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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-09-22 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: 9/22/2025 Document dates: 9/15/2025 - 9/22/2025 Note: Documents for every category may not have been received for packet reproduction in a given week. 701-32 From:Aram James To:Reckdahl, Keith Cc:Vicki Veenker; Julie Lythcott-Haims; Lu, George; Human Relations Commission; planning.commission@cityofpaloalto.0rg; ParkRec Commission; board@valleywater.org; jsylva@scscourt.org; Jay Boyarsky; Raymond Goins; Liz Kniss; Gardener, Liz; Council, City; city.council@menlopark.gov; Binder, Andrew; GRP-City Council; Clerk, City; jgreen@dailynewsgroup.com; Reifschneider, James; Dave Price; chuck jagoda; CityCouncil; city.council@gilroy.org; Bill Newell Subject:1The Fallen rolling stone article update oct 2013 Date:Monday, September 22, 2025 11:07:28 AM Attachments:1The Fallen rolling stone article update oct 2013.docx CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Keith, Please educate yourself on the value of safe parking programs. Avram 1 The Fallen –Rolling stone--By Jeff Tietz June 25, 2012 11:45 AM ET Every night around nine, Janis Adkins falls asleep in the back of her Toyota Sienna van in a church parking lot at the edge of Santa Barbara, California. On the van's roof is a black Yakima SpaceBooster, full of previous-life belongings like a snorkel and fins and camping gear. Adkins, who is 56 years old, parks the van at the lot's remotest corner, aligning its side with a row of dense, shading avocado trees. The trees provide privacy, but they are also useful because she can pick their fallen fruit, and she doesn't always have enough to eat. Despite a continuous, two-year job search, she remains without dependable work. She says she doesn't need to eat much – if she gets a decent hot meal in the morning, she can get by for the rest of the day on a piece of fruit or bulk-purchased almonds – but food stamps supply only a fraction of her nutritional needs, so foraging opportunities are welcome. Prior to the Great Recession, Adkins owned and ran a successful plant nursery in Moab, Utah. At its peak, it was grossing $300,000 a year. She had never before been unemployed – she'd worked for 40 years, through three major recessions. During her first year of unemployment, in 2010, she wrote three or four cover letters a day, five days a week. Now, to keep her mind occupied when she's not looking for work or doing odd jobs, she volunteers at an animal shelter called the Santa Barbara Wildlife Care Network. ("I always ask for the most physically hard jobs just to get out my frustration," she says.) She has permission to pick fruit directly from the branches of the shelter's orange and avocado trees. Another benefit is that when she scrambles eggs to hand-feed wounded seabirds, she can surreptitiously make a dish for herself. By the time Adkins goes to bed – early, because she has to get up soon after sunrise, before parishioners or church employees arrive – the four other people who overnight in the lot have usually settled in: a single mother who lives in a van with her two teenage children and keeps assiduously to herself, and a wrathful, mentally unstable woman in an old Mercedes sedan whom Adkins avoids. By mutual unspoken agreement, the three women park in the same spots every night, keeping a minimum distance from each other. When you live in your car in a parking lot, you value any reliable area of enclosing stillness. "You get very territorial," Adkins says. Each evening, 150 people in 113 vehicles spend the night in 23 parking lots in Santa Barbara. The lots are part of Safe Parking, a program that offers overnight permits to people living in their vehicles. The nonprofit that runs the program, New Beginnings Counseling Center, requires participants to have a valid driver's license and current registration and insurance. The number of vehicles per lot ranges from one to 15, and lot hours are generally from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. Fraternization among those who sleep in the lots is implicitly discouraged – the fainter the program's presence, the less likely it will provoke complaints from neighboring homes and churches and businesses. The Safe Parking program is not the product of a benevolent government. Santa Barbara's mild climate and sheltered beachfront have long attracted the homeless, and the city has sometimes responded with punitive measures. (An appeals court compared one city ordinance forbidding overnight RV parking to anti-Okie laws in the 1930s.) To aid Santa Barbara's large homeless population, local activists launched the Safe Parking program in 2003. But since the Great 2 Recession began, the number of lots and participants in the program has doubled. By 2009, formerly middle-class people like Janis Adkins had begun turning up – teachers and computer repairmen and yoga instructors seeking refuge in the city's parking lots. Safe-parking programs in other cities have experienced a similar influx of middle-class exiles, and their numbers are not expected to decrease anytime soon. It can take years for unemployed workers from the middle class to burn through their resources – savings, credit, salable belongings, home equity, loans from family and friends. Some 5.4 million Americans have been without work for at least six months, and an estimated 750,000 of them are completely broke or heading inexorably toward destitution. In California, where unemployment remains at 11 percent, middle-class refugees like Janis Adkins are only the earliest arrivals. "She's the tip of the iceberg," says Nancy Kapp, the coordinator of the Safe Parking program. "There are many people out there who haven't hit bottom yet, but they're on their way – they're on their way." Kapp, who was herself homeless for a time many years ago, is blunt, indefatigable, raptly empathetic. She works out of a minuscule office in the Salvation Army building in downtown Santa Barbara. On the wall is a map encompassing the program's parking lots – a vivid graphic of the fall of the middle class. Kapp expects more disoriented, newly impoverished families to request spots in the Safe Parking program this year, and next year, and the year after that. "When you come to me, you've hit rock bottom," Kapp says. "You've already done everything you possibly could to avoid being homeless. You maybe have a teeny bit of savings left. People are crying, they're saying, 'I've never experienced this before. I've never been homeless.' They don't want to mix with homeless people. They're like, 'I'm not going over to those people' – sometimes they call them 'those people.' So now they're lost, they're humiliated, they're rejected, they're scared, and they're very ashamed. I'm worried about the psychological damage it does when you have a place and then, all of a sudden, you're in your car. You have to be depressed just from the fall itself, from losing everything and not understanding how it could happen." One evening last spring, I visit Janis Adkins in her parking lot at the Goleta Community Covenant Church. When I turn into the driveway, the sun has fallen to the horizon. The other residents haven't arrived yet, and Adkins' van, at the far corner of the lot, seems almost metaphysically solitary, drawn to the parcel of greenery at the asphalt's edge. Because the night is chilly and the van shell seems to draw the cold inward, Adkins has already tucked herself in, reclining against pillows and a rolled sleeping bag at the back corner of the van, beneath blankets and layers of piled-up fleece clothing. For privacy, Adkins has put silver sunshades in the front windshield; a row of clean shirts and blouses suspended on hangers obscures the lot-facing side window. By the light of a little LED bulb in a camping headlamp, she is reading a novel called The Invisible Ones, whose main characters are gypsies. Adkins has tousled blond-gray hair and the kind of deep, unaffected tan that comes from working outdoors. She grew up in a middle-class family in Santa Barbara, but eventually took off to become a river guide in Utah. Adkins engages you frankly, her manner almost practiced in its evenness: few gesticulations, steady intonation. Across the ceiling of the van she has affixed a 3 silken red-and-gold banner that spells out a Buddhist chant of compassion. She practices yoga and meditation and believes in the Buddhist concept of equanimity; she takes comfort in the parable of the Zen ox herder, who tries and fails, day after day, to break a raging ox. When a friend calls to ask how she's doing, she often says, "Still riding the ox." But the rigors of homelessness – the sudden loss of the signifiers of her selfhood – regularly breach the protection of detachment; the trick for her is regaining it quickly. "When negative thoughts come, it's important to be able to say, 'It's just a thought,'" she tells me. "'Just let it go.' When I get really down, I try to look at a worse-case scenario, like the pictures of the Haiti earthquake. I go, 'What could I do to help?' Things like that drive me forward." She also reminds herself to be grateful: to Starbucks for free cups of hot water, to the YMCA for her discounted membership, to the Safe Parking program. Gratitude snuffs out self-pity. Before the financial crash decimated the value of her home and her customer base, Adkins had been contemplating selling her nursery, High Desert Gardens, and going to work for a humanitarian or environmental organization. But the suddenness and violence of the recession took her by surprise. The nursery specialized in drought-tolerant plants and offered more than 100 species of trees. Over the years, she had developed a deep base of horticultural knowledge, and people came from long distances to seek her advice. Business was good enough that she could leave her employees in charge of the nursery and travel for a month or so every summer to escape the harsh Moab heat. Within two years of the crash, sales had dropped by 50 percent and the value of her land had fallen by more than that. Four banks refused to help her refinance. "Everyone was talking about bailouts," she recalls. "I said, 'I'm not asking for a bailout, I'm asking you to work with me.' They look at you, no expression on their faces, saying, 'There's nothing we can do.'" She had to shut the nursery down and sell everything she could to avoid foreclosure: "I was practically giving stuff away just to try to make some money. Started selling everything that wasn't permanent. I was going to sell the doors, the windows, the gates if I could, but they told me I couldn't." She decided not to file for bankruptcy: It would have cost her thousands of dollars and require her to give up her van, which she was determined to keep. When she had nothing left to sell to make her mortgage payments, she was forced to put her home on the market, clearing only $4,000 on the sale. "I was spinning out of control," she says. "I was starting to lose my wits. It's very surreal being at a level of depression where it's easier to think about suicide and dying than it is to bend over and pick something up you're stepping over. It was getting bad enough that my friends started looking at me, going, 'You better get out of here.' The only functional thing I could figure out was to just go. I thought I would go travel and figure out what I wanted to do next. So some friends packed up my house and we converted my van so I could have as much stuff in there as possible, and I just left." However long it takes to lose everything, to get to the point where you're driving away from your repossessed home, the final unraveling seems eye-blink fast, because there is no way to imagine it. Even if you've been unemployed for a year and are months-delinquent on your mortgage, you 4 still won't have a mental category for your own homelessness; it's impossible to project yourself into the scenario. The reality, when it occurs and endures, seems to have sprung from nowhere. Without reflection, Adkins drove to a wildlife refuge she knew about in Arizona. She thought perhaps she could get a volunteer job there, something to keep her busy, but she soon realized that the plan would leave her with no way to make ends meet. "I went to a place by this lake and I just stayed there for 10 days and cried and slept. I was so bad." Eventually she headed to Santa Barbara. She hoped that old connections might help her find work, but it wasn't long before she began running out of money. Sitting in her van, we chat a bit about High Desert Gardens and the gypsy book and her volunteer work at the wildlife shelter. Eventually I ask how she gets by. She says that a cousin in town gives her food and cash when she can, and a woman at the church arranges informal gardening work for her. Various people she knows give her their recycling so she can redeem the cans and bottles, and she borrows money from friends and acquaintances, like the manager of the wildlife shelter. Having maxed out her borrowing capacity, though, she is increasingly unable to pay what she owes to places like the YMCA, where she goes to shower. She wouldn't be adverse to dumpsterdiving – "I hear there's good food" – but she's not strong enough to climb the sides. "I actually tried panhandling a couple months ago," she says. "I was so broke. I had, like, a dollar. And I didn't know what else to do, so I went to the library and Googled 'effective panhandling.'" "Really?" I ask. "I wouldn't make that up," she says, laughing. "There were a lot of different strategies. One site said do not dress up, dress down. Look sad. Don't be negative in your signs. Say thank you constantly. Be humble for real, don't be phony-humble." Read more: http://www.rollingstone.com/culture/news/the-sharp-sudden-decline-of-americas-middle-class-20120622#ixzz1zTw8Pn3r 2 Adkins couldn't bring herself to look dirty. Then she remembered that after the stock market imploded, guys in business suits had walked through New York's financial district wearing sandwich boards with their résumés on them. "People read them because it's so ridiculous, it's effective," she says. So she picked a strategic thoroughfare in Santa Barbara, dressed for a job interview, and spent her last money making copies of her résumé, laminating one so that drivers could handle it without getting it dirty. She found a four-foot-tall piece of cardboard at a grocery store and wrote on it: 5 I'D RATHER BE WORKING HIRE ME IF YOU HAVE A JOB Then she stood alongside the road and held up the sign. The day was so windy it was hard to hold on to. "I was like, 'Please hire me,' and everybody's flying by, trying to ignore you, but this one guy drives up, looks at my résumé, looks at me and goes, 'Very effective. I'll take one of those.' I said, 'Thank you, I really appreciate that,' but I never heard from him. And then a homeless guy came up to me and goes, 'Wow. That ain't gonna work.' I didn't want to talk to him about it. I just wanted to stick my sign out there – I didn't have any more cardboard. And about halfway into it, I just started crying and I couldn't stop. I was so embarrassed. It was incredibly humiliating. You know how a lot of women hold their hand over their mouth when they cry? I started doing that, and that's when I raked in the money. I was sort of scared because there were so many cars that I was boxed in, and I was holding this gigantic sign and I was saying, 'I'd rather work, I'd rather you take my résumé, please help,' and I'm crying and the dollars just started coming out of the windows." But finally she cried herself out, and people stopped giving. She made $12 in three hours, all of it drawn by tears. "And then I went out the next day and didn't get squat," she says. "I was trying to figure out, 'Should I start crying on purpose?' But how do you cry on purpose?" Curtis and Concita cates spent the better part of a year sleeping in their Nissan Titan pickup with their 13-year-old son, Canaan, in the parking lot of the Santa Barbara Community Church. The pickup was one of five authorized vehicles in the lot, which is three miles east of the church where Adkins parks. To the north rise the low peaks flanking San Marcos Pass, and an overflow lot across the street offers a view of the outspread city and the ocean beyond it. The Cateses had met Nancy Kapp by chance at the Salvation Army, where they'd gone in search of food. She'd given them a white permit for the front window of their pickup. When they arrived at the church, they found a Safe Parking porta-potty at the corner of the lot. The Cateses ended up in the Safe Parking program after losing their jobs almost simultaneously. Curtis installed and repaired fire sprinklers in Phoenix; Concita worked as a pharmacy technician. Their combined income averaged $60,000 a year. Before the Great Recession, they had never been jobless. They lost their home after exhausting their available cash and the money in Curtis' medical savings account. Their oldest child was in college, and they were able to send their next oldest to live with his aunt. With Canaan, they drove to California to stay with relatives. When they arrived, however, they found that another family, also recently homeless, had already moved in. There were now 11 people, all but one of them unemployed, sharing a single small house. "A bunch of us slept all piled up in a room," Curtis recalls. "Everyone had their own sleeping habits," Concita says. 6 "And in the kitchen, you're trying to figure out, 'OK, this is my food. Do I share it?'" Curtis says. "It gets down to little things like that. You would buy milk and have it there for the kids and someone else would take it. It got to the point where people would take our cooler and hide it in their room and save it for their own people." The situation became unbearable, and the Cateses left without knowing exactly where they were going. "We had some friends, and we'd park in their driveways," Concita says. "Or the side of the road by their house, in case we had to go to the bathroom." When I visit Concita and Curtis, they have just moved into an apartment subsidized by a federal program known as Section 8. The unit is in a stucco apartment building about a block from Highway 101 and the Union Pacific line that parallels it, on a street marked by modest dilapidation: a listing wooden fence broken by tree roots, a few anarchic yards, a beat-up Chevy Aveo mirroring a beat-up Dodge Stratus. The apartment is clean and relatively spacious, but still mostly empty. Curtis, thickset and goateed, welcomes me at the door dressed in jean shorts and a yellow Arizona State T-shirt. Concita, small and soft-voiced, wears a pink sweatshirt and white sneakers. The living room walls are bare, save for an oversize decorative clock, but it is the one room in the apartment close to being furnished: two couches, two easy chairs, a shaded table lamp on a stand, a coffee table. As I look around, Curtis and Concita tell me where everything came from, seeming a little surprised by how good they've become at acquiring things without money. "That couch, someone was throwing out," Curtis says, pointing at the one opposite me. "A lady Nancy knows gave us these two chairs and this light." "We found that little stand over there – someone was throwing it out," Concita says. "And I found that mirror in the dumpster – I was like, 'I'll take that.'" Curtis points sequentially at items: "Got that from the trash, that from the trash. The TV was given to us by that lady Nancy knew." The TV has a large screen, but its anachronistic bulk is almost jarring. In their place in Phoenix, they'd had a 50-inch LG flatscreen and a Blu-ray player. When they first arrived in Santa Barbara, both Curtis and Concita were receiving unemployment benefits, but that was the only income they had, and it didn't cover expenses. They had three mouths to feed and no kitchen to cook in; gasoline was more than $4 a gallon; they had to make a truck payment; they had cellphone and auto-insurance bills; they had to do laundry. When they went to apply for social services, they learned that their unemployment benefits made them ineligible for additional aid. Curtis, who had worked construction jobs most of his life, started to haunt building sites. Once in a while he would find a few days' work. "But there's the rock and the hard spot," he says. "If you take the job, you lose your unemployment. You have to reapply, and the money doesn't equal the lost benefits." He was better off collecting cans. Nancy Kapp describes the moment when formerly middle-class people like the Cateses are forced to turn to social welfare systems as "the beginning of the demise. These systems don't just 7 fail people – they degrade and humiliate people. They're not solutions. They're Band-Aids on wounds that are pusing and bleeding out." Government-aid agencies and private charities demand that applicants show a bundle of identifying documents: Social Security card, birth certificate, driver's license. Many people don't have all of the required documents; homeless people often have none. The Cateses were lucky – Concita has a good organizational mind and quickly put together a packet of the necessary documents. But at the aid agencies where they applied, they saw many people – poor, hungry, sick – denied basic services for lack of paperwork. The next thing welfare applicants must do is disclose every possession and conceivable source of income they have. "I can't tell you how many people come to my office and say, 'I couldn't get food stamps because my car is worth too much,'" Kapp tells me. "OK, you have a car. But you've lost everything – your house, your job, your pride – and all you have left is that car and all of your belongings in it. And they say, 'You still have too much. Lose it all.' You have to have nothing, when you already have nothing." Janis Adkins hadn't been back in Santa Barbara long before she needed to apply for government assistance. She had never asked for aid before. At the California Department of Social Services, she filled out the form for emergency food stamps. "I didn't wear my best clothes, but I wore a light blouse and jeans, and I guess I was just a little too dressed up," she recalls. "Because the woman just looked at me and said, 'Are you in a crisis? Your application says you're in a crisis.' I said, 'I'm living in a van and I don't have a job. I have a little bit of money, but it's going to go fast.' The woman said, 'You have $500. You're not in a crisis if you have $500.' She said anything more than $50 was too much." If Adkins had filled her tank with gas, done her laundry, eaten a meal, and paid her car insurance and phone bills, it would have used up half of everything she had. But emergency food stamps, she was told, are not for imminent emergencies; they're for emergencies already in progress. You can't get them if you can make it through the next week – you have to be down to the last few meals you can afford. "The money's for my phone, it's for gas, it's for my bills," Adkins said. "Why are you in a crisis," the woman asked, "when you have a phone bill?" "I need the phone so I can get a job. You can't look for a job without a phone." "Why do you have bills?" the woman asked. "I thought you didn't have a place to live." "I live in my van," Adkins said. "I have insurance." "You have a 2007 van," the woman said. "I think you need to sell that." "Please, I need a break," Adkins said. "I need some help. I need to take a shower." 8 "Why didn't you have a shower?" "I live in a van." The woman told Adkins to come back when she really needed help. "I was going into shock," Adkins recalls. "I'm crying and I'm shaking my head: 'No, no. I need to talk to somebody else.' They told me no." By then Adkins was screaming and begging. "I'm surprised they didn't call the cops," she tells me. Read more: http://www.rollingstone.com/culture/news/the-sharp-sudden-decline-of-americas-middle-class-20120622#ixzz1zTwTGrhu 3 When welfare applicants finally prove that they exist, and show their material worth to be nothing, they usually receive far less than they need to live on. That's what happened to Curtis and Concita Cates. The maximum amount of aid that a single adult is eligible for in Santa Barbara, they learned, is $291 per month – $200 in food stamps, $91 in cash assistance. The waiting time for Section 8 housing, if you have priority status, is six months to a year. If you belong to the vast majority who don't have priority status – if you're not elderly, disabled or a veteran with dependents – the wait is between four and eight years. Most of the social-service systems in the United States function not to help people like Curtis and Concita Cates get back to where they were, to a point of productive stability, but simply to keep them from starving – or, more often, to merely reduce the chances that they will starve. Millions of middle-class Americans are now receiving unemployment benefits, and many find themselves compelled by the meagerness of the assistance to shun opportunity and forgo productivity in favor of a ceaseless focus on daily survival. The system's incoherence and contempt for its dependents fluoresce brilliantly in the wake of a historic event like the Great Recession. When floodwaters cover our homes, we expect that FEMA workers with emergency checks and blankets will find us. There is no moral or substantive difference between a hundred-year flood and the near-destruction of the global financial system by speculators immune from consequence. But if you and your spouse both lose your jobs and assets because of an unprecedented economic cataclysm having nothing to do with you, you quickly discover that your society expects you and your children to live malnourished on the streets indefinitely. That kind of truth, says Nancy Kapp, "really screws with people's heads." When Curtis and Concita were living in the parking lot of the Santa Barbara Community Church with Canaan, they used constant forward motion to evade despair. "I just wanted to wake up every morning, see the sunrise and be like, 'Let's go!'" Curtis says. Getting on the road was normalizing: using the truck as it was intended to be used, entering into conventional routines. The family would shower at a friend's or relative's house before dropping Canaan off at school. 9 In the afternoons, he had sports, followed by activities at the Boys & Girls Club. "Spend as much time as you can in school and playing sports," his parents urged. "Wear yourself out." "My son's a good pretender," Curtis says. "He has a knack for finding used clothes at stores and putting things together. All the kids at school thought he had money because he always dressed nice. He never had any gadgets or anything, but he always tried to make himself presentable." "But there would be times he would ask for stuff," Concita is moved to say. "And I'm like, 'Do you even realize that we're homeless and living in a car? You want me to go buy you new shoes and clothes?'" While Canaan was in school, Curtis and Concita would head to the local Employment Development Office to search for jobs online. They applied so diligently that they had to wait for new openings to pop up on job sites. The process was dismally impersonal, and their homelessness cast a pall over the search. Many employers demanded a permanent address – "that was the number-one thing we needed," Curtis says. In job interviews, they tried to hide the fact they were homeless, which often proved impossible. The interviewers assumed – Curtis and Concita could read it on their faces – that there were other causes of their homelessness: mental-health issues, drug addiction, a criminal past. "You're trying to tell somebody, 'Listen, I'm just the person I was,'" Curtis says. "'I was working, things didn't end up the way they should have, and now I'm homeless. I'm not a dirtbag, I'm not a drug user.' But a lot of times people look at you and give you that vibe." Clothes could also be a problem. Once, sitting in an interview in a dress shirt and dollar tie he'd picked out at a thrift store, Curtis realized he'd forgotten to take the tag off the back of the shirt. They learned where the free food was. One charity had a weekly farmer's market, so they would line up for fresh produce. For hot meals, which become tremendously valuable when you're on the street, they'd go to a charity called Casa Esperanza. I ask whether they generally had enough to eat. "Not really," Concita says. "I'm glad my kid did, because he gets free lunches at school, free breakfast. But you don't have anywhere to warm up your food. You buy crackers. Dinner, we improvised and did what we could. A lot of the charity places, it's the same stuff over and over. 'Here's some dry beans and dry rice.' We didn't have anywhere to cook it. Or you would get the same bread; you have the same meal every night, in different forms. For plates and silverware, we'd just use the packaging, or sometimes I'd get it from McDonald's or Taco Bell." The truck payment – $424 a month – was always a problem. "Without it, we don't have shelter, we don't have transportation, we don't have a way of getting to job interviews," Curtis says. When they got their unemployment benefits, much of the money went straight to the truck payment. "My thinking was, as long as I'm throwing them money every freaking week, maybe it'll keep the repo guy off of us," he says. "And we dodged that, too – we didn't let anyone know where we were at." 10 Curtis asked people if they needed their houses cleaned or lawns mowed. He offered the services of his pickup. He learned to collect cans and bottles and redeem them at recycling centers. One sunny Monday, he was in a park picking cans out of recycling bins. He looked around and noticed several other homeless men doing the same thing. "Yeah, I'm homeless," he thought. When the family got back to the church parking lot in the evenings, they didn't want to talk to anybody. "I just wanted to pull up, drop the seats, go to sleep," Curtis says. There was an electrical outlet outside the church, and they had a DVD player and an extension cord, so they could watch movies. They didn't need curtains because "all the breathing steams up the windows." The truck had an extended cab; Curtis and Concita reclined in the front seats and gave the backseat to Canaan: They wanted to make sure he slept well. It was odd to be confined in such a small space. "Sometimes it was a little too intimate," Curtis says. There were times when Concita wanted to give up. "I'm going to take my son and go back home to my brothers and sisters, and you stay here," she'd tell Curtis. They'd fight, but Curtis would say that they needed to stay together, and ultimately Concita would agree. "I always wanted to be with my family," she says. The worst moments came when they felt immobilized, indefinitely tethered to the lot. "That's when you really feel like you're going crazy," he says. "You feel the pressure of everything: 'I'm not doing anything. I'm not being productive. I'm not making anything happen.' So any friends we had anywhere, we'd offer to cook and clean for them if we could crash that night. This is how it went every night: 'Let me call so-and-so.' 'Hey, can we crash at your pad?'" Sometimes, through odd jobs and recycling, they saved enough for a night at a Motel 6. "That was an 'ahhh' moment," Curtis recalls. "Just to take a shower and lay in a bed," adds Concita. "But then you have to carry all your personal stuff." "You have to bring all your clothes and everything you have with you," Curtis says. "You carry your life with you." "Every day I'd pack everything up, make sure everything's secure and then go off and do everything again," Concita says. "We were battling depression," Curtis says. "I was," Concita says. "I'd cry all the time for stupid little things. At the time, it probably wasn't stupid, but I can't think about it – I'm going to cry now." She pauses but doesn't cry. "It takes a lot of your pride," Curtis says. "It's humiliating to be begging for help. I can see how someone can get discouraged and give up, because I felt that way at times, and I'm a motivated person. I have goals in life. I can honestly see how someone that has maybe other issues could just say: 'I don't even want to deal with this.'" 11 Things have eased up a bit since their Section 8 apartment came through. Curtis is still collecting unemployment, but Concita found a part-time job at a grocery store. I ask whether they celebrated when they spent their first night in the new apartment. They look at each other. "I think we just collapsed," Curtis says. "We put air in the mattress and just slept," Concita says. It was a queen-size mattress, and they all slept on it together. "And for the first two or three weeks, we all still slept in the living room as a family," Curtis says. "No one wanted to go in their rooms. We were so used to being stuck together that we all stayed together. After a while, we started venturing off." "My son, every now and then, he'll say, 'Mom, can you lay down with me?'" Concita says. "And I'll go in his room until he falls asleep." For the first month after getting the place, she says, "I didn't want to go anywhere. I didn't want to talk to anybody. I just wanted to be in this house." "She wouldn't leave," Curtis says. I am reminded of something Nancy Kapp told me. "Homelessness gets in your bloodstream," she said, "and it stays there forever." "Self-possession of mind, bro – that's the only way I got through being homeless," the ex- soldier tells me. We're sitting in his brand-new Section 8 apartment, which resembles the Cateses' in its interior spareness and stucco insubstantiality. Until recently, Sean Kennan – he doesn't want his real name used – spent seven months sleeping in a 1971 Winnebago in the parking lot of the First Presbyterian Church. He had his four-year-old son and five-year-old daughter with him. (Out of respect, Kennan tells me, he doesn't want to discuss the children's mother.) He has agreed to show me the short-radius circle in which poverty had confined him while he and his kids were living in the Winnebago. He's wearing a camo field hat and black army fatigues. "I put this outfit on for you," he says, "because this was how I rolled when I was in the RV. Combat uniform, black boots. Serious. The seriousness of it. I had three sets of these. I looked at it like I was on duty. I was on duty for my kids." Read more: http://www.rollingstone.com/culture/news/the-sharp-sudden-decline-of-americas-middle-class-20120622#ixzz1zTwlWkVr 12 4. Kennan is 34 and quite short, with a long biker beard, a silver fleck of a nose stud and, almost always, a Wildhorse cigarette in one hand. Edgy energy keeps him in motion; he describes himself as "a very overanalytical individual." Desperate to get his kids out of a homeless shelter after he lost his job in San Francisco, Kennan heard about the Safe Parking program from a friend. He saved his cash assistance for two and a half months and used the $700 to buy the RV, then waited two weeks until the rest of his welfare money came in to get it registered. "I basically plunged all the funds I had into the vehicle and then coped with just food stamps," he says. He and the kids named the RV Big Bertha. The First Presbyterian lot, which sits on a hillside in central Santa Barbara, has five spots in the Safe Parking program. Kennan received a spot at the edge of the lot. "When I rolled in that first night, I was so freaked out – never been to this town, don't know anybody," he says. "On the street, you run into crazy people everywhere. But there were two cop cars in the parking lot – it's a central location, and they were just sitting there waiting for calls. I was superstoked. You got your Safe Parking sticker on your windshield so they never bother you. It was comforting – very, very comforting." After high school, Kennan knocked around the country for a while and then went to work for a relative in Florida as a vintage-boat restorer. September 11th inspired him to enlist in the army. He'd completed basic training and part of jump school when his back gave out, and he received a discharge. After moving to San Francisco with his kids, he struck up a child care arrangement with a friend and got a job in the packaging department at the U.S. Mint. It was a good job, but the Treasury Department was cutting back in the wake of the economic collapse, and Kennan couldn't get enough hours to get by. Around the same time, his child care arrangement fell apart, making it difficult to look for work, let alone hold down a full-time job. The RV now sits on the street, in front of his new apartment. We stop to look at it on the way out. Kennan has pulled off its roof and walls and begun reframing it. He wants to both work and to care for his kids, he says, and the only way to do that is to have his own business. He'd like to get back to the kind of vintage-boat restoration he did in Florida. "In essence, what you see out here has a lot of meanings," he says. "Because it's one, a prototype, and two, a backup plan." When the RV is fully rehabbed, he says, it will serve as a mobile advertisement for his restoration business. "There's a lot of people around here who have the money for toys," he says. The backup plan involves the fortification of the RV, survivalist style: waterproofing, solar panels, all-climate functionality. The Winnebago had been in rough shape when he lived in it with his kids, and Kennan had vowed that they would never again have to rely on such dicey shelter. "Big Bertha has a lot of meaning to my family," he says. "She took care of us, now we're taking care of her." I ask Kennan if he'll drive my car so I can take notes. As we pull away from the apartment, he says, "Man, I haven't driven a car in so long. This is weird, this is really weird. Just being in a car, period. So low. You're so low." We take Highway 101 northwest, beginning a tour of the world he and the kids inhabited after leaving the homeless shelter and striking out in Big Bertha. 13 "The shelter was almost like those reality-TV shows where you get dropped into a situation," he tells me. "I'd never been on welfare before. I had no clue. I'd just heard people talk about it. What do you do? Die, kill yourself, or turn to drugs – and I do none of that. I got food stamps and cash aid for the kids. I got an old bike with a kid cart so I could get from point A to point B, because I had no transportation. I had a little cover for the cart in case it was raining." We get off the highway and head down a commercial through street called De la Vina. Once he got the RV, he discovered that the roof leaked, so he bought a tarp and bungee cords to cover the holes. He ripped out the foul carpet ("It was so nasty, bro. It freaked me out to where I thought my kids were going to get sick"), and he strapped the bike and the kid cart to the roof. "But now, what are you gonna do to shower your children?" he asks. "The very first thing was, 'How do I shower my kids?'" The weather was too cold for a camping shower. When he signed up for the Safe Parking program, Nancy Kapp told him about discounted memberships at the YMCA, and he began showering his kids there. From De la Vina, we turn in to a strip mall. Kennan pulls into one of the spots where he used to park the RV after he finished shopping at Ralphs Grocery, a nearby supermarket. He often cooked something for the kids here, which sometimes drew complaints from the owners of a Chinese restaurant and a pizza place in the mall. Getting out of the car, we take a short walk to Mission Creek, which runs under De la Vina and connects the strip mall to Oak Park, where Kennan and the kids would spend the better part of their days after leaving the First Presbyterian lot each morning at dawn. The creek runs clean, between stands of old oaks, with no trash in the bed – a hallmark of Santa Barbara. One of their favorite activities was to walk from Oak Park up the streambed on the way to Ralphs. "We called it our Journey," Kennan says. "I'd say, 'Hey, who wants to get fruit? Who wants to get vegetables?' We'd go all the way down the creek to Ralphs to get food. The kids loved it." Along the way, they'd carefully clear clumps of sticks and leaves lodged between rocks in the creek bed. Kennan told the kids they needed to do this so "the water could flow properly." This became a serious undertaking, and the regularity of the Journey steadied their lives. Returning to the car, we drive down to Oak Park. At its edge, a road winds through a little wood; we turn onto it and find the parking spot they occupied most mornings, deep in oak shade and just above Mission Creek. Being here leaves Kennan thoughtful; as if to preclude sentiment, he abruptly pulls out, and we drive along the length of the park: a broad, oak-canopied lawn along the creek, a spacious playground, a wading pool for kids, bathrooms. Kennan points to a public tap near the stream. "This park has everything, bro, everything you could want," he says with the tenderness, almost wonderment, that people in the Safe Parking program express when talking about any public amenity that affords comfort: clean water, electrical outlets, showers, a safe green space, a good playground. 