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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-06-24 City Council EmailsFrom:Anne Draeger To:Council, City Subject:Re: 100th Birthday proclamation/certificate/greetings Date:Monday, June 24, 2024 11:42:32 AM Some people who received this message don't often get email from adraeger@sonic.net. Learn why this isimportant Dear City Council and Mayor, Do you send 100th birthday greetings or proclamations? My mother, Jeanne M. Spaulding, will turn 100 years old on September 9, 2024. She has livedin Palo Alto for 64 years! She has raised us four children here and we attended local schools. She has been a community volunteer, serving as PTA President at Palo Alto High School andHoover Elementary School. She has served on the auxiliary for the Senior Center (now Avenidas), as President and organized the Fabulous Fall Kitchen Tour to fund raise for it. Shehas been a member of the Garden Club of Palo Alto since 1972 and served on the Board and as President. She has volunteered with the Children’s Health Council and PeninsulaVolunteers, Inc. As you can see, she has been an active community member and volunteered for several non- profit organizations. She has enjoyed living in Palo Alto and loves its trees! She always votes! I would like to surprise her with a proclamation from the City of Palo Alto and/or the CityCouncil at her birthday party by reading it aloud. Please contact me, her only daughter, as this will be a surprise. Thank you. Sincerely, Anne Spaulding Draeger adraeger@sonic.net 650-207-8574 27811 Lupine Rd. Los Altos Hills, CA 94022 From:Greg Hood To:Burt, Patrick; Kou, Lydia; %20kou.pacc@gmail.com; Lauing, Ed; Lythcott-Haims, Julie; Stone, Greer; Tanaka,Greg; greg@gregtanaka.org; Veenker, Vicki; Council, City Subject:"No" on rail crossings, "Yes" on HSR Date:Monday, June 24, 2024 9:36:21 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Council - Please take the following to heart. As climate change is the number city's numberone priority, this is an incredible opportunity to take a stand. I welcome your responses. “No” on rail crossings, “Yes” on HSR - For Council Rail crossings as planned are a bad idea because they make the possibility of any future High Speed Rail (HRS), which competes with air travel an impossibility. “If it ever happens” is the comment heard when Council speaks about the HSR, yet it is Council that is in the best position to represent our community by demanding infrastructure that will support the HSR. The HSR and the greater system is important because it directly addresses climate change. How important is this? Well, this Saturday’s Washington Post printed, “In the past seven days alone, billions felt heat with climate change-fueled intensity that broke more than 1,000 temperature records around the globe.” And just yesterday, we heard about the flooding in Iowa, the scorching heat from the central Midwest to the South, and temperatures when combined with humidity indexing well above 100 for most Mid-Atlantic states. And, as of this morning, Monday June 23, 2024, California has 11 State level forest fires/wildfires burning. The current grade crossing / separation plan does not take into account a true High-Speed-Rail system (HSR) or the impacts on Climate Change by not demanding a world class HSR. What is proposed at all levels (State, PCJPB, Caltrain, the City of Palo Alto and Council) is a half baked plan, infused with phrases like, “it can’t”, and “it won’t”. Replace the “it” in these statements with “I”, and you know you’re dealing with someone who has given up before they’ve started. Any HSR in an urban area must be trenched or tunneled. Not trenching the HSR will forcibly limit the speed of this train and guarantee program failure. Why is it even necessary to have a HSR in the first place? Simply put, the single act of having a HSR has the potential to reduce California’s CO2 Greenhouse Gas emissions by 1%, or more. This would be by removing over 20,000,000 annual trips driven between San Francisco and Los Angeles, or 3 million tons of CO2 emissions. This doesn’t include the long distant daily commutes from places in between such as Gilroy. It also sets a precedent for the country. How would an HSR impact Climate Change? Well, if based upon France’s TGV it could reduce CO2 emissions for travel between San Francisco and Los Angeles to as little as 4 pounds of CO2 per passenger from the roughly 166 pounds produced by flying or the 289 pounds by driving. To put this in perspective, 4 pounds of CO2 is about the same as the emissions produced by driving from Midtown to Downtown round trip in an average car. It seems particularly odd that the City of Palo Alto and Council, which espouses greenness, has not embraced this opportunity. But, has instead gone in the opposite direction by creating a grade crossing solution which will create yet another barrier to the HSR system, a system that takes cars off the road and planes out of the sky. Here’s why: Speed - I use France’s TGV as an example again. The TGV travels in most locations at an average speed of 176 mph and has a top operational speed of 200 mph. For a high speed rail system to meet the original 2008 goal of travel between SF and LA in 2 hours and 40 minutes, a train would have to travel at 148 mph for the entire distance of 382 miles, plus time for stops. As currently planned, the HSR will be lucky to have a top speed of 125,dramatically missing its goal of competing with air travel. Being forced to share tracks with Caltrain’s high speedcommuter train, the Baby Bullet, with a top speed of 79 mph is yet another constraint. Sound - As an HSR vehicle increases its speed sound increases. The TGV’s published sound when traveling atspeed is 92dB when 246 feet away from the train. 95dB is a jackhammer at 50 feet. That’s loud! The freight trainthat we now hear will sound like a mouse, and Caltrain’s horns, a welcome whistle. Derailment - If a HSR train traveling at speed on the current grade, God forbid, were to derail, it would wipe out theadjoining neighborhood. It’s just that simple. 4 tracks versus 2 tracks - Part of the current debate is the addition of tracks along the line. From what the public hasbeen told there are a couple of sections where only 2 tracks are possible (including the section near Paly andChurchill). To widen the tracks in these sections, property seizures will be required…that is unless a combination ofa trench and/or tunnel is created. Neither trench nor tunnel are currently under consideration. Funding - There’s the lack of political will to demand that the State and Federal Government provide funding. Whileintrinsically unpopular, but absolutely necessary, a carbon tax or taxes in the form of tolls, registration premiumsand taxes at gas pumps, would both shift commuter/traveler behavior and pay for the system. In 2021 Californian’s consumed 13.82 billion gallons of finished gas. A tax of 7.23 cent / gallon would pay for theentire HSR in a year. Council and the city must lobby the state and federal government. And, if one thinks 7.23 cent tax is unpalatable consider the following: The International Energy Agency (IEA)estimates the cost of capturing CO2 in 2030, when scaled up, to be no less than $230/ metric ton and as much as$630/ metric ton. (https://e360.yale.edu/features/direct-air-capture) At the low end of this scale it will cost $2.04 to capture the carbon produced by one gallon of gas, not inflation adjusted. 7.23 cents per gallon is a cheap solution. Now by trenching/tunneling the tracks, the following goals are immediately achieved: Eminent Domain - No property seizures by eminent domain, “negotiation” or condemnation. Any property where anowner has to give up their right of ownership, compensated or not, to a government body is a seizure. Gridlock - All constraints by the rail line(s) on vehicular, bicycle and pedestrian traffic are removed. Mental Health - When covered, green space can be added and mental health improved. I quote the NIH,“Greenspace can play a pivotal role in population-level mental health.” Public Safety - Public safety concerns associated with long pedestrian tunnels at Seale or Paly are completelyavoided, and the one at California removed. No further discussion required. Inner-City Travel - Travel flow from one section of the city to another will be greatly enhanced instead of limited toa few designated spots, points of traffic congestion. This will strengthen community. Equity - Having an HSR can provide a comparatively low cost form of travel while providing unparalleledconvenience when subsidised by appropriate carbon taxes. Housing & Growth - And, overall city growth would be unimpeded with the possibility of multiple crossings. Addto this some of this new found real estate could be designated for high density housing directly addressing the city’sState required housing element. Climate Change - Most importantly California’s GHG/CO2 emissions could be addressed in a meaningful way. As of today, it appears Council, the city, Caltrain and the Joint Powers Board all seem intent on railroading us into along-term plan that excludes any possibility of an HSR (Caltrain and the PCJPB have already preemptively moved forward with electrification using funds intended for the HSR, but without a real HSR plan). STOP! Council and the city must lead. Demand the tracks be trenched. This plan must include the HSR. Let’s put our money where our mouths are, be green…promote the HSR, trench the tracks. If no trench, then say “NO”, don’t spend another nickel on consultants, and wait for a time when consensus isachieved. The crossings as planned will only create another barrier to creating a true HSR. If the issue can’t beforced from the bottom up, then we will have to wait for it to be forced from the top down - let’s hope it is not toolate and let’s hope it is not Mother Nature doing the forcing. Let’s be strong, and truly GREEN by promoting an idea with real value. Let’s think bigger. Regards, Greg Hood Hood General Contracting, Inc. | IKON Electrice: greg@hoodgc.com c: 650-383-8819CLSB 1058003 B & C-10 From:Charlie Weidanz To:Council, City Subject:Last Day to Register: June Chamber Mixer & Business Networking Event Date:Monday, June 24, 2024 8:00:47 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Palo Alto Chamber Mixer ad We are delighted to invite you to the June Palo Alto Chamber of Commerce Mixer at Buca Di Beppo! There will be food, drinks, engaging discussion, and plenty of networking opportunities with local business professionals! Tuesday, June 25, 2024 5:30 PM – 7 PM Buca Di Beppo 643 Emerson St. Palo Alto, CA 94301 Food & Beverages provided by Buca Di Beppo. We look forward to seeing you there! Members: FREE Non-Members: $25 >Register Online This email was sent on behalf of Palo Alto Chamber of Commerce 355 Alma St Palo Alto, CA 94301.To unsubscribe clickhere. If you have questions or comments concerning this email or services in general, please contact us by email at info@paloaltochamber.com. From:Robert Neff To:UTL-Customer Service; UAC Cc:Council, City Subject:Street light poles look terrible in my neighborhood. What is the schedule for painting them? Date:Sunday, June 23, 2024 10:38:11 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Dear Palo Alto Utilities and Utility Advisory Committee, CC: City Council The street light poles in my neighborhood look terrible. Old, faded paint, rust coming through, looks like they have not been painted in ?? ?? 50 ?? years, maybe longer. Have they been painted since my home was built in 1949? The only better looking exceptions I have observed around South Palo Alto have been onCharleston/Arastradero, where some newly painted street light poles were installed,apparently as part of the street project. Is it as bad where you live? What is the schedule for painting these? Is there any schedule for this? The paint on these poles looks worse than every home in my neighborhood. If there is no schedule, then I advise developing a plan with a reasonable re-painting rate. If I wish to paint the one across the street from me, which paint should I buy? Since undergrounding the utilities here is not happening within my childrens' lifetimes (I am South of Colorado), how about abandoning undergrounding, free up those funds, and get the street lights painted. Thanks for your work or service for our city of Palo Alto, -- -- Robert NeffEmerson Street, 4 houses South of Loma Verderobert@neffs.net From:Robert Neff To:Council, City Subject:Thank you for passing El Camino and Rail Crossing measures. Date:Sunday, June 23, 2024 9:52:19 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. 6/23/2024 Honorable Palo Alto Council Members, Thank you for accepting CalTrans’ proposal for bike lanes on El Camino Real, and thank you for the Ad Hoc committee that collaborated with CalTrans to further improve safety for pedestrians and bicyclists crossing El Camino. The improvements go well beyond the original design effort, and offer an opportunity to transform the way the whole community uses and experiences El Camino. Also, I congratulate you on making progress on Rail Crossings, in determining the choices which will be brought forward for further design in South Palo Alto Thank you for your service to our city of Palo Alto. Robert Neff Emerson near Loma Verde Writing for myself. Member of PABAC, and Palo Alto representative to the VTA BPAC. From:Aram James To:<michael.gennaco@oirgroup.com>; Cindy Chavez; Council, City; Daniel Kottke; Dave Price; DuJuan Green; EdLauing; Enberg, Nicholas; GRP-City Council; Greer Stone; Human Relations Commission; Jeff Moore; JoshBecker; Julie Lythcott-Haims; KEVIN JENSEN; Lewis james; Linda Jolley; Gardener, Liz; O"Neal, Molly; RaymondGoins; Sally Lieber; Sean Allen; Shikada, Ed; Stump, Molly; Supervisor Otto Lee; Supervisor Susan Ellenberg;WILPF Peninsula Palo Alto; Perron, Zachary; chuck jagoda; citycouncil@mountainview.gov; Lee, Craig;cromero@cityofepa.org; dennis burns; district1@bos.sccgov.org; Figueroa, Eric; Tannock, Julie; Foley, Michael Subject:Why Reggie Jackson’s powerful remarks on racism still resonate today Date:Sunday, June 23, 2024 1:30:10 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. I found this on NewsBreak: Why Reggie Jackson's powerful remarks on racism still resonatetoday https://share.newsbreak.com/7fqgd3dn From:Bill Newell To:Aram James Cc:<michael.gennaco@oirgroup.com>; Angie, Palo Alto Renters Association; Cindy Chavez; Council, City; Daniel Kottke; Dave Price; DuJuan Green; Ed Lauing; Edie Keating; Human Relations Commission; Jeff Moore; Jeff Rosen; Joe Simitian; Julie Lythcott-Haims; KEVIN JENSEN; Linda Jolley; Zelkha, Mila; Raymond Goins; Rose Lynn; Salem Ajluni; Sally Lieber; Sean Allen; Shikada, Ed; Supervisor Otto Lee; Supervisor Susan Ellenberg; chuck jagoda; dennis burns Subject:Re: Column: Baseball legend Willie Mays instrumental in California fight against housing discrimination Date:Sunday, June 23, 2024 1:21:53 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Amazing story! Thanks for this news story.....interesting that it comes up in the LA Times but no Bay Area news source!?!? I believe Mays probably helped to support civil rights in his own way withoutconsciously knowing it. with gratitude Bill On Sat, Jun 22, 2024 at 3:34 PM Aram James <abjpd1@gmail.com> wrote:Column: Baseball legend Willie Mays instrumental in California fight against housing discrimination https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2024-06-22/column-baseball-legend-willie-mays- led-charge-against-housing-discrimination From:Loran Harding To:Loran Harding; antonia.tinoco@hsr.ca.gov; alumnipresident@stanford.edu; bballpod; bearwithme1016@att.net;fred beyerlein; Leodies Buchanan; boardmembers; David Balakian; beachrides; Cathy Lewis;cramirez.electriclab133@gmail.com; Council, City; Doug Vagim; dennisbalakian; dallen1212@gmail.com;eappel@stanford.edu; Scott Wilkinson; George.Rutherford@ucsf.edu; Gabriel.Ramirez@fresno.gov;huidentalsanmateo; hennessy; Irv Weissman; Sally Thiessen; Joel Stiner; jerry ruopoli;karkazianjewelers@gmail.com; kfsndesk; Kevin.Nower@bestbuy.com; MY77FJ@gmail.com; margaret-sasaki@live.com; maverickbruno@sbcglobal.net; merazroofinginc@att.net; Mark Standriff; Mayor; nick yovino;news@fresnobee.com; newsdesk; russ@topperjewelers.com; Steve Wayte; terry; tsheehan;vallesR1969@att.net; yicui@stanford.edu Subject:Fwd: Chinese EVs in Australia- Wow! Date:Saturday, June 22, 2024 4:57:26 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. ---------- Forwarded message ---------From: Loran Harding <loran.harding@stanfordalumni.org> Date: Sat, Jun 22, 2024 at 3:56 PMSubject: Fwd: Chinese EVs in Australia- Wow! To: Loran Harding <loran.harding@stanfordalumni.org> Saturday, June 22, 2024 To all, and especially to Mary Barra and Elon Musk: This really surprised me. The Chinese EVs for sale in Australia are running the legacy automakers into the ground! Toyota is miles behind in technology. When did you last hearthat? He says that both the EU and the US have imposed stiff tariffs on Chinese EVs to protect their domestic auto industries. I knew that Biden did that here recently, but I'd heard onlygriping in the EU, including from Ursala von der Leyen, President of the European Commission and a German MD. You can see her gripe in front of the EU Parlament onYouTube. She really gripes, saying the Chinese government is subsidizing the EVs from there. BTW, Chinese EVs are for sale in Europe, but not, so far, in the US. In Europe they are takingsales from Mercedes, BMW and Audi. Volvo is Chinese owned. BYD is shopping among the States of Mexico for the best deal on where to locate their big plant to crank out EVs to be shipped north to the US, thereby getting around the Biden tariff.What will BYD, et. al. do to Ford and GM when they get in here? If their tech is better and their prices are lower, I think I know. Uncle Sam had better get off the stick and work with thedomestic automakers here or see them get crushed. Charity begins at home, they say. BYD plans to take over Australia's auto market - and that's a good thing (youtube.com) Now a further eye-opener: Electric Viking again: He discusses the new, revised BYD Atto3 for sale in Australia. This vid is seven days old, apparently. Price is AUS $44,500 and the long range model with 420 KM range is AUS $47,500. The US- AUS exchange rate today,June 21, 2024 is 1$US= $1.51 AUS. . You can do the conversion. Here it is: AUS $47,500 = US $31,457. I wish he would always say "Australian dollars" if it is. His vids areseen world wide. Maybe he doesn't know how popular they are. NEW 2024 BYD Atto 3 is way cheaper and better than the old model (youtube.com) This bastard would sell well in the USA if BYD made them in Mexico and buyers got the big US tax credit, which should be a "refundable tax credit". US $31,457 less the tax credit.What will happen to Ford and GM (and Tesla) when that happens? Notice that BYD outsold Tesla in China recently. He says in these vids that the legacy auto makers could make cars just as good, but not atthese prices. I recommend yet again that GM, Tesla, et. al. make cars with a tall vertical A pilar and a roof that stays tall all the way back, like a Jeep. The current severely, severely sloping Apillar and the low roof is costing those companies millions of sales to taller people. What are they thinking? See the Chevy Bolt, e.g. What GM's designers did there borders on industrialsabotage. A tallish person can't ride in the back seat. GM's Board should take action there. If I were Mary Barra or Elon Musk, and I know I am neither, I would run ads saying "We are henceforth going to make some vehicles that are easy for tall people to get in and out ofand if that leads to our bankruptcy, then so be it. We are now employing designers who will design those and if we go bankrupt for it, then fine. We are sick of failing". I swear I woulddo that. The coming Tesla van looks like it might be easy for the driver to enter and exit. BTW, a neighbor of mine has a Nissan SUV with a good, pretty vertical A pillar and a tall roof. Nicebend at the top of the A pillar where it joins the roof instead of a severely sloping A pillar that's a PITA to clear. I don't know, yet, what year it is. It has a running board and I asked herif she has to step up on that to get in, and she said no. I looked on-line at Nissan Pathfinders of various model years, and that may be what it is. The B pillar is blacked out and then the Cpillar slopes down and back at an angle. So Nissan here did the A pillar right. Here is an example of the C pillar: 2023 Nissan Pathfinder SL, rear 4.5.23 - Nissan Pathfinder - Wikipedia Here is a good discussion of robotaxis. You see Zoox at 7:00 and at 9:00 here. I've suggested to Elon that Tesla make its robotaxi look something like Zoox. You can't patent ashape that looks like a Kleenex box with wheels. Zoox is a brilliant design. It is owned by Amazon. I would suggest that GM produce, as a robotaxi, a vehicle like the Zoox too. To pintheir robotaxi hopes on the Chevy Bolt is just inexplicable. How long would it take them to produce a Zoox type vehicle? In the 50's, it used to take about three years. I think the fact thatGM and Tesla make cars biases them to making robotaxis from cars, that look like cars. Tesla Robotaxi: What We Know So Far (youtube.com) Here is a one hour, completely autonomous drive in a Zoox from Menlo Park up 280 to San Francisco. They mapped the route first with heavily instrumented Toyotas driven by a humanand then fed that information into the Zoox robotaxi. Compressed to 12 minutes. This is very impressive. Zoox: ~1-Hour Fully Autonomous Freeway Drive from Menlo Park to San Francisco withCommentary (youtube.com) Here is Zoox running in Las Vegas: Robotaxi Zoox's Plan to Take On Las Vegas (youtube.com) Another good look at Zoox: How the Amazon Zoox first robotaxi will work (youtube.com) Zoox on Foster City public roads. It really steps out. Foster City is across the bay from Fremont, where Zoox has its plant down the street from the Tesla plant. Zoox Driverless Shuttle on Foster City Public Roads (youtube.com) Interview with Zoox CEO Aicha Evans. Recent. She mentions the Tesla robotaxi revealcoming August 8, 2024: Zoox CEO: Plans For Commercialization "Soon" (youtube.com) L. William Harding Fresno, Ca. From:Don Nielson To:Council, City Subject:Another Grade Separation Option Date:Saturday, June 22, 2024 12:28:37 AM Attachments:3-Level Grade Crossing Plan.pdf CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Attn: Councilpersons Burt, Lauing, and Kou,In reading today's Weekly, I saw again the difficulties in adopting any grade separation plan for East Meadow and Charleston. Whileyou have probably heard every approach possible, just maybe the one attached is new. The primary goal is for a plan that maintains the direct, non-turningflow of traffic as much as possible, heavy on Alma and lighter on East Meadow and Charleston, although the latter is the heavier. Then toto accommodate the turning traffic with as much dispatch as possible. Doing both leads me to a three-tier solution. That may seem cumbersome but by keeping the heavy traffic where it is now and relegating the lightertraffic to a deep underpass with just a lane in either direction at least minimizes the trenching needed. So, looking at the attached sketch, note that the middle level is a simple rotary that doesn't have to accommodate any through traffic! It's diameter can be of the order of the six lanes Alma already occupies,so the turning radius should be okay. The two lanes of the rotary would make right turns easy and left turns somewhat separated by lanes. The big test of this simple rotary is at morning commute time on Charleston but that can be handled by a longer down ramp coming north along Alma. Having no stop lights should still make it better than now. It was the clumsy notion of a rotary near Mumford that suggestedthis for that makes no sense to me at all given not just space needed for it and the heavy Charleston commute traffic but accommodatingtrucks, trailers, etc. But what about cyclists and pedestrians in this approach? These are almost totally Alma crossing situations. Just guessing it seems likebuilding a cantilevered path along the Charleston and East Meadow up and down ramps or something notched into those walls and through the center support structure is worth looking at. Finally, it seems this approach minimizes property seizing, is much cheaper than any hybrid elevation separation, isn't anyone's eyesore, just might work. Anyway, thank you for looking this over. Would appreciate a brief response, one way or the other. Don Nielson From:Planning Subject:County of Santa Clara Housing Element Update: Revised Draft Now Available Date:Friday, June 21, 2024 5:45:19 PM Attachments:image002.png CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. County of Santa Clara Housing Element Update Dear Stakeholder, You are invited to review the revised County of Santa Clara 2023-2031 Housing Element Update, which is available on the County webpage dedicated to this project. Comments regarding this revised draft are invited from all interested parties and may be addressed to this email account (Planning2@pln.sccgov.org) or to the physical address below: County of Santa Clara Planning Office Attention: Michael Meehan, Principal Planner County Government Center 70 West Hedding, 7th Floor, East Wing, San José CA 95110 Thank you for your continued engagement in the County’s Housing Element. From:Amy Christel To:Council, City; Shikada, Ed; Burt, Patrick; Kou, Lydia; Stone, Greer; Tanaka, Greg; Veenker, Vicki; Lythcott-Haims,Julie; Lauing, Ed Cc:Palo Alto Airport; PAO Planning; Lee A. Christel Subject:LRFSP Misrepresents future traffic growth at PAO Date:Friday, June 21, 2024 5:38:05 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Dear Council Members, City Manager, and Airport Planners, After attending last night’s meeting about the future of PAO, we feel that airport staff and consultants are not being honest with the City, or residents of nearby communities. The presentation sought to justify changes at PAO with outrageous projections for increased traffic in the next twenty years. This growth appears to be aspirational, given the past twenty year record. We refer you to the 2022 Airport Noise Report, Table 1, which does not indicate growth in operations at PAO over the past 20 years. In 2003, there were 212,981 operations, and in 2022, there were 163,620 operations (a decline of 49,361). In the year prior to Covid, 2019, there were only 150,266 operations. Why is it reasonable to assume that PAO traffic is about to boom and overwhelm the airport? Even the PAO 2003 infrastructure accommodated over 200,000 operations a year. It seems that the LRFSP anticipates growth in traffic that will only come after lengthening the runway and adding airport facilities to support PC12 taxi services for the wealthy. This is not being honest with the public. The Airport and FAA seek to promote growth, not accommodate it. The plans for PAO's future identify the PC12 aircraft as a “critical aircraft”. When questioned about this designation for the PC12, (which is currently not "safe" to land at PAO), staff said that to obtain that designation, the FAA only requires that there be 500 operations of that "critical aircraft" in the past year. But staff will use those operations (a fraction of the 160,000 total) to justify building more runway!? Really, the PC12 is a "must have"? Clearly, staff and air taxi businesses want that aircraft and other larger executive/business planes to be the future of PAO. But do the residents of Palo Alto, East Palo Alto, and east Menlo Park want it and do they have a say? Please, consider the facts; the PC12 carries nine passengers (the darling of Surf Air) and this noisy turbo prop is not consistent with Palo Alto’s stated goal to be sensitive to the Baylands environment, or surrounding residential communities. It is obnoxiously loud. It will take off over East Palo Alto residents and come back to PAO low over Palo Alto homes and schools. It dwarfs the typical hobby pilot piston- engine planes, both in the shadow it casts and the noise profile. Furthermore, the PC12 and any other larger planes should not be part of any sustainability plan, because flying is inherently unsustainable, and we should do less of it--not more. Please, we ask for an alternative plan for PAO that does not grow traffic, aircraft size, paved surfaces, and buildings. Instead just fix what exists, as needed, and use it for those Life Flights, which we all accept. Add solar for electricity if that makes you feel good. But do it with Airport Funds, philanthropic and pilot donations, not FAA grants! Sincerely, Amy and Lee Christel Midtown Palo Alto From:a hamilton To:Council, City Subject:Bills, Philz building updates? Date:Friday, June 21, 2024 12:29:57 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. Hi — Last I heard work started to stabilize the Bills/Philz building in Midtown. Can you tellus if anything has happened since then? Thanks! (https://www.paloaltoonline.com/fire- wildfire/2024/01/23/construction-to-begin-at-midtown-complex-after-fire/) From:Charlie Weidanz To:Council, City Subject:Last Few Days to Get 10% Off - LoCal Libations: Celebrate LOcal CALifornia with wine, music, & friends in the heart of Palo Alto! Date:Friday, June 21, 2024 12:06:45 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Local Libations - Buy Your Tickets Today & Save 10% ad Join us for a very special wine-tasting event on California Ave on Thursday, July 18 at 6pm. Let LoCal Libations make this an unforgettable summer night as we present an event overflowing with expertly selected wines paired with the sounds of live bands, one-of- a-kind shopping, and award-winning dining in a fun and relaxed atmosphere. Enjoy tasting the best of small-production red and white wines from 11 Boutique Santa Cruz Mountain Wineries at locations outside participating businesses on Cal Ave, as you stroll with friends along the car-free street. >>Tickets are on sale now! Buy single and group tickets ($45-$55) through Eventbrite. ***Save 10% this week! Use code 3rdThursday10 at checkout.