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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-05-10 City Council Emails3 6. Cities around the world who have built raised / elevated solutions come to hate them many years  before the structures reach their end of life. Many cities have even torn them down.    7. Twenty years from now (even ten !) noone is going to remember what the grade separation cost us /  them!  They will only know whether the solution has degraded or improved their City. Why build  something that will degrade our City by making it uglier, noisier, more littered, and more visually  divided.    Please choose a solution that IMPROVES Palo Alto.  Remove the viaduct and the hybrid options from consideration.    Carlin Otto  231 Whitclem Court  Palo Alto      ‐‐   ‐‐   You received this message because you are subscribed to the "Charleston Meadows Neighborhood"  Google group.  ‐‐‐   You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Charleston Meadows  Neighborhood" group.  To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to  cma neighborhood+unsubscribe@googlegroups.com.  To view this discussion on the web visit  https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cma neighborhood/CAKip2Rc7xd4fo7M‐ T1FuAqpkH%3DVCBtMsZ%2B‐86H3‐1WCDGmuetg%40mail.gmail.com.    5 Please choose a solution that IMPROVES Palo Alto.  Remove the viaduct and the hybrid options from consideration.    Carlin Otto  231 Whitclem Court  Palo Alto    7 I believe the Trench option is the best for the criteria of visible appearance, viaduct is the worst.  I stated to the council in the past:  The trench may be a hard option but I believe the best option and the City should put forth the effort to make it the  true option.  I still hold to this.  The City should work to overcome two issue brought up before:  1. A design exception of 2% grade  2. Engineering the creeks  AECOM consultants presented some videos of the alternatives, I thank them for doing this, but I felt the trench option  was bias.  They put the trench in a bad light and the other options such as Arial as a better option.  The Trench option  had anchors that would eliminate trees in the back yards.  I still feel strong about the trench even if I have to lose a large tree in my back yard, but feel that the design could be  worked on to avoid this.  Two options that would help is to:  1. Struts on the top in middle section  2. Move trench more towards Alma  I am going to repeat what I said before:  The trench may be a hard option but I believe the best option and the City should put forth the effort to make it the  true option.  Thanks  David Herzl  4135 Park Blvd  03/04/2020    02/24/2019    Dear Councilmember Tanaka,  Thanks for taking your time to listen to me.    Grade separation options for East Meadow and Charleston.  I have been to several community meetings and council meetings and have continued to express my opinion that the  Trench is the best option.  Early on I met with varies people in the community and it was obvious that most all wanted an option that was not  raised.  About 500 residents signed a petition in stating that they do not want any eminent domain and no raised  options.  The community was sold on the Trench or Tunnel option.  At an early meeting the community found out that there were  two big issues.  1.  A design exception of 2% grade.  2.  Engineering of the creeks.  I remember at one meeting the  response by the Water District “This is a no starter”.  The City at this time did no action for the 2% grade.  So, this option  was sold to the community as a great option but is was realistic.  I sent an email to Cory Wolbach concluding “The trench may be a hard option but I believe the best option and City  should put forth effort making it a true option”  I am happy that the consulting firm AECOM, provided additional analysis of the options and put together some good  videos.  I felt that they were bias.  They put the trench in a bad light, and the other options such as the Arial as a better  option.  The Trench had all of the trees removed in the yards of residents, and the Arial option had these big green trees  blocking the view.  I was disappointed that the Trench was not presented in its best ability.  I still believe the Trench is  the best option, even though a tree will be removed from my yard and all my neighbor’s yard.  Can the consulting company take a good look at the design and make it a better option?  Ideas for improvement:  1. Use the existing tracks as the shoefly and build the trench between the shoefly and Alma.  This way the  ground anchors will not cause neighbors to lose their trees in the yard.  Or even make the shoefly on the side  closer to the resident.  Bottom line is design the trench closer to Alma.  2. Instead of using ground anchors secure the walls with struts on the top (bars that go on the top)  Make the trench a true option.    - 8 2% grade ‐ What is the progress with the 2% grade exception?  Has the City had further conversations with Caltrain on  how they can meet their needs with the 2% grade exception?  Creeks – Have there been engineering designs that would be acceptable to the Santa Clara County Water District?  This project is a major project that the community of Palo Alto will have to live with.  It is important to get the right  option, the option that meets what the community wants and the requirements.  I have seen the community want no  raised options and they have spoken out with a petition.  The Trench may be a hard option but I believe the best option and City should put forth effort making it a true option.  Thanks.  David Herzl  Palo Alto Resident – up to 50 years.  I love Palo Alto    12/17/2018      Committee, thank you listening to me and the community.  I have been following the decision of grade separation, and have been to several rail committee meetings, and attended  the recent community meeting on November 28th.  I urge the committee to eliminate all raised options and add an underground Deep Bore Tunnel as an option.  I have reviewed all the alternatives with an open mind and come to this question “What is best for the community” and I  strongly feel from the three options presented the Trench alternative is the best.  I felt the trench option was presented with bias at the community meeting and even rated poorly in the evaluation  matrix.  Viaduct was dressed up with big trees and the Trench was down played with the removal of trees and only  bushes.  The trench has issues, 2% grade, the creek crossing, delay in construction, highest cost and only bushes.  In the  evaluation matrix it did not score so well.  I took that evaluation matrix and scored myself and got the following  scores.  Trench scored 43, Hybrid 36, and Viaduct scored 44.  The problem with making the decision solely based on  scores from an evaluation is that it is not waited and it is not taking in consideration what the community wants.  An important criteria is “What does the community want”  I personally am ok with a delayed construction, removal of trees, and a higher cost if the end product is better and  meets the more important criteria of visual and noise reduction.  Again I feel the Trench is the best option and note this  option would include the removal of a tree in my back yard.  What does the community want?  From what I hear they do not want raised options.  About 500 neighbors signed a petition to this effect and all of the  neighbors I talk to strongly feel that they do not want the raised options.  I urge the committee to eliminate all raised options and add an underground Deep Bore Tunnel as an option.  Thanks You        - 12 Baumb, Nelly From:Email <seanodaddyo@comcast.net> Sent:Sunday, April 25, 2021 9:26 PM To:Council, City Subject:Input for Rail Grade Separation CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on  links.  ________________________________    Dear Council,  My preferred selection would be the trench alternative. In the long run it maintains the strongest sense of community.  All of the others create an east ‐ west separation.  My second preference is the underpass alternative.  I appreciate your time and efforts as you work to make this difficult decision.    Sincerely,  Sean McDaniel  4060 Wilkie Way  Resident at this address 50 years.  Palo Alto resident for 58 years.      19 Complex needs and potentially very impactful and expensive solutions An XCAP that worked hard and tried to respond to a very broad range of community input and residents’ interests It’s Palo Alto, and we have concerned, active and outspoken citizens COVID Significant input and influence of bicyclists, and too a lesser degree, pedestrians Personal interests of many of the process participants Multiple and in some cases unclear and/or unprioritized criteria previously provided by the Council An example of the effect of unprioritized criteria in my opinion was XCAP’s determination to drop further consideration of any alternative that would require property acquisition, although eventually a few quite modest partial property acquisitions may be associated with some alternatives that were considered in detail. It appeared this determination by XCAP was based on an “avoid property acquisition” criteria from the Council. This, and some apparently very conservative preliminary designs by a previous consultant that would have required significant property acquisitions essentially caused early elimination by XCAP of basic underpasses alternatives at all three crossings. I believe that as the City goes forward with these railroad crossing separations the City needs to add back into its consideration that of constructing basic underpasses at all three crossings. These might require some local raising of the tracks and traffic signal controls with full turning functions for vehicles, bikes and pedestrians rather than complete separation for all modes from all other modes. Limited acquisition of a few parcels would likely be necessary but the costs might be modest compared to additional construction costs, and it would certainly be a better result for the overall community. Some alternatives that were considered in detail by XCAP were clever and innovative so as to fit within the assumed criteria but would be very confusing to first time users, and in most cases would have limited turning functionality. It may be time to apply the KISS principle (keep it simple, stupid) when planning for these projects continues. Regarding the split recommendation of XCAP to close and eliminate the vehicle crossing at Churchill Ave., it ignores criteria from the Council and the Comprehensive Plan to maintain and enhance east – west mobility and it defies common sense. The substantial and in some cases critical vehicle traffic that currently utilizes the Churchill crossing will have to reroute to either Oregon or Embarcadero, both of which are already very busy. In the case of Oregon, it would push more traffic to the El Camino/Page Mill intersection, one of the busiest in Santa Clara County. In the case of Embarcadero, it would push more traffic into a substandard and deficient underpass and onto a section of roadway passing Paly and Town and Country that is among the worst in Palo Alto. I ask the Council to reconsider and improve the Churchill Ave. crossing for vehicles, bicycles and 20 pedestrians, whether through a partial, or “T”, underpass or a basic full function underpass, even though a few parcels would likely have to be acquired. Again, I urge the Council to allow consideration of limited property acquisition if such would result in better solutions for the benefit of the greater community of Palo Alto. Proceeding with these railroad crossing separations will be very challenging, particularly in a built-up community. However, I believe it is the right thing to do, primarily for safety and also for convenience. David Kennedy A resident of Professorville April 22, 2021 Dear Palo Alto City Council Members, Re: Charleston Meadows Grade Separation Alternatives I am writing to express the deep concern that both my husband and I share regarding the options under review for the Palo Alto Grade Separation Program as it pertains to the Meadow/Charleston crossings. We strongly favor the Trench Option where the tracks are lowered under Meadow/Charleston. This is the least visually offensive of the options offered. In addition, the elevated methods would raise the neighborhood noise level as well as being an incredibly unattractive eyesore for current residents/visitors and future generations. As longtime residents of the Charleston-Meadows neighborhood (over 50 years) and as former career employees of the City of Palo Alto (Fire Department and Library), both my husband and I have seen the many changes that the city has undergone over the years. We have seen how the City Council members have methodically and carefully looked at how their decisions might impact not only the current generation but those that follow. We appreciate the dedication that the community and many of its leaders have made to ensure that the values of this town and its resident as well as its users benefit from these careful decisions. One of the values that we presumably all hold dear is that the residents of Palo Alto are able to live in a safe, green environment filled with cultural and education enhancements and one where people can enjoy a sensory pleasing environment as well. Your charge now is to determine how you might best provide not only for today but for the future. And, this decision must be one that looks at continuing to do whatever you can to ensure that the residents and users of this city might benefit from the values we all share. So, when you consider the options for the Meadow/Charleston crossing, please focus on the values we share today and the benefits for the future. An aesthetically pleasing environment and one where the noise level is manageable for a neighborhood must be strongly considered as the highest priority. So, therefore, we ask you to choose the option that puts the train tracks in a trench where the tracks are lowered under Meadow/Charleston. Thank you. Marilyn and Robert Gillespie 384 Whitclem Drive Palo Alto, CA 94306 25 Baumb, Nelly From:Ronald Pyszka <ron.pyszka@gmail.com> Sent:Thursday, April 22, 2021 10:00 AM To:Council, City Subject:Charleston Grade Separation Options Attachments:Palo Alto City Council April 2021.docx CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on  links.  ________________________________    Relative to the City Council meeting of April 26, 2021, I am attaching some comments regarding the Charleston grade  separation options.  Thank you very much for your consideration.  April 22, 2021 Charleston Grade Separation Options To: Members of the Palo Alto City Council I am writing with regard to the Charleston grade separation options. As a long-time resident of East Charleston Road and as someone who has closely followed the XCAP deliberations over the past year, I would like to share a few thoughts with the City Council as it reviews the XCAP final report. I would also like to express my thanks to XCAP for its thoughtful analysis of alternatives. Let me begin by addressing the Underpass option. At first glance, the Underpass option appears to be an appealing concept. However, as it turns out, its implementation is highly problematic. As the saying goes, the devil is in the details. The disadvantages of the Underpass option far outweigh its advantages. • The Underpass option would require the acquisition/seizure of two or more private residences, something the City Council has previously said that it wishes to avoid. • The impact on private property is not limited to the acquisition/seizure of these residences. It would also require the seizure of parts of several back yards. Moreover, homes bordering on the traffic circle, as well as those in the general vicinity, would suffer noise, pollution, and decreased property values. This promises to be a very congested traffic circle. • Traffic on Charleston between Alma and the proposed traffic circle would increase dramatically because cars making left turns to and from Alma would be added to those going straight through on Charleston. Charleston, this section included, has been designated a residential/school corridor. Residents have worked for more than a decade to calm traffic on Charleston, not increase it by adding cars making convoluted left turns. • The increase in traffic stemming from convoluted left turns also makes the Underpass option the most environmentally unfriendly option. • To the east of the proposed traffic circle, residents would find it extremely difficult to back out of their driveways since there would no longer be traffic lights to provide an occasional break in traffic. • With its twists, turns, and ramps, the Underpass option is very unfriendly to seniors, mobility-impaired pedestrians, people pushing strollers, etc. The Underpass option favors one population (physically-fit bicyclists) at the expense of others. • Mode separation is the primary selling point for the Underpass option. As someone who commuted to work across the Charleston crossing for more than 25 years, I am keenly sensitive to bicycle and pedestrian safety. However, I do not believe that the Underpass option offers a significant advantage over the Trench, Hybrid, and Viaduct options. As a bicyclist, I would be happy with any of them. In fact, as an older bicyclist, I would prefer them. • Lastly, with only one lane in each direction beneath the railroad tracks and with a traffic circle that promises to be congested from the outset, the Charleston Underpass option is the one that is most prone to becoming obsolete if automobile traffic continues to increase in coming decades. We all hope that traffic growth can be constrained, but we also need to be realistic, particularly since a large portion of the automobile traffic on Charleston originates outside of Palo Alto and is unlikely to be influenced by Palo Alto’s traffic initiatives. A certain amount of foresight and prudence is called for when making infrastructure investments of this magnitude. There is no possible configuration of the Underpass option that can overcome the above issues. As such, it seems appropriate for the City Council to eliminate the Underpass option from further consideration and to instead focus on the remaining three options. The Trench option has much to be said in its favor. It is the most esthetically pleasing and unobtrusive of all the options. Additionally, with the railroad tracks underground, pedestrian and bicycle lanes could be widened and separated by bowing them out. There are cost and engineering obstacles to be overcome. However, as the XCAP discussions showed, other cities have built railroad trenches for substantially less money than the amount that has been projected for Palo Alto. The Trench option is worthy of further study. If it can be made to work, it would be a wonderful investment in Palo Alto’s future. If after further study the Trench option turns out to be unworkable, the Hybrid option is the most compelling choice. It represents a reasonable compromise at a relatively affordable cost. The projected cost of the Hybrid option for the Charleston/Meadow crossings is $190-230 million, whereas the projected cost of the Underpass option is $340-420 million. This is a substantial difference. And the Churchill and Palo Alto Avenue crossings need to be funded as well. The Viaduct option would be the fastest and least disruptive to build. Nevertheless, it is substantially more obtrusive than the Hybrid option without the cost advantage of that option. The Hybrid option is a much better choice. The above comments represent my personal opinions. However, all of the Walnut Grove neighbors with whom I have spoken are in agreement with the points that I have made in this letter. Thank you very much for your consideration as you face the difficult task of sorting through the various options. Ronald H. Pyszka, Ph.D. 284 East Charleston Road 27 Baumb, Nelly From:William C. Moss <wcmoss@pacbell.net> Sent:Wednesday, April 21, 2021 5:39 PM To:Council, City Subject:April 26, meeting re: grade separation. CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on  links.  ________________________________    Dear Sir/Ma’am,    I have lived in the Ventura neighborhood for 38 years. I would like to add my voice to the Charleston/Meadow grade  separation, saying any option that raises the tracks I am against. If you take a trip to San Carlos the raised tracks there  make excessive noise when trains are passing through. I think lowering either the road or the tracks is the best option  for keeping the noise pollution down. Thank you for your time, William Moss  2 Mohamed    Mohamed Hadidi, Ph.D.  3 Baumb, Nelly From:kxr@netzero.net Sent:Sunday, April 25, 2021 6:01 PM To:Council, City Cc:kxr@netzero.net Subject:rail opinions CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on  links.  ________________________________    city.council@cityofpaloalto.org    I like the simplicity of the trench.    I don't like either rail raised option,  so the underpass is my second choice.    The pumps for the creeks should be  electric rather than diesel. I mean  like with tesla batteries and direct  electrification power.    Keith Rich (resident)  4225 Park Blvd  Palo Alto  1 Baumb, Nelly From:David Ephron <david@ephron.net> Sent:Tuesday, April 27, 2021 1:15 PM To:Council, City Subject:Rail / Meadow and Charleston Crossings CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on  links.  ________________________________    Members of the City Council ‐    Although I was unable to attend the city council meeting last night, I would like to add my voice to the chorus of city  residents who strongly oppose all the rail options that would elevate the tracks.    Keith Reckdahl has made a persuasive case that AECOM’s estimates of the cost of the trench option are inflated. The  trench option is clearly the most desirable — its only significant relative disadvantage is its projected higher cost. If its  cost is actually lower than projected, then it should become the clear winner. I strongly encourage the city council to  fund a follow‐on cost study from an engineering firm with experience completing comparable trench projects.    Finally, I would like to make a comment about process. It’s great that there have been so many community meetings and  forums for residents to learn about and comment on the various options under consideration. However, the very large  number of meetings also hides the extent of community opposition to the elevated rail options. As the number of  meetings grows, people who have previously expressed their opinions assume that they do not need to keep reiterating  them, and fatigue sets in. I personally have spoken with at least 100 friends and neighbors over the past few years about  the rail options and every one of them strongly opposes elevating the tracks. There was a petition a few years ago  against elevating the tracks signed by hundreds of south Palo Alto residents. The XCAP final report also notes that  "neighborhood opposition to the above ground solutions — the hybrid and the viaduct – was vociferous and near  unanimous.” At this point, I think the City Council should acknowledge and *conclude*, once and for all, that the  community opposes the elevated options. As more meetings are inevitably held, the extent of this opposition should be  assumed as a given and not judged anew by turnout. How many times must we keep saying “NO” ?!?    Sincerely,    David Ephron  259 Whitclem Court  Palo Alto, CA  2 Baumb, Nelly From:Ben Junsy <benjunsy3@gmail.com> Sent:Monday, April 26, 2021 8:31 PM To:Council, City Subject:Railroad grade separation in south Palo Alto CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on  links.  ________________________________    Dear Palo Alto City Council,  I request that you avoid any raised/elevated options. They would present an ugly barrier cutting through our  community, eroding the desirability and livability of our currently peaceful and welcoming neighborhoods.  They would  erode our sense of community. Ultimately these structures lead to more crime and a blighted appearance.  I am  attending the city council meeting now, and chose to send this request in lieu of speaking. Please heed  recommendations and presented by our dear neighbors including Keith and Carlin.  Thank you,  Annie Hempstead  3 Baumb, Nelly From:Corine Cesana Sent:Monday, April 26, 2021 7:18 PM To:Council, City Subject:Rail CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on  links.  ________________________________    Dear City Council  members ,    Thank you for your  Consistent work for our  Community ;  I’m not in favor of the overhead rail pass And ask you to think about underpass or viaduc or at least Hybrid options our  world is moving to loss of care regarding humans needs and security , well being , environment, and decent architecture  Our well being requires Safety , decrease pollution as well as limitation of noise And limitation of environmental  pollution There is currently at this time the Nobel prize Summit Where our former politicians like senator John Kerry ,  Vice President Al Gore and worldwide scientists Are participating and brainstorming about The future of our planet and  there is still some hope and Regardless of political party Palo Alto should be a city that cares and studies what is the best  and safest while going ahead towards the future as it’s the future of our children the safety and well‐being of Palo Altans  should come first and I’m asking you  to Keep their wishes in taking  your decision Re rail Plans    Respectfully    Corine Cesana MD      7 Large concrete viaducts and overpasses are ugly and not compatible with a residential neighborhood in a green community. Palo Alto would be embarrassed and ashamed by such a structure and future generations will wonder how in the world a City full of smart engineers let this happen.    Thank you for your consideration.    Sincerely,  Deborah Ju  371 Whitclem Drive  Palo Alto          4 Santa Clara County: 855.278.4204 San Mateo County: 650.579.0350 National Suicide Crisis Number: 800.273.8255 2 The budget cuts last year crippled our theatre, please don't destroy it! Prioritize and show compassion for our kids and youth and give them the gift of performance. Sincerely, Kim Thacker 3 Baumb, Nelly From:Michele Wang <meeshwang@gmail.com> Sent:Tuesday, April 27, 2021 9:52 AM To:Council, City Subject:Please SUPPORT the Palo Alto Children's Theatre CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on  links.  ________________________________    Dear City Council,    I am writing to encourage you to support the Palo Alto Children’s Theatre.  I understand that the city is planning for  another round of cuts in 2021, just as our children were getting so excited to finally be able to re‐join their beloved  community.    In 2020, the city cut 45% of the total budget for the Children’s Theatre.  That left a bare bones staff to try and fulfill  connection and arts expression for our local youth.  Now, in 2021, the city is looking to reduce the budget AGAIN by up  to $300,000 for a total budget cut of 61% over the two years.    The theatre provides a safe community for children to express themselves and connect to like minded youth.  The  leadership at the Palo Alto Children’s Theatre has been wonderful at providing guidance, opportunities for expression  and resources for our children for 88 years.  