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2025-01-27 City Council Emails
From:Julia Hartung To:Council, City Subject:Cat Town at Stanford Shopping Center Date:Sunday, January 26, 2025 10:06:42 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. Dear members of the City Council, I’m writing in support of Cat Town and asking that you allow them to continue the wonderful work they are doing for cats. Just as other places allow cats to sleep and are still considered retail, Cat Town should be permitted to continue operating. It is also good for business and therefore tax revenue. We never go to Stanford shopping center, but went two days in a row this weekend and each time ended up spending money at other establishments. It also is bringing the community together through the volunteers that come to work with the kittens. It’s a special place and should be supported not condemned. Thank you, Julia 1. Are you opposed to any Jewish state as a matter of principle or just the particularcharacteristics of the current Jewish state? 2. Is there any country in the world that you dislike more than the State of Israel? If so, please name it. I eagerly await your response,Martin On Jan 26, 2025, at 3:37 PM, Aram James <abjpd1@gmail.com> wrote: 1/26/2025 Hi Sean, Well done! And Then Some!! Martin says it all aboutMarxists, but all he is terrified of is the students learning about Israel’s genocidal history from its birth in 1948—thegenocidal history of Zionist Jews exterminating brown skin Palestinians. The Palestinians had less than zero involvementin the Holocaust. Equally scary for Martin is the long-time political affiliation between the black liberation movement inthe U.S. and African nations and the Palestinian liberation movement, all of which young Jewish students will now belearning about in the soon-to-be mandatory ethnic studies classes in Palo Alto schools. Like the rest of us, when youngJewish students are subjected to the truth and facts about the terrorist, apartheid, and racist state of Israel, many, if notmost, will turn their back on vile Israel. Avram Finkelstein, aka Aram James-an anti-Zionist-Jew-to- the bone On Thu, Jan 23, 2025 at 10:42 PM Martin Wasserman <deeperlook@aol.com>wrote: The accusation that Israel is committing genocide against the Palestinian Arabsis a flat out lie perpetrated solely for the purpose of demonizing the Jewish state. The only party in the Israel-Hamas war that has an explicit policy ofgenocide is Hamas itself, which Avram Finkelstein evidently supports. The issue of ethnic studies is not that people fear mild criticism of Israel. The issueis that this is an organized attempt by anti-American, anti-Western, anti-Israel extremists to turn our schools into places not of learning, but of politicalindoctrination, into an ideology which is profoundly alien to the culture that has made this country, the USA, the best and most successful in the world. Sincerely, Martin Wasserman On Jan 23, 2025, at 9:20 PM, Aram James <abjpd1@gmail.com> wrote: 1/23/2025 Hello everyone, I want to address the ongoing genocide being perpetrated by the state of Israel against the Palestinian people, which is happeningwith the full support of the U.S. government and the Israeli Jewish lobby. My fellow Jews should be deeply concerned and feel a senseof fear if we do not actively speak out against this injustice. The major issue here is that much of the opposition to ethnic studies is driven by the influential Jewish lobby in Palo Alto. Thislobby is concerned that, during the ethnic studies courses, Israel might be criticized, even in a mild manner. They will go to greatlengths to suppress any perceived criticism of Israel, regardless of the impact this has on marginalized groups. As a result, the three newest members of the school board seemdetermined to deny high school students in Palo Alto the opportunity to take a mandated ethnic studies course. It feels likethere is an unspoken issue that no one wants to address. Sincerely, Avram Finkelstein (also known as Aram James) On Thu, Jan 23, 2025 at 8:19 PM Sean Allen <sallen6444@yahoo.com> wrote: It is. James just just told me. Sean Sent from my iPhone On Jan 23, 2025, at 5:46 PM, Aram James<abjpd1@gmail.com> wrote: Excellent! As I understand the state has in factmandated ethnic studies but not provided statefunding for its full guaranteed implementation in each district. I hope this is accurate. On Thu, Jan 23, 2025 at 5:35 PM Sean Allen<sallen6444@yahoo.com> wrote: To: Board of Education, Palo Alto Unified School District and the community From: Sean Allen President- San Jose/Silicon Valley NAACP I am writing to express the strong stance of the San Jose/Silicon Valley NAACP against the exclusionof ethnic studies from the curriculum of the Palo Alto Unified School District. The discussionssurrounding the potential removal of this important requirement are concerning and starkly contrast thevalues of inclusivity and equity that our community strives to uphold. Our organization has received an alarming numberof complaints regarding racial bias within the Palo Alto Unified School District—more than any otherschool district in Santa Clara County. These complaints highlight a pattern of systemic issuesthat cannot be ignored. Black students have reported being called the “N” word, subjected tocomments about being owned in the past, and faced derogatory remarks about their hair and lips.Latino students have encountered racial slurs, while Pacific Islander children have faceddiscrimination. Asian, Palestinian, Middle Eastern, Jewish, and LGBTQI+ students have all reportedexperiences of bias and harassment. This pervasive culture of discrimination underscores the urgentneed for ethnic studies courses, which serve as a vital tool for education, understanding, and healingin our schools. Ethnic studies courses are not merely an academic requirement; they are an essential component of awell-rounded education that promotes awareness and appreciation of diverse cultures and histories.These courses empower students to engage critically with societal issues, fostering empathy,understanding, and respect for one another. The failure to implement ethnic studies in this district,particularly given the concerning pattern of discrimination and racism, highlights the level ofimplicit and explicit bias supported by those in power. While the state of California has rejectedthe mandate and legislation for ethnic studies, this should not be interpreted as permission todisregard the implementation of such a critical piece of curriculum. In fact, ethnic studies are vitalfor shaping how students perceive others who may be different from themselves, influencing how theyinteract with their peers and navigate their professional lives, ultimately impacting themselvesand others in meaningful ways. It is important to note that several surroundingdistricts, including the Fremont Union High School District, East Side Union High SchoolDistrict, and San Jose Unified School District, have successfully implemented ethnic studiescourses despite the lack of legislative requirements. These districts recognize the valueof ethnic studies in promoting a more inclusive and equitable educational environment, setting aprecedent that Palo Alto should follow. The recent decision to pause the adoption of the ethnic studies requirement is a step backward inour efforts to create an inclusive environment for all students. We must advocate for thereinstatement of this requirement, not to comply with state mandates, but to fulfill our moralobligation to our students and community. In the words of civil rights leader Angela Davis, “It is notenough to be non-racist; we must be anti-racist.” We must actively work to dismantle the structuresthat perpetuate inequity and promote a curriculum that reflects the richness and diversity of oursociety. The San Jose/Silicon Valley NAACP stands ready to support the Palo Alto Unified School District inthis endeavor. We urge the Board of Education to reconsider the importance of ethnic studies and torecognize the profound impact it will have on our students and community. By prioritizing thesecourses, we can begin to address the racial biases that have plagued our district and create a moreequitable educational environment for every student. Thank you for your attention to this crucial matter.We look forward to working together to ensure that all students in the Palo Alto Unified SchoolDistrict feel valued, respected, and empowered. Sincerely, Sean Allen President San Jose/Silicon Valley NAACP Cc. NAACP State San Jose/Silicon Valley NAACPExecutive Committee Monterey County BranchSan Mateo County Branch Alameda County BranchesSan Francisco City/County Branch File On Jan 26, 2025, at 6:03 PM, Martin Wasserman <deeperlook@aol.com> wrote: Dear Sean, I’m not opposed to ethnic studies per se. The question is, what is the ideological message that a particular ethnic studies program is attempting to convey?America, like any country, has its virtues and its faults. Teaching only about its virtues while ignoring its faults would be wrong in my opinion, but it would beequally wrong to emphasize only the faults while ignoring the virtues. Based on what I’ve seen of some of the ethnic studies programs, they emphasize the faultsover the virtues, leading students to believe that America is much more evil than good, and therefore not worth protecting or defending. It would be good if people of different racial, ethnic, and social backgroundscould see the humanity in each other without making judgments based on superficial characteristics. But I'm not convinced that ethnic studies programs,especially given the ideological bent of many of the people who are pushing hardest for these programs, would achieve that objective. I believe they're morelikely to turn different groups against each other by portraying some groups as perpetrators of oppression, while portraying others as victims of oppression,amplifying grievances and focusing more on what separates us than on what unites us, which I believe is the actual intended goal of many of the people whoare pushing for these programs. Best regards, Martin On Jan 26, 2025, at 12:26 PM, Sean Allen <sallen6444@yahoo.com> wrote: The Choice for American History to Shine While Ethnic StudiesIs Left in the Dark = Explicit Bias Defined! Dear Mr. Wasserman, Your position seems to uphold the status quo, where dominant narratives overshadow the diverse experiences that make up ourcollective history. It appears your concern is not in fostering a comprehensive understanding of history, but rather in perpetuating aversion that aligns with your perspective while minimizing or excluding the histories of others. Ethnic studies programs are designed to offer an inclusive curriculumthat recognizes the contributions, struggles, and achievements of all groups. This approach is not about vilifying any particular group orcreating divisions; instead, it aims to empower students by providing a complete picture of our nation’s history. Understanding both thetriumphs and injustices of the past enables students to engage with the present in a more critical and thoughtful manner. Moreover, it raises important questions about why some individualsseek to downplay or erase the histories of others. Traditional American history often prioritizes European contributions whileoverlooking the effects on Indigenous peoples, the enslavement of Africans, and the annexation of territories like California. Educationshould adopt a more inclusive perspective that acknowledges this legacy. Recognizing the significant contributions of various groups,particularly immigrants like the Chinese workers who faced prejudice, is crucial. Their vital role in completing theTranscontinental Railroad not only connected the nation but also transformed travel and commerce, underscoring the importance ofteaching students about the diverse contributions that have shaped our society. The ideological influences embedded in education are fundamental tothe learning process. The most impactful lessons for our youth—the very strength of our future—are learned at home and through theireducators. These lessons become imprinted in the minds of younger generations, shaping who they ultimately become. It is essential torecognize that our state has the largest prison system in the world, and the reality is that incarceration tends to benefit those who are notincarcerated. Three common factors associated with incarceration include a lack of affluence, a lack of impulse control, and a lack ofeducation. Consequently, the perspective of the incarcerated is often narrow and limited. By implementing ethnic studies programs, we can engage, inform,and motivate our youth, ensuring they feel connected to their history. This connection not only fosters a sense of identity but can also helpdiminish the troubling statistics surrounding incarceration. Unfortunately, there are those who resist such initiatives because theydo not align with their own narratives, often rooted in racism. Promoting a singular narrative risks denying students the opportunityto learn about the diverse experiences that have shaped our society. This issue transcends individual identities; it speaks to the collectiveidentity of our nation. By acknowledging and celebrating all facets of history, we can foster a more cohesive and equitable society whereevery individual can see themselves reflected and valued. The divide we see is often rooted in the inaccuracies and omissions inthe narratives being presented. Let me be candid: the environment you describe exists alongside the harsh realities faced bycommunities of color. In my experience patrolling neighborhoods, I’ve witnessed the elite evade consequences for violent acts whilepeople of color are arrested for minor offenses. I recall responding to a burglary call only to be met with racial slurs demanding thepresence of a non-Black officer. Additionally, I have seen a Black child subjected to violence at the direction of a teacher. The fears of separation you express may stem from unchecked racismthat continues to permeate our society. Children of color, like all children, should be able to embrace their country with the confidencethat their history is acknowledged and celebrated, allowing them to see themselves as equals. What you propose could inadvertentlyobscure this history, leaving them vulnerable to losing their identity and assimilating into a narrow perspective. America is indeed apowerful and influential country, but we did not achieve this status without facing significant challenges and injustices. For our childrento embrace the future, they must understand the complexities of how we arrived here. In conclusion, while it is valid to be cautious about ideologicalinfluences in education, it is equally important to recognize the potential of ethnic studies programs to promote empathy, criticalthinking, and social responsibility. By engaging with these subjects, we can work towards a more informed and cohesive society, whereall individuals are empowered to contribute positively, rather than being pitted against one another. Best regards, Sean On Jan 26, 2025, at 9:49 AM, Martin Wasserman <deeperlook@aol.com> wrote: Dear Sean, Thank you for your thoughtful message, which I hope will be the beginning of a productive dialogue. The motivation behind many ethnic studies programsseems to be to advance an ideology that divides humanity into two classes, oppressors and their victims,and demands that people always side with the victims against their alleged oppressors, who are often definedby characteristics such as race, religion or social class. These programs are aimed not at healing social divisions, but exacerbating them. Instead of teaching disadvantagedstudents that they are active agents who can improve their circumstances through their own efforts, they teachthem that they are mere victims who can never improve their lives as long as their oppressors are in power, sothey're only recourse is to launch a revolution against those they believe are keeping them down. I believe that Marxist revolutionaries, though they maynot entirely dominate the ethnic studies movement, certainly have a substantial influence on it and areworking hard to increase that influence. Their goal is to stoke social grievances, deepen social divisions and turndifferent groups against each other in order to weaken us from within and make their revolution easier toaccomplish. Marxist ideology is profoundly alien to the principles that made America great, and in places whereit's been tried, it's usually caused much more harm than good. Its adherents have deluded themselves intothinking that their path will ultimately lead to a utopian society, and that they are justified in using any meansnecessary, no matter how devious or deceitful, to advance it. In my view, allowing these people anyinfluence whatever over the minds of our schoolchildren creates a major risk to the future of our society that mustbe pushed back upon resolutely. Best regards, Martin WassermanConcerned citizen On Jan 24, 2025, at 2:39 PM, Sean Allen<sallen6444@yahoo.com> wrote: Subject: Re: [Subject of the Original Email] Dear Martin, Thank you for your response and for sharing your perspective on such a complex andsensitive issue. I believe it is essential to engage in constructive dialogue, even whenwe have differing views. I appreciate your concerns regarding anti- Israel, anti-Western, and anti-Americansentiments. However, it is vital to recognize that criticism of any government, including Israel, does not equate to animosity toward anation or its people. Engaging in critical discussions about policies and practices canoften lead to greater understanding and reconciliation. Labeling the criticism of Israel as merepolitical indoctrination overlooks the genuine struggles faced by marginalizedcommunities. Discussions about ethnic studies, particularly in relation to Israel andPalestine, aim to educate students about historical injustices and encourage empathyfor all people involved. This educational approach is not about demonizing anygroup, but rather about fostering understanding and promoting justice. You mentioned that America is the mostpowerful country, and I agree that this strength is significant. However, it's crucialto recognize that this power does not solely derive from the elite or those in positions ofprivilege. Instead, it is built upon the hard work, resilience, and contributions ofindividuals from diverse backgrounds, particularly those from marginalizedcommunities who have served this nation in various capacities. It is worth noting that themajority—and almost all—of the elite politicians in our government have managedto escape military service, as have many from their legacies. This reality raisesimportant questions about whose sacrifices are acknowledged and how power dynamicsshape our national narrative. As a veteran and a person who has spent over three decades serving and protectingthis community, I recognize that the best way to honor the sacrifices made by thosewho served—many of whom lost their lives —is to not minimize the reasons for theirservice. Their commitment was to ensure that all individuals are protected by ourcountry's Constitution, which includes the rights of those who choose to kneel or standin the presence of our national flag. Furthermore, calling someone "anti-American" because they are redressing government bias and oppression is aresponse that highlights explicit bias. It dismisses legitimate grievances and ignoresthe foundational principles of our democracy, which include the right todissent and advocate for justice. Throughout history, it has been the laborers, activists, educators, and everyday citizens—those often overlooked by the narratives of power—who have shaped America's identityand values. Their dedication and sacrifices have been fundamental in advancing civilrights and social justice, ensuring that the principles of freedom and equality areupheld for all. This collective strength is what has truly propelled America forward,highlighting the importance of inclusivity and recognition of all voices. The collaboration between Black and Jewishcommunities, as exemplified by the founding of the NAACP, underscores theimportance of solidarity in the fight against oppression. We must recognize that thestruggles for justice faced by different communities are interconnected. Bystanding together against all forms of injustice, we strengthen our collective abilityto advocate for a more equitable society. As we move forward, I encourage us to engage in dialogue that honors thecontributions of all communities and seeks to address injustices wherever they mayarise. Thank you for your ongoing commitment to these important discussions. Best regards, Sean Allen President San Jose Silicon Valley NAACP Sent from my iPhone On Jan 23, 2025, at 10:42 PM, Martin Wasserman<deeperlook@aol.com> wrote: The accusation that Israel iscommitting genocide againstthe Palestinian Arabs is a flat out lie perpetrated solely for thepurpose of demonizing the Jewish state. The only party inthe Israel-Hamas war that has an explicit policy of genocide isHamas itself, which Avram Finkelstein evidently supports.The issue of ethnic studies is not that people fear mildcriticism of Israel. The issue is that this is an organized attemptby anti-American, anti-Western, anti-Israel extremists to turn ourschools into places not of learning, but of politicalindoctrination, into an ideology which is profoundly alien to theculture that has made this country, the USA, the best andmost successful in the world. Sincerely, Martin Wasserman On Jan 23, 2025, at 9:20 PM, AramJames <abjpd1@gmail.com>wrote: 1/23/2025 Hello everyone, I want to addressthe ongoing genocide beingperpetrated by the state of Israelagainst the Palestinian people,which is happening with the fullsupport of the U.S. government and theIsraeli Jewish lobby. My fellowJews should be deeply concernedand feel a sense of fear if we do notactively speak out against thisinjustice. The major issue here is that much ofthe opposition to ethnic studies isdriven by the influential Jewishlobby in Palo Alto. This lobby isconcerned that, during the ethnicstudies courses, Israel might becriticized, even in a mild manner. Theywill go to great lengths to suppressany perceived criticism of Israel,regardless of the impact this has onmarginalized groups. As a result, thethree newest members of theschool board seem determined to denyhigh school students in PaloAlto the opportunity to takea mandated ethnic studies course. Itfeels like there is an unspoken issue thatno one wants to address. Sincerely, Avram Finkelstein(also known as Aram James) On Thu, Jan 23,2025 at 8:19 PM Sean Allen<sallen6444@yahoo.com> wrote: It is. James just just told me. SeanSent from my iPhone OnJan 23,2025, at5:46 PM, AramJames <abjpd1@gmail.com>wrote: Excellent!As Iunderstandthestatehasinfactmandatedethnicstudiesbutnotprovidedstatefundingforits fullguaranteed implementationin eachdistrict. Ihope thisis accurate. OnThu, Jan23, 2025at 5:35 PMSean Allen<sallen6444@yahoo.com> wrote: To:Board ofEducation, PaloAlto UnifiedSchool Districtand thecommunity From: SeanAllen President-San Jose/SiliconValley NAACP Iam writingto expressthe strongstance ofthe SanJose/Silicon ValleyNAACP againstthe exclusionof ethnicstudies fromthe curriculumof thePalo AltoUnified SchoolDistrict. Thediscussions surroundingthe potentialremoval ofthis importantrequirement areconcerning andstarkly contrastthe valuesof inclusivityand equitythat ourcommunity strivesto uphold. Ourorganization hasreceived analarming numberof complaintsregarding racialbias withinthe PaloAlto UnifiedSchool District— morethan anyother schooldistrict inSanta ClaraCounty. Thesecomplaints highlighta patternof systemicissues thatcannot beignored. Blackstudents havereported beingcalled the“N” word,subjected tocomments aboutbeing ownedin thepast, andfaced derogatoryremarks abouttheir hairand lips.Latino studentshave encounteredracial slurs,while PacificIslander childrenhave faceddiscrimination. Asian,Palestinian, MiddleEastern, Jewish,and LGBTQI+students haveall reportedexperiences ofbias andharassment. Thispervasive cultureof discriminationunderscores theurgent needfor ethnicstudies courses,which serveas avital toolfor education,understanding, andhealing inour schools. Ethnicstudies coursesare notmerely anacademic requirement;they arean essentialcomponent ofa well-rounded educationthat promotesawareness andappreciation ofdiverse culturesand histories.These coursesempower studentsto engagecritically withsocietal issues,fostering empathy,understanding, andrespect forone another.The failureto implementethnic studiesin thisdistrict, particularlygiven theconcerning patternof discriminationand racism,highlights thelevel ofimplicit andexplicit biassupported bythose inpower. Whilethe stateof Californiahas rejectedthe mandateand legislationfor ethnicstudies, thisshould notbe interpretedas permissionto disregardthe implementationof sucha criticalpiece ofcurriculum. Infact, ethnicstudies arevital forshaping howstudents perceiveothers whomay bedifferent fromthemselves, influencinghow theyinteract withtheir peersand navigatetheir professionallives, ultimatelyimpacting themselvesand othersin meaningfulways. Itis importantto notethat severalsurrounding districts,including theFremont UnionHigh SchoolDistrict, EastSide UnionHigh SchoolDistrict, andSan JoseUnified SchoolDistrict, havesuccessfully implementedethnic studiescourses despitethe lackof legislativerequirements. Thesedistricts recognizethe valueof ethnicstudies inpromoting amore inclusiveand equitableeducational environment,setting aprecedent thatPalo Altoshould follow. Therecent decisionto pausethe adoptionof theethnic studiesrequirement is astep backwardin ourefforts tocreate aninclusive environmentfor allstudents. Wemust advocatefor thereinstatement ofthis requirement,not tocomply withstate mandates,but tofulfill ourmoral obligationto ourstudents andcommunity. Inthe wordsof civilrights leaderAngela Davis,“It isnot enoughto benon- racist;we mustbe anti-racist.” Wemust activelywork todismantle thestructures thatperpetuate inequityand promotea curriculumthat reflectsthe richnessand diversityof oursociety. The SanJose/Silicon ValleyNAACP standsready tosupport thePalo AltoUnified SchoolDistrict inthis endeavor.We urgethe Boardof Educationto reconsiderthe importanceof ethnicstudies andto recognizethe profoundimpact itwill haveon ourstudents andcommunity. Byprioritizing thesecourses, wecan beginto addressthe racialbiases thathave plaguedour districtand createa moreequitable educationalenvironment forevery student. Thankyou foryour attentionto thiscrucial matter.We lookforward toworking togetherto ensurethat allstudents inthe PaloAlto UnifiedSchool Districtfeel valued,respected, andempowered. Sincerely, Sean Allen President SanJose/Silicon ValleyNAACP Cc. NAACP StateSan Jose/SiliconValley NAACPExecutive CommitteeMonterey CountyBranch SanMateo CountyBranch AlamedaCounty BranchesSan FranciscoCity/County Branch File minimizing or excluding the histories of others. Ethnic studies programs are designed to offer an inclusive curriculum thatrecognizes the contributions, struggles, and achievements of all groups. This approach is not about vilifying any particular group or creating divisions; instead,it aims to empower students by providing a complete picture of our nation’s history. Understanding both the triumphs and injustices of the past enablesstudents to engage with the present in a more critical and thoughtful manner. Moreover, it raises important questions about why some individuals seek to downplay or erase the histories of others. Traditional American history oftenprioritizes European contributions while overlooking the effects on Indigenous peoples, the enslavement of Africans, and the annexation of territories likeCalifornia. Education should adopt a more inclusive perspective that acknowledges this legacy. Recognizing the significant contributions of variousgroups, particularly immigrants like the Chinese workers who faced prejudice, is crucial. Their vital role in completing the Transcontinental Railroad not onlyconnected the nation but also transformed travel and commerce, underscoring the importance of teaching students about the diverse contributions that have shapedour society. The ideological influences embedded in education are fundamental to the learning process. The most impactful lessons for our youth—the very strength of ourfuture—are learned at home and through their educators. These lessons become imprinted in the minds of younger generations, shaping who they ultimatelybecome. It is essential to recognize that our state has the largest prison system in the world, and the reality is that incarceration tends to benefit those who are notincarcerated. Three common factors associated with incarceration include a lack of affluence, a lack of impulse control, and a lack of education. Consequently, theperspective of the incarcerated is often narrow and limited. By implementing ethnic studies programs, we can engage, inform, and motivate our youth, ensuring they feel connected to their history. This connection not onlyfosters a sense of identity but can also help diminish the troubling statistics surrounding incarceration. Unfortunately, there are those who resist suchinitiatives because they do not align with their own narratives, often rooted in racism. Promoting a singular narrative risks denying students the opportunity to learn about the diverse experiences that have shaped our society. This issue transcendsindividual identities; it speaks to the collective identity of our nation. By acknowledging and celebrating all facets of history, we can foster a morecohesive and equitable society where every individual can see themselves reflected and valued. The divide we see is often rooted in the inaccuracies and omissions in the narratives being presented. Let me be candid: the environment you describe existsalongside the harsh realities faced by communities of color. In my experience patrolling neighborhoods, I’ve witnessed the elite evade consequences for violentacts while people of color are arrested for minor offenses. I recall responding to a burglary call only to be met with racial slurs demanding the presence of a non-Black officer. Additionally, I have seen a Black child subjected to violence at the direction of a teacher. The fears of separation you express may stem from unchecked racism thatcontinues to permeate our society. Children of color, like all children, should be able to embrace their country with the confidence that their history isacknowledged and celebrated, allowing them to see themselves as equals. What you propose could inadvertently obscure this history, leaving them vulnerable tolosing their identity and assimilating into a narrow perspective. America is indeed a powerful and influential country, but we did not achieve this status withoutfacing significant challenges and injustices. For our children to embrace the future, they must understand the complexities of how we arrived here. In conclusion, while it is valid to be cautious about ideological influences ineducation, it is equally important to recognize the potential of ethnic studies programs to promote empathy, critical thinking, and social responsibility. Byengaging with these subjects, we can work towards a more informed and cohesive society, where all individuals are empowered to contribute positively, rather thanbeing pitted against one another. Best regards, Sean On Jan 26, 2025, at 9:49 AM, Martin Wasserman<deeperlook@aol.com> wrote: Dear Sean, Thank you for your thoughtful message, which I hope will be thebeginning of a productive dialogue. The motivation behind many ethnic studies programs seems to be to advance an ideology that divides humanity into two classes,oppressors and their victims, and demands that people always side with the victims against their alleged oppressors, who are oftendefined by characteristics such as race, religion or social class. These programs are aimed not at healing social divisions, but exacerbating them. Instead of teaching disadvantaged students thatthey are active agents who can improve their circumstances through their own efforts, they teach them that they are mere victims who cannever improve their lives as long as their oppressors are in power, so they're only recourse is to launch a revolution against those theybelieve are keeping them down. I believe that Marxist revolutionaries, though they may not entirely dominate the ethnic studies movement, certainly have a substantialinfluence on it and are working hard to increase that influence. Their goal is to stoke social grievances, deepen social divisions and turndifferent groups against each other in order to weaken us from within and make their revolution easier to accomplish. Marxist ideology isprofoundly alien to the principles that made America great, and in places where it's been tried, it's usually caused much more harm thangood. Its adherents have deluded themselves into thinking that their path will ultimately lead to a utopian society, and that they arejustified in using any means necessary, no matter how devious or deceitful, to advance it. In my view, allowing these people anyinfluence whatever over the minds of our schoolchildren creates a major risk to the future of our society that must be pushed back uponresolutely. Best regards, Martin WassermanConcerned citizen On Jan 24, 2025, at 2:39 PM, Sean Allen<sallen6444@yahoo.com> wrote: Subject: Re: [Subject of the Original Email] Dear Martin, Thank you for your response and for sharing your perspective on such a complex and sensitive issue. Ibelieve it is essential to engage in constructive dialogue, even when we have differing views. I appreciate your concerns regarding anti-Israel, anti-Western, and anti-American sentiments. However, it is vital to recognize that criticism of any government,including Israel, does not equate to animosity toward a nation or its people. Engaging in critical discussionsabout policies and practices can often lead to greater understanding and reconciliation. Labeling the criticism of Israel as mere politicalindoctrination overlooks the genuine struggles faced by marginalized communities. Discussions about ethnicstudies, particularly in relation to Israel and Palestine, aim to educate students about historical injustices andencourage empathy for all people involved. This educational approach is not about demonizing any group,but rather about fostering understanding and promoting justice. You mentioned that America is the most powerfulcountry, and I agree that this strength is significant. However, it's crucial to recognize that this power doesnot solely derive from the elite or those in positions of privilege. Instead, it is built upon the hard work,resilience, and contributions of individuals from diverse backgrounds, particularly those from marginalizedcommunities who have served this nation in various capacities. It is worth noting that the majority—andalmost all—of the elite politicians in our government have managed to escape military service, as have manyfrom their legacies. This reality raises important questions about whose sacrifices are acknowledged andhow power dynamics shape our national narrative. As a veteran and a person who has spent over three decades serving and protecting this community, Irecognize that the best way to honor the sacrifices made by those who served—many of whom lost their lives—isto not minimize the reasons for their service. Their commitment was to ensure that all individuals areprotected by our country's Constitution, which includes the rights of those who choose to kneel or stand in thepresence of our national flag. Furthermore, calling someone "anti-American" because they are redressinggovernment bias and oppression is a response that highlights explicit bias. It dismisses legitimategrievances and ignores the foundational principles of our democracy, which include the right to dissent andadvocate for justice. Throughout history, it has been the laborers, activists, educators, and everyday citizens—those oftenoverlooked by the narratives of power—who have shaped America's identity and values. Their dedicationand sacrifices have been fundamental in advancing civil rights and social justice, ensuring that the principles offreedom and equality are upheld for all. This collective strength is what has truly propelled America forward,highlighting the importance of inclusivity and recognition of all voices. The collaboration between Black and Jewishcommunities, as exemplified by the founding of the NAACP, underscores the importance of solidarity in thefight against oppression. We must recognize that the struggles for justice faced by different communities areinterconnected. By standing together against all forms of injustice, we strengthen our collective ability to advocatefor a more equitable society. As we move forward, I encourage us to engage in dialogue that honors the contributions of all communitiesand seeks to address injustices wherever they may arise. Thank you for your ongoing commitment to theseimportant discussions. Best regards, Sean Allen President San Jose Silicon Valley NAACP Sent from my iPhone On Jan 23, 2025, at 10:42 PM, MartinWasserman <deeperlook@aol.com> wrote: The accusation that Israel is committinggenocide against the Palestinian Arabs is aflat out lie perpetrated solely for the purposeof demonizing the Jewish state. The onlyparty in the Israel-Hamas war that has anexplicit policy of genocide is Hamas itself,which Avram Finkelstein evidentlysupports. The issue of ethnic studies is notthat people fear mild criticism of Israel. Theissue is that this is an organized attempt byanti-American, anti-Western, anti-Israelextremists to turn our schools into places notof learning, but of political indoctrination,into an ideology which is profoundly aliento the culture that has made this country, theUSA, the best and most successful in theworld. Sincerely,Martin Wasserman On Jan 23, 2025, at 9:20 PM,Aram James<abjpd1@gmail.com> wrote: 1/23/2025 Hello everyone, I want to address the ongoinggenocide being perpetrated by the state of Israel against thePalestinian people, which is happening with the full supportof the U.S. government and the Israeli Jewish lobby. My fellowJews should be deeply concerned and feel a sense offear if we do not actively speak out against this injustice. The major issue here is thatmuch of the opposition to ethnic studies is driven by theinfluential Jewish lobby in Palo Alto. This lobby is concernedthat, during the ethnic studies courses, Israel might becriticized, even in a mild manner. They will go to greatlengths to suppress any perceived criticism of Israel,regardless of the impact this has on marginalized groups. As a result, the three newestmembers of the school board seem determined to deny highschool students in Palo Alto the opportunity to take a mandatedethnic studies course. It feels like there is an unspoken issuethat no one wants to address. Sincerely, Avram Finkelstein (also known as Aram James) On Thu, Jan 23, 2025 at8:19 PM Sean Allen <sallen6444@yahoo.com>wrote: It is. James just just told me. SeanSent from my iPhone On Jan 23, 2025, at 5:46 PM, AramJames <abjpd1@gmail.com> wrote: Excellent! As Iunderstand thestate has in factmandated ethnicstudies but notprovided statefunding for itsfull guaranteedimplementationin each district. Ihope this isaccurate. On Thu, Jan 23,2025 at 5:35 PMSean Allen<sallen6444@yahoo.com> wrote: To: Board of Education, PaloAlto Unified School Districtand the community From: SeanAllen President- SanJose/Silicon Valley NAACP I am writing toexpress the strong stance ofthe San Jose/SiliconValley NAACP against theexclusion of ethnic studiesfrom the curriculum ofthe Palo Alto Unified SchoolDistrict. The discussionssurrounding the potentialremoval of this importantrequirement are concerning andstarkly contrast the values ofinclusivity and equity that ourcommunity strives touphold. Our organizationhas received an alarmingnumber of complaintsregarding racial bias within thePalo Alto Unified SchoolDistrict—more than any otherschool district in Santa ClaraCounty. These complaintshighlight a pattern ofsystemic issues that cannot beignored. Black students havereported being called the “N”word, subjected to commentsabout being owned in thepast, and faced derogatoryremarks about their hair andlips. Latino students haveencountered racial slurs,while Pacific Islanderchildren have faceddiscrimination. Asian,Palestinian, MiddleEastern, Jewish, andLGBTQI+ students haveall reported experiences ofbias and harassment.This pervasive culture ofdiscrimination underscores theurgent need for ethnic studiescourses, which serve as a vitaltool for education,understanding, and healing inour schools. Ethnic studies courses are notmerely an academicrequirement; they are anessential component of awell-rounded education thatpromotes awareness andappreciation of diverse culturesand histories. These coursesempower students toengage critically withsocietal issues, fosteringempathy, understanding,and respect for one another.The failure to implementethnic studies in this district,particularly given theconcerning pattern ofdiscrimination and racism,highlights the level ofimplicit and explicit biassupported by those in power.While the state of Californiahas rejected the mandate andlegislation for ethnic studies,this should not be interpretedas permission to disregard theimplementation of such acritical piece of curriculum. Infact, ethnic studies are vitalfor shaping how studentsperceive others who may bedifferent from themselves,influencing how theyinteract with their peers andnavigate their professionallives, ultimatelyimpacting themselves andothers in meaningfulways. It is importantto note that severalsurrounding districts,including the Fremont UnionHigh School District, EastSide Union High SchoolDistrict, and San JoseUnified School District, havesuccessfully implementedethnic studies courses despitethe lack of legislativerequirements. These districtsrecognize the value of ethnicstudies in promoting amore inclusive and equitableeducational environment,setting a precedent thatPalo Alto should follow. The recentdecision to pause theadoption of the ethnic studiesrequirement is a stepbackward in our efforts tocreate an inclusiveenvironment for all students.We must advocate forthe reinstatementof this requirement,not to comply with statemandates, but to fulfill ourmoral obligation toour students andcommunity. In the words ofcivil rights leader AngelaDavis, “It is not enough to benon-racist; we must be anti-racist.” We must activelywork to dismantle thestructures that perpetuateinequity and promote acurriculum that reflects therichness and diversity of oursociety. The San Jose/SiliconValley NAACP stands ready tosupport the Palo AltoUnified School District in thisendeavor. We urge the Boardof Education to reconsider theimportance of ethnic studiesand to recognize theprofound impact it willhave on our students andcommunity. By prioritizingthese courses, we can begin toaddress the racial biasesthat have plagued ourdistrict and create a moreequitable educationalenvironment for everystudent. Thank you for your attentionto this crucial matter. Welook forward to workingtogether to ensure that allstudents in the Palo AltoUnified School District feelvalued, respected, and empowered. Sincerely, Sean Allen President SanJose/Silicon Valley NAACP Cc. NAACP StateSan Jose/SiliconValley NAACP ExecutiveCommittee MontereyCounty Branch San MateoCounty Branch AlamedaCounty BranchesSan Francisco City/CountyBranch File Commissioner Croft: Present. 