HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-09-02 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: 9/2/2025
Document dates: 8/25/2025 – 9/2/2025
Note: Documents for every category may not have been received for packet reproduction
in a given week.
From:matt@evolutionaryteams.com
To:fridaysforfuturepaloalto@gmail.com; Palo-Alto@fridaysforfutureusa.org
Subject:ALERT: Aleyda update and next action
Date:Tuesday, September 2, 2025 9:19:25 AM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
i
Aleyda was released on Friday into ICE custody. Reportedly, she is now in the Mesa Verde Detention
Center in Bakersfield.
Stanford Hospital nurses and healthcare workers, horrified at the treatment of Aleyda by the hospital
while she was in its care, are organizing a rally TODAY, Tuesday 9/2, 5:30PM at the intersection of
Welch and Pasteur. The nurses have the following demands, all of which were denied Aleyda:
1. Visitation rights & legal access for patients
2. Accessible and private communication for patients
3. No ICE agents in patient care areas
4. No discharge of patients without a medically sound and ethical disposition plan
5. Notification of family prior to discharge
You can find more details here: https://actionnetwork.org/events/rally-against-ice-at-stanford
Aleyda’s family plans to attend the event. Please come show your support for the nurses and the
family. Note that signs are permitted at this location. See you today at 5:30.
❤️ BE IN SOLIDARITY ❤️
Matt Schlegel
Cell or Signal: 650-924-8923
From: matt@evolutionaryteams.com <matt@evolutionaryteams.com>
Sent: Saturday, August 30, 2025 9:02 AM
To: fridaysforfuturepaloalto@gmail.com; Palo-Alto@fridaysforfutureusa.org
Subject: Aleyda vigil update and next action
Aleyda’s family reported last night that Stanford Hospital released Aleyda into ICE custody. The
This message needs your attention
Some Recipients have never replied to this person.
Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast
family reports that Aleyda was in a catatonic state when Stanford Hospital released her to ICE, which
is shameful. As of last night, the family had no idea of Aleyda’s location – she has been disappeared.
If Aleyda’s family is not required to be elsewhere today (August 30), they will attend our vigil for
Aleyda at Stanford Hospital, 500 Pasteur Drive, at 1:30PM. Please come and show your support for
them.
NEXT ACTION - Vigil for Aleyda: Today (8/30), 1:30PM, Stanford Hospital, 500 Pasteur Drive
(Immediately following the Tesla Takedown Rally at Stanford Shopping Center from Noon to 1PM).
If you want to help the family with legal expenses, you can donate to Aleyda’s GoFundMe:
https://www.gofundme.com/f/stand-with-aleyda-legal-and-medical-aid-needed
Yesterday, approximately 36 people attended Aleyda’s vigil. We received an update from Aleyda’s
attorney, Michelle de Blank. At that point in time, Aleyda was still in the hospital. We also heard
moving words from Council Member Julie Lythcott-Haims. The Raging Grannies, Ingrid and
Kat all led songs. Sharat and fellow monarch butterflies danced in solidarity with Aleyda and all
immigrants. Telemundo and ProBonoPhoto both covered the event. Thank you everyone for the
beautiful vigil.
Attorney Michelle de Blank update: https://photos.app.goo.gl/zK2DzdUZZ4nWgRiC7
Julie Lythcott-Haims moving words: https://photos.app.goo.gl/QGLsB2FYmFkFUn1y9
Telemundo coverage: https://www.telemundoareadelabahia.com/noticias/local/stanford-
protesta-mujer-detenida-ice-east-palo-alto/2486081/
ProBonoPhoto coverage:
https://www.probonophoto.org/2025/29Aug25StanfordYenyRodriguez
Thanks again to everyone. Please remember the Martin Niemöller poem to remind yourself how
important it is to support our friends, neighbors and community when they are under attack by fascist
forces, and especially the poem’s final line, “Then they came for me—and there was no one
left to speak for me.”
❤️ BE IN SOLIDARITY ❤️
Matt Schlegel
Cell or Signal: 650-924-8923
You are receiving this email because you have expressed an interest in supporting climate action in
Palo Alto. If you no longer wish to receive these emails, please let me know.
From:Debbie Mytels
To:Pat Burt; Julie Lythcott-Haims; Reckdahl, Keith
Cc:Council, City
Subject:Finance Comm Mtg 9/2/25: COSA Design Principles
Date:Monday, September 1, 2025 9:42:24 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking
on links.
Dear Members of the PA Council Finance Committee:
A proposal has been made by Hamilton Hitchings and Jeff Levinsky that would modify the 2026 design principles
for setting sas rates. I hope you will adopt their suggestions t the Finance Committee meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 2,
2025.
The 2016 framework for setting gas rates was done in a thoughtful and thorough manner, and re-adopting them
would ensure that rate decisions are aligned with the City’s climate goals, as well as being transparent and fair. The
suggestions offered by Hitching and Levinsky provide additional wording that strengthens the 2016 guidelines in
important ways, and offer us a path forward as our city is stepping forward into the electrification process. Without
such clearly stated principles, our City might easily slip backward and fail to meet the situation required by the
climate crisis.
Please update and re-adopt the 2016 COSA design principles.
Sincerely,
Debbie Mytels
2824 Louis Road, Palo Alto 94303
From:Larry Magid
To:Alice Smith
Cc:Council, City
Subject:Re: City"s Artificial Turf Study
Date:Monday, September 1, 2025 8:54:56 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
i
Very well said.
On Mon, Sep 1, 2025 at 5:43 PM Alice Smith <alice.smith@gmail.com> wrote:
I want to make it perfectly clear to every council member that there is no cost
benefit to damaging the environment, poisoning our watershed, depleting open
space or taking a 20 year look at what taxpayers will save if they take artificial turf
as a cost-effective solution to any problem.
I am horrified to find artificial turf anywhere in Palo Alto, including near a playground
at Rinconada.
I have recently been shocked to find artificial turf instead of grass or wild plants at
the homes of very wealthy Palo Alto and Stanford homeowners who often host
major events including for environmentally knowledgeable US Senators and
Congressional candidates. They have clearly drunk the kool-aid that artificial turf
saves water without any knowledge that there is money from their own water
agency in SCC to fund wild grasses as an alternative to water-intense grass.
But soccer fields need real grass. Stop and think: are we really so ignorant of
health and the environment that we would countenance in a town with dozens of
world-class environmental scientists artificial turf?
It is appalling that people have been misled by landscape "experts" into killing
carbon-digesting plants and putting down artificial turf which not only kills the
ground underneath but creates dangerous run off in heavy rains going directly into
the gutters and sewers with dangerous chemicals which are poisonous to
everything.
I am told some of these chemicals are carcinogens but I admit to not being a
chemist or a doctor.
This message needs your attention
This is their first email to your company.
Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast
STOP the loss of green grass ... water conservation should be done by wild grasses
and native plants.
Go beyond the soccer fields. Don't take a short term solution. If you consider
yourselves educated, ensure no artificial turf will be contemplated by Palo Alto
or allowed on the ground within the city. You stopped smoking on the street.
Now stop artificial turf. It's dangerous, too, to our health.
And stop using consultants who cost money when a citizens' committee
could have told you in 20 pages not to use artificial turf.
Alice Schaffer Smith
850 Webster Street #520
Palo Alto, CA 94301
650 283 2822
From:Aram James
To:Martin Wasserman
Cc:Yusra Hussain; Donna Wallach; Donna Wallach; Shankar Ramamoorthy; Doug Minkler; Roberta Ahlquist;
h.etzko@gmail.com; Lythcott-Haims, Julie; George for Palo Alto; Office of the Provost; snug.bug@hotmail.com;
Emma Rasolovoahangy; Council, City; WILPF Peninsula Palo Alto; Reckdahl, Keith; Veenker, Vicki; rabeh morrar;
Aline Figlioli; Roberta Ahlquist; jessica@speiser.net; editor@paweekly.com; Gennady Sheyner;
city.council@gilroy.org; CityCouncil; city.council@menlopark.gov; Clerk, City; Binder, Andrew; Rowena Chiu;
Nicole Chiu-Wang; Pat M; vramirez@redwoodcity.org; Vara Ramakrishnan; Raymond Goins; Liz Kniss; Gardener,
Liz; Sheree Roth; Lori Meyers; Palo Alto Free Press; Lotus Fong; assemblymember.berman@assembly.ca.gov;
Josh Becker; Jeff Conrad; Jeff Rosen; Jay Boyarsky; board@pausd.org; board@valleywater.org;
BoardOperations; Betsy Nash; dcombs@menlopark.gov; GRP-City Council; PD Kristina Bell; Rob Baker; Rose
Lynn; Carla Torres; Brandon Pho; Jennifer Morrow San José Spotlight; Bill Newell; Zahra Billoo; Zelkha, Mila;
Seher Awan; Sean Allen; Carla Torres; dennis burns; Dennis Upton; DuJuan Green; Tom DuBois; Holman, Karen
(external)
Subject:Re: Call To Action
Date:Monday, September 1, 2025 8:02:51 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
I think you are confusing a possibly non-existent god with the military might of the British
Empire, which armed the early genocidal Zionists. Now, you are conflating that same possibly
non-existent god with the all-powerful US military-industrial complex.
Repeat After Me
God got nothing to do with this genocide, this holocaust, this mass extermination. This
genocide, this mass extermination, this holocaust, this Nakba, is all on you and your pathology
blood-lusting ilk.
Don't try attributing these actions to god. This is your responsibility, and your people
are the ones committing endless war crimes.
It is time for you and your fellow war criminals to be held accountable for your actions.
Aint no god committing genocide that’s your
people, Martin Wasserman
Avram Finkelstein
On Mon, Sep 1, 2025 at 12:26 PM Martin Wasserman <deeperlook@aol.com> wrote:
Yusra,
If you believe that God favors Muslims over Jews, you may be in for a disappointment. The
Almighty judges people based on what’s in their souls, and not on superficial appearances,
which is what you may be doing.
The Land of Israel belongs to God and He gives it to whomever He pleases. At this time in
history, He is taking it away from the Muslims and returning it to the Jews in fulfillment of
the promise He made many centuries ago. Israel's victories against seemingly overwhelming
odds in its 1948 War of Independence, the Six Day War of 1967, and the recent Twelve Day
War against Iran, could not have been achieved without His help.
The relationship between the Jews and the Almighty is sometimes compared to a marriage.
There might be long periods of separation, but there would never be a divorce.
What's happening in the Middle East today was predicted by the prophets of Israel over
2500 years ago, including the return of the Jews from their exile, the reestablishment of their
ancient nation in the land of its birth, the gathering of the nations against it, and God's
ultimate judgment.
It would be fair to say that the Almighty is using Israel to judge the nations, in the sense that
the way the nations judge Israel will have a direct impact on the way He judges them.
Martin Wasserman
On Sep 1, 2025, at 9:03 AM, Yusra Hussain <yusrahussainmd@gmail.com>
wrote:
I wish the war on Hamas started in October 7. Gaza was called an open air
prison in 2014, 2016, and 2018 by different well respected international bodies.
More than 70% of children of Gaza were malnourished before October 7. Israel
has violated more UN resolutions and has been a ruthless occupier for 76 years.
If you think the people of Gaza were just going to sit there and not fight for
their lives, you’re a fool. Someone’s terrorist is another person’s freedom
fighter. Gazan are fighting for their lives. What they have on their side is faith
and belief in God that you lack significantly.
To Gazans, either wining their freedom and dignity, or wining a long afterlife in
bliss, something the Israeli army will never understand.
On Aug 31, 2025, at 11:04 PM, Martin Wasserman
<deeperlook@aol.com> wrote:
Aram,
It's true that the war started as a premeditated and deliberate
attempt to exterminate an entire people. But it was Hamas that was
trying to exterminate the Jews, and after October 7, they promised
to have many more October 7s until Israel was totally destroyed.
Also, Hamas was not as weak as you claim them to be. They were
very well armed, had trained for this war for years, and were
willing any maybe even eager to die as martyrs. They had highly
fortified defensive positions with their massive tunnel network paid
for with stolen international aid funds that were intended to benefit
the Gazan people, and they had the element of surprise. What they
underestimated was Israel's resilience and speed of recovery in the
face of existential danger. They also expected Hezbollah, with its
massive missile arsenal, to join the fight from the north, which
didn't happen, and they expected Iran to more actively engage,
which didn't happen either.
Ultimately, this is a war between two radically different views of
life, between Israel and its supporters who self-define as revering
life, and between Hamas and its supporters who self-define as
revering death. These two cultures cannot coexist peacefully side-
by-side, but will continue to fight until one succeeds in driving out
the other.
The way may be long and difficult, but I fully expect Israel to
prevail in this struggle, and when they do, the world will be a much
better place because of it.
Martin Wasserman
On Aug 31, 2025, at 10:02 PM, Aram James
<abjpd1@gmail.com> wrote:
This is not a war but a slaughter a genocide a
holocaust, death by mass starvation. A premeditated
and deliberate attempt to exterminate an entire people.
War crime after war crime after war crime.
War suggests some parity in military power. Israel
is armed by the most powerful military on the
planet, the USA. Israel has an army, a navy and
air-force, and nuclear weapons, and an endless
supply of 2000 pound bombs.
The Palestinians have only their wits and
an enduring spirit of resistance to the Israeli
occupiers, the settlor colonists who stole the
Palestinians' land and are now determined to
destroy their entire culture.
More and more nations are recognizing Palestine
as an independent sovereign nation while calling
out Israel as war criminals. Israel has become a
pariah state a dying and soon dead nation. All
people of moral conscience must seek the
elimination of the terroist state of Israel.
Avram “One State Solution” Finkelstein
On Sun, Aug 31, 2025 at 9:29 PM Martin Wasserman
<deeperlook@aol.com> wrote:
There seem to be two types of people pushing for an
Israeli cease-fire in Gaza: those who actively want
Israel to lose the war and would like to see it
ultimately destroyed, and those who don't necessarily
hate Israel, but are troubled by the sight of suffering
civilians. I can empathize with the latter view. I don't
like seeing pictures of suffering people either.
However, Israel didn't seek this war and it didn't
want this war. But now that war has been forced
upon it, it has no alternative but to win it.
A unilateral Israeli cease-fire would give Hamas
time to regroup and rearm, and continue planning
future atrocities, which would result in more deaths,
more Israeli retaliation and more suffering. Those
who claim to care deeply about the people of Gaza
should not be demanding that Israel stop fighting,
but should be demanding that Israel step up the
fighting until Hamas is totally destroyed. The biggest
obstacle to providing for the humanitarian needs of
the Gazans is Hamas itself. It’s only when they’re
gone that those needs can be properly addressed.
Martin Wasserman
From: Roberta Ahlquist
<finnroberta@gmail.com>
Date: August 31, 2025 at
12:22:24 PM PDT
To: Aram James
<abjpd1@gmail.com>
Cc: Henry Etzkowitz
<h.etzko@gmail.com>,
Julie Lythcott-Haims
<Julie.LythcottHaims@cityofpaloalto.org>,
George for Palo Alto
<georgeforpaloalto@gmail.com>,
Office of the Provost
<provost@stanford.edu>,
Brian Good
<snug.bug@hotmail.com>,
Roseline Rasolovoahangy
<emma-
roseline@stanfordalumni.org>,
City Council
<city.council@cityofpaloalto.org>,
WILPF Peninsula Palo Alto
<wilpf.peninsula.paloalto@gmail.com>,
Keith Reckdahl
<reckdahl@yahoo.com>,
Vicki Veenker
<Vicki.Veenker@cityofpaloalto.org>,
rabeh morrar
<rabehmorrar@gmail.com>,
Aline Figlioli
<alineF.consult@fia.com.br>,
Roberta Ahlquist
<roberta.ahlquist@sjsu.edu>,
jessica@speiser.net,
editor@paweekly.com,
Gennady Sheyner
<gsheyner@embarcaderomedia.org>,
city.council@gilroy.org,
CityCouncil
<CityCouncil@morganhill.ca.gov>,
city.council@menlopark.gov,
City Clerk
<city.clerk@cityofpaloalto.org>,
Andrew Binder
<Andrew.Binder@cityofpaloalto.org>,
Rowena Chiu
<rowena.chiu@gmail.com>,
Nicole Chiu-Wang
<nicole@dreamcatchersyouth.org>,
Pat M
<p.marshall81@ymail.com>,
vramirez@redwoodcity.org,
Vara Ramakrishnan
<vara@acm.org>,
Raymond Goins
<goinsrayl@gmail.com>,
Liz Kniss
<lizkniss@earthlink.net>,
Liz Gardner
<Gardnerjaqua@gmail.com>,
Sheree Roth
<ssroth29@gmail.com>,
Lori Meyers
<meyers.lk@gmail.com>,
Palo Alto Free Press
<paloaltofreepress@gmail.com>,
Lotus Fong
<lyfong@pacbell.net>,
assemblymember.berman@assembly.ca.gov,
Josh Becker
<becker.josh@gmail.com>,
Jeff Conrad
<jeff_conrad@msn.com>,
Jeff Rosen
<info@jeffrosen.org>, Jay
Boyarsky
<jboyarsky@dao.sccgov.org>,
board@pausd.org,
board@valleywater.org,
BoardOperations
<BoardOperations@cob.sccgov.org>,
Betsy Nash
<bnash@menlopark.gov>,
dcombs@menlopark.gov,
GRP-City Council
<council@redwoodcity.org>,
PD Kristina Bell
<kbell@redwoodcity.org>,
Rob Baker
<rbaker@dao.sccgov.org>,
Rose Lynn
<roselynn95035@yahoo.com>,
Yusra Hussain
<Yusrahussainmd@gmail.com>,
Carla Torres
<xicanamagic@hotmail.com>,
Brandon Pho
<brandon@sanjosespotlight.com>,
Jennifer Morrow San José
Spotlight
<jennifer@sanjosespotlight.com>,
Bill Newell
<billnewell2850@gmail.com>,
Zahra Billoo
<zbilloo@cair.com>, Mila
Zelkha
<mila.zelkha@gmail.com>
Subject: Re: Call To
Action
Why are you Council so
paralyzed from ethical
actions??!!. Let no more
people die. Act NOW!
Roberta Ahlquist
Sent from my iPhone
On Aug 31,
2025, at
12:00 PM,
Aram James
<abjpd1@gmail.com>
wrote:
8/31/2025
Rabbi
Etzkowitz,
Do Say! Do
Say! Will
your
thoughtful
prayers be
answered? A
call out for
courage from
our leaders.
Will your
pleas for a
cease-fire
resolution and
no more
genocide be
heeded ? Will
the leader you
have called
upon for
action be
ready in this
moment of
dire
consequences?
“ First
Amendment
forever ”
Avram
Finkelstein
On Sun, Aug
31, 2025 at
9:33 AM Henry
Etzkowitz
<h.etzko@gmail.com>
wrote:
Be a profile
in courage,
not an
exercise in
pusillanimity
From
vaunted dais
intro cease
fre now
resolution.
In your
inimitable
style explain
why you are
acting at this
juncture.
Honour your
mother. I
knew VSO’s
like her in
Nigeria.
Show inter
generational
continuity.
Make her
proud, not
ashamed, of
your tenure
on Council.
Follow in the
footsteps of
fellow
Stanfordian,
Herbert
Hoover.
Channel the
great
Humanitarian.
Take care
“Action, not
blah,blah “ cf
Aline, São
Paulo
Henry
Etzkowitz
www.triplehelix.net
On
Aug
30,
2025,
at
6:31 PM,
Aram
James
<abjpd1@gmail.com>
wrote:
8/30/2025
HI
Henry,
Julie's
base
is
all
ready
in
front
of
her.
Per
recent
polls
only
8%
of
Democrats
now
support
the
genocide
in
Gaza.
It's Time
for
Julie
to
break
from
the
remainder
of
the
cowards
on
the
Palo
Alto
City
Council
and
proclaim:
“End
The
Genocide
Now”
Avram
Finkelstein
Julie
is
an
eminently
practical
politician
who
will
not
get
an
inch
in
front
of
her
base
suggest
broaden
strategy;
On
Sat,
Aug
30,
2025
at
3:54 PM
Henry
Etzkowitz
<h.etzko@gmail.com>
wrote:
When
her
base
moves;
Julie
will
speak
out
like
Marjorie,
whose
evangelical
base
overcame
their
ideological
predelictions
and
were
able
to
see
human
made
hunger
and
respond,
giving
implicit
support
to
speak
out.
Julie
is
an
eminently
practical
politician
who
will
not
get
an
inch
in
front
of
her
base
suggest
broaden
strategy;
call
for
public
teach
in
Council
Chambers,
invite
Stanford
and
other
experts
to
present
comparative
historical
view
of
starvation
strategies
with
a
view
to
where
Gaza
does
or
doesn’t
fit.
In
the
Vietnam
crisis,
opening
of
1969
academic
year,
Washington
university
faculty
senate
meeting
called
by
Prof
Barry
commoner,
put
this
strstegy,
formulated
in
a
resolution
by
a
junior
faculty
member,
forming
university-
labor
business
coalition
to
implement.
Event
at
St.
Louis
teamsters
hq
had
Daniel
Ellsberg
as
one
of
its
speakers.
Who
will
be
our
“Barry
Commoner”
Convener?
nominate
Prof
Condaleeza
Rice,
director
Hoover
Institute
as
most
appropriate
person
by
dint
of
academic
and
public
service.
Sincerely
Henry
Etzkowitz
Neighbors
for
Environmental
and
Social
Justice
Www.triplehelix.net
Sent
from
my
iPhone
On
Aug
30,
2025,
at
3:17 PM,
Aram
James
<abjpd1@gmail.com>
wrote:
X,
We
have
to
keep
encouraging
Julie
to
speak-
out.
She
did
a
great
job
with
the
ICE
issue.
I
keep
pushing
Julie
and
the
hapless
vice
mayor
Vicki
—
to
call
out
the
Genocide.
Maybe
Julie
never
Vicki
who
has
allowed
AIPAC
to
pull
her
strings
since
Oct
7.
As
I
have
told
Vicki
multiple
times:
your
obituary
will
read
clever
politician
and
great
lawyer
who
remained
silent
as
the
Israelis continue
to
commit
genocide.
A
woman
with
no
soul.
Its
all
about
Vicki’s
climb
up
the
political
ladder.
Disgusting!
Avram
Finkelstein
From:Aram James
To:Veenker, Vicki; Julie Lythcott-Haims; Kaloma Smith; editor@paweekly.com; editor@almanacnews.com; Sheree
Roth; Burt, Patrick; Patrice Ventresca; Patricia.Guerrero@jud.ca.gov; jgreen@dailynewsgroup.com; Yolanda
Conaway; Gardener, Liz; Lotus Fong; Linda Jolley; Friends of Cubberley; Binder, Andrew; Human Relations
Commission; assemblymember.berman@assembly.ca.gov; EPA Today; Josh Becker; Emily Mibach; PD Kristina
Bell; Reckdahl, Keith; Ed Lauing; Jessica Speiser, Educational Leader for California Democratic Delegate,
Assembly District 23; Council, City; planning.commission@cityofpaloalto.0rg; Angel, David; Anna Griffin;
jsylva@scscourt.org; Jay Boyarsky; Jeff Rosen; Jeff Hayden; board@pausd.org; board@valleywater.org;
BoardOperations; Supervisor Susan Ellenberg; Supervisor Otto Lee; Sameena Usman; Zahra Billoo; Zelkha, Mila;
Doug Minkler; Dan Okonkwo; Baker, Rob; h.etzko@gmail.com; Yusra Hussain; Holman, Karen (external); Donna
Wallach; Liz Kniss; Dennis Upton; Seher Awan; CityCouncil; city.council@gilroy.org; Stump, Molly;
vramirez@redwoodcity.org; DuJuan Green; Gerry Gras; Pacific GrovePD; GRP-City Council
Subject:Re: Opinion | Will Democrats Finally Change Their Stance on Gaza? | Common Dreams
Date:Monday, September 1, 2025 7:57:07 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
From the archives of
Avram Finkelstein
Dear Julie and Vicki,
You are damaging your credibility as leaders in the Democratic Party, particularly among
your constituents who overwhelmingly oppose Israel’s actions-genocide and support the
Palestinian people. It’s essential that you stand against extreme pro-Israel advocates like
Marc Berman, Josh Becker, Ed Lauing, and Keith Reckdahl, among others. It’s time to
reject pro-Israel lobbyists and clearly state: End the Genocide Now.
Avram
Despite the decline in support for Israel among Democrats, some members of the party still
struggle to acknowledge this reality.
https://www.commondreams.org/opinion/gaza-israel-dnc
From:Alice Smith
To:Council, City
Subject:City"s Artificial Turf Study
Date:Monday, September 1, 2025 5:43:29 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
i
I want to make it perfectly clear to every council member that there is no cost benefit
to damaging the environment, poisoning our watershed, depleting open space or
taking a 20 year look at what taxpayers will save if they take artificial turf as a cost-
effective solution to any problem.
I am horrified to find artificial turf anywhere in Palo Alto, including near a playground
at Rinconada.
I have recently been shocked to find artificial turf instead of grass or wild plants at the
homes of very wealthy Palo Alto and Stanford homeowners who often host major
events including for environmentally knowledgeable US Senators and Congressional
candidates. They have clearly drunk the kool-aid that artificial turf saves water
without any knowledge that there is money from their own water agency in SCC to
fund wild grasses as an alternative to water-intense grass.
But soccer fields need real grass. Stop and think: are we really so ignorant of health
and the environment that we would countenance in a town with dozens of world-class
environmental scientists artificial turf?
It is appalling that people have been misled by landscape "experts" into killing carbon-
digesting plants and putting down artificial turf which not only kills the ground
underneath but creates dangerous run off in heavy rains going directly into the gutters
and sewers with dangerous chemicals which are poisonous to everything.
I am told some of these chemicals are carcinogens but I admit to not being a chemist
or a doctor.
STOP the loss of green grass ... water conservation should be done by wild grasses
and native plants.
Go beyond the soccer fields. Don't take a short term solution. If you consider
yourselves educated, ensure no artificial turf will be contemplated by Palo Alto or
This message needs your attention
This is a personal email address.
Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast
allowed on the ground within the city. You stopped smoking on the street. Now
stop artificial turf. It's dangerous, too, to our health.
And stop using consultants who cost money when a citizens' committee could
have told you in 20 pages not to use artificial turf.
Alice Schaffer Smith
850 Webster Street #520
Palo Alto, CA 94301
650 283 2822
From:Aram James
To:Julie Lythcott-Haims; Lythcott-Haims, Julie; h.etzko@gmail.com
Cc:Council, City; city.council@menlopark.gov; city.council@gilroy.org; CityCouncil; Gerry Gras; Dana St. George;
Dave Price
Subject:Emergency Rally organized by Stanford RNs. This is not yet endorsed by their union CRONA.
Date:Monday, September 1, 2025 10:16:36 AM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
Emergency Rally organized by Stanford RNs. This is not yet endorsed by their union
CRONA.
[This message is copied and pasted from a Stanford RN.]
Workers at Stanford hospital are holding an emergency rally this Tuesday evening at the
hospital - would you be interested in participating and in spreading the word, and connecting
us to community groups? Here is a draft (subject to change) message that can be shared:
CARE NOT DEPORTATION
Tuesday, September 2, 5:30 - 7:00 at the corner of Welch Rd & Pasteur Dr., Palo Alto
Join Stanford healthcare workers in demanding that Stanford Health Care put patients first
instead of letting ICE agents interfere with care! As healthcare workers, our own duty to care
has been overridden by a hospital administration that has allowed ICE agents to roam freely
without supervision in our hospital, to remove communication equipment from a patient's
room, to station themselves in the middle of a patient care unit, to block communication
between a patient and immediate family members, to block access from a patient's lawyer, to
kick family members out of a patient's room and prevent any visits, and to take an ill patient
from care into detention with no plan for continued care and no notification to the family.
None of these things are necessary - other hospitals do not bend to ICE's every whim, and we
demand that Stanford follow their example and stand up for patient and
worker safety.
We demand:
1. Visitation rights & legal access for patients
2. Accessible and private communication for patients
3. No ICE agents in patient care areas
4. No discharge of patients without a medically sound and ethical disposition plan
5. Notification of family prior to discharge
Sponsored by Stanford Healthcare Workers for Palestine
*note: this is an emergency rally so details may be subject to change!*
From:Aram James
To:Martin Wasserman
Cc:Donna Wallach; Donna Wallach; Shankar Ramamoorthy; Doug Minkler; Roberta Ahlquist; h.etzko@gmail.com;
Lythcott-Haims, Julie; George for Palo Alto; Office of the Provost; snug.bug@hotmail.com; Emma
Rasolovoahangy; Council, City; WILPF Peninsula Palo Alto; Reckdahl, Keith; Veenker, Vicki; rabeh morrar; Aline
Figlioli; Roberta Ahlquist; jessica@speiser.net; editor@paweekly.com; Gennady Sheyner; city.council@gilroy.org;
CityCouncil; city.council@menlopark.gov; Clerk, City; Binder, Andrew; Rowena Chiu; Nicole Chiu-Wang; Pat M;
vramirez@redwoodcity.org; Vara Ramakrishnan; Raymond Goins; Liz Kniss; Gardener, Liz; Sheree Roth; Lori
Meyers; Palo Alto Free Press; Lotus Fong; assemblymember.berman@assembly.ca.gov; Josh Becker; Jeff
Conrad; Jeff Rosen; Jay Boyarsky; board@pausd.org; board@valleywater.org; BoardOperations; Betsy Nash;
dcombs@menlopark.gov; GRP-City Council; PD Kristina Bell; Rob Baker; Rose Lynn; Yusra Hussain; Carla Torres;
Brandon Pho; Jennifer Morrow San José Spotlight; Bill Newell; Zahra Billoo; Zelkha, Mila; Seher Awan; Sean
Allen; Carla Torres; dennis burns; Dennis Upton; DuJuan Green; Tom DuBois; Holman, Karen (external)
Subject:Re: Call To Action
Date:Sunday, August 31, 2025 11:28:13 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
No words can alter the facts. Nations around the globe are rejecting Israel’s claims and its
portrayal as a victim in this ongoing genocide. I’m not swayed by the tired talking points of
pro-Israel lobbyists; they don’t resonate with me, and deep down, you don’t believe them
either. You are part of a Zionist cult that perpetuates these lies.
Avram “ Zionists Stop Your Lies” Finkelstein
On Sun, Aug 31, 2025 at 11:04 PM Martin Wasserman <deeperlook@aol.com> wrote:
Aram,
It's true that the war started as a premeditated and deliberate attempt to exterminate an entire
people. But it was Hamas that was trying to exterminate the Jews, and after October 7, they
promised to have many more October 7s until Israel was totally destroyed.
Also, Hamas was not as weak as you claim them to be. They were very well armed, had
trained for this war for years, and were willing any maybe even eager to die as martyrs.
They had highly fortified defensive positions with their massive tunnel network paid for
with stolen international aid funds that were intended to benefit the Gazan people, and they
had the element of surprise. What they underestimated was Israel's resilience and speed of
recovery in the face of existential danger. They also expected Hezbollah, with its massive
missile arsenal, to join the fight from the north, which didn't happen, and they expected Iran
to more actively engage, which didn't happen either.
Ultimately, this is a war between two radically different views of life, between Israel and its
supporters who self-define as revering life, and between Hamas and its supporters who self-
define as revering death. These two cultures cannot coexist peacefully side-by-side, but will
continue to fight until one succeeds in driving out the other.
The way may be long and difficult, but I fully expect Israel to prevail in this struggle, and
when they do, the world will be a much better place because of it.
Martin Wasserman
On Aug 31, 2025, at 10:02 PM, Aram James <abjpd1@gmail.com> wrote:
This is not a war but a slaughter a genocide a holocaust, death by mass
starvation. A premeditated and deliberate attempt to exterminate an entire
people. War crime after war crime after war crime.
War suggests some parity in military power. Israel is armed by the most
powerful military on the planet, the USA. Israel has an army, a navy and
air-force, and nuclear weapons, and an endless supply of 2000 pound
bombs.
The Palestinians have only their wits and an enduring spirit of resistance
to the Israeli occupiers, the settlor colonists who stole the Palestinians'
land and are now determined to destroy their entire culture.
More and more nations are recognizing Palestine as an independent
sovereign nation while calling out Israel as war criminals. Israel has
become a pariah state a dying and soon dead nation. All people of moral
conscience must seek the elimination of the terroist state of Israel.
Avram “One State Solution” Finkelstein
On Sun, Aug 31, 2025 at 9:29 PM Martin Wasserman <deeperlook@aol.com>
wrote:
There seem to be two types of people pushing for an Israeli cease-fire in
Gaza: those who actively want Israel to lose the war and would like to see it
ultimately destroyed, and those who don't necessarily hate Israel, but are
troubled by the sight of suffering civilians. I can empathize with the latter
view. I don't like seeing pictures of suffering people either. However, Israel
didn't seek this war and it didn't want this war. But now that war has been
forced upon it, it has no alternative but to win it.
A unilateral Israeli cease-fire would give Hamas time to regroup and rearm,
and continue planning future atrocities, which would result in more deaths,
more Israeli retaliation and more suffering. Those who claim to care deeply
about the people of Gaza should not be demanding that Israel stop fighting,
but should be demanding that Israel step up the fighting until Hamas is totally
destroyed. The biggest obstacle to providing for the humanitarian needs of the
Gazans is Hamas itself. It’s only when they’re gone that those needs can be
properly addressed.
Martin Wasserman
From: Roberta Ahlquist <finnroberta@gmail.com>
Date: August 31, 2025 at 12:22:24 PM PDT
To: Aram James <abjpd1@gmail.com>
Cc: Henry Etzkowitz <h.etzko@gmail.com>, Julie
Lythcott-Haims
<Julie.LythcottHaims@cityofpaloalto.org>, George
for Palo Alto <georgeforpaloalto@gmail.com>,
Office of the Provost <provost@stanford.edu>,
Brian Good <snug.bug@hotmail.com>, Roseline
Rasolovoahangy <emma-
roseline@stanfordalumni.org>, City Council
<city.council@cityofpaloalto.org>, WILPF
Peninsula Palo Alto
<wilpf.peninsula.paloalto@gmail.com>, Keith
Reckdahl <reckdahl@yahoo.com>, Vicki Veenker
<Vicki.Veenker@cityofpaloalto.org>, rabeh morrar
<rabehmorrar@gmail.com>, Aline Figlioli
<alineF.consult@fia.com.br>, Roberta Ahlquist
<roberta.ahlquist@sjsu.edu>, jessica@speiser.net,
editor@paweekly.com, Gennady Sheyner
<gsheyner@embarcaderomedia.org>,
city.council@gilroy.org, CityCouncil
<CityCouncil@morganhill.ca.gov>,
city.council@menlopark.gov, City Clerk
<city.clerk@cityofpaloalto.org>, Andrew Binder
<Andrew.Binder@cityofpaloalto.org>, Rowena Chiu
<rowena.chiu@gmail.com>, Nicole Chiu-Wang
<nicole@dreamcatchersyouth.org>, Pat M
<p.marshall81@ymail.com>,
vramirez@redwoodcity.org, Vara Ramakrishnan
<vara@acm.org>, Raymond Goins
<goinsrayl@gmail.com>, Liz Kniss
<lizkniss@earthlink.net>, Liz Gardner
<Gardnerjaqua@gmail.com>, Sheree Roth
<ssroth29@gmail.com>, Lori Meyers
<meyers.lk@gmail.com>, Palo Alto Free Press
<paloaltofreepress@gmail.com>, Lotus Fong
<lyfong@pacbell.net>,
assemblymember.berman@assembly.ca.gov, Josh
Becker <becker.josh@gmail.com>, Jeff Conrad
<jeff_conrad@msn.com>, Jeff Rosen
<info@jeffrosen.org>, Jay Boyarsky
<jboyarsky@dao.sccgov.org>, board@pausd.org,
board@valleywater.org, BoardOperations
<BoardOperations@cob.sccgov.org>, Betsy Nash
<bnash@menlopark.gov>, dcombs@menlopark.gov,
GRP-City Council <council@redwoodcity.org>, PD
Kristina Bell <kbell@redwoodcity.org>, Rob Baker
<rbaker@dao.sccgov.org>, Rose Lynn
<roselynn95035@yahoo.com>, Yusra Hussain
<Yusrahussainmd@gmail.com>, Carla Torres
<xicanamagic@hotmail.com>, Brandon Pho
<brandon@sanjosespotlight.com>, Jennifer Morrow
San José Spotlight
<jennifer@sanjosespotlight.com>, Bill Newell
<billnewell2850@gmail.com>, Zahra Billoo
<zbilloo@cair.com>, Mila Zelkha
<mila.zelkha@gmail.com>
Subject: Re: Call To Action
Why are you Council so paralyzed from ethical
actions??!!. Let no more people die. Act NOW!