14 From Oak Park we turn right onto a road leading back to Highway 101, Kennan excruciatingly conscious of the road's steep grade. He'd run out of gas a few times trying to make it up the hill – the RV's gas gauge was broken – and had to carefully roll downhill to get as close to the nearest gas station as he could. "The major issue was always gas," he says. "The RV was really guzzling gas bad – to the point of over $300 a month just for the small circle we would do around here." The First Presbyterian lot was partway up a steep hill, and every night, the ascent burned a ton of gas: "It sucked, bro." Big Bertha was also bedeviled by electrical issues. O'Reilly Auto Parts offered free battery charging, and Kennan took them up on it every week. "They got kinda tired of it," he says. We get off the 101, and after a few turns pull into the YMCA parking lot. Kennan used to park at the very edge of the lot, to minimize conspicuousness. The Y is a big, modern, glassy facility, built around a courtyard. With the familiar note of thankful wonder, Kennan says, "They got so much cool stuff in there, bro. So much cool stuff." We head toward the parking lot at First Presbyterian. The basic routine was to leave the church lot at 7 a.m. for Oak Park, where they would play and hike until about 3 p.m. Then they'd drive to the Y for more activities and a shower. Then errands – battery charging, welfare paperwork, grocery shopping – and finally back to the church lot. The First Presbyterian Church, ensconced in a neighborhood of mountain views and landscaped mission-style homes, is a large, red-roofed, cream-sided building with stained-glass insets. The smooth parking lot forms a hilltop plateau dotted by a few islands of fit palms; past it, the hill descends to a little valley of tile roofs and treetops. We park in Kennan's former spot, at the back of the lot, and get out. The land falls away just past a chain-link fence. A few weathered blue plastic chairs stand next to a Safe Parking porta-potty. "We used to sit in those chairs at night and look at the stars," Kennan says. They could hear owls hooting after dark, visible sometimes as shadowy forms in the moonlight. The lot was mostly empty, and Kennan kept to himself. "My kids are my best friends and they consume all my time," he says. "When I parked, that was it. The blinds were drawn, the sun goes down. 'Love you, kids, time to go to sleep.' Seven, 7:30, they were out. I would relax for a few minutes, play card games or something on my cellphone, and then I would go down too." Each day had been filled with peril. "It was a complete disconnection from everything that people are technically connected to," Kennan says. "Under the circumstances that you're in, if you don't have the mind frame to understand that every day is beautiful, you can become bogged down and break. It was six and a half months before I really hit my breaking point." He had applied for Section 8 housing, but nothing had come through. "I was very close to going back to the shelter if the RV broke down," he says. "It was just a baby step up." He'd already headed for the desert, in search of a cheap trailer park, when he decided to call one last time about the Section 8 housing. "Your name is still on the list, sir," he was told, "but there's nothing available." Later that day, though, he got a call – an apartment had unexpectedly come open. "I almost started to cry, I'll be honest with you," he says. 15 At first, when the family moved into the apartment, they almost never left. "We hibernated for about a month," Kennan says. "We'd go to the grocery store, but that was about it. We'd watch movies constantly. We just hung out, ate a lot of fruits and vegetables. I'd make a big salad, and everybody got a fork, and we'd just hang out and watch movies and eat. We got over it eventually." Kennan lights a cigarette and tells me an elaborate story he'd made up for his kids while they were in the homeless shelter. The lights there didn't go out until 9 p.m., and the kids were in the upper bunk, so they couldn't fall asleep before then. He'd climb up and tell them stories until the lights were turned off. Soon it was just variations on one story, about a guy named Hippie Bob, who lived on a beach in Hawaii and made bonfires and rode sharks. When the kids asked what the shark's name was, "Jabber Jaws" popped into Kennan's head. Hippie Bob would ride out to a buoy on Jabber Jaws, put on his scuba gear, which was stored there, and Jabber Jaws would take him down to the land of the Snorks, who gave Hippie Bob all the gold they'd amassed from sunken pirate ships. Hippie Bob didn't need the gold, but they insisted he take it, so whenever he visited the Snorks, he brought them beautiful rocks and minerals. Before long, Kennan and his kids made up a theme song to go with the story: "Come along with the Snorks!/So happy to be when we're under the sea..." Now, whenever Kennan begins to talk about Hippie Bob, his kids immediately go silent. One chilly, rainy morning, I meet Janis Adkins shortly after she's woken up outside the Santa Barbara Community Church – the church to which Curtis and Concita Cates had been assigned. Adkins had parked in the overflow lot on the sly, as she sometimes does, to enjoy the view of the mountains. Wearing a purple shawl and blue Patagonia fleece vest over a fleece shirt, she was beginning to straighten the back of the van. It had been so cold she'd had to sleep in her clothes, and I express surprise that they are unwrinkled. She laughs. "Fleece doesn't wrinkle," she says. It was a valuable trait. She suggests that I sit in the driver's seat while she finishes getting ready. "What's a common denominator for all of us is we can't use the passenger seat, because it's so full of stuff," she says. I climb in. A shoulder bag holding her résumés is slung over the headrest. Scattered across the front seats: a CVS "Interdental Brush and Toothpick," a bottle of Wellness Formula, a bottle of Wellness Herbal Resistance Liquid, a bright-orange plastic box with a snap lid that reads "Homeopathic Emergency Kit Remedy List" and a nylon pouch full of more supplements and remedies. She nods at all the homeopathic stuff. "It's hell getting sick in a car," she explains. "So I have an arsenal of things to keep me healthy." The homeopathic emergency kit had been sent by a friend, whom Adkins calls whenever she feels like she's coming down with something. She begins to brush her teeth, excusing herself a few times to go spit at the edge of the lot. When I ask about water, she says, "Because I was a river guide, you really get used to brushing your teeth without water – you have enough saliva in your mouth." 16 The weather clears momentarily, and a half-rainbow appears over the hills. I ask if she uses a camp stove. "No," she says. "I'm very afraid of fire – paranoid of fire. I'm scared to use it in the van. And outside – there's no table for it." Because she doesn't cook, she relies almost exclusively on three places for a full, hot afternoon meal: Panda Express, In-N-Out Burger and Taco Bell. They're the only sufficiently cheap places, and to save gas, she goes to whichever is closest. "I had a cooler, but I needed block ice, and there's only two places to get it," she says. "Cube ice is more expensive and doesn't last long. Block ice lasts two or three times longer, but the gas to drive to get it is expensive. It's all a balancing act. Everything is done on faith and trust – and that's not a religious thing. You know that you're a heartbeat away from the bush. I have to be able to say to myself, 'OK, you're on "E," you have $5 in food stamps, and you have a dollar. You're OK.' I have to trust that if I lose 50 pounds I'll still be OK. Something happened to me when I was a little kid and I started saying, 'I'll be OK, I'll be OK.' And I've said it ever since. It's constant in my head." I get out of the driver's seat and climb into the back. Adkins gets behind the wheel and we head south, to Whole Foods, which has a breakfast bar that can be exploited. "Having a hot meal early is essential when it's this cold," she says. On the way, a sudden anxiety seizes her. "If we see a cop, you lie down," she says sharply – the only time I would hear this tone in her voice. Tickets for seat-belt violations in California start at $142 – the equivalent of about 28 meals. Read more: http://www.rollingstone.com/culture/news/the-sharp-sudden-decline-of-americas- middle-class-20120622#ixzz1zTx6ba7F 5 "Shit, I might have to stop and get some gas," she says. "The cheapest gas I can find is down the road. I try not to drive anywhere past this area if I don't have to. Yesterday I had to go downtown, and it took a lot of gas." We pull into a gas station. At the moment, regular gasoline is $4.35 a gallon. Adkins gets out her wallet and looks at the few bills in it and then looks at a minicalendar on the center console. She has $23. "Ten dollars in the tank, and $10 for me for cash," she says. I stand with her while she pumps. "I'm getting a whopping 2.29 gallons. That's supposed to get me 40 miles. That should last me until Tuesday." She grins. "I live near where I park." As we turn into the Whole Foods lot, she says, "In my mind right now, I know I'm going to use the bathroom to wash myself, wash my face. And I park far away from the store because I hate having people look in my car. I don't think anyone's going to steal anything in the Whole Foods lot, but... it's embarrassing. I'd rather people not know." We walk into the illuminated, multihued splendor of Whole Foods, briskly passing everything that stands between us and the breakfast bar. Adkins looks a little more careworn than the other customers, but in her sheepskin boots and Patagonia fleece, she doesn't look out of the ordinary. 17 She could be the successful nursery owner she once was, stopping for a healthy breakfast on her way to work. "It's all by weight, so you get the lightest thing," Adkins says. "Stuff without water. They have this really nice burrito that's really light. I get bacon, and it's less than $4." For her that's not cheap, but it's workable; she can go without another full meal the rest of the day if necessary. At the register, Adkins pays with a fistful of coins. The cashier patiently counts pennies, nickels, dimes and quarters. Adkins asks for a cup of hot water. We stop at the condiments stand, where she gets utensils and puts honey in the water in advance of the tea bag she has in the van. As we climb in, I realize the van smells faintly of slept-on sheets. Adkins is a clean person – she showers and does laundry regularly – but vehicle dwellers live in spaces too small to easily dissipate quotidian odors. Driving back up to the church lot would burn gas unnecessarily, but the view there is restorative. "Keeping my spirits up is important," she says, almost to herself. "And I can also finish the chores in my car, like packing up the trash, without being looked at." The lot is empty when we arrive. "Do you want a sea view or a mountain view?" Adkins asks. I choose the mountain view because of the rare snow. She drops a bag of Yogi Vanilla Spice tea into her cup of hot water and eats her breakfast quietly, using the plastic fork she'd picked up at Whole Foods. As she finishes up, she tells me she'd recently applied for a sales position at REI and had been turned down. She'd gotten to the second round, a group interview, and had gone in thinking it would be ridiculous if she didn't get the job, given her qualifications. "But I was cocky in the group interview," she says. "I should have left my ego outside. Ego is good for getting some things done, but not when it leads to arrogance. And I was probably more nervous than I realized." It must be psychically wrenching, I think, to be at once so impeccably qualified and so helplessly destitute. In any event, more than 200 people had applied for the position. She pauses, then says, "It's weird. When people find out I'm homeless, it changes how they feel about me. I get declined for jobs. As soon as they learn I live in a van, I'm a thief." Responding to a job listing online, she had spoken with a woman who wanted to exchange pet care for rent on a trailer she owned. But during the interview, the woman asked where she lived, and Adkins could only evade the question for so long. "What?" the woman responded. "How old are you? And you have no money?" Adkins tried to caution her against judging homeless people, but she knows that as soon as she has to make that kind of appeal, she's already lost. Another time, she got an interview for a job as a dog walker. The potential employer was a young woman in her twenties, and Adkins thought she'd be open-minded, so she didn't hide her situation. The woman's face changed instantly. Adkins looked at her and took hold of her hand 18 and gave it a squeeze. "It doesn't change who I am," she told the woman. "I'm still the same person. I'm honest, I've always worked hard and I'll work hard for you." But the woman had already withdrawn, and the next day she reposted the ad. Curtis Cates, looking back on the time he spent living in his pickup, recognized the impossibility of convincing people that he was still "just the person I was." Sean Kennan recognized that the demands of homelessness create a "complete disconnection" between those living on the streets and the rest of society. Janis Adkins, unable for the moment to see a way out of her homelessness, doesn't have the benefit of hindsight. She would rather not give up on the possibility of being treated normally. "I try to not have the van factor into anything I do," she says. "It's where I live – it's just smaller." The Great Recession cost 8 million Americans their jobs. Three years after the economy technically entered recovery, there are positions available for fewer than one out of every three job seekers. In this labor market, formerly middle-class workers like Curtis and Concita Cates and Janis Adkins and Sean Kennan cannot reliably secure even entry-level full-time work, and many will never again find jobs as lucrative and stable as those they lost. Long-term unemployment tarnishes résumés and erodes basic skills, making it harder for workers to regain high-paying jobs, and the average length of unemployment is currently at a 60-year high. Many formerly middle-class people will never be middle-class again. Selfidentities derived from five or 10 or 40 years of middle-class options and expectations will capsize. I last see Janis Adkins in the off-leash area of Tucker's Grove Park, near the lot where she parks her van. She takes her dog, Jojo, here several times a week. Jojo is a shaggy, shambolic border collie, 16 years old and blind and deaf and nearly toothless. Life in the van recently became too hard for him, and a woman Adkins met at the Wildlife Care Network found someone willing to take him in. The day is mild, and Adkins is wearing the sandals that she's worn almost exclusively in nice weather for two years. We sit on a bench as Jojo snuffles around gimpily. The off-leash area, an ample lawn perforated by gopher holes, forms part of a meadow that ends in green hillsides, with low mountaintops behind – surplus gorgeousness typical of Santa Barbara. When she returned to the city, Adkins tells me, she went to a plant nursery where she'd worked as a teenager and asked her old boss if he needed help. He said he was letting people go, not hiring them, but she'd gone back three more times; the last time, a few weeks earlier, he'd said, "You still haven't found a job? Come on," and gave her two eight-hour shifts a week at $10 an hour. Later, she'd added two more shifts, but the day before, her manager had warned her that unless business picked up, he would have to let her go. "I wonder whether that was just an out, in case they want to fire me," Adkins says. She pauses. "I've lost a ton of confidence in the last year and a half," she concedes. "It just takes a wedge out of you." 19 The staff at the plant nursery treat her like an entry-level salesperson. Not so long ago, they might have been her employees. "You learn to let go of the concept of identity, of what 'I' means," she says. "That's a concept people really have trouble with. But it's been important for me. I've let go of my ego – or I'm trying to let go: I could be the dishwasher, I could be the janitor. I'm trying to re-form, trying to allow the job to become me. And I keep referring back to the fact that a lot of people would not allow it. They would hold on to their identity – hard." Adkins has just gotten her first paycheck from the nursery, but expenses and debts have evaporated it right away. She went to the YMCA to take care of her outstanding balance of $80, but she could only afford to pay it down by $20. The young woman behind the desk balked, indignant. Not long afterward, the manager of the Y called her to talk about the balance. He appreciated her payment, he told Adkins. "Why don't we just make it a clean slate?" he proposed. Adkins stops talking. I look over at her. She has her head in her hands; her shoulders are shaking. Finally, she looks up and wipes her eyes. "I don't know what happened there," she says. "I think what got me was the recognition that I'm trying. He saw I was trying. He saw I was a responsible person." She pauses. "Because," she says, her voice breaking, "I always have been." Read more: http://www.rollingstone.com/culture/news/the-sharp-sudden-decline-of-americas-middle-class-20120622#ixzz1zTxI2tzq From:Sukie Stanley To:Council, City Subject:Stay strong on responsible development Date:Monday, September 22, 2025 10:43:28 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. I just read the Palo Alto online article about the Cal Ave proposal. I am sickened by the strong-arm attempts on the part of the developer to evade Palo Alto’s reasonable, responsible, building codes. Please stay strong in looking out for us Palo Alto residents. Sylvia Stanley From:Lisa To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City Subject:Please do not support conversion of tennis courts to PB courts at Mitchell Park Date:Monday, September 22, 2025 10:22:10 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. i Dear commissioners and council members, I am a resident of Palo Alto, and we have two children: a 14 year old and an 11 year old. I askyou not to support the conversion of tennis courts to pickleball courts. Ironically, I am an avid pickleball player and personally understand the value that pickleball brings to my life and thatof other pickleball players. However, I believe that the benefits of this conversion to more pickleball courts are heavily outweighed by the negative impacts to Palo Alto residents. While my family and I love the amenities at Mitchell Park including the amazing library,community center, open grass spaces, etc., we do not use them as often as we would like due to the massive challenge with parking. In addition, I do not have my kids bike anywhere nearMitchell Park due to the unsafe behavior of too many drivers on Middlefield, Meadow, and Charleston. Although they bike daily to school and other locations close to our home in theDuveneck/St Francis area (and are very competent bikers), I don't feel that the conditions around the Mitchell Park area support safe biking. This is a shame because again, we lovewhat the city has created in the Mitchell Park area. As a pickleball player, I have played at several public and private locations both in Palo Alto and in nearby cities and met manyplayers around the bay area. It is clear that MANY, if not the majority, of the pickleball users of Mitchell Park are NOT Palo Alto residents, and unfortunately, I believe that increasing thenumber of pickleball courts will provide the greatest benefit to non-residents while exacerbating traffic and pedestrian/bike safety for our own residents. Thank you,Lisa Hwang 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:D Chen To:Council, City; ParkRec Commission Cc: Subject:Letter of support for add"l pickleball courts at Mitchell Park Date:Sunday, September 21, 2025 10:02:59 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. i Dear members of the Palo Alto Parks & Recreation Commission and City Council, I am a long-time resident of the Barron Park area, and am writing in support of creating additional pickleball courts at Mitchell Park. I started playing pickleball at Mitchell Park in 2021 and I continue to be a huge fan – stillamazed by the community of players that includes individuals of all ages, backgrounds and levels of ability. I have never found a sport or place like the Mitchell Park pickleball courts -- somewhere thatI can go and know I'll have the opportunity to meet an incredible diversity of people, young and old, of all athletic abilities, profession, gender, race and heritage. I can't say this about anyother sport, recreational facility or place in Palo Alto! One only has to visit the courts on any morning or evening to see that this is no overstatement. The Mitchell Park pickleball courts attract people of all ages. Case in point - my adultdaughter loves pickleball as much as I do and since returning to the Bay Area after attending college out of state, has made many friends and no longer yearns to live in San Franciscoinstead of the "boring suburbs." Truly, the pickleball courts are our "happy place." I hope that by adding more courts, more people will enjoy the exercise, fun, socializing and community at Mitchell Park. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely,Dione Chen & Mira Dhingra 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:Cynthia Litchi To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City; Subject:Suport additional pickleball courts at Mitchell Park Date:Sunday, September 21, 2025 9:20:36 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. i Dear members of the Palo Alto Parks & Rec Commission and City Council: I live in Palo Alto, and am writing in support of creating eight additional pickleball courts at Mitchell Park. I have lived in Palo Alto for 10 years and work from home, and it has often been hard to find waysto connect with the community. Growing up, I was an athlete in team sports, but as an adult—especially as a woman—it has been difficult to find a team sport that helps me meet people andstay active. Over time, I had stopped exercising altogether. That changed when I discovered pickleball. I learned to play about two months and I’vebeen going to Mitchell Park regularly. Even as a beginner, I was warmly welcomed— the community here is incredibly kind and always willing to help new players learn. Forthe first time in years, I have found a recreational sport I can enjoy, one that brings exercise, joy, and connection back into my life. However, I’ve noticed there are not enough courts available for beginners to practice and learn from this wonderful community. More court access players would help manyresidents experience the same physical, social, and mental health benefits that pickleball has brought me. Thank you for your time and for considering the needs of our growing pickleball community. Sincerely, Cynthia Litchi Heather Lane 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:herb To:Council, City; Clerk, City Subject:September 22, 2025, Council Appointed Officers Commiittee, Item #1: Brochure and Recruitment Process Date:Sunday, September 21, 2025 5:05:03 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. SEPTEMBER 22, 2025 COUNCIL APPOINTED OFFICERS (CAO) COMMITTEE AGENDA ITEM #1: BROCHURE AND RECRUITMENT PROCESS I urge you to recommend to the City Council that the brochureand recruitment process include the Goals and Key PerformanceIndicators (KPIs) that were agreed to by the City Council andthe current City Attorney to inform the recruiter consultantapplicants, the press, and the public of the current Goals andKPIs as described in the comments of last year's CAO CommitteeChair recorded at Pages 4 and 5 of the Summary Minutes of the12/02/2024 City Council meeting reproduced below. Once the City Council and each Council Appointed Officer agreeon Goals and KPIs they are identifiable public records subjectto disclosure and should be made available to the public andpress (1) when they are established, (2) in the agenda packetmaterials each time evaluation of the CAOs is on the Councilagenda, and (3) in the agenda packet and recruitment brochurewhenever the Council is seeking a new Council AppointedOfficer. Providing the current Goals and KPIs in the agenda packet whenCouncil Appointed Officers are being evaluated will permit thepublic and press to make meaningful comments to the Councilprior to a Closed Session on evaluation. Providing the current Goals and KPIs in the recruitmentbrochure and public process will enable the public, press, andeach recruiter consultant interviewed to indicate their viewson those current Goals and KPIs and whether there should bedifferent KPIs for the Goals or different Goals, while alsoproviding each applicant to fill the vacancy an opportunity tosuggest changes in their interviews. In the comments reproduced below, the 2024 CAO Chair began byreferring to "setting KPIs on the objectives that were inplace". If "objectives" are not the same thing as "Goals", thoseobjectives are also identifiable public records that should bedisclosed publicly at the same time as the Goals and KPIs. -------------------------------------- Council Member Questions, Comments and Announcements Vice Mayor Lauing reported on the CAO Committee’s meeting last week. There had been a closed session related to possibly setting KPIs on the objectives that were in place. There had been productive conversations with the City Manager, City Clerk, and City Attorney. It was unanimously concluded that the CAOs should identify a few of the key goals and set measurements (KPIs or metrics) for the goals, which Council would receive shortly from the outside consultant. The process had been reviewed in open session and specific questions/prompts had been given to the CAOs for them to address and the questions had been reworked. In closed session, they had dedicated a lot of time for an interactive process with the CAOs, and the process for KPIs had begun. It had been suggested that the overall time frame be compressed next year and maybe start earlier. They wanted to make sure new Council members would be up to speed on their important role in governance. The other agenda items included evaluating the process and what would be done going forward, and they were pleased with Consultant/Facilitator Dan Rich whom they would welcome back. It was felt that the Committee should choose consultants and then have a faceoff of candidates and that Page 4 of 17 City Council Meeting Summary Minutes: 12/02/2024 the Committee chose the facilitator. The steps of that were in process, and updates would be provided Page 5 of 17 City Council Meeting Summary Minutes: 12/02/2024 ---------------------------------------- Thank you for your consideration of these comments. Herb Borock From:Irene Zou To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City; papc.secretary@gmail.com Cc:Irene Zou Subject:Fwd: support for Pickleball Court Expansion Date:Sunday, September 21, 2025 4:07:39 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. i Dear members of the Palo Alto Parks & Rec Commission and City Council: My name is Irene Zou and I've been living in Palo Alto for more than 20 years. I am writing in support of creating eight additional pickleball courts at Mitchell Park as pickleball activity benefits our health in multiple ways. I used to not be active at sports at all, however, once I started playing pickleball about a year ago, I just loved it. I got a lot of enjoyment from it and I can feel my health improve a lot as well. I wish more people could benefit from this activity thus I would like to express my support on the pickleball court expansion. Thanks in advance for your help! 4173 Irene Zou 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:Kevin Wu To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City; papc.secretary@gmail.com Subject:Pickleball Court Expansion Date:Sunday, September 21, 2025 3:41:58 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Dear members of the Palo Alto Parks & Recreation Commission and City Council: I and my wife have been home owners in the Midtown neighborhood of Palo Alto since 1997. I also lived in Palo Alto when I was a graduate student at Stanford University in the 1980s. I am writing in support of creating eight additional pickleball courts at Mitchell Park. I have made friends with other members of the Palo Alto Pickleball Club. This is a positive part of membership in the club. Some of my better friends from the club have invited me to recreational pickleball games at McKenzie Park in Los Altos where they reside. Some opponents of the pickleball court expansion effort have claimed on the Nextdoor site that the high demand for pickleball courts at Mitchell Park is caused by non-residents. They want to block non-residents from using MitchellPark pickleball courts. I want to remind city leaders that Palo Alto previously blocked non-residents from entering Foothills Park for decades. Then the ACLU sued the city tochange that policy. City council voted to open access to non-residents in response. Please remember this recent history and reject proposals to block non-residents from Palo Alto's public pickleball courts. Sincerely yours, Kevin Wu Resident of the Midtown neighborhood From:Aram James To:h.etzko@gmail.com; Council, City Subject:Re: Delivery Status Notification (Failure) Date:Sunday, September 21, 2025 9:07:33 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. On Sun, Sep 21, 2025 at 11:41 AM Henry Etzkowitz <wrote: Assume below correct address?Sent from my iPhone Begin forwarded message: From: Mail Delivery Subsystem <mailer-daemon@googlemail.com>Date: September 21, 2025 at 9:27:52 AM EDTTo: Subject: Delivery Status Notification (Failure)  Message blocked Your message to city.council@cityofpaloalto.org has been blocked.See technical details below for more information. LEARN MORE This link will take you to a third-party site The response from the remote server was: 554 Email rejected due to security policies -https://community.mimecast.com/docs/DOC-1369#554[-65ZF03WOxW2q9OLb1dHuA.usb12] ---------- Forwarded message ----------From: Henry Etzkowitz <h.etzko@gmail.com> To: Chantal Gaines <Chantal.Gaines@paloalto.gov>Cc: City Council <city.council@cityofpaloalto.org> Bcc: Date: Sun, 21 Sep 2025 09:27:39 -0400 Subject: RequestMy messages to city council return blocked. Am I using the correct address. If not, please advise. If blocked, please unblock and kindly find why. As you are aware, the address is animportant channel of communication in our civically engaged community Best HenrySent from my iPhone From:Aram James To:Reckdahl, Keith; Jessica Speiser, Educational Leader for California Democratic Delegate, Assembly District 23;assemblymember.berman@assembly.ca.gov; h.etzko@gmail.com; Dave Price; Emily Mibach; Braden Cartwright;Gennady Sheyner; Gerry Gras; Dana St. George; Ed Lauing; Keith Reckdahl; Vicki Veenker;gstone22@gmail.com; Shankar Ramamoorthy; Sheree Roth; Yusra Hussain; Shikada, Ed; Susan Hayase;Supervisor Susan Ellenberg; Sameena Usman; Zahra Billoo; Supervisor Otto Lee; Jeff Rosen; Jay Boyarsky;Raymond Goins; Raj Jayadev; Jose Valle; Henry Etzkowitz; Palo Alto Renters" Association; board@pausd.org;board@valleywater.org; boardfeedback@smcgov.org; Jay Boyarsky; BoardOperations; Binder, Andrew; PDKristina Bell; james pitkin; Mark Turner; Council, City; Perron, Zachary; Human Relations Commission; PlanningCommission; ParkRec Commission; cromero@cityofepa.org; Lee, Craig; Anna Griffin; Angel, David; Josh Becker;Bill Newell; Diana Diamond; MGR-Melissa Stevenson Diaz; vramirez@redwoodcity.org; Stump, Molly; YolandaConaway; sharon jackson; Carla Torres; Sean Allen; Gennady Sheyner; Riley Cooke; Kaloma Smith; Wagner,April; Brandon Pho; Brian Good; Roberta Ahlquist; Lotus Fong; Friends of Cubberley; Jeff Conrad; WILPFPeninsula Palo Alto; Doug Minkler; Enberg, Nicholas; Nash, Betsy; dcombs@menlopark.gov;city.council@menlopark.gov; Pacific GrovePD; GRP-City Council; Clerk, City Subject:U.K., Canada, Australia recognize Palestine as state, break with U.S. - The Washington Post Date:Sunday, September 21, 2025 7:46:08 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. U.K., Canada, Australia recognize Palestine as a state, breaking with U.S. https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/09/21/britain-recognizes-palestine-state-israel/ From:Aram James To:Shikada, Ed; Lait, Jonathan Cc:Dave Price; Gennady Sheyner; Diana Diamond; EPA Today; Council, City; Binder, Andrew; Sean Allen; Jeff Rosen; Jay Boyarsky Subject:Mark Zuckerberg sparks backlash with potentially illegal actions at compound: "Billionaires everywhere are usedto just making their own rules" Date:Saturday, September 20, 2025 8:47:52 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Mark Zuckerberg sparks backlash with potentially illegal actions at compound: 'Billionaireseverywhere are used to just making their own rules' Source: The Cool Down https://share.newsbreak.com/f3jmzblf?s=i0 From:Aram James To:h.etzko@gmail.com Cc:Reckdahl, Keith; Council, City; Dave Price Subject:What I have so far on Keith’s work at LM-still need to question him with more specific question -public recordsshow more of Keith’s work on space-related rather than weapons systems—but need to question Keith re hisearlier career as well Date:Saturday, September 20, 2025 8:41:25 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. wasn’t able to find credible, detailed public info about what Keith Reckdahl’s specificprojects or contributions are at Lockheed Martin, beyond a few biographical notes. Here’s a summary of what is known, and what remains unclear — I can try to dig up more if you want. What is known Keith Reckdahl works as an aerospace engineer at Lockheed Martin. In local news (Palo Alto), Reckdahl is active in civic and policy issues (e.g. LivableStreets, Planning & Transportation Commission) and runs for local office. His engineering background is mentioned in local sources, but those sources do not gointo technical or program‐level detail. What is not found (so far) I did not find (in public sources) any detailed descriptions of his Lockheed Martin projects: what systems he works on, what technical areas (e.g. propulsion, avionics,composites, systems engineering, etc.), which programs, what responsibilities. No published papers or news items attributing specific achievements or innovations atLockheed Martin to him (at least in the sources I checked). If you like, I can try to pull up internal technical documents or patents (if publicly available) to see whether his contributions are recorded in greater detail — do you want me to do that? Here are several weapon / defense systems associated with Lockheed Martin that have been sold to, or cooperatively developed with, Israel — or upgraded for the Israeli military. Someare directly “sales,” others are development or service contracts. If you want a more complete list or details of one system, I can pull that up too. Known Systems / Deals Involving Lockheed Martin & Israel System / Contract Nature of the Sale / Deal Notes FGM‑172 SRAW (Short‑RangeAssault Weapon) Designed by Lockheed Martin and Israel Military Industries;used by Israel. F‑16I “Soufa”Trainer / Flight & Systems Trainer Lockheed Martin delivered flight‑systems trainers for the F‑16Ito the Israeli Air Force; simulating systems/weapons, etc. CH‑53K “Pere”Helicopters Israel is buying CH‑53K helicopters from Sikorsky (a LockheedMartin company); includes modification to Israelispecifications. SPICE Weapons(SPICE 1000, SPICE2000, SPICE 250) Rafael (Israel) + Lockheed Martin entered into agreements tojointly develop, market, manufacture, and support these guidance kits / all‑up rounds. SPICE is used by the Israeli AirForce. Iron Beam /High‑Energy Laser Weapon Systems(HELWS) Lockheed Martin is collaborating with Rafael and IsraeliDDR&D on the Iron Beam project, a laser‑based air defense /directed‑energy system. F‑35 Block 4Upgrade for Israel Lockheed Martin was contracted to upgrade Israeli F‑35s withadvanced capabilities (Block 4). From:Aram James To:Shikada, Ed Cc:Council, City; Binder, Andrew; Reifschneider, James; <michael.gennaco@oirgroup.com>; CityCouncil; Perron, Zachary; Wagner, April; Dave Price; Emily Mibach; Gennady Sheyner; Stump, Molly; Gardener, Liz; h.etzko@gmail.com; Barberini, Christopher; Foley, Michael; Figueroa, Eric; Jensen, Eric; cotton.gaines@cityofpaloalto.org; Lait, Jonathan; Diana Diamond; Afanasiev, Alex; Enberg, Nicholas; EPA Today; editor@almanacnews.com; Ed Lauing Subject:Re: From the archives of Avram Finkelstein-when a city manager tries to chill the first amendment rights of alocal police watchdog Date:Saturday, September 20, 2025 8:15:33 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. From the archives of Avram Finkelstein-when a city manager tries to chill the first amendmentrights of a local police watchdog On Sat, Sep 20, 2025 at 12:48 PM Aram James <abjpd1@gmail.com> wrote: On Wed, Sep 17, 2025 at 2:48 AM : City manager shouldn’t be giving his personal opinion on your public records request. What is this? - some kind of frat house? Good job on keeping folks accountable. On Tuesday, September 16, 2025, Aram James <abjpd1@gmail.com > wrote: On Tue, Sep 16, 2025 at 12:52 PM Shikada, Ed <Ed.Shikada@paloalto.gov > wrote: Hello Aram, I don’t know what’s caused you to feel the need to jump on our police chief, but rest assured that he is doing an extraordinary job. For what it's worth, I will tell you that I have been consistently impressed with Andrew’s dedication and commitment to Palo Alto and his role as police chief. He is among the best people I’ve ever worked with, and I greatly admire how he performs his duties. Best regards, --Ed Ed Shikada, City Manager ICMA Credentialed Manager (650) 329-2280 |ed.shikada@PaloAlto.gov www.PaloAlto.gov On Tue, Sep 16, 2025 at 2:58 PM Aram James <abjpd1@gmail.com > wrote: 9/16/2025 Hi Ed, I have a very different opinion of Andrew than you do. And whatever opinion you have I totally respect but am doubtful we would agree on much when it comes to Andrew. When Andrew first came to Palo Alto from the SJPD I welcomed him to Palo Alto. I think we became friends and we both enjoyed talking about a wide range of community issues with a particular focus on something we were both interested in,police practices. We met multiple times at a midtown coffee shop long before he became chief. I thought i knew Andrew fairly well but turns out I saw a different face to Andrew when he became police chief. BTW: just last week I met for several hours with my friend and former Palo Alto Police Chief Dennis Burns at the samecoffee shop. I grew up in Palo Alto and been a close observer of the PAPD for close to 60 years. Grew up with a mom who was a very active member of the NAACP. I nowvolunteer with the NAACP. I spent my entire career as a public defender, here in Santa Clara County as a front line public defender mostly, almost daily, cross examining lying cops who werebent on being the judge, jury and executioner of my clients, mostly poor and marginalized POC. Also one year in the Compton Branch of the Los Angeles Public Defender’s Office in 1988-1989. A topic of discussion by itself. After listening to lying cops for so many years I could feel the lies coming out their mouth almost before they said their first word. Just like you can read a city council person before they even step on the dais for the first time. All cops all citizen council members very predictable. Soon I knew how to control cops just like youknow how to manage all most every type of city council type. City Manager Play Book 101. Right? Of course I am. It’s all about managing the conversation. I use cross-examination to keep cops on a very short leash. Admit it, you do the same with city staff and council. I watch you closely so I know. When I see you step toofar out a line with a new council member I let you know. We in the same business, managed conversation. If you want to know why i have such a strong dislike for Andrew just ask him. Heknows. Sure enough he know less he lying to you and himself. 