0:16:28: Kaylee Burton: Commissioner Phillips. 0:16:30: Commissioner Phillips: Present. 0:16:31: Kaylee Burton: Commissioner Metz. 0:16:32: Commissioner Metz: Present. 0:16:33: Kaylee Burton: Chair Scharff. 0:16:34: Chair Scharff: Present. 0:16:35: Kaylee Burton: Vice Chair Mauter. 0:16:36: Vice Chair Mauter: Present. 0:16:37: Kaylee Burton: Commissioner Tucher. 0:16:38: Commissioner Tucher: Present. 0:16:39: Kaylee Burton: Commissioner Gupta. 0:16:40: Commissioner Gupta: Present. 0:16:41: Kaylee Burton: Seven present. 0:16:46: Chair Scharff: All right. Do we have any agenda changes? 0:16:51: Kaylee Burton: We do not. 0:16:53: Chair Scharff: All right. Do we have any public comment for items not on the agenda? 0:17:06: Kaylee Burton: This is Kaylee Burton, Administrative Assistant. If anyone from the public would like to speak on an item NOT on the agenda,please raise your hand or dial *9 on your phone now. [pause] We'll begin with David Coale. [pause] I'm sorry. Dave Warner. 0:17:36: Chair Scharff: Welcome, Mr. Warner. 0:17:37: Dave Warner: [unamplified] Hey, welcome to you all. Thank you all so much for your service. ** I have four slides. [amplified] And there yousee 'em. So -- And it's pretty simple. I also really thank you for the discussion we had in November regarding our water supply. It was just soproductive. So, my four points are pretty quick. The first one is, the regional water system supply is not an issue. And my real details there arein the letter I sent you November 25th, and would encourage you to take a look at it if you haven't already. I'll just cite one statistic from thisslide. You know, drought duration is not a primary issue for us. And, for example, the SFPUC has such robust water rights on the Tuolumne that even if the Tuolumne is flowing 35 percent below its average, we still have enough water to fully supply the region for a year. So, that's a pretty strong set of water rights. So, we don't really need to worry about longer or more severe water droughts. And I'd encourage you to read my letter if you want to go further on that. 0:18:48: The second thing, though, I will say, cost of water IS an issue. And that's why I sort of bring this up. Because if we spend money on improvingour reliability more, it's just going to cost us more. And there are many lists of cost on the horizon. I won't go through them here. And then, I also have on this slide -- Oh, I'm sorry. Go to the next slide. 0:19:09: Oop. Sorry. Somehow -- Oh, that's good. That's good. I'm too far ahead. So, the data -- just the example of data is, you know, climatechange is not an issue. And, again, the SFPUC's long-term vulnerability analysis goes into this in quite a bit of depth. Tree rings in the last1,100 years, say there was never a drought anywhere close to what the design drought has. And I guess the last thing I'll say is, even if youshorten the drought by a year -- the design drought -- we still have a return period of once over 1,000 years. And, again, I would encourage you to look at my letter for more of these points. 0:19:42: And now I'll go to the next slide. When I said cost of water is an issue -- And I've got a list of points of how we could reduce that. But I guessthe main point is, I really do think we should be worrying about cost. And then, the last thing, is to take -- last slide -- is to take a quick look atTable 4.6 from One Water Plan, which I think is interesting because it's -- the constituents basically say -- um -- there -- 35 percent of the weightis on reliability, which we don't think is an issue. But 30 percent of the weight is on environmental benefits, and 20 percent of the weight is on unit cost. So, it really says half the weight cost and benefits. Which is where we should spend our time. 0:20:25: So, that's my presentation. Again, thank you so much for your service. That's it. 0:20:30: Chair Scharff: Thank you. 0:20:36: Kaylee Burton: Next, we'll have Peter Drekmeier. 0:20:41: Peter Drekmeier: I have some slides, too. But I wanted to thank you, Chair Scharff and commissioners. And Mayor Lauing, congratulations. The City is in good hands. 0:29: Chair Scharff: I did want to say that last slide was on the verge of being on Item 4. So -- 0:20:59: Dave Warner: [unamplified} I'm sorry. 0:21:01: Peter Drekmeier: I'm much better behaved than Dave. [laughter] I have a little more experience here. [laughs] I want to make two points. First is, we need to invite BAWSCA to come back. I want you to encourage them to explain what they're doing about the recent performanceaudit of the SFPUC. Next slide. 0:21:17: So, this was commissioned by the Board of Supervisors in San Francisco. Budget and Legislative Analysts put together. And it was December20th. ### 12-20-24: "Performance Audit of the Authority Delegated to the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission for Public Works ContractsUnder Chapter 6 of the Administrative Code" (112 pages) https://sfbos.org/sites/default/files/122024_PA_of_SFPUC_for_DPW_Contracts_Under_Chapter_6_Admin_Code.pdf So, very recent. Next. 0:21:30: And of particular concern to me is change orders. ### The slide shows page 8 of the cited document. Almost every meeting, there will be a vote to add cost to contracts. So, contractors -- consultants -- come forward with a bid. And then they keep coming back. We need more money. Next. 0:21:48: Um. This is the recent budget. ### 09-03-24: "Water Enterprise Capital Improvement Program Quarterly Report (4th Quarter / FY 2023-2024)" (106 pages) https://www.sfpuc.gov/sites/default/files/documents/WECIP_Quarterly_Report_FY_2023_2024_4th_Quarter.pdf The slide is from page 8. And just looking at the regional water part of that -- not local, which is just San Francisco. So, regional is in that red box there. That's water thatwe, BAWSCA, is responsible for two-thirds of those costs. And you see, in column (B), I believe, is what the budget was. (C) is what it'sprojected to be. And (D) is the difference. So, $330 million over budget. BAWSCA is responsible for two-thirds of that. That's $220 million. Palo Alto is responsible for 7 percent of BAWSCA's, so that's $15 million. In cost overruns. In one budget cycle. So, that's a lot of money. Next. 0:22:30: My second topic. I want to explain. People ask me, Drekmeier, why aren't you more enthusiastic about alternative water supplies? And so, Iwanted to explain. Next slide. 0:22:40: Surveys all show that protecting the environment is the number one motivator for people to conserve water or to support alternative water supplies. This is a SFPUC survey. It may be 10 years old. There, you see, you know, environment is the most convincing argument, at 84percent. ### Google "SFPUC 'messages about environmental impacts' " only 1 hit -- a document from Santa Clara Valley Water District with verysimilar survey results, reported in a very similar format.03-12-15: "Work Study Session for Expedited Recycled and Purified Water Program" (89 pages) (page 71) https://www.valleywater.org/sites/default/files/335%20P3%20Related%20Board%20Agenda%20Memorandums%201%2003-12- 15%20Item%202.1%20-%20WS%20Session%20for%20Expedited%20Recy%20%26%20Purified%20Wtr%20Program%20%284%29.pdfIt found that 83 percent of survey participants were interested in the environment. ### (Incidentally, this report lists "G. Hall" as the "Unclassified Manager." Garth Hall was a UAC commissioner in Palo Alto from 06-06-12 to05-31-16.) And that's higher than having a drought-proof or reliable water supply. Next. 0:23:05: And we put our money where our mouth is a few years ago. The voters approved Measure AA, to fund wetland restoration in the Bay. And yousee over 70 percent Bay-wide. And Palo Alto, it was considerably higher. Next. 0:23:22: The problem is that when we conserve water, it's just hoarded behind dams. Next slide. 0:23:29: Anytime the reservoirs aren't full, they only release the base loads, which are very inadequate right now. So, we're looking at the drought in theteens. And, you see, for five years, the unimpaired flow averaged 12 percent in the lower Tuolumne, where the salmon are. And then, in 2017,it was 79 percent. Next slide. 0:23:50: This is what the flow looked like in the lower Tuolumne. You see on the left there 55 height gauge. That represents 9,000 cubic feet persecond. A lot of water. More water than when San Francisquito flooded back in 1998. And you see that the line there for a couple months isright at 9.000. That's because the Army Corps has that as a cut-off. They don't want it to go above 9.000, because it COULD flood Modesto. You see in that red box that, for a week, it got up to 15,000. Because they couldn't control it. The reservoir was full, and water was coming in,and they had to spill water. Fortunately, improvements have been made since the big flood in late 1997 -- the same year that we -- the same timeframe that we flooded. And there wasn't much flooding. Just a little bit. But that -- water in that box is about 70,000 acre-feet. If you put that in perspective, Palo Alto uses a little less than 12,000 acre-feet in an entire year. So, that's probably the water that we all regionally conserved during the drought. And it put Modesto at risk of flooding. Did it benefit the environment? Probably not. It probably flushed out thesmallest fish -- fry -- think of small fry -- before they could grow into smolts, which are larger, and have a better chance of surviving in the Bay,Delta, and the ocean. Next slide. 0:25:18: So, what we absolutely need is something like the Bay Delta Plan that's on the table. Palo Alto has supported it. This is what the unimpaired flow would have looked like in that drought, had it been in place. 40 percent unimpaired flow for 5 years. 44 percent in 2017. So, the 40 percent required, they would have had to spill an additional 4 percent. We would have ended up with full storage, just like we did, but a muchhealthier river. So, alternative water supply can be helpful. We don't need it for water supply reasons. We -- It doesn't benefit the environment. It costs a lot of money. Thank you very much. 0:25:55: Chair Scharff: Thank you, Peter. 0:26:05: Kaylee Burton: No further comments. 0:26:06: Chair Scharff: All right. With that, we'll close public comment. Um. Can I get a motion to approve the minutes? 0:26:13: Kaylee Burton: Chair Scharff? 0:26:13: Chair Scharff: Yes. 0:26:15: Kaylee Burton: I do have a change to the minutes. 0:26:16: Chair Scharff: OK. 0:26:17: Kaylee Burton: The change would be on the first paragraph of packet page 9. The change will be, "To facilitate identification, high-density polyethylene mains were color coded yellow for gas, black with a blue stripe for water, and black with a green stripe for wastewater. Gas laterals are yellow, and water and wastewater services and laterals are black." ### In my message to UAC and Council of 01-05-25 (pages 12-13 here)https://portal.laserfiche.com/Portal/DocView.aspx?id=121343&repo=r-704298fcI pointed out inaccuracies in the original DRAFT minutes. The proposed change is still inaccurate, just in different ways. 0:26:45: Chair Scharff: OK. Can you get a motion to approve with that change? 0:26:48: Commissioner Croft: I move to approve the minutes with that change. 0:26:53: Vice Chair Mauter: I second. 0:26:55: Chair Scharff: Can we do a roll call vote? 0:26:58: Kaylee Burton: Commissioner Croft. 0:27:00: Commissioner Croft: Yes. 0:27:01: Kaylee Burton: Commissioner Phillips. 0:27:02: Commissioner Phillips: Abstain. 0:27:03: Kaylee Burton: Commissioner Metz. 0:27:04: Commissioner Metz: Yes. 0:27:05: Kaylee Burton: Commissioner -- or, Chair Scharff. 0:27:07: Chair Scharff: Yes. 0:27:08: Kaylee Burton: Vice Chair Mauter. 0:27:09: Vice Chair Mauter: Yes. 0:28:09: Kaylee Burton: Commissioner Tucher. 0:27:10: Commissioner Tucher: Yes. 0:27:11: Kaylee Burton: Commissioner Gupta. 0:27:12: Commissioner Gupta: Yes. 0:27:13: Kaylee Burton: Motion carries, 6-1. ### Actually, it carries 6-0-1 (with 6 yeses, 0 noes, and 1 abstention). 2:27:16: Chair Scharff: All right. I think that brings us to the Director's Report. 2:27:24: Kiely Nose: Good evening, commissioners. Kiely Nose, Assistant City Manager. As you -- I -- Well, first of all, let me start with Happy NewYear. Welcome to 2025, everybody. I'll start with a few citywide updates, and then I'll turn it over to Alan, the Chief Operating Officer. So,couple things. As many of you already know, last night the Council inducted two new members, and they also elected for 2025 their newmayor, Mayor Lauing, and their vice mayor, Vice Mayor Vicki Veenker. So, I do expect in the coming month that assignments for boards,committees, and commissions will come out. And so, we'll keep the commission apprised as to who your representative is, and any other additional changes that may impact you for 2025. 0:28:13: I'll also note, I am a new face. [laughs] So, as you all know, Dean Batchelor retired at the end of 2024. And so, obviously, the department is ina state of transition. And so, I'm here on behalf of the City Manager's office, obviously, to both assure the commission that there is continuitywithin the department and within the City organization, as well as share that, between Alan and I, right now, we'll oversee the department. Andyou can expect some notification from the City Manager -- probably this week -- on the transition plans and status. ### Google "site:cityofpaloalto shikada utilities <past-month> " no relevant hits as of 01-26-25. You'll notice the Director position is not yet posted, but we are expecting that to be posted shortly, as we work with the executive recruiter. So,with that, I will turn this over to Alan. 0:29:06: Commissioner Tucher: Quick question. Did I -- Did you say the -- Which position is not yet posted? 0:29:12: Kiely Nose: The Utilities Director. Dean Batchelor's position. 0:29:17: Commissioner Tucher: Oh. I misunderstood from our recent update from the recruiter - the outside recruiter -- that -- I thought the position was ** -- Anyway, thank you. Clarified. 0:29:33: Alan Kurotori: So, I'm going to give an update on some the activities in the department. There was a recent San Francisco Chronicle article on-- that was, "Popular Bay Area foods contain high levels of plastic chemicals, study finds." ### 12-30-24: "Popular Bay Area foods contain high levels of plastic chemicals, study finds"https://www.sfchronicle.com/food/restaurants/article/plastic-chemicals-bay-area-foods-20007209.php It was talking about one of our businesses in Palo Alto, Boba Guys, in terms of a high level of BPA found. As part of the article, they did mention, there was a treated water sample that was taken. It attributed that to Palo Alto, but did not entirely mention in the article that they wereactually testing Aquatabs, which is a disinfectant you use when you go camping. And that was part of the constituents that were beingmodeled. The report -- The staff looked at the report on -- that was provided by PlasticLink. ### This report? 12-27-24 (updated 12-31-24): "PLASTICLIST REPORT"https://www.plasticlist.org/report ### PlasticList https://www.plasticlist.org/On the home page, a pop-up says: "An important disclaimer: we have refrained from drawing high-confidence conclusions from these results,and we think that you should, too. Consider this a snapshot of our raw test results, suitable as a starting point and inspiration for further work,but not solid enough on its own to draw conclusions or make policy recommendations or even necessarily to alter your personal purchasingdecisions. These results represent point-in-time results of a small number of product samples and may not be representative of actual productcontents. These tests, like all tests, have inherent uncertainties, and different testing methodologies are likely to yield different results. Darker- colored values indicate a higher percentile finding in our dataset but do not necessarily indicate a concern. The mere presence of a chemical in food does not automatically suggest harm. We'd be thrilled to see serious efforts to replicate our results and we are open to any corrections you may have." To view further, you have to click on "Got it, I promise not to freak out." went through all the appendices. They actually did test Palo Alto tap water, and didn't find any constituents of the 18 that were monitored. Frankly, Palo Alto tap water was used as a medium to put it in solution. ### To put the Aquatabs into solution? ### In other words, PlasticList wasn't complaining about Palo Alto's tap water. So -- There was a resident who wanted some more information. We provided that information. And we actually noted that to the food reporterat the Chronicle, hoping they would make some clarification on that, to avoid any confusion. So, I just want to let the UAC be aware of thatsituation. 0:30:52: I wanted to let you -- to give you an update on our wildfire mitigation and undergrounding of the Foothills project. So, that is continuing. Wefully expect that to be done by the end of this fiscal year. Probably the June timeframe. So, that is undergrounding the overhead power lines inthe wildfire urban interface. That's in the Tier 2 area that we have in Palo Alto. So, there is an audit going on right now, in terms of looking atour emergency preparedness. There will be a report coming to Council separately -- just for your awareness -- probably in the February 11thtimeframe. So, we want to let you know that there will be some findings with that. Staff is looking at that draft, providing some comments. Andthen we'll bring that report, after it's finalized, to the UAC for your information. 0:31:42: And then, I think our last is an update, just, you know, with the recent rainfalls. As of December 1st, Hetch Hetchy was at about 114 percent ofthe median for the water year. And the regional water system total storage operated by SFPUC was about 88 percent of maximum storage. And the water bank is full. So, I just wanted to provide you that update, in terms of our water supply. That's all I have. Thank you. 0:32:12: Chair Scharff: Thank you. All right. That moves us on to New Business. And, I guess we're at "Purpose & Duties of the Utilities Advisory Commission." ### There's a one-page (vestigial) staff report and 15 presentation slides. 0:32:27: ###. Slide 1 -- UAC ADVISORY COMMISSION (UAC) STUDY SESSION: Purpose & Duties of the UAC, Key Staff Roles & Responsibilities (packet page 29) Kiely Nose: OK. So, Alan and I will tag team this one. I think in the advent of the changing guard as well as just adjustments going on withinthe Commission and the staff, we wanted to provide this forum to kind of just go over the organization as well as the Commission's role, andhow that parlays into Council actions and the actions before the Commission. So, next slide, please. 0:33:03: ###. Slide 2 -- PURPOSE OF THE UAC So, the UAC's purpose is governed by the City's Municipal Code. And the Commission is really sent -- or, tasked with advising Council on bothpresent and long-term planning, policy, and major programs for any of the matters related to utilities. So, that's gas, electric, water, wastewater, fiber. Next slide. 0:33:27: ###. Slide 3 -- PURPOSE OF THE UAC (continued) So, what staff has tried to do in the next few slides is break down what that means, and then turn that into -- in the gray boxes -- tangible examples of what that means in terms of items that the Commission will see before itself. So, in terms of long-range policy and planningmatters, you'll see things that have to do with what's on you agenda tonight. Major projects. So, the Grid Modernization. A significantinvestment going on in our electric utility. Things like the One Water Plan. As well as the Fiber to the Premise project. ### The slide (correctly) calls it Fiber to the Premises. So, those are those kind of large, long-range planning, multi-year -- some of them more than a decade, probably -- projects that are major investments for the City's businesses, that -- the Commission would be brought forward, get your feedback, advice. And then help that inform Council's ultimate decisions. Next slide. 0:34:21: ###. Slide 4 -- PURPOSE OF THE UAC (further continued) The other one is on joint actions. So, obviously, Utilities works with a number of regional agencies, and is also a body -- or, a party to some of those. So, things like NCPA, which plays a major role in our electric utility, as well as -- as you saw in our former action items -- we have a lot ofwork with other agencies like Valley Water, BAWSCA, and the like. So, you'll see agreements that we have with those partner agencies. Andmaster agreements come before this commission. 0:34:54: Obviously -- OK, going on to C) and D), you've got conservation, energy efficient, environmental impacts. And that's where you'll see things like demand-side management, the DSM programs. Or, water-smart home water reports coming forward to this body for your feedback. Next slide. ###. Slide 5 -- PURPOSE OF THE UAC (yet further continued) And then -- I think this is the last one of purpose slides -- did I get that right? Yeah. Nope. Second-to-last. So, when we talk aboutconsistency, we're also plans, policies, and programs of the utilities when it comes to -- um -- resiliency of the infrastructure, as well as thefinances of it. So, we'll get into the finance a little bit on the next slide. But this one, we're talking about wildfiire. We're talking about Tier 2, obviously, in a drought situation. We're talking about major policy changes, such as time-of-use rates. So, those are the kinds of issues that will be brought forward for this body, in terms of the policy direction, financial as well as programmatic, that these major areas, getting the Commission's guidance, to again help inform the Council. Next slide. ###. Slide 6 -- PURPOSE OF THE UAC (still further continued) The last slide is about legislative things regarding the Utility, and, obviously, the financials. So, utilities have major financial operations, both thecommodity purchases as well as the operations and capex. So, bringing forward the budgets, the schedules, the rates. Any programs to assist residents -- or any of the ratepayers, frankly -- for low-income, affordable housing, and any of the new rate -- or packages for services, such as fiber, as that comes online. So, those are the kind of high-level -- both purpose, as outlined in the Municipal Code, but then how that tangibly turns into actions by the Commission. Next slide. 0:36:45: ###. Slide 7 -- UTILITIES DEPARTMENT STAFF PHOTO -- August 2024 So, who's supporting the Commission? Who's doing all of the body of work? You'll see in the next few slides, as I pass it over to our Chief Operating Officer. It's a large department. It's the City's largest department, with over 200 employees in it. So, this is a photo from August of this year. And, obviously, it's not all the employees, but those that are at one of the quarterly all-hands meetings. So -- the next slide, I'll haveAlan go the department and kind of all the staff that go into supporting these operations. 0:37:19: ###. Slide 8 -- UTILITIES DEPARTMENT ### This slide says the "Electric-Fiber Utility" has 105 staff and 31 vacancies. (I think that means it has 74 filled positions, right?) I'd be interested in how these staff (both filled positions and vacancies) are divided between Electric and Fiber. ### I think that "Electric-Fiber Utility" is not the official name of an organizational unit within CPAU, but rather a term invented ad hoc for use inSlide 8.Google "site:cityofpaloalto.com 'electric fiber utility' " only 2 hits, both finding the phrase "water/wastewater/gas/electric/fiber utility."In Slide 9, below, the (Acting) Electric Assistant Director, Jorge Silva, and (Acting) Fiber Optics Assistant Director, Darren Numoto, are identified separately. Alan Kurotori: Yeah. So, as the Assistant City Manager mentioned, the Utilities is the largest department within the City, with almost 270employees. We have the largest amount of the capital projects. You know, in combination with our work with Public Works on the treatmentplant. So, we have the largest bulk -- This department has the largest bulk of all the capital projects and operating. So, roughly, probably morethan two-thirds of the budget is associated with the utilities. So, it's a significant investment, significant infrastructure for the City. So, this is justan overview of some of the staff that we have, and the current vacancies. I won't go through all the detail on where specifically ones we're at. Iwill point out, though, that, you know, the electric side is really our focus, in terms of some of our near-term vacancies, and where we're actively recruiting right now. We have a very proactive program with our Human Resources Department, where we have a liaison from our department that provides additional resources to Human Resources, so we can really start to expedite and fast-track the internal recruitments that we have. So, I just wanted to give you a flavor of the positions that we have. I did want to also note, we did add additional positions last year. I believe it was 6-10 positions in the Utilities. So, some of those vacancies we are still filling. And there is a normal vacancy rate. That is unsurprising in the industry. So, **. Next slide. 0:38:44: ###. Slide 9 -- Utilities Department Management ### I think providing the names as well as the titles was helpful. I'd be interested in seeing the names and titles for the next level down in the hierarchy as well. So, looking at our Department as a whole, we just wanted to provide you kind of a view of the staff. All the staff that are listed here are heretoday, with the exception of Darren Numoto. And I'll tell you the reason why. ### What WAS the reason why? ### Numoto is shown as "Acting Fiber Optics Assistant Director." He's also Director of Information Technology. Why does staff feel he has time to serve in both capacities simultaneously? Um. So, the Utilities Director is current unfilled, with Dean Batchelor's retirement. As the Chief Operating Officer, we have -- basically [we're]going to be splitting the Utility based on location. So, the Utilities Director typically oversees a lot of the aspects associated with staff at CityHall. As a Chief Operating Officer, I'll be working at the Municipal Operations Center, and with our engineers at Elwell. Which are, frankly, onthe other side of 101. And they're in close proximity of each other. So, if you look at this organizational chart, those are a lot of the differentialsin terms of the staff. What I will go through on the next -- following slides is, kind of, each of these titles, what are their scope and key activities, of what they have, and provide an opportunity for the Commission to do a deeper dive, in terms of questions and answers to the staff on some of the overview of those duties, and tying back to what your interests are as well. So, just in the effort ### interest of time here, I won't go through the names of the staff. Here. But I will in the following slides. ###. Slide 10 -- UTILITIES EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP 0:40:02: So, obviously, Utility Director is the legally responsible official for the department. Oversees the entire department as a whole. HumanResources. Advocacy. Obviously, working with the UAC as the lead staff member there. And also, as the Assistant City Manager mentioned,we have a vested interest in Northern California Power Agency, as a JPA where a lot of our power scheduling is done, and we work with otherof our sister utilities in Northern California. As a Chief Operating Officer, given my background, as an engineer for the last 30+ years, mybackground is solely in utilities, private and public. So, I'm really gravitating toward the operations of the Utility, where I've been for the last 20 years at a different agency. And then, the capital projects associated with that. Working on the regulatory, legislative, advocacy issues. And then, our emergency response. So, Palo Alto belongs to the California -- um -- ### Huh? Did he mean the Standardized Emergency Management System (SEMS)?https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/files/assets/public/v/1/oes/plans/city_of_palo_alto_eop.pdf It's an urban network where we have agreements with other utilities, to provide services in the case of emergencies. So, that's a statewide effort. So, we belong to that, and we're actively engaged. And then, we also belong to the California Municipal Utilities Association, which is a collaboration of all the large utilities in the state of California. On the water side -- and potable -- the water side and energy side as well. Next slide. 0:41:41: ###. Slide 11 - UTILITIES FINANCIAL & RESOURCE MANAGEMENT So, Dave Yuan is our Strategic Business Manager. He's actually been here for 20 years, at the City of Palo Alto. 15 years in the Utilities Department. I won't read all the details here. And I won't go through every bullet point here. But he's really our key person with a lot of the information on our staffing. He is a key point of contact in our "value engineering" -- for lack of a better term -- in terms of ensuring that we'retracking throughout the department. So, he looks at each of these individual sections. His current focus right now is technology and our fiber tothe premises projects. Leads of outage management. Some of our customer information. And our billing system, which is vital, to ensure thatwe're collecting all the revenues from our customers and making sure that's accurate. 0:42:40: I'll go to Karla Dailey. She's our Assistant Director of Resource Management. She was recently promoted to the permanent position. She's actually been here at the City of Palo Alto for the last 33 years. So, she is well established within the Utility. In this role, specifically, ourresources group. So, she's a great mentor to our staff members, especially coming up. She, of course, will be presenting later today on ourOne Water Plan. But is in charge of all the staff related to our customer programs. Not only to our businesses, our residential, but also insupport of the S/CAP program. So, a lot of the folks who do the work behind the scenes on S/CAP report to Karla. She also is veryinstrumental in working with our large commercial customers, in terms of what their projections are, in terms of their growth. And meeting theirneeds, and addressing concerns they may have. And really facilitating that on the customers' behalf, as the advocate, as we move forward with our projects, to keep them updated. For example, when we do a lot of work in the Stanford Research Park, those key customer service reps staff are leading that effort. And we also have those key customers representatives working with other customers, like the Unified -- the School District, in terms of that type of coordination. Next slide. 0:44:05: ###. Slide 12 -- UTILITIES ADMINISTRATION MANAGEMENT So, Tom Auzzene has only 31 years of experience with the -- Assistant Director of our Customer Support Services. He's coming with us with19 years of experience with PG&E. So, he's really the point of contact for a lot of our customers, in terms of our utility billing, account management, credit & collections. He also gets engaged with some of new legislative items that are coming to the Utility, in terms of utility billing, to make sure that we're on point. So, he's here as well. 0:44:39: And then, I wanted to mention -- if I can turn the page correctly here -- Catherine Elvert. She's our Communications Manager. 15 years withthe City of Palo Alto. 20 years in environmental services prior to coming to Palo Alto. Worked at Valley Water. So, has a lot of experience inour communications media relations. Anything in terms of our emergency operations, procedures, our outreach materials. Really getting engaged with our customers, and making sure that our social media is updated. Catherine is a person working behind the scenes, making sure that all gets done. 0:45:19: ###. Slide 13 -- UTILITIES ENGINEERING AND OPERATIONS And then, I will mention, Matt Zucca is our Assistant Director of Water-Gas-Wastewater. He's an engineer, like myself, with about 30+ years of experience with -- And he's been here, with Palo Alto, for a few years. ### His first day with the City was 06-20-22, per his assuming-office Form 700 document. His prior experience is working with the City of San Mateo. He has about 25 years of consulting engineering experience, which is very helpful inknowing how to work with consultants, understanding what the other side looks like, in terms of making sure that we get the best product. Project managing is very important for the City. Matt is one of the leaders in our group to make that happen. So, I wanted to mention him as well. And you can see the other items that he is responsible for. 0:46:09: And I think I have -- The electric operations. Sorry. If I can get the right page. Jorge Silva. So, Jorge is our Acting Assistant Director of theElectric Utility. I think he's just shy of Karla, with only 33 years with the City of Palo Alto. 29 years in the Water-Gas-Wastewater Division. Weare fortunate that he has moved over to the electric operations side. And now he's acting as the Assistant Director, as we had a recentretirement in one of our staff members. ### Tomm Marshall. So, he's stepping up, doing that as well, and working with our engineering and operations staff. Most of that team is on the operations side. And there is a core of engineers that we have a separate manager working on that as well. But he is well versed on all our procedures, ourmaintenance operations, safety programs, our outage management. He also oversees our control operators -- the electric control operators,who take after-hours calls, of course, with all of our customers, on outages. So, he's a wealth of knowledge, and has strong leadership skills inthe department as well. 0:47:17: ###. Slide 14 -- UAC WORKPLAN - 12 MONTH ROLLING CALENDAR So, we just wanted to kind of tie this back to the, you know, UAC work plan. We have this slide here, which is kind of summarizing all the thingswhere the UAC gets involved. Just really to provide a foundation for any questions. You know, as you have met some of the staff membersbefore, we just wanted to just do a deeper dive, in terms of the bench strength associated with the Utility, and open it up to any questions or -- that staff can answer. Easy questions can come to Kiely and myself, and the hard ones we'll put to staff. 0:47:53: Kiely Nose: And let me just close this out with acknowledging that any time there's transition, there's obviously some level of kind ofreorganizing the deck. So, ultimately, Alan and I are here to help this Commission through that. So, to the extent the Commission -- you have -- commissioners -- you have questions or follow-up or anything like that, Alan and I are your go-to's. Obviously, we're not going to know all theanswers. But we will rely on the staff within the Department and coordinate that for you and with you. So, from that perspective, please use us. And Kaylee, if you can't get a hold of one of us, as the go-to resource, to help navigate that. 0:48:47: Chair Scharff: Go ahead. 0:48:41: Commissioner Tucher: Hi. Thank you. As one of the new commissioners, this is -- I find this helpful. But I AM curious -- Maybe this is for the Chair as much as for you. But how did this topic even come on the agenda? It's very basic and important. But foundational. It's new. It -- I mean, how did it come on the agenda? 