Roberta Ahlquist
Sent from my iPhone
On Aug 31, 2025, at 12:00 PM, Aram
James <abjpd1@gmail.com> wrote:
8/31/2025
Rabbi Etzkowitz,
Do Say! Do Say! Will your
thoughtful prayers be answered? A
call out for courage from our leaders.
Will your pleas for a cease-fire
resolution and no more genocide be
heeded ? Will the leader you have
called upon for action be ready in
this moment of dire consequences?
“ First Amendment forever ”
Avram
Finkelstein
On Sun, Aug 31, 2025 at 9:33 AM
Henry Etzkowitz <h.etzko@gmail.com>
wrote:
Be a profile in courage, not an
exercise in pusillanimity From
vaunted dais intro cease fre now
resolution. In your inimitable style
explain why you are acting at this
juncture. Honour your mother. I knew
VSO’s like her in Nigeria. Show inter
generational continuity. Make her
proud, not ashamed, of your tenure
on Council. Follow in the footsteps of
fellow Stanfordian, Herbert Hoover.
Channel the great Humanitarian. Take
care
“Action, not blah,blah “ cf Aline, São
Paulo
Henry Etzkowitz
www.triplehelix.net
On Aug 30, 2025, at
6:31 PM, Aram James
<abjpd1@gmail.com>
wrote:
8/30/2025
HI Henry,
Julie's base is all ready
in front of her. Per
recent polls only 8% of
Democrats now
support the genocide
in Gaza. It's Time for
Julie to break from the
remainder of the
cowards on the Palo
Alto City Council and
proclaim:
“End The Genocide
Now”
Avram Finkelstein
Julie is an eminently
practical politician who
will not get an inch in
front of her base
suggest broaden
strategy;
On Sat, Aug 30, 2025 at
3:54 PM Henry Etzkowitz
<h.etzko@gmail.com>
wrote:
When her base moves;
Julie will speak out like
Marjorie, whose
evangelical base
overcame their
ideological
predelictions and were
able to see human made
hunger and respond,
giving implicit support
to speak out.
Julie is an eminently
practical politician who
will not get an inch in
front of her base
suggest broaden
strategy; call for public
teach in Council
Chambers, invite
Stanford and other
experts to present
comparative historical
view of starvation
strategies with a view to
where Gaza does or
doesn’t fit.
In the Vietnam crisis,
opening of 1969
academic year,
Washington university
faculty senate meeting
called by Prof Barry
commoner, put this
strstegy, formulated in a
resolution by a junior
faculty member,
forming university-
labor business coalition
to implement. Event at
St. Louis teamsters hq
had Daniel Ellsberg as
one of its speakers.
Who will be our “Barry
Commoner” Convener?
nominate Prof
Condaleeza Rice,
director Hoover
Institute as most
appropriate person by
dint of academic and
public service.
Sincerely
Henry Etzkowitz
Neighbors for
Environmental and
Social Justice
Www.triplehelix.net
Sent from my iPhone
On Aug 30,
2025, at
3:17 PM,
Aram
James
<abjpd1@gmail.com>
wrote:
X,
We have
to keep
encouraging
Julie to
speak-out.
She did a
great job
with the
ICE issue.
I keep
pushing
Julie and
the
hapless
vice
mayor
Vicki—to
call out
the
Genocide.
Maybe
Julie
never
Vicki who
has
allowed
AIPAC to
pull her
strings
since Oct
7. As I
have told
Vicki
multiple
times:
your
obituary
will read
clever
politician
and great
lawyer
who
remained
silent as
the
Israelis continue
to commit
genocide.
A woman
with no
soul. Its
all about
Vicki’s
climb up
the
political
ladder.
Disgusting!
Avram
Finkelstein
From:Aram James
To:Donna Wallach; Donna Wallach; Shankar Ramamoorthy; Doug Minkler
Cc:Roberta Ahlquist; h.etzko@gmail.com; Lythcott-Haims, Julie; George for Palo Alto; Office of the Provost; Brian
Good; Roseline Rasolovoahangy; Council, City; WILPF Peninsula Palo Alto; Reckdahl, Keith; Veenker, Vicki; rabeh
morrar; Aline Figlioli; Roberta Ahlquist; jessica@speiser.net; editor@paweekly.com; Gennady Sheyner;
city.council@gilroy.org; CityCouncil; city.council@menlopark.gov; Clerk, City; Binder, Andrew; Rowena Chiu;
Nicole Chiu-Wang; Pat M; vramirez@redwoodcity.org; Vara Ramakrishnan; Raymond Goins; Liz Kniss; Gardener,
Liz; Sheree Roth; Lori Meyers; Palo Alto Free Press; Lotus Fong; assemblymember.berman@assembly.ca.gov;
Josh Becker; Jeff Conrad; Jeff Rosen; Jay Boyarsky; board@pausd.org; board@valleywater.org;
BoardOperations; Betsy Nash; dcombs@menlopark.gov; GRP-City Council; PD Kristina Bell; Rob Baker; Rose
Lynn; Yusra Hussain; Carla Torres; Brandon Pho; Jennifer Morrow San José Spotlight; Bill Newell; Zahra Billoo;
Zelkha, Mila; Marty Wasserman; Seher Awan; Sean Allen; Carla Torres; dennis burns; Dennis Upton; DuJuan
Green; Tom DuBois; Holman, Karen (external)
Subject:Re: Call To Action
Date:Sunday, August 31, 2025 10:03:18 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
This is not a war but a slaughter a genocide a holocaust, death by mass starvation. A
premeditated and deliberate attempt to exterminate an entire people. War crime after war
crime after war crime.
War suggests some parity in military power. Israel is armed by the most powerful
military on the planet, the USA. Israel has an army, a navy and air-force, and nuclear
weapons, and an endless supply of 2000 pound bombs.
The Palestinians have only their wits and an enduring spirit of resistance to the Israeli
occupiers, the settlor colonists who stole the Palestinians' land and are now
determined to destroy their entire culture.
More and more nations are recognizing Palestine as an independent sovereign nation
while calling out Israel as war criminals. Israel has become a pariah state a dying and
soon dead nation. All people of moral conscience must seek the elimination of the
terroist state of Israel.
Avram “One State Solution” Finkelstein
On Sun, Aug 31, 2025 at 9:29 PM Martin Wasserman <deeperlook@aol.com> wrote:
There seem to be two types of people pushing for an Israeli cease-fire in Gaza: those who
actively want Israel to lose the war and would like to see it ultimately destroyed, and those
who don't necessarily hate Israel, but are troubled by the sight of suffering civilians. I can
empathize with the latter view. I don't like seeing pictures of suffering people either.
However, Israel didn't seek this war and it didn't want this war. But now that war has been
forced upon it, it has no alternative but to win it.
A unilateral Israeli cease-fire would give Hamas time to regroup and rearm, and continue
planning future atrocities, which would result in more deaths, more Israeli retaliation and
more suffering. Those who claim to care deeply about the people of Gaza should not be
demanding that Israel stop fighting, but should be demanding that Israel step up the fighting
until Hamas is totally destroyed. The biggest obstacle to providing for the humanitarian
needs of the Gazans is Hamas itself. It’s only when they’re gone that those needs can be
properly addressed.
Martin Wasserman
From: Roberta Ahlquist <finnroberta@gmail.com>
Date: August 31, 2025 at 12:22:24 PM PDT
To: Aram James <abjpd1@gmail.com>
Cc: Henry Etzkowitz <h.etzko@gmail.com>, Julie Lythcott-Haims
<Julie.LythcottHaims@cityofpaloalto.org>, George for Palo Alto
<georgeforpaloalto@gmail.com>, Office of the Provost
<provost@stanford.edu>, Brian Good <snug.bug@hotmail.com>,
Roseline Rasolovoahangy <emma-roseline@stanfordalumni.org>,
City Council <city.council@cityofpaloalto.org>, WILPF Peninsula
Palo Alto <wilpf.peninsula.paloalto@gmail.com>, Keith Reckdahl
<reckdahl@yahoo.com>, Vicki Veenker
<Vicki.Veenker@cityofpaloalto.org>, rabeh morrar
<rabehmorrar@gmail.com>, Aline Figlioli
<alineF.consult@fia.com.br>, Roberta Ahlquist
<roberta.ahlquist@sjsu.edu>, jessica@speiser.net,
editor@paweekly.com, Gennady Sheyner
<gsheyner@embarcaderomedia.org>, city.council@gilroy.org,
CityCouncil <CityCouncil@morganhill.ca.gov>,
city.council@menlopark.gov, City Clerk
<city.clerk@cityofpaloalto.org>, Andrew Binder
<Andrew.Binder@cityofpaloalto.org>, Rowena Chiu
<rowena.chiu@gmail.com>, Nicole Chiu-Wang
<nicole@dreamcatchersyouth.org>, Pat M
<p.marshall81@ymail.com>, vramirez@redwoodcity.org, Vara
Ramakrishnan <vara@acm.org>, Raymond Goins
<goinsrayl@gmail.com>, Liz Kniss <lizkniss@earthlink.net>, Liz
Gardner <Gardnerjaqua@gmail.com>, Sheree Roth
<ssroth29@gmail.com>, Lori Meyers <meyers.lk@gmail.com>,
Palo Alto Free Press <paloaltofreepress@gmail.com>, Lotus Fong
<lyfong@pacbell.net>,
assemblymember.berman@assembly.ca.gov, Josh Becker
<becker.josh@gmail.com>, Jeff Conrad <jeff_conrad@msn.com>,
Jeff Rosen <info@jeffrosen.org>, Jay Boyarsky
<jboyarsky@dao.sccgov.org>, board@pausd.org,
board@valleywater.org, BoardOperations
<BoardOperations@cob.sccgov.org>, Betsy Nash
<bnash@menlopark.gov>, dcombs@menlopark.gov, GRP-City
Council <council@redwoodcity.org>, PD Kristina Bell
<kbell@redwoodcity.org>, Rob Baker <rbaker@dao.sccgov.org>,
Rose Lynn <roselynn95035@yahoo.com>, Yusra Hussain
<Yusrahussainmd@gmail.com>, Carla Torres
<xicanamagic@hotmail.com>, Brandon Pho
<brandon@sanjosespotlight.com>, Jennifer Morrow San José
Spotlight <jennifer@sanjosespotlight.com>, Bill Newell
<billnewell2850@gmail.com>, Zahra Billoo <zbilloo@cair.com>,
Mila Zelkha <mila.zelkha@gmail.com>
Subject: Re: Call To Action
Why are you Council so paralyzed from ethical actions??!!. Let no
more people die. Act NOW!
Roberta Ahlquist
Sent from my iPhone
On Aug 31, 2025, at 12:00 PM, Aram James
<abjpd1@gmail.com> wrote:
8/31/2025
Rabbi Etzkowitz,
Do Say! Do Say! Will your thoughtful prayers be
answered? A call out for courage from our
leaders. Will your pleas for a cease-fire resolution
and no more genocide be heeded ? Will the
leader you have called upon for action be ready in
this moment of dire consequences?
“ First Amendment forever ”
Avram
Finkelstein
On Sun, Aug 31, 2025 at 9:33 AM Henry Etzkowitz
<h.etzko@gmail.com> wrote:
Be a profile in courage, not an exercise in
pusillanimity From vaunted dais intro cease fre now
resolution. In your inimitable style explain why you
are acting at this juncture. Honour your mother. I
knew VSO’s like her in Nigeria. Show inter
generational continuity. Make her proud, not
ashamed, of your tenure on Council. Follow in the
footsteps of fellow Stanfordian, Herbert Hoover.
Channel the great Humanitarian. Take care
“Action, not blah,blah “ cf Aline, São Paulo
Henry Etzkowitz
www.triplehelix.net
On Aug 30, 2025, at 6:31 PM, Aram
James <abjpd1@gmail.com> wrote:
8/30/2025
HI Henry,
Julie's base is all ready in front of
her. Per recent polls only 8% of
Democrats now support the
genocide in Gaza. It's Time for Julie
to break from the remainder of the
cowards on the Palo Alto City
Council and proclaim:
“End The Genocide Now”
Avram Finkelstein
Julie is an eminently practical
politician who will not get an inch in
front of her base suggest broaden
strategy;
On Sat, Aug 30, 2025 at 3:54 PM Henry
Etzkowitz <h.etzko@gmail.com> wrote:
When her base moves; Julie will speak
out like Marjorie, whose evangelical
base overcame their ideological
predelictions and were able to see
human made hunger and respond,
giving implicit support to speak out.
Julie is an eminently practical
politician who will not get an inch in
front of her base suggest broaden
strategy; call for public teach in
Council Chambers, invite Stanford
and other experts to present
comparative historical view of
starvation strategies with a view to
where Gaza does or doesn’t fit.
In the Vietnam crisis, opening of 1969
academic year,
Washington university faculty senate
meeting called by Prof Barry
commoner, put this strstegy,
formulated in a resolution by a junior
faculty member, forming university-
labor business coalition to implement.
Event at St. Louis teamsters hq had
Daniel Ellsberg as one of its speakers.
Who will be our “Barry Commoner”
Convener? nominate Prof Condaleeza
Rice, director Hoover Institute as most
appropriate person by dint of
academic and public service.
Sincerely
Henry Etzkowitz
Neighbors for Environmental and
Social Justice
Www.triplehelix.net
Sent from my iPhone
On Aug 30, 2025, at
3:17 PM, Aram James
<abjpd1@gmail.com>
wrote:
X,
We have to keep
encouraging Julie to
speak-out. She did a
great job with the ICE
issue. I keep pushing
Julie and the hapless
vice mayor Vicki—to
call out the Genocide.
Maybe Julie never
Vicki who has allowed
AIPAC to pull her
strings since Oct 7. As
I have told Vicki
multiple times: your
obituary will read
clever politician and
great lawyer who
remained silent as the
Israelis continue to
commit genocide. A
woman with no soul.
Its all about Vicki’s
climb up the political
ladder. Disgusting!
Avram Finkelstein
From:Tony Lee
To:Council, City
Subject:Urgent Plea for Reconsideration of Parking Policies on El Camino Real and the Impact on Small Businesses
Date:Sunday, August 31, 2025 12:33:42 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
To the Honorable Members of the Palo Alto City Council And the City of Palo Alto
Department of Public Works and Transportation
Subject: Urgent Plea for Reconsideration of Parking Policies on El Camino Real and the
Impact on Small Businesses
Dear Honorable Council Members and Department Leaders,
I am writing to you today as a concerned member of the Palo Alto community, and on behalf
of the many small business owners facing an existential crisis because of recent parking policy
changes on El Camino Real. While we all support initiatives to improve our city, the
unintended consequences of these policies are threatening the livelihoods of our local
entrepreneurs, who form the very heart and soul of our community.
The recent removal of street parking in favor of bike lanes on El Camino Real, while a noble
effort to promote alternative transportation, has created a significant challenge for businesses
that do not have their own private parking facilities. These businesses rely heavily on street
parking for their customers, many of whom are unable or unwilling to walk long distances
from distant lots. Since the removal, many of these small establishments have reported a
substantial and disheartening decline in customer foot traffic, directly impacting their ability to
sustain their operations.
Furthermore, we are witnessing a particularly troubling enforcement of "no parking" rules in
the bicycle lane, even during late-night hours when these lanes are completely devoid of
bicycles, cars, or any other activity. This zealous application of the law, at times when the risk
of conflict or obstruction is zero, feels punitive and serves to further discourage any potential
customers who might attempt to visit these businesses during non-peak hours.
This combination of policies—the elimination of convenient parking and the rigid, all-hours
enforcement—is a one-two punch that is killing these small businesses. They are the shops
and restaurants that give our city its unique character, provide jobs, and contribute to our local
economy. Without the ability for customers to easily access them, they will be forced to close
their doors.
We urge the city to reconsider these policies. We are not asking for the elimination of bike
lanes, but rather for a practical and balanced solution that allows small businesses to thrive.
Perhaps a hybrid model that permits late-night parking in the bike lane, or the creation of
designated, easily accessible public parking spots, could offer the necessary compromise.
We'd like to ask you to dialogue with the small business community to find a workable
solution before more of our cherished local establishments are lost forever.
Sincerely,
The Owner of Stanford Coin Wash
Tony Lee
650-224-2230 cell
From:Hamilton Hitchings
To:Council, City
Cc:Kurotori, Alan; Jeff Levinsky
Subject:Finance Committee: Gas COSA Design Guidelines Input
Date:Sunday, August 31, 2025 12:25:54 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
Dear Finance Committee Members:
The staff report for the Tuesday meeting does not explain or discuss the Gas Rate Design
Guidelines that were adopted in 2016 by a unanimous Utility Advisory Commission and
then unanimously adopted by the City Council on consent. The current UAC did not have
the benefit of reviewing the 2016 design guidelines and instead had before it a novel and
different set of proposed design guidelines introduced by staff that it found lacking. The
Commission recommended not using these.
The 2016 five guidelines are commendable in their simplicity and very applicable to our
current situation. They address climate change, the needs of low-income residents, and
fairness. They came from a thoughtful process and added valuable benefits to our City that
are in no way present in Proposition 26. So rather than abandoning all the past work that
our staff, UAC members, and Council did in 2016, we recommend that we continue with
those Guidelines, updated very modestly to reflect what we’ve learned in the intervening
nine years.
The 2016 adopted Guidelines are not provided in the staff report for your review, so we
show them here, along with a few proposed additions marked in red:
1. Rates must be based on the reasonable cost to serve customers. This is the
overriding principle for the cost of service analysis (COSA); all other rate design
considerations are subsidiary to this basic premise.
2. For this cost of service study, and to the extent feasible, the revenue from
volumetric energy charges should be maximized and the revenue from the fixed
charge should be minimized to provide the maximum incentive for efficiency and
electrification, the conversion of gas-using appliances to electricity-using
appliances.
3. The COSA should involve a review of all existing rate schedules for applicability
in the COSA.
4. The COSA should evaluate the impact of rate designs on, and support, the
economics of electrification.
5. The impact of any proposed changes on low income customers should be
evaluated.
6. Minimize fixed cost shifts between customer classes and explain any changes.
Here’s why we recommend the changes marked in red:
We propose adding the word “reasonable” to the first guideline to align it better with
the actual requirements of Proposition 26, which uses that word to describe a city’s
requirements.
We propose adding “and support” to the fourth guideline to help our city meet our
climate goals.
And, we propose additional guideline 6 to help the upcoming and subsequent COSAs
reflect the Council’s recent intent to avoid large discretionary shifts in charges from
businesses to residents, for example.
Staff has listed as an option in its Staff Report to use these 2016 Design Guidelines. The
many benefits of doing so include expediting the creation and approvals of the upcoming
and future COSAs by establishing important criteria in advance. This will result in COSAs
that better align with council policies, a quicker council approval process, and reduced
consultant and staff effort and costs. The current concerns over the draft 2025 COSA could
have been avoided, had the above guidelines been followed. That would not be the case
were we to only have the vague language of Proposition 26 to guide the process.
In summary, the staff, UAC, and Council actions from 2016 were excellent and we will all
benefit by preserving them, with the recommended minor updates.
Respectfully,
Hamilton Hitchings
Jeff Levinsky
From:Aram James
To:h.etzko@gmail.com
Cc:Lythcott-Haims, Julie; George for Palo Alto; Office of the Provost; Brian Good; Roseline Rasolovoahangy; Council,
City; WILPF Peninsula Palo Alto; Reckdahl, Keith; Veenker, Vicki; rabeh morrar; Aline Figlioli; Roberta Ahlquist;
Jessica Speiser, Educational Leader for California Democratic Delegate, Assembly District 23;
editor@paweekly.com; Gennady Sheyner; city.council@gilroy.org; CityCouncil; city.council@menlopark.gov;
Clerk, City; Binder, Andrew; Rowena Chiu; Nicole Chiu-Wang; Pat M; vramirez@redwoodcity.org; Vara
Ramakrishnan; Raymond Goins; Liz Kniss; Gardener, Liz; Roberta Ahlquist; Sheree Roth; Lori Meyers; Palo Alto
Free Press; Lotus Fong; assemblymember.berman@assembly.ca.gov; Josh Becker; Jeff Conrad; Jeff Rosen; Jay
Boyarsky; board@pausd.org; board@valleywater.org; BoardOperations; Nash, Betsy; dcombs@menlopark.gov;
GRP-City Council; PD Kristina Bell; Baker, Rob; Rose Lynn; Yusra Hussain; Carla Torres; Brandon Pho; Jennifer
Morrow San José Spotlight; Bill Newell; Zahra Billoo; Zelkha, Mila
Subject:Call To Action
Date:Sunday, August 31, 2025 12:01:07 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
8/31/2025
Rabbi Etzkowitz,
Do Say! Do Say! Will your thoughtful prayers be answered? A call out for courage
from our leaders. Will your pleas for a cease-fire resolution and no more genocide be
heeded ? Will the leader you have called upon for action be ready in this moment of
dire consequences?
“ First Amendment forever ”
Avram
Finkelstein
On Sun, Aug 31, 2025 at 9:33 AM Henry Etzkowitz <h.etzko@gmail.com> wrote:
Be a profile in courage, not an exercise in pusillanimity From vaunted dais intro cease fre
now resolution. In your inimitable style explain why you are acting at this juncture. Honour
your mother. I knew VSO’s like her in Nigeria. Show inter generational continuity. Make
her proud, not ashamed, of your tenure on Council. Follow in the footsteps of fellow
Stanfordian, Herbert Hoover. Channel the great Humanitarian. Take care
“Action, not blah,blah “ cf Aline, São Paulo
Henry Etzkowitz
www.triplehelix.net
On Aug 30, 2025, at 6:31 PM, Aram James <abjpd1@gmail.com> wrote:
8/30/2025
HI Henry,
Julie's base is all ready in front of her. Per recent polls only 8% of
Democrats now support the genocide in Gaza. It's Time for Julie to
break from the remainder of the cowards on the Palo Alto City Council
and proclaim:
“End The Genocide Now”
Avram Finkelstein
Julie is an eminently practical politician who will not get an inch in front
of her base suggest broaden strategy;
On Sat, Aug 30, 2025 at 3:54 PM Henry Etzkowitz <h.etzko@gmail.com>
wrote:
When her base moves; Julie will speak out like Marjorie, whose evangelical
base overcame their ideological predelictions and were able to see human
made hunger and respond, giving implicit support to speak out.
Julie is an eminently practical politician who will not get an inch in front of
her base suggest broaden strategy; call for public teach in Council Chambers,
invite Stanford and other experts to present comparative historical view of
starvation strategies with a view to where Gaza does or doesn’t fit.
In the Vietnam crisis, opening of 1969 academic year,
Washington university faculty senate meeting called by Prof Barry
commoner, put this strstegy, formulated in a resolution by a junior faculty
member, forming university-labor business coalition to implement. Event at
St. Louis teamsters hq had Daniel Ellsberg as one of its speakers.
Who will be our “Barry Commoner” Convener? nominate Prof Condaleeza
Rice, director Hoover Institute as most appropriate person by dint of
academic and public service.
Sincerely
Henry Etzkowitz
Neighbors for Environmental and Social Justice
Www.triplehelix.net
Sent from my iPhone
On Aug 30, 2025, at 3:17 PM, Aram James
<abjpd1@gmail.com> wrote:
X,
We have to keep encouraging Julie to speak-out. She did
a great job with the ICE issue. I keep pushing Julie and
the hapless vice mayor Vicki—to call out the Genocide.
Maybe Julie never Vicki who has allowed AIPAC to pull
her strings since Oct 7. As I have told Vicki multiple times:
your obituary will read clever politician and great lawyer
who remained silent as the Israelis continue to commit
genocide. A woman with no soul. Its all about Vicki’s climb
up the political ladder. Disgusting!
Avram Finkelstein
From:Jaya Pandey
To:Council, City; Know Your Neighbor Grants
Subject:Barron Park Diwali celebrations on October 12th!
Date:Sunday, August 31, 2025 11:01:10 AM
Attachments:Diwali 2025_Final (1).png
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking
on links.
Dear City Council members,
We request your participation in our Diwali celebrations on October
12th. In the past, we always had the honor of the Mayor and other city
council members attending the event and addressing our beloved
community.
For details, please see the attached flyer. The event is on October
12th from 2:00 PM to 4:30 pm in Barron Park Elementary School (800
Barron Ave, Palo Alto).
Let me know if you have any questions or need any further information
about the event.
We sincerely thank Know Your Neighbor Grants to make this possible
alongwith the support from The Barron Park Association.
Hope you will make it to the event!
Thank you,
Jaya Pandey
Secretary, Barron Park Association
Barron Park
Celebrates
Diwali
Courtesy of The Barron Park Association
and The City of Palo Alto
too*
2-4:30 pm, Sunday Oct 12th
Barron Park Elementary School
Please bring a dish to share!
4.1040Fok
..................••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
From:Burt, Patrick
To:Melinda McGee; Council, City
Cc:John Melnychuk
Subject:Re: When is the next rail committee meeting? I thought it was September 16th but can"t find that on the website
Date:Sunday, August 31, 2025 9:10:25 AM
Melinda,
Yes, it is on 9/16 at 2:30. It should be posted on the website early next week.
Regards, Pat Burt
Get Outlook for iOS
From: Melinda McGee <melmcgee@stanford.edu>
Sent: Friday, August 29, 2025 7:19:38 PM
To: Council, City <city.council@PaloAlto.gov>
Cc: John Melnychuk <jmelnychuk@sbcglobal.net>
Subject: When is the next rail committee meeting? I thought it was September 16th but can't find
that on the website
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
https://www.paloalto.gov/Departments/City-Clerk/City-Council-Committees/Rail-Ad-Hoc-
Committee
Rail Committee – City of PaloAlto, CA
Rail Committee Hybrid meetings for boards,commissions, and committees began March 1,2022. Participate in-person at City Hall (CouncilChambers and Community Meeting Room) andvirtually. Ad Hoc Committees remain virtual only.Check out our Resources for Hybrid Meeting
www.paloalto.gov
When is the next rail committee meeting? I thought it was September 16th but can't find that
on the website
From:Burt, Patrick
To:David Ndeto; Council, City
Subject:Re: Grade separation/charleston
Date:Sunday, August 31, 2025 9:09:19 AM
David,
The next Rail Com meeting is 9/16 at 2:30. It should be posted on the city website early next
week.
Regards,
Pat Burt
Get Outlook for iOS
From: David Ndeto <dndeto@gmail.com>
Sent: Saturday, August 30, 2025 7:18:57 AM
To: Council, City <city.council@PaloAlto.gov>
Subject: Grade separation/charleston
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
Our neighbors mentioned future community gatherings where tax payers/home owners can learn
updates about proposals, but we have not received. Can you send via email the scheduled meetings.
Cheers,
David Ndeto
8086333379
From:Aram James
To:Lythcott-Haims, Julie; h.etzko@gmail.com; Council, City
Subject:I saw this The Mercury News e-edition article on the The Mercury News e-edition app and thought you’d be
interested.
Date:Sunday, August 31, 2025 8:22:15 AM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
Santa Clara County is topping its goal for affordable housing
https://edition.pagesuite.com/popovers/dynamic_article_popover.aspx?guid=0c0dde31-5a71-
4380-a65e-57c69b7be6b4&appcode=SAN252&eguid=e1495628-728c-47ac-a075-
81d2da8f65ec&pnum=3# For more great content like this subscribe to the The Mercury News
e-edition app here:
From:Aram James
To:h.etzko@gmail.com
Cc:Mark Granovetter; Lotus Fong; Office of the Provost; Council, City; Hannah Lu; Jessica Riskin; Arthur Millman;
Bette Kiernan; Veenker, Vicki; Raymond Goins; Human Relations Commission; Today EPA; Linda Jolley;
Supervisor Susan Ellenberg; Supervisor Otto Lee; District1@bos.sccgov.org; jessica@speiser.net; Supervisor
Betty Duong; District5@bos.sccgov.org; The Office of Mayor Matt Mahan; District3@sanjoseca.gov;
Councilmember Chappie Jones; city.council@gilroy.org; cotton.gaines@cityofpaloalto.org;
planning.commission@cityofpaloalto.0rg; ParkRec Commission; Stephen Le; Gerry Gras; Gardener, Liz; Liz Kniss;
Dave Price; assemblymember.berman@assembly.ca.gov; Palo Alto Renters" Association; Josh Becker;
board@pausd.org; WILPF Peninsula Palo Alto; Shankar Ramamoorthy; Doug Minkler; Yusra Hussain; Roberta
Ahlquist; Palo Alto Free Press; Dave Price; Yolanda Conaway; Sheree Roth; Roberta Ahlquist; Donna Wallach;
Diana Diamond; Emily Mibach; city.council@menlopark.gov; Perron, Zachary; Robert Salonga; Brandon Pho;
jgreen@dailynewsgroup.com; Jeff Hayden; Wagner, April; Braden Cartwright;
planning.commision@cityofpaloalto.org
Subject:Re: Ice in our town
Date:Saturday, August 30, 2025 6:31:49 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
8/30/2025
HI Henry,
Julie's base is all ready in front of her. Per recent polls only 8% of Democrats now
support the genocide in Gaza. It's Time for Julie to break from the remainder of the
cowards on the Palo Alto City Council and proclaim:
“End The Genocide Now”
Avram Finkelstein
Julie is an eminently practical politician who will not get an inch in front of her base
suggest broaden strategy;
On Sat, Aug 30, 2025 at 3:54 PM Henry Etzkowitz <h.etzko@gmail.com> wrote:
When her base moves; Julie will speak out like Marjorie, whose evangelical base overcame
their ideological predelictions and were able to see human made hunger and respond, giving
implicit support to speak out.
Julie is an eminently practical politician who will not get an inch in front of her base suggest
broaden strategy; call for public teach in Council Chambers, invite Stanford and other
experts to present comparative historical view of starvation strategies with a view to where
Gaza does or doesn’t fit.
In the Vietnam crisis, opening of 1969 academic year,
Washington university faculty senate meeting called by Prof Barry commoner, put this
strstegy, formulated in a resolution by a junior faculty member, forming university-labor
business coalition to implement. Event at St. Louis teamsters hq had Daniel Ellsberg as one
of its speakers.
Who will be our “Barry Commoner” Convener? nominate Prof Condaleeza Rice, director
Hoover Institute as most appropriate person by dint of academic and public service.
Sincerely
Henry Etzkowitz
Neighbors for Environmental and Social Justice
Www.triplehelix.net
Sent from my iPhone
On Aug 30, 2025, at 3:17 PM, Aram James <abjpd1@gmail.com> wrote:
X,
We have to keep encouraging Julie to speak-out. She did a great job
with the ICE issue. I keep pushing Julie and the hapless vice mayor
Vicki—to call out the Genocide. Maybe Julie never Vicki who has
allowed AIPAC to pull her strings since Oct 7. As I have told Vicki
multiple times: your obituary will read clever politician and great lawyer
who remained silent as the Israelis continue to commit genocide. A
woman with no soul. Its all about Vicki’s climb up the political ladder.
Disgusting!
Avram Finkelstein
From:Aram James
To:Lythcott-Haims, Julie
Cc:Roberta Ahlquist; h.etzko@gmail.com; Council, City; city.council@gilroy.org; CityCouncil; Gerry Gras; Friends of
Cubberley
Subject:East Palo Alto housekeeper arrested by ICE discharged from Stanford hospital
Date:Saturday, August 30, 2025 6:08:37 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
https://www.mercurynews.com/2025/08/30/east-palo-alto-housekeeper-who-fainted-when-
arrested-by-ice-discharged-from-stanford-hospital/
From:karenlemes@earthlink.net
To:Council, City
Subject:A suggestion for the City of Palo Alto
Date:Saturday, August 30, 2025 4:54:22 PM
Attachments:image.png
image.png
image.png
image.png
-----Forwarded Message-----
From: Karen Lemes <karenlemes@earthlink.net>
Sent: Aug 29, 2025 8:23 AM
To: <BoardOperations@cob.sccgov.org>, <supervisor.lee@bos.sccgov.org>,
<district1@bos.sccgov.org>, <district2@bos.sccgov.org>,
<supervisor.ellenberg@bos.sccgov.org>, <district5@bos.sccgov.org>
Subject: Thanks for the commitment of the County of Santa Clara to providing health care
for our residents!
To the Board of Supervisors of the County of Santa Clara:
Both my husband John Lemes and I were proud of the County Supervisors maintaining a
robust health care system for residents of Santa Clara County. John served as the Chief
Internal Auditor for 27 years and I was a Social Worker with the Welfare/Social Services
Department for 5 years.
As ICE is targeting people in California for deportation, we are seeing videos of people
being injured by these ICE agents. Most recently a San Francisco man defending himself
received a broken arm. When ICE came to a home in East Palo Alto, one of the three
people targeted had to be taken to Stanford Hospital where she remained for three days.
(and remains in a hospital August 30)
ICE pepper sprays protesters and press at S.F.
immigration court
missionlocal.org
Protesters clash with ICE agents outside SF
immigration courthouse, video shows
abc7.com
South Bay immigrant family says federal agents
took away two relatives in East Palo Alto
ktvu.com
Sunnyvale man arrested by ICE, taken to El
Camino Hospital for medical emergency
mv-voice.com
In the interest of maintaining the health and safety of residents of our county during
encounters with ICE, County Fire trucks
could be dispatched to locations of ICE encounters. Residents could call 911 to request Fire
Department assistance. With fire fighters holding EMT status, they are able to provide first
aid in an emergency. They would be able to transport injured residents to a hospital. The
fire trucks would provide valuable eye witness recording of encounters with their on board
cameras.
I urge the Board of Supervisors to explore the feasibility of this suggestion.
Sincerely, Karen Lemes, resident of Santa Clara County 650-400-3246
From:matt@evolutionaryteams.com
To:fridaysforfuturepaloalto@gmail.com; Palo-Alto@fridaysforfutureusa.org
Subject:Aleyda vigil update and next action
Date:Saturday, August 30, 2025 9:05:24 AM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
i
Aleyda’s family reported last night that Stanford Hospital released Aleyda into ICE custody. The
family reports that Aleyda was in a catatonic state when Stanford Hospital released her to ICE, which
is shameful. As of last night, the family had no idea of Aleyda’s location – she has been disappeared.
If Aleyda’s family is not required to be elsewhere today (August 30), they will attend our vigil for
Aleyda at Stanford Hospital, 500 Pasteur Drive, at 1:30PM. Please come and show your support for
them.
NEXT ACTION - Vigil for Aleyda: Today (8/30), 1:30PM, Stanford Hospital, 500 Pasteur Drive
(Immediately following the Tesla Takedown Rally at Stanford Shopping Center from Noon to 1PM).
If you want to help the family with legal expenses, you can donate to Aleyda’s GoFundMe:
https://www.gofundme.com/f/stand-with-aleyda-legal-and-medical-aid-needed
Yesterday, approximately 36 people attended Aleyda’s vigil. We received an update from Aleyda’s
attorney, Michelle de Blank. At that point in time, Aleyda was still in the hospital. We also heard
moving words from Council Member Julie Lythcott-Haims. The Raging Grannies, Ingrid and
Kat all led songs. Sharat and fellow monarch butterflies danced in solidarity with Aleyda and all
immigrants. Telemundo and ProBonoPhoto both covered the event. Thank you everyone for the
beautiful vigil.