1. Can you tell me how I can get a tour with a non aggressive professional member of the PAPD of the new jail? Sure don’t think Andrew has the capability of acting professionally towards me. He has already proven that. 2. Can we discuss the California Public Records Act and some concerns re how it is being implemented? *** Your invited to my house for coffee anytime if you which to discuss Andrew or related city issues pretty much anytime. Okay, my tax dollars contributed to pay for the new cop center so please let me know how I can get that tour. Peace, Aram James aka Avram Finkelstein. P.S. Call me anytime at From:Kris Lawton To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City Subject:Pickleball Date:Saturday, September 20, 2025 12:36:37 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. i Dear members of the Palo Alto Parks & Rec Commission and City Council: I live in Palo Alto, and am writing in support of creating eight additional pickleball courts at Mitchell Park. I have been coming to Mitchell Park to play since 2021, back when we had to roll the nets out onto the court and put them back when they were done. Since that time, nearly all of my friends have picked up the sport, and we love coming out to Mitchell to play. I love coming to the park on the weekends to get some exercise and meet new people from our community. Thanks for reading! Sincerely yours, Kris Law Ventura Neighborhood 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:Aram James To:Perron, Zachary; Sean Allen; Pat M; mike braxton; Binder, Andrew; Reifschneider, James; Wagner, April; ladoriscordell; Reckdahl, Keith; Ed Lauing; eddie.aubrey@sanjoseca.gov; Shikada, Ed; Lauing, Ed; The Office of MayorMatt Mahan; Mark Turner; CityCouncil; Human Relations Commission; Dave Price; Gennady Sheyner;h.etzko@gmail.com; Yusra Hussain; Holman, Karen (external); Tom DuBois; Peter Drekmeier; Liz Kniss;Gardener, Liz; Lotus Fong; Keith Reckdahl; editor@paweekly.com; editor@almanacnews.com;cromero@cityofepa.org; Raymond Goins; Raj Jayadev; Yolanda Conaway; Don Austin; board@pausd.org;board@valleywater.org; BoardOperations; Ruth Silver Taube (rsilvertaube@scu.edu); Daniel Barton; Gerry Gras;Dana St. George; Dan Okonkwo; Damon Silver; Rodriguez, Miguel; WILPF Peninsula Palo Alto; Roberta Ahlquist;Baker, Rob; Jay Boyarsky; Council, City; Jeff Conrad; Palo Alto Free Press; james pitkin; Lythcott-Haims, Julie;Zelkha, Mila; assemblymember.berman@assembly.ca.gov; Josh Becker; Seher Awan; Friends of Cubberley; DavidPiper; Angel, David; Jeff Rosen; Robert Salonga; Brandon Pho; Jeff Hayden; Steve Wagstaffe; Jennifer MorrowSan José Spotlight; josh@joshsalcman.com; San José Spotlight; Vara Ramakrishnan; Linda Jolley; Rick Callender Subject:Re: Cop’s use of n-word led to investigation that never became public – Palo Alto Daily Post Date:Saturday, September 20, 2025 8:12:09 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. On Sat, Sep 20, 2025 at 10:47 AM Aram James <abjpd1@gmail.com> wrote:Cop’s use of n-word led to investigation that never became public Zack Perron still with the PAPD 10 years later!!! https://padailypost.com/2019/05/22/cops-use-of-n-word-led-to-investigation-that-never-became-public/ From:Aram James To:Adam.Oberdorfer@shf.sccgov.org; Robert. Jonsen; <michael.gennaco@oirgroup.com>; Human RelationsCommission; Reckdahl, Keith; Enberg, Nicholas; Binder, Andrew; Foley, Michael; Barberini, Christopher;Figueroa, Eric; Jensen, Eric; Council, City; mike braxton; Sean Allen; Yolanda Conaway; Alex Etzkowitz; PDKristina Bell; GRP-City Council; CityCouncil; city.council@gilroy.org; Pat M; Rose Lynn; Carla Torres; sharonjackson; Josh Becker; assemblymember.berman@assembly.ca.gov; Stump, Molly; Lait, Jonathan; Gerry Gras;Palo Alto Free Press Subject:no excuse for Taser use in our jails 1 (2) 3 Date:Saturday, September 20, 2025 7:53:25 AM Attachments:no excuse for Taser use in our jails 1 (2) 3.docx CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. 1 There’s no excuse for Taser use in our jails By Aram James and Richard Konda Wwatchdogs across the country are organizing to oppose police practices that run contrary to community values and our constitutional rights. In Santa Clara County in the spring of 2017, Sheriff Laurie Smith, a longtime opponent of Tasers, in a surprising shift of policy, announced her plan to introduce Tasers into the Santa Clara County jails. Local civil rights organizations immediately began organizing to resist the sheriff’s call for Tasers. One of our first strategies was to ensure that members of the community were as fully in- formed as possible regarding the risks that Tasers pose to human life. We reviewed materials on Tasers and got ourselves cur- rent on the nuances of the issue. Next, we scheduled meetings over a seven-month period with key elected and non-elected officials who we felt could influence the sheriff’s decision. This included members of the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors who ultimately will vote to decide whether the sheriff will be allowed to purchase Tasers. We also met with the elected Santa Clara County district attorney, the Santa Clara County public defender and the county counsel. And most importantly, we met with the sheriff and her staff to open up a dialogue on this critical issue. Here are some of the arguments and information we pro- vided much of which came from a recent five part series by Reuters (“Shock Tactics: Inside the New York Times News Service Taser, the Weapon that Trans- formed Policing”) and the Bar Association of San Francisco. Taser-Related Deaths and Litigation Critically important to convincing our sheriff of the inappropriateness of bringing Tasers to the jails is Reuter’s recent finding that the death toll associated with Tasers is substantially more than previously reported by mainstream civil rights organizations like Amnesty International. Using rigorous journalistic standards, 2 Reuters documented 1,005 deaths related to Taser use by law enforcement. In addition, Reuter’s completed a thorough examination of the monies paid out by cities across the country in Taser related litigation. Reuters identified and reviewed 442 wrongful death lawsuits in which Tasers were a factor that may have caused death. “In 120 of the 442 cases or 27%, the Taser was the only force alleged in the claim; in the remaining 322 cases, the stun guns were alleged to have been part of a broader array of police force. More than three-fifths of the 366 of the concluded law- suits against governments, or 232, resulted in judgments or settlements for the plaintiffs: 220 settlements and 12 judgments. Reuters was able to determine payouts in 193 cases, totaling $172 million paid by cities and their insurers. That dollar figure does not include three dozen cases in which settlements remained confidential or were unavailable.” (Emphasis added.) These findings regarding the cost of litigation should trouble any law enforcement agency, city or county contemplating the purchase of Tasers. Taser Warnings Historically the manufacturer had very few warnings regarding the safety of its weapon. Increasingly and in order to shift liability to cities and police departments, Taser now has a 4,500-word, seven-page warning. The warning advises users not to deploy the Taser in the area of the face, eyes, neck, chest, heart and the genitals. And not to Taser a variety of populations including the frail, mentally ill, pregnant women and those with heart problems. By warning police departments regarding the risk of death and serious injury when a Taser is improperly used, the manufacturer has effectively shifted liability from itself to police departments and municipalities. Reuters also explored in detail the progression of Taser warnings that includes a comprehensive interactive guide. The progression of increasingly restrictive warnings issued by Taser has led some police agencies to either shelve Tasers all together or not to purchase them at all after having reviewed the extensive warnings. Ed Davis, former Boston police chief from 2006-2013, in ultimately declining to purchase Tasers for his department said the following: The warnings “made the weapon impractical to use, and it gave a lot of us the impression that we weren’t getting the full story. I didn’t want to take the risk. The potential litigation costs absolutely 3 were a factor.” The tragic death of Everette Howard, a young African-American student, is a case examined in the Reuter’s series. One Taser blast by University of Cincinnati police officer Richard Haas, a certified Taser instructor, resulted in Everette Howard’s death. “Haas fired his stun gun. One electrified dart hit below Howard’s lower left chest, the other near his waist. The 18-yearold collapsed, unconscious, and was pronounced dead at the hospital.” Haas subsequently said, “I did not in my wildest dreams expect this kid to die.” As part of his role as a certified Taser trainer, Haas acknowledged that he had studied the Taser safety warnings over a 10-year period and noted that they had become more complex over the years. Ironically, the Taser blast that killed Everette Howard was the first time Haas had deployed a Taser in the field. He ultimate-ly concluded, “it seemed like it was getting harder and harder to use the Taser.” The University of Cincinnati ultimately settled the Howard’s family wrongful death lawsuit for $2 million. Taser was not sued in the matter. In another case explored by Reuters, Linwood Lambert was tasered some 20 times by South Boston, Virginia, police officers. He died. There was substantial evidence that the three officers involved ignored the manufacturer’s warning regarding the risk of repeatedly tasering victims. In addition, the officers ignored other warnings issued by the manufacturer. Under oath at a deposition, one of three officers involved, Corporal Tiffany Bratton, acknowledged that she was aware of the manufacturer’s warnings. In a chilling statement, she said, “If I read and abided by every single warning ... I would not Taser anyone.” Catch-22 Commentators to the fact that the use of Tasers is a Catch-22 are paying more and more attention. Failure by police departments to follow closely the ever growing restrictions on the use of Tasers issued by the manufacturer has resulted in unnecessary deaths and a huge increase in the costs of litigation borne by 4 municipalities. On the other hand, where police departments are closely complying with the manufacturer’s complex warnings, they are finding it increasingly impractical to use Tasers. The Oakland Police Department has over 700 police officers on their force, all are armed with Tasers. The Bar Association of San Francisco Criminal Jus- tice Task Force, Committee on Tasers contacted the Oakland Police Department to determine how frequently Tasers were de- ployed. “To help answer some of the questions, the BASF also reached out to the Oakland Po- lice Department (OPD) to deter- mine how often Tasers are used, and how often they are effective. It is well known that LAPD re- ports 47% efficacy, but LAPD far exceeds the size of SFPD. The OPD which is closer in size to the SFPD, reported that in 2015 Tasers were deployed on just 37 occasions and 32 times in 2016. Oakland reported for each year, the efficacy was 50%.” Other studies have con- firmed that where warnings are complied with the use of Tasers drops dramatically. Similarly, numerous studies have con- firmed that Tasers have an unacceptably high failure rate putting both the officers and intended victim at risk. Moreover, Tasers are not effective. Michael Leonesio, a retired Oakland peace officer, provided answers to questions posed by the Bar Association of San Fran- cisco. “Given the warnings is- sued by Taser International, does this diminish the weapon’s efficacy and/or circumstances other- wise warranting Taser use[?] ... Answer: The latest manufacturer warnings and trainings, as well as the Courts and current case law decisions, have absolutely limited the circumstances when a TASER, can and/or, should be used. Combine this with the fact that the new generation weapons are generating only half the electrical output of the previous generations, and I question the current weapons’ ability for consistent, reliable, subject incapacitation.” Worth the Cost? In June 2017, Taser expert Michael Leonesio, was called as an expert witness before the San Francisco Police Commission on the potential costs of outfitting all members of the SFPD with Tasers. “During his testimony, he estimated the first year in costs to San Francisco at $8,000 to $10,000 per officer which included the purchase price, maintenance, training and oversight. Assuming a department size of 2,200 officers, the cost is be- tween $17.6 million and $22 million.” Clearly, the sheriff and the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors need to consider the cost factors raised above before expending millions of taxpayer dollars on a weapon that is increasingly seen as impractical to use. Final Argument 5 Tasers kill on the average of one person per week in the United States. According to the Reuters series, nine out of 10 who die are unarmed. Tasers are un- safe to use in jails because of the substantial risk of injury or death to both inmates and correction officers. The strongest single piece of evidence of this lack of safety is the 1,005 Taser related deaths reported in the Reuters five part series on Tasers. Equally powerful evidence of why Tasers should be banned is the ever-growing list of restrictions/warnings issued by the manufacturer themselves regarding the serious risks of injury and death related to the use of Tasers. The millions that would be spent in arming the correctional officers in the jails with Tasers would be better spent on hiring more and better trained correctional officers. Finally, given the recommendations of the Santa Clara County Blue Ribbon Com- mission on Improving Custody Operations, the purchase and use of Tasers in the jails runs counter to the community’s loud and repeated calls for a more humane approach to incarceration. Call to Action When your community is faced with a questionable police practice be it the use of Tasers, inhumane jail conditions, unconstitutional surveillance tactics, racially discriminatory police enforcement; be confident that there is a way to organize your community to effectively challenge these issues. Meet early and often with the community and with your local elected officials. Provide them with the necessary information to fully educate them on the issues. Call on your local district attorney, who is the chief, law enforcement officer in every community, to support your efforts to challenge and end police practices that diminish public trust for local law enforcement. Remember police practices are not some obscure body of knowledge that we the community need sit back and passively accept. We can in fact make a difference. Aram James is a retired Santa Clara County deputy public de- fender, a member of CJA and a co-founder of the Albert Covarrubias Justice Project (ACJP), a grassroots legal advocacy organization located in San Jose. Konda and James have challenged the use of Tasers by law enforcement for more than a de- cade. Richard Konda is an attorney and executive director of the Asian Law Alliance and the Chairperson of the Coalition for Justice and Accountability (CJA). 6 JAMES KONDA Reprinted with permission from the Daily Journal. ©2018 Daily Journal Corporation. All rights reserved. Reprinted by ReprintPros 949-702-5390. From:Aram James To:Perron, Zachary; Sean Allen; Pat M; mike braxton; Binder, Andrew; Reifschneider, James; Wagner, April; ladoriscordell; Reckdahl, Keith; Ed Lauing; eddie.aubrey@sanjoseca.gov; Shikada, Ed; Lauing, Ed; The Office of MayorMatt Mahan; Mark Turner; CityCouncil; Human Relations Commission; Dave Price; Gennady Sheyner;h.etzko@gmail.com; Yusra Hussain; Holman, Karen (external); Tom DuBois; Peter Drekmeier; Liz Kniss;Gardener, Liz; Lotus Fong; Keith Reckdahl; editor@paweekly.com; editor@almanacnews.com;cromero@cityofepa.org; Raymond Goins; Raj Jayadev; Yolanda Conaway; Don Austin; board@pausd.org;board@valleywater.org; BoardOperations; Ruth Silver Taube (rsilvertaube@scu.edu); Daniel Barton; Gerry Gras;Dana St. George; Dan Okonkwo; Damon Silver; Rodriguez, Miguel; WILPF Peninsula Palo Alto; Roberta Ahlquist;Baker, Rob; Jay Boyarsky; Council, City; Jeff Conrad; Palo Alto Free Press; james pitkin; Lythcott-Haims, Julie;Zelkha, Mila; assemblymember.berman@assembly.ca.gov; Josh Becker; Seher Awan; Friends of Cubberley; DavidPiper; Angel, David; Jeff Rosen; Robert Salonga; Brandon Pho; Jeff Hayden; Steve Wagstaffe; Jennifer MorrowSan José Spotlight; josh@joshsalcman.com; San José Spotlight; Vara Ramakrishnan; Linda Jolley Subject:Cop’s use of n-word led to investigation that never became public – Palo Alto Daily Post Date:Saturday, September 20, 2025 7:48:06 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Cop’s use of n-word led to investigation that never became public Zack Perron still with the PAPD 10 years later!!! https://padailypost.com/2019/05/22/cops-use-of-n-word-led-to-investigation-that-never- became-public/ From:Aram James To:Reckdahl, Keith; h.etzko@gmail.com; Julie Lythcott-Haims; Vicki Veenker; city.council@gilroy.org; CityCouncil;Jeff Rosen; Jay Boyarsky; Raymond Goins; Angel, David; Dave Price; james pitkin; Perron, Zachary; Liz Kniss;Gardener, Liz; Lotus Fong; Gennady Sheyner; EPA Today; Bains, Paul; planning.commission@cityofpaloalto.0rg;ParkRec Commission; assemblymember.berman@assembly.ca.gov; Josh Becker; Ed Lauing; Council, City; HumanRelations Commission; Dave Price; Gennady Sheyner; Emily Mibach; Braden Cartwright; cromero@cityofepa.org;rabrica@cityofepa.org; Zelkha, Mila; <michael.gennaco@oirgroup.com>; Foley, Michael; Figueroa, Eric; Jensen,Eric; Wagner, April; Lauing, Ed; Shikada, Ed Subject:homelessness_letter_8-2-13 Date:Saturday, September 20, 2025 7:22:55 AM Attachments:homelessness_letter_8-2-13.pdf CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Good Morning Keith, Pay attention before you start demonizing Palo Alto’s homeless population again. Very uncool behavior on your behalf. There will no doubt be community pushback if you continue your white-wing behavior. Best regards, Avram Finkelstein From:Loran Harding To:Loran Harding; jwright.electriclab@gmail.com; Shanetta Anderson; alumnipresident@stanford.edu;antonia.tinoco@hsr.ca.gov; bballpod; David Balakian; Becky Vagim; bearwithme1016@att.net; boardmembers;beachrides; fred beyerlein; Leodies Buchanan; Council, City; Cathy Lewis; dennisbalakian;dallen1212@gmail.com; kdeem.electriclab@gmail.com; eappel@stanford.edu; Scott Wilkinson;George.Rutherford@ucsf.edu; Gabriel.Ramirez@fresno.gov; huidentalsanmateo; hennessy; Irv Weissman; JoelStiner; jerry ruopoli; kfsndesk; karkazianjewelers@gmail.com; margaret-sasaki@live.com; Mayor;maverickbruno@sbcglobal.net; Mark Standriff; merazroofinginc@att.net; MY77FJ@gmail.com; newsdesk; nickyovino; russ@topperjewelers.com; Steve Wayte; vallesR1969@att.net Subject:Fwd: Welcome of Trump to Windsor Castle Date:Friday, September 19, 2025 4:58:53 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. ---------- Forwarded message --------- From: Loran Harding <loran.harding@stanfordalumni.org>Date: Fri, Sep 19, 2025 at 4:13 PM Subject: Fwd: Welcome of Trump to Windsor CastleTo: Loran Harding <loran.harding@stanfordalumni.org> Friday, September 19, 2025 To all- If this doesn't impress you, nothing will. I counted five carriages. Those arewell-trained horses. Notice, three pairs of horses pulling the carriage, with a man on the left side horse in each pair.. No one riding up on the carriage controlling the horses. If the slider is not at the beginning, slide it back to see the full video. Royal Family welcomes President Trump to Windsor Castle with ceremony [FULL] This is a little different. Add bagpipes in this one. Wow. Slider the slider back if necessary. Royal Family welcomes President Trump to Windsor Castle with ceremony [FULL] When Trump got off the Hilo, he walked over to Prince William and let Melania back therenegotiate the hilo steps herself. If Trump still wants to take Canada, he got a good look at British soldiers with automatic wearpons here. The weapons sure look real. King Charles is Head of State of Canada. Theidea way back was that he'd have a chat with Donald at Windsor about Canada. The Canadians were miffed that the King hadn't said anything about it up to this trip. Here is the State Banquet. Worth seeing. Hear the toasts. I am glad to see that Jensenattended the banquet. There are nine people seated between him and the King. For the first 15 min. here, the guests just stand around talking. Then the big guns come in. Watch Full: Trump’s Historic State Banquet at Windsor with King Charles Watch in Trump's toast, how he goes on about the special relationship between the US and UK. He lays it on- the bond is priceless, eternal, irreplaceble, unbreakable. A bust of Churchillis in the Oval. Damage control here after the tiff he caused about taking Canada? The US does not want another war with the UK over Canada, clearly. L. William Harding Fresno, Ca. From:A VTo:Kate Horsting Cc:amerriam@lifemoves.org; mayor@sanjoseca.gov; cupid.alexander@sanjoseca.gov; alex.kobayashi@sen.ca.gov; senator.perez@senate.ca.gov; Lait, Jonathan; R9IntakeInbox3@hud.gov; answers@hud.gov; fhanc@fairhousingnorcal.org;contact.center@calcivilrights.ca.gov; contact.center@dfeh.ca.gov; DisabilityRights@doj.ca.gov; aleonard-wookey@lifemoves.org; Brian.ho@sanjoseca.gov; COCInfo@osh.sccgov.org; Homekey@hcd.ca.gov; privacy@cisco.com;generalcounsel@cisco.com; Council, City; permissions@aclu.org; Stone, Greer; rabrica@cityofepa.org; Armer, Jennifer; lKoenig@lifemoves.org; kimberleykeltner@gmail.com; piu@doj.ca.gov; Katherine.Harasz@scchousingauthority.org;Raybould, Claire; housing@cityofpaloalto.org; Gerhardt, Jodie; chersey@venturahersey.com; Architectural Review Board; City Mgr; ycordova@lifemoves.org; tasha.dean@sanjoseca.gov; Rsp@sanjose.ca.gov; Julien.luu@bos.sccgov.org;gustavo.velasquez@hcd.ca.gov; Keri.Valdez@hcd.ca.govSubject:Re: Formal Appeal Date:Friday, September 19, 2025 3:30:42 PMAttachments:Video.mov CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. ! This message could be suspiciousSimilar name as someone in your company.This is a personal email address.This is their first mail to some recipients. Mark Safe Report Kate, Let’s talk about “privacy, safety, and harassment” because the claim that my documentation of the following issues somehow violates safety is deeply ironic. Attached (Exhibit A) is a photo of me in my window, viewed on the Cisco Meraki app, taken with the personal phone of a staff member while they were offsite. I am sharing theminimum but have clearer images. All staff have this app installed on their personal devices and access to footage at all times. I’ve copied Cisco here, as I believe they are in the best position to clarify whether this use of the Meraki system is consistent with their policies and intended design. If not, I wouldhope that ‘Cisco technology used to harass and spy on homeless residents’ is not something that they would want associated with their brand. Operations Manager Juan Hernandez has disciplined multiple people based on footage he accessed while at home. On more than one occasion this has been documented in writing,showing that you are aware staff are able to use the cameras on their personal devices, take screenshots and/or recordings. Hernandez was investigated by an attorney representing LifeMoves for sexual harassment and was then placed on leave. Hernandez has a history of complaints for retaliation andprivacy violations, including accessing my HMIS data after I revoked consent. As previously reported, two separate women have accused Hernandez of entering their units while they were showering, and I was asked to accompany them to file a police reportregarding these incidents. Hernandez has entered my unit alone and uninvited. Hernandez directs and conducts unannounced, weekly room “searches” that selectively target specific clients. During these searches, he confiscates residents’ prescriptions formedical cannabis and claims to have destroyed them. He has done the same with other drugs, including an ounce of fentanyl, despite LifeMoves not being licensed as a drug andalcohol program and lacking any proper chain of custody for these supposed disposals. Ironically, no written notice was provided to the client in that incident. In a recent meeting, you claimed these were maintenance inspections and drawers were being ‘inspected for defects’, contrary to all evidence to the contrary. This leads me tobelieve you are fully aware that these actions violate client rights. Posted signs on doors quoting HUD standards, stating that residents do not consent to these searches are ignored. EXHIBIT F was shared with me with the consent of the client who posted the sign. She is blind copied on this message. Every staff member has an access code that allow them to enter client rooms at will. I recently reported an incident in which a staff member entered my unit at 2 a.m. Further concerns are that Hernandez uses the cameras to monitor the staff member who reported him for sexual harassment. It has been alleged that he has retaliated against bothstaff and residents he perceived as being too friendly with her, targeting them for adverse treatment, including through misuse of the surveillance system. You have received multiple complaints that Hernandez weaponizes the police against clients by either calling, or threatening to call, law enforcement. Most recently, this behaviorresulted in a mentally ill client being taken away by ambulance after she was tased by police in front of other residents — an incident that served as a display of power and control,and one that was deeply troubling to those who witnessed it. In an act of retaliation, you attempted to have me placed on a psychiatric hold for a documented medical condition. Ignoring my protests and son’s advice to allow me to sleep, youinsisted that I go to the hospital and personally accompanied me. Medical records, multiple witnesses, recordings taken at the hospital, and your own recorded admissions prove thatyou represented yourself as a social worker to convince the ER doctor to place me on a medical hold against my will and force me to undergo a psychiatric evaluation before I couldbe released (Video Exhibit D). Although unsuccessful, this attempt to silence me resulted in an extremely traumatic experience for which you were only placed on a temporary leave (like Hernandez), and given‘training’ after the incident. Shortly after reporting it, I received my first Notice, signed by you, based on provably false allegations and recording a staff member openly in a space with cameras and noexpectation of privacy. I want to emphasize that I have not had any other disciplinary issues, do not use drugs or alcohol, and am not involved with criminal activity. Prior to that notice, staff members verbally acknowledged and consented to being recorded. On occasions when consent was not given, I insisted on having the conversation byemail. These recordings were limited and never a daily practice Since, I have tried not to engage with staff, focusing instead on my health and personal goals. I have not gone out of my way to document anything, nor have I ever illegally filmedanyone. I received the most recent program termination Notice after I filmed a conversation with a contractor about improper mold remediation (Exhibits B & C) . LifeMoves could havechosen not to be so blatant about covering up mold in a newly constructed residential building. You’ve personally placed the blame for construction deficiencies on Devcon and VBC but LifeMoves only spent $16 million of the $40 million grant that was meant solely forconstruction. Of course the building is “falling apart”. (Exhibit E) LifeMoves also used only half of the construction funds at the Palo Alto location, showing this is a clear pattern. If this escalates to court, another city and county will beunnecessarily drawn into it. Powered by Mimecast Under Grant Article 1 Section 102(b), the unused funds should have been returned. While I agree with the majority of residents that the harassment and retaliation that occurs daily is inconsistent with trauma-informed care, my focus has always been on health andsafety. I want the shower benches repaired so they do not collapse on a third person or cause another disabled resident to be injured in a fall. I want the building brought up to code with aproper ERV system so that I do not continue to suffer worsening respiratory issues, such as coughing up blood at night. My intention was never to expose misconduct. Early on, when the problem was limited to air quality and ventilation, I offered to sign an NDA if LifeMoves would move me to a safeunit (with a functioning ERV system) and agree not to retaliate against me. After this request was ignored, I retaliation began. I then discovered the water contamination (whichtested positive in a medical setting for E. coli), and multiple other violations. Yet it was only after my attempts to warn other residents not to use the shower benches were impededthat I filed the writ. I have not sued for money or sought personal gain. I had hoped the City would have agreed to enter into negotiations in that case to resolve it quietly, with an NDA and sealed record, agreeing to enforcement of proper repairs.Everything I file is public record and I do not want to be unexpectedly drawn into a messy public situation by someone targeting the Mayor or City during the next electioncampaign or public scandal. No one will be able to claim ignorance when LifeMoves is inevitably exposed as a corrupt organization. If I am forced to file a legal complaint, I may be able to protect others by requesting an in camera review, but that outcome is not guaranteed. I do not want anyone to lose their jobs,nor do I want another client to endure this level of retaliation. I will be compelled to disclose all of the evidence I have in order to defend myself, despite having no intention ofsharing it otherwise. I have withheld much of what I have documented to protect others and because past disclosures have been met with bad faith. Should I be left with no other choice, I am willing to pursue this, because it would still be meaningful if it results in binding clarification of policies regarding privacy, safety, andharassment — particularly when those same standards are being cited as the basis for my termination. For the record, I want to confirm that below is the link to the private (not unpublished) video you are referring to. It is a very short segment from a much longer conversationregarding retaliation and misconduct. https://youtube.com/shorts/UXwwa_hS9sA?si=DaZSgjlQX0vLZa6W In the full recording, you can be heard making statements acknowledging my concerns, such as, ‘LifeMoves should be invoking their warranty against Devcon for a lot of thingsbecause this place is falling apart.’ The video was uploaded as a private video, meaning no one without the link can view it. It was done solely for the purpose of being shared with someone because it was toolarge to send by text or email. You have not disclosed how you obtained the link. If I ever chose to publish anything, it would not be a short clip. It would be a comprehensivepresentation of the full record in an engaging format. I have the ability to share this through trusted advocacy outlets, such as my friend John’s channel, The Civil Rights Lawyer. All recordings have been solely to document health and safety issues, misconduct, or retaliation by employees in order to protect myself and others. I urge you to reconsider this action and work toward a fair compromise, instead. Conditioning my continued stay on signing an agreement that permits immediate termination will leave me with no option but to seek judicial relief. In the past, I was accused offilming when I had not, received a notice that contained no details of the allegations, no rules supporting them, and offered no due-process protections to contest it. I regret notrequesting an appeal of the first and second notices but I was not informed that such a process was available. Your review panel consists of you, Hernandez, and your subordinates, who are not going to challenge you while participating in a biased process being used to retaliate against me.These circumstances demonstrate the hostile environment of fear and intimidation both clients and staff are subject to. I have not received any information about an appeals process beyond LifeMoves. My understanding is that CoC and ESG funded programs must have written termination policiesthat include a fair hearing before an impartial decision-maker, the right to present evidence and contest allegations, and a right to appeal beyond the provider itself. LifeMoves and the City Housing Department have ignored my repeated requests for this information. There is an ongoing pattern of gatekeeping, where I am denied accurateinformation about who to file complaints with, and the individuals refusing to take my complaints in order to avoid acting on them. The appeal form provided with my termination notice improperly lists San Mateo County contact information. Please confirm that there is no external appeal process as requiredunder 24 C.F.R. § 578 and HUD policies. LifeMoves’ three-tiered internal appeal process is structured in a way that delays resolution beyond the 30-day termination period, effectively forcing participants out before animpartial decision can be made. The final review by a Program Vice President does not appear to satisfy HUD’s requirement of an independent hearing under 24 C.F.R. § 578.91. In my case, LifeMoves denied my request for a 30-day extension without explanation. I specifically requested the extension to pursue the appeal process. I am willing to agree to allterms during this period. Denying this request not only obstructs my ability to exercise federally mandated due-process rights, but also forces premature displacement before thoserights can be meaningfully exercised. It is my understanding that HUD’s regulation at 24 C.F.R. § 578.91 requires that participants be given a fair hearing before termination of assistance is effective, and ‘assistance’means the housing itself. Meaning forcing me to leave before an impartial review is a constructive termination in violation of federal law. Recently, a client was denied entry into the program and forced to live in a tent on the railroad tracks outside the facility for months. He developed pneumonia while living outsideand was only accepted back into the program after being hospitalized. By then it was too late, and he was readmitted to the ICU the next day as a result. I face the same risks if I am forced to leave prematurely. I urge you to consider the liability these policies create, even if you choose to disregard their ethical implications. AV If you were incorrectly copied on this email but know someone who can assist, please feel free to forward it to them. EXHIBIT A EXHIBITS B & C EXHIBIT D (Video) EXHIBIT E EXHIBIT F On Sep 19, 2025, at 7:01 AM, Kate Horsting <khorsting@lifemoves.org> wrote:  Hi April, Thank you for your email. I want to assure you that I understand the urgency and importance of your request. Please find the appeal forms and process information attached to this email. Let me know if you need anything else or have further questions. On Thu, Sep 18, 2025 at 1:55 PM A V <aprilmayflower@icloud.com> wrote:What is the appeal process after LifeMoves has denied a second appeal? I have already requested the second appeal form, but it is not attached. Are you intentionally delaying this process? On Sep 18, 2025, at 7:00 AM, Kate Horsting <khorsting@lifemoves.org> wrote:  Hi April, Thank you for your written appeal regarding the 30-Day Notice issued on September 5, 2025. We understand that you have concerns and appreciate yourengagement with the process. After reviewing your appeal, we want to be clear that all program participants are held to the same behavioral and policy standards, and your situation hasbeen handled with consistency in accordance with our established procedures. We are committed to upholding all applicable laws and determined that you were notified of behavioral standards when you began your stay atBranham. For example, you were advised that you are responsible for your own actions and agreed not to be verbally aggressive, to not intimidate others,engage in verbal or physical altercations, or harm others. You acknowledged and agreed to adhere to these basic behavioral standards on April 8, 2025. We must reiterate that recording of staff, clients, or contractors without explicit consent is prohibited, as it may constitute harassment and aviolation of the privacy rights of others, regardless of the platform (including private or unlisted videos). This policy is consistent with privacyexpectations in communal living environments and is enforced for the safety and dignity of all participants. Additionally, the program does not place or direct cameras inside private living areas. Concerns that footage is being captured from within your unit have not been substantiated. Cameras are positioned in common areas only, and no staff member has access to delete footage. They may only review footage,and only for programmatic, security, or