*** (Valid until midnight on 6/22) >Reserve Now For more information, visit 3rdthursday.fun. This email was sent on behalf of Palo Alto Chamber of Commerce 355 Alma St Palo Alto, CA 94301.To unsubscribe clickhere. If you have questions or comments concerning this email or services in general, please contact us by email atinfo@paloaltochamber.com. This email was sent on behalf of Palo Alto Chamber of Commerce 355 Alma St Palo Alto, CA 94301.To unsubscribe clickhere. If you have questions or comments concerning this email or services in general, please contact us by email atinfo@paloaltochamber.com. From:gel@theconnection.com To:Council, City Subject:Decision On Churchill Grade Crossing Date:Friday, June 21, 2024 12:06:11 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Hello City Council, I may have missed it, but have you made a decision on the next step for Churchill grade crossing, if not when will this be made? Thank you, Gary Lindgren 585 Lincoln Ave. Palo Alto CA 94301 650-326-0655 Check Out Latest Seismometer Reading I hear and I forget. I see and I remember. I do and I understand. Chinese proverb Be Like Costco…do something in a different way Don’t trust Atoms…they make up everything Fortune Favors The Brave A part of good science is to see what everyone else can see but think what no one else has ever said. The difference between being very smart and very foolish is often very small. So many problems occur when people fail to be obedient when they are supposed to be obedient, and fail to be creative when they are supposed to be creative. The secret to doing good research is always to be a little underemployed. You waste years by not being able to waste hours. It is sometimes easier to make the world a better place than to prove you have made the world a better place. Amos Tversky From:Charlie Weidanz To:Council, City Subject:Please Join Us - June Chamber Mixer & Business Networking Event Date:Friday, June 21, 2024 12:01:12 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Palo Alto Chamber Mixer ad We are delighted to invite you to the June Palo Alto Chamber of Commerce Mixer at Buca Di Beppo! There will be food, drinks, engaging discussion, and plenty of networking opportunities with local business professionals! Tuesday, June 25, 2024 5:30 PM – 7 PM Buca Di Beppo 643 Emerson St. Palo Alto, CA 94301 Food & Beverages provided by Buca Di Beppo. We look forward to seeing you there! Members: FREE Non-Members: $25 >Register Online This email was sent on behalf of Palo Alto Chamber of Commerce 355 Alma St Palo Alto, CA 94301.To unsubscribe clickhere. If you have questions or comments concerning this email or services in general, please contact us by email at info@paloaltochamber.com. This email was sent on behalf of Palo Alto Chamber of Commerce 355 Alma St Palo Alto, CA 94301.To unsubscribe clickhere. If you have questions or comments concerning this email or services in general, please contact us by email atinfo@paloaltochamber.com. From:Gail Thompson To:Council, City Subject:Summer Heat Date:Friday, June 21, 2024 11:37:23 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Currently we have some of the best weather in the US and that includes manageable cooler evenings when the days are hot. My question is: If we experience extreme heat days that last into the evening and night hours will their be cooling shelters available for unhoused people within Palo Alto? Is there a plan in place? I do support being proactive in case the need arises. Please respond. Gail Thompson RN From:Uzma Minhas To:Council, City Subject:[Special Invitation] A Solidarity Celebration: Juneteeth and Eid Date:Friday, June 21, 2024 8:57:23 AM Attachments:Juneteenth.Eid.Final (1).png CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Dear Council Members, I'm honored to invite you and your families to a fun family friendly event supported by a few of our local council and HRC members. The HRC also voted last night to unanimouslysupport this exciting intersectional event! Please see the flyer below. You can RSVP here, https://forms.gle/hLguGdjTnShuNFR58. Feel free to reach out to me with any questions. Looking forward to honoring these twoimportant holidays and building community! Best, Uzma From:Joyce To:Council, City Subject:No fire truck for Mitchell Park!!!!!!! Date:Thursday, June 20, 2024 6:14:36 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Dear friends and neighbors who generously give your time and talents to serve us all as City Council Members: First of all, thanks for all you do for the City. As the wife of a former City Council Member, I do have some idea of all the blood sweat and tears the job requires, and I am grateful. And!! I am totally horrified that we will not have a fire truck at Mitchell Park. Yes I understand the expense involved. But other areas of town do have firetrucks, and the expense there is just as great. Why have we been denied adequate fire protection? Especially considering that you have decided that over the next few years thousands of new residents will be pouring into our part of the city!! I live in an Eichler. It is made of wood. I look at the new housing being constructed on West Bayshore in our area, and it is being built with some kind of wood composite. I expect the houses to go up on Fabian Way and that general neighborhood will be constructed similarly. And will will have no fire truck nearby? If you ask me (which I wish you would!), we should be getting an extra fire truck, not having none at all. Can you please, please reconsider this ill-advised decision? What good will a beautiful new firehouse be to us when our homes are burning? Thank you for you attention to my very deep concern. Joyce Schmid Palo Alto 94303 From:City Mgr To:Council, City Cc:Executive Leadership Team; ORG - Clerk"s Office Subject:City.Council Bundle: June 20 Date:Thursday, June 20, 2024 5:29:40 PM Attachments:FW Outreach Problems Where was the advanced notice about 24 hours notice.msgFW RE Mitchell Park Camping.msgRE REQUEST invitations to city meetingsupdates for Cal Ave.msgRE Errors with the Duncan Solutions Website.msgFW City of Palo Alto Please stop threatening your citizens.msgimage001.pngimage002.pngimage003.pngimage004.pngimage006.pngimage007.pngimage008.png Dear Mayor and Council Members, On behalf of City Manager Ed Shikada, please see the attached staff responses to emails received in the City.Council inbox through June 20. Thank you, Joanna Joanna Tran Executive Assistant to the City Manager Office of the City Manager (650) 329-2105 | joanna.tran@cityofpaloalto.org www.cityofpaloalto.org From:Lawrence Garwin To:Council, City Subject:Transportation Issues Date:Thursday, June 20, 2024 2:45:14 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. Honorable Palo Alto City Council Members, Thank you for working with Caltrans to craft a safer bike lane solution for El Camino Real. And then to support it as a council. I believe lives will be improved and saved as a result. I’d like to register my support for employing the hybrid railway grade separation solution employed north of us on the Peninsula for all our crossings in Palo Alto. I do not understand why Council did not support further consideration of this most convenient and least expensive of solutions for the Churchill crossing at a recent meeting. Sending cyclists half way from Churchill to (the tunnel at) California Avenue to a new tunnel at Seale doesn’t make much sense to me. Incidentally, neither does taking property to speed traffic and avoid traffic lights with a roundabout at the crossing in South Palo Alto. If noise is perceived as an issue with the hybrid approach, short sound walls reflecting the wheel noise upwards would mitigate the problem, as the electric trains don’t have the engine locomotive noise that we’re used to. Please, someone (perhaps Member Burt or Lauing, as I understand you’re both on the Rail Committee) explain to me how this decision was made and why the Council perceives the non-hybrid solutions to be superior, particularly at Churchill. Thank you for your ongoing dedication to improving life in Palo Alto, hopefully preferentially considering the least expensive and quickest to implement solutions. Lawrence Garwin Palo Alto From:Charlie Weidanz To:Council, City Subject:Get 10% Off! - LoCal Libations: Celebrate LOcal CALifornia with wine, music, & friends in the heart of Palo Alto! Date:Thursday, June 20, 2024 10:03:16 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Local Libations - Buy Your Tickets Today & Save 10% ad Join us for a very special wine-tasting event on California Ave on Thursday, July 18 at 6pm. Let LoCal Libations make this an unforgettable summer night as we present an event overflowing with expertly selected wines paired with the sounds of live bands, one-of- a-kind shopping, and award-winning dining in a fun and relaxed atmosphere. Enjoy tasting the best of small-production red and white wines from 11 Boutique Santa Cruz Mountain Wineries at locations outside participating businesses on Cal Ave, as you stroll with friends along the car-free street. >>Tickets are on sale now! Buy single and group tickets ($45-$55) through Eventbrite. ***Save 10% this week! Use code 3rdThursday10 at checkout.*** (Valid until midnight on 6/22) >Reserve Now For more information, visit 3rdthursday.fun. This email was sent on behalf of Palo Alto Chamber of Commerce 355 Alma St Palo Alto, CA 94301.To unsubscribe clickhere. If you have questions or comments concerning this email or services in general, please contact us by email at info@paloaltochamber.com. From:Lauing, Ed To:Lara Anthony; Council, City Cc:Melissa Oliveira; Keri Wagner Subject:RE: THANK YOU Date:Thursday, June 20, 2024 10:02:52 AM Attachments:image002.png Lara, Thanks to your group for being vocal and precise on this issue. As you saw we are trying to get CalTrans to cooperate on even more signal lights with No Right Turn on Red. And overall, thanks for your work keeping our kids safe on the streets. Ed Lauing Vice Mayor (650) 329-2571 Ed.lauing@cityofpaloalto.org www.cityofpaloalto.org From: Lara Anthony <lara.anthony@gmail.com> Sent: Wednesday, June 19, 2024 4:38 PM To: Council, City <city.council@cityofpaloalto.org> Cc: Melissa Oliveira <melissa.gibson@gmail.com>; Keri Wagner <president@paloaltopta.org> Subject: THANK YOU CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Dear Mayor Stone, Vice Mayor Lauing, and Honorable City Council Members, THANK YOU for supporting the No Right Turn on Red restrictions recommended by City staff in connection with the El Camino Real bikeways project. The additional No Right Turn on Red restrictions, together with the ECR safety enhancements you and City staff worked so hard to negotiate, will make an enormous impact on safety in our community and especially for our children who cross ECR to get to school daily. On behalf of PTAC and the many families who have been following this project, as well as the innumerable families who will benefit from it, THANK YOU. We are SO grateful for your service to our community and your prioritization of our children's safety. Best regards, Lara Anthony & Melissa Oliveira PTAC Safe Routes to School Chairs From:Loran Harding To:Loran Harding; antonia.tinoco@hsr.ca.gov; alumnipresident@stanford.edu; boardmembers; bballpod;bearwithme1016@att.net; fred beyerlein; Leodies Buchanan; David Balakian; Cathy Lewis; Council, City;cramirez.electriclab133@gmail.com; Doug Vagim; dennisbalakian; dallen1212@gmail.com; eappel@stanford.edu;Scott Wilkinson; George.Rutherford@ucsf.edu; Gabriel.Ramirez@fresno.gov; huidentalsanmateo; hennessy; IrvWeissman; Sally Thiessen; Joel Stiner; jerry ruopoli; karkazianjewelers@gmail.com; kfsndesk;Kevin.Nower@bestbuy.com; MY77FJ@gmail.com; margaret-sasaki@live.com; maverickbruno@sbcglobal.net;merazroofinginc@att.net; Mark Standriff; Mayor; nick yovino; news@fresnobee.com; newsdesk;russ@topperjewelers.com; Steve Wayte; terry; tsheehan; vallesR1969@att.net; yicui@stanford.edu; beachrides Subject:Fwd: Nvidia"s 2024 AI Event Recap Date:Wednesday, June 19, 2024 11:14:36 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. ---------- Forwarded message ---------From: Loran Harding <loran.harding@stanfordalumni.org> Date: Wed, Jun 19, 2024 at 10:57 PMSubject: Fwd: Nvidia's 2024 AI Event Recap To: Loran Harding <loran.harding@stanfordalumni.org> Wednesday, June 19, 2024 To all- Good Nvidia recap: Nvidia's 2024 AI Event Recap: Biggest Highlights & Surprises! | Dream Factory AI (youtube.com) Re Tesla, here are three new Tesla's for 2025, this vid postulates: Finally Happened! Elon Musk Review REAL 3-New 2025 Tesla Models, LeavesAudience Speechless! (youtube.com) Here is more re the three new Tesla models for 2025 or 2026. When he says the tax credit will lower the price of the affordable car from $27,000 to $22,000, that would only be if youowed enough tax to benefit from the tax credit. Solution, the Feds should make that a "refundable tax credit" so a buyer gets the full benefit even if he does not owe enough tax forthe credit to absorb. Tesla is about to reveal 3 NEW Electric cars - this is what they are... (youtube.com) Cybercab update: This says Elon wants it to have no steering wheel or pedals. But then they say here that it cannot be used in that configuration until FSD is truly perfected. BUTwhat about Zoox? It has no steering wheel or pedals and it can be used safely, they think, in a city as long as big, heavily instrumented Toyotas, in their case, are constantly mapping the cityand uploading the results into the Zoox robotaxis. Why couldn't the Tesla robotaxi do the same thing? Keep it within the city - called geofenced - and constantly map the city with heavily instrumented vehicles driven by humans. Upload the results often into the Teslarobotaxi- hourly, daily?. If Zoox can do it, so can Tesla. The Tesla CYBERCAB 2024 Update Is Here! (youtube.com) L. William Harding Fresno, Ca. From:Patricia Judge Tamrazi To:Shikada, Ed; Council, City; Fire Cc:City Mgr; Batchelor, Dean; Burt, Patrick; Kou, Lydia; Lauing, Ed; Lythcott-Haims, Julie; Stone, Greer; Tanaka, Greg;Veenker, Vicki; Clerk, City Subject:Re: Plea to PROPERLY fix issues causing brownouts Date:Wednesday, June 19, 2024 8:05:52 PM Attachments:image003.pngimage010.png image001.pngimage004.pngimage005.png CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious ofopening attachments and clicking on links. Dear Mr. Shikada, Following up again, since none of my HEALTH AND SAFETY ISSUES related to Utilitieshave been addressed and also since I have not heard back from you after my emails to you belowon June 3, June 4, June 6, or June 10. Today is June 19. At the prompting of another Palo Alto resident, this week, I reached out to the Electric Safetyand Reliability Branch (ESRB) of the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) with myHEALTH AND SAFETY concerns. I had previously called the CPUC in February, right beforeI reached out to you for help, as I was put in the very odd position of having CPAU employeestell me to "advocate" for myself for a better than "Band-aid fix. The CPUC told me to appeal toCity Hall - which I have done. Now that the City has agreed that there is a LOOSE NEUTRALwhich has not been fixed and as far as I know is not being fixed, I thought it couldn't hurt toreach out again. The ESRB agreed this is worrying, but told me that they cannot do an auditunless the City allows them to. Given these HEALTH AND SAFETY CONCERNS, will youallow the audit? The ESRB suggested that I reach out to the Fire Department regarding the LOOSENEUTRAL that you have known about since at least March (I believe February) and thatis still not fixed. As you know, I already did reach out to the Fire Department about this back inFebruary and you, Mr. Shikada, told them to let Head of Utilities Batchelor deal with me. I didlater speak to Fire Marshal Tami Jasso, and she said the Fire Department is always here for mein case of an emergency. I'm sending this email to fire@cityofpaloalto.org as well - maybe, asthe ESRB suggested, the Fire Department will prompt Utilities to fix the LOOSE NEUTRAL. Not responding properly to emergency calls (e.g., flickering lights) I imagine is also of concernto the Fire Department. Once again, here are the overarching HEALTH AND SAFETY ISSUES /SOLUTIONS which need to be addressed: 1. Emergency line and customer service not properly staffed / trained (lack knowledge todo their jobs; Dean Batchelor, in February, and Tomm Marshall, in April, both agreedwith me on the phone that this is a real issue) - training and oversight needed.2. Employees not empowered to diagnose and fix problems when identified - boots onthe ground should be empowered, not supervisors who do not understand problems (thisis per CPAU's own employees). 