HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-07-13 City Council EmailsDOCUMENTS IN THIS PACKET INCLUDE:
LETTERS FROM CITIZENS TO THE
MAYOR OR CITY COUNCIL
RESPONSES FROM STAFF TO LETTERS FROM CITIZENS
ITEMS FROM MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEMBERS
ITEMS FROM OTHER COMMITTEES AND AGENCIES
ITEMS FROM CITY, COUNTY, STATE, AND REGIONAL AGENCIES
Prepared for: 07/13/2026
Document dates: 7/06/26 – 7/13/26
Note: Documents for every category may not have been received for packet
reproduction in a given week.
From:Dean McCully
To:dmccully@ix.netcom.com; dmccully@gmail.com
Subject:Formal Invitation: Silicon Valley STEM & Culture Day at Reid-Hillview Airport (Sept 26)
Date:Monday, July 13, 2026 7:03:47 AM
Greetings
On behalf of CAAPSO and the Friends ofReid-Hillview Airport, it is my privilege to formally invite you as our
honoredguest to the annual San Jose Reid-Hillview Airport CommunityDay.
This year’s festival takes flight on Saturday,September 26, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM at the
historic Reid-Hillview tarmac(2500 Cunningham Ave, San Jose).
We would be deeply honored to secure yourpresence at our Grand Opening Ceremony at 12:00 PM, andwe would
like to invite you to present a brief, 2-minute opening remark towelcome the families of the district.
Event Core Mission
This 100% free community festival bridgesthe gap between Silicon Valley's tech corridor and East San Jose's
richcultural heritage. We are transforming the airport into a massive, hands-onworkforce development and STEM
pavilion featuring up to 100 interactiveexhibitors, including:
Youth STEM & Aerospace Labs:Rocketry and robotics teams from San José State University and
Stanfordalongside professional engineering societies (SHPE, SWE, IEEE) providing directcareer pipelines for local
youth.
First Responders & Utilities:High-visibility infrastructure displays from San José Fire, County
Sheriff,PG&E, and Valley Water showcasing emergency resilience hardware.
Eastside Arts & Culture: Avibrant performance lineup featuring El Grito de la Cultura,traditional Aztec
Dancers, the San Jose Breakdancers, and a regional gourmetfood truck rally.
Aerial Spectacles: Alive parachute drop by Silicon Valley Skydiving andprecision flight demonstrations from the
South Bay Soaring Society.
VIP Logistical Arrangements
We want to ensure your arrival isentirely seamless. Recognizing the ongoing light rail construction on
CapitolExpressway, we have established a dedicated protocol for our VIP guests:
Reserved VIP Parking: Adedicated parking footprint directly inside the secure airport gates,completely bypassing
public detours.
Media Availability: Ourmedia relations team will be onsite to coordinate interviews with regionalpress outlets
covering the event.
RSVP Coordination:Please have your staff contact our outreach team at media@friendsofrhv.org orreply directly to
this email by Friday, September 4th toconfirm your attendance and secure your speaking slot.
Thank you for your steadfast leadershipand continued support of community resilience, youth education, and
regionaldevelopment across Santa Clara County. We look forward to welcoming you to theflight line.
Warmest regards,
Dean McCully
Community Outreach Coordinator
CAAPSO / Friends of Reid-Hillview Airport
www.friendsofrhv.org (https://www.friendsofrhv.org/)
From:Aram James
To:Jay Boyarsky
Cc:marc.berman@cityofpaloalto.com; josh@joshsalcman.com; Josh Becker; Reckdahl, Keith; Gennady Sheyner; PD
Kristina Bell; Reifschneider, James; Lythcott-Haims, Julie; Human Relations Commission; Jeff Rosen; Zelkha,
Mila; CityCouncil; Council, City; city.council@menlopark.gov; Raymond Goins; Lythcott-Haims, Julie;
eric.figueroa@cityofpaloalto.org; Goodell, Erin; Supervisor Susan Ellenberg; Supervisor Otto Lee; Supervisor
Betty Duong; Jessica Speiser, Educational Leader for California Democratic Delegate, Assembly District 23;
district1@bos.sccgov.org; District5@bos.sccgov.org; The Office of Mayor Matt Mahan
Subject:Plans to End Aid to Israel — and Replace it with Something Worse
Date:Sunday, July 12, 2026 9:29:39 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
Hi Jay,
Are you now or were you ever an employee of the ADL—paid or volunteer?
