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Home My WebLink About2025-03-24 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: 3/24/2025 Document dates: 3/17/2025 - 3/24/2025 Note: Documents for every category may not have been received for packet reproduction in a given week. 701-32 From:Annette Glanckopf To:Council, City Subject:Builder"s remedy Date:Monday, March 24, 2025 11:18:54 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. ! Dear Council Members, Please consider this note in support of the action item on tonight's agenda on the builder's remedy and I ask you to approve a City of Palo Alto Sponsorship position on SB 457. This "legislation reinforces the original intent of the remedy while preventing misuse that circumvents legitimate land use planning processes". Annette Glanckopf 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:Aram James To:Veenker, Vicki Cc:Supervisor Susan Ellenberg; Jeff Rosen; Jessica Speiser, Educational Leader for California Democratic Delegate, Assembly District 23; Josh Becker; assemblymember.berman@assembly.ca.gov; h.etzko@gmail.com; Nicole Chiu-Wang; Sean Allen; Pat M; Bains, Paul; Council, City; Perron, Zachary; Binder, Andrew; Reifschneider, James; Barberini, Christopher; chuck jagoda; Daniel Kottke; Lotus Fong; Gardener, Liz; Liz Kniss; city.council@menlopark.gov; GRP-City Council; citycouncil@mountainview.gov; board@pausd.org; boardfeedback@smcgov.org; Jay Boyarsky; Templeton, Cari; Dave Price; Gennady Sheyner; Wagner, April; WILPF Peninsula Palo Alto; Sarah Wright; Emily Mibach; Diana Diamond; BoardOperations; board@valleywater.org; Bill Newell; ladoris cordell; DuJuan Green; dennis burns; Dennis Upton; Sheree Roth; Lori Meyers; Doug Minkler; Yolanda Conaway; Donna Wallach; Don Austin; Doria Summa; Damon Silver; Rodriguez, Miguel Subject:Europe’s Silence Fuels Gaza Crisis—Can EU Act? Date:Monday, March 24, 2025 9:58:03 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Europe’s Silence Fuels Gaza Crisis—Can EU Act? https://www.socialeurope.eu/europes-silence-fuels-gaza-crisis-can-eu-act From:Dan Garber To:Council, City; City Mgr Subject:Fwd: Byron Ave - Car Overnighting on Street Date:Sunday, March 23, 2025 11:07:53 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Council Members, Alas, the issues of the unhoused are now directly impacting our neighborhood. -dan ---------- Forwarded message ---------From: Dan Garber <dan@fg-arch.com> Date: Sun, Mar 23, 2025 at 10:48 PMSubject: Byron Ave - Car Overnighting on Street To: Binder, Andrew <andrew.binder@cityofpaloalto.org> Chief Binder,I hope this message finds you well. It appears that cars overnighting is not just an Encina Ave problem. I’m writing to inform you about an ongoing situation on our residential street in OldPalo Alto. Since March 18th, a woman has been living in a Toyota Sienna (license plate 8RLZZ83) parked between 2200 and 2250 Byron Street. My address is 2201 Byron Street, and while weinitially hadn’t noticed the car (we do not go in and out of our front door daily), it has since become a point of discussion and concern among everyone on the block. This morning, several neighbors reached out to one another, expressing concern for thewoman’s well-being and the challenges that vehicle dwellings present in our residential area. We also learned that she had previously been parked and living on Oregon Avenue betweenByron and Webster. One neighbor attempted to speak with her, but she either declined to engage or was unable to. While we all want to ensure her safety and dignity, we hope to find a solution that bettersupports her and the neighborhood. Would your team be able to assist in connecting her with appropriate resources, and direct her toward a designated "Safe Parking" program such as the one on Geng Road? I’ve attached a few photos of the vehicle, taken this evening while the woman was in the car. Thank you very much for your time and attention to this matter. Sincerely, Dan Daniel Garber Partner, FAIA he/his/him Fergus Garber Architects www.fg-arch.com o 650.459.3700 d 650.597.6112 m 650.245.7775 81 Encina Ave, Palo Alto CA 94301 From:Loran Harding To:Loran Harding; antonia.tinoco@hsr.ca.gov; alumnipresident@stanford.edu; Shanetta Anderson; David Balakian;beachrides; bearwithme1016@att.net; boardmembers; Leodies Buchanan; bballpod; fred beyerlein; BeckyVagim; carloslawnservice14@gmail.com; Cathy Lewis; Council, City; dennisbalakian; dallen1212@gmail.com;kdeem.electriclab@gmail.com; eappel@stanford.edu; Scott Wilkinson; George.Rutherford@ucsf.edu;Gabriel.Ramirez@fresno.gov; huidentalsanmateo; hennessy; Irv Weissman; jerry ruopoli; Sally Thiessen; JoelStiner; kfsndesk; karkazianjewelers@gmail.com; Mark Standriff; margaret-sasaki@live.com; Mayor;MY77FJ@gmail.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: Lazlo Meets Maj. Strasser. This movie moved! Date:Sunday, March 23, 2025 4:17:45 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. ---------- Forwarded message --------- From: Loran Harding <loran.harding@stanfordalumni.org>Date: Sat, Mar 22, 2025 at 11:32 PM Subject: Fwd: Lazlo Meets Maj. Strasser. This movie moved!To: Loran Harding <loran.harding@stanfordalumni.org> Sunday, March 23, 2025 To all- My second favorite movie after 1944's "Double Indemnity". "Casablanca" They knew here how to make a movie. Too bad that with the huge money available to themtoday, they can't do it. Car chases and machine gunning. I won't pay to see any of it. I go to the Stanford Theatre in Palo Alto and see things like "Casablanca": Note: Theatre.www.stanfordtheatre.org. Highly recommended. "Casablanca" cost $1,390,000 to make in 1942. I'd say Warner Bros. got a lot for their $1.4 muillion. Production began on May 25, 1942 and was completed in 71 days, in August, 1942.(BTW, the first raid onto the continent from England by the US 8th AF was around August 18, 1942, my mother's 30th birthday).Then it opened around the US in early 1943 just when FDRand Churchill were meeting in, of all places, Casablanca. The Operation Torch landings in N. Africa, including near Casablanca, had happened in November, 1942. Everything came together in the making of "Casablanca": the cameras, the lenses, the filmstock, sound, lighting, the cigarette smoke, the sets that didn't look anything like sets, the costumes, the wrist watches, the story, the dialog, the right actors, including the croupier withhis French and the big man on the door of the casino, the music. Speaking of the right actors, add merely Sidney Greenstreet and Peter Lorre. Both were just masterful. They have neverequaled it. It almost makes me want to go live in Paris, near a crowded train station that gets some serious rain. To be right, of course, they would have to use steam locomotives. Dieselswouldn't cut it. "You were a Chezchslovakian. Now you are a subject of the German Reich". Sweet. That'dbe my luck. "It would take a miracle to get you out of Casablanca, and the Germans have outlawed miracles". It must be fun for French speakers to hear the croupier. He, for sure, was a native speaker.it's fun even for English speakers to hear him. Of course, the Americans didn't blunder, or march, into Berlin in 1918. It might have been better if they had. The world imposed harsh restrictions and big reparations on Germany, andthen turned its back on them. When they put Major Strasser in a car after he is shot, the French translation is "Put him in this car", I have read. BTW, Conrad Veidt died about a year after making Casablanca. Heartattack while playing golf in Los Angeles. Tomorrow in the Prefect's office then: Casablanca 05 The meeting the next morning in the Prefect's office. You Know The Leaders of the Underground Notice here there are no swastikas on Major Strasser's uniform. There was one on his cap, and we see that as he collapses from being shot. This is good about the making of the film: Casablanca | An Unlikely Classic: Behind The Scenes | Warner Bros. Entertainment L. William Harding Fresno, Ca. From:Anne Taylor To:Council, City; UTL-Customer Service; City Mgr Cc:Craig Taylor; Anne Taylor Subject:Home Water Report Mailing Date:Sunday, March 23, 2025 3:07:57 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious ofopening attachments and clicking on links. i This may not come to the top of your priority list, but each month I receive this water report I amannoyed. It is an extra mailing that seems unnecessary as it could be included in our regularutility bill. The city could save on postage. Also, I suspect it is the price of water each month that acts as a deterrent and incentive to savewater. I care about saving water, but how about a little bit of paper and postage. Anne Littleworth Taylor1415 Hamilton Avenueannet52@me.com650.823.8231 P.S. I tried to include the paloalto.watersmart.com address but it will not go through. This message needs your attention This is a personal email address. This is their first mail to some recipients. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast From:Loran Harding To:Loran Harding; antonia.tinoco@hsr.ca.gov; alumnipresident@stanford.edu; David Balakian; beachrides;bearwithme1016@att.net; boardmembers; Leodies Buchanan; bballpod; fred beyerlein; Becky Vagim;carloslawnservice14@gmail.com; Cathy Lewis; Council, City; dennisbalakian; dallen1212@gmail.com;kdeem.electriclab@gmail.com; eappel@stanford.edu; Scott Wilkinson; George.Rutherford@ucsf.edu;Gabriel.Ramirez@fresno.gov; huidentalsanmateo; hennessy; Irv Weissman; jerry ruopoli; Sally Thiessen; JoelStiner; kfsndesk; karkazianjewelers@gmail.com; Mark Standriff; margaret-sasaki@live.com; Mayor;MY77FJ@gmail.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: Tesla flounders due to Musk reaction Date:Saturday, March 22, 2025 2:45:27 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: Fri, Mar 21, 2025 at 4:38 PM Subject: Fwd: Tesla flounders due to Musk reactionTo: Loran Harding <loran.harding@stanfordalumni.org> Saturday, March 22, 2025 To all- TSLA stock has done a little better this week: Tues: $225.31, Wed: 235.86, Thurs.: $236.26, Friday, $248.71. a jump of 5.27% yesterday, Friday, March 21, 2025. It was $279.10 on Wed. March 5 and way higher a couple of mos. ago. The all-time high closing price for TSLA was $479.86 on December 17, 2024. So Friday'sclosing price is 52% of the all time closing high. Quite a drop in three months. I'm not selling and will stay with TSLA all the way down to BK. I'll have to see it to believe it. Tesla flounders as CEO Musk sparks global fury over rampage through U.S. government L. William Harding Fresno, Ca. From:herb To:Council, City; Clerk, City Subject:March 24, 2025 City Council Meeting, Item #AA!: SB 457 Date:Saturday, March 22, 2025 2:04:04 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. MARCH 24, 2025 CITY COUNCIL MEETING, AGENDA ITEM AA1 POTENTIAL SUPPORT OR SPONSORSHIP OF SENATE BILL 457 I urge you to continue this agenda item to a future meetingwhen that meeting's agenda packet includes the text of SB 457that you are being asked to (1) support and sponsor and (2)designate someone to testify in support of, instead of actingon staff's recommendation to make a decision at the March 24,2025 Council meeting when presented with the artificialdeadline of April Fool's Day. The online agendas as of today for both the Senate HousingCommittee and the Senate Local Government Committee do notinclude SB 457. (See https://shou.senate.ca.gov/agenda,https://slcl.senate.ca.gov/agenda) Both committees have regular meetings three times a month, sothere is enough time for you to wait until the Council, thepress, and the public have a copy of the text of the bill youare being asked to support, sponsor, and testify in support of. (https://shou.senate.ca.gov/, https://slcl.senate.ca.gov/) The online text of SB 457 as of today is not about the issueregarding SB 457 described in the memo from Townsend PublicAffairs attached to the staff report. (See proposed amendment in italics on page 5 of SB 457 athttps://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billSearchClient.xhtml) The above hyperlinks were accessed by me on March 22, 2025 fromone of the public computers in the City's library. If the committee information and bill text I accessed today areout of date, and if SB 457 is in fact on the Senate HousingCommittee's April 1, 2025 agenda, then Senator Becker canrequest the committee to continue its consideration of the billuntil the Council, the press, and the public have had adequatetime to review the actual bill text that you are being asked tosupport, sponsor, and testify on support of. Thank you for your consideration of these comments. Herb Borock From:Aram James To:Veenker, Vicki Cc:Sean Allen; Pat M; Dave Price; Stump, Molly; Council, City; Perron, Zachary; Binder, Andrew; Aram James; Figueroa, Eric; Gardener, Liz; Gerry Gras; Dana St. George; Jeff Conrad; h.etzko@gmail.com; Lori Meyers; Sheree Roth; Jessica Speiser, Educational Leader for California Democratic Delegate, Assembly District 23; Gennady Sheyner; jgreen@dailynewsgroup.com; Braden Cartwright; Wagner, April; board@pausd.org; Nicole Chiu-Wang; Rodriguez, Miguel; Damon Silver; Yolanda Conaway; Don Austin; Donna Wallach; board@valleywater.org; BoardOperations; boardfeedback@smcgov.org; Bill Newell; ladoris cordell; Barberini, Christopher; Enberg, Nicholas; Nash, Betsy; Cecilia Taylor; city.council@menlopark.gov; citycouncil@mountainview.gov; Doug Minkler; dennis burns; Zelkha, Mila; Anna Griffin; Angel, David; Jeff Rosen; Jay Boyarsky; The Office of Mayor Matt Mahan; Templeton, Cari Subject:Bay Area Jewish Leader Calls for Investigation Into Pro-Palestinian Group Over SF Protest Sign Date:Saturday, March 22, 2025 1:29:34 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Bay Area Jewish Leader Calls for Investigation Into Pro-Palestinian Group Over SF ProtestSign Source: KQED https://share.newsbreak.com/c7revca8?s=i0 From:Aram James To:Robert.Jonson@shf.sccgov.org; Sheriff Transparency; Binder, Andrew; Reifschneider, James; Perron, Zachary;Wagner, April; dennis burns; <michael.gennaco@oirgroup.com>; DuJuan Green; Figueroa, Eric; Baker, Rob;Foley, Michael; Sean Allen; Gerry Gras; Liz Kniss; Gardener, Liz; Lotus Fong; Freddie.Quintana@sen.ca.gov; JoshBecker; assemblymember.berman@assembly.ca.gov; Jessica Speiser, Educational Leader for CaliforniaDemocratic Delegate, Assembly District 23; board@pausd.org; BoardOperations; board@valleywater.org; BillNewell; ladoris cordell; GRP-City Council; city.council@menlopark.gov; Council, City Subject:Commentary: California sheriffs are becoming MAGA allies and threatening democracy Date:Saturday, March 22, 2025 1:09:21 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Commentary: California sheriffs are becoming MAGA allies and threatening democracy Source: stocktonia.org https://share.newsbreak.com/c7r1unsu?s=i0 From:Mirai Matsuzawa To:Council, City Subject:Campanile Interview Date:Saturday, March 22, 2025 11:39:51 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Dear City Council, I hope this email finds you well. My name is Mirai Matsuzawa, and I am the news/opinion editor for The Campanile (https://thecampanile.org), Palo Alto High School’s student-lednewspaper. I am currently writing a news story about the decision to ban turf fields in the City of Palo Alto. I pride myself on providing accurate, timely, and unbiased news to the community, so Iwould really appreciate hearing your thoughts on this issue. Below are a few questions - please answer as many as you can. 1) So far, what does the timeline of banning turf fields look like? 2) My understanding is that this ban would affect three main fields -- El Camino Park, Mayfield, and Cubberley. Does it extend beyond this? 3) What are the main reasons for banning turf fields? 4) Has the investigation into the implication of turf fields uncovered any new information? 5) If we were to switch to grass fields, what would that process look like? How long would ittake? What would the financial implications be? Where would we get these resources (from the city)? Thank you so much for your time - I look forward to hearing from you! Best,Mirai Matsuzawa From:City Mgr To:Council, City; Shikada, Ed Cc:Executive Leadership Team; City Mgr; Clerk, City Subject:City Council Bundle - March 22 Date:Saturday, March 22, 2025 9:26:43 AM Attachments:RE Wish Cycling.msgFW Returned mail see transcript for details.msgRE Palo Alto State of the City Address 2025.msgimage001.pngimage002.pngFW Street Lights at E Charleston and LouisMontrose.msgFW Appointment with Vicki Veenker.msgFW Terrible City Website.msgRE Support for Establishing Railroad Quiet Zones.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 21, 2025. Please note staff responded to 34 emails regarding “Support for Railroad Quiet Zones in Palo Alto”. I have enclosed one for your awareness. Thank you, Danille Danille RiceAdministrative AssistantCity Manager’s Office|Human Resources|Transportation(650) 329-2229 | danille.rice@cityofpaloalto.orgwww.cityofpaloalto.org From:Ken Horowitz To:Council, City Cc:City Mgr Subject:Sugar Tax Date:Saturday, March 22, 2025 8:59:20 AM Attachments:CHOICES_LCP_California_SugaryDrinkTax_Report_2021_03_29.pdf CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of openingattachments and clicking on links. FYIDr. Ken Horowitz 525 Homer Ave Palo Alto 94301650-464-8959 Sent from my iPhone The information in this report is intended to provide educational information on the cost-effectiveness of sugary drink excise taxes. 1 HEALTH IMPACT OF A $0.02/OUNCE STATE EXCISE TAX ON SUGARY DRINKS 69 FEWER 12-OZ SUGARY DRINKS SERVINGS PER PERSON in the first year 198,000 CASES OF OBESITY PREVENTED in 2030 13,900 CASES OF DIABETES PREVENTED COST IMPACT OF A $0.02/OUNCE STATE EXCISE TAX ON SUGARY DRINKS $1.79 BILLION SAVED IN NET COSTS 502,000 REDUCTION IN DECAYED, MISSING, OR FILLED TEETH over 10 years (Medi-Cal) HEALTH CARE COSTS SAVED PER $1 INVESTED$46.89 DECREASE IN SPENDING ON SUGARY DRINKS PER HOUSEHOLD$142 in the first year $39.5 MILLION SAVED IN DENTAL DECAY TREATMENT COSTS over 10 years (Medi-Cal) CALIFORNIA: A Sugary Drink Excise Tax Executive Summary In California, health disparities and inequities persist for specific subsets of the population – the reasons for this are deep-seated and multi-faceted. Sugary drink consumption is one health behavior for which disparities exist, and it has been linked to excess weight gain, obesity, and the incidence of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. Federal, state, and local governments have considered excise taxes on sugary drinks to reduce consumption, reduce obesity and associated chronic disease, and provide a new source of government revenue.1,2,3 In California, statewide legislative measures to introduce sugary drink excise taxes have been proposed for a number of years in efforts to improve the health of Californians and reduce inequities, but none have passed.4 We modeled the implementation of a state excise tax on sugary drinks in California at a tax rate of $0.02/ ounce. CHOICES cost-effectiveness analysis compared the costs and outcomes over a 10-year time horizon (2020-2030) of implementing a tax with the costs and outcomes associated with not implementing a tax. The tax modeled is projected to be cost-saving (that is, the tax saves more in future health care costs than it costs to implement even absent the potential revenues). The tax is projected to decrease sugary drink consumption among California residents, prevent nearly 200,000 cases of obesity, and save more than 1.8 billion dollars in health care costs. People who consume sugary drinks are expected to spend less on these drinks with the tax in place. We also project that non-Latino Black/African American and Latino California residents will experience even greater health benefits than the average resident after the tax is implemented. These results are summarized below and in the complete report. Learning Collaborative Partnership Suggested Citation: Gouck J, Whetstone L, Walter C, Pugliese J, Kurtz C, Seavey-Hultquist J, Barrett J, McCulloch S, Reiner J, Garrone M, Cradock A, Gortmaker, S. California: A Sugary Drink Excise Tax. California Department of Public Health, Sacramento, CA, the County of Santa Clara Public Health Department, San Jose, CA, and the CHOICES Learning Collaborative Partnership at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA; March 2021. For more information, please visit www.choicesproject.org. The design for this report and its graphics were developed by Molly Garrone, MA and partners at Burness. This work is supported by The JPB Foundation and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (U48DP006376). The findings and conclusions are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official position of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or other funders. Background In California, health disparities and inequities persist for specific subsets of the population – the reasons for this are deep-seated and multi-faceted including systems that perpetuate the unequal distribution of power and resources along racial lines.5 Overconsumption of added sugars is common, with more than half of the United States population ages two years and older exceeding the daily recommended limit for added sugars put forth in the 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans.6 Sugary drinks (defined as all drinks with added caloric sweeteners) are the number one source of added sugars that Americans consume.6 According to recent estimates, 40% of California residents drink at least one serving of sugary drinks daily.7 Higher than average sugary drink consumption levels are common among Latino and Black/African American Californians.7 In 2018, the beverage industry spent $1 billion to advertise sugary drinks in television, digital platforms (internet and mobile), radio, magazines, newspapers, coupons, and outdoor venues in order to drive preferences and purchases of unhealthy beverages.8 Beverage companies frequently target their sugary drink advertising towards youth, and are more likely to target Black/African American and Latino youth. Additionally, Black/ African American and Latino populations are less likely to be the audience for marketing of healthy drinks like water.8 Strong evidence links increased consumption of sugary drinks to higher risk for obesity and other diseases that are tied to what people eat, such as type 2 diabetes,9,10 and the prevalence of these diseases is higher among people with lower income and Latino and Black/African American Californians.7,11 An estimated 37% of adults11 and 21% of youth12 in California have obesity. If current trends continue, 42% of adults in the state will have obesity by 2030.11 Taxes have emerged as a promising strategy to reduce consumption of sugary drinks. In addition to the potential of a sugary drink tax to reduce obesity, it has cost implications as well. This report models the projected effect of a sugary drink excise tax on health, disease outcomes, and health care cost savings over the next decade. Projected Impact of a Sugary Drink Excise Tax in California We modeled implementation of a California excise tax on sugary drinks, at a tax rate of $0.02/ounce. All drinks with added caloric sweeteners were considered to be taxed, while 100% juice, milk products, and beverages with fewer than 25 kcals per 12 fluid ounces were considered exempt. CALIFORNIA: A Sugary Drink Excise Tax The information in this report is intended to provide educational information on the cost-effectiveness of sugary drink excise taxes. 2 $0.02/OUNCE STATE EXCISE TAX ON SUGARY DRINKS In this report, Asian, Black/ African American, White, and Other race/ethnicity groups refer to people of non-Latino ethnicity. Other includes people of Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander, American Indian and Alaska Native, and two or more races. Key Terms Cost-saving: saves more in future health care costs than it costs to implement (not considering the potential revenues) Excise tax: a consumption tax collected from retailers or distributors; it is reflected in the posted price (a sales tax in contrast is applied after purchase of the item) Pass-through rate: how much of the excise tax on distributors is passed on to consumers as an increase in shelf price; a percent ranging from 0% (none of the tax) to 100% (all the tax), or even greater than 100% (more than the amount of the tax) Price elasticity of demand: how much consumer purchasing behavior changes following a change in price of an item CALIFORNIA: A Sugary Drink Excise Tax The information in this report is intended to provide educational information on the cost-effectiveness of sugary drink excise taxes. 3 Results: What did we find? Impact of the tax on sugary drink consumption & spending Likely Range Decrease in 12-oz Servings of Sugary Drinks per Person in the First Year 69 42; 125 Decrease in Spending on Sugary Drinks in the First Year per Person Consuming Sugary Drinks $48 -$10; $170 90% likelihood of decrease in spending Decrease in Spending on Sugary Drinks in the First Year per Household $142 -$29; $502 90% likelihood of decrease in spending Decrease in Spending on Sugary Drinks in the First Year Overall in California $1.09 billion -$220 million; $3.88 billion 90% likelihood of decrease in spending The Likely Range is a 95% uncertainty interval estimated by running the model 1,000 times, taking into account uncertainty from data sources and population projections, and calculating a central range in which 95 percent of these model results fell. What effect would the tax have on sugary drink consumption and spending? Compared to projections of sugary drink consumption without a tax, the tax is projected to result in lower levels of sugary drink consumption. We project a 90% likelihood that individuals and households who purchase sugary drinks will spend less on sugary drinks after the tax is implemented, even though sugary drink prices will be higher with the tax. How many people would be affected by the tax? This can be thought of as reach or the number of people affected by the strategy. Based on our modeling, the table below presents the estimated number of people affected by the tax in the first year and the number of people affected by the tax over ten years. Number of people affected by the tax Likely Range First Year Population Reach 38.0 million 37.9 million; 38.1 million Ten Year Population Reach 42.2 million 42.0 million; 42.5 million The Likely Range is a 95% uncertainty interval estimated by running the model 1,000 times, taking into account uncertainty from data sources and population projections, and calculating a central range in which 95 percent of these model results fell. We project that implementation of a state excise tax on sugary drinks only, at a tax rate of $0.02/ounce, has a 100% likelihood of being cost-saving. It will prevent more than 195,000 cases of childhood and adult obesity, prevent new cases of diabetes, increase healthy life years, improve health equity, and save more in future health care costs than it will cost to implement. Implementing the tax could also serve as a powerful social signal to reduce sugar consumption. Model results are presented as the most likely estimate as well as a likely range. The likely range is an uncertainty interval that is estimated by considering uncertainty from data sources and population projections and calculating a central range in which 95 percent of these model results fell. CALIFORNIA: A Sugary Drink Excise Tax The information in this report is intended to provide educational information on the cost-effectiveness of sugary drink excise taxes. 4 Average Annual Pre-Tax Sugary Drink Consumption Per Person in California by Race/Ethnicity Post-Tax Decrease in Sugary Drink Consumption Per Person in California by Race/Ethnicity* Impact of the tax on sugary drink consumption, by race and ethnicity Outcome Asian Mean Likely Range Black/African American Mean Likely Range Latino Mean Likely Range White Mean Likely Range Other* Mean Likely Range Decrease in 12-oz Servings of Sugary Drinks per Person in the First Year 44 27; 81 102 62; 186 85 52; 154 52 32; 98 69 42; 124 The Likely Range is a 95% uncertainty interval estimated by running the model 1,000 times, taking into account uncertainty from data sources and population projections, and calculating a central range in which 95 percent of these model results fell. *Other includes people of Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander, American Indian and Alaska Native, and two or more races. 0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400 Asian BlackAfricanAmerican Latino White Other servings† Average per year Sug a r y d r i n k c o n s u m p t i o n (se r v i n g s † pe r y e a r ) servings† per year servings† per year servings† per year servings† per year servings† per year †Each serving is 12 ounces. Post-taxdecreaseinsugarydrinkconsumptionperpersonin Californiabyrace&ethnicity* *In the ﬁrst year following an excise tax of $0.02/ounce on sugary drinks†Each serving is 12 ounces. 102 servings† per year Black/ AfricanAmerican With a tax, sugary drink consumption would decrease the most among Latino and Black non-Latino Californians. On average, each Latino Californian would reduce consumption by 85 servings per year and each Black non-Latino Californian would reduce consumption by 102 servings per year. 52 ser vings† per year White 85 servings†per year LatinoLatino 44 servings† per year AsianAsian 69 servings†per year OtherOther 69 servings† per year Average While Californians, on average, consume 251 servings of sugary drinks each in a year, higher than average sugary drink consumption levels are common among Latino and Black/African American Californians. With a tax, sugary drink consumption would decrease the most among Latino and Black/African American Californians. On average, each Latino Californian would reduce consumption by 85 servings per year and each Black/African American Californian would reduce consumption by 102 servings per year. Post-taxdecreaseinsugarydrinkconsumptionperpersonin Californiabyrace&ethnicity* *In the ﬁrst year following an excise tax of $0.02/ounce on sugary drinks†Each serving is 12 ounces. 102 servings†per year Black/African American With a tax, sugary drink consumption would decrease the most among Latino and Black non-Latino Californians. On average, each Latino Californian would reduce consumption by 85 servings per year and each Black non-Latino Californian would reduce consumption by 102 servings per year. 52 servings† per year White 85 ser vings†per year LatinoLatino 44 servings†per year AsianAsian 69 servings†per year OtherOther 69 servings†per year Average Post-taxdecreaseinsugarydrinkconsumptionperpersonin Californiabyrace&ethnicity* *In the ﬁrst year following an excise tax of $0.02/ounce on sugary drinks†Each serving is 12 ounces. 102 ser vings†per year Black/African American With a tax, sugary drink consumption would decrease the most among Latino and Black non-Latino Californians. On average, each Latino Californian would reduce consumption by 85 servings per year and each Black non-Latino Californian would reduce consumption by 102 servings per year. 52 servings† per year White 85 servings†per year LatinoLatino 44 ser vings†per year AsianAsian 69 ser vings†per year OtherOther 69 servings†per year Average Post-taxdecreaseinsugarydrinkconsumptionperpersonin Californiabyrace&ethnicity* *In the ﬁrst year following an excise tax of $0.02/ounce on sugary drinks†Each serving is 12 ounces. 102 servings†per year Black/AfricanAmerican With a tax, sugary drink consumption would decrease the most among Latino and Black non-Latino Californians. On average, each Latino Californian would reduce consumption by 85 servings per year and each Black non-Latino Californian would reduce consumption by 102 servings per year. 52 ser vings† per year White 85 servings† per year LatinoLatino 44 servings† per year AsianAsian 69 servings† per year OtherOther 69 servings†per year Average Post-taxdecreaseinsugarydrinkconsumptionperpersonin Californiabyrace&ethnicity* *In the ﬁrst year following an excise tax of $0.02/ounce on sugary drinks†Each serving is 12 ounces. 102 servings†per year Black/AfricanAmerican With a tax, sugary drink consumption would decrease the most among Latino and Black non-Latino Californians. On average, each Latino Californian would reduce consumption by 85 servings per year and each Black non-Latino Californian would reduce consumption by 102 servings per year. 52 ser vings† per year White 85 ser vings†per year LatinoLatino 44 servings†per year AsianAsian 69 servings†per year OtherOther 69 servings†per year Average Post-taxdecreaseinsugarydrinkconsumptionperpersonin Californiabyrace&ethnicity* *In the ﬁrst year following an excise tax of $0.02/ounce on sugary drinks†Each serving is 12 ounces. 102 servings†per year Black/AfricanAmerican With a tax, sugary drink consumption would decrease the most among Latino and Black non-Latino Californians. On average, each Latino Californian would reduce consumption by 85 servings per year and each Black non-Latino Californian would reduce consumption by 102 servings per year. 52 ser vings† per year White 85 ser vings†per year LatinoLatino 44 servings†per year AsianAsian 69 servings†per year OtherOther 69 servings†per year Average Post-taxdecreaseinsugarydrinkconsumptionperpersonin Californiabyrace&ethnicity* *In the ﬁrst year following an excise tax of $0.02/ounce on sugary drinks†Each serving is 12 ounces. 102 servings†per year Black/AfricanAmerican With a tax, sugary drink consumption would decrease the most among Latino and Black non-Latino Californians. On average, each Latino Californian would reduce consumption by 85 servings per year and each Black non-Latino Californian would reduce consumption by 102 servings per year. 52 servings† per year White 85 ser vings† per year LatinoLatino 44 servings†per year AsianAsian 69 servings† per year OtherOther 69 ser vings†per year Average DATA SOURCES: California Health Interview Survey 2011-2017, NHANES 2011-2016, UConn Rudd Center for Food Policy & Obesity Sugary Drink Tax Calculator 2020; Analysis by CHOICES Project, 2020. Post-taxdecreaseinsugarydrinkconsumptionperpersonin Californiabyrace&ethnicity* *In the ﬁrst year following an excise tax of $0.02/ounce on sugary drinks†Each serving is 12 ounces. 102 servings† per year Black/AfricanAmerican With a tax, sugary drink consumption would decrease the most among Latino and Black non-Latino Californians. On average, each Latino Californian would reduce consumption by 85 servings per year and each Black non-Latino Californian would reduce consumption by 102 servings per year. 52 servings† per year White 85 ser vings†per year LatinoLatino 44 servings†per year AsianAsian 69 servings†per year OtherOther 69 ser vings† per year Average CALIFORNIA: A Sugary Drink Excise Tax The information in this report is intended to provide educational information on the cost-effectiveness of sugary drink excise taxes. 