3. CPAU maintenance standards fall below PG&E's / industry standards (this is perCPAU's own employees and contractors - includes negligence regarding tree trimming and infrastructure mapping). 4. Contractors must abide by the City's own stated steps of performance - training andoversight needed. (This is the dirty water / water meter swap case.) Could you please let me know what actions are being taken to address these issues? Especially urgent are KNOWN FIRE RISKS not being fixed. Thank you, Trish Tamrazi650-208-4802 On Mon, Jun 10, 2024 at 12:50 PM Patricia Judge Tamrazi <patricia.judge@gmail.com> wrote:Dear Mr. Shikada, Following up again because I have not heard back from you yet regarding any of the manyHEALTH AND SAFETY ISSUES caused by Utilities (a growing list, as I speak to moreCPAU employees and contractors). 1. Will you commit to PAYING FOR DAMAGE done to my house by Utilities' welldocumented gross negligence? 2. When will the KNOWN LOOSE NEUTRAL be fixed? Aside from being inappropriate and puzzling in intent, the distinction you were trying todraw regarding the article I sent to you previously in your email last Monday is incorrect. You commented, "The article you attached refers to neutral issues in buildings, which isdistinct from the utility’s side." Did you read the article? The article specifically discussesloose neutrals on the UTILITY SIDE and states that (1) they need to be fixed, (2) theyare a safety risk (fire hazard, shock risk), and (3) they will damage electronics connectedto them. Here is a YouTube video of a lineman IN THE DARK locating and fixing a loose neutral, inresponse to a customer calling in flickering lights in their home. This illustrates that looseneutrals are fixed on an emergency basis by utilities - that is industry standard. ByCPAU's own admission, the loose neutral was discovered at least in March (I believeFebruary) and still not fixed (it's now June). It's been at least 3 months and not fixed. The video also has technical information regarding how to find the source of the bad neutral,which seems like it would be helpful to your Utilities Department. It is not acceptable to just leave the loose neutral. It needs to be fixed. (I cannot believe Ieven have to say that.) Trish Tamrazi650-208-4802 On Thu, Jun 6, 2024 at 10:13 AM Patricia Judge Tamrazi <patricia.judge@gmail.com> wrote:Dear Mr. Shikada, I am relieved to see that there are contractors inspecting the power poles in myneighborhood today. The tree trimmers told me that the trees were very overgrown as compared to when they trimtrees for PG&E - this is in line with what CPAU employees have told me: that CPAUmaintenance standards fall below PG&E maintenance standards. Would it be a goodidea to call Davey Tree Service and get on the same schedule as PG&E? Now that the trees are trimmed, will CPAU be able to find and fix the loose neutral in myneighborhood, that was first discovered at least in March (and, in talking with CPAUlinemen, I believe February)? I have been told that this is a very dangerous condition thatshould be a priority to fix. What is being done to improve maintenance, so that it is in line with industry safetystandards? Thank you, Trish Tamrazi650-208-4802 On Tue, Jun 4, 2024 at 1:56 PM Patricia Judge Tamrazi <patricia.judge@gmail.com> wrote:Dear Mr. Shikada, I was relieved to see crews trimming the trees around the overhead electrical wires today,as that has been a concern first flagged to me by a lineman in February (almost 4 monthsago). I look forward to your answers to the other outstanding concerns. Trish Tamrazi On Mon, Jun 3, 2024 at 2:38 PM Patricia Judge Tamrazi <patricia.judge@gmail.com>wrote:Dear Mr. Shikada, My answers and questions in response to you are below in RED, ALL CAPS. I am copying the City Council, so that they can be kept in the loop. I know that youhave told multiple of them, many times, that my issues have been taken care of - I havealso seen you write that in an email. That is totally untrue, as now supported by the"Loose Neutral" graph showing a significant safety issue identified at least in March (Ibelieve February) and JUST LEFT (highly negligent). And the loose wire still remainsto this day! I am simply asking for SAFE AND RELIABLE POWER (and clean water) to my houseand the houses in my neighborhood. This is the bare minimum that a utility shouldprovide - and CPAU is not doing it. No resident should ever have to push this hard. Please also could you provide an update on your progress on the overarching HEALTHAND SAFETY ISSUES / SOLUTIONS, listed in my previous email, which have been flagged repeatedly for many months now? I look forward to answers to my questions below in response to your email, as well. Thank you, Trish Tamrazi650-208-4802 On Mon, Jun 3, 2024 at 1:48 PM Shikada, Ed <Ed.Shikada@cityofpaloalto.org> wrote: Hello Ms. Tamrazi, Following up on your most recent message below, I’d like to confirm a few items: 1. Staff has offered to coordinate an independent electrician review conditionsinside your home. I understand that they are awaiting your confirmation toproceed. I CONSULTED MULTIPLE ELECTRICIANS TO CONFIRM THATTHERE WERE NO ELECTRICAL ISSUES INSIDE OF MY NEWLY-REWIRED HOUSE, WHEN CPAU DENIED FOR WEEKS THAT MYSEVERE FLICKERING LIGHTS HAD ANYTHING TO DO WITH POORPOWER SUPPLY TO MY HOUSE, EVEN AFTER MY NEIGHBORSCALLED INTO THE EMERGENCY LINE FOR THE SAME ELECTRICALISSUES AND WERE BLOWN OFF. THEN IT WAS REVEALED THATCPAU HAS NOT PROVIDED SAFE OR RELIABLE POWER TO MYHOUSE, AS DATA HAS REVEALED (1) SEVERE BROWNOUTS AND (2)VOLTAGE SWINGS FROM A LOOSE NEUTRAL - BOTH OF WHICH AREKNOWN TO DAMAGE FIXTURES AND ELECTRONICS. PLEASE,COULD YOU CONFIRM THAT FIXES / REPLACEMENT COSTS FORANY DAMAGE FOUND INSIDE MY HOUSE WILL BE PAID FOR BYTHE CITY OF PALO ALTO AND/OR CPAU?2. Staff is reviewing the neutral issue, with the understanding that this does notpose a risk to your home. The article you attached refers to neutral issues inbuildings, which is distinct from the utility’s side. A loose wire connection onthe utility line might be involved, so staff is troubleshooting. In the meanwhile,they have rerouted your electric supply to avoid the suspectedconnection. THIS ABSOLUTELY POSES A RISK TO MY HOME, AS ITPOSES A RISK TO MY NEIGHBORS. TO KNOW OF A LOOSE WIREAND JUST LEAVE IT IS HIGHLY NEGLIGENT. THE ARTICLE IATTACHED WAS FOR THOSE RECEIVING THE EMAIL WHO MAY NOTBE WELL-VERSED IN ELECTRICITY, SO THEY CAN UNDERSTANDTHE RISKS OF A LOOSE NEUTRAL. ANYONE INVOLVED WITHUTILITIES KNOWS THAT A LOOSE WIRE ON THE UTILITY'S SIDE ISALSO DAMAGING AND DANGEROUS, SO I WILL GIVE YOU THEBENEFIT OF THE DOUBT ON WHATEVER DISTINCTION YOU ARETRYING TO DRAW WITH YOUR STATEMENTS HERE AND NOTCOMMENT FURTHER. 3. In response to your new request, staff is reviewing tree clearance in thearea. WHEN WILL THE TREES BE TRIMMED? I WAS TOLD BY YOUROWN EMPLOYEES THAT IT IS OVERDUE. PLEASE DO NOT CHARACTERIZE THIS AS *MY* NEW REQUEST - IT IS YOUR OWNEMPLOYEES' OLD REQUEST, WHICH THEY CHARACTERIZED TO MEAS AN EMERGENCY AND WHICH SEEMS TO HAVE BEEN IGNORED,AS THEY WERE IGNORED WHEN TRYING TO FIX MY POOR POWERSUPPLY ISSUES BACK IN FEBRUARY WHEN FIRST IDENTIFIED. Sincerely, --Ed Ed Shikada, City Manager ICMA Credentialed Manager (650) 329-2280 | ed.shikada@cityofpaloalto.org www.cityofpaloalto.org From: Patricia Judge Tamrazi <patricia.judge@gmail.com> Sent: Friday, May 31, 2024 8:10 AMTo: Shikada, Ed <Ed.Shikada@CityofPaloAlto.org>Cc: Batchelor, Dean <Dean.Batchelor@CityofPaloAlto.org>; City Mgr<CityMgr@cityofpaloalto.org>; Stump, Molly <Molly.Stump@CityofPaloAlto.org>;Burt, Patrick <Pat.Burt@CityofPaloAlto.org>; Kou, Lydia<Lydia.Kou@CityofPaloAlto.org>; Lauing, Ed <Ed.Lauing@CityofPaloAlto.org>;Lythcott-Haims, Julie <Julie.LythcottHaims@CityofPaloAlto.org>; Stone, Greer<Greer.Stone@CityofPaloAlto.org>; Tanaka, Greg<Greg.Tanaka@CityofPaloAlto.org>; Veenker, Vicki<Vicki.Veenker@CityofPaloAlto.org>; Clerk, City <city.clerk@cityofpaloalto.org>Subject: Re: Plea to PROPERLY fix issues causing brownouts CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Becautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. Dear Mr. Shikada, I guess you are responsible for addressing CPAU's negligence, until a majority of theCity Council decides to address it. When will the loose neutral in my neighborhood be fixed? For those not familiarwith this being an EMERGENCY: https://www.luminsmart.com/blog/the-dangers-of-floating-neutral-2262 When will the overgrown trees in my neighborhood be trimmed, so they do notinterfere with overhead electrical wires? The City employee I spoke with last weeksaid he was VERY WORRIED and that he was suggesting to management this bedone directly after the Memorial Day holiday (i.e., this week - he saw it as anemergency). A lineman told me back in February (almost 4 months ago) that he wasalso VERY WORRIED, but nothing has been done. Overarching are the following HEALTH AND SAFETY ISSUES / SOLUTIONS: 1. Emergency line and customer service not properly staffed / trained(lack knowledge to do their jobs; Dean Batchelor, in February, and TommMarshall, in April, both agreed with me on the phone that this is a real issue)- training and oversight needed. 2. Employees not empowered to diagnose and fix problems whenidentified - boots on the ground should be empowered, not supervisors whodo not understand problems (this is per CPAU's own employees). 3. CPAU maintenance standards fall below PG&E's / industry standards(this is per CPAU's own employees - see loose neutral and overgrown treeissues above). 4. Contractors must abide by the City's own stated steps of performance -training and oversight needed. (This is the dirty water / water meter swaplawsuit.) What actions are being taken to address these issues? Especially urgent areKNOWN FIRE RISKS not being fixed. Thank you, Trish Tamrazi 3409 Greer Rd. 650-208-4802 On Tue, May 28, 2024 at 6:27 PM Patricia Judge Tamrazi<patricia.judge@gmail.com> wrote: Dear City Council, in your capacity as regulator of the Utility, On May 16, a City engineer sent the chart below to me, showing that a LOOSENEUTRAL was discovered in my neighborhood in MARCH and NOT FIXED. This is a very well known FIRE RISK. It will blow out appliances and make lightsflicker. This is HIGHLY negligent to know of a LOOSE NEUTRAL and just LEAVEIT. (I believe this dates back to February and is why a lineman came to my door as awhistleblower and also why dispatch called me to go plead my case for a "properfix" - I believe Utiltiies' "Band-aid fix" was that egregious. Leaving a loose neutralwould be it.) Compounding this is the fact that there is 1 fire truck for all of South Palo Alto. Is that really accurate, as reported? It's unbelievable - but so is leaving a looseneutral unaddressed! Utiltiies turned off power to "investigate" the loose neutral last Thursday (May 23). I directly asked on Friday (May 24) and got a roundabout answer (a non-answerreally) today (May 28), suggesting to me that the LOOSE NEUTRAL has NOTBEEN FIXED. My conversations with the linemen on Thursday were concerning. Do you have anexperienced crew that can be sent out here? Maybe can you consult withPG&E? The engineer with whom I have been corresponding has "EIT" after his name in hisemail signature. Does that mean "Engineer in Training"? Is there someone moreexperienced who can head this and get it fixed? As a reminder, my electrical problems (which a loose neutral would cause) werefirst reported to CPAU on January 24. It is now May 28. It has been 125 days,and my issues are unresolved. In addition, 2 City employees now have told me that they are worried aboutovergrown trees crowding the overhead lines (1 in February and 1 last week). Again, this is highly negligent and a well known FIRE RISK. Since there is only 1fire engine down here - even more reason to address any known fire risks! Overarching are the following HEALTH AND SAFETY ISSUES /SOLUTIONS: 1. Emergency line and customer service not properly staffed / trained(lack knoweldge to do their jobs; Dean Batchelor, in February, and TommMarshall, in April, both agreed with me on the phone that this is a realissue) - training and oversight needed. 2. Employees not empowered to diagnose and fix problems whenidentified - boots on the ground should be empowered, not supervisorswho do not understand problems (this is per CPAU's own employees). 3. CPAU maintenance standards fall below PG&E's / industrystandards (this is per CPAU's own employees). 