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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-02-09 City Council EmailsDOCUM ENTS IN THIS PACKET INCLUDE: LETTERS FROM CITIZENS TO THE MAYOR OR CITY COUNCIL RESPONSES FROM STAFF TO LETTERS FROM CITIZ ENS ITEMS FROM MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEMBERS ITEMS FROM OTHER COMMITTEES AND AGENC IES ITEMS FROM CITY, COUNTY, STATE, AND REGIONAL AGENCIES Prepared for: 02/09/2026 Document dates: 02/02/2026 - 02/09/2026 Note: Documents for every category may not have been received for packet reproduction in a given week. 701-32 From:k jm To:Council, City Subject:Proposed closing of Churchill at Train Crossing Date:Monday, February 9, 2026 11:07:13 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. i Because the ambulance was able to cross at Churchill and speedily get me to Stanford Hospital, I am alive without significant medical impairment. Slowing down emergency vehicles by closing Churchill to through traffic will have catastrophic impact on those needing to get to Stanford medical services. Could also negatively impact those needing police or fire department support. IF the noise of the train horn and the clanging of the train crossing 'bell' brings anxiety to high school students, address this specific issue. Eliminate the horn and crossing bell - we already know how to do this. Closing Churchill will not make the noise from the train on the track go away as the train will continue to run. Respectfully, Palo Alto resident This message needs your attention This is a personal email address. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast From:Samina Sundas To:Minka Van Der Zwaag; Council, City; Clerk, City; City of Mountain View; Human Relations Commission Subject:Honoring the children of Palestine Date:Monday, February 9, 2026 11:07:01 AM Attachments:image1.png CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. i Please join us on Wednesday February 11th at noon for the reception and brief program. Lunch would be provided. Warm regards, Samina Sundas Here’s link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/honoring-the-children-of-palestine-exhibit-reception-santa- clara-county-tickets-1982008693356 This message needs your attention This is a personal email address. This is their first mail to some recipients. Mark Safe Report From:Abraham Ernest To:Council, City Subject:Re: Your e-mail to City Council was received Date:Monday, February 9, 2026 10:58:06 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. i Good day, I would like to know the progress of my request. On Sat, 7 Feb 2026, 22:57 Council, City, <city.council@paloalto.gov> wrote: Thank you for your comments to the City Council. Your e‐mail will be forwarded to all seven Council Members and a printout of your correspondence will also be included in the next available Council packet. If your comments are about an item that is already scheduled for a City Council agenda, you can call (650) 329‐2571 to confirm that the item is still on the agenda for the next meeting. If your letter mentions a specific complaint or a request for service, we'll either reply with an explanation or else send it on to the appropriate department for clarification. We appreciate hearing from you. ------------------Cybersecurity safety note: Official emails from the City of Palo Alto typically end with @cityofpaloalto.organd there are limited exceptions such as surveys or polls that may come from City consultants acting on theCity’s behalf. Though the City doesn’t often solicit donations, City partners, including local foundations suchas the Palo Alto Art Center Foundation, Friends of the Palo Alto Library, and Friends of the Palo Alto JuniorMuseum & Zoo do send out fundraising communications. Please contact the appropriate City department orCity Council Member to double check its legitimacy and never share personal information or other securedetails via email. Contact City Departments: https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/City-Hall/Phone-Directory Contact City Council: https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/City-Hall/City-Council This message needs your attention This is a personal email address. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast From:Eric Scheel To:City Mgr; Council, City Subject:Churchill crossing Date:Sunday, February 8, 2026 6:46:09 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. ! I am a father of a student in the Palo Alto High School community, and I am asking you to act with the urgency this moment demands by closing the Churchill Avenue rail crossing adjacent to the High School. Every weekday morning, so many families do the same quiet, terrifying math: we send our children to school knowing that a lethal hazard sits just outside their classrooms. We would never tolerate an unlocked gate around a construction site or an exposed electrical substation on a school campus. Yet we continue to tolerate open, unfettered access to high-speed trains next to our children. This is not an abstract risk. This is a lived trauma. My child is a junior, in Paly’s Class of 2027. She was on campus the day Summer died. Like so many parents that day, I tried to cling to the hope that someone had intervened in time. That hope was false. My child has to process that another classmate was tragically lost. The second in less than a year. This is what inaction looks like. Leaving that crossing open is not neutrality. It is a choice. It is the equivalent of knowingly leaving a deadly instrument in reach and hoping no one uses it. Traffic flow does not outweigh a single child’s life. Not one. The psychological toll is constant and cumulative. Students sit in classrooms listening to train horns day after day, each blast a reminder, each one carrying the same silent question: is this the next time? This is not a healthy learning environment. This is sustained community trauma. Surveillance does not prevent tragedy. Barriers do. When something is dangerous, we do not watch it more closely. We remove access. We lock it away. We build physical protections that make harm harder, not easier. I am asking you, plainly and urgently: close the crossing. Do not delay. Do not study this and debate with those mildly inconvenienced. Do not wait for another family to be shattered 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 before acting. We already know the cost of waiting. It is unacceptable. Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter Eric Scheel From:Adrienne Germain To:Council, City Cc:City Mgr Subject:Act Next Week — Prioritize Immediate Rail Safety Measures Date:Saturday, February 7, 2026 5:38:47 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. i Dear Mayor and Members of the Council, I am writing as a Palo Alto resident, a parent of both current and alumi PAUSD students, and as an alumna of this community. In your recent statement responding to the loss of a Palo Alto youth, I was encouraged to see that the City is “actively analyzing which options are fast, feasible, and — most important — impactful,” with the goal of enabling Council action as soon as next week. I urge you to follow through on that commitment with decisive action. This debate has spanned years. In the meantime, our students continue to cross the same tracks, walk the same routes, and absorb the trauma of repeated losses. In our own family, I saw that normalization firsthand this week. One of my children said, matter-of-factly, “Everything will be back to normal in a few days.” My adult child, who graduated six years ago, shared that this loss resurfaced memories of prior student suicides that once felt “normal.” Graduates and current students alike are expressing resignation — a belief that nothing will change. That resignation is not apathy. It is learned. When young people come to expect both tragedy and inaction, that should alarm all of us. At this point, perfect cannot continue to be the enemy of good. If there are interim or partial safety measures that are fast and feasible — advance them. If closure or modification of a crossing meaningfully reduces risk — move it forward. If there This message needs your attention This is a personal email address. This is their first mail to some recipients. Mark Safe Report are funding or implementation barriers — name them and commit to a clear timeline. Students should not bear the cost of prolonged process. You stated that action could occur as soon as next week. Please ensure that it does. Respectfully, Adrienne Germain Adrienne Germain 415-531-2843 From:Abraham Ernest To:Council, City Subject:Remote management Date:Saturday, February 7, 2026 1:56:54 PM Attachments:gmail_images20260207_225252.png gmail_images20260207_225331.png gmail_images20260207_225415.png CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. i Good day, I just updated my ios system to 15.8.6 version on my iphone 7 and I've been having issues trying to configure through it and continue. I'm Ernest Abraham texting from Nigeria and I would like if this was considered thank you This message needs your attention This is a personal email address. This is their first email to your company. Mark Safe Report From:Shani Kleinhaus To:Council, City Cc:Robustelli, Sarah; Heistein, Ben Subject:Consent Item #6 Extend First Tee - Silicon Valley Contract Date:Saturday, February 7, 2026 9:25:33 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. i Dear Mayor Veenker and Council members My name is Shani Kleinhaus and I write as a resident of Palo Alto and the Environmental Advocate for the Santa Clara Valley Bird Alliance. I am also a Parks and Recreation commissioner, but I do not speak for the commission. My comment addresses Consent Item #6, extending the First Tee - Silicon Valley Contract for use of the Youth Practice Area at Baylands Golf Links, located along the Embarcadero Road edge of the course. I support approval of this consent item. However, I ask you to provide clear guidance now for any future improvement projects at this site, including netting, turf replacement, or a potential second-story driving range, so those investments align with adopted City policy and the Baylands’ unique setting. First, on turf and plastic materials. Recent City Council discussions have already raised concerns about plastic ground cover and artificial turf, including microplastic pollution, heat impacts, stormwater runoff, and long-term maintenance and disposal issues. Given the Baylands’ proximity to sensitive wetlands and waterways, future projects here should avoid plastic ground cover, including artificial turf, and prioritize natural, permeable, and ecologically functional materials. Second, along Embarcadero Road. This edge of the Baylands is a major visual gateway and an ecological transition zone. The Comprehensive Plan, Parks and Recreation Master Plan, and Baylands Master Plan all emphasize protecting nature, strengthening habitat values, and enhancing the experience of Baylands. Any future improvements should include an ecological landscape element along Embarcadero Road, using native trees and vegetation to support biodiversity, improve the scenic corridor, and better reflect the Baylands’ character. Third, habitat connectivity. Adopted City policies consistently call for improving habitat connectivity and integrating biodiversity into park design. Roadway edges and perimeter areas like this are key opportunities to support birds and pollinators moving through the Baylands. Future investments at this site should enhance - not fragment - habitat connectivity and ecological function. Providing this guidance up front will help avoid piecemeal impacts, align future capital decisions with adopted plans, and ensure that recreational improvements at Baylands Golf Links also contribute to the long-term health and resilience of the Baylands. Respectfully, This message needs your attention This is their first mail to some recipients. Mark Safe Report Shani Kleinhaus, Ph.D. Palo Alto resident Parks and Recreation Commissioner Environmental Advocate, Santa Clara Valley Bird Alliance ----------------------------------------------------------- Shani Kleinhaus, Ph.D. Environmental Advocate Santa Clara Valley Bird Alliance 650-868-2114 shani@scvbirdalliance.org From:Narasimhan Gopalan To:Council, City Subject:Request for Partnership: Stem Cell Donor Drive for Local First Responders Date:Friday, February 6, 2026 5:22:21 PM Attachments:image001.png Christopher.pdf Robert.pdf CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Dear Council Members, My name is Sim Gopalan, and I am a Bay Area community advocate whose service has been recognized by nonprofit organizations, the City of Milpitas (Unsung Heroes Award), and the President’s Lifetime Achievement Award. One of my initiatives is to help patients suffering with Leukemia and other serious blood disorders. I am writing this email on behalf of NMDP (formerly Be The Match). We are seeking your support in connecting with your city’s Police Academy and Fire Department to explore hosting a brief 20–25 minute presentation and on‑site stem cell donor registration drive. NMDP (https://www.nmdp.org) operates the nation’s largest and most diverse stem cell donor registry and serves as the primary organization connecting patients with life‑saving donors. Every year, thousands of people with blood cancers and other life‑threatening conditions rely on NMDP to coordinate transplants that offer their best chance at survival. We are currently assisting two first responders — a police officer and a retired firefighter — who, like thousands of others, are urgently searching for a compatible stem cell donor. Donating stem cells is relatively simple procedure for a donor, whereas it is life saving for the patient. Their stories reflect a broader national challenge: individuals aged 18 to 35 are critically underrepresented in the registry, yet they are the age group most likely to provide successful matches. Our team would welcome the opportunity to visit your Police Academy and Firefighter training groups to share information, answer questions, and offer immediate, no‑cost registration for those who wish to join the donor registry. The presentation is concise, medically safe, and designed to fit seamlessly into existing training schedules. Joining the registry is a simple 3–5 minute process done using the cell phone and a quick cheek swab. Anyone between the ages of 18 and 35 can join the registry Herewith, I’m attaching flyers featuring the officer and firefighter currently seeking matches to help illustrate the real‑world impact of donor registration. The need is urgent, and even a small increase in registered donors can significantly improve outcomes for patients in crisis. If you are willing, I would appreciate being connected with the appropriate contact within your Police or Fire departments to coordinate next steps. NMDP would also be glad