5 Impact of the tax on obesity and related health outcomes Likely Range Quality Adjusted Life Years (QALYs) Gained Over 10 Years 58,200 25,000; 130,000 Years of Life Gained Over 10 Years 14,600 5,410; 34,500 Deaths Prevented Over 10 Years*4,280 1,680; 10,000 Years with Obesity Prevented Over 10 Years 1,410,000 696,000; 2,770,000 Cases of Obesity Prevented in 2030*198,000 96,700; 394,000 Cases of Childhood Obesity Prevented in 2030*33,700 12,500; 74,800 The Likely Range is a 95% uncertainty interval estimated by running the model 1,000 times, taking into account uncertainty from data sources and population projections, and calculating a central range in which 95 percent of these model results fell.Costs and health outcomes are discounted at 3% per year, unless otherwise noted. Discounting estimates the present value of costs and health outcomes that are spent or received in the future, given that they are worth more today than they would be tomorrow.*Not discounted. What effect would the tax have on obesity and related health outcomes, overall and by race/ ethnicity? Compared to projections of obesity and related health outcomes without a tax, the tax is projected to result in fewer cases of obesity and fewer deaths over the 10-year period under consideration. Under the proposed tax, Black/African American Californians will experience a 39% higher than average reduction in obesity prevalence, and Latino Californians will experience a 33% higher than average reduction in obesity prevalence. $0.02/OUNCE STATE EXCISE TAX ON SUGARY DRINKS 198,000 CASES OF OBESITY PREVENTED in 2030 33,700 CASES OF CHILDHOOD OBESITY PREVENTED in 2030 CALIFORNIA: A Sugary Drink Excise Tax The information in this report is intended to provide educational information on the cost-effectiveness of sugary drink excise taxes. 6 Pre-Tax Obesity Prevalence in California by Race/Ethnicity Post-Tax Cases of Obesity Prevented in 2030 in California by Race/Ethnicity* 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% Asian BlackAfrican American Latino White Other Total population average š 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% Population Casesofobesity prevented A tax in California could prevent 198,000 cases of obesity in 2030. 58% of prevented obesity cases will be among Latino Californians, while they represent 42% of the population. 8% of prevented obesity cases will be among Black/African American Californians, while they represent 6% of the population. *With an excise tax of $0.02/ounce on sugary drinks. Legend Latino Black/AfricanAmerican White Asian Other Totalcasesofobesityprevented in 2030 DATA SOURCES: California FitnessGram 2013-2017, NHANES 2011-2016, NSCH 2003-2018; Analysis by CDPH and the CHOICES Project, 2020. *With an excise tax of $0.02/ounce on sugary drinks. Legend Latino Black/AfricanAmerican White Asian Other Totalcasesofobesityprevented in 2030 *With an excise tax of $0.02/ounce on sugary drinks. Legend Latino Black/AfricanAmerican White Asian Other Totalcasesofobesityprevented in 2030 Nearly half of Latino (43.5%) and Black/African American (43.6%) Californians have obesity, while smaller percentages of Asian (16.1%), White (33.2%), and Californians of another race (33.9%) have obesity. CALIFORNIA: A Sugary Drink Excise Tax The information in this report is intended to provide educational information on the cost-effectiveness of sugary drink excise taxes. 7 Impact of the tax on behavior and health, by race/ethnicity Outcome Asian Mean Likely Range Black/African American Mean Likely Range Latino Mean Likely Range White Mean Likely Range Other† Mean Likely Range QALYS Gained Over 10 Years 3,560 1,490; 8,160 5,100 1,990; 11,300 28,700 12,600; 64,200 18,900 7,810; 42,600 1,910 818; 4,230 Years of Life Gained Over 10 Years 893 128; 2,400 1,820 381; 4,470 5,330 1,720; 12,800 6,020 2,040; 14,900 506 0; 1,490 Years with Obesity Prevented Over 10 Years 80,800 39,800; 159,000 110,000 53,300; 218,000 820,000 407,000; 1.6 million 354,000 159,000; 751,000 47,100 23,300; 89,700 Cases of Obesity Prevented in 2030* 12,700 5,960; 26,500 15,100 7,130; 30,700 114,000 56,300; 218,000 49,800 22,400; 106,000 7,050 3,430; 13,500 Cases of Childhood Obesity Prevented in 2030* 1,700 571; 3,980 2,920 1,060; 6,560 24,200 8,920; 52,900 3,610 1,240; 8,740 1,260 428; 2,920 The Likely Range is a 95% uncertainty interval estimated by running the model 1,000 times, taking into account uncertainty from data sources and population projections, and calculating a central range in which 95 percent of these model results fell.Costs and health outcomes are discounted at 3% per year, unless otherwise noted. Discounting estimates the present value of costs and health outcomes that are spent or received in the future, given that they are worth more today than they would be tomorrow.*Not discounted.†Other includes people of non-Latino ethnicity and Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander, American Indian and Alaska Native, and two or more races. CALIFORNIA: A Sugary Drink Excise Tax The information in this report is intended to provide educational information on the cost-effectiveness of sugary drink excise taxes. 8 Costs Likely Range Health Care Costs Saved Over 10 Years $1.83 billion $783 million; $4.06 billion Net Costs Difference Over 10 Years -$1.79 billion -$4.03 billion; -$740 million Health Care Costs Saved per $1 Invested Over 10 Years $46.89 $19.82; $118.76 The Likely Range is a 95% uncertainty interval estimated by running the model 1,000 times, taking into account uncertainty from data sources and population projections, and calculating a central range in which 95 percent of these model results fell.Costs and health outcomes are discounted at 3% per year, unless otherwise noted. Discounting estimates the present value of costs and health outcomes that are spent or received in the future, given that they are worth more today than they would be tomorrow. How much would the tax cost to implement? There are initial and ongoing costs to implementing the tax. To implement the strategy, the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration would perform several administrative activities, including identifying and notifying taxpayers, revising manuals and tax return documents and systems, processing tax statements, and conducting audits. Businesses would also need to prepare tax statements and participate in audits, which would require labor from private tax accountants. Cost information was drawn from tax programs that were previously implemented in California13 and from planned or implemented excise taxes on sugary drinks in other states and localities.14 The cost and benefit estimates do not include expected tax revenue (discussed below). Below we include annual and 10-year implementation costs. Costs Likely Range Annual Implementation Cost $3.9 million $2.69 million; $4.99 million Annual Implementation Cost per Person $0.10 $0.07; $0.13 Total Intervention Implementation Cost Over 10 Years $39.0 million $26.9 million; $49.9 million The Likely Range is a 95% uncertainty interval estimated by running the model 1,000 times, taking into account uncertainty from data sources and population projections, and calculating a central range in which 95 percent of these model results fell.Costs and health outcomes are discounted at 3% per year, unless otherwise noted. Discounting estimates the present value of costs and health outcomes that are spent or received in the future, given that they are worth more today than they would be tomorrow. How much would the tax save in health care costs compared to what it costs to implement? The estimated reduction in obesity attributable to the tax leads to lower projected health care costs, offsetting tax implementation costs and resulting in a net cost savings. The difference between total health care costs with no strategy and lower health care costs with a strategy represents health care costs saved; these savings can be compared to the cost of implementing the tax to arrive at the metric of health care costs saved per $1 invested. CALIFORNIA: A Sugary Drink Excise Tax The information in this report is intended to provide educational information on the cost-effectiveness of sugary drink excise taxes. 9 Cost-effectiveness metrics Cost per Year with Obesity Prevented Over 10 Years Cost-saving* Cost per QALY Gained Over 10 Years Cost-saving* Cost per YL Gained Over 10 Years Cost-saving* Cost per Death Averted Over 10 Years Cost-saving* Costs and health outcomes are discounted at 3% per year, unless otherwise noted. Discounting estimates the present value of costs and health outcomes that are spent or received in the future, given that they are worth more today than they would be tomorrow.*There is a 100% likelihood that these metrics are cost-saving. What are the key cost-effectiveness metrics? Since we project that the tax saves more in future health care costs than it costs to implement, there is a 100% likelihood that the tax would be cost-saving. Medi-Cal Spending Likely Range Reduction in Annual Adult Obesity- Related Medi-Cal Expenditures (Paid by State) $17.9 million $8.19 million; $38.5 million Reduction in Total Annual Adult Obesity- Related Medi-Cal Expenditures (Paid by State and Federal) $48.3 million $22.1 million; $104 million The Likely Range is a 95% uncertainty interval estimated by running the model 1,000 times, taking into account uncertainty from data sources and population projections, and calculating a central range in which 95 percent of these model results fell.Costs and health outcomes are discounted at 3% per year, unless otherwise noted. Discounting estimates the present value of costs and health outcomes that are spent or received in the future, given that they are worth more today than they would be tomorrow. What would the impact of the tax be on Medi-Cal* spending? Based on the projected reduction in adult obesity prevalence due to the tax (compared to what prevalence would be without the tax), adult obesity-related Medi-Cal expenditures in California are estimated to decrease. This does not include potential reductions in child obesity-related expenditures, and may be an underestimate if adults utilizing Medi-Cal have higher than average health care costs of obesity.15 A previous analysis found that 12.2% of adult Medi-Cal expenditures were due to obesity.16 We estimate that, in California, obesity accounted for $8.9 billion of $73.3 billion total adult Medi-Cal expenditures in 2019.16,17 This assumes that 74% of all Medi-Cal payments are for adults.18 The state paid 37% of total Medi- Cal expenditures in 2019,17 so we estimate that the state paid $3.3 billion in adult obesity-related Medi-Cal expenditures. *Medi-Cal is California’s Medicaid program CALIFORNIA: A Sugary Drink Excise Tax The information in this report is intended to provide educational information on the cost-effectiveness of sugary drink excise taxes. 10 What effect would the tax have on diabetes? Economic studies indicate that with a sugary drink tax, consumers will buy less of these products.19 A $0.02/ounce tax will decrease the consumption of sugary drinks and this has other health implications that we can estimate. In California, the proposed sugary drink excise tax would lead to a 7% reduction in diabetes incidence over one year once the tax reaches full effect. We calculated this impact on diabetes incidence using projected declines in sugary drink consumption, not directly via microsimulation. What effect would the tax have on tooth decay? In California, we estimated that a $0.02/ounce tax would lead to a reduction of 502,000 decayed, missing, and filled teeth among Medi-Cal* recipients and $39.5 million in savings to Medi-Cal over 10 years due to a reduction in treatment of tooth decay. For the entire California population, we estimated the tax would lead to a reduction of 1,620,000 decayed, missing, and filled teeth and $135 million in savings for all payers due to a reduction in treatment of tooth decay. The Medi-Cal reimbursement tax estimates may underestimate the total cost savings of tooth decay treatment projected here as dental providers may charge higher amounts to patients. Impact on tooth decay was calculated using projected declines in sugary drink consumption, not directly via microsimulation. 7% REDUCTION IN DIABETES INCIDENCE 13,900 CASES OF DIABETES PREVENTED $0.02/OUNCE STATE EXCISE TAX ON SUGARY DRINKS DENTAL DECAY TREATMENT COST SAVINGS $39.5 mill DENTAL DECAY TREATMENT TOTAL COST SAVINGS $135 mill over 10 years (Medi-Cal) over 10 years (Societal) *Medi-Cal is California’s Medicaid program $0.02/OUNCE STATE EXCISE TAX ON SUGARY DRINKS CALIFORNIA: A Sugary Drink Excise Tax The information in this report is intended to provide educational information on the cost-effectiveness of sugary drink excise taxes. 11 Key Considerations for Health Equity Concerns have been raised regarding the impact of the tax on low-income households, because lower-income populations tend to consume more sugary drinks.20 Economic studies indicate that with a sugary drink tax, consumers will buy less of these products.19 This change in purchasing is substantial, so that consumers can be expected to spend less on sugary drinks after a tax is implemented. Using sales data from the Rudd Center Revenue Calculator for Sugary Drink Taxes,21 we project that individuals and households in California will spend less money on sugary drinks after a $0.02 per ounce tax: about $48 less per year per person, and $142 per year less for an average household. This would free up disposable income for other consumer purchases. A typical consumer in California who continues to consume these beverages after the tax is in place would be expected to pay tax of about $1.40 per week, or $73/year. In addition to these changes in spending, health benefits are projected to be greatest among low-income individuals. We also project that greater health benefits will accrue among Latino and Black/African American California residents compared with White and Asian residents. Using data on sugary drink consumption in the CHOICES model, the average daily consumption of sugary drinks among people in California varies by race/ethnicity group (see pre-tax figures on pages 4 and 6). Under the proposed tax, we project that Black/African American Californians would see a 39% greater reduction in obesity prevalence than average, and Latino Californians would see a 33% greater reduction in obesity prevalence than average. On that basis, the proposed tax could decrease disparities in obesity outcomes and improve health equity. These expected changes in consumption and health outcomes have led economists to conclude that low- income populations benefit substantially from sugary drink taxes.22 Implementation Considerations A $0.02/ounce statewide excise tax on sugary drinks in California could raise as much as $1.3 to $1.8 billion in annual revenue.21 Revenue raised from a sugary drink tax could be reinvested in communities with low- income. For instance, in Berkeley, CA, revenue from a municipal sugary drink tax has been allocated for spending on school and community programs, many serving families with low-income or communities of color, to promote healthy eating, diabetes, and obesity prevention.23,24 Public support for such taxes generally increases with earmarking for preventive health activities.24 There is opposition from the food and beverage industry, which spends billions of dollars promoting their products.25 Relatively small beverage excise taxes are currently applied across many states. The proposed tax is likely to be sustainable if implemented based on the successful history of tobacco excise taxes. There is potential for a shift in social norms of sugary drink consumption based on evidence from tobacco control tax and regulatory efforts.26 CALIFORNIA: A Sugary Drink Excise Tax The information in this report is intended to provide educational information on the cost-effectiveness of sugary drink excise taxes. 12 How does an excise tax on distributors affect the price paid by consumers? An excise tax is incorporated directly into a beverage’s shelf price. We assume 100% pass- through of the tax over 10 years and assume the tax rate would be adjusted annually for inflation. Our pass-through rate estimate is supported by empirical studies of excise taxes in Mexico and France that demonstrate near-complete pass-through rates to consumers27 and consistent evidence in the U.S. indicating that beverage taxes increase prices, although there is some variation by store type.28-31 The expected change in sugary drink price was estimated based on national sugary drink prices32 and regional sales data for several categories of sugary drinks (i.e., soda, sports drinks, fruit drinks, energy drinks, sweetened teas, sweetened coffees, and enhanced water).21 In California, we assume the average price of sugary drinks is almost $0.09/ounce, so a $0.02/ounce tax would raise prices by 23%. This means that, for example, the price of a 12-ounce can of soda would increase from $1.06 to $1.30/can post-tax. How does increasing the price of sugary drinks change individual sugary drink consumption? How much consumers will change their purchases in response to price changes is called price elasticity for demand. We assume for every 10% increase in the price of sugary drinks, there will be a 12% reduction in purchases (a mean own-price elasticity of demand of -1.21).19 Recent research on the Berkeley, CA $0.01/ ounce tax found a 21% reduction in sugary drink intake among populations with low-income consistent with this estimate.33-37 In California, we assume a $0.02/ounce tax that raises prices by 23% would reduce purchases by 27%. We assume this 27% reduction in purchases results in a 27% reduction in consumption. To estimate current sugary drink consumption levels in California, we used national estimates of sugary drink consumption from NHANES 2011-2016 adjusted to race- and ethnicity-specific estimates of sugary drink consumption among children, teens, and adults from the California Health Interview Survey38 and estimates of sugary drink sales in California from the UConn Rudd Center for Food Policy & Obesity.21 Modeling Assumptions and Summary of the CHOICES Microsimulation Model CALIFORNIA: A Sugary Drink Excise Tax The information in this report is intended to provide educational information on the cost-effectiveness of sugary drink excise taxes. 13 What are the health effects of decreasing sugary drink consumption? Research has shown that decreasing sugary drink consumption can have positive effects on health in youth and adults. ASSUMPTIONS ABOUT SUGARY DRINKS AND OBESITY RISK We estimated the impact of a change in sugary drink intake on body mass index (BMI), accounting for dietary compensation, based on rigorous studies identified in evidence reviews.14 The relationship among adults was modeled based on the range of estimated effects from four large, multi-year longitudinal studies, which indicated that a one-serving reduction in sugary drinks was associated with a BMI decrease of 0.21 kg/m2 to 0.57 kg/m2 in adults over a 3-year period.39-42 Among youth, we used evidence from a double-blind randomized controlled trial conducted over 18 months, which found that an additional 8-ounce serving of sugary drinks led to a 2.2 pound greater weight gain.43 ASSUMPTIONS ABOUT SUGARY DRINKS AND DIABETES RISK We estimated the impact of the tax-induced reduction in sugary drink intake on diabetes incidence for adults ages 18-79 years using a published meta-analysis of the relative risk of developing diabetes due to a one-serving change in sugary drink consumption44 as well as state-level estimates of diabetes incidence from the CDC Atlas 201645 and prevalence from the California Health Interview Survey 2017-2018.46 On average, each 8.5-ounce serving of sugary drinks per day increases the risk of diabetes by 18%.44 ASSUMPTIONS ABOUT SUGARY DRINKS AND TOOTH DECAY We estimated the impact of a sugary drink excise tax on tooth decay and tooth decay treatment costs using a longitudinal analysis of the relationship between intake of sugars and tooth decay in adults. On average, for every 10 grams higher intake of sugar per day, there is an increase in decayed, missing and filled teeth (i.e., tooth decay) of approximately 0.10 over 10 years.47 There are many studies showing a similar relationship between higher intake of sugars and tooth decay in children and youth48 and thus we assume the same relationship as found in adults. We used the Medi-Cal Dental Provider Handbook 201949 to estimate a Medi-Cal cost of treating tooth decay as: $278 for a permanent crown and $58 for a filling. These codes reflect treatment for one to four surfaces but do not reflect the actual frequency of multi- surface treatment among Medi-Cal recipients or for higher reimbursement rates due to temporary crowns or potential flat tax schedules. Based on analysis of data on tooth decay, fillings and crowns for the U.S. population from NHANES 1988-1994 (the last year crowns and fillings were separately reported),50 we estimate that 78.9% of tooth decay in children and 43.5% of tooth decay in adults is treated. Using this same data set, we estimate that 97% of treatment for children is fillings and 82.5% of treatment for adults is fillings. To estimate Medi-Cal-specific savings in costs of dental treatment, we used estimates of the number of people enrolled in the Medi-Cal Dental Program in 2018.51 CALIFORNIA: A Sugary Drink Excise Tax The information in this report is intended to provide educational information on the cost-effectiveness of sugary drink excise taxes. 14 CHOICES Microsimulation Model The CHOICES microsimulation model was used to calculate the costs and effectiveness of a tax in California over 10 years (2020-2030). We forecasted what would happen to a virtual population of residents in California with and without a sugary drink tax to model changes in disease and mortality rates and health care costs due to the tax. Cases of obesity prevented were calculated at the end of the model period in 2030. The model was based on peer-reviewed CHOICES methodology.14,52-54 We created a virtual population of residents in California using data from: the U.S. Census, American Community Survey, Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, NHANES, National Survey of Children’s Health,52 the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey, multiple national longitudinal studies, and obesity prevalence data provided by California Department of Public Health. Impacts on diabetes, tooth decay, Medicaid spending, and household spending on sugary drinks were calculated based on summary results from the model, not directly via microsimulation. Of note, the CHOICES microsimulation model does not include annual revenue generation from a state excise tax on sugary drinks in any of the cost-effectiveness calculations. The Rudd Center Revenue Calculator for Sugary Drink Taxes estimates potential annual revenues from excise taxes on sugary drinks and is “intended to provide a rough estimate” for municipalities to consider.21 According to the Rudd Center,21 a $0.02/ounce excise tax in California could raise as much as $1.8 billion in 2020. Accounting for 10-30% non-compliance as the Rudd Center advises, annual revenue estimates range between $1.3 – $1.8 billion. START: 2020 SIMULATE TO: 2030 Body Growth From 2010 U.S. Census Data VIRTUAL POPULATION POPULATION FACTORS Population Growth BMI Trends INDIVIDUAL FACTORS Personal Characteristics (e.g. dietary intake) Smoking HEALTH STATUS Obesity OUTCOMES Obesity Health Care Costs Mortality I N T E R V E N T I O N D i e t a r y I n t a k e / P h y s i c a l A c t i v i t y Body Growth CALIFORNIA: A Sugary Drink Excise Tax The information in this report is intended to provide educational information on the cost-effectiveness of sugary drink excise taxes. 15 References 1. American Public Health Association Taxes on Sugar-Sweetened Beverages. 2012. 2. Falbe J, Rojas N, Grummon AH, Madsen KA. Higher Retail Prices of Sugar-Sweetened Beverages 3 Months After Implementation of an Excise Tax in Berkeley, California. American Journal of Public Health. 2015;105(11):2194-2201.3. World Health Organization. Global action plan for the prevention and control of noncommunicable diseases 2013–2020 [Internet]. Geneva: WHO. Updated appendix 3, “Best buys” and other recommended interventions for the prevention and control of noncommunicable diseases; [updated 2017; cited 2019 Sep 17]. Available from: http://www.who.int/ncds/management/WHO_Appendix_BestBuys. pdf4. Hart A. New coalition calls for statewide soda tax in California. Politico. July 17, 2019. Accessed October 15, 2020 at: https://www.politico.com/states/california/story/2019/07/17/new-coalition-calls-for-statewide-soda-tax-in-california-1104414 5. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine; Health and Medicine Division; Board on Population Health and Public Health Practice; Committee on Community-Based Solutions to Promote Health Equity in the United States; Baciu A, Negussie Y, Geller A, et al., editors. Communities in Action: Pathways to Health Equity. Washington (DC): National Academies Press (US); 2017 Jan 11. 3, The Root Causes of Health Inequity. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/ NBK4258456. U.S. Dept of Health and Human Services & U.S. Dept of Agriculture, 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 8th Edition, 2015.7. UCLA Center for Health Policy Research. AskCHIS. 2017 Health Interview Survey. Available at: https://ask.chis.ucla.edu8. Harris JL, Fleming-Milici F, Kibwana-Jaff A, Phaneuf L. Sugary Drink FACTS 2020: Sugary drink advertising to youth: Continued barrier to public health progress. UConn Rudd Center for Food Policy & Obesity, June 2020. Accessed January 7, 2021 at http://sugarydrinkfacts.org/resources/Sugary%20Drink%20FACTS%202020/Sugary_Drink_FACTS_Full%20Report_final.pdf 9. Malik VS, Pan A, Willett WC, Hu FB. Sugar-sweetened beverages and weight gain in children and adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 2013;98(4):1084-1102. 16. 10. Chen L, Caballero B, Mitchell DC, et al. Reducing Consumption of Sugar-Sweetened Beverages Is Associated with Reduced Blood Pressure: A Prospective Study among U.S. Adults. Circulation. 2010;121(22):2398-2406. 11. Ward ZJ, Bleich SN, Cradock AL, Barrett JL, Giles CM, Flax CN, Long MW, Gortmaker SL. Projected U.S. State-Level Prevalence of Adult Obesity and Severe Obesity. New England Journal of Medicine. 2019;381:2440-50. doi: 10.1056/NEJMsa1909301. 12. California Department of Public Health, analysis of 2017 FitnessGram data provided by the California Department of Education. 13. California Department of Tax and Fee Administration, personal communication to the California Department of Public Health, March 6, 2020. 14. Gortmaker SL, Wang YC, Long MW, et al. Three Interventions That Reduce Childhood Obesity Are Projected To Save More Than They Cost To Implement. Health Affairs. 2015;34(11):1932-1939.15. Wang YC, Pamplin J, Long MW, Ward ZJ, Gortmaker SL, Andreyeva T. Severe Obesity In Adults Cost State Medicaid Programs Nearly $8 Billion In 2013. Health Affairs (Millwood). 2015 Nov;34(11):1923-31. 16. Trogdon JG, Finkelstein EA, Feagan CW, Cohen JW. State- and payer-specific estimates of annual medical expenditures attributable to obesity. Obesity (Silver Spring). 2012 Jan;20(1):214-20.17. California Health Care Foundation. California Health Care Almanac, Medi-Cal Facts and Figures: Crucial Coverage for Low-Income Californians, February 2019. Accessed October 22, 2020 at: https://www.chcf.org/wp-content/ uploads/2019/02/MediCalFactsFiguresAlmanac2019.pdf18. Lassman D, Hartman M, Washington B, Andrews K, Catlin A. US health spending trends by age and gender: selected years 2002-10. Health Affairs (Millwood). 2014 May;33(5):815-22. 19. Powell LM, Chriqui JF, Khan T, Wada R, Chaloupka FJ. Assessing the Potential Effectiveness of Food and Beverage Taxes and Subsidies for Improving Public Health: A Systematic Review of Prices, Demand and Body Weight Outcomes. Obesity Reviews. 2013;14(2):110-128. 20. Han E, Powell LM. Consumption patterns of sugar-sweetened beverages in the United States. Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. 2013;113(1):43-53. 21. UConn Rudd Center for Food Policy & Obesity. Sugary Drink Tax Calculator. https://uconnruddcenter.org/tax-calculator. Accessed February 2021. 22. Allcott H, Lockwood BB, Taubinsky D. Should We Tax Sugar-Sweetened Beverages? An Overview of Theory and Evidence. Journal of Economic Perspectives. 2019; 33 no 3: 202–27.23. Lynn J. City Council votes to allocate ‘soda tax’ revenue to school district, city organizations. The Daily Californian. Jan. 20, 2016; 2016.24. Berkeley City Council. (2016, June 14). Berkeley City Council meeting. [Annotated Agenda]. Retrieved from https://www.cityofberkeley.info/Clerk/City_Council/2016/06_June/City_Council__06-14-2016_-_Meeting_Info.aspx 25. Federal Trade Commission. A review of food marketing to children and adolescents: follow-up report. Washington, DC; Dec 2012. 26. Frieden TR, Mostashari F, Kerker BD, Miller N, Hajat A, Frankel M. Adult tobacco use levels after intensive tobacco control measures: New York City, 2002-2003. American Journal of Public Health. 2005;95(6):1016-102327. Colchero MA, Salgado JC, Unar-Munguia M, Molina M, Ng SW, Rivera-Dommarco JA. Changes in Prices After an Excise Tax to Sweetened Sugar Beverages Was Implemented in Mexico: Evidence from Urban Areas. PLoS One. 2015;10(12):11. 28. Cawley J, Frisvold D, Hill A, Jones D. The Impact of the Philadelphia Beverage Tax on Prices and Product Availability. NBER Working Paper. 2018(24990). 29. Bleich SN, Lawman HG, LeVasseur MT, et al. The association of a sweetened beverage tax with changes in beverage prices and purchases at independent stores. Health Affairs (Millwood). 2020;39(7):1130-1139. 30. Marinello S, Pipito AA, Leider J, Pugach O, Powell LM. The impact of the Oakland sugar-sweetened beverage tax on bottled soda and fountain drink prices in fast- food restaurants. Preventive Medicine Reports. 2020;17:101034.31. Ng S, Silver L, Ryan-Ibarra S, et al. Berkeley Evaluation of Soda Tax (BEST) Study Preliminary Findings. Presentation at the annual meeting of the American Public Health Association. Paper presented at: Presentation at the annual meeting of the American Public Health Association; November, 2015; Chicago, IL.32. Powell L, Isgor z, Rimkus L, Chaloupka F. Sugar-sweetened beverage prices: Estimates from a national sample of food outlets. Chicago, IL: Bridging the Gap Program, Health Policy Center, Institute for Health Research and Policy, University of Illinois at Chicago; 2014.33. Falbe J, Thompson HR, Becker CM, Rojas N, McCulloch CE, Madsen KA. Impact of the Berkeley Excise Tax on Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Consumption. American Journal of Public Health. 2016;106(10):1865-1871. 34. Cawley J, Frisvold D, Hill A, Jones D. The impact of the Philadelphia beverage tax on purchases and consumption by adults and children. Journal of Health Economics. 2019;67:102225.35. Lee MM, Falbe J, Schillinger D, Basu S, McCulloch CE, Madsen KA. Sugar- Sweetened Beverage Consumption 3 Years After the Berkeley, California, Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Tax. American Journal of Public Health. 2019;109(4):637-639. 36. Zhong Y, Auchincloss AH, Lee BK, Kanter GP. The Short-Term Impacts of the Philadelphia Beverage Tax on Beverage Consumption. American Journal of Preventive Medicine. 2018;55(1):26-34.37. Silver LD, Ng SW, Ryan-Ibarra S, et al. Changes in prices, sales, consumer spending, and beverage consumption one year after a tax on sugar-sweetened beverages in Berkeley, California, US: A before-and-after study. PLoS Medicine. 2017;14(4):e100228338. 2011-2017 California Health Interview Survey data, analysis by the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, data provided by the UCLA Center for Health Policy Research, available at: http://healthpolicy.ucla.edu/chis/Pages/default.aspx 39. Chen L, Caballero B, Mitchell DC, et al. Reducing Consumption of Sugar-Sweetened Beverages Is Associated with Reduced Blood Pressure: A Prospective Study among U.S. Adults. Circulation. 2010;121(22):2398-2406.40. Mozaffarian D, Hao T, Rimm EB, Willett WC, Hu FB. Changes in Diet and Lifestyle and Long-Term Weight Gain in Women and Men. New England Journal of Medicine. 2011;364(25):2392-2404. 41. Palmer JR, Boggs DA, Krishnan S, Hu FB, Singer M, Rosenberg L. Sugar-Sweetened Beverages and Incidence of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in African American Women. Archives of Internal Medicine. 2008;168(14):1487-1492.42. Schulze MB, Manson JE, Ludwig DS, et al. Sugar-sweetened beverages, weight gain, and incidence of type 2 diabetes in young and middle-aged women. Journal of the American Medical Association. 2004;292(8):927-934. 43. de Ruyter JC, Olthof MR, Seidell JC, Katan MB. A trial of sugar-free or sugar-sweetened beverages and body weight in children. New England Journal of Medicine. 2012;367(15):1397-1406.44. Imamura F, O’Connor L, Ye Z, et al. Consumption of sugar sweetened beverages, artificially sweetened beverages, and fruit juice and incidence of type 2 diabetes: systematic review, meta-analysis, and estimation of population attributable fraction. British Journal of Sports Medicine. 2016;50(8):496-U484.45. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Diabetes Atlas. Accessed 10/21/20 at: https://gis.cdc.gov/grasp/diabetes/DiabetesAtlas.html#46. 2017-2018 California Health Interview Survey data, analysis by the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, data provided by the UCLA Center for Health Policy Research, available at: http://healthpolicy.ucla.edu/chis/Pages/default.aspx 47. Bernabe E, Vehkalahti MM, Sheiham A, Lundqvist A, Suominen AL. The Shape of the Dose-Response Relationship between Sugars and Caries in Adults. Journal of Dental Research. 2016;95(2):167-172.48. Sheiham A, James WPT. A new understanding of the relationship between sugars, dental caries and fluoride use: implications for limits on sugars consumption. Public Health Nutrition. 2014;17(10):2176-2184. 