4. Contractors must abide by the City's own stated steps ofperformance - training and oversight needed. (This is the dirty water /water meter swap case.) Could you please let me know what actions are being taken to address theseissues? Especially urgent are KNOWN FIRE RISKS not being fixed. Thank you, Trish Tamrazi 3409 Greer Rd. 650-208-4802 On Wed, May 15, 2024 at 9:15 AM Patricia Judge Tamrazi<patricia.judge@gmail.com> wrote: Dear City Council, My lights continue to FLICKER here at 3409 Greer Rd. I have called commercial electricians to see about installing something to regulatethe power coming into my house - estimates are $30,000 to do so. Is thissomething the City will pay for, since Utilities is unable to provide safe andreliable power to my house? My flickering lights were first reported to CPAU on January 24, I first wrote toyou on February 9 - today is May 15. As you know, I have tried pretty mucheverything to get this taken seriously and fixed. No success. Tomm Marshall has acknowledged this is an issue on CPAU's side, but it has notbeen fixed. He said that a "neutral issue" was discovered when my house wasconnected to the NEW transformer, so (rather than fixing it), they put myhouse on the OLD transformer nearby. Flickering continues. Please let me know, will you pay for the regulator to be put on my house? Thank you, Trish Tamrazi 650-208-4802 On Mon, Apr 1, 2024 at 9:01 PM Patricia Judge Tamrazi<patricia.judge@gmail.com> wrote: Dear City Council, I last wrote to you on March 27 and still have not received an answer. The onlytime I received a substantive answer was when I expressed my displeasure atnot being able to purchase an EV (being afraid that my neighborhood wouldburn down or that my young children were in danger didn't strike a chord withyou). So, here's more about that EV: Here are photographs of the two places in my garage where I had planned forEV chargers: Last week, I purchased a gas powered car to replace the old car which wastotaled after being stolen from in front of my house here in Palo Alto. Attached please find video of my lights flickering on the evening of March 28. This is visual evidence of why I cannot have an EV: CPAU fails to provide safeand reliable electricity to my home. My flickering lights were first reported to CPAU on January 24. Afterstruggling with CPAU for over 2 weeks, I first reached out to you regardingthis issue on February 9, after I was told by CPAU's own employees that Ineeded to advocate for a "proper fix" to our issues and was met with athreatening environment when I did so in person to CPAU's supervisingemployee. I truly thought you would help me, but I am still waiting. Our flickering continues. We now have multiple problems with the electronics in our home, all of whichare new since we just finished renovating in late 2023. For example (and this isnot all-inclusive), our bathroom fans act up (turn on and off randomly andunexpectedly) and the ice in our Sub-zero is stuck together (suggesting that it isnot regulating its temperature properly). My family is suffering because of your unresponsiveness. I spend countlesshours trying to navigate how to get my city government to respond to me sothat I can get safe and reliable power to my house. My business issuffering, my young children are suffering, and I have developed health issues. It is your responsibility to oversee CPAU, isn't it? Your constituents aredepending on you. I close this 8th email to you as I have most of the emails that came before it: Iwelcome any thoughts you have on this matter. Trish Tamrazi 3409 Greer Rd. 650-208-4802 On Wed, Mar 27, 2024 at 9:27 AM Patricia Judge Tamrazi<patricia.judge@gmail.com> wrote: Dear City Council, I have not heard from Dean, nor from Ed, since being told by Ed on March 5that Dean will be calling me and that Ed would join if needed. That was over3 weeks ago. Episode 1 of The Invisible Shield premiered on PBS last night. I recommendyou watch it. I found it inspiring to see the amazing impact properly fundedand functioning public health systems can have, as well as the negativeeffects that flow from cutting funding and letting those systems fall intodisrepair. A lesson, perhaps, for your management of the UtilitiesDepartment? I'm sure by now you have heard of the contamination of some houses'drinking water that was caused by the contractor the city hired to swap outwater meters. When are you planning on warning residents of the error andhelping them to clean up the mess? This is a public health issue!!! As youremain silent, citizens have been drinking contaminated water! In the same vein, I am still waiting on you to notify my neighbors of thedamage your poor power supply has done to their homes. I first suggestedyou do this in my email below on February 21. By the way, I have connected with a woman across town - a mom with yourchildren and a lot on her plate - who has had flickering lights as well as adishwasher and refrigerator that have gone out. My understanding is that sheis patiently waiting for someone to come out to her house to check it out. Iimagine I do not need to state this to you, as you are the regulators of theUtility and must know - but just in case: utilities companies generally treatflickering lights as an emergency! Another thing is that, after following up, the city's response to my Public Records Request is still woefully unresponsive. I am simply trying to gatherinformation to fix the power supply to my house! It is the city's legal duty torespond fully. The city did, however, produce 2 emails which are sickening: 1. Prior to anyone providing me any real assistance or response, Deanforwarded my desperate email pleading for help and expressing mygeneral displeasure with the mismanagement in Palo Alto to CatherineElvert, who I gather from a Google search is a PR professional, withthe note “Here you go !!!” Were you getting your talking points inorder, rather than focusing on helping your citizens??2. 1 hour AFTER my THIRD desperate email pleading for help (emailstamp on my email shows, "date: Feb 12, 2024, 2:05 PM"), Ed sent anemail (email stamp on Ed's email shows: "Sent: Monday, February 12,2024 3:16 PM") to multiple City of Palo Alto email addresses statingthat Dean has spoken to me a couple times (NOT TRUE!!!!!) and “Noneed for further prompting. Thanks all!” NOTHING HAD BEENADDRESSED. I close this 7th email to you as I have most of the emails that came before it:I welcome any thoughts you have on this matter. Trish Tamrazi 3409 Greer Rd. 650-208-4802 On Tue, Mar 5, 2024 at 4:50 PM Patricia Judge Tamrazi<patricia.judge@gmail.com> wrote: Dear Ed, Thank you for your note, however, I must be very clear: Iwould much rather have a responsive, caring, and ethical city government,than bring any thieves to justice. The stress from having our car stolen from in front of our house pales incomparison to the stress and anguish we have experienced as a family ingetting the run around from CPAU and then being ignored by City Hall, asI try to get safe and reliable power delivered to the houses in myneighborhood. Regarding the electrical issue: I should never have been this involved or have had to push so hard. This is too much to ask from citizens. It is noway to run a utility. But, to continue down that path: logically, shouldn'tthe transformer also be replaced on the "secondary pole," where looseconnections were also found? If that was the "proper fix" on the first poleclimbed (i.e. PG&E minimum maintenance standards), wouldn't it also bethe "proper fix" on the second? This is, of course, putting aside that perhaps this is a long-standing issue,not unique to my block, which has harmed many along the way. Trish Tamrazi 3409 Greer Rd. 650-208-4802 On Tue, Mar 5, 2024 at 12:28 PM Shikada, Ed<Ed.Shikada@cityofpaloalto.org> wrote: Dear Ms. Tamrazi, I am so sorry to hear about your car being stolen. I can only imaginehow this has impacted you and your family. While understandingnothing can make up for such a violation, I hope the thieves are quicklybrought to justice. Regarding your electrical issue, I have spoken to Director Batchelor andunderstand he will be calling you to follow up. I’m sorry to hear thattheir replacement of the electrical transformer did not resolve theproblem. I will stay in touch with him and happy to join a call as heworks with you on next steps. Sincerely, --Ed Ed Shikada, City Manager ICMA Credentialed Manager Some people who received this message don't often get email from patricia.judge@gmail.com. Learn why this is important (650) 329-2280 | ed.shikada@cityofpaloalto.org www.cityofpaloalto.org From: Patricia Judge Tamrazi <patricia.judge@gmail.com> Sent: Monday, March 4, 2024 9:27 AMTo: Batchelor, Dean <Dean.Batchelor@CityofPaloAlto.org>Cc: Shikada, Ed <Ed.Shikada@CityofPaloAlto.org>; Stump, Molly<Molly.Stump@CityofPaloAlto.org>; Burt, Patrick<Pat.Burt@CityofPaloAlto.org>; Kou, Lydia<Lydia.Kou@CityofPaloAlto.org>; Lauing, Ed<Ed.Lauing@CityofPaloAlto.org>; Lythcott-Haims, Julie<Julie.LythcottHaims@CityofPaloAlto.org>; Stone, Greer<Greer.Stone@CityofPaloAlto.org>; Tanaka, Greg<Greg.Tanaka@CityofPaloAlto.org>; Veenker, Vicki<Vicki.Veenker@CityofPaloAlto.org>; City Mgr<CityMgr@cityofpaloalto.org>; Clerk, City<city.clerk@cityofpaloalto.org>Subject: Re: Plea to PROPERLY fix issues causing brownouts CAUTION: This email originated from outside of theorganization. Be cautious of opening attachments andclicking on links. Good morning, City Council, On Thursday night, our car got stolen from in front of our house here inPalo Alto. It looks like it's totaled. When we completely rewired thehouse last year, we future proofed to accommodate an EV charger - 2actually. However, CPAU is unable to provide safe and reliable powerto our house. Because of this, to our great disappointment, we cannotreplace our gas powered car with an EV. My husband is a physician - if he gets a call in the middle of the nightthat someone is bleeding to death and needs an intervention, and his EVdidn't charge - well, that's a big problem! City Council - I see your talking points on electrification (I'm all forelectrification). You know that your electrical infrastructure can'tsupport it. This is the real world effect of your decisions: a family that wantedto go electric cannot. You remain silent, as I plead for your help, dating back to my firstemail to you on February 9. We are now on March 4. As for my flickering lights here at 3409 Greer Rd. - the latest workingtheory from CPAU is that it is caused by an air compressor at atheoretical construction site nearby. (1) That's a laughable theory. (2)My lights flicker evenings and weekends - which CPAU engineers havebeen told. Is the cause the 2 EVs charging in every driveway + anoutdated electrical infrastructure that cannot support it? I put in a Public Records Request related to my power issues. (a) Theresponse was a day late. (b) The response was blatantly incomplete. I believe the public policy reasoning behind municipal utilities fallingoutside of regulation is (i) elected officials, who serve as the utlity'soversight, will be responsive (mine - you - are silent) and (ii) there areprotections such as the Public Records Request (my city obviouslydisregards its legal duties). In speaking with utilities attorneys last week, one stated: Whenmunicipal utilities are good, they're really great. But when they're bad,it's abysmal. I understand that you let Tesla jump ahead of the rest of the city in the grid update. Maybe Elon Musk's words will resonate with you then - hesaid that the world will face supply crunches in electricity andtransformers next year. What does that result in? Flickering lights. City Council - Could you please take steps to make our municipalutility "really great," instead of "abysmal"? Your constituents aredepending on you. I welcome your thoughts. Trish Tamrazi 3409 Greer Rd. 650-208-4802 On Wed, Feb 21, 2024 at 9:24 AM Patricia Judge Tamrazi<patricia.judge@gmail.com> wrote: Good morning, The lights continue to flicker here at 3409 Greer Rd. I still have notheard anything substantive from anyone except for Dean. City Manager Shikada and City Council - you are the regulators of theUtilities Department, correct? Why have I still not heard back fromany of you with anything substantive? (The vast majority of you, Ihave not heard anything at all.) I still have not received any answer - is this a fire risk? I am worried -I have 2 small children - I have expressed this and no one seems tocare! The transformer that I have been told supplies power to my house wasswitched out on February 15. On February 14, the UtilitiesDepartment climbed another pole nearby (described to me as my"secondary pole") and found loose connections, which I've been told were tightened. That's 2 out of 2 poles with loose connections. Isroutine maintenance being done? Are there loose connections all overthe city? My lights continue to flicker - are other loose connectionscausing this? The "secondary pole" with loose connections would explain theproblems the neighbors have experienced on that side of my house:(1) one neighbor's refrigerator went out and she had to go buy a newone last weekend, (2) another neighbor had flickering lights (Idiscovered this by overhearing him over the fence speaking tosomeone about his panel), (3) a third neighbor had an outdoor lightthat was malfunctioning (she described it as "acting weird"). Theseare the things that I have heard only in passing - surprisingly,everyone has complete trust in Palo Alto Utilities and does not blamethe poor power supply they are receiving. These 3 houses are inaddition to the 6 houses experiencing poor power supply issues fromthe other pole (one of which went through 3 refrigerators in January). So that's 9 houses total with issues - and I imagine there are more! As an aside, shouldn't you disclose to your citizens these issues afteryou discover them? Shouldn't you inform them that they have beenreceiving poor power supply and educate them on the damage that haspossibly (or likely) been done to the appliances and electronics withintheir home? I thought CPAU is supposed to do better than PG&E? On February 14, I received a call from an engineer to get my story toanalyze the data collected by the load logger on my house. He wasunaware that mine was not the only house with flickering lights! How is communication that bad?! As a reminder, the morning ofFebruary 9 was when I first emailed all of you to escalate this issue -at that time we had 5 houses total with confirmed flickering lights. The engineer was not informed that it was not just my housewith flickering lights - I had to explain to him then send him notes! On February 14, I was told that the wrong load logger had been on myhouse since February 7. It was switched for the correct one, which Iwas told would get better data. Trish Tamrazi 3409 Greer Rd. 650-208-4802 On Mon, Feb 12, 2024 at 2:05 PM Patricia Judge Tamrazi<patricia.judge@gmail.com> wrote: Hello again, everyone, As an update since my emails on Friday: My lights continue toflicker after Thursday's "Band-Aid fix," as described by CPAUemployees. Over the weekend, I discovered a 6th neighboringhouse with flickering lights. My understanding is that flickering lights are a sign of possible firerisk, as they are often caused by loose connections that may arc. Since I did not receive an answer from any of you on Fridayregarding whether my neighbors and I are at risk for fire, despitemy desperate plea, I called the Fire Department this morning toask. I have been told that they are looking into it. I talked with Dean this morning, after I spoke with the FireDepartment, and he is looking into the issue. I do appreciate hiscall. I still do not understand why CPAU's standard practice falls belowPG&E standards or how that is acceptable? The Metering Department has been out to pull the load logger frommy house and put a new one. I understand they're analyzing thedata. Why not just change out the transformer, as PG&E would do? Further, there seems to be no effective regulation of CPAU. I thinkyou all (with the exception of Dean and perhaps the City Attorney)are responsible for oversight, but I have not heard anythingsubstantive from any of you. Quite honestly, I now feel incredibly unsafe here in Palo Alto. Does maintenance of the gas infrastructure also fall below PG&Estandards? There is something up on the pole on Greer as I walk my childrento school that makes a lot of noise. Is it a transformer? Does thenoise mean it's old and in disrepair? I know if a transformerexplodes, my children and I should not be under it, as we will beharmed by the oil inside falling on us. Do I have to reroute ourwalk to keep us safe? I trusted CPAU, and although I noted thesound every time I walked under it, I didn't think twice aboutwalking under it. Now, I do think twice. The problems aren't just with the Utilities Department. OnDecember 19, the garbage cans were not collected in my cul-de-sac. My elderly neighbor phoned daily, and the cans were notcollected until December 23, after my second elderly neighbor inthe cul-de-sac called on December 22 (so it took 3 days of calling,plus it seems like it wasn't taken seriously until there