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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-03-17 City Council EmailsDOCUMENTS IN THIS PACKET INCLUDE: LETTERS FROM CITIZENS TO THE MAYOR OR CITY COUNCIL RESPONSES FROM STAFF TO LETTERS FROM CITIZENS ITEMS FROM MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEMBERS ITEMS FROM OTHER COMMITTEES AND AGENCIES ITEMS FROM CITY, COUNTY, STATE, AND REGIONAL AGENCIES Prepared for: 3/17/2025 Document dates: 3/10/2025 - 3/17/2025 Note: Documents for every category may not have been received for packet reproduction in a given week. 701-32 From:Tavera, Samuel To:Council, City Subject:Call from Residents Date:Monday, March 17, 2025 12:01:06 PM Attachments:image001.png image002.png image003.png image006.png image007.png Greetings Councilmembers, Our office received three calls today from residents: Akshat Jain, Jonathan Chin, Pamar de la Concedcion urging the Council prioritize Quiet Zones in 2025. Thank you! Samuel Tavera Administrative Associate III Office of the City Clerk P: 650.838.2898 E: Samuel.Tavera@cityofpaloalto.org www.cityofpaloalto.org From:Igor Piryazev To:Council, City Subject:Quiet Zone in the Rail Corridor Date:Monday, March 17, 2025 11:54:01 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Dear Palo Alto City Council: I am writing to ask that the City Council establish a Quiet Zone in our rail corridor. I understand that federal regulations allow for the city to establish a Quiet Zone, that Atherton has had a Quiet Zone at Fair Oaks since 2016, and that Menlo Park plans to install Quiet Zones at Oak Grove Avenue and Ravenswood Avenue beginning this year. I ask you to please vote in favor Quiet Zones in all of Palo Alto. Thank you, Igor Piryazev62 Roosevelt Cir, Palo Alto, CA 94306 From:MAO-HONG To:Council, City Cc:quietzonespaloalto@gmail.com Subject:Palo Alto Quiet Zone Date:Monday, March 17, 2025 11:38:24 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Dear Mayor Lauing, Vice Mayor Veenker, Councilmembers Burt, Lu, Lythcott-Haims, Reckdahl, and Stone, Thank you for the generosity of your time and effort to make Palo Alto a great place to live. I am writing today to ask City Council to establish a Quiet Zone in our very noisy rail corridor. Caltrain horns exposes us to harmful noise 104 times per day at each level crossing! Each horn blast is very loud, between 96 db and 110 db. The blasts begin at 5:06 a.m. and end at 12:58 a.m. Federal Railway Regulations mandate the blowing of horns, but Federal Regulations Allow for The City of Palo Alto to silence them. We have four level crossings in Palo Alto, Palo Alto Avenue, Churchill Avenue, East Meadow Drive and East Charleston Road. ChatGPT helped us estimate that more than 10,000 residents will have more peace, better sleep, and a more enjoyable environment if noise pollution from Caltrain is reduced. This means parents and children will get more sleep and be better able to enjoy their gardens without diminishing safety at the level crossings. For those of us living between the two crossings of East Meadow and Charleston, we have 832 horn blasts a day, not counting the freight trains. This is a serious health hazard that must be addressed. Establishment of Quiet Zones may only be created if City Council initiates the process. Costs of establishing and installing equipment upgrades to qualify for a Quiet Zone are very low per intersection, perhaps $2 million per crossing, compared to to grade separation projects which will cost hundreds of millions of dollars per crossing. Respected members of our Rail Committee, Mr. Burt, Ms. Lythcott-Haims, and Mr. Lauing are knowledgeable about the Quiet Zones and their benefits. Please ask them what they know. Atherton has had a Quiet Zone at Fair Oaks since 2016. Menlo Park plans to install Quiet Zones at Oak Grove Avenue and Ravenswood Avenue beginning this year. Palo Alto joined Menlo Park by commissioning a study of Quiet Zones for the Palo Alto Avenue crossing. Those of us who reside near Churchill Avenue, and especially near East Meadow Drive and Charleston Road ask you to please vote in favor of and find the budget for establishment of Quiet Zones in all of Palo Alto this year. Thank you. Sincerely, Hong Mao 3741 Lindero Dr Palo Alto CA, 94306 From:Brian Kilgore To:Council, City Subject:Quiet Zone in our corridor Date:Monday, March 17, 2025 11:36:30 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Dear Mayor Lauing, Vice Mayor Veenker, Councilmembers Burt, Lu, Lythcott-Haims, Reckdahl, and Stone, Thank you for the generosity of your time and effort to make Palo Alto a great place to live. I am writing today to ask City Council to establish a Quiet Zone in our very noisy rail corridor. Caltrain horns exposes us to harmful noise 104 times per day at each level crossing! Each horn blast is very loud, between 96 db and 110 db. The blasts begin at 5:06 a.m. and end at 12:58 a.m. Federal Railway Regulations mandate the blowing of horns, but Federal Regulations Allow for The City of Palo Alto to silence them. We have four level crossings in Palo Alto, Palo Alto Avenue, Churchill Avenue, East Meadow Drive and East Charleston Road. ChatGPT helped us estimate that more than 10,000 residents will have more peace, better sleep, and a more enjoyable environment if noise pollution from Caltrain is reduced. This means parents and children will get more sleep and be better able to enjoy their gardens without diminishing safety at the level crossings. For those of us living between the two crossings of East Meadow and Charleston, we have 832 horn blasts a day, not counting the freight trains. This is a serious health hazard that must be addressed. Establishment of Quiet Zones may only be created if City Council initiates the process. Costs of establishing and installing equipment upgrades to qualify for a Quiet Zone are very low per intersection, perhaps $2 million per crossing, compared to to grade separation projects which will cost hundreds of millions of dollars per crossing. Respected members of our Rail Committee, Mr. Burt, Ms. Lythcott-Haims, and Mr. Lauing are knowledgeable about the Quiet Zones and their benefits. Please ask them what they know. Atherton has had a Quiet Zone at Fair Oaks since 2016. Menlo Park plans to install Quiet Zones at Oak Grove Avenue and Ravenswood Avenue beginning this year. Palo Alto joined Menlo Park by commissioning a study of Quiet Zones for the Palo Alto Avenue crossing. Those of us who reside near Churchill Avenue, and especially near East Meadow Drive and Charleston Road ask you to please vote in favor of and find the budget for establishment of Quiet Zones in all of Palo Alto this year. Thank you. Sincerely, Brian Kilgore 31 Roosevelt Circle Palo Alto, CA From:Mar Carpanelli To:Council, City Cc:quietzonespaloalto@gmail.com Subject:Request for Establishment of a Quiet Zone in East Meadow and Charleston crossings Date:Monday, March 17, 2025 11:36:20 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Dear Mayor Lauing, Vice Mayor Veenker, Councilmembers Burt, Lu, Lythcott-Haims, Reckdahl, and Stone, Thank you for the generosity of your time and effort to make Palo Alto a great place to live. I am writing today to ask City Council to establish a Quiet Zone in our very noisy rail corridor. Caltrain horns exposes us to harmful noise 104 times per day at each level crossing! Each horn blast is very loud, between 96 db and 110 db. The blasts begin at 5:06 a.m. and end at 12:58 a.m. Federal Railway Regulations mandate the blowing of horns, but Federal Regulations Allow for The City of Palo Alto to silence them. We have four level crossings in Palo Alto, Palo Alto Avenue, Churchill Avenue, East Meadow Drive and East Charleston Road. ChatGPT helped us estimate that more than 10,000 residents will have more peace, better sleep, and a more enjoyable environment if noise pollution from Caltrain is reduced. This means parents and children will get more sleep and be better able to enjoy their gardens without diminishing safety at the level crossings. For those of us living between the two crossings of East Meadow and Charleston, we have 832 horn blasts a day, not counting the freight trains. This is a serious health hazard that must be addressed. Establishment of Quiet Zones may only be created if City Council initiates the process. Costs of establishing and installing equipment upgrades to qualify for a Quiet Zone are very low per intersection, perhaps $2 million per crossing, compared to grade separation projects which will cost hundreds of millions of dollars per crossing. Respected members of our Rail Committee, Mr. Burt, Ms. Lythcott-Haims, and Mr. Lauing are knowledgeable about the Quiet Zones and their benefits. Please ask them what they know. Atherton has had a Quiet Zone at Fair Oaks since 2016. Menlo Park plans to install Quiet Zones at Oak Grove Avenue and Ravenswood Avenue beginning this year. Palo Alto joined Menlo Park by commissioning a study of Quiet Zones for the Palo Alto Avenue crossing. Those of us who reside near Churchill Avenue, and especially near East Meadow Drive and Charleston Road ask you to please vote in favor of and find the budget for establishment of Quiet Zones in all of Palo Alto this year. Thank you. Sincerely, Mar Carpanelli4126 Park Blvd, Palo Alto, CA 94306 From:Peter Streiff To:Council, City Cc:quietzonespaloalto@gmail.com Subject:Please vote to establish a Quiet Zone on the Caltrain Corridor Priority for this year, 2025. Date:Monday, March 17, 2025 11:24:10 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Dear Mayor Lauing, Vice Mayor Veenker, Councilmembers Burt, Lu, Lythcott-Haims, Reckdahl, and Stone, Thank you for your dedication to making Palo Alto a great place to live and work. I am writing today to ask City Council to establish a Quiet Zone in our very noisy rail corridor. Caltrain horns exposes us to harmful noise 104 times per day at each level crossing!Each horn blast is very loud, between 96 db and 110 db. The blasts begin at 5:06 a.m. and end at 12:58 a.m. Federal Railway Regulations mandate the blowing of horns, but FederalRegulations Allow for The City of Palo Alto to silence them. We have four level crossings in Palo Alto, Palo Alto Avenue, Churchill Avenue, East Meadow Drive and East Charleston Road. ChatGPT helped us estimate that more than 10,000 residentswill have more peace, better sleep, and a more enjoyable environment if noise pollution from Caltrain is reduced. This means parents and children will get more sleep and be better able toenjoy their gardens without diminishing safety at the level crossings. For those of us living between the two crossings of East Meadow and Charleston, we have 832 horn blasts a day, notcounting the freight trains. This is a serious health hazard that must be addressed. Establishment of Quiet Zones may only be created if City Council initiates the process. Costs of establishing and installing equipment upgrades to qualify for a Quiet Zone are very low perintersection, perhaps $2 million per crossing, compared to grade separation projects which will cost hundreds of millions of dollars per crossing. Respected members of our Rail Committee, Mr. Burt, Ms. Lythcott-Haims, and Mr. Lauingare knowledgeable about the Quiet Zones and their benefits. Please ask them what they know. Atherton has had a Quiet Zone at Fair Oaks since 2016. Menlo Park plans to install Quiet Zones at Oak Grove Avenue and Ravenswood Avenue beginning this year. Palo Alto joinedMenlo Park by commissioning a study of Quiet Zones for the Palo Alto Avenue crossing. Those of us who reside near Churchill Avenue, East Meadow Drive, and East Charleston Road ask you to please vote in favor of and find the budget for establishment of Quiet Zones in allof Palo Alto this year. Thank you for your time and consideration of this important issue. Establishing Quiet Zones will significantly improve the quality of life for thousands of Palo Alto residents whilemaintaining safety at our rail crossings. We appreciate your leadership and commitment to making our city a better place to live. Sincerely, Peter Streiff 3723 Lindero Dr, Palo Alto, CA 94306 From:Thang Nguyen To:Council, City Subject:Please vote to establish a Quiet Zone on the Caltrain Corridor Priority for this year, 2025. Date:Monday, March 17, 2025 11:16:15 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Dear Mayor Lauing, Vice Mayor Veenker, Councilmembers Burt, Lu, Lythcott-Haims, Reckdahl, and Stone, Thank you for your dedication to making Palo Alto a great place to live and work. I am writing today to ask City Council to establish a Quiet Zone in our very noisy railcorridor. Caltrain horns exposes us to harmful noise 104 times per day at each level crossing! Each horn blast is very loud, between 96 db and 110 db. The blasts begin at 5:06 a.m. and endat 12:58 a.m. Federal Railway Regulations mandate the blowing of horns, but Federal Regulations Allow for The City of Palo Alto to silence them. We have four level crossings in Palo Alto, Palo Alto Avenue, Churchill Avenue, East MeadowDrive and East Charleston Road. ChatGPT helped us estimate that more than 10,000 residents will have more peace, better sleep, and a more enjoyable environment if noise pollution fromCaltrain is reduced. This means parents and children will get more sleep and be better able to enjoy their gardens without diminishing safety at the level crossings. For those of us livingbetween the two crossings of East Meadow and Charleston, we have 832 horn blasts a day, not counting the freight trains. This is a serious health hazard that must be addressed. Establishment of Quiet Zones may only be created if City Council initiates the process. Costsof establishing and installing equipment upgrades to qualify for a Quiet Zone are very low per intersection, perhaps $2 million per crossing, compared to grade separation projects which willcost hundreds of millions of dollars per crossing. Respected members of our Rail Committee, Mr. Burt, Ms. Lythcott-Haims, and Mr. Lauing are knowledgeable about the Quiet Zones and their benefits. Please ask them what they know. Atherton has had a Quiet Zone at Fair Oaks since 2016. Menlo Park plans to install QuietZones at Oak Grove Avenue and Ravenswood Avenue beginning this year. Palo Alto joined Menlo Park by commissioning a study of Quiet Zones for the Palo Alto Avenue crossing. Those of us who reside near Churchill Avenue, East Meadow Drive, and East Charleston Roadask you to please vote in favor of and find the budget for establishment of Quiet Zones in all of Palo Alto this year. Thank you for your time and consideration of this important issue. Establishing Quiet Zoneswill significantly improve the quality of life for thousands of Palo Alto residents while maintaining safety at our rail crossings. We appreciate your leadership and commitment tomaking our city a better place to live. Sincerely, Thang Nguyen3715 Lindero Drive From:Melinda McGee To:Council, City Subject:Message to City Council - yes to establishing Quiet Zones in Palo Alto Rail Corridor Date:Monday, March 17, 2025 11:05:12 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Dear Mayor Lauing, Vice Mayor Veenker, Councilmembers Burt, Lu, Lythcott-Haims, Reckdahl, and Stone, Thank you for your generosity of your time and effort to make Palo Alto a great place to live. I am writing today to ask City Council to establish a Quiet Zone in our very noisy rail corridor. Caltrain horns exposes us to harmful noise 104 times per day at each level crossing! Each horn blast is very loud, between 96 db and 110 db. The blasts begin at 5:06 a.m. and end at 12:58 a.m. Federal Railway Regulations mandate the blowing of horns, but Federal Regulations Allow for The City of Palo Alto to silence them. We have four level crossings in Palo Alto, Palo Alto Avenue, Churchill Avenue, East Meadow Drive and East Charleston Road. ChatGPT helped us estimate that more than 10,000 residents will have more peace, better sleep, and a more enjoyable environment if noise pollution from Caltrain is reduced. This means parents and children will get more sleep and be better able to enjoy their gardens without diminishing safety at the level crossings. For those of us living between the two crossings of East Meadow and Charleston, we have 832 horn blasts a day, not counting the freight trains. To work in my garden, I need to wear noise cancelling headphones to be outside. I can’t sleep with the windows open or open doors during the day because of the blasts of the train horns. This is a serious health hazard that must be addressed. Establishment of Quiet Zones may only be created if City Council initiates the process. Costs of establishing and installing equipment upgrades to qualify for a Quiet Zone are very low per intersection, perhaps $2 million per crossing, compared to to grade separation projects which will cost hundreds of millions of dollars per crossing. Respected members of our Rail Committee, Mr. Burt, Ms. Lythcott-Haims, and Mr. Lauing are knowledgeable about the Quiet Zones and their benefits. Please ask them what they know. Atherton has had a Quiet Zone at Fair Oaks since 2016. Menlo Park plans to install Quiet Zones at Oak Grove Avenue and Ravenswood Avenue beginning this year. Palo Alto joined Menlo Park by commissioning a study of Quiet Zones for the Palo Alto Avenue crossing. Those of us who reside near Churchill Avenue, and especially near East Meadow Drive and Charleston Road ask you to please vote in favor of and find the budget for establishment of Quiet Zones in all of Palo Alto this year. Thank you. Best regards, Melinda McGee Palo Alto resident for 19 years in Midtown without train horn aggravation 14 years in Fairmeadow with terrible horn aggravation 650-704-6236 From:John Melnychuk To:Council, City Subject:Message to City Council - yes to establishing Quiet Zones in Palo Alto Rail Corridor Date:Monday, March 17, 2025 10:35:14 AM Attachments:QuietZonePaloAltofinal v.2.pdf CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. ! This message could be suspicious The sender's email address couldn't be verified. This is a personal email address. Mark Safe Report Subject: Please vote to establish a Quiet Zone on the Caltrain Corridor Priority for this year, 2025. Dear Mayor Lauing, Vice Mayor Veenker, Councilmembers Burt, Lu, Lythcott-Haims, Reckdahl, and Stone, I attended the last Council Meeting and was impressed with length and complexity of the agenda. Thank you for your dedication to making Palo Alto a great place to live and work. I am writing today to ask City Council to establish a Quiet Zone in our very noisy rail corridor. Caltrain horns exposes us to harmful noise 104 times per day at each level crossing! Each horn blast is very loud, between 96 db and 110 db. The blasts begin at 5:06 a.m. and end at 12:58 a.m. Federal Railway Regulations mandate theblowing of horns, but Federal Regulations Allow for The City of Palo Alto to silence them. We have four level crossings in Palo Alto, Palo Alto Avenue, Churchill Avenue, East MeadowDrive and East Charleston Road. ChatGPT helped us estimate that more than 10,000 residentswill have more peace, better sleep, and a more enjoyable environment if noise pollution fromCaltrain is reduced. This means parents and children will get more sleep and be better able toenjoy their gardens without diminishing safety at the level crossings. For those of us livingbetween the two crossings of East Meadow and Charleston, we have 832 horn blasts a day, notcounting the freight trains. This is a serious health hazard that must be addressed. Establishment of Quiet Zones may only be created if City Council initiates the process. Costs of establishing and installing equipment upgrades to qualify for a Quiet Zone are very low per intersection, perhaps $2 million per crossing, compared to to grade separation projects which will cost hundreds of millions of dollars percrossing. Powered by Mimecast 1 Caltrain Horn Noise & Quiet Zones in Palo Alto 1. What is a Quiet Zone? It’s an area along a railway where train horn noise is prohibited, unless there is an emergency which requires horn blowing to warn people that there is a potential for collision. 2. A Quiet Zone is a solution to keep safety standards high while reducing problematic noise pollution. 3. Because there are no Quiet Zones in Palo Alto, neighbors of Caltrain railway are subject to disruptive noise pollution nearly around the clock. 2 Caltrain Horn Noise & Quiet Zones in Palo Alto City Council has the power to establish Quiet Zones. Ask City Council to do so, please. 4. Caltrain gives us 416 horn blasts a day at 96 decibels - 110 decibels from 5:06 am, early in the morning to 12:58 am, in the middle of the night! 5. Freight trains also sound their 96 db - 110 db horns just as Caltrains do, but typically at 11 p.m., 12 midnight, and sometimes at 3 a.m. 6. These continual blasting sounds, nearly round the clock, disturbs our sleep. This noise pollution is detrimental to everyone’s health, and it interrupts quiet enjoyment of our homes and gardens. 3 Caltrain and Freight Train Horn Noise 7. How many residents are affected by Caltrain and Freight Train Horns? • ChatGPT: approximately 11,000 residents, babies to seniors, are subject to continual disruption. 8. How will Palo Alto City pay for the engineering changes? • Funds sufficient to meet the budget for these changes are already held for this and other Transportation related projects. Caltrain Horn Noise & Safety of Quiet Zones in Palo Alto 9. Will the crossings be safe if the train horns don’t blow? •Yes, the governing bodies that designate Quiet Zones, the Federal Railway Administration (FRA), and the California Public Utilities Commission, (CPUC), specify what changes must be made, and what equipment must be installed to maintain safety. •Yes, Train Engineers will be allowed to blow their horns to warn pedestrians, bicyclists and motorists if a risk of collision is seen. •Yes, Menlo Park is planning to build Quiet Zones for their crossings beginning in 2025. •Yes, Atherton installed a Quiet Zone at Fair Oaks Ln in 2016. 4 5 100 db Gas Powered Leaf Blower 70 db Diesel truck at 100 feet. 80 db Diesel truck at 50 feet. 416 Train Horn BLASTS 96-110 db from 5:06 morning to 12:58 late night. Palo Alto Level Crossings Palo Alto Ave Churchill Ave E. Meadow Dr E. Charleston Rd 6 Quiet Zone Engineering is preferable to other options WHY? 1)Preserves Safety at level crossings for less then 2% of the cost of grade separation projects while providing great benefits to 11,000 residents who suffer from 20 hours of train horn noise per day. 2)Estimated Costs: $2M x 4 crossings = $8M. Constructed and operable within 2 years. Funds sufficient to make these changes are already available. 3)High Speed Rail is DEAD. Grade separation projects estimated to cost over $600 million, with use of eminent domain. At least 6 to 8 years of heavy construction disrupting traffic in Palo Alto on major thoroughfares. 4)Quiet Zones will reduce noise pollution, help us to sleep better, be able to open our windows, and enjoy our homes and gardens. Please make time to speak at a City Council meeting either in person or via Zoom. Ask for Quiet Zones to be established as a priority. This will take a minute or two. Here’s how to get a link to observe a Council Meeting. It’s easy to get a slot to speak for one minute, even if you’re shy. • If you are nervous about public speaking, don’t worry, we all are. 1) Just introduce yourself. 2) Thank the Council Members for their hard and thoughtful work. 3) Tell them you are in favor of establishing Quiet Zones on our Rail Right of Way as soon as possible. 4) Ask them to make a priority to initiate the process and provide a budget for it this year. 5) Thank them again and that’s it. Saying more and talking longer won’t be more effective. https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/Departments/City-Clerk/City-Meeting-Groups/Resources-for-Hybrid-Meeting-Attendance 7 A Call to take Action 8  To: City.Council@CityofPaloAlto.org;   CC: Ed@EdLauing.com; Vicki@VickiforCouncil.com; Pat.Burt@CityofPaloAlto.org; george.Lu@CityofPaloAlto.org Julie@JulieforPaloAlto.com,, Keith.Reckdahl@CityofPaloAlto.org; gstone22@gmail.com; quietzonespaloalto@gmail.com   Subject: Please vote to establish a Quiet Zone on the Caltrain Corridor Priority for this year, 2025.   Dear Mayor Lauing, Vice Mayor Veenker, Councilmembers Burt, Lu, Lythcott-Haims, Reckdahl, and Stone,   I am writing today to ask City Council to establish a Quiet Zone in our very noisy rail corridor.   Caltrain horns exposes us to harmful noise 104 times per day at each level crossing! Each horn blast is very loud, between 96 db and 110 db.  The blasts begin at 5:06 a.m. and end at 12:58 a.m.  Federal Railway Regulations mandate the blowing of horns, but Federal Regulations Allow for The City of Palo Alto to silence them.   We have four level crossings in Palo Alto, Palo Alto Avenue, Churchill Avenue, East Meadow Drive and East Charleston Road.  ChatGPT helped us estimate that more than 10,000 residents will have more peace, better sleep, and a more enjoyable environment if noise pollution from Caltrain is reduced.  This means parents and children will get more sleep and be better able to enjoy their gardens without diminishing safety at the level crossings.   Establishment of Quiet Zones may only be created if City Council initiates the process.  Costs of establishing and installing equipment upgrades to qualify for a Quiet Zone are very low per intersection, perhaps $2 million per crossing, compared to to grade separation projects which will cost hundreds of millions of dollars per crossing.   Esteemed members of our Rail Committee, Mr. Burt, Ms. Lythcott-Haims, and Mr. Lauing are knowledgeable about the Quiet Zones and their benefits.  Please ask them what they know.   Atherton has had a Quiet Zone at Fair Oaks Lane since 2016.  Menlo Park plans to install Quiet Zones at Oak Grove Avenue and Ravenswood Avenue beginning this year.  Palo Alto joined Menlo Park by commissioning a study of Quiet Zones for the Palo Alto Avenue crossing.    Those of us who reside near Churchill Avenue, East Meadow Drive, and East Charleston Road ask you to please vote in favor or and find the budget for establishment of Quiet Zones in all of Palo Alto this year.   Thank you for your consideration.   Sincerely yours   Name, address Please Send this letter by email Asking for Quiet Zones in Palo Alto Please be sure to CC individual Councilmembers and the City Clerk. Mail sent to the general address for City Council doesn’t always get to its intended destination. A Call to take Action 9 We Prefer Inexpensive, [$2M each x 4 = $8M] Easy to Engineer Quiet Zones Project * Eminent Domain is the process in which a government body uses its power to take private property away from owners when constructing public projects. All of the grade separation project include plans to make some homeowners lose all or some of their property. To see animated renderings of 4 options for Grade Separations we oppose: https://vimeo.com/447595080/4060497f66 https://vimeo.com/447568612/4a3ffa5af8 https://vimeo.com/447567369/40c25c2184 https://vimeo.com/444677215/b39c8f91d6Meadow-Charleston Hybrid Meadow Charleston Viaduct Alternative Meadow Charleston Trench Alternative Meadow Charleston Partial Underpass Alternative Quiet Zones - The Best Solution We oppose Expensive, Disruptive, 6 to 8 Years long Grade Separation Projects estimated to cost $150M to $200M x 4 = $600M to $800M that involve use of eminent domain.* 10 About Us: We are an all volunteer ad-hoc group of Palo Altans, all neighbors of the Caltrain tracks who wish to sleep better and to enjoy peace and quiet in our homes and neighborhoods. We respect the need to maintain safety at level crossings in our City while asserting there is now need to reduce harmful noise pollution along the rail corridor. We think establishment of Quiet Zones is achievable, economical and a common sense approach to improve quality of life in our City. In good faith, we have done our best to provide accurate, factual information. If you see inaccurate information in this presentation, please notify us and provide a citation so that we may improve the quality and accuracy here. For Questions: quietzonespaloalto@gmail.com Respected members of our Rail Committee, Mr. Burt, Ms. Lythcott-Haims, and Mr. Lauing are knowledgeable about the Quiet Zones and their benefits. Please ask them what they know. Atherton has had a Quiet Zone at Fair Oaks since 2016. Menlo Park plans to install Quiet Zones at Oak Grove Avenue and Ravenswood Avenue beginning this year. Palo Alto joined Menlo Park by commissioning a study of Quiet Zones for the Palo Alto Avenue crossing. Those of us who reside near Churchill Avenue, East Meadow Drive, and East Charleston Road ask you to please vote in favor of and find the budget forestablishment of Quiet Zones in all of Palo Alto this year. I attach a short 10 slide presentation (2 to 3 minute read) about this topic. I did my best to make it an accurate presentation, if there are factual errors, it’s my fault. Pleasetell me and I will make corrections, and share those corrections with supporters in our ad hocgroup. Quiet Zones Palo Alto. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely yours, John Melnychuk 3707 Lindero Dr Palo Alto 94306 From:a_m_mason@yahoo.com To:Council, City Cc:Lait, Jonathan; Shikada, Ed; Julie Baskind; Maggie Bening Subject:Fwd: PAR Zoning Text Amendment request - 3/17 ITEM #AA2 Date:Sunday, March 16, 2025 7:30:33 PM Attachments:Page3_Meetings1971Action%20Minutes_20240105235923477.pdf031725_Packet_Page214.pdfPAR Proposed Amendments to PAMC Sec 18.16.060 Dev Stds.docxPAR Proposed Amendments to PAMC Section 18.16.040.b.docx CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of openingattachments and clicking on links. Dear Mayor Lauing and City Council Members, The Planning and Development Department's 2025 Work Plan is item #AA2 on the City Council’s agendafor 3/17. I am writing to ask whether the motion passed unanimously by the City Council on November 13, 2023, highlighted in yellow in this attached Action Items from 11/13/23 Page 3, and also listed as 2025 Work Plan Staff Not Recommended Objectives Item #5, will be placed on the Planning and Development Department's 2025 Work Plan Recommended Items,or at least on the 2026 Work Plan Recommended Items? Here is the entirety of the Municipal Code changes requested (highlighted in pink): 18.16.040 Land Uses(b) Late Night Use and ActivitiesThe following regulations restrict businesses that operate or have associated activities at anytime between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m., where such site abuts or is locatedwithin 50 feet of residentially zoned properties or properties with exclusively residential uses.(1) Such businesses shall be operated in a manner to protect residential properties fromexcessive noise, odors, lighting or other nuisances from any sources during thosehours.(2) For properties located in the CN or CS zone districts, businesses that operate or haveassociated activities at any time between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. shallbe required to obtain a conditional use permit. The director may apply conditions ofapproval as are deemed necessary to assure that the operations or activities arecompatible with the nearby residentially zoned property or property developed with exclusively residential uses. 18.16.060 Development Standards(a) Exclusively Non-Residential Uses Table 3 specifies the development standards for exclusively non-residential uses andalterations to non-residential uses or structures in the CN, CC, CC(2) and CS districts. Thesedevelopments shall be designed and constructed in compliance with the followingrequirements and the context-based design criteria outlined in Section 18.16.090, providedthat more restrictive regulations may be recommended by the architectural review boardand approved by the director of planning and development services, pursuant to Section18.76.020. Table 3 Exclusively Non-residential Development Standards CN CC CC(2)CS Subject to regulations in Section Minimum Site SpecificationsSite Area (ft 2 )Site Width (ft)Site Depth (ft) None required Minimum Setbacks Front Yard (ft)0 - 10' tocreate an 8' -12' effectivesidewalkwidth (1),(2), (8) NoneRequired(8) 0 - 10' tocreate an 8'- 12'effectivesidewalkwidth (1),(2), (8) 0 - 10' tocreate an 8' -12' effectivesidewalkwidth (1),(2), (8) Setback lines imposedby a special setbackmap pursuant toChapter 20.08 of thiscode Rear Yard (ft)None required Interior Side Yard (ft) Street Side Yard (ft)20' (2)None required Minimum Yard (ft) forlot lines abutting oropposite residentialdistricts or residentialPC districts or properties developed with exclusively residential uses 10’ (2)10’ (2)10’ (2)10’ (2) Build-To-Lines 50% of frontage built to setback (7)33% of side street built to setback (7) Minimum setbacks fromalleys for structuresother than public parking garages (ft) (3) Corner lots, from rearlot line on the alley Not applicable 8’ Notapplicable Corner lots, from side lotline on the alley None All lots other thancorner lots 20’ Maximum Site Coverage 50%None required Maximum Height (ft) 18.08.030 Standard 25' and 2stories 50’37’ (4)50’Portions of a site within150 ft. of an abuttingresidential district(other than a PC zone) or within 150 ft. of an abutting property developed with exclusively residential uses. (9) 35’35’35’ Maximum Floor Area Ratio (FAR)0.4:1 2.0:1 0.4:1 18.18.060(e) Maximum Floor Area Ratio (FAR) for Hotels N/A - (5)2.0:1 2.0:1 18.18.060(d) Daylight Plane for lot lines abutting one or more residential zone districts other than an RM-40 or PC zone or for lot lines abutting a property developed with exclusively residential uses. Initial Height at side orrear lot line (ft)- (6)- (6)- (6)- (6) Slope - (6)- (6)- (6)- (6) (1) No parking or loading space, whether required or optional, shall be located in the first 10 feet adjoiningthe street property line of any required yard. (2) Any minimum front, street side, or interior yard shall be planted and maintained as a landscaped screenexcluding areas required for access to the site. A solid wall or fence between 5 and 8 feet in height shall beconstructed along any common interior lot line.(3) No setback from an alley is required for a public parking garage.(4) As measured to the peak of the roof or the top of a parapet; penthouses and equipment enclosures mayexceed this height limit by a maximum of five feet, but shall be limited to an area equal to no more thanten percent of the site area and shall not intrude into the daylight plane.(5) See additional regulations in subsection (e) of this Section 18.16.050.(6) The initial height and slope shall be identical to those of the most restrictive residential zone abutting thesite line in question.(7) Twenty-five-foot driveway access permitted regardless of frontage; build-to requirement does not applyto CC district.(8) A 12-foot sidewalk width is required along El Camino Real frontage.(9) Distance shall be measured from the property line of the subject site. 150-foot measurement may bereduced to 50 feet at minimum, subject to approval by the Planning Director, upon recommendation bythe Architectural Review Board pursuant to criteria set forth in Chapter 18.76. (b) Mixed Use and ResidentialTable 4 specifies the development standards for new residential mixed use developmentsand residential developments. These developments shall be designed and constructed incompliance with the following requirements and the objective design standards in Chapter18.24. Non-Housing Development Projects and Housing Development Projects that elect todeviate from one or more objective standards in Chapter 18.24 shall meet the context-baseddesign criteria outlined in Section 18.16.090, provided that more restrictive regulations maybe recommended by the architectural review board and approved by the director of planningand development services, pursuant to Section 18.76.020. Table 4 Mixed Use and Residential Development Standards CN CC CC(2)CS Subject to regulations in: Minimum Site Specifications Site Area (ft2) None required Site Width (ft) Site Depth (ft) Minimum Setbacks Setback linesimposed by a specialsetback mappursuant to Chapter20.08 of this codemay apply0' - 10' to 0' - 10' to Front Yard (ft)0' - 10' tocreate an 8' -12' effectivesidewalkwidth (8) NoneRequired(8)create an 8'- 12'effectivesidewalkwidth (8) create an 8'- 12'effectivesidewalkwidth (8) Rear Yard (ft)10' for residential portion; no requirement for commercialportion Rear Yard abuttingresidential zone district or a property developed with exclusively residential uses (ft)10’ Interior Side Yard ifabutting residential zonedistrict or a property developed with exclusively residential uses (ft)10’ Street Side Yard (ft)5’ Built-to-Lines 50% of frontage built to setback (1)33% of side street built to setback (1) Permitted SetbackEncroachments Balconies, awnings, porches, stairways, and similarelements may extend up to 6' into the setback. Cornices,eaves, fireplaces, and similar architectural features(excluding flat or continuous walls or enclosures ofinterior space) may extend up to 4' into the front and rearsetbacks and up to 3' into interior side setbacks Maximum Site Coverage 50%50%100%50% Minimum Landscape/Open Space Coverage 35%30%20%30% Usable Open Space (Private and/or Common) 150 sq ft per unit (2)18.16.090 Maximum Height (ft) Standard 35’ (4)50’37’50’ Portions of a site within150 ft. of an abuttingresidential district (otherthan an RM-40 or PCzone) or within 150 ft of an abutting property developed with exclusively residential uses. 35’35’35’35’18.08.030 Daylight Plane for lot lines abutting one or more residential zoning districts or Daylight plane height and slope shall be identical to thoseof the most restrictive residential zoning district abutting abutting a property developed with exclusively residential uses. the lot line. If no residential zoning district abuts the lotline, the daylight plane and slope shall be identical to thatof any exclusively residential use abutting the lot line. Residential Density (net)(3)15 or 20 (9) See sub-section (e)below Nomaximum 30 18.16.060(i)Sites on El Camino Real Nomaximum Nomaximum Sites on San Antonia Rdbetween Middlefield Rdand E. Charleston Rd.15 or 20 (9) Nomaximum Maximum Residential Floor Area Ratio (FAR)0.5:1(4)0.6:1 0.6:1 18.16.065 Maximum Nonresidential Floor Area Ratio (FAR) 0.4:1 2.0:1 0.4:1 Total Mixed Use Floor Area Ratio (FAR)0.9:1 (4)2.0:1 1.0:1 18.16.065Minimum Mixed UseGround FloorCommercial FAR(6)0.15:1 (10)0.15:1 (10)0.25:1 (7)(10)0.15:1 (10) Parking See Chapters 18.52 and 18.54 (Parking)18.52, 18.54(1) Twenty-five-foot driveway access permitted regardless of frontage; build-to requirement does not applyto CC district.(2) Required usable open space: (1) may be any combination of private and common open spaces; (2) doesnot need to be located on the ground (but rooftop gardens are not included as open space except asprovided below); (3) minimum private open space dimension six feet; and (4) minimum common openspace dimension twelve feet.For CN and CS sites on El Camino Real and CC(2) sites that do not abut a single- or two-family residentialuse or zoning district, rooftop gardens may qualify as usable open space and may count as up to 60% ofthe required usable open space for the residential component of a project. In order to qualify as usableopen space, the rooftop garden shall meet the requirements set forth in Section 18.40.230.(3) Residential density shall be computed based upon the total site area, irrespective of the percent of thesite devoted to commercial use.(4) For CN sites on El Camino Real, height may increase to a maximum of 40 feet and the FAR may increaseto a maximum of 1.0:1 (0.5:1 for nonresidential, 0.5:1 for residential).(5) Distance shall be measured from the property line of the subject site. 150-foot measurement may bereduced to 50 feet at minimum, subject to approval by the Planning Director, upon recommendation bythe Architectural Review Board pursuant to criteria set forth in Chapter 18.76.(6) Ground floor commercial uses generally include retail, personal services, hotels and eating and drinkingestablishments. Office uses may be included only to the extent they are permitted in ground floorregulations.(7) If located in the California Avenue Parking Assessment District.(8) A 12-foot sidewalk width is required along El Camino Real frontage.(9) Residential densities up to 20 units/acre are allowed on CN zoned housing inventory sites identified inthe Housing Element. Other CN zoned sites not located on El Camino Real are subject to a maximumresidential density of up to 15 units/acre.(10) In the CC(2) zone and on CN and CS zoned sites on El Camino Real, there shall be no minimum mixed use ground floor commercial FAR for a residential project, except to the extent that the retail preservationrequirements of Section 18.40.180 or the retail shopping (R) combining district (Chapter 18.30(A))applies. Quoting from Kristi Bascom’s letter dated 12/3/2024: At the City Council meeting on November 13, 2023, the Council unanimously supported a request from the Palo Alto Redwoods Homeowner’s Association to consider specific amendments to the City’s zoning code, and directed Staff to review the amendments that PAR proposed. The proposed amendments were written to ensure that higher density housing constructed on properties zoned for commercial uses are buffered from impacts created by commercial neighbors such as noise, reduction in access to daylight, and impacts to privacy. These are the protections that are provided to residentially-zoned properties throughout the City. In a letter to the City Council dated November 7, 2023, I outlined PAR’s request and provided the exact text amendments proposed for PAMC Sections 18.16.040(b) and 18.16.060 (attached to this email for reference). In February 2024, on behalf of PAR, I sent you the email below and asked when the proposed amendments were going to be reviewed by Staff and moved forward for City Council consideration. You responded that, due to other priorities, the work would not be undertaken in the near term and that the proposed amendments would not be added to thedepartment’s work plan for the upcoming fiscal year. I am reaching out today with a relatively simple ask: to see if you’ll please add these amendments to thedepartment’s work plan for FY 25/26. In calendar year 2023, for example, the City adopted five (5) amendments to Title 18. It is likely more are forthcoming in the near future. PAR’s proposed amendments are minor in nature, are completely drafted, and can simply be included in an upcoming Zoning Ordinance amendment initiated by the City. PAR is suggesting this citywide zoning text amendment (as opposed to a rezoning action that would benefit the PAR property only) since the issue of protecting high density residential uses from commercial impacts is not unique to our property. We believe it is an issue that all high density housing in commercial corridors would like to see addressed. Thank you,Anne Mason ACTION MINUTES Page 3 of 5 City Council Meeting Action Minutes: 11/13/2023 MOTION: Vice Mayor Stone moved, seconded by Council Member Lauing to approve the staff recommendation as it pertains to the Housing Focus Area and Pasteur Drive with the following additions: 1. Refer expansion of the El Camino Real Housing focus area to staff for further analysis and return to Council with a recommendation. 2. Exempt parapets and guardrails from height limits in the El Camino Real Housing Focus Area and Pasteur Drive. 3. Remove the 18.14.020(c)(5)(C) regarding Stanford affiliation, and refer to staff and the Stanford Ad Hoc for further dialogue. 4. Amend 18.14.020 Table 3, upper story stepback to state a 20-foot average stepback from the property line, with a minimum stepback of 15-feet, and any additional requirements identified by staff to meet this intent contingent on meeting fire safety standards and as an alternative to the 15-foot stepback direct staff evaluate for inclusion of a standard that would require an appropriate stepback from the front façade. MOTION PASSED: 5-1-1, Kou no, Veenker recuse MOTION: Council Member Lauing moved, seconded by Council Member Lythcott-Haims to: 1. Adopt a resolution amending the Palo Alto Comprehensive Plan Land Use Element (Attachment A); and, 2. Adopt an ordinance amending Title 18 (Zoning) of the Palo Alto Municipal Code (PAMC) (Attachment B) to implement Program 1.1A and 1.1B of the Housing Element regarding the Adequate Sites Inventory. MOTION SPLIT FOR THE PURPOSE OF VOTING MOTION PASSED 1 & 2: 6-1, Kou no MOTION: Council Member Lauing moved, seconded by Council Member Lythcott-Haims to: 3. Direct staff to review proposed amendments to PAMC 18.16.040(b) and 18.16.060 regarding Redwood residences as described in the November 7, 2023 from Kristi Bascom. MOTION PASSED 3: 7-0       ATTACHMENT B Staff Not Recommended Objectives For various reasons—including staff capacity to advance, feasibility challenges, or that work is already underway —some objectives from the 2024 Priority Objectives list, previous Council suggestions, or the Annual Retreat suggestions are not recommended to become priority objectives for 2025. Objectives that were part of the 2024 list will have their corresponding number in parentheses at the end of the sentence. These objectives are listed below. Staff will be prepared to respond to any Councilmember’s questions. Economic Development and Retail Vibrancy a)Develop and present preliminary options for activating vacant storefronts: Explore regulatory strategy and low friction/barrier permitting for temporary popup stores. (11) b)Facilitate the establishment of sustainable business organization in the Cal Ave, DT, and Midtown districts. (1) c)Council Consideration and Adoption of Parking Permit Policies and Program Updates: Improve Customer Experience, Align with Environmental and Transportation Goals, and Recover Costs. (26) d)Comprehensively Update the City's Zoning Code including policies that support Economic Development Strategies. Reformat for improved readability, update definitions, use categories, development standards and permitting processes. (12) Climate Action and Adaptation & Natural Environment Protection (CA) e)Evaluate the integration of biogas into the gas utility business model and share results with Council and other policymakers. Implementing Housing Strategies for Social & Economic Balance f)Initiate study that identifies options and feasibility of regulations to limit short-term rentals Citywide consistent with Housing Element Programs 4.2D&E. g)Enforcement policy recommendations related to Ghost Houses: Survey existing enforcement mechanisms and Ghost House (extended vacancy) data collection in other jurisdictions and return to Council by end of 2024, consistent with Council direction from November 27, 2023. h)Amend the zoning code to ensure residential uses in commercially zoned areas receive the same protections as those in exclusively residential zones. The City Council on November 13, 2023 supported this request from the Palo Alto Redwoods Homeowners Association. i)Amend the City’s Comprehensive Plan Safety Element to align with State law. j)Evaluate and make policy recommendation to Council regarding a partnership with the California Community Housing Agency (CalCHA). CalCHA issues governmental bonds for the purpose of financing projects that provide, preserve and support affordable local housing for low-income, moderate-income and middle-income families and individuals. k)Present options to Council for increasing housing in the California Avenue corridor. Consistent with Council direction from August 14, 2023. Item 8 Attachment B - 2025 Staff Not Recommended Objectives        Item 8: Staff Report Pg. 9  Packet Pg. 214 of 247 1 18.16.060 Development Standards (a) Exclusively Non-Residential Uses Table 3 specifies the development standards for exclusively non-residential uses and alterations to non-residential uses or structures in the CN, CC, CC(2) and CS districts. These developments shall be designed and constructed in compliance with the following requirements and the context-based design criteria outlined in Section 18.16.090, provided that more restrictive regulations may be recommended by the architectural review board and approved by the director of planning and development services, pursuant to Section 18.76.020. Table 3 Exclusively Non-residential Development Standards CN CC CC(2) CS Subject to regulations in Section Minimum Site Specifications Site Area (ft 2 ) Site Width (ft) Site Depth (ft) None required Minimum Setbacks Front Yard (ft) 0 - 10' to create an 8' - 12' effective sidewalk width (1), (2), (8) None Required (8) 0 - 10' to create an 8' - 12' effective sidewalk width (1), (2), (8) 0 - 10' to create an 8' - 12' effective sidewalk width (1), (2), (8) Setback lines imposed by a special setback map pursuant to Chapter 20.08 of this code Rear Yard (ft) None required Interior Side Yard (ft) Street Side Yard (ft) 20' (2) None required Minimum Yard (ft) for lot lines abutting or opposite residential districts or residential PC districts or properties developed with exclusively residential uses 10’ (2) 10’ (2) 10’ (2) 10’ (2) 2 CN CC CC(2) CS Subject to regulations in Section Build-To-Lines 50% of frontage built to setback (7) 33% of side street built to setback (7) Minimum setbacks from alleys for structures other than public parking garages (ft) (3) Corner lots, from rear lot line on the alley Not applicable 8’ Not applicable Corner lots, from side lot line on the alley None All lots other than corner lots 20’ Maximum Site Coverage 50% None required Maximum Height (ft) 18.08.030 Standard 25' and 2 stories 50’ 37’ (4) 50’ Portions of a site within 150 ft. of an abutting residential district (other than a PC zone) or within 150 ft. of an abutting property developed with exclusively residential uses. (9) 35’ 35’ 35’ Maximum Floor Area Ratio (FAR) 0.4:1 2.0:1 0.4:1 18.18.060(e) Maximum Floor Area Ratio (FAR) for Hotels N/A - (5) 2.0:1 2.0:1 18.18.060(d) Daylight Plane for lot lines abutting one or more residential zone districts other than an RM-40 or PC zone or for lot lines abutting a property developed with 3 CN CC CC(2) CS Subject to regulations in Section exclusively residential uses. Initial Height at side or rear lot line (ft) - (6) - (6) - (6) - (6) Slope - (6) - (6) - (6) - (6) (1) No parking or loading space, whether required or optional, shall be located in the first 10 feet adjoining the street property line of any required yard. (2) Any minimum front, street side, or interior yard shall be planted and maintained as a landscaped screen excluding areas required for access to the site. A solid wall or fence between 5 and 8 feet in height shall be constructed along any common interior lot line. (3) No setback from an alley is required for a public parking garage. (4) As measured to the peak of the roof or the top of a parapet; penthouses and equipment enclosures may exceed this height limit by a maximum of five feet, but shall be limited to an area equal to no more than ten percent of the site area and shall not intrude into the daylight plane. (5) See additional regulations in subsection (e) of this Section 18.16.050. (6) The initial height and slope shall be identical to those of the most restrictive residential zone abutting the site line in question. (7) Twenty-five-foot driveway access permitted regardless of frontage; build-to requirement does not apply to CC district. (8) A 12-foot sidewalk width is required along El Camino Real frontage. (9) Distance shall be measured from the property line of the subject site. 150-foot measurement may be reduced to 50 feet at minimum, subject to approval by the Planning Director, upon recommendation by the Architectural Review Board pursuant to criteria set forth in Chapter 18.76. (b) Mixed Use and Residential Table 4 specifies the development standards for new residential mixed use developments and residential developments. These developments shall be designed and constructed in compliance with the following requirements and the objective design standards in Chapter 18.24. Non-Housing Development Projects and Housing Development Projects that elect to deviate from one or more objective standards in Chapter 18.24 shall meet the context-based design criteria outlined in Section 18.16.090, provided that more restrictive regulations may be recommended by the architectural review board and approved by the director of planning and development services, pursuant to Section 18.76.020. 4 Table 4 Mixed Use and Residential Development Standards CN CC CC(2) CS Subject to regulations in: Minimum Site Specifications Site Area (ft2) None required Site Width (ft) Site Depth (ft) Minimum Setbacks Setback lines imposed by a special setback map pursuant to Chapter 20.08 of this code may apply Front Yard (ft) 0' - 10' to create an 8' - 12' effective sidewalk width (8) None Required (8) 0' - 10' to create an 8' - 12' effective sidewalk width (8) 0' - 10' to create an 8' - 12' effective sidewalk width (8) Rear Yard (ft) 10' for residential portion; no requirement for commercial portion Rear Yard abutting residential zone district or a property developed with exclusively residential uses (ft) 10’ Interior Side Yard if abutting residential zone district or a property developed with exclusively residential uses (ft) 10’ Street Side Yard (ft) 5’ Built-to-Lines 50% of frontage built to setback (1) 33% of side street built to setback (1) Permitted Setback Encroachments Balconies, awnings, porches, stairways, and similar elements may extend up to 6' into the setback. Cornices, eaves, fireplaces, and similar architectural features (excluding flat or continuous walls or enclosures of interior space) may extend up to 4' into the front and rear setbacks and up to 3' into interior side setbacks Maximum Site Coverage 50% 50% 100% 50% Minimum Landscape/Open Space Coverage 35% 30% 20% 30% 5 CN CC CC(2) CS Subject to regulations in: Usable Open Space (Private and/or Common) 150 sq ft per unit (2) 18.16.090 Maximum Height (ft) Standard 35’ (4) 50’ 37’ 50’ Portions of a site within 150 ft. of an abutting residential district (other than an RM-40 or PC zone) or within 150 ft of an abutting property developed with exclusively residential uses. 35’ 35’ 35’ 35’ 18.08.030 Daylight Plane for lot lines abutting one or more residential zoning districts or abutting a property developed with exclusively residential uses. Daylight plane height and slope shall be identical to those of the most restrictive residential zoning district abutting the lot line. If no residential zoning district abuts the lot line, the daylight plane and slope shall be identical to that of any exclusively residential use abutting the lot line. Residential Density (net)(3) 15 or 20 (9) See sub- section (e) below No maximum 30 18.16.060(i) Sites on El Camino Real No maximum No maximum Sites on San Antonia Rd between Middlefield Rd and E. Charleston Rd. 15 or 20 (9) No maximum Maximum Residential Floor Area Ratio (FAR) 0.5:1(4) 0.6:1 0.6:1 18.16.065 Maximum Nonresidential Floor Area Ratio (FAR) 0.4:1 2.0:1 0.4:1 Total Mixed Use Floor Area Ratio (FAR) 0.9:1 (4) 2.0:1 1.0:1 18.16.065 Minimum Mixed Use Ground Floor Commercial FAR(6) 0.15:1 (10) 0.15:1 (10) 0.25:1 (7) (10) 0.15:1 (10) Parking See Chapters 18.52 and 18.54 (Parking) 18.52, 18.54 (1) Twenty-five-foot driveway access permitted regardless of frontage; build-to requirement does not apply to CC district. (2) Required usable open space: (1) may be any combination of private and common open spaces; (2) does not need to be located on the ground (but rooftop gardens are not included as open space except as provided below); (3) minimum private open space dimension six feet; and (4) minimum common open space dimension twelve feet. 6 For CN and CS sites on El Camino Real and CC(2) sites that do not abut a single- or two-family residential use or zoning district, rooftop gardens may qualify as usable open space and may count as up to 60% of the required usable open space for the residential component of a project. In order to qualify as usable open space, the rooftop garden shall meet the requirements set forth in Section 18.40.230. (3) Residential density shall be computed based upon the total site area, irrespective of the percent of the site devoted to commercial use. (4) For CN sites on El Camino Real, height may increase to a maximum of 40 feet and the FAR may increase to a maximum of 1.0:1 (0.5:1 for nonresidential, 0.5:1 for residential). (5) Distance shall be measured from the property line of the subject site. 150-foot measurement may be reduced to 50 feet at minimum, subject to approval by the Planning Director, upon recommendation by the Architectural Review Board pursuant to criteria set forth in Chapter 18.76. (6) Ground floor commercial uses generally include retail, personal services, hotels and eating and drinking establishments. Office uses may be included only to the extent they are permitted in ground floor regulations. (7) If located in the California Avenue Parking Assessment District. (8) A 12-foot sidewalk width is required along El Camino Real frontage. (9) Residential densities up to 20 units/acre are allowed on CN zoned housing inventory sites identified in the Housing Element. Other CN zoned sites not located on El Camino Real are subject to a maximum residential density of up to 15 units/acre. (10) In the CC(2) zone and on CN and CS zoned sites on El Camino Real, there shall be no minimum mixed use ground floor commercial FAR for a residential project, except to the extent that the retail preservation requirements of Section 18.40.180 or the retail shopping (R) combining district (Chapter 18.30(A)) applies. 