to connect directly with your office to provide any additional information or answer questions. Thank you for your time, your leadership, and your consideration of this life‑saving initiative. I look forward to the possibility of partnering with the city to support those who have dedicated their lives to protecting ours. Warm regards, Sim Gopalan (he/him/his) Member Recruitment Coordinator – SF Bay Area & Central Coast Phone: (510) 507-5960 © 2025 National Marrow Donor Program. All Rights Reserved. Date Time To learn more, contact Sim Gopalan @ ngopalan@nmdp.org/ (510) 507-5960. HELP PATIENTS LIKE CHRISTOPHER FIND THEIR CURE For patients with life-threatening blood disorders like leukemia, lymphoma or sickle cell, a cure exists through a blood stem cell donation. Christopher, who was with the Reno fire department for 32 years is now battling blood cancer and needs a blood stem cell transplant. It's important to grow the registry of potential donors so he can find a matching donor and get the treatment he needs. Can't attend the event? Scan the QR code to join the NMDP Registry today! Christopher, searching patient Joining the registry is easy, free, and could save a life. Just a quick cheek swab is all it takes. or Text TeamTaylorSF to 61474 If you are between 18 and 35 Years old Date Time Robert is a Police Lieutenant from Sterling Heights, MI. A dedicated officer, Robert was enjoying a full life with his wife and son until his recent diagnosis with AML. He urgently needs a blood stem cell transplant. It's important to grow the registry of potential donors so he can find a matching donor and get the treatment he needs. Can't attend the event? Scan the QR code to join the NMDP Registry today! Joining the registry is easy, free, and could save a life. Just a quick cheek swab is all it takes. © 2025 National Marrow Donor Program. All Rights Reserved. To learn more, contact Sim Gopalan @ ngopalan@nmdp.org/ (510) 507-5960. HELP PATIENTS LIKE ROBERT FIND THEIR CURE For patients with life-threatening blood disorders like leukemia, lymphoma or sickle cell, a cure exists through a blood stem cell donation. Robert, searching patient or Text SIMBHA to 61474 If you are between 18 and 35 Years old From:Star To:Kurotori, Alan Cc:Planning Commission; Council, City Subject:Utilities analysis of 3606 el Camino Real development Date:Friday, February 6, 2026 2:14:16 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. i Hello Director Kurotori, I am following up on my voice message related to the development at 3606 el Camino Real which our Utilities department is evaluating with respect to proposed public utility and access easements. As I mentioned in my phone message, I am proposing to the city that this development move its main driveways/egress onto el Camino Real to avoid a significant increase in hazards for our Safe Routes to School corridors on Matadero and Kendall. Whether or not I will be able to effectively lobby for it with our city council, AB 3177 does provide some justification for this [see below]. There are already several driveways for proposed projects along el Camino—3150 and 3400 in particular—which cross the bike lane. The 3606 site already has 2 driveways which could be incorporated into their design—no land dedication seemingly needed—and there are even no bike lane bollards there as the road crew recognized the driveway placements. Should they refuse, the city could be justified in requiring an added lane on their property to improve the safety needed for this level of development on the constrained Matadero and Kendall streets. [FYI, I am also asking our city council to amend Palo Alto’s Municipal Code/Objectve Standards: Site Access 18.24.030 (b)(3)(A) to allow ECR driveways—even if side streets are present—if that is a safer placement: As written...Vehicle access shall be located on alleys or side streets when they abut the property… consider appending with… "if it does not significantly increase health and safety dangers to human activities (pedestrian, cycling, and traffic), and emergency services.”] My question for those analyzing the Utilities aspect of this project is this: Would an el Camino Real driveway placement change your resulting analysis, recommendation, and approval? Please communicate that to me, hopefully before next Wednesday’s 2/11 PTC meeting. Best Regards, Star Teachout ===================== This message needs your attention This is a personal email address. This is their first mail to some recipients. Mark Safe Report AB3177 (66005.1. (c)2B. It was originally created to prevent cities from stopping housing development by imposing expensive land dedications related to traffic impacts (eg, requiring a new road, widening an existing road, etc). There is however, one paragraph which discusses safety, and this is what I am hoping the city council will consider in requiring the developer to create a main entrance on el Camino, rather than 2 entrances on Matadero and Kendall. AB3177 (66005.1.(c) 2. (2) Notwithstanding paragraph (1), a local agency may do any of the following: (A) Impose a land dedication requirement on a housing development if both of the following conditions are met: (i) The housing development is not located in a transit priority area. (ii) The housing development has a linear street frontage of 500 feet or more. (B) Discretionarily impose a land dedication requirement as a condition of approval of a specific housing development project for traffic safety features if the local agency makes a finding, specific to the housing development project and supported by substantial evidence, that the land dedication requirement is necessary to preserve the health, safety, and welfare of the public, including pedestrians, cyclists, and children. (C) Impose a land dedication requirement to construct public improvements, including, but not limited to, sidewalk and sewer improvements. Relevant parts of the PTC 2/11 agenda attachments: PROJECT DESCRIPTION The proposed project includes a request for approval of a Vesting Tentative Map to merge seven parcels into one 113,907-square-foot (2.61-acre) parcel located at 3606 El Camino Real (existing parcel addresses include 3508, 3516, 3626-3632 El Camino Real, and 524, 528, 530 Kendall Avenue) for the development of 321 residential apartment units. The map also includes the offer of proposed public utility easements and public access easements, which are required per City of Palo Alto Utility Department standards. A location map is included in Attachment A and the proposed Vesting Tentative Map is included in Attachment C. ANALYSIS The proposed project and relevant discussion and findings herein reflect the Vesting Tentative Map. The proposed map includes vacation of easements that would no longer be relevant to the parcels and dedication of new public utility easements and a public access easement associated with the new site improvements. Council is anticipated to consider the proposed Major Architectural application along with this subdivision application. The Utilities Department is in the process of finalizing its Conditions of Approvals. At this time, no substantive design changes are anticipated that would affect the PTC’s review or consideration of the project. These will be finalized prior to Council’s decision on the project Multi-Modal Access As part of the proposed map, the applicant is proposing to dedicate a public access easement along the frontage of the property on El Camino Real in order to provide an effective 12-foot foot sidewalk width from the curb to back of the sidewalk. No other access easements, private, or public streets are required for the proposed project. The project includes two levels of above-grade parking which provides parking in excess of the code requirement as set forth in PAMC Chapter 18.14 for the El Camino Real Focus Area. Alan.Kurotori@paloalto.gov 650 566-4522 From:april triantis To:Council, City Subject:Churchill Crossing Date:Friday, February 6, 2026 1:40:24 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. I am writing in support of closing the crossing at Churchill Avenue. There is a crossing at Embarcadero (for cars and pedestrians ) and also at Oregon Expressway for cars. I feel like we can all put up with a small inconvenience to save our children’s’ lives. Thank you, April Triantis 844 Sonoma Terrace From:Patricia Judge Tamrazi To:Council, City Subject:Superintendent deflecting responsibility on to the City Date:Friday, February 6, 2026 12:19:48 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. i Dear City Council, As you all know, I'm no fan of city government here in Palo Alto. :) But for our Superintendent to write to you about the Churchill crossing to deflect responsibility for his organization's shortcomings that have led to the death of a child, according to that child - it's truly despicable. He's had a horrible week (his principal said a parent experienced an "unpleasant incident" at school drop off then the police report suggests she got violently beat up there and he is taking away teacher supports in our schools seemingly in retaliation against the teachers union), he's likely to get a whole lot of criticism at the School Board meeting on Tuesday (many of us are hoping he will be terminated, but I don't think we have the votes...yet), and rather than making changes - he's pushing it off onto you. I know many of you have working relationships, even friendships, with our 5 neighbors who sit on the School Board. I hope you'll express to our Board of Trustees why this type of leadership is not appropriate for any school district, let alone our school district here in Palo Alto. I suggest you ask them, did your Superintendent reach out to you after the most recent death of a student, before he wrote to us and pushed it out to the press? Have you talked to him at all this week? Is this the type of leadership we want in Palo Alto - especially for those here to serve the most vulnerable among us: our children? Sincerely, Trish Tamrazi Increasingly concerned Palo Alto homeowner and PAUSD parent This message needs your attention This is a personal email address. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast From:David Sacerdote To:Council, City Subject:Caltrain fencing at Embarcadero Date:Friday, February 6, 2026 11:41:57 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. The fencing on the Embarcadero Bike Path bridge over Embarcadero Road, right next to Paly has an attractive low design which is easily climbed by teenagers, allowing easy access to the tracks from Paly. You can see it here: https://maps.app.goo.gl/S3akK1qCKvNtX7XD6 I have on one occasion, encountered teens climbing it, stepping over the gap between the bike path bridge and the rail bridge, and into the usually-closed station adjacent to the tracks. On that one occasion, I spoke with them, and they returned to the bike path. In addition to improving safety for at-grade intersections, I urge you to work with Caltrain to improve fencing in this location. Thank you From:Bre Thurston To:City Mgr; Council, City Subject:Please close the Churchill crossing immediately Date:Friday, February 6, 2026 11:29:09 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. i Hello, I am writing in support of superintendent Austin's plea to close the rail crossing at Churchill Ave. I am one of thousands of parents who watches my child walk out the door every single day to go to go to Paly knowing that access to a fatal train strike is just outside their classroom door. Leaving the crossing open and exposed is no different than leaving a loaded firearm on a sidewalk. Failing to immediately close access is complacency that cannot be tolerated. No amount of traffic convenience is worth the life of a child. My daughter is a member of Paly's class of 2027. The same grade as Ash and Summer. My daughter is trans. My daughter saw Summer's suicide note just before she heard sirens racing for the tracks. My daughter called me repeatedly until I answered my phone. She was so hysterical that she could barely speak. "I think Summer just killed herself, Mom. I think she killed herself." I raced to campus where I found my daughter sobbing on a curb. We sat in my car and I tried to offer her hope that maybe someone got to Summer in time, that maybe she was okay. She was not, and it was me who had to look my precious daughter in the eye and tell her that another classmate had died. The second one in under a year. I am quite literally begging you - DO SOMETHING. Do not wait, we cannot afford to wait. We cannot lose another child and we cannot continue to inflict more lifelong trauma on our children and teachers who have to sit every single day on campus hearing the blare of a train horn, wondering when (not if) it will happen again. Inaction is traumatizing this entire city and our community. AI sensors and cameras are quite frankly a pathetic and weak bandaid on a hemorrhaging wound. We do not advise people to keep weapons or pills in their home simply with a camera on them. WE REMOVE ACCESS. We lock them up, we create barriers, we make it as hard as humanly possible to access. That is what you must do. With tears streaming down my face as I write this...please. Please close the crossing. This message needs your attention This is their first mail to some recipients. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast -- Bre Thurston 916.220.0933 Website | Instagram From:Julia Verville To:Council, City Subject:Please close Churchill crossing Date:Friday, February 6, 2026 10:43:00 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. i Dear City Council Members, I’m writing to support Superintendent Austin’s request to close the Churchill Caltrain crossing. I live near the crossing, on Bryant and Churchill, and I use the crossing daily. I know how much traffic goes through that crossing, including bicycle and pedestrian traffic to Paly and Stanford. I know that Embarcadero would become more congested as a result. And nothing is more important than keeping kids. I hear the train whistles and crossing bells from my house, and I can only imagine how distressing those constant reminders are to the students who knew these kids. So please close the crossing. We can deal with some inconvenience until we find a longer term solution. Thank you, Julia Verville 1444 Bryant St 765-409-0685 This message needs your attention This is a personal email address. This is their first email to your company. Mark Safe Report From:Susie Richardson To:Council, City Cc:Board@pausd.org Subject:Please close Churchill crossing immediately. Date:Friday, February 6, 2026 10:42:03 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. Dear Council Members, The unthinkable continues to happen at the Churchill rail crossing. Thoughts and prayers and even broadly available counseling are not enough. As we know, copycat behavior is a real thing. We also know that many students are suffering as they hear ringing bells and train whistles all day long. We can only imagine the pain many experience as they cross the tracks. (I know of one student who transferred to Middle College at Foothill because the pain of crossing the tracks to Paly was just too much for them.) We need to let students know in a most tangible way that we care. We are willing to experience some inconvenience in an effort to save lives and alleviate trauma. Perhaps, in time, there will be a way to keep students safe while the crossing is reopened. Until we have an effective plan, PLEASE close the crossing. Please close it NOW and then talk about other possible plans. I am also very concerned about the crossing at Charleston. We need an effective plan to safeguard students there NOW. Thankfully, the Charleston crossing isn’t adjacent to the Gunn campus. Finally, widely available counseling is important, but we must recognize that there are likely many students who will not take advantage of it. I would encourage us to develop a district-wide mental health curriculum, but that will take time. Since we don’t have an extra minute, please close the Churchill crossing now. Respectfully, Susie Richardson School Board member 1991-1999 From:t m To:Council, City Subject:Paly suicides: please close Churchill! Date:Friday, February 6, 2026 9:57:23 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. i I agree with Don Austin--*PLEASE* close Churchill! I went to back-to-school night and was horrified to hear the loud train horn and bells and the sound of the train passing--VERY LOUDLY. It is both a trigger for those who knew someone who died on the tracks, but also a reminder every 15-20 minutes (4 northbound & southbound trains total every hour) that there is a potential suicide option right outside, for the seven hours a kid is in school. Any child even remotely depressed will think that is a viable option. Reducing the reminders will help. In the long-term, permanently closing or creating significant difficulties to accessing the train tracks anywhere nearby would greatly reduce the problem. As with the Golden Gate Bridge, making it difficult to make a split second decision can be the difference between an actual suicide and a decision to reconsider. For the sake of our children and these suicides, PLEASE CLOSE CHURCHILL!!! This message needs your attention This is a personal email address. This is their first email to your company. Mark Safe Report 73363_original.jpg Palo Alto superintendent seeks closure of Churchill rail crossing paloaltoonline.co m Sent from my iPhone From:Kerry Yarkin To:Council, City Subject:Churchill Date:Friday, February 6, 2026 8:03:18 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. i Show some leadership! 1. Close Churchill Crossing now 2. Vote on Emergency Plans 3. Enact 2021 XCAP Report. Closure + Mitigations 4. Start Building next week Kerry Yarkin Attended most of the 14 months of meetings during XCAP This message needs your attention This is a personal email address. This is their first email to you. Mark Safe Report February 2026 View this email in your browser. In this Issue Coming Up Message from our Co-presidents Advocacy Report LWVPA Updates, Board Meeting Highlights, Involvement Opportunities Events & Activities From:LWV Palo Alto VOTER To:Council, City Subject:LWVPA February VOTER: prepping for 2026 - you"re invited, and bring a friend! Date:Thursday, February 5, 2026 9:18:44 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious ofopening attachments and clicking on links. Coming up! FEBRUARY 2026 2/6: Program Planning meeting, 10am-noon 2/12: LWVC Youth Circle, 7pm 2/24: Bringing Common Sense to American Politics (Zoom), noon 2/24: Board Meeting, 7pm MARCH 2026 3/9-13: LWVUS Civic Engagement Learning Week 3/24: Board Meeting, 7pm 3/28: No Kings 3 (fyi) MESSAGE FROM OUR CO-PRESIDENTS Many people are outraged by the fatal January shooting by immigration agents of Renee Good and Alex Petti. LWVUS stated: “The use of intimidation, surveillance and deadly force against protestors is not public safety, it is repression” and called for Congress to investigate, hold DHS and its agents accountable, and to refuse ICE funding without safeguards and restraints on the conduct of ICE and Border Patrol. The League of Women Voters of... - League of Women Voters of the US How can we respond to these events? Some advice: LWVC has been inspired by what we’ve seen on the ground in Minnesota: the community documenting and recording ICE activity. LWVC wants us to be prepared with a similar response here in California. LWVC is planning training with a partner organization for LWVC members. Until then, it recommends registering for an “Eyes on ICE” training co- hosted by Indivisible, NO KINGS organizers, and other community partner organizations. A training held on Feb. 5 was attended by millions of people. To be notified of the next training session, sign up at https://www.nokings.org/. LWV has declared “Democracy is Under Siege.” LWVC advises local leagues to uplift the message of state and local organizations that focus on immigrant rights, including the ACLU and LULAC (League of United Latin American Citizens). Our Program Planning on Feb. 6 will focus on what we can do locally to take action on LWV priority issues of “Democracy Under Siege”, including individual rights, immigration, and presidential overreach, as well as voting rights, election protection, and redistricting. Join us at the Peninsula Conservation Center, 3921 E. Bayshore Rd., at 9:45am–12 noon. On January 23 and 24, we welcomed over twenty people to our Voter Services planning for the June primaries and the November 2026 Mid-terms. There is still time to join the teams who will be coordinating candidate and pro-con forums, doing voter education and registration in the community, including youth outreach. League members will be participating in interviews of Assemblyman MARC BERMAN and state senator JOSH BECKER this week to learn their views on upcoming legislation. We hope to hear and see you at upcoming events. - Lisa Ratner & Hannah Lu, Co-presidents Advocacy Report - Lisa Ratner, Advocacy Chair/Co-president LOCAL: Our board recommended that the state League’s legislative committee support a bill, SB 222, which would streamline permitting for installation of heat pumps. STATE: Data Privacy. The LWV of California intervened in a Department of Justice lawsuit in late 2025 to prevent the federal government from obtaining confidential voter data from local registrars. In a major win, the federal court dismissed a DOJ lawsuit seeking sensitive personal data of 23 million registered voters. Federal Court Dismisses DOJ Lawsuit Seeking California Voter Data - LWVC NATIONAL: The League of Women Voters, along with partners, successfully challenged a March 2025 executive order that would have required proof of citizenship for federal voter registration, with a court blocking the mandate in October 2025. League of Women Voters Education Fund v. Trump | American Civil Liberties Union Naturalization Ceremony Access: The LWV and partners sued the Department of Homeland Security and USCIS in late 2025 regarding a rule restricting voter registration at administrative naturalization ceremonies. League of Women Voters, Campaign Legal Center Sue USCIS, DHS and Other Federal Officials Over Voter Registration Ban at Administrative Naturalization Ceremonies | League of Women Voters Utah Redistricting: In August 2025, a Utah court ruled in favor of the LWV regarding a challenge to the state's congressional map, citing violations of the right to alter government. League of Women Voters of Utah v. Utah State Legislature (LWV 1) | State Court Report Data Privacy challenge: In January 2026, the LWV filed a lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security regarding the consolidation of personal data from various government databases. Legal Center | League of Women Voters These actions reflect an ongoing, proactive legal strategy by the LWV to combat efforts to limit voter access to the ballot and to maintain the privacy of voter information at both federal and state levels. STAY INFORMED! Follow LWV press releases. LWVPA Updates Help Shape the Future of the League! Join us for our annual Program Planning Meeting on priorities for the coming year on Friday, 2/6/26 - 9:45am-noon WHEN: Friday, February 6, 9:45am-12 noon (program begins at 10am) WHERE: Peninsula Conservation Center 3921 E. Bayshore Rd, Palo Alto 94303 (in person) RSVP: Register here With democracy under siege, the national League has recommended an education and action program to respond to this threat. As a grassroots organization, we invite you to help determine the action priorities for our local League for 2026-2027, as well as the national LWVUS priorities for 2026-2028. At the meeting, we will discuss and provide member input on these national and local priorities, including how to best address threats to democracy within our own community. To prepare for the discussion, please review the "Background Information on Focus Issues" below. This guide, based on LWVUS' "Impact on Issues", covers the League's public policy positions on each of the recommended national priority issues: Voting Rights, Election Protection, Redistricting, Individual Rights, Immigration, and the Presidency. We look forward to seeing you there! LWVPA January 2026 Board Meeting Highlights: At its January meeting, the board: Recognized our recent volunteer recruitment efforts for our local Voter Services activities in 2026, and the need for even more participation throughout the year to provide voter registration and education, ballot measure Pros & Cons, and candidate forums for the June and November elections. Prepared for annual Program Planning on February 6, which all members are encouraged to attend, where we will discuss how we can take local actions to support national League focus areas including voting rights, election protections, individual liberties, immigration, and the presidency. Approved Motions: To ask the LWVC legislative committee to support a state bill (SB222) that would streamline and make uniform the local approval process for residential heat pump applications. To send a letter to our representatives in Congress – Senators Schiff and Padilla, and Congressman Liccardo – supporting LWVUS in calling on Congress to investigate use of force by ICE, Border Patrol and the Dept of Homeland Security; to freeze funding and impose more guardrails and accountability measures for these agencies; and to take steps to protect civilians’ constitutional rights to peacefully protest and assemble without their lives being threatened or taken. The Board will next meet on Tuesday, February 24. All members are welcome to join the meeting by emailing contact@lwvpaloalto.org. - Julie Cardillo, Secretary We want to extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who supported our end-of-year campaign. Your generosity continues to make a lasting impact, helping us carry forward the work and vision that matter so deeply to our community. A special thank-you goes to those who donated in memory of Mary Alice Thornton. Your thoughtful gifts honor her spirit and ensure that her legacy of kindness and compassion lives on through the positive change we create together. Because of your support, we step into the new year with renewed hope, purpose, and gratitude for each and every one of you. - Mary Nemerov (mabunem@gmail.com) Opportunities & Events of Interest LWVC Youth Circle debuts Feb. 12 Attention folks 16-25: Please join us on Thursday 2/12 at 7pm for the LWVC Youth Circle, a new initiative of the LWVC for young people ages 16-25. Our LWVUS western region organizer, Connor, will be joining us on the call. He comes to LWVUS from Everytown for Gun Safety, has over a decade of organizing experience, and is full of energy, ideas, and tools! Our plan for the call is to share a little about the League, get feedback on what topics the attendees are interested in, and identify a handful of young folks across the state to join Ginger (UCLA student who has organized this call) in forming a preliminary steering committee to get the LWVC Youth Circle off the ground. The initial vision for the Circle is to provide an opportunity for young League members to come young people in democracy through voting, activism, advocacy, etc. Ultimately, we want this to be a leadership opportunity for interested young folks to develop the Circle in a way that is most meaningful for them. We are inviting all of the members of current LWV clubs, youth councils, etc. from various local Leagues across California. Please share this invitation with your youth members. They are welcome to invite others who may have interest, too. Older League members are welcome to join, too, but we are specifically inviting young members ages 16-25 to attend - this group is for young folks, by young folks. Use the QR code in the attached flyer or click here to express interest in the group and rsvp for next week's call. A Santa Clara County Civil Discourse Committee Event: Bringing Common Sense to American Politics February 24 | on Zoom | 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm (PT) Join special guests Cheryl Graeve and Jack Thomas of the National Institute for Civil Discourse (NICD) as she shares how Common Sense American has racked up a four-for-four success rate of passing legislation that Americans want. The key? Members identify solutions that are wise enough to attract support across our divisions. Presented by the Santa Clara County Civil Discourse Committee. Zoom link TBA. Cheryl Grave, Director of National Programs, Engaging Differences, and Golden Rule 2020 Jack Thomas, Director of Congressional Engagement and Public Policy Civic Learning Week: March 9–13, 2026 Making civic learning a nationwide priority for a stronger democracy. More than ever, civic learning is needed to ensure each and every person across this country has the necessary tools to engage as members of our self-governing society. Learn more at: Home | Civic Learning Week _________ Civics information sources include government archives, specialized educational websites, and primary legal documents focusing on U.S. history, government structure, and active citizenship. Key, reputable sources for educators and students include iCivics, the National Constitution Center, Congress.gov, and the National Archives (Civics for All of US). Educational & Non-Profit Organizations iCivics: Founded by Justice Sandra Day O'Connor, offering games and lesson plans to teach civic engagement. Bill of Rights Institute: Provides resources on constitutional history, seminars, and student programs. Annenberg Classroom: Features resources from the National Constitution Center, including videos and the “Interactive Constitution." Center for Civic Education: Offers curriculum and programs like “We the People.” APPLICATIONS DUE MARCH 27: Recruitment for the 2026-27 Santa Clara County Civil Grand Jury - LWV of Santa Clara County Presiding Judge Julie A. Emede of the Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara, is inviting civic-minded residents to apply for service on the 2026–27 Santa Clara County Civil Grand Jury, a cornerstone of government transparency, accountability, and public oversight. The Civil Grand Jury is an independent investigatory body convened annually to examine the operations of county and city government, school districts, special districts, and other local public agencies. Under the Court’s direction, grand jurors are empowered to review records, evaluate government programs, inspect detention facilities, and issue findings and recommendations that promote ethical, efficient, and transparent governance. Why you? Individuals, with experience in the League of Women Voters are especially well suited for Civil Grand Jury service. LWV members and volunteers bring a strong foundation in nonpartisan civic engagement, government structure, and public policy analysis—skills directly aligned with the Jury’s investigative and oversight responsibilities. Your experience researching complex issues, facilitating candidate forums, and preparing unbiased voter education materials, equips you to evaluate evidence objectively, work collaboratively, and communicate findings clearly to the public. This commitment to informed participation and good government makes you an ideal applicant for Civil Grand Jury service. Please do consider applying. Recruitment for the upcoming Civil Grand Jury term officially opened on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, with applications due by Friday, March 27, 2026. Applications and informational materials — including the Civil Grand Jury brochure and online application — are available on the Court’s website. For questions or additional information, please contact Britney Huelbig, Deputy Court Manager for the Civil Grand Jury, at 408-882-2721 or CGJ@scscourt.org. NO KINGS 3 set for March 28 LWVPA will once again cosponsor an event. Details forthcoming. Let us know if you can volunteer. Learn more about the national effort at https://www.nokings.org/ 1.14.26: LWV SANTA CLARA COUNCIL MEETING - NOTES OF INTEREST: IN MEMORIAM: Roma Dawson was an active member of LWV Bay Area, LWVSJSC and co-chair with MarieAnn Shovlin of LWVBay Area. She will be sorely missed. OPPORTUNITY TO SERVE: New citizens advisory committee for BayArea 2050, a consolidation of MTC/ABAG for coordinated effort. COUNTY COUNCIL CIVIC ENGAGEMENT COMMITTEE will be working with Braver Angels on events. LWVSSCC is working on judicial branch civics education. An LWV study on a state judiciary position is being planned. Want to make change for good? Volunteer with the League! Come join our fabulous team of volunteers - everyone 16 and up is welcome! Learn more about our teams and programs on our website. Events & Activities CATCH UP ON PAST EVENTS - video recordings await you! 10.7: 2025 Santa Clara County Assessor Candidates Forum 10.4: Fall Kick-off speaker, ERIK JENSEN on the Rule of Law 10.2: LWVPA Water Symposium 9.9: County League forum on Executive Power, with Stanford Law Professor PAMELA KARLAN and Santa Clara University Law Professor DAVID SLOSS. 8.17: District 16 Congressional Representative, REP. SAM LICCARDO Stay Informed! Sign Up for LWV California & LWVUS News & Alerts Click here to sign up for LWVC Newsletter and LWVC Action Alerts Click here to sign up for LWVUS Email News (at bottom) and LWVUS Action Alerts Facebook Website Instagram Copyright © 2026 League of Women Voters Palo Alto, All rights reserved. From Voter Recipient List Email us at lwvpaoffice@gmail.com 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:Anjani Sarma To:Lythcott-Haims, Julie; Council, City; board@pausd.org Subject:Re: Urgent: Protect Our Students by Restricting Access to Train Tracks Date:Thursday, February 5, 2026 7:12:11 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. i Dear Julie, Thank you for your response. I respectfully but unequivocally disagree with the conclusion that the tracks cannot be shut down. The city has already demonstrated its ability to close major corridors when it determines such action is necessary. California Avenue remains closed to support restaurants, despite the impact on other businesses, and Castro Street in Mountain View is also closed, with barricades preventing vehicles from crossing the tracks off Alma. These examples make clear that closures are possible when there is sufficient will. Palo Alto is a city with substantial resources and expertise, and with that comes a responsibility to act. I urge you to commit every possible resource to ensuring that the tracks are secured and remain inaccessible to our children, especially those who are most vulnerable. I strongly support Superintendent Don Austin’s call to shut down the tracks, even if only on a temporary basis. This action is both reasonable and necessary. Today, my son—who was a friend of the child who died by suicide—came home heartbroken after seeing his teachers in tears. Palo Alto High School (and Gunn) has gone to extraordinary lengths over the past several years, including throughout the pandemic, to support our students. The principal, teachers, staff, and counselors have gone—and continue to go—above and beyond, often at significant personal emotional cost, to care for our children. It is now imperative that the city do the same and act with the urgency this situation demands. Thank you for your time and consideration Sincerely, Anjani Sarma 650-575-0469 On Thu, Feb 5, 2026 at 12:35 PM Lythcott-Haims, Julie <Julie.LythcottHaims@paloalto.gov> wrote: Thank you Anjani, I am devastated too. This message needs your attention This is a personal email address. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Closing a major street is no small feat in a city - and it has impacts including requiring a major rebuild of Alma/Embarcadero grade separation to absorb the brunt of the additional traffic. Hiring people to stand watch is something that could be done in short order if the dollars are allocated. It would also address Charleston & Meadow where sadly we’ve also seen youth take their lives. I do hope the city and school district will pursue this jointly and I am working on that. In solidarity - Julie Julie Lythcott-Haims (she/they) Council Member City of Palo Alto Schedule a meeting with me here: https://calendly.com/jlythcotthaims/zoom-office-hours On Feb 4, 2026, at 1:05 PM, Anjani Sarma <anjani.sarma@gmail.com> wrote: CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization.Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. Dear City Council Members, Board of Education I am writing as a parent, and as someone whose family is grieving yet another devastating loss in our community. The student who recently died by suicide was my child’s friend. My child, and our entire family, are heartbroken. This is not an abstract policy issue for us—it is painfully personal. And sadly, it is not the first time our community has experienced this kind of loss. One young life lost is one too many, and there have been far too many recently. I am asking the Council to take immediate action to block student access to the train tracks while longer-term decisions are being made about whether the tracks will be tunneled or elevated. The tracks are a lethal and easily accessible means for someone who is in crisis. Leaving them open and unguarded is not a neutral choice—it is a dangerous one. I am part of Track Watch but the reality is that a group of parent volunteers cannot adequately protect children from a hazard of this magnitude. We are not trained professionals, and we cannot be everywhere. I urge you to either shut down access to the tracks immediately or allocate taxpayer dollars to hire a properly trained, professional team to monitor them. These are our children. Please act now. Waiting for another study or another tragedy is not acceptable. Our kids deserve protection, and our community deserves leadership that treats this crisis with the urgency it demands. Thank you for your service and for all you do for our community, Sincerely, -- Anjani Sarma 650-575-0469 -- Anjani Sarma From:Kirstin Sego To:Council, City Subject:Protect our children at the train tracks Date:Thursday, February 5, 2026 5:08:19 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. Dear City Council Members: Please consider urgent action to restore staffing at the train track crossing by Paly. We cannot keep watching children in our community die. It is imperative that we put in place a human-powered solution until starting ASAP with continued funding until a permanent grade separation solution is in place. We need to prioritize the people in our community even or especially when it is expensive and inconvenient to do so. I have a senior at Paly. My oldest child of 3. These tracks and the danger they pose have haunted the teenage years of all of them. The trauma is deep and it is real and we have to show up for our kids so that they know we care and we see them. No more heartbreak. No more tragedy. You have the power to do something. Please don’t stay silent and revert to inaction. It is too painful. Kirstin Sego 1045 Hutchinson Ave. Sent from my iPhone From:Jane Smith To:Council, City Subject:Urgent Action Needed to Prevent Teen Suicides at Railroad Crossings in Palo Alto Date:Thursday, February 5, 2026 4:43:04 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 am writing to you with profound sadness and urgency on behalf of concerned community members regarding the ongoing crisis of teen deaths by suicide at at-grade railroad crossings in Palo Alto — most recently at the Churchill Avenue crossing, where another child took their own life yesterday by train. This tragedy is not isolated. These deaths are part of a disturbing pattern of youth suicide by train in our community. This follows two additional young adult deaths in the past 12 months that I am personally aware of. I have Palo Alto High School graduates which also experienced a cluster of suicides while they attended high school. It's like 'groundhog day,' yet a nightmare our community keeps witnessing and feels helpless. According to historical data, Palo Alto has had teen suicide rates more than four times the national average, with clusters of multiple adolescent deaths, some of which occurred on Caltrain tracks near our schools. The presence of repeated tragedies at Churchill and Charleston crossings — both heavily used by students daily — raises the obvious question: How many more teen deaths will we have to witness before our city takes meaningful action to protect our children? Evidence Shows Structural Interventions Can Save Lives Numerous peer-reviewed studies demonstrate that physical barriers and restriction of access to lethal means significantly reduce suicides: • Rail platform doors and barriers: Research from the Tokyo metropolitan area found that introducing platform screen doors was associated with a 76% reduction in railway suicides at stations after installation. • Grade crossing removal and fencing: A study from Victoria, Australia found that 68% decrease in This message needs your attention This is a personal email address. This is their first email to you. Mark Safe Report railway suicides near those sites, compared to control sites without such interventions. • Comprehensive reviews show that physical barriers — including fencing, grade separation, and platform screen doors — are among the most promising measures to reduce railway suicide risk, especially when part of a wider prevention strategy. These findings mirror public health principles of means restriction: when access to a highly lethal method is substantially limited, suicide rates decrease because many attempts are impulsive and do not substitute equally lethal alternatives. Policies Must Prioritize Safety and Prevention In addition to installing physical barriers or expediting grade separations, I strongly urge the City Council to: 1. Restore and increase funding for on-site staffing at the most dangerous crossings — including Churchill and Charleston — immediately. Human presence, trained to intervene and support, can deter attempts and call for help when needed. 2. Accelerate grade separation and crossing safety projects. Not merely planning or consultants, but actual implementation timelines with secured funding. 3. Expand community suicide prevention resources focused specifically on youth — including school-based support and crisis intervention. Every young life lost is a tragedy that reverberates throughout our community. The recent death at the Churchill Avenue crossing underscores how urgent this issue has become. We cannot wait for yet another loss before acting. Palo Alto must lead with evidence-based, meaningful action to keep our children safe. Please, urgent action is needed. Thank you for your time and thoughtful consideration of these tragic events and helping find short and long term solutions to help our at risk children reach adulthood. Sincerely, Jane Smith 2556 Ross Road Bloomsmithfamily@gmail.com From:Uzma Minhas To:Council, City Subject:Invitation: Palo Alto Community Ramadan Iftar Dinner – February 28th Date:Thursday, February 5, 2026 4:40:46 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. i Dear Palo Alto City Council members, On behalf of the organizers, I would like to formally invite you to Palo Alto’s Ramadan Iftar dinner on Saturday, February 28th. We want to ensure all of council have the opportunity to join us for this evening of community and reflection. If the invitation hasn't reached your inbox yet, you can find the event details via the link below: https://evite.me/4kHgtwrGWX We would be honored to have your presence there. May you please let me which council members plan to attend? That will allow us to update our guest count appropriately. Best, Uzma This message needs your attention This is a personal email address. This is their first email to you. Mark Safe Report From:Humphrey, Sonia Cc:LAFCO Subject:Now Available! Santa Clara LAFCO Policies and Procedures Manual Date:Thursday, February 5, 2026 3:07:48 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. i In December 2025, Santa Clara LAFCO completed its multi-year comprehensive review and update of its policies and procedures. These updated policies have been assembled into a Policies and Procedures Manual which is now posted on the LAFCO website. Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact us by email at LAFCO@ceo.sccgov.org. Best regards, Sonia Humphrey, LAFCO Clerk LAFCO of Santa Clara County 777 North First Street, Suite 410 San Jose, CA 95112 (408) 993-4709 This message needs your attention You've never replied to this person. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast From:Julia Curtis To:Don Austin Cc:Julia Curtis; Brent Kline; Reifschneider, James; Council, City; Simone Batra; Asha Patil Subject:Re: Petition for Active Suicide Prevention at PAUSD Date:Thursday, February 5, 2026 2:44:52 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. ! Thank you, Dr. Austin, Until a more permanent solution like closing off the tracks (I wholeheartedly agree with it, and it must be noted that it would most definitely require a pedestrian underpass for the hundreds of students who bike or walk to school on Churchill), which also takes both time and money to complete, I suggest a watch system be put in place. We need to do all we can to stop any copycat suicides from happening. I'd be more than happy to help advocate for donations as well as volunteers for the process. Thanks again for your response. I appreciate the recognition of this solution — destroying accessibility to lethal means alongside mental wellness. Julia Curtis On Thu, Feb 5, 2026 at 1:22 PM Don Austin <daustin@pausd.org> wrote: I have attached the letter I just sent to our City Council. I am happy to partner in any way possible. Dr. Austin On Wed, Feb 4, 2026 at 9:09 PM Julia Curtis <jc37012@pausd.us> wrote: Hello All, I have included the city of palo alto in the email. The petition for protected train tracks so far has over 700 signatures in under 3 hours. Several students, parents, and teachers have reached out to me about a concept of a much- needed suicide prevention foundation. I have CCd them as well. Whether or not the practice of implimenting guards, completely closing the crosswalk (as one parent reached out to me and discussed, which has its complications), or something else, a preventative measure has to be taken into account. This message could be suspicious Similar name as someone you've contacted. This is a personal email address. This is their first mail to some recipients. Mark Safe Report Studies like the following have proven that targeting the root cause of suicide isn't as effective as physically preventing it. While the Wellness Center is an amazing and necessary resource for all grieving students, it doens't prevent suicide of students unwilling to go. Golden gate bridge suicide prevention, analysis of suicide prevention. Studies show that when students are deprived of lethal methods, they are less likely to commit suicide. Almost every Palo Alto suicide has been by train. Therefore, we can conduct that without the accesible lethal means to commit, suicide rates will decrease. Other means include guns and lethal drugs, among others. Thank you for continuing to help our community, Julia On Wed, Feb 4, 2026 at 6:33 PM Julia Curtis <jc37012@pausd.us> wrote: Principal Kline and Superintendent Austin, My name is Julia Curtis, and I am a junior at Palo Alto High School. Recently, as you know, another Paly student passed away by suicide. As this issue has been prevalent in PAUSD for over three decades, I, and many of my peers, need to do something. Since I was a freshman at Paly, there have been four more suicides in PAUSD. The root cause of mental health is hard to combat, and often, the more effective solution alongside that is to prevent the ease and accessibility of lethal methods, like the train tracks. I understand that suicide is a hard topic to combat, but at PAUSD, we have a notorious history (and nationally recognized history) of suicide clusters from the 2000s to the 2010s, to now the 2020s. This is not normal, not okay, and must be combatted with more than the Wellness Center. Providing resources to those dealing with grief is necessary, but it does not stop future deaths. To my knowledge, during pre-pandemic years, there have been officers stationed at train tracks who prevented over 11 suicides. This practice has since been replaced with cameras that have obviously not replaced the effectiveness of in-person suicide prevention. Methods like this have also demonstrated substantial effectiveness on other suicide hotspot locations like the Golden Gate Bridge. I propose a reinstatement of in-person guards, trained professionals, who can de-escalate suicide in-person. It would not cut into the PAUSD budget of $340 million if the position were filled by trained police officers, in shifts. There used to be acting police officers assigned to PAUSD high schools, which unfortunately ended because of the pandemic. I have CC'd the current acting Police Chief Riefschnieder to this email. I love my school. However, this diabolical trend must be stopped. Addressing each individual death is not enough. Sending out love and prayers is not enough. It won't stop the suicides. I won't let any more classmates die. I think now more than ever it's important to prevent a third suicide cluster from erupting (which, debateably, it already has.) Below, I have linked several nationally recognized articles as well as the signatures of Paly students and staff supporting this cause. Thank you for your time, and I am willing to give whatever is necessary to help. Julia Curtis Online petition 2009 suicide cluster 2015 suicide cluster Train track cameras Golden gate bridge suicide prevention From:Don Austin To:Julia Curtis Cc:Brent Kline; Reifschneider, James; Council, City; juliaimcurtis@gmail.com; Simone Batra; Asha Patil Subject:Re: Petition for Active Suicide Prevention at PAUSD Date:Thursday, February 5, 2026 1:22:23 PM Attachments:Churchill Closure PAUSD.pdf CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. I have attached the letter I just sent to our City Council. I am happy to partner in any way possible. Dr. Austin On Wed, Feb 4, 2026 at 9:09 PM Julia Curtis <jc37012@pausd.us> wrote: Hello All, I have included the city of palo alto in the email. The petition for protected train tracks so far has over 700 signatures in under 3 hours. Several students, parents, and teachers have reached out to me about a concept of a much- needed suicide prevention foundation. I have CCd them as well. Whether or not the practice of implimenting guards, completely closing the crosswalk (as one parent reached out to me and discussed, which has its complications), or something else, a preventative measure has to be taken into account. Studies like the following have proven that targeting the root cause of suicide isn't as effective as physically preventing it. While the Wellness Center is an amazing and necessary resource for all grieving students, it doens't prevent suicide of students unwilling to go. Golden gate bridge suicide prevention, analysis of suicide prevention. Studies show that when students are deprived of lethal methods, they are less likely to commit suicide. Almost every Palo Alto suicide has been by train. Therefore, we can conduct that without the accesible lethal means to commit, suicide rates will decrease. Other means include guns and lethal drugs, among others. Thank you for continuing to help our community, Julia On Wed, Feb 4, 2026 at 6:33 PM Julia Curtis <jc37012@pausd.us> wrote: Principal Kline and Superintendent Austin, My name is Julia Curtis, and I am a junior at Palo Alto High School. Recently, as you know, another Paly student passed away by suicide. As this issue has been prevalent in PAUSD for over three decades, I, and many of my peers, need to do something. Since I was a freshman at Paly, there have been four more suicides in PAUSD. The root cause of mental health is hard to combat, and often, the more effective solution alongside that is to prevent the ease and accessibility of lethal methods, like the train tracks. I understand that suicide is a hard topic to combat, but at PAUSD, we have a notorious history (and nationally recognized history) of suicide clusters from the 2000s to the 2010s, to now the 2020s. This is not normal, not okay, and must be combatted with more than the Wellness Center. Providing resources to those dealing with grief is necessary, but it does not stop future deaths. To my knowledge, during pre-pandemic years, there have been officers stationed at train tracks who prevented over 11 suicides. This practice has since been replaced with cameras that have obviously not replaced the effectiveness of in-person suicide prevention. Methods like this have also demonstrated substantial effectiveness on other suicide hotspot locations like the Golden Gate Bridge. I propose a reinstatement of in-person guards, trained professionals, who can de-escalate suicide in-person. It would not cut into the PAUSD budget of $340 million if the position were filled by trained police officers, in shifts. There used to be acting police officers assigned to PAUSD high schools, which unfortunately ended because of the pandemic. I have CC'd the current acting Police Chief Riefschnieder to this email. I love my school. However, this diabolical trend must be stopped. Addressing each individual death is not enough. Sending out love and prayers is not enough. It won't stop the suicides. I won't let any more classmates die. I think now more than ever it's important to prevent a third suicide cluster from erupting (which, debateably, it already has.) Below, I have linked several nationally recognized articles as well as the signatures of Paly students and staff supporting this cause. Thank you for your time, and I am willing to give whatever is necessary to help. Julia Curtis Online petition 2009 suicide cluster 2015 suicide cluster Train track cameras Golden gate bridge suicide prevention O F F I C E O F T HE S UP E RI NT E N DE N T 2 5 C h u r c h i l l A v e n ue Pa l o A l to , C A 9 4 3 0 6 ( 6 5 0 ) 3 2 9 -3 9 8 3 w w w. pa u s d. o r g February 5, 2026 City Council and Ed Shikada, I was recently reflecting that if a pipe in my home were to burst, I would not begin by repairing the pipe itself. I would first shut off the water at the main source. Only then would meaningful repair be possible. I believe the same approach is warranted with the rail crossing at Churchill Avenue. Suicide is complex, and no two cases are the same. However, the repeated use of the Caltrain crossing at Churchill Avenue and Alma Street as a site of student suicide is not in dispute. This crossing functions as the “main water line” in our community, and it is the source that must be shut off while longer-term solutions are considered. At this point, the Caltrain horns, crossing arms, bells, and the constant rumble of trains have become unavoidable reminders and triggers for students who attend nearby schools and pass through this area daily. Closing the Churchill crossing would eliminat e the horns and bells and materially reduce these triggers. That step alone would represent meaningful harm reduction. In the past, I have opposed closing the Churchill crossing because of the significant traffic it serves, including school buses and district maintenance vehicles. Those operational considerations are real. They are also secondary to the continued loss of life at a specific and identifiable location. I am prepared to pursue the relocation of our bus fleet to alternative sites I have previously discussed with Mr. Shikada. More importantly, I would support the immediate closure of the Churchill rail crossing, even on a temporary basis, while permanent so lutions are evaluated and implemented. Student safety must be the governing priority. When a known source of harm persists, our responsibility is to shut off the main before attempting repair. Sincerely, Don Austin From:Don Austin To:Council, City; Shikada, Ed Date:Thursday, February 5, 2026 1:14:10 PM Attachments:Churchill Closure PAUSD.pdf CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. I have attached a letter for your consideration. This letter is presented through my official capacity as the Superintendent of Schools. Sincerely, Don Austin O F F I C E O F T HE S UP E RI NT E N DE N T 2 5 C h u r c h i l l A v e n ue Pa l o A l to , C A 9 4 3 0 6 ( 6 5 0 ) 3 2 9 -3 9 8 3 w w w. pa u s d. o r g February 5, 2026 City Council and Ed Shikada, I was recently reflecting that if a pipe in my home were to burst, I would not begin by repairing the pipe itself. I would first shut off the water at the main source. Only then would meaningful repair be possible. I believe the same approach is warranted with the rail crossing at Churchill Avenue. Suicide is complex, and no two cases are the same. However, the repeated use of the Caltrain crossing at Churchill Avenue and Alma Street as a site of student suicide is not in dispute. This crossing functions as the “main water line” in our community, and it is the source that must be shut off while longer-term solutions are considered. At this point, the Caltrain horns, crossing arms, bells, and the constant rumble of trains have become unavoidable reminders and triggers for students who attend nearby schools and pass through this area daily. Closing the Churchill crossing would eliminat e the horns and bells and materially reduce these triggers. That step alone would represent meaningful harm reduction. In the past, I have opposed closing the Churchill crossing because of the significant traffic it serves, including school buses and district maintenance vehicles. Those operational considerations are real. They are also secondary to the continued loss of life at a specific and identifiable location. I am prepared to pursue the relocation of our bus fleet to alternative sites I have previously discussed with Mr. Shikada. More importantly, I would support the immediate closure of the Churchill rail crossing, even on a temporary basis, while permanent so lutions are evaluated and implemented. Student safety must be the governing priority. When a known source of harm persists, our responsibility is to shut off the main before attempting repair. Sincerely, Don Austin From:Sky Posse Post To:Council, City; Veenker, Vicki; Shikada, Ed; Lauing, Ed; Burt, Patrick; Lu, George; Lythcott-Haims, Julie; Reckdahl, Keith; Stone, Greer Cc:Eggleston, Brad; Swanson, Andrew; Luetgens, Michael; Horrigan-Taylor, Meghan Subject:The San Francisco Board of Supervisors decision Date:Thursday, February 5, 2026 10:52:55 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Dear Mayor Veenker, Vice Mayor Stone, Councilmembers Lauing, Burt, Lu, Lythcott-Haims and Reckdahl, City Manager, City Attorney Below please find our Update on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors February 3 Hearing that denied Palo Alto's Appeal, Dear Friends, Below is a description of the arguments heard at the San Francisco Board of Supervisors February 3 Hearing where the Board upheld the San Francisco Planning Commission’s CEQA Certification of SFO's Airport Development Plan (ADP), and denied the City of Palo Alto’s appeal. The Appeal: The City of Palo Alto’s appeal centered on the FEIR noise baseline and that the FEIR does not analyze noise impacts from future growth in flights that will occur as accommodated by the ADP. Per the transcript of the City of Palo Alto’s presentation: “The EIR takes the position that it can use the year 2045, as the baseline, even