limiting our ability to eat out and enter stores, these businesses have been facing hard times. Not only are the businesses suffering, but many of their employees are unable to work due to the recent government safety protocols. It is important to help our businesses and employees in any way we can and to prevent cars from driving through California Avenue from El Camino Real to Ash Street would be an excellent next step. For almost all restaurants it’s hard to make a sufficient amount of money while keeping social distancing in mind due to the coronavirus. Some cities, like Menlo Park and Mountain View, have been thinking about closing streets to traffic so restaurants can add additional seating outside while maintaining the six-foot distancing rule. I am writing to you to let you know that I support this idea and believe it is a way to keep restaurants in business. This is a great solution because every inch of free space matters at this time. If restaurants want to ensure their customer’s safety, they can’t have tons of people packed into a small building. It is expensive to run a business in this area and when you own a restaurant every table seated with guests is an opportunity for revenue. Restaurants are unable to pay rent and their employees with only half the tables available due to social distancing. If the streets were to close off traffic and only be open to pedestrians, the restaurants can spread their seating onto the street and can serve more customers and bring in the revenue they need to stay in business. It will also take a lot of planning to make the community feel safe in a downtown area. Spreading the tables out onto the street is a perfect way to make people feel comfortable at a restaurant. Some people say that closing off the streets could be dangerous because emergency responses couldn’t reach the blocked-off areas. Cities who have been considering doing this are working with the emergency services to create access points to ensure they can reach the closed-off streets. In my opinion, this plan could work well and would be a big benefit to businesses that have been affected by this pandemic. A perfect example of a successful implementation of this idea is on Middlefield Road in Redwood City. Mayor Adrian Fine was quoted in the Almanac as being in support of this idea but he says it is not the right time to make this decision and that we should focus on budgeting and health issues. With a $40-million budget shortfall, the sooner businesses get back to normal the sooner the budget will improve. Focusing on getting more customers back at businesses is a priority. I love the variety of restaurants on California Avenue, and I would hate to see some of them go out of business due to a lack of customers. Thank you for reading my letter and I hope you will consider helping both the community and its small businesses. Sincerely, Branden Greene Palo Alto, CA 94306 4 Baumb, Nelly From:Kimberley Wong <sheepgirl1@yahoo.com> Sent:Monday, May 25, 2020 3:57 PM To:Council, City Subject:Please close University and California Ave to help restaurants expand into streets and recover CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. ________________________________ Dear Mayor, Vice Mayor and City Council Members, I’d like to support closing off University and California Ave at least temporarily at least until the flagging restaurant business can get back on their feet again while adhering to social distancing of tables and customers during this financially strained period! Thank you for your consideration! Menlo Park and other cities are doing this. We should follow suit. The shelter in place has reduced traffic on these roads considerably so I believe this is the opportune time to put these measures in place to test out the new normal and help one of our most viable and profitable sectors to recover from shutdown. Thank you! Kimberley Wong, Longtime resident of Palo Alto and granddaughter of owner of City Cafe, established on University in 1905 7 Baumb, Nelly From:Ellen Semaya Krasnow <ellen@thekrasnows.com> Sent:Monday, May 25, 2020 12:36 PM To:Council, City Subject:Helping restaurants CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. ________________________________ I am writing to voice my support for our restaurants in Palo Alto. With new social distancing requirements, it would be helpful for restaurants to be able to use more outdoor spaces to serve their customers. I have seen the parklets (I think that is what they are called?) in Menlo Park and on Castro Street where they have removed some parking spaces to create more outdoor dining. I believe you could do this on some streets in Palo Alto. You could also close some streets for example University Avenue and California Avenue, to help restaurants. I am sure there are traffic considerations, but with many companies choosing to let people work from home more I hope we will see less traffic. One of my favorite restaurants downtown is Zola, it is a narrow place and will have a harder time with the social distancing rules. There are other restaurants on Bryant street too. Any consideration to making some streets one way in order to make more space? This would help a number of restaurants on Bryant street. I hope you will consider taking steps to make it easier for restaurants to meet the new social distancing requirements. We have been ordering out and tipping well and have even donated to some restaurants, but