Attorney Michelle de Blank update: https://photos.app.goo.gl/zK2DzdUZZ4nWgRiC7
Julie Lythcott-Haims moving words: https://photos.app.goo.gl/QGLsB2FYmFkFUn1y9
Telemundo coverage: https://www.telemundoareadelabahia.com/noticias/local/stanford-
protesta-mujer-detenida-ice-east-palo-alto/2486081/
ProBonoPhoto coverage:
https://www.probonophoto.org/2025/29Aug25StanfordYenyRodriguez
This message needs your attention
Some Recipients have never replied to this person.
Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast
Thanks again to everyone. Please remember the Martin Niemöller poem to remind yourself how
important it is to support our friends, neighbors and community when they are under attack by fascist
forces, and especially the poem’s final line, “Then they came for me—and there was no one
left to speak for me.”
❤️ BE IN SOLIDARITY ❤️
att Schlegel
Cell or Signal: 650-924-8923
You are receiving this email because you have expressed an interest in supporting climate action in
Palo Alto. If you no longer wish to receive these emails, please let me know.
From:David Ndeto
To:Council, City
Subject:Grade separation/charleston
Date:Saturday, August 30, 2025 7:19:07 AM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking
on links.
Our neighbors mentioned future community gatherings where tax payers/home owners can learn updates about
proposals, but we have not received. Can you send via email the scheduled meetings.
Cheers,
David Ndeto
8086333379
From:Melinda McGee
To:Council, City
Cc:John Melnychuk
Subject:When is the next rail committee meeting? I thought it was September 16th but can"t find that on the website
Date:Friday, August 29, 2025 7:19:58 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
https://www.paloalto.gov/Departments/City-Clerk/City-Council-Committees/Rail-Ad-Hoc-
Committee
When is the next rail committee meeting? I thought it was September 16th but can't find that
on the website
Rail Committee – City of PaloAlto, CA
Rail Committee Hybrid meetings for boards,commissions, and committees began March 1,2022. Participate in-person at City Hall (CouncilChambers and Community Meeting Room) andvirtually. Ad Hoc Committees remain virtual only.Check out our Resources for Hybrid Meeting
www.paloalto.gov
From:Aram James
To:h.etzko@gmail.com
Cc:Marty Wasserman; Office of the Provost; Prof Dr Helga Nowotny; P Wouters; Mariza Almeida; WILPF Peninsula
Palo Alto; Ellen Granovetter; Sean Allen; Salem Ajluni; Lythcott-Haims, Julie; Veenker, Vicki; Reckdahl, Keith; Ed
Lauing; city.council@menlopark.gov; GRP-City Council; CityCouncil; city.council@gilroy.org; Council, City;
Supervisor Susan Ellenberg; Supervisor Otto Lee; District5@bos.sccgov.org; Supervisor Betty Duong; Jessica
Speiser, Educational Leader for California Democratic Delegate, Assembly District 23; Sheree Roth; Shankar
Ramamoorthy; Doug Minkler; Dave Price; Emily Mibach; Carla Torres; planning.commission@cityofpaloalto.0rg;
ParkRec Commission; assemblymember.berman@assembly.ca.gov; Sameena Usman; Dana St. George; Gerry
Gras; Daniel Barton; Yusra Hussain; Yolanda Conaway; Roberta Ahlquist; Donna Wallach; Binder, Andrew; james
pitkin; Reifschneider, James; Robert Salonga
Subject:Re: “I Just Want to Die”: Desperate Med Student in Gaza Sends Messages to Doctor Denied Entry | Democracy
Now!
Date:Friday, August 29, 2025 3:23:05 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
On Fri, Aug 29, 2025 at 3:08 PM Aram James <abjpd1@gmail.com> wrote:
Hi Henry,
My dear Jewish brother, I am so proud of you for standing with those who are victims
during this time of the Palestinian catastrophe, the Nakba. It is heartbreaking to witness the
current suffering inflicted upon the Palestinians with no mercy by the Zionist state of
Israel.You are my hero. While so many remain silent, you refuse to be silenced.
With deep respect,
Avram Finkelstein
On Fri, Aug 29, 2025 at 2:43 PM Henry Etzkowitz <h.etzko@gmail.com> wrote:
have you heart? IDF reservists (see Friday NYT) US evangelicals and orthodox Rabbis
increasingly agree: cease fire now!1
University Presidents, classical provided moral leadership. President Levin, time to lead
and call your peers to join call for Gaza cease fire now!
Dr RIce, Hoover Institute, Director, timely to take forward the heritage of Institute
namesake and call for immediate massive global delivery of nutritious food and
medicaments. Organize coalition of the willing, starting with countries and regions that
President Hoover fed
Provost Martinez’ Stanford food institute, shuttered, should be restarted with funding
raised from new generation of billionaires that Stanford is creating
Sincerely
Henry Etzkowitz
Neighbors for Environmental and Social Justice
President, Triple Helix Institute
644 Menlo Avenue
Menlo Park CA 94025
Www.triple helix.net
https://www.democracynow.org/2025/8/21/dr_mimi_syed_gaza_israel_medicine
Sent from my iPhone
From:Aram James
To:h.etzko@gmail.com
Cc:Marty Wasserman; Office of the Provost; Prof Dr Helga Nowotny; P Wouters; Mariza Almeida; WILPF Peninsula
Palo Alto; Ellen Granovetter; Sean Allen; Salem Ajluni; Lythcott-Haims, Julie; Veenker, Vicki; Reckdahl, Keith; Ed
Lauing; city.council@menlopark.gov; GRP-City Council; CityCouncil; city.council@gilroy.org; Council, City;
Supervisor Susan Ellenberg; Supervisor Otto Lee; District5@bos.sccgov.org; Supervisor Betty Duong; Jessica
Speiser, Educational Leader for California Democratic Delegate, Assembly District 23; Sheree Roth; Shankar
Ramamoorthy; Doug Minkler; Dave Price; Emily Mibach; Carla Torres; planning.commission@cityofpaloalto.0rg;
ParkRec Commission; assemblymember.berman@assembly.ca.gov; Sameena Usman; Dana St. George; Gerry
Gras; Daniel Barton; Yusra Hussain; Yolanda Conaway; Roberta Ahlquist; Donna Wallach; Binder, Andrew; james
pitkin; Reifschneider, James; Robert Salonga
Subject:Re: “I Just Want to Die”: Desperate Med Student in Gaza Sends Messages to Doctor Denied Entry | Democracy
Now!
Date:Friday, August 29, 2025 3:08:26 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
Hi Henry,
My dear Jewish brother, I am so proud of you for standing with those who are victims during
this time of the Palestinian catastrophe, the Nakba. It is heartbreaking to witness the current
suffering inflicted upon the Palestinians with no mercy by the Zionist state of Israel.You are
my hero. While so many remain silent, you refuse to be silenced.
With deep respect,
Avram Finkelstein
On Fri, Aug 29, 2025 at 2:43 PM Henry Etzkowitz <h.etzko@gmail.com> wrote:
have you heart? IDF reservists (see Friday NYT) US evangelicals and orthodox Rabbis
increasingly agree: cease fire now!1
University Presidents, classical provided moral leadership. President Levin, time to lead and
call your peers to join call for Gaza cease fire now!
Dr RIce, Hoover Institute, Director, timely to take forward the heritage of Institute
namesake and call for immediate massive global delivery of nutritious food and
medicaments. Organize coalition of the willing, starting with countries and regions that
President Hoover fed
Provost Martinez’ Stanford food institute, shuttered, should be restarted with funding raised
from new generation of billionaires that Stanford is creating
Sincerely
Henry Etzkowitz
Neighbors for Environmental and Social Justice
President, Triple Helix Institute
644 Menlo Avenue
Menlo Park CA 94025
Www.triple helix.net
https://www.democracynow.org/2025/8/21/dr_mimi_syed_gaza_israel_medicine
Sent from my iPhone
From:City Mgr
To:Council, City; Shikada, Ed
Cc:Executive Leadership Team; Clerk, City; City Mgr
Subject:City Council Bundle - August 29
Date:Friday, August 29, 2025 11:31:18 AM
Attachments:image001.png
image002.png
FW Working near Cal Ave.msg
FW RV ban impact San Francisco restriction on RV parking across city sparks concern from neighboring
communities - ABC7 San Francisco.msg
RE Request for investigation by city auditor regarding Mark Zuckerberg"s alleged preferential treatment by city
personnel.msg
FW RE Urgent Concern Regarding RVs at East Meadow Circle.msg
Fw IndustrialTransportCommercial Safety.msg
Fw Comment on Potential Approaches to Address Oversize Vehicle Impacts.msg
RE Request for City of Palo Alto Proclamation Find the Good Day.msg
RE Caltrain Palo Alto.msg
RE White Cane Day Request October 9th.msg
RE California Public Records Act Request 457 401a.msg
RE Sponsor access to Cal Ave for 918 3rdThursday.msg
RE Urgent Request for Assistance with Rodent Infestation in Miranda Green Neighborhood.msg
RE Concern Regarding Rezoning at 332 Forest Ave.msg
Dear Mayor and Council Members,
On behalf of City Manager Ed Shikada, please see the attached staff responses to emails received in
the Council inbox through August 29, 2025.
Respectfully,
Danille
Danille Rice
Administrative Assistant
City Manager’s Office|Human Resources|Transportation
(650) 329-2229 | danille.rice@PaloAlto.gov
www.PaloAlto.gov
From:Bulatao, Eric
To:Dave.Mitchell@recormedical.com
Cc:City Mgr
Subject:Fw: Comment on Potential Approaches to Address Oversize Vehicle Impacts
Date:Thursday, August 21, 2025 3:42:45 PM
Attachments:image006.png
image007.png
image008.png
image009.png
image010.png
image011.png
image012.png
image013.png
Dear Mr. Mitchell,
Thank you for bringing your concerns forward and for continuing to keep us informed regarding
the situation on Elwell Court. I want to take this opportunity to introduce myself and the Palo
Alto Police Department’s Special Problems Detail (SPD), the unit responsible for addressing
ongoing community quality-of-life concerns such as the ones you’ve described.
Over the past 45 days, our team has conducted the following enforcement and outreach efforts
on Elwell Court:
11 directed patrols
7 criminal citations issued
3 vehicles towed
2 warnings issued by SPD
Several parking citations and tow warnings issued by Parking Enforcement
Referrals made to LifeMoves to provide housing and service options for RV residents
We patrol Elwell Court as frequently as resources allow and will continue to do so. That said,
there are significant challenges with towing vehicles that are inhabited, as well as RVs in
general, since few tow companies are willing or able to handle them. While these limitations
slow down enforcement, we remain committed to addressing the issues and balancing
enforcement with outreach.
I encourage you and your employees to call the Palo Alto Police Department immediately
when violations or suspicious activity are observed, so that we can address issues in real
time. You may also contact my team directly, and we will look into the matter as quickly as
possible.
I would also encourage you to attend the upcoming City Council meeting on August 25,
where RV and oversized vehicle parking will be directly addressed. This meeting will provide an
opportunity to hear about the City’s broader strategy and for your concerns to be part of the
discussion.
Please know that SPD will continue to monitor and enforce conditions on Elwell Court to the
fullest extent possible. We appreciate your patience and partnership as we work with other city
departments to find both enforcement and long-term solutions.
Feel free to reach out to me directly if you have any specific concerns or individuals, and my
team can try to address it.
Respectfully,
Sergeant Eric Bulatao
Palo Alto Police Department
Special Problems Detail
275 Forest Avenue
Palo Alto, CA 94301
Office: (650) 838-2866
From: Dave Mitchell <Dave.Mitchell@recormedical.com>
Sent: Monday, August 18, 2025 10:15 PM
To: Council, City <city.council@PaloAlto.gov>
Cc: Darci Teobaldi <Darci.Teobaldi@recormedical.com>; Victor Stephenson
<Victor.Stephenson@recormedical.com>
Subject: Comment on Potential Approaches to Address Oversize Vehicle Impacts
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious ofopening attachments and clicking on links.
To the City of Palo Alto Policy and Services Committee, I am the Vice-President of Operations for Recor Medical, makers of a first-in-class device to lower blood pressure. We are proud to be located in Palo Alto, on Elwell Court near the Baylands, very close to 101 and San Ant
i
This message needs your attention
No employee in your company has ever replied to this person.
Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast
CGBANNERINDICATOR
To the City of Palo Alto Policy and Services Committee,
I am the Vice-President of Operations for Recor Medical, makers of a first-in-class device to lower
blood pressure. We are proud to be located in Palo Alto, on Elwell Court near the Baylands, very
close to 101 and San Antonio Road. Over the past year we have seen an alarming increase in RVs
parking on our street. For more than 6 months this short road has become fully or nearly fully lined
on both sides, with 15-20 of these vehicles in a block. This has led to the following concerns and
challenges:
· There is no street parking available to accommodate our expanding employee base
or visitors, including physicians coming onsite for product training, limiting our use of
our training facility in 1003 Elwell Court.
· An RV inhabitant was observed in broad daylight fully naked as she changed clothes
outside of her RV on the street.
· Waste from RVs, including human waste, has been deposited in our waste
collection bins.
· RV residents have been observed stealing our water from spigots on the exterior of
our buildings.
· Suspicious behavior that appears to be drug dealing has been observed on several
occasions from RVs directly outside our offices.
· Sewage been emitted or leaked onto the street multiple times.
· A dog residing in one of the RVs bit our employee, resulting in lacerations and
stitches, in addition to his needing to get a long and very painful set of rabies
injections.
We routinely update Palo Alto police about these matters, typically via the non-emergency line, and
we have also written repeatedly to the City Council, the Mayor, the Vice-Mayor, and the City
Attorney. Notices that the RVs must move have been delivered at least 10 times, but as there is no
enforcement of these notices, the RVs by and large do not move, and several have been in exactly
the same location for more than 6 months.
We are asking the City to please enforce the laws requiring RV movement and would very much
advocate for excluding RV parking during working hours for the safety of our employees and
visitors on this economically vibrant piece of road.
Many Thanks,
Dave Mitchell
VP Operations and Manufacturing Engineering
+1 (215) 932 0932
CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This communication is intended for only the named recipients and may contain
confidential communications. Any use, dissemination or copying of this transmission by anyone other than an
addressee is prohibited. If you have received the transmission in error, please notify us immediately and delete or
destroy all copies (digital and other) of this message and any attachments.
Xenia Czisch
Vice President of
Operations
phone: (650) 858-2491mobile: (650) 804-4225
fax: (650) 858-2494
Logo
4047 Transport StPalo Alto, CA 94303
www.qualitymetalspinning.us
From:Bulatao, Eric
To:marguerite@paloaltoglass.com
Cc:City Mgr
Subject:Fw: Industrial/Transport/Commercial Safety
Date:Thursday, August 21, 2025 3:48:33 PM
Attachments:image011.pngimage015.pngimage016.pngimage017.pngimage018.pngimage019.pngimage020.pngimage021.png
Dear Marguerite Poyatos,
Thank you for your follow-up regarding the RV and propane tank. Our Special Problems Detail (SPD) responded to your complaint and, as part of our enforcement in the area, we issued one criminal citation and towed two vehicles.
With respect to the RV you reported with a propane tank, our officers attempted to contact the owner, but the individual was not present at the time. We will continue to monitor the situation and take enforcement action as resources allow.
We understand your concerns regarding safety hazards and will address them as part of our ongoing patrols. Please continue to report these issues directly to the police department when you observe them so we can respond in real time whenever possible.
Respectfully,
Sergeant Eric BulataoPalo Alto Police DepartmentSpecial Problems Detail
275 Forest Avenue
Palo Alto, CA 94301Office: (650) 838-2866
From: Marguerite Poyatos <marguerite@paloaltoglass.com>
Sent: Friday, August 15, 2025 8:39:37 AM
To: Patrick Kelly <Patrick.Kelly@dmdsystems.com>
Cc: Osbaldo R <osbaldo@or-builders.com>; Xenia Czisch <xenia@qmsshields.com>; Bill McLane <bill@paloaltoglass.com>; Ramon Moreno <ramonmorenoschool@gmail.com>; Lester Wong <LWong@wongelectric.com>; Maor Greenberg <maor@greenberg.construction>; Dave Stellman <davestellman@gmail.com>; chantal.gaines@cityofpaloalto.org <chantal.gaines@cityofpaloalto.org>; Manu Kumar <manu@k9ventures.com>; Benjamin Becchetti <Benjamin.Becchetti@cityofpaloalto.org>; 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>; 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>; 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>; Staceytomson@qmsshields.com <Staceytomson@qmsshields.com>
Subject: Re: Industrial/Transport/Commercial Safety
CAUTION: External Sender. Please do not click on links or open attachments from senders you do not trust.
I would also like to note that the propane tank I mentioned a couple weeks ago is still sitting in the street. Is this not a safety hazard? From what I have read, they shouldn't be allowed to be kept in the street for multiple reasons.
On Fri, Aug 15, 2025 at 8:34 AM Patrick Kelly <Patrick.Kelly@dmdsystems.com> wrote:
The safety on this street keeps getting worse. No visibility, no concern for environmental issues. Please help.
Patrick Kelly
From: Osbaldo R <osbaldo@or-builders.com>
Sent: Wednesday, July 23, 2025 1:57:53 PM
To: Xenia Czisch <xenia@qmsshields.com>; Bill McLane <bill@paloaltoglass.com>
Cc: Marguerite Poyatos <marguerite@paloaltoglass.com>; Ramon Moreno <ramonmorenoschool@gmail.com>; Lester Wong <LWong@wongelectric.com>; Maor Greenberg <maor@greenberg.construction>; Dave Stellman <davestellman@gmail.com>; Patrick Kelly <Patrick.Kelly@dmdsystems.com>; chantal.gaines@cityofpaloalto.org <chantal.gaines@cityofpaloalto.org>; Manu Kumar <manu@k9ventures.com>; Benjamin Becchetti <Benjamin.Becchetti@cityofpaloalto.org>; 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>; 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>; 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>; Staceytomson@qmsshields.com <Staceytomson@qmsshields.com>
Subject: RE: Industrial/Transport/Commercial Safety
CAUTION: External Sender. Please do not click on links or open attachments from senders you do not trust.
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: Xenia Czisch <xenia@qmsshields.com>
Sent: Wednesday, July 23, 2025 1:53 PM
To: 'Bill McLane' <bill@paloaltoglass.com>
Cc: 'Marguerite Poyatos' <marguerite@paloaltoglass.com>; 'Ramon Moreno' <ramonmorenoschool@gmail.com>; 'Lester Wong' <LWong@wongelectric.com>; 'Maor Greenberg' <maor@greenberg.construction>; 'Dave Stellman' <davestellman@gmail.com>; 'Patrick Kelly' <Patrick.Kelly@dmdsystems.com>; chantal.gaines@cityofpaloalto.org; osbaldo@or-builders.com; 'Manu Kumar' <manu@k9ventures.com>; 'Benjamin Becchetti' <Benjamin.Becchetti@cityofpaloalto.org>; 'Cathi Lerch'
<cathi@lerchconstruction.com>; 'Dave Stellman' <dave@paloaltoglass.com>; 'City Mgr' <CityMgr@cityofpaloalto.org>; 'Pete Moffatt' <pete@petemoffat.com>; Jacob@onemovemovers.com; david@paloaltoconcrete.com; 'Steve Wong' <SWong@wongelectric.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>; '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>; Staceytomson@qmsshields.com
Subject: RE: Industrial/Transport/Commercial Safety
+ Staceytomson@qmsshields.com
From: Bill McLane <bill@paloaltoglass.com>
Sent: Wednesday, July 23, 2025 1:48 PM
To: Xenia Czisch <xenia@qmsshields.com>
Cc: Marguerite Poyatos <marguerite@paloaltoglass.com>; Ramon Moreno <ramonmorenoschool@gmail.com>; Lester Wong <LWong@wongelectric.com>; Maor Greenberg <maor@greenberg.construction>; Dave Stellman <davestellman@gmail.com>; Patrick Kelly <Patrick.Kelly@dmdsystems.com>; chantal.gaines@cityofpaloalto.org; osbaldo@or-builders.com; Manu Kumar <manu@k9ventures.com>; Benjamin Becchetti <Benjamin.Becchetti@cityofpaloalto.org>; Cathi Lerch
<cathi@lerchconstruction.com>; Dave Stellman <dave@paloaltoglass.com>; City Mgr <CityMgr@cityofpaloalto.org>; Pete Moffatt <pete@petemoffat.com>; Jacob@onemovemovers.com; david@paloaltoconcrete.com; Steve Wong <SWong@wongelectric.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>; 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
I didn’t get my tape measure out, but I’d be willing to bet this is more than 18 inches from the curb. I believe that’s a violation of California parking laws.
Bill McLane
---------------------------------
Palo Alto Glass, Inc.
4085 Transport Street
Palo Alto, CA 94303
650-494-7000 Office
www.paloaltoglass.com
On Wed, Jul 23, 2025 at 1:25 PM Xenia Czisch <xenia@qmsshields.com> wrote:
+ staceytomson@qmsshields.com
Xenia Czisch
Vice President of
Operations
phone: (650) 858-2491mobile: (650) 804-4225
fax: (650) 858-2494
Logo
4047 Transport StPalo Alto, CA 94303
www.qualitymetalspinning.us
From: Marguerite Poyatos <marguerite@paloaltoglass.com>
Sent: Wednesday, July 23, 2025 1:13 PM
To: Ramon Moreno <ramonmorenoschool@gmail.com>
Cc: Lester Wong <LWong@wongelectric.com>; Maor Greenberg <maor@greenberg.construction>; Dave Stellman <davestellman@gmail.com>; Patrick Kelly <Patrick.Kelly@dmdsystems.com>; Bill McLane <bill@paloaltoglass.com>; chantal.gaines@cityofpaloalto.org; osbaldo@or-builders.com; Manu Kumar <manu@k9ventures.com>; Benjamin Becchetti <Benjamin.Becchetti@cityofpaloalto.org>; Cathi Lerch <cathi@lerchconstruction.com>; Dave Stellman <dave@paloaltoglass.com>; City Mgr
<CityMgr@cityofpaloalto.org>; Pete Moffatt <pete@petemoffat.com>; Jacob@onemovemovers.com; david@paloaltoconcrete.com; Steve Wong <SWong@wongelectric.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
Chantal,
Please see the attached images. An enforcement officer went around this morning and gave out the 72 hour tow notices.
I watched the gentleman with the Raiders RV (in attached image) remove all tow notices from his vehicles and will not move them. I will be taking pictures of his vehicles in the next coming days to show that he will be in violation of the notices. Also, he has a propane tank (also in attached image) that has been sitting in the street for a few months now. Can that be addressed?
The other picture shows a tow notice sitting in the gutter, which is where many of these end up. Can there be any enforcement for littering?
As others are stating, I would also hope something can be done for the safety of pedestrians. As I was walking to my car today, I was almost hit by a car because there is no visibility for cars coming down the street or pedestrians.
Thank you.
On Mon, Jul 21, 2025 at 12:12 PM Ramon Moreno <ramonmorenoschool@gmail.com> wrote:
Dear City of Palo Alto,
I am writing to express my deep concern regarding the ongoing issues caused by the RV encampments in Palo Alto, which are directly impacting my business and the safety of my students and their families.
As the owner of the Ramon Moreno School of Ballet, I am dedicated to maintaining a safe, clean, and welcoming environment for our students and their families. However, recent circumstances are making that increasingly difficult.
One of the most pressing issues is illegal dumping. Individuals from the RV encampments have been using my business’s garbage disposal for their personal waste, resulting in contamination. Because of this, the city has refused to collect the trash, and I have now been left to clean and dispose of everything myself—at my own expense. If I don’t, I’ve been informed that I may face additional charges. This is unacceptable and places an unfair financial andoperational burden on my business. I understand that I am not alone—many neighboring businesses are facing similar challenges.
Additionally, the presence of these encampments has created ongoing safety concerns. Several families have shared their discomfort and hesitation about bringing their children to class, due to the unpredictable and sometimes unsafe conditions surrounding my studio. This is not just an inconvenience; it poses a direct risk to the well-being of the children, their families, my staff, and the reputation of our school.
I would like to know what specific actions the city is taking to address these challenges. While I understand that this is a complex issue, local businesses should not be expected to shoulder the consequences alone. The safety of our community and the ability for small businesses to operate without disruption should be a priority.
I urge the City of Palo Alto to present a clear and immediate plan of action that includes:
Proper and reliable waste management enforcement
Increased monitoring and enforcement of local ordinances
Measures to ensure public safety for local families and business owners
Attached to this email are photos documenting the contamination of my garbage disposal and the resulting conditions. I hope these images convey the seriousness of the situation and the urgent need for intervention.
Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to your response and to seeing meaningful steps taken to support the well-being of our local business community.
Sincerely,
Ramon Moreno
Owner & Director
Ramon Moreno School of Ballet
Please feel free to text or call:
650-304-1909
Thank you,
Ramon Moreno
www.ramonmorenoballet.com
www.facebook.com/pg/RamonMorenoSchool
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
signatureImage
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 hazard not 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 ins at 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 had minimal 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 see attached
Greenberg Logo
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
Yelp
Houzz
Pintrest
Google
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 our neighborhood is injured because of the unsafe conditions that exist here? This email chain alone would be enough evidence 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 not Palo Alto? Its not a money issue here, and even if it was, wouldn’t it be less costly to tow some vehicles and help relocate them to a safer area than to pay the cost of litigation?
We are asking the city to stop ignoring this issue before it becomes an even bigger problem.
On Mar 12, 2025, at 9:17 AM, Patrick Kelly <Patrick.Kelly@dmdsystems.com> wrote:
Hi Ben,
Please take action.
The safety of our employees and locals is critical. Anyone walking or driving on Industrial/Transport/Commercial is constantly at risk. Every crosswalk and entry is a major risk for anyone walking the sidewalks or pulling into any of these facilities where illegally parked abandoned vehicles are encamped.
The visibility is very poor and the reason there are height and length restrictions for these types of streets; There are
There are illegally running generators with unsafe live electrical lines oftentimes in the sidewalk or even running across entryways
There are collections of volatile liquids like gasoline and oil (environmental issues aside) that pose additional hazards to anyone in the vicinity
Please let us know what you need from us to support your team in enforcing our city regulations in order to make our workplaces safer for our employees.
Respectfully,
Patrick Kelly | CIODMD Systems Recovery, LLC.C: 650.492.9003
patrick.kelly@dmdsystems.com | www.dmdsystems.com
<Outlook-DMD Logo.png>
<Outlook-larpkod1.png>Book time to meet with me
From: Bill McLane <bill@paloaltoglass.com>
Sent: Wednesday, February 5, 2025 12:39 PM
To: Marguerite Poyatos <marguerite@paloaltoglass.com>
Cc: Dave Stellman <davestellman@gmail.com>; chantal.gaines@cityofpaloalto.org <chantal.gaines@cityofpaloalto.org>; osbaldo@or-builders.com <osbaldo@or-builders.com>; Manu Kumar <manu@k9ventures.com>; Benjamin Becchetti <Benjamin.Becchetti@cityofpaloalto.org>; Lester Wong <lwong@wongelectric.com>; Cathi Lerch <cathi@lerchconstruction.com>; Dave Stellman <dave@paloaltoglass.com>; City Mgr <CityMgr@cityofpaloalto.org>; Pete Moffatt
<pete@petemoffat.com>; Jacob@onemovemovers.com <Jacob@onemovemovers.com>; david@paloaltoconcrete.com <david@paloaltoconcrete.com>; Steve Wong <swong@wongelectric.com>; RamonMorenoSchool@gmail.com <RamonMorenoSchool@gmail.com>; nancy@drewmaran.com <nancy@drewmaran.com>; Patrick Kelly <Patrick.Kelly@dmdsystems.com>; Dan McKinley <danmck@scientific-equipment.com>; Melissa McDonough
<Melissa.McDonough@cityofpaloalto.org>; James Reifschneider <James.Reifschneider@cityofpaloalto.org>; Transportation <Transportation@cityofpaloalto.org>; Patrick Kelly <Patrick.Kelly@dmdsystems.com>; John Lerch <john@lerchconstruction.com>; Andrew Binder <Andrew.Binder@cityofpaloalto.org>; Jade Jin <JJin@wongelectric.com>; Xenia Czisch <Xenia@qmsshields.com>; City Attorney <city.attorney@cityofpaloalto.org>; Ed Lauing
<Ed.Lauing@cityofpaloalto.org>; Lydia Kou <Lydia.Kou@cityofpaloalto.org>; Vicki Veenker <Vicki.Veenker@cityofpaloalto.org>; City Council <city.council@cityofpaloalto.org>; Patrick Burt <Pat.Burt@cityofpaloalto.org>; Greer Stone <Greer.Stone@cityofpaloalto.org>; Julie Lythcott-Haims <Julie.LythcottHaims@cityofpaloalto.org>; Maor <maor@greenberg.construction>
Subject: Re: Industrial/Transport/Commercial concerns
A citation for double parking and expired tags is what is needed here. I’m positive that’s what the police would do to me if I did the same. That is unless there are two separate sets of laws that gov
sophospsmartbannerend
A citation for double parking and expired tags is what is needed here. I’m positive that’s what the police would do to me if I did the same. That is unless there are two separate sets of laws that govern the city of Palo 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 marked parking spots, which is one of the things that exacerbates our parking issue.
A small car or motorcycle may fit there but in a commercial area where most vehicles are trucks, this does not help.
Can you please send a community officer to leave notices on the RVs? I hope this doesn't come across as petty, but every spot really does matter on this block. Employees of some businesses have to park in lots that belong 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, but when 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 told to leave the area - and freed up two parking spaces. Thank you Palo Alto Police and Fire. Apparently reporting violations of everykind is what is going to have to be done on a regular basis if we want our streets cleaned up.
On Dec 21, 2024, at 3:39 PM, Bill McLane <bill@paloaltoglass.com> wrote:
Thank you, Dave!
Bill McLane
---------------------------------Palo Alto Glass, Inc.
4085 Transport Street
Palo Alto, CA 94303
650-494-7000 Office
www.paloaltoglass.com
On Sat, Dec 21, 2024 at 8:22 AM Dave Stellman <davestellman@gmail.com> wrote:
I just called the hotline for Palo Alto for hazardous waste dumping and gave them all of this information including license numbers. These vehicles are still parked there.They are sending the fire department out to flush the street and these people better be held accountable.
On Dec 21, 2024, at 7:56 AM, Bill McLane <bill@paloaltoglass.com> wrote:
License plate of the accomplice
<IMG_0142.jpeg>
Bill McLane
---------------------------------Palo Alto Glass, Inc.
4085 Transport Street
Palo Alto, CA 94303
650-494-7000 Office
www.paloaltoglass.com
On Sat, Dec 21, 2024 at 5:13 AM Bill McLane <bill@paloaltoglass.com> wrote:
Still parked right across from my building. Note, NO rear license plate. I do think that is against the law. I do also have video of them driving up, proof of the vehicle operating on city streets.
Do you think they have insurance?
<image.png>
Bill McLane
---------------------------------
Palo Alto Glass, Inc.
4085 Transport Street
Palo Alto, CA 94303
650-494-7000 Office
www.paloaltoglass.com
On Sat, Dec 21, 2024 at 4:54 AM Bill McLane <bill@paloaltoglass.com> wrote:
Here, they are emptying their waste in front of my building.
Bill McLane
---------------------------------
Palo Alto Glass, Inc.
4085 Transport Street
Palo Alto, CA 94303
650-494-7000 Office
www.paloaltoglass.com
On Fri, Dec 20, 2024 at 9:18 PM Dave Stellman <davestellman@gmail.com> wrote:
Chantal,
It looks like somehow most of the city council members, Vice Mayor and Mayor must have inadvertently been deleted from your last email response.
I have added them back in to make sure they stay apprised of the situation. I hope it doesn't take the legal channels mentioned to start cleaning up our neighborhood immediately; this has gotten out of control and kicking the problem back and forth to different members of your city staff is not going to make it go away.
Dave Stellman
Transport 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 of Palo Alto has both the authority and obligation to take immediate and decisive action to protect its residents, businesses, and public spaces. Allowing illegally parked, unsafe, and hazardous RVs to persist is unacceptable and directly violates state and local regulations. Below are specific legal and 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 or more may be towed immediately. Additionally, vehicles with exposed sewage tanks, missing wheels, or other structural hazards are in direct violation of California Vehicle Code § 24002, which prohibits parking or operating vehicles in unsafe conditions. These RVs also create a public health hazard under California Health and Safety Code § 117490, which prohibits improper disposal of waste and sewage. **2. Clarification Requested Regarding Unregistered Vehicles
In light of your response, please confirm whether the City of Palo Alto allows unregistered vehicles to be driven on its streets. - I have some fun vehicles I would love to order from Alibaba and drive them around Palo Alto...
• California Vehicle Code § 4000(a)(1) expressly prohibits the operation of unregistered vehicles. If these RVs are being moved every 72 hours as claimed, and they lack proper registration, their operation is illegal under state law.
• Allowing unregistered vehicles to remain or operate within city limits undermines traffic safety and compliance standards. This point must be clarified explicitly: Does the City of Palo Alto condone the 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 that many RVs are circumventing the 72-hour rule by wiping off chalk markings rather than physically moving. This is blatant non-compliance and undermines the intent of the ordinance. Furthermore, California Vehicle Code § 22669 explicitly allows for the removal of vehicles that are “wrecked, dismantled, or inoperative,” even if they are moved every 72 hours. The City has the authority to act, and failing to do so jeopardizes public safety and traffic flow. 4. Public Safety and Sanitation Violations
The exposed sewage tanks, illegal dumping, and general neglect by these RV occupants pose significant health and environmental risks. The City’s failure to enforce sanitation laws, such as California Health and Safety Code § 117490 and PAMC § 16.09.100, endangers residents, workers, and the environment. Additionally, blocking roadways and driveways is a clear violation of California Vehicle Code § 22500, which prohibits parking that obstructs traffic
flow or access. 5. Impact on Businesses and Traffic Flow
Businesses in the area are suffering due to blocked roadways, limited parking for customers, and safety concerns. Under California Vehicle Code § 21101(c) and PAMC § 10.48.120, the City has the authority to regulate parking to ensure the safety of businesses and residents.
The City’s failure to allocate parking for business deliveries, customers, or even emergency services is a gross dereliction of duty. Blocking roadways for long periods creates safety hazards, violates municipal code, and disrupts commerce. Conclusion and Final Demands
The City of Palo Alto has the legal authority and responsibility to act under the following regulations:
• PAMC § 10.48.120: Authorizes the removal of unregistered vehicles.
• California Vehicle Code § 22651(o): Allows towing of unregistered vehicles.
• California Vehicle Code § 22669: Mandates removal of inoperative vehicles.
• California Health and Safety Code § 117490: Prohibits illegal waste disposal.
• California Vehicle Code § 21101(c): Permits parking restrictions to ensure safety.
We demand the immediate implementation of the following measures:
1. Impound all unregistered, unsafe, or inoperative RVs within two weeks.
2. Establish designated loading zones and 2-hour parking areas near businesses.
3. Conduct regular sanitation inspections and impose penalties for violations.
4. Provide a clear timeline for resolution and enforcement updates.
The continued failure to act exposes the City to liability for neglecting public health and safety under California Government Code § 815.6, which requires municipalities to perform mandatory duties. We expect a formal response with a clear action plan within 14 days. If no satisfactory action is taken, we reserve the right to escalate this matter through legal channels to protect our businesses, employees, and the community.
<email-signture_87b8d7a2-c4f4-4cbf-b474-af2f32118dd2.png>
Maor Greenberg
CEO
maor@greenberg.construction | 650-610-7711
Greenberg.Construction | 650-600-9536 x101 | Fax 925-269-2325
908 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 AMTo: 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 <
--
Marguerite Poyatos
Palo Alto Glass, Inc.