49. California Department of Health Care Services, Medi-Cal Dental Provider Handbook 2019. Accessed October 19, 2020 at: https://dental.dhcs.ca.gov/Dental_Providers/ Denti-Cal/Provider_Handbook50. Ward Z, et al. NHANES III Dental Examination: An Incisive Report. unpublished report; 2018.51. California Department of Health Care Services, Multi Year Medi-Cal Dental Measures Data by Age Groups Calendar Year 2013 to 2018. Accessed October 19, 2020 at: https://data.chhs.ca.gov/dataset/test-dhcs-multi-year-dental-measures- data-by-age-groups-calendar-year-2013-to-201552. Ward ZJ, Long MW, Resch SC, Giles CM, Cradock AL, Gortmaker SL. Simulation of Growth Trajectories of Childhood Obesity into Adulthood. New England Journal of Medicine. 2017;377(22):2145-2153. 53. Ward ZJ, Long MW, Resch SC, et al. Redrawing the US Obesity Landscape: Bias-Corrected Estimates of State-Specific Adult Obesity Prevalence. PLoS One. 2016;11(3):13.54. Long MW, Ward Z, Resch SC, et al. State-level estimates of childhood obesity prevalence in the United States corrected for report bias. International Journal of Obesity. 2016;40(10):1523-1528. For further information, contact choicesproject@hsph.harvard.edu and visit www.choicesproject.org ©2015 President and Fellows of Harvard College. All rights reserved. The CHOICES name, acronym and logo are marks of the President and Fellows of Harvard College. From:Aram James To:Sean Allen; Pat M Cc:Binder, Andrew; Reifschneider, James; Barberini, Christopher; Enberg, Nicholas; <michael.gennaco@oirgroup.com>; Figueroa, Eric; Foley, Michael; dennis burns; Perron, Zachary; Wagner, April; DuJuan Green; Robert.Jonson@shf.sccgov.org; Lee, Craig; Afanasiev, Alex; Bains, Paul; Dave Price; Jeff Rosen; jay.boyarsky@da.sccgov.org; Sarah Wright; Gennady Sheyner; Council, City Subject:2024-MHPD-HIGHLIGHTS Date:Friday, March 21, 2025 10:47:36 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. FIELD OPERATIONS DIVISION K-9 Basco retired after serving 9 years as the department’s Patrol Apprehension/Narcotics Detection Police Dog; assisted in over 800 police incidents, played a vital role in apprehension of over 130 suspects,located approximately 60 pounds of illegal substances, and helped seize nearly $100,000 in U.S. Currency. 2024-MHPD-HIGHLIGHTS https://search.app/6k4m2Y8s3JF5bhDr8 Shared via the Google app From:Aram James To:Binder, Andrew Cc:Sean Allen; Reifschneider, James; Perron, Zachary; dennis burns; Wagner, April; DuJuan Green; Council, City; board@pausd.org; Dave Price; Kallas, Emily; Barberini, Christopher; Zelkha, Mila; Human Relations Commission; ladoris cordell; Gardener, Liz; Nicole Chiu-Wang; Josh Becker; assemblymember.berman@assembly.ca.gov; Jessica Speiser, Educational Leader for California Democratic Delegate, Assembly District 23; Gennady Sheyner; Baker, Rob; Robert.Jonson@shf.sccgov.org; Sheriff Transparency; Sarah Wright; Braden Cartwright; Figueroa, Eric; Lee, Craig; Enberg, Nicholas; Supervisor Susan Ellenberg; Jay Boyarsky; Rosen, Jeff; Jeff Rosen; EPA Today Subject:Morgan Hill Nazi Raver, Martin J. Wenzel member of “White Lives Matter – CA” and “NorCal Active Club” Date:Friday, March 21, 2025 10:30:21 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Due to his enthusiastic identification with Rhodesia’s militarized white nationalism and explicit nazism as a German-American, and his direct connection via WLM to members of Patriot Front and Golden State Skinheads, residents of Morgan Hill and Santa Clara County as well as Boise Morgan Hill Nazi Raver, Martin J. Wenzel member of “White Lives Matter – CA” and“NorCal Active Club” https://search.app/pj5hkn7NsEbdg7t69 Shared via the Google app From:Aram James To:Binder, Andrew Cc:Reifschneider, James; Council, City; Robert.Jonson@shf.sccgov.org; <michael.gennaco@oirgroup.com>; Foley, Michael; Perron, Zachary; Wagner, April; Rowena Chiu; board@pausd.org; Jessica Speiser, Educational Leader for California Democratic Delegate, Assembly District 23; Yolanda Conaway; Bains, Paul; DuJuan Green; dennis burns; assemblymember.berman@assembly.ca.gov; Josh Becker; Sean Allen; Pat M Subject:CAIR-SFBA Welcomes Investigation into Hate Attack on Muslim Worshippers in Morgan Hillas Potential HateCrime Date:Friday, March 21, 2025 10:19:53 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. CAIR-SFBA Welcomes Investigation into Hate Attack on Muslim Worshippers in MorganHillas Potential Hate Crime https://search.app/HqKRi6qTiYadAjASA Shared via the Google app From:Aram James To:Binder, Andrew Cc:Reifschneider, James; Perron, Zachary; Wagner, April; dennis burns; DuJuan Green; Sean Allen; Pat M; Sheriff Transparency; <michael.gennaco@oirgroup.com>; Foley, Michael; Robert.Jonson@shf.sccgov.org; Jessica Speiser, Educational Leader for California Democratic Delegate, Assembly District 23; Dave Price; Enberg, Nicholas; Barberini, Christopher; board@pausd.org; BoardOperations; h.etzko@gmail.com; cromero@cityofepa.org; Lee, Craig; Cribbs, Anne; sharon jackson; Gennady Sheyner; Supervisor Susan Ellenberg; Figueroa, Eric; Jensen, Eric; Friends of Cubberley; Gardener, Liz; Liz Kniss; Council, City Subject:Romney remains a credible candidate despite the clear efforts of Obama campaign Date:Friday, March 21, 2025 10:12:46 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Klan alive and well in Morgan Hill!!! Romney remains a credible candidate despite the clear efforts of Obama campaign Source: Morgan Hill Times | Morgan Hill, San Martin, CA https://search.app/1rXx32QuunawcBKo9 Shared via the Google app From:Aram James To:Binder, Andrew Cc:Reifschneider, James; Wagner, April; Perron, Zachary; dennis burns; DuJuan Green; Foley, Michael; Figueroa, Eric; Jensen, Eric; Jessica Speiser, Educational Leader for California Democratic Delegate, Assembly District 23; Josh Becker; h.etzko@gmail.com; Bains, Paul; Ed Lauing; ladoris cordell; Baker, Rob; assemblymember.berman@assembly.ca.gov; Jay Boyarsky; Jeff Rosen; Jeff Conrad; Sean Allen; Pat M; Rose Lynn; sharon jackson; Donna Wallach; Afanasiev, Alex; Barberini, Christopher; Enberg, Nicholas; Gennady Sheyner; Supervisor Susan Ellenberg; Don Austin; Yolanda Conaway; board@pausd.org; board@valleywater.org; citycouncil@mountainview.gov; Dave Price; Braden Cartwright; Emily Mibach; EPA Today; Nicole Chiu-Wang; Lotus Fong; Friends of Cubberley; WILPF Peninsula Palo Alto; Freddie.Quintana@sen.ca.gov; Burt, Patrick; Patricia.Guerrero@jud.ca.gov; Council, City; Gerry Gras; jgreen@dailynewsgroup.com; Dana St. George; Angel, David; Rowena Chiu; Vara Ramakrishnan; Salem Ajluni; Damon Silver; Rodriguez, Miguel; John Burt; <michael.gennaco@oirgroup.com>; Mickie Winkler; Zelkha, Mila; Human Relations Commission; Gardener, Liz; Liz Kniss Subject:Nazi flag in Morgan hill on 101 overpass. : r/SanJose Date:Friday, March 21, 2025 10:02:13 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Nazi flag in Morgan hill on 101 overpass. : r/SanJose https://search.app/QkZsHhwo5RxcTaiN9 Shared via the Google app From:Jg To:Council, City Subject:Fwd: Help RTC Send a Clear Message to the USDOT: Trail and Active Transportation Investments Are Essential Date:Friday, March 21, 2025 7:47:50 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious ofopening attachments and clicking on links. i -------- Forwarded Message -------- Subject:Help RTC Send a Clear Message to the USDOT: Trail and ActiveTransportation Investments Are EssentialDate:Fri, 21 Mar 2025 13:39:35 -0400 From:Elle Segal, Rails to Trails Conservancy <info@railstotrails.org>Reply-To:Elle Segal, Rails to Trails Conservancy <policy@railstotrails.org> Organization:Rails to Trails ConservancyTo:Joel Gartland <joel@gartlands.net> Joel— Last week, the team at Rails to Trails Conservancy shared that new and concerning guidance has emerged from the USDOT, calling out funding for bicycle infrastructure and trails for additional scrutiny under some previously awarded discretionary grants. This brings new urgency to RTC’s efforts, alongside all of you, to make clear to the USDOT that federal funding for trails and active transportation is a This message needs your attention This is their first email to you. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast direct investment in America’s economy, safety and quality of life. RTC is gathering signatures for a letter to Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, emphasizing the direct impact that this infrastructure, and in return, recently awarded RAISE, Active Transportation Infrastructure Investment Program, Reconnecting Communities, and Safe Streets and Roads for All grants will have on the nation. Read the Letter and Sign-On We need your help by March 31. We are asking local elected officials and local business associations, such as chambers of commerce, to sign this letter. The combined voices of these local leaders will elevate these grants and projects as worthy of continued investment. If you are a local elected official or affiliated with a local chamber or business association—review the letter and consider signing your name. If you are not, we ask you to please reach out to your local elected officials and local business associations to encourage them to sign on in support. Sample email copy is below my signature that you can use in your outreach. Thank you for your help, Elle Segal Advocacy Outreach Director Rails to Trails Conservancy Sample email language: I am writing to encourage you to sign this letter regarding support for federal funding for trails, walking and biking infrastructure. The letter is directed to U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and is led by Rails to Trails Conservancy, which is seeking signatures from local elected officials and local business associations and chambers of commerce. The letter highlights the important economic development, safety and quality-of-life benefits that come from trails and other safe walking and biking facilities, and specifically references recently awarded grants as well as future grant opportunities. Given the important benefits of this infrastructure to our community, I highly encourage you to sign. You can view the letter’s text and sign here. Web Version | Forward to a Friend | RTC Home You are receiving this message because the email address joel@gartlands.net is subscribed to our email list. Be sure that this message doesn't get sent to your junk-mail folder. Please add Rails to Trails Conservancy (info@railstotrails.org) to your safe senders list in your address book. Please do not reply to this message, contact us by visiting our website. Rails to Trails Conservancy2445 M Street, NW, Suite 650 Washington, DC 20037 1.866.202.9788 RTC railstotrails.org Edit your subscription | Unsubscribe nonprofit software From:Tavera, Samuel To:Council, City Subject:In support of Quiet Zones Date:Friday, March 21, 2025 4:16:00 PM Attachments:image001.png image002.png image003.png image006.png image007.png Greetings Councilmembers, The following residents called our office to express their support for the establishment of Quiet Zones. Alpika Singh Camie Lee Tara Sigdel John Pan Yashi Zhang Connie Stillinger Tracy Liu Neelesh Valame 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:slevy@ccsce.com To:Council, City; Planning Commission; Architectural Review Board Cc:Lait, Jonathan; Jean Eisberg; Guagliardo, Steven; Lai, Lauren Subject:Memo on the determinants, components and related issues to the regional and local 6th cycle RHNA goals Date:Friday, March 21, 2025 3:18:00 PM Attachments:RHNA explanations.docxABAGRHNA-Final060920(r).pdfHousing_white_paper_2022_final_single_pages_with_links_rev.pdfHousehold Size in Palo Alto.docx CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. ! This memo should be considered in connection with the PA demographic trends memo attached. This message could be suspicious The sender's email address couldn't be verified. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast March 2022 The Implications for Low- and Moderate- Income Housing: A Guide to Encourage Participation in the Housing Element Update Process Bay Area Cities Update Their Housing Elements in 2022 2 |Bay Area Cities Update Their Housing Elements in 2022 The Implications for Low- and Moderate- Income Housing: A Guide to Encourage Participation in the Housing Element Update Process Executive Summary In 2022, all Bay Area communities must update their Housing Elements through a number of activities: 1. Identifying sites that are suitable and feasible for new housing that will be affordable to major income groups 2. Developing programs and policies that will reduce constraints and make the sites viable to non-profit and market-rate developers 3. Complying with the state’s fair housing guidelines This report should serve as a guide that provides background, summarizes goals, and encourages participation in the Housing Element update process in their communities. All Bay Area cities have been assigned goals for attracting and approving housing that is affordable to four income groups, ranging from very-low income to higher-income residents. These goals are the result of an allocation by the state to the Bay Area and an allocation of the regional total to each city. In June 2020, the state Department of Housing and Community Development, as required by state law, presented the Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG) with a housing needs determination of 441,176 homes over the next eight years to meet existing and projected needs.1 As a result of recently approved legislation requiring all regions to reduce the number of residents who are considered overcrowded or “cost-burdened” (spending more than 30% of their income for housing), the housing targets for this cycle have more than doubled. Notably, an increase in housing inventory will also return the housing market to a normal vacancy rate of 5% and make it easier to achieve the region’s housing goals. As a result of these new legislative goals, more than half of the region’s projected housing need is for low-and-moderate income residents. In addition, half of the housing need is designed to overcome challenges for existing residents and not tied to population growth. The ABAG’s allocation methodology was based partly on city projected growth, with adjustments to give addi- tional shares of housing to communities designated as high opportunity areas (defined below) and those with good proximity to jobs from public transit and auto travel. Research shows that efforts to help low-and-moderate Bay Area Cities Update Their Housing Elements in 2022 The Implications for Low- and Moderate- Income Housing: A Guide to Encourage Participation in the Housing Element Update Process Prepared by; Stephen Levy Director, Center for Continuing Study of the California Economy Supported by a generous grant from Silicon Valley Community Foundation 1 NOTE: ABAG is the Bay Area Regional Planning Agency covering all cities and counties in the 9-county Bay Area. 3 |Bay Area Cities Update Their Housing Elements in 2022 The Implications for Low- and Moderate- Income Housing: A Guide to Encourage Participation in the Housing Element Update Process income families live in high opportunity areas improves the likelihood of economic success for them and their children. Furthermore, reducing the number of long commutes will decrease congestion and greenhouse gas emissions while increasing family time together. Additional adjustments were made to give additional shares of housing for low-and-moderate income residents to communities that have disproportionately failed to approve housing for these residents. Just five cities in the Midpeninsula area (Cupertino, Menlo Park, Mountain View, Palo Alto and Sunnyvale) met the “high opportunity area” and “close to jobs” criteria and are prime locations for an above average allocation of housing for low-and-moderate income residents. This report will provide background information and suggestions for an engagement effort around the Housing Element update process in these cities, which is the primary focus of the grant from the Silicon Valley Community Foundation (SVCF). Having sites that are suitable and available for multi-family housing does not guarantee that projects will be proposed or approved. Recent history shows most cities fell far short of meeting their previous and much lower housing approval goals even when the economy was growing and before material prices surged. This is especially true of housing for very-low and low-income residents. Housing proposals will only be brought forward if developers are convinced that they are financially feasible. There are different standards for a proposal to be considered financially feasible, based on the type of developer involved. Non-profit developers will require public funding as part of their proposal consideration, while market-rate developers must be sure they will receive a competitive return on their investments. The process of identifying and mitigating constraints to housing development will be critical to crafting a compliant Housing Element update. All groups developing the Housing Element update in each city must hear from non-profit and market-rate developers about the challenges they face in creating housing proposals and getting them approved. Cities have many tools to overcome constraints that are identified, which include: • Increases in allowable height and density • Modifications of parking and retail requirements • Creation of incentives to increase the amount of housing in projects reserved for low-and-moderate income residents • Reducing the time involved in project review and allowing more projects to be approved by staff In addition, pursuing local, state and federal funding opportunities is necessary to support housing for low-and-moderate income residents. The report also discusses the link between housing and school enrollment. Enrollment declines are already occurring in both San Mateo and Santa Clara counties, and more declines are projected in the next 10 years. Some districts are already experiencing enrollment declines with impacts on school budgets and facility planning. Each district will need to examine the implications of these trends and consider how they impact the evaluation of new housing proposals. 4 |Bay Area Cities Update Their Housing Elements in 2022 The Implications for Low- and Moderate- Income Housing: A Guide to Encourage Participation in the Housing Element Update Process For many years, the prevailing narrative about housing and school enrollment has been that more housing will create financial and other pressures on school districts. With enrollment declines impacting many districts, ad- ditional housing could help these districts avoid financial, staffing and facilities challenges. Finally, this report provides information on how to engage in the Housing Element update process. The SVCF grant will provide funding for the testing of these approaches. Introduction Every eight years, California’s Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) gives every region in the state a housing needs determination for expanding housing with specific targets for all income groups. In June 2020, HCD presented the Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG) with a housing needs determination of 441,176 housing units (homes) to meet existing and projected needs. Each regional planning agency in the state—ABAG in the Bay Area—is required to allocate regional housing needs to communities in its own region. Following a long study and public process, ABAG adopted the Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) for each Bay Area community in January 2021. After receiving their housing allocation, each community is required to prepare a new Housing Element that in- cludes housing sites and policies such as zoning, density, height limits, parking requirements and other programs that will provide incentives for non-profit and market rate developers to propose sufficient housing to meet the communities housing targets. The Housing Elements must also comply with the state’s Fair Housing laws and requirements. Bay Area cities are currently in the process of updating their Housing Elements, which must be submitted in 2022. This report examines the requirements for updating Housing Elements and the process and policy objectives underlying the regional and local community housing goals. There will be a focus on five Midpeninsula communi- ties—Cupertino, Menlo Park, Mountain View, Palo Alto and Sunnyvale—as these cities met the ABAG criteria for an above-average housing goal. This report provides the background for an engagement effort in these cities to help residents participate in their local community Housing Element update. A generous SVCF grant supports the development of this report and the subsequent engagement effort. Stephen Levy, Director of the Center for Continuing Study of the California Economy and a member of the Palo Alto Forward board, prepared this report. What do the Housing Goals mean and how were they developed? Housing goals for the Bay Area were developed in a two-step process. Initially, the state gave the Bay Area region an overall goal for the next eight years. STEP 1: Regional Housing Needs Determination In June 2020, HCD presented ABAG with a housing needs determination of 441,176 housing units to meet exist- ing and projected housing needs. The HCD regional housing needs determination letter can be accessed here: https://hcd.ca.gov/community-development/housing-element/docs/abagrhna-final060920(r).pdf. 5 |Bay Area Cities Update Their Housing Elements in 2022 The Implications for Low- and Moderate- Income Housing: A Guide to Encourage Participation in the Housing Element Update Process This planning target was more than twice the previous regional goal as a result of recently approved state legislation requiring that all regions plan to reduce the number of residents who live in overcrowded housing units or are “cost-burdened” (paying more than 30% of their income for housing). Another goal was to return to a normal vacancy rate for housing to improve housing availability, roughly 5%. In previous RHNA cycles, the large majority of additional housing need was related to growth. In the current housing needs determination, nearly half of the forecasted need is to relieve housing shortages that exist today. In addition, more than half of the Bay Area housing need is to house very low-, low- and moderate-income residents. Bay Area Regional Housing Needs Determination Source: HCD The very low-income category includes households that make less than 50% of the area median income (AMI) and includes extremely low-income households that make less than 30% of the AMI. The low-income group includes households that make between 50% and 80% of the AMI. Moderate income households are those that make between 80% and 120% of the AMI and the above-moderate income category includes those that make more than 120% of the AMI. The following linked chart shows income limits in Santa Clara County in 2021 by household size: https://www.vta.org/sites/default/files/2021-09/2021HCDIncomeandRentLimits.pdf. The area median income in Santa Clara County is estimated to be over $150,000 (for a family of 4). That means that although households in the low-and-moderate income groups are not considered poor, they often face significant housing affordability challenges. In previous housing element cycles, most of the housing goals were based on projected population growth. This is not the case for the new Bay Area housing goals. Components of Bay Area Regional Needs Determination Source: HCD CENTER BENEFITS TOTAL UNITS NEEDED PERCENTAGE OF TOTAL Very Low 114,442 25.9% Low 65,892 14.9% Moderate 72,712 16.5% Above Moderate 188,130 42.6% TOTAL 441,176 100.0% COMPONENT DESCRIPTION UNITS PERCENTAGE OF TOTAL Normal Vacancy Rate 98,799 22.4% Mitigate Overcrowding 94,605 21.4% Replacement 15,120 3.4% Mitigate Cost Burdens 9,102 2.1% Population Growth 223,550 50.7% TOTAL 441,176 100.0% 6 |Bay Area Cities Update Their Housing Elements in 2022 The Implications for Low- and Moderate- Income Housing: A Guide to Encourage Participation in the Housing Element Update Process HCD’s explanation of these categories of need is in the determination letter linked above. The comments below add context to the HCD explanation. A large share of the housing need (22.4%) is to bring the region back to a vacancy rate of around 5% for the com- bination of single-family and multiple-family housing units. HCD determined that this vacancy rate was appropri- ate to “provide healthy market vacancies to facilitate housing availability and resident mobility.” It is a policy goal to reduce the upward pressure on prices and rents that has negatively impacted housing afford- ability for many Bay Area residents. When this determination was made, the Bay Area vacancy rate was 1.73%. Another large share of the regional housing need (21.4%) aims to reduce the number of households living in overcrowded housing units. HCD defines overcrowding as more than one person per room. This omits a growing number of residents who have moved in with others (young adults moving back home, for example) who are not technically overcrowded but cannot find housing that they can afford. The regional housing needs related to reducing overcrowding were determined by assessing two things: 1. Comparing the share of overcrowded units in the Bay Area to the share in comparable regions 2. Reducing the Bay Area share to the comparable region average. The goal was to reduce, not eliminate, the number of overcrowded households. The same methodology was used to determine the housing needs to reduce the number of cost-burdened households. The resulting addition to housing needs is very small (9,102 units), but this is a result of the meth- odology and not the underlying need. As the HCD letter reports, comparable regions find 66.0% of very-low and low-income households are cost burdened and 66.64% in the Bay Area. This shows that the difference is small though the %s are large in both areas. In addition, HCD found that 16.25% of moderate-income households were cost-burdened, even though house- holds at the low end of that income range are earning close to $100,000 a year. The remaining part of the regional housing need is for replacing units that are demolished and is calculated at 0.5% per year or 1 out of every 200 housing units. Bottom line: The regional housing needs determination has more than doubled, primarily as a result of trying to reduce the housing challenges faced by existing residents. A large share of the increase is for low-and-moderate income residents who have seen housing cost increases outpace income gains in recent years. Once the regional housing goals for the Bay Area were determined, the next step was the allocation to local com- munities (cities and unincorporated county areas). STEP 2: Allocation to Local Communities ABAG, the Bay Area’s regional planning agency, had the responsibility for allocating the regional housing needs to local communities. ABAG formed a Housing Allocation Methodology Committee to develop the criteria for pro- posed allocation. The committee was composed of elected representatives appointed by each county, planning 7 |Bay Area Cities Update Their Housing Elements in 2022 The Implications for Low- and Moderate- Income Housing: A Guide to Encourage Participation in the Housing Element Update Process staff from 12 jurisdictions (with at least one from each county), 16 stakeholders representing diverse perspectives, and a state representative. The allocation met the five required statutory policy objectives as described in the January 2021 report linked below: • Objective 1: Increase the housing supply and the mix of housing types in an equitable manner. • Objective 2: Promote infill development, efficient development, and GHG reduction. • Objective 3: Promote better relationship between jobs and housing, particularly jobs-housing fit. • Objective 4: Balance existing disproportionate concentrations of income categories. • Objective 5: Affirmatively further fair housing. The committee met 12 times from October 2019 through September 2020 and received public comments at each meeting and through letters and emails. The final committee recommendations were approved in January 2021. The ABAG website describing the committee work and membership can be found here: https://abag.ca.gov/our- work/housing/rhna-regional-housing-needs-allocation/housing-methodology-committee. The allocations were based on three principal inputs: 1. Projected growth from Plan Bay Area 2050 (provided by staff) 2. Adjustments to give additional shares of housing to communities designated as high opportunity areas and those with good proximity to jobs from public transit and auto travel 3. An equity adjustment to give additional shares of low-and-moderate income housing to communities with low current shares of this housing The final allocation was the result of staff revisions to the growth projections, public input on the allocation crite- ria and committee input. The process and results are described in the final report to the ABAG Executive Com- mittee in January 2021: https://abag.ca.gov/our-work/housing/rhna-regional-housing-needs-allocation/housing- methodology-committee. Five cities in the Midpeninsula received above-average shares of the regional housing needs because they scored high on the adjustment for high opportunity areas and jobs close to transit and auto travel. These cities—Cupertino, Menlo Park, Mountain View, Palo Alto and Sunnyvale—will be the focus of the outreach and engagement efforts of this project and will be used to explain the allocation criteria and Housing Element planning and issues. 8 |Bay Area Cities Update Their Housing Elements in 2022 The Implications for Low- and Moderate- Income Housing: A Guide to Encourage Participation in the Housing Element Update Process What is a High Opportunity Area? Below is the explanation from an ABAG Methodology Committee packet: https://abag.ca.gov/sites/default/files/rhna_methodology_report_2023-2031_finalposting.pdf. “ The Opportunity Map stems from HCD’s policy goals to avoid further segregation and concentration of poverty and to encourage access to opportunity through affordable housing programs. The map uses publicly available data sources to identify areas in the state whose characteristics have been shown by research to support positive economic, educational, and health outcomes for low-income families and their children. The Access to High Opportunity Areas factor directly addresses the RHNA objective to affirmatively further fair housing by increasing access to opportunity and replacing segregated living patterns.” In practical terms, a high opportunity area has good schools, a wide range of amenities and above-average revenue to support high-quality public services. There is a wide body of research that shows when low-income residents are able to live in high opportunity areas, that they (and especially their children) have improved chances for upward economic mobility (better jobs and higher incomes). Raj Chetty, the William A. Ackman Professor of Economics at Harvard University and Director of Opportunity Insights, was one of the pioneers in this research. His findings can be found here: https://opportunityinsights.org/paper/neighborhoodsi/. What is a High Job Proximity Area? Below is the explanation from the ABAG packet linked above: “ The two factors based on job proximity (Job Proximity – Auto and Job Proximity – Transit) consider the relationship between jobs and transportation. Job Proximity – Auto is based on jobs that can be accessed from a jurisdiction by a 30-minute auto commute, while Job Proximity – Transit is based on jobs that can be accessed from a jurisdiction within a 45-minute transit commute. These factors encourage more housing in jurisdictions with easier access to the region’s job centers. Additionally, these factors use a commute shed to measure job access rather than solely considering the jobs present within a jurisdiction’s boundaries. Using a commute shed intends to better capture the lived experience of accessing jobs irrespective of jurisdiction boundaries. Housing and job markets extend beyond jurisdiction boundaries—in most cities, a majority of workers work outside their jurisdiction of residence, and demand for housing in a particular jurisdiction is substantially influenced by its proximity and accessibility to jobs in another community.” Menlo Park, Mountain View, Palo Alto and Sunnyvale all have access from one or more Caltrain stations as well as El Camino express bus service. In addition, they all have access from both Highways 101 and 280 and are close to major job centers. Cupertino does not have similar public transit access but does have access from 280 and is close to major job centers in Santa Clara County. These cities have many thousands of jobs accessible in less than the 30-minute and 45-minute access times noted in the ABAG criterion. 