was a secondhousehold calling). After my experience with Utilities, I was sureto apologize to my neighbor for not calling as well - I had neverheard of anything like this! Recology always comes out the nextday, whenever there is an issue. We just spent 2 years lovingly renovating our Eichler - it's ourdream house and we intended for it to be our "forever home." Wemoved here from Redwood City for the schools and also to besurrounded by a community of safety-oriented individuals(something that became especially important in the pandemic). Iam devastated to learn that CPAU standards fall below PG&Estandards. We are now considering moving, but it would be verydifficult for us to do so financially. I appreciate hearing any thoughts you may have? Trish Tamrazi 3409 Greer Rd. 650-208-4802 On Fri, Feb 9, 2024 at 1:30 PM Patricia Judge Tamrazi<patricia.judge@gmail.com> wrote: Hello everyone, I know you're all busy and it's Friday, but I really do think this isurgent. Can someone please get back to me? I have 2 small children in my home, and I am worried about thesafety of the electricity being supplied to my home and the homesaround me. Am I at risk for fire? I've asked this to CPAUmultiple times, with no answer. Am I safe to stay in my homeover the weekend? I am lucky enough to have a very close family friend who is aretired PG&E lineman. His partner has been in the hospital, Ihave just found out, so we were only just able to reach him latemorning today. He said that PG&E would have changed out thattransformer - that's what Tito said he is opting not to do and the 2other employees at CPAU told me I should "plead my case" for. I had no idea what the standard is, until now. I am new to Palo Alto, having only owned my home for a littleover 2 years, but my understanding from fellow residents is thatCPAU is better than PG&E. Then why isn't CPAU doing theminimum that PG&E would do? As you can tell from my email below, I had already lost faith -given prior interactions - that CPAU was fixing our problems. Iwasn't sure, though - maybe not replacing a transformer was afix, which is why I emailed you. Now, I have an opinion from aknowledgeable source that the transformer should have beenreplaced. After learning that CPAU is possibly not meeting standardpractice - and having not heard back from anyone with higherauthority - I contacted the California Public Utilities Commissionand was disheartened (to say it lightly) to hear that they onlyadvocate for customers of shareholder owned utilities - i.e., not CPAU. I was advised that I need to appeal to the City - which, Ithink, is all you. Is there anyone else, or any other entity, to protect CPAUcustomers when there is evidence that a standard is not beingmet? Am I reaching out to the wrong people for help? Am I at risk for fire? Should I call the Fire Department and ask? What does a "Band-Aid fix" versus a "real fix" mean, in terms ofsafety? Should I leave my home? Are my neighbors safe? Trish Tamrazi 3409 Greer Rd. 650-208-4802 On Fri, Feb 9, 2024 at 6:46 AM Patricia Judge Tamrazi<patricia.judge@gmail.com> wrote: Good morning, Dean, I'm at my wit's end and writing to you, copying the CityManager, City Attorney, and City Council, asking you toplease ensure that my ongoing and severe electrical issues at3409 Greer Road are fixed by CPAU. At least 4 of myneighbors are experiencing these same issues (5 houses total). I have been told by 2 CPAU employees that we are receiving a"Band-Aid fix," not a real fix. I am considering filing a lawsuit, given how grossly negligentand, frankly, abusive, my interactions with CPAU have been. But - at this time - my focus is on getting the electrical serviceto my house and my neighbors' houses properly fixed. Attached please find results from my smart meter, pulledyesterday, February 8, showing severe brownouts to my homeat 3409 Greer Rd. This smart meter was put on my house onFebruary 7. As you'll see, one brownout lasted 1 hour 9 minutes, which I have been told is "insane." For those on theemail without an electrical background, here is a quick primeron the seriousness of brownouts. I'm also attaching a video of one light fixture at my house,illustrating the severity of the flickering lights that I firstreported to CPAU on January 24. (Please excuse the paint job- we just finished completely renovating the inside and don'thave the nice weather yet to paint the outside. That is anew light fixture, installed last year.) As reported to CPAU,this has been happening throughout my entire house, and wealso heard exhaust fans throughout the house slowing downand speeding up. My next door neighbor had the sameexperience. From January 24 to the time this data was looked at by CPAUyesterday, February 8, CPAU employees have denied that thereare any issues on CPAU's side. Shockingly, they continued todeny this, even after being formally informed of 4 more houseswith flickering lights. Until yesterday afternoon whenthey finally looked at the smart meter data from my house,various CPAU employees kept telling me to call an electrician,which I did (multiple, in fact). As an aside, 1 week into my ordeal, one neighbor called CPAUdispatch reporting flickering lights and was told to call backwhen the flickering got worse. Every knowledgeable person Ihave talked to - with the exception of one CPAU employee -has thought that was absolutely reckless, most laughing indisbelief. Linemen came out yesterday to rectify the situation, but I wastold by 2 individuals within CPAU that they were doing a"Band-Aid fix," not a real fix. I was told by one well-meaningCPAU employee that I should walk around the corner to wherethe linemen were working and find a big guy with a bald headnamed Tito to "plead my case" for a real fix. That in itself isone of the craziest things I've ever heard! Tito did not seem very receptive to this (rightfully so becausewho am I as a homeowner to tell him how to do his job?), so,shaken up, I went home and called the City Manager's office, pleading for an advocate. Ingrid, the administrative assistant, took down my story andmy information, and I have received attempted help from AlexGonzalez, Utilities Supervisor. Alex even worked on my issueinto the evening. However, Alex is not in charge of the correctdivision of CPAU to address my issue. This illustrates acontinued lack of understanding of my issue, at best, andperhaps a continued lack of willingness to rectify my issue. That is why I'm reaching out to you. Can you help? With best regards, Trish Tamrazi 3409 Greer Rd. 650-208-4802 From:Vikas Kedia To:Raybould, Claire; chris.enslin@hboddevelopment.com; Council, City; editor@paweekly.com Subject:Support for Housing Project at 156 California Avenue Date:Wednesday, June 19, 2024 6:56:38 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Dear Claire Raybould, I am writing to express my strong support for the proposed housing project at 156 CaliforniaAvenue in Palo Alto. As a resident of this neighborhood, I believe that this project is crucial for promoting inclusivity and ensuring that Palo Alto remains a diverse and vibrantcommunity. The high cost of living in Palo Alto has made it increasingly difficult for many individuals and families to afford housing. By increasing the availability of housing, this project will helpaddress the high demand and potentially lower rental costs in the area, making it possible for a wider range of people to live and thrive in Palo Alto. Furthermore, Palo Alto should not be an exclusive enclave for the wealthy. It is essential thatour community reflects the diversity of our society and offers opportunities for people from various economic backgrounds. This project represents a step towards creating a moreequitable and inclusive city where everyone has a chance to succeed. Additionally, I believe that this development will set a positive precedent and encourage other similar projects,further addressing the housing crisis in our city. I live at 141 California Avenue, Apt B304, in Palo Alto, and I am available to meet with you to further discuss and help you understand the detrimental effect of high rent on my life. I urgethe City of Palo Alto to approve this project and take a significant step toward addressing the housing crisis in our area. Thank you for your attention to this important matter. Sincerely, Vikas Kedia Ps: kindly confirm the receipt of this email so I can be sure it did not go to your junk folder -- -- VK From:matt@evolutionaryteams.comTo:palo-alto@fridaysforfutureusa.orgSubject:FFF Follow Up – June 14 (Week #127)Date:Wednesday, June 19, 2024 6:25:20 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clickingon links. Tian rode his bike from Mountain View to join us for the first time. We’ve met Tian before at other events, so it was great to have himjoin us and share his journey to fossil-fuel free living. He suggests that we “stop voting for oil companies at the gas pump.” Thank you,Tian, for reminding us to Mend Our Fuelish Ways! On a side note, Palo Alto residents who power their electric vehicle using residentialutility electrons not only are not burning fossil fuel, but are also not paying extra for an energy company’s profits. As a public utility, anyexcess gains go right back into making our community service better, all with public oversight. Just sayin’. Ingrid brought her son Stephan and his partner Sharlee. So great to welcome these climate-conscientious comrades to our cadre. Sharlee is a journalist who has been reporting on the Quaker Earthcare Witness and that organization’s action to coerce mutual-fundcompany Vanguard to divest from fossil fuels. Stephan noted that using an EV can have a lower carbon footprint per mile traveled thanwalking. When walking you burn calories from food, and the food production for the average American diet releases an extraordinaryamount of carbon emissions. So walk, but choose your food wisely! On a related note, according to this Wired article, “[moving from afossil fuel bank] $8,000 dollars—the median balance for US customers—the reduction in your indirect emissions would be twice that ofthe direct emissions you’d avoid if you switched to a vegetarian diet.” Thanks, Stephan and Sharlee for joining us, and thanks to Ingrid for bringing them. Ingrid also reports having completed 200 personalized letters to likely voters for SwingLeft’s letter writing campaign, including the 100stamps and envelopes that George contributed. Ingrid says that the offer is still open for anyone who wants to give her 100 stamps andenvelopes. Thanks, Ingrid and George. Robin noted the flooding already happening in Florida and how the conditions for this hurricane season – transition from El Nino to LaNina and record hot ocean temperatures – will be bad for that state. (As I write this there is storm surge flooding in Texas from TropicalStorm Alberto.) Robin wonders when residents will start leaving Florida now that insurance costs have become exorbitant. We will see. Thanks, Robin. George remarked on Bill Murray’s reading of Enemy of the Public at a pop-up play in New York sponsored by Extinction Rebellion.He liked the wording on the banner they unfurled – LEARN TO SWIM. Another great action by XR! Thanks, George. Rick just finished his book about aging and climate – two topics nobody wants to read about, quips Rick. Well, we’re very much lookingforward to reading it! Thank you, Rick, for all the work you do raising awareness and promoting elder climate action. Kadir posted our new video – The War – to the Green Mic website: www.greenmic.org. The website looks great. Thanks, Kadir! David made it to China! He met up with Sam who is also trekking with a solar-powered bike. David reports Sam goes very fast up theHimalayan slopes and is having a hard time keeping up. You can do it, David! This Friday we return to discussing the videos that Ingrid recommended (see links below). Come tell us which one made an impact onyou. Keep Up the Fight and See You Friday! Mend Our Fuelish Ways Upcoming Events Friday, June 21, Noon to 1:00: Climate Strike! –– King Plaza in front of Palo Alto City Hall. Friday, July 5, Noon to 1:00: Climate Slow March –– We meet at King Plaza in front of Palo Alto City Hall and march through downtown Palo Alto Climate Community Center: https://climatecommunitycenter.org/ Peninsula Peace and Justice calendar: https://peaceandjustice.org/events-calendar/ City of Palo Alto Sustainability Summer Workshop Calendar: Local Sustainability Summer Workshops, Volunteering & Regional Events– City of Palo Alto, CA Heat Pump Water Heater Program Update As of:6/6 5/2 4/4 2/29 1/31 12/28 HPWH full-service interest list signups 991 970 878 797 750 687 Site assessment agreements (SAA) sent 991 970 878 783 748 679 Signed SAAs 805 776 696 613 579 522 Completed site assessments 727 679 615 538 510 473 InstallationsTotal Full Service HPWHs installed 267 243 226 224 184 158 Total DIY HPWH installed 88 68 68 57 49 44 Total HPWHs installed 355 311 294 281 233 202 Target Installations 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 Monthly Installation RateMonthly Installation Rate 44 17 13 48 31 19 Target Monthly Installation Rate 83 83 83 83 83 83 Weekly Photos FFF June 14: https://photos.app.goo.gl/snWW5jihEXUdLRNG7 What We Are Reading/Watching/Listening to: Harvard Business Review article on Degrowth: https://hbr.org/2024/06/in-defense-of-degrowth Care More Be Better podcast with Corrina Bellizzi: https://caremorebebetter.com/ Roger Hallum’s final episode on his Designing the Revolution podcast series on the importance of transcendence to build a movement community: https://music.youtube.com/podcast/h6EnT0icv7o Climate One podcast: https://www.climateone.org/listen-watch/podcasts The Great Simplification with Nate Hagens (podcast): https://www.thegreatsimplification.com/ Follow Fridays For Future Palo Alto: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fridaysforfuture_paloalto/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/Fri4Future_PA YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FridaysForFuturePaloAlto Email notifications of FFF Palo Alto events: https://mailchi.mp/c8c130127345/join-fridays-for-future-palo-alto You are receiving this email because you have expressed an interest in supporting climate action in Palo Alto. If you no longer wish to receive these emails, please let me know. Matt Schlegel Schlegel Consulting 650-924-8923 Author: Teamwork 9.0 Website: evolutionaryteams.comBlog: evolutionaryteams.com/blog/ Linked In: linkedin.com/in/mattschlegel/Twitter: twitter.com/EvoTeamMatt Instagram: instagram.com/MattSchlegel6 Facebook: facebook.com/mattschlegel.77 YouTube: youtube.com/channel/UCLkUMHuG4HVa831s9yeoZ5Q Enneagram Quiz: www.EnneaSurvey.com From:Charlie Weidanz To:Council, City Subject:Chamber CEO News & Updates - June 2024 Date:Wednesday, June 19, 2024 4:00:22 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Palo Alto Chamber of Commerce Logo - Catalyst | Convener | Champion Behind the Scenes - Palo Alto Chamber's CEO News & Updates CEO News Thumbnail >>Read the June Behind the Scenes Newsletter This email was sent on behalf of Palo Alto Chamber of Commerce 355 Alma St Palo Alto, CA 94301.To unsubscribe clickhere. If you have questions or comments concerning this email or services in general, please contact us by email atinfo@paloaltochamber.com. From:Hassan Abolhassani