4085 Transport Street
Palo Alto CA 94303
(650) 494-7000
(650) 494-7087 (FAX)
--
Marguerite Poyatos
Palo Alto Glass, Inc.
4085 Transport Street
Palo Alto CA 94303
(650) 494-7000
(650) 494-7087 (FAX)
From:City Mgr
To:City Mgr
Subject:FW: RE: Urgent Concern Regarding RVs at East Meadow Circle
Date:Thursday, August 14, 2025 10:14:24 AM
Attachments:image001.png
image002.png
From: McDonough, Melissa <Melissa.McDonough@paloalto.gov>
Sent: Thursday, August 14, 2025 9:42 AM
To: anubhavchhabra92@gmail.com
Cc: City Mgr <CityMgr@paloalto.gov>
Subject: RE: Urgent Concern Regarding RVs at East Meadow Circle
Dear Mr. Chhabra,
Thank you for your email and for taking the time to share your experience. I’m responding on behalf
of the City Manager, Ed Shikada. I want to acknowledge your frustration, and I’m sorry that the
conditions outside your workplace have made coming to the office feel disheartening.
We understand that the prolonged presence of RVs on East Meadow Circle has led to concerns
related to parking access, safety, sanitation, and overall quality of life for employees and nearby
businesses. I recognize how discouraging it must feel to see little visible progress, especially as you
prepare to return to the office full time.
Please know that the City is actively working to address these complex issues through a combination
of enforcement, outreach, and policy development. The Police Department’s Special Problems Detail
(SPD) is tasked with responding to quality-of-life concerns, crime trends, and issues relating to RVs
and unhoused individuals. This includes issuing citations for violations, assessing public safety
hazards, and coordinating with our outreach team.
The City has a dedicated outreach team as part of a pilot program to engage individuals living in
vehicles. These outreach workers provide direct contact and offer support services to assist with
relocation, access to safe parking programs, and connection to longer-term housing resources.
While participation is voluntary, we are working to build relationships and encourage transitions off
the street.
To help support documentation and follow-up, we strongly encourage you and others in the area to
report any violations of the law to the non-emergency police line at 650-329-2413. If there are
particular times of day when the area is most impacted, that information can also help guide both
enforcement and outreach efforts.
Again, I want to thank you for reaching out and for your patience. There will be an upcoming
additional opportunity to share your experiences and to hear discussion about oversized vehicles in
our community to the City Council Policy and Services Committee special meeting on August 25.
There will be several agenda topics including options to address homelessness impacts, particularly
relating to oversized vehicles. We can share that agenda report with you when it is available.
Best regards,
Melissa
Melissa McDonough, MPP
Assistant to the City Manager
pronouns: she/her
650.329.2533 (desk) | 650.586.1557 (mobile)
Melissa.McDonough@PaloAlto.gov
www.PaloAlto.gov
From: Anubhav Chhabra <anubhavchhabra92@gmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, August 12, 2025 1:56 PM
To: Lauing, Ed <Ed.Lauing@paloalto.gov>
Subject: Urgent Concern Regarding RV Encampments at East Meadow Circle
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
Dear Mayor Ed,I am writing as an employee in Palo Alto to express my deep frustration over the ongoing RV encampments outside my workplace. I will soon be required to work in the office five days a week, and the situation has become unbearable and has been for a year and a half o
CGBANNERINDICATOR
Dear Mayor Ed,
I am writing as an employee in Palo Alto to express my deep frustration over the ongoing RV
encampments outside my workplace. I will soon be required to work in the office five days a
week, and the situation has become unbearable and has been for a year and a half of me
working at 1076 East Meadow Circle.
Due to the number of RVs permanently parked along our streets, there is virtually no street
parking available for employees or visitors. The conditions around these vehicles are
unacceptable! There is litter, sewage dumped in drains, and a constant smell of gasoline. Many
of these RVs appear un-drivable (would fail smog inspection), and create significant blind
spots for drivers, leading to dangerous near misses.
It is disappointing and frankly pathetic that the city has done so little to address this problem.
In fact, it’s frustrating to see time and taxpayer money spent on issuing tow-away notices
(only to see them on the floor or floating away in the wind) or deploying community officers
when these efforts clearly achieve nothing. Instead of improving, the situation worsens by the
day as more RVs arrive.
It is unfair that workers and residents must deal with this every single day while it appears the
city’s focus is elsewhere (Out of sight out of mind). This is not only an aesthetic problem—it
is a public health, safety hazard and management problem which only amplifies the
national narrative of California as a state!
I urge the city to take meaningful and immediate action to restore safe, clean, and accessible
streets as it is depressing, annoying and extremely disheartening to come to work in Palo Alto
now for 5 days starting September 1st.
Sincerely,
Anubhav Chhabra
1076 East Meadow Circle, Palo Alto CA 94303
From:City Mgr
To:City Mgr
Subject:FW: RV ban impact: San Francisco restriction on RV parking across city sparks concern from neighboring
communities - ABC7 San Francisco
Date:Tuesday, August 19, 2025 7:25:34 AM
From: Bulatao, Eric <Eric.Bulatao@paloalto.gov>
Sent: Monday, August 18, 2025 7:02 PM
To: mikkifunnie@yahoo.com <mikkifunnie@yahoo.com>
Subject: Fw: RV ban impact: San Francisco restriction on RV parking across city sparks concern from
neighboring communities - ABC7 San Francisco
Dear Ms. Funnie,
Thank you for reaching out and for sharing your concerns regarding Fabian Way. We
understand the frustration and the impact this situation has on nearby residents, schools,
and community members.
The Police Department’s Special Problems Detail (SPD) has been actively addressing the
RV concerns in this area. Over the past 30 days, SPD has conducted 10 directed patrols,
issued 3 criminal citations, and spoken directly with several RV residents. In addition,
referrals have been made to LifeMoves and other service providers to ensure we maintain
a balance between enforcement and connecting individuals to outreach and housing
resources. Our patrol teams currently monitor the area 2–3 times each week, and vehicles
found in violation of the law have been cited or towed.
I also want to acknowledge the complexities involved with towing oversized vehicles.
Several tow companies will not pick up RVs due to equipment and storage limitations,
which can delay enforcement. While I understand this is not your concern to solve, I want to
be transparent about the challenges we face so you know why the process may take time.
We recognize the inconvenience this continues to cause and will continue to enforce
violations while working with our City partners toward longer-term solutions. Your feedback
helps us focus our efforts, and we encourage you to continue sharing concerns with us.
Respectfully,
Sergeant Eric Bulatao
Palo Alto Police Department
Special Problems Detail
275 Forest Avenue
Palo Alto, CA 94301
Office: (650) 838-2866
From: Magrissa Funnie <mikkifunnie@yahoo.com>
Sent: Tuesday, July 29, 2025 9:49 AM
To: Council, City <city.council@PaloAlto.gov>; City Mgr <CityMgr@paloalto.gov>
Subject: RV ban impact: San Francisco restriction on RV parking across city sparks concern
from neighboring communities - ABC7 San Francisco
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
I have ask on multiple emails to city council and parking enforcement to cite RVs on Fabian
way, it is causing trash, rodents and there are 20 RVs that has not moved for about one year.
There are two schools and senior citizen home and the JCC on this block. We want our blocks
back. I have talked to the parking enforcement officer (chief) and they said it a humane thing. I
say it not your job to make my block the UN! Do you job! Also she said it cost about 5,000.00 to
store an RV. None of this is my problem. 72 hours or tow, come and look at Fabian way from
the sidewalk, don’t just drive by and miss the rats and trash on the sidewalk and tell me that
what palo city council wants me to live as a shut in senior citizen. I implore you to come to see
what we see everyday.
And please fire your new parking enforcement person in charge. She was rude and hasty talking
to me. I have rights to live in a safe environment without bike riders racing up the street at night.
My next email will go viral, tired of no results.
Thank you, please feel free to contact me at 650-283-6250
Magrissa Funnie
https://abc7news.com/post/rv-ban-impact-san-francisco-restriction-parking-city-sparks-
concern-neighboring-communities/17266520/
Sent from my iPhone
From:Rice, Danille
To:City Mgr
Subject:FW: Working near Cal Ave
Date:Thursday, August 21, 2025 9:32:06 AM
-----Original Message-----
From: Lo, Ria <Ria.Lo@paloalto.gov>
Sent: Thursday, August 21, 2025 9:29 AM
To: isaac@jisaacstone.com
Cc: Nose, Kiely <Kiely.Nose@paloalto.gov>; Gaines, Chantal <Chantal.Gaines@paloalto.gov>; City Mgr
<CityMgr@paloalto.gov>; Rice, Danille <Danille.Rice@PaloAlto.gov>; Star-Lack, Sylvia <Sylvia.Star-
Lack@paloalto.gov>
Subject: RE: Working near Cal Ave
Hello Isaac
Good to hear from you and congratulations on the new job/location!
The City is not working on a TDM ordinance, but has been working with the Palo Alto TMA (PATMA) on TDM
services including a transit pass program for organizations and businesses in the City.
If you would like to learn more about PATMA, please contact Justine Burt at justine@paloaltotma.org.
Ria Hutabarat Lo | Chief Transportation Official Office of Transportation | City of Palo Alto
T: 650.329.2136 |E: Ria.Lo@PaloAlto.gov
-----Original Message-----
From: isaac <isaac@jisaacstone.com>
Sent: Monday, August 11, 2025 9:35 PM
To: Council, City <city.council@PaloAlto.gov>
Subject: Working near Cal Ave
My company is now in Palo Alto, and I want to share my commute experience.
The office is very accessible by transit and bike. It is two blocks from the Cal Ave station, and along the Park
bikeway. I find biking along Park especially pleasant, and so have been biking to work for the first time in 20 years.
However not many people take advantage. Very few arrive to the office by bike or train. Many still drive alone.
Readibg the CAPCOA handbook for greenhouse gas emissions reduction (find it here
https://www.airquality.org/ClimateChange/Documents/2024%20Handbook%20Update_AB434.pdf) I think what is
missing: T-9 Implement Subsidized or Discount Transit Programs and either T-12 Priced Workplace Parking or T-
13 Employee Parking Cash-Out. Since T-12 is more effective than T-13 that strategy is the one i'd prefer
Don't know if the city is planning any TDM ordinance or similar at the moment, but pushing for these changes
would make a difference.
Thanks,
Isaac Stone
From:Clerk, City
To:foia foiarequest
Cc:Clerk, City; City Mgr
Subject:RE: California Public Records Act Request 457 401a
Date:Monday, August 25, 2025 8:07:26 AM
Attachments:image001.png
image002.png
image003.png
image006.png
image007.png
Good morning,
Thank you for reaching out to request public records. Your request has been received and has
been entered into our Public Records Portal. Your confirmation # is #W006950-082525. You
should be receiving a welcome/confirmation email shortly from the portal system.
If you have any questions, please let us know.
Best,
Nicole Bissell
Administrative Associate III
Office of the City Clerk
P: 650.329.2630 | E: Nicole.Bissell@PaloAlto.gov
www.PaloAlto.gov
From: foia foiarequest <457401afoiarequest@gmail.com>
Sent: Sunday, August 24, 2025 6:00 PM
To: Clerk, City <City.Clerk@PaloAlto.gov>; City Mgr <CityMgr@paloalto.gov>; Burt, Patrick
<Pat.Burt@PaloAlto.gov>; Reckdahl, Keith <Keith.Reckdahl@paloalto.gov>; Lauing, Ed
<Ed.Lauing@paloalto.gov>; Veenker, Vicki <Vicki.Veenker@paloalto.gov>
Subject: California Public Records Act Request 457 401a
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
Excessive fees disproportionately hurt lower-paid staff and is an equity issue as much as a fiduciary duty - this is the purpose for the request and full transparency. Pursuant to the California Public Records Act (Government Code § 6250 et seq.), 457401a.org respectfully request
i
This message needs your attention
This is a personal email address.
This is their first email to your company.
Mark Safe Report
CGBANNERINDICATOR
Excessive fees disproportionately hurt lower-paid staff and is an equity issue
as much as a fiduciary duty - this is the purpose for the request and full
transparency.
Pursuant to the California Public Records Act (Government Code § 6250 et seq.),
457401a.org respectfully requests access to and copies of the following records
concerning the retirement plans. This request is made with the sole intent of
ensuring employees, and taxpayers receive the strongest possible value and
oversight.
Transparent access to these records helps confirm that protecting employees’
retirement security while maintaining prudent use of public resources has been
completed. Public information is critical and why compliance is valuable,
essential and enforced.
Specifically:
· Investment policy statement (IPS)
· Current plan documents, plan summary, SECURE 2.0
updates/amendment
· Watch list or monitoring criteria
· Fee disclosure reports (Voya, MissionSquare, Nationwide,
Empower,VALIC, etc.)
· Benchmarking or RFP/RFQ results in last 5 years
· Meeting minutes where the 457 was discussed
· Correspondence with vendors about fund menus or fees- many vendors
are increasingly requiring 3-, 5-, or 7-year contracts – these are not legally
binding but need to be publicly available for review.
Please provide the records in electronic format. If any portion of this request is
deemed exempt, please cite the specific legal authority relied upon and release all
reasonably segregable portions (Government Code § 6253(a)).
As you know, the CPRA requires a response within ten calendar days. If additional
time is necessary, please identify the reason and the anticipated date of production.
Thank you for your assistance in supporting transparency and helping ensure the
employees and residents benefit from a well-managed retirement program.
457401a.org
Powered by Mimecast
457401a.org is a national, nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that uses the tools of civic tech,
open data, policy analysis, and journalism to make public sector services more successful
From:Bhatia, Ripon
To:dawsonbone0527@gmail.com
Cc:City Mgr; Transportation; Lo, Ria
Subject:RE: Caltrain & Palo Alto
Date:Thursday, August 21, 2025 12:10:28 PM
Dear Mr. Bone,
On behalf of the City Manager, we appreciate your thoughtful concerns regarding the existing at-grade
crossing at Charleston Road along the Caltrain corridor. In response to your questions, please find the
following information:
1. Ownership of the Grade Crossing
The at-grade crossings in Palo Alto are owned by Caltrain/PCJPB, not the City. However, the City
owns the street intersections on either side of the crossings and works closely with Caltrain on
improvements near railroad crossings.
2. Preventative Safety Measures
The City’s Office of Transportation, in collaboration with Caltrain, has initiated a safety
improvement project for the Charleston crossings, including the Alma intersection, funded
through the federal Section 130 program. Caltrain is also implementing a corridor-wide Grade
Crossing Enhancement Program led by its Chief Safety Officer. Recent pilot projects at the
Broadway (Burlingame) and Churchill crossings have included:
Solar-powered delineators
New colored pavement markings
Pedestrian gates
AI-powered “Rail Sentry” intrusion detection
Coordination with mapping platforms (Waze, Google) to prevent route misdirection
The Meadow and Charleston crossings are among the next priorities for these enhancements.
These initiatives are regularly discussed at City Rail Committee and Caltrain public meetings.
The next Rail Committee meeting is scheduled for September 16. Past presentations and
materials are available on the City’s website.
3. Towing Costs
Regarding your question about towing costs, the City does not pay for towing vehicles off the
tracks. This responsibility lies with the vehicle’s driver and/or their insurance provider.
We hope this information is helpful. Additional details on the Rail Committee’s meetings, agendas, and
past materials can be found here: https://www.paloalto.gov/Departments/City-Clerk/City-Council-
Committees/Rail-Ad-Hoc-Committee. We encourage you to attend and share your feedback on these
important safety matters.
Best Regards,
Ripon Bhatia
From: Dawson Bone <dawsonbone0527@gmail.com>
Sent: Friday, August 8, 2025 7:10 PM
To: Council, City <city.council@PaloAlto.gov>
Subject: Caltrain & Palo Alto
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious ofopening attachments and clicking on links.
Good afternoon, I have a few questions and concerns with the Caltrain line that runs through the City of Palo Alto. I am genuinely interested in learning more and possibly finding better ways to improve Palo Alto. To understand why I am reaching out today I feel it is important t
i
This message needs your attention
This is a personal email address.
This is their first email to you.
Mark Safe Report
CGBANNERINDICATOR
Good afternoon,
I have a few questions and concerns with the Caltrain line that runs through the City of Palo Alto. I am
genuinely interested in learning more and possibly finding better ways to improve Palo Alto.
To understand why I am reaching out today I feel it is important to note what I had witnessed last night
(8/7/25) with the railroad crossing at Charleston Road & Alma Street. Last night at approximately 9pm a
vehicle was attempting to make a right hand turn onto Alma Street from West Charleston Road. Instead of
the vehicle turning onto the road, they instead accidentally turned onto the railroad track. Upon doing so the
driver of the vehicle called 911, and thankfully the dispatcher contacted Caltrain to have the train line shut
down (kudos to them on that). I cannot stress how lucky this driver is that nothing more serious happened
than just accidentally driving on the tracks. The commuter trains regularly run at 79mph through this specific
crossing, so this situation could have ended up a lot worse.
Powered by Mimecast
After talking with Caltrain Employees and other residents of Palo Alto, they stated that this is not the first
time this year this has happened at this crossing. This is now establishing that this is not a one time
occurrence and could very likely happen again. After inspecting this crossing further it became apparent that
the only thing warning drivers not to turn onto the railroad tracks are white and red non-reflective Raised
Pavement Markers (RPM’s).
The next logical step from here is what can be done to help prevent a catastrophic incident at this crossing in
the future? I have seen that there are plans to separate the road and track for this grade crossing, however
that will be a long time until before it even possibly happens. The next thing that could be done in the
meantime that is relatively inexpensive and easy to implement are Illuminated Reflective Raised Pavement
Markers and Flexible Bollards. It turns out that Palo Alto has already implemented this at the Churchill
railroad crossing.
With all of that being said here are the questions I have:
1. Who owns the actual grade crossing Palo Alto or Caltrain?
I asked the Caltrain employees on this scene and they stated that the city owns it, I would just like to confirm
this.
2. How can we go about trying to get these devices installed to prevent future accidents?
I feel it is important to try and take as many preventative measures with something like this because it could
lead to a catastrophic accident in the worst case scenario. Anything is worth saving someone's life.
3. Does the city sometimes pay the towing bill for vehicles to be taken off the track?
Only reason why I am asking this is because I thought I heard a police officer say the city paid for the tow, not
that I’m against this, but I would just like to know.
Thank you for taking the time to read this and I look forward to your response.
Sincerely,
Dawson Bone
From:Switzer, Steven
To:Daniel Choi
Cc:City Mgr; Raybould, Claire
Subject:RE: Concern Regarding Rezoning at 332 Forest Ave
Date:Thursday, August 28, 2025 1:20:54 PM
Attachments:image001.png
image002.png
image003.png
Hi Daniel,
Thank you for sharing your concerns and for highlighting the redwood tree near 332 Forest
Avenue. The item reviewed by Council at the August 11th meeting was only a prescreening (an
early conceptual discussion with no formal decision made).
If the applicant submits a formal application, staff will carefully review said proposal for
compliance with applicable standards, including the Tree Protection Ordinance that restricts
removal of certain protected trees. At that stage, potential impacts to mature trees and other
concerns you raised would be fully evaluated.
In the meantime, I will note your comments alongside the prescreening materials so they can
be considered should a formal application be submitted.
We appreciate your engagement and thoughtful input.
Steven Switzer
Historic Preservation Planner
Planning and Development Services Department
650-329-2321 | Steven.Switzer@PaloAlto.gov
www.PaloAlto.gov
From: Daniel Choi <danchoi22@gmail.com>
Sent: Thursday, August 28, 2025 11:14 AM
To: Council, City <city.council@PaloAlto.gov>; Switzer, Steven <Steven.Switzer@paloalto.gov>
Subject: Concern Regarding Rezoning at 332 Forest Ave
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
Dear Palo Alto City Council Members and City Planning Staff,When I walked by the property today, I noticed a large, mature redwood tree located between332 Forest Aveand707 Bryant St.I have taken the attached photo that clearly shows its placement. Based on the plans for building
i
This message needs your attention
This is a personal email address.
This is their first mail to some recipients.
Mark Safe Report
CGBANNERINDICATOR
Dear Palo Alto City Council Members and City Planning Staff,
When I walked by the property today, I noticed a large, mature redwood tree located
between 332 Forest Ave and 707 Bryant St. I have taken the attached photo that clearly
shows its placement. Based on the plans for building higher at 332 Forest, it appears that this
redwood may either be cut down or significantly damaged. This tree is not only a defining part
of the neighborhood’s character but also an important part of our city’s natural heritage that
should be protected.
I also want to raise a broader concern. I voted for many of the elected members, but it has
become clear that their actions increasingly prioritize large land developers and wealthy
interests over the needs of ordinary Palo Alto residents. Members are failing to see beyond
the false altruism that masks the self-serving motives of wealthy landowners and
developers. This shift is deeply disappointing. In particular, the decision to support large-scale
projects next to smaller condominium communities protects the wealthiest property owners
while harming a greater number of people. These projects not only threaten neighborhood
Powered by Mimecast
character, they also reduce the value of condos and diminish quality of life for many middle
class residents, all while shielding those in the most expensive homes from the same
impacts. These are the very kinds of decisions that fuel the growing divide in wealth.
I urge the Council and Planning Department to carefully evaluate the true environmental and
community impacts of this rezoning decision, rather than relying on surface-level initiatives
presented as “improvements.” Protecting mature trees and prioritizing equitable, community-
focused planning should come before catering to developers and the wealthy few.
Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to your response.
Sincerely,
Daniel Choi
365 Forest Ave
---
Daniel Choi | danchoi22@gmail.com | 408.355.3357
From:Clerk, City
To:Veronica Ryan
Cc:City Mgr; Clerk, City
Subject:RE: Request for City of Palo Alto Proclamation – Find the Good Day
Date:Thursday, August 21, 2025 12:31:06 PM
Attachments:image003.png
image005.png
image006.png
image009.png
image010.png
image011.png
image012.png
image002.png
Hello Ms. Ryan,
The Mayor has approved your proclamation request. We will now begin the drafting and
review process, noting that your event is coming up on 9/18.
I will keep you updated on the status of the proclamation. When it is ready, it can be picked
up from City Hall or mailed, whichever is more convenient for you.
In the meantime, please let us know if you have further questions. We are happy to help.
Best,
Nicole Bissell
Administrative Associate III
Office of the City Clerk
P: 650.329.2630 | E: Nicole.Bissell@PaloAlto.gov
www.PaloAlto.gov
From: Prior, Christine <Christine.Prior@paloalto.gov>
Sent: Tuesday, August 19, 2025 5:32 PM
To: Veronica Ryan <communityvp@thejuniorleague.org>
Cc: City Mgr <CityMgr@paloalto.gov>; Clerk, City <City.Clerk@PaloAlto.gov>
Subject: RE: Request for City of Palo Alto Proclamation – Find the Good Day
Hello Ms. Ryan,
Thank you for reaching out. We will share this proclamation request with the Mayor for his
consideration and be in touch with an update as soon as possible.
Thank you,
Christine Prior
Deputy City Clerk
Office of the City Clerk
(650) 329-2159 | Christine.Prior@PaloAlto.gov
www.PaloAlto.gov
From: Veronica Ryan <communityvp@thejuniorleague.org>
Sent: Tuesday, August 19, 2025 1:01 PM
To: Council, City <city.council@PaloAlto.gov>; Lauing, Ed <Ed.Lauing@paloalto.gov>
Cc: Horrigan-Taylor, Meghan <Meghan.Horrigan-Taylor@paloalto.gov>; Nose, Kiely
<Kiely.Nose@paloalto.gov>; Clerk, City <City.Clerk@PaloAlto.gov>
Subject: Request for City of Palo Alto Proclamation – Find the Good Day
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
Veronica C. Ryan Community Vice President Junior League of Palo Alto•Mid Peninsula 555 Ravenswood Ave Menlo Park, CA 94025 communityvp@thejuniorleague.org (415) 286-2067August 18, 2025Mayor Ed Lauing & City Council Members City of Palo Alto 250 Hamilton Avenue Palo Alto, CA 94301
!
This message could be suspicious
The sender's email address couldn't be verified.
No employee in your company has ever replied to this person.
Mark Safe Report
CGBANNERINDICATOR
Veronica C. Ryan
Community Vice President
Junior League of Palo Alto•Mid Peninsula
555 Ravenswood Ave
Menlo Park, CA 94025
communityvp@thejuniorleague.org
(415) 286-2067
August 18, 2025
Mayor Ed Lauing & City Council Members
City of Palo Alto
250 Hamilton Avenue
Palo Alto, CA 94301
Dear Mayor Lauing and City Council Members,
Powered by Mimecast
I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing on behalf of the Junior League of Palo
Alto•Mid Peninsula (JLPA•MP), a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing
women's leadership for meaningful community impact through volunteer action,
collaboration, and training.
I’m excited to share that on September 18, 2025, the Junior League will be observing
International Find the Good Day. This annual initiative encourages individuals to
highlight the positive in their communities and engage in acts of kindness,
volunteerism, and service.
The Junior League of Palo Alto•Mid Peninsula has a long-standing history of
supporting the needs of our local community, including Menlo Park and communities
throughout Santa Clara and San Mateo counties. A few examples of our recent
projects include:
Project Mindfulness: With grant funding from the City of Menlo Park, JLPA•MP
created and distributed mindfulness kits to a local school to support youth
mental wellness.
Pop-Up Shop with HIP Housing: JLPA•MP partnered with HIP Housing to create
a pop-up shop experience, offering transitional families access to clothing in a
dignified, boutique-style setting. Special emphasis was placed on providing
professional attire for clients preparing for job interviews as they worked to
regain stability. League members supported setup, donation coordination, and
volunteer staffing to ensure families felt welcomed and empowered during their
visit.
Project STEAM: In partnership with the Redwood City Library, JLPA•MP funded
KIWI kits and student dinners. Originally created for girls, the program grew so
popular it expanded to all students. League volunteers mentored monthly
sessions, helping students build and engineer STEAM-based projects.
In celebration of Find the Good Day, JLPA•MP will host an evening event on
Thursday, September 18 from 6:00–8:00 PM at The Dutch Goose in Menlo Park.
We’ll recognize local women who are “finding the good” through acts of service,
leadership, and kindness.
We invite the community to nominate inspiring women using this form:
Submit a Nomination
In addition to honoring these changemakers, we’ll also host a hygiene product drive in
partnership with CORA, a nonprofit providing safety, support, and advocacy to
survivors of intimate partner abuse.
To recognize the importance of this day and encourage civic participation in uplifting
community values, we respectfully request a proclamation from the City of Palo Alto
declaring September 18, 2025, as Find the Good Day.
Attached is a draft proclamation for your review. We would be honored to have the
support of the City Council, City Manager, and Mayor Lauing in commemorating this
day and amplifying the spirit of community service in Palo Alto.
Thank you for your time and thoughtful consideration. If you have any questions or
would like additional information, please don’t hesitate to contact me at
communityvp@thejuniorleague.org.
We look forward to your favorable response.
Warm regards,
Veronica C. Ryan
Community Vice President
Junior League of Palo Alto•Mid Peninsula
Veronica Ryan
Community VP
communityvp@thejuniorleague.org
Advancing women’s leadership for meaningful community impact since 1965.
From:Velasquez, Ingrid
To:Ernie Tompkins
Cc:City Mgr
Subject:RE: Request for investigation by city auditor regarding Mark Zuckerberg"s alleged preferential treatment by city
personnel
Date:Monday, August 18, 2025 4:26:24 PM
Attachments:image001.png
image003.png
image004.png
Hello Robert and Margaret,
Thank you for your email.
I have forwarded your request to the City Auditor’s Office. Should you have any further inquiries for
the City Auditor their office can be reached at (650) 329-2667 by phone or at
city.auditor@paloalto.gov by email. Please let me know if there is anything else I can assist you with.
Sincerely,
Ingrid
Ingrid Velásquez
Administrative Assistant
Office of the City Manager
(650) 329-2354| Ingrid.Velasquez@PaloAlto.gov
www.PaloAlto.gov
From: Ernie Tompkins <etompkins@yahoo.com>
Sent: Monday, August 18, 2025 2:42 PM
To: Council, City <city.council@PaloAlto.gov>
Subject: Request for investigation by city auditor regarding Mark Zuckerberg's alleged preferential
treatment by city personnel
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
Honorable members of the Palo Alto City Council, After reading the news article in the New York Times edition of Thursday, August 14, "Tranquil Neighborhood, Then Zuckerberg Came," we were not happy. If the article's assertions are true (and we have no reason to doubt their verac
i
This message needs your attention
This is a personal email address.
This is their first email to you.
Mark Safe Report
CGBANNERINDICATOR
Honorable members of the Palo Alto City Council,
After reading the news article in the New York Times edition of Thursday, August 14,
"Tranquil Neighborhood, Then Zuckerberg Came," we were not happy. If the article's
assertions are true (and we have no reason to doubt their veracity), it is clear that Mr.
Zuckerberg has adroitly outmaneuvered the city government at just about every turning and
enjoyed preferential treatment that a merely rich Palo Altan wouldn't even ask for—or if asked
for, would likely be denied.
We request that the city's auditor be assigned to investigate the city's relationship with Mr.
Zuckerberg, and the alleged extraordinary services and permissions granted him. No one in
Palo Alto ought to be treated with such deference as he is.
Sincerely,
Robert & Margaret Tompkins
Everett Avenue
Palo Alto
Powered by Mimecast
Download full resolution images
Available until Sep 22, 2025
From:Carias, Ruth
To:Third Thursday Cal Ave
Cc:Jesus Valenzuela; Lauing, Ed; Nose, Kiely; Shikada, Ed; Charlie Weidanz
Subject:RE: Sponsor access to Cal Ave for 9/18 3rdThursday
Date:Tuesday, August 26, 2025 4:53:22 PM
Attachments:image001.png
Hi Carol,
It was great seeing you at the 3rd Thursday event—it had a great turnout!
Thank you for your inquiry. After reviewing the 3rdThursday Special Event permit, it appears that
your request falls outside the scope of what the permit allows. Since this type of request isn’t
typical, it will require additional internal review and coordination across multiple departments to
fully assess. This process will take some time.
I completely understand that you're still waiting for funding. However, due to the short notice and
the level of coordination involved, I won’t be able to provide a decision by the end of this week.
That said, I’ll be looking into this further with staff and will keep you updated.
Thank you,
Ruth Carias
Economic Development Specialist
Office of the City Manager
O: 650.329.2363|C: 650.586.8084
ruth.carias@PaloAlto.gov
www.paloalto.gov
From: Third Thursday Cal Ave <Carol@3rdthursday.fun>
Sent: Saturday, August 23, 2025 11:45 AM
To: Carias, Ruth <Ruth.Carias@paloalto.gov>
Cc: Jesus Valenzuela <valenzj01@gmail.com>; Lauing, Ed <Ed.Lauing@paloalto.gov>
Subject: Sponsor access to Cal Ave for 9/18 3rdThursday
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious ofopening attachments and clicking on links.
Hi Ruth -
It was lovely to see you on 3rdThursday for the Foodie Walk. We estimate that 800-900 attended
the event (photos attached)
Everyone seemed to be having a great time and the restaurant owners I spoke with seemed very
happy. Yay!
Hopefully Vista Center reached their fundraising goal
As we await receiving our grant funding from The City of Palo Alto our account at our fiscal
Sponsor, The Palo Alto Chamber Foundation, is running very low. Since we are unsure of when any
city funds will land in our account at the Foundation, we are actively pursuing an event Sponsor for
September 18th’s 3rdThursday
Let’s Dance theme.
Magnussen Toyota is interested in a sponsorship up to $5k if they can park electric and hybrid cars
on the Ave during the event.
Clearly this would involve the city lowering/raising the bollards for these cars to get onto the Ave
and to leave.
Since the city has weekly arrangements with the urban village Farmers market on Sundays, I
wonder if we can similarly make arrangements
As we have the need. This would not necessarily be every month.
We are looking to go to press on our September posters next week and will be featuring this
sponsor if we can accommodate their request to showcase cars on the Ave during 3rdThursday
September 18th 5-9pm event.
I have copied Jesus Valenzuela, owner of Grocery Outlet. Jesus is on the 3rdThursday sponsor sub
committee and has the contact at Magnussen.
Thank you for your prompt attention and for your continued support of 3rdThursday Cal Ave music
festival.
Best wishes always,
Carol
Carol Garsten
Founder/Producer
3rdThursday Cal Ave Music Festival
www.3rdThursday.fun
650.387.3778
The Palo Alto Chamber Foundation (501c3) is the Fiscal Sponsor of the
3rdThursday Cal Ave Music Festival
❑®
From:Vargas-Aguilera, Elisa
To:Weiss, Julie; ddalma@yahoo.com
Cc:City Mgr; Eggleston, Brad; North, Karin; Lait, Jonathan; Hoyt, George
Subject:RE: Urgent Request for Assistance with Rodent Infestation in Miranda Green Neighborhood
Date:Wednesday, August 27, 2025 7:18:02 PM
Attachments:image001.png
image003.png
image004.png
image005.jpg
image006.png
image007.png
image008.png
image009.png
image010.png
Dear Dennise,
I hope this email finds you well! After receiving your concerns via email on 8/18/2025, I
reached out to Santa Clara County Vector Control (SCCVC) to see what could be done on your
behalf. So, I was so pleased that SCCVC was able to reach out to you so quickly. I also want to
thank you for taking the time to meet with Brenton McFarland from Santa Clara County Vector
Control on 8/20/2025. As your neighborhood's Zone Technician, Brenton was pleased to have
the opportunity to work with you.
I understand you also had a chance to speak with Brenton's supervisor, Lewis Hun, after the
visit. Lewis mentioned that the consultation went well and that you're welcome to share his
contact information with any neighbors who might be interested in similar site visits. These
consultations are truly valuable - technicians can walk through your property and provide
personalized recommendations for rodent-proofing your home.
I'm glad we could connect you and your neighbors with this service, and I hope you found
Brenton's recommendations helpful for keeping your home protected.
Please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or if there's anything else we can
assist you with. We're always here to help!
Best regards,
Elisa Vargas, Building Inspector, CCEO
Code Enforcement Supervisor
Planning & Development Services
(650) 885-8565 Cell | Elisa.Vargas@PaloAlto.gov
https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/Departments/Planning-Development-
Services
From: Weiss, Julie <Julie.Weiss@paloalto.gov>
Sent: Wednesday, August 27, 2025 7:58 AM
To: ddalma@yahoo.com
Cc: City Mgr <CityMgr@paloalto.gov>; Eggleston, Brad <Brad.Eggleston@paloalto.gov>; North, Karin
<Karin.North@paloalto.gov>
Subject: RE: Urgent Request for Assistance with Rodent Infestation in Miranda Green Neighborhood
Dear Dennise,
I am sorry to hear you are contending with this problem that is, unfortunately, common around
the San Francisco Bay Area. The City of Palo Alto does not have its own vector control program
nor a public health department, but we do have vetted educational resources to help. The
Public Works Watershed Protection Program provides some information on pesticide use as it
relates to water quality and so your inquiry was forwarded to me. I am responding on behalf of
City Manager Ed Shikada.
In residential areas, rodent control is usually through the efforts of residents to reduce food,
shelter, water and conditions that are favorable to rodents (e.g., pet food left outside, dripping
faucets that provide water, overgrown vegetation or debris that provides shelter). Homes and
sheds must also be rodent-proofed to prevent access to interior spaces.
Mechanical trapping (such as traditional “snap trap” use) is the most effective strategy to
reduce the current population of rodents and trapping can be managed by a resident or a
company. Prevention is essential to permanent control (again – reducing food, water, and
shelter access). Please note that we do not recommend poison baits due to their limited
efficacy and well-documented risks posed to children, pets and wildlife. “Sticky traps” are not
advised for operational, human safety, and animal welfare reasons.