compliance purposes. If you believe there are ongoing safety or procedural concerns, you are encouraged to use the established Feedback Form process. This allows concernsto be formally documented and addressed through appropriate channels. Retaliation for protected activity is strictly prohibited, and there is no evidence tosuggest such actions have occurred in your case. With that said, your appeal does not present sufficient grounds to withdraw the notices issued. The concerns outlined in your appeal, including referenceto legal claims and documentation practices, do not exempt you from the program’s policies and rules regarding privacy, respect, and safe conduct. Therefore, the 30-Day Notice and related documentation will remain in effect. We are open to reconsidering your appeal if you are willing to review and sign a new Success Agreement, which will include specific expectations suchas not recording staff, contractors, or vendors under any circumstances and removing any existing video content—public or private—related to theprogram from YouTube or any other platform. Until this agreement is completed and signed, the 30-Day Notice and will remain in effect.You can remain in program during this transition period, and we expect full adherence to all program guidelines. Please note: You may not record staff or other participants without their permission.You are expected to respect the privacy and safety of the community. Any further violations may result in an immediate discharge. Per your request, this response has been issued in writing. I have attached the appeal process which was included in your original notice and encourageyou to reconsider your appeal. Should you have additional concerns, you may submit them via the feedback process or contact Yaritza for further clarification. -- kate horsting (she/they) | Program Director 1 Branham Lane Office: www.lifemoves.org 2550 Great America Way, Suite 201, Santa Clara, CA 95054 __________________________ Confidentiality Notice: This e-mail message, including any attachments, is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may contain confidential and protected information. Any unauthorized review, use, disclosure, or distribution is prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the sender by reply e-mail and destroy all copies of the original message. From:kristina klausen To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City; papc.secretary@gmail.com Subject:Respectfully asking Palo Alto to increase the number of pickleball courts Date:Friday, September 19, 2025 2:23:55 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. i Dear members of the Palo Alto Parks & Rec Commission and City Council, It’s 9:00 pm on Wednesday evening, and I’ve just returned from the Mitchell Park pickleball courts. It’s wonderful to see the courts so alive with young people in the evenings, laughing and having fun together. You get the impression that every 20-something Palo Altan is there. Every court is full, and every paddle rack has at least four paddles waiting. What a healthy, positive way for people to connect. Playing pickleball at Mitchell Park feels like walking into the fictional TV bar Cheers—“where everybody knows your name.” It’s lovely to be greeted by name when you arrive at the courts, and if you play there regularly, that’s exactly what happens. I’ve played pickleball at Mitchell Park for seven years, and of all my activities, it’s the one that has sparked the most genuine connections and friendships with fellow Palo Altans. More than volunteering in my children’s schools, cheering at their games, joining gyms, or taking classes at Cubberley or PAUSD. My pickleball connections have led to years-long friendships off the court. We all know it can be challenging to make new friends as an adult —but with pickleball at Mitchell Park, it is almost inevitable. The people I’ve met there reflect a wonderfully diverse cross-section of the community. I’ve been humbled on the court by 80-year-olds and 14-year-olds. I’ve played with athletes in wheelchairs. I regularly meet neighbors I never would have otherwise. These experiences have deepened my connection with and appreciation for the people of Palo Alto in a fundamental way. There’s something distinctive about pickleball at Mitchell Park that fosters these social bonds. Perhaps it’s the ease of showing up solo and joining a game—no prearrangements required. Perhaps it’s the custom of players introducing themselves before a match. Perhaps it’s the friendly way opponents congratulate each other on good shots—or simply the laughter and smiles. I like many things about Palo Alto, but pickleball at Mitchell Park is my favorite. It’s a joyful way to connect with neighbors at a time when connection matters 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 more than ever. With this in mind, I respectfully urge the Parks Commission and City Council to expand the number of pickleball courts at Mitchell Park. The demand is undeniable. So many residents now play that the courts are full most of the day, with players “paddled down” and waiting their turn. Meanwhile, tennis courts often sit empty. In fact, City staff studies conducted on 37 different days and times found that Mitchell Park tennis courts averaged just 1.9 players per court, while pickleball averaged 5.1 players per court. That means pickleball players are consistently waiting while tennis courts are only half used. It’s frustrating to play one 20- minute game and then wait 20–30 minutes to play again—especially when walking past empty tennis courts. Converting just two tennis courts into eight pickleball courts, as proposed, would have minimal impact on tennis players (a reduction of up to eight players) but would increase pickleball capacity by up to 32 players. At peak times, up to eight tennis players might wait a bit longer—or use the nearby Cubberley courts just half a mile away—but it would not prevent them from playing. If there were two bus routes in town, and one was standing-room only while the other had empty seats, it would be a no-brainer to shift capacity from the lesser-used route to the busier one. The same logic and argument for equity applies here. Many tennis players are passionate about their sport, which is wonderful. For those who haven’t yet tried pickleball, I warmly invite you to join us. You may discover that you love it —and that it offers a joyful new way to feel connected to your fellow Palo Altans. Sincerely, K. Klausen Triple El Neighborhood, 20 year Palo Alto resident. From:Utsav Gupta To:Council, City Cc:Tucher, Chris Subject:Public Comment: Clarification of UAC Position on the One Water Plan Date:Friday, September 19, 2025 9:38:41 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. ! PUBLIC COMMENT TO: Palo Alto City Council and Members of Climate Action and Sustainability Committee FROM: Utsav Gupta and Chris Tucher, Speaking in Personal Capacity DATE: September 19, 2025RE: One Water Plan To the members of the Climate Action and Sustainability Committee and the City Council: Utsav Gupta and Chris Tucher are members of the Utilities Advisory Commission(UAC), and we are writing today in my personal capacity. Utsav Gupta served on the subcommittee that analyzed the One Water Plan final report in detail, and thissubcommittee drafted the memo that the UAC as a whole adopted unanimously on March 5, 2025. We are speaking because the staff report, while it attaches the UAC’s memo, doesnot accurately present the UAC’s official position. The packet’s summary of the UAC's concerns minimizes the fundamental nature of the commission's objections.Specifically: The Packet Omits the UAC's Primary Recommendation: The UAC's explicit recommendation to the Council is “against acceptance of the plan at this time.” The UAC concluded that the plan should not be accepted due to fundamental flaws. The staff report frames the item as receiving the plan for future use, which obscures the UAC's primary advice. The Packet Understates the Critique of the Plan's Methodology: The staff report notes the UAC had “concerns about the portfolio scoring methodology.” This language significantly softens the UAC's findings. The UAC memo states the methodology is “potentially misleading,” “violates the Independence of Irrelevant Alternatives principle,” and could lead to “potentially misleading This message could be suspicious Similar name as someone you've contacted. This is their first mail to some recipients. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast conclusions.” This is a critique of the plan's core analytical framework, not a minor concern. The Packet Misrepresents the UAC's Stance on the 50% Cutback Scenario: The staff report says the UAC “questions the worst-case water supply shortage scenario.” The UAC's position is much stronger. The memo states this scenario “seems highly unlikely and must be validated” before it can be used for any water supply planning. The demand for validation before use is a crucial condition that is not conveyed in the packet. The Packet Omits the UAC's Concern Over the Plan's Cost: The March 5 UAC meeting transcript shows commissioners expressed concern over the $500,000 cost of the study and suggested that staff should be empowered to advise against such reports in the future. This important point about fiscal prudence and resource allocation is absent from the packet. The Packet Mischaracterizes the UAC's Advice on Regional Collaboration: The UAC's memo strategically recommends pursuing “larger-scale solutions such as water reuse and brackish water desalination... through regional collaboration due to economies of scale.” The staff report reframes this forward-looking advice by stating the UAC simply “promotes regional collaboration, a practice that staff routinely engages in.” This dismisses the strategic intent of the UAC’s recommendation, recasting it as an endorsement of current, routine activities. These discrepancies create a narrative of general agreement where one does notexist. The lack of full context may prevent you, the decision makers, fromunderstanding the severity of the UAC’s findings. Therefore, we urge the Committee and the Council to: 1. Read the UAC's memo in its entirety to understand the basis for its unanimous position. 2. Acknowledge the UAC’s primary recommendation against acceptance of the One Water Plan as a valid framework. 3. Ensure that future summaries provided to Council committees fully reflect the recommendations of advisory bodies, particularly on complex issues. Thank you for your time and for your service to the community. Thank you,Utsav Gupta, Commissioner, speaking in personal capacity Chris Tucher, Commissioner, speaking in personal capacity From:EM To:Council, City Subject:Pickleball upgrades for more courts Date:Friday, September 19, 2025 5:14:09 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. ! I am a member of Palo Alto Pickleball group. I play at Mitchell Park and I really feel the community would thrive with health and community for more Pickleball courts. pleaseconsider adding more quarts to Mitchell Park. Not that many people play tennis anymore. It has evolved.Thank you so much, Mary Ely Sent from Gmail Mobile This message could be suspicious Similar name as someone in your company. This is a personal email address. This is their first email to your company. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast From:Dean Bui To:Council, City Subject:Our Thoughts if Pickleball Date:Thursday, September 18, 2025 8:14:45 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. My wife and I live in Palo Alto, near downtown. We are both retired. Two years ago, we were introduced to pickleball by my sister. After our first two sessions at Mitchell Park, we both fell in love with the game. Pickleball is not just a great sport that brings us fun and improves our health; it has also brought us many good friends. It's a social game that brings people of all ages, races, and backgrounds together. We go to Mitchell Park about six days a week to play and meet the other players, who have become our friends. There have been times when we had to cut our sessions short because there were too many players, which caused a court shortage. We hope that our city will allow us to build more pickleball courts to meet the needs of the many players, especially older adults like us, who have found that the game has given us better health and friendship. From:Caitlin Field To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City; papc.secretary@gmail.com Subject:Support for creating more pickleball courts at MP Date:Thursday, September 18, 2025 3:29:35 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. i Dear members of the Palo Alto Parks & Rec Commission and City Council: I live in Palo Alto (51yrs!) and I’m writing in support of creating eight additional pickleball courts at Mitchell Park. Pickleball has been a wonderful way for me to reconnect with old neighbors and friends and make many new friends. PAPC has a such a welcoming, supportive environment. It’s made me truly proud of Palo Alto and how our community can exercise, socialize and come together in a positive way over a fun game. Sincerely yours, Caitlin Field Parkinson Ave 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:matt@evolutionaryteams.comTo:fridaysforfuturepaloalto@gmail.com; palo-alto@fridaysforfuture.orgSubject:FFF Follow Up from Sept 12 (Week #192)Date:Thursday, September 18, 2025 2:43:07 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. We marched and marched, and then marched again! On Friday, a few but mighty folks took to downtown streets with our climate message and songs of solidarity. After returning to King Plaza, we joined others, acknowledged that we are on unceded lands of the Ramaytush Ohlone, and had a lively discussion while enjoying our snacks and drinks. Notably, Elaine warned us of a movement by developers to take over the Loma Prieta Sierra Club and reported that Lydia Kou is organizing to resist that takeover. Also, Elaine encouraged us to attend the ongoing Vigil4Gaza demonstration at Town & Country on Sundays at 5PM. Thanks to everyone who attended! On Saturday, we joined the Wolves for two more rallies and marches. The first was our regular rally at Stanford Shopping Center where we were joined by families with pre-teen protesters. The young protesters were smart, well-informed and passionate. It was fantastic to have them join us. Later on Saturday, we joined the Wolves for the first Fascist Crawl through downtown stopping at broligarch-owned businesses and offices: Valor Equity Partners (PayPal mafia money), Whole Foods and Amazon (Bezos), and super spy Palantir (Thiel). (Did you hear Thiel hesitate when questioned by NYT’s Ross Douthat about whether humanity should persist? Listen here.) We ended our crawl at Apple where we joined the Raging Grannies for some fun songs and chants which amused Apple workers and customers alike. Check out the crawl highlights here. There were 60+ participants and the Wolves want to double that for the next Fascist Crawl scheduled for Sat, Oct 18th, 5-6:30PM. RSVP here and come join the fun! On Sunday, the Vigil4Gaza demonstrators were met by Zionists who were encouraged to perform a counter demonstration in commemoration of the assassination of the hate-filled Charlie Kirk who had expressed support for the genocide in Gaza. Although there were passionate exchanges between the protestors, there were no altercations and most of the Zionists left once the police arrived. Notably, this week the UN released their findings that Israel has committed genocide in Gaza. Aleyda’s family provided an update on her status. Aleyda continues to be detained at the Mesa Verde ICE Processing Facility in Bakersfield. Fortunately, her medical condition has been stabilized, and she now has access to legal representation. The family reports that they are now following a process that could take a very long time. Notably, a for-profit company, Geo Group, operates the Mesa Verde facility and receives approximately $165 per day of our tax dollars for each detainee. Not only is this system cruel, but it also extracts wealth from all of us. Just another reason to crush ICE. This Sunday (9/21) is Sun Day! We will join 350 Silicon Valley in San Jose at 12:30PM for a day of action to shine a light on climate justice. Find more details here. This Friday (9/19) we rally and march in solidarity with Stand Up For Science and Sanity. We meet in Lytton Plaza at 5:30PM for the rally and march. After the march, hang out for music and dancing with Mitchell Park Band and Raging Grannies. (Please note that we will not meet at Noon this Friday.) ❤️ SEE YOU IN THE STREETS ❤️ Upcoming Events Friday, September 19, 5:30 to 6:30: Solidarity rally with Stand Up For Science and Sanity! Note that on this particular Friday we move our climate strike to Lytton Plaza and join forces in solidarity with SUFSS for a rally in the plaza. More details here. Sunday, Sept 21, 12:30–2:30pm: Sun Day Rally for Climate Justice Details here. Tuesday, Sept 23, 5 to 9PM: 4WARD Climate/Sustainability Monthly Event in San Carlos. RSVP here. Friday, Sept 26, Noon to 1:00: Climate Strike! –– We meet at King Plaza in front of Palo Alto City Hall Saturday, Oct 18, 5 to 6:30PM: Fascist Crawl through downtown Palo Alto with stops at Valor, Whole Foods, Amazon, Palantir and Apple. Details here Tesla Takedown Rally and March :: Stanford Shopping Center, Every Saturday, Noon to 2PM. Details here. Tesla Takedown Rally :: Tesla El Camino Real Showroom, Every Saturday, 1 to 3PM. Details here. Vigil4Gaza, Every Sunday, 5 to 6:30PM, Town & Country. Details here. Tesla Takedown Rally :: Tesla Engineering HQ, Every Monday, 5 to 6PM. Details here. Anti-ICE rally and march, Every Tuesday, 5 to 6PM, Courthouse Square, Redwood City. 101 Bannering: Every Wednesday, 8 to 10AM. At Adobe Creek bike and pedestrian bridge. Details here. Tesla Takedown Rally :: Tesla El Camino Real Showroom, Every Wednesday, 4 to 6PM. Details here. You are receiving this email because you have expressed an interest in supporting climate action in Palo Alto. If you no longer wish to receive these emails, please let me know. Matt Schlegel Organizer Fridays For Future Palo Alto Email: Palo-Alto@FridaysForFutureUSA.org Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fridaysforfuture_paloalto/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMGKrv_ADB5k7HPK9FJO_Hw FFF Web: https://fridaysforfutureusa.org/local-groups/palo-alto/ Email List: https://mailchi.mp/c8c130127345/join-fridays-for-future-palo-alto From:Shirley Feng To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City Subject:objection of pickleball courts expansion Date:Thursday, September 18, 2025 1:09:13 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. i I am a Palo Alto resident. I regularly play pickleball at Mitchell Park, and am a current member of PAPC, yet I am opposed to further expansion of current tennis courts into pickleball courts. We already have 15 courts, that's more than enough to accommodate palo alto pickleball players. The problem is not that we need more pickleball courts, but we need better management of the courts, so that we can control players that are not Palo Alto residents. If the courts can be managed well, the traffic problems, parking problems, etc. will all be resolved. Shirley Feng This message needs your attention No employee in your company has ever replied to this person. This is a personal email address. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast From:shirley To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City Subject:objection of Pickleball Court Expansion Date:Thursday, September 18, 2025 1:06:30 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. ! I am a Palo Alto resident. I regularly play pickleball at Mitchel Park, and am a current member of PAPC, yet I am opposed of further expansion of current tennis courts into pickleball courts. We have already have 15 courts, that's more than enough to accommodate palo alto pickleball players. The problem is not that we need more pickleball courts, but we need better manage of the courts, so that we can control of players that are not Palo Alto residents. If the courts can be managed well, the traffic problems, parking problems, etc. will all be resolved. Michael Ye This message could be suspicious Similar name as someone you've contacted. This is a personal email address. This is their first email to your company. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast From:nlshep@pacbell.net To:Council, City Subject:LWV Palo Alto Water Symposium invitation 10/2 Date:Thursday, September 18, 2025 12:54:17 PM Attachments:Water symposium invitation final.pdf CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. i Dear Honorable Council Members, The League of Women Voters of Palo Alto along with the Palo Alto Weekly is sponsoring a Water Symposium on October 2, 2025 at Palo Alto City Hall beginning at 7pm. This is an educational forum that begins Palo Alto City Historian, then local operations, governance matters, future water issues. I’m attaching a copy of our invitation that introduces our speakers and topics. The League supports measures that promote the management and allocation of water resources in ways that respect the environment, with emphasis on conservation and high standards of water quality that are appropriate for the intended use. We consider water issues to be dynamic and complex. This event is intended to build a foundation for the public and community users of our water resources. We hope you attend this symposium and join us as we navigate water issues in our local region. Registration link The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan, political organization that encourages informed and active participation of citizens in government, and influences public policy through education and advocacy. We hope to see you there, Liz Kniss Nancy Shepherd Event Coordinators League of Women Voters of Palo Alto This message needs your attention This is their first email to you. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast THE LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF PALO ALTO INVITES YOU TO A FREE Water Symposium Thursday, October 2, 2025—7PM City Hall, 250 Hamilton Avenue, Palo Alto Peninsula residents: do you know where your water comes from? Learn how your water flows, from Yosemite’s Hetch Hetchy basin to your tap! HISTORY: Steve Staiger, city historian—how we went from wells to SFPUC, decades ago. MECHANICS: Greer Stone, councilmember & former mayor, City of Palo Alto—how the “pipes work” from source to tap, emergency supply, how it’s governed, how rates are set. KEYNOTE: Felicia Marcus, Stanford visiting fellow, Water in the West—how our local water fits into the broader, state picture, future water securities/ insecurities, innovations, and more. CURRENT ISSUES: Peter Drekmeier, Tuolumne River Trust— the tensions to protect supply AND the environment, and more. Facilitated by Chris Tucher Sponsored by lwvpaloalto.org From:Aram James To:h.etzko@gmail.com Cc:city.council@cityofpaloalto.com; Office of the Provost; Rebecca Eisenberg; Marty Wasserman; Brian Good; Roseline Rasolovoahangy; Ellen Fox; Avroh Shah; Christiane Gebhardt; Roberta Ahlquist; Jeanne Fleming; Lotus Fong; WILPF Peninsula Palo Alto; Mariza Almeida; Guilherme Ary Plonski; Shikada, Ed; Richard N Zare; Artie; Hannah Lu; Palo Post; Winter Dellenbach; Christopher M Kwong; Joe Penko; Bette; Jim Hersh; Devrim Göktepe Hultén; Josep Miquel Piqué Huerta; mickie winkler; annika steiber; Charlie Weidanz; Mark Granovetter; Julie Lythcott-Haims; Charles Spanhook; Carol Kiparsky; Online Palo Alto; Arthur Millman; Helen Lawton Lawton- Smith; Justin Zalkin; Lythcott-Haims, Julie; Stephen Adams; Bette Kiernan; Michelle Baker; Willie Pearson; Grace Alele-williams; Sarfraz Mian; Riccardo Viale; Richard Horning; Laleh Raeisy; Rabii Outamha; rabeh morrar; Pnina Abir-am; David Charles; Carol Kemelgor; Dorien Detombe; Ekaterina Albats; Lana Sabelfeld; Fumi Kitagawa; Braden Cartwright; Josep Miquel Pique; Irina Dezhina; Tatiana Pospelova; James Sefe Dzisah; Jessica Riskin; Prof Dr Helga Nowotny; Anna Uvarova; Roberta Ahlquist; Firoozeh Dastmalchi; Enrique Díaz de León López; Aline Figlioli; Marcelo Amaral; Chunyan Zhou; Moacir de Miranda Oliveira Júnior; Elsa Blum; Jose Mello; Lucia Guaranys; Mariza Almeida; Rosalba Casas; Peter Weingart; alumninews@uchicago.edu; Chunyan Zhou; Yuzhuo CAI; Marcelo Goncalves do Amaral; Tatiana Schofield; Hope Greenhill; Tatyana Kanzaveli; Sabine Girod; Branca Terra; Mo Kang; Patricia Bromley; Emily Mibach; Gerry Gras; Gennady Sheyner; Jeff Hayden; Council, City; Josh Becker; Sean Allen; Salem Ajluni; Lori Meyers; city.council@menlopark.gov; Clerk, City; city.council@gilroy.org; citycouncil@mountainview.gov; jgreen@dailynewsgroup.com; Dennis Upton; Dave Price; Jay Boyarsky; Jeff Conrad; Jeff Rosen; <michael.gennaco@oirgroup.com>; Zelkha, Mila; Human Relations Commission; planning.commission@cityofpaloalto.0rg; ParkRec Commission; Ed Lauing; editor@almanacnews.com; Lauing, Ed; Stone, Greer; Wendy Greenfield; james pitkin; Liz Kniss; Gardener, Liz; Raymond Goins; Palo Alto Free Press; Yusra Hussain; Seher Awan; Dana St. George; Jessica Speiser, Educational Leader for California Democratic Delegate, Assembly District 23; Friends of Cubberley; frances.Rothschild@jud.ca.gov; Sheree Roth; gstone22@gmail.com; Gennady Sheyner; Brandon Pho Subject:Re: “No fly zone” over Gaza Date:Thursday, September 18, 2025 11:10:51 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Hi Henry, Well said: I can add only a few comments. Like you I am a proud Jewish man. Will turn 77, god willing, on December 14. I want toconduct a non-courtroom examination or cross-examination of your friend and fellow Jew, Palo Alto City Council Member Keith Reckdahl. As you know Keith has worked for decades at Lockheed Martin as an aerospace engineer. I have reached out to Keith before he was on city council and during his time on the city council with no success. I am particularly interested in determining if Keith has ever worked professionally on fighter jets or other weapons systems that have been given to or sold to Israel to be used in the in the decades-long genocide and ethic cleansing of the Palestinianpeople. Let me be clear, I have zero evidence of any complicity by Keith at this point. Is Keith complicit in the genocide of Palestinians as a result of his work at LM? Unless we can talk to Keith we may never know the truth. Henry, do your best to encourage Keith to speak to both of us on the genocide ethic cleansing issue. BTW: I have posted a piece from today’s Democracy Now, see directly below, on how Lockheed Martin, and other war profiteers both enable and profit from Israel’s genocide in Gaza. Avram Finkelstein aka Aram Amnesty Int’l: Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Palantir Enable & Profit from Israel’s Genocide in Gaza https://www.democracynow.org/2025/9/18/amnesty_international On Thu, Sep 18, 2025 at 12:44 PM Henry Etzkowitz <h.etzko@gmail.com> wrote:Interim proposal to “cease fire” Palo Alto, home of Lockheed Martin, must take a stand on how the products of our firms areutilized. City Council may recommend ethical practices as an initial step to binding requirements. We are complicit in what happens within our borders. We have environmental laws toregulate production processes.(cf Tesla Lye Pour San Jose superior court, upcoming 10am one October) At yesterday’s meeting, the Oak Creek/Channing House meet-up recalled PresidentEisenhower’ s warning about the dangers of a persisting military-industrial complex. We are seeing his prescient, far seeing extrapolation, without paying appropriate attention. Eisenhower warned; Herbert Hoover, Palo Alto’s favorite son took action, organizing theresponse to famine across warring nations boundaries during the Great War. We must find ways to carry his exemplary practice into the present. Neighbors for Economic and SocialJustice (NESJ) calls upon the City Council to form a joint study committee with NESJ and Stanford University’s Hoover Institute re above and design a strategy to address, movingbottom up, local to global; entrepreneurially. Sincerely, Henry Etzkowitz Quondam Sociology DepartmentStanford University www.triplehelix.net From:Aram James To:Sean Allen; sean james; ladoris cordell; DuJuan Green; EPA Today; Raymond Goins; Pat M; sharon jackson;Aram James; Bill Armaline; h.etzko@gmail.com; Vicki Veenker; james pitkin; cotton.gaines@cityofpaloalto.org;Lythcott-Haims, Julie; Gardener, Liz; Liz Kniss; Lotus Fong; Gennady Sheyner; Diana Diamond; Kaloma Smith;Reckdahl, Keith; vramirez@redwoodcity.org; Gerry Gras; PD Kristina Bell; Supervisor Susan Ellenberg; SupervisorOtto Lee; Nash, Betsy; dcombs@menlopark.gov; city.council@menlopark.gov; Council, City;city.council@gilroy.org; CityCouncil; Perron, Zachary; Barberini, Christopher; Enberg, Nicholas;eddie.aubrey@sanjoseca.gov; Ruth Silver Taube (rsilvertaube@scu.edu); editor@paweekly.com; BradenCartwright; Brian Good; Nicole Chiu-Wang; Charisse Domingo; Josh Becker;assemblymember.berman@assembly.ca.gov; Jessica Speiser, Educational Leader for California DemocraticDelegate, Assembly District 23; Palo Alto Free Press; Roberta Ahlquist; Seher Awan; Brandon Pho; mike braxton;Yolanda Conaway; Donna Wallach; Doug Minkler; jgreen@dailynewsgroup.com Cc:Ed Lauing; Dave Price; Shankar Ramamoorthy; Emily Mibach; Binder, Andrew; Reifschneider, James; Wagner, April; Foley, Michael; <michael.gennaco@oirgroup.com>; Afanasiev, Alex; Lee, Craig; Jeff Conrad; Jeff Rosen; Jeff Hayden; Jay Boyarsky; Steve Wagstaffe; Stump, Molly; The Office of Mayor Matt Mahan Subject:Please ask Gov. Newsom to support the reparations bills passed by the Legislature Date:Thursday, September 18, 2025 8:39:38 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Equal Justice Society Banner Ask Governor Gavin Newsom to sign pivotal reparations legislation in law! All four of California’s priority reparations bills — AB 57, AB 62, SB 437, and SB 518 — have passed both chambers of the Legislature. This is a powerful and unprecedented step forward. It means we are one signature away from turning generations of advocacy into state action. Now, it’s up to Governor Gavin Newsom to sign this pivotal package into law. ADD YOUR NAME URGING THE GOVERNOR TO SIGN THE BILLS This isn’t the end — but it is a turning point. It’s a chance to move from apology to action, from rhetoric to repair. What’s in the Reparations Package: SB 518 (Weber-Pierson) — Establishes a Reparations Bureau within California’s Civil Rights Department to verify eligibility and administer future programs. AB 62 (McKinnor) — Creates a statewide claims process for land taken from Black families through racist policies or practices. AB 57 (McKinnor) — Reserves 10% of state-supported homeownership opportunities for descendants of enslaved people. SB 437 (Weber-Pierson) — Funds CSU research to build scalable, genealogy-based eligibility systems. Why Now: The deadline is October 12. Without Governor Newsom’s signature, this groundbreaking legislative package will not become law. In recent years, the Governor has vetoed over 15% of the bills that reach his desk — including previous reparations-related legislation. We cannot afford to be silent and every voice will count. This moment demands bold leadership. Governor Newsom has positioned himself as a progressive leader and a national voice for racial justice. Now, the question is: Will he rise to meet this moment and progress Black reparations in California? What You Can Do Now: Add your name to our petition urging Governor Newsom to sign all four reparations bills: SIGN HERE Share this message with at least two people — doubling our voices doubles our pressure. Tag @GavinNewsom on social media and let him know: We’re watching. We’re united. And we’re ready for California to lead. Let’s make sure this chapter ends with a signature. In solidarity, EQUAL JUSTICE SOCIETY and The Alliance for Reparations, Reconciliation, and Truth (ARRT) DONATE Be a Part of EJS's 25th Anniversary! The Equal Justice Society's 25th Anniversary Gala will be on December 5, 2025, at the Palace Hotel in San Francisco. Visit http://ejs.io/25th to become a sponsor and buy tickets! Contact Director of Development Heather Snedeker at HSnedeker@equaljusticesociety.org or 850-320-2336 (mobile) for more information on sponsorships! EJS25 EJS25 Host Committee Sent via ActionNetwork.org. To update your email address, change your name or address, or to stop receiving emailsfrom Equal Justice Society, please click here. From:David Ndeto To:Bhatia, Ripon Cc:Council, City Subject:Re: Grade separation/charleston Date:Thursday, September 18, 2025 8:18:27 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. i Ripon, Thanks for sharing the schedule, and for the updated date for the community meeting. Regarding information that was presented Tuesday: Where are there renderings for the new underpass version for Charleston? We can see the concept online, but not the renderings.Are there any budget updates that can be shared for the total project or just the latest underpass version? If not will those be presented during the November rail committeemeeting? David Ndeto On Sep 10, 2025, at 1:52 PM, Bhatia, Ripon <Ripon.Bhatia@paloalto.gov> wrote: Hi David, As we discussed, the refined concepts will be presented to the Rail Committee forinitial review at the upcoming meeting on September 16 (Rail Committee Agenda: https://cityofpaloalto.primegov.com/Portal/Meeting?meetingTemplateId=17233 ). In addition, the City will be seeking feedback from the community. A community meeting has been scheduled for September 30,2025. Please see the following project website for detailed meeting information: https://www.paloalto.gov/Departments/Transportation/Transportation-Projects/Rail-Grade-Separation I hope this is helpful. This message needs your attention This is a personal email address. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Best Regards, Ripon -----Original Message----- From: David Ndeto <dndeto@gmail.com> Sent: Saturday, August 30, 2025 7:19 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/homeowners can learn updates about proposals, but we have not received. Can you send via email the scheduled meetings. Cheers, David Ndeto From:Anne Silverstein To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City; papc.secretary@gmail.com Subject:Support for More Pickleball Courts at Mitchell Park Date:Thursday, September 18, 2025 6:58:09 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. i Subject: Support for More Pickleball Courts at Mitchell Park Dear members of the Palo Alto Parks & Rec Commission and City Council, I live in Palo Alto, and am writing in strong support of creating eight additional pickleballcourts at Mitchell Park. Pickleball has truly changed my life, both mentally and physically. Before joining the PaloAlto Pickleball Club, I often felt isolated and found it difficult to stay active. Now, playing daily has motivated me to get outside in the fresh air and sunlight, move my body, laugh, andconnect with new and familiar faces. The game has sharpened my focus, strengthened my memory, and eased the aches and pains that used to trouble me. I no longer visit the doctor asoften, and my overall health and happiness have greatly improved. Just as importantly, the friendships and laughter I’ve found on the courts have been invaluable.The sense of belonging and community—arriving as a stranger and leaving as a friend—has uplifted me more than words can capture. This is not just recreation; it is a vital source ofwellness and joy for so many of us in Palo Alto. Unfortunately, our courts are now overcrowded, with wait times of 30 minutes to an hour.This discourages play and limits these same opportunities for health and connection for both new and longtime players. Repurposing two tennis courts into eight pickleball courts woulddirectly solve this problem and allow many more residents to benefit from the mental, physical, and social rewards that pickleball brings. Please help us grow this incredible community resource. By expanding the number of courts, you will be investing not only in recreation, but in the health, happiness, and unity of ourresidents. Sincerely, Anne Silverstein Barron Park Neighborhood 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 Sent from Gmail Mobile From:Linda Xu To:Council, City; Transportation Subject:We need to know the house number of acquisitions for underpass options Date:Thursday, September 18, 2025 6:08:40 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. Dear city council and rail committee members: We hope the city and the rail committee should be more transparent. We only got one flyers regarding the grade separation issue last year. Up to date this year, we have not received any flyers or emails regarding this issue. We really hope the city will send out letters regarding this issue to all potential affected neighborhoods, specially affected house owners. But it has not been this case. We attended the rail committee meeting on Sept 16. We agree with one council member's suggestion that the city and the rail committee should show the proposal of Hybrid option in the same details as the underpass options so that city residents have a full picture of all options. Secondly, we did not find the house numbers of full and partial acquisition for both Underpass Direct Access Ramp and Underpass One Lane Roundabout options on Meadow/Charleston. Would you please provide them to us ASAP? We really hope that the city and the rail committee members can truly represent their own opinions and the city residents’ interests. Thank you. Regards, Linda and Eric From:Vedanth Bhat To:Council, City Subject:Town Date:Wednesday, September 17, 2025 8:17:49 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. i Hello. My name is Vedanth Bhat, a 12-year old resident of Palo Alto, and I go to JLS Middle.I may be young, but I have big dreams. My plan is to create a town in Garfield County, Montana near Fort Peck Lake. Anyway, I love how you made Palo Alto a great walkable andbikeable city, and planted a lot of trees to combat air pollution. I want my town to be the same, so I have been researching. Also note that I have already contacted the governor of Montana,and a couple landowners too. I may be 12, but I want to follow the law, and start building. foundation now. Can you tell me how you run a town?Thank you so much for your time. Sincerely, Vedanth Bhat 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:Casper Wang To:Council, City Subject:Creating 8 additional pickleball courts at Mitchell Park Date:Wednesday, September 17, 2025 6:19:53 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. i Dear members of the Palo Alto Parks & Rec Commission and City Council: I live in Palo Alto, and am writing in support of creating eight additional pickleball courts at Mitchell Park. I am a senior and living by myself. I started playing pickleball at Mitchell Park about a year ago and I would like to share with you how playing pickleball there has changed and enriched my life physically and emotionally. Being able to go to the court to play pickleball with my friends motivates me to get off the bed each morning. The exercise is different than working out in the gym. Playing pickleball is not a loner’s activity. It gives me an opportunity to connect with people including young and old. Unfortunately the courts are always crowded and the wait time is long. It creates unpleasant situation from time to time. Pickleball courts are part of the Palo Alto community where people meet, connect, and support one another. I believe that creating eight additional pickleball courts at Mitchell Park will build a healthy and joyful community for the City of Palo Alto. Sincerely yours, Casper Wang 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:Aram James To:Binder, Andrew; editor@almanacnews.com; Shikada, Ed; Council, City; Reifschneider, James; Palo Alto FreePress; WILPF Peninsula Palo Alto; The Office of Mayor Matt Mahan; Raymond Goins; h.etzko@gmail.com; HumanRelations Commission; Gennady Sheyner; Dave Price; CityCouncil; city.council@menlopark.gov; Perron, Zachary;board@pausd.org; Jay Boyarsky; board@valleywater.org; Jay Boyarsky; Jeff Rosen; Holman, Karen (external);Tom DuBois; Liz Kniss; Gardener, Liz; Linda Jolley; Gerry Gras; jgreen@dailynewsgroup.com; Emily Mibach;Nicole Chiu-Wang; BoardOperations; boardfeedback@smcgov.org; bos@smcgov.org Subject:Palo Alto Free Press weighs in Date:Wednesday, September 17, 2025 1:49:35 PM CAUTION: This email originatedfrom outside of theorganization. Be cautious ofopening attachments andclicking on links. Hello Ed, I read your note carefully. While I respect that you’ve had positive personal experiences with the chief, I need to point out that your statement does not provide any data or measurable evidence to support your claim about his performance. When discussing something as critical as policing in our community, subjective impressions alone are not enough. Residents deserve to see objective information—crime trends, accountability metrics, response times, or community satisfaction surveys —that demonstrate whether the department is meeting expectations. Without that kind of evidence, your message comes across as opinion rather than fact. I’d appreciate it if you could provide actual data to substantiate the confidence you’ve expressed. Mark Petersen Perez Palo Alto Free Press From:My Yahoo To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City; papc.secretary@gmail.com Subject:The conversion of two Mitchell Park tennis courts into eight pickleball courts Date:Wednesday, September 17, 2025 11:45:42 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. i Dear members of the Palo Alto Parks & Rec Commission and City Council,  I live in Palo Alto and am writing to respectfully request your consideration in creating eight additional courts at Mitchell Park. I am a retired resident of Palo Alto, and for the past two years, pickleball has become an important and joyful part of my life. Before discovering this sport, I had never been active in athletics. But from the moment I picked up a paddle, I was hooked. Pickleball has not only provided me with regular exercise, but it has also given me something far more valuable— community, friendship, and a renewed sense of purpose in retirement. The local pickleball community continues to grow rapidly, and many of us often struggle to find enough courts to play. Converting a tennis court into dedicated pickleball courts would serve a wide range of residents—young and old, beginners and seasoned players alike. This small investment would bring significant benefits to our city by promoting health, social engagement, and community connection. Every time I step onto the court, I look forward not only to the game but also to the camaraderie it fosters. It has truly enriched my life, and I believe many others in our city would benefit in the same way if more pickleball facilities were available. 