1 18.16.040 Land Uses (b) Late Night Use and Activities The following regulations restrict businesses that operate or have associated activities at any time between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m., where such site abuts or is located within 50 feet of residentially zoned properties or properties with exclusively residential uses. (1) Such businesses shall be operated in a manner to protect residential properties from excessive noise, odors, lighting or other nuisances from any sources during those hours. (2) For properties located in the CN or CS zone districts, businesses that operate or have associated activities at any time between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. shall be required to obtain a conditional use permit. The director may apply conditions of approval as are deemed necessary to assure that the operations or activities are compatible with the nearby residentially zoned property or property developed with exclusively residential uses. From:Loran Harding To:Loran Harding; antonia.tinoco@hsr.ca.gov; alumnipresident@stanford.edu; David Balakian; beachrides;boardmembers; bearwithme1016@att.net; Leodies Buchanan; bballpod; fred beyerlein; Becky Vagim; Council,City; Cathy Lewis; carloslawnservice14@gmail.com; dennisbalakian; dallen1212@gmail.com;kdeem.electriclab@gmail.com; eappel@stanford.edu; Scott Wilkinson; Gabriel.Ramirez@fresno.gov;George.Rutherford@ucsf.edu; huidentalsanmateo; hennessy; Irv Weissman; jerry ruopoli; Joel Stiner; MarkStandriff; Steve Wayte; margaret-sasaki@live.com; Sally Thiessen; terry; tsheehan; vallesR1969@att.net;yicui@stanford.edu Subject:Fwd: SpaceX 10 crew take Teslas Date:Sunday, March 16, 2025 5:14:38 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. ---------- Forwarded message --------- From: Loran Harding <loran.harding@stanfordalumni.org>Date: Sun, Mar 16, 2025 at 4:39 PM Subject: Fwd: SpaceX 10 crew take TeslasTo: Loran Harding <loran.harding@stanfordalumni.org> Sunday, March 16, 2025 To all- Here you see the 4 astronauts ride out to the rocket in Tesla Model Xs. You see them get into the back seats of the Teslas at the 3:15 mark. Slide the slider to 3:15 to see how muchheadroom they have with the back seats of the Tesla Model X. Huge opening there with the gull-wing doors open. Then see how tough it was for Trump to get into the front seat of the red Tesla hebought the other day at the WH, the Model S Plaid. At 18:54 in "Pres. Trump buys a Tesla".. He was at risk of herniating the intervertebral discs in his neck, chest and lower back given thecontortions he had to perform to get in. Cervical,, thorasic and lumbar discs. I'll bet it took a couple of strong men to pull him out of it too. VERY interesting is this: When Trump went toget out of the Model S he bought, they stopped recording from 19:34 to 20:04. Move the slider to 20:04 and you'll see that. Suddenly he is standing on the outside of the car with Musk.Musk can no doubt deal with the severely sloping A pillar of the Model S, but Trump is a lot older than Musk, and I can testify that the legs start to go at a certain age. Musk had a couple of Teslas sitting there from which Trump could choose. You even heardTrump ask MusK which one he liked. Musk said he drives the Model S, and there is also video of Musk getting into the back seat of a Model X. He is as tall as Trump and it is easy for Muskto enter the back seat of a Model X. Trump would have found it MUCH easier to get into the back seat of a Model X than the front seat of the Model S he bought. Maybe he should give that car to a (shorter) familymember and buy a Model X in addition. They should re-do the WH sale of a Tesla and thistime urge Mr. Trump to buy and enter a Model X, in the back seat. The Model X is expensive, maybe $130,000, but Trump could afford it. As a TSLA stockholder, I urge Tesla yet again to produce some cars without the severelysloping A pillars and those low roofs. Make one shaped more like a Jeep. Tesla is forfeiting 20% of its sales with the severely sloping A pillars. So is GM. Also, see the Toyota ForeRunner. A taller roof and more vertical A pillar makes it easy to enter and exit. President Trump buys a Tesla from Elon Musk at White House [FULL MEETING] In this vid, we do see Trump exit the Model S at 2:58. It is a bit of a struggle at his age and as big as he is. As he exits, he says "Do you think Biden could get into that car?" Wow.Acknowledging that age makes most Teslas tough to enter and exit, especially if one istall. The Model X is an exception: You know that Musk did not like that comment, nor didBiden. TRUMP TRIES TESLA: President takes the driver’s seat in support of Musk astronauts use teslas to rocket launch - Google Search Here is the launch, 12:47: Blastoff! NASA's SpaceX Crew-10 launches to space station, booster lands in Florida Here is a 3 hour, detailed vid on the docking of Space X Crew 10 with the space station.Slide the slider to see what you are interested in: At 1:11:42 the Dragon is less than 300 meters from the SS. This gets really interesting at 1:31:47- docking At 3:14, they enter the SS. Interesting to see the preparations made in the minutes before they enter: LIVE: Watch NASA’s SpaceX Crew-10 docking to International Space Station L. William Harding Fresno, Ca. From:Aram James To:Veenker, Vicki Cc:Daniel Kottke; Reckdahl, Keith; Jessica Speiser, Educational Leader for California Democratic Delegate, Assembly District 23; Ed Lauing; h.etzko@gmail.com; Emily Mibach; Baker, Rob; dennis burns; Council, City; Supervisor Susan Ellenberg; Josh Becker; assemblymember.berman@assembly.ca.gov; Jeff Conrad; Jeff Rosen Subject:NYTimes: Doctor and Professor Is Deported Despite a Judge’s Order Date:Sunday, March 16, 2025 5:00:25 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. NYTimes: Doctor and Professor Is Deported Despite a Judge’s Order https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/16/us/brown-university-rasha-alawieh-professor-deported.html?smid=nytcore-ios-share&referringSource=articleShare From:Andrea Wald To:Council, City Subject:info regarding possible study issue contract to be voted on by city Council members Date:Sunday, March 16, 2025 3:07:17 PM Attachments:1.2 Beyond Pesticides Intro Parks for a Sustainable Future.pdf2 Beyond Pesticides Technical Introductory Program Statement (1).pdf CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of openingattachments and clicking on links. Dear Mayor and Council members, I understand that the vote on whether or not to approve the contract with Lloyd's consulting, which was supposed tobe at your meeting on Mon. 3/17, has been put on hold for now. This gives me the perfect opportunity to share moreinfo with you on why this contract/study issue is not needed and gives all city council members (and staff - please doshare) more time to truly understand why its simply a no-brainer to not do the study issue, use existing research andmaterials explaining why natural grass is so much better and spend the money on looking into the best possiblegrasses and entities to help you have successful grass fields. First, please take a look at the links below. I've no idea if any of this info has already been shared but I believe whatI've provided below you will find extremely educational/useful. The Santa Clara County Medical Association released their policy statement regarding the use of Artificial turf (which they are against!): https://www.sccma.org/Portals/19/Artificial%20Turf%20Policy%20Recommendation%20SCCMA%20Final%20%206824%20.pdf Although some of the referenced materials might be a bit old they are still quite relevant and newer research isactually proving this info quite accurate and finding even more dangers of artificial turf. And even with claims by theartificial turf industry about newer, cooler infills, safer plastic grass, etc. this has yet to be proven. Plastic grass issimply plastic and cannot be made without toxic chemicals. How bad they are for all of us is still being researched butfor sure they can't be good. And because the companies making this stuff are not required to disclose their methodsnor what goes into the plastic, its quite disturbing. Would you take a medication prescribed by your doctor if thatmedication had not gone through rigorous testing and proven to be safe? And claims of newer infills as organic andcooler - is not accurate. There is really no such thing as "organic" infill - at least not in the same way we consider ourproduce to be organic. These newer infills are still made using certain chemical processes and have not yet proven to be any safer than the crumb rubber - which is known to contain carcinogens. As for newer infills being cooler, therehas been testing by independent parties to show they are not substantially cooler than the crumb rubber - most ofthe heat comes from the plastic blades themselves. Worse than "acid rain" - microplastics are being found in rain water. https://bgr.com/science/something-far-worse-than-acid-rain-now-falls-from-the-sky-all-the-time/ Acid rain was considered really bad such that the chemicals that were causing it have been banned. This eventuallywill be the same for plastic products - including artificial turf. Our world contains way too much unnecessary plastic. Artificial turf sheds plastic pieces from the fields. This is a known fact and actually stated in materials from the turfmanufacturers. These pieces of plastic end up in our waterways, etc. Not only is the plastic bad for our environmentbut the chemicals that make up the plastic carpet are also dangerous. Extremely well put together info from a local sod grower. Worth taking a look and maybe consultingwith them. https://www.agsod.com/landscape-professionals/industry-news/four-key-reasons-to-choose-natural-grass-over-artificial-turf/ Lastly, I would strongly urge you (maybe staff) to reach out to the local rep from Beyond Pesticides regarding what servicesthey can provide in order for Palo Alto to rehabilitate one or two existing grass fields/parks (at a very reasonable cost) andfind out more about their program, how it works and what the city's obligation would be as far as cost and man-power. Youmight be pleasantly surprised. You can say that I recommended this. And please do look at the two attachments with moreinfo about their program. Rika Copinathrika@beyondpesticides.org C: (415) 297-8779 Final thoughts: Why conduct a study issue when so much relevant info already exists? Why continue to pollute our worldwith more unnecessary, toxic plastic and expect future generations to clean it up. Why take a chance on their health andwell-being? CHOOSE NATURAL GRASS - so much better for everyone! Thanks. Andrea Wald Co-Founder, Community for Natural Play Surfaces Parks for a Sustainable Future LEARN MORE Municipal Officials FAQs Envision an organic community where local parks, playing fields, and greenways are managed without unnecessary toxic pesticides, children and pets are safe to run around on the grass, and bees and other pollinators are safeguarded from toxic chemicals. At Beyond Pesticides, this is the future we envision and are working to achieve. With generous support from major retailers like Natural Grocers and Stonyfield Organic, and dozens of communities in all regions of the country to see this vision come to life. Our Parks for a Sustainable Future program works with grantee organizations/land care staff to: Identify two pilot sites with natural grass turf and provide in-depth technical support to assist community land managers in transitioning to organic landscape management, while aiming to provide the knowledge and skills necessary to eventually transition all public areas in a locality to these safer practices. About the Program: Nuts and Bolts The organic land care training program follows a very straightforward process: ● The first step is the community applying for the program.We ask that the application be submitted by an individual within a local government that has oversight over land care management, or with their full knowledge and consent. ● Once your community applies, Beyond Pesticides will review your application. If chosen, we will reach out to discuss the program with local officials in charge of land care maintenance. ● Beyond Pesticides will work with the community to determine two pilot sites in the community to transition to organic land care. We encourage the community to select high use/heavy traffic sites to showcase the program for residents. ● A questionnaire on past management practices is distributed to officials to help understand current and past management practices on the pilot sites. ● We work with officials to get soil samples taken from the pilot sites in order to analyze soil structure, chemistry, and most importantly, soil biology. ● Once we have the soil test results and a completed questionnaire for the pilot sites, we set an official date for the organic land care training. ● As of October 2023, most training is being conducted virtually. Beyond Pesticides is considering a training that consists of both classroom lecture and in-field discussion. ● After the training, we produce and deliver a detailed Organic Transition Management Plan to assist with the organic transition over the pilot sites’ next several seasons. This management plan outlines cultural practices, timing, and provides product recommendations. ● Beyond Pesticides remains available to consult with officials regarding implementation of the management plan throughout the pilot site transition, as well as implementation of the program on lands beyond the pilot site. ● Based on community interest, we will conduct a community meeting with the town and community organizations to explain the program and the value that it offers for protection of health and the environment. Financial Arrangements Beyond Pesticides will pay up to 100% of the training program to our partner, Osborne Organics, or an equivalent service provider. The community may contribute to this cost; it is not required, but is appreciated. We provide this service to qualified communities because of our organization's mission to protect public health and the environment, starting at the local level. Given increasing public understanding of the dangers associated with lawn care pesticides, our organization strongly encourages localities to take advantage of the growing availability of alternative practices and products that do not subject people or the local environment to these hazards. We would like to help your community become a leader in the state and region on this issue of growing importance, and look forward to working with you should you choose to move forward with this opportunity. Science Behind the Practices: For detailed information about the science and philosophy behind this approach to organic land care, see the Osborne Organics website. A Note on Organic Natural Grass vs Synthetic Turf Natural land care is becoming increasingly popular at the local level, with more and more schools and communities looking to employ practices that protect students, staff, public health, pets, pollinators, and unique local environments that can be harmed by unnecessary pesticide use. At the same time, school leaders are increasingly challenged with staffing constraints and tight budgets and the temptation to solve perceived problems with installation of synthetic (artificial) turf. Beyond Pesticides’ Parks for a Sustainable Future program aims to bring an often unfamiliar alternative: robust, healthy, organically maintained natural grass turf that can stand up to rigorous use, capture and retain more water/rainfall, and eliminate toxic exposure to pesticides. This is not an ‘organic by neglect’ grass field. This Sustainable Parks program allows schools to pilot the transition to organic land care on two playing field sites. Program pilot sites provide local school land care officials the time needed to dial in new practices and work out any unexpected factors that may impede the move from conventional to organic land care. They send a message to students, parents/guardians, staff, and the community that the school is taking meaningful action to protect their health and environment. Please email rika@beyondpesticides.org or call Beyond Pesticides at 415-297-8779 to start the conversation about your community. Parks for a Sustainable Future Introductory Program Statement Guiding Principles Organic Landscaping Standards Recommended by Beyond Pesticides and Osborne Organics for Organic Land Management Project Structure of the site review and management 1. Document the existing physical conditions of the turf areas and establish a baseline soil analysis or tests for (i) chemistry, (ii) texture, and (iii) nutrient availability through a soil foodweb assessment of soil biology; 2. Prepare a review to facilitate the adoption of an organic management program, and all recommendations are made with that in mind; 3. Develop a site-specific plan for fertility and weed control, and; 4. Address management practices, beginning with a survey, tailored to: a. site conditions b. site expectations c. budget Adopting a systems approach For management plans, follow an organic systems approach that is designed to put a series of preventive steps in place that will avoid or reverse problems. This approach forms the basis for site-specific organic land management recommendations. This systems approach, not a product replacement strategy, is based on three concepts: 1) Site-specific and sound horticultural practices; 2) Organic compatible product (defined at endnote 11) where use is governed by soil testing and site considerations; and 3) The recognition that the soil biomass and microbial activity play a critical role in soil fertility. 1 Organic compatible products, including pesticides and soil amendments for fertility are limited to products allowed under Federal insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) Section 25(b), and Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) listed products, established at 7 CFR 205.601 and labeled for turf uses. A list of organic compatible products permitted under the protocol may be found at: https://beyondpesticides.org/programs/lawns-and-landscapes/tools-for-change/products-compatible- with-organic-landscape-management. 2 The systems approach is a “feed-the-soil” approach that centers are natural, organic fertilization, soil amendments, microbial inoculants, compost teas, microbial food sources, and top dressing as needed, or indicated, with high-quality, finished compost. In addition to the use of organic forms of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, which are found in a number of organic fertilizers (preferably Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI)– listed), there are many other inputs, or soil amendments, that, based on established need through soil testing, round out complete organic turf and landscape programs. They are humic and fulvic acids, kelp, molasses, fish, squid, and crab hydrolysate, soy hydrolysate, amino acids, mycorrhizal fungi, and other microbial inoculums, as well as other macro and micronutrients. It is a program that supports the natural processes in the soil ecosystem. These inputs, along with very specific cultural practices, which include mowing, aeration, irrigation, and over seeding, are the basis for the program. Synthetic fertilizers are not permitted under these standards. Specific protocol for the organic systems approach The organic systems protocol under the organic landscaping standards relies on the integration of soil health and plant vigor with proper cultural practices. The goal is to put a series of preventive steps in place that can naturally attenuate pest issues before they become a significant concern. Careful monitoring for pests and the development of the threshold levels within this system will allow for easier control of pest problems, if they do arise. This protocol, which mitigates turf pest pressures, is knowledge-based, utilizing an understanding of soil dynamics, grass biology, and pest/disease morphology to establish the proper procedures for maximizing the health of the landscape. When a pest is not satisfactorily managed with the protocol, the rescue approach follows the path to the use of the least toxic pesticides, defined as organic compatible in this document- FIFRA 25(b), and the Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) listed products, established at 7 CFR 205.601 and labeled for turf areas. Essential organic landscaping standards require practices that include, but are not limited to: • Regular soil testing • The use of approved materials for soil fertility and amendment as necessitated by soil test results for texture, chemistry, and microbial life; • Selection of plantings using criteria for hardiness, suitability to native conditions, disease and pest resistance, and ease of maintenance; • Modification of outdoor management practices to comply with organic horticultural science, including scouting, monitoring, watering, mowing, pruning, proper spacing, and mulching; • The use of physical controls, including hand weeding and over seeding; • The use of biological controls, including the introduction of natural predators, and the enhancement of the environment of a pest’s natural enemy; • Through observation, determining the most efficient treatment time, based on pest biology and other variables, including weather and local conditions; and • Eliminating pest habitats and conditions that are supportive of pest population increases. 3 Biomass in the soil Because inputs for fertility management and building the soil biomass are important to a successful result, addressing the soil biology needs of the individual sites in the program that are under review and management is paramount. Included are strategies that will move the site through the transition process as quickly and efficiently as possible. Identify the Management Level/Cultural Intensity Determine site expectations. The expectation determines the level of cultural intensity required. Cultural intensity is calculating the amount of labor and material inputs required to meet an expectation. Transitioning When a natural management program is being put in place after chemical-intensive, or conventional management, a window of time, referred to as the transition period, is typically required to make practice and input changes. It is during this timeframe when specific cultural practices are adopted, and new products are applied. The most important element of the transition is the attention to the soil, not just texture and chemistry, but the biomass as well. Success is achieved by focusing on the living portion of the soil from the beginning of the organic program. The length of time required for this process is directly related to the intensity of conventional management practices that are currently employed. Meeting the Goals for the Site The goal of an organic turf management program is to create turf that meets the aesthetic objectives and use conditions, while eliminating toxic and synthetic chemical inputs that may have adverse impacts on health, the environment, and the soil. Additionally, the products and programs are designed to utilize materials and adopt cultural practices that will avoid problems associated with runoff or leaching of nutrients and pest control products into water bodies and groundwater. This approach will build a soil environment rich in microbiology that produces strong healthy turf that is better able to withstand pressures from heavy usage, insects, weeds, and disease, as well as drought (organic systems retain moisture better than chemical-dependent approaches) and heat stress. While problems can arise in any turf system, they will be easier to alleviate as long as the soil is healthy with the proper microbiology in place. Turf Program Comparison Chemical-intensive turf management programs are generally centered on a synthetic product approach that often uses highly water-soluble fertilizers and pesticide control products that continually treat symptoms on an annual basis. It is important to acknowledge that in addition to having adverse effects on human health and the environment, pesticides by definition kill, repel, or mitigate a pest. They do not grow grass. The organic systems approach implements a strategy that proactively solves problems by supporting a healthy soil and turfgrass system. Healthy, vigorously growing grass will outcompete many weed pressures, and a healthy soil biomass will assist in the prevention of many insects and disease issues. 4 The organic landscaping program is not a product substitution program. An adherence to the organic systems approach, focused on supporting soil health, ensures a high level of sustainable quality. Outsourced Work When a municipality or other entity subcontracts applications of product or the implementation of cultural practices for an organic management program, a person who possesses knowledge about organic turf management is essential to outline and oversee the program. That program is then incorporated into an invitation to bid (IFB). A contractor, or service provider, should not create a program that seems to make sense to them based simply on products available to attack a pest without a full evaluation of the total system that is needed to ensure a healthy and beautiful playing fields or park in sync with nature. From:Aram James To:Veenker, Vicki Cc:h.etzko@gmail.com; Council, City; Reckdahl, Keith; Jessica Speiser, Educational Leader for California Democratic Delegate, Assembly District 23; Ed Lauing; Kaloma Smith; Supervisor Susan Ellenberg; Lori Meyers; Sheree Roth; Josh Becker; board@pausd.org; Jay Boyarsky; Jeff Conrad; Jeff Rosen; Jeff Hayden; <michael.gennaco@oirgroup.com>; Foley, Michael; Barberini, Christopher; Nicole Chiu-Wang; Enberg, Nicholas; Binder, Andrew; Lee, Craig; cromero@cityofepa.org; Anna Griffin; Angel, David; Cribbs, Anne; Cait James; planning.commision@cityofpaloalto.org; ParkRec Commission; Dave Price; Emily Mibach; Braden Cartwright; Bill Newell; Salem Ajluni; Sean Allen; Jack Ajluni; Yolanda Conaway; Don Austin; board@valleywater.org; BoardOperations; boardfeedback@smcgov.org; GRP-City Council; Gerry Gras; Lotus Fong; Palo Alto Free Press; Diana Diamond; EPA Today; Cecilia Taylor; Templeton, Cari Subject:I Am a Jewish Student at Columbia. Mahmoud Khalil Is One of the Most Upstanding People I Have Ever Met Date:Sunday, March 16, 2025 3:06:58 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Forwarded this email? Subscribe here for more I Am a Jewish Student at Columbia.Mahmoud Khalil Is One of the MostUpstanding People I Have Ever Met We cannot allow fascists to use the pretext of Jewish safety to attack ourcommunities. JONATHAN BEN-MENACHEM MAR 16 ∙PREVIEW ∙GUEST POST READ IN APP Protesters rally in Foley Square in Lower Manhattan on March 10, 2025, to demand the release of Mahmoud Khalil. Photo by Michael Nigro/Pacific Press/LightRocket via Getty Images As a Jewish student at Columbia University, I was disgusted by the White House’s cynical, smirking claim that it is acting in the interests of Jewish safety in detaining my Palestinian comrade, Mahmoud Khalil, last weekend. To announce Mahmoud’s abduction, the White House pushed social media posts reading “SHALOM, MAHMOUD.” The Christian fascists are gleefully, wickedly invoking the Hebrew goodbye as they terrorize us. Upgrade to paid Mahmoud is one of the most upstanding people I have ever met. Alongside other Jewish student activists, I only ever felt Mahmoud’s respect, solidarity, and strength. As Mahmoud told CNN last spring, “I believe that the liberation of the Palestinian people and the Jewish people are intertwined and go hand-by-hand, and you cannot achieve one without the other.” Anyone who has met Mahmoud knows that the White House’s smear campaign is just a shallow pretext to unleash state violence against student activists and further divide already traumatized communities. Who Will Be Left to Fight With Us?... Subscribe to Zeteo to unlock the rest. Become a paying subscriber of Zeteo to get access to this post and other subscriber-only content. Upgrade to paid A subscription gets you: Support Mehdi’s brand of accountability journalism Unlimited access to all exclusive content (shows, podcasts, newsletters) Live Q&As with Mehdi + more! LIKE COMMENT RESTACK © 2025 Zeteo1640 Boro Place 4th floor, McLean, VA 22102 Unsubscribe CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious o clicking on links. Dear City Council Members; Palo Alto provides 24/7 staffing at Stanford's Fire Station. That constitutes five firefighters, night and day, also gives Stanford a fire engine and a fire truck. It is time to bring it all back home to Palo Fire Statio closed for four years, not because we don't have an engine, but because there are no firefighters to staff it Even if a small part of Stanford is within the city limits of Palo Alto, why do we give their-on campus fi resources? When I have asked that question of the powers that be, I am told, "Oh. Well. Stanford has a co pays a fee. " The residents of south Palo Alto also have a contract and also pay a fee. We have the contract of citiz us from fire. The fee we pay is the hundreds of millions of dollars from the very, very large tax base of sou coffers. If it is true, as City Manager Shikada said at the City Council meeting two weeks ago, that it costs a half firefighter position, then Stanford is getting a bargain, paying a small portion of the city's PAPD cost but re fire protection. (Mr. Shikada said twice at the Town Hall meeting that the cost is 1 million/firefighter. If so, much more than it does. Perhaps confusion over the cost of a firefighter could be clarified.) Stanford contracts with the Menlo Park fire department to serve the SLAC Fire Station 7. Might they a their contract with Menlo Park? Menlo Park has an abundance of well staffed, happy firefighters who work contrast with the understaffed skeleton crew of the PAFD. Stanford will still be well protected from fire; St From:CeCi Kettendorf To:Council, City Subject:REALLOCATION OF RESOURCES Date:Sunday, March 16, 2025 9:34:21 AM From:K-pop Best Dance To:greer.stone@cityofpaloalto.com Cc:City Mgr; Council, City Subject:Proposal for City of Palo Alto - Skate Parks Date:Sunday, March 16, 2025 9:14:22 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Hi Mayor Greer, Happy Sunday. My name is Josh Pu; I was referred by Shana Segal to make contact with you in regard to proposing building skate parks in Palo Alto. A little background about myself – I have been working with local youth and teens for over 15 years with afterschool programs, coaching middle and high school basketball teams, and now hosting a Skateboard Club. I have spent the last 6 months hosting a skateboard club to prove there is interest. Both kids and adults with a variety of skill sets have gathered once a week to learn and enjoy the fun of skateboarding as well as building a new community for families and friends. My ultimate goal is to have local skateparks built in Palo Alto - we now have over 100 members in our group and that number continues to grow. But more importantly, these kids are passionate, showing up consistently, having so much fun skating and progressing together – it is amazing to see! Having a local skatepark can be extremely beneficial not only for their progression but more importantly for the following reasons: 1) A healthy alternative (away from screen time) where they can go outside for hours not only to practice but making it a fun hangout spot as well. 2) Skateboarding is an all-inclusive sport, everyone is welcome and embraced in the skateboarding community. 3) It is a free activity, allowing for easy involvement together as a community. Currently there are 3 skateparks near us: Mountain View, Sunnyvale, and Menlo Park. All of which have pros and cons in terms of their skateability and welcoming atmosphere. I want to help create local skate parks for the Palo Alto community that can accommodate all skill levels in a friendly and positive environment. I would love for our club members to attend city council meetings as it will be beneficial for the city of Palo Alto to hear their feedback. Attached some pictures from the skateboard club! Please let us know when is a good time for us to attend! Thank you, Josh From:Dong Liu To:Council, City Subject:Support for Expanding Quiet Zones in Palo Alto Date:Saturday, March 15, 2025 7:09:43 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Dear Members of the Palo Alto City Council, As a resident of Palo Alto, I am writing to express my strong support for the establishment of Quiet Zones at our city's railroad crossings. I appreciate the progress made at the Palo Alto Avenue/Alma Street crossing and urge the Council to prioritize the implementation of Quiet Zones at Charleston Road. Implementing these Quiet Zones will significantly enhance the quality of life in our community by reducing noise pollution and improving safety. I respectfully request that the Council allocate the necessary resources and expedite the planning and execution of these projects. Thank you for your attention to this important matter. Sincerely, Dong Liu From:Javier Nguyen To:Council, City; Lait, Jonathan Subject:Terrible City Website Date:Saturday, March 15, 2025 7:30:11 AM Attachments:image.png CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Jonathan, could you please investigate if the City's website is intentionally challenging to navigate? Is the city trying to prevent homeowners from learning the status of their zoning? Isuggest that you kindly ask one of your friends to access the site and determine how long it takes them to locate the zoning and general plan land use designation for their home. Additionally, could you provide an explanation as to why the zoning code, zoning map with density levels in a legend, and land use map with density ranges are not all easily accessible onthe planning department page? See below. Not there. Maybe the overpaid city manager making a whopping $618,801 per annum can make the city consumer friendly. versus unfriendly $618,801 Palo Alto City Manager Ed Shikada was the sixth-highest paid city manager in California last year, with a total compensation of $618,801 in 20231 Thank you. Javier CC" Copy to Mayor and city council From:Aram James To:Council, City Subject:Palo Alto has rescinded a grant to support a multi-faith picnic in front of City Hall after organizers allowed a controversial American-Islamic group to join as… Date:Saturday, March 15, 2025 12:37:28 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Palo Alto has rescinded a grant to support a multi-faith picnic in front of City Hall after organizers allowed a controversial American-Islamic group to join as… Source: Palo Alto Onlinehttps://search.app/i1EYDZ8vnYZ1pBUC9 Shared via the Google app From:Deborah Goldeen To:Council, City Cc:City Attorney Subject:City sponsorship of a religious holiday?! Date:Friday, March 14, 2025 7:21:12 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of openingattachments and clicking on links. You all going to pay for Pesach? What about Losar? How about Twelfth Night? Somehow I have a vague memory of something about church and state and never the twain shall meet? https://www.paloaltoonline.com/palo-alto-news/2025/03/10/palo-alto-celebrates-second-city-sponsored-iftar-dinner/ From:John Melnychuk To:Council, City; Clerk, City Cc:Ed@edlauing.com; Vicki@vickiforcouncil.com; Burt, Patrick; Lu, George; Julie@julieforpaloalto.com; Reckdahl, Keith; gstone22@gmail.com;quietzonespaloalto@gmail.comSubject:Re: Rail Committee Meeting - March 18, 2025, Residents presentation Quiet Zone Slide 4 Date:Friday, March 14, 2025 4:32:34 PM Attachments:Screenshot 2025-03-14 at 4.27.57 PM.pngQuietZonePaloAltofinal.pdf CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. Apologies, for some unknown reason Slide 4 is missing content even though we can see it. It is pasted below. Sorry On Mar 14, 2025, at 4:21 PM, John Melnychuk <jmelnychuk@sbcglobal.net> wrote: Dear City Councilmembers, and Rail Committee members. We are an ad-hoc group of Palo Alto residents in favor of establishing Quiet Zones in Palo Alto, especially at East Meadow Dr. andEast Charleston Road rail crossings. For residents near the East Meadow/Charleston crossings, we are the most heavily impacted bynoise pollution in this vicinity. We appreciate the Rail Commitee’s efforts to expedite establishment of Quiet Zones to solve our 20hours per day serious train horn noise pollution problem. Please take a few moments to review our 10 slide presentation. Thank you. Respectfully yours, John Melnychuk(650) 906-5656 Melinda McGee(650) 704-6236 email: quietzonespaloalto.org From:John Melnychuk To:Council, City; Clerk, City Cc:Ed@edlauing.com; Vicki@vickiforcouncil.com; Burt, Patrick; Lu, George; Julie@julieforpaloalto.com; Reckdahl, Keith; gstone22@gmail.com; quietzonespaloalto@gmail.com Subject:Rail Committee Meeting - March 18, 2025, Residents presentation Quiet Zone Date:Friday, March 14, 2025 4:22:19 PM Attachments:QuietZonePaloAltofinal.pdf CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. Dear City Councilmembers, and Rail Committee members. We are an ad-hoc group of Palo Alto residents in favor of establishing Quiet Zones in Palo Alto, especially at East Meadow Dr. and East Charleston Road rail crossings. For residents near the East Meadow/Charleston crossings, we are the most heavily impacted by noise pollution in this vicinity. We appreciate the Rail Commitee’s efforts to expedite establishment of Quiet Zones to solve our 20 hours per day serious train horn noise pollution problem. Please take a few moments to review our 10 slide presentation. Thank you. Respectfully yours, John Melnychuk (650) 906-5656 Melinda McGee (650) 704-6236 email: quietzonespaloalto.org From:Aram James To:Supervisor Susan Ellenberg Cc:Veenker, Vicki; Jay Boyarsky; Jessica Speiser, Educational Leader for California Democratic Delegate, Assembly District 23; Jeff Rosen; board@pausd.org; board@valleywater.org; Ed Lauing; Reckdahl, Keith; Josh Becker; Jeff Hayden; bos@smcgov.org; Bill Newell; Rodriguez, Miguel; Damon Silver; Zelkha, Mila; Council, City; BoardOperations; boardfeedback@smcgov.org Subject:Reviewed in the United States on September 18, 2024 This author knows what he is talking about. As the leadingliving authority in Israeli history, Mr Pape delivers a compelling revelation of the barbaric nature of modern dayzionism, from inception to... Date:Friday, March 14, 2025 4:09:13 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. Reviewed in the United States on September 18, 2024 This author knows what he is talking about. As the leading living authority in Israeli history, Mr Pape delivers a compelling revelation of the barbaric nature of modern day zionism, from inception to current times. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in the https://www.amazon.com/Ethnic-Cleansing-Palestine-Ilan-Pappe/dp/1851685553 From:Nat Fisher To:Clerk, City Cc:Council, City; Shikada, Ed Subject:Re: Palo Alto State of the City Address 2025 Date:Friday, March 14, 2025 2:38:24 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Why is this taking place at an automotive shop?!!! It should be at the Council Chambers and telecast on Comcast channel 26 as are Council meetings. ​Natalie Fisher Palo Alto650-326-6359​​ From: Palo Alto City Clerk's Office <city.clerk@cityofpaloalto.org> Sent: Friday, March 14, 2025 1:49 PM To: sukiroo@hotmail.com <sukiroo@hotmail.com> Subject: Palo Alto State of the City Address 2025   Palo Alto State of the City Address 2025 Please join us for the 2025 Mayor's State of the City Address Tuesday, March 18, 2025 6:00 PM Register Now The public is invited to join in person at Rivian Automotive - Palo AltoCampus 607 Hansen Way Palo Alto, CA 94304, right off of El Camino in Barron Park. There is plenty of parking available and a light reception will follow the Mayor’s address. The City will broadcast the event live on the City of Palo Alto YouTube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/c/cityofpaloalto For more information, please visit our website.   City Clerk's Office | 250 Hamilton Ave 7th Floor | Palo Alto, CA 94301 US Unsubscribe | Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice Constant Contact From:James Lloyd To:Council, City; Burt, Patrick; Lauing, Ed; Lu, George; Lythcott-Haims, Julie; Reckdahl, Keith; Stone, Greer;Veenker, Vicki Cc:Clerk, City; City Attorney; City Mgr; PlannerOnDuty; Kallas, Emily Subject:Public comment re item 9 for 3/17/25 Council meeting Date:Friday, March 14, 2025 2:17:28 PM Attachments:Palo Alto - 4335-4345 El Camino Real - HAA Letter - CC.pdf CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. i Dear Palo Alto City Council, The California Housing Defense Fund (“CalHDF”) submits the attached public comment regarding item 9 for the 3/17/25 Council meeting, the proposed 29-unit housing development project at 4335- 4345 El Camino Real, which includes four units affordable to moderate-income households. Sincerely, James M. LloydDirector of Planning and Investigations California Housing Defense Fundjames@calhdf.org CalHDF is grant & donation funded Donate today - https://calhdf.org/donate/ This message needs your attention This is their first mail to some recipients. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Mar 14, 2025 City of Palo Alto 250 Hamilton Avenue Palo Alto, CA 94301 Re: Proposed Housing Development Project at 4335-4345 El Camino Real By email: city.council@cityofpaloalto.org; Pat.Burt@CityofPaloAlto.org; Ed.Lauing@CityofPaloAlto.org; George.Lu@CityofPaloAlto.org; Julie.LythcottHaims@CityofPaloAlto.org; Keith.Reckdahl@CityofPaloAlto.org; Greer.Stone@CityofPaloAlto.org; Vicki.Veenker@CityofPaloAlto.org Cc: city.clerk@CityofPaloAlto.org; city.attorney@cityofpaloalto.org; CityMgr@cityofpaloalto.org; Planner@CityofPaloAlto.org; Emily.Kallas@CityofPaloAlto.org Dear Palo Alto City Council, The California Housing Defense Fund (“CalHDF”) submits this letter to remind the City of its obligation to abide by the Housing Accountability Act (“HAA”) and California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) Guidelines when evaluating the proposed 29-unit housing development project at 4335-4345 El Camino Real, which includes four units affordable to moderate-income households. The HAA provides the project legal protections. It requires approval of zoning and general plan compliant housing development projects unless findings can be made regarding specific, objective, written health and safety hazards. (Gov. Code, § 65589.5, subd. (j).) The HAA also bars cities from imposing conditions on the approval of such projects that would reduce the project’s density unless, again, such written findings are made. (Ibid.) As a development with at least two-thirds of its area devoted to residential uses, the project falls within the HAA’s ambit, and it complies with local zoning code and the City’s general plan. The HAA’s protections therefore apply, and the City must not reject the project, except based on health and safety standards, as outlined above. Furthermore, the project is exempt from state environmental review under the Class 32 CEQA categorical exemption (In-Fill Development Projects) pursuant to section 15332 of the CEQA Guidelines, as the project is consistent with the applicable general plan designation 360 Grand Ave #323, Oakland 94610 www.calhdf.org and all applicable general plan policies as well as the applicable zoning designation and regulations; the proposed development occurs within city limits on a project site of no more than five acres substantially surrounded by urban uses; the project site has no value as habitat for endangered, rare, or threatened species; approval of the project would not result in any significant effects relating to traffic, noise, air quality, or water quality; and the site can be adequately served by all required utilities and public services. And recent caselaw from the California Court of Appeal affirms that local governments err, and may be sued, when they improperly refuse to grant a project a CEQA exemption or streamlined CEQA review to which it is entitled. (Hilltop Group, Inc. v. County of San Diego (2024) 99 Cal.App.5th 890, 911.) As you are well aware, California remains in the throes of a statewide crisis-level housing shortage. New housing such as this is a public benefit: it will mitigate our housing crisis by providing affordable housing; it will bring new customers to local businesses; and it will reduce displacement of existing residents by reducing competition for existing housing. While no one project will solve the statewide housing crisis, the proposed development is a step in the right direction. CalHDF urges the City to approve it, consistent with its obligations under state law. CalHDF is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation whose mission includes advocating for increased access to housing for Californians at all income levels, including low-income households. You may learn more about CalHDF at www.calhdf.org. Sincerely, Dylan Casey CalHDF Executive Director James M. Lloyd CalHDF Director of Planning and Investigations 2 of 2 From:Aram James To:Vicki Veenker Cc:Gennady Sheyner; Supervisor Susan Ellenberg; board@pausd.org; Jay Boyarsky; Jeff Rosen; Jessica Speiser, Educational Leader for California Democratic Delegate, Assembly District 23; Sheree Roth; h.etzko@gmail.com; Lori Meyers; board@valleywater.org; boardfeedback@smcgov.org; Bill Newell; Rodriguez, Miguel; Damon Silver; Yolanda Conaway; Sean Allen; Pat M; Ed Lauing; Reckdahl, Keith; Gerry Gras; Lu, George; Tim James; Cait James; Marina Lopez; Dave Price; EPA Today; Diana Diamond; Nicole Chiu-Wang; Council, City; Salem Ajluni; Jack Ajluni; Donna Wallach; Don Austin Subject:In the past decade, some liberals and progressives have ignored or even worked to subvert free-speech norms, amatter that has been extensively covered in the press. Date:Friday, March 14, 2025 1:59:47 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. In the past decade, some liberals and progressives have ignored or even worked to subvert free-speech norms, a matter that has been extensively covered in the press. https://www.newyorker.com/news/fault-lines/the-detention-of-mahmoud-khalil-is-a-flagrant-assault-on-free-speech From:City Mgr To:Council, City; Shikada, Ed Cc:Executive Leadership Team; City Mgr; Clerk, City Subject:City Council Bundle - March 14 Date:Friday, March 14, 2025 9:26:24 AM Attachments:RE PAPD complaint IPA report transparency and accountability.msgRE Action Item Number 7.msgRe March 10 Consent Item 5 Delayed San Antonio Road Area Planning Process and Bridging A Worrisome PolicyGap.msgRE Safety of N7PA Piaggio P180 using PAO.msgimage001.pngimage002.pngChurchill Intersection Emails.pdfRE THANK YOU FOR THE RESTRICTED PARKING SIGNS - WHAT ABOUT ENFORCEMENT.msg Dear Mayor and Council Members, On behalf of City Manager Ed Shikada, please see the attached staff responses to emails received in the City.Council inbox through March 14, 2025. Thank you, Danille Danille RiceAdministrative AssistantCity Manager’s Office|Human Resources|Transportation(650) 329-2229 | danille.rice@cityofpaloalto.orgwww.cityofpaloalto.org From:Aram James To:Sean Allen Cc:Binder, Andrew; Reifschneider, James; Perron, Zachary; dennis burns; DuJuan Green; <michael.gennaco@oirgroup.com>; Wagner, April; Robert.Jonson@shf.sccgov.org; EPA Today; Damon Silver; Rodriguez, Miguel; Enberg, Nicholas; h.etzko@gmail.com; Lotus Fong; Gardener, Liz; Jeff Rosen; Jay Boyarsky; Pat M; Barberini, Christopher; board@pausd.org; Nicole Chiu-Wang; sharon jackson; Bill Newell; Sheriff Transparency; Gennady Sheyner; citycouncil@mountainview.gov; Council, City; Foley, Michael; Figueroa, Eric; chuck jagoda; Rowena Chiu; Emily Mibach; Don Austin; Yolanda Conaway; Vara Ramakrishnan; Palo Alto Free Press; Afanasiev, Alex; Patricia.Guerrero@jud.ca.gov; Baker, Rob; Dave Price; Jeff Conrad; Cecilia Taylor; Freddie.Quintana@sen.ca.gov; WILPF Peninsula Palo Alto; planning.commision@cityofpaloalto.org; Gerry Gras; Lu, George; Keith Reckdahl; Anna Griffin Subject:San Jose police beat homeless man as mayor pushes arrests Date:Friday, March 14, 2025 9:17:02 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. San Jose police beat homeless man as mayor pushes arrest https://sanjosespotlight.com/san-jose-police-beat-homeless-man-as-mayor-pushes-arrests/ From:Glenn Fisher To:Council, City Subject:Fwd: Time to redistribute resources Date:Thursday, March 13, 2025 5:43:29 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious ofopening attachments and clicking on links. i WHY are we providing fire services to Stanford when we can’t afford to provide them to myneighborhood in Adobe Meadow? Glenn FisherCorina Way, Palo Alto Begin forwarded message: From: Palo Altans for Sensible Zoning <info@sensiblezoning.org> Subject: Time to redistribute resourcesDate: March 13, 2025 at 1:53:21 PM PDT To: Dear Glenn <gfisher@mac.com> Reply-To: <us14-9cac8355c9-f641f32dbf@inbound.mailchimpapp.net> View this email in your browser This message needs your attention This is a personal email address. This is their first email to you. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Time to redistribute resources To all concerned: Palo Alto provides 24/7 staffing at Stanford's Fire Station. That constitutes five firefighters, night and day, for a total of 16 positions. Palo Alto also gives Stanford a fire engine and a fire truck. It is time to bring it ALL back home to Palo Alto! Fire Station 4 in south Palo Alto has been closed for four years, not because we don't have an engine, but because there are no firefighters to staff it. Even if a small part of Stanford is within the city limits of Palo Alto, why do we give their on campus fire station an over abundance of resources? When I ask that question of the powers that be, I am told, "Oh. well. Stanford has a contract with Palo Alto; the University pays a fee. " Well, the residents of south Palo Alto also have a contract and also pay a fee. We have the contract of citizens with our government to protect us from fire. The fee we pay is the hundreds of millions of dollars from the very, very large tax base of south Palo Alto, poured into the city coffers. If it is true, as City Manager Shikadas said at the City Council meeting two weeks ago, that it costs a half a million dollars to support one firefighter position, then Stanford is getting a bargain, paying 20% of the city's PAPD cost but receiving redundant, overly abundant fire protection. Stanford contracts with the Menlo Park fire department to serve the SLAC Fire Station 7. Might they add theStanford campus coverage to their contract with Menlo Park, which has an abundance of well staffed, happy firefighters who work little mandatory overtime, in contrast with the understaffed skeleton crew of the PAFD? Stanford has redundant fire protection in that two Palo Alto fire stations outside the campus also provide coverage, as does the Menlo Park station via reciprocal agreement. Stanford's fire protection will continue. The Philz fire on Middlefield had an 8 minute, 20 second response time from the Barron Park Fire Station. The Mitchell Park Library alarm response time was over six minutes. If Fire Station 4 had been open,the response times would have been a minute, and less-than-a- minute respectively. Philz is five short blocks from FS4; the Mitchell Library is in the same block as Fire Station 4. Please don't insult us by telling us we are just as safe with a response from engines which are miles away,across railroad tracks with trains frequently crossing. Fire doubles every thirty seconds; every second counts! Fire Station 4 must be fully staffed with ten firefighters, as the firefighters themselves recommend for our safety. Mr. Shikada, bring Palo Alto's fire fighters HOME. Assign them to Fire Station 4. Our children in the 12 schools surrounding FS4 are deserving of a one minute response. CeCi Kettendorf 45 year resident of south PaloAlto For more information https://pasz.com/townhall Copyright (C) 2025 *Palo Altans for Sensible Zoning*. All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: Palo Altans for Sensible Zoning PO Box 305, Palo Alto, CA 94302 Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe From:Diane To:Council, City Subject:Public safety is a no brainer Date:Thursday, March 13, 2025 4:39:22 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. Dear Mayor Lauing and members of the city council, The choice between sidewalks and safety of our community should not be hard to make when choosing to fund the fire station by Mitchell Park. Another crazy windstorm could result in much of our city burning to the ground. Please focus on the most important duty you have, the safety of all residents of Palo Alto. Diane Finkelstein 2049 Dartmouth Street Sent from my iPad From:Humphrey, Sonia Cc:LAFCO Subject:Proposed FY26 LAFCO Budget -Notice of Public Hearing Date:Thursday, March 13, 2025 3:04:48 PM Attachments:Public Hearing Notice - Proposed LAFCO Budget.pdf CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. To: County Executive, City and Special District Managers, Other Officials/Staff and Stakeholders Please see attached Notice of Public Hearing regarding the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 LAFCO Budget. Thank you, Sonia Humphrey, LAFCO Clerk LAFCO of Santa Clara County 777 North First Street, Suite 410 San Jose, CA 95112 (408) 993-4709 From:Aram James To:Damon Silver; Rodriguez, Miguel; Jeff Rosen; Jay Boyarsky Cc:board@pausd.org; board@valleywater.org; BoardOperations; Sean Allen; Pat M; Council, City; Gardener, Liz; Lotus Fong; Gennady Sheyner; Dave Price; Braden Cartwright; Emily Mibach; Sheriff Transparency; dennis burns; EPA Today; WILPF Peninsula Palo Alto; Nicole Chiu-Wang; sharon jackson; Baker, Rob; Jessica Speiser, Educational Leader for California Democratic Delegate, Assembly District 23; Jeff Hayden; Jennifer Morrow San José Spotlight; Dennis Upton; DuJuan Green Subject:Advocates blame San Jose’s homelessness approach for violent police altercation with unhoused man Date:Thursday, March 13, 2025 2:53:27 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Advocates blame San Jose’s homelessness approach for violent police altercation with unhoused man https://www.mercurynews.com/news/ From:Palo Altans for Sensible ZoningTo:Council, CitySubject:Time to redistribute resourcesDate:Thursday, March 13, 2025 1:54:21 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious ofopening attachments and clicking on links. View this email in your browser Time to redistribute resources To all concerned: Palo Alto provides 24/7 staffing at Stanford's Fire Station. That constitutes five firefighters, night and day, for a total of 16 positions. Palo Alto also gives Stanford a fire engine and a fire truck. It is time to bring it ALL back home to Palo Alto! Fire Station 4 in south Palo Alto has been closed for four years, not because we don't have an engine, but because there are no firefighters to staff it. Even if a small part of Stanford is within the city limits of Palo Alto, why do we give their on campus fire station an over abundance of resources? When I ask that question of the powers that be, I am told, "Oh. well. Stanford has a contract with Palo Alto; the University pays a fee. " Well, the residents of south Palo Alto also have a contract and also pay a fee. We have the contract of citizens with our government to protect us from fire. The fee we pay is the hundreds of millions of dollars from the very, very large tax base of south Palo Alto, poured into the city coffers. If it is true, as City Manager Shikadas said at the City Council meeting two weeks ago, that it costs a half a million dollars to support one firefighter position, then Stanford is getting a bargain, paying 20% of the city's PAPD cost but receiving redundant, overly abundant fire protection. Stanford contracts with the Menlo Park fire department to serve the SLAC Fire Station 7. Might they add theStanford campus coverage to their contract with Menlo Park, which has an abundance of well staffed, happy firefighters who work little mandatory overtime, in contrast with the understaffed skeleton crew of the PAFD? Stanford has redundant fire protection in that two Palo Alto fire stations outside the campus also provide coverage, as does the Menlo Park station via reciprocal agreement. Stanford's fire protection will continue. The Philz fire on Middlefield had an 8 minute, 20 second response time from the Barron Park Fire Station. The Mitchell Park Library alarm response time was over six minutes. If Fire Station 4 had been open,the response times would have been a minute, and less-than-a- minute respectively. Philz is five short blocks from FS4; the Mitchell Library is in the same block as Fire Station 4. Please don't insult us by telling us we are just as safe with a response from engines which are miles away,across railroad tracks with trains frequently crossing. Fire doubles every thirty seconds; every second counts! Fire Station 4 must be fully staffed with ten firefighters, as the firefighters themselves recommend for our safety. Mr. Shikada, bring Palo Alto's fire fighters HOME. Assign them to Fire Station 4. Our children in the 12 schools surrounding FS4 are deserving of a one minute response. CeCi Kettendorf 45 year resident of south PaloAlto For more information https://pasz.com/townhall Copyright (C) 2025 *Palo Altans for Sensible Zoning*. All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: Palo Altans for Sensible Zoning PO Box 305, Palo Alto, CA 94302 Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe From:Lester Wong To:Marguerite Poyatos; Maor Greenberg Cc:Dave Stellman; Patrick Kelly; Bill McLane; Gaines, Chantal; osbaldo@or-builders.com; Manu Kumar; Becchetti, Benjamin; Cathi Lerch; Dave Stellman; CityMgr; Moffatt, Pete; Jacob@onemovemovers.com; david@paloaltoconcrete.com; Steve Wong; RamonMorenoSchool@gmail.com; nancy@drewmaran.com;Dan McKinley; McDonough, Melissa; Reifschneider, James; Transportation; John Lerch; Binder, Andrew; Jade Jin; Xenia Czisch; City Attorney; Lauing, Ed;Lydia Kou; Veenker, Vicki; Council, City; Burt, Patrick; Stone, Greer; Lythcott-Haims, Julie; Lester Wong Subject:Re: Industrial/Transport/Commercial Safety Date:Thursday, March 13, 2025 12:43:44 PM Attachments:email-signture_87b8d7a2-c4f4-4cbf-b474-af2f32118dd2.pngF_1bc77f31-68bf-4143-80ea-3f34f539ea07.pnginsta_26696304-1b39-4259-9776-9f137454bed9.pngyelp_e821c57e-caea-4e87-a5dd-5905e7ca4fb1.pngHouzz_7abe75ad-d6ee-48ac-943b-592713e31957.pngP_aece63f3-754b-4dca-a0a9-e93b94de4930.pnggoogle_04352117-2fb4-4963-bb3e-cc5317269360.png CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachmentsand clicking on links. Commercial St. was cleared last night. Thank you for your efforts! Lester Wong | Vice President O: 650.813.9999 ext. 22 | C: 650.720.8455 4067 Transport Street | Palo Alto | CA 94303 Celebrating Our 46th Anniversary 1978 – 2024 A Proud Member of the U.S. Green Building Council From: Marguerite Poyatos <marguerite@paloaltoglass.com> Sent: Thursday, March 13, 2025 12:37:47 PM To: Maor Greenberg <maor@greenberg.construction> Cc: Dave Stellman <davestellman@gmail.com>; Patrick Kelly <Patrick.Kelly@dmdsystems.com>; Bill McLane <bill@paloaltoglass.com>; chantal.gaines@cityofpaloalto.org <chantal.gaines@cityofpaloalto.org>; osbaldo@or-builders.com <osbaldo@or-builders.com>; Manu Kumar <manu@k9ventures.com>; Benjamin Becchetti <Benjamin.Becchetti@cityofpaloalto.org>; Lester Wong <LWong@wongelectric.com>; Cathi Lerch <cathi@lerchconstruction.com>; Dave Stellman <dave@paloaltoglass.com>; City Mgr <CityMgr@cityofpaloalto.org>; Pete Moffatt <pete@petemoffat.com>; Jacob@onemovemovers.com <Jacob@onemovemovers.com>; david@paloaltoconcrete.com <david@paloaltoconcrete.com>; Steve Wong <SWong@wongelectric.com>; RamonMorenoSchool@gmail.com <RamonMorenoSchool@gmail.com>; nancy@drewmaran.com <nancy@drewmaran.com>; Dan McKinley <danmck@scientific-equipment.com>; Melissa McDonough <Melissa.McDonough@cityofpaloalto.org>; James Reifschneider <james.reifschneider@cityofpaloalto.org>; Transportation <transportation@cityofpaloalto.org>; John Lerch <john@lerchconstruction.com>; Andrew Binder <Andrew.Binder@cityofpaloalto.org>; Jade Jin <JJin@wongelectric.com>; Xenia Czisch <Xenia@qmsshields.com>; City Attorney <city.attorney@cityofpaloalto.org>; Ed Lauing <Ed.Lauing@cityofpaloalto.org>; Lydia Kou <Lydia.Kou@cityofpaloalto.org>; Vicki Veenker <vicki.veenker@cityofpaloalto.org>; City Council <city.council@cityofpaloalto.org>; Patrick Burt <pat.burt@cityofpaloalto.org>; Greer Stone <Greer.Stone@cityofpaloalto.org>; Julie Lythcott-Haims <Julie.LythcottHaims@cityofpaloalto.org> Subject: Re: Industrial/Transport/Commercial Safety The wooden RV seems to be a severe safety issue. A former coworker spoke to the man living in it a couple years ago andwas told there is a wood burning oven/stove inside the RV, which he uses. Seems like that could be a severe safety hazardnot only for the man residing in it, as well as for the surrounding RV's/vehicles & businesses if it were ever to catch fire. We have had to face a number of safety hazards on this street. It is unsafe for pedestrians. We have had attempted break insat night. We have been harassed by people associated with these RV's, as well as loose dogs, just to name a couple issues.Luckily, police officers do respond and try to help but there will be a time when they will be too late to prevent injury. The community officers coming through and putting notices on vehicles is nowhere near the solution needed for this area.The notices are thrown away and the vehicles rarely move. I believe this email string started in 2023 and we have hadminimal progress with the actual issues at hand. On Thu, Mar 13, 2025 at 12:19 PM Maor Greenberg <maor@greenberg.construction> wrote: City of palo alto!! please let me know how this is Legal for driving also come and clean the street as it’s not safe seeattached Maor GreenbergCEO maor@greenberg.construction | 650-610-7711 Greenberg.Construction | 650-600-9536 x101 | Fax 925-269-2325908 Industrial Ave, Palo Alto 94303 From: Dave Stellman <davestellman@gmail.com> Sent: Wednesday, March 12, 2025 10:56:09 AM To: Patrick Kelly <Patrick.Kelly@dmdsystems.com> Cc: Bill McLane <bill@paloaltoglass.com>; Marguerite Poyatos <MARGUERITE@paloaltoglass.com>; chantal.gaines@cityofpaloalto.org <chantal.gaines@cityofpaloalto.org>; osbaldo@or-builders.com <osbaldo@or-builders.com>; Manu Kumar <manu@k9ventures.com>; Benjamin Becchetti <Benjamin.Becchetti@cityofpaloalto.org>; Lester Wong <lwong@wongelectric.com>; Cathi Lerch <cathi@lerchconstruction.com>; Dave Stellman <dave@paloaltoglass.com>; City Mgr <CityMgr@cityofpaloalto.org>; Pete Moffatt <pete@petemoffat.com>; Jacob@onemovemovers.com <Jacob@onemovemovers.com>; david@paloaltoconcrete.com <david@paloaltoconcrete.com>; Steve Wong <swong@wongelectric.com>; RamonMorenoSchool@gmail.com <RamonMorenoSchool@gmail.com>; nancy@drewmaran.com <nancy@drewmaran.com>; Dan McKinley <danmck@scientific-equipment.com>; Melissa McDonough <Melissa.McDonough@cityofpaloalto.org>; James Reifschneider <james.reifschneider@cityofpaloalto.org>; Transportation <transportation@cityofpaloalto.org>; John Lerch <john@lerchconstruction.com>; Andrew Binder <Andrew.Binder@cityofpaloalto.org>; Jade Jin <JJin@wongelectric.com>; Xenia Czisch <Xenia@qmsshields.com>; City Attorney <city.attorney@cityofpaloalto.org>; Ed Lauing <Ed.Lauing@cityofpaloalto.org>; Lydia Kou <Lydia.Kou@cityofpaloalto.org>; Vicki Veenker <vicki.veenker@cityofpaloalto.org>; City Council <city.council@cityofpaloalto.org>; Patrick Burt <pat.burt@cityofpaloalto.org>; Greer Stone <Greer.Stone@cityofpaloalto.org>; Julie Lythcott-Haims <Julie.LythcottHaims@cityofpaloalto.org>; Maor Greenberg <maor@greenberg.construction> Subject: Re: Industrial/Transport/Commercial Safety What is it going to take for the city of Palo Alto to catch up to the rest of the country? A lawsuit when someone in ourneighborhood is injured because of the unsafe conditions that exist here? This email chain alone would be enoughevidence to show the city’s knowledge of the problem and inaction. With newly enacted laws giving cities the legal right to clean up our public spaces, local cities like Mountain View,Santa Clara and San Jose have already begun the process of relocating and housing these people that need it. Why notPalo Alto? Its not a money issue here, and even if it was, wouldn’t it be less costly to tow some vehicles and helprelocate them to a safer area than to pay the cost of litigation? We are asking the city to stop ignoring this issue before it becomes an even bigger problem. On Mar 12, 2025, at 9:17 AM, Patrick Kelly <Patrick.Kelly@dmdsystems.com> wrote:  Hi Ben, Please take action. The safety of our employees and locals is critical. Anyone walking or driving on Industrial/Transport/Commercial is constantly at risk. Every crosswalk and entry is a major risk for anyone walking the sidewalks or pulling into any of these facilities where illegally parked abandoned vehicles are encamped. The visibility is very poor and the reason there are height and length restrictions for these types of streets; There are There are illegally running generators with unsafe live electrical lines oftentimes in the sidewalk or even running across entryways There are collections of volatile liquids like gasoline and oil (environmental issues aside) that pose additional hazards to anyone in the vicinity Please let us know what you need from us to support your team in enforcing our city regulations in order to make our workplaces safer for our employees. Respectfully, Patrick Kelly | CIODMD Systems Recovery, LLC. C: 650.492.9003patrick.kelly@dmdsystems.com | www.dmdsystems.com<Outlook-DMD Logo.png> <Outlook-larpkod1.png>Book time to meet with me From: Bill McLane <bill@paloaltoglass.com> Sent: Wednesday, February 5, 2025 12:39 PM To: Marguerite Poyatos <marguerite@paloaltoglass.com> Cc: Dave Stellman <davestellman@gmail.com>; chantal.gaines@cityofpaloalto.org <chantal.gaines@cityofpaloalto.org>; osbaldo@or-builders.com <osbaldo@or-builders.com>; Manu Kumar <manu@k9ventures.com>; Benjamin Becchetti <Benjamin.Becchetti@cityofpaloalto.org>; Lester Wong <lwong@wongelectric.com>; Cathi Lerch <cathi@lerchconstruction.com>; Dave Stellman <dave@paloaltoglass.com>; City Mgr <CityMgr@cityofpaloalto.org>; Pete Moffatt <pete@petemoffat.com>; Jacob@onemovemovers.com <Jacob@onemovemovers.com>; david@paloaltoconcrete.com <david@paloaltoconcrete.com>; Steve Wong <swong@wongelectric.com>; RamonMorenoSchool@gmail.com <RamonMorenoSchool@gmail.com>; nancy@drewmaran.com <nancy@drewmaran.com>; Patrick Kelly <Patrick.Kelly@dmdsystems.com>; Dan McKinley <danmck@scientific-equipment.com>; Melissa McDonough <Melissa.McDonough@cityofpaloalto.org>; James Reifschneider <James.Reifschneider@cityofpaloalto.org>; Transportation <Transportation@cityofpaloalto.org>; Patrick Kelly <Patrick.Kelly@dmdsystems.com>; John Lerch <john@lerchconstruction.com>; Andrew Binder <Andrew.Binder@cityofpaloalto.org>; Jade Jin <JJin@wongelectric.com>; Xenia Czisch <Xenia@qmsshields.com>; City Attorney <city.attorney@cityofpaloalto.org>; Ed Lauing <Ed.Lauing@cityofpaloalto.org>; Lydia Kou <Lydia.Kou@cityofpaloalto.org>; Vicki Veenker <Vicki.Veenker@cityofpaloalto.org>; City Council <city.council@cityofpaloalto.org>; Patrick Burt <Pat.Burt@cityofpaloalto.org>; Greer Stone <Greer.Stone@cityofpaloalto.org>; Julie Lythcott-Haims <Julie.LythcottHaims@cityofpaloalto.org>; Maor <maor@greenberg.construction> Subject: Re: Industrial/Transport/Commercial concerns A citation for double parking and expired tags is what is needed here. I’m positive that’s what the policewould do to me if I did the same. That is unless there are two separate sets of laws that govern the city ofPalo Alto and the state of California. Bill McLane ---------------------------------Palo Alto Glass, Inc. 4085 Transport Street Palo Alto, CA 94303 650-494-7000 Office www.paloaltoglass.com On Wed, Feb 5, 2025 at 10:13 AM Marguerite Poyatos <marguerite@paloaltoglass.com> wrote:Please see the attached image. The pictured RV & associated white truck pulled up over night. As pictured, they disregarded markedparking spots, which is one of the things that exacerbates our parking issue. A small car or motorcycle may fit there but in a commercial area where most vehicles are trucks, this doesnot help. Can you please send a community officer to leave notices on the RVs? I hope this doesn't come across aspetty, but every spot really does matter on this block. Employees of some businesses have to park in lotsthat belong to other businesses, which can create tension amongst neighbors. Thank you. On Sat, Dec 21, 2024 at 9:19 PM Dave Stellman <davestellman@gmail.com> wrote:The police also responded and were very helpful. Initially the people involved denied everything, butwhen I sent the videos to the officer and he showed it to them they admitted to dumping their RV waste. They were cited for misdemeanor illegal waste dumping and will be going to court. They were then toldto leave the area - and freed up two parking spaces. Thank you Palo Alto Police and Fire. Apparentlyreporting violations of every kind is what is going to have to be done on a regular basis if we want ourstreets cleaned up. On Dec 21, 2024, at 3:39 PM, Bill McLane <bill@paloaltoglass.com> wrote: Thank you, Dave! Bill McLane ---------------------------------Palo Alto Glass, Inc. 4085 Transport Street Palo Alto, CA 94303 650-494-7000 Office www.paloaltoglass.com On Sat, Dec 21, 2024 at 8:22 AM Dave Stellman <davestellman@gmail.com> wrote:I just called the hotline for Palo Alto for hazardous waste dumping and gave them all ofthis information including license numbers. These vehicles are still parked there.They aresending the fire department out to flush the street and these people better be heldaccountable. On Dec 21, 2024, at 7:56 AM, Bill McLane <bill@paloaltoglass.com> wrote: License plate of the accomplice<IMG_0142.jpeg> Bill McLane ---------------------------------Palo Alto Glass, Inc. 4085 Transport Street Palo Alto, CA 94303 650-494-7000 Office www.paloaltoglass.com On Sat, Dec 21, 2024 at 5:13 AM Bill McLane <bill@paloaltoglass.com>wrote: Still parked right across from my building. Note, NO rear license plate. I do think that is against the law. I do also have video of them driving up, proof of the vehicle operating on city streets. Do you think they have insurance? <image.png> Bill McLane ---------------------------------Palo Alto Glass, Inc. 4085 Transport Street Palo Alto, CA 94303 650-494-7000 Office www.paloaltoglass.com On Sat, Dec 21, 2024 at 4:54 AM Bill McLane <bill@paloaltoglass.com>wrote: Here, they are emptying their waste in front of my building. Bill McLane ---------------------------------Palo Alto Glass, Inc. 4085 Transport Street Palo Alto, CA 94303 650-494-7000 Office www.paloaltoglass.com On Fri, Dec 20, 2024 at 9:18 PM Dave Stellman<davestellman@gmail.com> wrote:Chantal, It looks like somehow most of the city council members, Vice Mayorand Mayor must have inadvertently been deleted from your last emailresponse. I have added them back in to make sure they stay apprised of thesituation. I hope it doesn't take the legal channels mentioned to startcleaning up our neighborhood immediately; this has gotten out ofcontrol and kicking the problem back and forth to different members ofyour city staff is not going to make it go away. Dave StellmanTransport St. On Fri, Dec 20, 2024 at 8:16 AM Maor Greenberg<maor@greenberg.construction> wrote: Dear Chantal, Your response, while detailed, fails to address the critical and ongoingviolations of law, public safety, and business rights in the area. The City ofPalo Alto has both the authority and obligation to take immediate and decisive action to protect its residents, businesses, and public spaces. Allowing illegally parked, unsafe, and hazardous RVs to persist is unacceptable and directly violates state and local regulations. Below are specific legal and factualchallenges to the City’s approach, along with demands for corrective action: 1. Illegally Parked and Unsafe RVs California Vehicle Code § 4000(a)(1) and Palo Alto Municipal Code §10.48.010 clearly require all vehicles parked on public streets to display validregistration. Many of the RVs in question lack valid registration, making theirpresence illegal. Further, under California Vehicle Code § 22651(o) and PAMC § 10.48.120, any vehicle unregistered for six months or more may be towed immediately. Additionally, vehicles with exposed sewage tanks, missing wheels, or otherstructural hazards are in direct violation of California Vehicle Code § 24002, which prohibits parking or operating vehicles in unsafe conditions. These RVsalso create a public health hazard under California Health and Safety Code §117490, which prohibits improper disposal of waste and sewage. **2. Clarification Requested Regarding Unregistered Vehicles In light of your response, please confirm whether the City of Palo Altoallows unregistered vehicles to be driven on its streets. - I have some funvehicles I would love to order from Alibaba and drive them around PaloAlto... • California Vehicle Code § 4000(a)(1) expressly prohibits the operation of unregistered vehicles. If these RVs are being moved every 72 hours asclaimed, and they lack proper registration, their operation is illegal understate law. • Allowing unregistered vehicles to remain or operate within city limitsundermines traffic safety and compliance standards. This point must be clarified explicitly: Does the City of Palo Alto condonethe operation of unregistered vehicles? 3. Abuse of the 72-Hour Rule The City’s reliance on PAMC § 10.36.060 to justify the continued presence ofthese RVs is flawed. Surveillance footage and eyewitness accounts confirm thatmany RVs are circumventing the 72-hour rule by wiping off chalk markings rather than physically moving. This is blatant non-compliance and undermines the intent of the ordinance. Furthermore, California Vehicle Code § 22669 explicitly allows for theremoval of vehicles that are “wrecked, dismantled, or inoperative,” even if theyare moved every 72 hours. The City has the authority to act, and failing to do sojeopardizes public safety and traffic flow. 4. Public Safety and Sanitation Violations The exposed sewage tanks, illegal dumping, and general neglect by these RV occupants pose significant health and environmental risks. The City’s failure to enforce sanitation laws, such as California Health and Safety Code §117490 and PAMC § 16.09.100, endangers residents, workers, and theenvironment. Additionally, blocking roadways and driveways is a clearviolation of California Vehicle Code § 22500, which prohibits parking thatobstructs traffic flow or access. 5. Impact on Businesses and Traffic Flow Businesses in the area are suffering due to blocked roadways, limited parking for customers, and safety concerns. Under California Vehicle Code § 21101(c) and PAMC § 10.48.120, the City has the authority to regulate parking to ensure the safety of businesses and residents. The City’s failure to allocate parking for business deliveries, customers, oreven emergency services is a gross dereliction of duty. Blocking roadways for long periods creates safety hazards, violates municipal code, and disrupts commerce. Conclusion and Final Demands The City of Palo Alto has the legal authority and responsibility to act under the following regulations: • PAMC § 10.48.120: Authorizes the removal of unregistered vehicles. • California Vehicle Code § 22651(o): Allows towing of unregisteredvehicles. • California Vehicle Code § 22669: Mandates removal of inoperative vehicles. • California Health and Safety Code § 117490: Prohibits illegal waste disposal. • California Vehicle Code § 21101(c): Permits parking restrictions to ensure safety. We demand the immediate implementation of the following measures: 1. Impound all unregistered, unsafe, or inoperative RVs within two weeks. 2. Establish designated loading zones and 2-hour parking areas near businesses. 3. Conduct regular sanitation inspections and impose penalties for violations. 4. Provide a clear timeline for resolution and enforcement updates. The continued failure to act exposes the City to liability for neglecting public health and safety under California Government Code § 815.6, which requires municipalities to perform mandatory duties. We expect a formal response with a clear action plan within 14 days. If no satisfactory action is taken, we reservethe right to escalate this matter through legal channels to protect our businesses,employees, and the community. <email-signture_87b8d7a2-c4f4-4cbf-b474-af2f32118dd2.png> Maor Greenberg CEO maor@greenberg.construction | 650-610-7711 Greenberg.Construction | 650-600-9536 x101 | Fax 925-269-2325908 Industrial Ave, Palo Alto 94303 <F_1bc77f31-68bf-4143-80ea-3f34f539ea07.png> <insta_26696304-1b39-4259-9776-9f137454bed9.png> <yelp_e821c57e-caea-4e87-a5dd-5905e7ca4fb1.png> <Houzz_7abe75ad-d6ee-48ac-943b-592713e31957.png> <P_aece63f3-754b-4dca-a0a9-e93b94de4930.png> <google_04352117-2fb4-4963-bb3e-cc5317269360.png> From: Gaines, Chantal <Chantal.Gaines@CityofPaloAlto.org> Date: Friday, December 20, 2024 at 7:12 AM To: Maor Greenberg <maor@greenberg.construction>, Marguerite Poyatos <marguerite@paloaltoglass.com>, osbaldo@or- builders.com <osbaldo@or-builders.com> Cc: Bill McLane <bill@paloaltoglass.com>, Dave Stellman <davestellman@gmail.com>, Manu Kumar <manu@k9ventures.com>, Becchetti, Benjamin <Benjamin.Becchetti@CityofPaloAlto.org>, Lester Wong <lwong@wongelectric.com>, Cathi Lerch <cathi@lerchconstruction.com>, Dave Stellman <dave@paloaltoglass.com>, City Mgr <CityMgr@cityofpaloalto.org>, Moffatt, Pete <pete@petemoffat.com>, Jacob@onemovemovers.com <Jacob@onemovemovers.com>, david@paloaltoconcrete.com <david@paloaltoconcrete.com>, Steve Wong <swong@wongelectric.com>, RamonMorenoSchool@gmail.com <RamonMorenoSchool@gmail.com>, nancy@drewmaran.com <nancy@drewmaran.com>, Patrick Kelly <patrick.kelly@basketmaterials.com>, Dan McKinley <danmck@scientific-equipment.com>, McDonough, Melissa <Melissa.McDonough@CityofPaloAlto.org>, Reifschneider, James <James.Reifschneider@CityofPaloAlto.org>, Transportation <Transportation@CityofPaloAlto.org>, Patrick Kelly <info@basketmaterials.com>, John Lerch <john@lerchconstruction.com>, Binder, Andrew <Andrew.Binder@CityofPaloAlto.org>, Jade Jin <JJin@wongelectric.com>, Xenia Czisch <Xenia@qmsshields.com>, City Attorney <city.attorney@CityofPaloAlto.org> Subject: RE: Industrial/Transport/Commercial concerns You don't often get email from chantal.gaines@cityofpaloalto.org. Learn why thisis important Hello everyone, Thank you for the emails and the time you all have spent to relay your concerns about the area surrounding your businesses. My name is Chantal and I’m the Deputy City Manager responding on behalf of the City Manager. I understand that you feel a lack of progress on the concerns you’ve identified. Through multiple City departments we are continuing to explore avenues to help mitigate those concerns being mindful of compliance with the federal Constitution and state laws, City resources, as well as providing respect to the humanity of the individuals experiencing homelessness.  As our Police Lieutenant mentioned, our enforcement largely consists of the efforts described below involving multiple City departments, including: Weekly markings for 72-hour violations from our Community Service Officers. These are required by law prior to issuing citations for the 72-hour violations. Weekly re-checks of those markings, followed by citations if vehicles are not moved. Checks of the area by traffic officers as well as patrol officers on a routine basis, consistently several times per week. Officers make personal contact with RV occupants to speak with them regarding complaints and concerns, offer services or seek alternative solutions (i.e., a small repair to fix a vehicle). Through our Community Services Department, had our Homeless Outreach Team attempt to speak with RV occupants to connect them to available resources. Of note, there are limited safe parking resources available countywide. Consulted with our Code Enforcement team to address any activity that falls under municipal code violations. We hear you that there are perhaps more RVs in the neighborhood than have been in the past. Some previous concerns, relayed through the Police Department, have been for dumping, visibility/safety issues, or other nuisance-type complaints. Officers have responded to investigate and determine if a violation has in fact occurred in response to those complaints. As the officer who issues the citation must attest to its legality, we trust their judgement to use their discretion when deciding to cite or not. It should be noted that the overwhelming majority of the RV’s are compliant with the 72-hour rule on a weekly basis according to our Police Department and their regular checks. RVs (and any other vehicle) are allowed to move and return to the exact same location under PAMC section 10.36.060. I asked the Police Department to examine the calls for service in your area since November 1st to look for additional complaints the Police Department might be able to address and to get an understanding of what they have responded to in your area. Officers responded to 29 calls for service between the 900 block of San Antonio, Commercial, Transport and Industrial Ave. Only 2 were reported complaints from a business about the RV’s. None of those 29 calls for service reported potential illegal behavior, such as illegal dumping, threatening or harassing behavior, or other criminal actions, on behalf of those working in the area. Most of those calls were self-initiated by the officers or calls from the RV occupants themselves. One of the calls, initiated by an RV occupant, reported suspicious persons that helped prevent a burglary to one of the businesses. Since early November, there have been several citations issued and one vehicle tow. I would encourage your employees to report, either online, through our non-emergency line (650-329-2413) or via 911, any behavior they feel is harassment, or potentially illegal or unsafe. The Police Department will continue to explore ideas such as additional collaboration with City departments, outside organizations and service providers, as well as nearby police departments whose actions can influence the issues felt in Palo Alto. We will also investigate the ability to perform street sweeping efforts and consult with our wastewater officials to address any cleanliness, illegal dumping and sanitation issues. The Police Department will be further assessing the vehicle code violations in the coming weeks to determine the necessity of removing some offending vehicles. Best, Chantal <image001.png>Chantal Cotton Gaines Deputy City Manager (650) 329-2572 | chantal.gaines@cityofpaloalto.org www.cityofpaloalto.org <image002.png> From: Maor Greenberg <maor@greenberg.construction> Sent: Tuesday, December 17, 2024 11:35 PM To: Marguerite Poyatos <marguerite@paloaltoglass.com>; osbaldo@or- builders.com Cc: Bill McLane <bill@paloaltoglass.com>; Dave Stellman <davestellman@gmail.com>; Manu Kumar <manu@k9ventures.com>; Becchetti, Benjamin <Benjamin.Becchetti@CityofPaloAlto.org>; Lester Wong <lwong@wongelectric.com>; Cathi Lerch <cathi@lerchconstruction.com>; Dave Stellman <dave@paloaltoglass.com>; City Mgr <CityMgr@cityofpaloalto.org>; Moffatt, Pete <pete@petemoffat.com>; Jacob@onemovemovers.com; david@paloaltoconcrete.com; Steve Wong <swong@wongelectric.com>; RamonMorenoSchool@gmail.com; nancy@drewmaran.com; Patrick Kelly <patrick.kelly@basketmaterials.com>; Dan McKinley <danmck@scientific- equipment.com>; McDonough, Melissa <Melissa.McDonough@CityofPaloAlto.org>; Reifschneider, James <James.Reifschneider@CityofPaloAlto.org>; Transportation <Transportation@CityofPaloAlto.org>; Patrick Kelly <info@basketmaterials.com>; John Lerch <john@lerchconstruction.com>; Tanaka, Greg <Greg.Tanaka@CityofPaloAlto.org>; Lauing, Ed <Ed.Lauing@CityofPaloAlto.org>; Kou, Lydia <Lydia.Kou@CityofPaloAlto.org>; Veenker, Vicki <Vicki.Veenker@CityofPaloAlto.org>; Binder, Andrew <Andrew.Binder@CityofPaloAlto.org>; Council, City <city.council@cityofpaloalto.org>; Burt, Patrick <Pat.Burt@CityofPaloAlto.org>; Stone, Greer <Greer.Stone@CityofPaloAlto.org>; Lythcott-Haims, Julie <Julie.LythcottHaims@CityofPaloAlto.org>; Jade Jin <JJin@wongelectric.com>; Xenia Czisch <Xenia@qmsshields.com>; City Attorney <city.attorney@CityofPaloAlto.org> Subject: Re: Industrial/Transport/Commercial concerns CAUTION: This email originated from outside of theorganization. Be cautious of opening attachments andclicking on links. Dear Molly (City Attorney) and All Copied City Officials, On behalf of the many businesses in the Commercial-Industrial-Transport Street area who are deeply frustrated with the persistent and escalating issues caused by illegally parked RVs, unregistered vehicles, and boats. This situation has reached a critical point, impacting not only our daily operations but also the safety, reputation, and economic health of our businesses. Impact on Businesses and Community 1. Safety and Sanitation Hazards:       •     Dumped bodily waste, debris, and hazardous conditions are becoming commonplace, creating significant health risks.       •     Aggressive behavior and intimidation from some vehicle occupants have been reported, making the area unsafe for employees and customers. 2. Operational Challenges:       •     Parking for employees, customers, and service vehicles is nearly nonexistent due to the occupation of public spaces by illegally parked vehicles.       •     Businesses are suffering tangible financial losses as customers avoid the area due to these conditions. 3. Lack of Enforcement:       •     Despite repeated citations and notices issued by Community Service and Special Problems Officers, there has been no meaningful resolution.       •     Violations of California Vehicle Code 4000(a)(1) VC (unregistered vehicles) and Vehicle Code 22651(o)(1) VC (impound authority for registration violations) are being ignored. Call for Immediate Action This is a collective appeal to the city and its representatives to act decisively to restore order in our community. We urge the city to prioritize: 1. Enforcement: Immediate towing and penalties for unregistered and illegally parked vehicles in alignment with state and local laws. 2. Comprehensive Solutions: A transparent and actionable plan to address these issues, including increased patrols, collaboration with businesses, and enforcement timelines. 3. Engagement: A commitment to working with affected businesses to ensure our concerns are heard and addressed effectively. Potential Legal Action The city’s ongoing inaction not only jeopardizes public safety and operational viability but also exposes it to potential legal consequences. Many businesses on this email chain are experiencing severe financial and reputational damages due to these unresolved issues. We cannot afford further delays. Thank you for your attention. <image003.png> Maor Greenberg CEO maor@greenberg.construction | 650-610-7711 Greenberg.Construction | 650-600-9536 x101 | Fax 925-269-2325 908 Industrial Ave, Palo Alto 94303 <image004.png> <image005.png> <image006.png> <image007.png> <image008.png> <image009.png> From: Marguerite Poyatos <marguerite@paloaltoglass.com> Date: Tuesday, December 17, 2024 at 10:29 AM To: osbaldo@or-builders.com <osbaldo@or-builders.com> Cc: Bill McLane <bill@paloaltoglass.com>, Dave Stellman <davestellman@gmail.com>, Manu Kumar <manu@k9ventures.com>, Benjamin Becchetti <Benjamin.Becchetti@cityofpaloalto.org>, Lester Wong <lwong@wongelectric.com>, Cathi Lerch <cathi@lerchconstruction.com>, Maor Greenberg <maor@greenberg.construction>, Dave Stellman <dave@paloaltoglass.com>, City Mgr <CityMgr@cityofpaloalto.org>, Pete Moffatt <pete@petemoffat.com>, Jacob@onemovemovers.com <Jacob@onemovemovers.com>, david@paloaltoconcrete.com <david@paloaltoconcrete.com>, Steve Wong <swong@wongelectric.com>, RamonMorenoSchool@gmail.com <RamonMorenoSchool@gmail.com>, nancy@drewmaran.com <nancy@drewmaran.com>, Patrick Kelly <patrick.kelly@basketmaterials.com>, Dan McKinley <danmck@scientific-equipment.com>, Melissa McDonough <Melissa.McDonough@cityofpaloalto.org>, James Reifschneider <James.Reifschneider@cityofpaloalto.org>, Transportation <transportation@cityofpaloalto.org>, Patrick Kelly <info@basketmaterials.com>, John Lerch <john@lerchconstruction.com>, Greg Tanaka <Greg.Tanaka@cityofpaloalto.org>, Ed Lauing <Ed.Lauing@cityofpaloalto.org>, Lydia Kou <Lydia.Kou@cityofpaloalto.org>, Vicki Veenker <Vicki.Veenker@cityofpaloalto.org>, Andrew Binder <andrew.binder@cityofpaloalto.org>, City Council <city.council@cityofpaloalto.org>, Patrick Burt <pat.burt@cityofpaloalto.org>, Greer Stone <Greer.Stone@cityofpaloalto.org>, Julie Lythcott-Haims <Julie.LythcottHaims@cityofpaloalto.org>, Jade Jin <JJin@wongelectric.com>, Xenia Czisch <Xenia@qmsshields.com> Subject: Re: Industrial/Transport/Commercial concerns You don't often get email from marguerite@paloaltoglass.com. Learn why this isimportant A community officer came by today. Not sure what was done other than inspecting the volume of vehicles on the street. It is pretty disheartening that there are 14 city employees/email addresses included in this email and we are getting no responses or acknowledgements from any of them. This seems to be just a community forum for us to air our grievances regarding the area we all work in rather than getting any sort of resolutions. For years now, the businesses in this area have dealt with a number of issues that are a direct result of the RVs residing on this street - dumped bodily waste, aggressive dogs, aggression/intimidation, amongst many others. We try to vigilant and call the non-emergency police line to confront situations. Officers will come out and at the very most, they will go and have a conversation with whoever it is that's causing issues. Then, nothing happens. We have had customers complain that they do not feel safe coming into this corner of Palo Alto. This is directly affecting Palo Alto businesses - many of which on this street provide important/critical types of service to residents, businesses, local government and schools in Palo Alto. Can we please get some help other than weekly notices stuck on windshields? On Tue, Dec 17, 2024 at 8:36 AM <osbaldo@or-builders.com> wrote: I agree 100 % The city of Palo A lot needs to have a solution for this please O.R. Builders Inc. Osbaldo Romero President 939 Industrial Ave Palo Alto, Ca. 94303 Phone: 650.938.2222 Fax: 650.938.2224 Cell: 415.215.6788 From: Bill McLane <bill@paloaltoglass.com> Sent: Tuesday, December 17, 2024 5:34 AM To: Dave Stellman <davestellman@gmail.com> Cc: Manu Kumar <manu@k9ventures.com>; Marguerite Poyatos <MARGUERITE@paloaltoglass.com>; Benjamin Becchetti <Benjamin.Becchetti@cityofpaloalto.org>; Lester Wong <lwong@wongelectric.com>; Cathi Lerch <cathi@lerchconstruction.com>; Maor Greenberg <maor@greenberg.construction>; Dave Stellman <dave@paloaltoglass.com>; City Mgr <CityMgr@cityofpaloalto.org>; osbaldo@or-builders.com; Pete Moffatt <pete@petemoffat.com>; Jacob@onemovemovers.com; david@paloaltoconcrete.com; Steve Wong <swong@wongelectric.com>; RamonMorenoSchool@gmail.com; nancy@drewmaran.com; Patrick Kelly <patrick.kelly@basketmaterials.com>; Dan McKinley <danmck@scientific-equipment.com>; Melissa McDonough <Melissa.McDonough@cityofpaloalto.org>; James Reifschneider <James.Reifschneider@cityofpaloalto.org>; Transportation <transportation@cityofpaloalto.org>; Patrick Kelly <info@basketmaterials.com>; John Lerch <john@lerchconstruction.com>; Greg Tanaka <Greg.Tanaka@cityofpaloalto.org>; Ed Lauing <Ed.Lauing@cityofpaloalto.org>; Lydia Kou <Lydia.Kou@cityofpaloalto.org>; Vicki Veenker <Vicki.Veenker@cityofpaloalto.org>; Andrew Binder <andrew.binder@cityofpaloalto.org>; City Council <city.council@cityofpaloalto.org>; Patrick Burt <pat.burt@cityofpaloalto.org>; Greer Stone <Greer.Stone@cityofpaloalto.org>; Julie Lythcott-Haims <Julie.LythcottHaims@cityofpaloalto.org>; Jade Jin <JJin@wongelectric.com>; Xenia Czisch <Xenia@qmsshields.com> Subject: Re: Industrial/Transport/Commercial concerns Out of curiosity, were this my personal vehicle or one of mycompany vehicles, how long would it take for the City of Palo Altoto either site me or tow me? This is ridiculous; our streets have now become storage forpeople's crap; sorry, no better way to state that. This boat is not someone's dwelling; neither are all the additional cars associated with each camper out here. If you can't do anything about the campers, do something about the additional crap. Again, how quickly would the city respond if it were my car that was illegally parked out here? I implore everyone on this thread to continue this daily untilsomething is done. Do better, City of Palo Alto. Bill McLane --------------------------------- Palo Alto Glass, Inc. 4085 Transport Street Palo Alto, CA 94303 650-494-7000 Office www.paloaltoglass.com On Mon, Dec 16, 2024 at 3:08 PM Dave Stellman <davestellman@gmail.com> wrote: This is ridiculous. The Supreme Court has given cities in the state of California more tools to crack down on homeless camps and illegally parked and stored vehicles. It’s time to clean up this mess in the Commercial - Industrial - Transport street area before it becomes even more of an eyesore than it is now. This is just not fair to owners and customers trying hard to do business here with NO AVAILABLE PARKING. Dave Stellman 4083 / 4085 Transport St. On Dec 16, 2024, at 1:42 PM, Manu Kumar <manu@k9ventures.com> wrote: Here are some pictures from my walk around theblock a week ago.. <IMG_1556.jpeg> <IMG_1557.jpeg> I counted at least 10 RVs just on Commercial St....too many to even fit on one camera frame. Andthat's not even counting the ones all overTransport and Industrial. Some of the RVs alsohave other supporting vehicles as noted in prioremail. The City of Palo Alto clearly doesn't care aboutbusinesses and would rather have the streets bean eyesore, sidewalks be unusable to walk on, andparking spots not be available to customers/clientsor employees. Warm regards, -- Marguerite Poyatos Palo Alto Glass, Inc. 4085 Transport StreetPalo Alto CA 94303 (650) 494-7000 (650) 494-7087 (FAX)<Safety on Industrial avenue.pdf> -- Marguerite PoyatosPalo Alto Glass, Inc. 4085 Transport Street Palo Alto CA 94303 (650) 494-7000 (650) 494-7087 (FAX) From:Marguerite Poyatos To:Maor Greenberg Cc:Dave Stellman; Patrick Kelly; Bill McLane; Gaines, Chantal; osbaldo@or-builders.com; Manu Kumar; Becchetti, Benjamin; Lester Wong; Cathi Lerch; DaveStellman; City Mgr; Moffatt, Pete; Jacob@onemovemovers.com; david@paloaltoconcrete.com; Steve Wong; RamonMorenoSchool@gmail.com;nancy@drewmaran.com; Dan McKinley; McDonough, Melissa; Reifschneider, James; Transportation; John Lerch; Binder, Andrew; Jade Jin; Xenia Czisch;City Attorney; Lauing, Ed; Lydia Kou; Veenker, Vicki; Council, City; Burt, Patrick; Stone, Greer; Lythcott-Haims, Julie Subject:Re: Industrial/Transport/Commercial Safety Date:Thursday, March 13, 2025 12:38:17 PM Attachments:email-signture_87b8d7a2-c4f4-4cbf-b474-af2f32118dd2.pngF_1bc77f31-68bf-4143-80ea-3f34f539ea07.pnginsta_26696304-1b39-4259-9776-9f137454bed9.pngyelp_e821c57e-caea-4e87-a5dd-5905e7ca4fb1.pngHouzz_7abe75ad-d6ee-48ac-943b-592713e31957.pngP_aece63f3-754b-4dca-a0a9-e93b94de4930.pnggoogle_04352117-2fb4-4963-bb3e-cc5317269360.png CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachmentsand clicking on links. The wooden RV seems to be a severe safety issue. A former coworker spoke to the man living in it a couple years ago andwas told there is a wood burning oven/stove inside the RV, which he uses. Seems like that could be a severe safety hazardnot only for the man residing in it, as well as for the surrounding RV's/vehicles & businesses if it were ever to catch fire. We have had to face a number of safety hazards on this street. It is unsafe for pedestrians. We have had attempted break insat night. We have been harassed by people associated with these RV's, as well as loose dogs, just to name a couple issues.Luckily, police officers do respond and try to help but there will be a time when they will be too late to prevent injury. The community officers coming through and putting notices on vehicles is nowhere near the solution needed for this area.The notices are thrown away and the vehicles rarely move. I believe this email string started in 2023 and we have hadminimal progress with the actual issues at hand. On Thu, Mar 13, 2025 at 12:19 PM Maor Greenberg <maor@greenberg.construction> wrote:City of palo alto!! please let me know how this is Legal for driving also come and clean the street as it’s not safe seeattached Maor Greenberg CEO maor@greenberg.construction | 650-610-7711 Greenberg.Construction | 650-600-9536 x101 | Fax 925-269-2325908 Industrial Ave, Palo Alto 94303 From: Dave Stellman <davestellman@gmail.com> Sent: Wednesday, March 12, 2025 10:56:09 AM To: Patrick Kelly <Patrick.Kelly@dmdsystems.com> Cc: Bill McLane <bill@paloaltoglass.com>; Marguerite Poyatos <MARGUERITE@paloaltoglass.com>; chantal.gaines@cityofpaloalto.org <chantal.gaines@cityofpaloalto.org>; osbaldo@or-builders.com <osbaldo@or-builders.com>; Manu Kumar <manu@k9ventures.com>; Benjamin Becchetti <Benjamin.Becchetti@cityofpaloalto.org>; Lester Wong <lwong@wongelectric.com>; Cathi Lerch <cathi@lerchconstruction.com>; Dave Stellman <dave@paloaltoglass.com>; City Mgr <CityMgr@cityofpaloalto.org>; Pete Moffatt <pete@petemoffat.com>; Jacob@onemovemovers.com <Jacob@onemovemovers.com>; david@paloaltoconcrete.com <david@paloaltoconcrete.com>; Steve Wong <swong@wongelectric.com>; RamonMorenoSchool@gmail.com <RamonMorenoSchool@gmail.com>; nancy@drewmaran.com <nancy@drewmaran.com>; Dan McKinley <danmck@scientific-equipment.com>; Melissa McDonough <Melissa.McDonough@cityofpaloalto.org>; James Reifschneider <james.reifschneider@cityofpaloalto.org>; Transportation <transportation@cityofpaloalto.org>; John Lerch <john@lerchconstruction.com>; Andrew Binder <Andrew.Binder@cityofpaloalto.org>; Jade Jin <JJin@wongelectric.com>; Xenia Czisch <Xenia@qmsshields.com>; City Attorney <city.attorney@cityofpaloalto.org>; Ed Lauing <Ed.Lauing@cityofpaloalto.org>; Lydia Kou <Lydia.Kou@cityofpaloalto.org>; Vicki Veenker <vicki.veenker@cityofpaloalto.org>; City Council <city.council@cityofpaloalto.org>; Patrick Burt <pat.burt@cityofpaloalto.org>; Greer Stone <Greer.Stone@cityofpaloalto.org>; Julie Lythcott-Haims <Julie.LythcottHaims@cityofpaloalto.org>; Maor Greenberg <maor@greenberg.construction> Subject: Re: Industrial/Transport/Commercial Safety What is it going to take for the city of Palo Alto to catch up to the rest of the country? A lawsuit when someone in ourneighborhood is injured because of the unsafe conditions that exist here? This email chain alone would be enoughevidence to show the city’s knowledge of the problem and inaction. With newly enacted laws giving cities the legal right to clean up our public spaces, local cities like Mountain View,Santa Clara and San Jose have already begun the process of relocating and housing these people that need it. Why notPalo Alto? Its not a money issue here, and even if it was, wouldn’t it be less costly to tow some vehicles and helprelocate them to a safer area than to pay the cost of litigation? We are asking the city to stop ignoring this issue before it becomes an even bigger problem. On Mar 12, 2025, at 9:17 AM, Patrick Kelly <Patrick.Kelly@dmdsystems.com> wrote:  Hi Ben, Please take action. The safety of our employees and locals is critical. Anyone walking or driving on Industrial/Transport/Commercial is constantly at risk. Every crosswalk and entry is a major risk for anyone walking the sidewalks or pulling into any of these facilities where illegally parked abandoned vehicles are encamped. The visibility is very poor and the reason there are height and length restrictions for these types of streets; There are There are illegally running generators with unsafe live electrical lines oftentimes in the sidewalk or even running across entryways There are collections of volatile liquids like gasoline and oil (environmental issues aside) that pose additional hazards to anyone in the vicinity Please let us know what you need from us to support your team in enforcing our city regulations in order to make our workplaces safer for our employees. Respectfully, Patrick Kelly | CIODMD Systems Recovery, LLC.C: 650.492.9003 patrick.kelly@dmdsystems.com | www.dmdsystems.com<Outlook-DMD Logo.png> <Outlook-larpkod1.png>Book time to meet with me From: Bill McLane <bill@paloaltoglass.com> Sent: Wednesday, February 5, 2025 12:39 PM To: Marguerite Poyatos <marguerite@paloaltoglass.com> Cc: Dave Stellman <davestellman@gmail.com>; chantal.gaines@cityofpaloalto.org <chantal.gaines@cityofpaloalto.org>; osbaldo@or-builders.com <osbaldo@or-builders.com>; Manu Kumar <manu@k9ventures.com>; Benjamin Becchetti <Benjamin.Becchetti@cityofpaloalto.org>; Lester Wong <lwong@wongelectric.com>; Cathi Lerch <cathi@lerchconstruction.com>; Dave Stellman <dave@paloaltoglass.com>; City Mgr <CityMgr@cityofpaloalto.org>; Pete Moffatt <pete@petemoffat.com>; Jacob@onemovemovers.com <Jacob@onemovemovers.com>; david@paloaltoconcrete.com <david@paloaltoconcrete.com>; Steve Wong <swong@wongelectric.com>; RamonMorenoSchool@gmail.com <RamonMorenoSchool@gmail.com>; nancy@drewmaran.com <nancy@drewmaran.com>; Patrick Kelly <Patrick.Kelly@dmdsystems.com>; Dan McKinley <danmck@scientific-equipment.com>; Melissa McDonough <Melissa.McDonough@cityofpaloalto.org>; James Reifschneider <James.Reifschneider@cityofpaloalto.org>; Transportation <Transportation@cityofpaloalto.org>; Patrick Kelly <Patrick.Kelly@dmdsystems.com>; John Lerch <john@lerchconstruction.com>; Andrew Binder <Andrew.Binder@cityofpaloalto.org>; Jade Jin <JJin@wongelectric.com>; Xenia Czisch <Xenia@qmsshields.com>; City Attorney <city.attorney@cityofpaloalto.org>; Ed Lauing <Ed.Lauing@cityofpaloalto.org>; Lydia Kou <Lydia.Kou@cityofpaloalto.org>; Vicki Veenker <Vicki.Veenker@cityofpaloalto.org>; City Council <city.council@cityofpaloalto.org>; Patrick Burt <Pat.Burt@cityofpaloalto.org>; Greer Stone <Greer.Stone@cityofpaloalto.org>; Julie Lythcott-Haims <Julie.LythcottHaims@cityofpaloalto.org>; Maor <maor@greenberg.construction> Subject: Re: Industrial/Transport/Commercial concerns A citation for double parking and expired tags is what is needed here. I’m positive that’s what the policewould do to me if I did the same. That is unless there are two separate sets of laws that govern the city ofPalo Alto and the state of California. Bill McLane ---------------------------------Palo Alto Glass, Inc. 4085 Transport Street Palo Alto, CA 94303 650-494-7000 Office www.paloaltoglass.com On Wed, Feb 5, 2025 at 10:13 AM Marguerite Poyatos <marguerite@paloaltoglass.com> wrote:Please see the attached image. The pictured RV & associated white truck pulled up over night. As pictured, they disregarded markedparking spots, which is one of the things that exacerbates our parking issue. A small car or motorcycle may fit there but in a commercial area where most vehicles are trucks, this doesnot help. Can you please send a community officer to leave notices on the RVs? I hope this doesn't come across aspetty, but every spot really does matter on this block. Employees of some businesses have to park in lotsthat belong to other businesses, which can create tension amongst neighbors. Thank you. On Sat, Dec 21, 2024 at 9:19 PM Dave Stellman <davestellman@gmail.com> wrote:The police also responded and were very helpful. Initially the people involved denied everything, butwhen I sent the videos to the officer and he showed it to them they admitted to dumping their RV waste. They were cited for misdemeanor illegal waste dumping and will be going to court. They were then toldto leave the area - and freed up two parking spaces. Thank you Palo Alto Police and Fire. Apparentlyreporting violations of every kind is what is going to have to be done on a regular basis if we want ourstreets cleaned up. On Dec 21, 2024, at 3:39 PM, Bill McLane <bill@paloaltoglass.com> wrote: Thank you, Dave! Bill McLane ---------------------------------Palo Alto Glass, Inc. 4085 Transport Street Palo Alto, CA 94303 650-494-7000 Office www.paloaltoglass.com On Sat, Dec 21, 2024 at 8:22 AM Dave Stellman <davestellman@gmail.com> wrote:I just called the hotline for Palo Alto for hazardous waste dumping and gave them all ofthis information including license numbers. These vehicles are still parked there.They aresending the fire department out to flush the street and these people better be heldaccountable. On Dec 21, 2024, at 7:56 AM, Bill McLane <bill@paloaltoglass.com> wrote: License plate of the accomplice<IMG_0142.jpeg> Bill McLane ---------------------------------Palo Alto Glass, Inc. 4085 Transport Street Palo Alto, CA 94303 650-494-7000 Office www.paloaltoglass.com On Sat, Dec 21, 2024 at 5:13 AM Bill McLane <bill@paloaltoglass.com>wrote: Still parked right across from my building. Note, NO rear license plate. I do think that is against the law. I do also have video of them driving up, proof of the vehicle operating on city streets. Do you think they have insurance? <image.png> Bill McLane ---------------------------------Palo Alto Glass, Inc. 4085 Transport Street Palo Alto, CA 94303 650-494-7000 Office www.paloaltoglass.com On Sat, Dec 21, 2024 at 4:54 AM Bill McLane <bill@paloaltoglass.com>wrote: Here, they are emptying their waste in front of my building. Bill McLane ---------------------------------Palo Alto Glass, Inc. 4085 Transport Street Palo Alto, CA 94303 650-494-7000 Office www.paloaltoglass.com On Fri, Dec 20, 2024 at 9:18 PM Dave Stellman<davestellman@gmail.com> wrote:Chantal, It looks like somehow most of the city council members, Vice Mayorand Mayor must have inadvertently been deleted from your last emailresponse. I have added them back in to make sure they stay apprised of thesituation. I hope it doesn't take the legal channels mentioned to startcleaning up our neighborhood immediately; this has gotten out ofcontrol and kicking the problem back and forth to different members ofyour city staff is not going to make it go away. Dave StellmanTransport St. On Fri, Dec 20, 2024 at 8:16 AM Maor Greenberg<maor@greenberg.construction> wrote: Dear Chantal, Your response, while detailed, fails to address the critical and ongoingviolations of law, public safety, and business rights in the area. The City ofPalo Alto has both the authority and obligation to take immediate and decisive action to protect its residents, businesses, and public spaces. Allowing illegally parked, unsafe, and hazardous RVs to persist is unacceptable and directlyviolates state and local regulations. Below are specific legal and factualchallenges to the City’s approach, along with demands for corrective action: 1. Illegally Parked and Unsafe RVs California Vehicle Code § 4000(a)(1) and Palo Alto Municipal Code §10.48.010 clearly require all vehicles parked on public streets to display validregistration. Many of the RVs in question lack valid registration, making their presence illegal. Further, under California Vehicle Code § 22651(o) and PAMC § 10.48.120, any vehicle unregistered for six months or more may be towed immediately. Additionally, vehicles with exposed sewage tanks, missing wheels, or otherstructural hazards are in direct violation of California Vehicle Code § 24002, which prohibits parking or operating vehicles in unsafe conditions. These RVs also create a public health hazard under California Health and Safety Code §117490, which prohibits improper disposal of waste and sewage. **2. Clarification Requested Regarding Unregistered Vehicles In light of your response, please confirm whether the City of Palo Altoallows unregistered vehicles to be driven on its streets. - I have some funvehicles I would love to order from Alibaba and drive them around PaloAlto... • California Vehicle Code § 4000(a)(1) expressly prohibits the operation ofunregistered vehicles. If these RVs are being moved every 72 hours as claimed, and they lack proper registration, their operation is illegal under state law. • Allowing unregistered vehicles to remain or operate within city limitsundermines traffic safety and compliance standards. This point must be clarified explicitly: Does the City of Palo Alto condonethe operation of unregistered vehicles? 3. Abuse of the 72-Hour Rule The City’s reliance on PAMC § 10.36.060 to justify the continued presence of these RVs is flawed. Surveillance footage and eyewitness accounts confirm thatmany RVs are circumventing the 72-hour rule by wiping off chalk markingsrather than physically moving. This is blatant non-compliance and underminesthe intent of the ordinance. Furthermore, California Vehicle Code § 22669 explicitly allows for the removal of vehicles that are “wrecked, dismantled, or inoperative,” even if theyare moved every 72 hours. The City has the authority to act, and failing to do sojeopardizes public safety and traffic flow. 4. Public Safety and Sanitation Violations The exposed sewage tanks, illegal dumping, and general neglect by these RVoccupants pose significant health and environmental risks. The City’s failure to enforce sanitation laws, such as California Health and Safety Code § 117490 and PAMC § 16.09.100, endangers residents, workers, and the environment. Additionally, blocking roadways and driveways is a clearviolation of California Vehicle Code § 22500, which prohibits parking thatobstructs traffic flow or access. 5. Impact on Businesses and Traffic Flow Businesses in the area are suffering due to blocked roadways, limited parkingfor customers, and safety concerns. Under California Vehicle Code § 21101(c) and PAMC § 10.48.120, the City has the authority to regulate parking to ensure the safety of businesses and residents. The City’s failure to allocate parking for business deliveries, customers, oreven emergency services is a gross dereliction of duty. Blocking roadways forlong periods creates safety hazards, violates municipal code, and disruptscommerce. Conclusion and Final Demands The City of Palo Alto has the legal authority and responsibility to act under the following regulations: • PAMC § 10.48.120: Authorizes the removal of unregistered vehicles. • California Vehicle Code § 22651(o): Allows towing of unregisteredvehicles. • California Vehicle Code § 22669: Mandates removal of inoperative vehicles. • California Health and Safety Code § 117490: Prohibits illegal wastedisposal. • California Vehicle Code § 21101(c): Permits parking restrictions to ensuresafety. We demand the immediate implementation of the following measures: 1. Impound all unregistered, unsafe, or inoperative RVs within two weeks. 2. Establish designated loading zones and 2-hour parking areas nearbusinesses. 3. Conduct regular sanitation inspections and impose penalties for violations. 4. Provide a clear timeline for resolution and enforcement updates. The continued failure to act exposes the City to liability for neglecting publichealth and safety under California Government Code § 815.6, which requiresmunicipalities to perform mandatory duties. We expect a formal response with a clear action plan within 14 days. If no satisfactory action is taken, we reserve the right to escalate this matter through legal channels to protect our businesses, employees, and the community. Maor Greenberg CEO maor@greenberg.construction | 650-610-7711 Greenberg.Construction | 650-600-9536 x101 | Fax 925-269-2325908 Industrial Ave, Palo Alto 94303 <F_1bc77f31-68bf-4143- <email-signture_87b8d7a2-c4f4-4cbf-b474-af2f32118dd2.png> 80ea-3f34f539ea07.png> <insta_26696304-1b39-4259-9776-9f137454bed9.png> <yelp_e821c57e-caea-4e87-a5dd-5905e7ca4fb1.png> <Houzz_7abe75ad-d6ee-48ac-943b-592713e31957.png> <P_aece63f3-754b-4dca-a0a9-e93b94de4930.png> <google_04352117-2fb4-4963-bb3e-cc5317269360.png> From: Gaines, Chantal <Chantal.Gaines@CityofPaloAlto.org> Date: Friday, December 20, 2024 at 7:12 AM To: Maor Greenberg <maor@greenberg.construction>, Marguerite Poyatos <marguerite@paloaltoglass.com>, osbaldo@or- builders.com <osbaldo@or-builders.com> Cc: Bill McLane <bill@paloaltoglass.com>, Dave Stellman <davestellman@gmail.com>, Manu Kumar <manu@k9ventures.com>, Becchetti, Benjamin <Benjamin.Becchetti@CityofPaloAlto.org>, Lester Wong <lwong@wongelectric.com>, Cathi Lerch <cathi@lerchconstruction.com>, Dave Stellman <dave@paloaltoglass.com>, City Mgr <CityMgr@cityofpaloalto.org>, Moffatt, Pete <pete@petemoffat.com>, Jacob@onemovemovers.com <Jacob@onemovemovers.com>, david@paloaltoconcrete.com <david@paloaltoconcrete.com>, Steve Wong <swong@wongelectric.com>, RamonMorenoSchool@gmail.com <RamonMorenoSchool@gmail.com>, nancy@drewmaran.com <nancy@drewmaran.com>, Patrick Kelly <patrick.kelly@basketmaterials.com>, Dan McKinley <danmck@scientific-equipment.com>, McDonough, Melissa <Melissa.McDonough@CityofPaloAlto.org>, Reifschneider, James <James.Reifschneider@CityofPaloAlto.org>, Transportation <Transportation@CityofPaloAlto.org>, Patrick Kelly <info@basketmaterials.com>, John Lerch <john@lerchconstruction.com>, Binder, Andrew <Andrew.Binder@CityofPaloAlto.org>, Jade Jin <JJin@wongelectric.com>, Xenia Czisch <Xenia@qmsshields.com>, City Attorney <city.attorney@CityofPaloAlto.org> Subject: RE: Industrial/Transport/Commercial concerns You don't often get email from chantal.gaines@cityofpaloalto.org. Learn why thisis important Hello everyone, Thank you for the emails and the time you all have spent to relay your concerns about the area surrounding your businesses. My name is Chantal and I’m the Deputy City Manager responding on behalf of the City Manager. I understand that you feel a lack of progress on the concerns you’ve identified. Through multiple City departments we are continuing to explore avenues to help mitigate those concerns being mindful of compliance with the federal Constitution and state laws, City resources, as well as providing respect to the humanity of the individuals experiencing homelessness.  As our Police Lieutenant mentioned, our enforcement largely consists of the efforts described below involving multiple City departments, including: Weekly markings for 72-hour violations from our Community Service Officers. These are required by law prior to issuing citations for the 72-hour violations. Weekly re-checks of those markings, followed by citations if vehicles are not moved. Checks of the area by traffic officers as well as patrol officers on a routine basis, consistently several times per week. Officers make personal contact with RV occupants to speak with them regarding complaints and concerns, offer services or seek alternative solutions (i.e., a small repair to fix a vehicle). Through our Community Services Department, had our Homeless Outreach Team attempt to speak with RV occupants to connect them to available resources. Of note, there are limited safe parking resources available countywide. Consulted with our Code Enforcement team to address any activity that falls under municipal code violations. We hear you that there are perhaps more RVs in the neighborhood than have been in the past. Some previous concerns, relayed through the Police Department, have been for dumping, visibility/safety issues, or other nuisance-type complaints. Officers have responded to investigate and determine if a violation has in fact occurred in response to those complaints. As the officer who issues the citation must attest to its legality, we trust their judgement to use their discretion when deciding to cite or not. It should be noted that the overwhelming majority of the RV’s are compliant with the 72-hour rule on a weekly basis according to our Police Department and their regular checks. RVs (and any other vehicle) are allowed to move and return to the exact same location under PAMC section 10.36.060. I asked the Police Department to examine the calls for service in your area since November 1st to look for additional complaints the Police Department might be able to address and to get an understanding of what they have responded to in your area. Officers responded to 29 calls for service between the 900 block of San Antonio, Commercial, Transport and Industrial Ave. Only 2 were reported complaints from a business about the RV’s. None of those 29 calls for service reported potential illegal behavior, such as illegal dumping, threatening or harassing behavior, or other criminal actions, on behalf of those working in the area. Most of those calls were self-initiated by the officers or calls from the RV occupants themselves. One of the calls, initiated by an RV occupant, reported suspicious persons that helped prevent a burglary to one of the businesses. Since early November, there have been several citations issued and one vehicle tow. I would encourage your employees to report, either online, through our non-emergency line (650-329-2413) or via 911, any behavior they feel is harassment, or potentially illegal or unsafe. The Police Department will continue to explore ideas such as additional collaboration with City departments, outside organizations and service providers, as well as nearby police departments whose actions can influence the issues felt in Palo Alto. We will also investigate the ability to perform street sweeping efforts and consult with our wastewater officials to address any cleanliness, illegal dumping and sanitation issues. The Police Department will be further assessing the vehicle code violations in the coming weeks to determine the necessity of removing some offending vehicles. Best, Chantal <image001.png>Chantal Cotton Gaines Deputy City Manager (650) 329-2572 | chantal.gaines@cityofpaloalto.org www.cityofpaloalto.org <image002.png> From: Maor Greenberg <maor@greenberg.construction> Sent: Tuesday, December 17, 2024 11:35 PM To: Marguerite Poyatos <marguerite@paloaltoglass.com>; osbaldo@or- builders.com Cc: Bill McLane <bill@paloaltoglass.com>; Dave Stellman <davestellman@gmail.com>; Manu Kumar <manu@k9ventures.com>; Becchetti, Benjamin <Benjamin.Becchetti@CityofPaloAlto.org>; Lester Wong <lwong@wongelectric.com>; Cathi Lerch <cathi@lerchconstruction.com>; Dave Stellman <dave@paloaltoglass.com>; City Mgr <CityMgr@cityofpaloalto.org>; Moffatt, Pete <pete@petemoffat.com>; Jacob@onemovemovers.com; david@paloaltoconcrete.com; Steve Wong <swong@wongelectric.com>; RamonMorenoSchool@gmail.com; nancy@drewmaran.com; Patrick Kelly <patrick.kelly@basketmaterials.com>; Dan McKinley <danmck@scientific- equipment.com>; McDonough, Melissa <Melissa.McDonough@CityofPaloAlto.org>; Reifschneider, James <James.Reifschneider@CityofPaloAlto.org>; Transportation <Transportation@CityofPaloAlto.org>; Patrick Kelly <info@basketmaterials.com>; John Lerch <john@lerchconstruction.com>; Tanaka, Greg <Greg.Tanaka@CityofPaloAlto.org>; Lauing, Ed <Ed.Lauing@CityofPaloAlto.org>; Kou, Lydia <Lydia.Kou@CityofPaloAlto.org>; Veenker, Vicki <Vicki.Veenker@CityofPaloAlto.org>; Binder, Andrew <Andrew.Binder@CityofPaloAlto.org>; Council, City <city.council@cityofpaloalto.org>; Burt, Patrick <Pat.Burt@CityofPaloAlto.org>; Stone, Greer <Greer.Stone@CityofPaloAlto.org>; Lythcott-Haims, Julie <Julie.LythcottHaims@CityofPaloAlto.org>; Jade Jin <JJin@wongelectric.com>; Xenia Czisch <Xenia@qmsshields.com>; City Attorney <city.attorney@CityofPaloAlto.org> Subject: Re: Industrial/Transport/Commercial concerns CAUTION: This email originated from outside of theorganization. Be cautious of opening attachments andclicking on links. Dear Molly (City Attorney) and All Copied City Officials, On behalf of the many businesses in the Commercial-Industrial-Transport Street area who are deeply frustrated with the persistent and escalating issues caused by illegally parked RVs, unregistered vehicles, and boats. This situation has reached a critical point, impacting not only our daily operations but also the safety, reputation, and economic health of our businesses. Impact on Businesses and Community 1. Safety and Sanitation Hazards:       •     Dumped bodily waste, debris, and hazardous conditions are becoming commonplace, creating significant health risks.       •     Aggressive behavior and intimidation from some vehicle occupants have been reported, making the area unsafe for employees and customers. 2. Operational Challenges:       •     Parking for employees, customers, and service vehicles is nearly nonexistent due to the occupation of public spaces by illegally parked vehicles.       •     Businesses are suffering tangible financial losses as customers avoid the area due to these conditions. 3. Lack of Enforcement:       •     Despite repeated citations and notices issued by Community Service and Special Problems Officers, there has been no meaningful resolution.       •     Violations of California Vehicle Code 4000(a)(1) VC (unregistered vehicles) and Vehicle Code 22651(o)(1) VC (impound authority for registration violations) are being ignored. Call for Immediate Action This is a collective appeal to the city and its representatives to act decisively to restore order in our community. We urge the city to prioritize: 1. Enforcement: Immediate towing and penalties for unregistered and illegally parked vehicles in alignment with state and local laws. 2. Comprehensive Solutions: A transparent and actionable plan to address these issues, including increased patrols, collaboration with businesses, and enforcement timelines. 3. Engagement: A commitment to working with affected businesses to ensure our concerns are heard and addressed effectively. Potential Legal Action The city’s ongoing inaction not only jeopardizes public safety and operational viability but also exposes it to potential legal consequences. Many businesses on this email chain are experiencing severe financial and reputational damages due to these unresolved issues. We cannot afford further delays. Thank you for your attention. <image003.png> Maor Greenberg CEO maor@greenberg.construction | 650-610-7711 Greenberg.Construction | 650-600-9536 x101 | Fax 925-269-2325 908 Industrial Ave, Palo Alto 94303 <image004.png> <image005.png> <image006.png> <image007.png> <image008.png> <image009.png> From: Marguerite Poyatos <marguerite@paloaltoglass.com> Date: Tuesday, December 17, 2024 at 10:29 AM To: osbaldo@or-builders.com <osbaldo@or-builders.com> Cc: Bill McLane <bill@paloaltoglass.com>, Dave Stellman <davestellman@gmail.com>, Manu Kumar <manu@k9ventures.com>, Benjamin Becchetti <Benjamin.Becchetti@cityofpaloalto.org>, Lester Wong <lwong@wongelectric.com>, Cathi Lerch <cathi@lerchconstruction.com>, Maor Greenberg <maor@greenberg.construction>, Dave Stellman <dave@paloaltoglass.com>, City Mgr <CityMgr@cityofpaloalto.org>, Pete Moffatt <pete@petemoffat.com>, Jacob@onemovemovers.com <Jacob@onemovemovers.com>, david@paloaltoconcrete.com <david@paloaltoconcrete.com>, Steve Wong <swong@wongelectric.com>, RamonMorenoSchool@gmail.com <RamonMorenoSchool@gmail.com>, nancy@drewmaran.com <nancy@drewmaran.com>, Patrick Kelly <patrick.kelly@basketmaterials.com>, Dan McKinley <danmck@scientific-equipment.com>, Melissa McDonough <Melissa.McDonough@cityofpaloalto.org>, James Reifschneider <James.Reifschneider@cityofpaloalto.org>, Transportation <transportation@cityofpaloalto.org>, Patrick Kelly <info@basketmaterials.com>, John Lerch <john@lerchconstruction.com>, Greg Tanaka <Greg.Tanaka@cityofpaloalto.org>, Ed Lauing <Ed.Lauing@cityofpaloalto.org>, Lydia Kou <Lydia.Kou@cityofpaloalto.org>, Vicki Veenker <Vicki.Veenker@cityofpaloalto.org>, Andrew Binder <andrew.binder@cityofpaloalto.org>, City Council <city.council@cityofpaloalto.org>, Patrick Burt <pat.burt@cityofpaloalto.org>, Greer Stone <Greer.Stone@cityofpaloalto.org>, Julie Lythcott-Haims <Julie.LythcottHaims@cityofpaloalto.org>, Jade Jin <JJin@wongelectric.com>, Xenia Czisch <Xenia@qmsshields.com> Subject: Re: Industrial/Transport/Commercial concerns You don't often get email from marguerite@paloaltoglass.com. Learn why this isimportant A community officer came by today. Not sure what was done other than inspecting the volume of vehicles on the street. It is pretty disheartening that there are 14 city employees/email addresses included in this email and we are getting no responses or acknowledgements from any of them. This seems to be just a community forum for us to air our grievances regarding the area we all work in rather than getting any sort of resolutions. For years now, the businesses in this area have dealt with a number of issues that are a direct result of the RVs residing on this street - dumped bodily waste, aggressive dogs, aggression/intimidation, amongst many others. We try to vigilant and call the non-emergency police line to confront situations. Officers will come out and at the very most, they will go and have a conversation with whoever it is that's causing issues. Then, nothing happens. We have had customers complain that they do not feel safe coming into this corner of Palo Alto. This is directly affecting Palo Alto businesses - many of which on this street provide important/critical types of service to residents, businesses, local government and schools in Palo Alto. Can we please get some help other than weekly notices stuck on windshields? On Tue, Dec 17, 2024 at 8:36 AM <osbaldo@or-builders.com> wrote: I agree 100 % The city of Palo A lot needs to have a solution for this please O.R. Builders Inc. Osbaldo Romero President 939 Industrial Ave Palo Alto, Ca. 94303 Phone: 650.938.2222 Fax: 650.938.2224 Cell: 415.215.6788 From: Bill McLane <bill@paloaltoglass.com> Sent: Tuesday, December 17, 2024 5:34 AM To: Dave Stellman <davestellman@gmail.com> Cc: Manu Kumar <manu@k9ventures.com>; Marguerite Poyatos <MARGUERITE@paloaltoglass.com>; Benjamin Becchetti <Benjamin.Becchetti@cityofpaloalto.org>; Lester Wong <lwong@wongelectric.com>; Cathi Lerch <cathi@lerchconstruction.com>; Maor Greenberg <maor@greenberg.construction>; Dave Stellman <dave@paloaltoglass.com>; City Mgr <CityMgr@cityofpaloalto.org>; osbaldo@or-builders.com; Pete Moffatt <pete@petemoffat.com>; Jacob@onemovemovers.com; david@paloaltoconcrete.com; Steve Wong <swong@wongelectric.com>; RamonMorenoSchool@gmail.com; nancy@drewmaran.com; Patrick Kelly <patrick.kelly@basketmaterials.com>; Dan McKinley <danmck@scientific-equipment.com>; Melissa McDonough <Melissa.McDonough@cityofpaloalto.org>; James Reifschneider <James.Reifschneider@cityofpaloalto.org>; Transportation <transportation@cityofpaloalto.org>; Patrick Kelly <info@basketmaterials.com>; John Lerch <john@lerchconstruction.com>; Greg Tanaka <Greg.Tanaka@cityofpaloalto.org>; Ed Lauing <Ed.Lauing@cityofpaloalto.org>; Lydia Kou <Lydia.Kou@cityofpaloalto.org>; Vicki Veenker <Vicki.Veenker@cityofpaloalto.org>; Andrew Binder <andrew.binder@cityofpaloalto.org>; City Council <city.council@cityofpaloalto.org>; Patrick Burt <pat.burt@cityofpaloalto.org>; Greer Stone <Greer.Stone@cityofpaloalto.org>; Julie Lythcott-Haims <Julie.LythcottHaims@cityofpaloalto.org>; Jade Jin <JJin@wongelectric.com>; Xenia Czisch <Xenia@qmsshields.com> Subject: Re: Industrial/Transport/Commercial concerns Out of curiosity, were this my personal vehicle or one of my company vehicles, how long would it take for the City of Palo Altoto either site me or tow me? This is ridiculous; our streets have now become storage for people's crap; sorry, no better way to state that. This boat is not someone's dwelling; neither are all the additional cars associatedwith each camper out here. If you can't do anything about thecampers, do something about the additional crap. Again, how quickly would the city respond if it were my car that was illegally parked out here? I implore everyone on this thread to continue this daily until something is done. Do better, City of Palo Alto. Bill McLane --------------------------------- Palo Alto Glass, Inc. 4085 Transport Street Palo Alto, CA 94303 650-494-7000 Office www.paloaltoglass.com On Mon, Dec 16, 2024 at 3:08 PM Dave Stellman <davestellman@gmail.com> wrote: This is ridiculous. The Supreme Court has given cities in the state of California more tools to crack down on homeless camps and illegally parked and stored vehicles. It’s time to clean up this mess in the Commercial - Industrial - Transport street area before it becomes even more of an eyesore than it is now. This is just not fair to owners and customers trying hard to do business here with NO AVAILABLE PARKING. Dave Stellman 4083 / 4085 Transport St. On Dec 16, 2024, at 1:42 PM, Manu Kumar <manu@k9ventures.com> wrote: Here are some pictures from my walk around theblock a week ago.. <IMG_1556.jpeg> <IMG_1557.jpeg> I counted at least 10 RVs just on Commercial St....too many to even fit on one camera frame. Andthat's not even counting the ones all overTransport and Industrial. Some of the RVs alsohave other supporting vehicles as noted in prioremail. The City of Palo Alto clearly doesn't care aboutbusinesses and would rather have the streets bean eyesore, sidewalks be unusable to walk on, andparking spots not be available to customers/clientsor employees. Warm regards, -- Marguerite PoyatosPalo Alto Glass, Inc. 4085 Transport Street Palo Alto CA 94303(650) 494-7000 (650) 494-7087 (FAX)<Safety on Industrial avenue.pdf> -- Marguerite Poyatos Palo Alto Glass, Inc.4085 Transport Street Palo Alto CA 94303 (650) 494-7000(650) 494-7087 (FAX) From:Maor Greenberg To:Dave Stellman; Patrick Kelly Cc:Bill McLane; Marguerite Poyatos; Gaines, Chantal; osbaldo@or-builders.com; Manu Kumar; Becchetti, Benjamin; Lester Wong; Cathi Lerch; DaveStellman; City Mgr; Moffatt, Pete; Jacob@onemovemovers.com; david@paloaltoconcrete.com; Steve Wong; RamonMorenoSchool@gmail.com;nancy@drewmaran.com; Dan McKinley; McDonough, Melissa; Reifschneider, James; Transportation; John Lerch; Binder, Andrew; Jade Jin; XeniaCzisch; City Attorney; Lauing, Ed; Lydia Kou; Veenker, Vicki; Council, City; Burt, Patrick; Stone, Greer; Lythcott-Haims, Julie Subject:Re: Industrial/Transport/Commercial Safety Date:Thursday, March 13, 2025 12:26:42 PM Attachments:email-signture_87b8d7a2-c4f4-4cbf-b474-af2f32118dd2.pngF_1bc77f31-68bf-4143-80ea-3f34f539ea07.pnginsta_26696304-1b39-4259-9776-9f137454bed9.pngyelp_e821c57e-caea-4e87-a5dd-5905e7ca4fb1.pngHouzz_7abe75ad-d6ee-48ac-943b-592713e31957.pngP_aece63f3-754b-4dca-a0a9-e93b94de4930.pnggoogle_04352117-2fb4-4963-bb3e-cc5317269360.png CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachmentsand clicking on links. City of palo alto!! please let me know how this is Legal for driving also come and clean the street as it’s not safe seeattached Maor Greenberg CEO maor@greenberg.construction | 650-610-7711 Greenberg.Construction | 650-600-9536 x101 | Fax 925-269-2325908 Industrial Ave, Palo Alto 94303 From: Dave Stellman <davestellman@gmail.com> Sent: Wednesday, March 12, 2025 10:56:09 AM To: Patrick Kelly <Patrick.Kelly@dmdsystems.com> Cc: Bill McLane <bill@paloaltoglass.com>; Marguerite Poyatos <MARGUERITE@paloaltoglass.com>; chantal.gaines@cityofpaloalto.org <chantal.gaines@cityofpaloalto.org>; osbaldo@or-builders.com <osbaldo@or-builders.com>; Manu Kumar <manu@k9ventures.com>; Benjamin Becchetti <Benjamin.Becchetti@cityofpaloalto.org>; Lester Wong <lwong@wongelectric.com>; Cathi Lerch <cathi@lerchconstruction.com>; Dave Stellman <dave@paloaltoglass.com>; City Mgr <CityMgr@cityofpaloalto.org>; Pete Moffatt <pete@petemoffat.com>; Jacob@onemovemovers.com <Jacob@onemovemovers.com>; david@paloaltoconcrete.com <david@paloaltoconcrete.com>; Steve Wong <swong@wongelectric.com>; RamonMorenoSchool@gmail.com <RamonMorenoSchool@gmail.com>; nancy@drewmaran.com <nancy@drewmaran.com>; Dan McKinley <danmck@scientific-equipment.com>; Melissa McDonough <Melissa.McDonough@cityofpaloalto.org>; James Reifschneider <james.reifschneider@cityofpaloalto.org>; Transportation <transportation@cityofpaloalto.org>; John Lerch <john@lerchconstruction.com>; Andrew Binder <Andrew.Binder@cityofpaloalto.org>; Jade Jin <JJin@wongelectric.com>; Xenia Czisch <Xenia@qmsshields.com>; City Attorney <city.attorney@cityofpaloalto.org>; Ed Lauing <Ed.Lauing@cityofpaloalto.org>; Lydia Kou <Lydia.Kou@cityofpaloalto.org>; Vicki Veenker <vicki.veenker@cityofpaloalto.org>; City Council <city.council@cityofpaloalto.org>; Patrick Burt <pat.burt@cityofpaloalto.org>; Greer Stone <Greer.Stone@cityofpaloalto.org>; Julie Lythcott-Haims <Julie.LythcottHaims@cityofpaloalto.org>; Maor Greenberg <maor@greenberg.construction> Subject: Re: Industrial/Transport/Commercial Safety What is it going to take for the city of Palo Alto to catch up to the rest of the country? A lawsuit when someone in ourneighborhood is injured because of the unsafe conditions that exist here? This email chain alone would be enoughevidence to show the city’s knowledge of the problem and inaction. With newly enacted laws giving cities the legal right to clean up our public spaces, local cities like Mountain View,Santa Clara and San Jose have already begun the process of relocating and housing these people that need it. Why notPalo Alto? Its not a money issue here, and even if it was, wouldn’t it be less costly to tow some vehicles and helprelocate them to a safer area than to pay the cost of litigation? We are asking the city to stop ignoring this issue before it becomes an even bigger problem. On Mar 12, 2025, at 9:17 AM, Patrick Kelly <Patrick.Kelly@dmdsystems.com> wrote:  Hi Ben, Please take action. The safety of our employees and locals is critical. Anyone walking or driving on Industrial/Transport/Commercial is constantly at risk. Every crosswalk and entry is a major risk for anyone walking the sidewalks or pulling into any of these facilities where illegally parked abandoned vehicles are encamped. The visibility is very poor and the reason there are height and length restrictions for these types of streets; There are There are illegally running generators with unsafe live electrical lines oftentimes in the sidewalk or even running across entryways There are collections of volatile liquids like gasoline and oil (environmental issues aside) that pose additional hazards to anyone in the vicinity Please let us know what you need from us to support your team in enforcing our city regulations in order to make our workplaces safer for our employees. Respectfully, Patrick Kelly | CIODMD Systems Recovery, LLC.C: 650.492.9003 patrick.kelly@dmdsystems.com | www.dmdsystems.com<Outlook-DMD Logo.png> <Outlook-larpkod1.png>Book time to meet with me From: Bill McLane <bill@paloaltoglass.com> Sent: Wednesday, February 5, 2025 12:39 PM To: Marguerite Poyatos <marguerite@paloaltoglass.com> Cc: Dave Stellman <davestellman@gmail.com>; chantal.gaines@cityofpaloalto.org <chantal.gaines@cityofpaloalto.org>; osbaldo@or-builders.com <osbaldo@or-builders.com>; Manu Kumar <manu@k9ventures.com>; Benjamin Becchetti <Benjamin.Becchetti@cityofpaloalto.org>; Lester Wong <lwong@wongelectric.com>; Cathi Lerch <cathi@lerchconstruction.com>; Dave Stellman <dave@paloaltoglass.com>; City Mgr <CityMgr@cityofpaloalto.org>; Pete Moffatt <pete@petemoffat.com>; Jacob@onemovemovers.com <Jacob@onemovemovers.com>; david@paloaltoconcrete.com <david@paloaltoconcrete.com>; Steve Wong <swong@wongelectric.com>; RamonMorenoSchool@gmail.com <RamonMorenoSchool@gmail.com>; nancy@drewmaran.com <nancy@drewmaran.com>; Patrick Kelly <Patrick.Kelly@dmdsystems.com>; Dan McKinley <danmck@scientific-equipment.com>; Melissa McDonough <Melissa.McDonough@cityofpaloalto.org>; James Reifschneider <James.Reifschneider@cityofpaloalto.org>; Transportation <Transportation@cityofpaloalto.org>; Patrick Kelly <Patrick.Kelly@dmdsystems.com>; John Lerch <john@lerchconstruction.com>; Andrew Binder <Andrew.Binder@cityofpaloalto.org>; Jade Jin <JJin@wongelectric.com>; Xenia Czisch <Xenia@qmsshields.com>; City Attorney <city.attorney@cityofpaloalto.org>; Ed Lauing <Ed.Lauing@cityofpaloalto.org>; Lydia Kou <Lydia.Kou@cityofpaloalto.org>; Vicki Veenker <Vicki.Veenker@cityofpaloalto.org>; City Council <city.council@cityofpaloalto.org>; Patrick Burt <Pat.Burt@cityofpaloalto.org>; Greer Stone <Greer.Stone@cityofpaloalto.org>; Julie Lythcott-Haims <Julie.LythcottHaims@cityofpaloalto.org>; Maor <maor@greenberg.construction> Subject: Re: Industrial/Transport/Commercial concerns A citation for double parking and expired tags is what is needed here. I’m positive that’s what the policewould do to me if I did the same. That is unless there are two separate sets of laws that govern the city ofPalo Alto and the state of California. Bill McLane ---------------------------------Palo Alto Glass, Inc. 4085 Transport Street Palo Alto, CA 94303 650-494-7000 Office www.paloaltoglass.com On Wed, Feb 5, 2025 at 10:13 AM Marguerite Poyatos <marguerite@paloaltoglass.com> wrote:Please see the attached image. The pictured RV & associated white truck pulled up over night. As pictured, they disregarded markedparking spots, which is one of the things that exacerbates our parking issue. A small car or motorcycle may fit there but in a commercial area where most vehicles are trucks, this doesnot help. Can you please send a community officer to leave notices on the RVs? I hope this doesn't come across aspetty, but every spot really does matter on this block. Employees of some businesses have to park in lotsthat belong to other businesses, which can create tension amongst neighbors. Thank you. On Sat, Dec 21, 2024 at 9:19 PM Dave Stellman <davestellman@gmail.com> wrote:The police also responded and were very helpful. Initially the people involved denied everything, butwhen I sent the videos to the officer and he showed it to them they admitted to dumping their RV waste. They were cited for misdemeanor illegal waste dumping and will be going to court. They were then toldto leave the area - and freed up two parking spaces. Thank you Palo Alto Police and Fire. Apparentlyreporting violations of every kind is what is going to have to be done on a regular basis if we want ourstreets cleaned up. On Dec 21, 2024, at 3:39 PM, Bill McLane <bill@paloaltoglass.com> wrote: Thank you, Dave! Bill McLane ---------------------------------Palo Alto Glass, Inc. 4085 Transport Street Palo Alto, CA 94303 650-494-7000 Office www.paloaltoglass.com On Sat, Dec 21, 2024 at 8:22 AM Dave Stellman <davestellman@gmail.com> wrote:I just called the hotline for Palo Alto for hazardous waste dumping and gave them all ofthis information including license numbers. These vehicles are still parked there.They aresending the fire department out to flush the street and these people better be heldaccountable. On Dec 21, 2024, at 7:56 AM, Bill McLane <bill@paloaltoglass.com> wrote: License plate of the accomplice <IMG_0142.jpeg> Bill McLane ---------------------------------Palo Alto Glass, Inc. 4085 Transport Street Palo Alto, CA 94303 650-494-7000 Office www.paloaltoglass.com On Sat, Dec 21, 2024 at 5:13 AM Bill McLane <bill@paloaltoglass.com>wrote: Still parked right across from my building. Note, NO rear license plate. I do think that is against the law. I do also have video of them driving up, proof of the vehicle operating on city streets. Do you think they have insurance? <image.png> Bill McLane ---------------------------------Palo Alto Glass, Inc. 4085 Transport Street Palo Alto, CA 94303 650-494-7000 Office www.paloaltoglass.com On Sat, Dec 21, 2024 at 4:54 AM Bill McLane <bill@paloaltoglass.com>wrote: Here, they are emptying their waste in front of my building. Bill McLane ---------------------------------Palo Alto Glass, Inc. 4085 Transport Street Palo Alto, CA 94303 650-494-7000 Office www.paloaltoglass.com On Fri, Dec 20, 2024 at 9:18 PM Dave Stellman<davestellman@gmail.com> wrote:Chantal, It looks like somehow most of the city council members, Vice Mayorand Mayor must have inadvertently been deleted from your last emailresponse. I have added them back in to make sure they stay apprised of thesituation. I hope it doesn't take the legal channels mentioned to startcleaning up our neighborhood immediately; this has gotten out ofcontrol and kicking the problem back and forth to different members ofyour city staff is not going to make it go away. Dave StellmanTransport St. On Fri, Dec 20, 2024 at 8:16 AM Maor Greenberg<maor@greenberg.construction> wrote: Dear Chantal, Your response, while detailed, fails to address the critical and ongoingviolations of law, public safety, and business rights in the area. The City ofPalo Alto has both the authority and obligation to take immediate and decisiveaction to protect its residents, businesses, and public spaces. Allowing illegallyparked, unsafe, and hazardous RVs to persist is unacceptable and directlyviolates state and local regulations. Below are specific legal and factualchallenges to the City’s approach, along with demands for corrective action: 1. Illegally Parked and Unsafe RVs California Vehicle Code § 4000(a)(1) and Palo Alto Municipal Code § 10.48.010 clearly require all vehicles parked on public streets to display valid registration. Many of the RVs in question lack valid registration, making their presence illegal. Further, under California Vehicle Code § 22651(o) and PAMC § 10.48.120, any vehicle unregistered for six months or more may be towed immediately. Additionally, vehicles with exposed sewage tanks, missing wheels, or other structural hazards are in direct violation of California Vehicle Code § 24002, which prohibits parking or operating vehicles in unsafe conditions. These RVs also create a public health hazard under California Health and Safety Code § 117490, which prohibits improper disposal of waste and sewage. **2. Clarification Requested Regarding Unregistered Vehicles In light of your response, please confirm whether the City of Palo Altoallows unregistered vehicles to be driven on its streets. - I have some funvehicles I would love to order from Alibaba and drive them around PaloAlto... • California Vehicle Code § 4000(a)(1) expressly prohibits the operation of unregistered vehicles. If these RVs are being moved every 72 hours as claimed, and they lack proper registration, their operation is illegal under state law. • Allowing unregistered vehicles to remain or operate within city limits undermines traffic safety and compliance standards. This point must be clarified explicitly: Does the City of Palo Alto condonethe operation of unregistered vehicles? 3. Abuse of the 72-Hour Rule The City’s reliance on PAMC § 10.36.060 to justify the continued presence ofthese RVs is flawed. Surveillance footage and eyewitness accounts confirm thatmany RVs are circumventing the 72-hour rule by wiping off chalk markingsrather than physically moving. This is blatant non-compliance and underminesthe intent of the ordinance. Furthermore, California Vehicle Code § 22669 explicitly allows for theremoval of vehicles that are “wrecked, dismantled, or inoperative,” even if theyare moved every 72 hours. The City has the authority to act, and failing to do sojeopardizes public safety and traffic flow. 4. Public Safety and Sanitation Violations The exposed sewage tanks, illegal dumping, and general neglect by these RVoccupants pose significant health and environmental risks. The City’s failure toenforce sanitation laws, such as California Health and Safety Code §117490 and PAMC § 16.09.100, endangers residents, workers, and theenvironment. Additionally, blocking roadways and driveways is a clearviolation of California Vehicle Code § 22500, which prohibits parking thatobstructs traffic flow or access. 5. Impact on Businesses and Traffic Flow Businesses in the area are suffering due to blocked roadways, limited parkingfor customers, and safety concerns. Under California Vehicle Code §21101(c) and PAMC § 10.48.120, the City has the authority to regulate parkingto ensure the safety of businesses and residents. The City’s failure to allocate parking for business deliveries, customers, oreven emergency services is a gross dereliction of duty. Blocking roadways forlong periods creates safety hazards, violates municipal code, and disruptscommerce. Conclusion and Final Demands The City of Palo Alto has the legal authority and responsibility to act under the following regulations: • PAMC § 10.48.120: Authorizes the removal of unregistered vehicles. • California Vehicle Code § 22651(o): Allows towing of unregisteredvehicles. • California Vehicle Code § 22669: Mandates removal of inoperativevehicles. • California Health and Safety Code § 117490: Prohibits illegal wastedisposal. • California Vehicle Code § 21101(c): Permits parking restrictions to ensuresafety. We demand the immediate implementation of the following measures: 1. Impound all unregistered, unsafe, or inoperative RVs within two weeks. 2. Establish designated loading zones and 2-hour parking areas nearbusinesses. 3. Conduct regular sanitation inspections and impose penalties forviolations. 4. Provide a clear timeline for resolution and enforcement updates. The continued failure to act exposes the City to liability for neglecting publichealth and safety under California Government Code § 815.6, which requires municipalities to perform mandatory duties. We expect a formal response with a clear action plan within 14 days. If no satisfactory action is taken, we reserve the right to escalate this matter through legal channels to protect our businesses, employees, and the community. <email-signture_87b8d7a2-c4f4-4cbf-b474-af2f32118dd2.png> Maor GreenbergCEO maor@greenberg.construction | 650-610-7711 Greenberg.Construction | 650-600-9536 x101 | Fax 925-269-2325908 Industrial Ave, Palo Alto 94303 <F_1bc77f31-68bf-4143-80ea-3f34f539ea07.png> <insta_26696304-1b39-4259-9776-9f137454bed9.png> <yelp_e821c57e-caea-4e87-a5dd-5905e7ca4fb1.png> <Houzz_7abe75ad-d6ee-48ac- 943b-592713e31957.png> <P_aece63f3-754b-4dca-a0a9-e93b94de4930.png> <google_04352117-2fb4-4963-bb3e-cc5317269360.png> From: Gaines, Chantal <Chantal.Gaines@CityofPaloAlto.org> Date: Friday, December 20, 2024 at 7:12 AM To: Maor Greenberg <maor@greenberg.construction>, Marguerite Poyatos <marguerite@paloaltoglass.com>, osbaldo@or- builders.com <osbaldo@or-builders.com> Cc: Bill McLane <bill@paloaltoglass.com>, Dave Stellman <davestellman@gmail.com>, Manu Kumar <manu@k9ventures.com>, Becchetti, Benjamin <Benjamin.Becchetti@CityofPaloAlto.org>, Lester Wong <lwong@wongelectric.com>, Cathi Lerch <cathi@lerchconstruction.com>, Dave Stellman <dave@paloaltoglass.com>, City Mgr <CityMgr@cityofpaloalto.org>, Moffatt, Pete <pete@petemoffat.com>, Jacob@onemovemovers.com <Jacob@onemovemovers.com>, david@paloaltoconcrete.com <david@paloaltoconcrete.com>, Steve Wong <swong@wongelectric.com>, RamonMorenoSchool@gmail.com <RamonMorenoSchool@gmail.com>, nancy@drewmaran.com <nancy@drewmaran.com>, Patrick Kelly <patrick.kelly@basketmaterials.com>, Dan McKinley <danmck@scientific-equipment.com>, McDonough, Melissa <Melissa.McDonough@CityofPaloAlto.org>, Reifschneider, James <James.Reifschneider@CityofPaloAlto.org>, Transportation <Transportation@CityofPaloAlto.org>, Patrick Kelly <info@basketmaterials.com>, John Lerch <john@lerchconstruction.com>, Binder, Andrew <Andrew.Binder@CityofPaloAlto.org>, Jade Jin <JJin@wongelectric.com>, Xenia Czisch <Xenia@qmsshields.com>, City Attorney <city.attorney@CityofPaloAlto.org> Subject: RE: Industrial/Transport/Commercial concerns You don't often get email from chantal.gaines@cityofpaloalto.org. Learn why thisis important Hello everyone, Thank you for the emails and the time you all have spent to relay your concerns about the area surrounding your businesses. My name is Chantal and I’m the Deputy City Manager responding on behalf of the City Manager. I understand that you feel a lack of progress on the concerns you’ve identified. Through multiple City departments we are continuing to explore avenues to help mitigate those concerns being mindful of compliance with the federal Constitution and state laws, City resources, as well as providing respect to the humanity of the individuals experiencing homelessness.  As our Police Lieutenant mentioned, our enforcement largely consists of the efforts described below involving multiple City departments, including: Weekly markings for 72-hour violations from our Community Service Officers. These are required by law prior to issuing citations for the 72-hour violations. Weekly re-checks of those markings, followed by citations if vehicles are not moved. Checks of the area by traffic officers as well as patrol officers on a routine basis, consistently several times per week. Officers make personal contact with RV occupants to speak with them regarding complaints and concerns, offer services or seek alternative solutions (i.e., a small repair to fix a vehicle). Through our Community Services Department, had our Homeless Outreach Team attempt to speak with RV occupants to connect them to available resources. Of note, there are limited safe parking resources available countywide. Consulted with our Code Enforcement team to address any activity that falls under municipal code violations. We hear you that there are perhaps more RVs in the neighborhood than have been in the past. Some previous concerns, relayed through the Police Department, have been for dumping, visibility/safety issues, or other nuisance-type complaints. Officers have responded to investigate and determine if a violation has in fact occurred in response to those complaints. As the officer who issues the citation must attest to its legality, we trust their judgement to use their discretion when deciding to cite or not. It should be noted that the overwhelming majority of the RV’s are compliant with the 72-hour rule on a weekly basis according to our Police Department and their regular checks. RVs (and any other vehicle) are allowed to move and return to the exact same location under PAMC section 10.36.060. I asked the Police Department to examine the calls for service in your area since November 1st to look for additional complaints the Police Department might be able to address and to get an understanding of what they have responded to in your area. Officers responded to 29 calls for service between the 900 block of San Antonio, Commercial, Transport and Industrial Ave. Only 2 were reported complaints from a business about the RV’s. None of those 29 calls for service reported potential illegal behavior, such as illegal dumping, threatening or harassing behavior, or other criminal actions, on behalf of those working in the area. Most of those calls were self-initiated by the officers or calls from the RV occupants themselves. One of the calls, initiated by an RV occupant, reported suspicious persons that helped prevent a burglary to one of the businesses. Since early November, there have been several citations issued and one vehicle tow. I would encourage your employees to report, either online, through our non-emergency line (650-329-2413) or via 911, any behavior they feel is harassment, or potentially illegal or unsafe. The Police Department will continue to explore ideas such as additional collaboration with City departments, outside organizations and service providers, as well as nearby police departments whose actions can influence the issues felt in Palo Alto. We will also investigate the ability to perform street sweeping efforts and consult with our wastewater officials to address any cleanliness, illegal dumping and sanitation issues. The Police Department will be further assessing the vehicle code violations in the coming weeks to determine the necessity of removing some offending vehicles. Best, Chantal <image001.png>Chantal Cotton Gaines Deputy City Manager (650) 329-2572 | chantal.gaines@cityofpaloalto.org www.cityofpaloalto.org <image002.png> From: Maor Greenberg <maor@greenberg.construction> Sent: Tuesday, December 17, 2024 11:35 PM To: Marguerite Poyatos <marguerite@paloaltoglass.com>; osbaldo@or- builders.com Cc: Bill McLane <bill@paloaltoglass.com>; Dave Stellman <davestellman@gmail.com>; Manu Kumar <manu@k9ventures.com>; Becchetti, Benjamin <Benjamin.Becchetti@CityofPaloAlto.org>; Lester Wong <lwong@wongelectric.com>; Cathi Lerch <cathi@lerchconstruction.com>; Dave Stellman <dave@paloaltoglass.com>; City Mgr <CityMgr@cityofpaloalto.org>; Moffatt, Pete <pete@petemoffat.com>; Jacob@onemovemovers.com; david@paloaltoconcrete.com; Steve Wong <swong@wongelectric.com>; RamonMorenoSchool@gmail.com; nancy@drewmaran.com; Patrick Kelly <patrick.kelly@basketmaterials.com>; Dan McKinley <danmck@scientific- equipment.com>; McDonough, Melissa <Melissa.McDonough@CityofPaloAlto.org>; Reifschneider, James <James.Reifschneider@CityofPaloAlto.org>; Transportation <Transportation@CityofPaloAlto.org>; Patrick Kelly <info@basketmaterials.com>; John Lerch <john@lerchconstruction.com>; Tanaka, Greg <Greg.Tanaka@CityofPaloAlto.org>; Lauing, Ed <Ed.Lauing@CityofPaloAlto.org>; Kou, Lydia <Lydia.Kou@CityofPaloAlto.org>; Veenker, Vicki <Vicki.Veenker@CityofPaloAlto.org>; Binder, Andrew <Andrew.Binder@CityofPaloAlto.org>; Council, City <city.council@cityofpaloalto.org>; Burt, Patrick <Pat.Burt@CityofPaloAlto.org>; Stone, Greer <Greer.Stone@CityofPaloAlto.org>; Lythcott-Haims, Julie <Julie.LythcottHaims@CityofPaloAlto.org>; Jade Jin <JJin@wongelectric.com>; Xenia Czisch <Xenia@qmsshields.com>; City Attorney <city.attorney@CityofPaloAlto.org> Subject: Re: Industrial/Transport/Commercial concerns CAUTION: This email originated from outside of theorganization. Be cautious of opening attachments andclicking on links. Dear Molly (City Attorney) and All Copied City Officials, On behalf of the many businesses in the Commercial-Industrial-Transport Street area who are deeply frustrated with the persistent and escalating issues caused by illegally parked RVs, unregistered vehicles, and boats. This situation has reached a critical point, impacting not only our daily operations but also the safety, reputation, and economic health of our businesses. Impact on Businesses and Community 1. Safety and Sanitation Hazards:       •     Dumped bodily waste, debris, and hazardous conditions are becoming commonplace, creating significant health risks. • Aggressive behavior and intimidation from some vehicle occupants have been reported, making the area unsafe for employees and customers. 2. Operational Challenges:       •     Parking for employees, customers, and service vehicles is nearly nonexistent due to the occupation of public spaces by illegally parked vehicles.       •     Businesses are suffering tangible financial losses as customers avoid the area due to these conditions. 3. Lack of Enforcement:       •     Despite repeated citations and notices issued by Community Service and Special Problems Officers, there has been no meaningful resolution.       •     Violations of California Vehicle Code 4000(a)(1) VC (unregistered vehicles) and Vehicle Code 22651(o)(1) VC (impound authority for registration violations) are being ignored. Call for Immediate Action This is a collective appeal to the city and its representatives to act decisively to restore order in our community. We urge the city to prioritize: 1. Enforcement: Immediate towing and penalties for unregistered and illegally parked vehicles in alignment with state and local laws. 2. Comprehensive Solutions: A transparent and actionable plan to address these issues, including increased patrols, collaboration with businesses, and enforcement timelines. 3. Engagement: A commitment to working with affected businesses to ensure our concerns are heard and addressed effectively. Potential Legal Action The city’s ongoing inaction not only jeopardizes public safety and operational viability but also exposes it to potential legal consequences. Many businesses on this email chain are experiencing severe financial and reputational damages due to these unresolved issues. We cannot afford further delays. Thank you for your attention. Maor Greenberg CEO <image003.png> maor@greenberg.construction | 650-610-7711 Greenberg.Construction | 650-600-9536 x101 | Fax 925-269-2325 908 Industrial Ave, Palo Alto 94303 <image004.png> <image005.png> <image006.png> <image007.png> <image008.png> <image009.png> From: Marguerite Poyatos <marguerite@paloaltoglass.com> Date: Tuesday, December 17, 2024 at 10:29 AM To: osbaldo@or-builders.com <osbaldo@or-builders.com> Cc: Bill McLane <bill@paloaltoglass.com>, Dave Stellman <davestellman@gmail.com>, Manu Kumar <manu@k9ventures.com>, Benjamin Becchetti <Benjamin.Becchetti@cityofpaloalto.org>, Lester Wong <lwong@wongelectric.com>, Cathi Lerch <cathi@lerchconstruction.com>, Maor Greenberg <maor@greenberg.construction>, Dave Stellman <dave@paloaltoglass.com>, City Mgr <CityMgr@cityofpaloalto.org>, Pete Moffatt <pete@petemoffat.com>, Jacob@onemovemovers.com <Jacob@onemovemovers.com>, david@paloaltoconcrete.com <david@paloaltoconcrete.com>, Steve Wong <swong@wongelectric.com>, RamonMorenoSchool@gmail.com <RamonMorenoSchool@gmail.com>, nancy@drewmaran.com <nancy@drewmaran.com>, Patrick Kelly <patrick.kelly@basketmaterials.com>, Dan McKinley <danmck@scientific-equipment.com>, Melissa McDonough <Melissa.McDonough@cityofpaloalto.org>, James Reifschneider <James.Reifschneider@cityofpaloalto.org>, Transportation <transportation@cityofpaloalto.org>, Patrick Kelly <info@basketmaterials.com>, John Lerch <john@lerchconstruction.com>, Greg Tanaka <Greg.Tanaka@cityofpaloalto.org>, Ed Lauing <Ed.Lauing@cityofpaloalto.org>, Lydia Kou <Lydia.Kou@cityofpaloalto.org>, Vicki Veenker <Vicki.Veenker@cityofpaloalto.org>, Andrew Binder <andrew.binder@cityofpaloalto.org>, City Council <city.council@cityofpaloalto.org>, Patrick Burt <pat.burt@cityofpaloalto.org>, Greer Stone <Greer.Stone@cityofpaloalto.org>, Julie Lythcott-Haims <Julie.LythcottHaims@cityofpaloalto.org>, Jade Jin <JJin@wongelectric.com>, Xenia Czisch <Xenia@qmsshields.com> Subject: Re: Industrial/Transport/Commercial concerns You don't often get email from marguerite@paloaltoglass.com. Learn why this is important A community officer came by today. Not sure what was done other than inspecting the volume of vehicles on the street. It is pretty disheartening that there are 14 city employees/email addresses included in this email and we are getting no responses or acknowledgements from any of them. This seems to be just a community forum for us to air our grievances regarding the area we all work in rather than getting any sort of resolutions. For years now, the businesses in this area have dealt with a number of issues that are a direct result of the RVs residing on this street - dumped bodily waste, aggressive dogs, aggression/intimidation, amongst many others. We try to vigilant and call the non-emergency police line to confront situations. Officers will come out and at the very most, they will go and have a conversation with whoever it is that's causing issues. Then, nothing happens. We have had customers complain that they do not feel safe coming into this corner of Palo Alto. This is directly affecting Palo Alto businesses - many of which on this street provide important/critical types of service to residents, businesses, local government and schools in Palo Alto. Can we please get some help other than weekly notices stuck on windshields? On Tue, Dec 17, 2024 at 8:36 AM <osbaldo@or-builders.com> wrote: I agree 100 % The city of Palo A lot needs to have a solution for this please O.R. Builders Inc. Osbaldo Romero President 939 Industrial Ave Palo Alto, Ca. 94303 Phone: 650.938.2222 Fax: 650.938.2224 Cell: 415.215.6788 From: Bill McLane <bill@paloaltoglass.com> Sent: Tuesday, December 17, 2024 5:34 AM To: Dave Stellman <davestellman@gmail.com> Cc: Manu Kumar <manu@k9ventures.com>; Marguerite Poyatos <MARGUERITE@paloaltoglass.com>; Benjamin Becchetti <Benjamin.Becchetti@cityofpaloalto.org>; Lester Wong <lwong@wongelectric.com>; Cathi Lerch <cathi@lerchconstruction.com>; Maor Greenberg <maor@greenberg.construction>; Dave Stellman <dave@paloaltoglass.com>; City Mgr <CityMgr@cityofpaloalto.org>; osbaldo@or-builders.com; Pete Moffatt <pete@petemoffat.com>; Jacob@onemovemovers.com; david@paloaltoconcrete.com; Steve Wong <swong@wongelectric.com>; RamonMorenoSchool@gmail.com; nancy@drewmaran.com; Patrick Kelly <patrick.kelly@basketmaterials.com>; Dan McKinley <danmck@scientific-equipment.com>; Melissa McDonough <Melissa.McDonough@cityofpaloalto.org>; James Reifschneider <James.Reifschneider@cityofpaloalto.org>; Transportation <transportation@cityofpaloalto.org>; Patrick Kelly <info@basketmaterials.com>; John Lerch <john@lerchconstruction.com>; Greg Tanaka <Greg.Tanaka@cityofpaloalto.org>; Ed Lauing <Ed.Lauing@cityofpaloalto.org>; Lydia Kou <Lydia.Kou@cityofpaloalto.org>; Vicki Veenker <Vicki.Veenker@cityofpaloalto.org>; Andrew Binder <andrew.binder@cityofpaloalto.org>; City Council <city.council@cityofpaloalto.org>; Patrick Burt <pat.burt@cityofpaloalto.org>; Greer Stone <Greer.Stone@cityofpaloalto.org>; Julie Lythcott-Haims <Julie.LythcottHaims@cityofpaloalto.org>; Jade Jin <JJin@wongelectric.com>; Xenia Czisch <Xenia@qmsshields.com> Subject: Re: Industrial/Transport/Commercial concerns Out of curiosity, were this my personal vehicle or one of mycompany vehicles, how long would it take for the City of Palo Altoto either site me or tow me? This is ridiculous; our streets have now become storage for people's crap; sorry, no better way to state that. This boat is not someone's dwelling; neither are all the additional cars associated with each camper out here. If you can't do anything about the campers, do something about the additional crap. Again, how quickly would the city respond if it were my car that was illegally parked out here? I implore everyone on this thread to continue this daily until something is done. Do better, City of Palo Alto. Bill McLane ---------------------------------Palo Alto Glass, Inc. 4085 Transport Street Palo Alto, CA 94303 650-494-7000 Office www.paloaltoglass.com On Mon, Dec 16, 2024 at 3:08 PM Dave Stellman <davestellman@gmail.com> wrote: This is ridiculous. The Supreme Court has given cities in the state of California more tools to crack down on homeless camps and illegally parked and stored vehicles. It’s time to clean up this mess in the Commercial - Industrial - Transport street area before it becomes even more of an eyesore than it is now. This is just not fair to owners and customers trying hard to do business here with NO AVAILABLE PARKING. Dave Stellman 4083 / 4085 Transport St. On Dec 16, 2024, at 1:42 PM, Manu Kumar <manu@k9ventures.com> wrote: Here are some pictures from my walk around theblock a week ago.. <IMG_1556.jpeg> <IMG_1557.jpeg> I counted at least 10 RVs just on Commercial St....too many to even fit on one camera frame. Andthat's not even counting the ones all overTransport and Industrial. Some of the RVs alsohave other supporting vehicles as noted in prioremail. The City of Palo Alto clearly doesn't care aboutbusinesses and would rather have the streets bean eyesore, sidewalks be unusable to walk on, andparking spots not be available to customers/clientsor employees. Warm regards, -- Marguerite Poyatos Palo Alto Glass, Inc.4085 Transport Street Palo Alto CA 94303(650) 494-7000 (650) 494-7087 (FAX)<Safety on Industrial avenue.pdf> From:Aram James To:Veenker, Vicki Cc:Ed Lauing; Reckdahl, Keith; h.etzko@gmail.com; Foley, Michael; <michael.gennaco@oirgroup.com>; Cribbs, Anne; Anna Griffin; board@pausd.org; Yolanda Conaway; dennis burns; Don Austin; Kaloma Smith; Council, City; board@valleywater.org; BoardOperations; Pat M; Sean Allen; Gennady Sheyner; sharon jackson; Dave Price; Emily Mibach; EPA Today; Diana Diamond; Jessica Speiser, Educational Leader for California Democratic Delegate, Assembly District 23; Jeff Rosen; Jeff Conrad; Jeff Hayden; Bill Newell; Human Relations Commission; planning.commission@cityofpaloalto.0rg; ParkRec Commission; city.council@menlopark.gov; GRP-City Council; Perron, Zachary; Binder, Andrew; Baker, Rob; Robert.Jonson@shf.sccgov.org; Templeton, Cari; Angel, David; Dennis Upton; Damon Silver; Rodriguez, Miguel; Reifschneider, James; Roberta Ahlquist Subject:Israel carried out "genocidal acts" against Palestinians by systematically destroying women"s healthcare facilitiesduring the conflict in Gaza, and used sexual… Date:Thursday, March 13, 2025 9:00:45 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. UN experts accuse Israel of genocidal acts and sexual violence in Gaza Israel carried out "genocidal acts" against Palestinians by systematically destroying women's healthcare facilities during the conflict in Gaza, and used sexual… Source: Reutershttps://search.app/uXCKeyjUWyD8prpP9 Shared via the Google app From:Aram James To:Veenker, Vicki Cc:Reckdahl, Keith; Ed Lauing; Shikada, Ed; Jessica Speiser, Educational Leader for California Democratic Delegate, Assembly District 23; h.etzko@gmail.com; Josh Becker; board@pausd.org; board@valleywater.org; BoardOperations; Binder, Andrew; Reifschneider, James; Yolanda Conaway; Rowena Chiu; Nicole Chiu-Wang; Sean Allen; Burt, Patrick; Pat M; Bains, Paul; Patricia.Guerrero@jud.ca.gov; Dennis Upton; dennis burns; Jay Boyarsky; Bill Newell; Jeff Conrad; Marina Lopez; <michael.gennaco@oirgroup.com>; Foley, Michael; Figueroa, Eric; cromero@cityofepa.org; rabrica@cityofepa.org; Council, City; city.council@menlopark.gov; Perron, Zachary; citycouncil@mountainview.gov; jgreen@dailynewsgroup.com; Dave Price; Emily Mibach; Lotus Fong; Jeff Rosen; Baker, Rob; EPA Today; Diana Diamond; Palo Alto Free Press; Gennady Sheyner; Lu, George; Friends of Cubberley; GRP-City Council; DuJuan Green Subject:BREAKING: Mahmoud Khalil Speaks With Attorneys for First Time Since Detention Date:Thursday, March 13, 2025 12:18:43 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Forwarded this email? Subscribe here for more Become a paid subscriber to gain access to our private Discord server, subscriber- only AMAs, chats, and invites to events. BREAKING: Mahmoud Khalil SpeaksWith Attorneys for First Time SinceDetention Khalil will likely stay at notorious ICE facility in Louisiana until at leastMarch 17. JASON PALADINO MAR 13 ∙GUEST POST READ IN APP Rally for Columbia graduate Mahmoud Khalil outside United States Federal Court House in New York City on March 12, 2025. Photo by Mostafa Bassim/Anadolu via Getty Images. Mahmoud Khalil was finally able to speak with his legal team after a judge in the Southern District of New York ordered the Department of Homeland Security to allow a call of at least an hour. Prior to that, the Columbia University graduate and pro-Palestine organizer had no meaningful contact with his lawyers since Department of Homeland Security agents detained him and told him his green card had been revoked on Saturday night. Attorneys representing Khalil declined to give details of Wednesday night’s call, with another planned for Thursday. Following his detention on Saturday, Khalil—who was a lead negotiator on behalf of the April 2024 Gaza encampments at Columbia University—was handcuffed and forced into an unmarked vehicle. After being initially taken to the ICE’s New York City Field Office, he was taken to an ICE detention facility in Elizabeth, New Jersey. He was then taken to the facility where he remains today—the Central Louisiana Detention Facility. Prior to tonight’s phone call, Khalil was unable to call his lawyers except for a brief interrupted call on March 10, when he called his lawyer and confirmed he was in Louisiana. This Substack is reader-supported. To support our work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Upgrade to paid ICE policy states that detainees “shall always be granted access within 24 hours” of their request to call a legal representative, and that they “shall not restrict” the number or duration of such calls. But Khalil’s legal team, consisting of 19 attorneys from several prominent civil and immigrant rights groups, said their next phone call with Khalil had been scheduled for March 20—12 days after his arrest. Access to Khalil was limited, his legal team argued, in part because of the decision to move him from a New Jersey Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility to a notorious detention center in Louisiana. According to DHS’s “Notice to Appear,” which is dated March 9, the day after his detention, he was to be deported based on a rarely used provision of federal immigration law allowing the Secretary of State to remove individuals whose presence it believes “have potentially serious adverse foreign policy consequences for the United States.” Following the outcry over his detention—which is broadly seen as an attack on First Amendment rights and on the rights of legal permanent residents—Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that the Trump administration planned to revoke green cards, not only visas, of so-called “Hamas supporters” “so they can be deported.” A DHS spokesperson added that Khalil had been detained with an administrative warrant for alleged “activities aligned to Hamas.” An unnamed White House official told The Free Press that “the allegation here is not that he was breaking the law,” and Axios reported that according to the State Department, Khalil’s arrest was the first of many to come as it launched its AI- assisted “Catch and Revoke” initiative. “This is not about free speech,” Rubio told reporters on Wednesday, “This is about people who don’t have a right to be in the United States to begin with.” On Monday evening, a federal judge, Jesse Furman, temporarily blocked the attempted deportation. Khalil’s team’s priority now is returning him to either New York or New Jersey—more favorable districts where he’d have easier access to his attorneys and family, including his wife Noor Abdalla, who is eight months pregnant. In a Wednesday order, Judge Furman set a schedule for both parties to file legal arguments about where the petition should be heard and where he should be held. In the meantime, according to court filings, it appears he will stay in the Louisiana ICE facility until at least March 17, barring some other development. According to his legal team, the government argued that because Khalil was being held in the New Jersey ICE facility at the time a habeas corpus petition challenging his detention was filed, New York is not the proper venue to hear the case. His lawyers argue that they filed in New York because at that time the ICE inmate locator, a website that displays the location of ICE detainees, incorrectly showed Khalil at a New York facility. The two parties will argue over the proper venue in filings over the next several days. Below is a timeline of Khalil’s contact with his legal team. We will update the story when more information becomes available on the legal team’s phone call with Khalil. March 7, 6:46 AM: Mahmoud Khalil writes an email to Columbia University’s president describing the doxing campaign and fear he would be targeted by ICE. March 8, 8:26 PM: Khalil calls his lawyer Amy Greer to inform her he is surrounded by DHS agents. Greer asks the agent, Elvin Hernandez, if he has a warrant, and he eventually hangs up. March 8, 8:34 PM: Khalil’s wife, Noor, calls a lawyer, says DHS has him in handcuffs. She asks if agents have a warrant, no response. Asks where they are taking him, eventually saying to 26 Federal Plaza, the USCIS District Office. March 9, 3:20 AM: ICE moves Khalil from New York to Elizabeth Detention Facility in New Jersey March 9, 4:40 AM: Khalil’s lawyer files habeas petition in New York court, unaware that her client was relocated from New York to New Jersey. March 9, 8:30 AM: ICE database still shows Khalil’s location as New York, despite him having been transferred hours earlier. Sometime after 9 AM, the locator changes to Elizabeth, New Jersey. March 9, 11:20 AM: Khalil’s wife, Noor, visits the Elizabeth facility, only to be told he isn’t showing up in the system. March 9, 1:47 PM: ICE emails Khalil’s lawyer stating he is being transferred to New Orleans March 9, 5:18 PM: The Assistant United States Attorney emails Khalil’s lawyer saying based on information and belief Khalil is deportable. March 9-10, overnight: Khalil arrives in Louisiana “late in the evening Sunday night, early Monday morning,” according to AUSA in transcript, and is booked into the Central Louisiana ICE Processing Center. March 10, 9:36 AM: Khalil calls his wife and tells her he is Louisiana, the first time they've let him call since arrest. March 10, 10:17 AM: Khalil calls his lawyer, confirms he is in Jena, LA. The call gets cut off prematurely. March 12, 8:30 PM: Khalil has a lengthy call with his legal team. Another is scheduled for Thursday. If you have information about Khalil’s ICE detention, contact Jason Paladino securely on Signal at jpal.01. Leave a comment Sign and share Drop Site’s petition to demand the release of Khalil and stand with millions of Americans who believe in protecting constitutional rights. A guest post by Jason Paladino independent investigative reporter Twitter: https://x.com/jason_paladino Signal: jpal.01 Subscribe to Jason Become a Drop Site News Paid Subscriber Drop Site News is reader-supported. Please consider becoming a paid subscriber today. Upgrade to paid A paid subscription gets you: Access to our Discord, 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 You can also now find us on podcast platforms and on Facebook, Twitter, Bluesky, Telegram, and YouTube. LIKE COMMENT RESTACK © 2025 Drop Site News, Inc.Drop Site News Inc., 4315 50th St. NWSte 100 Unit #2560, Washington, DC 20016 Unsubscribe From:Aram James To:Barberini, Christopher Cc:Enberg, Nicholas; Afanasiev, Alex; Binder, Andrew; Sean Allen; Pat M; Kaloma Smith; Sheriff Transparency; EPA Today; city.council@menlopark.gov; Council, City; GRP-City Council; Perron, Zachary; Reifschneider, James; Jay Boyarsky; Figueroa, Eric; <michael.gennaco@oirgroup.com>; Anna Griffin; Planning Commission; ParkRec Commission; Human Relations Commission; h.etzko@gmail.com; cromero@cityofepa.org; rabrica@cityofepa.org; Lee, Craig; Jensen, Eric; Gardener, Liz; Gerry Gras; The Office of Mayor Matt Mahan; Templeton, Cari; Josh Becker; Jessica Speiser, Educational Leader for California Democratic Delegate, Assembly District 23; assemblymember.berman@assembly.ca.gov; Bill Newell; dennis burns; DuJuan Green; Dave Price; Diana Diamond; Emily Mibach; Gennady Sheyner; Bains, Paul; Burt, Patrick; Patricia.Guerrero@jud.ca.gov; Roberta Ahlquist; Rodriguez, Miguel; Damon Silver Subject:Fate of ex-Antioch K9 cop accused of plotting to brutalize residents now in jury’s hands Date:Wednesday, March 12, 2025 6:51:12 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Fate of ex-Antioch K9 cop accused of plotting to brutalize residents now in jury’s hands https://www.mercurynews.com/2025/03/12/fate-of-ex-antioch-k9-cop-accused-of-plotting-to-brutalize-residents-now-in-jurys-hands/ From:Aram James To:Veenker, Vicki Subject:Re: Mahmoud Khalil’s Constitutional Rights and the Power of ICE Date:Wednesday, March 12, 2025 4:40:46 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. And that case has a lot of parallels to what we’re seeing here. It involved speech that the Court said was at the heart of what the First Amendment protects: speech on a matter of public concern, speech concerning political change. And this is the kind of speech that I think is what the Administration is trying to target. On Wed, Mar 12, 2025 at 4:16 PM Aram James <abjpd1@gmail.com> wrote: Mahmoud Mahmoud Khalil’s Constitutional Rights and the Power of ICE Khalil’s Constitutional Rights and the Power of ICE https://www.newyorker.com/news/q-and-a/mahmoud-khalils-constitutional-rights-and-the-power-of-ice From:Aram James To:Veenker, Vicki Cc:Ed Lauing; Reckdahl, Keith; Josh Becker; Jessica Speiser, Educational Leader for California Democratic Delegate, Assembly District 23; assemblymember.berman@assembly.ca.gov; Council, City; BoardOperations; board@valleywater.org; board@pausd.org; Jay Boyarsky; Jeff Rosen; Bill Newell; h.etzko@gmail.com; Dave Price; Sean Allen; Pat M; Salem Ajluni; Jax Ajluni; Friends of Cubberley; GRP-City Council; citycouncil@mountainview.gov; city.council@menlopark.gov; Steve Wagstaffe; Sarah Wright; Gennady Sheyner; Kaloma Smith; Patricia.Guerrero@jud.ca.gov; planning.commission@cityofpaloalto.0rg; ParkRec Commission; Supervisor Susan Ellenberg; Damon Silver; Gerry Gras; Lotus Fong; frances.Rothschild@jud.ca.gov; Burt, Patrick; Palo Alto Free Press; Gardener, Liz Subject:face of Trump’s crackdown on campus protests Date:Wednesday, March 12, 2025 1:50:56 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. face of Trump’s crackdown on campus protests https://apnews.com/article/columbia-university-protester-mahmoud-khalil-immigration-arrest-5ae6eeb3ac95f190a505abebc4ee0944 From:Susan McKayTo:Transportation; Council, City; City MgrCc:Marcus WoodSubject:THANK YOU FOR THE RESTRICTED PARKING SIGNS - WHAT ABOUT ENFORCEMENT?Date:Wednesday, March 12, 2025 1:49:36 PMImportance:High CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. We appreciate the NO PARKING 11 PM to 5 AM signs recently posted onto Page Mill. The RVs, storge units, trailers, etc are still there – who and when will the NO parking be enforced? Thanks,Susan Susan McKaySr. Property ManagerKYLIX ENTERPRISES INC.195 Page Mill Rd., Ste 172Palo Alto CA 94306650-327-1521 Please visit us at : https://kylixus.com/ This email is confidential and privileged and is intended only for the stated recipient. If you receive this message in error, please contact the sender and delete this message, and any attachments. Any review, use, dissemination or copying of this message, except by the intended recipient, is strictly prohibited. From: Susan McKay <susan@kylixus.com> Sent: Wednesday, February 12, 2025 4:47 PMTo: City.Council@cityofpaloalto.org; citymgr@cityofpaloalto.org; transportation@cityofpaloalto.orgCc: Marcus Wood <marcus@kylixus.com>Subject: FW: Dumping on north side of complex COMPLAINT OF INACTION BY THE CITY OF PALO ALTOImportance: High TO WHOM IT SHOULD CONCERN: The photos below are from one of our tenants. I want to emphasize we have tenants paying thousands of dollars to rent in our building and we have RVs parking for free, littering, dumping and our nuisancing tenants with noise, smoking, etc. THIS IS NOT OKAY! In addition to NOT implementing restricted hours for parking signs on Page Mill, which we were told is being done; we have dumping going on as well! Who is supposed to enforce and/or clean this up? We have paid our gardeners additional money for clean-up in the past but this is out of control and we should not have to pay for this! Nothing is being done about this! The RVs and trailers are still there and have not moved and they are trashing our property! Nothing is being done about this! This is very concerning to our tenants that live directly above, as well as our commercial tenants on the ground level that are adjacent to and need parking on Page Mill! WHEN WILL THIS BE ADDRESSED? We originally noticed the city council and manager on October 17, 2024 and have at least 3 other complaints in with you over the last 