To:Council, City Subject:Plans for grade separate could make riding bikes home for Gunn students more dangerous — Nextdoor Date:Wednesday, June 19, 2024 12:41:00 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Check out this post on Nextdoor: https://nextdoor.com/p/qpyM3wrc3y6b?utm_source=share&extras=MTk1Njk5Njk%3D&utm_campaign=1718826021394 From:Charlie Weidanz To:Council, City Subject:Next Week: June Chamber Mixer & Business Networking Event Date:Wednesday, June 19, 2024 12:03:50 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Palo Alto Chamber Mixer ad We are delighted to invite you to the June Palo Alto Chamber of Commerce Mixer at Buca Di Beppo! There will be food, drinks, engaging discussion, and plenty of networking opportunities with local business professionals! Tuesday, June 25, 2024 5:30 PM – 7 PM Buca Di Beppo 643 Emerson St. Palo Alto, CA 94301 Food & Beverages provided by Buca Di Beppo. We look forward to seeing you there! Members: FREE Non-Members: $25 >Register Online This email was sent on behalf of Palo Alto Chamber of Commerce 355 Alma St Palo Alto, CA 94301.To unsubscribe click here. If you have questions or comments concerning this email or services in general, please contact us by email atinfo@paloaltochamber.com. From:pennyellson12@gmail.com To:Council, City Subject:Thank you. Date:Wednesday, June 19, 2024 11:04:54 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Honorable City Council, I am writing to thank you and staff for your work on developing proposals that led to a positive decision for ECR school commute crossing safety last night. Thank you for making use of a Caltrans repaving opportunity that only comes around once every few decades to make substantive changes that will save lives and reduce injury collisions. Roads, including ECR, that connect neighborhoods to community facilities, businesses, schools, need to be hospitable to humans of all ages and abilities who use them— whether or not they are old enough to have a drivers license or physically able to drive or able to afford the very high costs of owning, insuring, driving and storing a car. Bike parking at ECR businesses needs to be part of this project. I heard the anxiety of some business owners. I’ll bike to more of them if there’s a place for me to lock up my bike when I get there. Please make sure businesses and nearby neighborhoods expediently get the bike and auto parking mitigations they need to minimize possible impacts of motor vehicle parking reduction along ECR. Thank you for making ECR a more humane environment for present and future residents… and, especially, for our school commuting children. I hope you will enjoy your well-deserved summer break knowing that you have created a safer community environment for us all. This was no small feat. Great work! With gratitude to you and city staff for working with the city’s community and Caltrans partners to prioritize safety for ECR road users (including drivers), Penny Ellson Virus-free.www.avg.com View this email in your browser Visit us on www.lwvpaloalto.org, Facebook, and Instagram June E-BLAST June 19, 2024 In this Issue Upcoming Events Challenges for 2024: Election Protection & Integrity Get Your Grads Vote Ready! In Case You Missed It Who Decides What We Teach? Celebrate Juneteenth! From:LWV Palo Alto (Eblast)To:Council, CitySubject:LWVPA June 2024 E-Blast: Don"t Miss Our June EventsDate:Wednesday, June 19, 2024 9:16:24 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious ofopening attachments and clicking on links. Join LWV of Palo Alto UPCOMING EVENTS Challenges for 2024: Election Protection & Integrity National Voter Corps Thursday, June 20, 2024 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm National Voter Corps invites you to a conversation with California Secretary of State Shirley N. Weber, Ph.D., and Retired Judge of the California Superior Court LaDoris Cordell on challenges for election protection and integrity in 2024. Co-Sponsors: National Voter Corps; Leagues of Women Voters of Palo Alto, San Jose/Santa Clara, Cupertino/Sunnyvale, Southwest Santa Clara Valley and South San Mateo County; American Civil Liberties Union of Northern California; Pursue Justice Committee of Congregation Beth Am; and Fenwick LLP. Please send your questions to: info@nationalvotercorps.org. Get Your Grads Vote Ready! Congratulations to your recent grad! Graduation is an incredible achievement. They've spent countless hours learning about the world around them, formulating their own ideas, conversing with people whose experiences differ from their own, and developing their own worldviews. Register Now In other words, they've honed one-of-a-kind perspectives that must be heard — and one way to elevate those voices is through their vote. To celebrate your grad and empower them to start their democratic journey, we're providing a voter registration link below and directing them towards all the tools they'll need to vote at VOTE411.org. Share them via email, social media, or however you prefer to chat with your loved one! IN CASE YOU MISSED IT Register to Vote LWV Santa Clara County Civil Discourse: Who Decides What We Teach? Our latest Civil Discourse event: "Who Decides What We Teach?" included a panel of education experts who explored the facts and the issues around education content and decisions. Our expert panelists included Jennifer DiBrienza of the Palo Alto Unified School Board, J. Manuel Herrera of the East San Jose Union Board of Education, and Graham Clark, Superintendent of the Fremont Union High School District. Our panelists had a conversation around o What curriculum topics are people concerned about – and why? o As a democratic society, how should we approach these topics? o Who are the final arbiters of content being taught? o What role should parents have in determining content? Enjoy this stimulating and informative conversation! Celebrate Juneteenth! Read more on Juneteenth: https://nmaahc.si.edu/juneteenth. Watch the Recording And from LWVUS President Sania Irwin: "June is National Immigrant Heritage Month. As we mark this heritage month, we must acknowledge that this nation’s history of immigration is both beautiful and complicated. Immigrants enrich every community in this country, while navigating systems that can be fraught with obstacles. The determination and energy of each generation of immigrants has propelled our nation forward... This month is a reminder that our polices and systems must live up to our stated values of embracing and welcoming all. I leave you with the words of Emma Lazarus, now enshrined at the Statue of Liberty: 'Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, The wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door!' ” Stay Informed! Sign Up for LWV California & LWVUS News & Alerts Click here to sign up for Email News and Action Alerts from LWVUS Facebook Website Instagram Copyright © 2024 League of Women Voters Palo Alto, All rights reserved. From Voter Recipient List Our mailing address is: League of Women Voters Palo Alto 3921 E Bayshore Rd Ste 209 Palo Alto, CA 94303-4303 Add us to your address book Want to change how you receive these emails? You can unsubscribe from this list. From:Charlie Weidanz To:Council, City Subject:Last Day to Register: Leadership Palo Alto 2024-2025 Information Reception Date:Wednesday, June 19, 2024 8:00:30 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. LPA Information Reception 2024-2025 Leadership Palo Alto 2024-2025 Information Reception Join us for an informational reception and learn about our Leadership Palo Alto Program. Light refreshments served. Thursday, June 20, 2024 5:30pm to 7pm Location: The Avant 4041 El Camino Way Palo Alto, CA 94306 >Register Online Leadership Palo Alto 2024-2025 Apply Participants will graduate ready to re-imagine and reshape our community with21st-century leadership skills. Topics include: Local, Regional and State Government Education Arts & Culture Environment & Sustainability Housing & TransportationHealth & Wellness & More >Learn More and Apply Online Here Applications are Due July 31 Contact Charlie@paloaltochamber.com for more information. This email was sent on behalf of Palo Alto Chamber of Commerce 355 Alma St Palo Alto, CA 94301.To unsubscribe clickhere. If you have questions or comments concerning this email or services in general, please contact us by email at info@paloaltochamber.com. Challenges for 2024 Election Protection & Integrity Thursday, June 20, 2024 5:00pm – 6:00pm PT National Voter Corps invites you to a conversation with California Secretary of State Shirley N. Weber, Ph.D. and Retired Judge of the California Superior Court LaDoris Cordell on challenges for election protection and integrity in 2024. Co-Sponsors: National Voters Corps; Leagues of Women Voters of Palo Alto, San Jose and Santa Clara, Sunnyvale and Cupertino, Southwest Santa Clara Valley, South San Mateo County; American Civil Liberties Union of Northern California; Pursue Justice Committee of Congregation Beth Am; and Fenwick LLP which is graciously providing the webinar hosting and registration. REGISTER Here From:Alice Smith Subject:6/20/2024: Conversation between Secretary of State Shirley Weber and Judge LaDoris Cordell Date:Wednesday, June 19, 2024 12:10:09 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Questions: info@nationalvotercorps.org National Voter Corps works to defend Democracy. You can support us by donating here. Copyright © 2024 National Voter Corps, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you indicated you are interested in getting updates about voting events and important messages about voters rights. Our mailing address is: National Voter Corps 850 Webster St Apt 520 Palo Alto, CA 94301-2886 Add us to your address book Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list. The National Funding Foundation has transformed our award-winning program into a first-rate professional development program. We are pleased to announce a live and virtual professional proposal program identical to our From:National Funding FoundationTo:Council, CitySubject:Professional Grant Proposal Writing Workshop (Virtual Online - September 16, 2024)Date:Tuesday, June 18, 2024 9:46:34 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious ofopening attachments and clicking on links. award-winning in-person program. The National Funding Foundation is offering the Professional Grant Proposal Writing Workshop - Virtual Online Program on September 16, 2024. Interested development professionals, administrators, researchers, faculty, and graduate students should register as soon as possible, as demand means that seats will fill up quickly. Please forward, post, and distribute this e-mail to your colleagues and listservs. All participants will receive the National Funding Foundation's Certificate in Professional Grant Proposal Writing. For more information, call (626) 385-8211 or visit the National Funding Foundation website. Below is the program description. Professional Grant Proposal Writing Workshop Virtual Online Program September 16, 2024 The Professional Grant Proposal Writing Workshop, like our in-person workshops, is an intensive and detailed introduction to the process, structure, and skill of professional proposal writing. This course is characterized by its ability to act as a thorough overview, introduction, and refresher at the same time. Through the completion of interactive exercises, live online lectures and discussions, question and answer sessions, and virtual instructor feedback, participants will learn the entire proposal writing process. Students will complete the course with a solid understanding of not only the ideal proposal structure, but a holistic understanding of the essential factors, which determine whether or not a program gets funded. Through the completion of interactive exercises and activities, participants will complement expert lectures by putting proven techniques into practice. This course is designed for both the beginner looking for a thorough introduction and the intermediate looking for a refresher course that will strengthen their grant acquisition skills. This class, simply put, is designed to get results by creating professional grant proposal writers. This course will be identical in content coverage to our award winning in-person workshops, but will follow a module format that will allow students to both follow the program live on the day of launch, and complete the program at their own pace, anytime thereafter. Program Overview Participants will become competent program planning and proposal writing professionals after successful completion of the Grant Proposal Writing Workshop. Through this online program, students will be exposed to the art of successful grant writing practices, and led on a journey that ends with a masterful grant proposal. The Grant Proposal Writing Workshop consists of three (3) subject areas that will be covered during this online course: (1) Fundamentals of Program Planning This session is centered on the belief that "it's all about the program." This intensive session will teach professional program development essentials and program evaluation. While most grant writing "workshops" treat program development and evaluation as separate from the writing of a proposal, this workshop will teach students the relationship between overall program planning and grant writing. (2) Proposal Writing Essentials Designed for both the novice and experienced grant writer, this component will make each student an overall proposal writing specialist. In addition to teaching the basic components of a grant proposal, successful approaches, and the do's and don'ts of grant writing, this workshop is infused with expert principles that will lead to a mastery of the process. Strategy resides at the forefront of this course's intent to illustrate grant writing as an integrated, multidimensional, and dynamic endeavor. Each student will learn to stop writing the grant and to start writing the story. Ultimately, this class will illustrate how each component of the grant proposal represents an opportunity to use proven techniques for generating support. (3) Funding Research At its foundation, this course will address the basics of foundation, corporation, and government grant research. However, this course will teach a strategic funding research approach that encourages students to see research not as something they do before they write a proposal, but as an integrated part of the grant seeking process. Students will be exposed to online and database research tools, as well as publications and directories that contain information about foundation, corporation, and government grant opportunities. Focusing on funding sources and basic social science research, this course teaches students how to use research as part of a strategic grant acquisition effort. Registration $398.00 tuition includes all materials and certificates. Each student will receive: Access to the Online Classroom Platform which includes live lectures,assignments, class discussion boards, and resources The Funding Foundation's Certificate in Professional Grant Proposal Writing The Guide to Successful Grant Proposal Writing The Grant Writer's Workbook with sample proposals, forms, and outlines Registration Methods 1. On-Line - Complete the online registration form and we'll send your confirmation by e-mail. 2. By Phone - Call (626) 385-8211 to register by phone. Our friendly Program Coordinators will be happy to assist you and answer your questions. 