With these deep cuts, our children will no longer have access to their strong  community or opportunities to express themselves.  It devastates me to see this city jewel dwindle.    I am urging the Palo Alto City Council to please reconsider that this resource is so special to so many creative children in  Palo Alto.      Thank you,    Michele Wang  Board Member of Friends of The Palo Alto Children’s Theatre Mother and Resident of Palo Alto since 2001    5 Baumb, Nelly From:Priya Satia <psatia@stanford.edu> Sent:Monday, April 26, 2021 2:30 PM To:news@padailypost.com; Council, City Subject:budget cuts to PACT CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on  links.  ________________________________    Dear PA City Council,    Thank you for all the work you do to serve our community. I am writing to appeal to you about the proposed budget  reductions for the Palo Alto Children's Theater‐‐on top of major cuts from last year.    This is dismaying news, especially as we are at a point where we have hope that theatre performances may soon be able  to resume, along with the PACT's many other cherished programs. This theater is the beating heart of our children's  community, and the proposed cuts will eliminate performance and crew experiences for its core age group, hollowing it  out.    Both my children have been active in the theatre‐‐my son was cast in a play, to his delight, just before lockdown, and  waited patiently all year for rehearsals to restart, to no avail. But this year brings new hope, and these cuts strike a blow  for children who have already lost a great deal.    The theater has been part of our life since my older one (age 15) was 2 or 3. The staff there are a source of warmth and  friendship and mentorship to my kids. The community  is welcoming and nurturing. It is a different kind of teamwork for  kids who may not thrive in team sports (like my younger one). He loves to act and do tech. My older one acts and writes  scripts. They love their theater friends, who they don't get to meet at school. They love Mr. Lucky and all the directors  and Mr.  Richard at the desk. Please don't take away this essential resource for kids to act, design, produce, and, most  importantly, watch theater.    Surely, we can find ways to supplement the budget and keep the theater open? Theater tickets and refreshment sales  and donations can be enhanced, perhaps?    The PACT's reach extends well beyond Palo Alto; it is a regional treasure. Please, let's do what's needed to keep this  jewel shining at its best.    Please give our children a chance to reconnect with this essential human artform, after a year of losing it from their  lives.    Thank you for considering this request,    Very best,    Priya Satia    ‐‐  Priya Satia  6 Raymond A. Spruance Professor of International History Professor of History Department of History Stanford University  Stanford, CA 94305‐2024  Email: psatia@stanford.edu  Web: http://history.stanford.edu/people/priya‐satia    2 Baumb, Nelly From:Lina Crane <lina.crane@gmail.com> Sent:Tuesday, April 27, 2021 1:06 PM To:Council, City Subject:Re: Your e-mail to City Council was received CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on  links.  ________________________________    Sorry: should be " egregious action "    from lina Crane    On 4/27/21, Council, City <city.council@cityofpaloalto.org> wrote:  > Thank you for your comments to the City Council. Your e‐mail will be   > forwarded to all seven Council Members and a printout of your   > correspondence will also be included in the next available Council packet.  >  > If your comments are about an item that is already scheduled for a   > City Council agenda, you can call (650) 329‐2571 to confirm that the   > item is still on the agenda for the next meeting.  >  > If your letter mentions a specific complaint or a request for service,   > we'll either reply with an explanation or else send it on to the   > appropriate department for clarification.  >  > We appreciate hearing from you.  >      ‐‐  *LFC  from lina*  *  *  *  *  *  *  3   Section 106    c. Consultation. Section 106 of the NHPA, as implemented through 36 CFR Part800, is intended to require Federal agencies to consider the effects of their undertakings on historic properties. In doing so, FAA must consult with the State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO) or Tribal Historic Preservation Officer (THPO) if one exists.2 The regulations protecting historic and cultural properties also require consultation and information exchanges with interested parties. As a result, the identification of historic resources, analysis of potential effects, and consultation is often a "critical path" element in managing the environmental review project. Starting consultation early in the environmental review process is a best management practice for an airport action that may affect historic properties.  1 DECLARATION OF SHERRY SCOTT I, Sherry Scott, hereby declare as follows: 1. I am an attorney licensed to practice in the State of Arizona. I have knowledge of, and am competent to testify regarding, all of the matters set forth herein. 2. I am the City Attorney for the City of Scottsdale, Arizona and I have worked for the City in a legal capacity for over 20 years. 3. The City of Scottsdale (“Scottsdale” or “the City”) is a Council- Manager form of municipal government that was incorporated in June, 1951. The City of Scottsdale adopted its first City Charter in November, 1961, which was ratified by the voters and later approved by Arizona Governor Paul Fannin on November 16, 1961. 4. The Arizona Constitution in Article XIII grants cities such as the City of Scottsdale with the ability to adopt a city charter to form its government. City charters establish the structure and powers of local city governments that are deemed necessary to respond to its citizens’ needs. Title 9 of the Arizona Revised Statutes further supplements Scottsdale’s City Charter authority to define the powers and functions of Scottsdale’s government within the State of Arizona. 2 5. Title 9 of Arizona Revised Statutes and Article 1, Section 3 of Scottsdale’s Charter empower Scottsdale with a wide range of authority to make and enforce ordinances and regulations to manage its infrastructure, to protect the health, safety and welfare of its citizens and to preserve and enhance the environment, livability and aesthetic quality of the City. 6. Title 9 of the Arizona Revised Statutes is published on the State’s website located at https://www.azleg.gov/arsDetail/?title=9. 7. Scottsdale’s Charter is published on Scottsdale’s website located at https://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/council/charter. 8. Scottsdale’s ability to protect the health, safety and welfare of its citizens and to preserve and enhance the livability, aesthetic and environmental quality of the City within its Charter authority and police powers are some of Scottsdale’s most valuable, but intangible, proprietary interests. Scottsdale’s powers are used not only to protect the quality of life in Scottsdale, keeping property values high so that sufficient property tax is available to sustain the City, but it also serves to make the City an international travel destination. Scottsdale’s tourism industry serves to generate additional tax income necessary to sustain the cost of City services and amenities that are provided to citizens and visitors alike. 9. Historically, the City has passed a number of ordinances directed toward livability, aesthetics and environmental quality. For example, Scottsdale 3 has adopted an “Environmentally Sensitive Lands Ordinance” (“ESLO”) that applies to a significant portion of the City including areas affected by aircraft noise. (Scottsdale Revised Code (“SRC”), Appendix B, Basic Zoning Ordinance, Article VI.) Among the many purposes of ESLO include to “[p]rotect and preserve significant natural and visual resources” and “[r]ecognize and conserve the economic, educational, recreational, historic, archaeological, and other cultural assets of the environment that provide amenities and services for residents and visitors.” (SRC, Appendix B, § 6.1011.) Properties within the ESLO are required to provide a dedication of Natural Area Open Space to preserve these sensitive environmental conditions. (SRC, Appendix B, § 6.1060.) 10. In addition to ESLO, the City also imposes noise abatement and standards on various districts in the affected area. (SRC § 5-358; Appendix B, § 5.2808.) The City also has a general ordinance limiting noise creation by business establishments and vendors. (SRC §§ 16-637 & 19-28.) 11. Unfortunately, the Federal Aviation Administration’s implementation of flight procedures for Phoenix Sky Harbor resulted in significantly and disproportionately more aircraft flying over residential and business areas in Scottsdale neighborhoods, many of which are part of the environmentally sensitive and Natural Area Open Space lands. 4 12. The FAA’s implementation of the flight procedures at issue and its Final Order issued on January 10, 2020 (“Decision”) not to take any further action to provide relief to Scottsdale from increased aircraft noise and pollution has adversely impacted and will continue to adversely impact Scottsdale’s proprietary interest in protecting the health, safety and welfare of its citizens from the aircraft noise and air pollution. It has further adversely impacted Scottsdale’s ability to preserve and enhance the livability, aesthetic and the environmental quality of the City. 13. Additionally, the FAA’s implementation of the flight procedures at issue here and its Decision has harmed Scottsdale’s real property interest in several City properties and facilities that Scottsdale either owns or has a real property interest in, which would include McDowell Mountain Ranch Park, Scottsdale McDowell Sonoran Preserve, and the park land Scottsdale is currently developing into a neighborhood park in DC Ranch, just by way of only a few examples. 14. Parks and Natural Area Open Space are at the core of Scottsdale’s charm and identity, and these amenities have come at a great cost to Scottsdale and its citizens. Quiet enjoyment is a fundamental attribute to Scottsdale’s park lands and open space. The FAA’s flight procedures have placed overflights in the direct path of Scottsdale’s parks, open space, libraries and other amenities. This has caused the enjoyability of these properties to decline as a result of a substantial 5 increase in noise and air pollution, which hinders the very purpose of these amenities. 15. Additionally, Scottsdale also owns facilities such as Westworld, which is a City event center that includes outdoor venues for equestrian and other uses. In these places, not only has the aviation noise been detrimental to the purpose of various cultural and equestrian events where quiet can be an essential element to enjoying the music and other sound effects, but the characteristics of these places have also been altered by the noise and fumes emanating from the constant overflights. 16. Scottsdale has invested substantial resources in acquiring and maintaining the aesthetic and inherent historic character of these public amenities and its open spaces. Scottsdale has a concrete interest in protecting the aesthetic, natural and inherent character of these places. 17. The FAA’s implementation of flight procedures and its Decision have harmed Scottsdale’s real property interests. It has adversely impacted Scottsdale’s proprietary interests to protect and enhance the aesthetic and environmental quality of its own property and the property of its (property-tax-paying) citizens. Press release: April 22, 2021-Final “HAKONE GARDENS AND EXECUTIVE ORDER 9066” Hakone Foundation Opens Exhibit on Japanese American Internment Hakone Foundation is proud to present a new exhibition, “Hakone Gardens and Executive Order 9066” at the Cultural Exchange Center. The exhibit features an untold story of Hakone’s long-time gardener, James Sasaki, and his American-born family, imprisoned in Topaz, Utah Internment Camp during WWII. The Sasakis’ incarceration was the experience of more than 120,000 persons of Japanese descent, two-thirds of them American- born citizens, held at ten camps in desolate areas of the western United States. Along with the Sasaki family’s story of internment, we also share the stories of two of Hakone’s trustees. Reiko Iwanaga tells of her experience as a child interned with her family at Amache, Colorado, and Patti Workman recounts how her mother was incarcerated at Amache and her father at Manzanar, both as teenagers. The exhibit features photographs of the forced evacuation, scenes of life at Amache and Poston, family memorabilia and rare family photos of “camp”. This exhibit is produced by Ann Waltonsmith, Hakone Foundation chairperson, and Connie Young Yu, Hakone Foundation trustee, who are co-authors of the new book, Hakone Estate and Gardens, Arcadia Publishing Co. Says Ann Waltonsmith, “With the surge in anti-Asian violence and xenophobia in America, we felt now was the time to show a chapter in American history that must never be forgotten or repeated.” The exhibit will run from the present to the end of December. Hakone Gardens and Estate, one of the premier sites of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, is located at 21000 Big Basin Way, Saratoga, CA. The book will be available for purchase beginning May 3rd at the Hakone Gift Shop both on site and online (Hakone.com) and also directly through Arcadia Press. Price is $21.99. Press Release Date: April 21, 2021 Press Contacts: Richard Konda mobile: 408-823-0799 Robert Rubin mobile: 415-298-4857 Laura Ho mobile: 510-287-4341 Historic Settlement ends 70-year period of Asian American Disempowerment Last night, the plaintiffs and the Santa Clara