0:49:07: Vice Chair Mauter: So, I was actually just about to comment on that myself -- 0:49:11: Commissioner Tucher: I'd like a little context. Thank you.. 0:49:13: Vice Chair Mauter: Thank you for asking that question. This topic did come at my request, for several reasons. I do think that there is animportant transition happening in the Utility. And that provides an opportunity for reflection on how the Utility plans to manage through atransition. Which is, I think, a helpful thing to reflect on, but also the responsibility of the UAC, per our guidance in the City Code. I mean, ultimately, it's the City Manager and the Council. But certainly we are charged with ensuring that there is, similarly, a transition **. So, clarity in the -- in what the transition plan -- It is, you know, very welcome. And I -- And we look forward to receiving what information -- I realize it's not YET available. ### At 0:28:13, Kiely Nose mentions that City Manager Shikada will be providing more information -- "probably this week," but I haven't seen it. 0:50:06: I think the other opportunity that we have at the start of the new year, and during this transition, is to reflect, as a UAC, on where our opportunity to make impact and contribute to UAC, or to the Utilities management, you know, lies. I just want to start off by saying, Alan, that the overview of the tremendous depth of experience and technical capacity in your staff is phenomenal. And so, we thank all of you who work for the Utilityfor your tremendous service. That comes through, both in Alan's description, but also in the kind of daily operations. And as we evaluatedifferent proposals that come before us as a UAC, it's always a pleasure to be able to interact with you directly. So, thank you. 0:51:04: I think that the other piece, though, is that the role of the UAC is certainly not to question your technical capacity, ### This sounds misguided to me. Even experts do not know everything, and even experts can make incorrect technical assessments. If UACcan point out what staff's technical experts missed, that's all to the good. but to identify places where technical capacity and POLICY -- or, you know, VALUE JUDGMENTS -- come into -- you know, where thatinterface is. Right? Where they interact with each other. You are the technical experts. We are an appointed commission, here to bringcitizens' voices. And help interface between the community and the utilities operations. ### This description omits the role of Council. And so, the real challenge, I think, in the next year, and in the next phase of the utilities management is to make good use of us as a UAC, andfor the UAC to contribute in a place that's appropriate. Right? Which is, you know, that we may have technical expertise that we can bring tobear and certainly are interested in contributing. The primary role here is for us to be representatives of the community, and understand wherethat value judgment interfaces with that technical expertise. 0:52:25: So, Greg and I had a discussion in -- at the end of December about where -- about how we identify items that come to the agenda. And I --whether what was being brought to the UAC from an agenda perspective was actually the kind of content that the UAC could most productivelycontribute to. I'm not sure that this presentation quite touched on that, particularly. [laughs] ### Maybe a Colleagues' Memo could touch on what Vice Chair Mauter would like. But I do think it's helpful generally for the UAC to understand who does what in the Department. And -- so we can ask more appropriate questions. Offline, even. ### How does this offline questioning and answering eventually become known to the UAC and to the public? But also for us, kind of collectively, as a community, that are trying to help manage and support this Utility to also request of staff that we arereally thoughtful about what comes before the UAC, in terms of prioritizing both questions that you clearly want input from us on. ### UAC's main purpose and duty is to advise Council. If UAC can provide input to staff that would help staff to do what UAC would advise Council that staff should do, then fine. You know, informational updates are fine. And we may ask you to provide those in packet form only. ### What is "packet form" only? Is this what UAC agendas have been calling informational items? But not necessarily present on them. ### Each such informational item in effect says that staff wants UAC not to advise Council on that item (at least not in the meeting where it appears on the agenda). Really trying to focus on questions that you would like DISCUSSION around in the meetings going forward. ### I think UAC should not rely on what staff wants to "discuss." Discussion items are anathema. Every time staff agendizes a discussion item, UAC has already lost the ability to do its duty, which is to advise Council by voting its advice. In the 10-16-18 Finance Committee meeting, (then-Council Member) Chair Scharff explained to a defiant UAC Commissioner Schwartz howUAC is supposed to advise Council (including the Finance Committee). See my transcript here (pages 1-42). (Especially from 2:35:00 to2:47:53.)https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/files/assets/public/v/1/agendas-minutes-reports/agendas-minutes/utilities-advisory-commission/archived-agenda- and-minutes/agendas-and-minutes-2018/12-05-2018-meeting/public-letters-to-the-uac.pdf (To get the full effect, listen to the video and read the transcript at the same time.) I think Chair Scharff was saying (among other things) that Council pays attention to the advice UAC votes to give. ### I remember that at another time, Chair Scharff said that ALL of UAC's agenda items should be action items. At least for this calendar year. And also, you know, I think that there's a -- um -- a certain sense of needing to make sure that there's follow-through AFTER the meetings on items where we HAVE provided input, to have a really clear set of action items and deliverables from that, sothat the UAC's time feels like it is being well spent. ### What kind of "follow-through" should be required? I think an email message that goes to UAC but doesn't go to Council or the public is not adequate. (The Brown Act requires that the public gain access to the same information the legislative body (in this case, UAC) gains access to,at the same time, and in substantially the same format. 0:54:26: So -- um -- Commissioner Tucher, I hope that provides maybe a little bit of a wordy explanation -- 0:54:32: Commissioner Tucher: It surprised me. It's not on our -- 0:54:35: Vice Chair Mauter: -- of the origin -- [laughs] 0:54:35: Commissioner Tucher: I think it's a great topic. It just wasn't on the calendar. In December. I DO want to -- I mean, again, I'm still figuring outhow things -- trying to learn how things work here. But when we say transition, it struck me that in last month's meeting, where we talked abouttime of use [TOU], it was -- we heard a presentation from a director or lead person, Micah. ### The staff report for the TOU item says (page 94) https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/files/assets/public/v/4/agendas-minutes-reports/agendas-minutes/utilities-advisory-commission/archived-agenda- and-minutes/agendas-and-minutes-2024/12-dec-2024/12-04-2024-packet.pdfMicah Babbitt was a Senior Resource Planner. That person's gone. ### Micah Babbitt's last day with the City was 01-24-25, according to this leaving-office Form 700 document. https://efile.cityofpaloalto.org/public/search/sei?query=micah%20babbitt&start_date=2019-01-01&end_date=2025-01- 25&agency_id=2&filing_types=fppc700&filing_subtypes= 0:54:59: The person whom you referred to, Alan, as electric lead, Tomm Marshall, ### As recently as 06-03-24, Marshall was Assistant Director of Electric Operations and Engineering. (Not just "electric lead.") https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/files/assets/public/v/1/agendas-minutes-reports/agendas-minutes/utilities-advisory-commission/archived-agenda- and-minutes/agendas-and-minutes-2024/06-jun-2024/06-03-2024-approved-uac-minutes.pdf ### According to the City Clerk, Marshall's last day with the City was 12-30-24. I assume the City knew well before then that he would beleaving. is someone this commission has heard from so many times. He's the go-to person in local media on many of the projects -- most importantprojects facing us -- Grid Mod, AMI, and so forth -- as I understand it. And I was -- I just want to note that -- Correct me if I'm wrong, but this Commission was not -- I didn't know about his departure until just a couple of weeks ago, informally. And so, when someone in a position like that is suddenly gone -- while also the Director of the -- the General Manager -- the CEO -- of the organization is leaving, ### In the past, the title of the top person in Utilities has varied, but as far as I know, during Dean Batchelor's tenure as the top person inUtilities, his title was always "Director." This is a lot of transition. And so, I note that. 0:55:54: Kiely Nose: Sure. And I can take some of that. So, ultimately, you know, for those who have been around local government for a while,December is a common transition period. And so, oftentimes, you'll see significant turnover. Just from retirement. As people make personaldecisions. So these are NOT the only individuals that left the organization during the month of December. If you were to actually look acrossthe organization, there are a number of retirements that happen. And DID happen, frankly, in the month of December. 0:56:28: Commissioner Tucher: I'm sorry to interrupt you, but we're talking about the Director of Electric. We're talking about Tomm Marshall. Not all of the individuals. And it's -- it seems like a very high-visibility person to learn of his departure not in this meeting. 0:56:44: Kiely Nose: Sure. And I think if the UAC would like -- um -- just more information on the internal operations, meaning staffing alignments andadjustments, that's something that we can look at. But as we talked about in the Purpose of the UAC, getting into departmental operations isnot part of the UAC's purview. So -- 0:57:05: Chair Scharff: You know, I think that's a really good point. And I didn't think you guys emphasized that. That was going to be one of the pointsI made. When you went through. If you remember, the 2.23.050 purpose and duties, you know, there's all this stuff we do, and then there's thislittle part at the end that says "excluding daily operations." ### Municipal Code, Chapter 2.23:https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/paloalto/latest/paloalto_ca/0-0-0-61350#JD_Chapter2.23 "2.23.050 Purposes and duties. (a) The purpose of the utilities advisory commission shall be to advise the city council on present and prospective long-range planning andpolicy and major program and project matters relating to the electric utility, gas utility, water utility, wastewater collection utility, fiber optics utilityand recycled water matters, excluding daily operations." And what I was going to ask you to do is to basically explain staff's perspective on what constitutes -- Where is that line, in staff's mind? 'Cause, you know, it's obviously a little bit of a gray area. I mean, obviously, I think, also, it would have been nice if you said, "Tomm Marshall's retiring." But I can understand a lot of reasons why. Tomm may not have announced it. It may have been a late-breaking thing. Or, you know -- I don't know. I mean, we just don't know. I'm just saying there could be a bunch of reasons. So, I don't know if you want to just address what you guys think of as daily operations, and what you view as NOT daily operations. 0:57:54: Kiely Nose: Sure. I can take a start. And, Alan, help me round out maybe. So, oftentimes, daily operations are going to be everything fromhiring personnel, firing individuals. Um. Obviously, kind of assignments in and amongst those individuals, as well as where staff are assigned. So, anything that has to do with kind of who's on first, so to speak, is something that would part of those daily operations. ### At the 03-04-15 UAC meeting, during the Director's Report, Director Valerie Fong announced some personnel reassignments, includingthat Engineering Assistant Director Tomm Marshall and Operations Assistant Director Dean Batchelor would swap roles for the remainder of theyear, so each could understand what the other organization did, with the goal of suggesting efficiency improvements.https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/files/assets/public/v/1/agendas-minutes-reports/agendas-minutes/utilities-advisory-commission/archived-agenda-and-minutes/agendas-and-minutes-2015/04-01-2015-meeting/draft-uac-minutes-of-march-4-2015-meeting.pdfVideo (0:07:30-0:08:08) https://midpenmedia.org/utilities-advisory-commission-6/ Was that a "daily operation"? ### At the 05-12-21 UAC meeting, Item VII.1 was about a recent rash of electrical outages. It was requested by Chair Forssell and Vice ChairSegal.https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/files/assets/public/v/1/agendas-minutes-reports/agendas-minutes/utilities-advisory-commission/archived-agenda-and-minutes/agendas-and-minutes-2021/05-12-2021-special/id-12261-item-1.pdfVideo: (0:24:38-1:02:00) https://midpenmedia.org/utilities-advisory-commission-31-5122021/ Was this getting into "daily operations"? (Since the item was a discussion item, UAC didn't vote its advice to Council.) ### The Utilities Quarterly Report for 4Q14 (PDF page 47)https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/files/assets/public/v/1/agendas-minutes-reports/reports/city-manager-reports-cmrs/year-archive/2014/final-staff-report-id-5145_utilities-quarterly-update-for-fourth-quarter-of-fy-2014.pdfincluded information about the 20 electric outages for 2014 and how they contributed to the City's overall SAIDI (System Average InterruptionDuration Index, a measure of reliability). In recent times, staff hasn't reported this information, but these details could be really useful for figuring out how to do better. Additional information would also be useful, such as where the outage occurred, and what caused it. Staff has said it would be easier to report the information once the City had AMI. OK, now we have AMI. Things like what tools we use. Things like how we manage schedules. Or the -- things like RFP processes in the procurement of things. Now,obviously, when we talk about new programs or policies or changes, or even programs that are perhaps not going well, and we want to talkabout improvements or new advancements, or, you know, problems that we don't have solutions to. Those are all the kinds of things that wewould be bringing forward to the Commission, to get your feedback and your perspective. That -- Ultimately, as we talked about, this is an advisory body to the Council. Get your perspective on those policies, programs, rates, structures, and feed that to both our Committees. So, typically, things that go to the the UAC are going to go to the Finance Committee. So, feed that information to the Finance Committee, so that it can help inform their decision-making process, and ultimately the Council's decision-making process. 0:59:26: Alan, what other -- 0:59:28: Alan Kurotori: Yeah. Let me just expand on the "daily operations" side. So, you know, personnel deployment of our resources. Our priority ofour work associated with either, you know, new developments or, you know, anything that related to the Utilities on a day-to-day, whether that'sour valve-turning. Our -- in our water system. Our flushing and our water system as well. How we monitor and maintain our sanitary sewersystem. You know, those types of things. And our -- a lot of our field personnel are really -- are the "daily operations." As well as, you know,how we interact with our staff and personnel. And how they are working on their capital projects and assignments, as they go through them. The UAC absolutely looks at our major programs, and our projects, and our budget, and our CIP. But how we work with the staff, and whether those are consultants or others, you know, those are under the purview of the Utility operations. So -- that in a nutshell. I'm a little reticent to talk about individuals, though, in retirement. You know. I think that's -- um --- it's kind of their choice. And I just wanted to bring forth, you know, the position and the vacancy. So, that was not trying to obfuscate anything. It was just more just try to keep that as a personal choice for that employee. ### Employees who have to file Form 700 (conflict of interest) reports have to file a "leaving-office" report within 30 days of leaving. That's nota personal choice. But also provide, you know, what staff is here, that has been doing that work. And us moving forward. Irregardless of, you know, employeesretiring. I will not diminish the roles and the impact of those two individuals that you mentioned -- have been to this Utility. But we have staffthat are stepping up and filling those gaps, to meet those needs and our objectives to our ** customers. 1:01:19: Commissioner Tucher: I'm sure. And I just want to state my view, that when one of the most highest-profile individuals at CPAU -- Again, I'mreferring to local press. His key role in some of the biggest projects -- I'd argue, THE biggest projects -- at the Utility. I mean, this personleaves -- I did not ask WHY he left. It's none of my business. But I do think this is something that needs to be brought to this Commission'sattention. If you didn't know it at the last meeting, fair. Then, at this meeting. It was presented just -- unnamed. So, I'll leave that. And I dowant other commissioners to certainly chime in. But I would like to know -- and, Chair Scharff, this may not be right forum for it -- but when I saw "Purpose & Function of the UAC" on the agenda, I thought, well, that's terrific, because in my first few months here, I have been curious how the "A" in UAC actually works. How the advisory function works. And all of these are just preliminary, early thoughts. And, again, I'm happy to table this for another forum. But it strikes me, for example -- and I know that we have a liaison, but we don't start our meetings with adiscussion of what happened at Council relevant to Utilities, over the last 3-4 weeks. And we don't finish our meetings with a discussion aboutwhat's on board at Council in the next 3-4 weeks. These are written down, of course, in the rolling calendar. ### The rolling calendar provides estimates of when topics might come before UAC, Council, and the Finance Committee. It doesn't providedetails on when topics came before UAC, Council, and the Finance Committee in the past. But it strikes me, in my first few months here, that we exist -- we, the Advisory Commission -- that I think of as a proxy for Council. We seem to exist in parallel -- or, in separate planes. And so, I'll just take my answer off the air, and perhaps at another item. Unless this is an agenda todiscuss what the "A" in UAC is for. 1:03:25: Commissioner Phillips: [unamplified] I would suggest we agendize that. Thank you for the context. Because when I saw this come up on the agenda, I was really -- I mean, [when] I saw the package come up, I really went through it, like three or four times. Like, what are they trying to tell us? If I have this presentation in my box, and it said you have to go do this -- at my previous employers, I'd say there's something going on. They're reading my job description to me. 1:03:53: **: [laughter] 1:03:54: Commissioner Phillips: [unamplified] And -- But I would like to have [somewhat amplified] that discussion, because I do believe there areprocesses that other boards and commissions use. For example, if I am the Planning & Transportation Commission -- ### Commissioner Croft advises Commissioner Phillips about the amplification problem. 1:04:04: Commissioner Metz: Your mike's not on. 1:04:05: Commissioner Phillips: [amplified] So, the Planning & Transportation Commission, for example, has a -- when there's items that are ofinterest, or relevant before the City Council, does have a representative go there. Now, almost every meeting, I guess, you could say there'ssomething relevant there. And it's not always something relevant for us. But I would like to know, what is the City Coun- -- Let's -- How do we organize our communication, between the staff, between us and the City Council -- so that we're doing this effectively? Now, this is not agendized. But I would like to -- you know, Chair Scharff -- suggest that we DO agendize this, or put this on for the future. Because I have been a little frustrated as well. I think we've had great discussions here. And, you know, usually Mayor Lauing -- before he was mayor even --was here. And undoubtedly has said he incorporated some of this. But I have not seen the formal processes that I think could be effective inreally energizing what Commissioner Tucher called the "A" in our acronymic name. 1:05:10: Chair Scharff: So, I'm not sure we need to agendize the issue. I think it's within the agenda topic of today. To be honest. It's on the agenda. We could just discuss it right now. ### Yes. But because the item is a discussion item, UAC couldn't vote its advice to Council. That would require agendizing the item as anaction item. And that's what I would probably suggest we do. If you're good with that. And, Ed, I -- Mayor Lauing, I am -- This would actually be something I think that you could be very useful in -- you know, in telling us. First of all, do you feel the UAC is being effective? Do you think that having somebody come to each Council meeting and explain the UAC's position would be useful? Do you want us to set that up? Do you want us to do it on -- I mean, we're really here to support Council. In many ways. And to be most effective in communicating, you know, what we believe. So, maybe you could tell us what you think about this. ### Chair Scharff seems to be asking Liaison Lauing for his personal views. ### Years ago, I attended a session at City Hall for new Council members and commissioners (and kibitzers). City Attorney Molly Stump saidthat Council's liaison to a commission should normally observe the proceedings attentively, but not speak unless called upon to providehistorical information or information about what Council as a whole thought, or unless the commission seemed to be doing something they shouldn't do procedurally. In particular, the liaison shouldn't express personal views. ### Any person, including UAC commissioners, can speak at Council on any topic, for the amount of time that members of the public canspeak. (That could be 3 minutes, or 2 minutes, or 1 minute, determined by the Chair, depending on how many people wish to speak and howcrowded the agenda is.) Normally, Council doesn't respond to what the speaker says. Rarely, a Council member will get permission from theChair to ask the speaker a question and receive the speaker's answer. As far as I know, there is no formal process for giving a commissionermore opportunity to speak than this. 1:06:03: Liaison Lauing: Yeah. I thought -- I thought I might be the last speaker tonight, not the first speaker on this. But I'll take your lead if you like. Um. Let me just pick up on what Chris started with there. I don't think there's a limit, per se, to the "A" part of it. On either small issues or largeissues. As long as it's completely in coordination with staff. ### A commissioner may speak as a private citizen, whether it's in coordination with staff or not. I think a commissioner may speak on behalf of UAC about what UAC voted was its advice to Council, whether it's in coordination with staff or not. And that starts, I guess, with your agenda setting. But I don't think anything is off the agenda, other than what you all just discussed, which isinternal operations. That, by the way, is no different -- as you know -- between what Council -- how Council interacts with staff. We can do allkinds of stuff -- lot of authority. But operations is operations. And that's the City Manager's job. And the departments'. And we can suggestthat we see a problem in a particular area. But we're not reading employees' reviews, or things like that. So, that's very consistent at theCouncil level. 1:07:20: Commissioner Phillips is correct. Each commission deals with it a little bit differently. At PTC, we're -- you know, I spent six years beforegetting on Council. First of all, we met two times a month instead of one. So that was a little bit better, in terms of recent communications. Butthe Assistant Director, who was the Liaison, ### The Staff Liaison to PTC is Jennifer Armer, AICP, Assistant Director.https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/Departments/Planning-Development-Services/Planning-and-Transportation-Commission-PTC ### I find it confusing to refer to the staff person who runs staff's portion of the meeting as just "Liaison." (I don't know whether PTC has a Council Liaison. This roster (page 7) doesn't name one.)https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/files/assets/public/v/26/city-clerk/city-roster/city-roster-2024.pdf gave a recap of items that happened at Council that were specifically PTC-oriented. ### Each PTC agenda has an "Official City Reports" section, including a "Director's Report." Of course, of which there are usually a lot, because there's, you know, building and transportation and so on. So that was probably the Director's -- Assistant Director's -- report each time. The liaison aspect is selective, based on the type of issue that's in front of the Council on agiven evening. If it's a big enough deal. Or if it's a routine deal. But there is a beginning of the year -- a liaison set up for every month. ### Here's an example.https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/files/assets/public/v/1/agendas-minutes-reports/agendas-minutes/planning-and-transportation-commission/2023/ptc-09.13-COR.pdf One commissioner is assigned every month to be liaison. And then it becomes somewhat optional, depending on Council's request, as well asthe Chair's request, as to whether they physically go there and/or are on Zoom. But that can also, frankly, be pushed by the commissioner. They can say, I WANT to appear. Because this is complicated. Or it was controversial. Or something like that. And -- Which I have alwaysstrongly supported. 1:08:57: With respect to agenda setting, that's also different. But, in general, the commissions have a shared responsibility -- Chair and staff -- to come up with the agenda. And, at least for discussion purposes, nothing is off the agenda. ### I think Liaison Lauing is saying that when the UAC Chair and staff discuss, in a non-public meeting, what should go on UAC's agenda, theycan talk about anything, that is, nothing is off the agenda of the non-public meeting. But it varies, again, by commission. For example, on the Parks Commission, where I served, it was 85 percent joint, where we were -- the Chair was constantly interacting with the Director on what the agenda would be. On Planning, it was the reverse. Because there's so much that HAS to come before Planning, by law and by direction from Council. And we probably only influenced 20 percent of new agenda items. Maybe at most. So, there's variations there, based on that. But, again, I just want to point out that if there are things that YOU want to initiate, that aren'tcoming automatically from staff -- small or big -- that that's -- that IS in your purview. Because you need to be alerting Council to things that areissues. ### Another difference between UAC and PTC is that PTC has its own version of Robert's Rules of Order,https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/files/assets/public/v/1/agendas-minutes-reports/agendas-minutes/planning-and-transportation-commission/2018- agendas-minutes-and-staff-reports/june-27-2018-ptc-by-laws-and-procedural-rules.pdf (with motions, amendments, amendments to amendments, and substitute motions), but UAC does not. Robert invented his Rules for the purpose of making meetings more effective. 1:10 :04: As the conversation was going forward, I tried to come with a couple of hypotheticals. So, if you're saying, you know, we know that there's $500million budgeted for Grid Mod. Our calculations are, that's way low. We need $750 [million]. ### The adopted capital budget for FY 2025 (packet page 60 here)https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/files/assets/public/v/1/agendas-minutes-reports/agendas-minutes/utilities-advisory-commission/archived-agenda- and-minutes/agendas-and-minutes-2024/11-nov-2024/11-06-2024-packet.pdf said Grid Mod would cost $243.2 million over five years. ### This 02-13-24 article said grid mod would cost $300 millionhttps://www.paloaltoonline.com/news/2024/02/13/perception-or-reality-palo-alto-tries-to-calm-anxieties-over-power-outages/ ### But, hey, a hypothetical can hypothesize anything. And we'll figure out a way to cut back in some other area. ### UAC items are seldom agendized to include figuring out where else to cut back, nor should they be, in my opinion. And that can be as radical as saying, you know, that project that Council spent years on, called fiber, maybe that needs to be shut down. ### As an advocate for citywide municipal FTTP since 2002, I was annoyed by this hypothetical example. So, I don't think there's any limit to the extent that you could come up with an eventual recommendation. A gentle one or a radical one. As long as it's well thought out. As long as it's documented. As long as you have a way forward that makes reasonable sense. I'm happy to elaborate, but I also don't want to talk too much. 1:10:52: Commissioner Croft: Can I ask -- Can I ask a question -- 1:10:54: Liaison Lauing: Sure. 1:10:54: Commissioner Croft: -- just following up to that? So -- um -- you know, we do see the parallel calendar, like what we're going to see and whatCouncil's going to see, relative to Utilities. So, I guess a question for Council is, do you do the same thing? Do you see what UAC is going to see? And you ask that UAC see something that you might be seeking additional input on from us? Does that happen in the Council process? 1:11:21: Liaison Lauing: As I think I've stated here -- and I have on Council -- there are a couple of things that came to Council too early, that some ofthose -- a couple of those -- were scheduling problems, just calendar-wise, that we had to get through. But certain things that you shoulddefinitely be seeing before we see it, because the deliberation here, the expertise that's sitting here at this dais is just -- I think it's just essential for the decisions we take there. AND at the Finance Committee. Where I've also been this year. And I'm not sure that there's any commission that really presents too often to the Finance Committee. But a lot of your issues come there, because they're obviously big-ticket items that we have to be addressing, that are big strategic items. 1:12:07: Commissioner Croft: And, I guess, in terms of the Council knowing what we debate here. So, I do feel like a lot of great, you know,conversations with staff, where we bring up issues, or we have a discussion about what's going on, or provide our input, or some kind of redirect on things we'd like people to look at. But I'm interested in how that gets back to Council. Is that that through the Liaison? Is there -- Is it like the minutes -- are --- you know, they're expected to review them? ### Then-Council Member Scharff's take from 10-16-18 (see my comment near 0:52:25 above) was that Council members did (or at leastshould) read what the minutes said about how UAC voted its advice. Or is it staff that's really -- when they're going to Council, they're reflecting what we brought back to them? How exactly is out feedback gettingto Council? That is a question that have had, too. 1:12:48: Liaison Lauing: So, the two biggest ways are that your recommendations are baked into a packet that we get on XYZ issues. Including voteson the issues. I mean, that's the major way, I would say. And in making the presentation, for example, you know, Director Batchelor wouldcover that. He was always very attentive about doing that. 1:13:17: Commissioner Croft: Great. Yeah. I guess we have had -- it's probably a small number of discussions where we kind of got into depth on something and maybe recommended something different, and Council did NOT come back with our recommendation. They came withsomething different. And that would have helpful to -- I think we did ask Director Batchelor to kind of walk through, like, what happened. And Idon't recall if we had a why. I think it was on the gas, you know, reserve "insurance" thing. That comes to mind. Where it WOULD kind of be interesting to come full circle and understand, like, where our advice kind of DIDN'T hit. And maybe have somebody there for anything big likethat, where we would want to have a play-by-play here. 1:14:02: Liaison Lauing: So, that IS an item where the Liaison can/should come back and say this is what happened, and this is why. And there have also been times where, as this year's Liaison -- last year's Liaison -- I've told Council, here's what the UAC strongly believes. In the debate, you need to take that into consideration. So, I'm calling it out, because I can't guarantee that every Council member read that paragraph in the UACminutes. So -- 1:14:33: Chair Scharff: So -- 1:14:35: Commissioner Phillips: But I think that that would be an example of a case where -- would it have been useful to have somebody from the UACat the Council meeting? For questions or **. 1:14:44: Liaison Lauing: I can't answer that, unless you tell me the case. 1:14:48: Commissioner Phillips: Well, it was -- Yeah. The gas. 1:14:51: Liaison Lauing: Oh. Well, I mean, that was complicated. But, I mean, I think Dean was up to speed on it, so I don't think we didn't get the information. But there was -- There was certainly no intent to exclude anybody. So, that could have been one where you told the Director, youknow, I think we should have the Chair or a representative here to speak to Council during that subject matter. ### UAC commissioners don't need the Utilities Director's permission to appear before Council. Which is perfectly acceptable. Because if you think it adds -- and the Director doesn't have a violent reaction otherwise -- then it adds. ### I think it adds, whether the Director has a violent reaction or not. Because that's your job. 1:15:27: Commissioner Phillips: I guess I'm more asking YOU for the Council, would it be useful? Or is it -- You know, that's a case where there was quite a bit of debate and discussion. And, I would say, a certain degree of -- um -- different opinions that came together, after a fairly complicated discussion. Um. I'm sure Dean Batchelor represented everything well, and -- as far as the technical side -- would -- But I guess I'm asking, given our purview is to advise, -- 1:15:59: Liaison Lauing: Yeah. 1:15:59: Commissioner Phillips: -- would our advice, you know, directly have been useful, relative to -- 1:16:03: Liaison Lauing: Yeah. That's an example of what I said earlier. Which is a controversial issue. Either controversial amongst thecommissioners, which is the primary thing I was referencing. But there also could be a difference of opinion at times between staff's conclusion on something and what YOU THINK. And, you know, Council should hear that. That's happened frequently at PTC, where staff has come through and said this is where we're going, and we've -- at PTC, we said, fine, we're voting this way -- you know, 6-1. And the Council said we will report -- sorry, staff said, we will report that. And we will report why we support our approach. Which I think is excellent. Because then theCouncil members get complete point of view. And it's in one packet. So they don't have to go chasing in the minutes. ### The portion of the packet that is not the minutes is written by staff. If staff wants to skew the report to favor staff's view over UAC's, theycan. Staff can even skew most of the minutes. But it's harder to skew the portion of the minutes that presents the advice UAC voted on. Forcontroversial issues, Council members can always view the video. ### Before 06-02-04, UAC minutes were verbatim. (PTC's minutes still are verbatim.) But then, when FTTP was a controversial issue, staff unilaterally switched to sense minutes, over the strong objections of the UAC commissioners. (It would be fun to look at the video of the 06-02-04 UAC meeting, but it's no longer online.) 1:16:51: Chair Scharff: So, Kiely, I actually have always been under the impression -- And, you know, I haven't actually checked. So maybe I'm being - - But I was under the impression that you guys summarize what we say in the staff report -- and say the UAC says this. And you actually do that for the Finance Committee as well. You say the UAC came to this conclusion. I mean, it may be a short paragraph, or it may be -- 1:17:13: Liaison Lauing: Yeah. 1:17:13: Chair Scharff: You always tell -- 1:17:15: Liaison Lauing: That's right. 1:17:16: Kiely Nose: Thank you, Mayor. Yes. Thank you, Chair. Yes. Staff -- Any time an item is brought before a board, a committee, or a commission, staff will always include some sort of summary of what has actually occurred, as well as links to any additional information, whether it be minutes, videos, or other information that might be helpful to the Council or the committee that's reviewing that. If there's dissent, or an alternative -- You know, there are times when the UAC is recommending an alternative approach to what staff has done. And what staffwill do is then say -- OK, let's take the gas hedging item. OK, here's what was recommended. Here's an alternative approach. What staff didwas then take both of those approaches and bring it to the Finance Committee, to say, hey, Committee, here's multiple ways that this could betackled. Here's what the UAC Commission recommended. This was the vote. Here's what the conversation was about. Pros and cons. Andthen, the Committee can have an informed discussion, where THEY then are making a recommendation based on UAC's dialog, staff's dialog,to the full Council. And so, usually what happens is, it will build -- To everyone's point, if the Commission wishes to have a representative, to be able to represent, I think what the Mayor said is absolutely on point. It's really ultimately up to the Commission, whether or not you feel that's necessary. But staff will take the responsibility of always transmitting any information -- in totality -- to the next governing body. 1:18:52: Chair Scharff: So, I wanted to bring this discussion back to the practical of what comes out of this. Now it's -- you know, this is us internallydeciding what we're going to do. There's no -- This is not an action item, but that doesn't matter. It's a discussion. We can decide what we'regoing to do. During this process. ### I think it matters. Since it's a discussion item, UAC can't vote, not even to decide what to do. So, I guess the question is -- what I'm gathering is, a number of you feel we are not being effective enough. ### Yes. If UAC had been being effective, would Council have created the S/CAP Ad Hoc Subcommittee? And we're not getting enough feedback of what happens afterwards. So, I guess I want a straw vote ### Are straw votes permitted during discussion items? of how many of you are willing to attend Finance Committee meetings? That's the first lever. If you go to the Finance Committee, it's a smallergroup. You talk to the Finance Committee, you tell them what we think. And, hopefully, you sway them there. If that happens, and the FinanceCommittee and the UAC recommend something -- especially if it's against the staff recommendation and you both get it -- you are more likely toget Council to agree to that. Feel free to jump in if you disagree with anything I say. So, that's actually the place you're probably going to themost effective -- is if we're looking at the same thing that the Finance Committee is. Because if the Finance Committee recommends something, it is rare for the rest of the Council to overturn. I mean, it happens. Right? But it's rare. [Gesturing to staff] I guess you don't think it's as rare. Maybe things have changed. Um. It was rare when I was there. 