we are looking forward to when we can eat out again and having more space would help the restaurants. Thank you for your consideration. Ellen Krasnow Palo Alto 650 224 6095 Redacted 8 Baumb, Nelly From:The Careys <zcareys@sbcglobal.net> Sent:Monday, May 25, 2020 11:48 AM To:Council, City Subject:Outdoor dining space CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. ________________________________ I wanted to express my complete support for creating out door dining space in downtown and Cal ave. We want to keep (or at least return to) a thriving restaurant scene. Honestly it just makes sense to me in general. Thanks for your consideration. Lynn Carey 10 Baumb, Nelly From:Karen Jacobson <jacobson.karen.a@gmail.com> Sent:Monday, May 25, 2020 8:10 AM To:Council, City Subject:When Restaurants Re-Open: Please Close University Ave and Cal Ave to Cars CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. ________________________________ Dear PA City Council Members, I’m writing to urge you to close University and Cal Avenues to cars (at least temporarily for the summer and early fall) when bars and restaurants are allowed to re‐open. This will allow them to set up tables outside to comply with social distancing rules. And, it will be healthier for diners as fresh air reduces viral transmission. This is a way for restaurants and bars to increase their capacity in order to remain economically viable and for us to support them. It would be such a loss for the small businesses in our community to go under. Best Regards, Karen Jacobson 11 Baumb, Nelly From:David Markowitz <davidm@usa.net> Sent:Sunday, May 24, 2020 5:20 PM To:Council, City Subject:Open up Cal Ave and University Ave to pedestrians CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. ________________________________ I’ve been in support of this idea for many years. Now seems the opportune time to make it so. Major cities around the world have set examples by closing major thoroughfares representing far greater vehicle traffic than on our streets. Benefits to residents, visitors, shops and restaurants are well documented. Let’s make the effort to make Palo Alto a model for cities going forward. Thanks, David Markowitz 17 and shops, I can imagine that making this Summer a more relaxed, outdoor‐dining friendly experience would provide financial help to our local restaurants, and be a safe and responsible respite for all Palo Altans. Respectfully Don Jackson 20 Baumb, Nelly From:Dr. Jochen Profit <profit@stanford.edu> Sent:Sunday, May 24, 2020 10:24 AM To:Council, City Subject:Pedestrian zones for outdoor dining CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. ________________________________ As we’re transitioning to opening up, please consider transforming University Ave and California Ave into Pedestrian zones. Would allow restaurants and businesses to spill into streets, making transmission of infections much less likely than with indoor dining. Keep a few cross streets open for traffic, parking garage access. Seems like a no‐brainer. Helps business, general quality of life in PA, increases appeal, better public health. Try it temporarily. I bet it will be so popular, no one will want to go back after the pandemic is passed. Best regards, Jochen Profit, MD Department of Pediatrics Stanford University Sent from my iPhone Message potentially dictated; typos likely 21 Baumb, Nelly From:Corine Cesana Sent:Sunday, May 24, 2020 9:37 AM To:Council, City Subject:Closing streets CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. ________________________________ Dear City Council We do support our community Businesses, Cafés , restaurants and stores I support commercial streets to be permanently closed to traffic Everyone should stroll Without fear of been ran By a speedy car ,Heavy pollution Furthermore During covid uncertain times it will allow businesses to work leaving outside tables Within 10 feet distances , Repetitive disinfection / sanitation Patrons mandate to wear masks when in close proximity with others Stores could allow limited patrons at a time with their face mask and repetitive hands sanitation Like Already in place For pharmacies or grocery stores Napa Valley has started the process Thank you for all your support to our community And hard work Corine Cesana , essential worker 23 I'm willing to help support or lead on this initiative as a long term supporter of both the city, the businesses, and the residents. I have no conflicts of interest ‐ I'm not a business owner ‐ other than wanting our community to thrive. I also understand residents' needs to have room to park; clearly the solution must take those needs into account as well. If we lose these mom and pop businesses, we may see the interest and charm of the city decline, leading to a less amenable environment for walking, biking, living, and working. Being surrounded by either empty storefronts or office buildings might provide needed short term revenue, but the tradeoff would be immense. Thank you Cindy Nelson (former Tech Executive Xerox, Oracle, Phone.com, Openwave Systems) Musician Palo Alto Resident since 1983 650‐248‐1222 25 Baumb, Nelly From:Terùn Pizza <info@terunpizza.com> Sent:Saturday, May 23, 2020 5:25 PM To:Shikada, Ed Cc:Council, City; Apple, Kara Subject:Re: Restaurants with food truck and open Parks options. Thank you very much. Come to get a Pizza take out some day Ed. Ciao Maico & C. On Sat, May 23, 2020 at 5:21 PM