90 days and nothing is being done about this! Sincerely,Susan McKay Susan McKaySr. Property ManagerKYLIX ENTERPRISES INC.195 Page Mill Rd., Ste 172Palo Alto CA 94306650-327-1521 Please visit us at : https://kylixus.com/ This email is confidential and privileged and is intended only for the stated recipient. If you receive this message in error, please contact the sender and delete this message, and any attachments. Any review, use, dissemination or copying of this message, except by the intended recipient, is strictly prohibited. Sent: Wednesday, February 12, 2025 4:00 PMTo: Susan McKay <susan@kylixus.com>Subject: Dumping on north side of complex Hi Susan, It was good to bump into you earlier. Sorry to bother you again, but I just wanted to bring to your attention that there has been continued trash dumping on the north side of the complex. Tires, roof racks, and ripped open Amazon packages. I have attached a photo. Perhaps if you are in further contact with the city, you could push for compensation for bulk trash disposal costs. The enforcement was stepped up for a few months to essentially no effect last time. Regards,Will Conville From:Winter Dellenbach To:Council, CitySubject:PAPD policy on Immigration Violations Date:Wednesday, March 12, 2025 12:50:27 PM Attachments:Screenshot 2025-03-11 at 3.44.52 PM.pngScreenshot 2025-03-11 at 3.45.24 PM.png From Police Policy Manual. I thought you would appreciate seeing this. Winter Tax-Aid new logo From:Jill Sturm To:Jill Sturm Subject:Fwd: Fw: LendingClub and Tax-Aid Date:Wednesday, March 12, 2025 11:08:28 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments andclicking on links. Greetings, Tax-Aid has several locations open this week to help people who need their taxes prepared. Please help spread the word to yourcommunities. Thank you! Click to view this email in a browser March 2025 About Us Through skilled volunteers, Tax- Aid provides year- round free tax services to strengthen our San Francisco Bay Area community. btn_donateCC_LG box_top.gif Dear Friend, Tax-Aid volunteers are ready to help your clients with their taxes. For a list of the copies of documents they need please review this checklist. If they want to get started on completing our tax questionnaire, they can do so online or print this out and bring it with them to the tax site. If they cannot fill the questionnaire out in advance, they will have questionnaires at the tax site that they can fill out. Here are the locations that are open this week: San Mateo County Fair Oaks Community Center 2600 Middlefield Road, Redwood City Thursday, March 13, 2 - 6 pm and Saturday, March 15, 10 am - 2 pm Our Second Home 725 Price Street, Daly City Saturday March 15, 10 am - 2 pm Martin Luther Jr. Community Center 725 Monte Diablo, San Mateo Saturday, March 15, 10 am - 2 pm Santa Clara County Mitchell Park Library 3700 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto Saturday, March 15, 10 am - 2 pm Watch this video to learn what to expect at the tax site and how long it takes the Tax-Aid team to prepare your clients' tax return. We look forward to helping your clients with their taxes. Your friends at Tax-Aid Let’s stay social Check our website for updates, and follow us on Facebook and Instagram! Have a question or suggestion? Drop us a line via email. Best,Jill SturmExecutive Director, Tax-Aid Pronouns: she/her/hers 235 Montgomery Street, Suite 1155, San Francisco, CA 94104 Phone and Fax: 415-229-9239 jill@tax-aid.org www.tax-aid.org/ Want to stay up to date with Tax-Aid? Subscribe to our newsletter here: https://tax-aid.org/newsletter-subscription/ Visit us on Facebook! Instagram taxaid_ box_bottom.gif Home | About Tax-Aid | Need Tax Help? | Volunteers | News Media | Donate Now Email: admin@tax-aid.org If you no longer wish to receive these emails, please reply to this message with "Unsubscribe" in the subject line or simply click on the following link: Unsubscribe Tax-Aid 235 Montgomery Street, suite 1155San Francisco, California 94104US Read the VerticalResponse marketing policy. From:Dave Stellman To:Patrick Kelly Cc:Bill McLane; Marguerite Poyatos; Gaines, Chantal; osbaldo@or-builders.com; Manu Kumar; Becchetti, Benjamin; Lester Wong; Cathi Lerch; DaveStellman; City Mgr; Moffatt, Pete; Jacob@onemovemovers.com; david@paloaltoconcrete.com; Steve Wong; RamonMorenoSchool@gmail.com;nancy@drewmaran.com; Dan McKinley; McDonough, Melissa; Reifschneider, James; Transportation; John Lerch; Binder, Andrew; Jade Jin; XeniaCzisch; City Attorney; Lauing, Ed; Lydia Kou; Veenker, Vicki; Council, City; Burt, Patrick; Stone, Greer; Lythcott-Haims, Julie; Maor Subject:Re: Industrial/Transport/Commercial Safety Date:Wednesday, March 12, 2025 11:01:37 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachmentsand clicking on links. What is it going to take for the city of Palo Alto to catch up to the rest of the country? A lawsuit when someone in ourneighborhood is injured because of the unsafe conditions that exist here? This email chain alone would be enoughevidence to show the city’s knowledge of the problem and inaction. With newly enacted laws giving cities the legal right to clean up our public spaces, local cities like Mountain View,Santa Clara and San Jose have already begun the process of relocating and housing these people that need it. Why notPalo Alto? Its not a money issue here, and even if it was, wouldn’t it be less costly to tow some vehicles and helprelocate them to a safer area than to pay the cost of litigation? We are asking the city to stop ignoring this issue before it becomes an even bigger problem. On Mar 12, 2025, at 9:17 AM, Patrick Kelly <Patrick.Kelly@dmdsystems.com> wrote:  Hi Ben, Please take action. The safety of our employees and locals is critical. Anyone walking or driving on Industrial/Transport/Commercial is constantly at risk. Every crosswalk and entry is a major risk for anyone walking the sidewalks or pulling into any of these facilities where illegally parked abandoned vehicles are encamped. The visibility is very poor and the reason there are height and length restrictions for these types of streets; There are There are illegally running generators with unsafe live electrical lines oftentimes in the sidewalk or even running across entryways There are collections of volatile liquids like gasoline and oil (environmental issues aside) that pose additional hazards to anyone in the vicinity Please let us know what you need from us to support your team in enforcing our city regulations in order to make our workplaces safer for our employees. Respectfully, Patrick Kelly | CIO DMD Systems Recovery, LLC.C: 650.492.9003patrick.kelly@dmdsystems.com | www.dmdsystems.com<Outlook-DMD Logo.png> <Outlook-larpkod1.png>Book time to meet with me From: Bill McLane <bill@paloaltoglass.com> Sent: Wednesday, February 5, 2025 12:39 PM To: Marguerite Poyatos <marguerite@paloaltoglass.com> Cc: Dave Stellman <davestellman@gmail.com>; chantal.gaines@cityofpaloalto.org <chantal.gaines@cityofpaloalto.org>; osbaldo@or-builders.com <osbaldo@or-builders.com>; Manu Kumar <manu@k9ventures.com>; Benjamin Becchetti <Benjamin.Becchetti@cityofpaloalto.org>; Lester Wong <lwong@wongelectric.com>; Cathi Lerch <cathi@lerchconstruction.com>; Dave Stellman <dave@paloaltoglass.com>; City Mgr <CityMgr@cityofpaloalto.org>; Pete Moffatt <pete@petemoffat.com>; Jacob@onemovemovers.com <Jacob@onemovemovers.com>; david@paloaltoconcrete.com <david@paloaltoconcrete.com>; Steve Wong <swong@wongelectric.com>; RamonMorenoSchool@gmail.com <RamonMorenoSchool@gmail.com>; nancy@drewmaran.com <nancy@drewmaran.com>; Patrick Kelly <Patrick.Kelly@dmdsystems.com>; Dan McKinley <danmck@scientific-equipment.com>; Melissa McDonough <Melissa.McDonough@cityofpaloalto.org>; James Reifschneider <James.Reifschneider@cityofpaloalto.org>; Transportation <Transportation@cityofpaloalto.org>; Patrick Kelly <Patrick.Kelly@dmdsystems.com>; John Lerch <john@lerchconstruction.com>; Andrew Binder <Andrew.Binder@cityofpaloalto.org>; Jade Jin <JJin@wongelectric.com>; Xenia Czisch <Xenia@qmsshields.com>; City Attorney <city.attorney@cityofpaloalto.org>; Ed Lauing <Ed.Lauing@cityofpaloalto.org>; Lydia Kou <Lydia.Kou@cityofpaloalto.org>; Vicki Veenker <Vicki.Veenker@cityofpaloalto.org>; City Council <city.council@cityofpaloalto.org>; Patrick Burt <Pat.Burt@cityofpaloalto.org>; Greer Stone <Greer.Stone@cityofpaloalto.org>; Julie Lythcott-Haims <Julie.LythcottHaims@cityofpaloalto.org>; Maor <maor@greenberg.construction> Subject: Re: Industrial/Transport/Commercial concerns A citation for double parking and expired tags is what is needed here. I’m positive that’s what the policewould do to me if I did the same. That is unless there are two separate sets of laws that govern the city ofPalo Alto and the state of California. Bill McLane ---------------------------------Palo Alto Glass, Inc. 4085 Transport Street Palo Alto, CA 94303 650-494-7000 Office www.paloaltoglass.com On Wed, Feb 5, 2025 at 10:13 AM Marguerite Poyatos <marguerite@paloaltoglass.com> wrote:Please see the attached image. The pictured RV & associated white truck pulled up over night. As pictured, they disregarded markedparking spots, which is one of the things that exacerbates our parking issue. A small car or motorcycle may fit there but in a commercial area where most vehicles are trucks, this doesnot help. Can you please send a community officer to leave notices on the RVs? I hope this doesn't come across aspetty, but every spot really does matter on this block. Employees of some businesses have to park in lotsthat belong to other businesses, which can create tension amongst neighbors. Thank you. On Sat, Dec 21, 2024 at 9:19 PM Dave Stellman <davestellman@gmail.com> wrote:The police also responded and were very helpful. Initially the people involved denied everything, butwhen I sent the videos to the officer and he showed it to them they admitted to dumping their RV waste. They were cited for misdemeanor illegal waste dumping and will be going to court. They were then toldto leave the area - and freed up two parking spaces. Thank you Palo Alto Police and Fire. Apparentlyreporting violations of every kind is what is going to have to be done on a regular basis if we want ourstreets cleaned up. On Dec 21, 2024, at 3:39 PM, Bill McLane <bill@paloaltoglass.com> wrote: Thank you, Dave! Bill McLane --------------------------------- Palo Alto Glass, Inc. 4085 Transport Street Palo Alto, CA 94303 650-494-7000 Office www.paloaltoglass.com On Sat, Dec 21, 2024 at 8:22 AM Dave Stellman <davestellman@gmail.com> wrote:I just called the hotline for Palo Alto for hazardous waste dumping and gave them all ofthis information including license numbers. These vehicles are still parked there.They aresending the fire department out to flush the street and these people better be heldaccountable. On Dec 21, 2024, at 7:56 AM, Bill McLane <bill@paloaltoglass.com> wrote: License plate of the accomplice<IMG_0142.jpeg> Bill McLane ---------------------------------Palo Alto Glass, Inc. 4085 Transport Street Palo Alto, CA 94303 650-494-7000 Office www.paloaltoglass.com On Sat, Dec 21, 2024 at 5:13 AM Bill McLane <bill@paloaltoglass.com>wrote: Still parked right across from my building. Note, NO rear license plate. I do think that is against the law. I do also have video of them driving up, proof of the vehicle operating on city streets. Do you think they have insurance? <image.png> Bill McLane ---------------------------------Palo Alto Glass, Inc. 4085 Transport Street Palo Alto, CA 94303 650-494-7000 Office www.paloaltoglass.com On Sat, Dec 21, 2024 at 4:54 AM Bill McLane <bill@paloaltoglass.com>wrote: Here, they are emptying their waste in front of my building. Bill McLane ---------------------------------Palo Alto Glass, Inc. 4085 Transport Street Palo Alto, CA 94303 650-494-7000 Office www.paloaltoglass.com On Fri, Dec 20, 2024 at 9:18 PM Dave Stellman<davestellman@gmail.com> wrote:Chantal, It looks like somehow most of the city council members, Vice Mayorand Mayor must have inadvertently been deleted from your last emailresponse. I have added them back in to make sure they stay apprised of thesituation. I hope it doesn't take the legal channels mentioned to startcleaning up our neighborhood immediately; this has gotten out ofcontrol and kicking the problem back and forth to different members ofyour city staff is not going to make it go away. Dave StellmanTransport St. On Fri, Dec 20, 2024 at 8:16 AM Maor Greenberg<maor@greenberg.construction> wrote:Dear Chantal, Your response, while detailed, fails to address the critical and ongoingviolations of law, public safety, and business rights in the area. The City ofPalo Alto has both the authority and obligation to take immediate and decisiveaction to protect its residents, businesses, and public spaces. Allowing illegallyparked, unsafe, and hazardous RVs to persist is unacceptable and directlyviolates state and local regulations. Below are specific legal and factualchallenges to the City’s approach, along with demands for corrective action: 1. Illegally Parked and Unsafe RVs California Vehicle Code § 4000(a)(1) and Palo Alto Municipal Code §10.48.010 clearly require all vehicles parked on public streets to display validregistration. Many of the RVs in question lack valid registration, making theirpresence illegal. Further, under California Vehicle Code §22651(o) and PAMC § 10.48.120, any vehicle unregistered for six months ormore may be towed immediately. Additionally, vehicles with exposed sewage tanks, missing wheels, or otherstructural hazards are in direct violation of California Vehicle Code § 24002,which prohibits parking or operating vehicles in unsafe conditions. These RVsalso create a public health hazard under California Health and Safety Code §117490, which prohibits improper disposal of waste and sewage. **2. Clarification Requested Regarding Unregistered Vehicles In light of your response, please confirm whether the City of Palo Altoallows unregistered vehicles to be driven on its streets. - I have some funvehicles I would love to order from Alibaba and drive them around PaloAlto... • California Vehicle Code § 4000(a)(1) expressly prohibits the operation ofunregistered vehicles. If these RVs are being moved every 72 hours asclaimed, and they lack proper registration, their operation is illegal understate law. • Allowing unregistered vehicles to remain or operate within city limitsundermines traffic safety and compliance standards. This point must be clarified explicitly: Does the City of Palo Alto condonethe operation of unregistered vehicles? 3. Abuse of the 72-Hour Rule The City’s reliance on PAMC § 10.36.060 to justify the continued presence ofthese RVs is flawed. Surveillance footage and eyewitness accounts confirm thatmany RVs are circumventing the 72-hour rule by wiping off chalk markingsrather than physically moving. This is blatant non-compliance and underminesthe intent of the ordinance. Furthermore, California Vehicle Code § 22669 explicitly allows for theremoval of vehicles that are “wrecked, dismantled, or inoperative,” even if theyare moved every 72 hours. The City has the authority to act, and failing to do sojeopardizes public safety and traffic flow. 4. Public Safety and Sanitation Violations The exposed sewage tanks, illegal dumping, and general neglect by these RV occupants pose significant health and environmental risks. The City’s failure to enforce sanitation laws, such as California Health and Safety Code § 117490 and PAMC § 16.09.100, endangers residents, workers, and the environment. Additionally, blocking roadways and driveways is a clear violation of California Vehicle Code § 22500, which prohibits parking that obstructs traffic flow or access. 5. Impact on Businesses and Traffic Flow Businesses in the area are suffering due to blocked roadways, limited parkingfor customers, and safety concerns. Under California Vehicle Code §21101(c) and PAMC § 10.48.120, the City has the authority to regulate parking to ensure the safety of businesses and residents. The City’s failure to allocate parking for business deliveries, customers, or even emergency services is a gross dereliction of duty. Blocking roadways for long periods creates safety hazards, violates municipal code, and disrupts commerce. Conclusion and Final Demands The City of Palo Alto has the legal authority and responsibility to act under thefollowing regulations: • PAMC § 10.48.120: Authorizes the removal of unregistered vehicles. • California Vehicle Code § 22651(o): Allows towing of unregisteredvehicles. • California Vehicle Code § 22669: Mandates removal of inoperativevehicles. • California Health and Safety Code § 117490: Prohibits illegal wastedisposal. • California Vehicle Code § 21101(c): Permits parking restrictions to ensure safety. We demand the immediate implementation of the following measures: 1. Impound all unregistered, unsafe, or inoperative RVs within two weeks. 2. Establish designated loading zones and 2-hour parking areas near businesses. 3. Conduct regular sanitation inspections and impose penalties for violations. 4. Provide a clear timeline for resolution and enforcement updates. The continued failure to act exposes the City to liability for neglecting public health and safety under California Government Code § 815.6, which requires municipalities to perform mandatory duties. We expect a formal response with a clear action plan within 14 days. If no satisfactory action is taken, we reserve the right to escalate this matter through legal channels to protect our businesses,employees, and the community. <email-signture_87b8d7a2-c4f4-4cbf-b474-af2f32118dd2.png> Maor Greenberg CEO maor@greenberg.construction | 650-610-7711 Greenberg.Construction | 650-600-9536 x101 | Fax 925-269-2325908 Industrial Ave, Palo Alto 94303 <F_1bc77f31-68bf-4143-80ea-3f34f539ea07.png> <insta_26696304-1b39-4259-9776-9f137454bed9.png> <yelp_e821c57e-caea-4e87-a5dd-5905e7ca4fb1.png> <Houzz_7abe75ad-d6ee-48ac-943b-592713e31957.png> <P_aece63f3-754b-4dca-a0a9-e93b94de4930.png> <google_04352117-2fb4-4963-bb3e-cc5317269360.png> From: Gaines, Chantal <Chantal.Gaines@CityofPaloAlto.org> Date: Friday, December 20, 2024 at 7:12 AM To: Maor Greenberg <maor@greenberg.construction>, Marguerite Poyatos <marguerite@paloaltoglass.com>, osbaldo@or- builders.com <osbaldo@or-builders.com> Cc: Bill McLane <bill@paloaltoglass.com>, Dave Stellman <davestellman@gmail.com>, Manu Kumar <manu@k9ventures.com>, Becchetti, Benjamin <Benjamin.Becchetti@CityofPaloAlto.org>, Lester Wong <lwong@wongelectric.com>, Cathi Lerch <cathi@lerchconstruction.com>, Dave Stellman <dave@paloaltoglass.com>, City Mgr <CityMgr@cityofpaloalto.org>, Moffatt, Pete <pete@petemoffat.com>, Jacob@onemovemovers.com <Jacob@onemovemovers.com>, david@paloaltoconcrete.com <david@paloaltoconcrete.com>, Steve Wong <swong@wongelectric.com>, RamonMorenoSchool@gmail.com <RamonMorenoSchool@gmail.com>, nancy@drewmaran.com <nancy@drewmaran.com>, Patrick Kelly <patrick.kelly@basketmaterials.com>, Dan McKinley <danmck@scientific-equipment.com>, McDonough, Melissa <Melissa.McDonough@CityofPaloAlto.org>, Reifschneider, James <James.Reifschneider@CityofPaloAlto.org>, Transportation <Transportation@CityofPaloAlto.org>, Patrick Kelly <info@basketmaterials.com>, John Lerch <john@lerchconstruction.com>, Binder, Andrew <Andrew.Binder@CityofPaloAlto.org>, Jade Jin <JJin@wongelectric.com>, Xenia Czisch <Xenia@qmsshields.com>, City Attorney <city.attorney@CityofPaloAlto.org> Subject: RE: Industrial/Transport/Commercial concerns You don't often get email from chantal.gaines@cityofpaloalto.org. Learn why thisis important Hello everyone, Thank you for the emails and the time you all have spent to relay your concerns about the area surrounding your businesses. My name is Chantal and I’m the Deputy City Manager responding on behalf of the City Manager. I understand that you feel a lack of progress on the concerns you’ve identified. Through multiple City departments we are continuing to explore avenues to help mitigate those concerns being mindful of compliance with the federal Constitution and state laws, City resources, as well as providing respect to the humanity of the individuals experiencing homelessness.  As our Police Lieutenant mentioned, our enforcement largely consists of the efforts described below involving multiple City departments, including: Weekly markings for 72-hour violations from our Community Service Officers. These are required by law prior to issuing citations for the 72-hour violations. Weekly re-checks of those markings, followed by citations if vehicles are not moved. Checks of the area by traffic officers as well as patrol officers on a routine basis, consistently several times per week. Officers make personal contact with RV occupants to speak with them regarding complaints and concerns, offer services or seek alternative solutions (i.e., a small repair to fix a vehicle). Through our Community Services Department, had our Homeless Outreach Team attempt to speak with RV occupants to connect them to available resources. Of note, there are limited safe parking resources available countywide. Consulted with our Code Enforcement team to address any activity that falls under municipal code violations. We hear you that there are perhaps more RVs in the neighborhood than have been in the past. Some previous concerns, relayed through the Police Department, have been for dumping, visibility/safety issues, or other nuisance-type complaints. Officers have responded to investigate and determine if a violation has in fact occurred in response to those complaints. As the officer who issues the citation must attest to its legality, we trust their judgement to use their discretion when deciding to cite or not. It should be noted that the overwhelming majority of the RV’s are compliant with the 72-hour rule on a weekly basis according to our Police Department and their regular checks. RVs (and any other vehicle) are allowed to move and return to the exact same location under PAMC section 10.36.060. I asked the Police Department to examine the calls for service in your area since November 1st to look for additional complaints the Police Department might be able to address and to get an understanding of what they have responded to in your area. Officers responded to 29 calls for service between the 900 block of San Antonio, Commercial, Transport and Industrial Ave. Only 2 were reported complaints from a business about the RV’s. None of those 29 calls for service reported potential illegal behavior, such as illegal dumping, threatening or harassing behavior, or other criminal actions, on behalf of those working in the area. Most of those calls were self-initiated by the officers or calls from the RV occupants themselves. One of the calls, initiated by an RV occupant, reported suspicious persons that helped prevent a burglary to one of the businesses. Since early November, there have been several citations issued and one vehicle tow. I would encourage your employees to report, either online, through our non-emergency line (650-329-2413) or via 911, any behavior they feel is harassment, or potentially illegal or unsafe. The Police Department will continue to explore ideas such as additional collaboration with City departments, outside organizations and service providers, as well as nearby police departments whose actions can influence the issues felt in Palo Alto. We will also investigate the ability to perform street sweeping efforts and consult with our wastewater officials to address any cleanliness, illegal dumping and sanitation issues. The Police Department will be further assessing the vehicle code violations in the coming weeks to determine the necessity of removing some offending vehicles. Best, Chantal <image001.png>Chantal Cotton Gaines Deputy City Manager (650) 329-2572 | chantal.gaines@cityofpaloalto.org www.cityofpaloalto.org <image002.png> From: Maor Greenberg <maor@greenberg.construction> Sent: Tuesday, December 17, 2024 11:35 PM To: Marguerite Poyatos <marguerite@paloaltoglass.com>; osbaldo@or- builders.com Cc: Bill McLane <bill@paloaltoglass.com>; Dave Stellman <davestellman@gmail.com>; Manu Kumar <manu@k9ventures.com>; Becchetti, Benjamin <Benjamin.Becchetti@CityofPaloAlto.org>; Lester Wong <lwong@wongelectric.com>; Cathi Lerch <cathi@lerchconstruction.com>; Dave Stellman <dave@paloaltoglass.com>; City Mgr <CityMgr@cityofpaloalto.org>; Moffatt, Pete <pete@petemoffat.com>; Jacob@onemovemovers.com; david@paloaltoconcrete.com; Steve Wong <swong@wongelectric.com>; RamonMorenoSchool@gmail.com; nancy@drewmaran.com; Patrick Kelly <patrick.kelly@basketmaterials.com>; Dan McKinley <danmck@scientific- equipment.com>; McDonough, Melissa <Melissa.McDonough@CityofPaloAlto.org>; Reifschneider, James <James.Reifschneider@CityofPaloAlto.org>; Transportation <Transportation@CityofPaloAlto.org>; Patrick Kelly <info@basketmaterials.com>; John Lerch <john@lerchconstruction.com>; Tanaka, Greg <Greg.Tanaka@CityofPaloAlto.org>; Lauing, Ed <Ed.Lauing@CityofPaloAlto.org>; Kou, Lydia <Lydia.Kou@CityofPaloAlto.org>; Veenker, Vicki <Vicki.Veenker@CityofPaloAlto.org>; Binder, Andrew <Andrew.Binder@CityofPaloAlto.org>; Council, City <city.council@cityofpaloalto.org>; Burt, Patrick <Pat.Burt@CityofPaloAlto.org>; Stone, Greer <Greer.Stone@CityofPaloAlto.org>; Lythcott-Haims, Julie <Julie.LythcottHaims@CityofPaloAlto.org>; Jade Jin <JJin@wongelectric.com>; Xenia Czisch <Xenia@qmsshields.com>; City Attorney <city.attorney@CityofPaloAlto.org> Subject: Re: Industrial/Transport/Commercial concerns CAUTION: This email originated from outside of theorganization. Be cautious of opening attachments andclicking on links. Dear Molly (City Attorney) and All Copied City Officials, On behalf of the many businesses in the Commercial-Industrial-Transport Street area who are deeply frustrated with the persistent and escalating issues caused by illegally parked RVs, unregistered vehicles, and boats. This situation has reached a critical point, impacting not only our daily operations but also the safety, reputation, and economic health of our businesses. Impact on Businesses and Community 1. Safety and Sanitation Hazards:       •     Dumped bodily waste, debris, and hazardous conditions are becoming commonplace, creating significant health risks.       •     Aggressive behavior and intimidation from some vehicle occupants have been reported, making the area unsafe for employees and customers. 2. Operational Challenges:       •     Parking for employees, customers, and service vehicles is nearly nonexistent due to the occupation of public spaces by illegally parked vehicles.       •     Businesses are suffering tangible financial losses as customers avoid the area due to these conditions. 3. Lack of Enforcement:       •     Despite repeated citations and notices issued by Community Service and Special Problems Officers, there has been no meaningful resolution.       •     Violations of California Vehicle Code 4000(a)(1) VC (unregistered vehicles) and Vehicle Code 22651(o)(1) VC (impound authority for registration violations) are being ignored. Call for Immediate Action This is a collective appeal to the city and its representatives to act decisively to restore order in our community. We urge the city to prioritize: 1. Enforcement: Immediate towing and penalties for unregistered and illegally parked vehicles in alignment with state and local laws. 2. Comprehensive Solutions: A transparent and actionable plan to address these issues, including increased patrols, collaboration with businesses, and enforcement timelines. 3. Engagement: A commitment to working with affected businesses to ensure our concerns are heard and addressed effectively. Potential Legal Action The city’s ongoing inaction not only jeopardizes public safety and operational viability but also exposes it to potential legal consequences. Many businesses on this email chain are experiencing severe financial and reputational damages due to these unresolved issues. We cannot afford further delays. Thank you for your attention. <image003.png> Maor Greenberg CEO maor@greenberg.construction | 650-610-7711 Greenberg.Construction | 650-600-9536 x101 | Fax 925-269-2325 908 Industrial Ave, Palo Alto 94303 <image004.png> <image005.png> <image006.png> <image007.png> <image008.png> <image009.png> From: Marguerite Poyatos <marguerite@paloaltoglass.com> Date: Tuesday, December 17, 2024 at 10:29 AM To: osbaldo@or-builders.com <osbaldo@or-builders.com> Cc: Bill McLane <bill@paloaltoglass.com>, Dave Stellman <davestellman@gmail.com>, Manu Kumar <manu@k9ventures.com>, Benjamin Becchetti <Benjamin.Becchetti@cityofpaloalto.org>, Lester Wong <lwong@wongelectric.com>, Cathi Lerch <cathi@lerchconstruction.com>, Maor Greenberg <maor@greenberg.construction>, Dave Stellman <dave@paloaltoglass.com>, City Mgr <CityMgr@cityofpaloalto.org>, Pete Moffatt <pete@petemoffat.com>, Jacob@onemovemovers.com <Jacob@onemovemovers.com>, david@paloaltoconcrete.com <david@paloaltoconcrete.com>, Steve Wong <swong@wongelectric.com>, RamonMorenoSchool@gmail.com <RamonMorenoSchool@gmail.com>, nancy@drewmaran.com <nancy@drewmaran.com>, Patrick Kelly <patrick.kelly@basketmaterials.com>, Dan McKinley <danmck@scientific-equipment.com>, Melissa McDonough <Melissa.McDonough@cityofpaloalto.org>, James Reifschneider <James.Reifschneider@cityofpaloalto.org>, Transportation <transportation@cityofpaloalto.org>, Patrick Kelly <info@basketmaterials.com>, John Lerch <john@lerchconstruction.com>, Greg Tanaka <Greg.Tanaka@cityofpaloalto.org>, Ed Lauing <Ed.Lauing@cityofpaloalto.org>, Lydia Kou <Lydia.Kou@cityofpaloalto.org>, Vicki Veenker <Vicki.Veenker@cityofpaloalto.org>, Andrew Binder <andrew.binder@cityofpaloalto.org>, City Council <city.council@cityofpaloalto.org>, Patrick Burt <pat.burt@cityofpaloalto.org>, Greer Stone <Greer.Stone@cityofpaloalto.org>, Julie Lythcott-Haims <Julie.LythcottHaims@cityofpaloalto.org>, Jade Jin <JJin@wongelectric.com>, Xenia Czisch <Xenia@qmsshields.com> Subject: Re: Industrial/Transport/Commercial concerns You don't often get email from marguerite@paloaltoglass.com. Learn why this isimportant A community officer came by today. Not sure what was done other than inspecting the volume of vehicles on the street. It is pretty disheartening that there are 14 city employees/email addresses included in this email and we are getting no responses or acknowledgements from any of them. This seems to be just a community forum for us to air our grievances regarding the area we all work in rather than getting any sort of resolutions. For years now, the businesses in this area have dealt with a number of issues that are a direct result of the RVs residing on this street - dumped bodily waste, aggressive dogs, aggression/intimidation, amongst many others. We try to vigilant and call the non-emergency police line to confront situations. Officers will come out and at the very most, they will go and have a conversation with whoever it is that's causing issues. Then, nothing happens. We have had customers complain that they do not feel safe coming into this corner of Palo Alto. This is directly affecting Palo Alto businesses - many of which on this street provide important/critical types of service to residents, businesses, local government and schools in Palo Alto. Can we please get some help other than weekly notices stuck on windshields? On Tue, Dec 17, 2024 at 8:36 AM <osbaldo@or-builders.com> wrote: I agree 100 % The city of Palo A lot needs to have a solution for this please O.R. Builders Inc. Osbaldo Romero President 939 Industrial Ave Palo Alto, Ca. 94303 Phone: 650.938.2222 Fax: 650.938.2224 Cell: 415.215.6788 From: Bill McLane <bill@paloaltoglass.com> Sent: Tuesday, December 17, 2024 5:34 AM To: Dave Stellman <davestellman@gmail.com> Cc: Manu Kumar <manu@k9ventures.com>; Marguerite Poyatos <MARGUERITE@paloaltoglass.com>; Benjamin Becchetti <Benjamin.Becchetti@cityofpaloalto.org>; Lester Wong <lwong@wongelectric.com>; Cathi Lerch <cathi@lerchconstruction.com>; Maor Greenberg <maor@greenberg.construction>; Dave Stellman <dave@paloaltoglass.com>; City Mgr <CityMgr@cityofpaloalto.org>; osbaldo@or-builders.com; Pete Moffatt <pete@petemoffat.com>; Jacob@onemovemovers.com; david@paloaltoconcrete.com; Steve Wong <swong@wongelectric.com>; RamonMorenoSchool@gmail.com; nancy@drewmaran.com; Patrick Kelly <patrick.kelly@basketmaterials.com>; Dan McKinley <danmck@scientific-equipment.com>; Melissa McDonough <Melissa.McDonough@cityofpaloalto.org>; James Reifschneider <James.Reifschneider@cityofpaloalto.org>; Transportation <transportation@cityofpaloalto.org>; Patrick Kelly <info@basketmaterials.com>; John Lerch <john@lerchconstruction.com>; Greg Tanaka <Greg.Tanaka@cityofpaloalto.org>; Ed Lauing <Ed.Lauing@cityofpaloalto.org>; Lydia Kou <Lydia.Kou@cityofpaloalto.org>; Vicki Veenker <Vicki.Veenker@cityofpaloalto.org>; Andrew Binder <andrew.binder@cityofpaloalto.org>; City Council <city.council@cityofpaloalto.org>; Patrick Burt <pat.burt@cityofpaloalto.org>; Greer Stone <Greer.Stone@cityofpaloalto.org>; Julie Lythcott-Haims <Julie.LythcottHaims@cityofpaloalto.org>; Jade Jin <JJin@wongelectric.com>; Xenia Czisch <Xenia@qmsshields.com> Subject: Re: Industrial/Transport/Commercial concerns Out of curiosity, were this my personal vehicle or one of mycompany vehicles, how long would it take for the City of Palo Altoto either site me or tow me? This is ridiculous; our streets have now become storage forpeople's crap; sorry, no better way to state that. This boat is notsomeone's dwelling; neither are all the additional cars associatedwith each camper out here. If you can't do anything about thecampers, do something about the additional crap. Again, how quickly would the city respond if it were my car that was illegally parked out here? I implore everyone on this thread to continue this daily until something is done. Do better, City of Palo Alto. Bill McLane ---------------------------------Palo Alto Glass, Inc. 4085 Transport Street Palo Alto, CA 94303 650-494-7000 Office www.paloaltoglass.com On Mon, Dec 16, 2024 at 3:08 PM Dave Stellman <davestellman@gmail.com> wrote: This is ridiculous. The Supreme Court has given cities in the state of California more tools to crack down on homeless camps and illegally parked and stored vehicles. It’s time to clean up this mess in the Commercial - Industrial - Transport street area before it becomes even more of an eyesore than it is now. This is just not fair to owners and customers trying hard to do business here with NO AVAILABLE PARKING. Dave Stellman 4083 / 4085 Transport St. On Dec 16, 2024, at 1:42 PM, Manu Kumar <manu@k9ventures.com> wrote: Here are some pictures from my walk around theblock a week ago.. <IMG_1556.jpeg> <IMG_1557.jpeg> I counted at least 10 RVs just on Commercial St....too many to even fit on one camera frame. Andthat's not even counting the ones all overTransport and Industrial. Some of the RVs alsohave other supporting vehicles as noted in prioremail. The City of Palo Alto clearly doesn't care aboutbusinesses and would rather have the streets bean eyesore, sidewalks be unusable to walk on, andparking spots not be available to customers/clientsor employees. Warm regards, -- Marguerite Poyatos Palo Alto Glass, Inc.4085 Transport Street Palo Alto CA 94303(650) 494-7000 (650) 494-7087 (FAX)<Safety on Industrial avenue.pdf> From:Aram James To:Veenker, Vicki Cc:h.etzko@gmail.com; Gerry Gras; Council, City; board@pausd.org; boardfeedback@smcgov.org; BoardOperations; Sean Allen; Pat M; Gennady Sheyner; sharon jackson; Lotus Fong; Gardener, Liz; Liz Kniss; Jeff Conrad; Jessica Speiser, Educational Leader for California Democratic Delegate, Assembly District 23; Human Relations Commission; Bill Newell; Roberta Ahlquist; Rodriguez, Miguel; Marina Lopez Subject:The author of ‘One Day, Everyone Will Have Been Against This’ discusses his memoir. Plus, the manager of NorthFigueroa Bookshop tells us about their most popul… Date:Wednesday, March 12, 2025 10:57:12 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Think about what this writer, Omar El Akkad, has to say and its relevance to vast majority ofour politicians, city, state and federal. The author of ‘One Day, Everyone Will Have Been Against This’ discusses his memoir. Plus,the manager of North Figueroa Bookshop tells us about their most popul… Source: Los Angeles Times https://search.app/CfH5t8r2ejvJdJgr7 Shared via the Google app From:Patrick Kelly To:Bill McLane; Marguerite Poyatos Cc:Dave Stellman; Gaines, Chantal; osbaldo@or-builders.com; Manu Kumar; Becchetti, Benjamin; Lester Wong; Cathi Lerch; Dave Stellman; CityMgr; Moffatt, Pete; Jacob@onemovemovers.com; david@paloaltoconcrete.com; Steve Wong; RamonMorenoSchool@gmail.com;nancy@drewmaran.com; Dan McKinley; McDonough, Melissa; Reifschneider, James; Transportation; John Lerch; Binder, Andrew; Jade Jin;Xenia Czisch; City Attorney; Lauing, Ed; Lydia Kou; Veenker, Vicki; Council, City; Burt, Patrick; Stone, Greer; Lythcott-Haims, Julie; Maor Subject:Industrial/Transport/Commercial Safety Date:Wednesday, March 12, 2025 9:26:33 AM Attachments:Outlook-DMD Logo.pngOutlook-larpkod1.pngSafety on Industrial avenue.pdf CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of openingattachments and clicking on links. Hi Ben, Please take action. The safety of our employees and locals is critical. Anyone walking or driving on Industrial/Transport/Commercial is constantly at risk. Every crosswalk and entry is a major risk for anyone walking the sidewalks or pulling into any of these facilities where illegally parked abandoned vehicles are encamped. The visibility is very poor and the reason there are height and length restrictions for these types of streets; There are There are illegally running generators with unsafe live electrical lines oftentimes in the sidewalk or even running across entryways There are collections of volatile liquids like gasoline and oil (environmental issues aside) that pose additional hazards to anyone in the vicinity Please let us know what you need from us to support your team in enforcing our city regulations in order to make our workplaces safer for our employees. Respectfully, Patrick Kelly | CIODMD Systems Recovery, LLC.C: 650.492.9003patrick.kelly@dmdsystems.com | www.dmdsystems.com Book time to meet with me From: Bill McLane <bill@paloaltoglass.com> Sent: Wednesday, February 5, 2025 12:39 PM To: Marguerite Poyatos <marguerite@paloaltoglass.com> Cc: Dave Stellman <davestellman@gmail.com>; chantal.gaines@cityofpaloalto.org <chantal.gaines@cityofpaloalto.org>; osbaldo@or-builders.com <osbaldo@or-builders.com>; Manu Kumar <manu@k9ventures.com>; Benjamin Becchetti <Benjamin.Becchetti@cityofpaloalto.org>; Lester Wong <lwong@wongelectric.com>; Cathi Lerch <cathi@lerchconstruction.com>; Dave Stellman <dave@paloaltoglass.com>; City Mgr <CityMgr@cityofpaloalto.org>; Pete Moffatt <pete@petemoffat.com>; Jacob@onemovemovers.com <Jacob@onemovemovers.com>; david@paloaltoconcrete.com <david@paloaltoconcrete.com>; Steve Wong <swong@wongelectric.com>; RamonMorenoSchool@gmail.com <RamonMorenoSchool@gmail.com>; nancy@drewmaran.com <nancy@drewmaran.com>; Patrick Kelly <Patrick.Kelly@dmdsystems.com>; Dan McKinley <danmck@scientific- equipment.com>; Melissa McDonough <Melissa.McDonough@cityofpaloalto.org>; James Reifschneider <James.Reifschneider@cityofpaloalto.org>; Transportation <Transportation@cityofpaloalto.org>; Patrick Kelly <Patrick.Kelly@dmdsystems.com>; John Lerch <john@lerchconstruction.com>; Andrew Binder No visibility entering or exiting facilities putting pedestrians at risk Illegally operated generator with liv, unsafe electrical lines Hazardous liquids stored in closed space that become hazardous and volatile with increased temperatures Loose electrical wires, poor visibility, illegal cone usage at an abandoned vehicle that is clearly inoperable <Andrew.Binder@cityofpaloalto.org>; Jade Jin <JJin@wongelectric.com>; Xenia Czisch <Xenia@qmsshields.com>; City Attorney <city.attorney@cityofpaloalto.org>; Ed Lauing <Ed.Lauing@cityofpaloalto.org>; Lydia Kou <Lydia.Kou@cityofpaloalto.org>; Vicki Veenker <Vicki.Veenker@cityofpaloalto.org>; City Council <city.council@cityofpaloalto.org>; Patrick Burt <Pat.Burt@cityofpaloalto.org>; Greer Stone <Greer.Stone@cityofpaloalto.org>; Julie Lythcott-Haims <Julie.LythcottHaims@cityofpaloalto.org>; Maor <maor@greenberg.construction> Subject: Re: Industrial/Transport/Commercial concerns A citation for double parking and expired tags is what is needed here. I’m positive that’s what the police would doto me if I did the same. That is unless there are two separate sets of laws that govern the city of Palo Alto and thestate of California. Bill McLane --------------------------------- Palo Alto Glass, Inc. 4085 Transport Street Palo Alto, CA 94303 650-494-7000 Office www.paloaltoglass.com On Wed, Feb 5, 2025 at 10:13 AM Marguerite Poyatos <marguerite@paloaltoglass.com> wrote:Please see the attached image. The pictured RV & associated white truck pulled up over night. As pictured, they disregarded markedparking spots, which is one of the things that exacerbates our parking issue. A small car or motorcycle may fit there but in a commercial area where most vehicles are trucks, this does nothelp. Can you please send a community officer to leave notices on the RVs? I hope this doesn't come across as petty,but every spot really does matter on this block. Employees of some businesses have to park in lots that belong toother businesses, which can create tension amongst neighbors. Thank you. On Sat, Dec 21, 2024 at 9:19 PM Dave Stellman <davestellman@gmail.com> wrote:The police also responded and were very helpful. Initially the people involved denied everything, but when Isent the videos to the officer and he showed it to them they admitted to dumping their RV waste. They werecited for misdemeanor illegal waste dumping and will be going to court. They were then told to leave the area -and freed up two parking spaces. Thank you Palo Alto Police and Fire. Apparently reporting violations ofevery kind is what is going to have to be done on a regular basis if we want our streets cleaned up. On Dec 21, 2024, at 3:39 PM, Bill McLane <bill@paloaltoglass.com> wrote: Thank you, Dave! Bill McLane --------------------------------- Palo Alto Glass, Inc. 4085 Transport Street Palo Alto, CA 94303 650-494-7000 Office www.paloaltoglass.com On Sat, Dec 21, 2024 at 8:22 AM Dave Stellman <davestellman@gmail.com> wrote:I just called the hotline for Palo Alto for hazardous waste dumping and gave them all of thisinformation including license numbers. These vehicles are still parked there.They are sendingthe fire department out to flush the street and these people better be held accountable. On Dec 21, 2024, at 7:56 AM, Bill McLane <bill@paloaltoglass.com> wrote: License plate of the accomplice<IMG_0142.jpeg> Bill McLane --------------------------------- Palo Alto Glass, Inc. 4085 Transport Street Palo Alto, CA 94303 650-494-7000 Office www.paloaltoglass.com On Sat, Dec 21, 2024 at 5:13 AM Bill McLane <bill@paloaltoglass.com> wrote: Still parked right across from my building. Note, NO rear license plate. I do think that is against the law. I do also have video of them driving up, proof of the vehicle operating on city streets. Do you think they have insurance? <image.png> Bill McLane --------------------------------- Palo Alto Glass, Inc. 4085 Transport Street Palo Alto, CA 94303 650-494-7000 Office www.paloaltoglass.com On Sat, Dec 21, 2024 at 4:54 AM Bill McLane <bill@paloaltoglass.com> wrote: Here, they are emptying their waste in front of my building. Bill McLane ---------------------------------Palo Alto Glass, Inc. 4085 Transport Street Palo Alto, CA 94303 650-494-7000 Office www.paloaltoglass.com On Fri, Dec 20, 2024 at 9:18 PM Dave Stellman <davestellman@gmail.com>wrote:Chantal, It looks like somehow most of the city council members, Vice Mayor and Mayor must have inadvertently been deleted from your last email response. I have added them back in to make sure they stay apprised of the situation. Ihope it doesn't take the legal channels mentioned to start cleaning up ourneighborhood immediately; this has gotten out of control and kicking theproblem back and forth to different members of your city staff is not going tomake it go away. Dave StellmanTransport St. On Fri, Dec 20, 2024 at 8:16 AM Maor Greenberg<maor@greenberg.construction> wrote: Dear Chantal, Your response, while detailed, fails to address the critical and ongoing violations oflaw, public safety, and business rights in the area. The City of Palo Alto has both theauthority and obligation to take immediate and decisive action to protect its residents, businesses, and public spaces. Allowing illegally parked, unsafe, and hazardous RVsto persist is unacceptable and directly violates state and local regulations. Below are specific legal and factual challenges to the City’s approach, along with demands forcorrective action: 1. Illegally Parked and Unsafe RVs California Vehicle Code § 4000(a)(1) and Palo Alto Municipal Code §10.48.010 clearly require all vehicles parked on public streets to display validregistration. Many of the RVs in question lack valid registration, making their presence illegal. Further, under California Vehicle Code § 22651(o) and PAMC §10.48.120, any vehicle unregistered for six months or more may be towed immediately. Additionally, vehicles with exposed sewage tanks, missing wheels, or other structuralhazards are in direct violation of California Vehicle Code § 24002, which prohibits parking or operating vehicles in unsafe conditions. These RVs also create a publichealth hazard under California Health and Safety Code § 117490, which prohibits improper disposal of waste and sewage. **2. Clarification Requested Regarding Unregistered Vehicles In light of your response, please confirm whether the City of Palo Alto allowsunregistered vehicles to be driven on its streets. - I have some fun vehicles I wouldlove to order from Alibaba and drive them around Palo Alto... • California Vehicle Code § 4000(a)(1) expressly prohibits the operation of unregistered vehicles. If these RVs are being moved every 72 hours as claimed, and they lack proper registration, their operation is illegal under state law. • Allowing unregistered vehicles to remain or operate within city limits underminestraffic safety and compliance standards. This point must be clarified explicitly: Does the City of Palo Alto condone theoperation of unregistered vehicles? 3. Abuse of the 72-Hour Rule The City’s reliance on PAMC § 10.36.060 to justify the continued presence of these RVs is flawed. Surveillance footage and eyewitness accounts confirm that many RVsare circumventing the 72-hour rule by wiping off chalk markings rather than physically moving. This is blatant non-compliance and undermines the intent of theordinance. Furthermore, California Vehicle Code § 22669 explicitly allows for the removal of vehicles that are “wrecked, dismantled, or inoperative,” even if they are moved every 72 hours. The City has the authority to act, and failing to do so jeopardizes publicsafety and traffic flow. 4. Public Safety and Sanitation Violations The exposed sewage tanks, illegal dumping, and general neglect by these RV occupants pose significant health and environmental risks. The City’s failure toenforce sanitation laws, such as California Health and Safety Code § 117490 and PAMC § 16.09.100, endangers residents, workers, and the environment.Additionally, blocking roadways and driveways is a clear violation of California Vehicle Code § 22500, which prohibits parking that obstructs traffic flow or access. 5. Impact on Businesses and Traffic Flow Businesses in the area are suffering due to blocked roadways, limited parking forcustomers, and safety concerns. Under California Vehicle Code § 21101(c) and PAMC § 10.48.120, the City has the authority to regulate parking toensure the safety of businesses and residents. The City’s failure to allocate parking for business deliveries, customers, or even emergency services is a gross dereliction of duty. Blocking roadways for long periodscreates safety hazards, violates municipal code, and disrupts commerce. Conclusion and Final Demands The City of Palo Alto has the legal authority and responsibility to act under the following regulations: • PAMC § 10.48.120: Authorizes the removal of unregistered vehicles. • California Vehicle Code § 22651(o): Allows towing of unregistered vehicles. • California Vehicle Code § 22669: Mandates removal of inoperative vehicles. • California Health and Safety Code § 117490: Prohibits illegal waste disposal. • California Vehicle Code § 21101(c): Permits parking restrictions to ensure safety. We demand the immediate implementation of the following measures: 1. Impound all unregistered, unsafe, or inoperative RVs within two weeks. 2. Establish designated loading zones and 2-hour parking areas near businesses. 3. Conduct regular sanitation inspections and impose penalties for violations. 4. Provide a clear timeline for resolution and enforcement updates. The continued failure to act exposes the City to liability for neglecting public healthand safety under California Government Code § 815.6, which requires municipalities to perform mandatory duties. We expect a formal response with a clearaction plan within 14 days. If no satisfactory action is taken, we reserve the right to escalate this matter through legal channels to protect our businesses, employees, andthe community. Maor Greenberg CEO maor@greenberg.construction | 650-610-7711 Greenberg.Construction | 650-600-9536x101 | Fax 925-269-2325908 Industrial Ave, Palo Alto 94303 <email-signture_87b8d7a2-c4f4-4cbf-b474-af2f32118dd2.png> <F_1bc77f31-68bf-4143-80ea-3f34f539ea07.png> <insta_26696304-1b39-4259-9776-9f137454bed9.png> <yelp_e821c57e-caea-4e87-a5dd-5905e7ca4fb1.png> <Houzz_7abe75ad-d6ee-48ac-943b-592713e31957.png> <P_aece63f3-754b-4dca-a0a9-e93b94de4930.png> <google_04352117-2fb4-4963-bb3e-cc5317269360.png> From: Gaines, Chantal <Chantal.Gaines@CityofPaloAlto.org> Date: Friday, December 20, 2024 at 7:12 AM To: Maor Greenberg <maor@greenberg.construction>, Marguerite Poyatos <marguerite@paloaltoglass.com>, osbaldo@or-builders.com <osbaldo@or-builders.com> Cc: Bill McLane <bill@paloaltoglass.com>, Dave Stellman <davestellman@gmail.com>, Manu Kumar <manu@k9ventures.com>, Becchetti, Benjamin <Benjamin.Becchetti@CityofPaloAlto.org>, Lester Wong <lwong@wongelectric.com>, Cathi Lerch <cathi@lerchconstruction.com>, Dave Stellman <dave@paloaltoglass.com>, City Mgr <CityMgr@cityofpaloalto.org>, Moffatt, Pete <pete@petemoffat.com>, Jacob@onemovemovers.com <Jacob@onemovemovers.com>, david@paloaltoconcrete.com <david@paloaltoconcrete.com>, Steve Wong <swong@wongelectric.com>, RamonMorenoSchool@gmail.com <RamonMorenoSchool@gmail.com>, nancy@drewmaran.com <nancy@drewmaran.com>, Patrick Kelly <patrick.kelly@basketmaterials.com>, Dan McKinley <danmck@scientific- equipment.com>, McDonough, Melissa <Melissa.McDonough@CityofPaloAlto.org>, Reifschneider, James <James.Reifschneider@CityofPaloAlto.org>, Transportation <Transportation@CityofPaloAlto.org>, Patrick Kelly <info@basketmaterials.com>, John Lerch <john@lerchconstruction.com>, Binder, Andrew <Andrew.Binder@CityofPaloAlto.org>, Jade Jin <JJin@wongelectric.com>, Xenia Czisch <Xenia@qmsshields.com>, City Attorney <city.attorney@CityofPaloAlto.org> Subject: RE: Industrial/Transport/Commercial concerns You don't often get email from chantal.gaines@cityofpaloalto.org. Learn why this isimportant Hello everyone, Thank you for the emails and the time you all have spent to relay your concerns about the area surrounding your businesses. My name is Chantal and I’m the Deputy City Manager responding on behalf of the City Manager. I understand that you feel a lack of progress on the concerns you’ve identified. Through multiple City departments we are continuing to explore avenues to help mitigate those concerns being mindful of compliance with the federal Constitution and state laws, City resources, as well as providing respect to the humanity of the individuals experiencing homelessness.  As our Police Lieutenant mentioned, our enforcement largely consists of the efforts described below involving multiple City departments, including: Weekly markings for 72-hour violations from our Community Service Officers. These are required by law prior to issuing citations for the 72- hour violations. Weekly re-checks of those markings, followed by citations if vehicles are not moved. Checks of the area by traffic officers as well as patrol officers on a routine basis, consistently several times per week. Officers make personal contact with RV occupants to speak with them regarding complaints and concerns, offer services or seek alternative solutions (i.e., a small repair to fix a vehicle). Through our Community Services Department, had our Homeless Outreach Team attempt to speak with RV occupants to connect them to available resources. Of note, there are limited safe parking resources available countywide. Consulted with our Code Enforcement team to address any activity that falls under municipal code violations. We hear you that there are perhaps more RVs in the neighborhood than have been in the past. Some previous concerns, relayed through the Police Department, have been for dumping, visibility/safety issues, or other nuisance- type complaints. Officers have responded to investigate and determine if a violation has in fact occurred in response to those complaints. As the officer who issues the citation must attest to its legality, we trust their judgement to use their discretion when deciding to cite or not. It should be noted that the overwhelming majority of the RV’s are compliant with the 72-hour rule on a weekly basis according to our Police Department and their regular checks. RVs (and any other vehicle) are allowed to move and return to the exact same location under PAMC section 10.36.060. I asked the Police Department to examine the calls for service in your area since November 1st to look for additional complaints the Police Department might be able to address and to get an understanding of what they have responded to in your area. Officers responded to 29 calls for service between the 900 block of San Antonio, Commercial, Transport and Industrial Ave. Only 2 were reported complaints from a business about the RV’s. None of those 29 calls for service reported potential illegal behavior, such as illegal dumping, threatening or harassing behavior, or other criminal actions, on behalf of those working in the area. Most of those calls were self-initiated by the officers or calls from the RV occupants themselves. One of the calls, initiated by an RV occupant, reported suspicious persons that helped prevent a burglary to one of the businesses. Since early November, there have been several citations issued and one vehicle tow. I would encourage your employees to report, either online, through our non- emergency line (650-329-2413) or via 911, any behavior they feel is harassment, or potentially illegal or unsafe. The Police Department will continue to explore ideas such as additional collaboration with City departments, outside organizations and service providers, as well as nearby police departments whose actions can influence the issues felt in Palo Alto. We will also investigate the ability to perform street sweeping efforts and consult with our wastewater officials to address any cleanliness, illegal dumping and sanitation issues. The Police Department will be further assessing the vehicle code violations in the coming weeks to determine the necessity of removing some offending vehicles. Best, Chantal <image001.png>Chantal Cotton Gaines Deputy City Manager (650) 329-2572 | chantal.gaines@cityofpaloalto.org www.cityofpaloalto.org <image002.png> From: Maor Greenberg <maor@greenberg.construction> Sent: Tuesday, December 17, 2024 11:35 PM To: Marguerite Poyatos <marguerite@paloaltoglass.com>; osbaldo@or- builders.com Cc: Bill McLane <bill@paloaltoglass.com>; Dave Stellman <davestellman@gmail.com>; Manu Kumar <manu@k9ventures.com>; Becchetti, Benjamin <Benjamin.Becchetti@CityofPaloAlto.org>; Lester Wong <lwong@wongelectric.com>; Cathi Lerch <cathi@lerchconstruction.com>; Dave Stellman <dave@paloaltoglass.com>; City Mgr <CityMgr@cityofpaloalto.org>; Moffatt, Pete <pete@petemoffat.com>; Jacob@onemovemovers.com; david@paloaltoconcrete.com; Steve Wong <swong@wongelectric.com>; RamonMorenoSchool@gmail.com; nancy@drewmaran.com; Patrick Kelly <patrick.kelly@basketmaterials.com>; Dan McKinley <danmck@scientific- equipment.com>; McDonough, Melissa <Melissa.McDonough@CityofPaloAlto.org>; Reifschneider, James <James.Reifschneider@CityofPaloAlto.org>; Transportation <Transportation@CityofPaloAlto.org>; Patrick Kelly <info@basketmaterials.com>; John Lerch <john@lerchconstruction.com>; Tanaka, Greg <Greg.Tanaka@CityofPaloAlto.org>; Lauing, Ed <Ed.Lauing@CityofPaloAlto.org>; Kou, Lydia <Lydia.Kou@CityofPaloAlto.org>; Veenker, Vicki <Vicki.Veenker@CityofPaloAlto.org>; Binder, Andrew <Andrew.Binder@CityofPaloAlto.org>; Council, City <city.council@cityofpaloalto.org>; Burt, Patrick <Pat.Burt@CityofPaloAlto.org>; Stone, Greer <Greer.Stone@CityofPaloAlto.org>; Lythcott-Haims, Julie <Julie.LythcottHaims@CityofPaloAlto.org>; Jade Jin <JJin@wongelectric.com>; Xenia Czisch <Xenia@qmsshields.com>; City Attorney <city.attorney@CityofPaloAlto.org> Subject: Re: Industrial/Transport/Commercial concerns CAUTION: This email originated from outside of theorganization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clickingon links. Dear Molly (City Attorney) and All Copied City Officials, On behalf of the many businesses in the Commercial-Industrial-Transport Street area who are deeply frustrated with the persistent and escalating issues caused by illegally parked RVs, unregistered vehicles, and boats. This situation has reached a critical point, impacting not only our daily operations but also the safety, reputation, and economic health of our businesses. Impact on Businesses and Community 1. Safety and Sanitation Hazards:       •     Dumped bodily waste, debris, and hazardous conditions are becoming commonplace, creating significant health risks.       •     Aggressive behavior and intimidation from some vehicle occupants have been reported, making the area unsafe for employees and customers. 2. Operational Challenges:       •     Parking for employees, customers, and service vehicles is nearly nonexistent due to the occupation of public spaces by illegally parked vehicles.       •     Businesses are suffering tangible financial losses as customers avoid the area due to these conditions. 3. Lack of Enforcement:       •     Despite repeated citations and notices issued by Community Service and Special Problems Officers, there has been no meaningful resolution.       •     Violations of California Vehicle Code 4000(a)(1) VC (unregistered vehicles) and Vehicle Code 22651(o)(1) VC (impound authority for registration violations) are being ignored. Call for Immediate Action This is a collective appeal to the city and its representatives to act decisively to restore order in our community. We urge the city to prioritize: 1. Enforcement: Immediate towing and penalties for unregistered and illegally parked vehicles in alignment with state and local laws. 2. Comprehensive Solutions: A transparent and actionable plan to address these issues, including increased patrols, collaboration with businesses, and enforcement timelines. 