1:20:14: So, that's the first thing. The second thing is, we could then, after going to the Finance Committee, we could go to Council. Or we could justmake it a practice that we go to the Finance Committee as people think is needed on an item. And we could make it a practice to then go toCouncil after the Finance Committee, if that person thinks it's necessary. Now, the person that should go needs to speak for the UAC. ### In my opinion, a UAC commissioner may present a personal view, provided it is identified as such. I want to emphasize that. So, you may have a different opinion. You don't give YOUR opinion. You give the UAC's opinion. Now, if there's abig split in the UAC -- which is not that often -- I have seen people go, here is the majority report and here is the minority report. And why thatis. And we have advised Council on both. That's totally fine too. I would never oppose any one of you if you said that to me, Greg, I feel reallystrongly, this is the minority, and I want to say that. Now, if you were the one person on this committee ### Commission that said that, you would then need to tell Council, you know, I was the lone person who disagreed, and I -- You know. You can't say the UACthinks that, 'cause it doesn't. All right? ### If the UAC hasn't voted its advice to Council, how do the individual commissioners know what the UAC view is? So, all of that is -- 1:21:25: Commissioner Phillips: I think there needs to be clarity on whether you're speaking for the Council or yourself. The Committee ### Commission or yourself. ### Yes. You can always say, I'm speaking entirely for myself. Or I'm speaking for the Committee ### Commission I want to clarify what the Committee -- ### Commission -- 1:21:35: Chair Scharff: But, I mean, If three of us here -- and it was a 4-3 vote, then I think it's a minority view. But I think that's something that Councilshould definitely hear. Because it would probably be some controversial issue, where there's two different views on it. So, I guess the questionis -- Is -- How many of you are willing to go speak to Finance Committee on an item, and make that commitment? I mean, is this -- Is -- You know, -- ### On 06-06-12, UAC heard an action item about what to do about FTTP. UAC ended up voting 4-3 to give up on it. At least onecommissioner, who favored FTTP, joined the majority because he thought it was punishing staff for writing such a bad report. But that wasactually the result staff wanted. Later that year, the Finance Committee asked staff (three times!) to bring the report to the Finance Committeefor their consideration, but staff never quite got around to it. 1:22:01: Vice Chair Mauter: Could I recommend we do this as part of our concluding review of the upcoming calendar, where we look at what's on the docket? 1:22:10: Chair Sharff: Sure. We can do that. 1:22:11: Vice Chair Mauter: And that's part of -- As we wrap up our closing comments in the 12-month rolling calendar portion of our meeting, that wejust decide whether or not there's something that's going to come that warrants representation? 1:22:26: Chair Scharff: No, I think that's good. I just wanted to get a sense. If there's people who aren't willing to do it. Because we obviously would need to share the burden. It can't fall on one person to go to -- you know, this -- meetings every time. Unless there's someone who's, like, I'm gung ho, I want to do this every time. 1:22:41: Commissioner Croft: I would say that I would be willing to go. However, I do agree. I don't think every topic we discuss needs to go. Oreverything that we vote on that subsequently goes to Finance needs to be represented by us. So, it would just be in situations where we havean opinion, or it was a long, drawn-out discussion, where we came to some conclusion that's not obvious, that we felt we wanted to, you know, explain our position. I think that's what I would support. And I think it's a good idea to do kind of a wrap at the end of the meeting. It would be like, do we need to follow up and represent ourselves somewhere? ### Minor detail: Does the public get to speak during the FUTURE MEETINGS item (or wherever UAC decides whom to send to othermeetings) about whom to send to other meetings? 1:23:17: Chair Scharff: I agree. So, I think at the end of the meeting, we should have that discussion on items, about whether or not this is an item that is worthy of that. And that we all then make that choice. And then, we can tell Council that we thought it was worthy enough that we sent someone. And that, also, it's more important. 1:23:34: Commissioner Phillips: Do we have access to the Finance Committee calendar? 1:23:38: Chair Scharff: I think it's on the rolling calendar, isn't it? When it goes to Finance -- 1:23:40: Commissioner Phillips: Is it? ### On the 12-month rolling calendar, UAC items are in the left column, and Council ("CCM") and Finance Committee ("FCM") items share the right column. 1:23:41: Chair Scharff: Or no? 1:23:41: Kiely Nose: Um. 1:23:42: Chair Scharff: No, maybe it's not. 1:23:43: Kiely Nose: It may not be. But I think, in general, that's something, obviously, we can -- 1:23:48: Chair Scharff: ** 1:23:48: Kiely Nose: Yeah. -- of course support. I mean, things come to the UAC, we may not know the official Finance Committee date, as we're figuring out the Committee agendas. But that's not an insurmountable task for us to coordinate. If the Commission identified someone -- or even, the Commission identified we would LIKE someone -- we can always coordinate this is the date. And then, we are allowed, outside of Brown Act rules, to schedule, or have a conversation about schedule. So, that's fine. 1:24:17: Commissioner Phillips: Thank you. 1:24:19: Vice Chair Mauter: Can I ask -- You know, we agendized this so that we could have an open discussion about how these meetings were run,and how we put the "A" in UAC. Are there any other thoughts that commissioners have about the meetings themselves, both what comesbefore us, in terms of content, as well as follow-through after the fact? 1:24:40: Commissioner Metz: Yeah. I'd like go back to the points that were raised by Commissioner Tucher and Phillips. Which, what I heard was -- 1:24:48: Commissioner Tucher: Tucher. ### Pronunciation point: Tucher is pronounced Too'-ker, not Too'-sher. 1:24:49: Commissioner Metz: Tucher. OK. Well, penalty for me. [laughs] But I thought it was a very important thought, you know, discussing here whatCouncil just did and what it will be addressing in the near future. And how do we -- you know, to -- Chair, to your point -- how do weoperationalize that? And it could be as simple as a few minutes from the City Council Liaison, or from the Director, saying a) here -- in the lastfew weeks, here's -- Or, actually, we meet once a month, so that's four weeks -- ### Usually, UAC meets once per month on the first Wednesday of the month. So, the time between meetings can be between 28-35 days. ### But sometimes UAC doesn't meet on the first Wednesday of the month. Also, sometimes UAC skips one or more months. ### Also, in the past, UAC has sometimes met more than once a month. this is what City Council did that's relevant to CPAU. ### Summary: UAC wants to hear about what happened at Council that's relevant to CPAU since the last UAC meeting. 1:25:25: Chair Scharff: So, Kiely, do you think it would be easier to have a separate agenda item where someone just -- Or will you put it in theDirector's Report? 1:25:33: Kiely Nose: Yeah. I think it's probably the best place. If -- Obviously, we could accommodate the Commission as desired. I do think having it in the Director's Report -- especially because this meeting's going to be on a Wednesday, ### Except, for example, today, Tuesday, 01-07-25. and packets are obviously released in advance, ### Normally, the previous Thursday. It's probably best for us to just, as part of the Director Report, kind of say -- 1:25:53: Chair Sharff: That's what I was going to suggest. But I -- 1:25:55: Commissioner Tucher: I'm sorry. I didn't understand the question. Put what in the Director's Report? 1:25:58: Chair Scharff: So, to make sure that any follow-up on this is in the Director's Report. And that we would expect -- and we would expect it to bethere. 1:26:06: Kiely Nose: Right. So, I think what I heard from Commissioner Metz was, you know, a readout, frankly, on -- I started this meeting with saying,at Council last night, we re-orged. And so, imagine something similar. That in the Director's Report, the Director could say, in the last fourweeks, since our last Commission meeting, these are the things that Council has taken action on. And so, just to keep the Commissioninformed on things, and just kind of run through -- um -- 1:26:33: Chair Scharff: And it would be great if you said, and -- you know, the item that came before you, this is what you recommended, and Council followed your recommendation. Council did NOT follow your recommendation. ### Or, for too many items, the item was a discussion item, so Council got no voted recommendation from UAC. That -- sort of closing the loop. 1:26:45: Kiely Nose: Right. And so, I think that's TOTALLY feasible for us to include as part of that Director Report. I would just kind of straw -- ormaybe nodding of heads -- If there are a lot of -- I mean, Utilities brings forward countless contracts that Council is approving on consent. IsUAC interested in a list of all of that? Or simply, we approved the number of contracts to support X areas? 1:27:14: Vice Chair Mauter: [unamplified] The latter. Unless -- 1:27:16: Commissioner Metz: Yeah. To me, this is by exception. 1:27:19: Kiely Nose: Beautiful. 1:27:20: Commissioner Gupta: If I could comment on that. At least for the fiber utility, I think we're at a place where we're building out a new utility. So, Ithink it might be useful to have a list of RFPs that appear on the City's Consent Calendar with respect to that utility. ### As an example, on 10-21-24, staff brought to Council a contract relating to FTTP -- Item 5. https://cityofpaloalto.primegov.com/Portal/Meeting?meetingTemplateId=14443 I had some questions about it. For example, I thought the fiber optic cable was incompletely specified. But I didn't comment publicly, becausethe item was on the Consent Calendar, and Council only rarely removes things from the Consent Calendar. As far as I know, neither UAC northe Finance Committee had an opportunity to look at this contract. If the item had been brought to UAC, I might have commented on it there. Um. I do think with -- when we look at kind of large, capital-intensive projects, I don't think this Commission needs to go into the fine detail ofrevising RFPs, or going into the weeds of what an RFP should say or not say. But I do think we should stay apprised about how we ARE spending money. And -- um -- in particular -- I'm thinking particularly around Grid Mod and our fiber utility. So, I think listing on kind of the larger capex projects could be useful. Maybe that's something we take case by case. 1:28:12: Kiely Nose: Right. Ah. I think I have a general sense from the Commission on what I would perhaps ask is, let's do this as an iterativeprocess. In the sense of, we'll obviously make some judgment calls. On what level of detail. But I'm hearing you don't necessarily need anExcel spreadsheet of all the items. But you would like an understanding of kind of consent items to the extent there are project progress, the City utilities, major investments. You're not necessarily looking for the itemized list. So -- That in addition to action items or policy items, and especially specifically items that the Commission has heard. And being able to close out on, hey, you heard this -- six months ago [smiles] -- admittedly that will likely be some of the timelines. And the Council finally took action on it. And it was in alignment with your recommendation [or] it has deviated from it in this way. And so, we can include that as part of that Director's Report. 1:29:12: Commissioner Gupta: And to get a sense of kind of the value of these RFPs, are we talking RFPs in the hundreds of thousands of dollars? Ordo sometimes RFPs go into the millions or tens of millions of dollars? 1:29:23: Kiely Nose: Both. Both. All of the above. 1:29:26: Commissioner Gupta: I wonder -- 1:29:26: Kiely Nose: Council has to approve any contract over $85,000. So, we're talking everything from $85,000 to a $100 million Public Safety Building. Or hundreds of millions of dollars worth of commodity purchasing. 1:29:40: Commissioner Gupta: Thank you. I wonder if other commissioners are interested in learning specifically about RFPs that are above a certaindollar threshold? For me, maybe that would be above, you know, $5 million. Um. But I don't know how that relates to RFPs we usually see for Utilities. 1:29:58: Alan Kurotori: So, just as a clarity -- so it'll help focus staff. So, when we bring to the Council for agreements or execution of the contracts,that's typically where we bring it to the Council process. Not on the Request For Proposal process, where we solicit different vendors forconsultants to do work for us. ### At one time, the City had a way for the public to look at all of the City's RFPs online. I thought that was a great idea. So, I would -- like, it would be helpful if -- for staff to understand kind of the specific areas, as the Assistant City Manager was talking about. Is itspecifically Grid Mod and fiber? Because, having a large Utility, we do have a varied amount of work effort. So, if we could have somestructure to that, that would be helpful for us. So, if there's areas that are consensus, that would be helpful. 1:30:40: Kiely Nose: Sure. And I think -- And just to take a trial before I ask for seven opinions, what I believe I'm hearing is, major capex. And pulling together, perhaps major operating. So, let's say we've got a $10 million operating contract, that would be of interest to you. That there's some sort of operational consultant contract, or something. And so, I think, ultimately, what I'm hearing is, you would just like to have a status -- a bitof an understanding of the horizon. As well as, perhaps, what's behind you. To keep you more apprised, as opposed to siloed. Is -- that soundabout right? 1:31:23: Commissioner Tucher: It sounds fine to me. But I lost the thread a little bit. I -- I'm less concerned about lists of contracts and all of that. I'm -- I want to know what were the Utility-relevant topics that have been discussed at City Council. And, to come back to Phil -- Commissioner Metz - - your point, I think you said it could come from staff, it could come from Liaison. My view is, very strongly, that it come from Liaison. It has todo with the role of Liaison. It is that person -- I assume we'll have a new one in the new year -- who ought to be -- 1:32:01: Chair Scharff: If should first come from staff. Frankly. In the Director's Report. 1:32:04: Commissioner Tucher: That's -- I don't disagree -- 1:32:04: Chair Scharff: The Liaison can add whatever they wish to add. 1:32:07: Commissioner Tucher: I don't disagree. But I believe, because the UAC is advising the Council, it is important that the UAC hear FROM theCouncil -- um -- You know, as I said at the beginning, what has happened over the last 3-4 weeks that's relevant? And so, in the opinion of theDirector, and in the opinion of the Liaison, what do we need to know? 1:32:31: Kiely Nose: So, if I may **, Commissioner Tucher, I was simply referring to Utility contracts. So, the majority of what goes before Council onUtilities are contracts. Whether they be capex, operations, staffing, professional services. That's going to be the majority of the items that arebefore the Council. So, just one quick clarification. Is the Commission only interested in hearing a loopback of items that the Commission has previously heard? Or are you interested in hearing about all Utility items that the Council has taken action on? 1:33:05: Chair Scharff: I think it's items WE heard. ### This view is different from what Commissioner Metz said at 1:24:49; If this had been an action item, UAC could have voted on this point. Unless there's something that's important -- 1:33:13: Kiely Nose: Thank you for that clarification. That's helpful. Cool. Thank you. 1:33:16: Commissioner Croft: And if the Utility can't -- So, we have -- At the end of the meeting, we have the list of things WE'RE going to see, and thelist of things that Council will see. And if that list is complete enough that we kind of get the gist of what Council's going to see in Utilities, thenthat's -- to me, that's sufficient. Because I can say, oh, well, Council's going to hear about that. I'd like to hear about that too. Or -- Yeah. OK. 1:33:36: Kiely Nose: Awesome. Super helpful. Thanks for navigating that. We will start adding that into the Director's Report. Every month. As thestart, obviously, of the meetings. And make sure we express to whoever -- our new Council Liaison -- although I'm sure the Mayor will also doso -- the desire to also make sure they are ready to discuss and read out on any of the Council dialog. 1:34:03: Commissioner Croft: I wanted to answer your question about the topics that have come before us. So, I will say that one area that I feel like we've been hungry for more information is Grid Mod. And the details of Grid Mod. So, I know we have a presentation on it today. But I was a little bit disappointed it wasn't more comprehensive. And so, I'm looking forward to the presentation. And I don't know if I missed anythingwritten. But that has been a challenge with the Grid Mod presentations that we've had over time -- has been that they've just been shortpresentations. Not a lot of detail. And I think we're grasping for what exactly are we doing, what are the technologies that are being evaluatedto, you know, impact what we do there. And it is a huge investment. So, it's one of those areas where there is something DIFFERENT going onthan normal activity, that I would like to have a little bit more detail on that particular topic. 1:35:04: Chair Scharff: All right. Anything else? 1:35:06: Vice Chair Mauter: I guess the one final thing I want to circle back to is the conversation that we've had about how the recommendations thatthe UAC makes -- or the questions that the UAC poses back to staff get responded to. I think that one of the challenges, that I raised in the pre- meeting, is simply that, you know, we might hear about One Water in June, and then hear about it again in January. And there -- it -- and I'm not picking on One Water, but, you know, I think that because there's often a very lengthy -- or, there's many meetings between topics, there's often very little continuity between -- or follow-through from meeting to meeting. And it would be incredibly helpful if, at the end of the -- um --presentations, or in some sort of follow-up, it's clear what the staff member -- you know, what outstanding questions exist, and will need to befollowed up on, in the, you know, next set of presentations. So, if it's Grid Mod -- You know, last time we talked about Grid Mod, these threeitems were really top-of-mind for UAC commissioners. You know, we're -- we're coming with a specific discussion on those three items. Sothat there's a narrative thread between meetings. And we can make forward progress. Instead of spinning in place. 1:36:44: Commissioner Tucher: I want to strongly second that, this idea of narrative thread. It was -- Just as a new guy, it struck me. Month aftermonth, big topic after big topic, we go SO deep, so many issues would come up. Naturally, there were things that were not in the presentation. And yet, it wasn't part of the structure to agendize protocol at the next meeting, the way it is for Dean Batchelor to have presented, you know,his Director's Report. Exactly what we just heard. This was the big topi- -- There are not that many. There was one or two big topics lastmonth. What were the open issues? And where -- what's the update? Thank you. 1:37:24: Vice Chair Mauter: And then, I think the final piece is just, you know -- We all read the packets -- in tremendous detail. We can keep thepresentations very short. We want to be presented with an opportunity for discussion. ### UAC should want an opportunity to vote its advice to Council. What are the questions where our input is going to be most valuable? And how do we HELP staff, and help the Utility function effectively, especially around these questions where it's not just a technical question? 1:38:02: Commissioner Gupta: And, just combining the last two points, I liked how there WAS follow-up in our last One Water presentation, that will betoday. And providing some of that narrative context where we're seeking. To the Vice Chair's point, the follow-ups could be in the front matter,and maybe not in the presentation. But thank you for including that. 1:38:26: Alan Kurotori: And we appreciate the Vice Chair and the Chair, you know, providing that feedback. We want to make sure that staff is being effective, being concise, but providing a level of detail for those deeper dives. So, to the extent that we can obtain that feedback through ourpresentations, then we can provide what that looks like. And we can talk a little more when the have the item on Grid Mod. But, you know, we'llhave to get more of that feedback. And we can also guide in when some of these activities are coming back. So, I think there's an expansionwe can do on 12-month calendar, that looks back, looks at activities. And then kind of defines some of these action items that -- from the lastone, that we will address, just to make sure we have it correctly. And then, when -- brings it back to the UAC, we know it's covered. So, I thinkthere's some really good opportunities here. So, I appreciate the feedback. 1:39:14: **: [unamplified] Thank you. 1:39:15: Kiely Nose: And, Chair, one thing I'll just note for the Commission is, when we -- you talk about work plans, the organization -- the CITY organization -- has become a lot more organized, frankly, around that. So, commissions, on an annual basis, ARE to prepare a work plan. And then, that work plan is actually brought to Council for their blessing. So, when we talk how things are added, or kind of taken away, or what that looks like, ultimately that annual process is really the time to bring forward the recommendation from the Commission of what IS on that workplan. Because, you know, not -- Just like at Council -- and the Mayor can identify this -- no single voice is going to necessarily kind of dictateany more than an hour of staff's time, so to speak. We talk about it as the hour rule. ### There's a "One Hour" rule for Council members.https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/files/assets/public/v/1/agendas-minutes-reports/reports/city-manager-reports-cmrs/year-archive/2021/id-12074- [80511].pdf "We have a rule which limits each Council member’s use of staff time to an hour a week." Is Assistant City Manager Nose saying that the same rule applies to commissioners? And so, we have those processes of the work plan, so we can make sure that we are aligning resources across the organization to support thegoals, ultimately, of the commissions, the committees, and all, ultimately, in alignment with Council. So, you know, I think paying particularattention to what that work plan looks like. We'll go through that process shortly, actually. So, sometime in the next few months will beimportant. Because that, ultimately, is Council's blessing of what the work that they want the Commission's advisory -- the "A" aspect -- on. ### Council used to have joint meetings with UAC, nominally "annually," although in practice the interval between such meetings was often longer. For example, here are the agendas for the meetings of 04-20-15https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/files/assets/public/v/1/agendas-minutes-reports/reports/city-manager-reports-cmrs/year-archive/2015/final-staff-report-id-5721_study-session-between-the-council-and-uac.pdfand 11-27-17.https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/files/assets/public/v/1/agendas-minutes-reports/reports/city-manager-reports-cmrs/year-archive/2017/final-staff- report-id-8681_study-session-between-the-council-and-uac.pdf It was an opportunity for Council and UAC to "discuss," among other things, "the role, duties and purpose of the UAC." (Note, however, that it was only a study session, so Council couldn't actually vote to do anything.) ### Since UAC started doing work plans, I think joint meetings between Council and UAC have kind of disappeared, which I think isregrettable. (I'm not talking about the joint meetings between UAC and Council that were about FTTP, and didn't agendize UAC's purpose &duties.) 1:40:49: Chair Scharff: Anything else? All right. Let's move on to the next topic then. 1:41:08: Kiely Nose: So, a couple things. Kaylee, was there public comment on the study session? ### The item was a discussion item, not a study session. But, yes, UAC's discussion items are sort of like Council's study sessions. One difference is that when Council has a study session, it's usually followed within a short time by an action item, where Council can make use of what it learned at the study session by voting to do something. 1:41:13: Kaylee Burton: If any member of the public would like to speak on Item number 2, please raise your hand or dial *9 on your phone now. Nohands raised. 1:41:24: Chair Scharff: OK. 1:41:26: Kiely Nose: Then I believe we're on the Item number 3. END TRANSCRIPT While concerns about the environmental and safety impacts of turf fields have been raised,these discussions often overlook the significant costs and environmental footprint associated with grass field maintenance. Properly maintained grass fields require frequent mowing, linepainting, and substantial water use. The environmental impact of weekly lawn mower emissions, the many cans of paint required per week/per field, and the volume of lawn-care chemicals required to maintain grass fields at a standard comparable to turf is massive. By contrast, turf fields offer a more sustainable alternative when considering their fulllifecycle and consistent usability. I strongly urge the city to continue supporting and expanding the availability of turf fields while exploring advancements in turf technology to address any remaining concerns. Forinstance, investing in research or consultants to identify the safest infill materials and recyclable turf options would ensure that Palo Alto remains a leader in providing sustainable,safe, and high-quality facilities for its community. Prohibiting or reducing the use of turf fields based on outdated information would limit opportunities for our athletes and compromise the accessibility of sports programs for thebroader community. I urge you to prioritize the maintenance, improvement, and expansion of turf fields in Palo Alto to ensure our city continues to meet the needs of its residents. Summary of Key Points: Turf fields provide year-round, safe, and reliable playing surfaces. Grass cannot withstand the high level of use that artificial surfaces in Palo Alto currently sustain. The current state of grass fields in Palo Alto is often unsafe for competitive sports due to divots, clumps, and poor maintenance. Grass fields are frequently closed during wet seasons, leaving teams without sufficient playing options during critical times. Competitive clubs like PASC and SVSA rely on high-quality fields to remain in competitive programs and sustain the community-focused sports dynamic unique to Palo Alto. Grass fields have high environmental and financial costs, requiring frequent mowing, line painting, and water use. Turf fields are more sustainable over their lifecycle. Many studies fail to account for the amount of air pollution, paint, and chemicals required to maintain playing surfaces. Continued investment in turf technology, including safer infill materials and recyclable options, ensures both safety and sustainability for the future. Thank you for your time and attention to this important matter. As a voting member of thecommunity and a father of two female youth athletes, I strongly urge you to support thecontinued use of artificial surfaces and take the broader impact on the community underconsideration. I am confident that with your support, we can provide safe and sustainableplaying surfaces for everyone in our community. Sincerely,Steven Beres Sincerely,Martin Wasserman On Jan 23, 2025, at 9:20 PM, Aram James <abjpd1@gmail.com> wrote: 1/23/2025 Hello everyone, I want to address the ongoing genocide being perpetrated by the state of Israelagainst the Palestinian people, which is happening with the full support of theU.S. government and the Israeli Jewish lobby. My fellow Jews should be deeplyconcerned and feel a sense of fear if we do not actively speak out against thisinjustice. The major issue here is that much of the opposition to ethnic studies is drivenby the influential Jewish lobby in Palo Alto. This lobby is concerned that,during the ethnic studies courses, Israel might be criticized, even in a mildmanner. They will go to great lengths to suppress any perceived criticism ofIsrael, regardless of the impact this has on marginalized groups. As a result, the three newest members of the school board seem determined todeny high school students in Palo Alto the opportunity to take a mandatedethnic studies course. It feels like there is an unspoken issue that no one wantsto address. Sincerely, Avram Finkelstein (also known as Aram James) On Thu, Jan 23, 2025 at 8:19 PM Sean Allen <sallen6444@yahoo.com> wrote: It is. James just just told me. SeanSent from my iPhone On Jan 23, 2025, at 5:46 PM, Aram James <abjpd1@gmail.com>wrote: Excellent! As I understand the state has in fact mandated ethnicstudies but not provided state funding for its full guaranteedimplementation in each district. I hope this is accurate. On Thu, Jan 23, 2025 at 5:35 PM Sean Allen<sallen6444@yahoo.com> wrote: To: Board of Education, Palo Alto Unified School District and the community From: Sean Allen President- San Jose/Silicon Valley NAACP I am writing to express the strong stance of the San Jose/Silicon Valley NAACP against the exclusion of ethnicstudies from the curriculum of the Palo Alto Unified School District. The discussions surrounding the potential removal ofthis important requirement are concerning and starkly contrast the values of inclusivity and equity that our community strivesto uphold. Our organization has received an alarming number of complaints regarding racial bias within the Palo Alto UnifiedSchool District—more than any other school district in Santa Clara County. These complaints highlight a pattern of systemicissues that cannot be ignored. Black students have reported being called the “N” word, subjected to comments about beingowned in the past, and faced derogatory remarks about their hair and lips. Latino students have encountered racial slurs,while Pacific Islander children have faced discrimination. Asian, Palestinian, Middle Eastern, Jewish, and LGBTQI+students have all reported experiences of bias and harassment. This pervasive culture of discrimination underscores the urgentneed for ethnic studies courses, which serve as a vital tool for education, understanding, and healing in our schools. Ethnic studies courses are not merely an academic requirement;they are an essential component of a well-rounded education that promotes awareness and appreciation of diverse culturesand histories. These courses empower students to engage critically with societal issues, fostering empathy,understanding, and respect for one another. The failure to implement ethnic studies in this district, particularly given theconcerning pattern of discrimination and racism, highlights the level of implicit and explicit bias supported by those in power.While the state of California has rejected the mandate and legislation for ethnic studies, this should not be interpreted aspermission to disregard the implementation of such a critical piece of curriculum. In fact, ethnic studies are vital for shapinghow students perceive others who may be different from themselves, influencing how they interact with their peers andnavigate their professional lives, ultimately impacting themselves and others in meaningful ways. It is important to note that several surrounding districts, including the Fremont Union High School District, East SideUnion High School District, and San Jose Unified School District, have successfully implemented ethnic studies coursesdespite the lack of legislative requirements. These districts recognize the value of ethnic studies in promoting a moreinclusive and equitable educational environment, setting a precedent that Palo Alto should follow. The recent decision to pause the adoption of the ethnic studiesrequirement is a step backward in our efforts to create an inclusive environment for all students. We must advocate forthe reinstatement of this requirement, not to comply with state mandates, but to fulfill our moral obligation to our students andcommunity. In the words of civil rights leader Angela Davis, “It is not enough to be non-racist; we must be anti-racist.” Wemust actively work to dismantle the structures that perpetuate inequity and promote a curriculum that reflects the richness anddiversity of our society. The San Jose/Silicon Valley NAACP stands ready to support the Palo Alto Unified School District in this endeavor. We urgethe Board of Education to reconsider the importance of ethnic studies and to recognize the profound impact it will have onour students and community. By prioritizing these courses, we can begin to address the racial biases that have plagued ourdistrict and create a more equitable educational environment for every student. Thank you for your attention to this crucial matter. We lookforward to working together to ensure that all students in the Palo Alto Unified School District feel valued, respected, andempowered. Sincerely, Sean Allen President San Jose/Silicon Valley NAACP Cc. NAACP State San Jose/Silicon Valley NAACPExecutive Committee Monterey County BranchSan Mateo County Branch Alameda County BranchesSan Francisco City/County Branch File By implementing ethnic studies programs, we can engage, inform, and motivate our youth, ensuring they feel connected to their history. This connection not only fosters a sense ofidentity but can also help diminish the troubling statistics surrounding incarceration. Unfortunately, there are those who resist such initiatives because they do not align with theirown narratives, often rooted in racism. Promoting a singular narrative risks denying students the opportunity to learn about thediverse experiences that have shaped our society. This issue transcends individual identities; it speaks to the collective identity of our nation. By acknowledging and celebrating all facets ofhistory, we can foster a more cohesive and equitable society where every individual can see themselves reflected and valued. The divide we see is often rooted in the inaccuracies and omissions in the narratives being presented. Let me be candid: the environment you describe exists alongside the harsh realitiesfaced by communities of color. In my experience patrolling neighborhoods, I’ve witnessed the elite evade consequences for violent acts while people of color are arrested for minor offenses.I recall responding to a burglary call only to be met with racial slurs demanding the presence of a non-Black officer. Additionally, I have seen a Black child subjected to violence at thedirection of a teacher. The fears of separation you express may stem from unchecked racism that continues to permeate our society. Children of color, like all children, should be able to embrace theircountry with the confidence that their history is acknowledged and celebrated, allowing them to see themselves as equals. What you propose could inadvertently obscure this history,leaving them vulnerable to losing their identity and assimilating into a narrow perspective. America is indeed a powerful and influential country, but we did not achieve this statuswithout facing significant challenges and injustices. For our children to embrace the future, they must understand the complexities of how we arrived here. In conclusion, while it is valid to be cautious about ideological influences in education, it isequally important to recognize the potential of ethnic studies programs to promote empathy, critical thinking, and social responsibility. By engaging with these subjects, we can worktowards a more informed and cohesive society, where all individuals are empowered to contribute positively, rather than being pitted against one another. Best regards, Sean On Jan 26, 2025, at 9:49 AM, Martin Wasserman <deeperlook@aol.com> wrote: Dear Sean, Thank you for your thoughtful message, which I hope will be the beginning of aproductive dialogue. The motivation behind many ethnic studies programs seems to be to advance anideology that divides humanity into two classes, oppressors and their victims, and demands that people always side with the victims against their alleged oppressors,who are often defined by characteristics such as race, religion or social class. These programs are aimed not at healing social divisions, but exacerbating them. Instead of teaching disadvantaged students that they are active agents who canimprove their circumstances through their own efforts, they teach them that they are mere victims who can never improve their lives as long as their oppressors arein power, so they're only recourse is to launch a revolution against those they believe are keeping them down. I believe that Marxist revolutionaries, though they may not entirely dominate theethnic studies movement, certainly have a substantial influence on it and are working hard to increase that influence. Their goal is to stoke social grievances,deepen social divisions and turn different groups against each other in order to weaken us from within and make their revolution easier to accomplish. Marxistideology is profoundly alien to the principles that made America great, and in places where it's been tried, it's usually caused much more harm than good. Itsadherents have deluded themselves into thinking that their path will ultimately lead to a utopian society, and that they are justified in using any means necessary,no matter how devious or deceitful, to advance it. In my view, allowing these people any influence whatever over the minds of our schoolchildren creates amajor risk to the future of our society that must be pushed back upon resolutely. Best regards, Martin WassermanConcerned citizen On Jan 24, 2025, at 2:39 PM, Sean Allen <sallen6444@yahoo.com>wrote: Subject: Re: [Subject of the Original Email] Dear Martin, Thank you for your response and for sharing your perspective on such a complex and sensitive issue. I believe it is essential to engagein constructive dialogue, even when we have differing views. I appreciate your concerns regarding anti-Israel, anti-Western, and anti-American sentiments. However, it is vital to recognize thatcriticism of any government, including Israel, does not equate to animosity toward a nation or its people. Engaging in criticaldiscussions about policies and practices can often lead to greater understanding and reconciliation. Labeling the criticism of Israel as mere political indoctrination overlooks the genuine struggles faced by marginalized communities.Discussions about ethnic studies, particularly in relation to Israel and Palestine, aim to educate students about historical injustices andencourage empathy for all people involved. This educational approach is not about demonizing any group, but rather aboutfostering understanding and promoting justice. You mentioned that America is the most powerful country, and I agree that this strength is significant. However, it's crucial torecognize that this power does not solely derive from the elite or those in positions of privilege. Instead, it is built upon the hard work,resilience, and contributions of individuals from diverse backgrounds, particularly those from marginalized communities whohave served this nation in various capacities. It is worth noting that the majority—and almost all—of the elite politicians in ourgovernment have managed to escape military service, as have many from their legacies. This reality raises important questions aboutwhose sacrifices are acknowledged and