City Council entered into a settlement agreement that resolves the historic voting rights case. In that case, a December 30, 2020 decision of the California Court of Appeals vindicated the civil rights of Asian Americans residing in Santa Clara by affirming a trial court decision that struck down the discriminatory “at large” method of electing the city council. The Superior Court’s order in 2018 required the City of Santa Clara to conduct its City Council elections from six single-member districts rather than at-large, as the City had done since its charter was adopted 70 years ago. In all those years, Santa Clara had never elected an Asian American to the city council, but in the 2018 and 2020 elections using districts, three of the six candidates elected to the council were Asian American. Plaintiffs LaDonna Yumori-Kaku, Wesley Mukoyama, Herminio Hernando, Umar Kamal and Mike Kaku are represented by the Law Office of Robert Rubin of Mill Valley, Goldstein, Borgen, Dardarian & Ho of Oakland, and the Asian Law Alliance of Santa Clara County. Wes Mukoyama, one of the plaintiffs stated, “The settlement agreement puts an end to the discriminatory “at large” system and ensures that district elections are here to stay.” Laura Ho, from the law firm of Goldstein, Borgen, Dardarian & Ho, stated, “the settlement agreement will avoid further costly litigation and allows the City to move on from fighting its own voters in this case to more fairly representing all of its residents.” Robert Rubin, civil rights attorney, who initiated the case when he warned the city in a letter as far back as 2011 that its at-large system violated the CVRA, and participated in representation of the Asian American plaintiffs throughout the litigation, stated, “after years of resistance to the implementation of a District election system, the City is now required to adopt a voting procedure that will ensure the full and fair participation of the Asian- American community in the political process.” Richard Konda of the Asian Law Alliance stated, “the right to vote is the most fundamental right in our democracy and the elimination of the discriminatory at large system removes a significant barrier to the meaningful participation of Asian Americans in the city of Santa Clara’s election system.” The California Legislature enacted the California Voting Rights Act in 2002 to eliminate racially discriminatory at-large election systems. Hundreds of cities, school districts and special districts have eliminated at-large elections in favor of more inclusive district-based elections. 7 Go to: www.infowars.com and www.thegatewaypundit.com for news. I just don’t have time to get it for you. I’m sure your mind will be fully blown going to those sites. Got to go often. This stuff is changing FAST! If you want insane entertainment. Welcome to “our” world! COINCIDENCE??? APOCALYPSE STALIN (3 Parts) Alex Jones Suggested This Movie Saying: This is EXACTLY What Is Happening NOW Apocalypse Stalin - 1/3 https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x7joerd Apocalypse Stalin - 2/3 REPORT: Pfizer Vaccine Confirmed To Cause Neurodeg Nurse Warns: Stay Away From Vaccinated People https://www.brighteon.com/5ce8150e-b8c8-4678-9332-5ecab95cb40b "Hegelian Principle” Problem - Reaction - Solution “They" do it over and over and over and over again. Create Problem: Fighting with Cops In The Street; Chaos Get Reaction: Help us. They are defunding police and crime is exploding. Their Solution: UN troops replace police; robots/clones, etc. Bring in their NWO. Apocalypse Stalin 8 (Alex Jones Said This Is An Incredible Series Of What is Happening Today) Apocalypse Stalin - 1/3 https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x7joerd Apocalypse Stalin - 2/3 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zeZ5n-LMMLM Apocalypse Stalin - 3/3 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JHF1_fFIGws Arizona governor declares state of emergency, sends National Guard troops to border https://thehill.com/homenews/state-watch/549417-arizona-governor-declares-state-of- emergency-sends-national-guard-troops REPORT: Pfizer Vaccine Confirmed To Cause Neurodegenerative Diseases https://www.infowars.com/posts/report-pfizer-vaccine-confirmed-to-cause- neurodegenerative-diseases/ Feds Seize 1,000 Safe Deposit Boxes w/One Warrant https://youtu.be/oy3623YRsMk Live Q&A: Jurors Finds Chauvin Guilty On All Charges; Witness Threatened | Crossroads https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SkBoajeK3eo Reporters Discover Secret Flights/Centers Border https://www.infowars.com/posts/emergency-saturday-broadcast-reporters-discover-secret-flights-secret-centers-and- more/ “TAXIS” transporting the immigrants are FAKE. I looked it up myself with two separate searches. Nothing exists with this phone number, let alone this TAXI company. 9 The FTC Criminalizes Nutritional Advice About Vitamin D and Zinc The FTC has gone full tyranny against a St. Louis chiropractor for selling vitamin D and zinc supplements that he says may help people avoid being harmed by covid. According to the FTC and the lying corporate media that shills for the vaccine industry, this chiropractor made false claims by saying vitamin D and zinc might work against covid.Yet the very same corporate media liars routinely claim unproven vaccines work against covid, even when no vaccine has been approved by the FDA as being safe and effective for treating covid-19 in any way whatsoever.The media routinely lies and commits fraud when promoting vaccines with false claims, yet the FTC does nothing to stop them. Because lies that help Big Pharma are "acceptable" lies under a corrupt, criminal medical cartel. Listen to the full podcast here. P.S. Tonight's broadcast episode on The Truth About Cancer reveals how to pursue an anti-cancer diet and how to engage in "defensive eating" to protect your health. Register to watch all episodes at TheTruthAboutCancer.io Patriot Pebbles (My Dog) Awesome Movie Interesting Movie Pretty Good Just Figured Out A Couple Things of Interest: -The HBO Owl -20th Century Satan OWL and ALL SEEING EYE Complete with Beak and Wings. 10 Creepy. 20th Century Fox (666) Great Computer Screen Shot Photo 12 Date: Thu, Apr 22, 2021 at 9:56 PM  Subject: Fwd: 8 by 8 Stop Asian Hate Rally at Palo Alto City Hall on May 2nd at 3pm  Source: Fr: Allan Seid    A  PALO ALTO MARCH and RALLY NOT TO MISS !    14 amount of rent with out uttering a word. Has been over charged for utilities and other things and neve complained. As of now she is this little broken down looking home in the middle of all these new homes and its rude and insulting. Why would Clara not be offered a home there even if it is only for the next 3 yrs.? She must watch all these trucks and workers around her putting in these new safe homes while she feels like she is trash on the corner.  In the last 5 years poor Clara has been dis respected more than the home down the road from her who has 15 men living in it throwing beer cans everywhere, cussing and yelling at times. She is living now with RATS that have been breeding there for years and now that the park has been dug up poor Clara has been a target for them. The park not only blamed Clara for the rats but tried to charge her for the exterminator. Who does that? Miss Clara has had rats on her while sleeping eating through her blankets.  Why are the rats not gone? Why does she have to live with them? Why is this poor; little old lady that has never complained being treated this way. It is not only a health risk but what if it was your mom? Shame on the park for not taking care of their repo’s ability. shame on the park for trying to blame her.  Shame on the owners for not paying attention. she has been there 15 yrs. because cannot Clara get dignity and respect. Wouldn’t u want that too even for yourself when ur that age?  This matter needs attention NOW.  Thank you for reading,  Blessings  Lisa reed  16 If Palo Alto leads the way, other cities will also set gasoline reduction goals. Then as a region we’ll be able to see where  the most gasoline is being sold and focus gasoline displacement strategies in those areas.  Through its leadership, Palo  Alto can thereby make an outsize contribution to combatting climate change.  Setting a gasoline reduction goal costs the city nothing, but moves the needle on climate. We would be one of the first  cities to honestly communicate to our residents the clear need to slash gasoline use immediately – for everyone who  can, to switch to an EV now. For everyone who can cut their gasoline use by other means, to do so immediately.   Please add a gasoline reduction goal to the S/CAP; publicize it; and track progress toward the goal. The climate  emergency is here; we can’t wait.  Thanks again for your continued leadership on climate.  Sincerely,  Janelle London  Janelle London  Executive Director, Beyond Gasoline Initiative  Joint Venture Silicon Valley  London@jointventure.org  www.jointventure.org      19 tmp_YjhOoG_7fa7198b700ef12e_IMG_0305.jpg Growing up biracial, I spent most of my childhood feeling like I didn't fit in. I was always told I look too Black to be considered Asian, or that I'd never really be accepted as Black because I'm mixed. Despite the hurtful comments, I've always considered myself part of the Filipino and Ghanaian diasporas and identified as both. I never felt the need to choose between either of my cultures because they're inseparable from who I am. Having a strong sense of self keeps me buoyant, but I've been struggling to stay afloat since eight people – six of whom were of Asian descent – were killed in three Atlanta-area spa shootings on March 18. The hesitation to call the shootings a hate crime is infuriating, but what has bothered me most is seeing the negative response to the Stop Asian Hate and Black Lives Matter movements. tmp_klycPL_3a54f6ca15f3f560_1.jpg 20 Being Blasian in America's current racial climate means walking around with a target on my back. Cops could shoot me dead in my home, like they did Breonna Taylor and Deborah Danner, or I could be attacked while protesting anti-Asian violence. It means having to be twice as good at my job or excel as a "model minority" only to get a fraction of the recognition and pay as my white co-workers. Republican lawmakers want to suppress Black voters like me and defend the use of racist language like "kung flu." Related: Asian and Black Communities Unite in Wake of Vicious Attacks 0:08 0:34 Scroll back up to restore default view. The recent attacks against both groups has reignited tensions between Black and Asian people in America. Social media has erupted into another round of Oppression Olympics, with some folks trying to prove that their race has endured more discrimination than the other. Meanwhile, I'm the designated referee on the sidelines trying to mediate the misunderstanding. 21 My parents and I I understand why some Black people are apprehensive about uplifting a group whose members have co-opted and commodified their culture while often telling their children not to bring home a Black significant other. I also can see why some Asians are wary of accepting support from Black people when some rappers use anti-Asian slurs in their music and highly publicized instances of anti-Asian violence sometimes involve a Black assailant. But focusing on our perceived differences distracts from our common enemy in the fight for racial equality: white supremacy. The United States has a history of scapegoating both Black and Asian people. Black people were enslaved in America for nearly two and a half centuries before the practice was abolished in 1865. The US government banned Chinese immigrants from becoming US citizens through the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882. From 1942 to 1945, Japanese Americans were forced into internment camps, and despite Filipinos sacrificing their lives in the American Civil War, they were denied a chance at 22 citizenship until 1946. Today, Black and Asian Americans are among the thousands of victims of police-involved deaths in the US. Learning the history of my people and taking pride in my cultures are crucial in helping to strengthen solidarity between the Black and Asian communities. Knowledge is power in the era of fake news, and although Facebook has been criticized for spreading misinformation (looking at you 2016 and 2020 presidential elections), I still consider it a valuable learning tool for people who are willing to venture outside of their echo chamber. The platform has allowed me to educate other Asians on how to own up to and unlearn anti-Blackness and help some Black people recognize that racism isn't monolithic. Black-Asian unity has been a thing since the 19th century, when abolitionists like Frederick Douglass and Ida B. Wells spoke out on behalf of Filipinos when they fought the US for their freedom during the Philippine-American war. Chinese- American activist Grace Lee Boggs spent 70 years of her hundred on Earth fighting for racial justice in Detroit. To help combat the myth of Black and Asian division, I share my experiences and relevant information whenever I can, to whoever is willing to listen. Although I worry about the safety of my friends and family, I'll never allow fear to stop me from being Blasian and proud. Seeing messages of Black and Asian solidarity from so many social justice organizations makes me hopeful that someday no child will ever feel othered or be told by the country they were born in that their life doesn't matter. As the fight for racial equity continues, a Maya Angelou quote powers me through: "You may write me down in history with your bitter, twisted lines. You may trod me in the very dirt, but still, like dust, I'll rise." 23 Baumb, Nelly From:Aram James <abjpd1@gmail.com> Sent:Friday, April 23, 2021 4:31 PM To:Council, City; city.council@menlopark.org; Planning Commission; Council, City; Joe Simitian; cindy.chavez@bos.sccgov.org; Jeff Rosen; Jay Boyarsky; Jeff Moore; Raj; Anna Griffin Subject:Re the verdict in the Georgia Floyd Murder CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on  links.  ________________________________    >  >   >  29 Here is the ZOOM LINK for tomorrow's program at 5 pm Pacific https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81458178488 TOMORROW's PROGRAM: The timeliness of tomorrow's program, anti-Asian racism in America, could not be more perfect, nor could the speakers we have invited to discuss the issue. Last week the Senate passed the hate crimes bill (with the ONLY "no" vote in the Senate being that of Josh Hawley), which will improve the capacity to investigate and pursue hate crimes with alacrity. Congresswoman and Chair of the Asian Pacific Congressional Caucus, Judy Chu, has played a key role in moving Washington forward on this critical issue. Stewart Kwoh has been a legal activist fighting for equality and justice for Asian Americans for decades. In this morning's LA Times, this article, written by Kwoh in collaboration with Connie Rice and Connie Chung Joe, the authors argue that while the new law is a positive move forward, "[p]reventing violent crimes requires addressing hate at its roots. The wave of anti-Asian attacks — and the fear, pain and anger it has triggered — illustrates the corrosive effects of systemic racism and a culture of white supremacy that brands people of color as 'the other.' Law enforcement is not equipped to change that culture....[I]nvestments need to be made in community-based safety programs and anti-hate initiatives. Education must incorporate the rich and complex role of communities of color in the American story. And multiracial collaboration must be strengthened." They write about "bystander intervention training" and "chaperone services" programs which Kwoh's organization has initiated across the country. Tomorrow night Stewart Kwoh and Congresswoman Chu will elaborate on defining the historical problems Asian-Americans have endured and will share ideas about how to tackle this complex problem of racism and violence. We are re-sending additional links (see below) for those who want more background on the history of anti-Asian racism. Register here Additional Articles of Note this Week: 1. Extremism and White Supremacy in the ranks of the GOP In one of the many columns penned by the prolific Jennifer Rubin this week in the Washington Post, in this op-ed Rubin describes the GOP as a "radicalized, nativist group that now repudiates (or pretends to repudiate) the results of the election." Her scathing indictment of the party goes far beyond the obvious nativists such as Ted Cruz who has consistently embraced and promoted the "big lie" and wholeheartedly supports the True Texas Project, which Rubin describes as "a rump tea party group" and which is so divisive that many in the GOP have distanced themselves from it. But the problem is bigger than Cruz and than a single organization, and that problem is the (current) GOP itself, writes Rubin. "Fifty U.S. senators and 212 House members belong to a group [to wit:the GOP] that mouthed Russian propaganda; that tried to disenfranchise millions of voters, focusing on major metropolitan areas with large Black populations; that still reveres the former 30 president and tries to play down the Jan. 6 insurrection; that frequents a cable TV news network that spouts replacement theory and other white supremacists themes; that insists Washington, D.C., is not “well-rounded” but Wyoming is; that attacks women of color nominated for top government posts..." She concludes her indictment of the GOP saying that it is within that party that the greatest dangers to our democracy lie. 2. Arizona is in its 4th recount of ballots from November's election, and the auditors doing the recount are proponents of Trump's "Big Lie" Despite three recounts since December 2020, there has been no evidence of fraud or error in the counting of Arizona's presidential ballots cast in November. Nevertheless, as is reported in this article, Arizona Republican electeds have insisted on yet another recount, this time by hand; they have hired a pro-Trump so-called audit team from Florida (the "Cyber Ninjas") to conduct the recount and to inspect the voter machines and all of the so-called observers of the process are anything but impartial, it is reported in this article. The Cyber Ninja company, as well as those providing "oversight" have publicly embraced "the big lie" and have claimed, without offering any evidence, that Trump actually won Arizona by 200,000 votes. The courts are now involved, and the move has wreaked havoc within the state. While the GOP elected officials in state and local government largely support the Trump-backed initiative, it seems that much of the citizenry of Arizona does not support the effort. "Critics in both parties charge that an effort that began as a way to placate angry Trump voters has become a political embarrassment and another blow to the once-inviolable democratic norm that losers and winners alike honor the results of elections." Here is the Re-Send of articles about anti-Asian bigotry in the US: 1. Last week the Senate passed an anti-Asian hate crimes bill by a 94-1 vote with Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo) being the only nay vote. The bill will create a position in the Justice Department which strengthens state and local hate crime reporting. Read more here. 2. In the April 11th New Yorker, there was a selection of articles about the Asian-American experience and the on-going and growing wave of anti-Asian violence in America. Included were articles not only about the Atlanta shootings of six Asian American women last month, but also historical articles about the history of racism, violence and exclusion of Japanese, Chinese and other Americans of Asian descent. One of the articles analyzes how the pandemic, combined with a rise in anti-immigrant discourse, has triggered an increase in what novelist Ed Park calls “an increase in everyday bigotry”. The issue features many articles with varying perspectives which, when taken together, can shed light on how certain deeply ingrained biases create a major challenge for America as we confront this scourge of anti-Asian hate crimes. 31 3. In last week's New Yorker, Michael Luo writes about the Forgotten History of the Campaign to Purge Chinese from America. The article details the mistreatment of Chinese immigrants who came to America in the 19th Century; ultimately, in 1882, Congress enacted the Chinese Exclusion Act which banned Chinese laborers from the entering the US and prohibited Chinese immigrants already here from becoming citizens. Luo suggests that once one has reviewed the history of Asian immigrants to America, one should not be “perplexed” by the current surge in anti-Asian racism. If you would like to make a donation to help offset the expenses of this America at a Crossroads virtual series, you can do so at this link. UPCOMING PROGRAMS: Tomorrow, April 28 at 5 pm (Pacific) Congressmember Judy Chu (D-CA 27th) and Stewart Kwoh from Asian Americans Advancing Justice will converse with Warren Olney: “A Minority Community Under Assault: An Inside Look” (Register here) On Wednesday, May 5 we welcome former Senator Al Franken who will speak with Madeleine Brand : "A Former Senators View of Washington: with a side of wit!” (Register here) On Wednesday, May 12 join us as Ron Brownstein in conversation with Patt Morrison on "Rock Me on the Water: What LA's Golden Hour tells us about culture & politics” (Register here) On Wednesday, May 19 Bret Stephens and Michelle Goldberg will discuss “Cancel Culture: Threat or Hype?” with Larry Mantle (Register here) On Wednesday, May 26, Erwin Chemerinsky and Richard Arenberg will discuss the “Filibuster: Relic or Threat?” with Henry Weinstein (Register here) On THURSDAY, June 3 at 5 pm (Pacific) we welcome Illinois Congressman who voted for President Trump's impeachment and has been a special target of Trump's ire, Republican Congressman Adam Kinzinger in conversation with Madeleine Brand. (Register here) On Wednesday, June 9 at 5 pm (Pacific) Holocaust scholar and author, Professor Deborah Lipstadt 32 will be in conversation with Rabbi Ed Feinstein on the subject of "Anti-Semitism Today: What's going on?" (Register here) Thank you for your donations! It is always a good time to help offset the costs of our programming with your tax deductible donation. America at a Crossroads is a joint venture of Jews United for Democracy & Justice (JUDJ) and Community Advocates, Inc. (CAI). All funds are shared by JUDJ and CAI to produce this series. Donations can be made here: JUDJ website or here: CAI website. JUDJ ( EIN 82-0742397) is a fiscally sponsored project of Jewish Center for Justice (EIN: 81-4397882) which is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt California public benefit corporation. PAST PROGRAMS: You can access recordings of our past programs here. UPCOMING PROGRAMS (All times are PST-Los Angeles time)--See flyer below for more details. April 28 5 pm Cong. Judy Chu (D.-CA) & Stewart Kwoh Register here May 5 5 pm Former Senator Al Franken Register here May 12 5 pm Ron Brownstein Register here May 19 5 pm Bret Stephens and Michelle Goldberg Register here May 26 5 pm Chemerinsky & Arenberg Register here June 3 (THURSDAY) 5 pm Cong. Adam Kinzinger (R.-Ill) Register here June 9 5 pm Prof. Deborah Lipstadt & Rabbi Ed Feinstein Register here See you tomorrow @ 5 (Pacific)! JUDJ Leadership Team Janice Kamenir-Reznik, Chair Rabbi Ken Chasen Caroline Kelly David Lehrer Mel Levine 33   Zev Yaroslavsky www.jewsunitedfordemocracy.org   To hep p o e t y ur p va y Mc o o t O fce r ve t d au om tc d wnoad f t s pc u e f om t e In rn t                This email was sent to lhorn404@gmail.com why did I get this? unsubscribe from this list update subscription preferences Jews United for Democracy and Justice ꞏ c/o 4659 Balboa Ave. ꞏ Los Angeles, CA 91316 ꞏ USA     37 This email was sent to: city.council@cityofpaloalto.org This email was sent by the Sierra Club 2101 Webster St., Suite 1300, Oakland, CA 94612 Manage Preferences | Unsubscribe | View as Web Page 39 According to police, the 61-year-old victim was out collecting cans and bottles around 8 p.m. Friday when another man shoved him from behind, CBS2’s Christina Fan reported. READ MORE: NYC Department Of Correction Capt. Rebecca Hillman Indicted In Suicide Death Of Inmate At Rikers Island It happened near the corner of Third Avenue and East 125th Street. Officers are reviewing surveillance video of the assault. NYC: help your @NYPDDetectives find the person responsible for this brutal attack ⤵ 800-577-TIPS https://t.co/UKd4V2K0sE — Commissioner Shea (@NYPDShea) April 24, 2021 For at least ten seconds, video shows the suspect repeatedly stomping on the victim’s head as he was lying motionless on the ground. He is now in serious condition, but was listed as critical when he arrived at the hospital. To h lp ro e t y ur p va y M ro o t O f e pr ve t d au om tc d wnoad f hs pc u e f om t e I t rn t (credit: NYPD) 40 To h lp ro e t y ur p va y M ro o t O f e pr ve t d au om tc d wnoad f hs pc u e f om t e I t rn t (credit: NYPD) CBS2 decided not to show the entire video because of its graphic nature. Police released pictures of the suspect, asking the public to help identify him. The suspect was last seen wearing a black jacket, black pants, white sneakers and a multi-colored baseball cap. Neighbors were stunned by the display of violence. “It’s very bad. Very bad for everybody,” one East Harlem resident told CBS2’s Nick Caloway. READ MORE: Meet Rishi Vamdatt, The 11-Year-Old Jersey City Whiz Kid Who Offers Free Financial Advice To Thousands Online “It’s sad, and it’s starting to happen more and more and more to the Asian people. I think that had a big part in it,” East Harlem resident Dee Gwyn said. The NYPD is investigating to see if the victim was targeted due to his race. Anti- Asian crimes in the city are up 450% compared to the same time last year, and hate crimes against Asian Americans are skyrocketing nationwide. “You know, as a New Yorker, it’s really hard to watch and to see New Yorkers turning on each other like that,” said Jo-Ann Yoo, executive director of the Asian American Federation. She said more needs to be done to educate communities about racism and people need to calm down. “I hope people start to develop a longer fuse so that way they don’t act,” she said. 41 Back at the scene, Calvin Hunt and his son, Cameron, came to show support for the latest victim, holding signs that read “Asian Lives Matter.” “It was horrifying. I hope he’s alright. I pray for him and his family, and I’ll let them know that we’re going to be behind this 100%. We’re going to find out who did it, and if we find them, we’re going to make them pay,” Hunt said. Anyone with information on this attack is asked to call the NYPD’s Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1‐800‐577‐8477 or for Spanish, 1‐888‐577‐4782. Tips can also be sent to the NYPDTips Twitter account or submitted online at NYPDCrimeStoppers.com. A group of advocates will hold a march in Washington Heights in support of Asian Americans on Sunday. It will begin in Mitchel Square at noon. MORE NEWS: NYPD Investigating Dozens Of Shootings Following Violent, Deadly Weekend; City Leaders Searching For Solutions CBS2’s Christina Fan and Nick Caloway contributed to this report. 46 Subject: Fwd: KCBS‐SF Should C. pts. get Covid19 vaccine? Esp. here blood c's. Excellent.  