3. By E-mail - Send us an e-mail with your name, organization, and basic contact information and we will reserve your slot and send your Confirmation Packet. Share Tweet Forward Copyright © 2023 | National Funding Foundation. All rights reserved | Our mailing address is: 1950 W Corporate Way PMB 24733 Anaheim, CA 92801-5373 Want to change how you receive these emails? Reply to this e-mail with UNSUBSCRIBE in the Subject line. From:Leland Wiesner To:Lara Ekwall Cc:Guagliardo, Steven; Council, City; Charlie Weidanz; City Mgr; Jessica Roth; Lisa Robins; Dennis Kelly, MS; Cathy Norge; kowa.paloalto@gmail.com; AJ; Mihai Fechete; madana@essentique.com; Mike Stone (mike.mollie@gmail.com); Mike Meffert; Don Charles Lundell; Gillian Robinson; Giuseppe Carrubba (carrubba@gmail.com); Akif Aydin; Joanies Cafe Subject:Re: REQUEST: invitations to city meetings/updates for Cal Ave Date:Tuesday, June 18, 2024 6:07:53 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Thank you Lara for raising this important issue. Best, Leland On Tue, Jun 18, 2024, 5:30 PM Lara Ekwall <lara@labodeguita.com> wrote: Steve G (& City Council Members, City Manager & Chamber of Commerce), For some time, many of the business owners in the Cal Ave district have noted/discussed that they are not consistently included in meeting invitations and updates... Sometimes invited/emailed and sometimes are not. Michael and I have experienced this as well. Also, sometimes you can see who is on the blast, sometimes you cannot. I have provided updates to your ongoing list as many of the people you were sending to on Cal Ave are long out of business. I hope this helps. In an effort to build trust with our district, I ask that the city show the invitees who have been included in emails? I'm assuming it is a matter of public record so it doesn't seem like it should be an issue. Also, a suggestion, at the start of the meeting, if you could indicate how many business owners have been invited (we understand that we cannot all attend all of the time)? Thank you, Lara Ekwall -- Lara Ekwall La Bodeguita del Medio ® 463 S. California AvenuePalo Alto, CA 94306 m 650.326.7762 f 650.323.CUBA (2822) @labo_paloalto www.labodeguita.com lara@labodeguita.com From:herb To:Council, City; Clerk, City Subject:June 18, 2024 Council Meeting, Item #4: FTTP Pilot Project Date:Tuesday, June 18, 2024 5:18:24 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. JUNE 18, 2024 CITY COUNCIL MEETING, AGENDA ITEM #4FIER-TO-THE-PREMISES CONTRACT AMENDMENT WITH MAGELLAN ADVISORS The Council's prior decision to construct and operate a Fiber-to-the-Premises FTTP system in phases as funds are availableinstead of making a commitment to use the Fiber Fund balanceand cash flow to ensure that a citywide FTTP system will bebuilt is similar to prior Council promises to undergroundeveryone's electric utilities and reconstruct everyone'ssidewalks to the same high standard. Only a few favored neighborhoods will benefit from a phasedconstruction of an FTTP system, while other neighborhoods willlearn that a future Council will claim that there isn't enoughmoney to complete the project. In addition, the decision to have the City itself be theInternet Service Provider (ISP) either by providing some or allof the ISP functions itself or contracting out the ISPfunctions the City doesn't do will expose the FTTP system toProposition 218 hearings and votes whenever there is a proposedchange in rates. It is not too late to change course. The City can own and control the FTTP system backbone, whileall ISP functions including drop cables, customer premisesequipment, Internet access, and Help Desk are provided by oneor more ISPs that lease use of the backbone and provide all ISPfunctions through direct transactions with customers. The Cityof Palo Alto could still set standards for drop cables andcustomer premises equipment that all ISPs would have to abideby, but the City would not be involved with any transactionthat would be subject to Proposition 218. The Council could still decide to use the Fiber Fund balanceand future revenues to pay for a bond to ensure a citywide FTTPsystem, instead of loaning the FTTP fund balance to other fundsfor their operations. Magellan Advisors was acquired by ENTRUST Solutions Group inNovember 2022. Maybe the contract should be with ENTRUST instead of Magellan,which would require the City to conduct due diligence todetermine whether ENTRUST would be a reliable partner. Herb Borock From:Kenny Qiu To:Council, City Subject:Concerns for Converting El Camino Parking Space to Bicycle Lane Date:Tuesday, June 18, 2024 5:06:10 PM Attachments:Concerns for Converting El Camino Parking Space to Bicycle Lane.pdf CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Dear City Council, I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to you as a small business owner operating along El Camino Real to express my concerns regarding the proposal to replace public parking spaces with bicycle lanes on this crucial thoroughfare. While I fully understand and support the need for increased safety for all road users, including bicyclists, I am deeply worried about the negative impact this proposal will have on local businesses. El Camino Real is a vital artery for our city, not only for commuters but also for the many small businesses that line its route. These businesses rely heavily on the availability of convenient parking for their customers. The elimination of street public parking in favor of bicycle lanes, while well-intentioned, presents a significant challenge for business owners and our customers. Many of our patrons choose to visit our establishments because of the accessibility and convenience that El Camino Real provides. Without adequate parking, we risk losing these customers to areas with better parking facilities. This will undoubtedly lead to a decline in business, making it difficult for small businesses like mine to sustain operations and, in some cases, forcing us to consider relocating out of Palo Alto. Moreover, the economic health of local businesses directly affects the community. The potential decline in revenue could result in job losses and decreased tax revenue for the city. It is crucial to find a balanced approach that enhances safety for bicyclists while also preserving the viability of local businesses. I urge the City Council to consider alternative solutions that do not compromise the needs of small businesses. Perhaps a comprehensive study could be conducted to explore other safety measures that could coexist with the current parking setup. Additionally, creating designated bicycle lanes on parallel streets or implementing shared road spaces with clear markings and signage might achieve the desired safety outcomes without eliminating vital parking spaces. I appreciate your attention to this matter and hope that the City Council will consider the concerns of small business owners when making decisions about this proposal. The success of our businesses is intertwined with the overall prosperity of Palo Alto, and I am confident that we can find a solution that supports both safety and economic vitality. Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely, Kenny Qiu Owner of Dumpling City Kenny Qiu Dumpling City 3487 El Camino Real Palo Alto, CA 94306 Email: DumplingCityCA@gmail.com Tel: 650-272-6715 June 18th, 2024 Palo Alto City Council 250 Hamilton Avenue Palo Alto, CA 94301 Dear City Council, I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to you as a small business owner operating along El Camino Real to express my concerns regarding the proposal to replace public parking spaces with bicycle lanes on this crucial thoroughfare. While I fully understand and support the need for increased safety for all road users, including bicyclists, I am deeply worried about the negative impact this proposal will have on local businesses. El Camino Real is a vital artery for our city, not only for commuters but also for the many small businesses that line its route. These businesses rely heavily on the availability of convenient parking for their customers. The elimination of street public parking in favor of bicycle lanes, while well-intentioned, presents a significant challenge for business owners and our customers. Many of our patrons choose to visit our establishments because of the accessibility and convenience that El Camino Real provides. Without adequate parking, we risk losing these customers to areas with better parking facilities. This will undoubtedly lead to a decline in business, making it difficult for small businesses like mine to sustain operations and, in some cases, forcing us to consider relocating out of Palo Alto. Moreover, the economic health of local businesses directly affects the community. The potential decline in revenue could result in job losses and decreased tax revenue for the city. It is crucial to find a balanced approach that enhances safety for bicyclists while also preserving the viability of local businesses. I urge the City Council to consider alternative solutions that do not compromise the needs of small businesses. Perhaps a comprehensive study could be conducted to explore other safety measures that could coexist with the current parking setup. Additionally, creating designated bicycle lanes on parallel streets or implementing shared road spaces with clear markings and signage might achieve the desired safety outcomes without eliminating vital parking spaces. I appreciate your attention to this matter and hope that the City Council will consider the concerns of small business owners when making decisions about this proposal. The success of our businesses is intertwined with the overall prosperity of Palo Alto, and I am confident that we can find a solution that supports both safety and economic vitality. Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely, Kenny Qiu Owner of Dumpling City From:caroline horn To:Council, City Subject:June 18, 2024 Palo Alto City Council, Agenda item 1 Date:Tuesday, June 18, 2024 4:11:07 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Dear Council members and staff, Thank you very much for your thoughtful work with Caltrans to improve bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure on El Camino Real. As a 30-year daily bike commuter on the Peninsula, I have long noticed that El Camino is often the most direct route for me to go from work, to daycare, and to restaurants and shops. My husband and I often bike to the restaurants in Palo Alto, but our routes are quite circuitous. I am very excited about the prospect of reaching my favorite restaurants quickly and easily! I'm also part of a parents' group trying to encourage our high school students to use active transportation instead of driving to school. This would make the roads safer for all, not only by reducing the number of cars on the roads near the high school, but also by teaching inexperienced students the rules of the road...before they get behind the wheel of a large automobile. Many of the children attending elementary, middle and high school in my town, Los Altos, must cross El Camino in areas that are technically Palo Alto. Please continue to prioritize their safety. You are making a lasting investment in our environment when you allow children to bike or walk to school. Many thanks, Caroline Horn Los Altos resident, El Camino biker From:Gregg Forrest To:Council, City Subject:Letters signed from 22 business owners Date:Tuesday, June 18, 2024 3:29:26 PM Attachments:Attn city council.pdf CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Bike Lane vote From:Albert Kao To:Council, City Subject:el camino bike lanes, against Date:Tuesday, June 18, 2024 2:16:18 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Hi City Council, I'm an avid biker but I don't think bike lanes belong on el camino.Traffic is already bad enough and all the new builder's remedy housing hasn't even been built yet. Already plenty of bike lanes (e.g. park ave) to use. Albert Kao201 Maclane St, Palo Alto, CA 94306 From:Charlie Weidanz To:Council, City Subject:LoCal Libations: Celebrate LOcal CALifornia with wine, music, & friends in the heart of Palo Alto! Date:Tuesday, June 18, 2024 2:03:15 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Local Libations - Buy Your Tickets Today & Save 10% ad Join us for a very special wine-tasting event on California Ave on Thursday, July 18 at 6pm. Let LoCal Libations make this an unforgettable summer night as we present an event overflowing with expertly selected wines paired with the sounds of live bands, one-of- a-kind shopping, and award-winning dining in a fun and relaxed atmosphere. Enjoy tasting the best of small-production red and white wines from 11 Boutique Santa Cruz Mountain Wineries at locations outside participating businesses on Cal Ave, as you stroll with friends along the car-free street. >>Tickets are on sale now! Buy single and group tickets ($45-$55) through Eventbrite. ***Save 10% this week! Use code 3rdThursday10 at checkout.*** >Reserve Now For more information, visit 3rdthursday.fun. This email was sent on behalf of Palo Alto Chamber of Commerce 355 Alma St Palo Alto, CA 94301.To unsubscribe clickhere. If you have questions or comments concerning this email or services in general, please contact us by email at info@paloaltochamber.com. From:Wu Ortho Financing To:Council, City Subject:parking on El Camino Date:Tuesday, June 18, 2024 2:00:34 PM Attachments:PETITION.pdf CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Please see attached Amy WillisFinancial Coordinator/Dental Assistant Wu Orthodontics 1865 El Camino RealPalo Alto CA 94306P: 650-322-0288 F: 650-322-0488 6-18-24 I was not notified that the City of Palo Alto would eliminate all parking along El Camino. This will have catastrophic effects on my business, employees, and customers. I do not agree with this. I encourage the City to make the right decision and support local businesses, as we are still rebuilding from the pandemic. Business Name rJo orLs60gog;191 Address ( uc 4.,.t,to r21;T{L o Owners Name DfL t.\L\. L.f J Signature. date -+^:(-L /l--'6/r*Dl U+1 , .Avr.c,l O U+1"?f^lo.1J+o o j From:oak.jean To:Council, City Subject:Bike lane proposal to El Camino Date:Tuesday, June 18, 2024 1:02:33 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Dear Esteemed Members of the City Council, I would like to take this opportunity to express my concern of removing parking and installingbike lanes on ECR. I commute by bike from Ventura to Stanford/VA and my son bikes to Fletcher. I agree that we need better bike access, but drivers are more distracted then ever onECR so until that problem is resolved I would not want to use this bike route. Also we already have very few businesses left in our neighborhood and hurting them further with removal ofparking may lead to more cars on the road as more people have to drive elsewhere for their needs. Thank you for reading this and I look forward to hearing about safe, creative ways to make thecity more sustainable. Sincerely Jean Sent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy smartphone