9 |Bay Area Cities Update Their Housing Elements in 2022 The Implications for Low- and Moderate- Income Housing: A Guide to Encourage Participation in the Housing Element Update Process The following tables describe the housing allocations for these five cities. The tables show: 1. Cities are asked to plan for housing at all income levels 2. More than 50% of the housing needs are for existing low-and-moderate income residents 3. Each city is asked to plan for housing growth that is larger measured by % growth compared to the regional average growth rate Housing Allocations By Income Group in the Five Cities Source: ABAG The large share of housing targeted to be affordable to low-and-moderate income residents is the result of state policy to address the housing affordability challenges facing these residents today. These goals are intended to make up for the lack of housing built in recent years that is affordable to most residents in these income groups in these cities. The chart below shows the target for housing planning in each city compared to the regional target for unit growth. The above-average shares reflect the cities’ rank as high opportunity areas and high job access areas. % Growth in Housing from 2020 Census Level CITY VERY LOW LOW MODERATE ABOVE MODERATE TOTAL Cupertino 1,193 687 755 1,953 4,588 Menlo Park 740 426 496 1,284 2,946 Mountain View 2,773 1,597 1,885 4,880 11,135 Palo Alto 1,556 896 1,013 2,621 6,086 Sunnyvale 2,968 1,709 2,032 5,257 11,966 35% 30% 25% 20% 15% 10% 5% 0% Cupertino Menlo Park Mountain View Palo Alto Sunnyvale Bay Area 21.1%21.3% 29.9% 21.1%19.5% 14.9% 10 |Bay Area Cities Update Their Housing Elements in 2022 The Implications for Low- and Moderate- Income Housing: A Guide to Encourage Participation in the Housing Element Update Process The chart below confirms that most housing to be planned is targeted at increasing affordability and supply for low-and-moderate income residents. % of Housing Allocation for Low-and-Moderate Income Households Two trends make the proximity to jobs allocation criterion especially important. According to the 2021 Index of Silicon Valley published by Joint Venture Silicon Valley, the number of commuters who travel from one county to another has been increasing, and the share of Silicon Valley employees who commute more than 90 minutes one way (3 Hours total back and forth) has more than doubled since 2005. They are called “mega commuters.” And this does not count the workers who moved from close to jobs to places far out in Contra Costa, Alameda and Santa Clara counties and still have long commutes (but fall short of the 90 minutes each way threshold for “mega commuter” status). Mega Commuting Trends for Silicon Valley Employees 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% Cupertino Menlo Park Mountain View Palo Alto Sunnyvale Bay Area 57.4%56.4%56.2%56.9%56.1%57.4% 10.0% 8.0% 6.0% 4.0% 2.0% 0% 2005 2010 2015 2019 3.3%3.5% 5.3% 7.6% 11 |Bay Area Cities Update Their Housing Elements in 2022 The Implications for Low- and Moderate- Income Housing: A Guide to Encourage Participation in the Housing Element Update Process The Housing Element Update Process The Housing Element update process is now underway in all Bay Area cities. It builds upon the housing needs allocation by planning to meet state requirements for approving new housing units for all income groups and for identified special populations. The legal and technical requirements are complex, so HCD has provided technical assistance related to the re- quirements and specific steps to follow in the update process. The main HCD Housing Element website is https://hcd.ca.gov/community-development/housing-element/index. shtml. A guide to Housing Element building blocks can be found at https://hcd.ca.gov/community-development/ building-blocks/index.shtml. There are three main components to the update process: 1. Identify sites that are available, suitable and have the capacity for the city’s housing needs allocation 2. Identify constraints to housing development on these sites and develop and adopt policies and programs to overcome any constraints 3. Comply with the state’s requirement to affirmatively advance fair housing goals Issues and Challenges in Meeting the Housing Needs Allocation Having sites that are suitable and available for housing does not guarantee that projects will be proposed or ap- proved. Recent history reveals that most cities fell far short of meeting their current much lower housing approval goals. This includes years when the economy was growing and before material prices surged. This is especially true for housing for very-low and low-income residents. Below is a table showing the shortfall for the five cities this report focused on. Housing Unit Permits Issued Source: HCD The five cities are not unique in facing these challenges. The intent in sharing this data is not to cast blame, but rather to point out that the Housing Element update requirement to identify and address constraints is critical in reviewing possible housing sites. CITY VERY LOW INCOME PERMITS GOAL VERY LOW INCOME PERMITS BY 2020 LOW INCOME PER-MITS GOAL LOW INCOME PERMITS BY 2020 Cupertino 356 19 207 0 Menlo Park 233 148 129 80 Mountain View 814 244 492 215 Palo Alto 691 101 432 60 Sunnyvale 1,649 132 906 61 12 |Bay Area Cities Update Their Housing Elements in 2022 The Implications for Low- and Moderate- Income Housing: A Guide to Encourage Participation in the Housing Element Update Process Housing proposals will only be brought forward if developers are convinced that they are financially feasible. This means for non-profit developers that there is public funding to support development and for market-rate developers that costs are covered including a competitive return on their investments. It will be important for all groups developing the Housing Element update in each city to hear from non-profit and market-rate developers about the challenges they face in developing housing proposals and getting them approved. The HCD building blocks link above lays out the requirements with regard to policies and programs needed to provide sufficient incentives to bring forth housing proposals on the sites identified in the site inventory. These requirements emphasize the fact that identifying sites is the first not final step in attracting housing proposals. The required policies and programs will vary from city to city depending on the identified constraints related to building housing. From the HCD building blocks summary: “ The housing element must identify and analyze potential and actual governmental constraints to the maintenance, improvement, or development of housing for all income levels, including housing for people with disabilities. The analysis should identify the specific standards and processes of these constraints and evaluate their impact on the supply and affordability of housing. The analysis should determine whether local, regulatory standards pose an actual constraint and must also demonstrate local efforts to remove constraints that hinder a jurisdiction from meeting its housing needs.” “ Each jurisdiction must identify specific programs in its housing element that will allow it to implement the stated policies and achieve the stated goals and objectives. Programs must include specific action steps the locality will take to implement its policies and achieve its goals and objectives. Programs must also include a specific timeframe for implementation, identify the agencies or officials responsible for implementation, describe the jurisdiction’s specific role in implementation, and (whenever possible) identify specific, measurable outcomes.” Potential sites for building are often not used due to constraints from a variety of sources. The Terner Center in Berkeley summarized this challenge: “ The Housing Element is a planning framework that requires all California cities to respond to state targets for expected household growth on an eight-year cycle. For many years, however, these documents have not been truly reflective of subsequent development realities on the ground. Cities may have a certified Housing Element on paper, without much likelihood that the growth specified in the Housing Element would occur, often because unrealistic sites were pegged for development or growth is cordoned off to just one part of a city. Legislators have passed a series of laws over a few years to strengthen the analysis that goes into Housing Element certification. These changes will require more rigorous analysis of how siting new housing is planned. This blog post shows how one city—Los Angeles— used data-driven evidence to justify their Housing Element sites, including original analysis conducted by the Terner Center. Evidence-based Housing Elements may better reflect development conditions on the ground, and may therefore force cities to reconsider their current land use practices in esponse to the housing goals set by the state.” Source: https://ternercenter.berkeley.edu/research-and-policy/stronger-housing-element-los-angeles/ 13 |Bay Area Cities Update Their Housing Elements in 2022 The Implications for Low- and Moderate- Income Housing: A Guide to Encourage Participation in the Housing Element Update Process Constraints and Opportunities Related to Housing for Low-and- Moderate Income Residents One major constraint is lack of funding. Below market rate units (BMR) reserved for very-low and low-income resi- dents depend on tax credits and other forms of federal and state financial support as their main source of fund- ing. While these sources have recently increased with state bonds and budget financing and increased federal support, funding still falls well short of the need to meet the housing goals. Local cities can provide financing for the creation of BMR housing from impact fees and the ability to approve lo- cal bond issues. In addition, local communities can increase the supply of BMR housing by requiring that a certain percentage of market-rate developments be set aside for low-and-moderate income residents. Local communities can also increase BMR supply through the option of approving mixed-use developments that include commercial uses as well as housing. For example, Google and the cities of Mountain View and San Jose have reached agreements that include plans for thousands of homes, including many BMR homes. Menlo Park will receive a mixed-use proposal that includes housing from SRI International and a proposal to redevelop the United States Geological Survey site. Sunnyvale has approved a number of mixed-use projects that include housing. To date, Palo Alto and Cupertino have been reluctant to add housing through projects that include commercial land uses. Communities can also consider the use of public lands for housing. In Palo Alto, Santa Clara County has donated land for teacher housing, and the city rezoned a former VTA site to allow the development of moderate-income housing cited below. Palo Alto is also considering the use of public parking lots for combined parking and housing, with an emphasis on units reserved for low-income residents. Palo Alto is also considering whether the city will allow churches to build housing on their excess parking lots. Cities can and have created special zoning provisions that incentivize the construction of housing reserved for low-and-moderate income residents. Palo Alto created a zoning overlay to incentivize BMR housing, a special zon- ing provision to incentivize housing reserved for moderate-income residents, and a planned housing zone (PHZ) to provide incentives for projects that include at least 20% of the units reserved for low-income residents. Some additional constraints for low-and-moderate income housing that these zoning changes address are modifi- cations in parking requirements, requirements to provide retail space and height—all of which affect the cost and feasibility of building this housing. These constraints and challenges will vary by community, which is why each city should hear from developers about their particular challenges. A recent report by the Santa Clara County Civil Grand Jury made findings and recommendations for Mountain View and Palo Alto aimed at improving the approval of housing for low-and-moderate income residents. These recommendations can be reviewed by all cities as part of their Housing Element update process and can be found here: https://www.scscourt.org/court_divisions/civil/cgj/2021/Affordable%20Housing%20Final%20Report.pdf 14 |Bay Area Cities Update Their Housing Elements in 2022 The Implications for Low- and Moderate- Income Housing: A Guide to Encourage Participation in the Housing Element Update Process Constraints Related to All Types of Housing Many of these are mentioned above. There are two major groups of constraints: those that relate to project pro- posals and those that relate to eligible sites for housing. Project Constraints These include allowable density, height limitations, parking requirements, fees, requirements for BMR housing and lack of certainty as to the length and outcome of the approval process. The issues related to density, height and parking are discussed above and apply both to BMR housing and mar- ket-rate housing. The challenge with fees and BMR requirements (“inclusionary zoning”) is finding the balance between achieving the policy objectives and maintaining project feasibility. The Terner Center at Berkeley examined the challenges in finding the right balance on impact fees https://ternercenter.berkeley.edu/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Nexus_ Studies_November_2020.pdf. Higher fees and higher BMR requirements can be paired with other incentives such as density and height. Every city can develop their own mix of fees, BMR requirements and incentives to attract housing proposals from devel- opers who must cover costs and earn a competitive return. The time it takes to get a project approved and the uncertainty related to the approval process can discourage developers from bringing proposals forward. Policies to overcome this potential constraint include making more kinds of projects require only staff approval and limiting the time and/or number of meetings for reviewing hous- ing proposals. Bottom Line: There are many potential constraints to attracting housing proposals even if sites are available. Nevertheless, communities have many tools to overcome constraints that are identified in their city and meet their housing obligations. The Connection Between New Housing and School Enrollment and Funding The Governor’s 2022-23 budget proposal for K-12 education (https://www.ebudget.ca.gov/2022-23/pdf/ BudgetSummary/K-12Education.pdf) calls attention to recent and projected K-12 enrollment declines. These de- clines will cause many districts to face challenging adjustments in funding, staffing and facility management that may negatively impact educational success. This section explores the relationship between new housing approv- als and K-12 financial challenges. The relationship between new housing and K-12 enrollment and funding will vary among cities and school dis- tricts. There are two major factors at work: 1. The number of new students by grade level expected from new housing 2. The overall trend in enrollment, determined by new students entering and the impact of falling birth rates as existing students graduate or leave 15 |Bay Area Cities Update Their Housing Elements in 2022 The Implications for Low- and Moderate- Income Housing: A Guide to Encourage Participation in the Housing Element Update Process Analyzing these impacts is important and of interest to residents and school district boards and staffs for two major reasons: 1. There is a need to accurately forecast enrollment needs and the implications for funding. 2. As summarized earlier in this document, low-income families living in communities with good schools have a better chance to improve their economic status. Funding in many districts is tied to enrollment and enrollment declines can create staffing and facilities challenges. This section provides some information to help communities bring potential school impact issues into their housing discussion. K-12 Enrollment Declines Projected Each year the California Department of Finance (DOF) projects K-12 enrollment for the next 10 years. The latest report was in June 2021: https://dof.ca.gov/forecasting/Demographics/public-k-12-graded-enrollment/. The report provides greater detail, but the high-level takeaway is that enrollment is projected to decline in San Mateo and Santa Clara counties. Some key numbers: • Enrollment in Santa Clara County is projected to decline from 253,625 students in school year 2020-2021 to 212,501 students in 2030-2031 for a decline of 16.2%. • Only four counties—Sonoma, Santa Cruz, Ventura and Los Angeles—are projected to have larger declines (based on percentage). • San Mateo County enrollment is projected to decline over the same period from 90,315 to 77,651 for a drop of 14.0%. These declines are primarily the result of falling fertility rates and the result over time that families with more children are replaced by families with fewer children. DOF K-12 Enrollment Projections 300,000 250,000 200,000 150,000 100,000 50,000 0 2019 - 2 0 2020 - 2 1 2021 - 2 2 2022 - 2 3 2023 - 2 4 2024 - 2 5 2025 - 2 6 2026 - 2 7 2027 - 2 8 2028 - 2 9 2029 - 3 0 2030 - 3 1 San Mateo County Santa Clara County 16 |Bay Area Cities Update Their Housing Elements in 2022 The Implications for Low- and Moderate- Income Housing: A Guide to Encourage Participation in the Housing Element Update Process Each school district will be impacted by these trends differently. There are indications that Mountain View is approving so much new housing that school enrollment and the need for additional facilities will increase. On the other hand, a series of recent news articles sound the alarm of declining enrollments in some districts, potentially trending toward the status of insufficient enrollment in the near future. The projected enrollment declines will occur over time, so advance planning is possible. If districts do not have enrollment projections that take account of falling birth rates, now would be a good time to update the enrollment projections. The projected decline in enrollment means that historical estimates of the number of children in various housing types may be too high, as they reflect children born between 2005 and 2020. Birth levels have declined since 2005 according to DOF data and the average number of children per household with children has declined at the same time. Implications for Housing, Especially for Low-and-Moderate Income Families Increasing housing for low-and-moderate income residents can combine an equity goal with helping districts in danger of losing state education funding and having to close or consolidate facilities. As described earlier, increasing the number of low-and-moderate income families in the five cities tracked in this report (all high opportunity cities) improves the chances for their children to have economic success. The bottom line is that in districts facing declining enrollment challenges, achieving the equity goal of approving more housing for very-low and low-income families will also help school districts maintain stronger education options by avoiding funding and facility planning challenges. Number of Births 30,000 25,000 20,000 15,000 10,000 5,000 0 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 San Mateo County Santa Clara County 2017 2018 2019 2020 17 |Bay Area Cities Update Their Housing Elements in 2022 The Implications for Low- and Moderate- Income Housing: A Guide to Encourage Participation in the Housing Element Update Process Participating in the Housing Element Update Process This report is an input to a public engagement effort led by Palo Alto Forward and partner organizations. Silicon Valley at Home (SV@Home) is one partner and has a website page devoted to the Housing Element update process in Santa Clara County communities. Here is the current page and updates are available for those on the SV@Home email list. https://docs.google.com/document/d/1PAZd9A5uQ26W8wJaLrLbHlto2Yb3W9AlPQGSV5FS-9I/edit?link_id=8&can_ id=59a7b863fff93047d0590708009c6bf4&source=email-newsletter-269&email_referrer=email_1373865&email_ subject=housing-happenings-highlights-and-more. And SV@Home has a page devoted to helping people engage in the update process https://siliconvalleyathome.org/advocacy-tools/housing-element-toolkit/?link_id=6&can_id=59a7b863fff93047d0 590708009c6bf4&source=email-newsletter-269&email_referrer=email_1373865&email_subject=housing-happen- ings-highlights-and-more. Each of the cities discussed has a webpage dedicated to keeping the community apprised of the update process and future meetings: • Menlo Park https://www.menlopark.org/1841/2023-2031-Housing-Element-Update. • Palo Alto https://paloaltohousingelement.com. • Mountain View https://www.mvhousingelement.org. • Cupertino https://engagecupertino.org/housingelement. • Sunnyvale https://sunnyvale.ca.gov/property/housing/housingelement.htm. About the Author Stephen Levy is Director and Senior Economist for the Center for Continuing Study of the California Economy in Palo Alto. Steve’s major professional work is assisting large public agencies in California with long-term projections of jobs, population and households and related housing policy issues. Steve serves on a number of boards related to housing, workforce and the economy. He chairs the Housing and Transportation committee of the Palo Alto League of Women Voters and is a member of the Housing Policy Advisory committee for Silicon Valley at Home. He serves on the NOVA and state workforce boards and is a member of the board of the Bay Area Economic Institute. Steve also serves as Treasurer and on the board of Palo Alto Forward. He and his wife Nancy live in Palo Alto, where he has worked for more than 50 years. About Palo Alto Forward We are optimists: we believe that we can meet our city’s future population needs with thoughtful planning. We host educational events, conduct original research on local housing and transportation- related issues, and serve as a voice to our elected officials and city staff. We are an organization with a broad coalition: retirees, fresh graduates, multi-generational Palo Altans and newcomers. We have a common interest in helping to envision and achieve targeted growth without gridlock in our community. About SV@Home SV@Home is the voice for affordable housing in the Silicon Valley. A membership organization, SV@Home works with a broad coalition of strategic partners to address the urgent housing need by boosting production of homes at all income levels, preserving existing affordable homes, and protecting the families in them. About Silicon Valley Community Foundation Silicon Valley Community Foundation is a regional catalyst, connector and collaborator. We bring together the resources and skills of donors, business, government and community to solve some of our region’s toughest challenges. We promote philanthropy in our region and support philanthropists to invest with impact. Through advocacy, research, policy and grantmaking, we seek systemic solutions to drive enduring community change. Learn more at siliconvalleycf.org. STATE OF CALIFORNIA - BUSINESS, CONSUMER SERVICES AND HOUSING AGENCY GAVIN NEWSOM, Governor DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIVISION OF HOUSING POLICY DEVELOPMENT 2020 W. El Camino Avenue, Suite 500 Sacramento, CA 95833 (916) 263-2911 / FAX (916) 263-7453www.hcd.ca.gov June 9, 2020 Therese W. McMillan, Executive Director Association of Bay Area Governments 375 Beale Street. Suite 700 San Francisco, CA 94105 Dear Therese W. McMillan, RE: Final Regional Housing Need Determination This letter provides the Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG) its final Regional Housing Need Determination. Pursuant to state housing element law (Government Code section 65584, et seq.), the Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) is required to provide the determination of ABAG’s existing and projected housing need. In assessing ABAG’s regional housing need, HCD and ABAG staff completed an extensive consultation process from March 2019 through May 2020 covering the methodology, data sources, and timeline for HCD’s determination of the Regional Housing Need. HCD also consulted with Walter Schwarm with the California Department of Finance (DOF) Demographic Research Unit. Attachment 1 displays the minimum regional housing need determination of 441,176 total units among four income categories for ABAG to distribute among its local governments. Attachment 2 explains the methodology applied pursuant to Gov. Code section 65584.01. In determining ABAG’s housing need, HCD considered all the information specified in state housing law (Gov. Code section 65584.01(c)). As you know, ABAG is responsible for adopting a methodology for RHNA allocation and RHNA Plan for the projection period beginning June 30, 2022 and ending December 31, 2030. Pursuant to Gov. Code section 65584(d), the methodology to prepare ABAG’s RHNA plan must further the following objectives: (1)Increasing the housing supply and mix of housing types, tenure, and affordability(2)Promoting infill development and socioeconomic equity, protecting environmental and agricultural resources, and encouraging efficient development patters(3)Promoting an improved intraregional relationship between jobs and housing(4)Balancing disproportionate household income distributions(5)Affirmatively furthering fair housing Pursuant to Gov. Code section 65584.04(d), to the extent data is available, ABAG shall include the factors listed in Gov. Code section 65584.04(d)(1-13) to develop its RHNA Therese W. McMillan Director Page 2 plan, and pursuant to Gov. Code section 65584.04(f), ABAG must explain in writing how each of these factors was incorporated into the RHNA plan methodology and how the methodology furthers the statutory objectives described above. Pursuant to Gov. Code section 65584.04(h), ABAG must submit its draft methodology to HCD for review. Increasing the availability of affordable homes, ending homelessness, and meeting other housing goals continues to be a priority for the State of California. To support these goals the 2019-20 Budget Act allocated $250 million for all regions and jurisdictions for planning activities through the Regional Early Action Planning (REAP) and Local Early Action Planning (LEAP) Grant programs. ABAG has $ 23,966,861 available through the REAP program and HCD applauds ABAG’s efforts to engage early on how best to utilize these funds and HCD looks forward to continuing this collaboration. All ABAG jurisdictions are also eligible for LEAP grants and are encouraged to apply to support meeting and exceeding sixth cycle housing element goals. While the SB 2 Planning Grant deadline has passed, ongoing regionally tailored technical assistance is still available through that program. In addition to these planning resources HCD encourages local governments to consider the many other affordable housing and community development resources available to local governments that can be found at https://www.hcd.ca.gov/grants- funding/nofas.shtml HCD commends ABAG and its leadership in fulfilling its important role in advancing the state’s housing, transportation, and environmental goals. ABAG is also recognized for its actions in proactively educating and engaging its board and committees on the RHNA process and the regional housing need, as well as creating tools to aid the public understanding in the process. HCD especially thanks Paul Fassinger, Gillian Adams, Aksel Olsen, Dave Vautin, Bobby Lu, Matt Maloney, and Elizabeth Bulgarin for their significant efforts and assistance. HCD looks forward to its continued partnership with ABAG and its member jurisdictions and assisting ABAG in its planning efforts to accommodate the region’s share of housing need. If HCD can provide any additional assistance, or if you, or your staff, have any questions, please contact Megan Kirkeby, Acting Deputy Director, at megan.kirkeby@hcd.ca.gov or Tom Brinkhuis, Housing Policy Specialist at (916) 263- 6651 or tom.brinkhuis@hcd.ca.gov. Sincerely, Megan Kirkeby Acting Deputy Director Enclosures ATTACHMENT 1 HCD REGIONAL HOUSING NEED DETERMINATION ABAG: June 30, 2022 through December 31, 2030 Income Category Percent Housing Unit Need Very-Low* 25.9% 114,442 Low 14.9% 65,892 Moderate 16.5% 72,712 Above-Moderate 42.6% 188,130 Total 100.0% 441,176 * Extremely-Low 15.5% Included in Very-Low Category Notes: Income Distribution: Income categories are prescribed by California Health and Safety Code (Section 50093, et. seq.). Percents are derived based on Census/ACS reported household income brackets and county median income, then adjusted based on the percent of cost-burdened households in the region compared with the percent of cost burdened households nationally. ATTACHMENT 2 HCD REGIONAL HOUSING NEED DETERMINATION: ABAG June 30, 2021 through December 31, 2030 Methodology ABAG: PROJECTION PERIOD (8.5 years) HCD Determined Population, Households, & Housing Unit Need Reference No. Step Taken to Calculate Regional Housing Need Amount 1. Population: December 31 2030 (DOF June 30 2030 projection adjusted + 6 months to December 31 2030) 8,273,975 2. -Group Quarters Population: December 31 2030 (DOF June 30 2030 projection adjusted + 6 months to December 31 2030) -169,755 3. Household (HH) Population 8,159,280 4. Projected Households 3,023,735 5. + Vacancy Adjustment (3.27%)+98,799 6. +Overcrowding Adjustment (3.13%)+94,605 7. + Replacement Adjustment (.50%)+15,120 8. -Occupied Units (HHs) estimated June 30, 2022 -2,800,1859. + Cost-burden Adjustment +9,102 Total 6th Cycle Regional Housing Need Assessment (RHNA) 441,176 Detailed background data for this chart is available upon request. Explanation and Data Sources 1-4. Population, Group Quarters, Household Population, & Projected Households: Pursuant to Gov. Code Section 65584.01, projections were extrapolated from DOF projections. Population reflects total persons. Group Quarter Population reflects persons in a dormitory, group home, institute, military, etc. that do not require residential housing. Household Population reflects persons requiring residential housing. Projected Households reflect the propensity of persons within the Household Population to form households at different rates based on American Community Survey (ACS) trends. 5.Vacancy Adjustment: HCD applies a vacancy adjustment (standard 5% maximum tototal projected housing stock) and adjusts the percentage based on the region’s currentvacancy percentage to provide healthy market vacancies to facilitate housing availability and resident mobility. The adjustment is the difference between standard5% vacancy rate and regions current vacancy rate based (1.73%) on the 2014-2018ACS data. For ABAG that difference is 3.27%. 6.Overcrowding Adjustment: In regions where overcrowding is greater than the comparable region’s overcrowding rate, or in the absence of comparable region the national overcrowding rate. HCD applies an adjustment based on the amount theregions overcrowding rate (6.73%) exceeds the comparable region’s rate (3.60%). ForABAG that difference is 3.13%. Data is from the 2014-2018 ACS. 7.Replacement Adjustment: HCD applies a replacement adjustment between .5% and 5% to the total housing stock based on the current 10-year annual average percent of demolitions the region’s local government annual reports to Department of Finance (DOF). For ABAG the 10-year annual average multiplied by the length of the projectionperiod is .40%, and the minimum .50% adjustment is applied. 8. Occupied Units: This figure reflects DOF’s estimate of occupied units at the start of the projection period (June 30, 2022). 