how power dynamics shape our national narrative. As a veteran and a person who has spent over three decades servingand protecting this community, I recognize that the best way to honor the sacrifices made by those who served—many of whom lost theirlives—is to not minimize the reasons for their service. Their commitment was to ensure that all individuals are protected by ourcountry's Constitution, which includes the rights of those who choose to kneel or stand in the presence of our national flag. Furthermore,calling someone "anti-American" because they are redressing government bias and oppression is a response that highlights explicitbias. It dismisses legitimate grievances and ignores the foundational principles of our democracy, which include the right to dissent andadvocate for justice. Throughout history, it has been the laborers, activists, educators, and everyday citizens—those often overlooked by the narratives of power—who have shaped America's identity and values. Their dedication and sacrifices have been fundamental in advancing civil rights andsocial justice, ensuring that the principles of freedom and equality are upheld for all. This collective strength is what has truly propelledAmerica forward, highlighting the importance of inclusivity and recognition of all voices. The collaboration between Black and Jewish communities, asexemplified by the founding of the NAACP, underscores the importance of solidarity in the fight against oppression. We mustrecognize that the struggles for justice faced by different communities are interconnected. By standing together against allforms of injustice, we strengthen our collective ability to advocate for a more equitable society. As we move forward, I encourage us to engage in dialogue thathonors the contributions of all communities and seeks to address injustices wherever they may arise. Thank you for your ongoingcommitment to these important discussions. Best regards, Sean Allen President San Jose Silicon Valley NAACP Sent from my iPhone On Jan 23, 2025, at 10:42 PM, Martin Wasserman<deeperlook@aol.com> wrote: The accusation that Israel is committing genocide againstthe Palestinian Arabs is a flat out lie perpetrated solelyfor the purpose of demonizing the Jewish state. The onlyparty in the Israel-Hamas war that has an explicit policyof genocide is Hamas itself, which Avram Finkelsteinevidently supports. The issue of ethnic studies is not thatpeople fear mild criticism of Israel. The issue is that thisis an organized attempt by anti-American, anti-Western,anti-Israel extremists to turn our schools into places notof learning, but of political indoctrination, into anideology which is profoundly alien to the culture that hasmade this country, the USA, the best and most successfulin the world. Sincerely,Martin Wasserman On Jan 23, 2025, at 9:20 PM, Aram James<abjpd1@gmail.com> wrote: 1/23/2025 Hello everyone, I want to address the ongoing genocidebeing perpetrated by the state of Israelagainst the Palestinian people, which ishappening with the full support of the U.S.government and the Israeli Jewish lobby.My fellow Jews should be deeply concernedand feel a sense of fear if we do not actively speak out against this injustice. The major issue here is that much of theopposition to ethnic studies is driven by the influential Jewish lobby in Palo Alto. Thislobby is concerned that, during the ethnic studies courses, Israel might be criticized,even in a mild manner. They will go to great lengths to suppress any perceived criticismof Israel, regardless of the impact this has on marginalized groups. As a result, the three newest members of theschool board seem determined to deny high school students in Palo Alto the opportunityto take a mandated ethnic studies course. It feels like there is an unspoken issue that noone wants to address. Sincerely, Avram Finkelstein (also known as Aram James) On Thu, Jan 23, 2025 at 8:19 PM Sean Allen<sallen6444@yahoo.com> wrote: It is. James just just told me. SeanSent from my iPhone On Jan 23, 2025, at 5:46 PM, Aram James<abjpd1@gmail.com> wrote: Excellent! As I understand thestate has in fact mandatedethnic studies but notprovided state funding for itsfull guaranteedimplementation in eachdistrict. I hope this isaccurate. On Thu, Jan 23, 2025 at5:35 PM Sean Allen<sallen6444@yahoo.com> wrote: To: Board of Education,Palo Alto Unified School District and the community From: Sean Allen President- San Jose/Silicon Valley NAACP I am writing to express thestrong stance of the San Jose/Silicon ValleyNAACP against the exclusion of ethnic studiesfrom the curriculum of the Palo Alto Unified SchoolDistrict. The discussions surrounding the potentialremoval of this important requirement are concerningand starkly contrast the values of inclusivity andequity that our community strives to uphold. Our organization hasreceived an alarming number of complaintsregarding racial bias within the Palo Alto UnifiedSchool District—more than any other school district inSanta Clara County. These complaints highlight apattern of systemic issues that cannot be ignored.Black students have reported being called the“N” word, subjected to comments about beingowned in the past, and faced derogatory remarksabout their hair and lips. Latino students haveencountered racial slurs, while Pacific Islanderchildren have faced discrimination. Asian,Palestinian, Middle Eastern, Jewish, and LGBTQI+students have all reported experiences of bias andharassment. This pervasive culture of discriminationunderscores the urgent need for ethnic studies courses,which serve as a vital tool for education,understanding, and healing in our schools. Ethnic studies courses arenot merely an academic requirement; they are anessential component of a well-rounded education thatpromotes awareness and appreciation of diversecultures and histories. These courses empowerstudents to engage critically with societal issues,fostering empathy, understanding, and respectfor one another. The failure to implement ethnic studiesin this district, particularly given the concerningpattern of discrimination and racism, highlights thelevel of implicit and explicit bias supported by those inpower. While the state of California has rejected themandate and legislation for ethnic studies, this shouldnot be interpreted as permission to disregard theimplementation of such a critical piece of curriculum.In fact, ethnic studies are vital for shaping howstudents perceive others who may be different fromthemselves, influencing how they interact with theirpeers and navigate their professional lives,ultimately impacting themselves and others inmeaningful ways. It is important to note thatseveral surrounding districts, including theFremont Union High School District, East SideUnion High School District, and San Jose UnifiedSchool District, have successfully implementedethnic studies courses despite the lack oflegislative requirements. These districts recognizethe value of ethnic studies in promoting a moreinclusive and equitable educational environment,setting a precedent that Palo Alto should follow. The recent decision topause the adoption of the ethnic studies requirementis a step backward in our efforts to create an inclusiveenvironment for all students. We must advocatefor the reinstatement of this requirement, not to complywith state mandates, but to fulfill our moral obligationto our students and community. In the words ofcivil rights leader Angela Davis, “It is not enough tobe non-racist; we must be anti-racist.” We mustactively work to dismantle the structures thatperpetuate inequity and promote a curriculum thatreflects the richness and diversity of our society. The San Jose/Silicon ValleyNAACP stands ready to support the Palo AltoUnified School District in this endeavor. We urge theBoard of Education to reconsider the importanceof ethnic studies and to recognize the profoundimpact it will have on our students and community.By prioritizing these courses, we can begin toaddress the racial biases that have plagued ourdistrict and create a more equitable educationalenvironment for every student. Thank you for yourattention to this crucial matter. We look forward toworking together to ensure that all students in the PaloAlto Unified School District feel valued, respected, andempowered. Sincerely, Sean Allen President San Jose/Silicon Valley NAACP Cc. NAACP StateSan Jose/Silicon Valley NAACPExecutive Committee Monterey County BranchSan Mateo County Branch Alameda County BranchesSan Francisco City/County Branch File From:Aram James To:Council, City; Ed Lauing; Shikada, Ed; h.etzko@gmail.com Subject:The Mercury News e-edition, - Sun, 01/26/25 - Page 13 Date:Sunday, January 26, 2025 10:56:48 AM Steve Dear Martin, Thank you for your response and for sharing your perspective on such a complexand sensitive issue. I believe it is essential to engage in constructive dialogue, even when we have differing views. I appreciate your concerns regarding anti-Israel, anti-Western, and anti-Americansentiments. However, it is vital to recognize that criticism of any government, including Israel, does not equate to animosity toward a nation or its people.Engaging in critical discussions about policies and practices can often lead to greater understanding and reconciliation. Labeling the criticism of Israel as mere political indoctrination overlooks thegenuine struggles faced by marginalized communities. Discussions about ethnic studies, particularly in relation to Israel and Palestine, aim to educate studentsabout historical injustices and encourage empathy for all people involved. This educational approach is not about demonizing any group, but rather aboutfostering understanding and promoting justice. You mentioned that America is the most powerful country, and I agree that this strength is significant. However, it's crucial to recognize that this power does notsolely derive from the elite or those in positions of privilege. Instead, it is built upon the hard work, resilience, and contributions of individuals from diversebackgrounds, particularly those from marginalized communities who have served this nation in various capacities. It is worth noting that the majority—and almostall—of the elite politicians in our government have managed to escape military service, as have many from their legacies. This reality raises important questionsabout whose sacrifices are acknowledged and how power dynamics shape our national narrative. As a veteran and a person who has spent over three decades serving andprotecting this community, I recognize that the best way to honor the sacrifices made by those who served—many of whom lost their lives—is to not minimizethe reasons for their service. Their commitment was to ensure that all individuals are protected by our country's Constitution, which includes the rights of thosewho choose to kneel or stand in the presence of our national flag. Furthermore, calling someone "anti-American" because they are redressing government biasand oppression is a response that highlights explicit bias. It dismisses legitimate grievances and ignores the foundational principles of our democracy, whichinclude the right to dissent and advocate for justice. Throughout history, it has been the laborers, activists, educators, and everyday citizens—those often overlooked by the narratives of power—who have shapedAmerica's identity and values. Their dedication and sacrifices have been fundamental in advancing civil rights and social justice, ensuring that theprinciples of freedom and equality are upheld for all. This collective strength is what has truly propelled America forward, highlighting the importance ofinclusivity and recognition of all voices. The collaboration between Black and Jewish communities, as exemplified by the founding of the NAACP, underscores the importance of solidarity in the fightagainst oppression. We must recognize that the struggles for justice faced by different communities are interconnected. By standing together against all formsof injustice, we strengthen our collective ability to advocate for a more equitable society. As we move forward, I encourage us to engage in dialogue that honors thecontributions of all communities and seeks to address injustices wherever they may arise. Thank you for your ongoing commitment to these importantdiscussions. Best regards, Sean Allen President San Jose Silicon Valley NAACP Sent from my iPhone On Jan 23, 2025, at 10:42 PM, Martin Wasserman<deeperlook@aol.com> wrote: The accusation that Israel is committing genocide against thePalestinian Arabs is a flat out lie perpetrated solely for the purpose ofdemonizing the Jewish state. The only party in the Israel-Hamas warthat has an explicit policy of genocide is Hamas itself, which AvramFinkelstein evidently supports. The issue of ethnic studies is not thatpeople fear mild criticism of Israel. The issue is that this is anorganized attempt by anti-American, anti-Western, anti-Israelextremists to turn our schools into places not of learning, but ofpolitical indoctrination, into an ideology which is profoundly alien tothe culture that has made this country, the USA, the best and mostsuccessful in the world. Sincerely,Martin Wasserman On Jan 23, 2025, at 9:20 PM, Aram James<abjpd1@gmail.com> wrote: 1/23/2025 Hello everyone, I want to address the ongoing genocide being perpetratedby the state of Israel against the Palestinian people,which is happening with the full support of the U.S. government and the Israeli Jewish lobby. My fellowJews should be deeply concerned and feel a sense of fear if we do not actively speak out against this injustice. The major issue here is that much of the opposition toethnic studies is driven by the influential Jewish lobby in Palo Alto. This lobby is concerned that, during the ethnicstudies courses, Israel might be criticized, even in a mild manner. They will go to great lengths to suppress anyperceived criticism of Israel, regardless of the impact this has on marginalized groups. As a result, the three newest members of the schoolboard seem determined to deny high school students in Palo Alto the opportunity to take a mandated ethnicstudies course. It feels like there is an unspoken issue that no one wants to address. Sincerely, Avram Finkelstein (also known as Aram James) On Thu, Jan 23, 2025 at 8:19 PM Sean Allen<sallen6444@yahoo.com> wrote: It is. James just just told me. SeanSent from my iPhone On Jan 23, 2025, at 5:46 PM, Aram James <abjpd1@gmail.com> wrote: Excellent! As I understand the state has infact mandated ethnic studies but notprovided state funding for its fullguaranteed implementation in eachdistrict. I hope this is accurate. On Thu, Jan 23, 2025 at 5:35 PM SeanAllen <sallen6444@yahoo.com> wrote: To: Board of Education, Palo AltoUnified School District and the community From: Sean Allen President- San Jose/Silicon Valley NAACP I am writing to express the strong stanceof the San Jose/Silicon Valley NAACP against the exclusion of ethnic studiesfrom the curriculum of the Palo Alto Unified School District. The discussionssurrounding the potential removal of this important requirement are concerningand starkly contrast the values of inclusivity and equity that ourcommunity strives to uphold. Our organization has received an alarming number of complaintsregarding racial bias within the Palo Alto Unified School District—morethan any other school district in Santa Clara County. These complaintshighlight a pattern of systemic issues that cannot be ignored. Black studentshave reported being called the “N” word, subjected to comments aboutbeing owned in the past, and faced derogatory remarks about their hair andlips. Latino students have encountered racial slurs, while Pacific Islanderchildren have faced discrimination. Asian, Palestinian, Middle Eastern,Jewish, and LGBTQI+ students have all reported experiences of bias andharassment. This pervasive culture of discrimination underscores the urgentneed for ethnic studies courses, which serve as a vital tool for education,understanding, and healing in our schools. Ethnic studies courses are not merely anacademic requirement; they are an essential component of a well-roundededucation that promotes awareness and appreciation of diverse cultures andhistories. These courses empower students to engage critically withsocietal issues, fostering empathy, understanding, and respect for oneanother. The failure to implement ethnic studies in this district, particularly giventhe concerning pattern of discrimination and racism, highlights the level ofimplicit and explicit bias supported by those in power. While the state ofCalifornia has rejected the mandate and legislation for ethnic studies, this shouldnot be interpreted as permission to disregard the implementation of such acritical piece of curriculum. In fact, ethnic studies are vital for shaping howstudents perceive others who may be different from themselves, influencinghow they interact with their peers and navigate their professional lives,ultimately impacting themselves and others in meaningful ways. It is important to note that several surrounding districts, including theFremont Union High School District, East Side Union High School District,and San Jose Unified School District, have successfully implemented ethnicstudies courses despite the lack of legislative requirements. These districtsrecognize the value of ethnic studies in promoting a more inclusive andequitable educational environment, setting a precedent that Palo Alto shouldfollow. The recent decision to pause the adoption of the ethnic studiesrequirement is a step backward in our efforts to create an inclusiveenvironment for all students. We must advocate for the reinstatement of thisrequirement, not to comply with state mandates, but to fulfill our moralobligation to our students and community. In the words of civil rightsleader Angela Davis, “It is not enough to be non-racist; we must be anti-racist.”We must actively work to dismantle the structures that perpetuate inequity andpromote a curriculum that reflects the richness and diversity of our society. The San Jose/Silicon Valley NAACPstands ready to support the Palo Alto Unified School District in this endeavor.We urge the Board of Education to reconsider the importance of ethnicstudies and to recognize the profound impact it will have on our students andcommunity. By prioritizing these courses, we can begin to address theracial biases that have plagued our district and create a more equitableeducational environment for every student. Thank you for your attention to thiscrucial matter. We look forward to working together to ensure that allstudents in the Palo Alto Unified School District feel valued, respected, andempowered. Sincerely, Sean Allen President San Jose/Silicon Valley NAACP Cc. NAACP State San Jose/Silicon Valley NAACPExecutive Committee Monterey County BranchSan Mateo County Branch Alameda County BranchesSan Francisco City/County Branch File Best regards, Monica Yeung Arima Yarkin Realty (LIC 01185969) 650 215-9914 (Home Office eFax) Website: http://www.myarima.com finance and deliver public restroom facilities, while also promoting community engagementand social responsibility (Siemiatycki, 2011). In addition, providing a restroom facility at Pardee Park would also promote inclusivity and accessibility for children with disabilities who can’t just stand and go in the bushes, which iswhat happens when we do not offer restrooms. By providing a clean, well-maintained restroom facility at Pardee Park, we can promote a safe, inclusive, and healthy environment for children to play and thrive. Thank you for your timeand dedication to serving our community. Sincerely, Hiral ParekhPalo Alto mom of 10 yo, 8yo and 4 yo References: American Academy of Pediatrics. (2018). Promoting Health and Well-being in Schools. Pediatrics, 142(3), e20181437. Veitch, J., Salmon, J., & Crawford, D. (2016). The impact of the built environment onchildren's physical activity: A systematic review. Journal of Environmental Psychology, 43, 271-283. Cozen, P. M., Payne, G., & Pellegrini, A. (2017). Urban design and crime: A systematicreview. Journal of Urban Design, 22(1), 1-19. Bowers, K., Johnson, S. D., & Hirschfield, A. (2011). Overcoming the dual-crime problem: An experimental study of the impact of public toilets on crime. Journal of Crime Prevention,11, 17-30. Early, D. W. (2001). An empirical investigation of the determinants of homeless people's daytime gathering places. Journal of Housing Economics, 10(2), 132-154. Wol decisions we make as a city take into account the health of our natural systems, in addition tothe needs of us humans and our structures. 3. As far as biking, walking, and public transportation are concerned: A) Please direct staff and management to continue to implement the recommendations inour current Bike / Ped Transportation Plan (BPTP), and not wait for the new one to be finalized; B) Please continue to identify where and to build bike/ped crossings of the Caltraintracks and of Alma before grade separation projects start tearing up our existingcrossings, so that we can continue to support biking and walking in the city across this major barrier through construction of a safer crossing. Again, there is no need to wait for the newBPTP, this is already called for in the current plan. C) Create a mechanism for property managers and building owners to engage with thePalo Alto Transportation Management Association (PATMA) to satisfy theirTransportation Demand Management (TDM) agreements through the provisionof PATMA's services. I have heard that there are properties that PATMA does not feel it can approach to see if their lower-wage workers would benefit from free transit passes, becausethose buildings were only permitted with a range of TDM measures, but that some of these places aren't actually implementing their TDM and the city does not have a mechanism toenforce them. If these places were to pay a reasonable fee to PATMA to at least cover its costs, we could get more people into buses and trains and reduce our carbon output and trafficcongestion. Thank you for considering these suggestions, Cedric made—but more can and should be done. Projects like additional bike and pedestrian under-crossings of Alma and the Caltrain tracks are overdue and would significantly enhance connectivity across the city, especially for students and commuters. These investments wouldalso contribute to reducing the city’s 9% shortfall in meeting its SCAP GHG goals, while ensuring safer, more efficient travel for everyone, regardless of whether they bike, walk, ordrive. Imagine a Palo Alto where active transportation is not just an afterthought but a centralelement of city planning: a city where bike lanes are safe, connected, and buffered from cars, where way-finding is clear, and where cyclists can navigate easily between neighborhoods andsurrounding towns. This would not only benefit those who bike or walk, but also those who drive, as it would reduce congestion and free up parking. Active transportation is a key part ofthe solution, touching on every aspect of the city's priorities—from climate action to health, housing, and economic vitality. By making active transportation a top priority, Palo Alto can continue to lead by example, showing how a city can thrive by investing in sustainable, community-friendly infrastructure. Iurge the Council to elevate the Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation Plan and related initiatives to ensure these projects receive the attention and resources they deserve. Thank you for your time and dedication to creating a better, more sustainable Palo Alto. Sincerely, Ken Kershner -- Ken Kershner | Co-Founder & CEOCell 650-248-9059 | Email ken@triomotors.coTrio Motors | Palo Alto Throughout history, it has been the laborers, activists, educators, and everyday citizens—those often overlooked by the narratives of power—who have shaped America's identity and values.Their dedication and sacrifices have been fundamental in advancing civil rights and social justice, ensuring that the principles of freedom and equality are upheld for all. This collectivestrength is what has truly propelled America forward, highlighting the importance of inclusivity and recognition of all voices. The collaboration between Black and Jewish communities, as exemplified by the founding ofthe NAACP, underscores the importance of solidarity in the fight against oppression. We must recognize that the struggles for justice faced by different communities are interconnected. Bystanding together against all forms of injustice, we strengthen our collective ability to advocate for a more equitable society. As we move forward, I encourage us to engage in dialogue that honors the contributions of allcommunities and seeks to address injustices wherever they may arise. Thank you for your ongoing commitment to these important discussions. Best regards, Sean Allen President San Jose Silicon Valley NAACP Sent from my iPhone On Jan 23, 2025, at 10:42 PM, Martin Wasserman <deeperlook@aol.com> wrote: The accusation that Israel is committing genocide against the Palestinian Arabs isa flat out lie perpetrated solely for the purpose of demonizing the Jewish state.The only party in the Israel-Hamas war that has an explicit policy of genocide isHamas itself, which Avram Finkelstein evidently supports. The issue of ethnicstudies is not that people fear mild criticism of Israel. The issue is that this is anorganized attempt by anti-American, anti-Western, anti-Israel extremists to turnour schools into places not of learning, but of political indoctrination, into anideology which is profoundly alien to the culture that has made this country, theUSA, the best and most successful in the world. Sincerely,Martin Wasserman On Jan 23, 2025, at 9:20 PM, Aram James <abjpd1@gmail.com>wrote: 1/23/2025 Hello everyone, I want to address the ongoing genocide being perpetrated by the state of Israel against the Palestinian people, which is happening with thefull support of the U.S. government and the Israeli Jewish lobby. My fellow Jews should be deeply concerned and feel a sense of fear if wedo not actively speak out against this injustice. The major issue here is that much of the opposition to ethnic studies is driven by the influential Jewish lobby in Palo Alto. This lobby isconcerned that, during the ethnic studies courses, Israel might be criticized, even in a mild manner. They will go to great lengths tosuppress any perceived criticism of Israel, regardless of the impact this has on marginalized groups. As a result, the three newest members of the school board seemdetermined to deny high school students in Palo Alto the opportunity to take a mandated ethnic studies course. It feels like there is anunspoken issue that no one wants to address. Sincerely, Avram Finkelstein (also known as Aram James) On Thu, Jan 23, 2025 at 8:19 PM Sean Allen <sallen6444@yahoo.com> wrote: It is. James just just told me. Sean Sent from my iPhone On Jan 23, 2025, at 5:46 PM, Aram James<abjpd1@gmail.com> wrote: Excellent! As I understand the state has in factmandated ethnic studies but not provided state fundingfor its full guaranteed implementation in each district. Ihope this is accurate. On Thu, Jan 23, 2025 at 5:35 PM Sean Allen<sallen6444@yahoo.com> wrote: To: Board of Education, Palo Alto Unified SchoolDistrict and the community From: Sean Allen President- San Jose/Silicon Valley NAACP I am writing to express the strong stance of the SanJose/Silicon Valley NAACP against the exclusion of ethnic studies from the curriculum of the Palo AltoUnified School District. The discussions surrounding the potential removal of this important requirementare concerning and starkly contrast the values of inclusivity and equity that our community strives touphold. Our organization has received an alarming number of complaints regarding racial bias within the PaloAlto Unified School District—more than any other school district in Santa Clara County. Thesecomplaints highlight a pattern of systemic issues that cannot be ignored. Black students have reportedbeing called the “N” word, subjected to comments about being owned in the past, and faced derogatoryremarks about their hair and lips. Latino students have encountered racial slurs, while Pacific Islanderchildren have faced discrimination. Asian, Palestinian, Middle Eastern, Jewish, and LGBTQI+students have all reported experiences of bias and harassment. This pervasive culture of discriminationunderscores the urgent need for ethnic studies courses, which serve as a vital tool for education,understanding, and healing in our schools. Ethnic studies courses are not merely an academic requirement; they are an essential component of awell-rounded education that promotes awareness and appreciation of diverse cultures and histories. Thesecourses empower students to engage critically with societal issues, fostering empathy, understanding,and respect for one another. The failure to implement ethnic studies in this district, particularly given theconcerning pattern of discrimination and racism, highlights the level of implicit and explicit biassupported by those in power. While the state of California has rejected the mandate and legislationfor ethnic studies, this should not be interpreted as permission to disregard the implementation of such acritical piece of curriculum. In fact, ethnic studies are vital for shaping how students perceive otherswho may be different from themselves, influencing how they interact with their peers and navigate theirprofessional lives, ultimately impacting themselves and others in meaningful ways. It is important to note that several surrounding districts, including the Fremont Union High SchoolDistrict, East Side Union High School District, and San Jose Unified School District, have successfullyimplemented ethnic studies courses despite the lack of legislative requirements. These districts recognizethe value of ethnic studies in promoting a more inclusive and equitable educational environment,setting a precedent that Palo Alto should follow. The recent decision to pause the adoption of the ethnic studies requirement is a step backward in ourefforts to create an inclusive environment for all students. We must advocate for the reinstatement ofthis requirement, not to comply with state mandates, but to fulfill our moral obligation to our students andcommunity. In the words of civil rights leader Angela Davis, “It is not enough to be non-racist; wemust be anti-racist.” We must actively work to dismantle the structures that perpetuate inequity andpromote a curriculum that reflects the richness and diversity of our society. The San Jose/Silicon Valley NAACP stands ready tosupport the Palo Alto Unified School District in this endeavor. We urge the Board of Education toreconsider the importance of ethnic studies and to recognize the profound impact it will have on ourstudents and community. By prioritizing these courses, we can begin to address the racial biasesthat have plagued our district and create a more equitable educational environment for every student. Thank you for your attention to this crucial matter.We look forward to working together to ensure that all students in the Palo Alto Unified School Districtfeel valued, respected, and empowered. Sincerely, Sean Allen President San Jose/Silicon Valley NAACP Cc. NAACP State San Jose/Silicon Valley NAACPExecutive Committee Monterey County BranchSan Mateo County Branch Alameda County BranchesSan Francisco City/County Branch File who is a former presidential candidate and was elected to parliament in 2006— took part in talks with leading Palestinian political parties, including Hamas, in Doha recently. “The whole aggression on Gaza, this whole 15 months was about one thing—the ethnic cleansing of the Palestinian population of Gaza. Netanyahu did not hide intentions; he all the time spoke about transferring Palestinians in the Gaza Strip by force, by killing them, by bombardment, to go to Egypt, to Sinai, and he failed and the people showed great heroism in staying steadfast on their land.” “Netanyahu practically destroyed four cities in the north completely—he destroyed Jabaliya, Jabaliya camp, Beit Lahia and Beit Hanoun—but the resistance did not disappear, and people were resisting and fighting back after 15 months of destruction,” Barghouti said. “So now, [Netanyahu] is forced to allow them to get back if he wants to get his captives.” The return of forcibly displaced Palestinians to the north of Gaza, which Israel sought to entirely depopulate, “will be the ultimate defeat of the Israeli plans, because it means that the whole goal of ethnic cleansing did not materialize.” The confirmed death toll from Israel’s 15-month genocidal assault is over 47,000 people and, despite the recent halt in Israel’s bombardment, continues to climb every day as Palestinians dig out the bodies and remains of their loved ones from under the rubble. Soon after the ceasefire went into effect, Israel launched a large-scale military campaign in the West Bank it dubbed Operation Iron Wall. Israeli ministers and media reports have suggested the military campaign is part of a deal Netanyahu made with his cabinet ahead of the ceasefire in Gaza. On Tuesday, Israeli tanks and troops stormed Jenin and the Jenin refugee camp backed by airstrikes, drones and Apache helicopters. At least 14 people have been killed and dozens wounded across Jenin. Israeli forces are burning and destroying Palestinians homes, conducting mass arrests and displacing large swathes of the Jenin refugee camp where some 2,000 families have been forced from their homes. Across the West Bank, Israeli soldiers have raided several cities and towns, closed down checkpoints and sealed the entrances to major cities while Israeli settlers have gone on a rampage of violence, attacking residents and torching Palestinians homes and vehicles. “What you see in the West Bank is an escalation of what used to happen anyhow, but now it's a very serious escalation. It's like a war, actually, that is being conducted against the Palestinian people in the West Bank,” Barghouti said. “It's a very dangerous situation, unprecedented since 2002 when the Israeli army reinvaded all of the cities and the villages of the West Bank.” In Washington, President Trump held his first foreign leader call since his election with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Thursday. Bin Salman told Trump Saudi Arabia intends to increase its investment and trade with the United States by at least $600 billion over the next four years, according to the official Saudi Press Agency. A key priority in the Middle East for the Trump administration is to persuade Saudi Arabia to join the Abraham Accords and normalize relations with Israel. If the Saudis reach an agreement with Israel, many analysts in the region believe, other Muslim nations, including Indonesia, would follow suit. Saudi diplomats have maintained they will not normalize relations with Israel unless it includes a clear path to Palestinian statehood. “Normalization was used as an instrument to enforce a solution on Palestinians that does not satisfy our needs or our future, and it was used as an instrument to liquidate completely the Palestinian issue,” said Barghouti, referring to the deals made during Trump’s first term in power. Trump nonetheless struck an optimistic note on the prospects of the Saudis moving forward with normalization, telling reporters on Monday: “I don’t think you have to push them. I think it’s going to happen, but maybe not quite yet. But they’ll end up in the accords, the Abraham Accords.” Barghouti said that if the Saudis do normalize relations with Israel and abandon the issue of Palestinian statehood as a condition, it will not alter the fight for national liberation and self determination. “Let me tell you something as a Palestinian who has followed this situation for so many years and who has witnessed the decline of the support of the Arab and Muslim countries to the Palestinian cause, and who has seen a terrible lack of support during the attack on Gaza and the terrible position of many, many countries in the international community, and still we didn't break,” Barghouti said. “I tell you frankly, if all Arab countries normalize with Israel, this will not stop the Palestinian struggle. We will not stop and we will continue because honestly, speaking, there is nothing much to lose, and we have to survive through our struggle.” “I don't see the Palestinian issue anymore as a pure Arab or Islamic issue,” he continued, “it's an issue of humanity. It's an issue of all the forces in the world that are supporting the rights of people to be free, as Nelson Mandela said once—the Palestinian cause has become the number one cause of liberty, or freedom worldwide. And I think we should look at it in this way. We don't want normalization, we'll struggle against it until we get our freedom. But if it happens, it will not stop our struggle.” Photo credit: Mustafa Barghouti in Barcelona before giving a statement on the recognition of the State of Palestine by Spain. May 28, 2024. (Photo By David Zorrakino/Europa Press via Getty Images) Leave a comment Upgrade to paid Become a Drop Site News Paid Subscriber Drop Site News is a reader-supported publication. To support our work, please consider becoming a paid subscriber today. Upgrade to paid A paid subscription gets you: Subscriber-only AMAs, chats, and invites to events, both virtual and IRL Post comments and join the community From:Robert Neff To:Council, City Subject:2025 Priority - Active Transportation. Date:Thursday, January 23, 2025 11:11:05 PM Honorable City Council Members, I hope you will adopt active transportation developments and improvements as a council priority for 2025. I think the development of our Safe Systems Approach, and progress towards adoption of a new Bike/Ped Transportation Plan are key steps the city should take this year. Improving bicycling and pedestrian connection, safety and convenience will enable more citizens to choose to get around our community by healthy active transportation. These efforts can lead to improvements in the way we live in our community, towards better people connection, better city vitality, better sustainability, a better sense of community, and a healthier population. I hope you will strongly consider this for 2025. Thank you for your work for our city, -- Robert Neff on Emerson near Loma Verde. Sincerely, Avram Finkelstein (also known as Aram James) On Thu, Jan 23, 2025 at 8:19 PM Sean Allen <sallen6444@yahoo.com> wrote: It is. James just just told me. Sean Sent from my iPhone On Jan 23, 2025, at 5:46 PM, Aram James <abjpd1@gmail.com>wrote: Excellent! As I understand the state has in fact mandated ethnicstudies but not provided state funding for its full guaranteedimplementation in each district. I hope this is accurate. On Thu, Jan 23, 2025 at 5:35 PM Sean Allen<sallen6444@yahoo.com> wrote: To: Board of Education, Palo Alto Unified School District and the community From: Sean Allen President- San Jose/Silicon Valley NAACP I am writing to express the strong stance of the San Jose/Silicon Valley NAACP against the exclusion of ethnic studies from thecurriculum of the Palo Alto Unified School District. The discussions surrounding the potential removal of this importantrequirement are concerning and starkly contrast the values of inclusivity and equity that our community strives to uphold. Our organization has received an alarming number of complaintsregarding racial bias within the Palo Alto Unified School District —more than any other school district in Santa Clara County.These complaints highlight a pattern of systemic issues that cannot be ignored. Black students have reported being called the“N” word, subjected to comments about being owned in the past, and faced derogatory remarks about their hair and lips. Latinostudents have encountered racial slurs, while Pacific Islander children have faced discrimination. Asian, Palestinian, MiddleEastern, Jewish, and LGBTQI+ students have all reported experiences of bias and harassment. This pervasive culture ofdiscrimination underscores the urgent need for ethnic studies courses, which serve as a vital tool for education, understanding,and healing in our schools. Ethnic studies courses are not merely an academic requirement; they are an essential component of a well-rounded education thatpromotes awareness and appreciation of diverse cultures and histories. These courses empower students to engage criticallywith societal issues, fostering empathy, understanding, and respect for one another. The failure to implement ethnic studiesin this district, particularly given the concerning pattern of discrimination and racism, highlights the level of implicit andexplicit bias supported by those in power. While the state of California has rejected the mandate and legislation for ethnicstudies, this should not be interpreted as permission to disregard the implementation of such a critical piece of curriculum. In fact,ethnic studies are vital for shaping how students perceive others who may be different from themselves, influencing how theyinteract with their peers and navigate their professional lives, ultimately impacting themselves and others in meaningful ways. It is important to note that several surrounding districts, including the Fremont Union High School District, East Side Union HighSchool District, and San Jose Unified School District, have successfully implemented ethnic studies courses despite the lackof legislative requirements. These districts recognize the value of ethnic studies in promoting a more inclusive and equitableeducational environment, setting a precedent that Palo Alto should follow. The recent decision to pause the adoption of the ethnic studiesrequirement is a step backward in our efforts to create an inclusive environment for all students. We must advocate for thereinstatement of this requirement, not to comply with state mandates, but to fulfill our moral obligation to our students andcommunity. In the words of civil rights leader Angela Davis, “It is not enough to be non-racist; we must be anti-racist.” We mustactively work to dismantle the structures that perpetuate inequity and promote a curriculum that reflects the richness and diversityof our society. The San Jose/Silicon Valley NAACP stands ready to support the Palo Alto Unified School District in this endeavor. We urge theBoard of Education to reconsider the importance of ethnic studies and to recognize the profound impact it will have on our studentsand community. By prioritizing these courses, we can begin to address the racial biases that have plagued our district and createa more equitable educational environment for every student. Thank you for your attention to this crucial matter. We look forward to working together to ensure that all students in the PaloAlto Unified School District feel valued, respected, and empowered. Sincerely, Sean Allen President San Jose/Silicon Valley NAACP Cc. NAACP StateSan Jose/Silicon Valley NAACP Executive CommitteeMonterey County Branch San Mateo County BranchAlameda County Branches San Francisco City/County Branch File component of a well-rounded education that promotes awareness and appreciation ofdiverse cultures and histories. These courses empower students to engage critically with societal issues, fostering empathy, understanding, and respect for one another. The failureto implement ethnic studies in this district, particularly given the concerning pattern of discrimination and racism, highlights the level of implicit and explicit bias supported bythose in power. While the state of California has rejected the mandate and legislation for ethnic studies, this should not be interpreted as permission to disregard the implementationof such a critical piece of curriculum. In fact, ethnic studies are vital for shaping how students perceive others who may be different from themselves, influencing how theyinteract with their peers and navigate their professional lives, ultimately impacting themselves and others in meaningful ways. It is important to note that several surrounding districts, including the Fremont Union High School District, East Side Union High School District, and San Jose Unified SchoolDistrict, have successfully implemented ethnic studies courses despite the lack of legislative requirements. These districts recognize the value of ethnic studies in promotinga more inclusive and equitable educational environment, setting a precedent that Palo Alto should follow. The recent decision to pause the adoption of the ethnic studies requirement is a stepbackward in our efforts to create an inclusive environment for all students. We must advocate for the reinstatement of this requirement, not to comply with state mandates, butto fulfill our moral obligation to our students and community. In the words of civil rights leader Angela Davis, “It is not enough to be non-racist; we must be anti-racist.” We mustactively work to dismantle the structures that perpetuate inequity and promote a curriculum that reflects the richness and diversity of our society. The San Jose/Silicon Valley NAACP stands ready to support the Palo Alto Unified SchoolDistrict in this endeavor. We urge the Board of Education to reconsider the importance of ethnic studies and to recognize the profound impact it will have on our students andcommunity. By prioritizing these courses, we can begin to address the racial biases that have plagued our district and create a more equitable educational environment for everystudent. Thank you for your attention to this crucial matter. We look forward to working together to ensure that all students in the Palo Alto Unified School District feel valued, respected,and empowered. Sincerely, Sean Allen President San Jose/Silicon Valley NAACP Cc. NAACP State San Jose/Silicon Valley NAACPExecutive Committee Monterey County BranchSan Mateo County Branch Alameda County BranchesSan Francisco City/County Branch File Excellent! As I understand the state has in fact mandated ethnic studies butnot provided state funding for its full guaranteed implementation in each district. I hope this is accurate. On Thu, Jan 23, 2025 at 5:35 PM Sean Allen <sallen6444@yahoo.com>wrote: To: Board of Education, Palo Alto Unified School District and the community From: Sean Allen President- San Jose/Silicon Valley NAACP I am writing to express the strong stance of the San Jose/Silicon Valley NAACP against the exclusion of ethnic studies from the curriculum of thePalo Alto Unified School District. The discussions surrounding the potential removal of this important requirement are concerning and starkly contrastthe values of inclusivity and equity that our community strives to uphold. Our organization has received an alarming number of complaints regarding racial bias within the Palo Alto Unified School District—more than anyother school district in Santa Clara County. These complaints highlight a pattern of systemic issues that cannot be ignored. Black students havereported being called the “N” word, subjected to comments about being owned in the past, and faced derogatory remarks about their hair and lips.Latino students have encountered racial slurs, while Pacific Islander children have faced discrimination. Asian, Palestinian, Middle Eastern,Jewish, and LGBTQI+ students have all reported experiences of bias and harassment. This pervasive culture of discrimination underscores the urgentneed for ethnic studies courses, which serve as a vital tool for education, understanding, and healing in our schools. Ethnic studies courses are not merely an academic requirement; they are anessential component of a well-rounded education that promotes awareness and appreciation of diverse cultures and histories. These courses empowerstudents to engage critically with societal issues, fostering empathy, understanding, and respect for one another. The failure to implement ethnicstudies in this district, particularly given the concerning pattern of discrimination and racism, highlights the level of implicit and explicit biassupported by those in power. While the state of California has rejected the mandate and legislation for ethnic studies, this should not be interpreted aspermission to disregard the implementation of such a critical piece of curriculum. In fact, ethnic studies are vital for shaping how studentsperceive others who may be different from themselves, influencing how they interact with their peers and navigate their professional lives,ultimately impacting themselves and others in meaningful ways. It is important to note that several surrounding districts, including theFremont Union High School District, East Side Union High School District, and San Jose Unified School District, have successfully implemented ethnicstudies courses despite the lack of legislative requirements. These districts recognize the value of ethnic studies in promoting a more inclusive andequitable educational environment, setting a precedent that Palo Alto should follow. The recent decision to pause the adoption of the ethnic studies requirementis a step backward in our efforts to create an inclusive environment for all students. We must advocate for the reinstatement of this requirement, not tocomply with state mandates, but to fulfill our moral obligation to our students and community. In the words of civil rights leader Angela Davis,“It is not enough to be non-racist; we must be anti-racist.” We must actively work to dismantle the structures that perpetuate inequity and promote acurriculum that reflects the richness and diversity of our society. The San Jose/Silicon Valley NAACP stands ready to support the Palo Alto Unified School District in this endeavor. We urge the Board of Education toreconsider the importance of ethnic studies and to recognize the profound impact it will have on our students and community. By prioritizing thesecourses, we can begin to address the racial biases that have plagued our district and create a more equitable educational environment for everystudent. Thank you for your attention to this crucial matter. We look forward to working together to ensure that all students in the Palo Alto Unified SchoolDistrict feel valued, respected, and empowered. Sincerely, Sean Allen President San Jose/Silicon Valley NAACP Cc. NAACP State San Jose/Silicon Valley NAACPExecutive Committee Monterey County BranchSan Mateo County Branch Alameda County BranchesSan Francisco City/County Branch File On Thu, Jan 23, 2025 at 5:35 PM Sean Allen <sallen6444@yahoo.com> wrote: To: Board of Education, Palo Alto Unified School District and the community From: Sean Allen President- San Jose/Silicon Valley NAACP I am writing to express the strong stance of the San Jose/Silicon Valley NAACP against the exclusion of ethnic studies from the curriculum of thePalo Alto Unified School District. The discussions surrounding the potential removal of this important requirement are concerning and starkly contrast thevalues of inclusivity and equity that our community strives to uphold. Our organization has received an alarming number of complaints regarding racial bias within the Palo Alto Unified School District—more than any otherschool district in Santa Clara County. These complaints highlight a pattern of systemic issues that cannot be ignored. Black students have reported beingcalled the “N” word, subjected to comments about being owned in the past, and faced derogatory remarks about their hair and lips. Latino students haveencountered racial slurs, while Pacific Islander children have faced discrimination. Asian, Palestinian, Middle Eastern, Jewish, and LGBTQI+students have all reported experiences of bias and harassment. This pervasive culture of discrimination underscores the urgent need for ethnic studiescourses, which serve as a vital tool for education, understanding, and healing in our schools. Ethnic studies courses are not merely an academic requirement; they are anessential component of a well-rounded education that promotes awareness and appreciation of diverse cultures and histories. These courses empowerstudents to engage critically with societal issues, fostering empathy, understanding, and respect for one another. The failure to implement ethnicstudies in this district, particularly given the concerning pattern of discrimination and racism, highlights the level of implicit and explicit biassupported by those in power. While the state of California has rejected the mandate and legislation for ethnic studies, this should not be interpreted aspermission to disregard the implementation of such a critical piece of curriculum. In fact, ethnic studies are vital for shaping how students perceiveothers who may be different from themselves, influencing how they interact with their peers and navigate their professional lives, ultimately impactingthemselves and others in meaningful ways. It is important to note that several surrounding districts, including theFremont Union High School District, East Side Union High School District, and San Jose Unified School District, have successfully implemented ethnicstudies courses despite the lack of legislative requirements. These districts recognize the value of ethnic studies in promoting a more inclusive andequitable educational environment, setting a precedent that Palo Alto should follow. The recent decision to pause the adoption of the ethnic studies requirement isa step backward in our efforts to create an inclusive environment for all students. We must advocate for the reinstatement of this requirement, not tocomply with state mandates, but to fulfill our moral obligation to our students and community. In the words of civil rights leader Angela Davis, “It is notenough to be non-racist; we must be anti-racist.” We must actively work to dismantle the structures that perpetuate inequity and promote a curriculumthat reflects the richness and diversity of our society. The San Jose/Silicon Valley NAACP stands ready to support the Palo Alto Unified School District in this endeavor. We urge the Board of Education toreconsider the importance of ethnic studies and to recognize the profound impact it will have on our students and community. By prioritizing thesecourses, we can begin to address the racial biases that have plagued our district and create a more equitable educational environment for everystudent. Thank you for your attention to this crucial matter. We look forward to working together to ensure that all students in the Palo Alto Unified SchoolDistrict feel valued, respected, and empowered. Sincerely, Sean Allen President San Jose/Silicon Valley NAACP Cc. NAACP State San Jose/Silicon Valley NAACPExecutive Committee Monterey County BranchSan Mateo County Branch Alameda County BranchesSan Francisco City/County Branch File active transportation will help us reach our S/CAP 80 by 30 goal, and also bring the other demonstrated benefits of having a more walkable and bike-friendly town. Thank you for your consideration. Frank Viggiano Decades-long resident of the Palo Verde neighborhood community but doesn't meet the needs of most of our residents due to its infrequency. Last year when I spoke up to to encourage you to improve the bicycle experience on University Avenue, you instead directed staff to encourage cycling on Lytton and Hamilton which is on the high-injury-network (Page 35 of Safe Streets for All Safety Action Plan Draft from December 2024) instead of making it safer for the 100s of people who ALREADY come to University Ave via bike and encouraging even more to do so. Let's try to change that! Let's provide protected bikeways as well as significantly traffic-calmed streets into our downtowns, there is no reason that motor vehicles (EV or gas) be given all the space in our city. I hope the council adopts a bolder vision this year and takes action to make Active Transportation and Vision Zero top priorities for the City of Palo Alto. Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely, Zafarali Ahmed Resident of University South and Mountain View with several high density projects proposed, approved, completed, or under construction. Further, VTA has just announced a major project closing the Charleston/101 S Interchange and moving the 101S Interchange to San Antonio Road. This will likely add even higher volume of trips to San Antonio. Despite all of this massive change, the transportation facilities that serve this area are essentially unchanged and progress toward Area Planning for the Palo Alto portion of San Antoino Road seems to be stalled. Why This Focus Is Needed Though it’s true that Transportation relates in some way to every goal in the 2024 Priorities, lack of focus on multi-modal transportation and myopic focus on the SCAP (which did not give due attention to active transportation) has led to increased city focus on promotion of electric cars over other modes of transportation that are much more sustainable, have fewer safety, congestion, parking/land use impacts and help people enjoy healthier, more active lifestyles by including walking, running and bicycling in their daily activities. Please make Multi-Modal Transportation a 2025 City Council priority to ensure it gets focused attention that will be needed to avert severe impacts on traffic congestion, emissions, parking, safety, health & wellness & belonging that come with increasing car traffic from increased density. (Electric cars contribute to all of these impacts even though their emissions are lower than gas powered cars.) If road users don’t have a safe and convenient alternative, they will drive. Please make Multi-Modal Transportation a City Council Priority this year. The need is urgent for the city to give focused attention to safe, convenient, multi-modal transportation this year—especially in areas the city has massively upzoned areas that will be transformed from low density commercial uses to high density residential uses. A concerted effort must be made to catch-up comprehensive transportation planning work to keep pace with state-mandated housing development in targeted areas. Please Make Cubberley A Priority This Year Thousands of new city residents living in smaller spaces will generate much greater demand for our limited community service and activity space. Thank you for considering my comments. Penny Ellson Virus-free.www.avg.com Best regards, Monica Yeung ArimaYarkin Realty (LIC 01185969) 650 215-9914 (Home Office eFax) Website: http://www.myarima.com Economic Development & Transition Housing for Social & Economic Balance From year to year, the priorities are often the same or similar as it takes more than a year to address them adequately and allocate City resources to realize these goals. They are also similar in that Staff presents the priorities from last year as a starting place for what the Council wants to address in the coming year. The staff and Council also take public input through a survey and letters to Council on this subject and at their Council retreat in January. Staff then comes up with key objectives for each priority so that the City can focus on these and have a work plan in place. The 2023 priorities were almost exactly the same as the 2024 priorities. As mentioned above, this is somewhat expected as it takes awhile to make plans and get them implemented, especially with the Palo Alto Process, where every last detail is fleshed out and analyzed to death. That said, good progress was made in the last year on all topics. While all these priorities are good and progress was made, there is also the problem of some items that continually fall through the cracks and are not addressed in a timely manner or are taken for granted. I am talking about the Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation Plan and its implementation. While I certainly don’t expect everyone to jump on their bikes tomorrow, allow me to show you how bike/ped infrastructure and use can benefit everyone – including car drivers. Climate change: While EVs are good and their use is expanding very rapidly, they do not do anything for our congestion and parking problems. Bikes are even lower emission than EVs, and you can park 10 bikes in one car parking space. EVs get about three to three-and-a-half miles on one kWh of energy use. An e-bike (for example) gets 40 to 60 miles on one kWh of energy. This makes the e-bike 20 times more efficient than an EV and this is just for the energy usage. If we are to measure resource efficiency, the e-bike is even more efficient and regular bikes are even better still! Community: Health and Wellness come under this heading. The health benefits from the exercise of biking and walking are well documented and should be promoted as part of a healthy community. Palo Alto’s Safe Routes to School is a huge success that is taken for granted. Every bike ride to school and back eliminates four car trips by parents. Just imagine if the congestion around our schools doubled or tripled. Kids riding to school also promotes independence and improved self-confidence as well as freeing up tons of time for parents and frees up road space for those who must drive. Economy: The economic benefits of cycling are many. Reducing our dependence on gas cars and the fuel that pollutes our planet is huge. Reducing healthcare cost is another benefit, as alluded to above. Studies also show greater economic activity in car-free zones as people are more likely to shop locally and more often. Housing: With the new housing element in place and no parking minimums in areas near transit, getting around by biking and walking will allow the housing, and the housing affordability we need, to meet our goals. As far as I know, parking availability has never been a measure of city livability, but availability of good bike/ped infrastructure often is. With the almost-completed bike lanes on El Camino, the City should double down and expedite the Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation Plan, which is two years over-due. One of the items in the last plan, and supported by the rail committee, is adding bike/ped under- crossings of Alma and the Caltrain tracks. This would ensure the safe transit of our school children during the rail crossing construction and would be a game changer for the community as now it would be faster to bike all over Palo Alto than take a car. With all the benefits listed above (and more), we would be much better off putting active transportation at a higher priority. What would this look like? This would be a safe connected network of bike lanes buffered from cars where riders felt safe and comfortable while riding their bikes. This would include safe crossings of our major roads and be connected to our neighboring towns with good way-finding signage and plentiful bike parking. With these investments, it would help address our 9% shortfall in our SCAP GHG goals while realizing all the other benefits of active transportation listed above. Already our Safe Routes to School program has over 50% of our kids riding or walking to school, so we should be able to do this, but only if these programs are put at a much higher priority and not left as just a few objectives in a long list of actions for the coming year. While some folks may never ride their bikes, some will do even more, and everyone will benefit. Imagine free bike valet parking at all major City events: the Chili Cook Off, the music series, the Glass Pumpkin festival, and safer streets for all, etc. Besides, when was the last time you had a nice friendly conversation with a fellow motorist? Almost never! And with a friendly fellow cyclist, quite likely. While there is no silver bullet to solving all our problems, bike/ped infrastructure is part of the silver buckshot that can play a big part in every aspect of our solutions and should not be overlooked. David Coale is a board member of Carbon Free Palo Alto and team member of Bike Palo Alto. He can be reached at david@evcl.com. their occupants even if they sustain damage in a crash. Maybe some thinking “outside the box” of the good measures already taken by the City ofPalo Alto could help. What might work? The National Highway Safety Administration has a research-based guide on countermeasures that work (see https://www.nhtsa.gov/book/countermeasures-that-work/speeding-and-speed-management/countermeasures and https://www.nhtsa.gov/book/countermeasures-that-work/distracted-driving/countermeasuresfor a good summaries related to speeding and distracted driving). It notes that "What is done is often less important than how it is done. The best countermeasure may have littleeffect if it is not implemented vigorously, publicized extensively, and funded appropriately.” Would it help if the City Council requested monthly reports on traffic enforcement related both to speeding and mobile device use? (You will know better than I.) Palo Alto, of course, has already taken measures of various kinds, including adding a couplemore police officers for enforcement. But enforcement alone is insufficient when so many arespeeding, using mobile devices, and racing through intersections. Could a highly visible, well-publicized, well-designed campaign to slow traffic in Palo Alto to both legal and reasonablespeeds, and to make drivers focus on safer driving, that appeals both to residents and tothose who travel through the City en route to work and for other purposes, make adifference? Palo Alto has many assets, including those who are experts in behavior and thosewho are real experts in publicity — that expertise could be tapped. Thank you, Carol B. Muller Palo Alto, CA Authority security forces —commonly derided as a “subcontractor” to the Israeli occupation— were stationed inside the camp with their armored vehicles The PA troops did not fire back at the Israeli army and instead immediately withdrew from the camp “We withdrew from Jenin refugee camp to avoid direct confrontation with the Israeli army,” PA security forces spokesperson Brigadier General Anwar Rajab said in a statement According to eyewitnesses and civilians inside the camp, Israeli forces have laid siege to the Jenin refugee camp and snipers are targeting anyone who tries to leave “People tried to escape from the camp amid the ongoing Israeli invasion, but only some were able to get out Others remain stuck at the edges of the camp unable to leave,” Ahmad, a 26-year-old resident of the camp, told Drop Site on condition of anonymity As he spoke, the sound of explosions and gunfire echoed in the background “They just targeted in the area we were in with an airstrike,” he said According to Ahmad, the second airstrike in the span of three hours targeted an area where ambulances were stationed in the camp Israeli military bulldozers also tore up and destroyed a number of streets in the city Among those killed by Israeli forces on Tuesday was a civilian named Abed Alwahhab Saadi In footage posted online, he can be seen walking unarmed along an empty road as he suddenly comes under fire and begins to run before being shot and falling face down in the ground Another shocking video shows a family repeatedly being targeted by gunfire while driving in their car, reportedly killing another civilian, Ahmed Nimer Obeidi Medics also came under attack, with at least three doctors and two nurses injured by Israeli gunfire within the first two hours of the invasion Israeli forces also besieged Al-Amal hospital near the camp and fired live ammunition from its vicinity while obstructing medics from reaching the injured At the same time, residents described Israeli troops forcibly taking over civilian homes across the city and turning them into makeshift military positions By 5:00 p m on Tuesday, the Israeli military had designated the entire district of Jenin as a closed military zone, with active operations in at least 16 surrounding towns and villages Tuesday’s operation came just two days after the start of the “ceasefire” in Gaza, whose first phase is supposed to last for six weeks Israeli ministers and media reports have suggested the military operations in Jenin and other areas of the West Bank are part of a deal Netanyahu made with his cabinet ahead of the ceasefire in Gaza On Tuesday, Israeli finance minister Bezalel Smotrich said Israel’s raid on Jenin is designed to “change the security situation” in the West Bank "After Gaza and Lebanon, today, with God's help, we have begun changing the security paradigm in Judea and Samaria as well, and [initiated] a campaign to eradicate terrorism in the region," Smotrich said in a post on X These operations, he added, were “part of the war goals that were added by the [security] cabinet on Friday, at the request of the Religious Zionism party,” referring to the cabinet talks over the ceasefire in Gaza last weekend He also described Operation Iron Wall as part of a strategy to protect settlers In an interview on Israeli TV Channel 14, Smotrich elaborated further, saying the current raids on the West Bank would be “a completely different [kind] of operation ” “It's not longer about foiling [attacks], it's no longer routine ongoing security maintenance — it's a war aim, and when you are in war, you have a different set of tools [at your disposal],” Smotrich said “There's a very detailed decision that tasks the security apparatus to, call it ‘spread a blanket over,’ but in terms of defense and offense, you'll see very shortly, god willing, very significant operations in the refugee camps,” he added The Jenin refugee camp has long been a stronghold of Palestinian armed resistance in the West Bank It is home to the Jenin Brigade, a politically diverse militant group of mostly third-generation refugees who believe taking up arms is key to liberating Palestinian lands from Israeli occupation and annexation The Israeli military operation comes just days after the Palestinian Authority concluded a weeks-long raid on Jenin in one the longest and most lethal assaults by Palestinian security forces in recent memory, with at least 16 Palestinians killed, mostly civilians Billed by the PA as a move to restore security in Jenin, residents said the real aim was to crush Palestinian armed resistance at the behest of Israel The Israeli military operation on Jenin comes amid a broader assault on Palestinian villages and towns across the West Bank On the day the Gaza “ceasefire” went into effect, Israeli security forces raided several towns in the West Bank, closed down checkpoints, and set up “flying”—or new—checkpoints in other areas, while shutting down entrances to major cities, including Ramallah and al-Khalil (Hebron) Due to the Israeli lockdown, many of the 90 Palestinian captives who were released on Sunday in Ramallah were unable to return to their homes in the various towns and cities in the West Bank On Monday, the Israeli military raided the town of Azzun in eastern Qalqilya, arresting 64 Palestinians, including children Footage posted online shows men and boys forced to lie face down in the street before being marched away in a long line Over 90 Palestinians have been detained in the West Bank in the past 24 hours Israeli settlers have also attacked a number of towns and villages, torching Palestinians houses and vehicles, blocking roads and throwing stones In Sebastia, Nablus, Israeli forces shot and killed a 14-year-old Palestinian boy In a statement on Monday, the UN Human Rights Office said it was “alarmed by a wave of renewed violence perpetrated by settlers and Israeli security forces in the Occupied West Bank, coinciding with the implementation of the Gaza ceasefire agreement and the release of hostages and detainees This has been accompanied by increased restrictions on Palestinians’ freedom of movement across the West Bank, including complete closure of some checkpoints and installation of new gates, effectively confining entire communities ” On Tuesday, Hamas issued a statement calling on people to "mobilize and intensify confrontations" with Israeli forces in Jenin and blasting PA security forces for their conduct "It is bewildering to witness the conduct of the Palestinian Authority’s forces, which withdrew from the surroundings of the Jenin camp simultaneously with the beginning of the occupation’s military operation,” the statement read “This comes after a siege of over 48 days on the camp and the disruption of agreements with the resistance fighters to date, as well as their refusal to heed national calls to halt dangerous measures against the strugglers and resistance fighters " Meanwhile in Washington, U S President Donald Trump reversed sanctions on a number of Israeli settlers in the West Bank, issuing an executive order soon after his inauguration to lift measures imposed by the Biden administration Trump also said he was not confident the Gaza ceasefire deal would hold “That’s not our war, it’s their war But I’m not confident,” he said from the Oval Office “I looked at a picture of Gaza — Gaza is like a massive demolition site That place is, it’s really, it’s got to be rebuilt in a different way,” he said, adding that Gaza was a "phenomenal location on the sea" and that “some beautiful things could be done with it ” A guest post by Mariam Barghouti Mariam Barghouti is a writer and a journalist based in the West Bank Sheis a member of the Marie Colvin Journalist Network Become a Drop Site News Paid Subscriber Drop Site News is a reader-supported publication To support our work, please consider becoming a paid subscriber today A paid subscription gets you: Subscriber-only AMAs, chats, and invites to events, both virtual and IRL Post comments and join the community The knowledge you are supporting independent media making the lives of the powerful miserable Like Comment Restack © 2025 Drop Site News, Inc Drop Site News Inc , 4315 50th St NW Ste 100 Unit #2560, Washington, DC 20016 Unsubscribe interpretation of the Brown Act at play in many municipalities. Her advice was that you, asa School Board, could consult outside independent counsel for advice (this might behelpful in your other endeavors as well). The Brown Act is a sunshine law, first enacted in 1953 to push the decision making of electedrepresentatives out of the shadows and into public forums (mostly to battle corruption). Here in Palo Alto, it seems to be used by staff to silence and divide our elected representatives, bothby making them think (a) that they cannot speak to one another and (b) that they cannot respond at all substantively in public meetings (according to the Cal Cities practice guide, youcan respond as long as it's not a lengthy discussion - for example to ask staff for facts on the matter - and you can also then and there have it be put on a future agenda). What's the result of this interpretation? Decision making is pushed back into the shadows -although this time, a step further removed from our elected officials - into staff-only meetings. It's incredibly undemocratic. It's counter to the spirit of the Brown Act. (But itdoes make life easier for staff, including municipal attorneys, who then don't have to deal with effective elected representatives attempting reform.) Please note also that the Brown Act is notoriously unenforceable. This is of course not legal advice, which is why I'm suggesting you hire a lawyer! If I can be of help as a concerned parent and resident, please do let me know. Thank you for all of your hard work, Trish Tamrazi On Tue, Jan 14, 2025 at 9:39 AM Patricia Judge Tamrazi <tamrazi.law@gmail.com> wrote:Dear City Council, TLDR ("too long didn't read"): City staff works under a strong culture of ignoringcitizen safety concerns and denying all citizen requests, resulting in unsafe conditionsthroughout your City and harming the wellbeing of your citizens (physical, emotional,mental, financial). (As those of you who have met with me know, City staff says thiscomes from management, they do not like it, and a few have asked me personally to be an advocate for my fellow residents and, in fact, from them. Many City employees are veryworried that people are going to get very hurt from the City's pattern of negligence. The good employees are barely holding on - many have already left. This is really going tohurt your City as staff which was trained when it was a healthy, functioning City leaves - I truly believe that you're currently coasting through a bit on them.) Due to the realities ofmunicipal law - it is up to YOU, our elected representatives, to fix this (neitherlawsuits, nor claims, nor regulations, nor anything else can do this - it is up to YOUand the political process). Please stop sitting on this!! It's totally out of line with standard practice and the behavior of neighboring cities. This email is in support of Helene Grossman's presentation at last night's City Councilmeeting, asking you to develop a culture of prioritizing safety and responding to citizenconcerns. Below please find my email correspondence with Safe Routes to School, asking fortraffic control to be put in at uncontrolled intersections on my children's elementaryschool's Safe Route to School - (a) my 8 year old son almost got hit by a car at oneintersection, while riding his bike to school, (b) many parents believe that this route is in fact safe, since it is designated a "Safe Route to School," resulting in a number of parentsallowing their young elementary aged children walking ALONE to school, and (c) the correspondence below INCLUDES the intersection at Greer & Thomas which Ms.Grossman included in her presentation - yes, this in the intersection which does not meet guidelines and in which there was an individual at the Council meeting last night who washit on her bicycle, ending up in the ICU with a traumatic brain injury. I know it's long, but please take the time to read the email correspondence below, so that you can see the pain and wasted time experienced by your constituents. The very lengthyemails responding to mine also exhibit the vast amount of City resources wasted onfighting constituents - no matter how valid their concerns. In sum on the Safe Routes issue, I believe the City has a duty to respond tocomplaints and make its designated Safe Routes actually safe, just as the owner of apublic park does when it designates its land as such. The City's response - which seems to be drafted by the City Attorney's office - is that SafeRoutes maps have disclaimers. That is an unreal response, to the point of being downright disgusting. My final email to the City on September 9 was simply ignored. Please note that I am the PTA rep / liaison to the City for my children's elementary school- I attend City-organized meetings, with my presence requested by the City. But my concerns are ignored. Unreal! Citizens cannot sue to get action on negligence. You may ask, if Palo Alto is so negligent,why aren't we getting sued? Well, as I believe you all know since I have reached out to you time and again (largely with no response), I experienced gross negligence with lack ofmaintenance and failure to respond to an electrical emergency (loose neutral) behind my home. I called MANY attorneys (and I am one myself) - it's basically impossible to bringa negligence case against a municipality, unless you create a class action, which wouldbe very, very difficult to do in these cases of negligence, just due to their fact patterns andthe shorter statute of limitations on municipalities. So, nothing happens. The City Attorney's practice is to ignore and deny claims. So, you may ask, why aren't we paying out a bunch of claims if everyone is getting hurt by our negligence here in PaloAlto? Anecdotally, I had heard that no one ever got a claim paid by the City of Palo Alto - most get outright ignored. So, I put in a Public Records Request for claims and payment onthose claims. Findings: 1. The public records request I know fell way short of what should have been produced (illegal and opens the City up to a lot of liability ($$$) in theory but, again, good luckfinding a lawyer to sue the City over this!). 