3. Engagement: A commitment to working with affected businesses to ensure our concerns are heard and addressed effectively. Potential Legal Action The city’s ongoing inaction not only jeopardizes public safety and operational viability but also exposes it to potential legal consequences. Many businesses on this email chain are experiencing severe financial and reputational damages due to these unresolved issues. We cannot afford further delays. Thank you for your attention. <image003.png> Maor Greenberg CEO maor@greenberg.construction | 650-610-7711 Greenberg.Construction | 650-600-9536 x101 | Fax 925-269-2325 908 Industrial Ave, Palo Alto 94303 <image004.png> <image005.png> <image006.png> <image007.png> <image008.png> <image009.png> From: Marguerite Poyatos <marguerite@paloaltoglass.com> Date: Tuesday, December 17, 2024 at 10:29 AM To: osbaldo@or-builders.com <osbaldo@or-builders.com> Cc: Bill McLane <bill@paloaltoglass.com>, Dave Stellman <davestellman@gmail.com>, Manu Kumar <manu@k9ventures.com>, Benjamin Becchetti <Benjamin.Becchetti@cityofpaloalto.org>, Lester Wong <lwong@wongelectric.com>, Cathi Lerch <cathi@lerchconstruction.com>, Maor Greenberg <maor@greenberg.construction>, Dave Stellman <dave@paloaltoglass.com>, City Mgr <CityMgr@cityofpaloalto.org>, Pete Moffatt <pete@petemoffat.com>, Jacob@onemovemovers.com <Jacob@onemovemovers.com>, david@paloaltoconcrete.com <david@paloaltoconcrete.com>, Steve Wong <swong@wongelectric.com>, RamonMorenoSchool@gmail.com <RamonMorenoSchool@gmail.com>, nancy@drewmaran.com <nancy@drewmaran.com>, Patrick Kelly <patrick.kelly@basketmaterials.com>, Dan McKinley <danmck@scientific- equipment.com>, Melissa McDonough <Melissa.McDonough@cityofpaloalto.org>, James Reifschneider <James.Reifschneider@cityofpaloalto.org>, Transportation <transportation@cityofpaloalto.org>, Patrick Kelly <info@basketmaterials.com>, John Lerch <john@lerchconstruction.com>, Greg Tanaka <Greg.Tanaka@cityofpaloalto.org>, Ed Lauing <Ed.Lauing@cityofpaloalto.org>, Lydia Kou <Lydia.Kou@cityofpaloalto.org>, Vicki Veenker <Vicki.Veenker@cityofpaloalto.org>, Andrew Binder <andrew.binder@cityofpaloalto.org>, City Council <city.council@cityofpaloalto.org>, Patrick Burt <pat.burt@cityofpaloalto.org>, Greer Stone <Greer.Stone@cityofpaloalto.org>, Julie Lythcott-Haims <Julie.LythcottHaims@cityofpaloalto.org>, Jade Jin <JJin@wongelectric.com>, Xenia Czisch <Xenia@qmsshields.com> Subject: Re: Industrial/Transport/Commercial concerns You don't often get email from marguerite@paloaltoglass.com. Learn why this isimportant A community officer came by today. Not sure what was done other than inspecting the volume of vehicles on the street. It is pretty disheartening that there are 14 city employees/email addresses included in this email and we are getting no responses or acknowledgements from any of them. This seems to be just a community forum for us to air our grievances regarding the area we all work in rather than getting any sort of resolutions. For years now, the businesses in this area have dealt with a number of issues that are a direct result of the RVs residing on this street - dumped bodily waste, aggressive dogs, aggression/intimidation, amongst many others. We try to vigilant and call the non-emergency police line to confront situations. Officers will come out and at the very most, they will go and have a conversation with whoever it is that's causing issues. Then, nothing happens. We have had customers complain that they do not feel safe coming into this corner of Palo Alto. This is directly affecting Palo Alto businesses - many of which on this street provide important/critical types of service to residents, businesses, local government and schools in Palo Alto. Can we please get some help other than weekly notices stuck on windshields? On Tue, Dec 17, 2024 at 8:36 AM <osbaldo@or-builders.com> wrote: I agree 100 % The city of Palo A lot needs to have a solution for this please O.R. Builders Inc. Osbaldo Romero President 939 Industrial Ave Palo Alto, Ca. 94303 Phone: 650.938.2222 Fax: 650.938.2224 Cell: 415.215.6788 From: Bill McLane <bill@paloaltoglass.com> Sent: Tuesday, December 17, 2024 5:34 AM To: Dave Stellman <davestellman@gmail.com> Cc: Manu Kumar <manu@k9ventures.com>; Marguerite Poyatos <MARGUERITE@paloaltoglass.com>; Benjamin Becchetti <Benjamin.Becchetti@cityofpaloalto.org>; Lester Wong <lwong@wongelectric.com>; Cathi Lerch <cathi@lerchconstruction.com>; Maor Greenberg <maor@greenberg.construction>; Dave Stellman <dave@paloaltoglass.com>; City Mgr <CityMgr@cityofpaloalto.org>; osbaldo@or-builders.com; Pete Moffatt <pete@petemoffat.com>; Jacob@onemovemovers.com; david@paloaltoconcrete.com; Steve Wong <swong@wongelectric.com>; RamonMorenoSchool@gmail.com; nancy@drewmaran.com; Patrick Kelly <patrick.kelly@basketmaterials.com>; Dan McKinley <danmck@scientific-equipment.com>; Melissa McDonough <Melissa.McDonough@cityofpaloalto.org>; James Reifschneider <James.Reifschneider@cityofpaloalto.org>; Transportation <transportation@cityofpaloalto.org>; Patrick Kelly <info@basketmaterials.com>; John Lerch <john@lerchconstruction.com>; Greg Tanaka <Greg.Tanaka@cityofpaloalto.org>; Ed Lauing <Ed.Lauing@cityofpaloalto.org>; Lydia Kou <Lydia.Kou@cityofpaloalto.org>; Vicki Veenker <Vicki.Veenker@cityofpaloalto.org>; Andrew Binder <andrew.binder@cityofpaloalto.org>; City Council <city.council@cityofpaloalto.org>; Patrick Burt <pat.burt@cityofpaloalto.org>; Greer Stone <Greer.Stone@cityofpaloalto.org>; Julie Lythcott-Haims <Julie.LythcottHaims@cityofpaloalto.org>; Jade Jin <JJin@wongelectric.com>; Xenia Czisch <Xenia@qmsshields.com> Subject: Re: Industrial/Transport/Commercial concerns Out of curiosity, were this my personal vehicle or one of my companyvehicles, how long would it take for the City of Palo Alto to either site me or tow me? This is ridiculous; our streets have now become storage for people'scrap; sorry, no better way to state that. This boat is not someone's dwelling; neither are all the additional cars associated with eachcamper out here. If you can't do anything about the campers, do something about the additional crap. Again, how quickly would the city respond if it were my car that wasillegally parked out here? I implore everyone on this thread to continue this daily until something is done. Do better, City of Palo Alto. Bill McLane ---------------------------------Palo Alto Glass, Inc. 4085 Transport Street Palo Alto, CA 94303 650-494-7000 Office www.paloaltoglass.com On Mon, Dec 16, 2024 at 3:08 PM Dave Stellman <davestellman@gmail.com> wrote: This is ridiculous. The Supreme Court has given cities in the state of California more tools to crack down on homeless camps and illegally parked and stored vehicles. It’s time to clean up this mess in the Commercial - Industrial - Transport street area before it becomes even more of an eyesore than it is now. This is just not fair to owners and customers trying hard to do business here with NO AVAILABLE PARKING. Dave Stellman 4083 / 4085 Transport St. On Dec 16, 2024, at 1:42 PM, Manu Kumar <manu@k9ventures.com> wrote: Here are some pictures from my walk around the block aweek ago.. <IMG_1556.jpeg> <IMG_1557.jpeg> I counted at least 10 RVs just on Commercial St.... toomany to even fit on one camera frame. And that's noteven counting the ones all over Transport and Industrial.Some of the RVs also have other supporting vehicles asnoted in prior email. The City of Palo Alto clearly doesn't care aboutbusinesses and would rather have the streets be aneyesore, sidewalks be unusable to walk on, and parkingspots not be available to customers/clients oremployees. Warm regards, -- Marguerite Poyatos Palo Alto Glass, Inc. 4085 Transport Street Palo Alto CA 94303 (650) 494-7000(650) 494-7087 (FAX) From:Liz Gardner To:Shikada, Ed; Council, City; Stone, Greer; Ed Lauing; Lauing, Ed; Veenker, Vicki; Team JulieforPaloAlto;pat.burt@cityofpalto.org Cc:Van Der Zwaag, Minka; Vargas-Aguilera, Elisa; Hartley, Craig Subject:Fwd: Related Mayfield Place -- No Hot Water Date:Wednesday, March 12, 2025 8:14:07 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Dear City Manager Shikada, I would like to report that as of this evening Related Mayfield Place est., 2017 boilers are out of service. As of 6pm tonight the water went cold after months and months of attempts to have Related Mayfield management fix and service to cleanout valves and replace temperature regulators. There is no notice on the door forservice to be restored. Gratefully, your city code enforcement staff have been on site a couple of weeksago. They came in to two units to measure temperatures and investigate theproblem. This has been an ongoing with the property since October of 2024. Quit literally, the boilers were replaced in December of 2022.. Now the water temperature has become so bad again there is no hot water for family residents,babies, disabled, elderly, Fambrini's outdoor dining, Vista Center for the Blind. This is unacceptable. This is affecting our use of the shared laundry facility, for the health of residents to wash, clean or bathe. I continue to boil water on the stove top. Sincerely, Liz GardnerPalo Alto From:Giuliano To:Council, City Subject:Books Date:Wednesday, March 12, 2025 2:19:27 AM Some people who received this message don't often get email from giuliano@carlini.com. Learn why this isimportant Hi all, First, thanks for any time you can spend skimming these books. While I'd love y'all to readthem cover to cover, taking notes, rereading them, figuring out how each section relates to others within the same book, and the other ... I somehow suspect you are already alloverloaded and overwhelmed with city duties, jobs, and personal lives. I'll deeply appreciate any time you can spend on these. There's no rush. or expectation. Spend no time on them ortake the next 3 months to read them closely. By donating these books to the city rather than you individually there are two happy effects. First, we don't have to worry about the gift limit. Second, I can ask that when ever you aredone with them, please share with the Planning Commission members. Then the Parks and Recreation Commission as they are Belmont's Bike and Pedestrian Commission. Then to anystaff interested. And finally, donate to the Belmont Library for them to either catalog or more likely sell through their book shop. So why do I think these books may help you understand what Belmont needs? And help youunderstand my perspective. We are a "motornormative" society. Folks just assume that cars are the answer. Sure we talk a good game about changing that. But progress actually doingthat is almost non existent. Look at the responses to the ADLP comments suggesting better cycling infrastructure: sorry, there's no road space for that. We have plenty of road space. It'sjust that we assume as much of it as possible must go to cars. We are actually adding the number of parking spaces, because of course Carlmont students need more room to park theircars, rather than a safe route to ride bikes to school. Motornormative. Streets are different from Roads. Roads take you between places. Streets within a place. We generally have some roads we call freeways, some local streets - typically for neighborhoodswith wealthier housing - and all else are stroads. Stroads do neither well. Their local traffic slows down getting between places. Their high speeds make it dangerous for residents andthose getting around locally. Everyone getting around locally, whether on bike, walking, and even other folks driving. 92, 101, 280 are roads. Ralston, Alameda, ECR, etc are stroads that should be streets. Streets should be designed to create wealth for the places where they are located. Not to movefolks through them, at speed, never using local facilities, and as a consequence robbing them of wealth. Lastly both Roads and Streets should be for moving people. Not for storing cars. Ifyou are interested in how parking causes a myriad of problem how 30-50% ends up being dedicated to parking, check out two other books: The High Cost of Free Parking and PavedParadise. I have both and would be glad to lend them. We over engineer our streets. We want streets that we would like folks to drive at 25mph, but they are engineered and built for 50mph. Only roads should be designed for 50mph. And then we are shocked when folks drive 50mph past a 25mph speed limit sign, on a street designedfor 50mph driving. We are unhappy because we want them to go 25mph. But the street design wants them to go 50mph. So they do. Pick a design speed. Build for that design speed. If folksare still going too fast: change the design until they are going the design speed. We over engineer because that's what engineers do. They usually do that to increase safety. To avoid catastrophic failure, the typical engineering dictum is to over design for 3x the desiredfactor. We want a beam to have a 1000 pound load limit, but for safety we build using a beam with a 3000 pound load limit. But traffic engineers are over engineering the wrong thing. Theyover engineer the speed limit, when they should be over engineering the elements that create a vibrant city. For example, safety components. An analogy. Imagine that power delivery engineering was done in a similar fashion to traffic.High voltage, thousands of volts, is good for long distance transmission. But, no one in their right mind would suggest supplying that to the home. Same thing with traffic. What isappropriate for long distance transit, is not appropriate for local delivery. And yet, we design almost too many local streets for road speeds. Even local neighborhood streets are designedfor too high a speed, 25mph to 35mph. Many parts of the world have the sense to design local neighborhood streets for 5 to 15mph. Sure it takes an extra 20 seconds to turn off the maintown street until you get home, but it transforms the neighborhood. Kids can play in the streets. As I did when I was a kid. Literally. For example, Ralston should be a 25mph street. Upper Ralston is designed as a 50mph+ road.Folks drive 50mph, even in front of Ralston Middle School, where a speed limit sign reads 25mph. You want folks to drive 25mph? You must design a 25mph street. Put it on a roaddiet. Narrow the lanes to 10.5' or even 10'. Make intersections at sidewalk grade. Use pedestrian bulb outs (but for gods sake, stop with the badly designed bulb outs whose designthrows cars and cyclists into the same lane; cyclists are severely injured and die because of these badly designed bulb outs), use pedestrian refuge islands, get rid of medians, and on andon. There are so many things that could be done to make Ralston a better STREET and not a bad road. But, you say, what of the DELAY. OMG! Well, here's the thing. Ralston from 280to ECR is about 3 miles. Now you can't really go 50mph along all of Ralston. Because it's also a local street, it has a bunch of lights. It's effective speed is about 30 mph. If we slowedRalston down to 25mph, we'd need fewer lights and shorter light cycles, resulting in an effective speed of say 20mph. At 30mph, it takes 6 minutes to drive 3 miles. At 20 mph, ittakes 9 minutes. 3 additional minutes. That's it. That's all we get for making Ralston so dangerous for all road users. To save 3 minutes per trip, we make Ralston a whole lot moredangerous for pedestrians, cyclists, and even cars. And we destroy it's vitality, it's ability to create a vibrant neighborhood. Anyhow, I've gone on too long. Skim the books. Pass them along. Thanks, giuliano-- Drive a bike a bit more often and cars a bit less. You'll be healthier and happier, and so willour world. From:Aram James To:Veenker, Vicki Cc:Council, City; h.etzko@gmail.com Subject:View "Comment from @H_Dar792" Date:Wednesday, March 12, 2025 12:40:57 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. https://youtube.com/watch?v=CDNGw8kn6ps&lc=UgxG3Ye_9fB2qkaRNTd4AaABAg&si=OeKVTdm8wT4d95dv From:Henry Etzkowitz To:Rebecca Eisenberg; Roberta Ahlquist; Jim Hersh; Roseline Rasolovoahangy; Bette Kiernan; Office of the Provost;Avroh Shah; Jeanne Fleming; Marty Wasserman; Gennady Sheyner; Palo Post; Ellen Fox; Braden Cartwright;Sarah Wright; Hannah Lu Cc:Khonika Gope; Council, City Subject:sociability restored :oak creek brunch revival proposed as neighbor interaction see Palo Alto website 11 Marchcity council response to special events presentation-neighbor to neighbor “This is where we made our friends” Date:Tuesday, March 11, 2025 10:55:30 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. >> BestHenryCommunity of oak creek residents2024 city council candidate Feel free to forwardand ask about “software icebreaker” idea, time limit Monday too short to Introduce From:pennyellson12@gmail.com To:Council, City Subject:FW: March 10 Consent Item 5: Delayed San Antonio Road Area Planning Process and Bridging A Worrisome Policy Gap Date:Tuesday, March 11, 2025 9:58:01 PM Attachments:Outlook-Logo__Desc.png Outlook-osves31k.png CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. I don’t see that you were copied. FYI… From: Cain, Robert <Robert.Cain@CityofPaloAlto.org> Sent: Tuesday, March 11, 2025 10:07 AM To: Ellson, Penny <pennyellson12@gmail.com> Cc: City Mgr <CityMgr@cityofpaloalto.org>; Lait, Jonathan <Jonathan.Lait@CityofPaloAlto.org>; Armer, Jennifer <Jennifer.Armer@CityofPaloAlto.org>; Frick, Coleman <Coleman.Frick@CityofPaloAlto.org> Subject: Re: March 10 Consent Item 5: Delayed San Antonio Road Area Planning Process and Bridging A Worrisome Policy Gap Good morning, Ms. Ellson, My name is Robert Cain. I am a Senior Planner with the City and the project manager for the San Antonio Road Area Plan (SARAP). I am looking forward to engaging with the community in south Palo Alto and working on a plan that I think will be a great benefit to all. Thank you for reaching out with your concerns about the SARAP process, timeline, and integration with other planning efforts, including the City's Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation Plan (BPTP) and Safe System for All (SS4A) Action Plan. The City is committed to aligning these plans to support a walkable and bikeable SARAP area. While the BPTP update is still in progress, draft recommendations propose Class IV protected bike lanes on key arterials within the SARAP area. Until SARAP and related zoning amendments are adopted, the City will continue to followexisting zoning codes, the Comprehensive Plan, and other policies, including setback andeasement requirements. New applications will be reviewed to these documents and inanticipation of the future biking and pedestrian infrastructure interests. A phased approach toSARAP is not practical, as each phase builds upon the previous one, and land use andtransportation are inherently interconnected. In the interim, staff will review special zoning setbacks and lease agreements for properties along San Antonio Road. If existing regulations are found to provide insufficient protectionfor anticipated improvements outlined in the BPTP, staff will explore options with the City Council before substantial work begins on SARAP. There is still time to provide input on the BPTP, which is expected to go before the Councilfor consideration later this year. Once adopted, the Council may allocate resources to BPTP projects. Public input for SARAP will begin this spring, including the formation of aCommunity Advisory Group (CAG). We encourage you to apply once applications open. Please feel free to reach out with any further questions. Sincerely, ROBERT CAIN Senior Planner - Long Range Planning Planning and Development Department (650) 329-2170 | robert.cain@cityofpaloalto.org www.cityofpaloalto.org From: pennyellson12@gmail.com <pennyellson12@gmail.com> Sent: Friday, March 7, 2025 11:57 AM To: Council, City <city.council@cityofpaloalto.org> Subject: March 10 Consent Item 5: Delayed San Antonio Road Area Planning Process and Bridging A Worrisome Policy Gap CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Honorable City Council Members, The San Antonio Area Planning process that City Council has on Consent next week is a three-year contract. This raises questions and concerns. The Safe System for All (SS4A) Action Plan informs the BPTP Update. The BPTP Update issupposed to be completed April 2025. So far, the SS4A and BPTP draft documents appear to be mostly silent on recommendations regarding San Antonio Road and its crossings. Understandable, however… As I understand it, the San Antonio Area Plan, once approved, will be integrated into the Comprehensive Plan. However, that cannot happen for at least three years (term of theconsultant contract council is set to approve), maybe longer. Nonetheless, multiple large projects already have been built on San Antonio, others approved, and more are in the pipeline moving toward approval. It seems to me, we will have a three-year, possibly longer, period when the San Antonio Area development pipeline will bevery active with high density projects. Am I correct in thinking the city will have nopolicy in place to guide decision-making for those projects during that time? Questions: 1. What policy guidelines will the city follow during the 3-year interim period while the city is working on the Area Plan? 2. Planning & Development Services Director Jonathan Lait has said “the city is asking developers” to preserve ROW for future bike lanes on San Antonio, but what force of policy is behind that ask? So far, four large projects have been approved and/or built with no ROW preserved that I see, creating ROW gaps that will make installation of continuous bike lanes difficult. Can staff point me to something that will help me understand what is in place for this interim period to ensure we will have ROW to do what’s needed on San Antonio for foot-powered people when the Area Plan is finally completed and approved? 3. A thought: Might the Area Planning process be rolled out in phases with transportation recommendations for San Antonio and its major intersections laid out earlier as a Phase 1 transportation plan (for instance), possibly in time to be incorporated in the BPTP? The city might also do this for general open space requirements for this intensively upzoned area. Phasing Area Planning (as was done with the city’s South of Forest Area Plan years ago) could enable timely decision-making to ensure policy is in place to require preservation of space and ROW for these important elements without delaying development. 4. If phasing Area Planning cannot be the solution, what language needs to be in the BPTP and SS4A Action Plan to ensure that provisional guidance for bikeways, pedestrians, and parks are advanced sooner to ensure a future San Antonio Area Plan can be fully realized, despite the 3-year misalignment of development decision-making and the horribly delayed Area Planning process? Two 5-story hotels totaling 294 rooms already have been approved and built in the middle ofthe San Antonio Road planning area. A 5-story mixed use housing project with 76 units and a 4-story project with 104 units also have been approved, but not yet built. The first two ofthese moved forward without ROW preserved for bike lanes (EIR for these projects determined sharrows were “sufficient.”) I haven’t checked the other projects yet. More are inthe pipeline. Staff says the city is preserving ROW for bike lanes. Where can the public find documentation of this so that agreements are not lost going forward with staff and Counciltransitions? How is staff thinking they will plan to create continuous bike lanes and transit stops along the San Antonio corridor with existing gaps in available ROW? I asked Sylvia Star-Lack about gaps in the preserved ROW at VTA’s recent 101/San AntonioInterchange community meeting. She said the city may have to use the median island to capture ROW. One of these projects is at an intersection on this six/seven lane arterial truckroute. The median islands need to be widened for pedestrian crossing refuge, not narrowed. How can we plan to avoid problems a 3+ year policy gap may create in thistransformational period as we wait for an Area Plan? Thank you for all you do and for considering my comments. Sincerely, Penny Ellson speaking as an individual, as I have not had opportunity to raise this with PABAC Virus-free.www.avg.com From:Eda Ertas To:PWD; Info, Plandiv; Council, City Subject:Proposal for Safety Infrastructure at Gunn and Paly Railroad Crossings Date:Tuesday, March 11, 2025 6:09:41 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. i Dear Palo Alto City Officials, My name is Eda Ertas, and I am a junior at Gunn High School. I am reaching out regarding the urgent need for increased safety measures at the railroad crossings near Henry M. Gunn High School (Charleston) and Palo Alto High School (Churchill). It is heartbreaking that, in the past year, we have lost two students to train-related suicides, and I recently lost a friend to this issue. I would like to take action and work with you to reduce these tragedies by installing preventative infrastructure upgrades. I would like to explore the possibilities of implementing: -High, unclimbable fences by pedestrian crossings -Cameras and motion sensors to alert authorities/trains if anyone enters the restricted area -Automatic locking gates that prevent last-second crossings I understand that logistics and funding are major considerations, therefore I would appreciate guidance on how the city can support. Additionally, I have plans to raise funds to make this project possible. Would it be possible for us to meet or discuss further about these ideas? Thank you for your time and consideration to making our city safer for Palo Alto Students. I look forward to hearing back from you! Best regards, Eda Ertas This message needs your attention No employee in your company has ever replied to this person. This is a personal email address. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast From:Lizzie DeKraai To:Council, City Subject:Churchill crossing Date:Tuesday, March 11, 2025 5:59:21 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Hello, I emailed you two weeks ago about housing in Palo Alto and did not receive a response. I hope to receive a response to this message. As mentioned in my previous email, I'm luckyenough to live within walking distance to Paly where I work. Every day I walk down Churchill across Alma to get to work. I'm unclear on how the construction at that intersectionimproves safety. If anything, there is now less space for students and pedestrians to stand and wait for the train to cross. It's a mess and has been for months. You're well aware of what happened last Tuesday - that was my student, and I have severalothers who witnessed the incident. I am sick to my stomach walking to and from work every day, seeing just how easy it is for teenagers with undeveloped brains to have access to apermanent and devastating choice. I'm urging you to start the Churchill train crossing separation to prevent more tragic deaths. Just like with housing, there are community members- the wealthy ones, whose desires you evidently prioritize - who will be upset with the noise and traffic inconvenience. But what can be more important than preventing another tragicloss? Enough is enough. Please prioritize the grade separation at Churchill. Thank you, Lizzie DeKraai From:Loran Harding To:Loran Harding; antonia.tinoco@hsr.ca.gov; alumnipresident@stanford.edu; Shanetta Anderson; David Balakian;beachrides; boardmembers; Leodies Buchanan; bearwithme1016@att.net; bballpod; fred beyerlein; BeckyVagim; carloslawnservice14@gmail.com; Cathy Lewis; Council, City; dennisbalakian; dallen1212@gmail.com;Scott Wilkinson; George.Rutherford@ucsf.edu; Gabriel.Ramirez@fresno.gov; huidentalsanmateo; hennessy; IrvWeissman; jerry ruopoli; Sally Thiessen; Joel Stiner; karkazianjewelers@gmail.com;kdeem.electriclab@gmail.com; kfsndesk; Mayor; MY77FJ@gmail.com; Mark Standriff; margaret-sasaki@live.com;maverickbruno@sbcglobal.net; merazroofinginc@att.net; newsdesk; news@fresnobee.com; nick yovino;russ@topperjewelers.com; Steve Wayte; tsheehan; terry; vallesR1969@att.net; yicui@stanford.edu Subject:Fwd: NYT, Stk Mkt today, 3-11, amid Traiffs, Date:Tuesday, March 11, 2025 5:25:35 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. ---------- Forwarded message --------- From: Loran Harding <loran.harding@stanfordalumni.org>Date: Tue, Mar 11, 2025 at 5:08 PM Subject: Fwd: NYT, Stk Mkt today, 3-11, amid Traiffs,To: Loran Harding <loran.harding@stanfordalumni.org> Tuesday, March 11, 2025 To all- The NYT commented today on the market's reaction to the Trump tariffs. Amid the carnage in my portfolio, I have held my fire. Even facially, Trump is beginning tolook a little like Herbert Hoover. Wall Street sees further drops after Trump's latest tariff threats I do like his expulsion by deportation of criminal aliens, his resuming construction of the border wall, his sending more troops to the border, his ending DEI in many federal agenciesand in the military, his reducing the federal payroll, and I hope he is ejecting a lot of former beneficiearies of the Nazi affirmative action program with that. I'd run a Nazi War Crimes trialfor the leading Nazis who have been running the EEOC. Getting the Mexican Army to the border to help stop illegals entering the US is wonderful, and Trump should keep the pressureon Mexico to keep them out of here. Illegals, guns and drugs, wow, Biden welcomed them all in. What does that make Biden and Harris? Doing the same thing with Canada is justwonderful. They don't have an army, they don't have the RMP, they just can't notice illegals, guns and drugs crossing the border into the US? It's been a good joke on the Americans, Iguess. Remember that when you plan your vacations. I sincerely hope that Trump does not try to damage Social Security and Medicare. How do tariffs work and why are they tanking the US stock market? It's pretty simple: A US importer of Canadian lumber, e.g,. has to pay a big tariffs to the US government if the USimposes a big tariff on Canadian lumber entering the US. So then, the US importer tries to recoup that big outlay by raisng the price he charges US consumers of the lumber he is selling.The rub there is that the consumers may not want to pay that stiff increase in the price of lumber. Maybe they can't. So now the importer is stuck with unsold lumber. He can either watch it sit in storage or cut the price, eating some of the US tariff he paid. With the increasedcost of imported Canadian lumber, maybe some US home bulders build fewer homes. If they build them now, the price of a new home willl have to increase by ~$12,000, making themtougher to sell. Fewer homes being built throws US workers out of work. Their economic distress then ripples through the US economy. So with the building industry cutting back, Mr.Canadian lumber importer in the US starts buying less Canadian lumber. That damages Canadian lumber producers and they start laying off workers, and that pain spreads throughthe Canadian economy. Now do the same with Canadian steel and aluminum, and Canadian wheat. Same process. Wouldn't it be less painful for the Canadians to stop their bad behavior and start interdictingthe illegals, drugs and weapons entering the US from their side? Ditto for Mexico. If I wererunning Canada or Mexico, I would invite American monitors to their side of the borderto observe the hugely stepped-up interdiction of illegals, drugs and weapons entering theUS. If they do a great job at that, it would be a lot less damaging to the US, Canadianand Mexican economies than these ruinous tariffs.The outgoing Canadian PM Trudeau said that the real reason for Trump's imposition of these tariffs is to wreck the Canadian economy,making it easier for the US ot absorb Canada. I predict that when HIs Majesty, King Charles III gets trump into a little room at Windsor, he will have something to tell Trump about the reaction by Canada, and probably by the UK,if Trump does indeed try to absorb Canada into the US. The Canadians have been miffed about the King's silence on this, but I'll bet it will end at Windsor. L. William Harding Fresno, Ca. From:Ziem Neubert (Project Cornerstone) To:Ziem Neubert (Project Cornerstone) Subject:YMCA Project Cornerstone"s Asset Champions Awards Breakfast! Date:Tuesday, March 11, 2025 4:23:54 PM Attachments:2025 ACAB Flyer-ENG.pdf 2025 ACAB Flyer-SPAN.pdf CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Dear Elected Officials, I hope this message finds you well. Thank you for all that you do! I know that many of you have been receiving numerous emails about our eventand some of you have already registered, so please forgive the redundancyhere.If you have not registered and are interested in attending, tomorrow isthe last day to do so. Project Cornerstone’s Asset Champions Awards Breakfast will feature Dr. DenisePope, Ph.D., from Challenge Success and Stanford University as the keynotespeaker! This year’s theme, "Amplifying Youth Voices," highlights the criticalimportance of youth perspectives in shaping a brighter and thriving future. Dr.Pope will be moderating a powerful youth panel where attendees are sure togain important and valuable insights from today’s young people. In addition to celebrating local individuals, schools, and organizations that areserving youth and families and creating a sense of belonging, this event offersan opportunity to reignite our community’s passion and commitment! Event Details:Date: Friday, March 21, 2025 Time: 7:30–9:30 a.m. (Breakfast served from 7:30–8:00 a.m.; Program begins at 8:00 a.m.) Location: Santa Clara Convention Center Attached are the event flyers in English and Spanish. One can purchaseindividual tickets, reserve a table of ten, or dedicate a table to an “UPstander”using this link: EventBrite registration site. The 2025 award recipients are: Adult Role Model: Gretchen Yoder-Schrock, an educator from Christopher High School in Gilroy Unified School District Positive Cultural Identity: Jessica Tejada, a coordinator from Mount Pleasant Elementary School District Youth Role Model: Manreet Kaur, a youth from Dr. TJ Owens Gilroy Early College Academy Community Values Youth: Canopy, a non-profit in East Palo Alto Caring School Climate: Preschool-Elementary Category: Don Callejon Arts and Design School REGISTER TODAY Scan the QR code to register and pay online or visit assetchampions2025.eventbrite.com. Ticket Prices Adult .......................................................................... $75 Youth .......................................................................... $45 Table of 10 ............................................................. $700 Table of 10 + Dedicate your table to an UPstander .......... $750 PROJECT CORNERSTONE projectcornerstone.org Keynote Speaker and Youth Panel Denise Pope, Ph.D., co-founder and Strategic Advisor at Challenge Success, is a Senior Lecturer at the Stanford University Graduate School of Education. Dr. Pope lectures nationally on parenting techniques and pedagogical strategies to increase student health, engagement with learning, and integrity. Following Dr. Pope’s keynote, she will lead a powerful Youth Panel featuring local high school students sharing their voices on teen issues. Friday, March 21, 2025 Registration & Breakfast 7:30am - 8:00am Program 8:00am - 9:30am Santa Clara Convention Center Mission City Ballroom 5001 Great America Parkway Santa Clara, CA 95054 For questions or more information, including sponsorship inquiries, please contact info@projectcornerstone.org or 408-351-6482. Event Sponsors UPstander Level AMPLIFYINGYOUTH VOICES 2025 ASSET CHAMPIONS AWARDS BREAKFAST YMCA PROJECT CORNERSTONE Bucket Filler Level Asset Champion Level REGÍSTRESE HOY Escanee el código QR para registrarse y pagar en línea o visítenos assetchampions2025.eventbrite.com. Precio de las entradas Adultos ........................................................................ $75 Jóvenes ....................................................................... $45 Mesa de 10 .............................................................. $700 Mesa de 10 + Dedicación a un UPstander ................................$750 PROJECT CORNERSTONE projectcornerstone.org Orador Principal y Panel de Jóvenes Denise Pope, Doctora en Filosofía, es cofundadora y Asesora Estratégica de Challenge Success y Profesora Titular en la Escuela de Postgrado de Educación de la Universidad de Stanford. La Dra. Pope imparte conferencias a escala nacional sobre técnicas de crianza y estrategias pedagógicas para mejorar la salud de los alumnos, su compromiso con el aprendizaje y su integridad. Tras el discurso de apertura de la Dra. Pope, ella dirigirá un poderoso panel con jóvenes en el que participarán estudiantes de escuelas locales que compartirán sus opiniones sobre temas relacionados con la adolescencia. Friday, 21 de marzo de 2025 Registro y Desayuno 7:30am - 8:00am Programa 8:00am - 9:30am Santa Clara Convention Center Mission City Ballroom 5001 Great America Parkway, Santa Clara, CA 95054 Hay estacionamiento gratuito en el Centro de Convenciones. Habrá interpretación simultánea en vivo al español. Para preguntas o más información, incluidas consultas sobre patrocinio, póngase en contacto con info@projectcornerstone.org. Patrocindares del evento Patrocinadores del upstander DESAYUNO DE PREMIOS DE CAMPEONES DE ELEMENTOS 2025 YMCA PROJECT CORNERSTONE Patrocinadores del llenador de cubetas Patrocinadores del campeones de elementos AMPLIFICAR LAS VOCES DE LOS JÓVENES (Santa Clara Unified School District) Middle School Category: August Boeger Middle School (Mount Pleasant Elementary School District) High School: Sobrato High School (Morgan Hill Unified School District) Please let me know if you have any questions. With gratitude,Ziem Ziem Nguyen Neubert, M.Ed. (she/her/hers)Executive Director YMCA PROJECT CORNERSTONE 550 S Winchester Blvd, Ste 250, San Jose, CA 95128(P) 408-351-6419 (E) ziem@projectcornerstone.org | (W) www.projectcornerstone.org The Y: We're for youth development, healthy living, and socialresponsibility. Project Cornerstone is an initiative of the YMCA of Silicon Valley. From:Virginia Smedberg To:Council, City Subject:Please vote NO on synthetic surfaces in parks - keep us and the planet healthy! Date:Tuesday, March 11, 2025 4:17:23 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. i Dear City Council, I am writing to ask you to vote NO on the $160,825 contract to Lloyd Consulting Group for installing synthetic grass and synthetic padded surfaces instead of natural grass in future parks. You did this in Boulware Park's new playground and dog park without a full consultation of the neighbors and park users. There are too many negatives with the synthetic materials. The only positive I've heard is maintenance cost - and even that is questioned. But is that $ more important than the health of our children? I contend it is NOT. I ask you to use already existing information from reputable environmental, scientific and health and medical establishments on the topic of natural grass’ benefits over synthetic grass. Save our tax dollars so they can be invested more wisely. Synthetic grass contains toxic chemicals and sheds microplastics which end up in our water and our bodies. It can get dangerously hot. Studies have shown it to cause more injuries than natural grass surfaces. Most professional athletes prefer natural grass. It must be replaced every 8-10 years and recycling is not viable. Natural grass is not only far healthier for people and the planet, but when installed and maintained properly can and does provide more hours of play per year than the typical playing field. (As in Oracle Park) Engineered Wood Fiber (EWF) is a safe, eco-friendly, ADA compliant (accessible) surface for playgrounds. It stays cool, unlike synthetic surfaces. This message needs your attention This is a personal email address. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast yours for the planet - virginia smedberg 441 Washington Ave, Palo Alto EARTH without ART is just EH From:Deborah Trilling To:Council, City Subject:turf opinion Date:Tuesday, March 11, 2025 10:25:41 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links.Dear Palo Alto City Council, For a city that cares about the environment, it is shortsighted thinking to replace grass with turf in our parks and public areas. We know that Infection thrives in skinned knees and elbows from "turf burn" when kids fall in it, but less well known is its destructive impact on bird habitat. Turf deprives birds of a healthy source of worms, insects, and other proteins necessary to their survival. The journal of Science reports that since 1970 the USA and Canada have lost one quarter of our North American bird population. Birds are vanishing at an astonishing rate not only from forests and wilderness, but from our yards and parks. Backyard feeders are no substitute for birds' sourcing and eating real food from nature. Grassy areas support both human and bird health. I hope the city council will honor its environmental values and opt to save green habitat for birds and humans alike. Please vote "NO" on turf! Sincerely, Deborah Trilling Invitation for fast publication under the Current issue of2025 of the original and good quality article !!! Dear Research Scholar Good Morning ! Hope you are fine. "Current issue 2025 opening of our international academic peer-review journals (ISI Indexed)" under UniversePG (An independent international academic publisher) ! So; If you or your colleagues or students have any original and good From:deputyeditorupg.activehosted.com@myactivecampaign.com on behalf of deputyeditorupgTo:Council, CitySubject:Fast Publication Opportunity under the Current Issue !Date:Tuesday, March 11, 2025 9:18:45 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious ofopening attachments and clicking on links. i This message needs your attention This is their first email to your company. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast unpublished research articles, review papers, case studies, conference papers, survey papers; submit it's for Fast publication in UniversePG journals !!! UniversePG Journals: 1) American Journal of Pure and Applied Biosciences (AJPAB) - DOI: https://doi.org/10.34104/ajpab.2019 2) European Journal of Medical and Health Sciences (EJMHS) - DOI: https://doi.org/10.34104/ejmhs.019 3) International Journal of Management and Accounting (IJMA) - DOI: https://doi.org/10.34104/ijma 4) Canadian Journal of Business and Information Studies (CJBIS) - DOI: https://doi.org/10.34104/cjbis.019 5) Asian Journal of Social Sciences and Legal Studies (AJSSLS) - DOI: https://doi.org/10.34104/ajssls.020 6) British Journal of Arts and Humanities (BJAH) - DOI: https://doi.org/10.34104/bjah.019 7) International Journal of Material and Mathematical Sciences (IJMMS) - DOI: https://doi.org/10.34104/ijmms.020 8) Australian Journal of Engineering and Innovative Technology (AJEIT) - DOI: https://doi.org/10.34104/ajeit.019 9) International Journal of Agriculture and Veterinary Sciences (IJAVS) - DOI: https://doi.org/10.34104/ijavs.022 So; submit your Original and Good quality article by below link or directly send by email id – https://universepg.com/subpage/articale_submission Stay safe and save you and your family from the ongoing Global Corona prevalence. Best Regards, Editor-In-Chief Universe Publishing Group (UniversePG) Follow UniversePG Universe Publishing Group (UniversePG)135 S Vermont Avenue, 3rd floor, Los Angeles California, USAE-mail: editor@universepg.com, editorupg@gmail.comWebsite: www.universepg.com Learn More Sent to:city.council@cityofpaloalto.org Unsubscribe UniversePG, 135 S Vermont Avenue, Los Angeles, California 90004, United States From:Aram James To:Veenker, Vicki Cc:Reckdahl, Keith; Ed Lauing; Josh Becker; Jessica Speiser, Educational Leader for California Democratic Delegate, Assembly District 23; assemblymember.berman@assembly.ca.gov; Council, City; Gardener, Liz; Liz Kniss; board@pausd.org; board@valleywater.org; BoardOperations; planning.commission@cityofpaloalto.0rg; ParkRec Commission; Gennady Sheyner; EPA Today; DuJuan Green; Yolanda Conaway; Don Austin; Sean Allen; Pat M Subject:Let"s be clear: The First Amendment does not allow the government to retaliate against anyone for their speech.The Trump administration can"t use ICE to punish speech the government doesn"t like, and we must all speakout loudly NOW: Tell ICE: Free Ma... Date:Tuesday, March 11, 2025 9:02:54 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Let's be clear: The First Amendment does not allow the government to retaliate against anyone for their speech. The Trump administration can't use ICE to punish speech the government doesn't like, and we must all speak out loudly NOW: Tell ICE: Free Mahmoud Khalil. ACLU's logo Aram, this past weekend, ICE detained Mahmoud Khalil, a lawful permanent resident and recent graduate of Columbia University, and threatened to revoke his green card and deport him in direct retaliation for his advocacy in support of Palestinian rights. We just joined our New York affiliate and partners in suing for his release – but we need you with us to make sure no one else's rights are violated. Let's be clear: The First Amendment does not allow the government to retaliate against anyone for their speech. The Trump administration can't use ICE to punish speech the government doesn't like, and we must all speak out loudly NOW: Tell ICE: Free Mahmoud Khalil. Here's what happened: FIRST: On Saturday night, ICE detained Mahmoud Khalil in New York City because of his pro-Palestinian advocacy last spring. THEN: They claimed the State Department had revoked Mr. Khalil's student visa. When they learned that Mr. Khalil is a lawful permanent resident, they said the White House had revoked his green card as well. He was then put on a plane to a detention facility in Louisiana without any notice to his pregnant wife or his legal team. NOW: Despite immediate outcry, the Trump administration has only doubled down on this chilling policy. They are now trying to silence anyone with opposing political beliefs – threatening to revoke green cards and deport people regardless of their deep and long-standing ties to the U.S. We're suing to stop this from happening to anyone else. Aram, ripping a graduate from their home, challenging their immigration status, and detaining them solely based on political viewpoint is a clear attempt by the Trump administration to silence dissent. This is a watershed moment for the right to speak truth to power and a massive violation of the First Amendment. Tell ICE: The government must immediately release Mr. Khalil and reverse course on this discriminatory policy. Together, we must act to free Mahmoud Khalil and stop this extreme assault on our rights. Thank you for taking action, Ben Wizner Pronouns: He, him, his Director, ACLU's Speech, Privacy, and Technology Project DONATE NOW This email was sent to: abjpd1@gmail.com You are receiving this message because you signed up to receive emails from the American Civil Liberties Union. Sign up for ACLU texts | Unsubscribe Please note: If you forward or distribute, the links will open a page with your information filled in. We respect your right to privacy – view our policy. This email was sent by: ACLU 125 Broad St. New York, NY 10004 From:stevo smith To:Council, City Subject:synthetic grass Date:Tuesday, March 11, 2025 8:57:10 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. As a neighbor on Fernando Ave I am horrified to have this toxic material installed in the park across the street from me. Vote no on the Lloyd contract! And remove the toxic materials from our park.. I am worried for the children, dogs, and all other living things. S. Smith From:Aaron Golembiewski | Turf Talents To:Council, City Subject:Re: Plastic turf replacement innovations Date:Tuesday, March 11, 2025 7:32:14 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Hello there, I do apologize as the full link to the talk on alternatives to plastic fields is at https://us06web.zoom.us/rec/play/ubbKgOT_uheT3yhdqJCY9ZUWqW5pIr6a5ZI_hSCw_o3 ib8eR7Ma1yEOOz9JI5wV-qZxhUU9M_LVKFARn.nQQCbiBP99Stx4Ck? accessLevel=&canPlayFromShare=true&from=share_recording_detail&startTime=17406147 51000&componentName=rec- play&originRequestUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fus06web.zoom.us%2Frec%2Fshare%2FnX- tD6cYcgbCBxKQXgsdlYry6P336jN-lrxwn7Q5- 2dGDZ7incLXgaKWMMN2d3MZ.tpwbWXrFMmjuVWYz%3FstartTime%3D1740614751000 The link is a bit unwieldy, but it works. Please reach out if we can be of any assistance, especially as you work with Lloyd Consulting. We’ve had great conversations with them in the past, however, like many consultants, they seem to land on artificial turf as the only option. Our goal is to provide you with more than one solution for these complex sports/community/ecosystem challenges. Aaron From: Aaron Golembiewski | Turf Talents Sent: Tuesday, March 4, 2025 2:14:16 PM To: city.council@cityofpaloalto.org <city.council@cityofpaloalto.org> Subject: Plastic turf replacement innovations Hello there, We’re bringing alternatives to plastic turf fields that have taken hold across Europe to the United States. We’re already working with one FIFA 2026 World Cup field here and hope to work with more across the U.S., Mexico and Canada in the coming weeks. We also should have our first municipal field in place this summer in New York. Given the concerns you and the Palo Alto Community have raised regarding plastic turf, we’d like to offer you a few options that break from the old grass v. synthetic mold and allow both players and the community to benefit from grass, a healthier ecosystem and better play. DrainTalent: https://turftalents.com/amateur/products/draintalent/ Hybrid turf: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Vl7ZXu-h5Q Field Factors: https://www.fieldfactors.com/green-sports-facilities We work with these three innovations to turn sports fields into green infrastructure that captures storm water, heat and carbon while releasing oxygen. They’re also some of the best fields in the world to play on. We recently were part of a virtual forum on alternatives to plastic turf in Westchester County in New York, which can be seen at https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84153741500 We’d love to introduce some new thinking about sports fields to Palo Alto. Please reach out anytime. Kind regards, Aaron Golembiewski Head of Business Development (718) 730 2154 aaron@turftalents.com www.turftalents.com Let's connect From:Leland Wiesner To:Guagliardo, Steven; Council, City; dlanferman@rutan.com Subject:Against Calif Ave and Ramona Street Closures Date:Tuesday, March 11, 2025 7:22:53 AM Attachments:2025 0307 Letter to Mayor and City Council re City Council 3-10-25 Meeting.pdf Attached Message Part CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Dear Council Members; I attended the virtual meeting this evening and wanted to re-emphasize that myself and otherstakeholders have repeatedly emphasized that California Ave and Ramona should be opened. Despite any outreach programs that have taken place, the City has not properly addressedissues of safety, access, or truly activating business and stimulating the economy in these areas in any detail. Landlords and owners like myself see the true reduction in activity and loweringof rents while restaurants enjoy this because it drives down rents and gives a few tenants short term benefits. Despite the City's claims otherwise, the California Ave street has languished and clearly notimproved even after almost 5 years after the COVID-19 closure. Because the City has had 5 years to test this experiment, it makes no sense to keep the street closed as the City's claim hasnot actually improved any business or foot traffic. On the contrary, the street closure has led to the closure of anchor tenants like Starbucks on Calif Ave and has significantly reducedvibrancy and draw to the street thus creating less demand. Of course, Zareen's, Italico and Terun are happy to see Starbucks and competitors closing as it simply reduces theircompetition, gives them free space in the street to sell more pizza, pasta, chicken curry and ultimately drive down rents, which they benefit from financially. The City Council seems toignore that this decision only benefits a few and at the expense of many owner stakeholders, especially owners and landlords. Second, there is no way that safety and traffic flow can be met unless every business on CalifAve essentially goes out of business excepting for dinner time Friday or Sat, and Farmer's Market Sunday. Having owned near Calif Ave for 25 years, we have seen a stark change in astreet that was once full of vibrancy 7 days a week but now is basically dead except for a few days a week during limited hours. If the City were to somehow bring back Calif Ave businesto prepandemic levels as they claim, there is *no* possible way for safety and traffic to be accomodated. As new and unexplored example of this problem, the old Bank of the Westbuilding 414 S. Calif Ave just sold Jan 2025 to a new owner and City Council has zoned it for redevelopment into many condos and retail. How will these new units with all their visitorsuse the *alley* to handle all the new traffic and deliveries since Cal Ave is closed? There is no feasible way that this can be done and especially given its 1 way status. What happens ifpeople in these units all leave at the same time in their cars? How does fire and police service this building if no access is available as it was originally designed? Can fire trucks andambulances retract steel bollards and maneuver around the many different haphazard tents, parklets and mini-golf parks in an emergency? Third, even if the Calif Ave is left closed, having bicycles zooming down the street isimpossible to monitor and enforce. Ebikes go 15- 30 mph and regularly meet on Calif Ave and take over the street. There is no discussion of police staffing Calif Ave 24/7 so essentially the15mph limit is at best an impossible speed to enforce, and even at less than 15mph collisions will most likely cause injury and unnecessary harm. Even putting an 8mph speed limit isineffective as there is no way to enforce any limits. What kind of plan is the City proposing? Will there be a police officer sitting at Calif Ave all day and night? How do you ticket aperson on a bicycle? I enjoy bicycles but I have never seen a police officer run after a bicycle and give them a ticket or stop them. People on bikes know that no one can stop them and theyregularly break these rules with impunity. This plan is absurd as it sounds and Council is clearly ignoring simple logic. Last, I agree with the attached brief from David Lanferman from Rutan and Tucker that theCity really has no authority to proceed especially given the dramatic change in the use and the obvious incompatibility with the existing buildings and structures on Ramona and CaliforniaAve. The street should be open to cars as it was originally intended and designed; Palo Altans have the right to access the street as it was prior to the temporary closure. Any EIR from 2017is so far out of date now that at a minimum this should be required to be addressed in detail again. Clearly, these actions by the City have created more questions than solutions so a studyis not just obligatory but mandatory. If the City wants to proceed with this further, they should admit that they need to convert the area to something akin to Santana Row and be prepared to pay the millions required tocomplete a conversion and not just install a few signs and metal bollards and call it a day. Without a signficantly larger budget in the plan, this plan seems as poorly thought out today asit has for the past 5 years. Meanwhile, I urge the City to open the streets up and then make a plan that people agree to and not shoehorn the haphazard unplanned emergency street closuresdue to COVID-19 into something permanent. Nothing the City has suggested was ever designed or proposed to *all* the stakeholders for approval and clearly only benefits a fewrestaurants as they get cheap rent and no competitors as a result. Respectfully, Leland Wiesner David P. Lanferman Direct Dial: (650) 320-1507 E-mail: dlanferman@rutan.com March 7, 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 2382/099999-0084 21896633.2 a03/07/25 VIA E-MAIL Ed.Lauing@CityofPaloAlto.org City.Council@cityofpaloalto.org Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council CITY OF PALO ALTO 250 Hamilton Avenue Palo Alto, CA 94301 Re: City Council Special Meeting – March 10, 2025 – Agenda Item #7 Comments and Objections to Threatened Permanent Street Closures Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council: On behalf of a coalition of concerned citizens, property owners, merchants, and residents, we respectfully object to the proposal that the City Council take actions to permanently close portions (or additional portions) of the public streets known as California Avenue and Ramona Street. There are many reasons for objecting to the proposed actions under this Agenda Item – particularly with regard to Ramona Street, e.g., preservation of the nationally-recognized unique historic and architectural features of Ramona Street, restoring public safety and accessibility to vital services and emergency vehicles, removing blockage of private driveways (including driveway access to a large underground garage below 250 University), and revival of economic and retail vitality. This letter, however, is focused on two critical legal requirements under California law that preclude the Council from approving the proposed actions – at least without further public engagement and analysis: (i) the California Vehicle Code and (ii) CEQA. As the California Supreme Court explained in a similar case years ago: “The streets of a city belong to the people of the state, and every citizen of the state has a right to the use thereof, subject to legislative control . . . . The right of control over street traffic is an exercise of a part of the sovereign power of the state . . . . ‘The use of highways for purposes of travel and transportation is not a mere privilege, but a common and fundamental right, of which the public and individuals cannot rightfully be deprived . . . [All] persons have an equal right to use them for purposes of travel by proper means, and with due regard for the corresponding rights of others.’” (Rumford v. City of Berkeley (1982) 31 Cal.3d 554, 550 [rejecting Berkeley’s attempts to install bollards to block portions of public streets, in violation of the limits on street closures established by the Legislature in the Vehicle Code] [emphasis by the Court].) Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council March 7, 2025 Page 2 2382/099999-0084 21896633.2 a03/07/25 The threatened permanent closure of Ramona Street between University Avenue and Hamilton, is of particular concern. That area includes the historically-important portions of the “Ramona Street Architectural District” that have been listed in the National Register of Historic Places, as well the City’s own Historic Registry. The coalition for preservation of Ramona Street includes people and businesses who seek to preserve the irreplaceable historic and architectural character of Ramona Street and its economic and cultural urban vitality. According to the posted Agenda, the proposed actions would entail (1) amendments to the City’s Comprehensive (General) Plan to “re-classify” portions of Ramona Street and California Avenue as “car-free streets,” and “closing those streets to vehicular traffic;” and (2) adopting an Ordinance empowering the City Manager to “create regulations” for the use of those streets. Both of those proposed actions are subject to objection on numerous grounds, two of which are summarized below. The City Council may not lawfully “delegate” its limited legislative authority over public streets to unelected staff in the absence clear and objective standards and criteria. The proposed closures are not only in derogation of controlling State law, but are also inconsistent with the City’s land use plans and policies, and insensitive to the rights and interests of the impacted communities. 1. Failure to Comply With the California Vehicle Code As the Supreme Court has made clear, “the streets of a city belong to the people of the state ...” and “a city’s police powers do not extend to control of vehicular traffic on its streets; that field has been preempted.” (Rumford, supra, p. 553.) The Legislature has therefore limited the authority of cities – even charter cities – to close public streets. The City is only authorized to permanently close a street or highway when the city council makes findings, supported by substantial evidence, that the street “is no longer needed for vehicular traffic.” (Vehicle Code § 21101, subd. (a).) The City has failed to do so. And nothing on the Agenda indicates that the Council expects to comply with this requirement of State law before it acts to permanently close Ramona Street. Not only would the proposed Council actions procedurally violate the Vehicle Code, but there is no substantial evidence that would support such a finding. The record indicates that back in June 2020, in response to the then-prevalent Covid-19 pandemic, the City adopted an “interim urgency measure” to temporarily close California Avenue and portions of University Avenue, and to allow outdoor dining and retail in those areas.1 The City 1 Council Resolution No. 9902 (June 23, 2020), Sec. 3: Additional Closures. “The City Manager is authorized in his or her capacity as the Director of Emergency Services to extend the University Avenue closure to temporarily close the streets intersecting University Avenue in the Downtown area, from Emerson Street to Cowper Street, by issuance of an order, rule or regulation if the City Manager finds it is reasonably related to the protection of life and property as affected by Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council March 7, 2025 Page 3 2382/099999-0084 21896633.2 a03/07/25 then invoked the “public health” emergency, and cited subdivision (e) of Vehicle Code § 21101, which allows a city to approve “[t]emporarily closing a portion of any street for celebrations, parades, local special events, and other purposes when, in the opinion of local authorities ... the closing is necessary for the safety and protection of persons who are to use that portion of the street during the temporary closing.” (Emphasis added.) Although the City subsequently took actions to periodically “extend” the “temporary” closures that had begun in 2020, at no time did the City ever take legal action purporting to determine that Ramona Street was “no longer needed for vehicular traffic” – as is required by State law in order to justify the threatened permanent or long-term closure of Ramona Street. The City Council may not lawfully approve a permanent street closure without first making an evidence-based finding that the street is “no longer needed for vehicular traffic” as required by Vehicle Code § 21101 (a). [A] city is not expressly authorized to close a street for any purpose other than that it is unnecessary for present or future uses as a street. (Citizens Against Gated Enclaves v. Whitley Heights Civic Assn. (1994) 23 Cal.App.4th 812, 821 ....) “What the City cannot do is wave the magic wand and declare a public street not to be a public street.” (Zacks v. City of Sausalito (2008) 165 Cal.App.4th 1163, 1184 [holding that property owner could pursue claims against the city for improperly acting to close a street without complying with the Vehicle Code].) Not only does the newly-threatened permanent closure of Ramona Street violate California law, but the City’s past actions purporting to extend a temporary closure for nearly five (5) years also exceeded and violated the statutory limits on the City’s authority. For example, even though the City “re-opened” University Avenue in October 2021, the City improperly continued to extend the “temporary closure” of Ramona Street – long after the City of Council had rescinded its declaration of local health emergency on July 1, 2021. Even though that health crisis had been the only proffered excuse for the “temporary” closure of Ramona, on September 13, 2021, the Council voted to extend the street closures of portions of California Avenue and Ramona Street – to allow for the continued use of these streets for outdoor dining and other activities as may be allowed. The Council voted on each street separately and Resolution No. 9988 extended the temporary closure of Ramona Street only; a separate resolution (No. 9987) extended the closure of California Avenue. At the same meeting, the Council directed the City Manager to open the portion of University Avenue which was closed by Resolution No. 9909 – which should have automatically ended the “temporary” closure of Ramona pursuant to Resolution No. 9909. The Court of Appeal recently made clear that the Vehicle Code “permits local authorities to close portions of streets only for a relatively short period of time, assuming there has been a the Local Emergency. These side street closures shall only extend for one block from University Avenue, between University Avenue and Lytton Avenue to the north and between University Avenue and Hamilton Avenue to the south, and shall be in effect no longer than the period of the University Avenue closure.” (Emphasis added.) Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council March 7, 2025 Page 4 2382/099999-0084 21896633.2 a03/07/25 determination that the closure is necessary to safeguard and protect persons using the street during the temporary closing. It does not authorize local authorities to close streets to vehicular traffic for whatever nonpermanent duration of time they desire.” (Comm. to Relocate Marilyn v. City of Palm Springs (2023) 88 Cal.App.4th 607, 628 [holding that the City exceeded its authority and acted unlawfully by attempting to close a public street for a period of three (3) years].) The City’s imposition of prolonged temporary closures on Ramona Street, for more than four years, have exceeded the City’s limited authority to “temporarily” close streets under Veh. Code § 21101(e). The City should not, and cannot legally, continue to put the Ramona Street community in “limbo.” The Council should take no action on the proposed Agenda items – unless and until the Council and the public are provided with substantial evidence that persuasively demonstrates the street “is no longer needed for vehicular use” -- as mandated by California law. 2. Violations of the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) It would be a violation of CEQA for the City Council to take action on these Agenda items on the basis of the proposed “Addendum” to the EIR prepared in connection with the City’s adoption of the Comprehensive Plan (2030). That Plan and its “program-level” EIR were adopted back in November 2017 – more than seven (7) years ago – and the old EIR has become outdated and in many respects, no longer relevant to currently-existing conditions and environmental issues. The old “program-level” 2017 EIR does not provide the necessary detailed analysis of the impacts of the new proposed actions, which are essentially “project level” actions targeted at specific street segments. (CEQA Guidelines, 14 Cal. Code of Regs. § 15146.) A new project-level activity cannot be approved based on an older program EIR “if its impacts were not evaluated in the [program] EIR.” (Sierra Club v. County of San Diego (2014) 231 Cal.App.4th 1152, 1164; Sierra Club v. County of Sonoma (1992) 6 Cal.App.4th 1307, 1321.) In the years since 2017, many things have changed in Palo Alto, making reliance on the Comprehensive Plan EIR unsustainable. One of those post-2017 changes to the project area is the Covid pandemic, and the City’s decision to impose a “temporary” closure of Ramona Street for public health reasons. There have been many other changes to Downtown Palo Alto since 2017. E.g., Council’s adoption of a new Housing Element; Council’s recent actions to convert parking lots to new and dense multi-family housing, and Council’s decision in 2019 to stop work on the new Downtown Parking Garage. The Addendum is also fatally-flawed at the outset by failing to consider the relevant “baseline” conditions. The Addendum wrongly assumes that the conditions on Ramona, under the unlawfully prolonged “temporary” closure is the applicable baseline, rather than the conditions that existed prior to the closure resolution in 2020 or as they existed back in November 2017. The ensuing blockage of the street and the installation of barriers to obstruct vehicular access is another significant change in the relevant pre-2020 baseline condition. Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council March 7, 2025 Page 5 2382/099999-0084 21896633.2 a03/07/25 While reliance on an Addendum might be appropriate in some limited circumstances, that is not the case here. The CEQA Guidelines (14 Cal. Code of Regs. §15164) specify that “[a]n addendum to an adopted negative declaration may be prepared if only minor technical changes or additions are necessary or none of the conditions described in Section 15162 calling for the preparation of a subsequent EIR or negative declaration have occurred.” (Emph. added.) The 2017 EIR obviously did not consider the notion of converting key “collector streets” such as Ramona or California into “car-free streets” and permanently closing them to through vehicular traffic, much less provide the necessary analysis of those significant changes to the Comprehensive Plan or their likely impacts. Such impacts include impairing and tarnishing the aesthetics and visual context of the historic architecture in the corridor – the Monterey Colonial and Spanish Colonial Revival-style buildings were constructed in the 1920’s and were designed around a street that was intended and built to serve automobile travel and access. The Addendum wrongly asserts (p. 32), without evidentiary support, that the Project will not change the context of the historic resources in the Ramona Street Architectural District,” and fails to provide any alternatives or project-specific mitigation measures. Other impacts include impairment of air quality, cultural resources, geology, and soils. The Addendum (pp 26-28) admits that “the project” will cause air quality impacts during construction and that the long-term operational impacts of the project will also impact vehicular emissions. It wrongly dismisses those long term impacts without analysis by asserting (p. 28) that there will not be any additional GHG or air quality impacts “since the project is focused on pedestrian/bicycle improvements.” However, as the Addendum itself admits, inconsistently, the proposed closure of Ramona “will accommodate pedestrians only” and that “no mounted bicycles will be permitted.” The street closure actions will create other unstudied impacts, e.g., circulation, land uses, noise, and public services [impaired accessibility for emergency and fire services]. We are informed that the leadership of the Fire Department has expressed concerns about the proposed blockage of access and limited room for maneuver resulting from the closure. It is doubtful that the City would approve private development of such a narrow (16’ wide) ‘fire lane’ in a high-density, multi-story, area with no turn-around capacity. “Car-free streets” is a concept that was not even mentioned in the 2017 Plan – and thus why the City now needs to try to amend the Comprehensive Plan to introduce that concept. The impacts of the proposed amendments to the Plan – introducing two new categories of street types, and permanently closing a street that the Circulation Element identifies as a significant collector street, were not identified or studied in the 2017 EIR. These changes are not “minor” or “technical.” The 2017 EIR could not, and did not, analyze the current proposal, or the impacts of such street closures, nor any ‘alternatives’ to the closures, nor attempt to provide relevant and effective “mitigation measures” for the impacts of permanent street closures as is required under CEQA. (P.R.C. § 21080.5; Guidelines § 15252; Friends, Artists & Neighbors of Elkhorn Slough v. Cal. Coastal Comm. (2021) 72 Cal.App.5th 666, 701 [setting aside Commission’s action because its addendum failed to contain “a complete analysis of mitigation measures or alternatives”].) Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council March 7, 2025 Page 6 2382/099999-0084 21896633.2 a03/07/25 Agencies are instructed to prepare an addendum only for minor technical changes or additions to a project that “‘do not raise important new issues about the significant effects on the environment.’ (Ventura Foothill Neighbors v. County of Ventura (2014) 232 Cal.App.4th 429, 435.)” (OBC Business Owners v. City of Irvine (2023) 88 Cal.App.5th 100, 121 [holding that the City erroneously relied on an addendum to a program EIR because there was insufficient evidence that the new project’s emissions would be consistent with the prior program EIR].) There is simply no substantial evidence in this record supporting the consultant’s conclusory assertion in the Addendum (p. 2) that “the City of Palo Alto [sic] has determined that the proposed changes to the previously approved (2017) Comprehensive plan EIR will not result in potentially- significant impacts that were not previously identified or analyzed ....” The Addendum’s “check the box” findings of ‘no significance’ at Table 4.1 are not supported by any evidence. If the City persists in pursuing these misguided and counter-productive street closures, a new or supplemental EIR is required – in addition to Vehicle Code compliance. Conclusion Based solely on the foregoing legal failings in the proposed actions, the Council should reject the proposed actions. The City failed to conduct reasonable or adequate outreach to the impacted community. Had it done so, the City would have learned that a large majority of the property owners on the impacted section of Ramona Street are strongly opposed to this proposal. We respectfully request that the Council reject the Agenda items, or at a minimum defer any immediate action and direct Staff to address the Vehicle Code requirements and provide the necessary environmental analysis for the proposed actions. Thank you for your consideration of these comments and concerns. Very truly yours, RUTAN & TUCKER, LLP David P. Lanferman DPL:mtr cc: Ed Shikada, City Manager (CityMgr@cityofpaloalto.org) Jonathan Lait, Director of Planning and Community Development (Jonathan.Lait@CityofPaloAlto.org) Molly Stump, City Attorney (city.attorney@cityofpaloalto.org) From:Postmaster To:Council, City Subject:You have new held messages Date:Tuesday, March 11, 2025 7:08:29 AM Logo You have new held messages You can release all of your held messages and permit or block future emails from the senders, or manage messages individually. Release all Permit all Block all You can also manage held messages in your Personal Portal. Spam Policy lwiesner@gmail.com Against Calif Ave and Ramona Street Closures 2025-03-11 00:34 Release Permit Block Release all Permit all Block all © 2019 Mimecast Services Limited. From:Angela Dellaporta To:Council, City Subject:Reliable Information on Artificial Turf Date:Monday, March 10, 2025 8:47:14 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Dear City Council, I was pleased to learn that the city council is interested in comparing the relative merits of artificial turf and natural grass. I believe that the city can easily access reliable information about this issue without spending > $160,000 to retain Lloyd's (especially since this company is in the business of installing artificial turf and there may possibly be a conflict of interest, however well-meaning they are). This money would be much better used to replace the artificial turf just installed at Boulware Park with Engineered Wood Fiber, a safe, natural, and ADA compliant alternative. The artificial turf will have to be replaced anyway, in 8-10 years! I wonder why we would want to expose our environment and our children to the toxic effects of the plastics for those 10 years when an inexpensive fix could be done NOW? (Just a rough calculation: EWF can easily be found for $45/cubic yard, and if there are 2 acres of playground at Boulware, that would add up to about $130,000.) You will naturally want to see some of the information I say is available. Please take a look at the Santa Clara County Medical Association's letter to the county board of supervisors recommending that all soccer fields, including those in schools, be made of natural grass turf, “to benefit the health and safety of children, athletes and the environment.” This document contains links to many studies illustrating the negative effects of artificial turf which include microplastics, volatile chemical compounds, injury rates, concussions, aquatic pollution, heat, staph infections, etc. You will not have time to read all of the research articles linked to the letter, but you will find the letter itself an excellent summary of the information. The letter also looks at the relative costs of artificial turf and natural grass. Artificial turf is far more expensive than natural grass to install and must be replaced after 8-10 years! Maintenance costs are minor in comparison -- but artificial turf does require weed control and water. (Note: The letter mentions "crumb rubber tire infill" and sand, which are rarely used these days in playgrounds and athletic fields. However, the "Envirofill" that is the newest replacement, and is used in the artificial turf at Boulware Park, is made of sand that has been covered with plastic -- another source of microplastics in the environment. Children -- who put everything in their mouths, even under watchful eyes. -- will ingest these particles which are easily accessed at the park.) As the letter notes, artificial turf is not drought friendly. California Senate Bill 676 (passed 2023) states “For the purposes of this section ‘drought-tolerant landscaping’ shall not include the installation of synthetic grass or artificial turf” and Santa Clara Valley Water’s “Landscape Rebate Program” considers artificial turf to be a non-qualifying material and does not offer rebates for its use.artificial turf. I encourage you to use the money that is not needed for the Lloyd's consulting fee to replace the artificial turf at Boulware Park with EWF. Many thanks for all the work you do for the city. Angela Dellaporta . From:Shannon Rose To:Council, City Subject:Fund Fire First Date:Monday, March 10, 2025 8:41:53 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Dear Mayor and Council Members: We need a new fire engine for Fire Station 4 at East Meadow and Middlefield along with a 24/7 crew of FOUR FIREFIGHTERS to staff the station. This is the number recommended by OSHA and every National Fire Organization to launch a safe fire engine. This means that the City needs to hire 10 firefighters for 24/7 coverage. This is essential. Thank you for the good work you do to keep our City safe, clean and prosperous. Sincerely, Shannon Rose McEntee410 Sheridan AvenuePA From:Ute Claassen To:Council, City Subject:I would like to speak on Ramona Street closure Date:Monday, March 10, 2025 8:38:50 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Good evening, Can I just raise my hand if i would like to speak on the Ramona street closure. ~Johanna Namaste, and Please Know that Ease is Possible and Life Changing. Johanna Claassen MA, YT, RYT Certified Yoga Therapist C-IAYT Certified Iyengar Yoga Teacher Certified Face Yoga Teacher From:Ute Claassen To:Council, City Subject:Action Item Number 7 Date:Monday, March 10, 2025 8:32:33 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. I would like to speak please. ~Johanna Namaste, and Please Know that Ease is Possible and Life Changing. Johanna Claassen MA, YT, RYT Certified Yoga Therapist C-IAYT Certified Iyengar Yoga Teacher Certified Face Yoga Teacher From:Brad Ehikian To:Council, City Subject:Resolutions Amending the Comprehensive Plan For Car-Free Streets Date:Monday, March 10, 2025 6:39:05 PM Attachments:Resolutions Amending the Comprehensive Plan For Car-Free Streets .docx CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Please find my comments attached. Thanks, Brad Ehikian From:Marjan Wilkes To:Council, City Subject:Natural grass in Boulware park please Date:Monday, March 10, 2025 6:10:21 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Dear City Council, As a city, we should be trying to reduce the use of plastic rather than encouraging it. In playgrounds, artificial grass gets hot when the weather warms up, real grass stays nice and cool.Artificial grass lasts only so long, it cannot be recycled. Natural grass is better for our planet and for the children and adults who will be using the park. Please install natural grass! Marjan Wilkes 3788 Park Blvd, Palo Alto, CA 94306 From:Roxy Rapp To:Shikada, Ed Cc:Council, City Subject:City Council Meeting tonight #7 Date:Monday, March 10, 2025 5:31:50 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Dear Council Member I apologize that I am unable to attend the meeting this evening in person as I hadwanted to tell you I am against the Ramona Street closure you are voting on this evening. Item # 7 I am against this closure for several reasons: 1. It does not make sense to close a portion of a street that connects to bothHamilton and University. This causes congestion and confusion to both shoppers and vehicle traffic. ( 1/2 a street ? ) 2. Access to the parking lot now is only from the University Avenue side and cars continue to turn into Ramona and are unaware they can not go through to Hamilton andhave to turn around and cause further congestion and tenants and others that use that garage get very upset. Delivery trucks also have very little space to park andoften block that garage exit/entry.. This causes a lot of frustration. I want you to ask yourself WHY are we even considering doing this? WHY would I ever Vote yes for this - WHY? WHY? It makes no sense for the city to spend all of this time and money on this aswell. You're upsetting 75% of the property owners on Ramona that you will need to getsupport from to remodel the street- closing will make that challenging. I ask you again to ask yourself WHY? What is the benefit to our retailers ? to blockoff 1/2 of a Historical street to through traffic ? This is not a shopping mall - you are simply causing confusion to potential customersthey need. Out of sight out of mind. Roxy Rapp -- From:John Shenk To:Council, City Subject:Item 7 on tonight"s Agenda Date:Monday, March 10, 2025 5:04:06 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Dear Mayor and Members of the City Council: Taking an action on the closure of 1/2 block of Ramona Street is premature. Safety is priority #1: 1) The traffic safety that is compromised by the existing condition at the entrance to the public garage at 250 University is unjustifiable. The U-turns by those who are not aware of theclosure, the vehicles entering and exiting the public garage and the pedestrians walking up out of the garage, the ride sharing vehicles who drive in “to get close”, others who want to just“run in” to a store and leave their vehicle for a few minutes, and all the others who are literally unable to do a safe U-TURN pose significant risk to public safety that is not yet addressed. 2) The emergency vehicle lane that must be preserved down the middle of Ramona is notbeing respected or taken seriously enough. Just last night and today there was patio furniture in the middle of the street. Having at least as much space as the Fire Chief desires from timeto time based on Fire Safety best practices must be supported by each of you. Cleanliness is priority #2: 1) Where are the new trash enclosures for the newly added seating? Your code requires such enclosures.2) Where are the added restrooms for the newly added seating? The Calif. Building Code requires adequate restroom facilities.3) Where are the agreements for how the various spaces you intend to create be cleaned, by whom and at what cost? Retail Vibrancy is hurt by this. A few restaurants will benefit from the free seating areas andif you agree to clean it all then they will win again. The others who have testified before you over the years, including De Novo Jewelry, have told you that a closed street is death to theirbusinesses. Why advance this plan when it clearly hurts at least as many as it helps. We have even heard the Warby Parker’s sales have dropped since the street was closed in front of themand that they plan to leave the location. Please consider putting a pause in your vision to give Staff time to figure out how to mitigate the significant traffic safety issue, the adequacy of the emergency access and how to protect it24/7, the trash collection sufficiency, the daily cleaning issue, how deliveries will be handled so that the truck double parking on Hamilton will not be the solution as ti simply effects evenmore retailers negatively and adds to the erosion of safety, and also how all of this is actually beneficial to the famed Historic Ramona Street District. PLEASE see that the 1/2 block of Ramona Street is very unique and that closure is a very big deal and very impactful. Reopening the street with beautiful historically relevant parkletswould be the most cost effective solution to benefit all - but you know that. Respectfully, John Shenk Thoits Bros., Inc. From:Penny Brennan To:Council, City Subject:VOTE NO ON TOXIC PLASTIC SURFACING IN PALO ALTO PARKS! Date:Monday, March 10, 2025 5:00:59 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Dear City Council, Without notifying us, and without careful consideration of the scientific evidence, the City ofPalo Alto installed toxic plastic surfacing in the children's play areas and dog park in renovation of Ventura neighborhood's Boulware Park. This surfacing should be removed andreplaced with materials that are not hazardous to the health of the people and dogs who use Boulware Park and which are more ecologically sound choices for the park. In no case shouldthese toxic plastic surfaces be used in future planning and renovation of Palo Alto City parks. Please, vote "no" on toxic plastic surfacing in Palo Alto Parks!Sincerely, Penny Brennan, PhD444 Matadero Avenue Palo Alto, CA 94306 From:Aram James To:Council, City; Veenker, Vicki; Ed Lauing; Jessica Speiser, Educational Leader for California Democratic Delegate,Assembly District 23; Shikada, Ed; DuJuan Green; dennis burns; Bains, Paul; Kaloma Smith; board@pausd.org;Jay Boyarsky; Binder, Andrew; Reifschneider, James; Wagner, April; Perron, Zachary;Robert.Jonson@shf.sccgov.org; Gerry Gras; Dana St. George; Lu, George; Gardener, Liz; Lotus Fong; Sean Allen;Pat M; sharon jackson; BoardOperations; Friends of Cubberley; Palo Alto Free Press; Dave Price; YolandaConaway; WILPF Peninsula Palo Alto; Henry Etzkowitz; EPA Today; cromero@cityofepa.org; Lee, Craig;<michael.gennaco@oirgroup.com>; Nicole Chiu-Wang; Emily Mibach; Enberg, Nicholas; Figueroa, Eric; Jensen,Eric; Afanasiev, Alex; GRP-City Council; Bill Newell; Baker, Rob; Robert. Jonsen; city.council@menlopark.gov;citycouncil@mountainview.gov Subject:Cop’s use of n-word led to investigation that never became public – Palo Alto Daily Post Date:Monday, March 10, 2025 4:36:34 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Cop’s use of n-word led to investigation that never became public – Palo Alto Daily Post https://search.app/AkY9UU6ETsfkeryk6 Shared via the Google app From:Aram James To:Perron, Zachary Cc:Binder, Andrew; Reifschneider, James; <michael.gennaco@oirgroup.com>; Enberg, Nicholas; Foley, Michael; Council, City; Ed Lauing; editor@paweekly.com; Dave Price; Braden Cartwright; Kallas, Emily; Emily Mibach; Vara Ramakrishnan; dennis burns; DuJuan Green; Bains, Paul; Kaloma Smith; board@pausd.org; Jay Boyarsky; board@valleywater.org; bos@smcgov.org; Bill Newell; BoardOperations; Gardener, Liz; Gerry Gras; Dana St. George; Don Austin; Yolanda Conaway; planning.commision@cityofpaloalto.org; ParkRec Commission; Veenker, Vicki; Sean Allen; Pat M; sharon jackson; Stump, Molly; Steve Wagstaffe Subject:Secret recordings reveal LAPD cops spewing racist and sexist comments, complaint alleges Date:Monday, March 10, 2025 4:15:51 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Secret recordings reveal LAPD cops spewing racist and sexist comments, complaint alleges https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2025-03-10/lapd-racist-sexist-homophobic-secret- recordings-comments From:susan chamberlain To:Council, City Subject:synthetic playgrounds and playing fields Date:Monday, March 10, 2025 3:37:03 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. Please vote NO to using synthetic grass for our playgrounds and playing fields. It is toxic and sheds microplastics which end up in our water and our bodies. Grass is far healthier for our people and our planet. Please support grassy fields and playgrounds. This is an opportunity to put climate first. Thank you, Susan Chamberlain From:Andrea Wald To:Council, City Subject:tonight"s meeting - IMPORTANT - please share ASAP Date:Monday, March 10, 2025 3:35:12 PM Attachments:Public Comment for Palo Alto City Council mtg 3-10-25.docx CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. I planned to make a public comment this evening using the remote access for something notyet on the agenda but just learned that I would need to show up in person since rules have changed. Since that is not possible I've decided to email my planned comment. Thanks. Andrea Wald From:Aram James To:Veenker, Vicki Cc:Supervisor Susan Ellenberg; Council, City; Ed Lauing; Reckdahl, Keith; Reckdahl, Keith; board@pausd.org; board@valleywater.org; BoardOperations; Jay Boyarsky; Jeff Rosen; Jeff Hayden; Zelkha, Mila; Jessica Speiser, Educational Leader for California Democratic Delegate, Assembly District 23; assemblymember.berman@assembly.ca.gov; Josh Becker; josh@joshsalcman.com; Donna Wallach; Yolanda Conaway; Don Austin; Doug Minkler Subject:Re: SCOOP: Emails Show Mahmoud Khalil Asked Columbia for Protection a Day Before He Was Detained Date:Monday, March 10, 2025 3:24:15 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. On Mon, Mar 10, 2025 at 1:22 PM Zeteo <zeteo@substack.com> wrote: Forwarded this email? Subscribe here for more SCOOP: Emails Show MahmoudKhalil Asked Columbia forProtection a Day Before He WasDetained "I haven’t been able to sleep, fearing that ICE or a dangerous individualmight come to my home. I urge you to intervene and provide thenecessary protections to prevent further harm." PREM THAKKER MAR 10 READ IN APP Mahmoud Khalil speaks to members of the media about the Revolt for Rafah encampment at Columbia University on June 1, 2024. Photo by Jeenah Moon/Reuters Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian who helped lead negotiations between Columbia University and student protesters, had appealed to the school for protection from harassment and possibly Immigrations and Customs Enforcement agents one day before the Trump administration detained him on Saturday, emails obtained by Zeteo show. The most recent among the leaked messages was an email Khalil, a green card holder, sent to Columbia interim president Katrina Armstrong on March 7. “Since yesterday, I have been subjected to a vicious, coordinated, and dehumanizing doxxing campaign led by Columbia affiliates Shai Davidai and David Lederer who, among others, have labeled me a security threat and called for my deportation,” he began. “Their attacks have incited a wave of hate, including calls for my deportation and death threats. I have outlined the wider context below, yet Columbia has not provided any meaningful support or resources in response to this escalating threat,” he added. “I haven’t been able to sleep, fearing that ICE or a dangerous individual might come to my home. I urgently need legal support, and I urge you to intervene and provide the necessary protections to prevent further harm.” Upgrade to paid The message was especially notable given several reports of ICE being spotted on campus throughout the week and Columbia’s own guidance published this weekend about “potential visits to campus” by ICE. In the memo, the school said faculty and staff “should not interfere” in “exigent circumstances” where ICE agents seek access to university buildings or people without a warrant. Columbia University, Davidai, and Lederer did not immediately respond to Zeteo’s requests for comment. On Twitter, Davidai, an assistant professor at Columbia’s Business School who had been suspended from campus last year over allegations he had harassed university staff, denied collaborating with the Trump administration to get Khalil deported. In online posts, Davidai had called Khalil a “terrorist supporter” and suggested he should be deported, tagging Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Khalil’s March 7 email came after an earlier Jan. 31 email he sent, in which he urged the school “to take immediate action to protect international students at Columbia facing severe and pervasive doxing, discriminatory harassment, and very possibly deportation in retaliation for the lawful exercising of their rights to freedom of speech, expression, and association…” Khalil cited a threatening post by the pro-Israel organization Betar in January. In the post, the group falsely wrote that he said, “Zionists don’t deserve to live” – a statement Khalil “unequivocally” denied making in his email to university officials. Betar also wrote that ICE⁩ “is aware of his home address and whereabouts” and that they “have provided all his information to multiple contacts.” “He’s on our deport list!“ Betar added. Upgrade to paid Citing the Betar post, Khalil asked Armstrong in his email: “With the stakes being so high, I ask you, as representatives of Columbia University’s administration – how will you protect international students from doxing and from deportation? How will you protect these students’ rights to free speech, expression, and association – rights provided for in the U.S. Constitution and Columbia’s Code of Conduct – and stop the suppression and now potential criminalization of that speech and expression? Students’ futures, their livelihoods, and now, without exaggerating, their lives are at risk.” Targeted Removal Before Arrest On Thursday, March 6, Khalil emailed Gerald Lewis, the vice president of Columbia Public Safety, and cc’d Armstrong regarding the deactivation of his university ID. Khalil wrote that during a campus protest, he was approached by public safety staff who informed him his ID had been deactivated due to not being registered for classes this semester. “I am a recent alumnus, having graduated in December 2024, with my degree set to be conferred in May. By now, I believe you’ve confirmed that I entered the campus like any other Columbia affiliate, swiping my ID and showing it to security,” Khalil wrote. “I questioned why I was being singled out, as I am aware of other Columbia affiliates who were in similar situations and were not approached, despite being in close proximity to me at the time,” noting that the staff who approached were “well aware that I am a Palestinian national, as we have previously communicated and worked together to ensure safe campus protests.” Share “However, when I asked for clarification on how I was identified and why I was the only individual approached, they refused to provide any explanation,” Khalil wrote, questioning why he was the only individual targeted and who issued the instructions for the staff to approach and remove him from campus. Khalil wrote that the lack of a clear justification raised concerns for targeted discrimination. “For over a year, I have been collaborative with your office and other university offices to ensure all students are safe and that the university operates smoothly so I was really shocked to be treated this way. If I’m unwelcome on Columbia campus, please let me know through the right channels.” Trump: More Arrests to Come For more than 24 hours after his detainment, Khalil’s whereabouts were unclear. Per the ICE detainee tracker, he is now held in an ICE detention facility in Louisiana (just months ago, rights groups published a report on facilities in Louisiana entitled "Inside the Black Hole: Systemic Human Rights Abuses Against Immigrants Detained & Disappeared in Louisiana”). The Trump administration has scrambled to justify Khalil’s detention – but has yet to say explicitly what, if anything, Khalil has been charged with. First, the Department of Homeland Security referred Zeteo to the White House, which did not respond to a request for comment. Later, DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin confirmed in a statement that ICE detained Khalil “in support of President Trump’s executive orders prohibiting anti-Semitism.” Without providing evidence, McLaughlin claimed Khalil “led activities aligned to Hamas.” Upgrade to paid A State Department spokesperson initially told Zeteo they cannot comment on individual visa cases, but "in general, the department has broad authority to revoke visas … under the Immigration and Nationality Act,” and that the department “exercise[s] that authority when information comes to light at any time indicating that a visa holder may be inadmissible to the United States or otherwise ineligible for a visa.” But then, Rubio issued a curt statement that appeared to be trying to reconcile the confusion of how the State Department could even go after someone’s green card – especially after the arresting agents didn’t even know Khalil had one. “We will be revoking the visas and/or green cards of Hamas supporters in America so they can be deported,” Rubio wrote. Finally, on Monday, President Donald Trump celebrated the arrest of Mahmoud Khalil, calling him, without providing evidence, "a Radical Foreign Pro-Hamas Student.” "This is the first arrest of many to come,” Trump added. If you are already a paid subscriber to Zeteo but would like to increase your support for our accountability journalism, please do consider a donation, too. You’re currently a free subscriber to Zeteo. If you believe our work is important, please consider supporting Zeteo by upgrading your subscription. If you have any issues with your subscription, please email us at info@zeteonews.com. Upgrade to paid LIKE COMMENT RESTACK © 2025 Zeteo1640 Boro Place 4th floor, McLean, VA 22102 Unsubscribe From:Susan Kemp To:Council, City Subject:No on Agenda Item #10 on March 17: while it"s too late to undo toxic plastics in Boulware park - please consider more eco-friendly solutions elsewhere in the city of Palo Alto: Date:Monday, March 10, 2025 2:12:46 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Dear City Council Members, I am disappointed that the City of Palo Alto installed synthetic grass and synthetic padded surfaces instead of natural grass in our local Boulware Park - in both the playground and thedog park. I understand that the City council is currently evaluating whether to use these materials elsewhere in the city. I understand that on March 17th, on what is currently Agenda Item #10,you will be voting on whether to award a $160,825 contract to Lloyd Consulting Group, who appear to be very pro synthetic materials, to evaluate the options. I am writing to ask you tovote NO on this contract. Instead, please use already existing information from reputable environmental, scientific and health and medical establishments on the topic of natural grass' benefits over synthetic grass.Save our tax dollars so they can be invested more wisely, and less pre-judiciously. Synthetic grass contains toxic chemicals and sheds microplastics which end up in our water and our bodies. It can get dangerously hot. Studies have shown it to cause more injuries thannatural grass surfaces. Most professional athletes prefer natural grass. Synthetic grass must be replaced every eight to ten years and recycling is not viable. Natural grass is not only far healthier for people and the planet, but when installed andmaintained properly can and does provide more hours of play per year than the typical playing field. Also, we had grass in Boulware Park before it was redone and we were happy with it!It's more pleasing to the eye than synthetic substitutes. Engineered Wood Fiber (EWF) is a safe, eco-friendly, ADA compliant (accessible) surface for playgrounds. It stays cool, unlike synthetic surfaces. Please consider the future of our planet in choosing anything other than natural grass forelsewhere in the city of Palo Alto. Thanks, Susan Kemp Ventura Resident From:gmahany@aol.com To:Council, City Subject:Boulware park astro-turf? there was grass there before Date:Monday, March 10, 2025 2:05:10 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Hello City Council of Palo Alto the only place astro-turf should be used is on an asteroid not on a playground for little kids. Plastic turf may be cheaper now but what is Palo Alto going to do in ten years after it has been trampled to dust that the old and young users have inhale and carried away in their lungs. DO WE WANT WASTEFUL, TOXIC, PLASTIC SURFACES IN OUR PARKS? The City of Palo Alto surprised the Ventura community by installing synthetic grassand synthetic padded surfaces instead of natural grass in Boulware Park's new playground and dog park. City council is currently evaluating whether to use these materials elsewhere in the city.. So what can we do? On March 17th City Council will vote on whether to award a $160,825 contract to Lloyd Consulting Group, who appear to be very pro synthetic materials, to evaluate the options. Please ask City Council to vote NO on this contract. Ask them to use already existing information from reputable environmental, scientific and health and medical establishments on the topic of natural grass’ benefits over synthetic grass. Save our tax dollars so they can be invested more wisely. Synthetic grass contains toxic chemicals and sheds microplastics which end up in our water and our bodies. It can get dangerously hot. Studies have shown it to cause more injuries than natural grass surfaces. Most professional athletes prefer natural grass. It must be replaced every 8-10 years and recycling is not viable. Natural grass is not only far healthier for people and the planet, but when installed and maintained properly can and does provide more hours of play per year than the typical playing field. (As in Oracle Park) Engineered Wood Fiber (EWF) is a safe, eco-friendly, ADA compliant (accessible) surface for playgrounds. It stays cool, unlike synthetic surfaces. How can you help, you ask? Email City Council at city.council@cityofpaloalto.org Speak up at a City Council Meeting this month - during the public comment period at the March 10th 5:30 council meeting before they decide how to vote. Can be done in person or via zoom: https://cityofpaloalto.zoom.us/j/362027238 OR on March 17th, when they will vote on the Lloyd contract. This will be agenda item #10 currently scheduled for 8:45-9:45. Can be done in person or via zoom: https://cityofpaloalto.zoom.us/j/362027238 Magdalena at magdalenac@gmail.com Click here to read more about health effects of synthetic turf. Gary Mahany from Ventura neighborhoodgary mahany From:herb To:Council, City; Clerk, City Subject:March 10, City Council Meeting, Item #6: Urgency Ordinance for Contaminated Sites Date:Monday, March 10, 2025 1:29:34 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. MARCH 10, 2025 CITY COUNCIL MEETING, AGENDA ITEM #6 URGENCY ORDINANCE FOR EARLY DEMOLITION OR DECONSTRUCTION ONCONTAMINATE SITES I urge you to amend this proposed ordinance before adoption toinclude the identification of the address, Assessor's ParcelNumber, and nature of the contamination for each site thatrequires early demolition or deconstruction prior to the datethat a non-urgency ordinance would be effective. The additional language I recommend is not exempt fromdisclosure by the Public Records Act. If there are not any sites that can be identified in theproposed urgency ordinance, then staff's recommendation shouldbe rejected. If the intent of the ordinance is to apply to sites that may becontaminated in the future, then a non-urgency ordinance shouldbe adopted instead of the proposed urgency ordinance. The non-urgency ordinance would need a provision that requiresstaff to post on the City's website and notify the City Counciland the press prior to demolition or deconstruction of eachsuch site's address, Assessor's Parcel Number, and nature ofthe contamination. If staff wants both an urgency ordinance for contaminated sitesit is currently aware of, as well as authority for early actionon future sites, then both an urgency ordinance and a non-urgency ordinance should be adopted. A non-urgency ordinance becomes effective 31 days after thesecond of two Council votes at least ten days apart on theproposed ordinance. Usually, the second vote occurs 14 days after the first votewhen the two Council votes occur on regular or special Mondaynight Council meetings. The schedule of future Council meetings indicates that theremay be a longer time during this holiday season between the tworequired Council votes for a non-urgency ordinance. Thank you for your consideration of these comments. Herb Borock From:Ellen Hartog To:Council, City Subject:Fluoride in our water Date:Monday, March 10, 2025 1:26:54 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. ! Honorable City Counsel Members,I found this article I wish to share regarding fluoride. It is worth reading. Wall Street Journal under the headline, “Utah to Become First State to Ban Fluoride in Public Water.” I will admit I was a doubter but I have become convinced. While Florida became the first state last year to recommend against county-level fluoridation,Utah is taking it one toothier step. Last week, Utah Governor Spencer Cox (R) said he will sign a bill banning fluoride from public water systems. “It’s got to be a really high bar for meif we’re going to require people to be medicated by their government,” Governor Cox told ABC4-Utah.In other words— medical freedom. Half of Utah already does not fluoridate their public drinking water. Governor Cox saiddentists in those counties reported no higher levels of tooth decay than dentists in fluoridated counties. Grocery shelves are flooded with fluoridated toothpaste for anyone who wants it. Sowhy force everyone to drink the chemical, which is not meant to be drunk anyway? Last September, U.S. District Judge Edward Chen issued an 80-page ruling finding that theevidence — based on 72 different studies — supported a conclusion that fluoride was possibly a neurotoxin associated with IQ loss in children. The EPA, corporate media, and dentalassociations reflexively dismissed the finding as another conspiracy theory and have never looked back. This message could be suspicious The sender's email address couldn't be verified. This is a personal email address. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast From:Deborah Goldeen To:Zero Waste Cc:City Mgr; Council, City Subject:Wish Cycling Date:Monday, March 10, 2025 12:57:49 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. The official Palo Alto Greenwaste/ Zero Waste position is that all plastics should go inrecycling. I've read numerous articles stating that the only recyclable plastics are 1 and 2 or film IF it is properly contained in a clear, plastic bag. This clip from Bill Maher supports that. The consequences of allowing/encouraging residents to put all plastic in recycling is thatpeople will buy and use more disposable plastic, the vast majority of which cannot be recycled. I don't know who is responsible for the present policy, but they clearly either don'thave much of a grasp on effective recycling or they don't care. Personally, I feel embarrassed when the city enables ingnorance. It is my fond hope the policy is amended ASAP to better reflect reality. Deb G., Birch St., 94306 Don't always agree with Bill Maher, but when it comes to talking about the environment, this is spot on Plastics 1 and 2 are the only recyclable... | By Justin | Facebook facebook.com From:Julie Matlow To:Council, City Subject:FIT Expo Los Angeles 2025 Attendees list. Date:Monday, March 10, 2025 12:38:27 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Hi, Hope you are doing well. I am just following up to see if you are interested in acquiring the Visitor/Attendees list of Event Name: FIT Expo Los Angeles 2025 Date: 25 - 26 Jan 2025 Location: Los Angeles Convention Center, Los Angeles, California, USA Counts: 19,922 Each record of the list contains: Contact Name, Email Address, Company Name, URL/Website, Phone No, Title/Designation. Let us know your thoughts on this, so that we can send you the Discounted cost and Additional Information. Thanks & Regards, Julie From:Ruth Robertson To:Council, City Subject:Please ban the use of synthetic turf in parks and playing fields Date:Monday, March 10, 2025 12:22:25 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Dear City Council Members, Please Do NOT use synthetic turf in parks and playing fields. Palo Alto parents care about this! Studies show that synthetic turf causes more sports injuries than natural grass. Furthermore, it must be replaced every 8-10 years and cannot be recycled. Far better to invest our tax dollars wisely for healthier people and a healthier planet. Ruth Robertson 30 year Palo Alto resident Southampton Dr. From:Yuri Chang To:Clerk, City Subject:Please support new homes at 660 University Ave without delay! Date:Saturday, March 15, 2025 12:42:06 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious ofopening attachments and clicking on links. Palo Alto Palo Alto City Clerk, I am writing to express my wholehearted support for the proposed 63-unit housing project at 660 University Ave. As a resident of this vibrant community, I am thrilled about the prospect of welcoming such a valuable addition to our city. The proposed housing project offers an incredible opportunity to enhance our downtown area. One of the most exciting aspects of this project is its proximity to downtown amenities and the Caltrain station. Having housing within walking distance of these essential resources not only promotes a more sustainable and eco-friendly lifestyle but also fosters a stronger sense of community among residents. Furthermore, as a resident who cherishes the unique character of Palo Alto, I believe that the addition of more housing options will only enrich our city. Palo Alto is in dire need of housing, and this project presents a timely solution to address this pressing issue. The project has been in the pipeline for over 3 years which is a testament to the developer’s patience and commitment to providing more housing to the downtown area. They have also included more lower-tiered-income housing than what is required by the city. Access to low-income housing is vital to make the downtown area accessible to more people, ensuring that individuals from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds can partake in and contribute to our community. In conclusion, I urge you to support this housing project for the betterment of our community without further delay! By embracing initiatives that promote sustainability, inclusivity, and affordability, we can ensure that Palo Alto continues to thrive as a dynamic and welcoming place to live. Thank you! Yuri Chang yurichang1@gmail.com Palo Alto, California 94301 From:Mary Kate Stimmler To:Clerk, City Subject:Support new homes at 660 University Ave! Date:Thursday, March 13, 2025 9:07:17 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious ofopening attachments and clicking on links. Palo Alto Palo Alto City Clerk, I am writing to express my enthusiastic support for the proposed housing project at 660 University Ave in downtown Palo Alto. This project will be a tremendous asset to the community and the region as a whole. The addition of 66 units to the area is a beacon of hope in addressing Palo Alto's pressing housing shortage. The project's proximity to downtown amenities, including Caltrain station and ample bike parking, makes the project an attractive place to live, while promoting environmental sustainability. Moreover, I am particularly impressed by the project's commitment to inclusivity. Setting aside 20 percent of the units for lower-tiered affordable housing showcases a dedication to providing opportunities for individuals from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds to thrive in the community. By prioritizing affordable housing and urban development, we can create more sustainable and inclusive communities for everyone. It is necessary for Palo Alto to expand housing options and accommodate the needs of a growing population and I urge you to take action by supporting this project with no further delay. I look forward to witnessing the short term and long term positive impacts that this project will have on Palo Alto and the surrounding community. Thank you. Mary Kate Stimmler mary.kate.stimmler@gmail.com Palo Alto, California 94301 From:Rob Nielsen To:Clerk, City Subject:Support new homes at 660 University Ave! Date:Wednesday, March 12, 2025 12:41:33 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious ofopening attachments and clicking on links. Palo Alto Palo Alto City Clerk, I wish to express my enthusiastic support for the proposed housing project at 660 University Ave in downtown Palo Alto -- a tremendous asset to the community and the region as a whole. The addition of 66 units to the area is a beacon of hope in addressing Palo Alto's pressing housing shortage. The project's proximity to downtown amenities, including Caltrain station and ample bike parking in addition to its easy transit access to employment centers such as Stanford Healthcare, Stanford Shopping Center, and Amazon/Ravenswood Shopping Center, makes the project an attractive place to live, while promoting environmental sustainability. Of additional note are the 10 or more nearby housing element sites along or near Middlefield Road with similar dental or medical uses. These have been carefully selected by City staff and vetted by the Housing Element Working Group. Giving the go-ahead to the 660 University Ave. project will help show the path forward for some of these other site-owners. I look forward to the short- and long-term positive effects that this project will have on Palo Alto and the surrounding community. Thank you. Rob Nielsen crobertn@yahoo.com East Palo Alto, California 94303 From:Leah Cowan To:Clerk, City Subject:Please support new homes at 660 University Ave without delay! Date:Wednesday, March 12, 2025 8:45:56 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious ofopening attachments and clicking on links. Palo Alto Palo Alto City Clerk, Please find thid letter as an expression of my support for the proposed project at 660 University Ave. I grew up in Palo Alto as a renter and know that the power our schools have. Many families that rent have the stressor of maintaining a residence in Palo Alto to keep continuity in their children’s education. . In filling downtown helps keep density along public transportation. Please support this project as the housing stock in Palo Alto needs to increase tremendously for various income levels for us to have a robust workforce. Thank you! Leah Cowan leahscowan@gmail.com Palo Alto, California 94306 From:Lizzie DeKraai To:Clerk, City Subject:Support new homes at 660 University Ave! Date:Tuesday, March 11, 2025 3:40:00 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious ofopening attachments and clicking on links. Palo Alto Palo Alto City Clerk, I am writing to express my enthusiastic support for the proposed housing project at 660 University Ave in downtown Palo Alto. This project will be a tremendous asset to the community and the region as a whole. The addition of 66 units to the area is a beacon of hope in addressing Palo Alto's pressing housing shortage. The project's proximity to downtown amenities, including Caltrain station and ample bike parking, makes the project an attractive place to live, while promoting environmental sustainability. Moreover, I am particularly impressed by the project's commitment to inclusivity. Setting aside 20 percent of the units for lower-tiered affordable housing showcases a dedication to providing opportunities for individuals from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds to thrive in the community. By prioritizing affordable housing and urban development, we can create more sustainable and inclusive communities for everyone. It is necessary for Palo Alto to expand housing options and accommodate the needs of a growing population and I urge you to take action by supporting this project with no further delay. I look forward to witnessing the short term and long term positive impacts that this project will have on Palo Alto and the surrounding community. Thank you. Lizzie DeKraai lizziedekraai@gmail.com Palo Alto, California 94301 From:Rodney Leggett To:Clerk, City Subject:Please support new homes at 660 University Ave without delay! Date:Tuesday, March 11, 2025 12:34:58 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious ofopening attachments and clicking on links. Palo Alto Palo Alto City Clerk, I am writing to express my wholehearted support for the proposed 63-unit housing project at 660 University Ave. As a resident of this vibrant community, I am thrilled about the prospect of welcoming such a valuable addition to our city. The proposed housing project offers an incredible opportunity to enhance our downtown area. One of the most exciting aspects of this project is its proximity to downtown amenities and the Caltrain station. Having housing within walking distance of these essential resources not only promotes a more sustainable and eco-friendly lifestyle but also fosters a stronger sense of community among residents. Furthermore, as a resident who cherishes the unique character of Palo Alto, I believe that the addition of