9. Cost Burden Adjustment: HCD applies an adjustment to the projected need by comparing the difference in cost-burden by income group for the region to the cost-burden by income group for the comparable regions, as determined by ABAG. The very-low and low income RHNA is increased by the percent difference (66.64%-66.00%=.64%) between the region and the comparable region cost burden rate for households earning 80% of area median income and below, then this difference is applied to very low- and low-income RHNA proportionate to the share of the population these groups currently represent. The moderate and above-moderate income RHNA is increased by the percent difference (16.25%-13.10%=3.15%) between the region and the comparable region cost burden rate for households earning above 80% Area Median Income, then this difference is applied to moderate and above moderate income RHNA proportionate to the share of the population these groups currently represent. Data is from 2012-2016 CHAS. Determinants and Components of the Regional and Palo Alto current RHNAs Dear council, PTC and ARB members and staff, Before I get to the reason for this note, I want to thank the council and staff for their positive efforts with regard to increasing incentives for housing applications, for steps to accelerate the review process and for recent housing approvals. I continue to experience confusion over the role of growth and helping existing residents in discussions of our Palo Alto housing goals and policies. One recent example was a PTC commissioner quoting a section of our Housing Element that, in turn, referenced an ABAG projection of substantial future local population growth that made it seem as if all our RHNA goal was for future new residents. In addition, as the council knows, there is frequent discussion about the implications of slowing population growth on our RHNA goals and polices. As an FYI, the cited ABAG population projection was developed prior to the pandemic and also prior to the new RHNA focused on helping existing residents and is, thus out of date for both reasons and has no place in public dialogue about our adopted housing goals. This long memo explains the origin of the large increase in the Bay Area 6th cycle RHNA, how the state legislation was translated into the current Bay Area RHNA, the ABAG allocation of the regional RHNA goals to local jurisdictions, the upcoming changes for the 7th cycle RHNA and recent economic and demographic trends. The substantial increase in the Bay Area RHNA between the 5th and 6th cycles was triggered by SB 828 https://legiscan.com/CA/text/SB828/2017. SB 828 asked HCD to add housing to goals to meet existing unmet needs by including housing goals to reduce overcrowding, reduce cost-burdens and take account of low vacancy rates. I, along with Professor Dowell Myers of U.S.C., were the technical advisory committee for HCD staff in determining how to account for overcrowding, cost-burdens and vacancy rates in the 6th cycle RHNA. I am attaching the letter from HCD dated June 9, 2020 to ABAG explaining the new regional RHNA goal of 441,176 units. The letter shows 1) that the Bay Area RHNA was based on DOF population projections, not those from ABAG cited in our housing element and 2) that just over 50% of the new RHNA was related to projected growth while the remainder (nearly all of the increase from the 5th cycle, was related to the state goal of helping housing challenged existing residents. In particular, 98,799 of the housing goal was to reduce the low vacancy rates that were driving up rent costs well beyond income gains, another 94,605 units were to reduce overcrowding by allowing some of these residents to live in separate units and another 24,202 units for non-growth related conditions. The next step in the process was for an ABAG methodology committee to allocate the regional total to local jurisdictions. The ABAG allocation considered local growth projections but also created four criteria that affected Palo Alto’s share of the regional growth. These are 1) that communities like PA are great places for low income families and their children to live supported by research by Ray Chetty and others on the beneﬁts re economic mobility of living in high amenity areas, 2) the determination that Palo Alto, like many neighboring cities, has good public transit access, 3) similarly has great auto access to jobs and 4) a decision not to pit as much housing for income groups in cities that already had a high share of low income households. I covered many of these points in a paper sponsored as part of a grant from the Silicon Valley Community Foundation. The paper is attached. There have been two major trends that suggest the current Bay Area RHNA would be different if done today. Job and population growth has been much lower than anticipated and new growth projections for the 7th RHNA cycle should be lower than the current ones. Though bloggers, public speakers and others point to this often as a reason to disregard the City’s adopted housing goals, these same people forget to acknowledge that housing challenges facing existing residents have increased beyond what was anticipated in the 6TH cycle RHNA. There is more overcrowding, much more cost-burden and rent increases mostly continue to outpace income gains for low- and moderate-income families. HCD convened 6 advisory committee meetings in 2023 that I attended and the result will be an increase in the population covered by the next RHNA and a large increase in housing goals to mitigate cost burdens all reﬂecting concern about housing challenges facing existing residents, primarily those with low and moderate incomes. Palo Alto will certainly add population over the next decade though it is likely to be modest. One city goal is to help regional residents live closer to where they work to help them and the environment. This is intended to happen in the two ongoing teacher/staff BMR housing projects approved by the council. As with teachers, we will need to replace the continuing ﬂow of retirees as our population ages both to support public services and the broader economy. I am hopeful that a clear understanding of the legal and moral imperative to help existing residents will lead to a more positive public attitude in support of the many current housing proposals cited by the mayor in his state of the city address. And I look forward with hope that the positive approach of the council toward housing will continue as more contentious applications come before you. Stephen Levy For Sarah Most Households in Palo Alto are Small and the Share of Small Households Will Grow Over Time Approximately 60% of the households in Palo Alto have 1 or 2 residents, similar to the national average. Of the 4+ person households in Palo Alto, 4,108 had 4 persons, 1,397 had 5 persons, 306 had 6 persons and 128 had 7 or more persons in the household. A household is all the residents of a housing unit, whether they are related or unrelated individuals. Share of Households by Size Palo Alto U.S. California 1 person 25.0% 28.5% 24.1% 2 persons 34.5% 33.8% 30.5% 3 persons 17.7% 15.4% 16.7% 4+ persons 22.8% 22.3% 28.7% Source: American Community Survey 2019-2023 five-year average Two major demographic trends have and will continue to create smaller households—1) declining birth rates and 2) the aging of the population since households headed by older residents tend to be 1 or 2 person households. This memo provides some data and projections for Palo Alto, California and the United States and addresses the implications for housing policy in Palo Alto. The Decline in Population Under 18 The number of Palo Alto residents under 18 has been declining and should continue to fall based on California Department of Finance (DOF) statewide projections. The single year data for 2023 is not as reliable as the five-year averages but it is indicative of the continuing decline in recent years. Source: American Community Survey DOF projects an additional decline of 17.2% or 1.5 million residents under 18 between 2023 and 2035. While we do not have age projections for Palo Alto, the state projections are a reasonable guide t or future. Source: California Department of Finance 15134 15031 13561 12500 13000 13500 14000 14500 15000 15500 2009-2013 2019-2023 2023 Palo Alto Population 0-17 -17.2% 36.4% -30.0% -20.0% -10.0% 0.0% 10.0% 20.0% 30.0% 40.0% 50.0% 0-17 65+ Projected Change in State Population 2023-2035 Palo Alto’s population of residents 65 and older has risen along with similar trends in the state and nation. Source: American Community Survey The state’s population of older residents is projected to increase by 36.4% or over 2 million between 2023 and 2035. Palo Alto should expect a continuing increase in our older population. Implications for Future Housing Demographic trends will produce demand for smaller housing units over the next decade as the number of children per household declines and a higher share of residents are over the age of 65. Both trends will push the average household size lower than today. Smaller units (studios, 1-bedroom homes and ADUs) will be less expensive than larger homes and that could help affordability. Another positive trend will be an increasing number of older households vacating their single-family homes to move into condos/townhomes in walkable areas or into various forms of assisted living. This will make single family homes available without creating sprawl. While permit levels have remained low, population growth is even smaller, so some catch up and relief from rapid housing price and rent increases is likely if housing development picks up. 11025 12991 13432 0 2000 4000 6000 8000 10000 12000 14000 16000 2009-2013 2019-2023 2023 Palo Alto Population 65+ While most of this analysis has been at the state level, these trends and implications will occur in the state’s large regions and their communities. For cities working to meet their housing goals, local analyses of these trends will be necessary. Palo Alto has tracked these trends in the past and is likely to experience declines in birth rates and increases in the share of older residents. From:Aram James To:Supervisor Susan Ellenberg Cc:Vicki Veenker; Josh Becker; h.etzko@gmail.com; Jessica Speiser, Educational Leader for California Democratic Delegate, Assembly District 23; assemblymember.berman@assembly.ca.gov; Ed Lauing; Zelkha, Mila; jgreen@dailynewsgroup.com; Gennady Sheyner; sharon jackson; Sean Allen; Pat M; Bains, Paul; Binder, Andrew; Reifschneider, James; Cait James; Tim James; Lewis James; Gardener, Liz; Linda Jolley; Reckdahl, Keith; Gerry Gras; Dana St. George; Dave Price; EPA Today; Gennady Sheyner; Diana Diamond; Emily Mibach; Braden Cartwright; San José Spotlight; Rodriguez, Miguel; Damon Silver; Don Austin; Yolanda Conaway; Jay Boyarsky; board@pausd.org; boardfeedback@smcgov.org; jay.boyarsky@da.sccgov.org; Perron, Zachary; Council, City; Anna Griffin; DuJuan Green; Dennis Upton; dennis burns; Doug Minkler; Lotus Fong; Friends of Cubberley; Palo Alto Free Press; Greg Tanaka; Lydia Kou; Tim James; Marina Lopez; Josie James-Le; josh@joshsalcman.com; Jose Valle; Jennifer Morrow San José Spotlight; WILPF Peninsula Palo Alto; board@valleywater.org; BoardOperations; Figueroa, Eric; <michael.gennaco@oirgroup.com>; Foley, Michael; Lori Meyers; Sheree Roth; Salem Ajluni; yolanda; city.council@menlopark.gov; Steve Wagstaffe; Sarah Wright; Templeton, Cari; Cribbs, Anne; planning.commission@cityofpaloalto.0rg; ParkRec Commission Subject:Columbia University agrees to Trump demands in effort to restore federal funding Date:Friday, March 21, 2025 2:52:40 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Columbia’s refusal to divest from, and even doubling down on, the genocide of the Palestinian people these past 17 months has made its expected response to the Trump Administration’s ransom note incredibly clear," Columbia University agrees to Trump demands in effort to restore federal funding https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/columbia-university-trump-demands-funding-rcna197261 From:Aram James To:Veenker, Vicki; Supervisor Susan Ellenberg Cc:Jessica Speiser, Educational Leader for California Democratic Delegate, Assembly District 23; Josh Becker; Jeff Rosen; assemblymember.berman@assembly.ca.gov; h.etzko@gmail.com; Jay Boyarsky; board@pausd.org; Lotus Fong; Friends of Cubberley; Council, City; Perron, Zachary; Pat M; Doug Minkler; Sean Allen; Sheree Roth; josh@joshsalcman.com; Lori Meyers; Don Austin; Yolanda Conaway; Palo Alto Free Press; Freddie.Quintana@sen.ca.gov; frances.Rothschild@jud.ca.gov; ladoris cordell; Ed Lauing; Kaloma Smith; Dave Price; Enberg, Nicholas; Emily Mibach; EPA Today; Diana Diamond; Cait James; Tim James; Lewis James; Marina Lopez; city.council@menlopark.gov; citycouncil@mountainview.gov; board@valleywater.org; BoardOperations; boardfeedback@smcgov.org; Bill Newell; dennis burns; DuJuan Green; Tom DuBois; Dennis Upton; Holman, Karen (external); Lydia Kou; Greg Tanaka; jgreen@dailynewsgroup.com; cromero@cityofepa.org; Taylor, Cecilia; Lee, Craig; Zelkha, Mila; Foley, Michael; Figueroa, Eric; Salem Ajluni; Rose Lynn; Baker, Rob; Roberta Ahlquist Subject:ISRAEL NEVER CEASED FIRE ON GAZA Date:Friday, March 21, 2025 2:00:05 PM Attachments:255C23F7-6089-4036-9DB2-77A3A488D696.pngC411E956-51A2-4D19-9E8D-8DC3AB49BCAB.png CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. ADC Statement on the Collapse of a Ceasefire That Never Was Bombing has resumed in Gaza, with initial reports indicating that at least 400 people—mostlywomen and children—have died in less than 24 hours. While media outlets and governmentsworldwide decry the “collapse” of the ceasefire, it is evident there was never a real ceasefire inPalestine. Bombs may have paused in Gaza, but Israel’s genocide continued throughconditions engineered to kill Palestinians—disease, starvation, and exposure to freezingtemperatures. In the West Bank, Israel employed the same tactics of killings, mass forceddisplacement, and destruction of civilian infrastructure. Israel has never stopped massacring Palestinians. Instead, the suffering of those in Gaza andthe West Bank has become political currency, fueling the ambitions of world leaders—startingwith the United States. President Trump once campaigned on an aversion to war and now touts plan to reduce militaryspending. Yet the U.S. continues to bankroll and enable Netanyahu’s genocide, proving thatU.S. policy is rooted not in principle, but in self interest and the pursuit of power. The ADCcalls for an immediate end to military funding and support to Israel from the United States. People everywhere demand peace, yet our elected officials drag us deeper into war. TheMiddle East is being pushed to the brink, and the world allows the violence to escalate,unabated, allowing Israel to act with total impunity for decades. Israel’s unrelenting assault has turned entire neighborhoods to dust, leveled hospitals,obliterated schools, and wiped out essential infrastructure. By cutting electricity and water, itis accelerating famine and disease, ensuring suffering at an unfathomable scale. This is amodern Holocaust, a calculated campaign of annihilation designed to collectively punish an entire population. Despite global outrage, governments continue to let Israel act with total impunity, issuingempty condemnations while upholding diplomatic ties and military trade -- directly enabling its genocide. ADC demands an immediate end to these atrocities and concrete action to protectPalestinian lives. Every state has a duty to intervene and stop this genocide. Justice and peace must replace this cycle of destruction—now. From:Aram James To:Veenker, Vicki; Council, City; h.etzko@gmail.com; Stump, Molly; Jessica Speiser, Educational Leader forCalifornia Democratic Delegate, Assembly District 23; Josh Becker; board@pausd.org; Jeff Rosen; Jeff Conrad;Jay Boyarsky; assemblymember.berman@assembly.ca.gov; Michelle; Rodriguez, Miguel; Damon Silver; YolandaConaway; board@valleywater.org; bos@smcgov.org; BoardOperations; city.council@menlopark.gov;citycouncil@mountainview.gov; Binder, Andrew; Reifschneider, James; Wagner, April; Perron, Zachary;editor@paweekly.com; Shikada, Ed; Pat M; Sean Allen; sharon jackson; Baker, Rob; EPA Today;cromero@cityofepa.org; rabrica@cityofepa.org; Human Relations Commission; Henry Etzkowitz; Dave Price;Angel, David Subject:Georgetown, Columbia and Brown scholars targeted for deportation by Trump administration Date:Friday, March 21, 2025 11:09:58 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Georgetown, Columbia and Brown scholars targeted for deportation by Trump administration https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/scholars-targeted-deportation-trump-administration-rcna197331 https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/scholars-targeted-deportation-trump-administration-rcna197331?cid=mob_npd_nn_ios_mar From:Ken Horowitz To:Council, City Subject:City-Liaison Committee Meeting April 1, 2025 Date:Friday, March 21, 2025 10:28:35 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. Hello Committee Members I support item E regarding youth mental health-proposal Dr. Ken Horowitz 525 Homer Ave Palo Alto 94301 650-464-8959 Sent from my iPad From:Aram James To:Perron, Zachary; Binder, Andrew; Reifschneider, James; Wagner, April; <michael.gennaco@oirgroup.com>;Foley, Michael; DuJuan Green; Enberg, Nicholas; dennis burns; Figueroa, Eric; KEVIN JENSEN;Robert.Jonson@shf.sccgov.org; Jay Boyarsky; Jeff Rosen; Jeff Conrad; Donna Wallach; board@pausd.org;board@valleywater.org; boardfeedback@smcgov.org; Josh Becker; Jessica Speiser, Educational Leader forCalifornia Democratic Delegate, Assembly District 23; assemblymember.berman@assembly.ca.gov; Gerry Gras;Damon Silver; Rodriguez, Miguel; Sean Allen; Pat M; Jose Valle; Raj Jayadev; Van Der Zwaag, Minka; HumanRelations Commission; ladoris cordell; Bains, Paul; Bill Newell; Baker, Rob; Yolanda Conaway; Don Austin; EPAToday; Dave Price; Emily Mibach; planning.commission@cityofpaloalto.0rg; ParkRec Commission; San JoséSpotlight; Salem Ajluni; Doria Summa; Ed Lauing; Reckdahl, Keith; jgreen@dailynewsgroup.com;h.etzko@gmail.com; josh@joshsalcman.com; Linda Jolley; Lotus Fong; Marina Lopez; Council, City; GRP-CityCouncil; Anna Griffin; Angel, David; WILPF Peninsula Palo Alto; Rose Lynn; Barberini, Christopher; Afanasiev,Alex; Lee, Craig; cromero@cityofepa.org; rabrica@cityofepa.org; Lewis james; Freddie.Quintana@sen.ca.gov;Braden Cartwright; Brad Imamura; Supervisor Susan Ellenberg; Diana Diamond Subject:Deputy shot California man 5 times, including in the back. Family is awarded $30.5 million Date:Friday, March 21, 2025 9:09:51 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Unarmed black man shot killed by Kern County Deputy Deputy shot California man 5 times, including in the back. Family is awarded $30.5 million Source: Los Angeles Times https://share.newsbreak.com/c6yamxbh?s=i0 From:Henry Etzkowitz To:Palo Post; Sarah Wright; Gennady Sheyner; Braden Cartwright; Avroh Shah; Rebecca Eisenberg; Lotus Fong;Brian Good; Jim Hersh; Jeanne Fleming; Marty Wasserman; Hannah Lu; Ellen Fox; Mary Rorty; mickie winkler;Charlie Weidanz Cc:Office of the Provost; Council, City; Heidi Roizen; Roberta Ahlquist; Cribbs, Anne; Emma Talley; Rebecca Eisenberg Subject:Re: Monday publisher statement Date:Friday, March 21, 2025 8:42:50 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of openingattachments and clicking on links. A few typos corrected Sent from my iPhone > On Mar 21, 2025, at 8:36 AM, Henry Etzkowitz <H.Etzko@gmail.com> wrote:> > Dear Mr Price> > Your prescient warning re Stanford’s vulnerability to attack must sadly be extended to theentire US university system and beyond. The government university interaction during World War II and the postwar that turned significant funds over to leading universities, without directcontrol, that has been the basis of a remarkable technological and economic efflorescence, including the rise of Silicon Valley is at risk of being dismantled. Indeed, destruction isalready underway, with university donors and trustees who are also political donors, usung their clout in the latter sphere to attack their heretofore beloved Alma maters due todissatisfaction with political activism of students, especially on the Palestine Question. > > we did not see such a strategy of regaining control of the university by highly conservative business elements, even at the height of the anti Vietnam war movement. Viewed, in localterms, it could take us back to the era when a university administration saw to the firing of Professor Ross from the Sociology department for expressing so-called anti capitalist ideas, inreality calling for a more equitable economic and social system. This political “cull” inspired the rise of an academic freedom movement that is now under serious attack.> > The positive side of the current crisis is the opportunity to reveal to the public the sources ofour knowledge-based economy in which government plays a strong entrepreneurial and creative role in dynamizing entrepreneurial research and educational institutions, withStanford and MIT,icons looked to for leadership, globally. > The local issue is not primarily monetary, although federal funds make up a significant part of the budget, any short term shortfall could be made up from the endowment before it is taxedaway, as anti intellectual forces propose. > The heart of the university is what in recent decades has come to be called it’s “human capital” A significant portion of Stanford’s and indeed virtually all US university’s graduatestudents, postdoctoral fellows and faculty come from abroad, including countries that the current administration wishes to demonize. Universities and their supporters must mount aneffective defense and counterattack. An emergency congress should be called to strategize and coordinate. > > The existing political mechanisms are proving inadequate to the challenge. New ones must be invented and entrepreneured. It is incumbent upon Stanford and “blue Silicon Valltey” totake the lead, given their relatively invulnerable positions in contrast to Columbia and even Harvard, that are bearing the full brunt of the assault> > Sincerely> Henry Etzkowitz > Www.triplehelix.net> Doctorand > Linkoping University, Sweden> 2024 Candidate > Palo Alto City Council> > > Sent from my iPhone From:Henry Etzkowitz To:Palo Post; Sarah Wright; Gennady Sheyner; Braden Cartwright; Avroh Shah; Rebecca Eisenberg; Lotus Fong;Brian Good; Jim Hersh; Jeanne Fleming; Marty Wasserman; Hannah Lu; Ellen Fox; Mary Rorty; mickie winkler;Charlie Weidanz Cc:Office of the Provost; Council, City; Heidi Roizen; Roberta Ahlquist; Rebecca Eisenberg; Cribbs, Anne; Emma Talley Subject:Monday publisher statement Date:Friday, March 21, 2025 8:36:28 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of openingattachments and clicking on links. Dear Mr Price Your prescient warning re Stanford’s vulnerability to attack must sadly be extended to the entire US university system and beyond. The government university interaction during WorldWar II and the postwar that turned significant funds over to leading universities, without direct control, that has been the basis of a remarkable technological and economic efflorescence,including the rise of Silicon Valley is at risk of being dismantled. Indeed, destruction is already underway, with university donors and trustees who are also political donors, usungtheir clout in the latter sphere to attack their heretofore beloved Alma maters due to dissatisfaction with political activism of students, especially on the Palestine Question. we did not see such a strategy of regaining control of the university by highly conservativebusiness elements, even at the height of the anti Vietnam war movement. Viewed, in local terms, it could take us back to the era when a university administration saw to the firing ofProfessor Ross from the Sociology department for expressing so-called anti capitalist ideas, in reality calling for a more equitable economic and social system. This political “cull” inspiredthe rise of an academic freedom movement that is now under serious attack. The positive side of the current crisis is the opportunity to reveal to the public the sources of our knowledge-based economy in which government plays a strong entrepreneurial andcreative role in dynamizing entrepreneurial research and educational institutions, with Stanford and MIT,icons looked to for leadership, globally. The local issue is not primarilymonetary, although federal funds make up a significant part of the budget, any short term shortfall could be made up from the endowment before it is taxed away, as anti intellectualforces propose. The heart of the university is what in recent DeT has come to be called it’s “human capital” a significant portion of Stanford’s and indeed virtually all UD university’sgraduate students, postdoctoral fellows and faculty come from abroad, including countries that the current administration wishes to demonize. Universities and their supporters must mountan effective defense and counterattack. An emergency congress should be called to strategize and coordinate. The existing political mechanisms are proving inadequate to the challenge. New ones must beinvented and entrepreneured. It is incumbent upon Stanford and “blue Silicon Valltey” to take the lead, given their relatively invulnerable positions in contrast to Columbia and evenHarvard, that are bearing the full brunt of the assault Sincerely Henry Etzkowitz Www.triplehelix.net Doctorand Linkoping University, Sweden2024 Candidate Palo Alto City Council Sent from my iPhone From:Aram James To:Perron, Zachary; Binder, Andrew; Wagner, April; Reifschneider, James; Foley, Michael; Figueroa, Eric; SeanAllen; Pat M; DuJuan Green; Paul Bains; ladoris cordell; EPA Today; board@pausd.org; Jay Boyarsky; Jose Valle;jay.boyarsky@da.sccgov.org; BoardOperations; Yolanda Conaway; Don Austin; Nicole Chiu-Wang; Kaloma Smith;dennis burns; Lotus Fong; Friends of Cubberley; Josh Becker; assemblymember.berman@assembly.ca.gov;Jessica Speiser, Educational Leader for California Democratic Delegate, Assembly District 23; Ed Lauing; Burt,Patrick; Palo Alto Free Press; Bill Newell; Baker, Rob; Rodriguez, Miguel; Damon Silver; Supervisor SusanEllenberg; Steve Wagstaffe; Rowena Chiu; Roberta Ahlquist; sharon jackson; Dave Price; Jensen, Eric;jgreen@dailynewsgroup.com; Gennady Sheyner; Salem Ajluni; Sarah Wright; Jack Ajluni; Sheriff Transparency;Liz Kniss; Gardener, Liz; planning.commission@cityofpaloalto.0rg; ParkRec Commission; Emily Mibach; DianaDiamond; Gerry Gras; Anna Griffin; h.etzko@gmail.com; Lori Meyers; Sheree Roth; Doug Minkler; Mickie Winkler;Donna Wallach; Freddie.Quintana@sen.ca.gov; frances.Rothschild@jud.ca.gov; Rose Lynn; Rowena Chiu;Robert.Jonson@shf.sccgov.org; Roberta Roth; Enberg, Nicholas; Paul George @ PPJC; Jasso, Tamara;cromero@cityofepa.org; Vara Ramakrishnan; rabrica@cityofepa.org; Veenker, Vicki; GRP-City Council; Council,City; city.council@menlopark.gov; citycouncil@mountainview.gov Subject:Re: Watch "Black community in Ohio forms safety program after neo-Nazi rally" on YouTube Date:Friday, March 21, 2025 12:55:37 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. On Fri, Mar 21, 2025 at 12:49 AM Aram James <abjpd1@gmail.com> wrote:https://youtu.be/xFGG8PVEKcU?si=TgzZlhPLz3aas1g3 From:Avery To:Council, City Subject:Appointment with Vicki Veenker Date:Thursday, March 20, 2025 1:06:22 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Dear City Council, Hello, this is Avery Cho who participated in 2025 state of the city represented by the Mayor of Palo Alto this Monday. First of all, thanks for sharing great annual reports and expectations. As a resident of Palo Alto, also experienced housing manager in South Korea before comingfor 8 years, it was so inspiring and meaningful event. I had a great conversation with Vicki Veenker, vice mayor on the reception. When I asked her about more conversation someday, she let me know having an appointment through the website. So, I’m wondering if it’s available. I’m gonna get some advice about sister city(that’s what we’ve talked) and housing policies in Palo Alto. Please let me know if what I can do. Thank you so much Best regards, Avery From:Aram James To:Barberini, Christopher; Enberg, Nicholas; Afanasiev, Alex; Reifschneider, James; Binder, Andrew;h.etzko@gmail.com; Sean Allen; Pat M; Shikada, Ed; Supervisor Susan Ellenberg; Council, City;board@pausd.org; board@valleywater.org; BoardOperations; Bill Newell; <michael.gennaco@oirgroup.com>;Foley, Michael; cromero@cityofepa.org; Jessica Speiser, Educational Leader for California Democratic Delegate,Assembly District 23; Jeff Conrad; Yolanda Conaway; Don Austin; Dave Price; Gennady Sheyner; Diana Diamond;sharon jackson; Doug Minkler; The Office of Mayor Matt Mahan; Sheriff Transparency;Robert.Jonson@shf.sccgov.org; Baker, Rob; Jeff Rosen; Jay Boyarsky; Jose Valle; Raj Jayadev; Rose Lynn;Roberta Ahlquist; Rodriguez, Miguel; Damon Silver; Angel, David; jgreen@dailynewsgroup.com; Gerry Gras;Dana St. George; Josh Becker; assemblymember.berman@assembly.ca.gov; DuJuan Green; dennis burns;Figueroa, Eric; Jensen, Eric; Jeff Hayden; Veenker, Vicki; Lu, George; Reckdahl, Keith; Reckdahl, Keith; Bains,Paul; planning.commission@cityofpaloalto.0rg; ParkRec Commission; Nicole Chiu-Wang Subject:Former Antioch police officer found guilty, taken to jail Date:Thursday, March 20, 2025 11:19:41 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. Former Antioch police officer found guilty, taken to jail Former Antioch police officer found guilty, taken to jail Source: KTVU FOX 2 https://share.newsbreak.com/c6crg9ig?s=i0 From:Aram James To:Veenker, Vicki; city.council@menlopark.gov; Binder, Andrew Cc:Reckdahl, Keith; Ed Lauing; Gardener, Liz; Lu, George; Jessica Speiser, Educational Leader for California Democratic Delegate, Assembly District 23; Josh Becker; assemblymember.berman@assembly.ca.gov; Zelkha, Mila; Don Austin; Yolanda Conaway; board@pausd.org; board@valleywater.org; BoardOperations; boardfeedback@smcgov.org; Jay Boyarsky; Jeff Rosen; Council, City; citycouncil@mountainview.gov; Emily Mibach; EPA Today Subject:What can all this carnage in Gaza achieve? Date:Thursday, March 20, 2025 6:58:00 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. What can all this carnage in Gaza achieve? What can all this carnage in Gaza achieve? https://edition.pagesuite.com/popovers/dynamic_article_popover.aspx?guid=4512986b-8b97-4cdf-9797-3777c42a9b72&appcodegrp=SAN252&eguid=ebb40cdf-a333-49d3-a0a9-a233d136e416&pnum=26# For more great content like this subscribe to the The Mercury News e-edition app here: From:Aram James To:Council, City; Binder, Andrew; Reifschneider, James; Sean Allen; Pat M; Supervisor Susan Ellenberg; EPA Today;Jeff Rosen; Perron, Zachary; dennis burns; Enberg, Nicholas Subject:https://url.usb.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/BCcACqAEjxc83PwwUZfEUEBh0f?domain=morganhilltimes.com Date:Thursday, March 20, 2025 2:02:42 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. https://morganhilltimes.com/letter-south-county-clergy-protest-hate-crimes/? From:Aram James To:Reckdahl, Keith; city.council@menlopark.gov; Council, City; citycouncil@mountainview.gov; Binder, Andrew;Reifschneider, James; Barberini, Christopher; Lu, George; Perron, Zachary; dennis burns; DuJuan Green Cc:Veenker, Vicki; Gardener, Liz; h.etzko@gmail.com; Templeton, Cari; Anna Griffin; Cribbs, Anne; josh@joshsalcman.com; board@pausd.org; Jay Boyarsky; Gennady Sheyner; Gerry Gras; Dana St. George; Nicole Chiu-Wang; Sean Allen; Jessica Speiser, Educational Leader for California Democratic Delegate, Assembly District 23; assemblymember.berman@assembly.ca.gov; Josh Becker Subject:Germany Tried to Silence Me, a UN Official, for Talking About Israel’s Genocidal War in Gaza Date:Thursday, March 20, 2025 12:08:44 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 Germany Tried to Silence Me, a UNOfficial, for Talking About Israel’sGenocidal War in Gaza Francesca Albanese on her five-day trip that exposed Germany's harshdeviation from democratic values and shrinking landscape for freedomof expression. FRANCESCA ALBANESE MAR 19 ∙PREVIEW ∙GUEST POST READ IN APP Albanese at an event that was forced to relocate after first being canceled in Berlin on Feb. 19, 2025. Photo by Bernd von Jutrczenka/picture alliance via Getty Images I was in Germany for only a few days last month, and as I told one event I spoke at, I had never felt such a sense of lacking oxygen as I did there. I was in the country to give a number of lectures and participate in several debates in my official capacity as the UN special rapporteur for human rights in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. While I was aware of the challenges of discussing Palestine/Israel in Germany, I was expecting it to be not unlike my last visit in May 2024, when I – then the main UN voice denouncing Israel’s genocide in Gaza – met with dozens of think tanks and civil society representatives eager to discuss my work. But instead, my five-day visit descended into a chaotic trip full of harassment, cancellations, attacks on organizers, changing venues, and even threats of arrest over my comments. While my work has remained largely unchanged, in less than a year, the space for debate in Germany had dramatically diminished. What I witnessed was a harsh deviation from democratic values and a troubling shrinking landscape for freedom of expression and other fundamental rights. Upgrade to paid Germany’s Tightening Grip As soon as I arrived on Feb. 15, it was clear that pro-Israel groups, Israeli and German officials, and even some media outlets didn’t want me there. They applied relentless pressure on the academics, organizations, and groups hosting my lectures and debates to cancel them. The first to yield, sadly, were the once- thought bastions of academic freedom, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (Munich) and Freie Universität Berlin (Free University of Berlin). Both canceled my scheduled lectures, inferring or citing “security concerns,” which sounded preposterous in a country that had just secured the smooth arrival, stay, and departure of global heads of state for the Munich Security Conference. In Berlin, I was scheduled to speak with professor Eyal Weizman, founder and director of the organization Forensic Architecture. Given our respective work on Israel’s latest assault on Gaza, Eyal and I planned to shed light on the “conditions of life calculated to destroy” that Israel’s military operations and overall policies have created in Gaza, through forensic and legal lenses, respectively. The cancellation of university lectures due to political pressure paints a grim picture of the state of academic freedom, which should make any German nervous, if not worried. But it was the climate of harassment and intimidation against anyone who attempted to preserve the events that truly exposed Germany’s tightening grip on fundamental freedoms. On the morning of one such event in Berlin, the venue was vandalized, with repugnant and derogatory slogans plastered across its walls. Against such a backdrop, police intimidation became a persistent motif. During events that went ahead – such as those courageously rescheduled at the headquarters of the Junge Welt newspaper and the bUm cultural and event center – riot police maintained a heavy presence; at Berlin University, police officers stormed the premises where students had gathered to watch on screen the long-anticipated conference featuring Eyal and me. Eyal Weizman and Francesca Albanese speak at the relocated event titled, "Conditions of a life to be destroyed,” at the bUm center in Berlin on Feb. 19, 2025. Photo by Bernd von Jutrczenka/picture alliance via Getty Images Ahead of my Berlin appearance at an event hosted by DiEM25 (Democracy in Europe Movement 2025), I was warned of potential arrest by authorities, on the basis of spurious allegations of incitement for language deemed "potentially criminal" under German law allegedly aiming to combat antisemitism (which in fact only shields Israel from scrutiny). This claim stemmed from my use of the phrase "From the River to the Sea" in reference to the geographic scope of the land under Israeli control, where millions of Palestinians living under Israeli apartheid – especially those living under military rule in the occupied Palestinian territory – are denied their fundamental rights and freedoms; and reference to “genocides” in a settler colonial context, including Germany’s genocide of the Herero and Nama peoples in Namibia. This language, according to some pundits and officials, “trivializes the Holocaust” and may offend, or even endanger, the State of Israel. Upgrade to paid The UN’s timely intervention, reminding German authorities of my diplomatic status and immunity, seemed to have helped avert the threat of arrest. Yet, even when the events proceeded, the heavy police presence in full tactical gear inside and around each venue created an unwarranted feeling of suffocation. This dystopian reality was epitomized by police officers at one point sending warnings to the moderator at one event, concerned over the content and terminology used by the five panelists (again, “From the River to the Sea”). The irrational fear of open dialogue, literally policed by the police, represents a terrifying descent into a newly normalized state of affairs, which has permeated many strata of German society. The tension I encountered among German activists and intellectuals was also palpable behind closed doors; gatherings took place under the Chatham House Rule (participants are allowed to use the information shared at the event but cannot publicly reveal the identities or affiliation of speakers and others in attendance), dominated by a sense of secrecy that belied the uncontroversial nature of our discussions. Culture of Dehumanization: Anti-Palestinian Racism... 