To: Loran Harding <loran.harding@stanfordalumni.org>      ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ Forwarded message ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐  From: Loran Harding <loran.harding@stanfordalumni.org>  Date: Sat, Apr 24, 2021 at 7:21 PM  Subject: KCBS‐SF Should C. pts. get Covid19 vaccine? Esp. here blood c's. Excellent.  To: Loran Harding <loran.harding@stanfordalumni.org>                Sunday, April 25,  2021               To all‐    This was on KCBS a couple of days ago.  "Ask an Expert" is the program.  Today, the expert is Dr. Lee  Greenberger, the Chief Science Officer for the Lymphoma and Leukemia Society. Really informative.  NOT ONCE did he  say  "you know", so he is not infected and infested with that.  He did refer to John Hopkins University. You all remember  John, right? John Hopkins.  Maybe just so he can talk faster. This guy is good to hear.  You'll like him and learn.  Oddly  enough, given his title, he focuses his discussion on blood cancers. He says that one million Amerians are walking around  with some form of blood cancer.                    Listen to this for 20 minutes and learn. Certain public officials, being "prodded" by certain interest groups, may  then be slightly less fanatical in their zeal to drop all Covid restrictions:                      Should cancer patients get the COVID‐19 vaccine? (audacy.com)               B cells form the antibodies in response to having Covid OR getting the vaccine. Treatments for blood cancers  knock out the B cells, so there go the antibodies. Result:   Blood c. pts under treatment have to be VERY CAREFUL  about getting infected with Covid.  The T cells may survive the meds better. This is worth hearing.  20 minutes.                  The side effects of the vaccines appear to be no worse for the blood c. pts. than for the general population.                    "So people who are immunocompromised,  immunosurpressed,  due to treatment for blood c's. or because  they have received a solid organ transplant, need to be very careful about catching Covid19!!!"  .                Monoclonal antibodies may help. If they can't make antibodies, give them some.  Using two different vacines may  help. They don't know yet.                In general, around 25% of blood c. pts die if they get Covid. In the general population it is ~1%.   It was 50% at one  point for the blood c. pts..  So don't get mad at people insisting on some social distancing.    AND, in our fanatic zeal to  dispense with masks, social distancing, school closings etc. we are now going to kill a lot of blood cancer pts. and organ  transplant pts. who will now contract Covid19. "Oh, the bottom line is what counts. Winning isn't the main thing, it's the  only thing and my trophy wife wants a new big Mercedes".  "We are out of this! 53% of Americans have now received  one Covid shot, so WE ARE OUT OF THIS". Maybe 28% have received two shots and are thus "fully vaccinated".  It took  weeks for the government to define "fully vaccinated".  The networks sure didn't push them to define it. "Why the hell  don't they just get vaccinated?"  Read four paragraphs above that starts with "B cells form the antibodies...                      Nearly 700 people per day are still dying of Covid in the U.S.                       So if you're an ignorant, loud‐mouthed Fresno City councilman or an ignorant, loud‐mouthed member of the  Fresno Co. Board of Supervisors, or some other ignorant, loud‐mouthed public official in Fresno,  Covid is not a joke. It  means a high probability of death for some people and vaccines won't prevent that for them.    47                     "The thrombotic events that have been observed from the J&J and the Oxford‐Astrazeneca vaccines are really  rare events", he confirms.                   Biden should release the 30 million doses of the Oxford‐AZN vaccine that the company is holding. It is being  given hundreds of thousands of times per day in the UK, now to persons over the age of 30. It has been injected there  since January 6, 2021. It is being given to those over 65 in Germany, over 55 in France. Australia and Canada are using it.  It is a national scandal, with Biden's name on it, that it is still not being used in the United States. Americans are dying  today who would never have gotten Covid19, had Biden released the Oxford‐AZN vaccine on March 1, 2021.                 L. William Harding             Fresno, Ca.                               59 Democratic Sen. Mazie Hirono of Hawaii, the legislation's lead sponsor, said the measure is incredibly important to Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, "who have often felt very invisible in our country, always seen as foreign, always seen as the other." She said the message of the legislation is as important as its content and substance. Hirono, the first Asian American woman in the Senate, said the attacks are "a predictable and foreseeable consequence" of racist and inflammatory language that has been used against Asians during the pandemic, including slurs used by former President Donald Trump. Illinois. Sen. Tammy Duckworth, a former Army helicopter pilot who lost her legs during a 2004 attack in Iraq, said she had been asked what country she was from while wearing her U.S. military uniform. Duckworth, the first member of Congress born in Thailand, said there is more work to be done, but the bill's passage tells the community that "we will stand with you and we will protect you." It's unclear whether the bipartisan bill is a sign of things to come in the Senate, where Republicans and Democrats have fundamental differences and often struggle to work together. Under an agreement struck by Senate leaders at the start of the year, Republicans and Democrats pledged to at least try to debate bills and see if they could reach agreement through the legislative process. The hate crimes legislation is the first byproduct of that agreement. Some said it doesn't need to be the last. Hirono said it is her "sincere hope that we can channel and sustain the bipartisan work done on this important piece of legislation" to a larger bill that would change policing laws, which Senate Republicans are negotiating with House Democrats. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York speaks after the Senate passed the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act on Thursday. ANDREW HARNIK — THE ASSOCIATED PRESS 61           People are now dying every day in the US, around 700 per day, because Biden would not release the Oxford‐AZN  vaccine a month ago. Must make him feel ten feet tall. I think big money is changing hands to keep the Oxford‐AZN  vaccine off the US market.                        L. William Harding                    Fresno, Ca.                                                                   68 medicine, which is that you do not experiment on pregnant women. None of the COVID-19 vaccines on the market are licensed. They’ve only received emergency use authorization, as basic efficacy and safety studies are still ongoing. Yet pregnant women are urged to get vaccinated, and are lining up to get the shot — probably while at the same time being careful about avoiding second-hand smoke, alcohol and drugs with known or suspected toxicity. In my view, giving these vaccines to pregnant women is beyond reprehensible. This experimentation is doubly unforgivable seeing how women of childbearing age have virtually no risk of dying from COVID-19, their fatality risk being a mere 0.01%.1 Contrast this dramatic downside to the potential benefits of the vaccine. You can still contract the virus if immunized and you can still spread it to others.2 All it is designed to do is lessen your symptoms if or when you get infected. Pregnant women simply do not need this vaccine, and therefore any risk is likely excessive. It seems like the choice is obvious, unless you are an unethical pharmaceutical company that has been previously convicted of criminal felonies that resulted in billions of dollars in judgments and is seeking to create tens of billions of dollars of revenue. Abnormal Periods and Miscarriage Reported As reported by The Defender,3 as of April 1, 2021, VAERS had received 56,869 adverse events following COVID-19 vaccination, including 7,971 serious injuries and 2,342 deaths. Of those deaths, 28% occurred within 48 hours of vaccination. The youngest person to die was just 18 years old. There were also 110 reports of miscarriage or premature birth among pregnant women.In all, 379 pregnant women reported some sort of adverse event. In the U.K., the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) Yellow Card reporting site that collects COVID-19 vaccine side effects had, as of March 28, 2021, 40 miscarriages listed for Pfizer’s vaccine4 and 15 for AstraZeneca’s.5 Stephanie Seneff, Ph.D., sent me a 2006 study6 that could explain this, as it showed sperm can take up foreign mRNA, convert it into DNA, and release it as little pellets (plasmids) in the medium around the fertilized egg. The embryo then takes up these plasmids and carries them (sustains and clones them into many of the daughter cells) throughout its life, even passing them on to future generations. It is possible that the pseudo-exosomes that are the mRNA contents would be perfect for supplying the sperm with mRNA for the spike protein. So, potentially, a vaccinated woman who gets pregnant with an embryo that can (via the sperms' plasmids) synthesize the spike protein according to the instructions in the vaccine, would have an immune capacity to attack that embryo because of the "foreign" protein it displays on its cells. This then would cause a miscarriage. If there were, truly, a public health authority in the U.S., the criminals that are recommending this would be put in prison for reprehensible criminal negligence for the unnecessary damages they are causing to pregnant women and the deaths of their unborn children. Even among non-pregnant women, side effects hinting at reproductive side effects are being reported, such as heavier than normal menstrual flow, uterine bleeding or restarting their period for the first time in years.7,8 While no one knows what might be causing the heavier flow, it may be worth looking into the parallels between the blood clotting disorders reported, both in some COVID-19 cases and post-COVID-19 vaccination, and Von Willebrand disease, a chronic condition that prevents normal blood clotting, thus resulting in excessively heavy periods. Rare and Lethal Blood Disorder Reported Several individuals have rapidly developed immune thrombocytopenia9,10 (ITP), a rare autoimmune disease, following COVID-19 vaccination.11 The condition, which is often lethal, causes your immune system to destroy your platelets (cells that help blood clot), resulting in hemorrhaging. Despite the loss of platelets, serious blood clots are also occurring at the same time. One example is the 58-year-old Florida doctor who got the Pfizer vaccine and died from sudden onset of ITP two weeks later. Dr. Jerry L. Spivak, an expert on blood disorders at Johns Hopkins University, told The New York Times “it is a medical certainty” that Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine caused the man’s death.12,13 Pfizer, of course, denies any connection. At least two papers have been published on the condition, as scientists search for 69 clues as to how the vaccines might be causing this unusual reaction. As reported by The Defender:14 > “Two teams of researchers have published detailed observations of patients who developed thrombotic thrombocytopenia after receiving the AstraZeneca vaccine and have speculated about a possible mechanism. > Both groups suggest that the development of serious blood clots alongside falling levels of platelets is an immune response that resembles a rare reaction to the drug heparin, called heparin-induced thrombocytopenia. The researchers have labelled the syndrome vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia.”15,16 It’s unclear, however, where the platelet-antagonistic antibodies come from. They might form against the spike antigen, or perhaps it’s a response triggered by some other immune response factor. Either way, doctors at Oslo University Hospital recently announced the blood clotting disorders experienced by some recipients of the AstraZeneca vaccine are caused by the vaccine:17 > “Our theory that this is a powerful immune response most likely triggered by the vaccine, has been confirmed … In collaboration with experts in the field from the University Hospital of North Norway HF, we have found specific antibodies against blood platelets that can cause these reactions … > We have the reason. Nothing but the vaccine can explain why these individuals had this immune response. There is nothing in the patient history of these individuals that can give such a powerful immune response. I am confident that the antibodies that we have found are the cause, and I see no other explanation than it being the vaccine which triggers it.” Several European countries have halted use of the AstraZeneca vaccine due to blood clots in the past several weeks, and in the U.S., the FDA and CDC have agreed to temporarily halt use of Johnson & Johnson’s vaccine while they review six reports of blood clots in combination with low platelet counts. So far, one has died. Another is in serious condition. The announcement was made April 13, 2021.18 . . . Breast Cancer Symptoms Many also report developing swollen lymph nodes after their COVID-19 vaccination and, as reported by Fox 8 News Cleveland,20 doctors at Cleveland University Hospital system are seeing swollen lymph nodes in the mammograms of women who have had a COVID vaccine, and typically on the side where the vaccine was given. Swollen lymph nodes on a mammogram are one sign of breast cancer. University Hospital’s breast imaging department also reported