The best Bay Area sources of information for rodent control include:
Santa Clara County Mosquito and Vector Control has online resources and offers free
rodent exterior inspections to identify site specific issues and provide advice. Residents
can contact them directly for this service.
Our Water Our World has excellent strategies for controlling all pests, including rats
and mice. See attached utility bill insert that we publish periodically which leverages
some of the Our Water Our World information.
If you need to hire a pest control company, Our Water Our World has tips on hiring one
that utilizes effective “Integrated Pest Management” methods.
University of California, Integrated Pest Management has very detailed information on
their webpage about rat control.
In response to your question about initiatives or strategies the City is implementing to address
large-scale rodent problems in neighborhoods, at this time resources allow us to focus on
rodent exclusion for City-owned facilities, and staff communicates with businesses and
restaurants in targeted areas about housekeeping practices to reduce rodent activity. The latter
is primarily conducted during routine restaurant inspections. Park grounds and amenities are
serviced regularly to maintain cleanliness including a monthly service to control burrowing
rodents such as gophers and ground squirrels.
I hope that the resources I’ve provided assist with next steps for rodent prevention in your
immediate neighborhood. If you require additional assistance in terms of educational
materials, please contact me at the phone number or email below.
Sincerely,
Julie Weiss
Watershed Protection Program Manager
City of Palo Alto, Public Works–Environmental Services Division
(650) 329-2117 | Julie.weiss@paloalto.gov
Cleanbay.org and www.paloalto.gov
~ >')))>< <')))>< >’)))>< ~
From: Dennise Dalma Weiszhausz <ddalma@yahoo.com>
Sent: Monday, August 18, 2025 11:17 AM
To: Council, City <city.council@PaloAlto.gov>
Cc: City Mgr <CityMgr@paloalto.gov>; PWD <pwd@PaloAlto.gov>; OES <oes@PaloAlto.gov>
Subject: Urgent Request for Assistance with Rodent Infestation in Miranda Green Neighborhood
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
To the City of Palo Alto Council Members and Relevant Departments,
We are writing to you today as concerned residents of the Miranda Green neighborhood to
urgently request your assistance in addressing a severe and widespread rodent infestation that
is impacting our entire community. This issue has escalated beyond individual property
concerns and is posing significant health and safety risks, along with causing substantial
financial burdens to residents.
Evidence of the infestation is pervasive, with rat droppings found frequently throughout
common areas, parks, and even on individual properties. Beyond the unsanitary conditions, the
financial toll on residents has been considerable, with many experiencing thousands of dollars
in damages due to rats gnawing through car wiring, leading to costly repairs. The presence of
these rodents in our neighborhood is deeply unsettling and creates an unsafe living
environment for all residents, particularly families with children and pets.
While we understand that residents have a role to play in managing rodent populations on their
own properties, the scope and severity of this infestation require a comprehensive,
coordinated effort from the City. We are seeking to understand what assistance the City of
Palo Alto can provide to help our neighborhood eradicate this rodent problem. Specifically, we
would appreciate information on:
City-wide rodent control programs: Are there any initiatives or strategies the City is
implementing to address large-scale rodent problems in neighborhoods?
Vector control services: Can the Santa Clara County Vector Control District, which handles
nuisance animals like rats, opossums, and raccoons, be involved in this situation? What is the
process for engaging their services, potentially as a neighborhood-wide effort, considering the
scale of the issue? Santa Clara County Vector Control District (.gov)
Public health measures: What resources are available from the Palo Alto Public Health
Department to mitigate the health risks associated with rodent infestations?
Education and outreach: Can the city offer guidance and information on effective rodent
prevention and management strategies for residents to implement on their properties, perhaps
through workshops or educational materials?
We are eager to collaborate with the City in finding a lasting solution to this problem and
restoring the safety and well-being of the Miranda Green neighborhood. We believe that by
working together, we can address this challenge effectively.
Thank you for your time and consideration of this urgent matter. We look forward to your
prompt response and guidance on how we can move forward in eradicating this rodent
infestation.
Sincerely,
The Residents of Miranda Green Neighborhood
Dennise Dalma-Weiszhausz (4351 Miranda Ave, Palo Alto)
From:Clerk, City
To:Caitlin.Curtis1@va.gov
Cc:Clerk, City; City Mgr
Subject:RE: White Cane Day Request October 9th
Date:Monday, August 25, 2025 11:12:24 AM
Attachments:image001.png
image002.png
image003.png
image006.png
image007.png
Good morning Caitlin,
Thank you for reaching out on this matter.
If you would like to submit a proclamation request to the Mayor for this event, we would be happy
to help with that. If so, please submit a draft for the Mayor to review. A template can be found on
our website: Submit a Proclamation Request – City of Palo Alto, CA. Please feel free to just email us
the draft, you do not need to fill out the form as we already have your information.
Thank you, and please let me know if you have additional questions on the process – we are happy
to help.
Best,
Nicole Bissell
Administrative Associate III
Office of the City Clerk
P: 650.329.2630 | E: Nicole.Bissell@PaloAlto.gov
www.PaloAlto.gov
From: Curtis, Caitlin A. <Caitlin.Curtis1@va.gov>
Sent: Tuesday, August 12, 2025 1:14 PM
To: Lauing, Ed <Ed.Lauing@paloalto.gov>; Council, City <city.council@PaloAlto.gov>
Subject: White Cane Day Request October 9th
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
Good afternoon, My name is Caitlin Curtis. I am a supervisor at the Western Blind Rehabilitation Center (WBRC) at the VA Palo Alto Medical Center. WBRC is a 32-bed inpatient rehabilitation facility designed to support independence and quality of life for Veteran with visual imp
i
This message needs your attention
This is their first email to your company.
Mark Safe Report
CGBANNERINDICATOR
Good afternoon,
My name is Caitlin Curtis. I am a supervisor at the Western Blind Rehabilitation Center (WBRC) at the
VA Palo Alto Medical Center. WBRC is a 32-bed inpatient rehabilitation facility designed to support
independence and quality of life for Veteran with visual impairments. I am also the chair of WBRC’s
annual White Cane Awareness Day/Blind American Equality event, a national day to recognize the
achievements of individuals with visual impairments and to highlight the role of the white cane in
advancing self-sufficiency and advocacy for this population.
On October 9, 2025, the WBRC and the VISTA Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired are
planning a collaborative event in downtown Palo Alto, to include Veterans with visual impairments,
WBRC staff, and staff and clients of the VISTA Center. This event will include a short walk, which will
start and end at Palo Alto City Hall. At the conclusion of the walk, at approximately 11:30am, we will
have a meet and greet to share community resources and some brief remarks from the VISTA Center
and WBRC participants.
We would be honored if the Palo Alto mayor or another member of the Palo Alto City Council could
be available to make a proclamation and/or say a few words to help commemorate this event. Please
let us know if this is possible, and if so, what the next steps would be.
Respectfully,
Caitlin Curtis
Visual Skills Supervisor, COMS & CLVT
Western Blind Rehabilitation Center, Palo Alto
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Office: 650-493-5000 x63127
VA Cell: (650) 788- 6235
Powered by Mimecast
From:Jon Crow
To:Council, City; City Mgr
Cc:Oliver Rose; Alyssa Rosendahl
Subject:Ensuring Safe and Accessible Streets on Park Boulevard
Date:Friday, August 29, 2025 11:30:15 AM
Attachments:image905925.png
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
i
Dear City Council,
On behalf of families and businesses we work with along Park Boulevard and the surrounding
streets, we want to share concerns regarding the ongoing use of bike lanes and adjacent areas
for long-term parking by oversized vehicles.
The presence of these vehicles has raised important questions about community accessibility
and safety. Cyclists are often forced into traffic lanes, creating avoidable risks. In addition, the
limited availability of parking for residents, employees, and visitors has been a growing
challenge for the vitality of the corridor.
We respectfully ask the Council to review current parking regulations and consider measures
that balance the needs of all community members — residents, businesses, and those relying
on safe cycling routes. Clearer guidelines and enforcement around oversized vehicle parking
would help restore safe passage for cyclists, improve accessibility, and support the long-term
health of this important neighborhood.
Thank you for your thoughtful attention to this matter and for your continued service to the
community.
Sincerely,
Cresset
This message needs your attention
This is their first email to your company.
Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast
Jon Crow | Executive Managing Director, Head of Client Advisory Services
o: 952.405.7940 | c: 612.525.0715
701 Carlson Pkwy, Suite 1400 | Minnetonka, MN 55305
cressetcapital.com
For all text messages, please utilize our text‑enabled office number.
Upload documents securely through Cresset SendSafely.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: The contents of this email and any attachments to it may contain privileged and confidential information from
Cresset Capital Management, and all their respective subsidiaries and affiliates as well as information from independent third-party
sources. Cresset Asset Management, LLC, also conducts advisory business under the names of Cresset Sports & Entertainment, CH
Investment Partners, and Cresset Capital. This information is only for the viewing or use of the intended recipient and subject to certain
conditions and qualifications. Please click here to view Cresset’s disclaimer.
From:Clerk, City
To:Council, City
Cc:Clerk, City
Subject:FW: Gaza/Israel
Date:Friday, August 29, 2025 8:20:28 AM
Good morning City Council,
Please see the below public comment.
Thank you,
City Clerk's Office
-----Original Message-----
From: Dana St. George <danasg@earthlink.net>
Sent: Thursday, August 28, 2025 1:14 PM
To: Clerk, City <City.Clerk@PaloAlto.gov>
Subject: Gaza/Israel
City Council members,
I am writing to express my profound disappointment that Palo Alto is unable to take a position on the war in Gaza. I
believe that in the past, council was able to do that, in the case of starting a war with Iran.
So many people I have spoken with are appalled about the genocide that continues in Gaza and the United States'
role in supporting that genocide with huge amounts of financial aid over many years and large shipments of military
aid.
Most of the countries in the world are opposed to this war and are willing recognize Palestine as a state.
Is the US economy so dependent on the sale of military weapons that we can't afford to stop exporting them, or is
there some other explanation?
Anyway, it appears that Palo Alto is in the grips of some powerful political influence that prevents it from dealing
with this issue. I have lived here for over 40 years, and now I'm feeling ashamed of my city.
Sorrowfully,
Dana M. St. George
Member, Women's International League of Peace and Freedom
Member, Humanist Community of Silicon Valley
From:Kathy Fan
To:Burt, Patrick; Lauing, Ed; Lu, George; Lythcott-Haims, Julie; Reckdahl, Keith; Stone, Greer; Veenker, Vicki;
Council, City
Cc:ParkRec Commission
Subject:No more pickleball courts in Mitchell park
Date:Friday, August 29, 2025 7:01:36 AM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
i
https://www.change.org/NonewPicklect
Dear City Council Members,
I am writing on behalf of nearly 500 community members who have signed our petition
regarding the proposed expansion of pickleball courts at Mitchell Park.
First and foremost, we want to emphasize that we are not opposed to pickleball as a sport. We
recognize its growing popularity and the joy it brings to many residents. However, we believe
that adding more pickleball courts by converting two tennis courts at Mitchell Park is not the
right solution for the following reasons:
we strongly oppose the proposal to convert the two lighted tennis courts at Mitchell. It is
not a “zero cost” solution. Lighted courts are extremely rare and highly sought after
across the Bay Area, especially for players who work during the day and rely on
evening access.
Boosting the mental health of pickleball players should not come at the cost of
destroying the mental well-being of tennis players.
Concentration of Facilities
Mitchell Park already has 15 pickleball courts, making it the largest pickleball facility in the
Bay Area. Further expansion would create an unnecessary concentration of courts in one area
Community Balance and Park Usage
Mitchell Park is a shared community space with multiple user groups—families, children,
tennis players, dog walkers, and more. Over-expansion of one activity risks disrupting this
balance and reducing the park’s accessibility for other recreational needs.
1. Noise and Environmental Concerns
This message needs your attention
This is a personal email address.
Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast
Residents near Mitchell Park already experience significant noise due to the high usage
of existing courts. Adding more courts would only worsen this issue, affecting quality of
life in the surrounding neighborhoods.
2. Better Alternatives Exist
Instead of concentrating more courts at Mitchell Park, we encourage the City to explore:
Converting underutilized basketball courts in other parks
Developing new facilities in neighborhoods without easy access,
Partnering with schools or community centers to provide shared-use courts.
In conclusion, while we support the growth of pickleball, we respectfully urge the City
Council not to add more courts at Mitchell Park. A more balanced, city-wide approach will
better serve the community as a whole.
Thank you for your attention and for considering the voices of nearly 500 residents who have
already expressed their concerns. We look forward to a solution that is fair, sustainable, and
inclusive for all.
Sincerely,
Kathy Fan
From:Loran Harding
To:Loran Harding; alumnipresident@stanford.edu; antonia.tinoco@hsr.ca.gov; Shanetta Anderson; bballpod; David
Balakian; bearwithme1016@att.net; boardmembers; fred beyerlein; Leodies Buchanan; beachrides; Becky
Vagim; Council, City; Cathy Lewis; dallen1212@gmail.com; dennisbalakian; kdeem.electriclab@gmail.com;
eappel@stanford.edu; Scott Wilkinson; George.Rutherford@ucsf.edu; Gabriel.Ramirez@fresno.gov;
huidentalsanmateo; hennessy; Irv Weissman; Joel Stiner; jerry ruopoli; jwright@electriclaboratories.com;
kfsndesk; karkazianjewelers@gmail.com; Mark Standriff; Mayor; margaret-sasaki@live.com;
maverickbruno@sbcglobal.net; merazroofinginc@att.net; MY77FJ@gmail.com; newsdesk; nick yovino;
russ@topperjewelers.com; Steve Wayte; vallesR1969@att.net; yicui@stanford.edu
Subject:Fwd: Some great comments re NVDA
Date:Thursday, August 28, 2025 11:52:06 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: Thu, Aug 28, 2025 at 11:41 PM
Subject: Fwd: Some great comments re NVDA
To: Loran Harding <loran.harding@stanfordalumni.org>
Thursday, August 28, 2025
To all- These were all broadcast today.
If you are not already an Nvidia believer, these three vids may make you one:
Nvidia CEO: We're seeing AI going into every industry
The market that Nvidia dominates is the biggest in the world, says Jim Cramer
Nvidia’s ‘Rubin Ultra’ & ‘Feynman’ AI Chips Will Change EVERYTHING!
L. William Harding
Fresno, Ca.
TV stations in Fresno, please forward this email to the WH. Trump needs to have this
information. Thanks.
From:mingxia zhang
To:Council, City
Subject:collected signature of petition for Palo Alto Should Reject the Proposal to Convert Two More Tennis Courts into
Eight Permanent Pickleball Courts at Mitchell Park — and Implement Usage Fees for Non-Residents
Date:Thursday, August 28, 2025 1:30:50 PM
Attachments:PAPC4.rtfd.zip
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
Palo Alto Should Reject the Proposal to Convert Two More
Tennis Courts into Eight Permanent Pickleball Courts at
Mitchell Park — and Implement Usage Fees for
Non-Residents
1. Mitchell Park Has Become a Regional Pickleball Hub —
at Local Expense
The Palo Alto Pickleball Club (PAPC), despite its name, draws
over 1,500 members from across the Bay Area. Mitchell Park
has become a magnet for regional play, attracting large numbers
of non-residents — many not even registered with PAPC. This
influx has led to:
• Excessive noise
• Severe court overcrowding
• Increased traffic and parking congestion
The result? A local park overwhelmed by regional demand.
2. Palo Alto Bears an Unfair Share of the Burden
Palo Alto already provides more permanent public pickleball
courts than any neighboring city — yet Mitchell Park continues
to absorb the majority of the region's demand.
City Permanen Shared Courts
t Courts (Time-Restricted)
Palo
Alto 8 7 ( available 24/7)
Mountai
n View
2 (+1 w/o
nets) 6 (limited hours)
Los
Altos 0 6
Santa
Clara 0 6
Sunnyva
le
12
(fee-based) 0
East
Palo
Alto
0 0
Menlo
Park
8 (split
parks) —
Palo Alto effectively has like 15 free permanent-use courts,
nearly all concentrated in a single neighborhood park. This
overconcentration is unsustainable and unfair. Neighboring
cities must do more to meet regional demand. PAPC should
focus on regional equity, not continued overuse of one site.
3. Regional Expansion Has Stalled — Leaving Palo Alto
Overloaded
While PAPC has previously encouraged members to advocate
for courts in their own cities, those efforts have largely failed
due to:
• Ongoing noise complaints
• Local community opposition
• Traffic and parking concerns
Now, instead of addressing these issues regionally, PAPC is
once again turning to Mitchell Park as the default solution —
shifting the burden back onto Palo Alto residents.
4. Prioritize Palo Alto Residents
As demand continues to grow, Palo Alto must ensure its public
facilities primarily serve its own community — especially those
funded by local tax dollars. Neighborhood parks should serve
neighborhood needs first.
We urge the City to:
• Reject the proposal to convert two more tennis courts into
permanent pickleball courts
• Implement a usage fee for non-residents to manage demand
fairly
Palo Alto cannot continue to shoulder the region’s pickleball
demand alone — not at the expense of its own neighborhoods.
3 -.,< 3 :?r+�-s= #at -s -r 'rte--. t ',.as,y !•., te=a �•,r. •--.+rl.'<: A --' --
Name
YA,fil tAls)
Tr)
Street Name
(Yr)itk
4,40i.g117
r 0 V?
L4eii. 312 r 141.1 144e -
"A ) 4414294
5litems, toici
YoLe14.,. '142 • k 0 v 40 r c
2�
Lj 4�
eolt
it
3T77
346") )s-
•
00(4;iisi—tafr
6s- t)
4*Nfo ctu.A wee;, &64 "a 3
14) C°g4ag '
Hai I sr
I/9
1�l
Say, Sol&
1,ke rit(ett
Gt,t,A) 727:4,,,ts Aro
6Pwma, sj-Tepoo)SOrN )(Es
�n
Email Address
'WI?
ra (0q: Let. -
114:72. ‘C't*
.#.0(),cr- etot
31)3
Alt
Je
l �+
9r!
Date
tP.,.• ..:. - '
4812)P
h 490..
}
Nam.
l
737
tin Te410641
G1
5c2c-lk
11\4V claW461AL
I7F
ttf
Sfreet Name
ei 4.1qt /3:
101 tr,-.1,,,•3v
2•0+&
-4P-a3 61t LNA
LikYIAVIAllee
0, li t Zerei
\A; 12,Nek- y NV1
ft "L "Ft4014k
Mitkik 5i miezkviio
Email Address
L1t1OOO3
leu I r,
3PO«Cl/
ussikol
to);(104 co on
Date
03/2071°-
irla4L tlift -6/
,51Sk
7
&&@ qPictawce,"?1/1
4et
irtot (,
1
*viifericsi 21,_r vt"-CA 410i01 14V
4zLycc4 Q$ i/k
ti
ow,
Name
coAldeeorit,
i
50041
Tivit g4 ;k‘nj
ia tro zh5
det/f
t
11
VIA
/; Ct„ ACM
Street Name
ct4r
Q, 0
IV/1,1 017
41 13-F able
//1 altirc'C."
/Lk"
kfl-c (6(
7)4,03
etet44
u f62st,�,�,
11 640t
402enst5plik,n 144e, 3121
:rots ell Lir;4_ 3 s
Ifc4
4pd to' id If
J 50-14.,
Uciu,‘
i
L
144 ;c(f
Wet y
ieieet
6l�
itc( p,(
Rz:tvk
917riz- 7
14GjZ6 Etv Mve
1,„
cio
iictc',1)41.44
Email Address
ev/te
L •.
�- C€rvi
Date
wt41 /04/;,e70,tru. /22/25
iyaimAen t-
t
1
m irty xi n voitti
cIAL#4,‘„, 5-vt
tc//s
E'l iwn16-
4 IL'
tticrt
Ei) Awl -0d ,eda
c/4-ZC)
‘e OIL cto
i
its LIA ��� c
L
&4,i1
kh--44
dd044".,
2
1,d5
"76-01e-
8-10122
45'v" k/2 2/2%iormk
et: 2, 2
2-21 2-C7
)7J-
il2.2/Zr
W2:2/
4 g 17q
e2)1/2"11P1—
IL
Name
.. , ,. ,r k ar' . - 1.1 +wl•'+ '
Tarr a.Y #�:.'et• +«�!-.' - -+., •r_- ,r+ .rte �„�'s=ti•p'+.=i.L+•r•+}:= v�.�Piarr�e y.. ,e�i, +.re...?a..� r}s>=„ •�---yi �.' ;vim . -."fir. r -•ii? .,rte-.
Street Name
+••'la•-a.a��}.1 MME =. M� 4ss.•K�•j 3'..-rr•.•••'•w 4&i"1.,.•,540 -if 00't r-rI-r•i•.:+f rissoaa. �,. • .+!`",��,.y.•a;•4•--
- =ry. -itelF. ~amt. i*1i0"�"e"'.. ap Ttf"•a..•>•'a' I •e. ••ra•r- fvFs•a:,
..r•P 4 - aria'+'r. •r<ar 4.0. -+:"#-'h!at"...-0-- ,'@ �{}�le. !r,,�.r"5 ell II. 4ti .' ...a.Ii,=.*,•s, •I.. -. •.-'FA 't.- w:r L' • 0 as.. ...,
Email Address
Date
e
•
1
- r .�.. -�.r •..a.. .- .1-a I-r•r-.
r • — rat* -•••••••••.4 ••• - 4 F, al i 4. 'Ft o •_ . • •
f+ii2l'4e.Nr.•�P1f•C•4+-•dd,.+J_.i-
tA
• 4r rT.•iri•••i0-.es •s'!f<r a r _=fa
L .1
• ••4•••,••.d.rs•••••.,,•„r . r -4•a -!-.t • .
sr
'- . rsa r••P . — --s• I var -fgfu T' ,14 4 -^a -s .-4.•rR5i• •a+.r- r4-04 • •• • -- s -�...Y f•�rfe�^ -'•� - = -lT� •
ci—ot
Awai t..44441
• - 3HFer••• + a•r -14,10, -0, 7+Rl."...„ r!�- f-- ••` ' �•
. ` .: s y _ _ .. . .-�--� ewe,: �. . �x� app �_ '��s�'°£i��`:` -:' m . T • - �. $l ta�:t�".. .. �'�'�'T'. �i-' . ua� _ . ... .. a • ti. - 4-. aT -
ri,
. --.. •F�s: s —r n rb-. -=r- -
4n1 -01,14"e„
/ _ ,. -4. ...
Ne(ovt cr
ti
r s- . +r-_.. 4_ :. i _ . �-R- -- _-ti'+?-X4'•.4 4-.•g... .•+J- • t—•- .. • .'•,rt..r_ ..
•••ITi _•ar.�
• 1 .II- •, •yam' ��r-w •14.r1•ir4J
s.="„La r- w -
F•a .. y,+_fi wFr3Li.4 ••r--'tirza- .•t: ,• •=••rps Va... _ .-
•. • r fr 4. r +I.$e.,• e- e. ... . • ...balm.. . = Y •.i. -al--
rot
40L4141/4.4
air
•
-4F fi-, •P-3 'Maa-. •t -'.ti P• - ex
FBi4�'#. 4'•- •-• •••.
•••...
arms. fir: a .--.+r. rm, .. - -
-ma 'f et•-id•i" simF•
'it: - r- �r 1•h :e.tY4 N. •w. -:_'"'s-:--.• Mil• -,Y*'<
•
•
.s +_tea.:.fl Z +•� r� •,T :d ..e -.r _-. - • • - __# ._-.°-.Srt s
V
-en -.••,..iasr-r r-rs s. _ . as s Y.. -Y•r s. f . .
EAC
swtfo(LtetkO9
yy le+ L4 fti•F'ft}'la•41 17et4 Pr41•1RT•'by11r. f4ti, vJ"'ir�a�e' *'.s:s+�ei �ir.sT� r• -a +•••1.4.1+11ammpi
ct,r � YVICtI I.. Cot V►t
!�n
J. •_ _ _. s _ � t'a �"� "�. , 6'<' ;'-i.'_.._ _ ..;• 4.7—_�..e a �_ . ,1.. . -
er-7-0
a_•..••re . e. =A Ytw • a,11E -_lie,... r. - .a. .a-,.
•• -tom[ • >• sr r-- -_.r na-.tea - a -0 7=r, _
•
,Wer fool
1
Ir�
3C644.ezi.ek otA, i23 1,71
�• 14.4,, f• . i 4'•
• 4.- -+=elite--
•
it A 0 alf
(3141
• -se ter r• r ,
•
I
•'4—+y• •
4
tSio
125".
3,1
•
Name
•� •J.i•-.••- Jry t "i1 [ r — t • .• . _ • .� # -•..tar •=.1 ••••••11‘••• Y^-! - ii • sii.. 4."'V'i�•'l .•�aroyf•wr • F a .�, ti TIS•1'i
-:•�� Y% �'?�� w � .r• Tyti�o-, we- ;•�•�t•,,,�..• ,r• •. �ti�r r-�.�w "s •'=�F�• --Oft •.� ;r• "F !"�Nr' �* ''-� �-4 ''•#�L �= } # r*F -
Street Name
Jr'r M • r
•r•'�fs ,l'r 1. awl! ^Ifr..•••Kipp •••••.zil.pr, •••n a••••+••.••••••••M • MF r .•a •••,••.•.+.•.•.••••-•mil"... .a 4....0.1"0•4‘..4•1•0•••••••• ....1r••• 11.r • ••••••i01,Pi. a•..r r.c�e+�-e •••,!• ••-• •••1••ti.• ••••••
Email Address
q.
Y
Date
r
�i.
.:..•.3..s.a •• <.•-f-.. . -ss•-•,••.-. .»..r •••••— t..•.tz•-. .-.aars• • ..-- -•• r 1• -
J
Le
. --RC .k14.» •s -•".'• c
•
15: . M., •st •
SCAI
•
0Aveivivut
- - .r.. •.- - '4 •r _ - - • .r' i F4I a#--
•
•
- �•;y en re" -•.---t. q•at+-
A
•
•
- - .••••
-•.-a.
io0 A-15
1 i.4,. a•v,ll iyr+.f•7,-.t - rapt ar;-e• va,r-t r. --r- perm -_-•.:,��•-.,.+...•.•,.���_�-.y. •_•.___
L ai -• -. - •_.•..! - . -
lAtCivt el( 6,10
--i +rsr, --+•4•S' r•••fi.rl+3-•it-t� I -u•-' y
••
Or
C
.. • tk -.-a-t-s • •l RS -Kit -m•--• a•--�+ry - -*--�_ �` . - -. .. �a�fS -'••••1
:s.A.1•Jr TJ-q� n}• --'T- _•••}--Y•541 • - 'Om— 3 +P' i-•=r•,•-• •-,.•rte f } . Fi
El
"4
Ct (a
S�
vv� rit
Ale (<01
i C •
- •—.-----
- -
+ii-•�.* s�.a•a....i •••••••••• ia+rr• ,a - - ,r - - -4 ear,
r - Le - a_ •••••++.•i••v_-L Tar - Ara a•
!OA
_.•i a •,! r'ir aim .'LT,
•
••Fr•a•-•T>if • ra•m- -
(ok
.. I. LA' a.y.w- --__-- •.+•rte=-ir• •'f� 't F Hi - J'�r - • • -
MI
-- t: • if. a•t
• • — NT a MONTT .r..— aE• ala!-lra t s a• • TT, f . at - .-r - - -arm. ma- N.M. ..r •
.•. -y.r+'••r+i.•a*IP % a,F.
a
y t '
• • a
}••r. -r t - • -- •yea.• ra.r r-•� -- i& .. •
t.
z-• i••. ,z a Tar •,•.a+I.J..•r Ariiai...ini a- 'e. • •
a., sr, arras, t;.•• ,r -a — i v • :i =1. ••-•• ,• n-• • aat re*.r••• - ••••ate! . ta~•
tiara - L
i ; -l- - -
Yice
. Trot +'••••••••••-MM-.•=r--•-• ap• •l••••-.ps_III , •via,\4r•a=ti , , • -
4.•"•.i .+/FMM•Y-rro*=�•5•rrT•,M�i SIM r•r.ir
61,
or
- _ sm.. •..a•••kaliPl,;s• —. I. •••• • - -- -•, ‘ar 4 mat ••-•-•••• ...i•.al- ill .sr.:,P• rat t' --,I •m3'.i-•. h rF'`�+•q.�• •.-v-s,+--r-.Lr+.—s--.-•e•. a. ,. -_z_••-4.1.•5s� t -
;,0
a
CA. -1004'4A
)461
CO3 I 1.•1
• , - - ., •,r....
,t;
•
•
•
twa9 inotteift.(
Ki4D
a an
• - - r••ir w•r+t•�••••••-•-4.,Fi•••.sr..l, is, s a • - r . r 1-Y -
d
��sr�oi: "--n vim.--.• -
/ r
• - a..,- a- •
v ..swap . rr.a!•sa f^rat- •- •• ••• • •••••- : s•a ji' Ft -i - J4••ai'd• 4-r-aW.- _ -•-_ - • • •-i-v£ —: , Y - a•i'
i••=--t..'—• _�{ •r , ..•w — ••. i ... S8 -rat. a — - . ....N.M.
•••••e• r.• —1--•,1 ma- ra•.ar s.! r
ow-
14c4p cCto,
pois4,IXn
119
Ce0
9ilteiif
f -"Lf
t
- O.-- 2
it' . ••i.• T +nF, "S.4•'.... .,.r,� 4•'F, +s „d11.00.4. .. w4.4, ...*.44,.§4•4••; . .v •lt,wr+y �n . _ : • =,.-�i.r�.�, •_ 4•.. .a i r ,�•��r , «nom =a•=...� ,.,
•+Y+ra•-.c — a.4•. r, -t
}
..,.O. ••. • + Y4• .• 144= 9r•a qv . •:•. • 4•..t a. - • .-_.,-I .a. aa. ,T� .. �o...�.• ..grs.t -Qa-r .• .>r r �,
mr
• •.-nyt _ •
t
411,,I6- taw.. ih
r•
Name
Street Name
s ,•T••« - •.,«-a4• - ht ._ _ _ _.,. e• • 1.4 -
itoiNAN 2ctipe
fic
•
.. 4•. _ i -_..----$z 'c«a.�°"-a� � . .- -n di,.
114L
r ••�'4+i"T_,r, �'-°ice' .,+.3..y .: - _ '4•'v -- - �t-- anraa a- - .'fir"1, -c".. s+- --• rs-1caRr ,•••,•1_•• �.- «�- „>a.�••.:-,�
4..,.a.+ +_.€•E ..:...c .t•{ -, - -z' •F -
•, R• -i••••1.• ...44 .---- r-s-s-dr�e��irae�•ate:—��+.f+%•.+r-e+ t-a•-� .. s.
... ys.y.•.f+!*• --rryi r,.•••.,`."4.• e.ai^+c IA= ,r -em v-cra.••-as
potii..)0-1,1 100 r
42-4rde,
Prit
r
i
Email Address
(19 ei b
0
°It?" f CA C401)
'=I•+Y YM5as1-....,s- .....A.' • _. L- - -a
- t-, ••i•.•i.____-_ - - - - -
. - -.-j4•.... • .__ r. --,-,•4•r-: rte•+. -n- �.i- s""'�-,--_-s._� _-a_ r�__•p ._•_
• -- _ — - —•ter. a•��.�.••.f'T�:�- - --- '
a?'inb/ra-+�'Ficry-'rte^�3c.rF- _ _asrs .+r e.4•--a-«�eie'-4t-.Frt� M4'N T eT'tr-F• s -
r
-•.•ba .I='-. -t .40S is+d-..a-pa. gl,t. 4• !f;. -..-a...
• 9•a
l5I
...rip Ifs },9i .ssa-t a. 4•s'maw= -..L...14.-.111.14.al.; A -'ice ---F- a• • aa.-4a.,.sr --p •gas•.- --. _-
r
ass t�a'•M•-i _..-. _-,... -_-..- �:._>� ----
4 -I---• x.4•4•--a- a'4• --,e„ -
71171.01Vt„,,„
- sip
•4+.R ,: 4HW r ., _. -
=.1Y4,• •.LPL, IreLL! r+'..L. .r, ti - 7 v, "i...4•."-.
Yi- 3. - -t+a_d ,f, t+ x-n...•s•-
- c . a 5•T, IL•--•— sia+-3ev� ., 'ter. .a.a
•
i,. ' -: .4..e.r,I.-- . s m-410.a_.fi • .-..a,..->r,_+.• f _
- 70,
a4•, +M
1'IG�.ti iii1.20r
Date
. 4•..f' .- i' _ 'ria- T�.! -a9.�.-dry : r ., 9.s+y - a- a •sari. .:c - :_
volivi50
•
S
j(A. affr
I
Iti
Y�-
OVIse Itt traletre 61;4 I*
g_ 1,57z#:::S7 �
151125
5vh"\CLettelot
trtif
icok, (5) fr
vac) 1 42„.
— - m - - .. .t -e ,.�...• - - - - •-5, - . - -rr:r-...- :.
.p..•••-« •••"1111• - •.. ..• ••••••••••••,....m.--•,••• • . ._...._c4• --
t s. .... .. - ire - - . . -5- , IN •‘• •‘•.,
t
L
mar
2-�
+t r
tver
F7.
I
�._• r t< -,r � ,„.�,.. gh .,a • �� :'►,us,.. L `ri aN.�L+H iwb1M:, - 7 v,-' .Mb.IFT714 AS l* '�� `�dl��.�F-3 t.r �., ��: .r., s'. ' .."•*104 ar7r+ -11.•4r- i `_.•rt'e T••"�' '`?'r , '-� .y +' "Re- 'yam. - n Gam••
r a.e. >.�•.. ea
Street Name
r- hw i•• laF•1•r• •4•.•5 •4i 'aar•f•-•No . • 6 :e•._' 4� r„ :•ke• v.441.4.010.. 9 .,..• r." - ..s- - i • J :.'.•aFa
Email Address
f` a
•. a s * •' .-• ...•+rl ..4. .ra ••i4- sa•1b.•--. glob m•• a -#.I .S * • z`•• •^iY a4, - .. a. 4.-gr....1.• +?sF 4.4 •'aF+.T.. a -al
Date
Name
- m asri.^e b.i.
- _.. e.er•a] A, -year. - a a- --_+•z.-_.-a-:.s_. -++.Hasa a+ .+.r a• -ref s- if :40 �rri .- 0.0 0-0. =aasc . err- . A...04 _a. .r+��isdy�y�tr>•-
t 46ml
' ?a - _a .,.... • #*F-�'s• -. a.= _ r- '- ,.-brrar:+-�a,•e r•� a.: frr�t +a..► vu., -702 :4 :•',.5 T. _ --�- a�'r• ._.•. �.. °-3'^' ir-t--.••-_ � 27--47:7 .r ,.af�r. ._ 3e 1�1=f' �- '# .. . # .�•�-,--- ' - s,: = ..er-. .. � "�; =f _ b.,._� ..'1.t
'a
-*sr • - v.� . alas {! �)+F =-u9.4a..'E' vrs. a._r �•
00
• •• •
- -a 'r-f..g+f- as•-.' .s+ —"'-Y
• • -s-,.a.at
•
14-- t .
.r...a_ •. r.:.+•r.;. -- ,,-Zee-.
•
mss- .ors
eft%
aar.-iT,.:wnsa a�>✓-.�i•.-
7a.= r . i•.t . -s'• 7
„p_r5.E
r.
gag -a+-%+ ••L, a- .- ---•—a' "—,ea-+5s•-ar'-fay-�.rx ��!d_wlrsr•Is ..t laiy:�= .i ...ai -
_. • r •- •mama
ffl
'VI... 000 -A F. •Qye .1 Aar e . - y 0.