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 From:pennyellson12@gmail.com To:Council, City Subject:FW: Santa Clara County Multi-City Inclusionary Zoning and Affordable Housing Study Virtual Public Meeting Date:Wednesday, March 19, 2025 4:13:07 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Why is Palo Alto not on this list? –Penny Ellson From: City of Mountain View <MountainView@public.govdelivery.com> Sent: Wednesday, March 19, 2025 4:06 PM To: pellson@pacbell.net Subject: Santa Clara County Multi-City Inclusionary Zoning and Affordable Housing Study Virtual Public Meeting Announcement Santa Clara County Multi-City Inclusionary Zoning and Affordable Housing Study Virtual Public Meeting Monday, March 24, from 6 p.m. - 7 p.m. Community Planning Collaborative and Strategic Economics will host a public virtual meeting to share information about the purpose and goals of the Santa Clara County Multi-Jurisdiction Affordable Housing Study. The participating jurisdictions include the cities and towns of: Gilroy Los Altos Hills Los Gatos Mountain View Santa Clara Sunnyvale The meeting is scheduled for Monday, March 24, from 6 p.m. - 7 p.m. Please use this Zoom link to join us. Background Six jurisdictions in Santa Clara County are collaborating on an initiative to explore updates to and/or enact new affordable housing policies to be applied to new development projects. These policy studies include some combination of residential affordable housing impact fees, inclusionary requirements and in-lieu fees, and commercial linkage fees. If implemented, the policies or policy updates will be applied to proposals for new residential and/or commercial development. The requirements will not affect existing developments. Different jurisdictions have opted into different components of the study. Some of these jurisdictions currently have affordable housing ordinances in place, and some are exploring them for the first time. Strategic Economics is performing a set of economic analyses to support this effort and will be recommending updates to policies for the various communities later this year. Community Planning Collaborative is facilitating coordination between the cities and Strategic Economics. Meeting Agenda At the meeting, Strategic Economics will introduce these studies and explain how they will be used to inform policies that help produce more affordable housing in the six jurisdictions. The policies under study include: A residential affordable housing impact fee that may be charged on new residential development to help fund affordable housing An inclusionary affordable housing policy that may require certain residential developments to offer a percentage of the new housing units at a price that is affordable to households at specific income levels. These developments also generally have the option to pay a fee in lieu of the requirement. A commercial linkage fee that may be charged on new commercial development (office, life science and R&D, hotel, industrial, and/or retail) to help fund affordable housing. Mountain View currently has an inclusionary affordable housing ordinance for new residential construction, and a commercial linkage fee for new commercial development. The City intends to use this multi-jurisdictional affordable housing This email was sent to pellson@pacbell.net using govDelivery Communications Cloud on behalf of: City ofMountain View · 500 Castro St. Mountain View, CA 94041 program study to assess its commercial linkage fees. The meeting will provide an opportunity for members of the public to ask questions. Meeting participants will also be invited to provide feedback on these policies via a follow-up online survey. Thank you and we hope that you can participate. Please send any questions or comments to stakeholderfeedback@strategiceconomics.com. ### SUBSCRIBER SERVICESManage Subscriptions | Unsubscribe All | Help Virus-free.www.avg.com From:Cathi Lerch To:Bill McLane Cc:Lester Wong; Marguerite Poyatos; Maor Greenberg; Dave Stellman; Patrick Kelly; Gaines, Chantal; osbaldo@or-builders.com; Manu Kumar; Becchetti, Benjamin;Dave Stellman; 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; CityAttorney; Lauing, Ed; Lydia Kou; Veenker, Vicki; Council, City; Burt, Patrick; Stone, Greer; Lythcott-Haims, Julie Subject:Re: Industrial/Transport/Commercial Safety Date:Wednesday, March 19, 2025 2:19:22 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 attachments andclicking on links. I wanted to let you know that the new resident has been seen wandering around the neighborhood. I initiallyencountered her on Saturday at 998 San Antonio, where she was asking for money. Then, on Tuesday, she wasgoing through our dumpster at 923 Industrial. She just walked by our front, ranting. Cathi On Wed, Mar 19, 2025 at 12:44 PM Bill McLane <bill@paloaltoglass.com> wrote: Is the plan for Palo Alto to follow in San Francisco's footsteps? What's next, open-air drug markets for Palo Alto. This person moved to our street just a few days ago, and we have had to call the police every day due to her behavior and out of concern for her well-being. Bill McLane ---------------------------------Palo Alto Glass, Inc. 4085 Transport Street Palo Alto, CA 94303 650-494-7000 Office www.paloaltoglass.com On Thu, Mar 13, 2025 at 12:43 PM Lester Wong <LWong@wongelectric.com> wrote: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: 650.492.9003 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 concernsA 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 factual challenges 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 ofunregistered vehicles. If these RVs are being moved every 72 hours as claimed, 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 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 they are 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 clear violation 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 for long 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 unregistered vehicles. • 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 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 witha 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. <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 notsomeone'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 thatwas 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 PoyatosPalo 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 StreetPalo Alto CA 94303(650) 494-7000(650) 494-7087 (FAX) From:Walter Murray To:Council, City Subject:Rational decision Date:Wednesday, March 19, 2025 1:06:24 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Dear City Council: Five years ago we had six functioning fire stations and a decision was made 5 years ago to de- fund the #5 stationed near Michell Park. There is now a rational arguments being made to reverse that decision. I am addressing the original case for choosing the Mitchell (Station 4) as the station to eliminate. Even a casual glance at a map suggests it is not the obvious choice. Without going into detail, it looks like Station 2 is the optimum choice and Station 4 would not even be the choice if two stations needed to be eliminated. To my mind that would be Station 1. Compare someone living in the triangle formed by the Station 1, 6, and 3, to someone living in the region bounded by Alma and Oregon. If the City had only three it would be 2, 3 and 4. I would be interested in why Station 4 was chosen to be eliminated. Walter Murray ------------------------- From:Bill McLane To:Lester Wong Cc:Marguerite Poyatos; Maor Greenberg; Dave Stellman; Patrick Kelly; Gaines, Chantal; osbaldo@or-builders.com; Manu Kumar; Becchetti, Benjamin; CathiLerch; Dave Stellman; 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; CityAttorney; Lauing, Ed; Lydia Kou; Veenker, Vicki; Council, City; Burt, Patrick; Stone, Greer; Lythcott-Haims, Julie Subject:Re: Industrial/Transport/Commercial Safety Date:Wednesday, March 19, 2025 12:45:06 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.pngFront Door 3-19-2025, 11.56.47am PDT - 3-19-2025, 11.57.36am PDT.mp4 CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments andclicking on links. Is the plan for Palo Alto to follow in San Francisco's footsteps? What's next, open-air drug markets for Palo Alto. This person moved to our street just a few days ago, and we have had to call the police every day due to her behavior and out of concern for her well-being. Bill McLane --------------------------------- Palo Alto Glass, Inc. 4085 Transport Street Palo Alto, CA 94303 650-494-7000 Office www.paloaltoglass.com On Thu, Mar 13, 2025 at 12:43 PM Lester Wong <LWong@wongelectric.com> wrote: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 and was 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 ongoing violations 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 illegally parked, unsafe, and hazardous RVs to persist is unacceptable and directlyviolates state and local regulations. Below are specific legal and factual challenges 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 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 as claimed, and they lack proper registration, their operation is illegal understate 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 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 undermines the 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 theenvironment. 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 for 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 for long 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 thefollowing 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 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 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 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 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. <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 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 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 PoyatosPalo Alto Glass, Inc. 4085 Transport Street Palo 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:atkinsonkim@pacbell.net To:Council, City Subject:The city is permitting freeway speeds on its streets Date:Wednesday, March 19, 2025 11:42:43 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. ! To the Palo Alto City Council, Why are you permitting drivers to speed on our streets with no consequences ? Why are speeders not ticketed anymore, who endanger pedestrians and our children? The less cars are ticketed, the more they speed, because they know they can get away with it. Our streets are beginning to feel (and sound) like freeways. With all the national chaos taking place due to administrative mismanagement, this shouldn’t be happening in our own town, too. Kim Atkinson Palo Alto homeowner of 30 years, and also grew up here This message could be suspicious The sender's email address couldn't be verified. This is their first email to you. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast From:Pradeep Solanki To:Council, City Subject:Please implement Quiet Zone for all Palo Alto railway crossing Date:Wednesday, March 19, 2025 11:20:27 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Hi Palo Alto City Council, Please implement the Quiet Zone for all Palo Alto railway crossings. Thanks! PradeepCharleston Meadows From:Aram James To:Ed Lauing Cc:Council, City; Josh Becker; Jessica Speiser, Educational Leader for California Democratic Delegate, Assembly District 23; assemblymember.berman@assembly.ca.gov; Supervisor Susan Ellenberg; Zelkha, Mila; Reckdahl, Keith; Jeff Rosen; Doug Minkler; Friends of Cubberley; Lotus Fong; Pat M; sharon jackson; Gennady Sheyner; Palo Alto Free Press; Veenker, Vicki; Figueroa, Eric; Jay Boyarsky; board@pausd.org; planning.commission@cityofpaloalto.0rg; Dave Price; Kaloma Smith; dennis burns; DuJuan Green; Tom DuBois; EPA Today; Diana Diamond; editor@paweekly.com; Sean Allen; Bains, Paul; Burt, Patrick; Nicole Chiu-Wang; board@valleywater.org; BoardOperations; boardfeedback@smcgov.org; citycouncil@mountainview.gov; city.council@menlopark.gov; GRP-City Council; Perron, Zachary; Binder, Andrew; Reifschneider, James; Tim James; Damon Silver; Rodriguez, Miguel; WILPF Peninsula Palo Alto; Donna Wallach; Wagner, April; h.etzko@gmail.com; Anna Griffin; Cribbs, Anne; Angel, David; Don Austin; Yolanda Conaway; Steve Wagstaffe; Foley, Michael; Patricia.Guerrero@jud.ca.gov; Sheree Roth; Lori Meyers; Mickie Winkler; Roberta Ahlquist; Rowena Chiu; Nicole Chiu-Wang; Enberg, Nicholas; Jensen, Eric; <michael.gennaco@oirgroup.com>; Emily Mibach; Daniel Kottke; Gardener, Liz; Liz Kniss; Gerry Gras; Dana St. George; Rose Lynn; Baker, Rob; Bill Newell; ladoris cordell Subject:Israel has shattered the ceasefire. Here are actions to take. Date:Wednesday, March 19, 2025 11:02:57 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Read and share the full Wire on our website. Israel has shattered the ceasefire. Israel launched dozens of airstrikes on Tuesday, killing over 400 Palestinians — half whom were women and children. In doing so, they shattered the tenuous ceasefire in Gaza, one they have routinely broken since signing on January 18. For the last two weeks, Israel has completely blockaded Gaza, using starvation as a weapon of war as it continued to kill Palestinians with impunity. And now, with the Trump administration’s greenlight, Israel has resumed its genocidal assault on Gaza. Meanwhile, the Trump administration is waging an all-out war against our communities and our movements for justice. These attacks have left many of us feeling demoralized and overwhelmed. That is intentional: Fascists thrive when we are isolated, too terrified or hopeless to resist... 6 minute read Here's a list of actions you can take: 1. Take action: Tell Congress to block $12 billion in weapons to Israel. Progressives in Congress have introduced legislation to block Trump's $12 billion weapons giveaway to the Israeli military as it continues to carry out war crimes against Palestinians. Use this tool provided by our sister organization JVP Action to email your members of Congress now. Email Congress 2. Take action: Tell Congress to demand Mahmoud's release. We must continue building pressure to ensure Mahmoud is released from ICE custody. Use the action tools provided by our sister organization JVP Action to call and email your members of Congress now. Call Congress Email Congress 3. Take action: Demand the U.S. media stop taking it's cues fromIsraeli propaganda. Demand U.S. media stop manufacturing consent for Israel's genocide. Use our click-to-tweet tool to send a message right now to the Associated Press, CNN, Reuters, the New York Times, Axios, and MSNBC. Tweet at the media 4. Take action: Donate to support Palestinians on the ground. After a two week siege on all aid and fuel, and 16 months of genocide, two million people are being starved. Donate now to organizations working on the ground in Gaza to provide aid. Donate 5. Take action: Boycott, Divest, Sanctions. JVP runs campaigns in over a dozen cities to demand divestment from Israel bonds, expose corporations profiting off the genocide, and end tax breaks for Israeli war crimes. If you are active in a JVP chapter: 1. Escalate (or launch) a campaign to divest your city, state, campus or institution from the Israeli government’s occupation and genocide. 2. Join the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement against Israel and genocide profiteering — including starting a boycott of Chevron. Break the Bonds Boycott Chevron What we've won: No pride in genocide. Read more What we're reading: 'I am a political prisoner' This week, student activist Mahmoud Khalil broke his silence, dictating a letter from the ICE detention facility in Louisiana where he is being held. "Who has the right to have rights? It is certainly not the humans crowded into the cells here. It isn’t the Senegalese man I met who has been deprived of his liberty for a year, his legal situation in limbo and his family an ocean away. It isn’t the 21- year-old detainee I met, who stepped foot in this country at age nine, only to be deported without so much as a hearing." Read Mahmoud's letter Find the Wire useful? Support this work with a contribution today. Jewish Voice for Peace P.O. Box 589Berkeley, CA 94701United States If now isn't the right time, that's okay. Feel free to unsubscribe. Use our self-service portal to to view and update your contact information, subscription preferences,contributions, and membership status. From:Kenneth Fehl To:Council, City Subject:Fire Station 4 Date:Wednesday, March 19, 2025 8:48:58 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Good morning, The citizens of Palo Alto approved funding for the creation of a modern fire station at Middlefield and East Meadow. This project is moving forward. We voted for this project with the understanding that the fire station would be functional. It now appears that the City Council wants to defy the will of the Palo Alto citizenry by defunding the staffing of that very same fire station. At the same time that you want to make South Palo Alto less safe, you are encouraging higher density housing – and a greater population – in the same area. South Palo Alto always seems to be the least favored child of this city: you are willing to compromise our safety and increase our local population, ahead of other areas of the city. For example, 40 years ago, Palo Altans approved installing electric wires underground to improve fire safety. This project began in North Palo Alto, but then stopped in our area “for lack of funding.” There should not be a divide between our various neighborhoods when it comes to allocating funds and making policy. If funding remains an unsolved issue, then why not rotate the fire engines and supporting staff from among the various city fire stations and thereby spread the risk of a fire catastrophe to all of the neighborhoods, not just ours. Sincerely, /s/ Kenneth P. Fehl Kenneth P. Fehl, Esq. Law Office of Kenneth P. Fehl 736 East Meadow Drive Palo Alto, California 94303-4444 Telephone: 650-856-3440 Facsimile: 650-856-0413 CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This email message is for the sole use of the intended recipient's) and may contain confidential and privileged information. Any unauthorized review, use, disclosure or distribution is prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the sender by reply email and destroy all copies of the original message. IRS Circular 230 Notice: To ensure compliance with requirements imposed by the IRS, we inform you that any U.S. tax advice contained in this communication (including any attachments) is not intended to be used, and cannot be used, for the purpose of (i) avoiding penalties under the Internal Revenue Code, or (ii) promoting, marketing, or recommending to another party any matters addressed by this communication. From:Aram James To:Veenker, Vicki Cc:Sean Allen; Pat M; sharon jackson; board@pausd.org; Jeff Conrad; Jeff Rosen; Jay Boyarsky; Jessica Speiser, Educational Leader for California Democratic Delegate, Assembly District 23; Kaloma Smith; Tim James; Cait James; Gennady Sheyner; Marina Lopez; Tim James; Josie James-Le; Josh Becker; h.etzko@gmail.com; Lori Meyers; Sheree Roth; Lotus Fong; Yolanda Conaway; Don Austin; Donna Wallach; Binder, Andrew; Reifschneider, James; Wagner, April; Barberini, Christopher; Nicole Chiu-Wang; board@valleywater.org; John Burt; Zelkha, Mila; Emily Mibach; Foley, Michael; Dave Price; EPA Today; Diana Diamond; jgreen@dailynewsgroup.com; ladoris cordell; Bill Newell; Anna Griffin; kamhialison@gmail.com; BoardOperations; Baker, Rob; Rodriguez, Miguel; Damon Silver; Vara Ramakrishnan; Angel, David; Doug Minkler; planning.commission@cityofpaloalto.0rg; Holman, Karen (external); Tom DuBois; Figueroa, Eric; Jensen, Eric; Perron, Zachary; Bains, Paul; Burt, Patrick; Palo Alto Free Press; WILPF Peninsula Palo Alto; Friends of Cubberley; frances.Rothschild@jud.ca.gov; Freddie.Quintana@sen.ca.gov; Salem Ajluni; Jax Ajluni; Gardener, Liz; Gerry Gras; Council, City; citycouncil@mountainview.gov; GRP-City Council; city.council@menlopark.gov; dennis burns; DuJuan Green; Liz Kniss; Patrice Ventresca; Patricia.Guerrero@jud.ca.gov Subject:Khalil said in a declaration filed in Manhattan federal court that while he was held overnight at a detention centerin New Jersey, “I did not hear anyone menti… Date:Wednesday, March 19, 2025 6:53:18 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Columbia University student says his detention is indicative of anti- Palestinian racism in US Khalil said in a declaration filed in Manhattan federal court that while he was held overnight ata detention center in New Jersey, “I did not hear anyone menti… Source: AP Newshttps://search.app/mHtrTgcznLFPadWb6 Shared via the Google app From:Loran Harding To:Loran Harding; antonia.tinoco@hsr.ca.gov; alumnipresident@stanford.edu; David Balakian; beachrides;bearwithme1016@att.net; boardmembers; Leodies Buchanan; bballpod; fred beyerlein; Becky Vagim;carloslawnservice14@gmail.com; Council, City; Cathy Lewis; 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; SallyThiessen; kfsndesk; karkazianjewelers@gmail.com; Mark Standriff; margaret-sasaki@live.com; Mayor;MY77FJ@gmail.com; maverickbruno@sbcglobal.net; merazroofinginc@att.net; newsdesk; news@fresnobee.com;nick yovino; russ@topperjewelers.com; Steve Wayte; vallesR1969@att.net; yicui@stanford.edu Subject:Fwd: Article re Nvidia GTC 2025 Date:Wednesday, March 19, 2025 12:51:45 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. ---------- Forwarded message --------- From: Loran Harding <loran.harding@stanfordalumni.org>Date: Wed, Mar 19, 2025 at 12:37 AM Subject: Fwd: Article re Nvidia GTC 2025To: Loran Harding <loran.harding@stanfordalumni.org> Tuesday, March 18, 2025 To all- Yet another rotten day on the stock market. DJ down 0.62% and Nasdaq down1.71%. My stocks down 3.43%. This article is especially relevant since NVDA seems headed for the same disaster that has befallen INTC. NVDA down another 3.43% today, March 18, 2025. Thats nothing. TSLA fellanother 5.34% today. I'll own both down to BK. It is always interesting to view the entire 3 hour Nvidia GTC when it is available on Youtube. It is always a blizzard of acronyms sincethe physical audience, at least. are mostly developers. Here it is: GTC March, 2025: 2:33:45 Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang delivers keynote speech at 2025 GTC Article: Nvidia GTC 2025: Rubin, reasoning, robotics and more (NVDA:NASDAQ) | Seeking Alpha I just read this article, and, for sure, do not understand virtually any of it. Blizzard ofacronyms. BUT, I renew my pledge to ride NVDA all the way down to BK. I almost hope it does go BK because it would be such a stunner. It would reveal a bigger scam than Enron andBernie Madoff put together. Jensen would spend the rest of his life behind bars, probably at a minimum security facility like Lompoc. All of those developers completely taken in, as wouldhave been all of those companies and enterprises that buy and use Nvidia products. L. William Harding Fresno, Ca. From:Aram James To:Veenker, Vicki Cc:Josh Becker; assemblymember.berman@assembly.ca.gov; Jessica Speiser, Educational Leader for California Democratic Delegate, Assembly District 23; Jay Boyarsky; Jeff Rosen; board@pausd.org; board@valleywater.org; BoardOperations; Supervisor Susan Ellenberg; Supervisor Otto Lee; Gennady Sheyner; Dave Price; Emily Mibach; Sarah Wright; EPA Today; jgreen@dailynewsgroup.com; Diana Diamond; Council, City; Binder, Andrew; Reifschneider, James; Nicole Chiu-Wang; chuck jagoda; Barberini, Christopher; Rowena Chiu; Vara Ramakrishnan; Baker, Rob; Bill Newell; Lotus Fong; Friends of Cubberley; Palo Alto Free Press; WILPF Peninsula Palo Alto; cromero@cityofepa.org; Yolanda Conaway; Don Austin; Doria Summa; planning.commission@cityofpaloalto.0rg; ParkRec Commission; Braden Cartwright Subject:Speak up even if there are pressures from the pro Israel lobby or the state of Israel to not offend Zionistsensibilities. Do NOT under any circumstances diminish our First Amendment rights Date:Wednesday, March 19, 2025 12:49:02 AM Attachments:73D7509A-7451-43A1-B32A-7480CBA2C64C.png CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. From:Peter Giles To:Lauing, Ed Cc:Council, City Subject:Fire safety Date:Tuesday, March 18, 2025 10:19:54 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. Dear Mister Mayor and honorable City Council members, I am a 45 year resident of South Palo Alto, living on E. Meadow near Ross. I raised my family here, and now mygrandchildren are growing up in Palo Alto. In the mid-1980’s we were away. An oil fire occurred on our kitchenrange while one of our teenage children was cooking in our kitchen. There were 5 other children at home. Thefiremen from Station 4 were here almost instantly and suppressed the fire, preventing what could have been adisaster if the response time had depended on either the Barron Park or Embarcadero Fire Stations. In our home,fire and smoke damage occurred but far short of what could have been if the response had been slower. Thefirefighters comforted our children and we arranged for them to stay with neighbors until we could return. My wife, children and I have always had a special place in our family circle heart for the firefighters of Station 4,their amazing equipment, and their lightning response times. I urge you ro restore the fire response capacity in South Palo Alto to what it was when our crises occurred in the1980’s, and to what our firefighters are telling us is needed to keep us safe: one ambulance and one firetruck, witha total of 10 firefighters, with 3 dedicated 24/7 to staffing the fire truck. I understand that financial pressures requirecareful choices between priorities. I cannot think of a higher priority than preserving the lives, health, and propertyof Palo Alto residents. Thank you all for your service to our city, Peter B. Giles786 E. Meadow DrPalo Alto CA 94303 From:Bill Kelly To:Lauing, Ed; Council, City Cc:lisa kelly Subject:Deaths of our children and the trauma of indecision Date:Tuesday, March 18, 2025 5:24:16 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Dear Mayor and city council, As described in the sf chronicle: Kids are dying on Palo Alto train tracks. The city might have 35% of a new design by 2027 sfchronicle.com In 2009, my daughter’s good friend Sonya Raymakers died as a suicide from Caltrain 2 weeksbefore graduation from Gunn. That was 16 years ago and literally NOTHING HAS BEENDONE! The trauma that this incident caused among Sonya’s friends at Gunn was palpableand long lasting. This dithering must stop. We need a grade separation which has beenobvious of years. We as voters need to hold each of you council people accountable for yourinaction. Let’s limit the deaths and the high school trauma and get off our duffs and do something. ThePalo Alto process sucks, and is killing children and causing years of trauma in the communityof friends and loved ones of victims of suicide. Some decisions will be unpopular with somepeople so be it, please vote to get something done before another young person dies. Sincerely, Bill Kelly632 Chimalus Dr.Palo Alto CA From:Clive Hallatt To:Council, City Subject:Fire Station 4 Date:Tuesday, March 18, 2025 2:51:14 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. The first thing a city should fund is public safety. Eichlers burn in 10 to 15 minutes to the ground due to "flashover." South Palo Alto has a high concentration of Eichlers. We must fund and equip Fire Station #4 to be able to respond to medical and fire incidents concurrently. Failure to do this would not only make the city open to lawsuits for inadequate fire protection but would leave residents in peril of inadequate fire suppression. Please fund the firestation correctly so we have the same fire protection and response times as other neighborhoods in the city. Regards Clive Hallatt Cell +1 650 740 5909 From:Aram James To:Veenker, Vicki Cc:Supervisor Susan Ellenberg; Council, City; Jeff Rosen; h.etzko@gmail.com; Jay Boyarsky; board@pausd.org; Bill Newell; Bains, Paul; board@valleywater.org; BoardOperations; bos@smcgov.org; Jessica Speiser, Educational Leader for California Democratic Delegate, Assembly District 23; assemblymember.berman@assembly.ca.gov; Josh Becker Subject:We will not be silent in the face of genocide Date:Tuesday, March 18, 2025 2:31:53 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. Aram— Last night, Israel ended the ceasefire in Gaza with a massive wave of airstrikes that killed at least 400 people. The assault came after a two-week blockade of all food, water, fuel, and otherhumanitarian aid for the already starving population of Gaza. Meanwhile, Donald Trump has continued to spout genocidal fantasies about turning Gaza into a depopulated, U.S.-owned seaside resort and launched a sweeping crackdown on pro-Palestinian speech, including the attempted deportation of activist and lawful permanent resident Mahmoud Khalil. In this moment of escalating violence and repression, The Intercept is among a small and shrinking handful of news outlets covering Israel’s war on Gaza without turning a blind eye to genocide. But we must be prepared for the very real possibility that the Trump administration will target us as well, and as a reader-funded nonprofit news outlet, we need to add 4,000 new monthly donors by April 1 to stay on sound financial footing. So if you value the award-winning investigative journalism of The Intercept, please donate $7 a month to support our work. If you’ve saved your payment information with ActBlue Express, your donation will go through immediately: Donate $7 monthly → Donate other amount → From the start of Israel’s war on Gaza, most major news media outlets have routinely discounted the value of Palestinian lives while sidelining any reporter who dares to criticize Israel. The Intercept has stood nearly alone in challenging the pro-Israel groupthink that dominates the halls of power in Washington, D.C. But there’s never been a more difficult time to survive as an independent news outlet. Hardly a week goes by without some newspaper or digital outlet announcing major layoffs or going out of business entirely. The only way we’ve been able to survive is with the generous support of our readers, especially the recurring monthly donors who provide the ongoing support we need to be able to plan for the future and take on ambitious reporting projects. And to keep our nonprofit newsroom operating at full strength in this critical moment, we need to add at least 4,000 monthly donors by April 1. Will you join us? Yes, I’ll donate $7 a month to help support the nonprofit investigativejournalism of The Intercept. STAND WITH THE INTERCEPT → Thank you, The Intercept team The Intercept is a recognized 501(c)(3) charitable organization. The Intercept’s mailing address is: P.O. Box 9201 New York, NY 10008 The Intercept is an award-winning nonprofit news organization dedicated to holding the powerful accountable through fearless, adversarial journalism. Our in-depth investigations and unflinching analysis focus on surveillance, war, corruption, the environment, technology, criminal justice, the media and more. Email is an important way for us to communicate with The Intercept’s readers, but if you’d like to stop hearing from us, click here to unsubscribe from all communications. Protecting freedom of the press has never been more important. Contribute now to support our independent journalism. From:Deborah Goldeen To:O"Kane, Kristen Cc:City Mgr; Council, City Subject:Re: Returned mail: see transcript for details Date:Tuesday, March 18, 2025 2:28:52 PM Attachments:City of Palo Alto Co-Sponsorship Policy Final.pdfCity of Palo Alto Co-Sponsorship Application Final.pdf CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. If I read the application correctly, any neighborhood association “recognized by the city” can book city facilities at no cost. There are two problems here. 1) I need a meeting space to use to organize and establish a neighborhood association, but Ican’t use one until after the organization has been established? That’s a catch 22. 2) The city has no rules to qualify or disqualify neighborhood associations and no oversight of these organizations. How us “recongized by the city” determined? On Mar 17, 2025, at 5:52 PM, O'Kane, Kristen<Kristen.O'Kane@CityofPaloAlto.org> wrote: Ms. Goldeen, There is an existing policy that allows for Neighborhood Association’s to utilize city facilities for free. The policy is attached. Once you have established the Neighborhood Association, you can complete the attached application and return it to me. Thanks, Kristen From: Deborah Goldeen <deborah.goldeen@sonic.net> Sent: Monday, March 17, 2025 5:09 PM To: O'Kane, Kristen <Kristen.O'Kane@CityofPaloAlto.org> Subject: Fwd: Returned mail: see transcript for details CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Becautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. From: Deborah Goldeen <deborah.goldeen@sonic.net>Subject: Facility RentalsDate: March 17, 2025 at 4:12:42 PM PDTTo: kristin.okane@cityofpaloalto.orgCc: "Council, City" <city.council@cityofpaloalto.org>, City Mgr <citymgr@cityofpaloalto.org> Ms. Okane - As you know, city facilities are not evenly distributed across the city. I have been recruited to help build up and activate a neighborhood association for a neighborhood - the sixteen blocks that once upon a time constituted the city of Mayfield and is now almost all rental units - that is posssibly the most under represented neigbhorhood in the city. No branch library, no school grounds, you have to cross several major arterials to get to a community center and only one tiny park that is too small to accommodate any play equipment. Unlike my neighborhood (Evergreen Park), in old Mayfield, there are no large, single family residential properties that can accomodate, indoors or out, a neighborhood meeting of thirty to forty people. Even if the public meeting rooms at Rinconada and Mitchell Park libraries were viable options, the largest number of people allowed is twelve. The only marginally OK meeting room option is the Peers Park field house. Unforunately, as policy is set now, the field house is only available for rental if you pay for it. Knowing that the city has repeatedly stated their coimmitment to equity, I feel confident this inequity will be addressed in a timely manner. In a perfect world, City of Palo Alto would have districts for it’s council seats and there wouldn’t be such a pressing need for equitable community representation. But to get there, the community needs to be organized first. For that, the neighborhood needs a meeting room. Thanks for your attention to this matter. Deborah Goldeen, Birch St., 94306 Page 1 of 4 City Council Approved August 22, 2016 Co-Sponsorship Policy The City of Palo Alto offers limited use of certain resources to organizations that apply for and meet the guidelines for co-sponsorship. The City has established a process and criteria to determine co-sponsorship eligibility and defines requirements, terms, and levels of support. The purpose of the policy and application is to invite community groups providing compatible services, activities, or programs to submit a request for co-sponsorship status. Groups requesting City support must relate their services to the co-sponsorship policy and meet criteria listed under section one below. 