though normally you're supposed to use existing conditions as a baseline for its environmental analysis. If you're going to do a 2045 baseline analysis, the starting point of that analysis is you're supposed to actually describe noise conditions in the year 2045 without the project, and you compare that to the impacts that the project will cause. That threshold presentation of baseline 2045, noise impacts is completely missing from the document. The document, the chapter on noise impacts, has a discussion of summary of noise conditions that existed in the year 2019 through 2023, there's a chart that talks about decibel levels, not over Palo Alto, but in areas in the city of the airport. But there's zero discussion anywhere of future noise impacts from airport flights in 2045 and if you're really going to do a baseline analysis of 2045, conditions you have to include start with a summary of what those actual impacts are, and that's completely missing from the document.” San Francisco’s Argument: The San Francisco Planning Review Officer summarized their opposition to the appeal as follows: “It's important to note that we did characterize 2019 conditions, and the project, as we have explained, would not result in any increase in aircraft flights. And so the project's impact in that regard, is no impact. So if the increase from existing conditions is no impact, the increase from 2045 conditions is no impact. So the delta is very evident. So the appellant is focusing on a nuance here about a baseline, and it's evident that a reader can easily discern the important goal of CEQA environmental impact analysis, which is to understand the impact. So regardless of which baseline you choose, we've clearly explained what the project's effect would be, with regard to aircraft, and that effect, the emissions that would result, is zero. So I think, you know, they're kind of focused, like focusing, kind of grasping at something here, and over complicating something and I think that is making it more complicated than is necessary” The 2019 “conditions” and San Francisco’s explanation for “Zero” impact from the project: The “2019 conditions” refer to baseline measurements in the FEIR of ground traffic, transit ridership, noise, and air quality at the airport; these do not include any analysis of SFO’s Arrivals traffic. The “explanations” mentioned by the SF Planning Officer refer to forecasted 506,000 annual aircraft operations by 2045 that is used to back-calculate/estimate a corresponding passenger volume of 71.1 million annual passengers using assumptions about fleet mix (e.g., average seats per aircraft), load factors, and enplanement ratios. This estimate of 71.1 million passengers in 2045 is then deemed to be demand-driven or from external market forces; not “induced” by the project’s landside improvements. It is by virtue of these multi-step conclusions, and assumptions that the project is considered by SF Planning as having “zero” impact. The FEIR also asserted that flight paths and noise will not change because there is no runway construction (which is misleading because flight path modifications can happen and alter noise) but if indeed all that was needed for the state’s environmental rules to allow omission of noise impacts analysis was the project’s non-inducement of demand or “it’s the passengers” explanation it remains unclear why SFO devoted so much to declare there is no noise from flight paths. Reality is that the SFO project is estimating 71.1 million passengers (from approximately 57 million in 2019 and 54 million in 2025); this means more flights, more noise and more negative impacts. An SFO slide was then added for the Supervisors Hearing "What has SFO done to address existing aircraft noise concerns" listing noise monitoring; the SFO Roundtable, and that SFO “cannot change flight procedures” (yet the FAA changes procedures for SFO with SFO’s involvement). During public comment, a Palo Alto resident clarified that SFO does not offer permanent noise monitoring to Palo Alto, and the City has been denied SFO Roundtable membership which raised the interest of one Supervisor who asked about how San Mateo County voted to keep Santa Clara County off the SFO Roundtable. Had the SFO slide been made available sooner, we would have been able to submit more about SFO's role in flight procedures. Altogether, the “zero” impact assumptions and much of what was said about noise and flight paths generate misleading information to people who stand to be negatively affected and the City of Palo Alto’s appeal for noise impacts analysis of future growth in flights that will occur with the ADP remains necessary if not even more urgent. The purpose of CEQA: California’s CEQA is meant to comply with the goals of National Environmental Policy which are to take a "hard look" at potential impacts; to generate adequate disclosures and discussion of alternatives. Or as the Planning Officer stated the important goal of CEQA environmental impact analysis is to understand the impact.SFO's CEQA drove the opposite outcome 1) San Francisco used a simplistic view or apparent loophole that an industrial facility has no role in disclosing pollution levels from growth in its operations as long as the growth is “demand driven;” and even as it profits from growth 2) the project’s public record misleads about flight paths; SFO's role in flight paths, and resulting noise. 3) there was no real community engagement - information dripped in at the last hours without notice which the public could not adequately respond to. We consider it very important that Palo Alto City Council insist on analysis and disclosure of SFO’s Arrival impacts by appealing this in court as well as any state rules or loopholes that could allow for such casual treatment of SFO's expansion. The replay of the hearing is here - time code 2:34:41. Per Index click on “SPECIAL ORDER 3:00 P.M.251277 Hearing - Appeal of Final Environmental Impact Report Certification - SFO Recommended Airport Development Plan” All related documentation can be found here. From:Dona Tversky To:Lythcott-Haims, Julie; Stone, Greer; Reckdahl, Keith; Lu, George; Burt, Patrick; Lauing, Ed; Veenker, Vicki Cc:Council, City; Kara Lynn Davis; Elizabeth Egan; Eran Bendavid; Alma Bendavid; Dalia Bendavid; Alison Kamhi; Valerie Lam Rainey Subject:With sorrow, with appreciation, and with a call to action, NOW Date:Thursday, February 5, 2026 10:26:41 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. i Dear Mayor Veenker, Vice-Mayor Stone, esteemed City Council Members Lythcott-Haims, Reckdahl, Lu, Burt and Lauing, I will start by saying I deeply appreciate the service you do for our community and I am sorry that part of your work involves weathering tragedies to our youth that mystify and horrify us all. I am writing to you now as a psychiatrist, as a former Paly student, and as a current parent of Paly students. I know the causes of these excruciating losses are deep. We know something is very wrong, we don't yet know how to fix it, and we are all trying our very best. Of course we will all keep trying to understand more, to intervene more, to protect and strengthen our children. That being said, we also know something is very wrong with the Churchill intersection and that is something that we can fix. I spoke at the City Council less than a year ago after Ash's death as a psychiatrist, reviewing for the Council instances from around the world where installing nets under bridges and guardrails or fences by train tracks have drastically reduced suicide rates for nearby communities. The evidence is overwhelming, there is nothing subtle about it. I am sure you were all familiar with it already. I know our Superintendent recently urged the Council to take immediate action, as have many other citizens. I am also aware that changing the intersection is a complicated project involving many civil bodies but we cannot afford to lose any more of our children's bodies to that dangerous site. I am writing now to ask for your recommendations on effective action. Do we go to the State? Do we flood the City Council meeting with parents? How in your estimation, do we put appropriate pressure on the decision makers to take action NOW? This message needs your attention This is a personal email address. This is their first mail to some recipients. Mark Safe Report Dona A. Tversky Dona A. Tversky, MD MPH (she, hers) Psychotherapist and Psychiatric Consultant Stanford Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences Ravenswood Family Health Center From:Jayashri Srikantiah To:Council, City Subject:Please act now to prevent further teen suicides Date:Wednesday, February 4, 2026 9:35:32 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Dear Palo Alto City Council, I am writing to urge you to take concrete, immediate steps to prevent future suicides at the train tracks in our city. My son is a junior at Paly. He has been a classmate to Summer Mehta since they were both in kindergarten at Duveneck Elementary. Summer's death is heartbreaking. It is also infuriating because it happened after the City failed to take sufficient action. I urge you to take the following immediate steps: 1) Close the Churchill road to through traffic at the Alma Street intersection and block access to all through traffic by erecting fencing or other physical barriers. There are numerous studies demonstrating that such barriers work. See, for example: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11765353/ 2) Hire guards to patrol the four Palo Alto Caltrain crossings, on shifts. I know that the City has voted to start construction at the ChurchillAlma intersection to address the issue, but that will take time, and we must act now. I am proud to live in Palo Alto and appreciate the wonderful resources and opportunities that this city makes available to its residents. I ask that you immediately prioritize the well-being of our youth with these steps. Please act now. I look forward to your response. Best, Jayashri Srikantiah (written in my personal capacity) -- Jayashri Srikantiah | she/her Professor of Law Director, Immigrants' Rights Clinic Stanford Law School 559 Nathan Abbott Way phone: 650 724 2442 fax: 650 723 4426 The information contained in this email communication is intended only for the use of the individual addressee or organization named above andmay be confidential and attorney-client privileged. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that anydistribution, dissemination, disclosure, copying or other unauthorized use of this communication is strictly prohibited and may be unlawful. If youhave received this communication in error, please notify me and delete this email. From:Julia Curtis To:Brent Kline; Don Austin; Reifschneider, James; Council, City Cc:juliaimcurtis@gmail.com; Simone Batra; Asha Patil Subject:Re: Petition for Active Suicide Prevention at PAUSD Date:Wednesday, February 4, 2026 9:10:58 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. i Hello All, I have included the city of palo alto in the email. The petition for protected train tracks so far has over 700 signatures in under 3 hours. Several students, parents, and teachers have reached out to me about a concept of a much- needed suicide prevention foundation. I have CCd them as well. Whether or not the practice of implimenting guards, completely closing the crosswalk (as one parent reached out to me and discussed, which has its complications), or something else, a preventative measure has to be taken into account. Studies like the following have proven that targeting the root cause of suicide isn't as effective as physically preventing it. While the Wellness Center is an amazing and necessary resource for all grieving students, it doens't prevent suicide of students unwilling to go. Golden gate bridge suicide prevention, analysis of suicide prevention. Studies show that when students are deprived of lethal methods, they are less likely to commit suicide. Almost every Palo Alto suicide has been by train. Therefore, we can conduct that without the accesible lethal means to commit, suicide rates will decrease. Other means include guns and lethal drugs, among others. Thank you for continuing to help our community, Julia On Wed, Feb 4, 2026 at 6:33 PM Julia Curtis <jc37012@pausd.us> wrote: Principal Kline and Superintendent Austin, My name is Julia Curtis, and I am a junior at Palo Alto High School. Recently, as you know, another Paly student passed away by suicide. As this issue has been prevalent in PAUSD for over three decades, I, and many of my peers, need to do something. Since I was a freshman at Paly, there have been four more suicides in PAUSD. The root This message needs your attention No employee in your company has ever replied to this person. Mark Safe Report cause of mental health is hard to combat, and often, the more effective solution alongside that is to prevent the ease and accessibility of lethal methods, like the train tracks. I understand that suicide is a hard topic to combat, but at PAUSD, we have a notorious history (and nationally recognized history) of suicide clusters from the 2000s to the 2010s, to now the 2020s. This is not normal, not okay, and must be combatted with more than the Wellness Center. Providing resources to those dealing with grief is necessary, but it does not stop future deaths. To my knowledge, during pre-pandemic years, there have been officers stationed at train tracks who prevented over 11 suicides. This practice has since been replaced with cameras that have obviously not replaced the effectiveness of in-person suicide prevention. Methods like this have also demonstrated substantial effectiveness on other suicide hotspot locations like the Golden Gate Bridge. I propose a reinstatement of in-person guards, trained professionals, who can de-escalate suicide in-person. It would not cut into the PAUSD budget of $340 million if the position were filled by trained police officers, in shifts. There used to be acting police officers assigned to PAUSD high schools, which unfortunately ended because of the pandemic. I have CC'd the current acting Police Chief Riefschnieder to this email. I love my school. However, this diabolical trend must be stopped. Addressing each individual death is not enough. Sending out love and prayers is not enough. It won't stop the suicides. I won't let any more classmates die. I think now more than ever it's important to prevent a third suicide cluster from erupting (which, debateably, it already has.) Below, I have linked several nationally recognized articles as well as the signatures of Paly students and staff supporting this cause. Thank you for your time, and I am willing to give whatever is necessary to help. Julia Curtis Online petition 2009 suicide cluster 2015 suicide cluster Train track cameras Golden gate bridge suicide prevention From:Bay Dweller To:Council, City Subject:CPAU Fee Date:Wednesday, February 4, 