0-0
• n•_ _1•96. si••r•in+y¢`a�Y •-
-as r_r.--. • r00-••+
.e•i • - i " 3 as
rRI•"r.. --.-..- 1.3. --^.•r... i Jr TG- lr�
r _4 tr.F ._b
y .. -- __;_ -4 -s•-- mar-., r' 4 A.--.S'+f'�I•
--r •r-ti �r�� it
r - e .•n • A
err, -s-..c_ r -
3 3 T
.1' a.- -1: ,
. . .g _. y +-7 r .� • :r �irafr. -arm. �
#.K
• tar •.S}Faa
sau..: "... f! �4• f-'.FYir N'a!!'>r am. .0-u- Yr-.s - . 1 •'V s1't. ..--•. . 9hie - .. -a.4 _.. III.- -.
b -�n.E.-ia��s✓ra9i-�•sr- - -- •�:�af• . -. _ ..- .r z..vJric_ lw r•: z+r�___- -
• a+.• S ran-.Y••le++. ,�h 1Y+ . a u
rte- —.-.r. - •.- -vf--
l
nd•.1 a- •l4 Fa ..so a • ..by .s •
Z"•..,r.-rar- -, �^iv+.ia. N. •••••••-e ...,_.i r_e�..a _:_ -4$ll. & .... NIw' - • T_:� a•le_:, :
• rare - 3,a-•- a. a- rase rr.. r-••Pea.ar a a Iry r•. -s -e -0.4-.10 WV-. a e-.rYea-• d-! 0. r4 m -a - w -
r. --•yc .P
bqmw,
• ..F .__- gar ._0rl .JIB - .. . . -
-'sham a•.r.ar-e• s-vid ".._T/ r:r�-r r+�_e•4.�+�Vr-r!rz Wit.
b.-r-l•.�s+•r-'F1 - iV ha a-dalr4.0-+.-l4*" 0.04.0-10.0.40.-. ass, 4a* .-• "3aa•rsr 'saes•• •_ •• . - -r ••gs.ar -->r -. • • s
fq
�d
•4 v r ,;b..• -.r•:• Y.w., I•.!},vie. ur -�'•, .y'. �, ..B •te+e ,'I it�r ..�`i lta'4k T, s..-a_�..
3(1'7
Ara gar r,•
.. u r. b a.... _ ..g!- a.}fa•el liaaM-._. �. _`+w• age xsr .: . 4- - se . •F - e - • - 0,4 .41 4I a$ r .t. -
(43sl9ft
.. ,,,+ter-.rrwa:= �=-3--•!:.-err..._ ay.-as-0-1 .. •.-_ -
art
•
sr . fr:rT
.-.. +. a-. ••ae.. .•s.aa.g . - \ - --r 4, 4', - - -`F.-e+4-ae,q ar .
r:= - -' r •!• -1 •-iFi.=n• a.. a a
re - f - .1' - _ a --aae.ae r< .
-• ' d Ss ei v-i �i Ma.r.- - r
ri AL-.
or
---- _ - awapy.•Fi•a4 Tf` 1. r•ee--•.r••r •*••••• 'r'•.a
• ara
Cu
- 0 ar Zr,a..P'-+Gr row-ve•e epe• .4.4.4.11l .
•
•
• •r Ta ,. • •, +s a. • �„
a-. _ .. a• e. es
•+ a a. . F• r- ale • a - - 3 r
s _iv .. �- • _a ary� � s _
fie
nur miogi.,..+!k Jr if eler,6r66,e, 7F.__.. 66'_,.,+ .?tR. tfa., .4a- lir,v-,!.}• 1.+ s -f' .a- -- — �........��..,P.> .-a .i.. s.:.a t.-_:*.- a ti+'• a-'-o•Orr.a r E*y....'•..', cs'�. r•• •r- �•. 4°rr,,.. .+� , .. t ..f- +44r`f'{*"-w'- •..,1a - �. a jai.... I+���f ;, eu-a
ww aw--v.r':er .�-•� , �..�°�.� -��� � 'i'r'k .
Name
Street Name
•.W - wk .i'r-:l �.qh r .r� �� .-.• "Er. -'....a ratr " 0•rO. di; k d,s -ate,
Email Address
Date
sr .: w.ad,an? i"iV'+I�. rarer.
.:.b- • ; ova P716411. -..war-�"�/�' 7,,.. !ea- ..
�-.-31:-
'i
P
..^. Ydr-air • J. • .
- rw-‘•..�
t__7k rrS is - • '
e P.la r.,..P.4,• atfit0 04" •{,6'-d1P •
F
i
. r'~+ -- ...... . _ -•
e. .616 6,64. -•rr3.f+•..riar.+�s. Y-uY' •.•a • -r 6 • .7rusrs T..6ra
I
.-a---.-a--.y, 4- .•-_.-r. .e r.-ai + rr -
1'4%09 (.1 te"044,
-IF
aa•�se ,_.....spa : •.afar o= •i •'._•_•_sue ,�—n+.—.�:,� o_..,.P:
eri
:viks
*!•T -r r•ar..tor ss "d 1.. ?Ts ow 6, _._y peAA- •..--.rf-•
S
eiirdeifFsfir
,r.=-4 ash Pm- ct-rare r.• -•v e•-- • e .+Jkv at.a�a_s �• a -s -
--,t- ?7 A• a Ti =.- ...1 -.rte .rc .aer �2 _-.6a6. . s. o-.s_;r.a ®...._ a ._. :-:.-E.ea,�.ar_ rr•w -"0z..+-a-- _.o-frra' parr
tkif
r
DAL
wage
MO, R�iL�-'sa�MF$;4r� ,+ i y:- Y,Oe,...-16 4N•4+ !-wean
S
1,CHN-3
• ... fa.. ?r jY•.••s-a
•i�r'4ie 6.166-e- tTP 4. 1.."• - L--•
l.F
ell .ar- d'F'4-.1r 4, a'• • -, .--- 0. a
_..• ar.. - . - . s..a l . _ .- - E r •-r 44 F r'.1 o- ••• 4 6' or! a4 •Fi% f!s S.rrli.iPrarft aaWfW' `E6401 '1,i sat .+r& -�PFl4. ••.u.i. �y_y-�4 4-; _ ..
.'r a- w.,*.mr .r'is-S6.66...W.. .r ra. 1663
-_-r air :II a.,r,:d,-:- n. -s-• - .,mss,:, -A.6. Z6.. ,
. i 1a.•.
v
a--- - a i.a.,• . aa-. i..-red .:r .r • L ' ..
,6r6.6 •, i.. _ -a 4.4 ri•a' la
�z.a-,ue•r, -spa r -.a._. _- s-rte++�-v.,- - s� :. .a�.•a :r
rF- a .ta..a+RtarrMY_v-•=•a#.e+.r.v4o
_ - . _ -� - -* a4- -il-i d•4'•�a '�.PG-1f �--i b'. &*.. - -�:. —'*. Fi--•rrY sr'iP [4" OOP' _ ias•t
`--`7"; •- - -p _ rr.a .. ..
-+..ms • -ar- .ars ! Tr - ra a.. •.so -tea
rya a.- •--. s _ saPa .: __.F` . ..a
r
.R,. -•.r--.a..,r.._ r1 - _.a= •�-�•-a -o.••.. �.—_-s: °-a4,..�._=a�.�l��' '..`.mot.--=�.-�-=-.-...- fir ,...4.-... a.--. -• .� .rr
- -ri• •ar-�aa��tt- yr s - _ -
cif
4e -6v
•- _rte•.. _.r.'G- cM!. - ' - tr •_ v
If'
•
�• � ataRi�f
-T• Y -:y -r -a_a_o r _ -- _ .
• r,aar .. -sr . i- a 1' J •..
#1-'-, F'
••r ft=.. -r 7 . • t w. f -11fOro, rir+Fr aa0rr-:- arm _ ,1r≥•-' .#r
iYPaaaoma-.Ora.it - Y ate- 4-• • a ..A.., = - Ls -a.-
s�.aa�.:+l 1:+.•..aa.f® _. , :....rala'tw7.,._e. a - war
-� ,.. + .: -mot- *, •!R•44se!rad•s`Mei,.w .�ilrt •1+arM•r!6' war =varear*c---.ra - s- -...r
..a _... .r..c S.., .areas s•- ar: r--- . • at . a
S'
I ip
E
i1
i Jr
':•0\
Z
•'
825,4 PM
Scan 2.jpez
r
' fie :_'�. "s,r. "!h{,ii•e4d�. *. .dam
,+r,},t :,rll1y4 'E-0 -, •_. iii1A- -�a4 •+'1
a .. . - fiLd af+P-+e t?lL4,146 2i^ 511•aR ." - ' -"_ f n • Y!!-- '6 44$ .v' _ .: c.-- ,.•r _ _ - 1 .S .. - a • _ . - _ p . .. . -
-�;. x'}.i <17 sk— �.<;t_�7 mss •-s' � yak .. • . -r,�a=sr ., - --. __. . .-,r --1 ,i?i,51. g _ •I'V 'll W +fRc. . i _"g + e# ±l+ea 4 . -sr *riff— ... $-,-'- -
to,
5.O,4.1 - rf .... +ic -r^� tt i' -*" w : 4:4 "L .. f1..- . �-�T WEVP.V10.4e , -1.011p.So rebi . :r-' - esto-f..—ow.:44.,064k,•i :4,1'c :i1F33.� 6+fsi '_yer'e 4.
{
otti`eik4.'-1.11 - •4-'74!4. ?�. T +1-.isi-bra-�'K. �hr- �..ni' a?L �.': [y !: . 4::•-n"T-� - 1w}• __. rci�.r+S':'�3,'ry--'S.r- . 1(•.:4?..1. -. r Z+r'e+i.-10, daT. - 1,01. ._Y-, -
. d rtr{rt� �v-=+rF . • i i. -/ 1 � -/i'. 'a₹ - •T�Ste"< �..�# �• -a A".9 10.14,0 ". r"'.,11, `s �-- "-ay-..'- . 3 :.'. f - - ,.�
: �j+r'- - _ 1� �' r� ./�+�V•' w� •gM "i<#'h"h'sr ���a+, r-,r- sfi- ,• �-�- .�--��;-. = � ':ti'�s7. �*+c�z r * iS�' � . -."*Sg turlos7ti -
461
iw4.i — iP+ F t. '`4°; si�? 1.i h '[ +ems 4,: r*/.
-+ t 4.4 -„Rie ter: TF _ _ F: •s++-.. .-nuoik p.
., L,: • T : - a r- r s_• a .n +F• -T^ � �--.:r:( Sa..-�'_'-- - .2 i4 :-} �?a ti.�. � .�Sr 3�7.� .><:, 7Y : _ .N. •N- ntr+tu '. K'*NoWskipT- jl�l
s it#e67,2
al ea
13)
WINS'
i Me e)
ip,„telC),
ssal
atueN
-
1
s = � ,, q, � .- ��..�c- .��•� :,f - },..• ,fix,. a ... -..- 40p-4. '
a — 1.
'r • .aF'a_d . s .� i )��._ _ vlAii� �� 1'_ --�" � `iF'.c..�.: _'���'
clic(
1
0-;
d
/1--z if
) -0tH
o
-4017 .,:ire
Cakhotv
Awkittni,vyi
LTM* F S'<11, an 4 _da, .. .A.dmiddi' • ati.
h
. 414,6
1
~= _ +rte
. j'ser.
F- ' n
Nvincl
multalr:
vouttElA
3S
VTR A4'
'1,4-0P1
0009 /7;0?
4000041
I lit 1,5"
_ ._ - .,.w.:11'1
.,/i••- ....� - c4'-1 ' d .FsLr r;r. 17't--""7
= ..> >.P ' `_".asT °'r��- _ >i�' .-9t -.� 6• •a -- 'l' -'b. -� _ ,a�' .`- ,Y"-3"j
.. �M�� � �f I - . � 71i� -� '�°•+F � a5� � '� �, � - �' 7r- �i 1,. o :'fir , _ , <, _ " � "- ' •_ � -`
-• . :,.. , ��c•,,{r�.�P +'*r�r. ,sa+,-4;3iF'.�'-�,,��1',�+•'�'+��?� ' �'��h'�la� _, r' �19�t/L�e�lo . - - - �'�� � f
E r.r t ." r -=a . i-- ..--.- . —r. ., " La, - - ---a ----: .rr . •its •: -. •—: 41...# r,-- .= --- r -- w. ___4r—rt =rr.- S_ = =;a �.—F�c- .�- err—. -ar--.,- . •{ -s —.- --- ->. -ter
httips:11r1ail.google. corximailIu/OI#inboxIFMfcgaQcpTGgsjMSjqhJQrElbbkbSnsx?projector=1 &messagePartld=O I 11�
a•s= t•_ rata=„a.e
at .. rsa ry.a P,.%4.. a Baal .+"rip"u. .a- 'a; =. r.. •ow ap.a '^4 #r*a ', t dr 9.raw wow w•wr'k,w.ly..t`�•'r" * F�+.r a._ e. IA
vp1h -2aa' . Y-aF 9,. W - _ .-.— a- :v as, a r. r, r a.. s _
-a ;avr- . aa.. 41.1 _ v a7F•ea ab. 491 7M--7-- 44444. a P.a.ir-is+al a4,la'a+.. at a..ir t= -a a4•ia, r 4#L:-i• -vre:7ra aar.ma alas-aA
•
rt
Name
l .z_ _,—=tea--vt• 1P.•ff• a r ••—.r-s - :r_ PIP-.rr�i•„'
17
.. ya,•.-•r-rs a , sa.. 1- a. ,• J -• ra —.-i .••••-•:.. • -4. ---a a+ray. ,. P -r• • I. Ps. .a
Street Name
- -w-fa. -r+•I-. •-r arc . 6 t=.r' - 'e.. ,e. aL ,�. ..
t• M -ti--, :_ .yqy11. as 7 . _ , •t
a -a,,.- gas. ..-mss_,:-,P w --- -.---.------•r.
,ear. wawa i U _. rya snra -aarr .r 1-or.aa•ar!ila'+..a'a_km* ..samra- radar a5r+r .c.ra•-lH=:aL+,4+.ar "s *+- -.
_-4-5 -&- - ---4c•v e+9aa .,F r a r.-. ea - l a• - - - . .
ww• rY iaaaMa_-..•• rat •..•t.£a�•rr.••••• •,_a_ a l•'4 ><'t=i -s4 : •.Fe. ti` a.' a-•
---4.--t .p") a Fir.•-a•siF a°tM s-{••• rP••1. �.•w)s-.S •-9•••••'v
• _ ,-< _ _ra •.- �a'ar'r'�ae-a r ,a w--w-flr+•a aaa = �•�r .m -. •'T.. r .a
•
- '__. -_ aLa . .• . - ti -a.
rest Ware +�
or
Asa--.,raa•a-.a-.- =
Vv'L
• +4 .#rs-r-•rke• _ _ _ .a -m • - _
v or -LA
2/ 2/1 1
aa= .. _. . • -ra+aremaa - ., _-_ a.4-' - rf-a s=. -era: vs.-a �r� a� .. rr '.srgyaer.a agars,+r�_.z:
'.raaaaihda gad 4+,*•a HL c _
lltap r -a w'• A..
.•
Email Address
= et..vr-.rdera'ar-e.. la.a..r , _aa _alama<..._,s as arra. r.=.aa=mama.. $ . ... . �r ''l•+:�.. _� ,.
• -•• .r a - t ra,
'13°3
dP
r 41, aria-r+rr- T+_-,:aramar•,s -_-aa wsammar
':_IF. -mar. ay,.. - .-rah-4 -. _-,k ._ ••••• -• .
.'.' .'�bra' i�r` .n si'aa'.'a,>3M' aat,rr• 4. a
t+ !'Z' Pa VP444 a e �4a i.41164.4_, • - • as .rte award aei.
+aa . 'a+.,.ar._ •• a=aarr_. _ wra • ..,.-VIIIM.rra`aww>- a`+e•ea�� .a..r ....aate.. r _'t• .•.UP -•=r -t+- :ww 'rs.4e .-f=.a•
4. a a r.r_.... . .a... -r r.4.4. .a s+•a: 4.44.4 .-_ _.--. 4rd.._a 44. tas..c1.6rtIL-,.. .ico:.._�__ a.r s .r+$rlir ar'Ea'e F•a,:. "i'• _ti,4.a.
wea•rtaa. $ .w, a+Pray'-ai”a+r_aiy4". eeweatakaAv Irr-f, _-wa..•. A`. ti�r.1 +qtr s.t. i".srt+'!a. narearee
Date
.aar. .la-...,iassrr-raca,.r.aima
. 9!^3G'rlata-tel ' - - -r s.'-- tiSs t �T•v... �`i=�_i>., . _..� �'r'. -? - �ZiT. = 3..-_4 _. � °• �=
.t -_ • -.sJ^:. a s - .. .. d.• •a-- _ .-.�- e. _ _a_ �. a _•� ...•..a P•e._i.�sv� .n.._ rem-
. yL.raral.-'aN!•,asa144 .: a.. b�az- na •"---•-• �s•T2,r�... -.
... ..• ..',4 _ Z _ll _ - ..F-^ t...fi••A'iiiFiY. �, •n rl,ealS'�w •rid.+.' . - _. ic- ..�'r•• • •• _
a. .,,5 •sa •rr • • a= a.= .• -_.a_F._wr•-. is-- a.Niar ei.41 ° . sit v ••••-a - _ a -u•.4 -#as win. 4 rle-•• ;L - r
r •, r. '1 .a r. a+ a a-rwlis.•4,r•®er-a. a -v• __-_
as! 4 ,*r> et a: is ar ra ,* arradirsiamasa aal "b. -ma
aP•r_4 _ r+5 s.a_ • - - o acaaarmam ta-r 4st4 •-i--. _ -
. _ ,.•. •b a +~ • r.e.at- it P ow . ' •t. •-a-` i.. . a -a... w W -a•- • • .: - = r# . P - 4., =>a . -. ra' ...44 �y •. • 6. -wr ..---r
-a. - {•'.a __ r-'• .. a _,� _
_ • m rare.}, ar-a- - _ ,- _a r _- as. ea ..-.._fl.- -.,---- t r-•rrtp _-- .r•.+'e:-_a�a+lra �: -. - - a•.
4-ss _ - a .ar-..
- . .a. t -_,a, a:r ar- . P' •. a-a...s s• s +a+sit.: a�i^a I -l"��•TdMdakey Y: Y"awl/V.._ i.Siff'•"4•••••'!Par., '4A.'JWP4(T' . r`rr -' e .lat'._4�.r•• ._=T••fr c'.4-"'a1E se�:. as .. 4. "'. y�t4. I 4- •-
a -m 41_,
-"r-->�E�• _ .
..pa.. a . - +g• - +a+.• .•a . ae.'ny,a., a. 44, .04.344.44iiwr�!'.: ,�, t'. e-+f-iie' fivwla .••Ise r a+ • a,s... a Irama MP
sari: a•• -NF••• -•
1
- ,.r .:- r n.•-a=a-rrtA": I -- - a • , . a .-r.. -
a-rsaa sr s.e+ar •a+aa•t___J_...4______.r twat + •
•
+9,•aT• faa4 a -- -U1. da yt4.3. y,II4..4•.a.maa. sea--per.+r
a. arm tsar re SIP i a 4 .•Par.;• P La, aa"Webb ' •ai, YP'_sw
vw . ar4awra j._F-•a+tfa e_.. Via, a t as a a, 1. f., ea a .a
r _ Y .a �¢ u• are+
r a.. 4 t 4' ' 44. -:a F. t..aP. .
may
4•_Ihra a - _ ._
. a-_ - _ a ate-aai'.. Alt •.• - +ae n aaaz•>f -_- -
_. a• --1 mad a.-.. •. C• z- '
-4# -a a S+.... a 4.44 P' a - � i . ._ _ _ - as -
ana_ .ter••-ah-r__+•s:. •+v_r. •-r.
r.ipe,r-a. •s. 3'.- - a a ____ aJi. Jam---- _-. ae.aV. rrs44a .441 - 4. r - a ...... a • - s-wvear!F7i5z"glarari-.74•4a•-ml+Pm-a'+'[eva-74'�.hL?n»^rrs!�i`�air'-••a esar
1 402_ s
1
d • it I
*NNW e
a • - .a-a.aa -.:.
414.7.
---,e aa.....r,aa.- a - - -:yam% r,.__ .. a. - • _ -__
--a•ia41.4.ma- s...'Ts.17•, irv. -i• s
a. •
r a,,., r'* . a w++a•P.. 7: t•.a: ';•..y ' t •r f•S, i;�sa-•},.[.a•a
• a.$•-iary-1s.s! r.aa. Mla-- -. ;aP'4+tl',
e 5- - s.-4 -Pb a 'c _ a _. -- --a.�•�r-'•-••-_rr+Para - -. •4a••a ��•a
•a •.r'1P' aC-1lf- ea14 `lay • F"W. V' �_,.e •:
j...,.,�. ay.- a+u a' Wi-*--5• ,e- arm, 'If,.aar=w P' a - av,a-' a - - _ • ''`r-+,5ii, r. +P>"a • - P•a yti-r*
•aaa k
4a .aa-.a --,.- saa.a • a �.. tea-•- - tar .-'a r .a .. .. 'r•aa.a• rr�a. - T° 7r r�+ �r--irzs. b. ...a.% 9 ^
a•
v4��r{-s_. 4 . - �- --�.- -' aa-a-a.• 4. .P•_.
• • .f',s
4 _. . -.•par p-�a44-asf_ ._
-.4--.a _.:.aria a a ,Kta la.,
e".
'alma Par 'a •
avl-- rle vas -saga
'3- -al 'a -Y-.r -- wars Tama
r as a.s a• - +rya.+ -s s a s s
a. 4--�., 4.a•-• a.•'r. 544•4 mow .• ==w --- r -
: r a •: .P r+-er -a. =-rte-+ r - ra•
L
..-. s a - .. . s. a am. a -a _zwt. 4., _ "°'rt -:FP Wa +-' - _ i-- k4. •- r,
r•p7i>t - aer a =rPwma.a. .:a-- r'r - , . 3.`• r.;•SP +* -i _ - a .
, =we .% awir,ifi,, I:� e-,a•'ti•,a M. ape atr:-.raa• ,-r,a .. 4 .,Wad 4.: MAIM r-,. 4r.. a.,<af.•r ra
.-. -a •.�,aa •s s r
I l - s+•T P=•is .* tame t a _ - -am --. a . sa.. n!.- ae a r•a i __ ._ a-GMW _-ra=. s:. , sue= -6.
r - r as pa•+ .a .•+-a - as r arS'
- >: -a + •n .aE rt. r.ry.•r g �-�a a rr•
-a ar ma +++.•a=a. OW' ear -- .as •i -arras _ -.-u-•err _ a-.-.'� �,.•e:- v_" "aka : mi.: var. .-Zw. - 1 r.% aa..a�: li •
aa•-+-+�-ae-r=-iT sr4watwar:-Ia s••a. .. i+t a•.r sr,. -5. A._.. __tars-4.-�,.. --.�asz•_e v_a_ .. . __ - y -Pew. _ _. 3•••---�R!•' •rr�r Fa.r'yllir.e rr,�9;weF:1�7✓�e...m�la,a. `�P_aaa-ir.�%4- 4. :�iir-sei•++rrra'-ranar
*24200.
Name
VL
7/b
Street Name
Lk)
tp Cat 1 14
Email Address
1/2.
5144erteldoiii
V�
ckw" 1) to
� l YL(tJ , c 'O V
Date
SI"
2,1
From:Daniel Choi
To:Council, City; Switzer, Steven
Subject:Concern Regarding Rezoning at 332 Forest Ave
Date:Thursday, August 28, 2025 11:14:05 AM
Attachments:image.png
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
i
Dear Palo Alto City Council Members and City Planning Staff,
When I walked by the property today, I noticed a large, mature redwood tree located
between 332 Forest Ave and 707 Bryant St. I have taken the attached photo that clearly
shows its placement. Based on the plans for building higher at 332 Forest, it appears that this
redwood may either be cut down or significantly damaged. This tree is not only a defining part
of the neighborhood’s character but also an important part of our city’s natural heritage that
should be protected.
This message needs your attention
This is a personal email address.
Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast
I also want to raise a broader concern. I voted for many of the elected members, but it has
become clear that their actions increasingly prioritize large land developers and wealthy
interests over the needs of ordinary Palo Alto residents. Members are failing to see beyond
the false altruism that masks the self-serving motives of wealthy landowners and
developers. This shift is deeply disappointing. In particular, the decision to support large-scale
projects next to smaller condominium communities protects the wealthiest property owners
while harming a greater number of people. These projects not only threaten neighborhood
character, they also reduce the value of condos and diminish quality of life for many middle
class residents, all while shielding those in the most expensive homes from the same
impacts. These are the very kinds of decisions that fuel the growing divide in wealth.
I urge the Council and Planning Department to carefully evaluate the true environmental and
community impacts of this rezoning decision, rather than relying on surface-level initiatives
presented as “improvements.” Protecting mature trees and prioritizing equitable, community-
focused planning should come before catering to developers and the wealthy few.
Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to your response.
Sincerely,
Daniel Choi
365 Forest Ave
---
Daniel Choi | danchoi22@gmail.com | 408.355.3357
From:Daniel Choi
To:Council, City; steve.switzer@cityofpaloalto.org
Subject:Concern Regarding Rezoning at 332 Forest Ave
Date:Thursday, August 28, 2025 11:10:27 AM
Attachments:image.png
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
i
Dear Palo Alto City Council Members and City Planning Staff,
When I walked by the property today, I noticed a large, mature redwood tree located between
332 Forest Ave and 707 Bryant St. I have taken the attached photo that clearly shows its
placement. Based on the plans for building higher at 332 Forest, it appears that this redwood
may either be cut down or significantly damaged. This tree is not only a defining part of the
neighborhood’s character but also an important part of our city’s natural heritage that should
be protected.
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
I also want to raise a broader concern. I voted for many of the elected members, but it has
become clear that their actions increasingly prioritize large land developers and wealthy
interests over the needs of ordinary Palo Alto residents. Members are failing to see beyond the
false altruism that masks the self-serving motives of wealthy landowners and
developers. This shift is deeply disappointing. In particular, the decision to support large-scale
projects next to smaller condominium communities protects the wealthiest property owners
while harming a greater number of people. These projects not only threaten neighborhood
character, they also reduce the value of condos and diminish quality of life for many middle
class residents, all while shielding those in the most expensive homes from the same impacts.
These are the very kinds of decisions that fuel the growing divide in wealth.
I urge the Council and Planning Department to carefully evaluate the true environmental and
community impacts of this rezoning decision, rather than relying on surface-level initiatives
presented as “improvements.” Protecting mature trees and prioritizing equitable, community-
focused planning should come before catering to developers and the wealthy few.
Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to your response.
Sincerely,
Daniel Choi
365 Forest Ave
---
Daniel Choi | danchoi22@gmail.com | 408.355.3357
From:Hurjane Vongsachang
To:Burt, Patrick; Lauing, Ed; Lu, George; Lythcott-Haims, Julie; Reckdahl, Keith; Stone, Greer; Veenker, Vicki;
Council, City
Cc:Howard, Adam
Subject:Urgent: Immediate Oversight Needed - Commission Ignoring Residents on Mitchell Park Court Conversion
Date:Thursday, August 28, 2025 8:12:32 AM
Attachments:Screenshot 2025-08-27 at 10.45.51 PM.png
Screenshot 2025-08-27 at 10.44.18 PM.png
Opposition to Pickleball Conversion of Mitchell Park Courts 3_4.pdf
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
i
Dear Palo Alto City Council Members,
I am forwarding my concerns regarding the Parks & Recreation Commission’s proposal to
convert Mitchell Park tennis courts 3 and 4 into pickleball courts. I attended the Commission
meeting on August 26th from 7:00–10:50pm and felt compelled to speak up and share these
concerns directly due to the significant community impact of the proposed conversion.
I am deeply troubled not only by the proposal itself but by the Commission’s handling of
public input and apparent bias. Several commissioners (specifically Ann Cribbes, Bing
Wei, and Amanda Brown) openly admitted to attending the meeting with the intention to
approve the conversion, disregarding the feelings of over 25 speakers and a petition with
200+ signatures. One commissioner even suggested expanding courts to unrelated
neighborhoods, citing personal ties to the local pickleball club president—this is irrelevant to
the community’s needs and represents a conflict of interest. The Commission failed to
meaningfully acknowledge or weigh general public comments, undermining the purpose of
public input and raising serious concerns about impartiality. Only Commissioners Shani
Kleinhaus, Jeff Greenfield, and Yudy Deng approached the issue with balance and sensitivity.
For your reference, the full email I sent to the Commission details my concerns, including:
1. Lack of Consideration for Palo Alto Residents
2. Unequal Rules and Misuse of “Multi-Use” Courts
3. Overcrowding, Parking, and Poor Planning
4. Concerns About Cubberley Community Center and Rinconada/Hopkins Park
5. Better Alternatives Must Be Explored
The full email is below (and attached) for your review.
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
I urge the City Council to review the Parks & Recreation Commission’s actions and
oversight, and hold commissioners accountable for decisions that appear to dismiss resident
needs and demonstrate bias. Residents deserve transparency, fairness, and impartiality in all
decisions impacting our parks and neighborhoods.
Thank you for your attention to this matter. I respectfully, but firmly, ask the Council to
intervene and ensure that residents’ voices are not ignored.
Sincerely,
Hurjane Vongsachang
Palo Alto Resident
---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Hurjane Vongsachang <hurjane.vongsachang@gmail.com>
Date: Wed, Aug 27, 2025 at 11:34 PM
Subject: Opposition to Pickleball Conversion of Mitchell Park Courts 3/4
To: <ParkRec.commission@paloalto.gov>
Cc: Howard, Adam <Adam.Howard@paloalto.gov>
Dear Parks and Recreation Commissioners,
I attended the August 26th Commission meeting from 7:00–10:50pm and am writing to
express my strong opposition to the proposal to convert Mitchell Park tennis courts 3 and 4
into pickleball courts. My concerns are as follows:
1) Lack of Consideration for Palo Alto Residents:
The first agenda item focused on increasing resident access to tennis courts, yet once
pickleball was discussed, resident needs were largely dismissed. No survey or outreach was
conducted to assess how this change impacts Palo Alto residents. Despite over 25 speakers
opposing the change and a petition with 200+ signatures, some commissioners (Ann Cribbes,
Bing Wei, and Amanda Brown) appeared predisposed to support conversion without regard
for community input. Only Commissioners Shani Kleinhaus, Jeff Greenfield, and Yudy Deng
approached the issue with balance and sensitivity. Where is the city’s process for ensuring
fairness and gathering accurate data from neighbors or local businesses before making such
impactful decisions?
2) Unequal Rules and Misuse of “Multi-Use” Courts:
Labeling courts as “multi-use” effectively makes them full-time pickleball courts. Courts 5/6/7
at Mitchell Park were supposed to remain tennis courts, yet are now indefinitely occupied by
pickleball with no real enforcement or restrictions. By contrast, tennis players face
increasingly restrictive rules and barriers to access—for example, strict limits on the use of
ball machines, limits of organized team play—while pickleball players operate under virtually
no equivalent policies.
This imbalance creates an inequitable situation where tennis players are penalized by rules and
regulations, while pickleball players benefit from a “free-for-all” environment. This sets a
concerning precedent. In my personal experience, pickleball players are often aggressive and
entitled, making it difficult for tennis players to feel welcome. Tennis players, by contrast,
have traditionally shown more courtesy and patience in sharing courts.
If the City truly intends to support multi-use courts, then clear and enforceable restrictions
must apply equally to both groups to ensure fairness. However, there has not been a single
solution proposed by the Committee to address this.
3) Overcrowding, Parking, and Poor Planning:
Expanding pickleball space at already over-capacity locations is not a solution. If 60+ people
are waiting to play on 15 pickleball courts at Mitchell Park, simply adding more courts will
not fix the issue—it will only draw larger crowds and worsen congestion. This approach
prioritizes volume over livability and thoughtful urban planning.
On top of that, Mitchell Park has no plan for handling the additional parking demand that
more courts would create. Adding courts without addressing parking and traffic circulation is
shortsighted and places an unnecessary burden on nearby residents and businesses.
4) Concerns About Cubberley Community Center and Rinconada/Hopkins Park:
Commissioner Bing Wei suggested Rinconada/Hopkins Park as a potential site for multi-use
courts. This is an extremely insensitive proposal. Rinconada is already one of the busiest areas
in Palo Alto, adjacent to Stanford, Paly High School, the freeway, the fire station, the library,
the art center, the zoo, the swimming pool, the Magical Bridge Playground, the Lucie Stern
Community Center, as well as a dense residential neighborhood.
As a resident whose home faces Rinconada Park, I live just 70 feet from the court entrance—
that is less than a 20 second walk to the tennis court. I can attest firsthand to the impact. I
already hear shouting from tennis players, cannot open my windows comfortably, and
experience severe parking issues from swim lessons and other activities when I invite guests
over. I also work from home, and the courts are in use from 7am to 10pm daily. Introducing
pickleball noise and crowds here would make the situation unbearable for residents. Cubberley
and Rinconada Park must not even be considered as a “temporary solution” or even a
"solution". Period.
5) Better Alternatives Must Be Explored:
Instead of concentrating more pickleball courts in dense areas, the City should consider:
Prioritizing Palo Alto residents: Facilities should primarily serve local residents, not
visitors. Technology such as reservation systems—like Stanford’s Club Locker or
Mountain View’s Mountain View Tennis app—can ensure equitable access for both
tennis and pickleball.
Implementing true multi-use schedules: with designated days or times for tennis vs.
pickleball, clearly marked with signage. Starting this at Mitchell Park would allow the
City to test and refine the approach before expanding further.
Dispersing courts to lesser-known locations: can prevent overwhelming a single
neighborhood. For example, Hoover Park has 2 courts and Weisshaar Park has 2 courts.
Even converting one court at each site to multi-use would reduce congestion at Mitchell
Park while maintaining fairness for tennis players.
Prioritizing unlit or lightly used sites: This would better align with the demographics
of Palo Alto residents (median age 47–48, most with families unlikely to play late into
the night).
Long-term solutions through new construction: While more time-consuming,
building new facilities on commercial land could provide lasting, high-quality courts for
both communities, benefiting future generations.
In conclusion, I urge the Commission to slow down and carefully weigh community
concerns. The current path disregards residents, compromises quality of life, and fails to
present a sustainable plan for balancing both tennis and pickleball.
Please strongly consider these arguments. I respectfully, but firmly, oppose the conversion of
tennis courts to pickleball.
Best,
Hurjane Vongsachang
Palo Alto Resident
My home - along with many other neighbors, faces Rinconada:
Our neighborhood, Community Center, is a dense hub of community amenities which
brings in large amounts of traffic on the daily. This area should NEVER be considered
due to disturbance to the community who live here and seek peace.
}•. C Parkinson Ave
Parkinson Ave Parkinson Ave
Ar r l' !alt.. :bits
e
Community Ln _ 3'�,M1� tr..,
. Children Library , .,+.
11 ;' c -
f •.I Hopkins Ave M_ kiri jAv
Hurjane Vongsachang <hurjane.vongsachang@gmail.com>
Opposition to Pickleball Conversion of Mitchell Park Courts 3/4
Hurjane Vongsachang <hurjane.vongsachang@gmail.com>Wed, Aug 27, 2025 at 11:34 PM
To: ParkRec.commission@paloalto.gov
: "H w r A m" <A m.H w r l alto.gov>
Dear Parks and Recreation Commissioners,
I attended the August 26th Commission meeting from 7:00–10:50pm and am writing to express my strong opposition to
the proposal to convert Mitchell Park tennis courts 3 and 4 into pickleball courts. My concerns are as follows:
1) Lack of Consideration for Palo Alto Residents:
The first agenda item focused on increasing resident access to tennis courts, yet once pickleball was discussed, resident
needs were largely dismissed. No survey or outreach was conducted to assess how this change impacts Palo Alto
residents. Despite over 25 speakers opposing the change and a petition with 200+ signatures, some commissioners (Ann
Cribbes, Bing Wei, and Amanda Brown) appeared predisposed to support conversion without regard for community input.