Best regards,
Avram Finkelstein
https://open.substack.com/pub/husseini/p/plans-to-end-aid-to-israel-and-replace?
r=fjmzt&utm_medium=ios
From:Charlie Weidanz
To:Robert Marinaro
Cc:Council, City; Veenker, Vicki; Stone, Greer; Lauing, Ed; Lythcott-Haims, Julie; Reckdahl, Keith; Burt, Patrick; Lu,
George; City Mgr; Bulatao, Eric; Lindsey, Stephen; Nick Marinaro; Jennifer Kain; Roger Smith; Peter Xu; Loren
Brown; Dana Dahlstrom; Ceci Kettendorf; Chris Berg; Taly Katz; Barry Katz; Nancy Ellickson; John Schafer;
Jeanette Baldwin; Alina Martinez; Micah Murphy; Danielle Dunne; David Famero; Carly Lake; Sandy Freschi; T
Bullman; Dave Stellman; Dave Stellman; Steve Wong; Marguerite Poyatos; Manu Kumar; Lydia Kou; Patrick
Kelly; Osbaldo Romero; Bryna Chang; Xenia Czisch; Bill McLane; Ramon Moreno; Lester Wong; Cathi Lerch; Maor
Greenberg; Moffatt, Pete; Jacob Hakmo; David Perez; Nancy Powers; Dan McKinley; John Lerch; Stacey Tomson;
CMEI Wong; DMA Wong; Jin Wong; Maggie Madlangbayan; K Norris; Elidia Tafoya; Scott Hayes; Victor Sloan;
John Seltzer; Kandace Kopensky; Moiz Sonasath; Peter Longanecker; Karsyn Smith Development; Raphael
Zahnd; Riley Cooke; Pigman, Sophie; Baird, Nathan; Palo Alto Daily Post; Gennady Sheyner; Louis Hsiao; Jo Ann
Mandinach; Ann Lafargue Balin; Annette Ross; Mary Gallagher; Maury Green; Terry Holzemer; Joseph Hirsch;
Ben Lerner; Greg Schmid (external); Suzanne Keehn; William Ross; Ron Chun; Arthur Keller; Jeff Levinsky; Becky
Sanders; Chip Wytmar; Sharon Elliot; McDonough, Melissa; Janet Hartley; Kevin Mayer; Boris Folsch; Margaret
Abe-Koga; Ian Halker; Richard Willits; Heather Brownlee; Ken Brownlee; Robin Holbrook; Cassandra Paige; Brad
Watson; Alisa Pendicini; Ron Ellickson; Gaines, Chantal; Titan Gu; Stephanie Wansek; Penny Brennan; Taryn
Sanford; Maia Harris; Sayuri Kabutogi; Bernadette Zimmerman; Doreen Chew; Kshama Jirage; Jenni Simon;
Subadhra Arunasalam; Robert Russell; Doug Bacon; Wang Chuan; Shchopra; Al Dorsky; Phil Wettersten; Ann
Wettersten; Todd Jin; Emily Emily; Daryl Savage; Anil Rachakonda; Linda Vanderhule; Adriana Hernandez; Stuart
Kreitman; Scott Petersen; Alex Smelik; fred@bockmann.com; Janie Sydow; Deborah j Marinaro; Summa, Doria;
Boyd Smith; Smith Lund; Milan Milan; Elliott Lee; Robert Berkovich; Letizia Rodriguez; Brennan Pang; Eggleston,
Brad; Rius, Rafael; Lo, Ria; Andrade, Alex; Bob Kennis; Shani Kleinhaus; Peggy Christiansen; Martin Cuyegkeng;
Julia Sun; Aki Hirsa; Colin Swindells; Andrew Li; Evan Mathews; Efrain Monttano Velazquez; Ignacio Montelongo
Jr.; Joseph Montelongo; Nayirie Tashjian; Fernanda Prado; Dave Rubenstein; Johnny Vo; Priyanka Raghuraman;
Andrew Koo; Joseline Sotomayor; Dmitri Samsonov; Anand Srinivasan; Zohar Gillai; Maria Orlova
Subject:Re: Palo Alto’s Ongoing OSV Crisis - - Bob’s OSV Count (7/10/26)
Date:Sunday, July 12, 2026 3:32:43 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking
on links.
Good afternoon Bob
If you have a chance this week
Can you please send me the names of the business owners who you have received messages from and the issues that
they are experiencing
I am meeting with Palo Alto Glass this week and I want to meet with others about their recent experiences
Thank you
Thank you
Charlie Weidanz
> On Jul 12, 2026, at 15:21, Robert Marinaro <rmarinaro@mac.com> wrote:
>
> Palo Alto City Council, OSV Ad Hoc Committee, and Concerned Residents and Businesses,
>
>
> Once again, based on my most recent OSV count (7/10/26) the numbers of OSVs on Palo Alto streets is holding
steady in the 130 -140 range. This has been the case for my last eight counts going back to the end of March.