2. Many claims showed people harmed by the same negligence (two examples: brokenutility covers and - yes - what members of Council know that I myself experienced: contaminated water due to untrained City contractors!) 3. No surprise, there was only 1 claim paid out - all others I reviewed were denied. The City Attorney - in another of the office's "gotcha" moments - knows that it'svirtually impossible to sue the City for negligence, so the policy is just to ignore anddeny claims - they won't turn into lawsuits, so there's very little risk. Ethics should play in, but do not. The thing is - a City Attorney's ethical duty is not onlyto the City coffers - it is also to the wellbeing of citizens and visitors to the City. I have called the CA Bar for help on ethics provisions to cite to the City Attorney's office, which doin fact exist, to try to get the City to competently respond to harms done through the City's pattern of negligence. I emailed this provision to the City Attorney - no answer (as istheir mode of operation). In closing, I will share this, emblematic of Palo Alto's complete lack of care: When discussing water black with dirt with an Assistant City Attorney, asking the City to takeproper steps so that this would stop happening (it happened to MANY residents) he said"It's not like this is Flint." That is absolutely unreal, once again. Is that seriously ourstandard here in Palo Alto? "Not Flint, Michigan"???? Trish Tamrazi Increasingly Concerned Homeowner ---------- Forwarded message ---------From: Patricia Judge Tamrazi <tamrazi.law@gmail.com> Date: Mon, Sep 9, 2024 at 10:45 AMSubject: Re: Uncontrolled (unsafe) intersections along "Suggested Routes" to school To: Star-Lack, Sylvia <Sylvia.Star-Lack@cityofpaloalto.org>Cc: City Mgr <CityMgr@cityofpaloalto.org>, Safe Routes <SafeRoutes@cityofpaloalto.org>, Transportation <Transportation@cityofpaloalto.org>,City Attorney <city.attorney@cityofpaloalto.org> Hi Sylvia, I hope you had a nice weekend. Thank you for your detailed email below. Where does this leave us? Am I understanding correctly that there cannot be a warrant forwhat I am asking, so this is a straight judgment call by staff or Council? Are you saying staff will decide this, or do I need to lobby the City Council? I reviewed the City’s 2012 Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation Plan, but I don't see a mapwith recommendations for traffic control - is that available somewhere? All I am asking is for stop signs on the side streets that feed onto Greer, for the children walking and biking on their designated "Safe Route to School" to be able to freely use Greerto get to school. Currently, these intersections are totally uncontrolled, with poor visibility. In effect, this means to be safe, the children should be stopping and taking a good look atevery one of these uncontrolled intersections. No one does this, and it would be very impractical. This really is URGENT. There are young elementary school students who cross theseintersections alone, their parents trusting that this is a "Safe Route." There are many, many bicyclists - the consideration of a bicycle boulevard down Greer is evidence that the Cityknows this to be the case. So why are we leaving uncontrolled intersections on this route? You make a good point about the current design perhaps simply being outdated - I think perhaps traffic has become heavier in the neighborhood, making these uncontrolledintersections dangerous. Those who live in the neighborhood - not much of a problem with those cars. But we now have many, many delivery drivers who don’t know theneighborhood - heck, even self-driving cars - these folks tend to blow onto Greer (often with a confused look on their face - which is warranted because how is there an uncontrolledintersection onto a relatively busy street in evolved and cutting edge Palo Alto?!). It’s not safe. At all. Could you please let me know what next steps are to get this fixed as quickly as possible, forthe safety of the children on their ways to and from school? We really cannot wait for a long study, nor should we have to, given that not much is being asked for here. Thank you, Trish On Fri, Sep 6, 2024 at 5:09 PM Star-Lack, Sylvia <Sylvia.Star-Lack@cityofpaloalto.org>wrote: Hi Patricia, Thank you for your patience as I collected information from City staff who have been away. I agree that working together is the best way to improve road safety, which is why I shared with you in my prior email how to get involved with our Safe Routes to School program. Thank you for volunteering at Palo Verde this year as a Transportation Safety Representative. Here is more information about traffic control and transportation planning in the City: Traffic Control Framework Thanks for correcting my reading of the traffic control at the nearby intersections on Greer Road. I spoke to other Transportation staff and have more context to share regarding the traffic control in the neighborhood. Our policy is that stop signs need to be placed either due to a stop warrant analysis or due to a Council-adopted policy or action that has been studied and vetted with the community. Stop Warrants Stop warrant analyses use vehicle volume and collision data to establish the need for four- way stop-controlled intersections, but stop warrant analyses cannot be done to establish two-way stop-controlled intersections. You are asking for a two-way stop-controlled intersection at Janice and Greer. We do not have a warrant for this. According to current traffic engineering principles, unwarranted stop signs are more likely to be ignored by drivers once they see that the traffic dynamics at the intersection do not warrant stopping. Research has shown that unwarranted stop signs and stop signs that have been used for speed control, do not have the effect desired. Speeds between the stop signs increase as drivers try to make up for lost time. Drivers tend to roll through the unwarranted stop signs with higher frequency (over 50%). Stop Signs as Traffic Calming At the same time, it is likely that when our neighborhoods were established, the Council approved the existing stop signs as part of the subdivision or perhaps as part of the historic “Guard and Go” policy that alternated stop signs on a collector street with stop signs on the cross streets. Many neighborhoods in Palo Alto exhibit this stop sign pattern. Decades ago, this use of stop signs as a traffic calming treatment at every other intersection was considered a good option, but more recent studies and best practices show that unwarranted stop signs are more frequently ignored and can actually have the opposite effect of inducing speeding as noted above. The traffic calming toolbox has since expanded to include other methods to moderate speeds. Greer Road Planning The City’s 2012 Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation Plan recommended a Bicycle Boulevard network of slower, low-traffic corridors through the neighborhoods to better accommodate bicycle and pedestrian traffic. As part of that initiative, a preliminary concept plan for Greer Road, ultimately not pursued, shows no stops signs on Greer between Loma Verde and the second Kenneth Drive intersection and uses speed humps and new landscaping added to the road to slow vehicle speeds, similar to the treatments you can see today on Ross Road. In this plan, stop signs are posted for vehicles coming out of all of the cross streets on Greer. The City is not pursuing this plan as the update of the Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation Plan (BPTP) is occurring now. This BPTP Update will prioritize projects for the City to implement based on recent data and community engagement. Policy Change In general, to change the traffic control on streets where stop signs are not otherwise warranted, the City would need to change the “policy” governing those streets by conducting a neighborhood circulation study and outreach effort. City staff and funding would need to be found for this work, and the Council would need to prioritize it amongst other City priorities. To facilitate this prioritization, as noted in my prior email, I have shared your email message with the consultant teams working on the Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation Plan Update and the Safe Streets for All Safety Action Plan. These documents will prioritize projects that support vulnerable road users like schoolchildren who walk and bike. In the meantime, our staff will assess the Janice/Greer intersection and determine if stop or other signs are warranted. I will also ask Safe Routes to School staff to share with all PAUSD school principals and Transportation Safety Representatives text to help families and children navigate uncontrolled intersections. Email Protocol for Staff Responses to Residents So that you are aware of our protocol for responding to residents, staff have been instructed to copy the City Manager’s Office staff who then bundle staff responses and send them to the Council. This batches the email responses for Council so that their inboxes are not overwhelmed with individual email messages. If you’d like a phone call to discuss this information, please let me know a good time to call. Have a good weekend, Sylvia From: Star-Lack, Sylvia Sent: Friday, August 16, 2024 6:28 PM To: Patricia Judge Tamrazi <tamrazi.law@gmail.com> Cc: City Mgr <CityMgr@cityofpaloalto.org>; Safe Routes <SafeRoutes@CityofPaloAlto.org>; Transportation <Transportation@CityofPaloAlto.org>; City Attorney <city.attorney@CityofPaloAlto.org> Subject: RE: Uncontrolled (unsafe) intersections along "Suggested Routes" to school Hi Patricia, Thank you for your email messages. Due to staff being on vacation, I am providing this partial response to you regarding our Safe Routes to School program. I’ll have more for you next week when critical staff return to the office. Thanks for your patience with me. Suggested Routes to School One of your recent email messages included your understanding that routes on our Suggested School Route maps are guaranteed to be safe. The Safe Routes to School movement is nationwide, with many cities producing school route maps. No city can guarantee safety for road users, but cities can select suggested routes that may have lower traffic, slower speeds, good sightlines, crossing guards, and other elements that make them more appropriate than other routes for schoolchildren to walk and bike to school. Even so, our maps include the following text: The Palo Alto Safe Routes to School Partnership encourages parents to walk or bike with students and use this mapping tool to explore options for commuting from home to school. Parents are responsible for choosing the most appropriate route based on their knowledge of conditions on the route between home and school and the experience level of their child. Sharing Feedback I wanted to make you aware of several channels we encourage residents to use to share road safety feedback and get involved in promoting safer commuting. The City/School Transportation Safety Committee (CSTSC) is comprised of community members, City of Palo Alto staff, and Palo Alto Unified School District staff who serve in an advisory capacity to the City Manager and the Superintendent on matters relating to school traffic safety for students. Members of the public are welcome to attend the monthly meetings. Meetings are typically held the fourth Thursday of the month. Meeting information can be found on the Safe Routes to School Main Page. If you are interested in getting on the City School Traffic Safety Committee meeting agenda, please email us at saferoutes@cityofpaloalto.org. You can also reach out to the Palo Verde PTA Transportation Safety Representative (TSR), who can work with you to educate parents at your school regarding safer driving behavior and safer walking and biking practices for students (such as how to navigate uncontrolled intersections). While engineering improvements are an element of our Safe Routes to School program, there are five other elements that work together to support safer school commutes: Education, Encouragement, Engagement, Evaluation, and Equity. Working with your school’s TSR to help encourage more biking and walking to school will reduce the number of cars in and around the school, reducing risk to everyone using the adjacent roads. Additionally, as I mentioned in my prior email, the City is also working on two Council priority planning documents to improve roadway safety that will benefit vulnerable road users: the Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation Plan Update and the Safe Streets for All Safety Action Plan. Council will have an opportunity to review and approve these documents and the policies and programs contained therein in the coming months. Community engagement opportunities and feedback sessions on these planning initiatives at standing committee meetings (CSTSC, Pedestrian and Bicycle Advisory Committee, and Planning and Transportation Commission) are also forthcoming, so please watch the committee and Council agendas and the project websites for events and meetings where you can provide your input. I will get back to you regarding the other items you raised next week. Thanks, again, for your patience, and have a good weekend! competently bring the contractor in line, 3. City taking funds from parents for middle school athletics, providing a sub-parservice, saying there is no money to pay coaches such that more children who wantto play can actually play, then sending money to the General Fund, 4. fire houses not properly staffed such that we are a fire engine short in South PaloAlto, 5. illegal (incomplete) responses to Public Records Requests, 6. claims for damages submitted to the City virtually never paid, 7. and - the matter at hand - unsafe intersections. Thank you again for trying to help. I do appreciate you. With kind regards, Trish Trish Tamrazi Concerned Palo Alto Homeowner State Bar No. 279541 Tamrazi.Law@gmail.com On Thu, Aug 15, 2024 at 11:12 AM Star-Lack, Sylvia <Sylvia.Star-Lack@cityofpaloalto.org> wrote: Hi Ms. Tamrazi, I am working on a response to your email messages and will get back to you soon. If there is a good time to call you, please let me know. Thanks! (2) The problem: everyone is passing responsibility - so where does the buck stop? These advocates tell me that they are stuck in a full circle of passing the buck: City staff (traffic engineer) says only City Council can decide traffic signage. City Council says only City staff can decide traffic signage. This is, of course, ABSURD!! (3) The law: the City has heightened duty of care and is actively breaching thatduty. Many of us here in Palo Alto trust our City. When the City designates "Safe Routes toSchool" - we expect them to be safe for students. When the City designates a "Bicycle Boulevard" - we expect it to be safe for bikers. Yet, these designated routes areglaringly unsafe! I believe, further, that this heightened expectation is supported by common law. I believe that by designating these routes, the City has legally created a heightened dutyof care. My understanding is that the City has been on notice for years of these dangerous shortcomings, yet has not responded. Analogous would be the special duty imposed on landowners to invitees: the City ofPalo Alto has, by designating these routes, made students going to school on its "Safe Routes to School" and bicyclists on its "Bicycle Boulevard" invitees of the streets onthese routes. An invitee is owed the highest duty of care. Park goers, for example, are public invitees. The landowner has a duty to take reasonable care to prevent injuries toany invitee on their premises. This includes a requirement to frequently inspect the land to ensure that it is safe. So - to actively ignore resident concerns and calls to makethese routes actually safe - absolutely breaches the City's duty of care. I look forward to hearing back on how we can work together to improve safety here in Palo Alto! With kind regards, Trish Tamrazi Concerned Palo Alto Homeowner State Bar No. 279541 Tamrazi.Law@gmail.com On Tue, Aug 13, 2024 at 9:55 AM Patricia Judge Tamrazi <tamrazi.law@gmail.com>wrote: Dear Sylvia, Thank you for your email. The necessary engineering has already been completed -all that needs to be done is to add stop signs at the uncontrolled intersections, suchthat they are in line with the rest of the intersections. Could that be done, please? School starts at Palo Verde Thursday. We cannot in good conscience call this a SafeRoute to School as is! This is an easy fix! Let's please, together, review the 7 intersections on Greer between Loma Verde andLouis, which you reference in your email below. Your characterization of them is notaccurate. 1. Loma Verde: 4-way stop.2. Kenneth 1: 2-way stop (stop signs on Kenneth).3. Thomas 1: 2-way stop (stop signs on Greer).4. Janice 1: UNCONTROLLED INTERSECTION.5. Thomas 2: UNCONTROLLED INTERSECTION.6. Kenneth 2: 3-way stop.7. Janice 2: UNCONTROLLED INTERSECTION. We do need engineering to do a study - it's already been done, I'm sure - and thenecessary traffic control was simply overlooked, it seems. Engineering already decided traffic control is needed on Thomas 1, so it is alsoneeded on Thomas 2. There is no difference between the Thomas / Greer and Janice / Greer intersections. Engineering already decided traffic control is needed on Thomas1, so it is also needed on Janice 1 and Janice 2. Please could you do the following to protect Palo Alto's children using this SafeRoute to school? 1. Add a stop sign at Janice 1. 2. Add a stop sign at Thomas 2. 3. Add a stop sign at Janice 2. Please let me know your thoughts? I'm hoping to see those stop signs go in thisweek! Thanks so much! Trish Tamrazi Palo Alto Homeowner On Wed, Aug 7, 2024 at 10:43 PM Star-Lack, Sylvia <Sylvia.Star-Lack@cityofpaloalto.org> wrote: Hi Ms. Tamrazi, Thank you for your email. I am so sorry to hear about your son’s recent experience,and I am glad that you reached out to see what can be done. If you would like me tocall you about this issue, please share your phone number and a good time to call. I live just off of Greer Road, near Colorado, and my children biked down Greerpast Janice to get to JLS Middle School, so I am aware of the cross streets alongGreer. I’m also an avid cyclist who bikes down Greer at least weekly to reachdestinations beyond the Greer/Louis intersection. Finally, I oversee the City’s SafeRoutes to School team, our forthcoming Safe Streets for All Safety Action Plan,and the update of our Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation Plan, so I am workingto improve our streets for everyone, particularly children and vulnerable road users. The California DMV manual says the following about intersections: Intersections An intersection is any place where one road meets another road. Controlled intersections have signs or traffic signal lights. Uncontrolled and blind intersections do not. Before entering an intersection, look left, right, and ahead to check for vehicles, bicyclists, and pedestrians. Be prepared to slow down and stop ifnecessary. Pedestrians always have the right-of-way. Here are some right-of-way rules at intersections: · Without STOP or YIELD signs: The vehicle that arrives to the intersection first has the right-of-way. However, if a vehicle, pedestrian, or bicyclist gets to the intersection at the same time as you, give the right-of-way to the vehicle, pedestrian, or bicyclist on your right. If you approach a stop sign and there is a stop sign on all four corners, stop first and proceed as above. · T intersections without STOP or YIELD signs: Vehicles, bicyclists, and pedestrians on the through road (continuing to go straight) have the right-of-way. Notably, some of the cross streets of Greer south of Loma Verde are Tintersections. Of the 7 intersections on Greer between Loma Verde and Louis, fourof them are T intersections where Greer, as the through road, has the right-of-way.Janice does not have a T intersection with Greer, so drivers and cyclists shouldfollow the procedure in the first bullet above, giving right-of-way to the firstvehicle to arrive at the intersection. As you know, a 311 ticket has been opened, and one of our transportation engineerswill evaluate the intersection for appropriate signage. Stop signs are placedaccording to a standard analysis conducted by our engineers. It can take some timefor the engineers to gather the data needed for this analysis, and the outcome willbe shared in 311. Since you care about school route safety, I wanted to let you know about Cityprograms and initiatives where you can engage further to support vulnerable roadusers. I will also share your email with the teams working on these efforts: Our Safe Routes to School program relies on parents at each school tovolunteer as Transportation Safety Representatives (TSRs). You can contactthe Palo Verde TSR (check with the PTA for this year’s TSR) to see howyou can be on the team to help educate and encourage students and parents atyour school on how to walk, bike, and drive more safely in theneighborhood. TSRs also come to monthly City/School TransportationSafety Committee meetings to work collaboratively with School District andCity staff on road safety items. The City began development of a Safe Streets for All Safety Action Plan inthe middle of 2023. A draft plan will be available for public review this fallbefore a final draft is adopted by Council in late 2024 or early 2025. The City is currently updating its existing 2012 Bicycle and PedestrianTransportation Plan (BPTP) to reflect current community needs and desires,consider recent trends in cycling and bicycle technology (such as e-bikes),and address changes in bicycle and pedestrian planning and design. Thissummer and early fall we are developing a priority projects list anddiscussing the City’s entire bicycle network, so it’s a great time to followalong and get involved. Look for public engagement opportunities this fall.We anticipate the final draft of the BPTP Update will be available in early2025 for a summer 2025 City Council adoption. You can learn more on the Could you please address the uncontrolled intersections on your "SuggestedRoutes" by adding stop signs such that they are no longer uncontrolled? May I suggest that someone walk your "Suggested Routes" and flag and fix where they are unsafe? To create, then perpetuate, unsafe conditions where you suggest and activelyencourage walking and biking - particularly for young children on their way to and from school - is quite egregious. This also goes for dangerous conditions along the"Bicycle Boulevard" on Ross Road, which have been flagged by residents for years now, but which remain unfixed. On the Suggested Route to Palo Verde Elementary along Greer, there are a numberof uncontrolled intersections, for example, where Janice feeds into Greer (both sides of Janice). My 8 year old son and a car almost collided yesterday at the intersection of Janiceand Greer, near Louis, due to the uncontrolled intersection there. He was going down Greer on his bike and, thankfully, due to others' advocacy on unsafeintersections in Palo Alto, we noticed in mid-July (3 years into our crossing that intersection) that the intersection is uncontrolled and unsafe - therefore, he treats itas having a stop sign now. It was only for that reason that he and the car did not collide (the car turning from Janice to Greer did not stop and the driver looked veryconfused as she moved through the intersection - rightfully so!). These uncontrolled intersections put too much responsibility on those traveling through the intersection and are particularly dangerous for people not familiar withthe area (as with the car yesterday). Residents and visitors should be able to trust that there are sufficient traffic signs, especially in a well-funded andtechnologically advanced city such as Palo Alto. At the moment, there are not!! (For example, I have seen self-driving cars blow through these intersections whichlack proper traffic control.) I flagged this issue of uncontrolled intersections on Greer Rd. to Transportation@cityofpaloalto.org back on July 19, but never received asubstantive response - I emailed back on July 22 that a ticket was started on PaloAlto311 (ID 15716138). I also flagged this issue on 311 yesterday, again, after my son would have been hit by the car, had he followed the City's traffic signs. Many elementary aged children walk along Greer to school - many unaccompaniedby adults. Could you please address this before school begins? Thank you, Trish Tamrazi, Palo Alto homeowner Fluoride Science 2025 By 2022 one could refer to some 85 peer-reviewed, published papers, nine out of ten of which showed lower IQs in children whose mothers had been exposed to more, rather than less, fluoride. The review of fluoride by the National Toxicology Program was available in draft form, concluding that fluoride was a developmental neurotoxin in humans, but public health officials (Richard/Rachel Levine, undersecretary of Health and Human Services) were preventing its release in final form for political reasons. Well, the CDC wouldn’t want a formal report by actual scientists (toxicologists) stating that too much fluoride could interfere with human brain development, contradicting the CDC’s mendacious claim that water fluoridation was “safe” over about 70 years. That would tend to erode public trust in CDC leadership and honesty. Science, with some federal court help, has progressed awesomely in recent months. A case initiated in 2017, before federal judge Edward Chen, forced the release of the formal, final version of the report by the National Toxicology Program. You may download the entire monograph here: https://ntp.niehs.nih.gov/publications/monographs/mgraph08 The NTP report says to expect damage to children’s IQs at concentrations of 1.5ppm in fluoridated water. Water is supposed to have a concentration of 0.7ppm or less, but the public has other, variable, sources of fluoride and dosages by water are also variable. Testimony in the case has the CDC, FDA, EPA, and the suppliers of the chemicals that are used to fluoridate public water supplies admitting that they cannot provide a numerical concentration level for a safe level of fluoride in water supplies. Examining this (NTP) review of the science and other testimony, Judge Chen (Obama appointed) ordered the Environmental Protection Agency to produce regulations for fluoride in drinking water to eliminate the risk to child IQs. The full court ruling is here: https://fluoridealert.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Court-Ruling.pdf There are three quality published studies showing ADHD to double where water is fluoridated (Mexico City done by US scientists, Canada, and Los Angeles). Women intending to become pregnant or already pregnant should avoid fluoridated water, toothpaste with fluoride, and black, green, and rooibus teas, decaf or not. The CDC and other proponents of fluoridation have asserted with or without evidence that the treatment was “effective”. The Cochrane Collaboration confirmed an ~20% reduction in filled, missing, & damaged teeth in children (2015). An Oct. 4, 2024 review by the Cochrane Collaboration found a benefit of 4% in children. A UK study on adults shows a 2% benefit. The modest benefit has vanished over time. The UK study also shows the gap between rich and poor to be the same whether water is fluoridated or is not. Mothers’ milk is nearly fluoride-free, but mothers’ blood delivers whatever her ingested concentration is to the fetus, where it freely circulates into the developing brain. There is one study of formula prepared with fluoridated water vs. with fluoride free water. It shows reduced IQ. Confirmation (or not) studies are needed. Fluoride is the most reactive element on the periodic table, hence it is nuts to think that it will confine its activities in the human body to strengthening tooth enamel, becoming part of bone, and accumulating as brain sand in the pineal gland. Until the EPA provides regulation for fluoride in water, the cautious thing to do for public health is to suspend adding fluoride to public water supplies. If, as a city or water provider, you are constrained by unscientific laws originating in Sacramento, you can send a letter of objection to responsible parties AND A NOTICE OF RISK TO ALL OF THOSE RECEIVING FLUORIDATED WATER THROUGH YOUR WORK/PIPES/ETC. Raymond R. White, Ph.D. rrweditha@yahoo.com References 1. Bashash et al. Prenatal Fluoride Exposure and Cognitive Outcomes in Children at 4 and 6-12 Years of Age in Mexico, Environmental health Perspectives, Sept. 19, 2017, https://ehp.niehs.nih.gov/ehp655/ 2. Till et al. Community Water Fluoridation and Urinary Fluoride Concentrations in a National Sample of Pregnant Women in Canada, Environmental Health Oct. 10, 2018 https://ehp.niehs.nih.gov/doi/10.1289/EHP3546 3. Brian Bienkowski, We Add It to Drinking Water for Our Teeth - But is Fluoride Hurting Us? Environmental Health News, Oct 10, 2018 http://www.chn.org/we-add-it-to-drinking-water-for-our-teeth-but- is-fluoride-hurting-us-2611193177.htm1 4. Green et al., Association Between Maternal Fluoride Exposure Daring Pregnancy and IQ Scores in Offspring in Canada, Journal of the American Medical Association Pediatrics, Aug. 19, 2019 https://www.ncbi.nhn:nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6704756/ 5. Ben Guarino, "Study Raises Questions About Fluorite and Children's IQ," Washington Post, Aug. 20, 2019 https://www.washingtonpost_com/science/2019/08/19/study-raises-questio ns-about-fluoride-childrens-iq/ 6. Riddell et al., Association of Water Fluoride and Urinary Fluoride Concentrations with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in Canadian Youth, Environment International, Dec. 2019 https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0160412019315971?via %3Dihub 7. Bashash et al., Prenatal Fluoride Exposure and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Symptoms in Children at 6-12 Years of Age in Mexico City, Environment International, Dec. 2018 https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0160412018311814?via %3Dihub 8: Malin et al., Exposure to Fluoridated Water and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Prevalence Among Children and Adolescents in the United States: An Ecological Association, Environmental Health, Feb. 27, 2015 https:/ /www.ncbi.nim.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4389999/ 9. Till et al., Fluoride Exposure From Infant Formula and Child IQ in a Canadian Birth Cohort, Environment International, Jan. 2020 (first issued online in 2019) http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/articie/pii/S0160412019326145?via% 3Dihub 10. National Toxicology Program, Draft NTP Monograph on the Systematic Review of the Fluoride Exposure and Neurodevelopmental and Cognitive Health Effects, Sept. 6, 2019 Released in final form by court order 2024. http:I/fluoridealert.org/wpcontent/uploads/2019.ntp_.draft-fluoride-systemsti c-revicw.Online-Oct-22.pdf The full formal report on fluoride by the National Toxicology Program is at: https://ntp.niehs.nih.gov/publications/monographs/mgraph08 A long court battle initiated by the Fluoride Action Network 2017-2024 resulted in Edward Chen, Federal judge, ordering the Env. Protection Agency to produce regulations for fluoride in drinking water to reduce risk to child IQs. Also sworn testimony of CDC, FDA, EPA, and providers of chemicals providing F to water that they do not know what the safe level of fluoride would be. 11. FAN Court Case Press Release IX-24-2024 https://fluoridealert.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/PDF2-TSCA-Victory-p ress-release-1.pdf 12. Full court ruling https://fluoridealert.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Court-Ruling.pdf 13. The Cochrane Coalition of Australia released a review X-4-2024 of literature, finding a decline of effectiveness of water fluoridation in children, to 4% vs the 18-25% previously being claimed. https://www.cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD010856.pu b3/full 14. The LOTUS study; UK effect of water fluoridation on adults (2% benefit); No more gain in poor vs rich where water is fluoridated vs not. Massive Government Study Finds Virtually No Benefit From Fluoridation. chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://fluoridealert.o rg/wp-content/uploads/moore-2024.pdf 15. The CATFISH Study. Goodwin et al. 2022. Public Health Research. CWF less benefit than previously thought. https://www.journalslibrary.nihr.ac.uk/phr/SHMX1584#/full-report https://doi.org/10.3310/SHMX1584 16. Osmunson & Cole. 2024. Community Water Fluoridation a Cost–Benefit–Risk Consideration. Public Health Challenges 3: Analysis of cost of water fluoridation including dental fluorosis and developmental neurotoxicity. Net loss from CWF is estimated at $556 per person per year. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/puh2.70009 From:Deborah Goldeen To:Transportation Cc:Council, City; City Mgr; Star-Lack, Sylvia Subject:AB 413 Date:Tuesday, January 21, 2025 2:07:33 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. What is City of Palo Alto planning to do when it comes to enforcing AB 413 (daylighting/ don't park your car ortruck right by a stop sign)? Laws like AB 413 are put in place because, if they are acted on and enforced, they keep cyclists and pedestriansfrom getting killed. But if like the other laws in our vehicle code - using a turn signal, making a right turn from asfar right as 'practicable,' coming to a complete stop before making a right turn on a red light, no heavy tinting offront side windows and don't park facing against traffic - that have put on the books and, to my knowledge, arenever enforced, AB 413 won't save lives unless there is a plan to enforce it or, at the very least, enable it by paintingsome curbs red. Dispatch is sick to death of my calling and asking them to ticket cars parked the wrong way. I feel badly about this,but as I was almost killed by a driver who was parked facing the wrong way, I am going to continue nagging them.I'm sure they'd all appreciate not being nagged about enforcing AB 413 as well. I hope that won't be our only resort. Deb G., David P. Lanferman Direct Dial: (650) 320-1507 E-mail: dlanferman@rutan.com January 21, 2025 Rutan & Tucker, LLP | Five Palo Alto Square, 3000 El Camino Real, Suite 200 Palo Alto, CA 94306-9814 | 650-320-1500 | Fax 650-320-9905 Orange County | Palo Alto | San Francisco | Scottsdale | www.rutan.com 2644/038584-0001 21702914.7 a01/21/25 VIA E-MAIL Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council CITY OF PALO ALTO 250 Hamilton Avenue Palo Alto, CA 94301 Re: City Council Special Meeting – January 21, 2025 – Agenda Item #9: “Selection of Non-Profit Development Partner to Construct Affordable Housing Project” on the City-Owned [sic] Parking Lot at Corner of Kipling Street and Lytton Avenue [“Lot T”] and Direction for Exclusive Negotiating Agreement, etc. Objections, Comments, and Questions Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council: We respectfully submit this letter on behalf of many property owners, merchants, and businesses, regarding the apparent illegality of moving to change the use of Parking Lot T at Lytton & Kipling to any use other than publicly-accessible parking facilities serving the Downtown community – without first obtaining consent from the majority of the properties assessed to fund that Parking Lot and without first demonstrating compliance with several other statutory prerequisites. As well intended as the City’s efforts to identify potential sites for new affordable housing might be, no use other than parking is lawfully permitted on Lot T under the terms of the assessment district. The City is prohibited by statute from using the property acquired by assessments “except for the purposes for which it is acquired.” Even if the City may establish that it holds “legal title” to the Lot, it cannot lawfully disregard the fact that “beneficial title” and equitable rights to the continued use of Lot T are held by the assessed property owners. First, the California Government Code expressly provides that where property is acquired by a governmental agency for a particular purpose with funds derived from an assessment district, certain requirements must be met in order to use the property for something other than the original purposes. Among those statutory requirements is the mandate that as a condition precedent to the making of a lease of such property for a purpose other than the original purpose, the owners of 51 percent of the real property constituting the assessment district must first sign a petition consenting to such a lease or change of use. (Gov. Code §§ 50491-50492.) Therefore, at a minimum, if the City of Palo Alto wants to proceed with the proposal to convert Lot T into housing, or any use Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council January 21, 2025 Page 2 2644/038584-0001 21702914.7 a01/21/25 other than parking facilities, it would first need to seek and obtain a majority vote of the assessment district. Second, these proposed actions would not only put the City in violation of the Government Code, they would also put the City in breach of its fiduciary duties as a “trustee” of the properties acquired with the proceeds of assessments, as recognized by the California Supreme Court. Third, these proposed actions (selecting a favored developer for Lot T and entering into an exclusive negotiating agreement) cannot be dismissed as merely “preliminary” or “tentative” steps toward changing the designated use of Parking Lot T. These proposed actions have substantial, even potentially-irreversible consequences including legal consequences. That is why several statutory regimes require the City Council to undertake various formal actions before it can lawfully devote public resources, much less make even a tentative commitment, toward a leasing or conversion of Lot T for housing uses. For example, it is unlawful for the City to pursue negotiations for the potential disposition of Parking Lot T unless and until the Council first properly takes action to declare it as “surplus property” under the Surplus Lands Act (“SLA”) (Gov. Code § 54222.). It is similarly unlawful for the City to pursue negotiations for the potential disposition of Parking Lot T unless and until it has demonstrated to the public that it has properly complied with appropriate environmental analysis as required by the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) (POET, LLC v. State Air Resources Bd. (2017) 12 Cal.App.5th 52, 75; Association for a Cleaner Environment v. Yosemite Community College Dist. (2004) 116 Cal. App.4th 629 [CEQA compliance required prior to disposition of public property].) Fourth, there is nothing in the public record to demonstrate that the City has yet complied with its pre-disposition obligations under the Surplus Lands Act, or CEQA, or demonstrated and determined general plan consistency as required by the City’s Comprehensive Plan and Government Code § 65402. The City must do so before it considers these proposed actions. Fifth, there is nothing in the public record to demonstrate that the City has yet complied with its pre-disposition obligations under the Housing Element Law to acknowledge that an existing use – such as the existing public parking use of Lot T -- is “presumed to impede additional residential development, absent findings based on substantial evidence that the use is likely to be discontinued.” (Gov. Code § 65583.2(g)(2).) The City has not made such findings. Sixth, the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) has validated our concerns about the many impediments, legal and otherwise, making it highly unlikely that the City can actually and lawfully convert the parking lots to affordable housing within the time constraints of this Housing Element cycle. It is gratifying that HCD acknowledged these concerns in its comments on the City’s draft Housing Element, and in its imposition of a condition requiring the City to demonstrate that its assumptions about the feasibility (and legality) of actually completing Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council January 21, 2025 Page 3 2644/038584-0001 21702914.7 a01/21/25 its plan to replace the existing assessment district parking lots serving the Downtown’s retail and commercial uses with affordable housing in a timely manner is realistic. (HCD Comment Letter, 7/9/2024.) Notwithstanding the importance of affordable housing, and Palo Alto’s State-mandated need for more affordable housing, it is even more important that the City Council be put on notice and acknowledge that it would be exposing the City to significant legal risks if it proceeds with the threatened actions as this time. While the Downtown owners and businesses strongly support well- planned efforts to provide more housing in Palo Alto, such as the ongoing efforts to revise Downtown zoning and development standards so as to allow and encourage housing, the City’s pursuit of housing should not come at the expense of injuring Downtown retailers or disregarding the legal rights of property owners that paid for the purchased and ongoing maintenance of Downtown parking lots over many years. We therefore seek to call the Council’s attention to the numerous objections to the Council taking any further action on this course, which is unlawful without the consent of the majority of the assessment district members and without complying with the other legal requirements, as summarized below.1 1. Violation of the Rights and Interests of Assessed Downtown Property Owners. The Staff Report wrongly characterizes the targeted parking lot, Lot T at the corner of Kipling and Lytton (Lot T) as “the City-Owned Parking Lot” and wrongly assumes that the City has unfettered discretion to abandon and remove the existing parking improvements, and to “dispose” of that valuable site for use by a private development entity. Even if the City may establish that it holds “legal title” to the Lot, it cannot lawfully disregard the facts that “beneficial title” and equitable rights to the continued use of the Lot are held by the assessed property owners. (Furey v. County of Sacramento (1978) 24 Cal.3d 862; Tulare Irrigation Dist. v. Collins (1908)154 Cal. 440.) Moreover, California law requires the City to obtain the consent of the majority of the assessed property owners in order to lease or change the use of Lot T. (Gov. Code §§ 50490-50492.) And if the City were to consider a proposed sale of Lot T, such proceedings for a proposed sale would need to terminate if even 10% of the owners of assessed properties object. (Gov. Code § 50556.) 