Only Commissioners Shani Kleinhaus, Jeff Greenfield, and Yudy Deng approached the issue with balance and sensitivity.
Where is the city’s process for ensuring fairness and gathering accurate data from neighbors or local businesses before
making such impactful decisions?
2) Unequal Rules and Misuse of “Multi-Use” Courts:
Labeling courts as “multi-use” effectively makes them full-time pickleball courts. Courts 5/6/7 at Mitchell Park were
supposed to remain tennis courts, yet are now indefinitely occupied by pickleball with no real enforcement or restrictions.
By contrast, tennis players face increasingly restrictive rules and barriers to access—for example, strict limits on the use
of ball machines, limits of organized team play—while pickleball players operate under virtually no equivalent policies.
This imbalance creates an inequitable situation where tennis players are penalized by rules and regulations, while
pickleball players benefit from a “free-for-all” environment. This sets a concerning precedent. In my personal
experience, pickleball players are often aggressive and entitled, making it difficult for tennis players to feel welcome.
Tennis players, by contrast, have traditionally shown more courtesy and patience in sharing courts.
If the City truly intends to support multi-use courts, then clear and enforceable restrictions must apply equally to both
groups to ensure fairness. However, there has not been a single solution proposed by the Committee to address this.
3) Overcrowding, Parking, and Poor Planning:
Expanding pickleball space at already over-capacity locations is not a solution. If 60+ people are waiting to play on 15
pickleball courts at Mitchell Park, simply adding more courts will not fix the issue—it will only draw larger crowds and
worsen congestion. This approach prioritizes volume over livability and thoughtful urban planning.
On top of that, Mitchell Park has no plan for handling the additional parking demand that more courts would create.
Adding courts without addressing parking and traffic circulation is shortsighted and places an unnecessary burden on
nearby residents and businesses.
4) Concerns About Cubberley Community Center and Rinconada/Hopkins Park:
Commissioner Bing Wei suggested Rinconada/Hopkins Park as a potential site for multi-use courts. This is an extremely
insensitive proposal. Rinconada is already one of the busiest areas in Palo Alto, adjacent to Stanford, Paly High School,
the freeway, the fire station, the library, the art center, the zoo, the swimming pool, the Magical Bridge Playground, the
Lucie Stern Community Center, as well as a dense residential neighborhood.
As a resident whose home faces Rinconada Park, I live just 70 feet from the court entrance—that is less than a 20
second walk to the tennis court. I can attest firsthand to the impact. I already hear shouting from tennis players, cannot
open my windows comfortably, and experience severe parking issues from swim lessons and other activities when I invite
guests over. I also work from home, and the courts are in use from 7am to 10pm daily. Introducing pickleball noise and
crowds here would make the situation unbearable for residents. Cubberley and Rinconada Park must not even be
considered as a “temporary solution” or even a "solution". Period.
5) Better Alternatives Must Be Explored:
Instead of concentrating more pickleball courts in dense areas, the City should consider:
8/27/25, 11:48 PM Gmail - Opposition to Pickleball Conversion of Mitchell Park Courts 3/4
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?ik=fa0e5f9963&view=pt&search=all&permmsgid=msg-a:r-4533578031486413280&simpl=msg-a:r-4533578031486413280 1/3
Prioritizing Palo Alto residents: Facilities should primarily serve local residents, not visitors. Technology such as
reservation systems—like Stanford’s Club Locker or Mountain View’s Mountain View Tennis app—can ensure
equitable access for both tennis and pickleball.
Implementing true multi-use schedules: with designated days or times for tennis vs. pickleball, clearly marked
with signage. Starting this at Mitchell Park would allow the City to test and refine the approach before expanding
further.
Dispersing courts to lesser-known locations: can prevent overwhelming a single neighborhood. For example,
Hoover Park has 2 courts and Weisshaar Park has 2 courts. Even converting one court at each site to multi-use
would reduce congestion at Mitchell Park while maintaining fairness for tennis players.
Prioritizing unlit or lightly used sites: This would better align with the demographics of Palo Alto residents
(median age 47–48, most with families unlikely to play late into the night).
Long-term solutions through new construction: While more time-consuming, building new facilities on
commercial land could provide lasting, high-quality courts for both communities, benefiting future generations.
In conclusion, I urge the Commission to slow down and carefully weigh community concerns. The current path
disregards residents, compromises quality of life, and fails to present a sustainable plan for balancing both
tennis and pickleball.
Please strongly consider these arguments. I respectfully, but firmly, oppose the conversion of tennis courts to
pickleball.
Best,
Hurjane Vongsachang
Palo Alto Resident
My home - along with many other neighbors, faces Rinconada:
Our neighborhood, Community Center, is a dense hub of community amenities which brings in large amounts of
traffic on the daily. This area should NEVER be considered due to disturbance to the community who live here
and seek peace.
8/27/25, 11:48 PM Gmail - Opposition to Pickleball Conversion of Mitchell Park Courts 3/4
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?ik=fa0e5f9963&view=pt&search=all&permmsgid=msg-a:r-4533578031486413280&simpl=msg-a:r-4533578031486413280 2/3
8/27/25, 11:48 PM Gmail - Opposition to Pickleball Conversion of Mitchell Park Courts 3/4
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?ik=fa0e5f9963&view=pt&search=all&permmsgid=msg-a:r-4533578031486413280&simpl=msg-a:r-4533578031486413280 3/3
From:matt@evolutionaryteams.com
To:matt@evolutionaryteams.com
Subject:RE: Alert: Armando needs our support
Date:Wednesday, August 27, 2025 10:29:43 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
i
Thanks to EVERYONE who came out today and/or sent their love and support for Aleida and her
family. They are very appreciative.
Status:
Aleida is still in Stanford hospital, in ICE custody. The family thinks she will be there through the
weekend. TBD.
Today’s BIG accomplishment:
We demanded that the hospital contact Aleida’s emergency contact (they had not yet done that
since Monday when she was admitted!) This afternoon we learned that a Stanford doctor did contact
the emergency contact.
Background:
Aleida was planning on returning to Mexico with her daughter. In fact, the family held a farewell party
for them on Sunday, the day before she was abducted.
Current demand:
Aleida’s attorney must be allowed to speak with her.
Next step:
The vigil will continue tomorrow at 500 Pasteur Drive. I plan to be there by 10am and others are also
planning on joining.
Anecdote:
Armando, Aleida’s father, saw I brought my guitar and, of all songs, asked me to sing Blowing in the
Wind. After I played that for him, he asked for Imagine. At the end of the evening, he wanted to end
with a group rendition of Hey Jude. A man after my own heart.
Thanks again to everyone who conveyed their love to Aleida, Armando and their family. You are very
This message needs your attention
You've never replied to this person.
Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast
much appreciated!
Matt
From: matt@evolutionaryteams.com <matt@evolutionaryteams.com>
Sent: Wednesday, August 27, 2025 1:46 PM
To: 'matt@evolutionaryteams.com' <matt@evolutionaryteams.com>
Subject: Alert: Armando needs our support
I spent the morning with Armando, the father of Aleida Rodriquez who was violently abducted by ICE
on this week and taken to Stanford Hospital. He is sitting with his family and supporters in the
Stanford Hospital plaza at 500 Pasteur Dr. Stanford Hospital is refusing to provide the medical status
of Aleida to Armando. This is both heartbreaking and outrageous.
I came back home to grab drinks, snacks and guitar. Little Bat and I are going back to 500 Pasteur to
comfort the family through this ordeal. Please join us if you can.
Thanks!
Matt
Matt Schlegel
Schlegel Consulting
650-924-8923
Author: Teamwork 9.0
Website: evolutionaryteams.com
YouTube: youtube.com/channel/UCLkUMHuG4HVa831s9yeoZ5Q
From:Meilani Hendrawidjaja
To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City
Subject:Objection for Pickleball Court Expansion (August 26, 2025 meeting)
Date:Wednesday, August 27, 2025 5:12:44 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
i
To the Honorable Members of the City Council and the Parks and Recreation Commission,
I am writing to express my deep concern and disappointment regarding the Commission’s recent
deliberations and decision to advance the proposed pickleball court expansion at Mitchell Park,
as discussed during the August 26, 2025 meeting.
More than twenty residents spoke during public comment, offering thoughtful, well-researched, and
heartfelt objections to the proposal. Their concerns centered on persistent issues of noise pollution,
limited parking, traffic safety, and the incompatibility of a large sports facility with the surrounding
environment—including a public library, a special education school, and adjacent residential
neighborhoods.
In addition to the concerns already raised, I would like to highlight the growing scarcity of tennis courts
in our city. Many residents rely on these courts for recreation, fitness, and community connection, yet
access has become increasingly limited. The conversion of existing tennis courts to pickleball courts—
without adequate replacement or expansion of tennis facilities—exacerbates this problem and creates
unnecessary competition between user groups. A balanced and inclusive approach to recreational
planning must consider the needs of all residents, not just the fastest-growing sport.
In light of these issues, I respectfully urge the Council and Commission to:
Suspend all approvals until a comprehensive, independent study of noise and traffic impacts is
conducted, with special attention to the library and neighboring residents and schools.
Provide a transparent and detailed rationale for supporting the expansion, specifically addressing
the concerns raised by residents.
Commit to a more inclusive and deliberative process that considers alternative locations better
suited for pickleball, without compromising existing quiet-use facilities, residential harmony, or
access to tennis courts.
Decisions of this scale must reflect thoughtful planning, community input, and a commitment to equity and
transparency. The current trajectory undermines public trust and risks long-term harm to vulnerable
populations and vital public spaces.
Thank you for your attention and continued service to our community.
Sincerely,
Meilani Hendrawidjaja
Palo Alto Resident since 2010
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:matt@evolutionaryteams.com
To:matt@evolutionaryteams.com
Subject:Alert: Armando needs our support
Date:Wednesday, August 27, 2025 1:48:46 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
i
I spent the morning with Armando, the father of Aleida Rodriquez who was violently abducted by ICE
on this week and taken to Stanford Hospital. He is sitting with his family and supporters in the
Stanford Hospital plaza at 500 Pasteur Dr. Stanford Hospital is refusing to provide the medical status
of Aleida to Armando. This is both heartbreaking and outrageous.
I came back home to grab drinks, snacks and guitar. Little Bat and I are going back to 500 Pasteur to
comfort the family through this ordeal. Please join us if you can.
Thanks!
Matt
Matt Schlegel
Schlegel Consulting
650-924-8923
Author: Teamwork 9.0
Website: evolutionaryteams.com
YouTube: youtube.com/channel/UCLkUMHuG4HVa831s9yeoZ5Q
This message needs your attention
You've never replied to this person.
Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast
From:Chenchen Irene Zhang
To:Council, City; ParkRec Commission
Subject:Formal Complaint Regarding Process and Decision on Mitchell Park Pickleball Expansion
Date:Wednesday, August 27, 2025 1:30:53 PM
Attachments:image0.png
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
Dear Members of the City Council and The Parks and Recreation Commission,
I am writing to express my profound disappointment and deep concern regarding theCommission’s deliberation and decision on the proposed pickleball court expansion atMitchell Park during the meeting on August 26, 2025.
The overwhelming majority of the more than twenty residents who spoke during publiccomment presented detailed, reasonable, and heartfelt arguments against the expansion.Their concerns centered on well-documented issues of noise pollution, parking scarcity,traffic safety, and the fundamental incompatibility of a major sports complex with a publiclibrary and adjacent residential neighborhood.
It was therefore disheartening to witness that immediately following this public input, a fewcommissioners especially Anne Cribbs and Bing Wei voiced their support for the proposalwithout offering any substantive reasoning or acknowledgment of the community'sconcerns. This failure to engage with the arguments presented creates the appearancethat their votes were predetermined and that the public comment process was merely aformality, rather than a genuine opportunity for civic engagement and thoughtfulconsideration.
This appearance is further reinforced by the suggestion from Bing Wei to expand intoRinconada Park in the future, a proposal that demonstrates a startling lack of commonsense and respect for the residents who live mere feet from those courts (please seeattached map for details). If the concerns at Mitchell Park—which is a community hub witha library—are being ignored, it suggests residents near any city park are vulnerable tosimilar disregard.
Most critically, the proposed expansion site is immediately adjacent to a special educationschool AchieveKids. The students at this school represent one of our community's mostvulnerable populations. Many of these children have acute sensitivities to noise and require
a calm, structured, and predictable environment to learn and thrive. The constant,percussive noise from multiple pickleball courts would be devastating to their educationalexperience and well-being. The fact that this was not treated as a primary and disqualifyingfactor in this discussion is deeply alarming.
I urge you to reconsider this decision and to:
1. Pause all approvals until a comprehensive and independent noise and trafficimpact study is completed, with specific focus on the library and the specialeducation school.
2. Provide a detailed public explanation for the support of this expansion, directlyaddressing the specific concerns raised by the community regarding noise, safety,and parking.
3. Commit to a transparent process that genuinely weighs all perspectives andexplores alternative, more suitable locations for pickleball that do not come at theexpense of existing quiet public services and residential neighborhoods.
A decision of this magnitude, made without apparent reasoning and in the face ofoverwhelming public opposition, severely undermines public trust in this Commission’scommitment to fair and representative governance.
Sincerely,
Chenchen Zhang
2612 Cowper st
Palo Alto, CA 94306
Sent from my iPhone
From:Chenchen Irene Zhang
To:Library Director
Cc:ParkRec Commission; Council, City
Subject:Re: Urgent Concern: Proposed Pickleball Court Expansion Adjacent to Mitchell Park Library
Date:Wednesday, August 27, 2025 12:44:38 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
i
Sorry wrong email address for city council in the previous email.
Sent from my iPhone
On Aug 27, 2025, at 12:31 PM, Chenchen Irene Zhang
<chenchen.zhang@gmail.com> wrote:
Dear library director,
I am writing to you today as a concerned parent and regular patron of theMitchell Park Library to urgently raise an issue that I believe directly threatensthe library's mission, the safety of its patrons, and the quality of life in ourneighborhood.
At the recent city meeting, a proposal was supported to convert two moretennis courts immediately adjacent to the library into eight pickleball courts.This is in addition to 15 pickleball courts already causing significant issues.(Please see attached map for details) There are indications that the long-termplan is to convert all four tennis courts into a 16-court pickleball complexdirectly beside the library.
We are already experiencing severe negative impacts from the existingpickleball activity:
This message needs your attention
This is a personal email address.
Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast
1. Noise Pollution: The constant, sharp "pop" sound of pickleball is highlydisruptive. This noise fundamentally conflicts with the library's need for aquiet atmosphere conducive to reading, studying, and concentration.This will only be exponentially worse with 8 or 16 courts.
2. Parking Crisis: The existing courts have already made the library parkinglot unusable for its intended purpose during peak hours. My high schooldaughters, and many other students, cannot find parking during criticaltimes like final exam weeks. Patrons, including seniors and families withyoung children, are being displaced by sports users.
3. Safety Hazard: The increased traffic from a large sports complex createsa dangerous environment for the children, teenagers, and families whowalk and bike to the library. The congestion of cars circling for parkingand the high volume of coming-and-going vehicles pose a significantsafety risk.
My questions for you, as the stewards of our library, are:
What is the official stance of the Mitchell Park Librarymanagement on this proposed expansion? Has the library systembeen formally consulted on a plan that will so drastically affect itsoperations and environment?
How do you plan to ensure the library remains a quiet, safe, andaccessible place for study and learning in the face of this intensecommercial-grade sports activity?
What measures will be taken to guarantee the safety of childrennavigating a parking lot overwhelmed by non-library traffic?
Has there been a formal noise or traffic impact studycommissioned that considers the unique proximity to a public library?
The library is a vital community resource for learning and quiet contemplation.Allowing it to be surrounded by a massive sports complex undermines its verypurpose. I urge you to formally oppose this plan and advocate for a moresuitable location for pickleball expansion—one that does not come at theexpense of our students, readers, and the library's peaceful environment.
Thank you for your time and attention to this critical matter. I look forward toyour response.
Respectfully
Chenchen Zhang
2612 Cowper st
Palo Alto CA 94306
Sent from my iPhone
From:susan chamberlain
To:Council, City
Subject:Please Support 414 California Ave
Date:Wednesday, August 27, 2025 11:35:21 AM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking
on links.
My name is Susan Chamberlain and I live in Downtown North.
Please support the proposal for 37 homes at 414 California Avenue. We need more housing near retail and
transportation. This project will promote sustainable lifestyles, support local businesses, and bring much needed
housing options to our community.
Thank you for your leadership to support homes for all in our community,
Susan Chamberlain
From:Aram James
To:Veenker, Vicki; Lythcott-Haims, Julie; Jay Boyarsky; Jeff Rosen; assemblymember.berman@assembly.ca.gov;
Supervisor Susan Ellenberg; Jessica Speiser, Educational Leader for California Democratic Delegate, Assembly
District 23; Josh Becker; Dave Price; Lori Meyers; h.etzko@gmail.com; Reckdahl, Keith; james pitkin;
jgreen@dailynewsgroup.com; Jennifer Morrow San José Spotlight; Diana Diamond; vramirez@redwoodcity.org;
Human Relations Commission; Salem Ajluni; Robert Salonga; Ruth Silver Taube; Raymond Goins; Shankar
Ramamoorthy; Doug Minkler; Roberta Ahlquist; Council, City; city.council@menlopark.gov; GRP-City Council;
Supervisor Otto Lee; Supervisor Betty Duong; district1@bos.sccgov.org; District9@sanjoseca.gov; The Office of
Mayor Matt Mahan; Lotus Fong; Linda Jolley; Palo Alto Renters" Association;
planning.commission@cityofpaloalto.0rg; ParkRec Commission; Don Austin; Yolanda Conaway;
board@pausd.org; board@valleywater.org; boardfeedback@smcgov.org; BoardOperations;
District3@sanjoseca.gov; District5@sanjoseca.gov; District4@sanjoseca.gov; Sameena Usman; Yusra Hussain;
Seher Awan; Stump, Molly; Palo Alto Free Press; Friends of Cubberley; friends-request@foolsmission.org; Dana
St. George; EPA Today; MGR-Melissa Stevenson Diaz; Lee, Craig
Subject:Re: Beverly Hills public schools to consider displaying Israeli flag on all campuses
Date:Tuesday, August 26, 2025 10:07:11 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
On Tue, Aug 26, 2025 at 9:49 PM Aram James <abjpd1@gmail.com> wrote:
Beverly Hills public schools to consider displaying Israeli flag on all campuses
https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2025-08-26/beverly-hills-public-schools-to-
consider-displaying-israeli-flag-on-all-campuses
From:Aram James
To:Veenker, Vicki; Lythcott-Haims, Julie; Jay Boyarsky; Jeff Rosen; assemblymember.berman@assembly.ca.gov;
Supervisor Susan Ellenberg; Jessica Speiser, Educational Leader for California Democratic Delegate, Assembly
District 23; Josh Becker; Dave Price; Lori Meyers; h.etzko@gmail.com; Reckdahl, Keith; james pitkin;
jgreen@dailynewsgroup.com; Jennifer Morrow San José Spotlight; Diana Diamond; vramirez@redwoodcity.org;
Human Relations Commission; Salem Ajluni; Robert Salonga; Ruth Silver Taube; Raymond Goins; Shankar
Ramamoorthy; Doug Minkler; Roberta Ahlquist; Council, City; city.council@menlopark.gov; GRP-City Council;
Supervisor Otto Lee; Supervisor Betty Duong; district1@bos.sccgov.org; District9@sanjoseca.gov; The Office of
Mayor Matt Mahan; Lotus Fong; Linda Jolley; Palo Alto Renters" Association;
planning.commission@cityofpaloalto.0rg; ParkRec Commission; Don Austin; Yolanda Conaway;
board@pausd.org; board@valleywater.org; boardfeedback@smcgov.org; BoardOperations;
District3@sanjoseca.gov; District5@sanjoseca.gov; District4@sanjoseca.gov; Sameena Usman; Yusra Hussain;
Seher Awan; Stump, Molly; Palo Alto Free Press; Friends of Cubberley; friends-request@foolsmission.org; Dana
St. George; EPA Today; MGR-Melissa Stevenson Diaz; Lee, Craig
Subject:Beverly Hills public schools to consider displaying Israeli flag on all campuses
Date:Tuesday, August 26, 2025 9:49:57 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
Beverly Hills public schools to consider displaying Israeli flag on all campuses
https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2025-08-26/beverly-hills-public-schools-to-
consider-displaying-israeli-flag-on-all-campuses
From:Aram James
To:Veenker, Vicki; Lythcott-Haims, Julie; Doug Minkler; Gerry Gras; assemblymember.berman@assembly.ca.gov;
Jessica Speiser, Educational Leader for California Democratic Delegate, Assembly District 23; Rowena Chiu;
Nicole Chiu-Wang; Gennady Sheyner; Lori Meyers; Sheree Roth; Jeff Conrad; Jeff Rosen; Jay Boyarsky; Roberta
Ahlquist; Sean Allen; Yusra Hussain; Shikada, Ed; Salem Ajluni; EPA Today; Shankar Ramamoorthy; Dana St.
George; Council, City; GRP-City Council; CityCouncil; dcombs@menlopark.gov; Nash, Betsy; Linda Jolley; Donna
Wallach; planning.commission@cityofpaloalto.0rg; ParkRec Commission; Jay Boyarsky; Human Relations
Commission; Vara Ramakrishnan
Subject:Re: Ed Lauings Israel Flag ordinance -from the archives of Aram James
Date:Tuesday, August 26, 2025 9:44:00 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
On Tue, Aug 26, 2025 at 9:35 PM Aram James <abjpd1@gmail.com> wrote:
From:John Salwitz
To:Council, City
Subject:Potential Construction of 17 story building on Cal Ave
Date:Tuesday, August 26, 2025 8:56:09 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking
on links.
Dear Honorable Members of the City Council of Palo Alto,
I urge you to do what you can to moderate the size of the construction at the Mollie stones site. The idea of a 17
story (290 foot) building seems downright silly. I do support building larger buildings there but can we keep it to a
height consistent with the neighborhood?
Yours,
John Salwitz
3920 El Cerrito Road
Palo Alto
310-623-0691
From:Paul Daw
To:PWD; City Mgr; Council, City
Subject:Page Mill Road Closures.
Date:Tuesday, August 26, 2025 7:21:27 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
i
To whom it may concern,
There was an awful traffic jam on eastbound Page Mill Road this morning between highway 280 and
Junipero Serra. It took me almost a half hour to go two miles. People were frustrated. People were angry.
When I finally got to the intersection of Page Mill Rd and Junipero Serra, I saw why.
An arborist, contracted by the City of Palo Alto, had closed off the right lane of Page Mill Rd just east of
Junipero Serra. They had been there for at least an hour already, based on how much work they had
already completed. This was around 10:00 AM. They probably blocked off the road at 8:00 AM. Again, in
the commute direction. To trim some trees.
The City of Palo Alto absolutely destroyed the Page Mill commute this morning, backing traffic all the way
onto north bound 280, by closing Page Mill Road, a major artery into the city, during the morning
commute, TO TRIM SOME TREES. No accidents. No road issues. Just some really god awful planning
on someone's part. I'm sure hundreds if not thousands of people were impacted by this.
The most frustrating thing about this is that it's not the first time. About a year ago I missed a dentist
appointment in Palo Alto, because someone decided that closing two lanes of Page Mill Rd eastbound at
8:00 in the morning to saw cut for a utility trench was a good idea. Traffic was backed up all the way from
Palo Alto Square to 280. It was a total nightmare. I missed my dentist appointment that day. It cost me an
$80 late cancellation fee. A few months after that, I was leaving an appointment at PAMF to go home at
about 3:00 in the afternoon. Once again, someone had determined that closing Page Mill Road in the
westbound direction between ECR and Junipero Serra right at the beginning of the afternoon commute
was okay. Traffic on westbound Oregon Expressway was backed up all the way onto 101. Again, a total
nightmare. Thousand of people's commute absolutely destroyed, because someone, somewhere, just
doesn't get it, or doesn't care.
Palo Alto, as a native and long time resident of this city, I beseech thee. Why can't you manage the
scheduling of the closures of Page Mill Rd? It's the largest thoroughfare in the city. You cannot close it in
the commute direction like this. It's madness. Especially just to trim some trees. If you do have to close a
lane, you need to have traffic control in place. You can't just leave the traffic lights on their normal cycle
and leave us to fend for ourselves. You need people on the ground directing traffic so that Page Mill
Rd/Oregon Expressway doesn't back up onto either 280 or 101. It's beyond inconvenience. Driving in the
bay area is already a nightmare, and this kind of thing doesn't help at all.
Please, someone, fix this.
Paul Daw
This message needs your attention
No employee in your company has ever replied to this person.
This is a personal email address.
Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast
650-521-4305
From:Zachary Anglemyer
To:Council, City
Subject:Please Support 414 California Ave
Date:Tuesday, August 26, 2025 6:35:36 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking
on links.
My name is Zachary Anglemyer and I live in San Francisco and formerly lived in Woodside.
Please support the proposal for 37 homes at 414 California Avenue. We need more housing near retail and
transportation. This project will promote sustainable lifestyles, support local businesses, and bring much needed
housing options to our community.
We must look at our community development from a circular perspective that includes the well being of our
community at large from day one. I request that this project be reviewed through this lens and that the community
stresses the importance of architectural design that leaves a lasting impact.
Thank you for your leadership to support homes for all in our community,
Zachary Anglemyer
303-250-2150
“Ascende Omnem Montem”
From:Rodney Leggett
To:Council, City
Subject:Please Support 414 California Ave
Date:Tuesday, August 26, 2025 4:16:28 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking
on links.
My name is Rodney Leggett and I live in near downtown Palo Alto
Please support the proposal for 37 homes at 414 California Avenue. We need more housing near retail and
transportation. This project will promote sustainable lifestyles, support local businesses, and bring much needed
housing options to our community.
Thank you for your leadership to support homes for all in our community,
Rodney Leggett
From:Bill Fitch
To:Council, City
Subject:Please Support 414 California Ave
Date:Tuesday, August 26, 2025 12:19:11 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
i
My name is Bill Fitch and I live in Evergreen Park.
Please support the proposal for 37 homes at 414 California Avenue. We need more housing
near retail and transportation. This project will promote sustainable lifestyles, support local
businesses, and bring much needed housing options to our community.
Bring life to Calave with more housing for people.
Thank you for your leadership to support homes for all in our community,
Bill Fitch
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:Amy Asin
To:Council, City
Subject:Please Support 414 California Ave
Date:Tuesday, August 26, 2025 11:33:35 AM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
i
My name is Amy Asin and I live in the St Francis neighborhood. Please support the proposal
for 37 homes at 414 California Avenue. We need more housing near retail and transportation.
This project will promote sustainable lifestyles, support local businesses, and bring much
needed housing options to our community. I spend time on Cal Ave 4-5 times per week.
Having a vibrant neighborhood setting there with residents is critical. It’s about housing
density but also about vitality. Thank you for your leadership to support homes for all in our
community.
Amy Asin
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:Jeff Freburg
To:Council, City
Subject:Re: Oversized Vehicle Parking on Ash Street, Portage Avenue, and Surrounding Corridors
Date:Tuesday, August 26, 2025 10:28:19 AM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
i
Dear Members of the Policy & Services Committee,
We live and work near Ash Street and Portage Avenue and are concerned about thegrowing presence of oversized vehicles, long-term parking and long-term habitation.
These vehicles pose ongoing health and safety risks—contributing to waste buildup
near storm drains, obstructing driver visibility, and reducing available parking.
They've also led to increased loitering and unauthorized access to private property,
raising security concerns for staff and tenants. The presence of long-term vehicle
habitation has brought increased noise and safety issues, disrupting the people who
live and work here.
We respectfully urge the Committee to restrict oversized vehicle parking in this areato help restore safety, cleanliness, and accessibility. At the same time, we support theCity in exploring better alternative areas such as designated municipal lots where
proper sanitation and services can be provided. This would both relieve pressure on
our neighborhood and provide a more sustainable solution for those living in vehicles.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
Jeff Freburg
Vice President, Facilities & Real Estate and workplace services
Playground Global Cell: 650-339-4675 email: jeff@playground.global
--
Jeff Freburg VP Operations and Real Estate
jeff@playground.global | C. 650.339.4675 |
380 Portage Ave, Palo Alto CA 94306
Interested in becoming a Studio member?
www.playground.global
This message needs your attention
This is their first email to you.
Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast
From:Justin Harper
To:Council, City
Subject:Policy & Services Meeting 8/26/25
Date:Tuesday, August 26, 2025 9:27:40 AM
Attachments:City Speech.pdf
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
i
Good morning all,
Thank you for allowing us to come and speak. I am not big on public speaking thus I was not
able to finish my speech. As I have done in the past I wanted to send a copy of my speech over
so y’all could take a look at it if y’all would like. I have attached a pdf version and below you
can find bullet point talking points. I hope y’all can find the time to read my whole speech. As
always feel to contact me if you have any questions.
Thank you for your time,
Justin Harper
Opening (0:00 – 0:20)
• Good evening Councilmembers. //
• Thank you for allowing me to speak. //
• I know this issue brings strong feelings, and I respect that. //
• I’m here to share a perspective you might not often hear. //
2. Humanization (0:20 – 0:50)
• We are neighbors, parents, seniors, workers people with roots here. //
• This is not a “lifestyle choice.” It’s survival. //
3. Emotional Core (0:50 – 1:20)
• We are alienated and humiliated for the way we live. //
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
• Some of us ended up here because of abuse or neglect yes, some made mistakes
• But for the majority, this was never a choice it was a last resort. //
• We want to live with dignity, belong in a community many of us grew up in
• Not be treated as outcasts. //
4. Why Restrictions Hurt (1:20 – 1:50)
• Banning or limiting RV parking doesn’t solve the problem it makes it worse. //
• People lose their only shelter → more tents, more crisis. //
• Families lose stability, kids disrupt schools, workers lose jobs. //
• The city spends more on enforcement than solutions. //
5. Real Solutions (1:50 – 2:20)
• Expand safe parking with services to transition out of RVs. //
• Build affordable housing for local workers. //
• Pilot tiny home villages proven in other cities. //
6. Closing (2:20 – 2:40)
• Every RV represents someone who refused to give up. //
• Palo Alto can lead with compassion and creativity not punishment. //
• Let’s build a city where no one has to choose between their job and their home. Thank you. //
Intro (15 sec)
Good evening I am Justin, and I have been homeless for nearly 10 years I’m here to speak for us your
neighbors living in RVs. These are residents here, parents, children, seniors, caregivers, and workers
who have roots here but can’t afford housing in the city they serve.
Highlight The Reality (30 sec)
When someone loses their housing they don’t just disappear, they adapt. They park where they can,
often in the only shelter they have left their vehicle. Many work full time jobs but are priced out by
ever-growing housing costs. For them an RV is the last line of dignity before sleeping on the
sidewalk. Policies that push them from one block to another don’t solve homelessness, they just
make survival harder. Imagine waking up every day unsure where you can legally park, worried
about being towed or ticketed with further financial strain all while holding down a job or caring for
kids.
Real Solutions (1 min)
The root cause isn’t parking its housing affordability and lack of transitional options. If we want to
reduce RV dwelling, we need to invest in:
• Expanded safe parking with social services not as a stopgap, but as a bridge to
housing.
• Affordable housing development for people earning what many RV residents earn
service industry wages or communal housing.
• Pilot programs for tiny home or modular communities low-cost, dignified
alternatives proven to work in other cities. These solutions give people stability and a path forward
instead of making them live in fear of enforcement.
Empathetic (30 sec)
Every RV you see represents a person or family who couldn’t keep up with skyrocketing rents but
refuses to give up on their community. They’re not criminals, they’re survivors navigating
impossible choices. Palo Alto can lead with compassion by building on solutions, not creating
barriers.
Closing (15 sec)
I urge the council to reject policies that criminalize homelessness and instead the center of
attention should be on affordable housing solutions that restore dignity and belonging. Let’s create
a city where no one needs to choose between their job and their home. Thank you.
From:Rebecca Sanders
To:Council, City
Subject:Thank you for your work tonight
Date:Monday, August 25, 2025 10:57:34 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
Dear Vice Mayor Veenker and Councilmembers Stone and Lu:
Thank you for your thoughtful deliberation of staff recommendations regarding RV dwellers
at the Policy and Services Committee meeting on Monday, August 25. Thank you for
suggesting some out of the box, not-included-in-the-options-offered-by-City-Staff, solutions. I
wasn’t joking about asking all neighborhoods to participate in democratizing this issue by
welcoming RVs on a rotating basis while we sort this out. This is a real YIMBY opportunity.
Quick question: Are all RVs by definition oversized? How does the discussion on OSVs help
mitigate the impacts of smaller RVs like the one outside my house and the ones all around our
community?
BIG THANK YOU: for your collective resistance to designating specific streets for OSV
parking. Your conversations reflected your concern that some areas not be singled out for
OSV hosting. I appreciate your adding context to that staff recommendation and I appreciate
the Vice Mayor pulling that from the motion as a separate item to call attention to it as it is
particularly sticky for residents living near or even on possible designated streets.
I couldn’t tell you our entire story during public comments. There wasn’t time. I have gotten
flack from some neighbors for being tolerant of the RV home and the guys living outside my
fence on Orinda for the last two years. Because… where there was one, now we have three!
There are now three RVs on the three blocks of Orinda, located in central Ventura. Orinda is
only three blocks long! The problem with being tolerant is that it invites more opportunities to
be tolerant. I would like other neighborhoods to be asked to be tolerant.
The larger parks throughout the city could have RVs parked around them on a rotating basis
month to month. And maybe some big-hearted residents might volunteer to allow an RV to
park directly in front of their home for a month. Surely other neighborhoods could tolerate a
month of RV hosting. My family has personally hosted for over two years. And Ventura has
hosted for ten years or more.
Yes, to allowing single family homes to allow RVs in their driveways throughout the city
Yes, to the faith-based parking program expansion
Yes, to identifying commercial parking lots
Yes, to RV registration and some way to process folks and manage influx, based on point-in-
time counts
Yes, to limiting the overconcentration of RVs on any one street and in any one neighborhood
Yes, to working with the organizations already addressing the unhoused.
Yes, to figuring out the tagging and towing and enforcing of the laws governing inoperative
vehicles and the 72 hour rule. Tow companies are not interested because there is no money in
it. It’s not a business model for them. The City would have to pay for and deal with it.
I agree with moving safe parking options to Phase 1. That was a fantastic idea. I’m glad that
you pushed for that.
And thank you for recommending that this item not be on “consent.” You acknowledged us
and we felt heard tonight. Lots of work to be done, but we appreciate you.
When I arrived home at 9:44 pm tonight. The RV that is mobile and in good working order
was just coming home to roost just south of my block on Orinda. You’ll see the lights. The RV
outside my fence was lights out, and the car with tow-hitch camper was asleep on Orinda just
north of my block. Three blocks. Three campers.
It’s a lovely neighborhood. I don’t blame them for wanting to live here.
Thank you for devoting a whole evening to this important topic.
Becky Sanders
Moderator, Ventura Neighborhood
From:Aram James
To:Shikada, Ed; Council, City; Stump, Molly; Dave Price; Lait, Jonathan; editor@paweekly.com; Gennady Sheyner;
Emily Mibach; Gardener, Liz; Diana Diamond; EPA Today; WILPF Peninsula Palo Alto; Roberta Ahlquist; The
Office of Mayor Matt Mahan
Subject:Re: Ed Skikada
Date:Monday, August 25, 2025 9:23:57 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
Vicki don’t cave to Shikada
On Mon, Aug 25, 2025 at 9:22 PM Aram James <abjpd1@gmail.com> wrote:
Ed is now talking in city manager code: bottom line: Ed seems more interested in protect
staff priorities and discouraging Vicki
and the council from quickly looking for additional safe parking lots to mitigate the current
on street street RV problem. Ed wants punitive measures before more lots for RVs. Vicki
trying but bottom line caving to the city manager. Ed Shikada is not an elected official.