2026 5:02:38 PM Attachments:CPAU Invoice.pdf CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. i Dear City Council, I'm a resident on Lincoln Avenue. Recently, I've undertaken a heat pump installation in my century old property, which necessitates upgrading the electrical panel to 200 amp, given I also charge my EVs at home. My project has been approved by the city; however, I was taken back by a $2910 fee charged by Palo Alto utilities to essentially disconnect and reconnect the line. Upon inquiring, I was told that this is a flat fee approved by the City Council that took effect on January 1, 2026. I'm wondering if something has fallen through the cracks during the approval of this fee. Given the various rebates the city is offering homeowners to convert old gas furnaces to heat pumps and to install upgraded panels, I was under the impression that electrification is encouraged. Introducing an excessive fee in the middle of this process seems contrary to the objectives of this green initiative. I hope someone on the council can re-examine the applicability of this fee. Thanks for your attention. Roger Peng This message needs your attention This is a personal email address. This is their first email to your company. Mark Safe Report Item No Sales Order/ Service Description Amount /Ref. Service Order 000010 70063291 OH 200A, RES & COMM 2,910.00 40031402 Billing Address: Alfredo Baccari San Jose CA 95155 Due in full, partial payments not accepted. This invoice amount remains valid for 60 days following the effective date of the next Council-approved rate increase. If you have not paid the amount due within that time, please contact Utilities Engineering for a new invoice. Payment Options: To ensure payment is applied correctly, For project inquiries: please include your invoice or invoice number with payment. City of Palo Alto 250 Hamilton Ave. Palo Alto, California 94301 Invoice Number : 95028251 Invoice Date : 01/26/2026 Customer No : 20005033 Contract Account : 10011265 Service Address: 809 Lincoln Ave Palo Alto CA 94301 Total Due $ 2,910.00 By Mail: Revenue Collections -City of Palo Alto, P.O. Box 10250 Palo Alto, CA 94301 In Person: Revenue Collections 250 Hamilton Ave, Ground Floor, Palo Alto, CA 94301 Window Hours: Mon-Thu 10am - 4pm Phone: 650-329-2317 By Electronic Transfer: US Bank ABA# 121122676 Account# 153499268313 Utilities Engineering Electric: 650-566-4500 Fiber: 650-329-2410 WGW: 650-566-4501 Email: utlengbilling@paloalto.gov Utility Service Application SINGLE FAMILY 05042020.doc Page 1 of 2 May 4, 2020 1007 Elwell Court, Palo Alto, CA 94303 650-566-4500, 650-566-4501 www.cityofpaloalto.org/Departments/Utilities UTILITY SERVICE APPLICATION PERMANENT SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL ELECTRIC, WATER, GAS, AND WASTEWATER FACILITIES INSTALLATION TO AVOID DELAYS, PLEASE MAKE SURE THIS APPLICATION IS FILLED OUT COMPLETELY AND AS ACCURATE AS POSSIBLE A separate application and load information is required for each meter requested Upon completion of review and approval a copy of this form will be sent back to applicants requesting Electric Service. Project Address (LEGAL ADDRESS INCLUDING SUITE # IF APPLICABLE): Suite/Unit #: Building Department Permit Application Number: Utilities Department Application Number: Name of Applicant: Owner Tenant Consultant Contractor Owner’s Agent Company Name: Phone: E-mail: Address: City / State / Zip: UTILITY SERVICE CONNECTION AND INSTALLATION CHARGES BILLING INFORMATION The utility connections charges invoice will either be attached to the building permit plans or mailed to the responsible bil ling party on this service application. Contact Utilities Engineering for a copy of the invoice. It is the customer’s responsibility to be aware of this billing and to make prompt payment. FULL PAYMENT IS REQUIRED PRIOR TO THE SCHEDULING OF ANY WORK OR INSPECTIONS BY THE CITY OF PALO ALTO UTILITIES. Name on the invoice: Phone: E-mail: Address: City / State / Zip: Services Requested and Desired Date of Installation: Electric ____________ Water _____________ Gas ______________ Wastewater ____________ Depending on Utility Service Type Requested, Please Complete Appropriate Portions of this Application Project Type (check all boxes that apply) New Service Addition Remodel ADU / Conversion Service Upgrade Service Relocation Fire Protection/Sprinkler Pool/Spa PV System (Photovoltaic) EVSE (Electric Vehicle) ESS (Energy Storage) All-Electric Conversion Brief Description of Work Total building area upon completion: sq-ft Water, Gas, Electric Service Load Information (INDICATE PEAK OR MAXIMUM RATES OF USE OR FLOW) Attach adequate Electric Load information verifying National Electric Code Article 220 (Branch Circuit and Feeder Calculations) requirements are met. WATER LOADS & FIXTURES (PER METER) GAS (PER METER) & ELECTRIC LOADS (Select Units From List) DESCRIPTION QTY DESCRIPTION EXISTING NEW UNITS NUMBER OF FULL BATHROOMS WATER HEATER/TANKLESS NUMBER OF HALF BATHROOMS POOL/SPA HEATER ADDITIONAL SHOWERS TO A BATHROOM SPACE HEATING/HEAT PUMP NUMBER OF KITCHENS (1 SINK & 1 DISHWASHER) COOKING EQUIPMENT NUMBER OF LAUNDRY (1 SINK & 1 WASHING MACHINE) CLOTHES DRYER NUMBER OF HOSE BIBS FIRE LOG/FIREPLACE NUMBER OF SINKS/WETBARS (NOT KITCHEN SINK) AIR CONDITIONING TOTAL NUMBER OF DOMESTIC FIXTURE UNITS, IF KNOWN ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGER IRRIGATION LANSCAPE USE MAXIMUM VALVE, IN GPM: PHOTOVOLTAIC/GENERATOR FIRE SPRINKLER LOAD IN GPM (GALLONS PER MINUTE): OTHERS BTUH: BTU (British Thermal Unit) PER HOUR kW: kilowatts (=1000 Watts) kVA: kilovoltamps (= 1000 Voltamps) ELECTRIC (Include Electric Single Line Diagram of Proposed installation for 400 amps and up) SERVICE INFORMATION EXISTING REQUESTED Main Switch Size (Amps) Select from list: Select from list: Service Type (Select from list) Number of Meters and Location (NOTE: Only one service per parcel) No. Meters: ____________ Location: __________________________ No. Meters: ____________ Location: __________________________ Applicant’s Name: Signature:Date:Applicant’s Signature: Application Date: SEE NEXT PAGE FOR REMARKS RETURNED FROM CPAU →→→→ 809 Lincoln Ave, Palo Alto, California 94301 ATKINSON CLIMATROLLERS INC DBA VALLEY HEATING,COOLING 4 buildingpermit@e3-elements.comATKINSON CLIMATROLLERS INC DBA VALLEY HEATING,COOLING(408) 294-6290 1171 NORTH 4TH STREET SAN JOSE, CA 95112 Alfredo Baccari (408) 294-6290 buildingpermit@e3-elements.com San Jose, CA-95155Po Box No- 8763 12/23/20254 4 Upgrade main panel to 200/225 Amps. 1730 BTUH BTUH BTUH BTUH BTUH BTUH kVA kVA kVA kVA 100 Amps 200 Amps OVERHEAD ELECTRIC SERVICE OVERHEAD ELECTRIC SERVICE Right Side of House1 Meter 1 Meter Right Side of House ATKINSON CLIMATROLLERS INC DBA VALLEY HEATING,COOLING 12/22/2025 Utility Service Application SINGLE FAMILY 05042020.doc Page 2 of 2 May 4, 2020 NOTES FOR APPLICANT: Utility Service Applications involving electric utility work will be reviewed and returned to the applicant with comments and approvals. You should be sure your application is approved by Electric Engineering before proceeding with your project to avoid any delays or changes. Comments from Engineering back to the applicant will be provided on page 2 of this application and the applicant must comply with City of Palo Alto requirements before final electrical connection is performed by Utilities. FOR CPAU USE ONLY 1.All work per NEC and CPA Electric Service Requirements and Standards. For more details, visit www.cityofpaloalto.org/ElectricServiceRequirements 2.Payment of the final invoice must be received by the City of Palo Alto before any work will be scheduled. 3.Call electric operations (650-496-6914) for service disconnect and reconnect, if required. 4.All work must be inspected and approved by CPAU (650-496-5934) & CPA Building (650-329-2496) prior to connection by Utilities. 5.AIC rating is based on the proposed meter location. CPAU must be notified of any changes as this may affect the available short circuit current at the panel and the required AIC rating of the panel. Additional Sheets are Attached: Yes No Electric Service Information (CPAU use ONLY) Service Order Number Estimated Demand kVA Transformer kVA and Type Map Number Transformer Number(s) Fees $ Unless otherwise noted below * Standard Min AIC rating for panel ≤ 200 – 10,000 amps Standard Min AIC rating for panel > 200 – 27,300 amps * Electric Application Approved by: Phone #: Date: *Alternatively, per CPAU Engineering, the following AIC rating might be used for the requested electric panel: A Sym at V with a minimum ft. service cable length (assuming that CPAU’s standard cables are used) UTILITY PLAN SUBMITTAL CHECKLIST: This checklist is intended to provide general guidance and minimum criteria for the design and c onstruction requirements for utility facilities for any development located within the City of Palo Alto. The purpose of this plan submittal checklist is to clarify the minimum information Utilities Engineering requires for the review of the service applic ation. Utilities Engineering will only review and provide written comments on a completed set of design plans that are submitted for review. COMPLETED AND SIGNED UTILITY SERVICE APPLICATION INCLUDING UTILITY DEMANDS FOR THE REQUIRED SERVICES FINAL AND LEGAL ADDRESS FOR THE SERVICE OR METER LOCATION. ADU’S MUST HAVE AN ADDRESS TO ESTABLISH SERVICE. SITE PLAN SHOWING EXISTING AND PROPOSED UTILITY SERVICES, METER LOCATIONS, BACKFLOWS, CLEANOUT, BACKWATER VALVE ETC. EASEMENT REQUIREMENTS ARCHITECTURAL PLANS TO REVIEW METER LOCATIONS (ELEVATION PLANS, FLOOR PLANS, WINDOW SCHEDULES) ELEVATION PLANS SHOWING GAS/ELECTRIC METERS IN RELATION TO WINDOWS, VENTS, BUILDING EQUIPMENT OR SOURCES OF IGNITION PLUMBING, MECHANICAL PLANS INDICATING LOADS AND GAS PIPING DIAGRAM. SITE OR PLUMBING PLANS SHOWING THE CITY SEWER CLEAN OUT AND PROPOSED SEWER DISCHARGE CONNECTION. ADU’S ARE INCLUDED LANDSCAPING PLANS SHOWING EXISTING AND PROPOSED TREES TO BE PLANTED NEAR UTILITY LINES ELECTRICAL PLANS SHOWING UNDERGROUND AND OVERHEAD UTILITIES AND SERVICE POINT OF CONNECTIONS WITH METERS LOCATION OF ELECTRICAL MAIN SERVICE PANEL AND SUBPANELS IF RELOCATING THE ELECTRIC SERVICE MORE THAN 10 FEET. ELECTRIC SINGLE LINE DIAGRAM OF PROPOSED INSTALLATION (REQUIRED FOR 400 AMPS AND UP REQUESTS) FRONT VIEW PHOTOS OF EXISTING GAS AND ELECTRIC METERS (FOR SERVICE UPGRADES) ADDITIONAL UTILITY LOADS DETAILS BEYOND THOSE LISTED ON THE APPLICATION INTERCONNECTION AGREEMENT FOR NET ENERGY METERING GENERATING FACILITIES: PHOTOVOLTAIC, ENERGY STORAGE PROJECTS 3 C5 2910.00 40031402 50kv Poletop 5099 Patrick Wamsley 650-496-5032 01/26/26 CPAU to disconnect for all service work and reconnect after all inspections have been completed. Electric meter release issued by building inspection required. 2” conduit required for service riser. Clearance from gas vent must be minimum 36" and clearance from window must be 8" minimum. Meter height must be between 72" - 75" on center from grade or bollards will be required. Bring service riser above 2nd story roof at front corner of house. Mid-span connection. Please see attached CPAU standard drawings for details. From:Anjani Sarma To:Council, City; board@pausd.org Subject:Urgent: Protect Our Students by Restricting Access to Train Tracks Date:Wednesday, February 4, 2026 1:07:43 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. i Dear City Council Members, Board of Education I am writing as a parent, and as someone whose family is grieving yet another devastating loss in our community. The student who recently died by suicide was my child’s friend. My child, and our entire family, are heartbroken. This is not an abstract policy issue for us—it is painfully personal. And sadly, it is not the first time our community has experienced this kind of loss. One young life lost is one too many, and there have been far too many recently. I am asking the Council to take immediate action to block student access to the train tracks while longer-term decisions are being made about whether the tracks will be tunneled or elevated. The tracks are a lethal and easily accessible means for someone who is in crisis. Leaving them open and unguarded is not a neutral choice—it is a dangerous one. I am part of Track Watch but the reality is that a group of parent volunteers cannot adequately protect children from a hazard of this magnitude. We are not trained professionals, and we cannot be everywhere. I urge you to either shut down access to the tracks immediately or allocate taxpayer dollars to hire a properly trained, professional team to monitor them. These are our children. Please act now. Waiting for another study or another tragedy is not acceptable. Our kids deserve protection, and our community deserves leadership that treats this crisis with the urgency it demands. Thank you for your service and for all you do for our community, Sincerely, -- Anjani Sarma 650-575-0469 This message needs your attention This is a personal email address. This is their first mail to some recipients. Mark Safe Report From:Martha To:Council, City Subject:parking for apartment buildings. Date:Tuesday, February 3, 2026 4:12:09 PM Dear Council Members, The Sunday edition of the Mercury News has an article titled "Housing tower is foreclosed in Setback." Towards the end of the article the reason for the foreclosure us given. The tower was only half full due to lack of parking for its residents. I thought you should keep this in mind before approving apartments that lack parking spaces. Our son has an apartment at the new Mitchell Park Place. He is disabled and doesn't drive, but he does have helpers that need parking. The other half of the building is affordable units and I believe they do drive. The resident coordinator for Eden Housing said he has never seen such few parking places. Also I remember the original plans which had parking on both sides of the building. I assume some of them were for Ability Path which hasn't even moved in yet. Anyway parking is important even with nearby bus service. Thank you, Martha Gregory From:Lizzie DeKraai To:Council, City Subject:another one Date:Tuesday, February 3, 2026 3:30:32 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. i Hi, I've now had two students die in less than a year because of easy access to the Churchill train crossing. Please do not send emails with condolences, or suggest that suicidal students will find another way -- having the train tracks at Churchill and Alma is like having a bucket of loaded guns on our quad every day. Please stop pointing fingers at other parties, waiting for someone else to foot the bill, and get the grade separation done. In the meantime, find volunteers to be train watchers or better yet, create paid positions. I don't know what PAPD does all day since they're never enforcing traffic violations on Alma - maybe they can do it. Let me know what I and other Paly teachers can do to help. Lizzie DeKraai This message needs your attention This is a personal email address. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast From:Leslie Dorosin To:Council, City Subject:Flock Cameras Date:Tuesday, February 3, 2026 1:00:57 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. ! To: The Honorable Mayor and City Council of Palo Alto I have recently been reading about data sharing and privacy issues related to searches of Flock Camera Data and am wondering if you are looking at this issue and looking at turning them off as Mountain View has done and Santa Clara County is considering? Below are two recent articles - I am sure you have been reading about the broader issue over the last few months. Sincerely, Leslie Dorosin https://www.mercurynews.com/2026/02/02/mountain-view-police-say-feds-accessed-license- plate-data-without-permission/ https://www.paloaltoonline.com/technology/2026/02/02/santa-clara-county-may-ditch- camera-vendor-amid-privacy-issues/ 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 From:Getting it Right from the Start To:lydia.kou@cityofpaloalto.org; Council, City; City Mgr; Lait, Jonathan; EnjoyOnline; City Attorney; Clerk, City Cc:Jason Soroosh Subject:Getting it Right from the Start Presents: 2025 California Local Cannabis Policy Scorecards Date:Tuesday, February 3, 2026 11:58:18 AM Attachments:Summary Methodology_Delivery_Outside Only_2025.pdf Palo Alto 2025.pdf CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Getting it Right from the Start, a project of the Public Health Institute (PHI), is pleased to announce the release of our 2025 State of Cannabis Policy in California Scorecards for each California jurisdiction that permits cannabis retail sales in storefronts and/or by delivery. Your jurisdiction's scorecard is attached, and all jurisdictions' scorecards are now available at https://www.gettingitrightfromthestart.org/custom/25-winter- updates/map-2025.html. Since 2019, we have publicly released these scorecards, modeled after the State of Tobacco Control California Local Grades, which have long been used by the American Lung Association. Now that your jurisdiction has likely set its basic policies and approach to legal cannabis commerce, these scorecards seek to highlight a second set of actions you can take to go beyond state law and build complementary guardrails to protect health. The scores are based on twenty-nine policies across six categories that policy research suggests best protect youth and public health and promote equity. We hope they will serve as a roadmap for community leaders like you to foster a safer cannabis market and provide a benchmark for your local adoption of best practices in cannabis regulation. We populate these scorecards by collecting information on the cannabis retail, marketing, and taxation policies passed each year by cities and counties in California. We use multiple resources, including municipal codes and jurisdiction websites, as well as direct feedback from jurisdictions. We also recognize and appreciate that your jurisdictions may be working hard in other ways to implement state law. Please note: This 2025 scorecard only reflects laws enacted as of January 1, 2025; Any policies passed after this date will be included in the 2026 scorecard. To protect California's progress in smoke-free air and to protect workers and patrons from secondhand smoke exposure, we continue to discourage the authorization of on- site consumption spaces. If allowed, we recommend against expanding these activities to restaurants or clubs allowed by the recently passed Cannabis Café bill (AB1775), which is subject to local authorization. In response to the Medicinal Cannabis Patients' Right of Access Act (SB1186), we recommend that jurisdictions require all retailers conducting cannabis sales within their jurisdiction to obtain local permits, regardless of their jurisdiction of origin. This will enable monitoring and compliance. We developed a brief one-pager, Principles for Jurisdictions Legalizing Delivery Services, as a tool for jurisdictions considering establishing or with established cannabis delivery services. It includes options such as using a nonprofit intermediary, requiring deliverers to use a third-party electronic identity verification process, and to provide evidence-based educational information to consumers. State law also now requires retailers to make standard health information available to all customers and to offer it to new customers. Another state law that jurisdictions should be aware of is the Cannabis and Industrial Hemp: Advertising: Civil Action bill (SB1498). This bill empowers individuals outside the Department of Cannabis Control (DCC), such as the attorney general, a district attorney, a city attorney, or a county counsel, to bring an action against a cannabis licensee who has violated the state marketing restrictions, especially advertising that is attractive to youth. Enclosed is a summary of the scorecard methodology, your jurisdiction's scorecard, and a map with examples of best practices adopted by fellow California cities and counties. A comprehensive explanation of our methodology is also available on our website at gettingitrightfromthestart.org/custom/25-winter-updates/map-2025.html. As you continue to shape your local policies, we invite you to review our three model local ordinances for California on cannabis retail, marketing, and taxation best practices to protect public health. You can also visit our website to learn more about our work, access other resources such as fact sheets, and make a TA request and/or join our listserv. We hope these tools help jurisdictions to allow legal cannabis sales without fostering the development of a new tobacco-like industry in our state. Please let us know if we can assist your jurisdiction, and don't hesitate to send us any feedback about the scorecards via our Scorecard Feedback form. The Getting it Right from the Start team: Alisa A. Padon, PhD Research Director Aurash J. Soroosh, RD, MSPH Policy Associate Lynn Silver, MD, MPH, FAAP Director Kiara Gonzalez Health Equity Program Coordinator Getting it Right from the Start Public Health Institute 2000 Center Street, #308 Berkeley, CA 94607 https://gettingitrightfromthestart.org/ THE STATE OF CANNABIS POLICY IN CALIFORNIA’S CITIES & COUNTIES 2025 DELIVERY ONLY SCORECARD METHODOLOGY Where jurisdictions allow sales only by delivery from businesses based OUTSIDE of the jurisdiction. The scores are based on six key categories of policies that local governments can enact to advance public health and equity if they opt to allow cannabis sales only by delivery originating outside the jurisdiction. Based on the best available evidence, policies with the greatest potential for achieving these goals received higher points. Cannabis laws passed by January 1st, 2025, were identified using legal databases, municipal codes, and direct outreach to cities and counties. The maximum score possible was 100. 1) DELIVERER REQUIREMENTS (39 total points possible): Strategic limits on cannabis retailers and educating consumers can decrease youth use and risks of cannabis use. • Local Permit (12 points max). Mandate local permitting by deliverers originating from outside the jurisdiction. • Medical Cannabis Sales (3 points). Allow delivery sales of medicinal cannabis. • Independent ID Verification Process (10 points max). Mandate the use of an independent age and identity verification process before cannabis delivery. • Delivery Destinations (10 points max). Limit where deliveries can terminate, e.g., no delivery to college dormitories. • Health Warnings Handed Out to Customers (4 points each). Mandate that retailers hand out health warnings informing consumers of relevant risks at the point of sale. 2) TAXES & PRICES (20 total points possible): Taxes and higher prices can decrease youth access while raising valuable revenue for local communities. • Local Cannabis Tax (6 points). Impose a local tax on cannabis retail sales. • Dedicated Tax Revenue (6 points max). Dedicate tax revenue to youth programs, prevention, or reinvestment in the communities most affected by the war on drugs. • Tax by THC Content (5 points). Impose higher tax rates for high potency (high THC) products. • Discounting (2 points). Prohibit cannabis discounting such as coupons or discount days. • Minimum Price (1 point). Establish a minimum price floor for cannabis. 3) PRODUCT LIMITS (17 total points possible): End the Cannabis Kids Menu of products that appeal to youth and limit products that increase adverse effects. • Limit Potency (6 points max). Prohibit sale of high potency cannabis flower and products through bans or ceilings. • Flavored Products (Non-Edibles) (5 points). Prohibit sale of flavored inhalable (non-edible) products. • Cannabis-Infused Beverages (4 points). Prohibit sale of cannabis-infused beverages. • Products Attractive to Youth (2 points). Prohibit sale of products attractive to youth more clearly than state law. 4) MARKETING (15 total points possible): Limit marketing exposure to decrease youth use and educate consumers. • Billboards (6 points max). Restrict or prohibit the use of billboards to advertise cannabis. • Health Warnings on Ads (4 points). Require health warnings on all cannabis advertisements. • Therapeutic or Health Claims (3 points). Prohibit therapeutic or health claims on cannabis labels, packages, and ads. • Marketing Attractive to Youth (2 points). Prohibit advertising attractive to youth more clearly than state law. 5) SMOKE-FREE AIR (5 total points possible): Smoke-free air policies can improve air quality, protect kids, and reduce secondhand smoke exposure. • Temporary Events (5 points). Prohibit temporary cannabis events such as at county fairs or concerts in parks. 6) EQUITY (4 total points possible): Cannabis policy can promote social equity. • Priority in Licensing (3 points). Prioritize equity applicants when issuing cannabis business licenses. • Cost Reduction/Deferral (1 point). Reduce/defer the costs of cannabis business licenses for equity applicants. Getting it Right from the Start is a project of the Public Health Institute. The Project has worked with experts to identify potential best regulatory practices and develop model regulatory and taxation frameworks to advance public health and equity. Visit us at www.gettingitrightfromthestart.org. This scorecard analyzes local cannabis ordinances passed prior to January 1, 2025, in each California city or county that legalized retail sales only by delivery, to assess policies in effect going into 2024. It evaluates to what extent potential best practices were adopted to protect youth, reduce problem cannabis use and promote social equity beyond those already in state law. Scores fall into six public health and equity focused categories for a total maximum of 100 points. Palo Alto RETAILER REQUIREMENTS TAXES & PRICES PRODUCT LIMITS MARKETING SMOKE-FREE AIR EQUITY & CONFLICTS OF INTEREST Require local permit (max. 12 pts) 0 Local retail tax (6 pts) 0 Limit high potency products (max. 6 pts) 0 Limit billboards (max. 6 pts) 0 Prohibit temporary event permits (5 pts) 0 Licensing priority for equity applicants (3 pts) 0 Medical delivery sales allowed (3 pts) 3 Revenue dedicated to youth, prevention or equity (6 pts) 0 Prominent health warnings on ads (4 pts) 0 Cost deferrals for equity applicants (1 pt) 0 Use of Independent ID Verification Software (10 pts) 0 Tax by THC content (5 pts) 0 No flavored products for combustion or inhalation (max. 5 pts) 0 Limit therapeutic or health claims (3 pts) 0 Limit delivery destinations (max. 10 pts) 0 Prohibit discounting (2 pts) 0 No cannabis- infused beverages (4 pts) 0 Limit marketing attractive to youth (2 pts) 0 Health warnings handed out (4 pts) 0 Minimum price (1 pt) 0 Limit other products/ packaging attractive to youth (2 pts) 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 TOTAL SCORE = 3 From:Deborah Goldeen To:Council, City Subject:Encina Ave Date:Monday, February 2, 2026 8:26:57 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. Despite my cynicism about rental units, I have to acknowledge that you all are doing a first class job of making sure the Ellis Partners Encina Ave development is going to be really well done.Then level of skill at play here with this council is impressive. Hat’s off to you all. PS - Is there any hope that Ellis Partners might be able to take over the 441 California Ave property? From:Ken Joye To:Council, City Subject:Flock Safety and City of Mountain View statement Date:Monday, February 2, 2026 6:25:58 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. Late on Friday, 30 January 2026, the City of Mountain View posted a statement about issues around the use of data from the Flock Safety cameras installed in that community. I would like Council to request that staff report on whether there are similar concerns regarding the data from cameras in our city. It would seem vital that such technology is only used for the purposes intended. thank you for your service, Ken Joye Ventura neighborhood PS: I had attempted to raise this question via zoom during the public comment section of tonight’s Council meeting, not knowing that non-agendized items could only be addressed in person From:herb To:Council, City; Clerk, City Subject:February 2, 2026 City Council Meeting, Agenda Item #3: 44 and 88 Encina Avenue [25PLN-0308] Date:Monday, February 2, 2026 4:36:29 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. FEBRUARY 2, 2026 CITY COUNCIL MEETING, AGENDA ITEM #3 44 AND 88 ENCINA AVENUE [25PLN-0308] PRESCREENING The current application uses the same addresses as anapplication in process that has fewer parcels and a request fora Builder's Remedy. The current application and request for a Builder's Remedy needto be withdrawn prior to submitting a formal application forthe project on tonight's agenda. The staff report for tonight's agenda item states that none ofthe parcels are Housing Inventory sites, but the prior projectsaid that its project site is a Housing Inventory site. I provided testimony at a public hearing for the prior projectapplication that 98 Encina Avenue (APN 120-34-014), which isnot part of the prior application, is the only parcel on thatside of Encina Avenue that is a Housing Inventory site. Combining 98 Encina with other parcels on Encina Avenue doesnot grant those other parcels Housing Inventory site status. One of the parcels on the staff report map is a different shadethan the other parcels, but the difference in shade is notexplained in the map legend. Stanford University is supposed to provide housing on itscampus or on property it owned off campus at the time of themost recent Santa Clara County approval of the StanfordCommunity Plan. A condition of any approval should require all deedstranferring ownership to prohibit transfer or lease to StanfordUniversity. Thank you for your consideration of these comments. Her Borock