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 Thank you very much for your attention and for your dedication to improving the quality of life in our community. I sincerely hope you will consider this request. Respectfully, Lisa Chang Southgate Palo Alto Sent from my iPhone From:Peter Barling To:Council, City Subject:PowerPoint Slides for Comment Section of City Council Meeting on Wednesday, September 17, 2025 Date:Wednesday, September 17, 2025 11:43:06 AM Attachments:image005.png image001.png image004.png Importance:High CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. i Hello 7 City Council Members and Executive Staff, During my PowerPoint Presentation at the City Council Meeting on September 15, 2025, I was thefirst speaker. In reviewing my portion of the City Council Meeting video taken at the September 15, 2025 City Council Meeting, I found a statement that I made during my PowerPoint Presentation thatneeds to be to be clarified for the record. Within the 19:45 to 20:35 segment of my PowerPointPresentation: On Slide #4 of my PowerPoint Presentation, I stated, among other statements, ‘RELEASE FROMLIABILITY = ELDER FINANCIAL FRAUD’. I made a comment during my presentation asfollows; “That’s not even mentioned in the Criminal Report.” What I intended to say was: “That’s not even mentioned in the SYNOPSIS of the Criminal Report.” At 83-years-old, and under the stress generated by the time constraints of the 9 minutes allowed tome for my PowerPoint Presentation, my intention was to include the word ‘SYNOPSIS’ of theCriminal Report. I would like to add this email to the record of the City Council Meeting on September 15, 2025. Thank you, in advance, for adding this email to the record! Have a good day!Peter This message needs your attention This is a personal email address. This is their first email to you. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast From: Clerk, City <City.Clerk@PaloAlto.gov> Sent: Tuesday, September 16, 2025 2:53 PM To: Peter Barling <peter_barling@hotmail.com>; Clerk, City <City.Clerk@PaloAlto.gov> Subject: RE: PowerPoint Slides for Comment Section of City Council Meeting on Wednesday, September 17, 2025 Hello Peter, Thank you for your email. There is not a City Council meeting on September 17. The next City Council meeting is scheduled for Monday, September 29. Please let us know if you’d like to present the slides at the 9/29 meeting. Thank you, Christine Prior Deputy City Clerk Office of the City Clerk (650) 329-2159 | Christine.Prior@PaloAlto.gov www.PaloAlto.gov From: Peter Barling <peter_barling@hotmail.com> Sent: Tuesday, September 16, 2025 2:38 PM To: Clerk, City <City.Clerk@PaloAlto.gov> Subject: PowerPoint Slides for Comment Section of City Council Meeting on Wednesday, September 17, 2025 Importance: High CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Hi Nicole, I would like to speak at the City Council Meeting on Wednesday, September 17, 2025 during theopen comment period from 5:30pm to 6:00pm. I have included some PowerPoint Slides for myallocated time period (see file below). Thanks and enjoy the rest of the afternoon!Peter From:Peter Huang To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City; papc.secretary@gmail.com Subject:Pickleball Court Expansion - Mitchell Park Date:Wednesday, September 17, 2025 9:11:51 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. ! Dear members of the Palo Alto Parks & Rec Commission and City Council: I grew up in Palo Alto and still live here, and I am writing in support of creating eight additional pickleball courts at Mitchell Park. I was first introduced to pickleball in PE at JLS around 2007. At that time, it seemed like a small activity without much following. Since rediscovering the sport at Mitchell Park two years ago however, it has become an important part of my weekly routine. I now spend around 10 hours at the park each week, where I’ve connected with people from all ages and backgrounds. Playing has also reignited my competitive spirit, and I’ve seen the same effect in many of the other regulars. When I travel for tournaments, even players from outside of the Bay Area know Mitchell Park by name and recognize it for its high-quality and welcoming community. Pickleball has expanded my social circle, improved my health, and strengthened my ties to my community. Demand for the courts continues to grow, and many players often wait for long stretches just to play a single game. By expanding the number of courts, more residents will be able to enjoy these benefits—regardless of age, culture, or work background. Thank you for considering this request to invest in a resource that promotes health, inclusion, and community in Palo Alto. Best Regards, Peter Huang Resident on Wilkie Way This message could be suspicious Similar name as someone in your company. This is a personal email address. This is their first email to your company. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast From:Kathi Bowers To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City; papc.secretary@gmail.com Subject:Mitchell Park Pickleball courts Date:Wednesday, September 17, 2025 8:40:44 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. i Hi I live in Palo Alto, and am writing in support of creating eight additional pickleball courts at Mitchell Park. Pickleball has brought me friendships, exercise, and a true sense of belonging. What makes Mitchell Park special is the way all ages and skill levels play together—experienced players mentor newcomers, young athletes partner with older players, and everyone feels welcome. It’s a wonderful reflection of our community, but it has become so popular that we really need more courts. Thank you for your consideration, Kathi Bowers Midtown 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:Janet Wong To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City Cc:papc.secretary@gmail.com Subject:More pickleball courts for Mitchell Park Date:Tuesday, September 16, 2025 10:25:51 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. i Dear members of the Palo Alto Parks & Rec Commission and City Council: I live in Palo Alto, and am writing in support of creating eight additional pickleball courts at Mitchell Park. I live within a mile of Mitchell Park. I started noticing the wonderful laughter coming from the pickleball courts during the pandemic as I was walking my dog past the courts. I wanted to try this fun-looking sport, but alas, it took me two more years. Finally, in the fall of 2022, I signed up for one of the Club's Introduction to pickleball sessions run by volunteers, which taught me the basics of the game and the rules of etiquette at the Mitchell Park Courts. Almost 3 years later, I still love going to the courts. While the physical game of pickleball is very fun, I also love the social aspects of this community. I usually go to the courts alone, and as a result, I have met a whole group of wonderful folks that I now call friends and good acquaintances. For me, the Mitchell Park pickleball scene has been one of the best intersections of people of different ages, races, languages, and culture. I hope we can continue to grow this community! Sincerely yours, Janet Wong Meadow Park Neighborhood, Palo Alto This message needs your attention This is a personal email address. This is their first email to your company. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast From:Robert Rozak To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City; papc.secretary@gmail.com Subject:Pickleball in Mitchell Park Date:Tuesday, September 16, 2025 9:52:18 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. i Dear members of the Palo Alto Parks & Rec Commission and City Council: We live in Palo Alto (Greenmeadow). I am writing in support of creating eight additional pickleball courtsat Mitchell Park. We use the courts frequently. It has been great for fun, exercise, and camaraderie ... Best regards, Robert Rozak and Alison VanEgeren Greenmeadow, PA 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:Bill Zaumen To:Council, City Subject:Fences adjacent to creeks Date:Tuesday, September 16, 2025 8:33:51 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. It seems (based on local news sources) that there is a lot of opposition to adding additional restrictions to home improvements for properties boarding on various creeks. My home is next to Matadero Creek. When I bought it, I put up a fence to hide the view of some industrial building that were since torn down. After about 20 years, that fence fell down, leaving a view of a somewhat dilapidated chain-link fence, now with a few of a flood control improvements. Since I also had to replace the fences on the sides of the yard, I decided to postpone putting up a fence in the rear of the lot and instead strapped some wood to it to hide the posts and then slotted "hedge links" through the links. The wood is light weight and the "hedge links" are flexible and won't block the wind in a bad storm to limit the load on the existing fence. No changes at all were made to the existing fence itself - no holes, etc. I've enclosed some pictures: img1.jpg shows the view through the chain link fence, dominated by a concrete wall that IMHO is rather ugly. img2.jpg shows the "hedge links" used to hide the concrete wall, with a new fence on the side of the yard. img3.jpg was taken from Louis Road, showing the barren area, owned by the water district, behind my home. I haven't seen even a blade of grass growing in the path owned by the water district. I suspect that public opposition to restrictions for properties near creeks would be a lot less if the restrictions applied only to areas where vegetation adjacent to a creek could reasonably be expected to grow. At the same time, I don't think environmentalists concerned about our creeks are thinking of the parts of the creeks that are basically concrete channels. Regards, Bill Zaumen Palo Alto From:Linda Xu To:Council, City Subject:Please provide the house numbers for full and partial acquisition in the new proposals Date:Tuesday, September 16, 2025 4:49:12 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. Dear City council members: I just attended the rail committee meeting. I agree with one council member's suggestion that you should show the proposal of Hybrid option in the same details as other options so that city residents have a full picture of all options. Secondly, I did not see the house numbers of full and partial acquisition for both Underpass Direct Access Ramp and Underpass one lane roundabout options in Meadow/Charleston. Would you please provide them to us? Thank you. Regards, Linda and Eric From:Sonya Bradski To:Council, City Subject:No Right on Red Date:Tuesday, September 16, 2025 4:09:48 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. i Dear City Council Members, As someone who bikes and walks around town quite a bit, many drivers do not come to afull and complete stop at stop signs or red traffic lights before turning right on red. This quick scan of an intersection while rolling through often does not give the driver enoughtime to see if a bicycle or pedestrian is trying to cross. For the past two months of Mondays, about a dozen of us have been riding as a community along the protected bike lanes of El Camino Real (ECR). Several riders expressed concernahead of time about how safe it would feel biking on ECR. Then we biked from Embarcadero to Charleston and back and riders were delighted about the experience. The City's Office of Transportation did a GREAT job working with Caltrans to bump up thenumber of safety improvements to the repaving/bike lanes project of Highway 82, aka El Camino Real. Between the reflective delineators, flashing ped/bike crossing lights, skinnierroad lanes, and no right on red, the ECR bike lanes are a viable way for cyclists to move quickly between North and South Palo Alto. Please don't roll back the no right on red along ECR. Thank you, Sonya Bradski Greenmeadow This message needs your attention This is a personal email address. This is their first email to you. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast From:Kyla Farrell To:Council, City Cc:Planning Commission Subject:Please Support 414 California Ave Date:Tuesday, September 16, 2025 3:16:57 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. i My name is Kyla Farrell and I live in Midtown 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 localbusinesses, and bring much needed housing options to our community. Furthermore, it’s exciting to see a proposed project which is more architecturally ambitious and creative than I've come to expect from Palo Alto. Thank you for your leadership to support homes for all in our community, Kyla Farrell This message needs your attention This is a personal email address. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast From:Roland Lebrun To:Council, City Cc:Caltrain Board; Caltrain CAC Secretary Subject:San Francisquito Bridge Structural Health Monitoring (lack thereof) Date:Tuesday, September 16, 2025 3:16:39 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. i Dear Chair Burt and Committee members, I apologize for not being to attend the September 16 Rail Committee in person. I would like to attract your attention to the August 27, 2025 JPB TOPS Meeting Correspondence (https://www.caltrain.com/media/35756/download), specifically an email dated Friday August 8 from Mr. Jayson Dayvault addressed to TOPS Chair and Caltrain Board Vice Chair Medina which lists the San Francisquito Creek bridge acoustic monitoring as one of 4 projects "stopped before they started". This is quite remarkable when considering that Caltrans use acoustic monitoring on Bay Area bridges (https://trid.trb.org/View/1288513) and a similar system was installed on the Salesforce Transit Center after the discovery of cracked beams. In closing, I am respectfully requesting that the Rail Committee consider escalating this issue 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 Selected Field Results: San Francisco Oakland Bay BridgeAcoustic Emission Monitoring Program - Transport ResearchInternational Documentation Following the discovery of a significant crack in an eyebar (fracture critical element) on theSan Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge (SFOBB), the California Department of Transportation(Caltrans) explored possible remote monitoring solutions. The design of the structural healthmonitoring system (SHM) would continuously monitor the entire length of selected eyebarsfor the earliest possible ... trid.trb.org to the full City Council with a recommendation to write a letter to the Caltrain Board stating that a failure to install such a system on the San Francisquito Creek bridge amounts to criminal negligence that should be remedied as a matter of emergency. Respectfully presented for your consideration. Roland Lebrun From:martin vetter To:Council, City Subject:Pickleball expansion Date:Tuesday, September 16, 2025 2:08:46 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. i Sent from my iPad I live in Palo Alto, and am writing in support of creating eight additional pickleball courts at Mitchell Park. I have lived in the Midtown area for over 37 years and used the tennis courts at Mitchell Park for all of that time. I can remember when you had to set a timer for 1 hour 15 minutes because the courts were so crowded (day and night). Not so much any more. I walked by the tennis courts on my way to the pickleball courts daily and there aren’t 6 people using them. Please consider the expansion of the Pickleball courts as it would meed the greater demand for pickleball courts. Many more people are playing pickleball than tennis. Parks & Rec. should accommodate their need. Sincerely yours, Martin Vetter Midtown resident Sent from my iPad This message needs your attention This is their first email to you. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast From:Justin Chueh To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City; papc.secretary@gmail.com Cc:Justin Chueh Subject:Palo Alto Pickleball Courts Date:Tuesday, September 16, 2025 1:56:54 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. i Dear members of the Palo Alto Parks & Rec Commission and City Council: We live in Palo Alto, and am writing in support of creating eight additional pickleball courts at Mitchell Park. We have lived in Palo Alto for 30 years and besides our kids attending schools at Greene and Paly have not had a closer connection to our community than playing Pickleball at Mitchell park. I (Justin) play a few times a week in the mornings on weekdays, but would love to have more courts available for weekends or evenings when Pauline and our kids who work could join. We usually end up driving to Rengstorff or other further court to find an available court on these busier times. Justin bikes to Mitchell park but I have to drive to Mountain View or Los Altos. Please consider adding more courts for this most popular sport. Justin Chueh and Pauline Shuen This message needs your attention This is a personal email address. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast From:James Young To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City Cc:papc.secretary@gmail.com Subject:Adding more Pickleball courts to Mitchell Park Date:Tuesday, September 16, 2025 1:54:07 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. To: Palo Alto Parks & Rec Commission and City Council I am a resident of Palo Alto, and I am writing in support of creating additional pickleball courts at Mitchell Park. Pickleball is not just a wonderful game, it brings so many different people together every day at Mitchell Park. The banter, laughs, and smiles this game brings to the park is not easily replicated with any other activity. Like many families, pickleball has become the go to event at our reunions because everyone can play. Again, I support adding eight more courts at Mitchell Park. Sincerely, Jimmy Young Edlee Ave View this email in your browser. The core focus of the League crystallizes on National Voter Registration Day. From:LWV Palo Alto VOTERTo:Council, CitySubject:LWVPA September UpdatesDate:Tuesday, September 16, 2025 1:45:27 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious ofopening attachments and clicking on links. For all your voting needs, go to VOTE411! Why It Matters The future of our families, our communities, and our country are at stake. No matter what zip code we live in or the color of our skin, our voices are equal at the ballot box, and we could all use some help making sure our voices are heard. VOTE411.org is the League’s one-stop-shop where you can find all the information you need to cast your ballot. It's virtual, nonpartisan, and available in both English and Spanish. Even for those of us who've voted before, the process can be confusing. Election rules differ from state to state, and can change between elections. VOTE411 gives you personalized information so you're prepared to cast your vote in every election. Whether it's local, state, or federal, every election is important to ensuring our laws and policies reflect the values and beliefs of our communities. Discover all your voting options, from early voting to absentee and mail-in voting, to voting on Election Day, and make an election plan that fits your life. We focus on providing: Voter Registration Support Online voter registration tool Verify your registration Registration deadlines for regular, mail-in, and early voting. Voting Info Use our first-time voter checklist. Feel empowered to vote by following these easy steps Explore voting info by state Eligibility requirements Voting machine explanations Find your polling place location and hours Check your election options (mail-in, early voting) and deadlines See if an ID is needed to cast your ballot Absentee ballot information and request tool Healthy voter checklist – stay safe while casting your ballot Candidate and Ballot Info Customized to your address, see the candidates and ballot issues on your personal ballot. Detailed information on the candidates, including LWV-provided questions to the candidates and their responses, in their own words! Hear directly from the candidates on their vision for their communities and America’s future and can compare candidates side by side before making your selections. Discover debates and forums in your area And more! Visit VOTE411 Watch for your mail-in ballot starting October 6! LWVPA Events Coffee & CobblerFriday, September 26 - 9:30-11am I hope you will join some of our local League leaders for coffee and conversation at my home (305 Emerson Street (near Lytton) in downtown Palo Alto on Friday, September 26 from 9:30am until 11am. We'll also give a warm welcome to our new members! We’ll discuss: The upcoming elections and how your local league is trying to lean in to protect a democracy that feels under siege. Hear our voter services team explain the ABC’s of League Voter Services: how you can lend a hand to make sure people can cast an informed ballot in the upcoming special election Nov. 4. We’ll briefly go over the League’s focus this year on housing, climate, gun safety, and local campaign financing. In challenging times, getting together in person can really be a balm. RSVP to me and Sunny at 650/400-6960. We'll start the coffee for you! Warmly, Mary Nemerov MARY NEMEROV & SUNNY DYKWEL PROGRAM: October 2, 7pm at PA City Hall REGISTER HERE Fall Kick Off Saturday, October 4 - 9:30-11am at Lucie Stern Ctr. Join us for our Fall Kick-off, a fun social gathering and the first of our four League yearly member meetings. We'll hear an engaging talk from guest speaker ERIK JENSEN, Lecturer in Law and Director of the Rule of Law Program at Stanford Law School. We'll also discuss what's on the ballot for the special election on November 4 and chat with our committee chairs to learn what you can do to advance democracy. Light breakfast and beverages will be served. This is a great chance to reconnect and meet new friends. Bring a friend or neighbor! Location: Lucie Stern Community Center Ballroom - 1305 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto. REGISTER HERE COUNTY EVENT: Tuesday, October 7 - 7pm REGISTER HERE The November 4 election is coming quickly, and the ballot has more than we expected! There are now three items on the November ballot, plus the possibility of a run-off election in December. What's on the ballot? Santa Clara County Assessor: The current County Assessor is retiring. This is a vote for his replacement. If no candidate receives over 50% of the vote on November 4, a run-off election will be held on December 30. Santa Clara County Measure A: This measure proposes a 0.625% sales tax increase, which would take effect in April 2026. California Proposition 50: The "Use of Legislative Congressional Redistricting Map Amendment," would revise the map of California’s congressional districts. Ready to vote? Ballots will be mailed to all registered voters starting October 6. You can return your ballot by mail, at a designated dropbox, or at any Vote Center in Santa Clara County. Some Vote Centers open on October 25, with more opening on November 1. Check the Santa Clara County Registrar of Voters for all your voting needs. You can check your Voter Registration status, sign up for "Track My Ballot" alerts, and find the nearest dropbox or vote center. More information is also included here - Nov 4 2025. ADDITIONAL VOTER RESOURCES The National Voter Corps believes that every voter counts, and every vote is counted. Explore their outreach to policymakers and politicians, election protection and sound election administration, as well as their original focus on the current needs and past history of voting rights. Learn more at nationalvotercorps.org. (LWVPA member, Alice Smith, is their founder and ED and one of the most active people in their mid-80's you'll ever meet!) BALLOT DRAFT: The Public Display Voter Information Guide is now available. It gives the Legislative Analysis that should include the explanation of background/context, the proposal and fiscal effects, along with pro/con arguments - also the formal title and ballot label. Get an early start on learning about the measures, now available HERE. CHECK YOUR VOTER REGISTRATION STATUS: https://voterstatus.sos.ca.gov/ Want to make change for good? Get involved with the League! Volunteers Needed! Interested in helping to register people, get out the vote and educate voters on the issues and candidates in the special election? We've got a spot for you! People need to (re-)register if they've: moved, turned 18, changed their name, want to change their party affiliation, or are a new citizen. Plus, 16- and 17-year olds can pre-register to ensure they're on the voting rolls when they turn 18. We need more team members to help them do so! Please contact us at lwvpaoffice@gmail.com - subject “Voter Services.” WELCOME to Karuna Mukkamalla who just joined our team as a high school intern - helping us ramp up our social media and communications, as well as registering youth voters! Come join us - everyone 16 and up is welcome! Learn more about our teams and programs on our website. Visit us on www.lwvpaloalto.org, Facebook, and Instagram. Save the Dates! FIND DETAILS IN THIS MONTH'S VOTER - OUR MONTHLY NEWSLETTER SENT ON 9.4.25 SEPTEMBER 18: SUFFS/Challenges to Voting Rights - 1pm on Zoom 21: Sun Day - 12:30pm in San Jose 23: LWVPA Board Meeting 25: Surviving in the New World of AI, Microtargeting & Disinformation - 7pm on Zoom 26: Coffee & Cobbler - 9:30am at Mary's OCTOBER 2: Water Symposium - 7pm at PA City Hall 4: LWVPA October Kickoff - 9:30am at Lucie Stern Ctr. 7: County Assessor Candidate Forum - 7pm & Pro-Con on Ballot Measures - 8:30pm in Cupertino NOVEMBER 4: Special Election Day! Stay Informed! Sign Up for LWV California & LWVUS News & Alerts Click here to sign up for LWVC Newsletter and LWVC Action Alerts Subscribe to our Google Calendar Click here to sign up for LWVUS Email News (at bottom) and LWVUS Action Alerts Facebook Website Instagram Copyright © 2025 League of Women Voters Palo Alto, All rights reserved. From Voter Recipient List Our mailing address is: League of Women Voters Palo Alto 3921 E Bayshore Rd Ste 209 Palo Alto, CA 94303-4303 Add us to your address book Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list. Questions? Please contact communications@lwvpaloalto.org. From:Cybele LoVuolo-Bhushan To:Council, City Subject:Caltrain Date:Tuesday, September 16, 2025 1:42:07 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. i Dear City Council Members, I read about the rail committee meeting zoom today. There is aglitch in the city's system as I had the correct ID number ( 899 9720 6541) for today's meeting. I was late in trying to join, but why should that be a problem? I also tried to join by phone at669 900 6833: no luck. Anyway what I wanted to communicate was all the options being considered for setting up aquiet zone are excessive, almost comical, when one reads that the horn's volume has been lowered once already, why not lower them again or replace the horn system of that is notfeasible. Red paint is an ok idea in addition to lowering the volume of the horns again. Thank you,Sincerely, Cybele (nee Judith) LoVuolo-Bhushan This message needs your attention This is a personal email address. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast From:Ron Gentile To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City; papc.secretary@gmail.com Subject:Pickleball Court Expansion Project Date:Tuesday, September 16, 2025 1:35:34 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. Dear members of the Palo Alto Parks & Rec Commission and City Council: I live in Palo Alto, and am writing in support of creating eight additional pickleball courts at Mitchell Park by repurposing two underutilized tennis courts. The goal of which is to keep up with the demand for pickleball and to deliver much-needed joy to the residents of Palo Alto. From a young age I’ve played competitive sports of most every type including tennis. So my reaction to pickleball was always the same, “Isn’t that like shuffleboard with paddles played by people with very limited mobility? Why would I want to do that?” It wasn’t until 2022 when a colleague kept asking me to play when I finally gave in and tried it. I remember walking through the gates into the Mitchell Park courts and thinking, “What is going on here?! I had no idea this was even here!” My reaction was despite having been to the Mitchell Park Library and other park events many many times. As I looked around I saw people of all ages, abilities, and ethnicities all playing together. In some cases in friendly games. In other cases in competitive games. But you could quickly see the shared theme - pure joy. A few days later I went back with a friend who also had recently been introduced to pickleball. We showed up early to beat the rush, found a free court off the side, and started cluelessly hitting the ball back and forth. The courts quickly filled up and two guys asked if we wanted to play a game. After telling them we had no idea what we were doing, they told us not to worry, and proceeded to walk us through an entire game with rules, scoring, and more. After the game they gave us each an outdoor pickleball to replace the cheap indoor balls we each had with our starter sets. On the drive home I turned to my friend and said, “Are we being recruited into a cult?” To which he replied, “I was thinking the same thing.” Months later I’m now playing regularly at Mitchell Park. I’m getting up early before work at 5:20am to be on the courts by 6am to play with a group called the Early Worms that play at that time year round. To be clear, I am definitely not a morning person. And when I say the Early Worms play year round I mean - arriving in the dark in 29F weather at 5:55am so they can be there right when the lights turn on at 6am. By day I’m the founder of a digital mental health company. So, I’m steeped in the science of what brings our moods up and down. Along the way on my pickleball journey I’m watching what’s going on at Mitchell Park, realizing there is something magical happening there and it’s not about the sport itself. That it’s about providing pure joy to people and as a side effect, providing them incredible physical and mental health benefits. It’s addressing the loneliness epidemic. It’s providing social connections at scale across traditional boundaries like age, ethnicity, and profession. Ultimately it’s improving the lives of Palo Alto residents in ways that other initiatives can only dream of. Oh, and it’s free. So, when I look at the parameters of the proposed court expansion project to turn two underutilized tennis courts into eight pickleball courts that will deliver incredible benefits to the residents of Palo Alto, it’s so obviously the right thing to do. And if that weren’t enough, the pickleball club is actually going to pay for it such that it will cost Palo Alto absolutely nothing. In so many ways, it is a dream social infrastructure project. In comparison, imagine you vote “no” on this project and a year from now you have to pay consultants a half million dollars to come back and tell you about a $10-20 million solution that will rip up green space near someone’s neighborhood. The exact scenario Mountain View officials find themselves in. This can and should be avoided by voting “yes” on this expansion project. Finally, from a pragmatic perspective the following is known: • The popularity of pickleball nationally and locally has far exceeded that of tennis. • Tennis has access to the city owned 31 courts and also has access to an additional 27 tennis courts through thePalo Alto school district for a total of 51 courts. (I believe you will find that the recent discussion with the schooldistrict regarding access to their courts is more miscommunication than a change of policy.) Compare these 51tennis courts to the 15 pickleball courts - tennis has 240% more courts than pickleball. Tennis also has over 376,000square foot of court space versus 30,000 square feet for pickleball, which is 1153% more court space. Even if youdon’t include the PAUSD courts, there is great inequality between tennis and pickleball with respect to squarefootage and court count. • The pickleball club has arranged with their friendly neighbor Ability Path to get access to additional parkingspaces to mitigate possible parking issues due to the new courts. This is one of many examples of the pickleball clubworking with the community and the city to create solutions. • Both commissioners and city staff have walked the neighborhoods and found noise to not be an issue. Thecourts at Mitchell Park are by chance located behind the library and commercial structures. Anyone making thisclaim that noise is an issue should invite decision makers to their property and let them have a listen. Otherwise,they are simply providing misinformation. • Pickleball creates community by virtue of its open play format. A single person can show up and by integratedinto the flow of games. This happens when the courts are located near one another, not in separate locations. Tennisdoes not create significant community since it is people who already know one another arranging to play together. • The pickleball club has and will continue to be supporters of the tennis community. Including tennis recentlyevaluating their policies that reduce court availability to the public, e.g. private instruction. If tennis needs morelights on more courts, then the pickleball club wants to support them in their efforts including lobbying the city forsuch resources. However, this topic should be decoupled from the pickleball court expansion project, otherwise theoutcome becomes gridlock. • The pickleball club has been an exemplary community organization, being an integral partner with events likethe Bay Area Senior Games and the Rotary Tournament, providing youth programs, and working with othersurrounding communities to build up their pickleball programs. They have taken something that is good andgenuinely made it great. In summary, the court expansion project makes great sense both with respect to the community wellness andbelonging it creates, and with regards to the equity of using resources to the most benefit of Palo Alto residents. Sincerely yours,Ron GentileDowntown Palo Alto resident Xenia Czisch Vice President of Operationsphone: (650) 858-2491mobile: (650) 804-4225 fax: (650) 858-2494 4047 Transport StPalo Alto, CA 94303www.qualitymetalspinning.us From:Patrick KellyTo:Marguerite PoyatosCc:Osbaldo R; Xenia Czisch; Bill McLane; Ramon Moreno; Lester Wong; Maor Greenberg; Dave Stellman; Gaines, Chantal; Manu Kumar; Becchetti, Benjamin; Cathi Lerch; Dave Stellman; City Mgr; Moffatt, Pete; Jacob@onemovemovers.com; david@paloaltoconcrete.com; Steve Wong; nancy@drewmaran.com; Dan McKinley; McDonough, Melissa; Reifschneider, James; Transportation; John Lerch; Binder, Andrew; Jade Jin; City Attorney; Lauing, Ed; Lydia Kou; Veenker, Vicki; Council, City; Burt, Patrick; Stone, Greer; Lythcott-Haims, Julie; Staceytomson@qmsshields.comSubject:Re: Industrial/Transport/Commercial SafetyDate:Tuesday, September 16, 2025 12:19:23 PMAttachments:image011.pngimage015.pngimage016.pngimage017.pngimage018.pngimage019.pngimage020.pngimage021.png CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. Please. Every one of these pictures is a Safety violation where’s Waldo Patrick Kelly From: Patrick Kelly <Patrick.Kelly@dmdsystems.com>Sent: Tuesday, September 16, 2025 6:22:26 AMTo: Marguerite Poyatos <marguerite@paloaltoglass.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>; CathiLerch <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 Patrick Kelly From: Patrick Kelly <Patrick.Kelly@dmdsystems.com>Sent: Monday, August 18, 2025 6:37:09 AMTo: Marguerite Poyatos <marguerite@paloaltoglass.