Vicki don't cave to Shikada
effect he is discouraging
From:Aram James
To:Shikada, Ed; Council, City; Stump, Molly; Dave Price; Lait, Jonathan; editor@paweekly.com; Gennady Sheyner;
Emily Mibach; Gardener, Liz; Diana Diamond; EPA Today; WILPF Peninsula Palo Alto; Roberta Ahlquist; The
Office of Mayor Matt Mahan
Subject:Ed Skikada
Date:Monday, August 25, 2025 9:22:23 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
Ed is now talking in city manager code: bottom line: Ed seems more interested in protect staff
priorities and discouraging Vicki
and the council from quickly looking for additional safe parking lots to mitigating the current
on street street RV problem. Ed wants punitive measures before more lots for RVs. Vicki
trying but bottom line caving to the city manager. Ed Shikada is not an elected official. Vicki
don't cave to Shikada
effect he is discouraging
From:Aram James
To:Council, City; Veenker, Vicki; h.etzko@gmail.com; Binder, Andrew; Wagner, April; Perron, Zachary; Barberini,
Christopher; <michael.gennaco@oirgroup.com>; Lee, Craig; Lauing, Ed; EPA Today; Emily Mibach; Braden
Cartwright; Gennady Sheyner; Liz Kniss; jgreen@dailynewsgroup.com; Palo Alto Free Press;
editor@paweekly.com; Burt, Patrick; Blackshire, Geoffrey; Jasso, Tamara; Roberta Ahlquist; WILPF Peninsula
Palo Alto; Enberg, Nicholas; Figueroa, Eric; Jensen, Eric; CityCouncil; Palo Alto Weekly;
planning.commission@cityofpaloalto.0rg; Afanasiev, Alex; cotton.gaines@cityofpaloalto.org; Sean Allen
Subject:Lt. Karen apple appears useless no answer for us
Date:Monday, August 25, 2025 7:56:00 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
Ed, Lt. Karen Apple seems useless based on her essentially non answers to staff council
questions about RV numbers towed and other answers she seemed reluctant to answer. Hard to
believe she is head of the PAPD traffic division.
Regards,
Aram
From:Brigitte Barron
To:Council, City
Subject:Tonight"s meeting
Date:Monday, August 25, 2025 7:17:08 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
i
I was at tonight's meeting. I realize there were a lot of speakers but it was rude they cut people
off.
I know the complaints were basically the same problem, all off the RV's and trailers.
There is a simple solution, so an immigration sweep and 75% of the people will be gone. That is
the problem. All of the illegals that are camped here.
I have been living on East Meadow Circle for the last three years. I am in my car with my 2
service dogs. I have made friends with several of the people that live here and work here. I've
been to their homes, they bring my dogs treats. We have a good relationship.
Get rid of the illegals and things will change.
Brigitte A Barron
Get Outlook for Android
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:Jeff Hoel
To:UAC; Council, City
Cc:Hoel, Jeff (external)
Subject:09-03-25 UAC meeting agenda -- has no "Future Topics for Upcoming Meetings" item
Date:Monday, August 25, 2025 7:08:25 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
Commissioners and Council Members,
The packet for the 09-03-25 UAC meeting has been published (68 pages):
https://www.paloalto.gov/files/assets/public/v/1/agendas-minutes-reports/agendas-minutes/utilities-
advisory-commission/archived-agenda-and-minutes/agendas-and-minutes-2025/09-september/09-03-25-
packet.pdf
The agenda has no "Future Topics for Upcoming Meetings" item. (I guess that's in keeping with staff's
proposal to skip this item every other meeting. By the way, I think that's a terrible idea.)
In the Minutes for the 07-09-25 UAC meeting (pages 7-36), there IS a "Future Topics for Upcoming
Meetings" item. But it just says, "Utilities Director Alan Kurotori referred commissioners to the 12-month
calendar. The next UAC meeting will be held on September 3, 2025."
The video for this item says:
https://midpenmedia.org/utilities-advisory-commission-792025/
4:11:50:
Chair Scharff: And therefore we move to "Future Topics for Upcoming Meetings." [pause] I think that's
you, Alan.
4:12:08:
Director Kurotori: So, we do have the 12-month calendar for the City Council -- Sorry, for the
commissioners, as well. I was pausing there because I thought -- the philosophy of giving it every other
month. So, that's why I was pausing. In fact, I think that was a little --
4:12:24:
Chair Scharff: I thought we were doing it every other month as well. But --
4:12:26:
Director Kurotori: So I apologize for that. That was my --
4:12:29:
Chair Scharff: Yeah. So, we won't do it this week.
4:12:30:
Director Kurotori: Yeah. I don't think we're doing it this month. So --
4:12:32:
Chair Scharff: OK. Got it. All right. Are there any "Commissioner Comments"?
The upshot seems to be that the "Future Topics for Upcoming Meetings" was essentially skipped on 07-
09-25, despite having been agendized, and it will be skipped at the next meeting (09-03-25) as well. (The
08-06-25 UAC meeting was cancelled, so it doesn't count. Right?)
THAT'S NOT GOOD.
How would staff like to amend the 09-03-25 agenda to add a "Future Topics for Upcoming Meetings"
item?
I think it would be a good idea for the UAC commissioners to vote on whether the "Future Topics for
Upcoming Meetings" item should be monthly or bimonthly. And then Council should vote on the same
topic, having received UAC's advice.
Thanks.
Jeff
-------------------
Jeff Hoel
731 Colorado Avenue
Palo Alto, CA 94303
-------------------
PS: Incidentally, in the past, the Minutes have used the "Future Topics for Upcoming Meetings" item as
the place to report when the next UAC meeting would be. For meetings not having such an item, how will
this information be reported?
From:Matt Bryant
To:Council, City
Subject:Oversized RV trailers in Ventura neighborhood
Date:Monday, August 25, 2025 5:47:54 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
i
Good afternoon distinguished Palo Alto City Council members,
I would like to share my viewpoint and address the oversized vehicles camper
shells trailers tow trucks special equipment within the Ventura neighborhood of
Palo Alto. Despite several No Parking signs, we continue to have overnight,
oversized RV camper trailers.
There are signs that state 'No Parking 2am to 6am oversized vehicles camper
shells trailers tow trucks special equipment (PAMC 10.44.020)' I believe these No
Parking signs are found in residential zones like our residential neighborhood.
I have reported overnight parking to PA Police non-emergency and they note they
will give parking citations between 2am-6am, although I have never seen a citation
on vehicles parked overnight.
Many of the oversized vehicles camper shells trailers tow trucks special
equipment parked overnight receive 72 hour towing notices for abandoned
vehicles. After 3 days, many move briefly, only to return and park overnight in the
same location.
I have seen trash, bottles of urine, and dog/human feces littered around some of
these vehicles parked overnight. I have seen cats and dogs inside the vehicles. I
have seen drain pipes coming from vehicles to city sewers. I have seen propane
tanks and gas generators near the vehicles. Many vehicles have flat tires, no tires,
and are inoperable. I often report the trash to Palo Alto 311 - Debris in parking
garage OR Blocking sidewalk. The PA city workers come out and collect the trash.
Without trash collection and proper sewage sanitation, this becomes a public
health issue. Hepatitis A has been known to outbreak among encampments
without proper sewage. Rodents feed on trash strewn around the vehicles.
As an aside, the City of Palo Alto has provided overnight parking locations for the
This message needs your attention
This is a personal email address.
Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast
unhoused in Palo Alto near Bayshore Blvd and local churches have opened their
parking lots for overnight parking. They say they are full to capacity. They also say
they only want stable residents, therefore that leaves the unstable and sometimes
unhinged unhoused residents on our streets. Do we document the unhoused to
determine whether they have mental health issues, criminal records, or dare I
mention anything the new presidential administration is looking for immigration
wise to deport anyone they feel does not belong in America.
As a reminder, there are several hundred new housing units coming to our
neighborhood and many are next to the Oversized RV trailers. The two together will
only make matters worse for our neighborhood.
One obvious point is why don’t they park in Old Palo Alto or downtown University
Ave. And if they don’t park there, why don’t we implement the same permit parking
or short term parking in every neighborhood in Palo Alto.
I recommend that the City Council take note from our neighboring cities and take
action to remove unhoused oversized RV trailers in the City of Palo Alto and put
people into housing before the Federal government or State government does it for
us. The current option on the table does nothing to help unhoused, they need
housing [period]. Do not enable the current unhealthy situation and do not make
the residents of the Ventura neighborhood continue to deal with this matter.
Best regards,
Matt
Matthew D. Bryant, PharmD
415-846-1239
drmattbryant@gmail.com
From:Isabel Taylor
To:Council, City
Subject:Public comment for Policy & Services Committee Special Meeting 08/25/25
Date:Monday, August 25, 2025 5:47:41 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
i
Dear Policy and Services Committee Members,
I am writing regarding the proposed ordinance to restrict long-term RV parking in our city. I
want to begin by recognizing that many of my neighbors are understandably worried about
sanitation, neighborhood impacts, and safety. Those concerns are real and deserve solutions.
At the same time, I believe the answer is not to displace people living in RVs, but to meet
those challenges with resources and compassion.
For many residents, an RV is the only roof they have. It provides privacy, safety, and stability
—far better than being forced into tents or onto the sidewalk. While RVs can create sanitation
challenges, those are issues the city can address directly by providing waste disposal, trash
services, and designated safe-parking areas. Other cities have shown that when basic services
are offered, neighborhoods are cleaner and residents are safer.
It is also important to note that there is no evidence RVs increase crime. The fear is
understandable, but the facts show it is not grounded in reality. What does increase harm is
enforcement without alternatives—towing or banning RVs simply pushes people into more
dangerous situations and makes it harder for outreach workers to connect them to housing and
services.
We live in one of the wealthiest zip codes in the country. We can afford to allow RVs to park
in the short term if it means protecting the dignity and safety of our community members.
People who are scared or upset are often the most vocal, but there are many of us who believe
strongly that compassion, patience, and long-term solutions should guide this policy.
I would also encourage residents who feel frustrated to take a moment to talk with their
neighbors in RVs. Many are families, workers, or people facing sudden hardships. Listening
directly to their stories can replace fear with understanding and help us all work toward
solutions together.
I urge you to prioritize sufficient safe parking programs, sanitation support, and pathways into
housing, and pause enforcement of RV parking restrictions. Let’s treat all of our neighbors
with respect and dignity, rather than criminalization and displacement.
This message needs your attention
No employee in your company has ever replied to this person.
This is a personal email address.
Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Isabel Taylor
From:Anjuman E Jamali
To:Council, City
Subject:Request for Removal of RVs and Granting Restricted Parking
Date:Monday, August 25, 2025 4:50:15 PM
Attachments:RV_Issue.pdf
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
i
Hello,
On behalf of Anjuman-e-Jamali (San Jose), I am submitting the attached letter regarding our
ongoing concerns with the long-term presence of recreational vehicles (RVs) and oversized
vehicles parked along our property line at 998 & 1000 San Antonio Road, Palo Alto.
As detailed in the letter, these vehicles have created serious safety, sanitation, and health
hazards for our community, including improper waste disposal, obstruction of sidewalks, and
disturbances to our congregants. Despite previous reports, the issues remain unresolved.
We respectfully request the City’s assistance in addressing these concerns and granting
restricted curbside parking permits along our property frontage to ensure the safety and
well-being of our members, especially children and the elderly.
Please find the full request and supporting documentation in the attached PDF.
We appreciate your consideration and look forward to your response.
Sincerely,
Abizar Attar
Secretary, Anjuman-e-Jamali (San Jose)
998 San Antonio Road, Palo Alto, CA 94303
Email: jamaat@anjumanejamali.org
This message needs your attention
This is their first email to your company.
Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast
City of Palo Alto August 25, 2025
Office of Transportation
250 Hamilton Avenue
Palo Alto, CA 94301
Subject: Request for Removal of RVs and Granting Restricted Parking for 998 & 1000 San Antonio Rd
Dear City Manager,
On behalf of Anjuman-e-Jamali (San Jose), thank you for allowing us the opportunity to present our
concerns to you in person today. We are here representing our mosque and community center located at
998 San Antonio Road, Palo Alto, which serves families, children, and elderly members from across
the Bay Area.
We are deeply concerned about the long-term presence of recreational vehicles (RVs) and oversized
vehicles (OSVs) parked directly along our property line. These vehicles have remained stationary for
several months, in some cases over a year, without moving, despite the City’s 72-hour parking
ordinance.
● Sitting outside on the sidewalk late at night, smoking, drinking alcohol, and playing loud
music, which disturbs congregants and the neighboring priest residing on the property.
● Using our outdoor water faucets and electrical outlets has imposed direct costs on us.
● RV occupants urinate and defecate on or near our property, which has created serious
health hazards, foul odors, and unclean conditions.
● Placing grills, furniture, and personal items on the public sidewalk creates tripping hazards
and blocks pedestrian access.
● Improper waste disposal, including the use of our dumpsters and leaving debris on the street.
● Parking in a way that obstructs driver visibility creates significant traffic hazards for vehicles
entering and exiting our parking lots.
998 San Antonio Road, Palo Alto, CA 94303
Non-profit Tax ID: 91-2145160
Email: jamaat@anjumanejamali.org
Website: www.anjuman-e-jamali.com
1
This situation is especially concerning because we have elderly members and children in our
congregation, and these unsafe conditions directly endanger their well-being.
This situation not only violates our privacy but also poses a serious road hazard, which is an
unacceptable threat to our safety. The RV occupants are becoming increasingly emboldened and
assertive, which no doubt will lead to aggression and violence in the future. We are seeking your
assistance to restore our privacy and safety.
We have contacted the City and Police Department multiple times. While warnings have been issued
occasionally, the vehicles remain in place and the problems persist.
We have included photographic evidence in Appendix A to demonstrate the persistent and unresolved
nature of these violations
Given these repeated violations, we respectfully request that the City grant restricted curbside
parking permits exclusively to Anjuman-e-Jamali along the property lines of 998 & 1000 San
Antonio Road, as shown in the attached map
998 San Antonio Road, Palo Alto, CA 94303
Non-profit Tax ID: 91-2145160
Email: jamaat@anjumanejamali.org
Website: www.anjuman-e-jamali.com
2
We also note that the City’s staff report highlights that oversized vehicles parked long-term present significant
health and safety challenges, including improper disposal of human waste, obstruction of sidewalks, noise, and
biohazards. The City ’s phased approach already recognizes the need for stricter regulation, enhanced
enforcement of the 72-hour rule, and new ordinances to prohibit inoperable vehicles and detached trailers.
Allowing restricted permit parking along our frontage is consistent with these policy directions and will:
● Protect the safety and privacy of our congregants and the priest residing on-site.
● Safeguard the elderly and children who are most vulnerable to these hazards.
● Prevent illegal habitation activities on the sidewalk.
● Reduce repeated enforcement burdens by creating a clear, regulated restriction zone.
998 San Antonio Road, Palo Alto, CA 94303
Non-profit Tax ID: 91-2145160
Email: jamaat@anjumanejamali.org
Website: www.anjuman-e-jamali.com
3
● Align with the City’s broader efforts to balance compassion with reasonable public health, safety, and
neighborhood protections.
Thank you for your consideration. We look forward to your response.
Sincerely,
Abizar Attar
Secretary,
Anjuman-e-Jamali (San Jose)
998 San Antonio Road, Palo Alto, CA 94303
Appendix A - Photos of Parked RVs
998 San Antonio Road, Palo Alto, CA 94303
Non-profit Tax ID: 91-2145160
Email: jamaat@anjumanejamali.org
Website: www.anjuman-e-jamali.com
4
998 San Antonio Road, Palo Alto, CA 94303
Non-profit Tax ID: 91-2145160
Email: jamaat@anjumanejamali.org
Website: www.anjuman-e-jamali.com
5
From:Ashley Jiang
To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City
Subject:City should reject converting another more tennis courts to pickleball courts
Date:Monday, August 25, 2025 4:01:17 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking
on links.
Dear Palo Alto City Council Members,
As a long-term resident and taxpayer, I urge you to reconsider the proposal to convert additional tennis courts to
pickleball facilities at Mitchell Park. This decision would exacerbate existing problems that already significantly
impact our community’s quality of life.
Key Concerns -
Parking Crisis:
Mitchell Park’s parking is critically overburdened, especially during peak hours. Adding regional pickleball traffic
will worsen this.
Severe Court Shortages:
Only Courts 3 & 4 at Mitchell Parkand Court 4 at Rinconada are reliably available for public tennis in evenings.
Others are frequently reserved for city programs/USTA matches, leaving residents with minimal access. Further
reductions are unacceptable.
Noise/Traffic Impacts:
Pickleball’s rapid gameplay generates 2–3× more player turnover (and associated traffic) than tennis. Concentrating
more courts here will:
Increase noise pollution near the library/studying spaces
Attract non-resident players from across the Peninsula, straining infrastructure
Equity for Taxpayers:
Prioritizing non-resident demand over Palo Alto families, who already face limited recreational resources,
contradicts our community’s values.
Proposed Solutions:
Charge non-resident use for the courts. Preserve existing tennis courts until parking/access solutions are
implemented
Explore alternative pickleball locations(e.g., underutilized lots, industrial zones)
Commission a parking/traffic impact study before any conversions
Palo Alto must prioritize residents who fund and sustain these spaces.
Thanks!
Sent from my iPhone
From:Rich Harris
To:Council, City
Subject:Public comments - Policy and Services Committee/Special Meeting August 25, 2024
Date:Monday, August 25, 2025 3:09:46 PM
Attachments:City of PA City Council Special Meeting August 25.pdf
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
i
Honorable Mayor and City Council Members,
Please see our comments included on the attached PDF file.
Thank you,
Richard Harris
This transmittal is intended only for the use of the individual or entity to which it is addressed
and may contain information that is privileged, confidential and exempt from disclosure under
applicable law. If the reader of this transmittal is not the intended recipient or the employee or
agent responsible for delivering the transmittal to the intended recipient, you are hereby
notified that any dissemination, distribution or copying of this communication is strictly
prohibited.
This message needs your attention
This is their first email to you.
Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast
August 25, 2025
Dear Honorable Mayor Lauing and City Council members,
As long-time owners and operators of commercial real estate projects in Palo Alto and
adjacent cities, we would like to provide feedback regarding the RV situation and the
negative impacts on our properties and tenants. This matter will be discussed at the
Special Meeting of the Policy and Services Committee on August 25th.
As a real estate operating company, we are concerned about the adverse effects of
oversized vehicles, particularly recreation vehicles (RV’s), on our ability to lease and
maintain our high-quality properties. Having RV’s parked in front of our buildings obscures
our buildings from the street and impacts our ability to lease the buildings to interested
tenants.
Recently, we leased a building on Embarcadero Road to a new tenant. Since moving in late
Spring, the street has become more congested with RV’s, many of which are in disrepair or
appear to be non-operable. Additionally, individuals living in the RV’s are harassing our
tenants and creating a nuisance. Some of the RV’s are in poor condition and in some
instances appear to be structurally unsafe. Many of the RV’s are associated with cars that
are in similar condition and parked nearby. These vehicles often fail to move as required
every 72 hours. Some of the occupants litter the sidewalks with trash, operate open flame
barbeques, and leave trash on our property. The abundance of RV’s and associated
vehicles substantially reduce street parking for our tenants and their visitors.
We have contacted the Palo Alto Police Department to report various concerns. While they
have been responsive, they do not appear to have the necessary tools and ordinances in
place to remove the RV’s.
The RV’s pose significant health, safety, and business concerns. It has been reported that
some individuals residing in the RV’s engage in unsanitary practices, such as dumping
litter and waste within our property and on the city’s streets. This poses a substantial
health hazard for our tenants, who are compelled to encounter these conditions daily.
Furthermore, the RV occupants violate existing parking ordinances by blocking sidewalks
with personal items, barbecue grills, and other paraphernalia.
While we support the City’s intention to provide a safe parking space for RV’s, we are very
concerned that the City has not adequately addressed the adverse impacts on public
health, safety, and the businesses operating in our buildings. These conditions negatively
impact our ability to attract quality tenants and lease our buildings, which cause a decline
in property values. Moreover, the RV’s are using street parking that our tenants and their
visitors previously enjoyed. These conditions places a stigma on the Embarcadero Road
area and on the city of Palo Alto. Tenants will relocate to business-friendly cities.
We strongly urge the city to make substantial changes to existing ordinances and relocate
RV’s and associated vehicles to a designated location outside of the business district
where the city can provide supportive services. Please recognize the health and safety
concerns of our tenants and their right to enjoy the business district for its intended use. It
was reported in the press recently that a woman was assaulted in an RV in the
Embarcadero Road area, which underscores the current situation and necessitates
immediate attention to prevent similar incidents from occurring.
We would suggest the City Council take the following action:
• Implement housing strategies that do not collide with quality of life issues for
businesses.
• Remove RV’s from the business district and locate them near services that support
them – social services, water and electricity, etc.
• Eliminate the safety issues caused by oversized vehicles lining the streets and
blocking views from cars while ingressing and egressing from buildings and
businesses’ parking lots.
• Eliminate the adverse impacts from the dumping of waste on private property and
blocking the sidewalks.
• Restore a business-friendly environment throughout the city of Palo Alto that
preserves property values and allows tenants and their visitors to once again park
on the streets.
Respectfully submitted,
Richard Harris
Asset Manager on behalf of Embarcadero Road, LLC
From:Aram James
To:Reckdahl, Keith; district1@bos.sccgov.org
Cc:Veenker, Vicki; gstone22@gmail.com; Lu, George; cotton.gaines@cityofpaloalto.org; Lythcott-Haims, Julie;
Gardener, Liz; Clerk, City; Liz Kniss; Ed Lauing; Council, City; CityCouncil; city.council@gilroy.org;
city.council@menlopark.gov
Subject:Don"t let council criminalize homelessness
Date:Monday, August 25, 2025 2:25:23 PM
Attachments:homelessness_letter_8-2-13.pdf
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
Archives of Aram James
6 Daily Post Friday, August 2, 2013
Email: Ietters@padailypost.com
Don't let council criminalize ho
BY ARAM JAMES
On Monday, Palo Alto City Council
will consider passing an ordinance
that would criminalize living in one's
vehicle here in Palo Alto. If passed and
enacted, the anti -vehicle dweller ordi-
nance would carry, upon conviction,
up to 6 months in the county jail and a
fine of up to $1,000.
After it appeared that the city had
abandoned the proposed ordinance, a
reconfigured city council in January
2013 — with newly elected Council-
woman Liz Kniss, a recently termed-
out member of the Santa Clara County
Board of Supervisors, and former
mayor and city council member in Palo
Alto, leading the charge on steroids —
are attempting yet again to foist this
draconian, hate -filled legislation down
the throats of the good people of this
community.
Prosecutions under this proposed or-
dinance would have extremely adverse
consequences on an already overbur-
dened criminal justice system here in
Santa Clara County.
Burdening the courts
Given the innocuous nature of the
conduct that can trigger charges under
this new law, judges, juries and public
defenders (who would be charged with
defending the bulk of these cases), are
all likely to be extraordinarily dis-
GUEST. OPINION
pleased to see these cases substantially
increase their case loads, flood their
courtrooms and drain very limited
judicial resources that are needed to
defend and prosecute the huge number
of serious cases.
Trial of just one such case in the
courts of this county will cost in
the neighborhood of $10,000 a day,.
monies clearly better spent on finding
permanent solutions to homelessness.
Each case charged under this law
- preventing people with no other
choice from living in their car - will
be defended by raising the very time-
consuming, complex and expensive
"defense of necessity"
Other viable defenses to charges
brought under this ordinance would
include: discriminatory enforcement,
outrageous government conduct, and
defense by way of juries exercis-
ing their inherent power to vote not
guilty despite a clear violation of the
law because the jury concludes that a
particular law is morally repugnant.
A tradition of upholding civil rights
Outside of Palo Alto City Hall is
King Plaza, named in January 2008
in honor of Martin Luther King and
Coretta Scott King.
On a plaque in their honor displayed
in King Plaza are the following two
quotes, both extraordinarily relevant to
the campaign to convince at least five
of the nine members of the council to
vote against the proposed ordinance:
• "Somewhere we must come to see
that social progress never rolls in on
the wheels of inevitability. It comes
through the tireless effort and per-
sistent work of dedicated individuals;
and without this hard work, time itself
becomes an ally of the primitive forces
of social stagnation and irrational
emotionalism. We must realize that the
time is always ripe to do right." — A
speech by Martin Luther King at Stan-
ford University in 1967.
• "The greatness of a community
is most accurately measured by the
compassionate actions of its members
... a heart of grace and a soul generated
by love." — Speech at Georgia State
University in 20O0 by Coretta Scott
King.
Gay pride flag.
This April, our current city coun-
cil by a 6-0 vote gave City Manager
James Keene the -discretion to raise
a gay pride flag outside city hall as
well as pass a resolution recognizing
that 76% of voters in the city rejected
Proposition 8, which defined marriage
as between a man and a woman.
elessness
At the time, Mayor Greg Scharff
said: "This is the civil rights issue of
our time . . . I see no possible argument
why people should not be allowed to
marry whoever they wish"
I believe the same arguments and
logic can be applied to the struggle to
end homelessness. It is incontrovertible
that the fight to end homelessness is
equally the civil rights issue of our
time. To state otherwise requires a
total denial of the facts surrounding
the current crisis of homelessness in
this country.
I can think of no greater irony and
hypocrisy than for the city of Palo
Alto, and its city council and govern-
ment, who pride themselves for hon-
oring
the civil rights struggles of the
1960s and the more recent civil rights
struggle for gay rights, to now pass an
ordinance that demonizes, marginal-
izes
and criminalizes the most vul-
nerable among us, the unhoused and
vehicle dwellers.
Anyone who opposes this ordinance
stands for justice and is unwilling to
tolerate a hate law targeted at the most
vulnerable members of our community.
Please attend the city council meeting
on Monday to voice your opposition to
this unconscionable proposed hate law.
Aram James is a retired Santa Clara
County public defender.
From:YORIKO KISHIMOTO
To:Council, City
Subject:Thank you for your support for bike lanes on El Camino
Date:Monday, August 25, 2025 2:23:01 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
i
Dear Mayor Lauing and Honorable City Council:
This is letter of appreciation to your support and the attention to details by you and our staff, as well as
the excellent implementation by Caltrans, for the new bike lanes on El Camino Real. They are truly
fantastic.
I’ve been riding them during the day sometimes, but a couple weeks ago, I had a chance to ride both in
the early evening and at night. I rode from Palo Alto Town and Country to my meeting at Midpeninsula
Regional Open Space offices near Distel Circle in Los Altos. Going there at rush hour was so pleasant
with trees lining the street and shading the bike lane most of the way! All the trees we have planned and
planted over the decades are paying off.
I was a bit apprehensive about biking back around 9:30 pm but I had my bike lights and the street lights
were generally excellent so I felt very safe! There are few “free right turns” onto El Camino which helped a
lot. Great attention to design detail - excellent job to all advocates, supporters and Caltrans!! The entire
feel of El Camino is transformed.
Yoriko Kishimoto
Midpen board member
Former Palo Alto Mayor and council member
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:Don Austin
To:Council, City
Subject:PAUSD Request Rail Crossings (email and attachment message)
Date:Monday, August 25, 2025 1:32:07 PM
Attachments:City Council Communication.docx
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
August 24, 2025
City Council Members and City Manager,
Palo Alto Unified School District (PAUSD) shares the community’s deep concern about rail
fatalities. These incidents are traumatic for students, families, staff, and first responders. While
schools must continue strengthening mental health supports, the City’s decisions on rail
crossings are pivotal. The evidence is clear: built-environment solutions that reduce access to
tracks save lives. Caltrain and Federal Railroad Administration analyses show that about 70%
of U.S. rail transit fatalities involve trespassing/suicides and that roughly 75% of trespasser
casualties occur within 1,000 feet of an at-grade crossing. Caltrain
Student well-being is improving on several measures. In Fall 2024–25 Panorama results,
secondary students reported favorable levels on Positive Feelings (65%), Emotion Regulation
(60%), and Supportive Relationships (86%). Elementary students reported School Safety at
73%, Sense of Belonging at 69%, and School Climate at 65%.
School climate remains strong with targeted areas to improve. In the 2023–24 California
Healthy Kids Survey (CHKS), secondary students agreed their schools promote academic
success and provide supportive learning environments (Student Learning Environment
average agree: 74% in grade 7, 64% in grade 9, 67% in grade 11). Respect for Diversity
averaged 79%/70%/71% (gr. 7/9/11). At the same time, students perceiving racial/ethnic
conflict rose with grade (14%/18%/21% agree). These are actionable signals for our sites.
HealthyKidsSurvey
PAUSD’s mental health capacity has expanded and is delivering results. In 2024–25 we
staffed school-based mental health/wellness teams at every level, including 12 elementary,
4 middle, and 6 high-school Mental Health & Wellness Associates; wellness
coordinators/outreach at both high schools; 15.0 Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) Educationally
Related Mental Health Services (ERMHS) therapists; and district psychologists (Preschool–
Post-Secondary). Parent and student feedback is consistently positive (e.g., 72% of families
report therapy met their child’s needs; 90% report a strong therapist connection). BoardDocs
Wait times and access are improving. Earlier reports documented substantial reductions in
therapy waitlists after adding in-house staff and expanding wellness center access; high
schools maintain drop-in availability. BoardDocs
Equity and vulnerable groups. Local surveys and Board updates continue to flag disparities.
For example, lower well-being scores among gender-diverse students at secondary grades
prompting targeted education, training, and supports (e.g., staff training on gender-affirming
mental health and supporting LGBTQ+ students). BoardDocs
Reducing access to lethal means is a core, evidence-based pillar of suicide prevention; CDC’s
national framework lists it explicitly under “create protective environments.” On rail corridors,
built-environment changes such as grade separation and fencing measurably reduce deaths.
For example, a natural-experiment in Victoria (Australia) found 61–68% fewer railway
suicides within 500–1,000 meters after level crossings were removed, with no comparable
change at control sites.
The City’s grade-separation program focuses on Churchill Avenue, Meadow Drive, and
Charleston Road. Council has previously eliminated the viaduct at Churchill, advanced the
Partial Underpass as the preferred alternative (with Closure with Mitigation as backup), and
placed highest priority on Charleston/Meadow. In June 2024, Council moved forward with
underpasses at Charleston and Meadow and reaffirmed an auto underpass at Churchill with a
Seale Avenue bike/ped tunnel. These decisions should translate into an implementation
timeline. paloalto.gov Mountain View Voice Palo Alto Online
PAUSD request for City of Palo Alto:
Adopt and publish an implementation schedule for grade separations at Charleston,
Meadow, and Churchill, including design milestones, funding plan, and start-of-construction
dates. paloalto.gov
Commit to robust access-control and hotspot mitigation along the corridor, coordinated
with Caltrain’s suicide prevention and trespass reduction program. CalTrain
Advance interim safety steps now while design proceeds: additional crisis signage and
hotline beacons at approaches; rapid-response protocols with Caltrain/Transit Police at known
trespass points; and joint data reviews to target measures within 1,000 feet of crossings.
Caltrain
Formalize a joint City–District–Caltrain workgroup (with health system partners) to align
the built-environment plan and school-based supports, publish shared metrics, and report
quarterly.
PAUSD will continue investing in prevention, early intervention, and responsive care wellness
centers, MTSS, family education, and staff supports while monitoring disparities and
improving access for students who need the most help. Recent Board updates detail referrals,
drop-ins, staffing, and satisfaction trends, and our survey results show both progress and areas
to improve. BoardDocs
Reducing access at rail crossings is the City’s responsibility and it is indispensable to a
comprehensive community prevention strategy. We ask the Council to move decisively from
alternative selection to construction. We are ready to partner.
Respectfully,
Donald B. Austin, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
Palo Alto Unified School District
From:Patty Irish
To:Council, City
Subject:Comments for the Policy & Services Committee
Date:Monday, August 25, 2025 1:16:52 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
Dear Members of the Policy and Services Committee,
I am responding to the discussion of Oversized Vehicles on the
agenda tonight.
I will state the obvious first. This is a problem because we do not
have adequate affordable housing available for many unhoused.
We have plans for building more but the process is very slow - for
the urgent need now. I suggest you act with urgency to build
permanent housing that can be afforded and for some with
supportive services.
And the other recommendation that is not a usual suggestion here
- I suggest you find land suitable to build small houses
(sometimes prefab) that can be clustered and made permanent
with support services available to house people such that now live
in mobile units. This is more of a permanent solution and has the
dignity of sewage, heat and cool and a liveable space of varying
sizes.
We need to do something that honors the humanity of people who
truly need permanent housing - and as part of our community.
Thank you for your consideration of my comments.
I have operated a shelter for homeless families in the past. The
only solution really is permanent options.
Patty Irish
--
Patty Irish
850 Webster St. #628
Palo Alto, CA 94301
650-324-7407
650-245-3906 cell
How do you tell a story that has been told the wrong way for so long?
From:Alysa Tibbitts
To:Council, City
Subject:Public Letter-Policy and Services Committee-Special Meeting August 25, 2025
Date:Monday, August 25, 2025 1:09:04 PM
Attachments:image001.png
Public Letter_OSV Policy and Services Committee Special Meeting.pdf
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
i
To Whom it May Concern:
Please see the attached letter in response to tonight’s agenda item up for discussion by the Policy
and Services Committee.
Best,
Alysa
www.smithdevelopment.com
This message needs your attention
This is their first email to you.
Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast
SMITH
DEVELOPMENT
Boyd Smith
boyd@smithdevelopment.com
25 August 2025
Policy & Services Committee
City of Palo Alto
250 Hamilton Avenue
Palo Alto, CA 94301
Re: Oversized Vehicle Parking on Ash Street, Portage Avenue, and Surrounding Corridors
Dear Members of the Policy & Services Committee,
We are both a property owner and tenant in the Ash Street and Portage Avenue area, and
we want to share our concerns about the long-term oversized vehicle (OSV) parking that
has taken root on these streets. While we understand the broader housing and
homelessness challenges, these corridors were never designed for extended RV use, and
the impacts are becoming increasingly disruptive for tenants, businesses, and property
owners.
What we see day to day:
• Tenant concerns: Our tenants have voiced repeated complaints about safety, sanitation,
and access. These issues directly affect their employees, customers, and ability to
operate successfully.
• Health and safety: Trash, fluids, and in some cases, sewage accumulates along the curbs
and near drains, creating unsanitary and unsafe conditions.
• Access and visibility: OSVs block sightlines, reduce available parking, and complicate
deliveries and emergency access, especially on narrow streets like Ash and Portage.
• Impact on properties: The presence of long-term OSV habitation has already affected
the leasability of our properties, as prospective tenants weigh the conditions of the
surrounding streets when making decisions.
• Firsthand experience as tenants: In addition to being a property owner, we are also
tenants ourselves and experience these same impacts directly, alongside our neighbors.
Other cities have found ways to address this issue constructively by creating managed "Safe
Parking" programs in municipal lots. These programs provide sanitation, oversight, and
services for vehicle dwellers while relieving the strain on commercial and industrial
corridors. Palo Alto could adopt a similar approach. It's compassionate, but structured and
sustainable.
400 lambert Avenue • Palo Alto. CA 91306
unit developm.nt.com
SMITH
DEVELOPMENT
We encourage the City to:
• Prohibit oversized vehicle parking on narrow streets such as Ash and Portage
• Enforce shorter time limits (2 hours) so vehicles cannot remain indefinitely
• Explore structured Safe Parking in City -owned lots where conditions can be managed
more appropriately
Thank you for your time and attention. We hope Palo Alto will move toward a solution that
protects the health, safety, and economic vitality of its commercial districts while also
supporting those in need.
Respectfully,
Boyd Smith
400 Lambert Avenue • Palo Alto, CA 44346
smitbdcvctopment.com