Shikada, Ed <Ed.Shikada@cityofpaloalto.org> wrote: Hi Maico ‐ Good to hear from you again. Let me ask Kara Apple to get in touch with you. She’s on assignment to my office and can help sort out what might be of interest to you that we can facilitate. Best, —Ed From: Franco Campilongo <info@terunpizza.com> Sent: Saturday, May 23, 2020 5:05 PM To: Council, City Subject: Restaurants with food truck and open Parks options. CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. ________________________________ My name is Maico Campilongo, CoOwner of iTalico and TERÙN restaurant on California Ave. Since seems that the option of closing California Ave or parklet hypothesis it’s not in the agenda, I was thinking that in one of the zoom meetings with city manager and city council people, previously we talked about the option of expansion of the restaurants using food trucks and using Palo Alto public parks . With TERÙN we are evaluating the opportunity of buying an extra oven to attach to our ford F 150 To be used for catering and inside Palo Alto public Parks. Please let me know if there is any chance to talk about it . Thank you . Maico Campilongo terunpizza.com and iTalicorestaurant.com 6507998481 27 Baumb, Nelly From:Shikada, Ed Sent:Saturday, May 23, 2020 5:22 PM To:Franco Campilongo Cc:Council, City; Apple, Kara Subject:Re: Restaurants with food truck and open Parks options. Hi Maico ‐ Good to hear from you again. Let me ask Kara Apple to get in touch with you. She’s on assignment to my office and can help sort out what might be of interest to you that we can facilitate. Best, —Ed From: Franco Campilongo <info@terunpizza.com> Sent: Saturday, May 23, 2020 5:05 PM To: Council, City Subject: Restaurants with food truck and open Parks options. CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. ________________________________ My name is Maico Campilongo, CoOwner of iTalico and TERÙN restaurant on California Ave. Since seems that the option of closing California Ave or parklet hypothesis it’s not in the agenda, I was thinking that in one of the zoom meetings with city manager and city council people, previously we talked about the option of expansion of the restaurants using food trucks and using Palo Alto public parks . With TERÙN we are evaluating the opportunity of buying an extra oven to attach to our ford F 150 To be used for catering and inside Palo Alto public Parks. Please let me know if there is any chance to talk about it . Thank you . Maico Campilongo terunpizza.com and iTalicorestaurant.com 6507998481 Sent from my iPhone 28 Baumb, Nelly From:Franco Campilongo <info@terunpizza.com> Sent:Saturday, May 23, 2020 5:05 PM To:Council, City Subject:Restaurants with food truck and open Parks options. CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. ________________________________ My name is Maico Campilongo, CoOwner of iTalico and TERÙN restaurant on California Ave. Since seems that the option of closing California Ave or parklet hypothesis it’s not in the agenda, I was thinking that in one of the zoom meetings with city manager and city council people, previously we talked about the option of expansion of the restaurants using food trucks and using Palo Alto public parks . With TERÙN we are evaluating the opportunity of buying an extra oven to attach to our ford F 150 To be used for catering and inside Palo Alto public Parks. Please let me know if there is any chance to talk about it . Thank you . Maico Campilongo terunpizza.com and iTalicorestaurant.com 6507998481 Sent from my iPhone 29 Baumb, Nelly From:Gordana Pavlovic <design@gordana.net> Sent:Saturday, May 23, 2020 3:53 PM To:Council, City Subject:Make University Avenue pedestrian CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. ________________________________ I am in favor of creating a pedestrian zone on University Avenue between Middlefield and Ramona street. Also let Lytton and Hamilton become one way streets! Thank you! Gordana Pavlovic 602 Hawthorne avenue Sent from my iPhone Please excuse my typos 30 Baumb, Nelly From:Tyler Hoffman <tylerhoffman123@gmail.com> Sent:Saturday, May 23, 2020 2:22 PM To:Council, City Subject:For restaurants: Please allow parklets CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. ________________________________ Hi, We need to protect Palo Alto’s unique and vibrant restaurant culture from destruction due to social distancing. Please allow and encourage outdoor “Parklets” in front of restaurants like in downtown Menlo Park, to increase capacity by facilitating the outdoor dining option. This is also a great enhancer overall for Palo Alto, as even under normal circumstances, we lack enough outside dining options. Please act to protect restaurants and retail and avoid Palo Alto turning into a ghost town due to the wreckage of Covid. Thank you! Tyler Hoffman Downtown North 31 Baumb, Nelly From:Anne Brodell <anne.brodell@me.com> Sent:Saturday, May 23, 2020 2:19 PM To:Council, City Subject:Opening University Ave and Cal ave CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. ________________________________ Dear City Council, I have lived here for decades. I went to school here and raised my kids here. My spouse and I are patrons of many establishments on both University Ave and Cal Ave. The coffee shops and restaurants are filled with people we know and love. They are part of our lives and we are part of theirs,bc we are a community. In this spirit please open up University