more housing options will only enrich our city. Palo Alto is in dire need of housing, and this project presents a timely solution to address this pressing issue. The project has been in the pipeline for over 3 years which is a testament to the developer’s patience and commitment to providing more housing to the downtown area. They have also included more lower-tiered-income housing than what is required by the city. Access to low-income housing is vital to make the downtown area accessible to more people, ensuring that individuals from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds can partake in and contribute to our community. In conclusion, I urge you to support this housing project for the betterment of our community without further delay! By embracing initiatives that promote sustainability, inclusivity, and affordability, we can ensure that Palo Alto continues to thrive as a dynamic and welcoming place to live. Thank you! Rodney Leggett rodneyjleggett@gmail.com Palo Alto, California 94301 From:vivek Mehta To:Clerk, City Subject:Please support new homes at 660 University Ave without delay! Date:Tuesday, March 11, 2025 11:57:30 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious ofopening attachments and clicking on links. Palo Alto Palo Alto City Clerk, I am writing to express my wholehearted support for the proposed 63-unit housing project at 660 University Ave. As a resident of this vibrant community, I am thrilled about the prospect of welcoming such a valuable addition to our city. The proposed housing project offers an incredible opportunity to enhance our downtown area. One of the most exciting aspects of this project is its proximity to downtown amenities and the Caltrain station. Having housing within walking distance of these essential resources not only promotes a more sustainable and eco-friendly lifestyle but also fosters a stronger sense of community among residents. Furthermore, as a resident who cherishes the unique character of Palo Alto, I believe that the addition of more housing options will only enrich our city. Palo Alto is in dire need of housing, and this project presents a timely solution to address this pressing issue. The project has been in the pipeline for over 3 years which is a testament to the developer’s patience and commitment to providing more housing to the downtown area. They have also included more lower-tiered-income housing than what is required by the city. Access to low-income housing is vital to make the downtown area accessible to more people, ensuring that individuals from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds can partake in and contribute to our community. In conclusion, I urge you to support this housing project for the betterment of our community without further delay! By embracing initiatives that promote sustainability, inclusivity, and affordability, we can ensure that Palo Alto continues to thrive as a dynamic and welcoming place to live. Thank you! vivek Mehta mehtavivek01@gmail.com Berkeley, California 94704 From:Katherine Dumont To:Clerk, City Subject:Please support new homes at 660 University Ave without delay! Date:Tuesday, March 11, 2025 11:17:34 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious ofopening attachments and clicking on links. Palo Alto Palo Alto City Clerk, I strongly support the proposed 63-unit housing project at 660 University Ave. I have a deep appreciation for Palo Alto's vibrancy, which is why I endorse creating more housing options throughout the City, and especially in and near downtown, where folks have access to transit, shopping, and services. Denser housing near essential resources is the responsible way to go; it promotes and supports a more sustainable lifestyle, it fosters a stronger sense of community, and it supports downtown prosperity. I resided in Palo Alto for 25 years. After being displaced due to the high cost of housing, I can attest to the fact that Palo Alto is in dire need of housing! This project presents a timely solution. It's been in the pipeline for over 3 years--a testament to the developer’s patience and commitment to providing more housing to the downtown area. They have included *more* lower-tiered-income housing than what is required by the city. Access to low-income housing throughout the city ensures that individuals from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds can partake in--and contribute to--our community and our economy. I walk or bike into Palo Alto from Menlo Park several times a week, to shop, dine, and visit service providers. I urge you to support this housing project without delay! By embracing initiatives that promote sustainability, inclusivity, and affordability, YOU can ensure that Palo Alto continues to thrive as a dynamic and welcoming place to live. Thank you! Katherine Dumont khdumont@gmail.com 225 WAVERLEY ST APT 3 Menlo Park, California 94025 From:Emma Meyer To:Clerk, City Subject:Please support new homes at 660 University Ave without delay! Date:Tuesday, March 11, 2025 10:30:41 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious ofopening attachments and clicking on links. Palo Alto Palo Alto City Clerk, I am writing to express my wholehearted support for the proposed 63-unit housing project at 660 University Ave. As a resident of this vibrant community, I am thrilled about the prospect of welcoming such a valuable addition to our city. The proposed housing project offers an incredible opportunity to enhance our downtown area. One of the most exciting aspects of this project is its proximity to downtown amenities and the Caltrain station. Having housing within walking distance of these essential resources not only promotes a more sustainable and eco-friendly lifestyle but also fosters a stronger sense of community among residents. Furthermore, as a resident who cherishes the unique character of Palo Alto, I believe that the addition of more housing options will only enrich our city. Palo Alto is in dire need of housing, and this project presents a timely solution to address this pressing issue. The project has been in the pipeline for over 3 years which is a testament to the developer’s patience and commitment to providing more housing to the downtown area. They have also included more lower-tiered-income housing than what is required by the city. Access to low-income housing is vital to make the downtown area accessible to more people, ensuring that individuals from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds can partake in and contribute to our community. In conclusion, I urge you to support this housing project for the betterment of our community without further delay! By embracing initiatives that promote sustainability, inclusivity, and affordability, we can ensure that Palo Alto continues to thrive as a dynamic and welcoming place to live. Thank you! Emma Meyer emmameyer22@icloud.com Menlo Park, California 94025 From:steven atneosen To:Clerk, City Subject:Support new homes at 660 University Ave! Date:Tuesday, March 11, 2025 10:29:34 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious ofopening attachments and clicking on links. Palo Alto Palo Alto City Clerk, I am writing to express my enthusiastic support for the proposed housing project at 660 University Ave in downtown Palo Alto. This project will be a tremendous asset to the community and the region as a whole. The addition of 66 units to the area is a beacon of hope in addressing Palo Alto's pressing housing shortage. The project's proximity to downtown amenities, including Caltrain station and ample bike parking, makes the project an attractive place to live, while promoting environmental sustainability. Moreover, I am particularly impressed by the project's commitment to inclusivity. Setting aside 20 percent of the units for lower-tiered affordable housing showcases a dedication to providing opportunities for individuals from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds to thrive in the community. By prioritizing affordable housing and urban development, we can create more sustainable and inclusive communities for everyone. It is necessary for Palo Alto to expand housing options and accommodate the needs of a growing population and I urge you to take action by supporting this project with no further delay. I look forward to witnessing the short term and long term positive impacts that this project will have on Palo Alto and the surrounding community. Thank you. steven atneosen atneosen@hotmail.com Palo Alto, California 94306 From:Temina Madon To:Clerk, City Subject:We need the new homes at 660 University Ave Date:Tuesday, March 11, 2025 10:05:25 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious ofopening attachments and clicking on links. Palo Alto Palo Alto City Clerk, I enthusiastically support the housing project at 660 University Ave in downtown Palo Alto. I have lived in the downtown area for nearly 10 years and feel that this project will be a tremendous asset to our community -- and the region as a whole. The addition of 66 units to the area is a beacon of hope in addressing Palo Alto's pressing housing shortage. The project's proximity to downtown amenities, including Caltrain station and ample bike parking, makes the project an attractive place to live, while promoting environmental sustainability. I am particularly impressed by the project's commitment to inclusivity. Setting aside 20 percent of the units for lower-tiered affordable housing showcases a dedication to providing opportunities for individuals from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds to thrive in the community. By prioritizing affordable housing and urban development, we can create more sustainable and inclusive communities for everyone. It is necessary for Palo Alto to expand housing options and accommodate the needs of a growing population and I urge you to take action by supporting this project with no further delay. I look forward to witnessing the short term and long term positive impacts that this project will have on Palo Alto and the surrounding community. Thank you. Temina Madon tmnmdn@gmail.com Palo Alto, California 94301 From:Hillary Thagard To:Clerk, City Subject:Please support new homes at 660 University Ave without delay! Date:Tuesday, March 11, 2025 9:05:54 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious ofopening attachments and clicking on links. Palo Alto Palo Alto City Clerk, I am writing to express my wholehearted support for the proposed 63-unit housing project at 660 University Ave. As a resident of this vibrant community, I am thrilled about the prospect of welcoming such a valuable addition to our city. The proposed housing project offers an incredible opportunity to enhance our downtown area. One of the most exciting aspects of this project is its proximity to downtown amenities and the Caltrain station. Having housing within walking distance of these essential resources not only promotes a more sustainable and eco-friendly lifestyle but also fosters a stronger sense of community among residents. Furthermore, as a resident who cherishes the unique character of Palo Alto, I believe that the addition of more housing options will only enrich our city. Palo Alto is in dire need of housing, and this project presents a timely solution to address this pressing issue. The project has been in the pipeline for over 3 years which is a testament to the developer’s patience and commitment to providing more housing to the downtown area. They have also included more lower-tiered-income housing than what is required by the city. Access to low-income housing is vital to make the downtown area accessible to more people, ensuring that individuals from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds can partake in and contribute to our community. In conclusion, I urge you to support this housing project for the betterment of our community without further delay! By embracing initiatives that promote sustainability, inclusivity, and affordability, we can ensure that Palo Alto continues to thrive as a dynamic and welcoming place to live. Thank you! Hillary Thagard hthagard@gmail.com East Palo Alto, California 94303 From:Susan Chamberlain To:Clerk, City Subject:Please support new homes at 660 University Ave without delay! Date:Tuesday, March 11, 2025 8:39:44 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious ofopening attachments and clicking on links. Palo Alto Palo Alto City Clerk, I am writing to express my wholehearted support for the proposed 63-unit housing project at 660 University Ave. As a resident of this vibrant community, I am thrilled about the prospect of welcoming such a valuable addition to our city. The proposed housing project offers an incredible opportunity to enhance our downtown area. One of the most exciting aspects of this project is its proximity to downtown amenities and the Caltrain station. Having housing within walking distance of these essential resources not only promotes a more sustainable and eco-friendly lifestyle but also fosters a stronger sense of community among residents. Furthermore, as a resident who cherishes the unique character of Palo Alto, I believe that the addition of more housing options will only enrich our city. Palo Alto is in dire need of housing, and this project presents a timely solution to address this pressing issue. The project has been in the pipeline for over 3 years which is a testament to the developer’s patience and commitment to providing more housing to the downtown area. They have also included more lower-tiered-income housing than what is required by the city. Access to low-income housing is vital to make the downtown area accessible to more people, ensuring that individuals from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds can partake in and contribute to our community. In conclusion, I urge you to support this housing project for the betterment of our community without further delay! By embracing initiatives that promote sustainability, inclusivity, and affordability, we can ensure that Palo Alto continues to thrive as a dynamic and welcoming place to live. Thank you! Susan Chamberlain suschamberlain@gmail.com Palo Alto, California 94301 From:Claire Rosenbaum To:Clerk, City Subject:Please support new homes at 660 University Ave without delay! Date:Tuesday, March 11, 2025 8:31:28 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious ofopening attachments and clicking on links. Palo Alto Palo Alto City Clerk, I am writing to express my wholehearted support for the proposed 63-unit housing project at 660 University Ave. As a former resident of this vibrant community who was priced out, I am thrilled about the prospect of welcoming such a valuable addition to our city. The proposed housing project offers an incredible opportunity to enhance our downtown area. One of the most exciting aspects of this project is its proximity to downtown amenities and the Caltrain station. Having housing within walking distance of these essential resources not only promotes a more sustainable and eco-friendly lifestyle but also fosters a stronger sense of community among residents. Furthermore, as a resident who cherishes the unique character of Palo Alto, I believe that the addition of more housing options will only enrich our city. Palo Alto is in dire need of housing, and this project presents a timely solution to address this pressing issue. The project has been in the pipeline for over 3 years which is a testament to the developer’s patience and commitment to providing more housing to the downtown area. They have also included more lower-tiered-income housing than what is required by the city. Access to low-income housing is vital to make the downtown area accessible to more people, ensuring that individuals from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds can partake in and contribute to our community. In conclusion, I urge you to support this housing project for the betterment of our community without further delay! By embracing initiatives that promote sustainability, inclusivity, and affordability, we can ensure that Palo Alto continues to thrive as a dynamic and welcoming place to live. Thank you! Claire Rosenbaum rosenbaum.claire@gmail.com Mountain View, California 94043 From:Bill Fitch To:Clerk, City Subject:Support new homes at 660 University Ave! Date:Tuesday, March 11, 2025 8:25:46 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious ofopening attachments and clicking on links. Palo Alto Palo Alto City Clerk, I am writing to express my enthusiastic support for the proposed housing project at 660 University Ave in downtown Palo Alto. This project will be a tremendous asset to the community and the region as a whole. The addition of 66 units to the area is a beacon of hope in addressing Palo Alto's pressing housing shortage. The project's proximity to downtown amenities, including Caltrain station and ample bike parking, makes the project an attractive place to live, while promoting environmental sustainability. Moreover, I am particularly impressed by the project's commitment to inclusivity. Setting aside 20 percent of the units for lower-tiered affordable housing showcases a dedication to providing opportunities for individuals from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds to thrive in the community. By prioritizing affordable housing and urban development, we can create more sustainable and inclusive communities for everyone. It is necessary for Palo Alto to expand housing options and accommodate the needs of a growing population and I urge you to take action by supporting this project with no further delay. I look forward to witnessing the short term and long term positive impacts that this project will have on Palo Alto and the surrounding community. Thank you. Bill Fitch facehiker@gmail.com Palo Alto, California 94306 From:Naphtali Knox To:Clerk, City Subject:I support new homes at 660 University Ave! Date:Monday, March 10, 2025 11:44:06 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious ofopening attachments and clicking on links. Palo Alto Palo Alto City Clerk, As a 53-year resident here and a former director of planning for Palo Alto, I support the proposed housing project at 660 University Avenue. This is just the kind of housing we need in the city and in downtown. Please send this on to the City Council without delay and with your full backing. Naphtali Knox knoxnaph@gmail.com Palo Alto, California 94301 From:Patty Irish To:Clerk, City Subject:Support new homes at 660 University Ave! Date:Monday, March 10, 2025 11:35:11 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious ofopening attachments and clicking on links. Palo Alto Palo Alto City Clerk, I am writing to support the proposed housing project at 660 University Ave in downtown Palo Alto. This project will be an asset to the community and the region as a whole. The addition of 66 units to the area is a beacon of hope in addressing Palo Alto's pressing housing shortage. The project's proximity to downtown amenities, including Caltrain station and ample bike parking, makes the project an attractive place to live, while promoting environmental sustainability. Moreover, I am particularly impressed by the project's commitment to inclusivity. Setting aside 20 percent of the units for lower-tiered affordable housing showcases a dedication to providing opportunities for individuals from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds to thrive in the community. By prioritizing affordable housing and urban development, we can create more sustainable and inclusive communities for everyone. It is necessary for Palo Alto to expand housing options and accommodate the needs of a growing population and I urge you to take action by supporting this project with no further delay. I look forward to witnessing the short term and long term positive impacts that this project will have on Palo Alto and the surrounding community. Thank you. Patty Irish irishpw@gmail.com Palo Alto, California 94301 From:Zachary Anglemyer To:Clerk, City Subject:Support new homes at 660 University Ave! Date:Monday, March 10, 2025 10:59:28 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious ofopening attachments and clicking on links. Palo Alto Palo Alto City Clerk, I am writing to express my enthusiastic support for the proposed housing project at 660 University Ave in downtown Palo Alto. This project will be a tremendous asset to the community and the region as a whole. The addition of 66 units to the area is a beacon of hope in addressing Palo Alto's pressing housing shortage. The project's proximity to downtown amenities, including Caltrain station and ample bike parking, makes the project an attractive place to live, while promoting environmental sustainability. Moreover, I am particularly impressed by the project's commitment to inclusivity. Setting aside 20 percent of the units for lower-tiered affordable housing showcases a dedication to providing opportunities for individuals from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds to thrive in the community. By prioritizing affordable housing and urban development, we can create more sustainable and inclusive communities for everyone. It is necessary for Palo Alto to expand housing options and accommodate the needs of a growing population and I urge you to take action by supporting this project with no further delay. I look forward to witnessing the short term and long term positive impacts that this project will have on Palo Alto and the surrounding community. Thank you. Zachary Anglemyer ziaprogolfer@icloud.com Tiburon, California 94920 From:Audrey Adams To:Clerk, City Subject:Please support new homes at 660 University Ave without delay! Date:Monday, March 10, 2025 10:54:05 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious ofopening attachments and clicking on links. Palo Alto Palo Alto City Clerk, I am writing to express my wholehearted support for the proposed 63-unit housing project at 660 University Ave. As a resident of this vibrant community, I am thrilled about the prospect of welcoming such a valuable addition to our city. The proposed housing project offers an incredible opportunity to enhance our downtown area. One of the most exciting aspects of this project is its proximity to downtown amenities and the Caltrain station. Having housing within walking distance of these essential resources not only promotes a more sustainable and eco-friendly lifestyle but also fosters a stronger sense of community among residents. Furthermore, as a resident who cherishes the unique character of Palo Alto, I believe that the addition of more housing options will only enrich our city. Palo Alto is in dire need of housing, and this project presents a timely solution to address this pressing issue. The project has been in the pipeline for over 3 years which is a testament to the developer’s patience and commitment to providing more housing to the downtown area. They have also included more lower-tiered-income housing than what is required by the city. Access to low-income housing is vital to make the downtown area accessible to more people, ensuring that individuals from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds can partake in and contribute to our community. In conclusion, I urge you to support this housing project for the betterment of our community without further delay! By embracing initiatives that promote sustainability, inclusivity, and affordability, we can ensure that Palo Alto continues to thrive as a dynamic and welcoming place to live. Thank you! Audrey Adams audreysadams05@gmail.com East Palo Alto, California 94303 From:Francis Viggiano To:Clerk, City Subject:Support new homes at 660 University Ave! Date:Saturday, March 8, 2025 1:39:27 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious ofopening attachments and clicking on links. Palo Alto Palo Alto City Clerk, I am writing in strong support of the development project to provide much needed Palo Alto housing at 660 University Ave. in Palo Alto. This is an excellent location for new housing, being close to the many amenities which the Downtown Palo Alto area provides, and being a short walk from the newly electrified CalTrain's second busiest station. CalTrain is now running more fequent service and is more popular than ever. And the new occupants of 660 University Ave. will help Palo Alto's downtown thrive. I look forward to witnessing the short term and long term positive impacts that this project will have on Palo Alto and the surrounding community. Thank you. Francis Viggiano fpviggiano@gmail.com 830 Talisman Drive Palo Alto, California 94303 From:Garrett Clark To:Clerk, City Subject:Support new homes at 660 University Ave! Date:Friday, March 7, 2025 9:23:44 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious ofopening attachments and clicking on links. Palo Alto Palo Alto City Clerk, I am writing to express my enthusiastic support for the proposed housing project at 660 University Ave in downtown Palo Alto. This project will be a tremendous asset to the community and the region as a whole. The addition of 66 units to the area is a beacon of hope in addressing Palo Alto's pressing housing shortage. The project's proximity to downtown amenities, including Caltrain station and ample bike parking, makes the project an attractive place to live, while promoting environmental sustainability. Moreover, I am particularly impressed by the project's commitment to inclusivity. Setting aside 20 percent of the units for lower-tiered affordable housing showcases a dedication to providing opportunities for individuals from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds to thrive in the community. By prioritizing affordable housing and urban development, we can create more sustainable and inclusive communities for everyone. It is necessary for Palo Alto to expand housing options and accommodate the needs of a growing population and I urge you to take action by supporting this project with no further delay. I look forward to witnessing the short term and long term positive impacts that this project will have on Palo Alto and the surrounding community. Thank you. Garrett Clark clark98garrett@gmail.com 726 Harding Avenue Palo Alto, California 94301 From:Eva Markiewicz To:Clerk, City Subject:Support new homes at 660 University Ave! Date:Thursday, March 6, 2025 3:51:07 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious ofopening attachments and clicking on links. Palo Alto Palo Alto City Clerk, I am writing to express my enthusiastic support for the proposed housing project at 660 University Ave in downtown Palo Alto. This project will be a tremendous asset to the community and the region as a whole. The addition of 66 units to the area is a beacon of hope in addressing Palo Alto's pressing housing shortage. The project's proximity to downtown amenities, including Caltrain station and ample bike parking, makes the project an attractive place to live, while promoting environmental sustainability. Moreover, I am particularly impressed by the project's commitment to inclusivity. Setting aside 20 percent of the units for lower-tiered affordable housing showcases a dedication to providing opportunities for individuals from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds to thrive in the community. By prioritizing affordable housing and urban development, we can create more sustainable and inclusive communities for everyone. It is necessary for Palo Alto to expand housing options and accommodate the needs of a growing population and I urge you to take action by supporting this project with no further delay. I look forward to witnessing the short term and long term positive impacts that this project will have on Palo Alto and the surrounding community. Thank you. Eva Markiewicz eva.markiewicz@gmail.com Redwood City, California 94061 From:Carol Lamont To:Clerk, City Subject:Support new homes at 660 University Ave! Date:Thursday, March 6, 2025 1:24:01 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious ofopening attachments and clicking on links. Palo Alto Palo Alto City Clerk, I am writing to express my enthusiastic support for the proposed housing project at 660 University Ave in downtown Palo Alto. This project will be a tremendous asset to the community and the region as a whole. The addition of 66 units to the area is a beacon of hope in addressing Palo Alto's pressing housing shortage. The project's proximity to downtown amenities, including Caltrain station and ample bike parking, makes the project an attractive place to live, while promoting environmental sustainability. Moreover, I am particularly impressed by the project's commitment to inclusivity. Setting aside 20 percent of the units for lower-tiered affordable housing showcases a dedication to providing opportunities for individuals from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds to thrive in the community. By prioritizing affordable housing and urban development, we can create more sustainable and inclusive communities for everyone. It is necessary for Palo Alto to expand housing options and accommodate the needs of a growing population and I urge you to take action by supporting this project with no further delay. I look forward to witnessing the short term and long term positive impacts that this project will have on Palo Alto and the surrounding community. Thank you. Carol Lamont c.lamont2@outlook.com Palo Alto, California 94301 From:Kristin Barclay To:Clerk, City Subject:Support new homes at 660 University Ave! Date:Thursday, March 6, 2025 1:01:50 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious ofopening attachments and clicking on links. Palo Alto Palo Alto City Clerk, I am writing to express my enthusiastic support for the proposed housing project at 660 University Ave in downtown Palo Alto. The project's proximity to downtown makes the project an attractive place to live and will help support downtown businesses. I look forward to witnessing the short term and long term positive impacts that this project will have on Palo Alto and the surrounding community. Thank you. Kristin Barclay kri.barclay@gmail.com 642 Hopkins Ave Apt 3 Redwood City, California 94063 From:Alex Strange To:Clerk, City Subject:Support new homes at 660 University Ave! Date:Tuesday, March 4, 2025 2:49:40 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious ofopening attachments and clicking on links. Palo Alto Palo Alto City Clerk, I am writing to express my enthusiastic support for the proposed housing project at 660 University Ave in downtown Palo Alto. This project will be a tremendous asset to the community and the region as a whole. The addition of 66 units to the area is a beacon of hope in addressing Palo Alto's pressing housing shortage. The project's proximity to downtown amenities, including Caltrain station and ample bike parking, makes the project an attractive place to live, while promoting environmental sustainability. Moreover, I am particularly impressed by the project's commitment to inclusivity. Setting aside 20 percent of the units for lower-tiered affordable housing showcases a dedication to providing opportunities for individuals from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds to thrive in the community. By prioritizing affordable housing and urban development, we can create more sustainable and inclusive communities for everyone. It is necessary for Palo Alto to expand housing options and accommodate the needs of a growing population and I urge you to take action by supporting this project with no further delay. I look forward to witnessing the short term and long term positive impacts that this project will have on Palo Alto and the surrounding community. Thank you. Alex Strange astrange@gmail.com 966 Ponderosa Ave Apt 55 Sunnyvale, California 94086 From:Akshay Jain To:Clerk, City Subject:Support new homes at 660 University Ave! Date:Tuesday, March 4, 2025 2:43:05 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious ofopening attachments and clicking on links. Palo Alto Palo Alto City Clerk, I am writing to express my enthusiastic support for the proposed housing project at 660 University Ave in downtown Palo Alto. This project will be a tremendous asset to the community and the region as a whole. The addition of 66 units to the area is a beacon of hope in addressing Palo Alto's pressing housing shortage. The project's proximity to downtown amenities, including Caltrain station and ample bike parking, makes the project an attractive place to live, while promoting environmental sustainability. Moreover, I am particularly impressed by the project's commitment to inclusivity. Setting aside 20 percent of the units for lower-tiered affordable housing showcases a dedication to providing opportunities for individuals from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds to thrive in the community. By prioritizing affordable housing and urban development, we can create more sustainable and inclusive communities for everyone. It is necessary for Palo Alto to expand housing options and accommodate the needs of a growing population and I urge you to take action by supporting this project with no further delay. I look forward to witnessing the short term and long term positive impacts that this project will have on Palo Alto and the surrounding community. Thank you. Akshay Jain aks.jain.1990@gmail.com Palo Alto, California 94301 From:Michael Szeto To:Clerk, City Subject:Support new homes at 660 University Ave! Date:Tuesday, March 4, 2025 2:00:48 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious ofopening attachments and clicking on links. Palo Alto Palo Alto City Clerk, I write with enthusiastic support for the proposed housing project at 660 University Ave in downtown Palo Alto. This project will be a tremendous asset to our community and the region as a whole. The addition of 66 units to the area is a beacon of hope in addressing Palo Alto's pressing housing shortage. The project's proximity to downtown amenities, including Caltrain station and ample bike parking, makes the project an attractive place to live, while promoting environmental sustainability. I know these are priorities for Palo Alto and I hope the Council will support this project as evidence of the prioritization. Moreover, I am particularly impressed by the project's commitment to inclusivity. Setting aside 20 percent of the units for lower-tiered affordable housing showcases a dedication to providing opportunities for individuals from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds to thrive in the community. By prioritizing affordable housing and urban development, we can create more sustainable and inclusive communities for everyone. It is necessary for Palo Alto to expand housing options and accommodate the needs of a growing population and I urge you to take action by supporting this project with no further delay. I look forward to witnessing the short term and long term positive impacts that this project will have on Palo Alto and the surrounding community. Thank you. Michael Szeto michael.szeto@gmail.com Redwood City, California 94305 From:Frank Viggiano To:Clerk, City Subject:Support new homes at 660 University Ave! Date:Wednesday, December 4, 2024 9:16:54 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious ofopening attachments and clicking on links. Palo Alto Palo Alto City Clerk, I am writing to express my enthusiastic support for the proposed housing project at 660 University Ave in downtown Palo Alto. This project will be a tremendous asset to the community and the region as a whole. The addition of 66 units to the area is a beacon of hope in addressing Palo Alto's pressing housing shortage. The project's proximity to downtown amenities, including Caltrain station and ample bike parking, makes the project an attractive place to live, while promoting environmental sustainability. Moreover, I am particularly impressed by the project's commitment to inclusivity. Setting aside 20 percent of the units for lower-tiered affordable housing showcases a dedication to providing opportunities for individuals from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds to thrive in the community. By prioritizing affordable housing and urban development, we can create more sustainable and inclusive communities for everyone. It is necessary for Palo Alto to expand housing options and accommodate the needs of a growing population and I urge you to take action by supporting this project with no further delay. I look forward to witnessing the short term and long term positive impacts that this project will have on Palo Alto and the surrounding community. Thank you. Frank Viggiano fpviggiano@gmail.com 830 Talisman Drive Palo Alto, California 94303 From:Gina Dalma To:Clerk, City Subject:Please support new homes at 660 University Ave without delay! Date:Tuesday, December 3, 2024 8:03:02 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious ofopening attachments and clicking on links. Palo Alto Palo Alto City Clerk, I am writing to express my wholehearted support for the proposed 63-unit housing project at 660 University Ave. As a resident of this vibrant community, I am thrilled about the prospect of welcoming such a valuable addition to our city. The proposed housing project offers an incredible opportunity to enhance our downtown area. One of the most exciting aspects of this project is its proximity to downtown amenities and the Caltrain station. Having housing within walking distance of these essential resources not only promotes a more sustainable and eco-friendly lifestyle but also fosters a stronger sense of community among residents. Furthermore, as a resident who cherishes the unique character of Palo Alto, I believe that the addition of more housing options will only enrich our city. Palo Alto is in dire need of housing, and this project presents a timely solution to address this pressing issue. The project has been in the pipeline for over 3 years which is a testament to the developer’s patience and commitment to providing more housing to the downtown area. They have also included more lower-tiered-income housing than what is required by the city. Access to low-income housing is vital to make the downtown area accessible to more people, ensuring that individuals from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds can partake in and contribute to our community. In conclusion, I urge you to support this housing project for the betterment of our community without further delay! By embracing initiatives that promote sustainability, inclusivity, and affordability, we can ensure that Palo Alto continues to thrive as a dynamic and welcoming place to live. Thank you! Gina Dalma ginadalma@gmail.com Palo Alto, California 94306 From:Savita Nataraj To:Clerk, City Subject:Support new homes at 660 University Ave! Date:Tuesday, December 3, 2024 7:38:38 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious ofopening attachments and clicking on links. Palo Alto Palo Alto City Clerk, I am fully support the housing project at 660 University Ave in downtown Palo Alto. This project will be a tremendous asset to the community and the region as a whole. The addition of 66 units to the area is a beacon of hope in addressing Palo Alto's pressing housing shortage. The project's proximity to downtown amenities, including Caltrain station and ample bike parking, makes the project an attractive place to live, while promoting environmental sustainability. Moreover, I am particularly impressed by the project's commitment to inclusivity. Setting aside 20 percent of the units for lower-tiered affordable housing showcases a dedication to providing opportunities for individuals from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds to thrive in the community. By prioritizing affordable housing and urban development, we can create more sustainable and inclusive communities for everyone. It is necessary for Palo Alto to expand housing options and accommodate the needs of a growing population and I urge you to take action by supporting this project with no further delay. I look forward to witnessing the short term and long term positive impacts that this project will have on Palo Alto and the surrounding community. Thank you. Sincerely, Savita N. Savita Nataraj miloticcog@gmail.com 5055 Dent Avenue, 18 San Jose, California 95118 From:Andrew Siegler To:Clerk, City Subject:Please support new homes at 660 University Ave without delay! Date:Tuesday, December 3, 2024 1:53:26 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious ofopening attachments and clicking on links. Palo Alto Palo Alto City Clerk, I am writing to express my wholehearted support for the proposed 63-unit housing project at 660 University Ave. As a resident of this vibrant community, I am thrilled about the prospect of welcoming such a valuable addition to our city. The proposed housing project offers an incredible opportunity to enhance our downtown area. One of the most exciting aspects of this project is its proximity to downtown amenities and the Caltrain station. Having housing within walking distance of these essential resources not only promotes a more sustainable and eco-friendly lifestyle but also fosters a stronger sense of community among residents. Furthermore, as a resident who cherishes the unique character of Palo Alto, I believe that the addition of more housing options will only enrich our city. Palo Alto is in dire need of housing, and this project presents a timely solution to address this pressing issue. The project has been in the pipeline for over 3 years which is a testament to the developer’s patience and commitment to providing more housing to the downtown area. They have also included more lower-tiered-income housing than what is required by the city. Access to low-income housing is vital to make the downtown area accessible to more people, ensuring that individuals from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds can partake in and contribute to our community. In conclusion, I urge you to support this housing project for the betterment of our community without further delay! By embracing initiatives that promote sustainability, inclusivity, and affordability, we can ensure that Palo Alto continues to thrive as a dynamic and welcoming place to live. Thank you! Andrew Siegler siegler669@gmail.com San Jose, California 95112 From:Garrett Clark To:Clerk, City Subject:Please support new homes at 660 University Ave without delay! Date:Tuesday, December 3, 2024 12:39:17 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious ofopening attachments and clicking on links. Palo Alto Palo Alto City Clerk, I am writing to express my strong support for the proposed project at 660 University Avenue. As a recent resident of Palo Alto, I have personally experienced the difficulty of securing quality housing in the downtown area, a challenge faced by many in our community. As a recent law school graduate, I know several peers who, despite securing jobs in Palo Alto, were unable to find suitable housing nearby. Some had to live far from their workplace, while others, like myself, settled for more modest accommodations than preferred due to limited options. The downtown area is home to numerous multifamily buildings, many of which are much older than this proposed development. These homes, often subdivided from large single-family homes, are now illegal to build yet play a crucial role in providing housing for many renters, contributing to the vibrancy of our community. The proposed project on University Avenue offers a prime location within walking distance of Caltrain and a short bike ride from key destinations, making it an ideal spot for car-light or car- free living. While concerns about traffic are valid, they are often overstated. The project’s location and design will minimize its impact on traffic while providing much-needed housing in the heart of Palo Alto. For the benefit of our community and future residents, I strongly urge the approval of this project, which will help address the ongoing housing shortage in Palo Alto. Thank you for your consideration. Garrett Clark clark98garrett@gmail.com Palo Alto, California 94301 From:Cam Coulter To:Clerk, City Subject:Support new homes at 660 University Ave! Date:Thursday, November 28, 2024 8:14:02 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious ofopening attachments and clicking on links. Palo Alto Palo Alto City Clerk, I am writing to express my enthusiastic support for the proposed housing project at 660 University Ave in downtown Palo Alto. This project will be a tremendous asset to the community and our region as a whole. The addition of 66 units to the area is a beacon of hope in addressing Palo Alto's pressing housing shortage. The project's proximity to downtown amenities, including Caltrain station (which I love and ride daily) and ample bike parking, makes the project an attractive place to live, while promoting environmental sustainability. Moreover, I am particularly impressed by the project's commitment to inclusivity. Setting aside 20 percent of the units for lower-tiered affordable housing showcases a dedication to providing opportunities for individuals from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds to thrive in the community. This is so important. By prioritizing affordable housing and urban development, we can create more sustainable and inclusive communities for everyone. It is necessary for Palo Alto to expand housing options and accommodate the needs of a growing population and I urge you to take action by supporting this project with no further delay. I look forward to witnessing the short term and long term positive impacts that this project will have on Palo Alto and the surrounding community. Thank you. Cam Coulter cameron.n.coulter@gmail.com 5325 Wong Drive Apartment 104 San Jose, California 95136 From:Dylan O"Connell To:Clerk, City Subject:Please support new homes at 660 University Ave without delay! Date:Tuesday, November 26, 2024 1:48:31 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious ofopening attachments and clicking on links. Palo Alto Palo Alto City Clerk, I am writing to enthusiastically endorse the 660 University Ave housing project. As a South Bay resident, I believe this development offers enormous benefits to our community. The project's location near downtown and the Caltrain station is ideal, promoting walkability and reducing reliance on cars. This aligns perfectly with Palo Alto's sustainability goals. Additionally, the developer has exceeded the city's requirements for affordable housing, making our downtown area more accessible to people with diverse income levels. This project has been carefully planned over the past three years and represents a crucial step in addressing our city's housing shortage. I urge you to approve it without delay. Thank you! -Dylan O'Connell Dylan O'Connell dylan.potter.oconnell@gmail.com Mountain View, California 94040 From:Pauline Lewis To:Clerk, City Subject:Please support new homes at 660 University Ave without delay! Date:Tuesday, November 26, 2024 10:10:00 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious ofopening attachments and clicking on links. Palo Alto Palo Alto City Clerk, I am writing to express my wholehearted support for the proposed 63-unit housing project at 660 University Ave. I am thrilled about the prospect of welcoming such a valuable addition to Palo Alto, where I work. I am a reference librarian at Stanford University, and while I live in Mountain View, I know that building more housing throughout this area is crucial for addressing the affordability crisis that we are facing. The proposed housing project offers an incredible opportunity to enhance the downtown area. One of the most exciting aspects of this project is its proximity to downtown amenities and the Caltrain station. Having housing within walking distance of these essential resources not only promotes a more sustainable and eco-friendly lifestyle but also fosters a stronger sense of community among residents. I believe that the addition of more housing options will only enrich our community. Palo Alto is in dire need of housing, and this project presents a timely solution to address this pressing issue. The project has been in the pipeline for over 3 years which is a testament to the developer’s patience and commitment to providing more housing to the downtown area. They have also included more lower-tiered-income housing than what is required by the city. Access to low-income housing is vital to make the downtown area accessible to more people, ensuring that individuals from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds can partake in and contribute to our community. In conclusion, I urge you to support this housing project for the betterment of our community without further delay! By embracing initiatives that promote sustainability, inclusivity, and affordability, we can ensure that Palo Alto continues to thrive as a dynamic and welcoming place to live. Thank you! Pauline Lewis plucylew@gmail.com Mountain View, California 94040 From:Savita Nataraj To:Clerk, City Subject:Support new homes at 660 University Ave! Date:Monday, November 25, 2024 11:32:33 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious ofopening attachments and clicking on links. Palo Alto Palo Alto City Clerk, As a resident of Santa Clara county for 29 years, I am excited to see this opportunity for more housing! Especially in the beautiful Palo Alto area I am writing to express my strong support for the proposed housing project at 660 University Ave in downtown Palo Alto. This project will be a tremendous asset to the community and the region as a whole. The addition of 63 units to the area is a beacon of hope in addressing Palo Alto's pressing housing shortage. The project's proximity to downtown amenities, including Caltrain station and ample bike parking, makes the project an attractive place to live, while promoting environmental sustainability. Moreover, I am particularly impressed by the project's commitment to inclusivity. Setting aside 20 percent of the units for lower-tiered affordable housing showcases a dedication to providing opportunities for individuals from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds to thrive in the community. By prioritizing affordable housing and urban development, we can create more sustainable and inclusive communities for everyone. It is necessary for Palo Alto to expand housing options and accommodate the needs of a growing population and I urge you to take action by supporting this project with no further delay. I look forward to seeing the short term and long term positive impacts that this project will have on Palo Alto and the surrounding community. Thank you. With hope, Savita N. Savita Nataraj miloticcog@gmail.com 5055 Dent Avenue, 18 San Jose, California 95118 From:Flora Moreno de Thompson To:Clerk, City Subject:Support new homes at 660 University Ave! Date:Monday, November 25, 2024 3:39:59 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious ofopening attachments and clicking on links. Palo Alto Palo Alto City Clerk, I am writing to express my enthusiastic support for the proposed housing project at 660 University Ave in downtown Palo Alto. This project will be a tremendous asset to the community and the region as a whole. The addition of 63 units to the area is a beacon of hope in addressing Palo Alto's pressing housing shortage. The project's proximity to downtown amenities, including Caltrain station and ample bike parking, makes the project an attractive place to live, while promoting environmental sustainability. Moreover, I am particularly impressed by the project's commitment to inclusivity. Setting aside 20 percent of the units for lower-tiered affordable housing showcases a dedication to providing opportunities for individuals from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds to thrive in the community. By prioritizing affordable housing and urban development, we can create more sustainable and inclusive communities for everyone. It is necessary for Palo Alto to expand housing options and accommodate the needs of a growing population and I urge you to take action by supporting this project with no further delay. I look forward to witnessing the short term and long term positive impacts that this project will have on Palo Alto and the surrounding community. Thank you. Flora Moreno de Thompson flo.mo.tho@gmail.com 350 North 4th Street San Jose, California 95112 From:Alex Strange To:Clerk, City Subject:Support new homes at 660 University Ave! Date:Monday, November 25, 2024 3:07:54 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious ofopening attachments and clicking on links. Palo Alto Palo Alto City Clerk, I am writing to express my enthusiastic support for the proposed housing project at 660 University Ave in downtown Palo Alto. This project will be a tremendous asset to the community and the region as a whole. The addition of 63 units to the area is a beacon of hope in addressing Palo Alto's pressing housing shortage. The project's proximity to downtown amenities, including Caltrain station and ample bike parking, makes the project an attractive place to live, while promoting environmental sustainability. Moreover, I am particularly impressed by the project's commitment to inclusivity. Setting aside 20 percent of the units for lower-tiered affordable housing showcases a dedication to providing opportunities for individuals from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds to thrive in the community. By prioritizing affordable housing and urban development, we can create more sustainable and inclusive communities for everyone. It is necessary for Palo Alto to expand housing options and accommodate the needs of a growing population and I urge you to take action by supporting this project with no further delay. I look forward to witnessing the short term and long term positive impacts that this project will have on Palo Alto and the surrounding community. Thank you. Alex Strange astrange@gmail.com 966 Ponderosa Ave Apt 55 Sunnyvale, California 94086 From:Dylan O"Connell To:Clerk, City Subject:Please support new homes at 660 University Ave without delay! Date:Wednesday, June 12, 2024 10:17:32 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious ofopening attachments and clicking on links. Palo Alto Palo Alto City Clerk, I am writing in support of the proposed housing project at 660 University Ave. As a nearby resident, I am excited about the positive impact this development will have on my community. Its location is ideal, and this is a small but critical step towards the city's sustainability goals. I am troubled by how long this project has been in the pipeline, and I do not want it to be stuck a day longer than it needs to—we badly need more housing, and we need it fast. I strongly urge you to support this project. Thank you! -Dylan O'Connell Dylan O'Connell dylan.potter.oconnell@gmail.com Mountain View, California 94040 From:Flora Moreno de Thompson To:Clerk, City Subject:Please support new homes at 660 University Ave without delay! Date:Tuesday, June 11, 2024 5:02:36 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious ofopening attachments and clicking on links. Palo Alto Palo Alto City Clerk, I am writing to express my wholehearted support for the proposed 63-unit housing project at 660 University Ave. As a resident of this vibrant community, I am thrilled about the prospect of welcoming such a valuable addition to our city. The proposed housing project offers an incredible opportunity to enhance our downtown area. One of the most exciting aspects of this project is its proximity to downtown amenities and the Caltrain station. Having housing within walking distance of these essential resources not only promotes a more sustainable and eco-friendly lifestyle but also fosters a stronger sense of community among residents. Furthermore, as a resident who cherishes the unique character of Palo Alto, I believe that the addition of more housing options will only enrich our city. Palo Alto is in dire need of housing, and this project presents a timely solution to address this pressing issue. The project has been in the pipeline for over 3 years which is a testament to the developer’s patience and commitment to providing more housing to the downtown area. They have also included more lower-tiered-income housing than what is required by the city. Access to low-income housing is vital to make the downtown area accessible to more people, ensuring that individuals from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds can partake in and contribute to our community. In conclusion, I urge you to support this housing project for the betterment of our community without further delay! By embracing initiatives that promote sustainability, inclusivity, and affordability, we can ensure that Palo Alto continues to thrive as a dynamic and welcoming place to live. Thank you! Flora Moreno de Thompson flo.mo.tho@gmail.com 350 North 4th Street San Jose, California 95112 From:Dan Kletter To:Clerk, City Subject:Please support new homes at 660 University Ave without delay! Date:Sunday, April 14, 2024 5:28:35 PM You don't often get email from yol@esophagus.com. Learn why this is important CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious ofopening attachments and clicking on links. Palo Alto Palo Alto City Clerk, I am writing to express my wholehearted support for the proposed 63-unit housing project at 660 University Ave. As a resident of this vibrant community, I am thrilled about the prospect of welcoming such a valuable addition to our city. The proposed housing project offers an incredible opportunity to enhance our downtown area. One of the most exciting aspects of this project is its proximity to downtown amenities and the Caltrain station. Having housing within walking distance of these essential resources not only promotes a more sustainable and eco-friendly lifestyle but also fosters a stronger sense of community among residents. Furthermore, as a resident who cherishes the unique character of Palo Alto, I believe that the addition of more housing options will only enrich our city. Palo Alto is in dire need of housing, and this project presents a timely solution to address this pressing issue. The project has been in the pipeline for over 3 years which is a testament to the developer’s patience and commitment to providing more housing to the downtown area. They have also included more lower-tiered-income housing than what is required by the city. Access to low-income housing is vital to make the downtown area accessible to more people, ensuring that individuals from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds can partake in and contribute to our community. In conclusion, I urge you to support this housing project for the betterment of our community without further delay! By embracing initiatives that promote sustainability, inclusivity, and affordability, we can ensure that Palo Alto continues to thrive as a dynamic and welcoming place to live. Thank you! Dan Kletter yol@esophagus.com 665 Rock Ct Mountain View, California 94043