1 We and members of the Downtown business community have, of course, previously written and spoken at public hearings in opposition to the proposed abandonment and destruction of any of the parking lots that have served Downtown for years, including our letters dated December 11, 2023, and April 15, 2024, which are attached, and incorporated by reference. Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council January 21, 2025 Page 4 2644/038584-0001 21702914.7 a01/21/25 A. State Law Prohibits the Change of Use of Property Acquired by Assessments Without the Consent of 51% of the Assessed Property Owners. It is undisputed that Lot T was acquired with the proceeds of assessments initiated and levied by the City on many of the properties owned by the property owners objecting to this proposed action, based on the City’s representations and agreements that the funds would be used solely for the provision of publicly-accessible parking facilities serving the Downtown community. Accordingly, the owners of the assessed properties are the holders of (at least) beneficial title and have legally-protected equitable rights in the continued use and availability of the parking lots, including Lot T. The City is prohibited by statute from using the property acquired by assessments “except for the purposes for which it is acquired,” without the consent of at least 51% of the assessed property owners. (Gov. Code §§ 50491-50492.) The Government Code expressly provides that where property is acquired by a governmental agency for a particular purpose with funds derived from an assessment district certain requirements must be met in order to use the property for other than the original purposes. One of those statutory requirements mandates that as a condition precedent to the making of a lease of such property, the owners of 51 percent of the real property constituting the assessment district sign a petition approving a lease for a purpose other than the original purpose. (Gov. Code §§ 50490 et seq.) The City appears to be proceeding in defiance of these state laws, since there has been no effort to obtain the consent of the assessed property owners. The Council would be exposing the City to significant legal risks if it continues to disregard the interests and property rights of the Downtown property owners whose properties for many years were burdened by assessments to acquire, improve, and maintain Parking Lot T as part of the University Avenue Parking Assessment District. As we have previously pointed out, the City may not change the use of Lot T, much less enter into a long-term lease of Lot T, in disregard of the rights of the assessed property owners. B. The Proposed Conversion of Lot T to Housing Uses Violates the Legally-Protected Equitable Rights of the Property Owners and Downtown Businesses. The City does not have unfettered discretion to now arbitrarily abandon the parking uses of Lot T, thereby divesting the assessees of the “special benefits” for which they pay. The City’s “ownership” is in the nature of a trustee, merely to manage the parking facilities for their committed parking uses, for the benefit of those in the community who have paid for them. In recognition of the “beneficial rights” and interests of the owners of properties which have paid special assessments to fund public improvements, the California Supreme Court “created an equitable remedy for taxpayers who are included in a special assessment district but are later prevented by government action from realizing the benefits of their payments. (Furey v. County of Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council January 21, 2025 Page 5 2644/038584-0001 21702914.7 a01/21/25 Sacramento (1978) 24 Cal.3d 862, 873).” (Yamagiwa v. City of Half Moon Bay (N.D. Cal. 2007) 523 F.Supp.2d 1036, 1098 (“Half Moon Bay”).) In the Half Moon Bay case, the federal court followed Furey and applied its equitable remedy in favor of property owners and awarded millions of dollars in monetary damages against the City for its actions depriving plaintiff of the full benefit of improvement assessments. The general rule in the United States holds that where property has been acquired by a municipality for a specific public use with funds derived from the sale of bonds specifically authorized by the assessed property owners for that purpose, “the city is a trustee of the property for such purpose.” (Gallagher v, City of Omaha (Neb. 1973) 204 N.W.2d 157 [city had no authority to sell or alter the use of a public parking lot, acquired with the proceeds of assessment bonds]; see also, Village of Mount Prospect v. People ex. rel. Hartigan (Ill. App. 1988) 522 N.E.2d 122 [“the municipality may not alienate or dispose of dedicated property for its own benefit, and as trustee, it has no right to use the land inconsistently with public usage”]; Rogers v. City of South Charleston (W.Va. 1979) 256 S.E.2d 557 [City board holds public park “in trust”].)2 More generally, the power to lease may not apply to property acquired or held for a purpose different from that contemplated by the lease. In the same vein, a court may give particular scrutiny to property dedicated to or held for public purposes that the municipality proposes to lease for private purposes. (1 POWELL ON REAL PROPERTY § 10.05 (2024) [citations omitted].) The California Supreme Court has applied the same rule in the case of property acquired for a specific purposed by a governmental agency with funds derived from assessments. See for example, Tulare Irrigation Dist. v. Collins, in which the Supreme Court held that legal title to all of the lands of the district acquired by assessments was held “in trust” by the district -- and was dedicated and set apart to the uses and purposes specified in the assessment acts, i.e., irrigation. (Tulare Irrigation Dist. v. Collins, supra, 154 Cal. 440.) The Court held that beneficial title was in the owners of the assessed lands, with the trust being expressly limited in its terms, dedicating and devoting all lands owned by the district to the purposes of irrigation, there was no power in the trustees to sell such lands. Indeed, the U.S. Supreme Court and the California Court of Appeal have held that a city has an obligation to refund special assessments paid by property owners where the city later decides to abandon the improvements or facilities that were to be funded by the assessments. (See, District of Columbia v. Thompson (1930) 281 U.S. 25; see also, Chapman v. City of Los Angeles (1938) 26 Cal.App.2d 186 [affirmed right to refund of assessments]; Grimes v. Merced County (1928) 96 Cal.App.76 [same]; Woodruff v. City of Chicago (Ill. App. 1945) 63 N.E.2d 124 [same].) 2 “Money derived from assessments made for the purpose of paying for local improvements becomes a trust fund to be applied to that purpose.” (McQuillin, THE LAW OF MUNICIPAL CORPORATIONS (3rd. Ed., July 2024 Update) Public Improvements § 37:179 [citations omitted].) Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council January 21, 2025 Page 6 2644/038584-0001 21702914.7 a01/21/25 The City has also failed to comply with Government Code section 65583.2(g)(1) which required the Housing Element to “specify the additional development potential for each [nonvacant] site” and “consider,” among other factors, “any existing leases or other contracts that would perpetuate the existing use or prevent redevelopment of the site.” The City’s new Housing Element does not provide for such analysis. Moreover, the City fails to acknowledge the presumption of Government Code section 65583.2(g)(2) that an existing use is “presumed to impede additional residential development, absent findings based on substantial evidence that the use is likely to be discontinued.” (Gov. Code § 65583.2(g)(2).) The City has not made such findings. The City would thus be at risk of being found in breach of those fiduciary responsibilities by attempting to unilaterally abandon the designated use of the sites for “parking” purposes and instead converting the use to housing, of any type, without compensation. Proceeding down this path by selecting a developer and entering into an exclusive negotiating agreement with the Alta Housing, or any private developer, for a use other than public parking unnecessarily exposes the City to claims for equitable and injunctive relief, as well as potentially huge claims for monetary damages. C. The City Has NOT Demonstrated That It Holds Unencumbered Legal Title to Lot T – Despite Repeated Public Records Requests. We have previously served the City with requests for documentation under the Public Records Act to clarify the history and ownership of the existing Downtown Parking lots. We have specifically asked the City to produce whatever documents that it relies on as support for its claim of ownership. The City has not produced any such records demonstrating the City’s claim of clear and unencumbered title to Lot T. The City should not proceed any further in soliciting third parties to interfere with Lot T unless and until the City can produce current title reports and appropriate title insurance demonstrating the City’s claim of unencumbered title. To the contrary, those parking lots have been acquired, improved, and maintained as a result of assessments imposed on the Downtown property owners and business. As pointed out on many occasions, the City is not free to disregard the important rights of those who have for many years paid assessments to provide for the creation and preservation of well-located, strategically- distributed, and convenient permanent Downtown parking facilities, or the commitments made by the City in order to secure the approvals of Downtown property owners for the formation and funding of the assessment district. 2. The Proposal Is Inconsistent with the City’s General Plan and Housing Element. The City’s new Housing Element expressly requires “no net loss” of existing parking. The City has invoked “Program 1.4(a)” in the new Housing Element as authorizing development of affordable housing on Lot T – but even Program 1.4(a) merely allows the City to consider redevelopment of the surface parking lots on condition that the City must also “replace and add” Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council January 21, 2025 Page 7 2644/038584-0001 21702914.7 a01/21/25 parking so as to avoid any net loss of parking. Lot T alone reportedly provides up to 52 parking spaces at present to serve existing assessment district businesses and community needs – which must be appropriately replaced before any development on Lot T should be allowed. More importantly, “Program 1.4(a)”is just one (1) of many in the Housing Element, which in turn is just one (1) element of the City’s Comprehensive Plan. The City cannot pursue this one newly-enacted program in disregard of the multitude of other established visions, goals, and policies embodied in the City’s current Comprehensive Plan (2030) with which it is inconsistent. Among many examples of inconsistencies with the goals and policies of the Comprehensive Plan are the following: The “Vision” for the Transportation Element declares: “Palo Alto will build and maintain a sustainable network of safe, accessible and efficient transportation and parking solutions for all users and modes, while protecting and enhancing the quality of life in Palo Alto.” The proposed actions are inconsistent with that Vision, and with many policies of the Transportation Element, which further declares (at p. 74): “Effectively managing parking supply and demand can reduce traffic congestion, protect the livability of residential neighborhoods and support local businesses. The parking-related policies in this plan articulate a phased approach. In the near term, the focus will be on conducting needs assessments, which establish a baseline for adequate parking in each of the city's commercial centers and employment districts under current conditions, and creating parking management strategies, which optimize the use of existing parking spaces. The public record does not reveal whether the City has in fact conducted any “needs assessments” under current conditions to establish a “baseline for adequate parking” in the Downtown commercial centers before embarking on the proposed disposition of Lot T, in violation of this Plan commitment. Goal T-5 of the Transportation Element calls on the City to “Encourage attractive, convenient, efficient and innovative parking solutions for all users.” Policy T-5.2 requires the City to “Continue to implement a comprehensive program of parking supply and demand management strategies citywide to optimize the use of existing parking spaces.” Program T5.2.2 urges the City to “Study and implement pricing strategies for public parking in commercial districts, taking into consideration both employee parking demand and the needs of retailers and customers. Use pricing to encourage short term parking on street, long term parking in parking garages and the use of alternative modes of transportation.” Program T5.8.1 requires the City to “Study the feasibility of retrofitting City-owned surface parking lots to implement best management practices for stormwater management and urban heat island mitigation ....” Similarly, Program L-4.8.1 of the Land Use Element calls on the City to “Prepare a Coordinated Area Plan for Downtown.” This proposal is also inconsistent with Goal L-4; Policies L-1.3; L-4.5; L-6.1; and others. Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council January 21, 2025 Page 8 2644/038584-0001 21702914.7 a01/21/25 This scheme is also inconsistent with many policies and programs in the Business and Economics Element of the Comprehensive Plan. E.g., Policy B-2.2 commits the City to “Recognize that employers, businesses and neighborhoods share many values and concerns, including traffic and parking issues and preserving Palo Alto’s livability, and need to work together with a priority on neighborhood quality of life.” None of those declared Comprehensive Plan policies say anything about abandoning any of the Downtown parking lots or converting them to uses other than parking. Even if it could be argued that the proposed conversion of Lot T to housing might be somehow “consistent” with some other parts of the City’s plans, that would not suffice to overcome the inconsistencies with fundamental planning policies calling for the continuing provision of sufficient parking to maintain no net loss of parking resources: “A project’s consistency with a general plan’s broader policies cannot overcome a project’s inconsistency with a general plan’s more specific, mandatory and fundamental policies.” (Spring Valley Lake Assn. v. City of Victorville (2016) 248 Cal.App.4th 91, 101.) As the City Staff has accurately foreseen, the new proposed new housing structures would increase the need for parking in close proximity to the proposed new housing. However, only one of the three Scenarios proposed by Staff (Scenario B) would require the future housing developer to provide both parking for the new residents, and 52 replacement parking spaces on site. Unless the City mandates that the developer pursue Scenario B, it appears that the “no net loss” policy would be violated, and the housing project would be inconsistent with the Housing Element and General Plan. Neither the initial RFP nor he “Request for Refined Proposals” provided any definite and feasible assurances as to how – and where – the City might possibly “provide replacement parking off-site.”3 The City currently charges “parking in lieu fees” as a condition of development in Downtown under its Downtown Plan and Municipal Code, at the rate of more than $130,000 per parking space, ostensibly based on the actual costs of construction on the California Avenue Garage. Neither the Staff Report nor the proposals address these issues. The proposed actions required that the existing general plan, zoning, development standards, and land use policies be substantially changed in order to pursue the possible construction of tall (Alta proposes up to 7 stories) new housing structures, likely exceeding the existing zoning height limitations and Floor Area Ratios (FAR). Lot T was historically designated as “Regional/Community Commercial” and zoned as “PF” (Public Facilities) – not residential. 3 The RFP in Scenarios A and C simply “assume that the City will provide replacement parking for the 52 existing public parking spaces elsewhere [WHERE?] at its own cost.” (Staff Report, p. 5.) We understand and appreciate that Council has recently given direction to resume planning and design efforts in hopes of eventually constructing a new Downtown Parking Garage, however, the parameters and financial feasibility of that project remain undefined and speculative. Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council January 21, 2025 Page 9 2644/038584-0001 21702914.7 a01/21/25 amendments to the Comprehensive Plan and re-zoning were required to accommodate this proposal. So far as is shown by the public record, the City has not taken any action to attempt to comply with the requirement of Government Code §65402, that proposed disposition of public real property be shown and found to be consistent with the adopted general plan. Government Code section 65402(a) mandates: “If a general plan or part thereof has been adopted, ... no real property shall be disposed of, ... until the location, purpose and extent of such ... disposition ... have been submitted to and reported upon by the planning agency as to conformity with said adopted general plan or part thereof.” 3. Uncertain Compliance with the Surplus Lands Act. Previous City reports have indicated the realization that the City must comply with the Surplus Lands Act (SLA) before the City can engage in negotiations for the possible disposition of any of the Parking Lots. Even if the City did “own” Lot T free and clear of any obligations to the assessed property owners, the City would still need to comply with the SLA. It is unclear, however, whether the City has previously complied with the requirements of the Surplus Lands Act before embarking on its solicitation of these proposals and proposed selection of a developer for entry into an exclusive negotiating agreement. The SLA prohibits the City from pursuing negotiations for the disposition of “City owned” property until after the City Council makes a legislative determination that the property is indeed “surplus” and properly publishes a notice of availability. (Gov. Code § 54221(b)(1) [“Surplus land” means “land owned in fee simple by any local agency for which the local agency’s governing body takes formal action in a regular public meeting declaring that the land is surplus and is not necessary for the agency’s use.”].) Land shall be declared either “surplus land” or “exempt surplus land,” as supported by written findings, before a local agency may take any action to dispose of it consistent with an agency’s policies or procedures. While the SLA may allow the City to take certain preliminary steps when considering a possible disposition of “exempt” surplus property for affordable housing uses (such as conducting ‘due diligence’ investigations, or obtaining appraisals, and issuing a Request for Qualifications [but not a Request for Proposals]), the SLA does not authorize a City to go so far as the current proposed actions, i.e., selecting a preferred developer and entering into an exclusive negotiation agreement without first making a declaration of surplus property. (Gov. Code § 54222.) 4. Failure to Comply With CEQA. The Staff Report asserts, without citation of any legal authority or evidentiary analysis, that the proposed actions – if authorized by Council – would be not be considered to be “projects” within the scope of the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) and thus avoid providing any environmental analysis of the potential impacts of these proposals. That assertion, however, wrongly Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council January 21, 2025 Page 10 2644/038584-0001 21702914.7 a01/21/25 disregards the rule that CEQA uses the term “project” broadly. “The broad interpretation of ‘project’ to encompass ‘the whole of an action’ … ‘is designed to provide the fullest possible protection of the environment within the reasonable scope of CEQA’s statutory language.’ (Tuolumne County Citizens for Responsible Growth, Inc. v. City of Sonora (2007) 155 Cal.App.4th 1214, 1222.)” (POET, LLC v. State Air Resources Bd. (2017) 12 Cal.App.5th 52, 75.) Under CEQA, the definition of “project” encompass any activity which may cause either a direct physical change in the environment, or a reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment, and includes activity undertaken by a person which is supported, in whole or in part, through contracts, grants, subsidies, loans, or other forms of assistance from one or more public agencies, or activity that involves the issuance to a person of a lease, permit, license, certificate, or other entitlement for use by one or more public agencies. (Pub. Res. Code §§ 21065, 21080.) This broad definition thus appears to include these proposed actions and calls for compliance with CEQA. For example, the courts held that a community college violated CEQA when it failed to perform an initial environmental study in connection with its decision to close and remove a campus shooting range and transfer certain classes to a range off campus. The courts rejected the college’s arguments that its decision and actions were not a “project” subject to CEQA, and that these decisions were exempt from CEQA. (Association for a Cleaner Environment v. Yosemite Community College Dist. (2004) 116 Cal. App.4th 629.) Similarly, here the “whole of the action” contemplated by the proposed Council decisions would cause a direct physical change in the environment as well as foreseeable indirect physical changes, as briefly described above in the foregoing sections. The Court of Appeal has held that CEQA applied in connection with a City seeking to dispose of property that has been declared as “surplus” and invalidated a City’s EIR. (See, The Flanders Foundation v. City of Carmel-by-the- Sea (2012) 202 Cal.App.4th 603.) Some form of CEQA review and analysis is therefore required before the Council may take action on either of these proposed items. 5. There Is No Apparent Parking Strategy or Plan for Downtown. These proposals should be recognized by Council, regrettably, as insufficiently-studied and incomplete proposals. Neither the City nor either of the proposed developers have adequately studied and addressed the many unresolved environmental, geotechnical, financial, legal, financial, and “quality of life” issues inherent in this proposal – in disregard of Comprehensive Plan Program L-4.8.1. These proposals are not ready for serious public or Council consideration – much less a City commitment such as entering into an exclusive negotiating agreement. The City’s laudable efforts to provide suitable sites for “affordable” housing, should not be pursued at the expense of demolishing the critically needed existing public parking resources Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council January 21, 2025 Page 11 2644/038584-0001 21702914.7 a01/21/25 strategically distributed throughout Downtown to serve the community. The new Housing Element identified dozens of potential housing opportunity sites and strategies that could be pursued as priorities with far less disruption to an existing community and loss of valuable resources. By contrast, even the City Staff acknowledges the continuing critical need for adequate parking in the Downtown: “[D]emand for parking in the downtown has increased since the COVID-19 pandemic….” (Council Agenda Report for 12/11/2023, at p. 6.) The recent approval of many curbside “parklets” has removed more than 100 previously-available parking spaces. The City’s “University Streetscape Project” will also result in a reduction of the parking supply in Downtown. Far from presenting a coherent housing and circulation/parking strategy for Downtown, the proposal for the abandonment of the critically-needed existing Downtown parking facilities and for the City to give away these irreplaceable sites for development of new, high-density, residential structures in their place will injure Downtown vitality. The Downtown area, which is larger than just the CD zone, abounds with underutilized and vacant sites that could become housing, with well-considered zoning improvements – such as recommended in the Housing Element. Conclusion We and our clients support housing. We support new housing in the Downtown and throughout Palo Alto -- wherever appropriate. However, we strongly object to the pending proposals that the Council commit to an unripe proposal from any particular developer entailing the disposition or “conversion” of Lot T or that the City pursue exclusive negotiations for such disposition. New housing should not come at the cost of violating laws and directly harming our downtown retailers and businesses. We urge Council to halt and seriously reconsider the threatened the expropriation of rights and decades of investments by our clients and many others in creating the City’s vibrant Downtown commercial area. We urge the Council to require the City to comply with Government Code sections 50491-50492 by seeking the consent of at least 51% of the owners of the properties assessed to acquire and maintain Lot T. While our position is that such a vote is legally determinative as to the use of the parking lots, we ask for such a vote at minimum in an advisory capacity. To deny a vote would signify the Council’s view that the collective voice of the assessment district members has no weight whatsoever and would divest those members of their rights contrary to the laws of California. For the reasons summarized above, and for such other reasons as may be raised at the hearing on this matter, we would urge the Council to direct Staff to consider other alternatives, and give Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council January 21, 2025 Page 12 2644/038584-0001 21702914.7 a01/21/25 further consideration to other, feasible and lawful, ways of attempting to address Council’s concerns about increasing housing opportunities in the City. Thank you for your consideration of these concerns. Very truly yours, RUTAN & TUCKER, LLP David P. Lanferman cc: City Manager, via email City Attorney’s Office, via email Director, Community Development, via email statements on Gaza, saying “That’s not our war, it’s their war. But I’m not confident,” adding that Gaza was a "phenomenal location on the sea" and that “some beautiful things could be done with it.” While 90 Palestinian captives were released in Ramallah on Sunday as part of the exchange deal for three Israelis held in Gaza, over 90 Palestinians have now been detained in the West Bank over the past 24 hours alone. Meanwhile, violence from Israeli soldiers and settlers has ramped up across the West Bank since Sunday. Reporting from the West Bank, journalist Mariam Barghouti speaks to residents inside Jenin as the Israeli raid is underway. For months we have been covering the increasingly incendiary situation in the West Bank and we will continue to report on it as events unfold. We rely on donations to sustain our reporting. Please consider becoming a paid subscriber. — Sharif Abdel Kouddous, journalist and editor Upgrade to paid Israeli military vehicles in the Jenin refugee camp as part of a large scale military operation in Jenin on January 21, 2025. (Photo by Nedal Eshtayah/Anadolu via Getty Images) Israel launched a major military operation on Jenin in the occupied West Bank on Tuesday, raiding the city with troops, military vehicles, and bulldozers backed by airstrikes, drones, and Apache helicopters. At least nine Palestinians have been killed and more than 40 wounded in the ongoing operation, according to the Ramallah-based Palestinian health ministry, which Israel has dubbed “Operation Iron Wall.” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the goal of the “large scale and significant military operation” was to “to eradicate terrorism in Jenin.” “We are acting systematically and decisively against the Iranian axis wherever it extends its reach – whether in Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, or Judea and Samaria – and our efforts will continue,” Netanyahu wrote in a post on X, using the name by which Israel refers to the occupied West Bank. Israeli soldiers stormed the city from the Jamaleh military checkpoint on Tuesday afternoon after a special unit had infiltrated the area, according to local journalists in Jenin. “At around 1:00 p.m. there were Israeli special forces near our home west of the camp, and there was heavy gunfire in the area,” Susan Mahajneh, 35-year- old resident of the camp, told Drop Site News. “I got the kids ready and we began making our way outside the camp in light of the increasing danger with live ammunition being fired while Apache helicopters hovered above,” Mahajneh said. “I carried my kids in my arms as they cried from fear, and kept walking towards Ibn Sina hospital in search of some safety and refuge.” Mahajneh is now seeking shelter with a relative who lives outside the camp. “It was incredibly difficult to escape as Israeli forces shot in our direction to force us back into the house,” she said, “but I refused and insisted we leave so I can protect my kids from what’s to come.” According to residents in the camp, the Israeli army invaded while Palestinian Authority security forces —commonly derided as a “subcontractor” to the Israeli occupation— were stationed inside the camp with their armored vehicles. The PA troops did not fire back at the Israeli army and instead immediately withdrew from the camp. “We withdrew from Jenin refugee camp to avoid direct confrontation with the Israeli army,” PA security forces spokesperson Brigadier General Anwar Rajab said in a statement. According to eyewitnesses and civilians inside the camp, Israeli forces have laid siege to the Jenin refugee camp and snipers are targeting anyone who tries to leave. “People tried to escape from the camp amid the ongoing Israeli invasion, but only some were able to get out. Others remain stuck at the edges of the camp unable to leave,” Ahmad, a 26-year-old resident of the camp, told Drop Site on condition of anonymity. As he spoke, the sound of explosions and gunfire echoed in the background. “They just targeted in the area we were in with an airstrike,” he said. According to Ahmad, the second airstrike in the span of three hours targeted an area where ambulances were stationed in the camp. Israeli military bulldozers also tore up and destroyed a number of streets in the city. Among those killed by Israeli forces on Tuesday was a civilian named Abed Alwahhab Saadi. In footage posted online, he can be seen walking unarmed along an empty road as he suddenly comes under fire and begins to run before being shot and falling face down in the ground. Another shocking video shows a family repeatedly being targeted by gunfire while driving in their car, reportedly killing another civilian, Ahmed Nimer Obeidi. Medics also came under attack, with at least three doctors and two nurses injured by Israeli gunfire within the first two hours of the invasion. Israeli forces also besieged Al-Amal hospital near the camp and fired live ammunition from its vicinity while obstructing medics from reaching the injured. At the same time, residents described Israeli troops forcibly taking over civilian homes across the city and turning them into makeshift military positions. By 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, the Israeli military had designated the entire district of Jenin as a closed military zone, with active operations in at least 16 surrounding towns and villages. Tuesday’s operation came just two days after the start of the “ceasefire” in Gaza, whose first phase is supposed to last for six weeks. Israeli ministers and media reports have suggested the military operations in Jenin and other areas of the West Bank are part of a deal Netanyahu made with his cabinet ahead of the ceasefire in Gaza. On Tuesday, Israeli finance minister Bezalel Smotrich said Israel’s raid on Jenin is designed to “change the security situation” in the West Bank. "After Gaza and Lebanon, today, with God's help, we have begun changing the security paradigm in Judea and Samaria as well, and [initiated] a campaign to eradicate terrorism in the region," Smotrich said in a post on X. These operations, he added, were “part of the war goals that were added by the [security] cabinet on Friday, at the request of the Religious Zionism party,” referring to the cabinet talks over the ceasefire in Gaza last weekend. He also described Operation Iron Wall as part of a strategy to protect settlers. In an interview on Israeli TV Channel 14, Smotrich elaborated further, saying the current raids on the West Bank would be “a completely different [kind] of operation.” “It's not longer about foiling [attacks], it's no longer routine ongoing security maintenance — it's a war aim, and when you are in war, you have a different set of tools [at your disposal],” Smotrich said. “There's a very detailed decision that tasks the security apparatus to, call it ‘spread a blanket over,’ but in terms of defense and offense, you'll see very shortly, god willing, very significant operations in the refugee camps,” he added. The Jenin refugee camp has long been a stronghold of Palestinian armed resistance in the West Bank. It is home to the Jenin Brigade, a politically diverse militant group of mostly third-generation refugees who believe taking up arms is key to liberating Palestinian lands from Israeli occupation and annexation. The Israeli military operation comes just days after the Palestinian Authority concluded a weeks-long raid on Jenin in one the longest and most lethal assaults by Palestinian security forces in recent memory, with at least 16 Palestinians killed, mostly civilians. Billed by the PA as a move to restore security in Jenin, residents said the real aim was to crush Palestinian armed resistance at the behest of Israel. The Israeli military operation on Jenin comes amid a broader assault on Palestinian villages and towns across the West Bank. On the day the Gaza “ceasefire” went into effect, Israeli security forces raided several towns in the West Bank, closed down checkpoints, and set up “flying”—or new—checkpoints in other areas, while shutting down entrances to major cities, including Ramallah and al-Khalil (Hebron). Due to the Israeli lockdown, many of the 90 Palestinian captives who were released on Sunday in Ramallah were unable to return to their homes in the various towns and cities in the West Bank. On Monday, the Israeli military raided the town of Azzun in eastern Qalqilya, arresting 64 Palestinians, including children. Footage posted online shows men and boys forced to lie face down in the street before being marched away in a long line. Over 90 Palestinians have been detained in the West Bank in the past 24 hours. Israeli settlers have also attacked a number of towns and villages, torching Palestinians houses and vehicles, blocking roads and throwing stones. In Sebastia, Nablus, Israeli forces shot and killed a 14-year-old Palestinian boy. In a statement on Monday, the UN Human Rights Office said it was “alarmed by a wave of renewed violence perpetrated by settlers and Israeli security forces in the Occupied West Bank, coinciding with the implementation of the Gaza ceasefire agreement and the release of hostages and detainees. This has been accompanied by increased restrictions on Palestinians’ freedom of movement across the West Bank, including complete closure of some checkpoints and installation of new gates, effectively confining entire communities.” On Tuesday, Hamas issued a statement calling on people to "mobilize and intensify confrontations" with Israeli forces in Jenin and blasting PA security forces for their conduct. "It is bewildering to witness the conduct of the Palestinian Authority’s forces, which withdrew from the surroundings of the Jenin camp simultaneously with the beginning of the occupation’s military operation,” the statement read. “This comes after a siege of over 48 days on the camp and the disruption of agreements with the resistance fighters to date, as well as their refusal to heed national calls to halt dangerous measures against the strugglers and resistance fighters." Meanwhile in Washington, U.S. President Donald Trump reversed sanctions on a number of Israeli settlers in the West Bank, issuing an executive order soon after his inauguration to lift measures imposed by the Biden administration. Trump also said he was not confident the Gaza ceasefire deal would hold. “That’s not our war, it’s their war. But I’m not confident,” he said from the Oval Office. “I looked at a picture of Gaza — Gaza is like a massive demolition site. That place is, it’s really, it’s got to be rebuilt in a different way,” he said, adding that Gaza was a "phenomenal location on the sea" and that “some beautiful things could be done with it.” © 2025 Drop Site News, Inc.Drop Site News Inc., 4315 50th St. NWSte 100 Unit #2560, Washington, DC 20016 Unsubscribe