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>; CathiLerch <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 Hasn’t moved in a month. Visibility non existent for pedestrians. Safety issues are on your shoulders when something happens. Patrick Kelly From: Marguerite Poyatos <marguerite@paloaltoglass.com>Sent: Friday, August 15, 2025 8:39:37 AMTo: 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>; CathiLerch <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 PMTo: 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 RomeroPresident 939 Industrial AvePalo Alto, Ca. 94303Phone: 650.938.2222Fax: 650.938.2224Cell: 415.215.6788 From: Xenia Czisch <xenia@qmsshields.com> Sent: Wednesday, July 23, 2025 1:53 PMTo: '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.comSubject: RE: Industrial/Transport/Commercial Safety + Staceytomson@qmsshields.com From: Bill McLane <bill@paloaltoglass.com> Sent: Wednesday, July 23, 2025 1:48 PMTo: 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 StreetPalo Alto, CA 94303650-494-7000 Officewww.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 Operationsphone: (650) 858-2491mobile: (650) 804-4225 fax: (650) 858-2494 4047 Transport StPalo Alto, CA 94303www.qualitymetalspinning.us From: Marguerite Poyatos <marguerite@paloaltoglass.com> Sent: Wednesday, July 23, 2025 1:13 PMTo: 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 enforcementIncreased monitoring and enforcement of local ordinancesMeasures 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 PresidentO: 650.813.9999 ext. 22 | C: 650.720.84554067 Transport Street | Palo Alto | CA 94303Celebrating Our 46th Anniversary 1978 – 2024 A Proud Member of the U.S. Green Building Council From: Marguerite Poyatos <marguerite@paloaltoglass.com>Sent: Thursday, March 13, 2025 12:37:47 PMTo: 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 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 From: Dave Stellman <davestellman@gmail.com>Sent: Wednesday, March 12, 2025 10:56:09 AMTo: 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: 650.492.9003patrick.kelly@dmdsystems.com | www.dmdsystems.com <Outlook-DMD Logo.png> <Outlook-larpkod1.png>Book time to meet with me From: Bill McLane <bill@paloaltoglass.com>Sent: Wednesday, February 5, 2025 12:39 PMTo: 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 StreetPalo Alto, CA 94303650-494-7000 Officewww.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 StreetPalo Alto, CA 94303650-494-7000 Officewww.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 StreetPalo Alto, CA 94303650-494-7000 Officewww.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 StreetPalo Alto, CA 94303650-494-7000 Officewww.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 StreetPalo Alto, CA 94303650-494-7000 Officewww.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 tothe 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 trafficflow 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. Maor Greenberg <email-signture_87b8d7a2-c4f4-4cbf-b474-af2f32118dd2.png> 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 -- Marguerite PoyatosPalo Alto Glass, Inc.4085 Transport StreetPalo Alto CA 94303(650) 494-7000(650) 494-7087 (FAX) From:Harriet Stern To:ParkRec Commission Cc:Burt, Patrick; Lauing, Ed; Lu, George; Lythcott-Haims, Julie; Reckdahl, Keith; Stone, Greer; Veenker, Vicki; Council, City Subject:Please Keep the Tennis Courts at Mitchell Park Date:Tuesday, September 16, 2025 12:04:22 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. ! Dear Parks and Recreation Commissioners, I am writing to express my concern regarding the potential conversion of additional tennis courts into pickleball courts at Mitchell Park. I respectfully urge you not to proceed with thisconversion. Although I am not a tennis player myself, I have spent a significant amount of time, at least 20 hours this year, on the Mitchell Park tennis courts. The Magical Bridge Foundation, with thesupport of the City of Palo Alto, has successfully operated "Magical Tennis" and the "Magical Tennis & Fun Camp" at these courts for several years. This program offers children and youngadults with intellectual disabilities the opportunity to engage in sports through one-on-one coaching provided by teen volunteers. It was initiated and continues to be led by high schoolstudents. The unique nature of Magical Tennis has truly amazed many parents as they witness their children hitting a tennis ball and enjoying the experience. The success of this program lies inthe valuable partnerships formed between neurotypical teens and their neuro-atypical peers. Magical Tennis emphasizes friendship and fun, extending beyond just the sport itself. Whilemost participants make tennis progress and some even advance to more skilled play, the program's true magic lies in fostering connections and building community. For both playersand coaches, participating in Magical Tennis is often a highlight of their week. Magical Tennis began in the summer of 2023 through the efforts of one of our Magical Bridge Kindness Ambassadors. The following fall, two Los Altos High students, featured in theattached NBC News story, expanded the program to include a summer camp. Magical Tennis now offers weekly hour-long sessions for 16-21 weeks annually. Thus far we have provided at least 50 disabled athletes and 30 volunteer coaches with the incredible experience of playing tennis, making friends, and creating community. The program has run for three years. As the Magical Bridge Curator of Community Kindness, I assist the teens in managing thisprogram, which includes coordinating with the city to secure court time. Securing court times that align with the teens' schedules can be challenging, and we have occasionally had to utilizeCubberley due to lack of availability at Mitchell Park. We use two adjacent tennis courts per This message could be suspicious The sender's email address couldn't be verified. This is their first mail to some recipients. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast session due to errant balls and atypical tennis behavior. Our strong preference for MitchellPark stems from its close proximity to the Magical Bridge Playground. The playground is essential for some participants who need to decompress after an hour of focused tennis skillsand one-on-one interaction. Additionally, we often use the playground for activities during our multi-hour summer Tennis & Fun Camp. We rely on these tennis courts. They provide a space for critical social interaction and play, wethen rest and snack under the trees in Mitchell Park and finally head to the Magical Bridge Playground. The Magical Bridge Foundation and our extended community, strongly requestthat you preserve the remaining four tennis courts at Mitchell Park. Furthermore, I want to bring to your attention that the constant sound of pickleballs hitting paddles can be triggering for children and adults with sensory sensitivities. Increasing thisexposure by adding more pickleball courts to the main area of Mitchell Park could negatively impact the well-being of sensory-sensitive individuals. Finally, parking at Mitchell Park is already a significant concern due to the constant use of thepickleball courts. Many of our coaches and players arrive very early to ensure they are on time for their tennis sessions. We have also experienced difficulties securing adequate parking forour activity leaders during the Tennis & Fun Camp. While Magical Bridge has permission to park at Ability Path, we now have to block off parking on tennis and concert days to ensureour equipment, coaches, musicians, volunteers and activity leaders can access Mitchell Park and the Magical Bridge Playground. Adding more pickleball courts would undoubtedlyexacerbate the existing parking issues for other park and playground users. As a Foundation dedicated to creating opportunities for all community members to come together, Magical Bridge appreciates the wonderful spirit, health benefits and comradery ofThe Palo Alto Pickleball Club. The pickleball community is strong and well organized but Palo Alto parks serve more than just pickleballers. Taking tennis courts from players of tennisdoes not seem in the spirit of community. Loss of those courts would impact Magical Bridge programs for disabled youth and young adults significantly. Pickleball is here to stay, that is wonderful. As there is a need, Palo Alto should look foranother place, perhaps inside or on the roof of a building, to expand access to pickleball courts. To PAPC, taking courts 3 and 4 is an expedient and obvious solution but its impactupon other park users will be drastic. In conclusion, I assume the benefit of doubt that PAPC has forgotten to consider how converting two more tennis courts into eight pickleball courtswould be for the rest of us who also find, create and share community at Mitchell Park. Thank you for your time and consideration of these important points. Attached please find an NBC News feature on Ava and Sophia, our tennis leaders and the Magical Tennis Program. Please consider that there are many sports, arts and culture activitiesfor neurotypical children and teens but hardly anything at all for their atypical brethren. Magical Tennis needs tennis courts to exist. https://www.nbcbayarea.com/video/news/local/bay-area-proud/los-altos-tennis-playing-teens-inspired-to-start-clinic-for-neurodivergent-individuals/3870047/ Harriet SternCurator of Community Kindness Magical Bridge Foundation (a 501c3 non-profit)www.magicalbridge.org From:Kevin Wright To:Council, City; Clerk, City; PlannerOnDuty Subject:Country Sun Natural Foods & Proposed Project at 414 California Ave Date:Tuesday, September 16, 2025 12:01:40 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. ! Hello, My name is Kevin Wright, and I’m one of the owners of Country Sun Natural Foods. At last night’s council meeting concerns were raised about the potential 414 project that reflect some issues we’ve been worried about, and that have not been addressed with us directly. First, I agree with something that was said last night - the design of the building appears more like a statement piece for 414 than something that fits the character of California Ave, especially at a time whenthe street is supposed to be going through it's revitalization project. The proposed height is a major issue,six stories is well over the height ordinance in the area, and would literally tower over our business. Andin addition, the plans show the building pushed right up to our wall. While housing and density areimportant, it’s hard to understand why city property should be altered in order to benefit a singledevelopment. For the record, we are fully in support of adding housing on California Ave. That being said, it seems thatzoning ordinances would be set aside simply because the project includes housing. Altering the zoningcreates specific concerns - the controlled right of way for Mimosa Lane, the height exception, parkingand loading. The use of Mimosa Lane itself is especially important to us because we rely on it fordeliveries twice a week, and our distributor requires the drop be directly in front of our store. With Cal Aveclosed to vehicle traffic Mimosa Lane is our only option. The mural on the side of our building would also be almost completely hidden by this project. Right now, itis visible to everyone and it adds to the character and cultural feel of Cal Ave. If the new building wereconstructed as proposed, the mural would only be visible to people living inside the new units, whichdefeats the purpose of having public art. The mural was created to be enjoyed by the community, nothidden behind private property. Losing that visibility takes away something meaningful from the street anderases part of the local identity. The removal of the trees along Mimosa Lane is another major concern. I remember clearly when thetrees along California Ave were taken down years ago. It was a huge deal at the time and deeplyupsetting to the community. The trees gave the street its character and shade, and once they were gone,the city pushed through the first major remodel of the street. That construction nearly shut us down. Thenoise, dust, and blocked access drove customers away, and many of them told us directly that the This message could be suspicious The sender's email address couldn't be verified. This is their first email to your company. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast disruption was the reason they stopped coming. We lost so much revenue during that time that we almost closed for good. That experience is still fresh for us, and the thought of another project of this scale is honestly terrifying. Finally, about the timeline - it was suggested last night something like this could be done in 2–3 years, but that is not realistic. A project of this size would more likely take 3–5 years, and that uncertainty is anotherone of our biggest worries. I want to reiterate that we support housing and thoughtful development on Cal Ave. But the currentproposal raises serious concerns for small businesses like ours and we would really like to discuss thisfurther. Best, Kevin WrightCEO, Country Sun Natural Foods From:Aram James To:Lythcott-Haims, Julie Cc:assemblymember.berman@assembly.ca.gov; Josh Becker; Reckdahl, Keith; Human Relations Commission; Jay Boyarsky; Jeff Rosen; Jeff Conrad; Emily Mibach; Dave Price; Gerry Gras; Gennady Sheyner; bos@smcgov.org; board@valleywater.org; BoardOperations; board@pausd.org; Jennifer Morrow San José Spotlight; Diana Diamond; Jessica Speiser, Educational Leader for California Democratic Delegate, Assembly District 23; planning.commission@cityofpaloalto.0rg; ParkRec Commission; CityCouncil; Binder, Andrew; Reifschneider, James; Dana St. George; Cait James; Tim James; Council, City; city.council@menlopark.gov; Perron, Zachary; Clerk, City; Roberta Ahlquist; Enberg, Nicholas; Barberini, Christopher; Adam.Oberdorfer@shf.sccgov.org; Rose Lynn; Baker, Rob; jgreen@dailynewsgroup.com Subject:Ilan Volkov: Israeli conductor speaks out against Israel"s genocide Date:Tuesday, September 16, 2025 11:23:12 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. https://www.thecanary.co/skwawkbox/2025/09/14/ilan-volkov-israel-bbc/ From:jiaoju@gmail.com To:Council, City Subject:Pickleball courts Date:Tuesday, September 16, 2025 11:01:53 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. i Dear members of the Palo Alto Parks & Rec Commission and City Council: I live in Palo Alto, and am writing in support of creating eight additional pickleball courts at Mitchell Park. I enjoy playing pickleball for physical exercise, joy and fun, friendship in community environment… Sincerely yours, Jully Jiao Sent from my iPhone This message needs your attention No employee in your company has ever replied to this person. This is a personal email address. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast From:Bridget Algee To:Council, City Cc:414 California LLC Subject:Redesign of California Avenue: placement of public restrooms Date:Tuesday, September 16, 2025 10:14:02 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. i Dear Mayor and City Council Members, As you continue planning the redesign of California Avenue, we at 414 California Avenue would like to offer a suggestion regarding placement of public restrooms. We recommend locating restrooms within the large public parking structure, ideally on the bottom floor. This approach offers several practical advantages: The parking structure is easily identifiable, making restrooms simple for residents and visitors to find. The parking structure provides ADA‑accessible routes; curbside locations and spaces alongside businesses, while often compliant, can present suboptimal conditions (tight radii, uneven surfaces). Locating restrooms within the structure keeps them discrete and avoids placing facilities directly adjacent to storefronts or dining areas, preserving the pedestrian and dining experience on California Avenue. This location centralizes maintenance and security resources—cleaning schedules, waste management, lighting, and safety camera coverage can be managed efficiently in one controlled facility. Restrooms in the parking structure support multi‑use trips: people parking for shopping, dining, or events can access restrooms without adding to sidewalk congestion. The structure can safely offer extended hours and controlled access, improving usability during events or late hours without impacting businesses directly. The dedicated structure allows for inclusive features like family/priority restrooms, changing stations, and nursing rooms that might be harder to accommodate with portable-restrooms placed in piecemeal street locations. Locating restrooms in the parking structure preserves space overall, from street frontage to business loading zones, for active uses—like retail, outdoor seating, landscaping, and pedestrian circulation—thereby, enhancing economic activity and street vitality. The bottom floor is especially desirable for restrooms because it is typically cooler, which This message needs your attention This is their first mail to some recipients. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast helps reduce odor issues. The bottom floor sees less use and is perceived by many patrons as less safe; introducing restrooms will increase legitimate foot traffic, improving safety through greater use. We appreciate the Council’s thoughtful work on this important project. As a building-owner with external toilets on California Avenue, we are happy to discuss this suggestion further or provide any insights based on our experience that may be helpful. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, From:JuanCarlos Gumucio To:Council, City Subject:8 additional pickleball courts Date:Tuesday, September 16, 2025 9:52:30 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. i Dear members of the Palo Alto Parks & Rec Commission and City Council: I live in Palo Alto, and am writing in support of creating eight additional pickleball courts at Mitchell Park. I participated in this activity nearly every day, and it emerged as a fundamental element of my life, contributing greatly to my mental health and physical exercise. Sincerely yours, JuanCarlos Gumucio 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:Friends of the Palo Alto Junior Museum & Zoo To:Council, City Subject:The Impact of the JMZ Summer Camp Experience Date:Tuesday, September 16, 2025 9:45:39 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious ofopening attachments and clicking on links. Summer 2025 at the JMZ: A Season of Discovery September 16, 2025  Hello Friends, This summer at the JMZ was one for the books! From hands-on scienceexperiments to animal encounters, JMZ summer campers discovered just how much fun learning can be. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, 45 children received scholarships to attend JMZ summer camps this year—nearly double last year’s number. The Friends also funded 17 post-camp spots, which supported parents and gave kids even more time to explore, play, and learn. This is the third consecutive year the Friends has funded scholarships to JMZ summer camps. To learn more about the program’s growth, check out our August 2024 newsletter. In this newsletter, we share feedback from parents of scholarship recipients this summer. With gratitude,Lauren Angelo President, Friends of the Palo Alto Junior Museum & Zoo   The Impact of the JMZ Summer Camp Experience At JMZ summer camps, K-6 students explore a variety of STEM topics. Scholarship applicants share their camp preferences, which helps the JMZ's Education Team match each child with experiences that spark their curiosity. Here’s a look at some of this year's summer camps and what families had to say: Jurassic Camp At Jurassic Camp, children stepped into the prehistoric past. Campers examined fossils, created fossil casts, and explored geology just steps from the California Dinosaur Garden. “Such an all around great experience with the instructors and staff who care about the well-being of each child. My kid learned so much and was excited to share about each day.” — Jurassic Camp Parent Bay Camp Bay Camp remains a favorite for outdoor fun. Campers learned about local wildlife,tried their hand at fishing, and discovered the delicate balance of our ecosystems at the Baylands Nature Preserve. “My daughter had the best week being outdoors and doing hands-on activities. She thrived!” — Bay Camp Parent “It was such a great mix of outdoor and indoor fun. My daughter learned so muchfrom this program.” — Bay Camp Parent Camp Chronos Time-traveling through science, students rediscovered ancient technologies, built famous inventions, performed historic experiments, and even looked back in time through space. “The teachers are super patient and [my son] brought home so many different things every day and he learned so so much every day at the camp!...I would highlyrecommend the camp to all of my friends. LOVE the topics every day and we love every aspect of the Camp!!” — Camp Chronos Parent Camp Kinetic This camp is all about physics and chemistry. Campers built, broke, floated, and squished their way through experiments, testing out contraptions and gooey concoctions. “It was very positive for my kids. Excellent job for everyone involved. Thank you so much. Kids love it.” — Camp Kinetic Parent Scholarship Impact and Looking Ahead The Friends funded a huge jump in camp scholarships this summer–a total of 45 upfrom 25 the summer before! This leap in participation is thanks to the JMZ’s Education Team who worked directly with families to complete applications, answer questions, and reassign spots when cancellations arose. Looking forward, we plan to strengthen partnerships with community organizations, making sure more families can apply early and access scholarships. Thanks to your support, JMZ camps are more than just summer fun—they’re opportunities for everychild to learn, grow, and thrive. Scholarships are one way the Friends is making science education more accessible in our community, and we’re deeply grateful for the donors who make this possible. If you are interested in supporting Friends-funded education programs, you can donate to JMZ Science Outreach in underserved schools on our website. DONATE NOW Friends of the Palo Alto Junior Museum & Zoo1451 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto, CA 94301     Friends of the Palo Alto Junior Museum & Zoo | 1451 Middlefield Road | Palo Alto, CA 94301 US Unsubscribe | Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice From:Aram James To:Binder, Andrew; Jeff Rosen; Reifschneider, James; Sean Allen; Jay Boyarsky; Raymond Goins; PD Kristina Bell;city.council@gilroy.org; CityCouncil; Council, City; Foley, Michael; Gardener, Liz; city.council@menlopark.gov;Clerk, City; Gerry Gras; GRP-City Council; Baker, Rob; Dave Price; Braden Cartwright; Gennady Sheyner; EPAToday; DuJuan Green; dennis burns; Barberini, Christopher; Enberg, Nicholas; Wagner, April;Adam.Oberdorfer@shf.sccgov.org; Robert. Jonsen; Seher Awan; Stump, Molly; Nicole Chiu-Wang;board@pausd.org; Bill Newell; Dana St. George; Kaloma Smith; planning.commission@cityofpaloalto.0rg;ParkRec Commission; Yolanda Conaway; Rowena Chiu; The Office of Mayor Matt Mahan; board@valleywater.org;BoardOperations; WILPF Peninsula Palo Alto; walter wilson; Doug Minkler; jgreen@dailynewsgroup.com; DianaDiamond; Perron, Zachary; Alex Etzkowitz; h.etzko@gmail.com; Ruth Silver Taube (rsilvertaube@scu.edu);Human Relations Commission; Lythcott-Haims, Julie; Ed Lauing; Jasso, Tamara; Lotus Fong; Rodriguez, Miguel;Roberta Ahlquist; Robert Salonga; Brian Good; Brandon Pho; Friends of Cubberley; Pat M; james pitkin Subject:Re: Public Records Request :: W007004-091025 Date:Tuesday, September 16, 2025 8:46:08 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. On Thu, Sep 11, 2025 at 2:23 PM Prior, Christine <Christine.Prior@paloalto.gov> wrote: Dear Aram, I am writing in response to your requests for documents under the California Public Records Act (Govt. Code § 7920.000 et seq.) received by the City on 9/10/2025. Your request mentioned: I would like all timesheets/timecards for Police Chief Ander Binder, from when he was appointed Chief in August 2022-Present. I would also like any and all documents pertaining to who oversees and approves the Police Chiefs Attendance. Lastly, I would like to know how many hours per week the Police Chief spends working remotely or at home in Morgan Hill vs. In Office. Please send me the documents via PDF. Thank you. Response: The City has reviewed its files and has located records responsive to your request. Please log in to the Records Center at the following LINK to retrieve the appropriate response. As indicated in the employment agreement, the Chief of Police is overseen by the City Manager. Personnel, medical, or similar files have been excluded pursuant to Penal Code section 832.7 and Gov. Code section 7927.700. There are no responsive records to the other portions of the request. If you have any questions, or wish to discuss this further, please contact me. Sincerely, Christine Prior Deputy City Clerk Office of the City Clerk From:City Mgr To:Council, City; Shikada, Ed Cc:Executive Leadership Team; City Mgr; Clerk, City Subject:Council Bundle - September 16, 2025 Date:Tuesday, September 16, 2025 8:20:41 AM Attachments:image008.pngimage009.pngFW RE Creek Encampments Endangering PA Home Owners.msgRE Vote YES for PAUSD partnering with the JED foundation.msgRE Concerns Regarding RV"s Parked on Park Boulevard and the Impact on Employee Safety and BusinessOperations.msgFW Urgent Plea for Reconsideration of Parking Policies on El Camino Real and the Impact on SmallBusinesses.msgFW Coyote Activity.msgRE Suggestion for traffic speed abatement and safety improvement.msgFW DANGEROUS WIDE GAPS IN GRATES IN ROAD.msg Importance:High 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 September 16, 2025. Respectfully, Danille Danille RiceAdministrative AssistantCity Manager’s Office | Human Resources | Transportation(650) 329-2229 | danille.rice@PaloAlto.gov www.PaloAlto.gov From:Aram James To:Lythcott-Haims, Julie Cc:Vicki Veenker; Doug Minkler; Shankar Ramamoorthy; Gennady Sheyner; assemblymember.berman@assembly.ca.gov; Josh Becker; board@pausd.org; board@valleywater.org; BoardOperations; Jay Boyarsky; Raymond Goins; Raj Jayadev; Sean Allen; Stump, Molly; Jessica Speiser, Educational Leader for California Democratic Delegate, Assembly District 23; Jeff Conrad; Reckdahl, Keith; Robert Salonga; Baker, Rob; Jeff Rosen; CityCouncil; Binder, Andrew; james pitkin; Cait James; Tim James; Gerry Gras; Dave Price; Emily Mibach; Braden Cartwright; Bill Newell; Zahra Billoo; Salem Ajluni; Linda Jolley; Lotus Fong; h.etzko@gmail.com; vramirez@redwoodcity.org; Vara Ramakrishnan; Freddie.Quintana@sen.ca.gov; Burt, Patrick; Human Relations Commission; WILPF Peninsula Palo Alto; Donna Wallach; Wagner, April; Nicole Chiu- Wang; Enberg, Nicholas; Barberini, Christopher; Clerk, City; jgreen@dailynewsgroup.com; Diana Diamond; Dana St. George; Palo Alto Free Press; planning.commission@cityofpaloalto.0rg; ParkRec Commission; Kaloma Smith; Sheree Roth; Lori Meyers; Seher Awan; frances.Rothschild@jud.ca.gov; Patrice Ventresca; Patricia.Guerrero@jud.ca.gov; sharon jackson; Steve Wagstaffe; Bill Johnson; EPA Today; cromero@cityofepa.org; Lee, Craig; Alex Etzkowitz; Yusra Hussain; Holman, Karen (external); Tom DuBois; Dennis Upton; DuJuan Green; dennis burns; Robert. Jonsen; Adam.Oberdorfer@shf.sccgov.org; yolanda; Roberta Ahlquist; Liz Kniss; Gardener, Liz; Donna Wallach; PD Kristina Bell; city.council@gilroy.org; Nash, Betsy; dcombs@menlopark.gov; Council, City; city.council@menlopark.gov; Perron, Zachary; Bryan Gobin; Rowena Chiu; boardfeedback@smcgov.org Subject:NYTimes: My U.N. Commission’s Finding: Israel Is Committing Genocide Date:Tuesday, September 16, 2025 8:15:01 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Becautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. My U.N. Commission’s Finding: Israel Is Committing Genocide NYTimes: My U.N. Commission’s Finding: Israel Is Committing Genocidehttps://www.nytimes.com/2025/09/16/opinion/un-palestinians-israel-gaza-genocide.html?smid=nytcore-ios-share&referringSource=articleShare From:Peter Drekmeier To:bawscaboardofdirectors@bawsca.org; Board@valleywater.org Cc:city.council@mountainview.gov; MayorandCouncil@santaclaraca.gov; cityclerk@milpitas.gov; mayorklein@sunnyvale.ca.gov; sellcouncil@sunnyvale.ca.gov; cisneroscouncil@sunnyvale.ca.gov; mehlingercouncil@sunnyvale.ca.gov; srinivasancouncil@sunnyvale.ca.gov; changcouncil@sunnyvale.ca.gov; lecouncil@sunnyvale.ca.gov; TSmegal@bawsca.org Subject:TRT Letter Regarding Drought Planning Date:Tuesday, September 16, 2025 7:22:07 AM Attachments:TRT Letter Re Drought Planning.pdf Hi Folks, Please see the attached letter regarding the difference in drought planning between Valley Water and the SFPUC. Thanks for your attention. -Peter ----------------------- Peter Drekmeier Policy Director Tuolumne River Trust peter@tuolumne.org OFFICES San Francisco Modesto Sonora Mailing Address P.O. Box 3727 Sonora, CA 95370 Phone (415) 882-7252 Website www.tuolumne.org BOARD MEMBERS John Kreiter, Chair Eddie Corwin, Vice Chair Eric Riemer, Treasurer Marek Robinson, Secretary Jose Borroel Cindy Charles Harrison “Hap” Dunning Eric Gonzalez Camille King Marty McDonnell Homero Mejia John Nimmons Iris Stewart-Frey Bart Westcott Brad Wurtz September 16, 2025 Chair Tom Chambers and Board Members Bay Area Water Supply and Conservation Agency bawscaboardofdirectors@bawsca.org Chair Tony Estremera and Board Members Valley Water Board@valleywater.org Re: Substantial Difference between Valley Water and SFPUC Drought Planning. Dear Chair Chambers, Chair Estremera and Board Members: In June 2025, Valley Water released its Draft Water Supply Management Plan 2050. Valley Water is planning for a future drought that is equivalent to the drought-of-record (1987-92) with a few adjustments that take into consideration potential impacts from climate change on water supply. The SFPUC, on the other hand, is planning for a much more severe drought. The SFPUC’s Design Drought combines the two worst droughts from the 20th Century to create an 8.5-year megadrought. While the Design Drought is only two years longer than the 1987-92 drought, the additional two years (1976 and 1977) were the driest on record, making the Design Drought significantly more severe. You’ll see from Table 3-9 in the SFPUC’s Long-Term Vulnerability Assessment (LTVA)1 that a repeat of the 1987-92 drought at 240 mgd demand creates a deficit of 707 thousand acre feet (TAF) for the SFPUC. Deficit can be thought of as water that must come out of storage. The 1976/77 drought creates a deficit of 594 TAF, which is 72% of the 1987-92 deficit. In other words, the Design Drought is 72% more severe than the 1987-92 drought, which is what Valley Water is planning for. It would be in the interest of BAWSCA, Valley Water and the agencies that purchase water from both Valley Water and the SFPUC to hold a joint study session to explore whether the SFPUC’s drought planning policy is too conservative or Valley Water’s is not conservative enough. Being too conservative could lead to over-investing in expensive alternative water supplies, whereas not being conservative enough could lead to unacceptable water shortages. 1 Long Term Vulnerability Assessment and Adaptation Plan for the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission Water Enterprise - Phase I (2021), p. 70 – https://www.sfpuc.gov/sites/default/files/about-us/policies- reports/LTVA_AdaptationPlanSFPUC_Phase1.pdf 2 TRT’s assessment is that Valley Water is much closer to the mark on drought planning. According to the LTVA, the return period (likelihood of occurrence) for the 1987-92 drought is projected to be once in 420 years (see Table 5-1). While the LTVA did not include a return period for the Design Drought, based on a draft document that did include a projection, and then adjusting that figure proportionally to changes made to the known droughts, the Design Drought might be expected once in 8,000 years (details available upon request). The SFPUC’s Alternative Water Supply (AWS) Plan2 projects the SFPUC might need to develop between 92 and 122 mgd of alternative water supplies by 2045. The cost would be between $17 billion and $25 2 SFPUC Alternative Water Supply Plan, February 2024 – https://www.sfpuc.gov/sites/default/files/about- us/policies-reports/AWS%20Report%20Feb2024_web.pdf 3 billion. Removing one year from the Design Drought would reduce the perceived need for AWS by 25 mgd, saving $4.6 billion. If the SFPUC were to plan for the same drought as Valley Water, this would reduce the perceived need for AWS by 50 mgd, saving $9.2 billion. Please schedule a study session to explore the question: Is the SFPUC’s Design Drought too conservative, or is Valley Water’s drought plan not conservative enough? Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, Peter Drekmeier Policy Director peter@tuolumne.org Cc: Mountain View City Council Santa Clara City Council Sunnyvale City Council Milpitas City Council Xenia Czisch Vice President of Operationsphone: (650) 858-2491mobile: (650) 804-4225 fax: (650) 858-2494 4047 Transport StPalo Alto, CA 94303www.qualitymetalspinning.us From:Patrick KellyTo:Marguerite PoyatosCc:Osbaldo R; Xenia Czisch; Bill McLane; Ramon Moreno; Lester Wong; Maor Greenberg; Dave Stellman; Gaines, Chantal; Manu Kumar; Becchetti, Benjamin; Cathi Lerch; Dave Stellman; City Mgr; Moffatt, Pete; Jacob@onemovemovers.com; david@paloaltoconcrete.com; Steve Wong; nancy@drewmaran.com; Dan McKinley; McDonough, Melissa; Reifschneider, James; Transportation; John Lerch; Binder, Andrew; Jade Jin; City Attorney; Lauing, Ed; Lydia Kou; Veenker, Vicki; Council, City; Burt, Patrick; Stone, Greer; Lythcott-Haims, Julie; Staceytomson@qmsshields.comSubject:Re: Industrial/Transport/Commercial SafetyDate:Tuesday, September 16, 2025 6:23:33 AMAttachments:image011.pngimage015.pngimage016.pngimage017.pngimage018.pngimage019.pngimage020.pngimage021.png CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. Patrick Kelly From: Patrick Kelly <Patrick.Kelly@dmdsystems.com>Sent: Monday, August 18, 2025 6:37:09 AMTo: Marguerite Poyatos <marguerite@paloaltoglass.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>; CathiLerch <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 Hasn’t moved in a month. Visibility non existent for pedestrians. Safety issues are on your shoulders when something happens. Patrick Kelly From: Marguerite Poyatos <marguerite@paloaltoglass.com>Sent: Friday, August 15, 2025 8:39:37 AMTo: 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>; CathiLerch <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 PMTo: 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 RomeroPresident 939 Industrial AvePalo Alto, Ca. 94303Phone: 650.938.2222Fax: 650.938.2224Cell: 415.215.6788 From: Xenia Czisch <xenia@qmsshields.com> Sent: Wednesday, July 23, 2025 1:53 PMTo: '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.comSubject: RE: Industrial/Transport/Commercial Safety + Staceytomson@qmsshields.com From: Bill McLane <bill@paloaltoglass.com> Sent: Wednesday, July 23, 2025 1:48 PMTo: 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 StreetPalo Alto, CA 94303650-494-7000 Officewww.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 Operationsphone: (650) 858-2491mobile: (650) 804-4225 fax: (650) 858-2494 4047 Transport StPalo Alto, CA 94303www.qualitymetalspinning.us From: Marguerite Poyatos <marguerite@paloaltoglass.com> Sent: Wednesday, July 23, 2025 1:13 PMTo: 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 enforcementIncreased monitoring and enforcement of local ordinancesMeasures 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 PresidentO: 650.813.9999 ext. 22 | C: 650.720.84554067 Transport Street | Palo Alto | CA 94303Celebrating Our 46th Anniversary 1978 – 2024 A Proud Member of the U.S. Green Building Council From: Marguerite Poyatos <marguerite@paloaltoglass.com>Sent: Thursday, March 13, 2025 12:37:47 PMTo: 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 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 From: Dave Stellman <davestellman@gmail.com>Sent: Wednesday, March 12, 2025 10:56:09 AMTo: 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: 650.492.9003patrick.kelly@dmdsystems.com | www.dmdsystems.com <Outlook-DMD Logo.png> <Outlook-larpkod1.png>Book time to meet with me From: Bill McLane <bill@paloaltoglass.com>Sent: Wednesday, February 5, 2025 12:39 PMTo: 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 StreetPalo Alto, CA 94303650-494-7000 Officewww.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 StreetPalo Alto, CA 94303650-494-7000 Officewww.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 StreetPalo Alto, CA 94303650-494-7000 Officewww.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 StreetPalo Alto, CA 94303650-494-7000 Officewww.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 StreetPalo Alto, CA 94303650-494-7000 Officewww.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 tothe 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 trafficflow 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. Maor Greenberg <email-signture_87b8d7a2-c4f4-4cbf-b474-af2f32118dd2.png> 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 PoyatosPalo Alto Glass, Inc.4085 Transport StreetPalo Alto CA 94303(650) 494-7000(650) 494-7087 (FAX) Xenia Czisch Vice President of Operationsphone: (650) 858-2491mobile: (650) 804-4225 fax: (650) 858-2494 4047 Transport StPalo Alto, CA 94303www.qualitymetalspinning.us From:Patrick KellyTo:Marguerite PoyatosCc:Osbaldo R; Xenia Czisch; Bill McLane; Ramon Moreno; Lester Wong; Maor Greenberg; Dave Stellman; Gaines, Chantal; Manu Kumar; Becchetti, Benjamin; Cathi Lerch; Dave Stellman; City Mgr; Moffatt, Pete; Jacob@onemovemovers.com; david@paloaltoconcrete.com; Steve Wong; nancy@drewmaran.com; Dan McKinley; McDonough, Melissa; Reifschneider, James; Transportation; John Lerch; Binder, Andrew; Jade Jin; City Attorney; Lauing, Ed; Lydia Kou; Veenker, Vicki; Council, City; Burt, Patrick; Stone, Greer; Lythcott-Haims, Julie; Staceytomson@qmsshields.comSubject:Re: Industrial/Transport/Commercial SafetyDate:Tuesday, September 16, 2025 6:22:49 AMAttachments:image011.pngimage015.pngimage016.pngimage017.pngimage018.pngimage019.pngimage020.pngimage021.png CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. Hasn’t moved in a month. Please enforce your regulations for the safety of our employees Patrick Kelly From: Patrick Kelly <Patrick.Kelly@dmdsystems.com>Sent: Monday, August 18, 2025 6:37:09 AMTo: Marguerite Poyatos <marguerite@paloaltoglass.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>; CathiLerch <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 Hasn’t moved in a month. Visibility non existent for pedestrians. Safety issues are on your shoulders when something happens. Patrick Kelly From: Marguerite Poyatos <marguerite@paloaltoglass.com>Sent: Friday, August 15, 2025 8:39:37 AMTo: 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>; CathiLerch <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 PMTo: 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 RomeroPresident 939 Industrial AvePalo Alto, Ca. 94303Phone: 650.938.2222Fax: 650.938.2224Cell: 415.215.6788 From: Xenia Czisch <xenia@qmsshields.com> Sent: Wednesday, July 23, 2025 1:53 PMTo: '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.comSubject: RE: Industrial/Transport/Commercial Safety + Staceytomson@qmsshields.com From: Bill McLane <bill@paloaltoglass.com> Sent: Wednesday, July 23, 2025 1:48 PMTo: 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 StreetPalo Alto, CA 94303650-494-7000 Officewww.