Ave and Cal ave to pedestrians and restaurants so that we can all be out and safe and patronize our favorite places. They can stay in business. We can all protect each other. It is a win win win. And Honestly these streets should stay closed at least on weekends after 5 even after the pandemic. Thank you very much Anne Brodell Palo Alto CA Redacted 35 Baumb, Nelly From:Federica <federun@yahoo.com> Sent:Saturday, May 23, 2020 10:14 AM To:Council, City Subject:Closing Univerisry Ave to traffic CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. ________________________________ Hello City Council, As a resident of Palo Alto I deeply appreciate how our City and County officials have been implementing measures to keep our community safe during this pandemic. As a resident I am also deeply concerned with the future of our restaurants and businesses that are been gravely affected by the shelter in place order. I therefore support the initiative to close University Ave. to car traffic to allow restaurants and shops to have open air space to conduct business. I hope that the City can find a safe way to implement this plan to help both businesses and residents find some sense of normality in the midst of this crisis. Thank you for your consideration. Federica Armstrong Old Palo Alto resident 36 Baumb, Nelly From:Antun Domic <antundomict@gmail.com> Sent:Saturday, May 23, 2020 8:35 AM To:Council, City Cc:mary E Slocum Subject:converting University and California Avs to pedestrian traffic only CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. ________________________________ Dear City Council Members: we are writing to you to express our support to convert parts of University Ave. and Califonia Ave. to pedestrian traffic only. We think this is a good idea, and it will definitely help the many businesses in these areas to survive given the need for restrictions on proximity that will have to be implemented as re‐opening occurs. Sincerely yours, Antun Domic and Mary E. Slocum Palo Alto Redacted 1 Baumb, Nelly From:Mary Fischer <mary@mfischer.net> Sent:Wednesday, May 20, 2020 8:32 PM To:Council, City Subject:Make University Ave no Cars CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. ________________________________ Let all the restaurants tumble out onto the pavement and let diners enjoy the California summer. That’s what we dream of and that’s what is needed now! So please let us redesign our future for the better. Longing to see the 🌟 stars while eating outside on University Ave, Mary Fischer Sent from my iPad 4 Baumb, Nelly From:Liza Zassenhaus <lzassen@gmail.com> Sent:Thursday, May 21, 2020 9:24 AM To:Council, City Subject:Restaurants CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. ________________________________ To whom it may concern, Please consider opening parking spaces for restaurants to seat customers. Now more than ever we need to take advantage of our beautiful weather and support local businesses. Palo Alto and Menlo park restaurants add character and levity in our lives and for those who wish to open and support their staff I know there is a growing number of citizens who want to do their part for our local economy. Thank you for considering, Liza Zassenhaus Sent (with better typing intentions) from my iPhone 6 emails, we are touched and humbled. We hope to give the love back the best way we know how through our new Zola to-go offerings in the very near future. Please be on the lookout for an email in the coming weeks that will outline the tasty details. We’ve missed serving our community and are eager to show you the exciting menu we’ve been thoughtfully crafting. The Future of Palo Alto Many of you have inquired about how you can best help us get through these extraordinary circumstances. I have spent a lot of time talking to other restaurant owners and brainstorming ways that we can save our industry from complete collapse. If you care about keeping Zola and all restaurants in Palo Alto afloat, I ask that you support us in pushing the City to allow parklets in front of our establishments. An outdoor dining space, similar to what you see in Menlo Park, creates additional seating that would make social distancing possible for our patrons while allowing us to continue operating at greater capacity. If you are also in favor of encouraging the creation of parklets, please send an email to city.council@cityofpaloalto.org expressing your view. They DO read these emails and it does help. We are in this together and without community support and participation, we stand to lose the cultural fabric of Palo Alto. Push City Council to help small businesses. Make a Reservation Zola 565 Bryant Street Palo Alto, CA 94301 P: (650) 521-0651 Unsubscribe Update Your Profile This email was sent to you because you opted in to receive our emails either in one of our restaurants, on our website, when making a reservation, making an online order, providing feedback or when accessing our Wi-Fi. Your email address will only be used for this email club subscription and will not be shared with anyone. If you would prefer not to hear from us, you can stop receiving our emails by clicking the unsubscribe link above this message in any of our emails. You may view our Privacy Policy here where you will find information on how to request a copy of your data, have your data amended or deleted. You joined our list using pvm@enchant.co. Zola, 565 Bryant Street, Palo Alto, CA 94301.