1. Eligibility: Organizations, other than neighborhood associations as recognized by the City, applying for co-sponsorship status must meet the following eligibility criteria: A. The organization has state or federal 501(c)(3) certification as a non-profit or is a subgroup of a state or national non-profit organization providing services in Palo Alto. B. Support organizations that are not certified as 501(c)(3) nonprofit groups may also apply, such as other 501 nonprofit groups.. C. The organization’s goals must be aligned with and further the mission of the City of Palo Alto. D. The organization must provide a service or program that is compatible with those provided by the City of Palo Alto. E. New applications for co-sponsorship are accepted throughout the year. Applications are available at the Lucie Stern Community Center, Library or by calling (650) 463- 4900, or by accessing the application on the City of Palo Alto website. F. Organizations must reapply annually for co-sponsorship. Renewal of an existing co- sponsorship for two additional years may be requested and will be reviewed and approved at the discretion of the Department Director responsible for the oversight of the City resource being used. 2. Requirements and Terms: Co-sponsored organizations must also meet the following requirements and adhere to the following terms: A. The organization must provide applicable information documenting adherence to requirements when applying for co-sponsorship status. B. All co-sponsored programs or events must be open to the public and provide services on a non-discriminatory basis. C. The majority of funds raised at a co-sponsored charitable or fundraising event must be used to support specific programs, services and events for residents of Palo Alto. D. The co-sponsored organization, except for neighborhood associations, must provide all insurance coverage required by the City. Page 2 of 4 City Council Approved August 22, 2016 E. Programs and activities of co-sponsored organizations are superseded by those of the City or by previously contracted use of space. F. The co-sponsored organization must pay for required staffing, equipment, permit fees, and any other charges from City departments. G. The co-sponsored organization must request facility usage through their designated City staff liaison, regardless of meeting/event location, at least one month ahead of meeting/event date(s). The staff liaison is assigned at the time of application approval, and contact information will be provided to the co-sponsored group. H. Co-sponsorship status does not apply to all events. Groups must request event co- sponsorship individually per event/meeting (or per series of events/meetings) through the designated City staff liaison. I. The City of Palo Alto must be listed on all related publicity with the phrase, “In cooperation with the City of Palo Alto.” 3. Levels of co-sponsorship and benefits: Depending on the characteristics of the group, co- sponsorship benefits are provided at an "A" level or a "B" level. Criteria and benefits for each level are outlined in the following tables. Eligibility Criteria- Level "A" vs. Level "B" Residency Other “A” Level 75% or more of members and participants are residents or enrolled in PAUSD schools. Exceptions to the above criteria may be made for groups providing a function benefiting Palo Alto as a whole. Department Directors responsible for the oversight of the City resource being used will be responsible for any exceptions. Human Services agencies that are currently receiving City funding. “B” Level 50% or more of members and participants are residents or enrolled in PAUSD schools. Human Services agencies that are currently receiving City funding. Page 3 of 4 City Council Approved August 22, 2016 Co-Sponsorship Benefits- Level "A" vs. Level "B" Facility Publicity "A" Level Use of designated City facilities may be provided subject to availability and limited to 40 hours annually at no facility cost. Non-profit rates will be charged after allotted hours have been used. For neighborhood associations the facility use and total usage hours will be at the discretion of City staff with no facility rental costs. Organization may request name and contact to be listed in select relevant Department publications, depending on availability of space. Assistance with publicity may be requested. "B" Level Use of designated City facilities may be provided subject to availability and limited to 12 hours at no facility cost. Reduced rates will be charged after allotted hours have been used. Organization may request name and contact to be listed in select Department publications, depending on availability of space. 4. Review and Approval Process: City Co-Sponsorship applications will be reviewed by Department Director responsible for the oversight of the City resource. 5. City Staff liaisons will: A. Be the direct contact to the co-sponsored organization. B. Field all facility use requests. C. Determine if co-sponsorship is appropriate on a per event basis. D. Select an appropriate approved and available facility. E. Advise organizations of facility usage application requirements and provide a facility contact for organizations to submit facility use applications. F. Approve all publicity materials. G. Track usage hours. To assure that all applications for Co-Sponsorship status receive proper consideration and to ensure that the City is provided with the information needed to make informed decisions, all applications will be subject to the following evaluation process: A. Each application will be reviewed by Department Director responsible for the oversight of the City resource being used in light of the above outlined criteria and requirements. Page 4 of 4 City Council Approved August 22, 2016 A determination will be made as to whether the applicant meets standards for co- sponsorship status and what benefit level is applicable. B. Applicants will be notified of their approval status within one month of submitting a completed application. Organizations approved for co-sponsorship status will receive information regarding the benefits to be made available and be introduced to their City staff liaison. C. Appeal process: If the Co-Sponsorship is not approved a written appeal may be directed to the City Manager or his/her designee outlining the reasons why co-sponsorship status should be approved. D. Co-sponsorship status approval is for up to one year and organizations may apply for renewal annually. The renewal requirement may be extended up to 2 years at the discretion Department Director responsible for the oversight of the City resource. Co-Sponsorship Application Page 1 of 4 City Council Approved August 22, 2016 Purpose: The City of Palo Alto offers limited use of certain resources to organizations that apply for and meet the guidelines for co-sponsorship. The City has established a process and criteria to determine co-sponsorship eligibility and defines requirements, terms, and levels of support. The purpose of the policy and application is to invite community groups providing compatible services, activities, or programs to submit a request for co-sponsorship status. Groups requesting City support must relate their services to the co-sponsorship policy and meet the criteria listed under Section 1 in the co-sponsorship policy document. Instructions and application process: 1. Read the City of Palo Alto co-sponsorship policy. 2. Obtain the application from the Lucie Stern Community Center, Library, or online at www.cityofpaloalto.org 3. Gather required documents: a. Current membership roster with residence status b. Current board members with board role and contact information c. Certificate of liability insurance coverage (or intent to purchase City liability insurance) d. State or federal certification of nonprofit status and type of nonprofit 4. Questions regarding the application and process may be addressed by calling the Lucie Stern Community Center at (650) 463-4900 or Library at (650) 329-2436. 5. Make a copy of the application and supporting documents for the organization’s records. 6. Return complete application and required documents to the City Department responsible for oversight of the City resource being requested and a staff liaison will be identified and serve as your point of contact. 7. Notice of approval or denial of the application will be received within one (1) month from the date of submission. 8. If denied, an appeal may be made following the process noted in co-sponsorship policy document. Co-Sponsorship Application Page 2 of 4 City Council Approved August 22, 2016 Co-Sponsorship Status Requested: ____ Level "A" * ____ Level "B" * Level “A” – 75% of members are Palo Alto Residents or enrolled in PAUSD. Exceptions may be made for groups providing a function benefiting Palo Alto as a whole. The Co- Sponsorship committee determines such exceptions. Level “B” – 50% of members are Palo Alto Residents or enrolled in PAUSD * For full eligibility criteria and benefits, refer to Co-Sponsorship Policy. 1. Legal Name of Organization: 2. Contact Person: 3. Day Phone : 4. Evening Phone: 5. Email: 6. Mailing Address: 7. City, State, Zip Code: 8. Neighborhood Association: Yes ___ No ___ If yes skip to #12. 9. IRS 501(c)(3) or Franchise Tax Board Non-Profit Number: a. Date nonprofit number granted:_____________________ 10. Mission statement of the organization or group: 11. List benefits to the community beyond any direct benefits to the organization or group members and participants: Co-Sponsorship Application Page 3 of 4 City Council Approved August 22, 2016 12. Membership information: (please attach a current roster, including Palo Alto Residency status) Total # of Members ______ % of Palo Alto Residents ** ______ ** If a member is a Non-Resident enrolled in PAUSD they are considered a Resident. Age Requirements: Minimum ______ Maximum _____ Special requirements for membership: 13. Facility information: a. Facility and room requested: b. Date and time requested: c. Purpose of the event, meeting or program: 14. Insurance Proof of current general liability insurance is required for all events/meetings of co-sponsored organizations. Please attach a current certificate of insurance, such as an Accord form, naming the City of Palo Alto as "additional insured" for a minimum of $1,000,000.00 in general liability. Alternatively, the group may purchase liability insurance through the City; see assigned Staff Liaison for further information and cost. Neighborhood Associations are exempt from insurance requirements. If insurance certificate expires prior to an event, meeting, or activity, an updated current certificate must be submitted. In lieu of providing a blanket insurance certificate at time of application, groups may provide a date specific certificate no later than one week prior to event, meeting, or activity. Co-Sponsorship Application Page 4 of 4 City Council Approved August 22, 2016 15. Acknowledgement: I (we) have read and understand the requirements for co-sponsorship status as outlined in the Co-Sponsorship Policy. In compliance with the stated requirements, the group agrees to: • Provide all required documents and organizational information as required in this application. • Include the City logo and the statement "In cooperation with the City of Palo” on all related publicity materials. • Submit two draft copies of all publicity materials to City staff liaison for approval prior to publication and distribution. • Include statements regarding non-discrimination and Americans with Disabilities Act on all publications. • Pay the City for any costs incurred outside of normal co-sponsorship benefits, such as facility attendants, custodial services, and/or equipment usage in accordance established in the City’s Municipal Fee Schedule. In addition, pay facility rental fees for usage above co- sponsorship allocation. • Direct the majority of funds raised by co-sponsored events towards specific programs and events for residents of Palo Alto. • Request facility usage through designated City staff liaison, regardless of event/meeting location. • Request co-sponsorship per event through staff liaison at least one month in advance of meeting/event date(s). Signature: ___________________________ Date: ______________________ Name: Title: Group/Organization: City Approvals (please leave blank): __________________________________ _______________ Staff Liaison Date __________________________________ _______________ Department Director Date From:Kevin To:Council, City Subject:Support for Railroad Quiet Zones in Palo Alto Date:Tuesday, March 18, 2025 1:05:18 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Dear City Council, I am a Palo Alto resident and writing in support of creating Quiet Zones for rail crossings here in our city. Please make this a priority this year. Thank you! Kevin From:vaibhav jain To:Council, City Subject:Support for Establishing Railroad Quiet Zones Date:Tuesday, March 18, 2025 1:01:11 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Dear Mayor and Council Members, As a resident of Charleston Meadows, I am writing to express my strong support for the establishment of "Quiet Zones" at our local rail crossings. A Quiet Zone is a regulated area around railway crossings where train horns are not routinelysounded, except in emergencies. This maintains existing safety standards while minimizing unnecessary noise. As you work on the city’s priorities and budget, I respectfully request that you allocatefunding and provide direction to implement these zones, specifically to address nighttime noise. Quiet Zones would: Reduce Noise Pollution: Train horns at night disrupt sleep in our neighborhood, affecting families with young children, elderly residents, and those who are ill and needconsistent rest to recover. Deliver Tangible Impact: This is a relatively low-cost improvement that wouldsignificantly enhance the lives of about 20% of Palo Alto residents who are substantially impacted by train noise. For us, Quiet Zones could be among the most memorable andappreciated actions you take during this term. Thank you for your attention to this important issue. I appreciate your commitment to makingPalo Alto a better place to live. Warm regards, Vaibhav JainA Resident of Charleston Meadows, Palo Alto From:Aram James To:Veenker, Vicki Cc:Jessica Speiser, Educational Leader for California Democratic Delegate, Assembly District 23; Ed Lauing; h.etzko@gmail.com; Josh Becker; board@pausd.org; Don Austin; Yolanda Conaway; Sean Allen; Bains, Paul; Pat M; Dave Price; Gennady Sheyner; Diana Diamond; EPA Today; Emily Mibach; Zelkha, Mila; Binder, Andrew; Reifschneider, James; Barberini, Christopher; Nicole Chiu-Wang; sharon jackson; Doug Minkler; assemblymember.berman@assembly.ca.gov; planning.commission@cityofpaloalto.0rg; ParkRec Commission; Kaloma Smith; Cait James; Tim James; Marina Lopez; The Office of Mayor Matt Mahan; marsha childs; Anna Griffin; Gardener, Liz; Liz Kniss; Council, City; Salem Ajluni; Jeff Hayden; Jeff Rosen; Jeff Conrad; Jay Boyarsky; Baker, Rob; Angel, David; dennis burns; Rodriguez, Miguel; Damon Silver; Perron, Zachary; Burt, Patrick; Mickie Winkler; John Burt; Lori Meyers; Sheree Roth; Roberta Ahlquist; Rose Lynn; Supervisor Susan Ellenberg; board@valleywater.org; BoardOperations; Friends of Cubberley; Freddie.Quintana@sen.ca.gov; Patricia.Guerrero@jud.ca.gov; Roberta Roth; Robert.Jonson@shf.sccgov.org; Bill Newell; Cecilia Taylor; GRP-City Council; DuJuan Green; Gerry Gras; Dennis Upton; Enberg, Nicholas; chuck jagoda; Rowena Chiu; <michael.gennaco@oirgroup.com>; Lotus Fong; Palo Alto Free Press; Patrice Ventresca Subject:What Ceasefire? Trump Helps Netanyahu Kill Over 400 Palestinians in Gaza The Trump administration backs waragainst Palestine abroad and repression against supporters of Palestine at home. SPENCER ACKERMAN MAR 18,2025 ∙ PAID Date:Tuesday, March 18, 2025 12:39:09 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. What Ceasefire? Trump Helps Netanyahu Kill Over 400 Palestinians in Gaza The Trump administration backs war against Palestine abroad and repression against supporters of Palestine at home. SPENCER ACKERMAN MAR 18, 2025 ∙ PAID https://zeteo.com/p/what-ceasefire-trump-helps-netanyahu?publication_id=2325511&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=email- share&triggerShare=true&r=fjmzt From:Carolyn Wang To:Council, City Subject:Quiet zone Date:Tuesday, March 18, 2025 12:17:12 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. Hello - I am a Palo Alto city resident and favor establishing a quiet zone. Respectfully, please consider making this a priority this year, Thanks, Carolyn Sent from my iPhone From:Alpika Singh To:Council, City Subject:A Call for a Quiet Zone at Charleston Meadows: Improving Quality of Life for Residents Date:Tuesday, March 18, 2025 11:01:27 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. As a resident of Park Blvd, I want to highlight the significant disruption caused by frequent train horns at the Charleston Meadows intersection. With more than 50 trains passing throughdaily—both northbound and southbound—along with 2-3 freight trains, our community endures over 50 minutes of loud horn blasts each day. These persistent alarms have a seriousimpact on residents like me, diminishing our quality of life. Palo Alto, known as a hub of technological innovation, faces a stark contrast between itscutting-edge advancements and the daily noise pollution that affects many of its residents. Addressing this issue is crucial to ensuring a better living environment for current and futuregenerations. I urge you to implement a Quiet Zone at our rail crossings. This solution does not compromisesafety but instead offers a much-needed improvement in our daily lives. By reducing the frequency and duration of train horns, we can foster a more peaceful environment—allowingus to sleep better and enjoy our homes without constant disruption. On behalf of residents along Park Blvd, Alma, and surrounding areas near the CharlestonMeadows intersection, I sincerely request your support in establishing a Quiet Zone. Your leadership on this issue will have a lasting positive impact on our community, prioritizing thewell-being of those who call this area home. Key Statistics: 50+ trains operate daily (northbound and southbound)2-3 freight trains per dayOver 50 minutes of loud horn blasts dailySignificant disruption to residents' quality of life Solution: Establish a Quiet Zone at rail crossings to minimize train horn noise Enhance residents’ quality of life without compromising safety Call to Action: I urge you to take immediate steps toward implementing a Quiet Zone in our community.Together, we can create a more livable, peaceful environment and improve the quality of lifefor generations to come. Thank you and Regards, Alpika Singh From:Sven Thesen To:Council, City Subject:Palo Alto Utility At Risk - Methane Stoves, Benzene and more. Fwd: As Big Oil lawsuits trudge forward, how will industry allies respond? Date:Tuesday, March 18, 2025 10:24:37 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Gentle Members of Palo Alto city Council, Thank you all for the work you do for our fine city. As a chemical engineer with 30+ years of experience in the pulp and paper, refinery, plastics and power generation sector, I am very concerned that our utility will be in the near futuresued for providing natural gas (methane) as a cooking fuel and the associated known carcinogenic emissions of benzene, a host of volatile organic compounds and other byproductsof combustion including oxides of nitrogen. More importantly, I am concerned about the actual exposure to these compounds and the ill health it is causing particularly to our youngerresidents - our children. As such, I don't understand why the utility has not at least issued public service announcements warning our residents of the dangers of natural gas emissions in gas andpropane stoves. I find it interesting / irritating that the city provided three inserts in my most recent bill covered energy efficiency, Earth Day celebrations, mental health, compost,inappropriate waste disposal in toilets, and finally, "you are the solution to pollution" yet none of them talked about carcinogenic emissions from utility provided natural gas and how tolimit exposure. I would encourage you to read the following on the status of US based lawsuits associated with global warming and industry deception. This particularly stood out to me as relates to our city utility: "...Racketeering and antitrustcharges may be new for climate litigation, but they were leveraged by the U.S. Department of Justice against major tobacco corporations, which in 2006 were found guilty of coordinating todeceive the public about the link between smoking and cancer. State-level racketeering claims have also been added to the complaint filed against fossil fuel companies by Hoboken,New Jersey..." Thank you for your time and concern, Sven Thesen 314 Stanford Ave ---------- Forwarded message --------- From: ExxonKnews <exxonknews@substack.com>Date: Tue, Mar 18, 2025 at 8:35 AM Subject: As Big Oil lawsuits trudge forward, how will industry allies respond? To: <sventhesen@gmail.com> Forwarded this email? Subscribe here for more As Big Oil lawsuits trudge forward,how will industry allies respond? The Supreme Court rejects another request to kill climate deceptionlawsuits, fossil fuel companies get bad news in Minnesota and PuertoRico, and advocates fear a congressional bail out. EMILY SANDERS MAR 18 READ IN APP Collage by Tess Abbot The U.S. Supreme Court last week swatted down a “Hail Mary pass” from Republican attorneys general hoping to shield oil and gas companies from facing climate deception lawsuits, thwarting another effort from fossil fuel industry allies to stop cases against the companies before they reach trial. The rejection was the second time this year that the Supreme Court refused to wade into the lawsuits, which accuse oil companies of deceiving the public about the dangers of fossil fuels. “It’s pretty clear that the Supreme Court is not going to get involved until there's a final judgment in one of these cases, and that'll be after trial,” said Pat Parenteau, an environmental law professor and senior fellow at Vermont Law School. While Big Oil companies recently won some lower court battles in lawsuits brought against them by state and local governments, experts say the Supreme Court’s actions, along with positive rulings for communities in other cases, make it increasingly likely that fossil fuel companies will eventually stand trial in multiple courtrooms across the country. The fossil fuel industry has itself admitted it could face “massive monetary liability” from the lawsuits. After another failed effort by industry allies to stop those cases at the Supreme Court, supporters of the cases are sounding alarms about the possibility that oil companies will turn to a Republican-controlled federal government to gift them a political escape hatch. Minnesota moves closer to putting Exxon on trial One of the lawsuits the Republican attorneys general had targeted was brought by Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison against ExxonMobil, the American Petroleum Institute, and Koch Industries. Last month, in a victory for Minnesota, Judge Reynaldo Aligada upheld nearly all of the state’s claims accusing the companies and trade group of violating state laws through a “campaign of deception” about their products’ harm to the climate. The lawsuit seeks to make Exxon, Koch, and API fund a corrective public education campaign about the link between fossil fuels and climate change, publish all of the research they conducted on the subject, and disgorge the profits they made through false advertising, among other remedies. Minnesota’s win followed a series of dismissals of climate deception lawsuits in New Jersey and Maryland, where state court judges sided with oil companies in their characterizations of the cases as efforts to reduce global emissions, and determined that the states’ claims were preempted by federal law. Aligada called that argument “unpersuasive,” concluding that federal laws “would not preempt the State’s claims because those claims do not aim to restrain pollution or regulate emissions,” and that Minnesota’s complaint is about “state law consumer deception and failure-to-warn claims that have never been subject to federal common law.” The ruling added Minnesota to a list of climate accountability plaintiffs — including Massachusetts, Honolulu, Vermont, and Boulder — that have prevailed over fossil fuel defendants’ motions to dismiss their cases, some of which dealt with the same question of preemption and what the cases seek to achieve. In January, the U.S. Supreme Court declined to review a ruling from the Hawai‘i Supreme Court that rejected Big Oil’s federal preemption arguments against Honolulu’s case. The Colorado Supreme Court will soon decide whether to uphold a similar ruling that allowed Boulder’s lawsuit against ExxonMobil and Suncor Energy to proceed toward trial. Puerto Rico’s RICO claims against Big Oil could soon move forward In Puerto Rico, a newer legal theory for climate deception cases is poised to get a green light to move forward in federal court. Puerto Rico municipalities were the first to charge fossil fuel companies with violating the federal RICO (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations) Act, arguing in their lawsuit that oil majors engaged in a “multi-year, multi-million-dollar, multi-organization propaganda deception campaign designed explicitly to undermine climate science.” Those RICO charges have now “survived the first test,” said Parenteau, after a magistrate judge recommended in February that the 37 municipalities’ racketeering and antitrust claims be upheld. Racketeering and antitrust charges may be new for climate litigation, but they were leveraged by the U.S. Department of Justice against major tobacco corporations, which in 2006 were found guilty of coordinating to deceive the public about the link between smoking and cancer. State-level racketeering claims have also been added to the complaint filed against fossil fuel companies by Hoboken, New Jersey. In his recommendations to the federal district court judge on how the case should proceed, Magistrate Judge Héctor Ramos-Vega in San Juan said he would grant oil companies’ motions to dismiss Puerto Rico law-based claims including fraud, public nuisance, and failure to warn, finding that they were inadequately laid out in the complaint. Yet he joined Aligada and other state court judges in rejecting the companies’ arguments that the lawsuits are aimed at reducing emissions and should be tossed out. Local officials involved in the case are seeking to make Big Oil help pay for their communities to recover from a series of fatal hurricanes in 2017, including Hurricane Maria, and to adapt to future threats. Those disasters were in part the result of the companies’ campaigns “to convince consumers that their fossil fuel-based products did not — and would not — alter the climate, knowing full well the consequences of their combined carbon pollution on Puerto Rico,” according to the complaint. “At the heart of Plaintiffs’ claims for relief is a purported decades-long misinformation and propaganda campaign,” Ramos-Vega wrote. “Thus, the culprit is Defendants’ words, not their emissions.” Friends of industry prepare for a “day of reckoning” There are growing signs that industry allies are not resting on their laurels as cases against Big Oil continue to inch forward. Last month, an industry front group called American Energy Institute launched a new campaign bemoaning “coordinated lawfare from radical climate groups” as “the biggest risk” to President Trump’s energy agenda. In the Guardian, Dharna Noor reported that a truck parked outside a major conference of oil and gas executives in Houston was broadcasting that “lawfare and anti-energy laws are threatening America’s pro-consumer energy dominance” and linking to an op-ed by another front group, Alliance for Consumers. The groups have ties to conservative billionaire Leonard Leo, who was also linked to allied interest groups that unsuccessfully pushed Supreme Court justices to take up the cases. In response to the justices' latest denial, Minnesota Attorney General Ellison also drew a connection: “The Republican Attorneys General Association takes its marching orders from its largest donors: fossil fuel interests and Leonard Leo.” Advocates now fear this same network and others, having failed to persuade the justices to step in, could turn to Congress to provide immunity to the industry. Last week, nearly 200 advocacy groups (including the Center for Climate Integrity, of which ExxonKnews is a project) urged Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries to preemptively oppose any liability waiver for fossil fuel companies. Tom Pyle, president of the industry-aligned think tank Institute for Energy Research, told E&E News that advocates’ concerns were "complete and total paranoia." But there’s a well-documented history to back them up. An immunity provision for Big Oil has twice made its way into other proposed pieces of legislation, in 2017 and 2020. With more cases poised to reach trial, said Parenteau, the industry might not pass up the opportunity to “seek protection from the Republican-controlled Congress.” “Now that the Supreme Court has denied repeated attempts by the companies and their red state allies to have the cases tossed out of court, the day of reckoning is fast approaching,” he said. Thanks for reading! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support our work. Subscribed SHARE LIKE COMMENT RESTACK © 2025 ExxonKnews5614 Connecticut Ave. NW, #314 Washington, DC 20015-2604 Unsubscribe -- Sven Thesen, 415-225-7645EV Consultant & Founder, ProjectGreenHome.org and BeniSolSolar.com; Wonder Junkie __________________________________________________How California Is Keeping Electric Vehicles Out Of Reach For Apartment-Dwellers From:Janaki Ramachandran To:Council, City Subject:Quiet zones in palo alto Date:Tuesday, March 18, 2025 10:19:11 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Hi, I am a Palo Alto resident and have been living here for more than 10 years. As someone whois directly impacted by the train noise along Meadow/Alma and Charleston/Alma intersections, I would like to ask the city council to make the Quiet Zones a priority for theresidents of Palo Alto *this* year. Please make that happen. Janaki Ramachandran 4104 Park Blvd, Palo Alto, CA 94306 From:Julie Cardillo To:Council, City Subject:I support Quiet Zones for the trains coming through Palo Alto Date:Tuesday, March 18, 2025 6:44:00 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. Hello to members of the Palo Alto City Council: I am a resident in south Palo Alto near the E. Meadow train crossing. I strongly favor creating Quiet Zones at all of the train crossings in Palo Alto. After over 29 years of living here, I am still jarred and sometimes shocked at how ridiculously loud the train horns are. For years I have been under the impression that legally “nothing could be done about this,” but have assumed that likely something (through various safety measures installed, use of available technology, etc) could indeed be done. Recently learning about the creation of Quiet Zones in nearby cities, I am so encouraged! If the creation of Quiet Zones maintains safety while dramatically reducing unnecessary noise, I am all for it. Everyone will be better off for it. Thank you for your consideration. Best regards, Julie Carver Cardillo From:Joao Ferreira To:Council, City Subject:Support for Establishing Railroad Quiet Zones - 4206 Darlington Ct Date:Tuesday, March 18, 2025 1:19:46 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Dear Mayor and Council Members, As a resident of 4206 Darlington Ct, Charleston Meadows, I’m writing to express strong support for creating “Quiet Zones” at our rail crossings. Based on the Quiet Zone Study performed by Palo Alto This is a relatively low-costimprovement that would significantly enhance the lives of about 20% of Palo Alto residents who are substantially impacted by train noise. Would be hard for me to understand if thebudget is not allocated and this is not made a priority. Thank you for your attention to this important issue. I appreciate your commitment to making Palo Alto a better place to live. Sincerely,Joao Ferreira A Resident of Charleston Meadows, Palo Alto From:Saurabh Sureka To:Council, City Subject:A Call for a Quiet Zone at Charleston Meadows: Improving Quality of Life for Residents Date:Monday, March 17, 2025 10:51:30 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Dear Mayor & Council Members, As a resident of Park Blvd, I am writing to bring attention to the significant disturbance caused by the frequent train horns at the Charleston Meadows intersection. With approximately 50+ trains operating daily (northbound and southbound), along with 2-3 freight trains, our community is subjected to over 50 minutes of loud horn blasts every day. These prolonged alarms, severely impact the quality of life for residents like me. The city of Palo Alto, renowned as the birthplace of modern technology and innovation, faces a stark contrast between its thriving tech industry and the sub-standard living conditions experienced by many residents. It is imperative that we address this issue to ensure a better quality of life for current and future generations. I urge you to consider implementing a Quiet Zone at our rail crossings. A Quiet Zone does not compromise safety but rather provides a much-needed improvement in the quality of our lives. By reducing the frequency and duration of train horns, we can create a more peaceful environment for residents, allowing us to sleep better and enjoy our homes without the constant disruption. On behalf of residents living on Park Blvd, Alma, and surrounding areas near the Charleston Meadows intersection, I sincerely request your support in establishing a Quiet Zone. Your decision and action will have a lasting impact on our community, and I believe it is essential to prioritize the well-being of our residents. Key Statistics: · Approximately 50+ trains operate daily (northbound and southbound) · 2-3 freight trains per day · Over 50 minutes of loud horn blasts per day · Significant disturbance to residents' quality of life Solution: · Implement a Quiet Zone at rail crossings to reduce train horn frequency and duration · Improve quality of life for residents without compromising safety Call to Action: I urge you to take immediate action to establish a Quiet Zone in our community. Together, we can create a more livable and peaceful environment for residents, ensuring a better quality of life for generations to come. Thanks, Saurabh From:Julia Bauman To:Council, City Cc:quietzonespaloalto@gmail.com Date:Monday, March 17, 2025 10:07:26 PM 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, Julia Bauman 3820 Park Blvd, Palo Alto From:Giotto.Diya To:Council, City Subject:Support for Establishing Railroad Quiet Zones Date:Monday, March 17, 2025 9:06:25 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. i Dear Mayor and Council Members, As a resident of Charleston Meadows, I’m writing to express strong support for creating “Quiet Zones” at our rail crossings. What is a Quiet Zone? A Quiet Zone is a regulated area near railway crossings where train horns are not routinely sounded, except in emergencies. This maintains existing safety standards while minimizing unnecessary noise. As you work on the city’s priorities and budget, I respectfully request that you allocate funding and provide direction to implement these zones, particularly to address nighttime noise. Quiet Zones would: Reduce Noise Pollution: Train horns at night disrupt sleep in our neighborhood. This affects many residents, including: families with young children who are woken by the noise; elderly residents who may find it difficult to fall back asleep; and those who are ill and need consistent rest to recover. ⁠⁠Deliver Tangible Impact: This is a relatively low-cost improvement that would significantly enhance the lives of about 20% of Palo Alto residents who are substantially impacted by train noise. For us, Quiet Zones could be among the most memorable and appreciated actions you take during this term. Thank you for your attention to this important issue. I appreciate your commitment to making Palo Alto a better place to live. Sincerely, A Resident of Charleston Meadows, Palo Alto This message needs your attention This is a personal email address. This is their first email to your company. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast From:Leland To:Council, City Subject:UNITED NATIONS FUNDING SOURCE UNGM REG# 947141, Date:Monday, March 17, 2025 7:03:08 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Mon. Mar. 17, 2025 TO: City of Palo Alto, Councilmembers and City Mngr RE: This communications format permits my sharing vital information with council and staff that otherwise, if presented during public comment, would limit and impede the following concerns. Prior to the start of today's Council meeting, I was very surprised to witness the arrival of dozens of exchange students as they converged within the meeting chambers...that is good however, only brings to light the, what appears to exist, scattered official UN communications that exist between our respective UN activities...and that is not good! Prior to the onset of the council meeting, I am confident you have taken receipt of the official memo generated on behalf of this named Ravenswood Gardenkit's Products and the accepted business proposal shared with the UnitedNations Department of Procurement and, of which, has resulted in this UNOakland's NGO receipt of UNGM Reg. NO. 947141. It is not the intent of this communications to comment on matters outside of Palo Alto municipal concerns however, what is common between bothPA EPA and Ravenswood is the historic evidence of each jurisdictions historic association to the founding of the 1945 signed UN Charter. The following note to this City of East Palo Alto suggested to the City Manager something different is needed on those UN matters in Ravenswood however, please be mindful, the City of East Palo Alto has no historic claims to the UN's beginnings however, Ravenswood's historic and academic resources have fallen prey to continued destruction. Now, why am I taking these concerns to the highest office of UN affairs, the Office of High Commissioner on Human Rights?...only by reasons those issues of human rights and civil rights among our old Ravenswood Community are now in question and, by the estimate of my long history of support to the UN since the late 1950's, these matters should have long been presents to this UN body. Through the development of the official UNBLUE , desktop furniture item, I have addressed the UN's needs for supplemental internal funding resourcesand am in process of gifting this item with the help received from the UN Office of Legal Affairs. Along the lines of diplomacy and official protocol, as the innovator, designer and sole distributor, I am honestly due more respect andacknowledgment and especially after taking receipt of the lengthy Palo Alto Online editorial dated March 13 and titled DEVELOPING EAST PALO ALTO'SRAVENSWOOD BUSINESS DISTRICT, MEANS CONFRONTING A LEGACY OF CONTAMINATION. I am sadden to have reviewed that article and by reasons this original community did not contaminate Ravenswood, others from the outsidecontaminated Ravens- wood and the incorporation processed under the acronym EPA further contamin- ated the original mission of this Ravenswood Community....also fromthe outside! I have little reservations of sharing my opinion with the UNOHCHR administrators and calling it the way it really is and by reasons, in the eye of our UNOakland's sup- porters, some changes have become mandatory if we are to continue to support equal education, on both sides. Please feel free to circulate my communications shared with the UN's World Food Program, UNHABITAT Program, UN Environment Program and UN World Health Organization...all of which will be served form our UNOakland's efforts. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------ Mon. Mar. 17, 2025 TO: City of East Palo Alto City Manager: Mr. Melvin Gaines RE: Per our short meeting and brief conversation within community room this am, the following communications to the UN's, Office of High Commissioner on Human Rights will direct the UN's concerns to this City of East Palo Alto. I am not certain what impact my communications will have on future relations however, the Old Ravenswood historic educational infrastructure remains an asset to this community and should not be destroyed. This online PSA is being circulated around the world on behalf of; 1) UN WORLD FOOD PROGRAM 2) UN WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION 3) UN HABITAT PROGRM 4) UN ENVIRONMENT PROGRAM Please respect these efforts and a vehicle to our future discussions,diplomacy and humanitarian outreach. These efforts have never been duplicated what-so-ever and myself andthis historic community is more deserving of more from municipal, county and state officials. Leland Francois 650 518 4029 650 461 0276 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- TO: United Nations Office of High Commissioner on Human Rights (Please forward as needed) cc: World Food Program, Director and CEO Mr. Barron Segar Director of Philanthrophy Ms. Dorota Amin FRM: United Nations Assoc., Oakland c/o Leland Francois My name is Leland Francois and I am from Oakland Calif. the originalUN Founding jurisdictions since the birth of our UN. As both an inventor and agriculturist researcher, I have developed a product that is intended to be gifted to the United Nations and, by reasons,I have always supported and contribute some thoughts in the directionof the UN's financial independence through the internal marketing of useful consumer items.....As such a series of desk-top furniture items have been prototyped and samples forward to several end users. As my efforts are supported by the past filing of the former 1503 complaint process, My answers to addressing global food supply funding, emergency shelters for the displaced, global health emergencies and health care and finally, global environmental standardization arepackaged into this one, adaptable item. The pictured ensemble of official UN Blue color items are titled, 5 piece desk-top ensemble and can be fashioned to serve a global fund-raisingdemands within these areas. As a result of my community outreach work within the S.F./Oakland/ Ravenswood, I have grown very sensitive to encountering individualswhom are challenged by their present survival demands.. I surely hope both WFP Director Barron Segar and Director of Philanthropy Ms., Dorota Amin have had the opportunity to follow my thoughts in theseareas and I remain dedicated to assisting each of their monumental efforts. I am in need of assistance from the UN's Office of Legal Affairs in bringing these conceptual prototypes to the desk of all est 44,000 global UN staffingand, pursuing possible the first US based supplier of these items. Since I continue to be challenged here in the US on matters considered to be of little supporting interest to our UN concepts, I would welcome someofficial written replay of these efforts. Well, enough said as this communications take the lead in my efforts at joining the UN's future. My desk is easy to find within our local postal mailing system; c/o United Nations Association from Oakland Leland J. Francois, 1721 Broadway Street NO. 201 Oakland, Calif. 94612 or by personal telephone# 650 518 4029 650 461 0276 From:Aram James To:Sean Allen; Pat M; Bains, Paul; Dave Price; DuJuan Green; sharon jackson; Bill Newell; EPA Today; Emily Mibach;Braden Cartwright; Julie Lythcott-Haims; ladoris cordell; cotton.gaines@cityofpaloalto.org; Council, City; GennadySheyner; Supervisor Susan Ellenberg; Doug Minkler; Donna Wallach; Yolanda Conaway; Don Austin; WILPFPeninsula Palo Alto; walter wilson; Jessica Speiser, Educational Leader for California Democratic Delegate,Assembly District 23; Josh Becker; assemblymember.berman@assembly.ca.gov; Cecilia Taylor; Perron, Zachary;Binder, Andrew; Reifschneider, James; Damon Silver; Rodriguez, Miguel; The Office of Mayor Matt Mahan;Kaloma Smith; Baker, Rob; Jeff Rosen; Jeff Conrad; Jeff Hayden Subject:The U.S. Army has erased Medgar Evers from the Arlington National Cemetery website Date:Monday, March 17, 2025 6:51:10 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. The U.S. Army has erased Medgar Evers from the Arlington National Cemetery website Source: Biloxi Sun Herald https://share.newsbreak.com/c4l2er40?s=i0 From:Aram James To:Sean Allen; Binder, Andrew; Reifschneider, James; Council, City; Supervisor Susan Ellenberg; Pat M; sharonjackson Subject:California has decertified nearly 300 officers—But thousands more cases remain Date:Monday, March 17, 2025 5:48:11 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. California has decertified nearly 300 officers—But thousands more cases remain Source: San Diego Post https://share.newsbreak.com/c4jrx3zg?s=i0 From:Tavera, Samuel To:Council, City Subject:Public Comment on Phone Date:Monday, March 17, 2025 5:41:05 PM Attachments:image001.png image002.png image003.png image006.png image007.png Hello City Councilmembers, Please see the below public comments, which were phoned in to our office. Name: Maya McDonald Message: Make Quiet Zones a Council priority in 2025 Name: Vaibhav Jain Message: Make Quiet Zones a Council priority in 2025 Name: Shan Mogina Message: Make Quiet Zones a Council priority in 2025 Samuel Tavera Administrative Associate III Office of the City Clerk P: 650.838.2898 E: Samuel.Tavera@cityofpaloalto.org www.cityofpaloalto.org From:Serge Bonte To:Council, City Subject:re: 4/17/25 Meeting - Agenda Item 9 public Hearing on 4335 and 4345 El Camino Real project Date:Monday, March 17, 2025 4:20:20 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Honorable Mayor and Palo Alto City Council Members I am a member of the Mountain View Bike and Pedestrian Advisory Committee but am writing in my personal capacity. Summerhill built another project right next door in Mountain View (2021). The projectincluded a path from Del Medio to Cesano Court as a community public benefit. Alas, the path abuts a wall as the right of way on the Palo Alto side was not available. Seeing that Summerhill has a proposal right next door to their Mountain View project, I wouldlike you to do all you can to complete that small path as part of the project in front of view. Of note, kids on both sides of that path are zoned for the Los Altos School District (Santa Ritaand Egan) and the safe route to school is Cesano Court --> Los Altos Avenue. Sincerely Serge Bonte Mountain View From:Deborah Goldeen To:kristin.okane@cityofpaloalto.org Cc:Council, City; City Mgr Subject:Facility Rentals Date:Monday, March 17, 2025 4:13:05 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. Ms. Okane - As you know, city facilities are not evenly distributed across the city. I have been recruited to helpbuild up and activate a neighborhood association for a neighborhood - the sixteen blocks that once upon a timeconstituted the city of Mayfield and is now almost all rental units - that is posssibly the most under representedneigbhorhood in the city. No branch library, no school grounds, you have to cross several major arterials to get to acommunity center and only one tiny park that is too small to accommodate any play equipment. Unlike my neighborhood (Evergreen Park), in old Mayfield, there are no large, single family residential propertiesthat can accomodate, indoors or out, a neighborhood meeting of thirty to forty people. Even if the public meetingrooms at Rinconada and Mitchell Park libraries were viable options, the largest number of people allowed is twelve. The only marginally OK meeting room option is the Peers Park field house. Unforunately, as policy is set now, thefield house is only available for rental if you pay for it. Knowing that the city has repeatedly stated theircoimmitment to equity, I feel confident this inequity will be addressed in a timely manner. In a perfect world, City of Palo Alto would have districts for it’s council seats and there wouldn’t be such a pressingneed for equitable community representation. But to get there, the community needs to be organized first. For that,the neighborhood needs a meeting room. Thanks for your attention to this matter. Deborah Goldeen, Birch St., 94306 From:Lou Bellardo To:Council, City Subject:In support of resolution Date:Monday, March 17, 2025 4:10:45 PM Importance:High [Some people who received this message don't often get email from lou@bellardo.com. Learn why this is important at https://aka.ms/LearnAboutSenderIdentification ] To the City of Palo Alto City Council - We support the proposed resolution that calls out the unprecedented number of Executive Ordersthat have been issued this year, including those that could severely reduce funds and grants uponwhich Palo Altans rely and diminish federal agencies providing services to Palo Alto, are likely illegal,and are in conflict with our stated values. Our daughter, a graduate of Palo Alto High School, has lost her job because of one such Executive Order.She was among several thousand employees of the USAID and tens of thousands of other hard working and dedicated federal employees who have lost their jobs and livelihoods in an uncaring and horriblemanner. The federal administration and its lieutenants have acted in a callous, uncaring and, yes,inhumane manner in this process. Not only have US citizens been impacted, but also millions ofat-risk people around the globe. The United States, through the US Agency for International Development has been one of the leading providers of humanitarian aid for six decades. Our retreat from that mission is unconscionable.The employees of USAID have dedicated their careers to helping others. Sixty years of progresshas been overturned in less than two months. The amount of dollars “saved” as a result is far less than 1% of the overall federal budget.The impact, however, is not only on US citizens, but also millions of at-risk people around the globe. It is time for citizens to speak up and voice opposition and disapproval. We are happy to do so. From:Jim Stauffer To:Council, City Cc:Jim Stauffer Subject:Please establish a Quiet Zone to help residents near the rail right-of-way Date:Monday, March 17, 2025 4:05:39 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. i 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 expose 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 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 This message needs your attention This is their first email to your company. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast 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, Jim Stauffer Starr King Circle From:Hing Sham To:Council, City Cc:QuietZones PaloAlto Subject:Quiet zones Date:Monday, March 17, 2025 3:46:56 PM 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, Your Name & Address Sent from Hing's iPad. Hing Sham 241 Carolina Lane, Palo Alto From:Jennifer Landesmann To:Council, City; Shikada, Ed Subject:Objective # 68 Public Safety/Wellness/Belonging Date:Monday, March 17, 2025 3:32:50 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Dear Council and City Manager, Thank you for the discussions you had on March 10 about the City's 2025 priority objectives. The modular approach for the various objectives is excellent. I also appreciated the explanation about how the objectives in each of the modules are not meant for Council to nowfind a way to rank relative importance. Wasn't relative importance in many ways decided at the retreat with public input? I am hoping that the current discussions are to identify objective criteria that can be used tomeasure performance or progress. Objective # 68 repeats practically the same phrase used in the past three years (see links below) - about GBAS. Please consider specifying what exactly the City is doing with GBAS,and what it aims to accomplish. Since the City adopted "GBAS" as its stated focus, this coincided with regional neglect of issues that Palo Alto and neighbors had on the publicagenda (all are documented in the now defunct SCSC Roundtable archives) - one of them being night time noise, which is a core issue that needs attention. If you care about wellness,and Palo Alto I think it's incumbent upon you to see what is doable about night time overflights - or not. The community relies on your leadership to at least explore and reportbecause like it or not, the FAA considers YOU our representatives, as they have frequently let us know - if your City does not follow up, we can't help . I would make objective #68 more open/inclusive to the needs that have been previouslyidentified and acknowledged by the City and regionally (i.e. night time noise) and more proactive. Also, if you cannot state a specific outcome with GBAS, the City should still havean update about what you are trying to do with GBAS. Instead of: "Continue engagement with San Francisco Airport on SFO's Ground Based Augmentation System (GBAS) project and other potential opportunities to decrease SFO noise impacts on Palo Alto. (79)" I would propose something along the lines of..... In 2025, the City will review SFO noise issues including night time overflight concernsto explore adopting specific goals (for 2026?), by 1) evaluating previous initiatives and2) emphasizing stakeholder engagement. I will add that with the GBAS project, the public engagement ended up typical of the SFORoundtable; embroiling residents with tedious technical discussions that lacked coherence; no rational explanations about purpose and zero specifics about outcomes.This was a stepbackward from the type of engagement we did with the FAA in 2016 where the discussion took place on our terms; our language; where we accomplished as much technical review offlight paths, if not more, and we know very well where we made progress or not. I hope you will refine #68 to explore ways to do better for Palo Alto. Thank you, Jennifer PS: I think (79) next to the phrase in #68 is supposed to be 78 because there weren't 79 objectives in 2024. Past Objectives which focus on GBAS: 2024 City Priorities & Objectives2023 City Priorities & Objectives 2022 City Priorities & Objectives View this email in your browser Visit us on www.lwvpaloalto.org, Facebook, and Instagram March E-Blast March 17, 2025 In this Issue LWVPA Updates Lunch with League Speaker Event Remembering Jeannie Lythcott Events by Other Leagues California’s Voter Participation Gap: Strategies to Promote Engagement and Representation Climate with Tom Steyer From:LWV Palo Alto (Eblast)To:Council, CitySubject:LWVPA March 2025 E-Blast: Join Lunch with League Speaker Event on 4/23Date:Monday, March 17, 2025 2:39:51 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious ofopening attachments and clicking on links. Join LWV of Palo Alto Local Power, National Impact: Cities on the Frontlines of Democracy Action Alert: Oppose AB 25 - California Voter ID and Election Integrity Act of 2025 Honoring Women of the Civil Rights Movement LWVPA Updates LWVPA Lunch with League Speaker Event Wednesday, April 23, 2025 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm Sobrato Center for Nonprofits, Redwood Room 3460 W. Bayshore Road, Palo Alto Featuring Guest Speaker Adam Dawes CEO, Embarcadero Media Foundation Why saving local news matters today and for our future: Embarcadero Media's journey to nonprofit and a healthy future Local news is a cornerstone of our democracy, but it has been in crisis nationwide. At its 2024 convention, the League of Women Voters recognized that the decline of local news is a threat to democracy. Hear from Adam Dawes, CEO of Embarcadero Media, how the business has changed in recent years and how Embarcadero Media is evolving to meet these trends and preserve the Palo Alto Weekly, Almanac, Mountain View Voice, and Redwood City Pulse for years to come. Embarcadero Media serves a population of more than 500,000 people on the Midpeninsula and the East Bay's Tri-Valley by: alerting citizens of breaking news that makes people feel connected and informed on what's happening in their community; publishing in-depth and investigative reporting on complex issues; and hosting public educational events. BIO Adam was born and raised in Palo Alto and had his first experience in journalism as editor-in-chief of the Campanile at Palo Alto High School. Aside from his four undergraduate years at Harvard, he has lived on the peninsula his entire life. He attended Stanford Business School in the 1990s and worked for tech firms in Silicon Valley for more than 20 years, including 14 years at Google. He has served on the board of directors at Embarcadero Media Corp. He lives with his wife and two kids in San Carlos and loves the outdoors and enjoying the vibrant culture of the Bay Area. Please indicate on the sign-up form if you want us to order a sandwich and beverage for you (bring $10 at the door), or bring your own lunch. Remembering Jeannie Lythcott January 30, 1939 - March 1, 2025 Register Now Jeannie Lythcott, a beloved LWVPA superstar, passed away peacefully at her Palo Alto home on the morning of March 1. She had just turned 86. Jeannie joined the League in early 2016 as Voter Services Chair, after retiring from a luminous career as a science educator. Bringing her passion, positivity and boundless energy, Jeannie was determined to register and educate voters. She also co-initiated rousing workshops for Voter Services volunteers, studied and presented ballot measure Pros & Cons, and helped plan Candidate Forums. In her compelling essay, Why I Vote, she shared the moving personal story of why she chose to become an American, stressed both the privilege and obligation of voting, and noted that while a citizen she had written to every US president. In 2018, Jeannie set an audacious goal for our League: to register 100% of Palo Alto teens to vote. She went about doing just that—visiting classrooms, finding teenagers wherever they were, and inspiring countless volunteers to help her achieve that goal. With her passion for learning and sharing knowledge, she was a born teacher, described by her League colleagues as “absolute poetry in motion” in a classroom. She received a standing ovation at Menlo School after telling her life story and inspired a record number of teenagers to register to vote. Watch this video recording to see how she “worked her magic” in high school classrooms. Jeannie (front left) and VS volunteers after presenting at Gunn High School on Oct. 12,2022 Jeannie (front left) at the Fall Kick-Off in September, 2019 Jeannie has touched and inspired everyone in her path. Kathy Miller, who joined Jeannie as the Voter Services Co-Chair in 2018, remembers: “I first encountered Jeannie at a League event in 2017. She climbed up on a small table to get everyone’s attention and proceeded to describe, in terms that brought tears to everyone’s eyes, how touching it had been for her to register new voters at new citizen’s ceremonies. She talked about shaking new citizens’ hands and saying, “Congratulations on becoming a voter,” and the beaming smiles that showed back at her. By the time she was through, everyone in the room wanted to join her in this work, including me. I’m not sure I’ve ever been inspired by anyone as much as I have been by Jeannie.” Liz Jensen, Voter Services Co-Chair from 2020 to 2023, recalled affectionately: “What was truly remarkable about her was how much she valued and cared about everyone. I'll never forget one day at the PA Opportunity Center she worked with a young homeless man for a couple of hours helping him register to vote. There were complications, but she persisted and ended up driving him to a vote center. She just wasn't going to give up. In her heart she wanted everyone to vote and to have their voice be heard.” Jeannie was honored at the Fall Kick-Off in October, 2024. From left to right: ProfessorPam Karlan, Jeannie Lythcott, Liz Jensen, and Kathy Miller. Megan Swezey Fogarty, League Secretary, reminisced about Jeannie’s passion to register voters and personally welcome scores of new members over coffee. Jeannie “consistently remind[ed] us that diversity and democracy are worth cherishing and fighting for. Her spirit lives on in all who she inspired.” Hilary Glann, Co-Chair of the Climate Change and Gun Violence Prevention Committees, wrote: “I will always remember Jeannie for her kindness and graciousness with me.... My first exposure was when she raised the issue of racism in the founding of the LWV, and racism in Palo Alto. Jeannie arranged [anti-racism] discussion groups. I believe this initiative led to a really powerful presentation at AME Zion Church with Professor Jennifer Eberhardt, author of Biased: Uncovering the Hidden Prejudice That Shapes What We See, Think, and Do that was published in 2019.” Jeannie lit up when she spoke of democracy and passed that light to everyone who heard her. Our world and our League are far richer for her having been among us. We will miss you, Jeannie, but rest assured that we will carry on your indomitable spirit and your steadfast fight for our democracy. If you would like to honor Jeannie's work by making a donation to the League of Women Voters of Palo Alto, click here to donate via PayPal. Or make a check payable to the League of Women Voters of Palo Alto and mail to LWVPA, 3921 E Bayshore Road, Palo Alto, CA 94303. Whether paying by PayPal or check, please note "In memory of Jeannie Lythcott” in the memo line. Please contact Mary Nemerov at mabunem@gmail.com if you have any questions. Events by Other Leagues From LWV California... California’s Voter Participation Gap: Strategies to Promote Engagement and Representation Wednesday, March 26, 2025 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm Join us for a data-informed panel discussion on voting rights, the first webinar in our spring three-part series. Participation experts—Mindy Romero, PhD, Pablo Rodriguez, Jala Abner and Sky Allen—will address where voter participation gaps exist in California, how strategic voter engagement can improve voting access, legislation related to the issue, and what we can do to achieve a more representative democracy. Climate with Tom Steyer League of Women Voters – Climate Interest Group Thursday, March 27, 2025 4:00 pm -5:00 pm Come hear a webinar by climate investor Tom Steyer. A longtime leader in the climate movement, Tom has spearheaded citizen campaigns, championed climate science, and advocated for bold legislation —even running for President to put climate first. Now, he is leveraging decades of experience as a world-class investor to drive climate solutions in the private sector. He’s the author of Cheaper, Faster, Better: How We’ll Win the Climate War, which has been highly praised by Al Gore and Bill McKibben, among others. Come learn about the climate crisis and why local action is critical. Register Now Register Now From LWV California… Local Power, National Impact: Cities on the Frontlines of Democracy Sunday, March 30, 2025 4:00 pm - 5:30 pm Cities are doing all they can to uphold democracy, and real change is happening at the local level—change that aligns with our values of inclusion, community, and equity. Join us on Zoom for a powerful conversation with three League members recently elected to local office: Adena Ishii – Mayor of Berkeley Lorrel Plimier – Piedmont City Council Natalya Zernitskaya – Santa Monica City Council They will share why local government is more important than ever, what they’re working on locally to defend democracy, and why strengthening democracy starts at the community level. Tickets for this unique event are $10. All funds raised will support the LWV California's advocacy efforts in Sacramento and throughout the state. Action Alert! Oppose AB 25 - California Voter ID andElection Integrity Act of 2025 The current administration is working to make voting harder—and now, similar efforts are happening right here in California. AB 25 (DeMaio) is a dangerous bill that would put up new barriers to voting, especially for low- income voters, the elderly, young voters, people with disabilities, and communities of color. The League of Women Voters of California is fighting AB 25. Every voter deserves the freedom to cast their ballot without fear of interference. See a letter to state lawmakers urging them to reject this attack on our democracy. You can contact our local assembly member Marc Berman and make your voice heard to never let this bill hit the assembly floor for a vote. Honoring Women of the Civil Rights Movement Get Tickets From Dianna Wynn, President of League of Women Voters of the US: March is Women’s History Month! Throughout the month, join me in uplifting and honoring the contributions of women who came before us and those who lead the way today. To kick things off, we celebrate the women of the Civil Rights Movement in our latest blog. Read it now at www.lwv.org. Stay Informed! Sign Up for LWV California & LWVUS News & Alerts Click here to sign up for Email News and Action Alerts from LWVUS Facebook Website Instagram Copyright © 2025 League of Women Voters Palo Alto, All rights reserved. From Voter Recipient List Our mailing address is: League of Women Voters Palo Alto 3921 E Bayshore Rd Ste 209 Palo Alto, CA 94303-4303 Add us to your address book Want to change how you receive these emails? You can unsubscribe from this list. From:Clerk, City To:Council, City Cc:Clerk, City Subject:FW: Public Comment on Phone Date:Monday, March 17, 2025 2:33:11 PM Hello City Councilmembers, Please see the below public comment, which was phoned in to our office. Name: Chyn Lay Message: I am a Palo Alto resident of 25 years. I live on the intersection of alma and east meadow. I would like to request Council to consider making my section the priority for Quiet Zone. Thank you, City Clerk’s Office From:Burke Owens To:Council, City Subject:Public comment on Adoption of a Resolution Responding to Federal Actions Date:Monday, March 17, 2025 2:22:05 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Hello and many thanks to the Palo Alto City Council and to Vice-Mayor Veenker and Councilmember Stone for the important work of crafting this resolution, so needed in this timeof anxiety and chaotic change. The values of our town, as shown in the resolution, are ones of mutual care, responsibility and transparency in how local government engages with the people of Palo Alto.This is seemingly quite different from the way that the new Federal administration is approaching the current issues and challenges that our nation faces.As a result, it is essential that local government take steps to protect and reaffirm their commitment to the local population; its people, infrastructure, and the ongoing relationshipwith county, state and federal authorities. This resolution and action of the city council is an example of how our local civic authorities can respond in a faithful and righteous manner to the actions and threats of a higher authoritygone mad. The Lord proclaims: Do what is just and right; rescue the oppressed from the power of the oppressor.Don’t exploit or mistreat the refugee, the orphan, and the widow. Don’t spill the blood of the innocentin this place. Jeremiah 22:3 Thank you. May the blessings of an awake, aware and compassionate God be with us always, Pastor Burke Owens First Palo Alto United Methodist Church 625 Hamilton Avenue Palo Alto, Ca. 94303 707 339 0766 burkeowens@gmail.com 3 From:Lissy Bland To:Council, City Subject:Plastics at Boulware Park Date:Monday, March 17, 2025 1:46:34 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Dear City Council Members, I am writing you to ask you not to hire Lloyd Consulting Group to evaluate materials for the dog park run and playground at Boulware Park. There is already plenty of information on thistopic available. Palo Alto doesn’t need to commission another study. Just ask ChatGPT or Perplexity. Sincerely, Lissy Bland From:Diana Gibson To:Council, City Subject:SUPPORT of Resolution Responding to Federal Actions Date:Monday, March 17, 2025 1:26:31 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Dear Council Members, I write as a local faith leader who has served in the Palo Alto community for over 40 years. I whole-heartedly encourage you to adopt the Resolution Reaffirming Council's Commitment to Palo Alto Values and Interests in the Context of Recent Federal Administration Actions. We can be proud of Palo Alto's stated values and confident that they will build a strong community for us all, now and into the future, for our children and grandchildren. When, as is happening now, federal actions contradict those values, we need to stand firm for the common good. Many in our community live in fear of job loss, educational and academic limitations, life-giving services and/or health care being denied, and unlawful detention and deportation. This is a time when you, our civic leaders, must speak up to assure us that those Palo Alto values still hold, and you are committed to maintain a welcoming and inclusive community for all. I assure you that there are many faith leaders, congregations and people of good will who are committed to fostering a safe, welcoming and caring community, to protecting those most in need, those vulnerable, and those targeted, and to resisting the egregious actions that seek to harm us. Please approve this resolution - and we will work together! Respectfully, Rev. Dr. Diana C. Gibson -- The Rev. Dr. Diana C. Gibson Multifaith Voices for Peace & Justicewww.multifaithpeace.org From:Sylvia Fung To:Council, City Cc:quietzonespaloalto@gmail.com Subject:Request QuietZones PaloAlto Date:Monday, March 17, 2025 12:24:47 PM 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, Sylvia Fung 3701 Starr King Cir. Palo Alto, Ca 94306 650-384-5856