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 Operationsphone: (650) 858-2491mobile: (650) 804-4225 fax: (650) 858-2494 4047 Transport StPalo Alto, CA 94303www.qualitymetalspinning.us From: Marguerite Poyatos <marguerite@paloaltoglass.com> Sent: Wednesday, July 23, 2025 1:13 PMTo: 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 enforcementIncreased monitoring and enforcement of local ordinancesMeasures 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 PresidentO: 650.813.9999 ext. 22 | C: 650.720.84554067 Transport Street | Palo Alto | CA 94303Celebrating Our 46th Anniversary 1978 – 2024 A Proud Member of the U.S. Green Building Council From: Marguerite Poyatos <marguerite@paloaltoglass.com>Sent: Thursday, March 13, 2025 12:37:47 PMTo: 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 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 From: Dave Stellman <davestellman@gmail.com>Sent: Wednesday, March 12, 2025 10:56:09 AMTo: 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: 650.492.9003patrick.kelly@dmdsystems.com | www.dmdsystems.com <Outlook-DMD Logo.png> <Outlook-larpkod1.png>Book time to meet with me From: Bill McLane <bill@paloaltoglass.com>Sent: Wednesday, February 5, 2025 12:39 PMTo: 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 StreetPalo Alto, CA 94303650-494-7000 Officewww.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 StreetPalo Alto, CA 94303650-494-7000 Officewww.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 StreetPalo Alto, CA 94303650-494-7000 Officewww.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 StreetPalo Alto, CA 94303650-494-7000 Officewww.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 StreetPalo Alto, CA 94303650-494-7000 Officewww.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 tothe 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 trafficflow 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. Maor Greenberg <email-signture_87b8d7a2-c4f4-4cbf-b474-af2f32118dd2.png> 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 PoyatosPalo Alto Glass, Inc.4085 Transport StreetPalo Alto CA 94303(650) 494-7000(650) 494-7087 (FAX) From:Linda Swan To:Linda G. Swan Cc:janmcdaniel2@yahoo.com; David Samelson Subject:Request for Help in Spreading the Word about Compassion Week October 4-12, 2025 Date:Tuesday, September 16, 2025 4:33:48 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. i Dear Fellow Elected Officials, Council Members, and Mayors, For more than 10 years, the Peninsula area has hosted a community building event known as Compassion Week. This year “Immigrants” has been chosen as the focus for our compassion. Since its inception in 2012, more than 24,000 volunteers have participated in 1,900 Compassion Week projects and activities at nearly 90 organizations on the Peninsula and in the South Bay. Last year alone, there were 4000 volunteers. Compassion Week is a local initiative that encourages individuals, groups, and families to engage in acts of volunteer service to build a strong, empathetic community. Through volunteer opportunities, encompassing over 200 projects, participants can make a difference in their communities and expand understanding of local needs. This year, Los Altos Hills has chosen Hidden Villa, founded in 1924 by the Duvenecks, as the non-profit our staff will be assisting. Hidden Villa which focuses on social justice, agriculture, and environmental justice, protested the forced relocation of Japanese Americans and provided support for them as they returned from internment camps in 1945. They promoted racial equality and hosted the first multiracial summer camps starting in 1945. In the 1960s, Hidden Villa provided a safe space for Cesar Chavez and Dolores Huerta to form the United Farm Workers union and organize their first strike of California grape pickers and the boycott of table grapes to promote the rights of farmworkers, most of them immigrants. I would like to invite all the cities in Silicon Valley, Santa Clara County, and nearby areas to join in this regional effort to build community, by choosing a 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 local project or a non-profit that resonates with their values and volunteer in support of them and their residents. There are over 200 projects this year that cover a wide range of areas to choose from. I have asked Supervisor Margaret Abe-Koga to sponsor a Santa Clara County Compassion Week Proclamation and have added it to the next Town of Los Altos Hills agenda. If you are so moved, a proclamation from your government agency would help get the word out. Compassion Week 2025 is October 4th - 12th For more information visit Compassion Week Sincerely, Linda Swan Los Altos Hills Council Member From:Ju Yang To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City; papc.secretary@gmail.com Subject:Please create more pickle ball courts Date:Tuesday, September 16, 2025 12:20:06 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. i Dear members of the Palo Alto Parks & Rec Commission and City Council: I live in Palo Alto, and am writing in support of creating eight additional pickleball courts at Mitchell Park. Since I discovered Mitchell park pickleball courts in 2023, I have come and played here almost every evening. This is a great way to relax after working in front of computers for a whole day. Playing pickle ball makes me active and physically fit. Even better, this is a great place to meet people, make friends and build a community who have similar interests. This sense of belonging, inclusiveness and striving to be better at playing is the cure for mental health. However, the courts are getting so busy at the evenings now. The long waiting time makes it frustrating and not efficient at all. I’d really appreciate you looking into the courts situation and create more courts for us. Thanks! Sincerely yours, Ju Yang 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:lifestylegoods . To:Council, City; Clerk, City; PlannerOnDuty Cc:Lauing, Ed; Veenker, Vicki; Burt, Patrick; Lythcott-Haims, Julie; Lu, George; Reckdahl, Keith; Stone, Greer; Kallas, Emily; Kevin Wright; Country Sun Accounting Subject:Country Sun Follow-Up: Protecting Access on Mimosa Avenue (414 Project) Date:Monday, September 15, 2025 11:40:05 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. ! Dear Mayor Lauing, Vice Mayor Veenker, and Council Members, Thank you for the opportunity to share my comments at today’s City Council meetingregarding the 414 project and its proposed redesign of the public right-of-way on Mimosa Avenue. I wanted to follow up in writing so that my remarks are part of the record. As one of the owners of Country Sun Natural Foods, I spoke about how changes to Mimosa Avenue could jeopardize both our weekly freight deliveries and customer access. Our store has been part of Palo Alto for 54 years, and I’ve been proud to continue that legacy as an owner for the past two. Mimosa Avenue is essential for us because our main distributor, delivers twice a week, on Tuesdays and Fridays, and is contractually required to drop off directlyunder our canopy storefront. Without that access, we cannot meet the terms of our agreement or properly receive shipments. Customers also rely on Mimosa since California Avenue is closed to vehicle traffic. While we do have a back entrance, it’s often overlooked, because our official address is 440 California Avenue. After reflecting further, I also want to note that our neighbors at The Cobblery, another of the oldest businesses on California Ave, would be directly impacted as well. This raises an even bigger concern: what does it say if two of the Avenue’s longest- standing businesses are placed at risk in order to accommodate a new development? I also want to highlight another concern. Country Sun proudly hosts the “Under the Sun” mural by artist Mohamed Soumah, created in 2004. This artwork was funded in part by the City of Palo Alto’s Art in Public Places program, along with contributions from Country Sun and the California Avenue Area Development Association. Over theyears, the mural has become a recognizable attraction and almost a landmark for the neighborhood, helping to draw customers to our storefront. If the 414 project moves forward as proposed, the finished building would block visibility of this artwork. It This message could be suspicious The sender's email address couldn't be verified. This is their first mail to some recipients. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast would be a real loss for the community to see a City-supported landmark obscured just as it has become part of California Avenue’s identity. The City has already recognized the importance of Mimosa, when planters were added this summer staff made sure the spacing still allowed deliveries by hand truck. That thoughtful planning helped us continue serving the community, and we ask for the same consideration now. As Palo Alto considers whether to allow the 414 project exceptions, such as exceeding the height ordinance in the name of housing, we urge the Council to also prioritize protecting long-time community businesses. Development and housing areimportant, but they should not come at the expense of the businesses that give California Avenue its character and resilience. Thank you again for listening today and for your ongoing attention to the impacts on local businesses. Sincerely, Tatiana Meras Country Sun Natural Foods From:Aziz SaleemTo:City MgrCc:Council, City Subject:Proposal for Seawater-Activated Cement-Based Land Reclamation and Urban Construction in the US Date:Monday, September 15, 2025 10:32:41 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. i Dear Office of City ManagerGreetings!!! My name is Aziz, and I hold a Master’s degree in Mechatronic Engineering. I have also served as a postgraduate researcher in the Department of Mechatronics, focusing onwireless sensor networks for underwater environments. Beyond my academic and technical background, I carry a deep personal passion for environmental sustainability andenvision a world where sea levels are controlled. With this vision in mind, I would like to share an innovative and practical solution aimed at cutting sea level in the world—one that, to my knowledge, does not currentlyexist in the country. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Proposal for Seawater-Activated Cement-Based Land Reclamation and Coastal Urban Construction in the United States Executive Summary This proposal presents the development and deployment of a seawater-activated cementitious material designed to strengthen coastal resilience and enable sustainable landreclamation and urban construction in the United States. With rising sea levels, intensifying hurricanes, and increasing population pressure on coastal cities, innovativesolutions are needed to protect infrastructure and expand usable land. The proposed material leverages abundant seawater resources to replace freshwater in cement production and curing, producing durable, chloride-resistant concrete suitablefor marine environments. This innovation addresses two pressing U.S. challenges simultaneously: sustainable water management and long-term resilience of coastalinfrastructure. Applications range from constructing storm surge defenses and reclaimed land platforms to resilient housing and port infrastructure in flood-prone areas suchas Florida, Louisiana, New York, and California. 1. Introduction The United States has a vast and vulnerable coastline spanning over 95,000 miles. Coastal states—particularly Florida, Texas, Louisiana, New Jersey, New York, andCalifornia—are home to more than 127 million people (nearly 40% of the population). These regions face major challenges: Sea-Level Rise: Projections estimate U.S. sea levels could rise by 0.6–2.2 feet by 2050, intensifying flood risks. Storm Impacts: Hurricanes Katrina, Sandy, Harvey, and Ian highlighted the fragility of coastal infrastructure. Urban Expansion: Population growth in coastal zones requires sustainable solutions for housing, ports, and industry. Traditional Portland cement construction consumes significant freshwater and deteriorates quickly under marine exposure due to chloride-induced steel reinforcementcorrosion. To meet these challenges, this proposal introduces a seawater-activated geopolymer concrete engineered for durability and sustainability. 2. Scientific Basis and Material Design 2.1 Material Composition The proposed seawater-activated concrete integrates locally available resources and industrial by-products: Aluminosilicate Source: Metakaolin, fly ash, or calcined clays (widely available in the U.S.) Activating Solution: Seawater containing dissolved salts and minerals Binder Additives: Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag (GBFS), silica fume, or recycled glass powder Aggregates: Sea sand, crushed coral-derived limestone, or recycled marine aggregates This formulation not only conserves freshwater but also improves corrosion resistance and sustainability through industrial symbiosis (e.g., reusing coal fly ash, steel industryslag). 2.2 Chemical Reactions Seawater ions (Na⁺, Mg²⁺, Cl⁻, SO₄²⁻) trigger geopolymerization reactions in aluminosilicates, forming a dense aluminosilicate gel matrix. This creates: Low Permeability: Restricts chloride ingress High Durability: Superior performance in marine environments Extended Service Life: Reduces maintenance and lifecycle costs This message needs your attentionThis is a personal email address.This is their first email to your company. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast 3. Engineering Design and Construction Applications 3.1 Coastal Protection & Land Reclamation Artificial Islands & Elevated Land: Creation of storm-resistant reclaimed zones (similar to Japan and Dubai) for urban expansion. Storm Surge Barriers: Durable sea walls and levees (e.g., to reinforce Louisiana’s Gulf Coast). Wetland Restoration Platforms: Use of seawater-based concrete foundations for artificial wetlands and marshland stabilization. 3.2 Urban & Infrastructure Construction Housing in Coastal Cities: Resilient residential structures in Miami, New Orleans, and New York City. Ports and Harbors: Long-life port infrastructure in Los Angeles, Houston, and Norfolk. Critical Infrastructure: Military bases (e.g., Norfolk Naval Base) and energy facilities in flood-prone zones. 4. Implementation Strategy 4.1 Pilot Projects The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and NOAA could lead pilot initiatives in vulnerable regions: Louisiana Delta: Testing levee reinforcement with seawater-based concrete. Miami & Florida Keys: Demonstrating elevated housing and seawater-resistant building platforms. New York Harbor: Constructing a pilot storm surge barrier foundation. 4.2 Stakeholder Collaboration Academic & Research Partners: MIT Concrete Sustainability Hub, University of California–Berkeley, Louisiana State University. Governmental Agencies: USACE, FEMA, NOAA, Department of Energy (DOE). Industry Partners: U.S. cement and construction companies (LafargeHolcim U.S., Vulcan Materials, CEMEX U.S.). 5. Sustainability and Environmental Impact The innovation offers multiple sustainability benefits for U.S. infrastructure: Freshwater Conservation: Seawater replaces freshwater in mixing and curing. Circular Economy: Uses fly ash, slag, and other industrial by-products. Carbon Reduction: Geopolymer production emits 40–80% less CO₂ than Portland cement. Resilience Benefits: Long service life reduces reconstruction needs after storms. By integrating sustainability with resilience, this solution directly supports U.S. climate adaptation policies and net-zero targets. 6. Conclusion Seawater-activated cementitious materials represent a transformative innovation for U.S. coastal resilience and urban development. By enabling durable, chloride-resistant, and sustainable construction, this technology can protect vulnerable communities, expand habitable land, and reduce infrastructure costs. Strategically piloting and scaling this material in U.S. coastal zones will enhance national security, economic growth, and environmental stewardship in the face of climatechange. References Li, T., et al. (2020). Preparation of seawater sea sand high-performance concrete. Construction and Building Materials. ScienceDirect Link Chen, X., et al. (2024). Marine Geo-Polymer Cement Treated with Seawater. PubMed Central Zhao, X., et al. (2020). Design and durability analysis of marine concrete. Erasmus University Repository U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (2022). Coastal Risk Reduction and Resilience: Using Natural and Nature-Based Features. NOAA (2023). Sea Level Rise Technical Report: United States, 2022 Update. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Best regardsAziz Saleem (Mr.) From:David Trounce To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City; papc.secretary@gmail.com Subject:Re: Letter in support for creating more pickleball courts at Mitchell Park Date:Monday, September 15, 2025 10:08:09 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. > On Sep 15, 2025, at 21:57, David Trounce <trounce@gmail.com> wrote: > >  > Dear members of the Palo Alto Parks & Rec Commission and City Council, > > I live in Crescent Park, Palo Alto, and am writing in support of creating eight additional pickleball courts at Mitchell Park. > > Pickleball has quickly become a major part of the social and recreational life of our community. Our family has played with friends and neighbors, and we’ve seen firsthand how much fun and how accessible the game is for people of all ages. It is one of the few activities where teenagers, parents, and retirees can all participate together, and it creates a strong sense of community. > > The courts at Mitchell Park are already lively and well-used, and expanding the number available would allow more people to enjoy the sport without long waits. This is a great opportunity to support the health, social connection, and overall well-being of Palo Alto residents. > > Sincerely, > David Trounce > Crescent Park, Palo Alto From:Herb Gong To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City; papc.secretary@gmail.com Cc:Gong, Herb Subject:Pickleball Court Expansion at Mitchell Park Date:Monday, September 15, 2025 9:45:10 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. i Dear members of the Palo Alto Parks & Rec Commission and City Council: I’m a local resident of Palo Alto and am writing in support of adding at least 8 additional pickleball courts at Mitchell Park. I’ve been playing for over 6 years (before the implementation of the new permanent courts) and love the ability to meet people, socialize and have fun playing a game for all ages, genders and people. The popularity has increased to the point where there is an important need to add more courts. Mitchell Park is ideal for the additional courts so please take into serious consideration adding more courts. Sincerely, Herb Gong – East Charleston Rd resident for close to 30 years. 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:Jim Mullin To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City; papc.secretary@gmail.com Subject:Pickleball Courts Date:Monday, September 15, 2025 9:30:03 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. i Dear members of the Palo Alto Parks & Rec Commission and City Council: I live in Palo Alto, and am writing in support of creating eight additional pickleball courts at Mitchell My family and friends use these courts frequently and there is often a long wait. Making these courts available for pickleball is an efficient and positive use of the space. Thanks, Jim Mullin Community Center 25 year Palo Alto Residnet 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:Li Fang To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City; papc.secretary@gmail.com Subject:Support the City Council for the conversion of two Mitchell Park tennis courts into eight pickleball courts Date:Monday, September 15, 2025 9:18:28 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. i Dear members of the Palo Alto Parks & Rec Commission and City Council: I have been living in Palo Alto for seven years, and the last four years have been the best yearssince I started playing pickleballs. I am writing in support of creating eight additional pickleball courts at Mitchell Park. I wanted to share something personal that has had a surprisingly big impact on my life: discovering pickleball. What started as a casual game quickly grew into something that hasimproved both my physical health and overall quality of life. Playing pickleball has given me a consistent way to stay active, improve my fitness, and havefun at the same time. Beyond the exercise, it has introduced me to a wonderful community of people who are welcoming, supportive, and full of energy. The social connections I’ve madeon the court have become just as valuable as the sport itself. Most importantly, pickleball has brought balance into my routine. It helps me reduce stress,focus on the present moment, and maintain a positive outlook. In many ways, it has become more than just a hobby—it’s a lifestyle change that has enhanced my well-being in ways Ididn’t expect. I really want to thank you for considering the conversion of two Mitchell Park tennis courtsinto eight pickleball courts! Thanks, Li Fang 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:Ishan Balakrishnan To:Council, City; papc.secretary@gmail.com; ParkRec Commission Cc:Ishan Balakrishnan Subject:Support for Additional Pickleball Courts at Mitchell Park Date:Monday, September 15, 2025 9:00:32 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. ! Dear members of the Palo Alto Parks & Rec Commission and City Council, I have lived in Barron Park my entire life, attending Ohlone, Terman, and Gunn along theway. For the past two years, pickleball has become my core hobby and an essential part of my daily life. I play at Mitchell Park nearly every day—often twice a day—spending 3–4 hours onthe courts. The community at Mitchell has been life-changing for me. Eight of my closest friends arepeople I met through pickleball at MP; we’ve gone to each other’s weddings, traveled across the world together, and spend time with each other every day. I’ve also reconnected with myhigh school friends and regularly play with my parents and twin sister. Pickleball has given me a place to deepen existing relationships and build new ones, all while supporting my healthand well-being. Mitchell Park has become a true hub of community for so many Palo Alto residents, but thelimited court capacity makes it difficult for new and existing players to participate fully. Many of us have started going to the Gunn basketball courts and putting up our own net to play,when Mitchell is over capacity. Expanding by converting two tennis courts into eight pickleball courts would allow this sense of connection, wellness, and belonging to grow formany more residents. I strongly urge you to support this expansion. Sincerely, Ishan BalakrishnanBarron Park Ishan Balakrishnan | LinkedIn Co-Founder of Cair Health (YC S23) This message could be suspicious The sender's email address couldn't be verified. This is their first email to your company. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast From:Sheila Fehring To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City; papc.secretary@gmail.com Subject:Support for More Pickleball Courts at Mitchell Park Date:Monday, September 15, 2025 8:29:11 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. i Dear members of the Palo Alto Parks & Recreation Commission and City Council, We live in Palo Alto and play pickleball regularly at Mitchell Park. There is always a long line to get on a court, which shows just how popular and needed this sport has become in ourcommunity. I strongly support the proposal to convert two tennis courts into eight pickleball courts so that more residents can enjoy the game without such long wait times. Thank you for your consideration. Sheila and Tom Fehring 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:Darcy Huston To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City; papc.secretary@gmail.com Subject:Palo Alto Pickleball Courts Date:Monday, September 15, 2025 8:12:37 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. i Dear Members of the Palo Alto Parks & Rec Commission and City Council, I live in Palo Alto and am writing in support of creating eight additional pickleball courts in Mitchell Park. I had been a racquetball player since the early 80's and when COVID hit, I needed to find an outlet for allmy energy since any type of exercising indoors was shut down! Several of the racquetball players I knewalso played pickleball and 1 volunteered to teach our small racquetball group how to play pickleball at the2 open courts nearest to the Palo Alto library. We were all able to pick up the rules quickly and WHAT ASAVING GRACE it was! The Mitchell Park Pickleball courts gave us all a safe place to keep moving,socialize, and provided a true sense of community when all the unknowns of COVID were so scary. Wedeveloped a text tree and would survey the group the evening before to try and make even numbers of2,4 , 6 and even 8 players show up! We started at 7:00 am but pushed the time back to 6:30 am andnow 6:00 am to find court availability as the popularity of pickleball has exploded. We met other groups of pickleball players with the same passion and one of the best things is theinclusivity! No matter your age, male or female or level of play, Mitchell courts have welcomed everyone! I hope you all recognize what a true sense of community these pickleball courts enable! Best Regards, Darcy HustonPalo Alto Orchards 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:Sue Duffek To:Council, City; ParkRec Commission; papc.secretary@gmail.com Subject:request for additional pickleball courts Date:Monday, September 15, 2025 7:51:02 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. i Dear members of the Palo Alto Parks & Rec Commission and City Council, I began playing pickleball at Mitchell Park in 2021. I truly enjoy participating in the competitive and friendly events, learning opportunities, and social activities that PAPC provides on a regular basis. I love the excitement and look forward to playing pickleball several times a week at Mitchell Park. For my friends, neighbors, and those who I meet off the courts who are unfamiliar with pickleball, I tell them about the accessibility and affordability of pickleball. More so, I let them know that everyone is welcome at Mitchell Park and it’s normal to be hesitant at first. The “beginner courts” and “players without partners” courts were thoughtful additions to Mitchell Park. The many “Getting Started” clinics, all staffed by club volunteers, are a great introduction to pickleball and also provide an opportunity to meet new players of similar skill levels. Interest in pickleball is increasing rapidly in our community. This email is in support of creating eight additional pickleball courts at Mitchell Park. Sincerely yours, Sue Duffek Palo Alto resident Charleston Gardens, South Palo Alto This message needs your attention This is a personal email address. This is their first email to your company. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast From:Aram James To:Sean Allen; Rick Callender; Kaloma Smith; Binder, Andrew; CityCouncil; Council, City; james pitkin; Reifschneider,James; Patricia.Guerrero@jud.ca.gov; Enberg, Nicholas; Brandon Pho; Vicki Veenker; Baker, Rob; Robert.Jonsen; Adam.Oberdorfer@shf.sccgov.org; Lotus Fong; Linda Jolley; Donna Wallach; DuJuan Green; DennisUpton; Human Relations Commission; Pat M; Emily Mibach; Braden Cartwright; Brian Good; Friends ofCubberley; Seher Awan; Nicole Chiu-Wang; board@pausd.org; eddie.aubrey@sanjoseca.gov;<michael.gennaco@oirgroup.com>; Ruth Silver Taube (rsilvertaube@scu.edu); editor@almanacnews.com; EdLauing; Reckdahl, Keith; EPA Today; Bains, Paul; Bill Newell; Bill Armaline; Raj Jayadev; Jose Valle Subject:San Jose: 9th Circuit rules against racist text cop, suit resumes Date:Monday, September 15, 2025 7:27:33 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. https://www.mercurynews.com/2025/09/15/san-jose-excessive-force-suit-appeal-police- shooting-racist-texts/ From:Jennifer Antonow To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City; papc.secretary@gmail.com Subject:Support for pickleball expansion Date:Monday, September 15, 2025 7:21:45 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. i Dear members of the Palo Alto Parks & Rec Commission and City Council: I live in Palo Alto, and am writing in support of creating eight additional pickleball courts atMitchell Park. The community that has developed at Mitchell Park is truly special, and I have benefited from the exercise, camaraderie, and time spent outdoors. I'd love to see it expanded. Sincerely yours, Jennifer Antonow 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:Deborah Goldeen To:Council, City Subject:Mimosa Lane Date:Monday, September 15, 2025 7:05:38 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. Mimosa Lane between New Mayfield Lane and Cambridge is in almost constant use by cars for ingress/egress for parking garage. Some of the delivery trucks on New Mayfield turn left on Mimosa to get to their next stop. The UPS driver will be fit to be tied if Mimosa between New Mayfield and Cambridge is shut. From:Keith Vetter To:Council, City Subject:More pickleball courts in Mitchell Park Date:Monday, September 15, 2025 6:45:27 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. i Dear Parks & Rec members, I'm a Palo Alto resident and play pickleball at Mitchell Park, and am writing in support of creating additionalpickleball courts in Mitchell Park. I find pickleball is a great game but even greater community. I've met so many fun people while playing the game.Pickleball is probably the best way I have for embracing the Palo Alto community. Unfortunately, the courts at Mitchell Park cannot adequately handle the demand. It is really discouraging to havingjust played an exciting game, and your adrenal is pumping after playing well to have to get off the court to makeway for the next group. I've been out of town the past month and have had the opportunity to play at a site with morecourts. It is really much more enjoyable to never have to wait long for a free court. So I hope that more resources can be given to pickleball in Palo Alto to make it an even stronger community. Keith Vetter 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:claudino@pacbell.net To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City Cc:papc.secretary@gmail.com Subject:Pickleball Court Expansion at Mitchell Park Date:Monday, September 15, 2025 6:20:13 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. i Dear members of the Palo Alto Parks & Rec Commission and City Council: I live in Palo Alto and am writing in support of creating eight additional dedicated pickleball courts at Mitchell Park. My “story” is related to something that I’m certain you have heard from many others: Pickleball is much more than a sport – it is also a very social activity which integrates our community across cultural/ethnic backgrounds, age groups, etc. - people who otherwise would not naturally meet or interact. My story: When I retired 2 years ago, I was fully prepared for my “life after work” with one exception: I had a blind spot regarding a replacement for my daily social interactions with work colleagues, many of whom I also counted as close friends, and most of whom lived in other countries. One month after retiring, after hearing stories about Pickleball at Mitchell Park, I figured I’d give it a try… and the rest is history. As a “newbie” I was somewhat intimidated when I first showed up… but within minutes I was welcomed, embraced, and encouraged, with introductions to others who got me started in my first games. I’m a literal example of the motto “Arrive as a stranger, leave as a friend.” I’m now a “Pickleball addict”, for both the sport and the social aspects. In addition to losing 12 pounds after my first few weeks of Pickleball, I also gained several new friends, with whom I also socialize off the courts. I am now the volunteer coordinator for the Senior Games and Rotary Tournament, joining many others in giving back to our community. In conclusion, Pickleball has been an invaluable addition to my life, with significant physical and mental benefits, not to mention the overall positive community engagement and impact. One more point I’d like to make: There should be no question that the number of Palo Alto residents served per unit space for Pickleball far exceeds any other activity, and Pickleball also integrates a diverse community. Our collective experience with Mitchell Park Pickleball courts 9-15 taught us that dual-purpose courts (Pickleball + tennis) are not a good solution – please This message needs your attention This is their first email to your company. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast vote in favor of making the 8 additional Pickleball courts single-use. Sincerely yours, Dave Claudino Waverley Street (Midtown) resident From:Aram James To:Lythcott-Haims, Julie; Vicki Veenker Cc:Council, City; Human Relations Commission Subject:Heard nightmare situation about Lytton Gardens Date:Monday, September 15, 2025 5:53:52 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. 9/15/2025. Julie and Vicki, I have heard numerous disturbing stories about Lytton Gardens over the years. One residenthas shared their concerns with you multiple times. I hope you both will take the initiative to investigate the serious allegations I have frequently heard regarding poor conditions andaccusations of abuse. Thank you. Aram From:Adam Schwartz To:Council, City Subject:Re: 414 California - Positive Change for Cal Ave Date:Monday, September 15, 2025 5:41:51 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. i To the Palo Alto City Council: Please support the project at 414 California Avenue. We need new homes for our family, friends, and service workers. California Avenue is a great place to build those homes. The only way out of our severe housingshortage -- which is my number one concern as a resident of our great city -- is to build new multi-family homes like this one. Thank you, Adam Schwartz This message needs your attention This is a personal email address. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast From:Manon Janssen To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City; papc.secretary@gmail.com Cc:Manon Janssen Subject:Pickleball courts Date:Monday, September 15, 2025 5:40:57 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. i Members of the Palo Alto Parks & Rec Commission and City Council I live in Palo Alto, and am writing in support of creating eight additional pickleball courts at Mitchell Park. Pickleball has increased the time I spend exercising and introduced me to a wonderful group of friends. It’s also been a great way to connect with people in my neighborhood. Sincerely yours, Manon Janssen 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:Art LaHait To:Council, City Subject:More Pickleball courts Date:Monday, September 15, 2025 5:07:11 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. i I am writing in support of more pickleball courts For Mitchell Park and ask the Commision to support that effort. I was first introduced to pickleball during the pandemic and Monica Williams was instrumental in introducing me to the game as I had never played a racquet sport previously but quickly became a PAPC member and took advantage of the many introductory and beginner clinics. I now play 3 times a week for about 2 1/2 hours per session. I love the game and the friendly members of PAPC but clearly court time is severely restricted by court availability and overcrowding. Pickleball has has gotten me In better shape than I have been in years. I am an 80 year old male resident of Oak Creek Apartments since 2015. I have been forced to use the courts at Neylon Park because of Mitchell Park. Lastly, The greatest benefit to me is the camraderie and friendships made since the pandemic. That is probably its benefit for me in an increasingly isolated world. please support more courts equals more playing time. Sincerely, A J LAHAIT, 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 Get Outlook for iOS From:Amie Ashton To:Council, City Subject:414 California - Positive Change for Cal Ave Date:Monday, September 15, 2025 5:01:47 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. i Honorable Council, I would like to voice my support for the project at 414 California Avenue. We need boldvision and new ideas to make California Avenue the successful business and community center it deserves to be. I would love to live at 414 California Ave, why you ask? California Avenue has everything a thriving mixed-use center should have: transit and bikelane proximity; access to jobs, services, and retail; and low overall VMT on a per-capita basis (meeting residents in the area already drive less and travel shorter distances due to closeproximity of destinations). Not to mention these new units will be climate-resilient with proper insulation and energy efficient appliances, as well as modern amenities -- things currentlylacking in our aging rental stock. There are many issues to work out at the in site, as there are at all development sites in Palo Alto. There will be time for that. But for now - I would urge creative thinking and being opento innovative opportunities as we strive to approve as many housing units as we can in support of our RHNA goal. Thank you, Amie Ashton This message needs your attention This is a personal email address. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast From:Aiden Miao To:Council, City Subject:Palo Alto and Make Polluters Pay Climate Superfund Act Date:Monday, September 15, 2025 4:43:54 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. i Dear Palo Alto Councilmembers My name is Aiden, and I am part of the Palo Alto Student Climate Coalition (PASCC). We have been working on passing the Polluters Pay Climate Superfund Act, which will make the multinational fossil fuel companies that are responsible for and profiting from the climate emergency pay. The Superfund Act will direct CalEPA to complete a first-of-its-kind comprehensive study of the true cost of climate damage to ensure polluters pay their fair share. The Act will hold the largest polluters accountable for the costs to California from climate damage caused by their products with compensatory fee amounts proportional to companies’ self-reported past emissions from 1990-2024. New York and Vermont have enacted their versions of a climate superfund similar to this one. The people of California deserve justice, too. California must lead the way to a safer, resilient, and prosperous future for all. Three out of four of California’s biggest cities have endorsed this bill. We believe that Palo Alto, as a leading city in sustainability, should amplify this momentum and hold the biggest California polluters accountable for their emissions. We strongly urge your support for the Polluters Pay Climate Superfund Act now. We kindly ask that you sign on to support this important measure here: https://eopacodeblue.org/superfund/ Thank you so much, Aiden Miao This message needs your attention This is a personal email address. This is their first email to you. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast From:Samit Ranjan To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City Subject:Support for Pickleball court and how PIckleball improved my life. Date:Monday, September 15, 2025 4:26:31 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. i Dear members of the Palo Alto Parks & Rec Commission and City Council: I live in Palo Alto on middlefield road, right next to the church opposite Agility , and am writing in support of creating eight additional pickleball courts at Mitchell Park. I want to mention my pickleball situation and how i came to love the game - I was going through a messy divorce, in depression and hating life . One of my friends talked tome about it and was like , why dont you come with me. Day 1 - I had some excuse as to why i cannot go , He came Day 2 - Some new excuse, By day 4 i had run out of excuse and was alsofeeling pity on my friend who comes every day in the morning. He introduced me to pickleball and from then on it has been a love for the game but more importantly for the people and friends i made there . Now all my friends are because of pickleballand I really enjoy spending time with them. I know you have heard a million people say, pickleball changed my life. In my case it got me out of depression and into a normal workingindividual . - I am giving a details of where exactly i live as I am one of the closest to the pickleball court and can tell from personal experience that I have never heard any pickleball noise in the 5 years I have lived there . Sincerely yours, Samit Ranjan 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:jb@kuppe.com To:Council, City Subject:Pickleball courts at Mitchell Park Date:Monday, September 15, 2025 4:09:05 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. i Dear members of the Palo Alto City Council, I live in Palo Alto and am writing in support of creating eight additional pickleball courts at Mitchell Park. My wife is a very active player, so I have been exposed to how great pickleball is in terms of exercise, social networking, and just plain fun for groups of 4 people (lots of groups!), so I am also starting to play more and more. I also swim and often see only a few tennis courts being used at Riconanda park and often it's just 2 people, but the courts at Mitchell park are always packed-- we really do need more. Thanks for your consideration. JB Kuppe This message needs your attention This is their first email to you. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast From:John Shenk To:Council, City Cc:Lait, Jonathan; Shikada, Ed Subject:Agenda Item 10 Date:Monday, September 15, 2025 3:56:46 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. i Dear Council Members, Director Lait, and City Manger Shikada, In reviewing tonights Agenda, item 10 caught my eye and I felt compelled to share a perspective. Please consider the real world equities at play here and not so much the legal andtechnical positioning that dissecting the musical code results in. You have the authority to “fix” the code. I do not disagree with Staff as their interpretation of the Code is likely sound. The issue is thatthe Code needs refining to be clear and equitable to the community. I am not focused on the actual application, but consider the flip side of Staff’s hypothetical on page 8 of the report that describes a 1-story home that proposes to move some of its non-complying GFA to a second story (assuming second stories are allowed in the zoning) and that according to the Code that is not ok as the location of the nonconforming area is moved. In the real world, picture a family who has lived in a 2-story home for many years that wasbuilt compliant with the Codes at the time of construction but now, as Code changes have occurred over time, is "legally nonconforming”. And the owners are older and can only live ina 1-story home, they desire to move their bedroom and bathroom from the second floor to the first and such “relocated” existing GFA is to be located within all current setbacks andcomplying with current design codes. Please also consider that this family has been paying property taxes all along on the total value of the square footage of their home and all otherassessments over time related to size of the house have been paid as well. To say moving this paid for area that was built to code cannot be moved within the space the current zoningallows isn’t fair. The Code ought to be edited such that these owners, and others in similar situations, are able to move the area of their home (currently non-conforming), so long as it was originally built toCode and not added illegally, to somewhere else on the property that is within current zoning setbacks, height regulations, etc. Staff has no choice but to interpret the Code as it is technically and legally written. You get toanalyze if the Code is best for the community and if the results of its interpretation are This message needs your attention This is their first mail to some recipients. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast equitable. Please enable Staff to quickly amend the Code to allow an interpretation consistentwith fairness and logic for all. Best, John John Shenk Thoits Bros., Inc. From:Aram James To:Don Austin; Yolanda Conaway; board@pausd.org; Council, City; Rowena Chiu Subject:Former students abused by longtime Rolling Hills High teacher awarded more than $13 million Date:Monday, September 15, 2025 3:42:50 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Former students abused by longtime Rolling Hills High teacher awarded more than $13 million https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2025-09-15/former-students-abused-by-longtime-rolling-hills-high-teacher-awarded-more-than-13-million From:Carol Kiparsky To:Council, City Subject:Thank you Vice Mayor Veenker! Date:Monday, September 15, 2025 3:15:20 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. i Sorry I forgot to include the Council at large in my email to the vice mayor: _____________________________________ 800 Cowper St Palo Alto ,CA Dear Vice Mayor Veenker, Thank you so much for initiating a new level of communication among the communities in this area! We were happy to read that you are organizing meetings among vice mayors of Bay Area cities in last Monday’s Daily Post. We are the Climate Mob, a group of old folks who meet weekly in hopes of finding ways to promote the future health of our grandchildren, and yours, and of our fellow earthlings of all species. We hail from 4 different towns in two counties. We feel that while our various municipalities have their separate governments, we share many many major concerns. And that we should be communicating across these local boundaries to exert upward pressure where it is needed. Vital changes are not likely to come from Washington these days! Here are some issues that concern us and which we hope will be addressed by you and your colleagues across the region: • Natural vs artificial turf on playing fields. We are very disappointed that the city has accepted the opinion of some consultants in favor of artificial turf. You know of course that this toxic junk has to be replaced every decade or so. Where does it go?? • Let’s eliminate single use plastics. Palo Alto adopted a regulation against these several years ago but when the pandemic came along it seemed to get shelved. • We are experiencing quite a building boom. Granted we need to provide more housing. However, this need does not override the need to protect our environment. We should be observing CEQA or other standards to reduce the environmental damage caused by construction. • Repurpose existing buildings to accommodate housing - notably office buildings that are less populated with the work-at-home culture that has grown in the wake of Covid. Or at least re-use existing office buildings rather than building new ones in this day and age!! This message needs your attention This is a personal email address. This is their first email to you. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast • Cities should DIVEST from destructive companies. For example: Fossil Fuel Companies, Palantir, Valor capital… You get the idea. It is shocking to us that Council is “not allowed” to discuss issues that are “not city issues”. Chief among these is Gaza, as it is an international issue. We strongly disagree with this policy: • Cities should divest from all companies that enable and profit from the slaughter being visited upon Gaza (and other countries) A boundary-surpassing effort like yours, Ms. Veenker, is the kind of thing that we need to influence the national government! Peace, Carol Kiparsky Ian Irwin Casey Cameron Karen Fine Gerry Gras Dana St George Karen Saltzman From:Jeff Hoel To:Council, City; UAC Cc:Hoel, Jeff (external) Subject:Community Broadband Film Series II - Rocketeers: The UTOPIA Fiber Story Date:Monday, September 15, 2025 1:36:04 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. FYI, here's a video from CommunityNets:https://communitynetworks.org/ 09-03-25: "Community Broadband Film Series II - Rocketeers: The UTOPIA Fiber Story" (1:05:24) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bjb-TiocOsI It celebrates the success of UTOPIA. a public-sector entity that partners with cities to build and run open access municipal FTTP networks. I'm not advocating that Palo Alto should partner with UTOPIA or switch to building and operating an openaccess FTTP network. I just liked the enthusiasm for municipal broadband. Thanks. Jeff -------------------Jeff Hoel ------------------- From:Sally-Ann Rudd To:papc.secretary@gmail.com; Council, City; ParkRec Commission Subject:Expansion of Pickleball courts at Mitchell Park Date:Monday, September 15, 2025 1:23:08 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. i Dear Commissioners and City Council Members -- I am a long time Palo Alto resident and also play pickleball regularly at Mitchell Park. I joined the Palo AltoPickleball Club AFTER I saw some comments in Palo Alto Weekly about how the Pickleball club wasrepresenting a lot of out of town players and membership by Palo Alto residents was about 50%. Well,everyone I play with (we have a text group of about 9 people) are Palo Alto residents and I think only twoare PAPC members. So the idea that Mitchell Park is somehow full of non-Palo Alto residents playingpickleball is flawed. Plus, since the Foothills Park situation, did we not decide that we do not keep our facilities for theexclusive benefit of residents? If we're doing the "resident only" thing again, then please let's returnFoothills Park to residents only asap. The glory of having many courts at Mitchell Park is that it has become a social hub for all ages playingpickleball. It has become a victim of its own success however, in that there may be long wait times to geton a court. Once you are on a court, you may only get to play one game because other people arewaiting for your court. The community could definitely use more pickleball courts. People are very friendlyplaying pickleball. It is a rare environment these days where you can show up as a 60 year old woman onher own and get in a game. Or, as happened this morning, while waiting for my friends to show up, Ibegan to play with a woman called Lisa who I've never met before. Tell me where else do these randomsocial interactions happen these days? It's great and should be encouraged and supported. Please giveus more courts. Oh and I'm so old I remember before the Mitchell Park courts were converted to Pickleball. There was noone there. You could always get a tennis court. Pickleball has revived that part of Mitchell Park. Peopleare actually going there to use that land for what it was intended. More pickleball courts please. Sally-Ann Rudd This message needs your attention This is a personal email address. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast From:Donghui Li To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City; papc.secretary@gmail.com Cc:Donghui Li Subject:support for Pickleball Court Expansion Date:Monday, September 15, 2025 1:19:17 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. i Dear members of the Palo Alto Parks & Rec Commission and City Council: I live in Palo Alto, and am writing in support of creating eight additional pickleball courts at Mitchell Park. I used to not be active at sports at all, however, once I started to play pickleball, I just loved playing it for quite a few years now. I got a lot of enjoyment from it and also improved my health. I wish more people could benefit from this activity, so I would like to express my support on the pickleball court expansion. Thanks in advance for your help! Sincerely yours, Donghui Li at 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:Aram James To:Lythcott-Haims, Julie Cc:Reckdahl, Keith; Ed Lauing; editor@almanacnews.com; editor@paweekly.com; Dave Price; Gerry Gras; Gennady Sheyner; Council, City; board@pausd.org; BoardOperations; Jeff Rosen; Jay Boyarsky; assemblymember.berman@assembly.ca.gov; Josh Becker; h.etzko@gmail.com; EPA Today; Vicki Veenker; Yolanda Conaway; Yusra Hussain; Human Relations Commission; Raymond Goins; Roberta Ahlquist; Baker, Rob; Emily Mibach; Diana Diamond; vramirez@redwoodcity.org; CityCouncil; Binder, Andrew; Reifschneider, James; Cait James; Tim James; Liz Kniss; Linda Jolley; Marina Lopez; Lori Meyers; Sheree Roth Subject:Javier Bardem Says ‘Free Palestine’ on Emmys Red Carpet and ‘I Can’t Work With Someone That Justifies orSupports the Genocide’ Date:Monday, September 15, 2025 1:09:47 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Javier Bardem Says ‘Free Palestine’ on Emmys Red Carpet and ‘I Can’t Work With SomeoneThat Justifies or Supports the Genocide’ Source: Variety https://share.newsbreak.com/f0fblw63?s=i0 From:Sally-Ann Rudd To:Council, City; ParkRec Commission; PAPC.SECRETARY@GMAIL.COM Subject:EXPANSION (please) Palo Alto Pickleball Courts Date:Monday, September 15, 2025 1:05:28 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. i Dear Commissioners and City Council members 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:Pam Baker To:Lauing, Ed; Council, City Subject:Join Us on October 3 & Celebrate Palo Alto Young Women Coaching Sports Date:Monday, September 15, 2025 1:02:09 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. i Dear Ed & Palo Alto Council Members, On behalf of the Women’s Coaching Alliance (WCA), I am delighted to invite you to our Annual Benefit on Friday, October 3, at The Alexandria in San Carlos. This event will celebrate our mission of developing the next generation of female leaders through coaching youth sports. Beginning last year, our coaches—young women from Palo Alto ages 15–26—have partnered with Palo Alto Parks & Rec to coach younger kids. Their leadership has enabled more kids to participate in youth sports, while showcasing women as role models and mentors. The evening will bring together leaders in sports, business, and media to showcase the power of coaching and mentorship. Highlights will include a panel discussion with the Bay Area Host Committee and a behind-the-scenes look at preparations for hosting both the Super Bowl and the World Cup in the Bay Area next year. We would be honored to welcome you and members of the City Council to join us for this special celebration of leadership and community impact. Tickets are available here. Thank you for your support of young leaders in Palo Alto. We look forward to celebrating with you. Warm regards, Pam Baker Founder,Women’s Coaching Alliance -- This message needs your attention No employee in your company has ever replied to this person. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Pam Baker Founder 415-515-3872 pam@womenscoachingalliance.orgwww.womenscoachingalliance.org From:Tony Lee To:Lauing, Ed Cc:Council, City Subject:Re: Urgent Plea for Reconsideration of Parking Policies on El Camino Real and the Impact on Small Businesses Date:Monday, September 15, 2025 12:56:31 PM Attachments:image003.pngimage004.png CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Dear Mayor Lauing, Thank you for the update and for following up with the Chief Transportation Officer. I appreciate you sharing the response regarding the creation of new 2-hour zones on OxfordAvenue and Stanford Avenue. It is encouraging to see this moving forward, especially since Mr. Nate Baird from the Office of Transportation informed me of these potential changesduring his visit to my laundromat on June 11th. While I understand these new zones are intended to provide some relief for businesses near El Camino Real, I must reiterate that this does not address the core issue for businesses directlyon El Camino Real that have lost street parking immediately in front of their establishments. As you noted, this does not provide a spot in front of my shop, and the same applies to manyother businesses in similar situations. The primary challenge remains customer accessibility to businesses like mine, which heavily rely on direct, convenient parking. Many of my customers are elderly or have multiple laundrybags, making distant parking impractical. The current situation with the removal of street parking and the rigid enforcement of "no parking" in the bike lanes continues to impact foottraffic and revenue significantly. For instance, my next-door neighbor, Roy's cleaner, has reported a 30-40% decline in revenue over the last several months and is now using hersavings to cover rent and utilities. I hope that solutions directly addressing the need for accessible parking on El Camino Real will be given further consideration. A hybrid model, such as permitting late-night parking inthe bike lane or creating designated public parking spots next to the bike lane (similar to the examples I shared from Mountain View), could offer a more effective compromise thatsupports both bike lanes and the vitality of our small businesses. I am available to discuss this further and offer any additional insights from the perspectives of affected business owners and my customers. Sincerely, Tony Lee On Mon, Sep 15, 2025 at 8:28 AM Lauing, Ed <Ed.Lauing@paloalto.gov> wrote: Tony, I followed up with our Chief Transportation Officer and got the following response on Friday. I am aware this does not get you a spot on ECR in front of your shop. “On August 11, 2025, Council approved the creation of new 2-hour zones in a number of locations including Oxford Avenue and Stanford Avenue near El Camino. This change isintended to provide parking relief for retail land uses such as the Stanford Coin Wash. The two-hour zone will ensure short term parking and parking turnover close to El Camino Realwhich we expect will provide parking capacity for customers the area. Following Council approval, OOT staff prepared and issued a work order for the production and installation of the new signs. I sent an email today to check on the timing for this workand we can let you know when we can expect to see the signs on the affected streets. “ Ed Lauing Mayor Ed.Lauing@Palo Alto.gov Office: 650-329-2571 From: Tony Lee <leetony@gmail.com> Sent: Wednesday, September 10, 2025 2:00 PM To: Lauing, Ed <Ed.Lauing@paloalto.gov> Cc: Council, City <city.council@PaloAlto.gov> Subject: Re: Urgent Plea for Reconsideration of Parking Policies on El Camino Real and the Impact on Small Businesses CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Dear Mayor Lauing, Thank you for your prompt reply to my initial email regarding the impact of parking policieson small businesses along El Camino Real. I appreciate your acknowledgment and theassurance that you are looking into the situation. Your attention to this matter is highlyencouraging. I am writing to respectfully inquire about the progress of your investigation and to offer anyadditional information or a dialogue with myself and other affected business owners. Thechallenges we are facing are urgent, and we are hopeful that a solution can be reached beforemore businesses are irreparably harmed. We remain committed to finding a balanced approach that supports both sustainabletransportation and the vitality of our local economy. We are available to meet at yourconvenience to discuss this issue further and to provide direct input from those mostaffected. As I mentioned in my previous email, a hybrid model that permits late-night parking in thebike lane, or the creation of designated, easily accessible public parking spots, could offerthe necessary compromise. I have seen a great example of the creation of easily accessiblepublic parking spots on California Street in Mountain View. I am attaching a photo and ashort video for you to IMG_0054.HEIC IMG_0055.MOV look at. Thank you again for your consideration and for your service to the Palo Alto community. Sincerely, Tony Lee Owner of Stanford Coin Wash On Mon, Sep 1, 2025 at 4:32 PM Lauing, Ed <Ed.Lauing@paloalto.gov> wrote: Tony, I am investigating this situation. I appreciate the update. Ed Lauing Mayor Ed.Lauing@Palo Alto.gov Office: 650-329-2571 From: Tony Lee <leetony@gmail.com> Sent: Sunday, August 31, 2025 12:33 PM To: Council, City <city.council@PaloAlto.gov> Subject: Urgent Plea for Reconsideration of Parking Policies on El Camino Real and the Impact on Small Businesses CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Becautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. To the Honorable Members of the Palo Alto City Council And the City of Palo AltoDepartment of Public Works and Transportation Subject: Urgent Plea for Reconsideration of Parking Policies on El Camino Real andthe 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 onbehalf of the many small business owners facing an existential crisis because of recentparking policy changes on El Camino Real. While we all support initiatives to improveour city, the unintended consequences of these policies are threatening the livelihoods ofour 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 anoble effort to promote alternative transportation, has created a significant challenge forbusinesses that do not have their own private parking facilities. These businesses relyheavily on street parking for their customers, many of whom are unable or unwilling towalk long distances from distant lots. Since the removal, many of these smallestablishments have reported a substantial and disheartening decline in customer foottraffic, directly impacting their ability to sustain their operations. Furthermore, we are witnessing a particularly troubling enforcement of "no parking" rulesin the bicycle lane, even during late-night hours when these lanes are completely devoidof bicycles, cars, or any other activity. This zealous application of the law, at times whenthe risk of conflict or obstruction is zero, feels punitive and serves to further discourageany potential customers who might attempt to visit these businesses during non-peakhours. 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 arethe shops and restaurants that give our city its unique character, provide jobs, andcontribute 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 bikelanes, but rather for a practical and balanced solution that allows small businesses tothrive. Perhaps a hybrid model that permits late-night parking in the bike lane, or thecreation of designated, easily accessible public parking spots, could offer the necessarycompromise. We'd like to ask you to dialogue with the small business community to find a workablesolution before more of our cherished local establishments are lost forever. Sincerely, The Owner of Stanford Coin Wash Tony Lee From:Lizzy Liu Moeller To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City; papc.secretary@gmail.com Subject:SUPPORT to create more pickleball courts Date:Monday, September 15, 2025 12:29:14 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. i Dear members of the Palo Alto Parks & Rec Commission and City Council, I live in Palo Alto and am writing in support of creating 8 additional pickleball courts andMitchell Park. This year marks my 10th year living in Palo Alto, a place I now call home. As an immigrant, I’ve often struggled with the question of belonging - especially after having three kids andstepping away from the workplace. Pickleball has been a bridge back to community for me. On the court, I’ve reconnected with people from all walks of life; regardless of age or race, weshare laughter, energy, and joy together. My hope is that more people like me will have the chance to discover and fall in love with this wonderful sport and form a stronger Palo Altocommunity. Best regards. Lizzy Liu MoellerRorke Way, Palo Alto This message needs your attention This is a personal email address. This is their first email to your company. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast From:Gina Dalma To:Clerk, City Subject:Support new homes at 660 University Ave! Date:Sunday, September 21, 2025 3:33:05 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious ofopening attachments and clicking on links. Palo Alto Palo Alto City Clerk, I am writing to express my enthusiastic support for the proposed housing project at 660 University Ave in downtown Palo Alto. This project will be a tremendous asset to the community and the region as a whole. The addition of 66 units to the area is a beacon of hope in addressing Palo Alto's pressing housing shortage. The project's proximity to downtown amenities, including Caltrain station and ample bike parking, makes the project an attractive place to live, while promoting environmental sustainability. Moreover, I am particularly impressed by the project's commitment to inclusivity. Setting aside 20 percent of the units for lower-tiered affordable housing showcases a dedication to providing opportunities for individuals from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds to thrive in the community. By prioritizing affordable housing and urban development, we can create more sustainable and inclusive communities for everyone. It is necessary for Palo Alto to expand housing options and accommodate the needs of a growing population and I urge you to take action by supporting this project with no further delay. I look forward to witnessing the short term and long term positive impacts that this project will have on Palo Alto and the surrounding community. Thank you. Gina Dalma ginadalma@gmail.com Palo Alto, California 94306 From:Naphtali Knox To:Clerk, City Subject:I support the proposed housing at 660 University Ave Date:Saturday, September 20, 2025 9:47:11 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious ofopening attachments and clicking on links. Palo Alto Palo Alto City Clerk, We will not only get 66 new units — just a drop in the bucket compared to what the city needs to build — we will also bring new clientele closer to downtown businesses. This may not be the right amount of housing — we should be building more — but we can’t wait for perfect. Please approve the proposed housing project at 660 University. Naphtali Knox Palo Alto, California 94301 From:Adam Schwartz To:Clerk, City Subject:Support new homes at 660 University Ave! Date:Saturday, September 20, 2025 8:00:35 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious ofopening attachments and clicking on links. Palo Alto Palo Alto City Clerk, I am writing to express my enthusiastic support for the proposed housing project at 660 University Ave in downtown Palo Alto. This project will be a tremendous asset to the community and the region as a whole. The addition of 66 units to the area is a beacon of hope in addressing Palo Alto's pressing housing shortage. The project's proximity to downtown amenities, including Caltrain station and ample bike parking, makes the project an attractive place to live, while promoting environmental sustainability. Moreover, I am particularly impressed by the project's commitment to inclusivity. Setting aside 20 percent of the units for lower-tiered affordable housing showcases a dedication to providing opportunities for individuals from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds to thrive in the community. By prioritizing affordable housing and urban development, we can create more sustainable and inclusive communities for everyone. It is necessary for Palo Alto to expand housing options and accommodate the needs of a growing population and I urge you to take action by supporting this project with no further delay. I look forward to witnessing the short term and long term positive impacts that this project will have on Palo Alto and the surrounding community. Thank you. Adam Schwartz Palo Alto, California 94301 From:Dylan O"Connell To:Clerk, City Subject:Support new homes at 660 University Ave! Date:Friday, September 19, 2025 9:18:46 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious ofopening attachments and clicking on links. Palo Alto Palo Alto City Clerk, I am writing to express my support for the proposed housing project at 660 University Ave. This project will be a tremendous asset to our community. The 66 new units are urgently needed to address our community's housing shortage. The location is ideal (close to downtown amenities, Caltrain, and bike parking) making it an attractive place to live while promoting sustainable transit. I am also impressed by the commitment to mark 20% of the units as affordable, ensuring that a diverse group can enjoy this new benefit. I urge you to approve this important project without further delay. Thank you for your work to support our community. Dylan O'Connell Mountain View, California 94040 From:Brian Wheatley To:Clerk, City Subject:Support new homes at 660 University Ave! Date:Friday, September 19, 2025 5:51:50 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious ofopening attachments and clicking on links. Palo Alto Palo Alto City Clerk, I’m a retired teacher/union president and currently a SJUSD board member. We are experiencing a housing crisis in the Bay Area, and I believe every elected official should do everything they within their power to this crucial issue. Therefore, I am writing to express my enthusiastic support for the proposed housing project at 660 University Ave in downtown Palo Alto. This project will be a tremendous asset to the community and the region as a whole. The addition of 66 units to the area is a beacon of hope in addressing Palo Alto's pressing housing shortage. The project's proximity to downtown amenities, including Caltrain station and ample bike parking, makes the project an attractive place to live, while promoting environmental sustainability. Moreover, I am particularly impressed by the project's commitment to inclusivity. Setting aside 20 percent of the units for lower-tiered affordable housing showcases a dedication to providing opportunities for individuals from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds to thrive in the community. By prioritizing affordable housing and urban development, we can create more sustainable and inclusive communities for everyone. It is necessary for Palo Alto to expand housing options and accommodate the needs of a growing population and I urge you to take action by supporting this project with no further delay. I look forward to witnessing the short term and long term positive impacts that this project will have on Palo Alto and the surrounding community. Thank you for your service to our community. Brian Wheatley From:Claire Bleymaier To:Clerk, City Subject:Please support new homes at 660 University Ave without delay! Date:Thursday, September 18, 2025 8:35:15 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious ofopening attachments and clicking on links. Palo Alto Palo Alto City Clerk, I am writing to express my wholehearted support for the proposed 63-unit housing project at 660 University Ave. As a resident of this vibrant community, I am thrilled about the prospect of welcoming such a valuable addition to our city. The proposed housing project offers an incredible opportunity to enhance our downtown area. One of the most exciting aspects of this project is its proximity to downtown amenities and the Caltrain station. Having housing within walking distance of these essential resources not only promotes a more sustainable and eco-friendly lifestyle but also fosters a stronger sense of community among residents. Furthermore, as a resident who cherishes the unique character of Palo Alto, I believe that the addition of more housing options will only enrich our city. Palo Alto is in dire need of housing, and this project presents a timely solution to address this pressing issue. The project has been in the pipeline for over 3 years which is a testament to the developer’s patience and commitment to providing more housing to the downtown area. They have also included more lower-tiered-income housing than what is required by the city. Access to low-income housing is vital to make the downtown area accessible to more people, ensuring that individuals from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds can partake in and contribute to our community. In conclusion, I urge you to support this housing project for the betterment of our community without further delay! By embracing initiatives that promote sustainability, inclusivity, and affordability, we can ensure that Palo Alto continues to thrive as a dynamic and welcoming place to live. Thank you! Claire Bleymaier From:Tate Tunstall To:Clerk, City Subject:Support new homes at 660 University Ave! Date:Thursday, September 18, 2025 11:25:21 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious ofopening attachments and clicking on links. Palo Alto Palo Alto City Clerk, I am writing to express my enthusiastic support for the proposed housing project at 660 University Ave in downtown Palo Alto. This project will be a tremendous asset to the community and the region as a whole. The addition of 66 units to the area is a beacon of hope in addressing Palo Alto's pressing housing shortage. The project's proximity to downtown amenities, including Caltrain station and ample bike parking, makes the project an attractive place to live, while promoting environmental sustainability. Opposition to new housing is a headwind on economic growth in our region, and these units will provide housing to new residents who will utilize public transportation, local restaurants and shops, and pay property tax. I look forward to witnessing the short term and long term positive impacts that this project will have on Palo Alto and the surrounding community. Thank you. Tate Tunstall From:Rachel Gilbert To:Clerk, City Subject:Please support new homes at 660 University Ave without delay! Date:Thursday, September 18, 2025 9:25:28 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious ofopening attachments and clicking on links. Palo Alto Palo Alto City Clerk, I am writing to express my wholehearted support for the proposed 63-unit housing project at 660 University Ave. As a neighbor of this vibrant community, I am thrilled about the prospect of welcoming such a valuable addition to Palo Alto. The proposed housing project offers an incredible opportunity to enhance the downtown area. One of the most exciting aspects of this project is its proximity to downtown amenities and the Caltrain station. Having housing within walking distance of these essential resources not only promotes a more sustainable and eco-friendly lifestyle but also fosters a stronger sense of community among residents. Palo Alto is in dire need of housing, and this project presents a timely solution to address this pressing issue. The housing shortage in Palo Alto affects my neighboring city of Mountain View. This project has been in the pipeline for over 3 years, which is a testament to the developer’s patience and commitment to providing more housing to the downtown area. They have also included more lower-tiered-income housing than what is required by the city. Access to low-income housing is vital to make the downtown area accessible to more people, ensuring that individuals from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds can partake in and contribute to our community. In conclusion, I urge you to support this housing project for the betterment of Palo Alto without further delay! By embracing initiatives that promote sustainability, inclusivity, and affordability, we can ensure that Palo Alto continues to thrive as a dynamic and welcoming place to live. Thank you! Rachel Gilbert From:Carla Yonan To:Clerk, City Subject:Support new homes at 660 University Ave! Date:Thursday, September 18, 2025 8:36:48 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious ofopening attachments and clicking on links. Palo Alto Palo Alto City Clerk, I am writing to express my enthusiastic support for the proposed housing project at 660 University Ave in downtown Palo Alto. This project will be a tremendous asset to the community and the region as a whole. The addition of 66 units to the area is a beacon of hope in addressing Palo Alto's pressing housing shortage. The project's proximity to downtown amenities, including Caltrain station and ample bike parking, makes the project an attractive place to live, while promoting environmental sustainability. Moreover, I am particularly impressed by the project's commitment to inclusivity. Setting aside 20 percent of the units for lower-tiered affordable housing showcases a dedication to providing opportunities for individuals from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds to thrive in the community. By prioritizing affordable housing and urban development, we can create more sustainable and inclusive communities for everyone. It is necessary for Palo Alto to expand housing options and accommodate the needs of a growing population and I urge you to take action by supporting this project with no further delay. I look forward to witnessing the short term and long term positive impacts that this project will have on Palo Alto and the surrounding community. Thank you. Carla Yonan From:Flora Moreno To:Clerk, City Subject:Please support new homes at 660 University Ave without delay! Date:Wednesday, September 17, 2025 9:25:50 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious ofopening attachments and clicking on links. Palo Alto Palo Alto City Clerk, I am writing to express my wholehearted support for the proposed 63-unit housing project at 660 University Ave. As a resident of this vibrant community, I am thrilled about the prospect of welcoming such a valuable addition to our city. The proposed housing project offers an incredible opportunity to enhance our downtown area. One of the most exciting aspects of this project is its proximity to downtown amenities and the Caltrain station. Having housing within walking distance of these essential resources not only promotes a more sustainable and eco-friendly lifestyle but also fosters a stronger sense of community among residents. Furthermore, as a resident who cherishes the unique character of Palo Alto, I believe that the addition of more housing options will only enrich our city. Palo Alto is in dire need of housing, and this project presents a timely solution to address this pressing issue. The project has been in the pipeline for over 3 years which is a testament to the developer’s patience and commitment to providing more housing to the downtown area. They have also included more lower-tiered-income housing than what is required by the city. Access to low-income housing is vital to make the downtown area accessible to more people, ensuring that individuals from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds can partake in and contribute to our community. In conclusion, I urge you to support this housing project for the betterment of our community without further delay! By embracing initiatives that promote sustainability, inclusivity, and affordability, we can ensure that Palo Alto continues to thrive as a dynamic and welcoming place to live. Thank you! Flora Moreno