that they are fielding calls from patients who are concerned about finding swollen nodes under their arms. According to the news report, data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows over 11% of vaccine recipients have swollen lymph nodes after the first dose of COVID-19 vaccine and 16% after the second dose. The swelling typically begins two to four days post-vaccination, and can persist for up to four weeks. Lymph nodes that remain engorged beyond the four-week mark need to be evaluated by your doctor, Dr. Holly Marshall with University Hospitals told Fox 8 News. Scarcity of Controlled Trials in Pregnant Women Getting back to vaccination during pregnancy, it’s important to realize that this is a time during which experimentation can be the most hazardous of all, as you’re not only dealing with potential repercussions for the mother but also for the child. Any number of things can go wrong when you introduce drugs, chemicals or foreign substances during fetal development. According to the Mayo Clinic,21 30,000 pregnant women have been “successfully” vaccinated against COVID-19 in the U.S. with either Pfizer’s or Moderna’s mRNA vaccines. They don’t mention anything about reported side effects, but as mentioned earlier, 379 VAERS reports had been filed by pregnant women as of April 1, 2021. A recent BBC article22 sought to make light of post-vaccination miscarriages, saying, “Data showing a miscarriage occurred after a vaccine does not mean that the two events are linked.” Meanwhile, people dying from heart attacks, cancer and other longstanding diseases who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 were counted as COVID-19 deaths, no questions asked. There was no difficulty in linking those data points to drive up COVID- 19 fatality statistics. The BBC also notes that miscarriage is “very common,” with 1 in 8 pregnancies 70 (12.5%) ending in miscarriage. The U.K. MHRA, in an effort to put a lid on concerns about miscarriages, claim they occur in “about 1 in 4 pregnancies,”23 or 25%, which strikes me as an exaggeration. Other sources24 reviewing statistical data stress that the risk of miscarriage drops from an overall, average risk rate of 21.3% for the duration of the pregnancy as a whole, to 5% between Weeks 6 and 7, all the way down to 1% between Weeks 14 and 20. One way to assess whether miscarriages are in fact increasing after vaccination could be to compare miscarriage rates during the second and third trimester, when spontaneous losses are at their lowest under normal circumstances. Injecting pregnant women with novel gene therapy technology that can trigger systemic inflammation, cardiac effects and bleeding disorders isn’t a good idea, and violates both the Hippocratic Oath that admonishes doctors to “First, do no harm,” and the precautionary principle that, historically, has governed health care for pregnant women. A vaccination safety monitoring program CDC now ghas a vaccination safety monitoring program called V-Safe currently with 2,000 pregnant patients enrolled, but fewer than 300 had completed their pregnancies by the end of March 2021.25Their babies will be evaluated for side effects until they’re 3 months old.26 These are not significant numbers. It’s also a very short follow-up for the babies. So, while COVID-19 vaccines are hailed as safe for pregnant women and their babies alike, they seem to be basing such claims on extremely limited data. On the whole, injecting pregnant women with novel gene therapy technology that can trigger systemic inflammation, cardiac effects and bleeding disorders (among other things), isn’t a good idea in my view, and violates both the Hippocratic Oath that admonishes doctors to “First, do no harm,” and the precautionary principle that, historically, has governed health care for pregnant women. Report All COVID-19 Vaccine Side Effects If you or someone you love has received a COVID-19 vaccine and are experiencing side effects, be sure to report it, preferably to all three of these locations:27 1. If you live in the U.S., file a report on VAERS 2. Report the injury on VaxxTracker.com, which is a non governmental adverse event tracker (you can file anonymously if you like) 3. Report the injury on the childrenshealthdefense.org website COVID-19 Vaccine Reactions • Children's Health Defense Mercola Newsletter has been printed for 18 years or so..he does create many healthful supplements. It is only since the pandemic that it has been blocked. I believe him to be one of the most truthful sites for vaccines pros and cons.. Forwarded by Arlene Goetze, MA, writer/editor, No Toxins for Children 76 Noteworthy experience: Moritsugu has “diverse and deep experience on Capitol Hill and within governmental agencies,” the White House shared.  During the Obama administration, she was the assistant secretary for Congressional and Intergovernmental Relations at the Department of Housing and Urban Development.  She currently serves as vice president at the National Partnership for Women & Families and also leads its Economic Justice team, which works on “advancing public policies to achieve economic stability and security, particularly for women of color and other marginalized communities.”  According to Moritsugu’s National Partnership for Women & Families bio, she has also recently been appointed as the vice president of a new Congressional Relations team that aims to “provide an enterprise-wide advocacy strategy across all of the Partnership’s program areas.” Feature Image via National Partnership for Women & Families 78 Baumb, Nelly From:Shannon Rose <shannonrmcentee@gmail.com> Sent:Wednesday, April 21, 2021 4:11 PM To:Raschke, Matt Cc:Council, City; citymanager@cityofpaloalto.org Subject:Public Safety Building Project - safety concern CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on  links.  ________________________________    Dear Matt,    You and I have met in the past at various city meetings.  I’m writing today with concerns about the  contractors/subcontractors that are and will be working for months on Sherman.  This morning as I went by on my  bicycle just before 8 am, I noticed that there were several trucks and one of them had the motor running, but no driver  at the wheel.  The men were standing outside, probably waiting to start work.  I said hello to the men and asked if they  couldn’t please turn off the motors when they aren’t moving — in order to protect the air quality.  I think the company  name is something like Dunhill or Denhull.  He said they would be opening up the asphalt.  You no doubt know the  company.    I am hoping that you and the City staff who are overseeing this project will communicate with all the contractors and  subcontractors and set the expectation that they will not leave trucks and equipment idling.  Of course sometimes  certain motors or coolers or whatever can’t be turned off for one reason or another.  But more often than not, the  drivers and workers are just being careless.  They are creating unnecessary air pollution and noise pollution.  Given the  environmental threats our planet faces, we shouldn’t accept this negligent behavior.    I fear that the only way this will change is through your and your staff’s leadership.  I have thought in the past that this  expectation should be written into our City's contracts — making it clear from the get go that idling motors will not be  tolerated in Palo Alto.    Thank you for considering my request.  I wish you well on this big project.    Sincerely,    Shannon McEntee  410 Sheridan Avenue  Palo Alto, CA 94306  650‐704‐4  1 Baumb, Nelly From:Katerina Peterson <katerinapeterson@yahoo.com> Sent:Monday, April 26, 2021 9:31 PM To:Council, City Subject:I'm Voting to keep Ramona St Closed CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be  cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links.  ________________________________    Palo Alto City Council: I enjoy the safe outdoor experience created with  the closure of Ramona St. Please count my vote to CLOSE Ramona St,  through the summer.    Thank you      Sent from my iPhone  2 Baumb, Nelly From:Benjamin Soukup <bsoukup@perceptivesensing.ai> Sent:Saturday, April 24, 2021 8:53 PM To:Council, City Subject:I'm Voting to keep Ramona St Closed CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be  cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links.  ________________________________    Palo Alto City Council: I enjoy the safe outdoor experience created with  the closure of Ramona St. Please count my vote to CLOSE Ramona St,  through the summer.    Thank you      Sent from my iPhone  3 Baumb, Nelly From:Jorge Guzman <jorge29g.jg@gmail.com> Sent:Saturday, April 24, 2021 8:22 PM To:Council, City Subject:I'm Voting to keep Ramona St Closed CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be  cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links.  ________________________________    Palo Alto City Council: I enjoy the safe outdoor experience created with  the closure of Ramona St. Please count my vote to CLOSE Ramona St,  through the summer.    Thank you      Sent from my iPhone  4 Baumb, Nelly From:Marina A Hernandez <mah2326@columbia.edu> Sent:Saturday, April 24, 2021 7:49 PM To:Council, City Subject:I'm Voting to keep Ramona St Closed CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be  cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links.  ________________________________    Palo Alto City Council: I enjoy the safe outdoor experience created with  the closure of Ramona St. Please count my vote to CLOSE Ramona St,  through the summer.    Thank you  5 Baumb, Nelly From:Tracy Thong <tthong123@gmail.com> Sent:Saturday, April 24, 2021 6:37 PM To:Council, City Subject:I'm Voting to keep Ramona St Closed CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be  cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links.  ________________________________    Palo Alto City Council: I enjoy the safe outdoor experience created with  the closure of Ramona St. Please count my vote to CLOSE Ramona St,  through the summer.    Thank you      Sent from my iPhone  6 Baumb, Nelly From:Israel Desfassiaux <defasio@gmail.com> Sent:Saturday, April 24, 2021 6:21 PM To:Council, City Subject:I'm Voting to keep Ramona St Closed CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be  cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links.  ________________________________    Palo Alto City Council: I enjoy the safe outdoor experience created with  the closure of Ramona St. Please count my vote to CLOSE Ramona St,  through the summer.    Thank you      Sent from my iPhone  7 Baumb, Nelly From:Brian Axe <brian.axe@gmail.com> Sent:Saturday, April 24, 2021 6:15 PM To:Council, City Subject:I'm Voting to keep University Ave Closed CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be  cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links.  ________________________________    Palo Alto City Council: I enjoy safely dining outdoors on University Ave  with the street closed from traffic. Please count my vote for city street  CLOSED through the summer for a safe, socially distanced experience.    Brian Axe  Sent from my iPhone  8 Baumb, Nelly From:Cindy Axe <cindy.axe@icloud.com> Sent:Saturday, April 24, 2021 6:12 PM To:Council, City Subject:I'm Voting to keep University Ave Closed CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be  cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links.  ________________________________    Palo Alto City Council: I enjoy safely dining outdoors on University Ave  with the street closed from traffic. Please count my vote for city street  CLOSED through the summer for a safe, socially distanced experience.      Sent from my iPhone  9 Baumb, Nelly From:sharon gattas <boobali@icloud.com> Sent:Saturday, April 24, 2021 6:05 PM To:Council, City Subject:I'm Voting to keep Ramona St Closed CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be  cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links.  ________________________________    Palo Alto City Council: I enjoy the safe outdoor experience created with  the closure of Ramona St. Please count my vote to CLOSE Ramona St,  through the summer.    Thank you      Sent from my iPhone  10 Baumb, Nelly From:Sabrina Dominguez <binadominguez@icloud.com> Sent:Saturday, April 24, 2021 4:22 PM To:Council, City Subject:I'm Voting to keep Ramona St Closed CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be  cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links.  ________________________________    Palo Alto City Council: I enjoy the safe outdoor experience created with  the closure of Ramona St. Please count my vote to CLOSE Ramona St,  through the summer.    Thank you      Sent from my iPhone  11 Baumb, Nelly From:Alex McComb <ramccomb@vwu.edu> Sent:Saturday, April 24, 2021 2:25 PM To:Council, City Subject:I'm Voting to keep Ramona St Closed CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be  cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links.  ________________________________    Palo Alto City Council: I enjoy the safe outdoor experience created with  the closure of Ramona St. Please count my vote to CLOSE Ramona St,  through the summer.    Thank you  ‐‐      CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This e‐mail is  intended only for the person or entity to which it is addressed and may  contain information that is privileged, confidential or otherwise  protected from disclosure under applicable law. Any use, disclosure,  distribution, or copying of this e‐mail or the information contained  herein by anyone other than the intended recipient is prohibited and  may be a violation of state and/or Federal privacy laws. If you have  received this e‐mail in error, please delete any copies of it from your  computer.  12 Baumb, Nelly From:Juliona Miller <juliona.miller@yahoo.com> Sent:Saturday, April 24, 2021 2:09 PM To:Council, City Subject:I'm Voting to keep Ramona St Closed CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be  cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links.  ________________________________    Palo Alto City Council: I enjoy the safe outdoor experience created with  the closure of Ramona St. Please count my vote to CLOSE Ramona St,  through the summer.    Thank you      Juliona Miller    Merchandising B.B.A  Concentration: International Markets  LIM College: Where Business Meets Fashion Graduated May 2018  Email: juliona.miller@yahoo.com  Phone: (907)444‐2724  13 Baumb, Nelly From:Emilie Kemp <emiliekemp12@gmail.com> Sent:Saturday, April 24, 2021 1:13 PM To:Council, City Subject:I'm Voting to keep Ramona St Closed CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be  cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links.  ________________________________    Palo Alto City Council: I enjoy the safe outdoor experience created with  the closure of Ramona St. Please count my vote to CLOSE Ramona St,  through the summer.    Thank you      Sent from my iPhone  14 Baumb, Nelly From:Sophia Bercow <sophia.bercow@gmail.com> Sent:Saturday, April 24, 2021 1:13 PM To:Council, City Subject:I'm Voting to keep Ramona St Closed CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be  cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links.  ________________________________    Palo Alto City Council: I enjoy the safe outdoor experience created with  the closure of Ramona St. Please count my vote to CLOSE Ramona St,  through the summer.    Thank you      Sent from my iPhone  15 Baumb, Nelly From:Roshie Moghbel <roshiet65@gmail.com> Sent:Friday, April 23, 2021 8:05 PM To:Council, City Subject:I'm Voting to keep University Ave Closed CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be  cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links.  ________________________________    Palo Alto City Council: I enjoy safely dining outdoors on University Ave  with the street closed from traffic. Please count my vote for city street  CLOSED through the summer for a safe, socially distanced experience.      Regards,    Roshie  16 Baumb, Nelly From:Brandon Hill <brandon_hill93@icloud.com> Sent:Friday, April 23, 2021 9:59 PM To:Council, City Subject:Brandon Hill - Voting to keep Ramona St Closed CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be  cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links.  ________________________________    Palo Alto City Council: I enjoy the safe outdoor experience created with  the closure of Ramona St. Please count my vote to CLOSE Ramona St,  through the summer.    Thank you    Brandon Hill    Sent from my iPhone  19 Baumb, Nelly From:Katelyn Bechler <kkbechs@gmail.com> Sent:Friday, April 23, 2021 6:59 PM To:Council, City Subject:I'm Voting to keep Ramona St Closed CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be  cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links.  ________________________________    Palo Alto City Council: I enjoy the safe outdoor experience created with  the closure of Ramona St. Please count my vote to CLOSE Ramona St,  through the summer.    Thank you  20 Baumb, Nelly From:Blake Gentile <gentile.blake@gmail.com> Sent:Friday, April 23, 2021 6:53 PM To:Council, City Subject:I'm Voting to keep Ramona St Closed CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be  cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links.  ________________________________    Palo Alto City Council: I enjoy the safe outdoor experience created with  the closure of Ramona St. Please count my vote to CLOSE Ramona St,  through the summer.    Thank you      Sent from my iPhone  21 Baumb, Nelly From:Samantha Hamlin <samanthahamlin@gmail.com> Sent:Friday, April 23, 2021 6:33 PM To:Council, City Subject:I'm Voting to keep Ramona St Closed CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be  cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links.  ________________________________    Palo Alto City Council: I enjoy the safe outdoor experience created with  the closure of Ramona St. Please count my vote to CLOSE Ramona St,  through the summer.    Thank you      Sent from my iPhone  22 Baumb, Nelly From:tatiana trujillo londoño <tatis-tru@hotmail.com> Sent:Friday, April 23, 2021 6:26 PM To:Council, City Subject:I'm Voting to keep Ramona St Closed CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be  cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links.  ________________________________    Palo Alto City Council: I enjoy the safe outdoor experience created with  the closure of Ramona St. Please count my vote to CLOSE Ramona St,  through the summer.    Thank you      Tatiana Trujillo Londoño    23 Baumb, Nelly From:Klaus Kaasgaard <kkaasgaard@yahoo.com> Sent:Friday, April 23, 2021 5:20 PM To:Council, City Subject:I'm Voting to keep Ramona St Closed CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be  cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links.  ________________________________    Palo Alto City Council: I enjoy the safe outdoor experience created with  the closure of Ramona St. Please count my vote to CLOSE Ramona St,  through the summer.    Thank you      Sent from my iPhone  24 Baumb, Nelly From:Clara <clararozsa@yahoo.com> Sent:Friday, April 23, 2021 3:55 PM To:Council, City Subject:I'm Voting to keep Ramona St Closed CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be  cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links.  ________________________________    Palo Alto City Council: I enjoy the safe outdoor experience created with  the closure of Ramona St. Please count my vote to  CLOSE Ramona St,  through the summer.    Thank you  25 Baumb, Nelly From:Aimee Lucchesi <aimee315@comcast.net> Sent:Friday, April 23, 2021 2:55 PM To:Council, City Subject:I'm Voting to Keep Ramona St Closed CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be  cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links.  ________________________________    Palo Alto City Council: I like dining outdoors and the feeling on Ramona  Street with the half closure, please count my vote for City Streets  CLOSED through the summer for safe, distanced, outdoor dining.      Sent from my iPhone  26 Baumb, Nelly From:Ava Satnick <avasatnick@gmail.com> Sent:Thursday, April 22, 2021 7:24 PM To:Council, City Subject:I'm Voting to keep University Ave Closed CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be  cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links.  ________________________________    Palo Alto City Council: I enjoy safely dining outdoors on University Ave  with the street closed from traffic. Please count my vote for city street  CLOSED through the summer for a safe, socially distanced experience.      Sent from my iPhone  27 Baumb, Nelly From:Brannan Vaughan <brannanvaughan@gmail.com> Sent:Thursday, April 22, 2021 12:49 PM To:Council, City Subject:I'm Voting to keep University Ave Closed CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be  cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links.  ________________________________    Palo Alto City Council: I enjoy safely dining outdoors on University Ave  with the street closed from traffic. Please count my vote for city street  CLOSED through the summer for a safe, socially distanced experience.      Sent from my iPhone  28 Baumb, Nelly From:Bill Aurora <bill.aurora@dermira.com> Sent:Wednesday, April 21, 2021 5:13 PM To:Council, City Subject:I'm Voting to keep Ramona St Closed CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be  cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links.  ________________________________    Palo Alto City Council: I enjoy the safe outdoor experience created with  the closure of Ramona St. Please count my vote to CLOSE Ramona St,  through the summer.    Thank you  ________________________________    CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This email message (including all  attachments) is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may  contain confidential information. Any unauthorized review, use,  disclosure, copying or distribution is strictly prohibited. If you are not  the intended recipient, please contact the sender by reply email and  destroy all copies of the original message.    29 Baumb, Nelly From:Ryan Fantus <ryanfantus@icloud.com> Sent:Wednesday, April 21, 2021 3:18 PM To:Council, City Subject:I'm Voting to keep University Ave Closed CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be  cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links.  ________________________________    Palo Alto City Council: I enjoy safely dining outdoors on University Ave  with the street closed from traffic. Please count my vote for city street  CLOSED through the summer for a safe, socially distanced experience.      Sent from my iPhone  30 Baumb, Nelly From:Vimal Patel <vimal_p_patel@yahoo.com> Sent:Wednesday, April 21, 2021 3:04 PM To:Council, City Subject:I'm Voting to keep University Ave Closed CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be  cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links.  ________________________________    Palo Alto City Council: I enjoy safely dining outdoors on University Ave  with the street closed from traffic. Please count my vote for city street  CLOSED through the summer for a safe, socially distanced experience.      Thanks,  Vimal  31 Baumb, Nelly From:Shannon <s_phleger@yahoo.com> Sent:Wednesday, April 21, 2021 1:15 PM To:Council, City Subject:I'm Voting to keep University Ave Closed CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be  cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links.  ________________________________    Palo Alto City Council: I enjoy safely dining outdoors on University Ave  with the street closed from traffic. Please count my vote for city street  CLOSED through the summer for a safe, socially distanced experience.    Thank you  Shannon Phleger    Sent from my iPhone  32 Baumb, Nelly From:Hellman, Jaime <jlh731@mail.usask.ca> Sent:Wednesday, April 21, 2021 1:15 PM To:Council, City Subject:I'm Voting to keep University Ave Closed CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be  cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links.  ________________________________    Palo Alto City Council: I enjoy safely dining outdoors on University Ave  with the street closed from traffic. Please count my vote for city street  CLOSED through the summer for a safe, socially distanced experience.    Thank you.  Jaime Hellman Jamieson  33 Baumb, Nelly From:Felicidade Moiane <fossati.moiane2@gmail.com> Sent:Wednesday, April 21, 2021 1:01 PM To:Council, City Subject:I'm Voting to keep University Ave Closed CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be  cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links.  ________________________________    Palo Alto City Council: I enjoy safely dining outdoors on University Ave  with the street closed from traffic. Please count my vote for city street  CLOSED through the summer for a safe, socially distanced experience.      Sent from my iPhone  34 Baumb, Nelly From:Felicidade Moiane <fossati.moiane2@gmail.com> Sent:Wednesday, April 21, 2021 12:54 PM To:Council, City Subject:I'm Voting to keep University Ave Closed CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be  cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links.  ________________________________    Palo Alto City Council: I enjoy safely dining outdoors on University Ave  with the street closed from traffic. Please count my vote for city street  CLOSED through the summer for a safe, socially distanced experience.      Sent from my iPhone  35 Baumb, Nelly From:Pankaj Tibrewal <pankajtibrewal@icloud.com> Sent:Wednesday, April 21, 2021 12:23 PM To:Council, City Subject:I'm Voting to keep University Ave Closed CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be  cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links.  ________________________________    Palo Alto City Council: I enjoy safely dining outdoors on University Ave  with the street closed from traffic. Please count my vote for city street  CLOSED through the summer for a safe, socially distanced experience.      Sent from my iPhone  -April 8, 2021 The Honorable Tom DuBois Mayor, City of Palo Alto 250 Hamiliton Avenue Palo Alto, CA 94301 RE: Tax-exempt Bond Financing Dear Mayor DuBois: FIONA MA, CPA TREASURER STATE OF CALIFORNIA . ; · J.. lu!I t.PR 19 AM 12: I+ 5 ! ·I . .'[ ·,; 0r1 If:N -0 :::0 N 0 x,. :x n� :::j-i -<-< c,O ,-n /�:11 :::::: :t> :::,;:r cno al:> .,,r: .,,-,_an· rrin As Chair of the California Health Facilities Financing Authority (CHFFA), I am pleased to inform you that Lucile Packard Children's Hospital at Stanford, whose headquarters is located in your city at 725 Welch Road in Palo Alto, has recently received approval for tax-exempt bond financing in the amount of $442,000,000. As you may be aware, CHFF A provides financial assistance to public and non-profit health care providers in California through loans funded by the issuance of tax-exempt bonds. Tax-exempt bonds provide more favorable financing rates to health care providers than might otherwise be obtained. If you have any questions about the Bond Financing Program, please feel free to contact me or Frank Moore, Executive Director ofCHFFA, at ( 916) 653-2799. FI MA,CPA California State Treasurer 915 Capitol Mall, Suite 110, Sacramento, CA 95814 • PO Box 942809, Sacramento, CA 95814 • (916) 653-2995 • Fax: (916) 653-3125 300 S. Spring Street, Suite 8500, I os Angeles, CA 90013 • (213) 620-4467 • Fax (213) 620-6309 "ww. treasurer.ca.go,·