Obviously, the City’s recent enforcement actions have not been able to maintain the downward trend that we saw
during the latter months of 2025. This very much needs to change!
>
>
>
> Many residents and businesses continue to be impacted. The more folks I talk to the more I learn about the
magnitude of these impacts. For instance, the e-mail I shared about the animal feces being dumped in a business’
recycling can and the business owner being forced to clean it out on top of being fined. I received e-mails from at
least five other businesses that had the same issue and who knows how many other businesses that don’t see my e-
mails also have been affected. This week I even saw video evidence of it happening from a business’ security
camera, by the way needed to be moved to a higher location, because of the RV dwellers tampering with their
security equipment. To top it off Greenwaste of Palo Alto wanted to charge a $82.40 trip fee and $25.37
contamination fee to remedy the situation. And then Greenwaste comes back and says - - “To alleviate the
unauthorized usage of the carts onsite, we can install a locking mechanisms on the carts. This will allow only onsite
users to access the containers at all times. The installation is $41.20/per cart and a $15/monthly fee for each cart for
the driver to unlock and service the cart.” I have primarily heard of this happening in the
Commercial/Transport/Industrial (CTI) corridor, the East Meadow Circle area, and on the east side of 101 off of
East Bayshore Rd. near Corporation Way.
>
>
> I also called and sent two e-mails to Greenwaste wanting to know how often this happens but never received a
response.
>
>
>
> Perhaps the City should think about how they can reimburse businesses for this expense in addition to the many
other added business expenses as listed in my ‘Impacts to the Community‘ list. Or, perhaps the business community
should start seriously thinking about how to get the City to compensate them for additional expenses caused by RV
dwellers. As we have seen in recent media articles about Mountain View being concerned about losing property tax
revenue. Maybe both Palo Alto residents and businesses should start thinking about asking for a property or
business tax reduction.
>
>
>
> Another issue that has come up more often in recent weeks is municipal code section §10.44.020 which states: (a)
No person shall, between the hours of two a.m. and six a.m. of any day… park upon streets or alleys located within
a residential zone or public facility zone any of the following vehicles: (1) Oversized vehicles; (2) Trailers; (3)
Camper shells."
>
>
>
> First off this is not always enforced in residential zones. I have had to call in RVs parked on the streets of our
Adobe Meadow neighborhood. Now why can’t we amend this regulation to be city-wide or include commercial
zones in this regulation.
>
>
>
> Or how about adding a new section of the code that prohibits these vehicles from parking 10:00 am to 4:00 pm in
commercial zones? Lets seriously think about how to reduce the impact to tax-paying Palo Alto businesses.
>
>
>
> Today, with by photos below, I would like to focus on the impacts to what I will call the E. Embarcadero
Rd/Faber Pl/Embarcadero Way (EFE) corridor. These three streets continue to be heavily impacted. Over my past
eight counts dating back to 3/29/26 there have consistently been between 32 -36 OSVs parked on these three streets
significantly impacting these businesses. These impacts include: taking up valuable parking, safety concerns from
employees, blocking ingress and egress, and causing property leasing challenges, just to name a few.
>
>
>
> In closing, we would very much like to see the City speed up the discussion on solving this issue to make Palo
Alto a better community for all of us.
>
>
>
> Regards,
> Bob Marinaro
>
>
> Attachments:
>
> * OSV Count Spreadsheet
> * List of Impacts to the Community
>
>
>
> [cid:ff128e71-bf76-4e16-a904-ad2bbe90c853@namprd22.prod.outlook.com]
>
>
> 131 OSVs - - 131 Generators spewing fumes and disturbing the peace. Problematic outside your business and
especially problematic outside your residence
> [cid:882a740e-cc36-418c-ae6a-fba7e3c0552a@namprd22.prod.outlook.com]
>
>
> Faber Place - - One side of the street is open for street cleaning but they will cover both sides of the street shortly
> [cid:59c45658-e76d-4db3-99a2-2a1a29e70b00@namprd22.prod.outlook.com]
>
>
> San Antonio Rd. East of 101 - - A No Parking Zone
> [cid:abf120c4-22b3-4dc1-bcec-03cb02b1d6af@namprd22.prod.outlook.com]
>
>
> San Antonio Rd. East of 101 - - A No Parking Zone
> [cid:8d16b59e-ff4d-4f8d-9729-e4c2374d72b4@namprd22.prod.outlook.com]
>
>
> Embarcadero Way
> [cid:e3763c6d-7ceb-47ce-8cd1-6b2460749f5c@namprd22.prod.outlook.com]
>
>
> Embarcadero Way
> [cid:522da3f5-4b3c-4399-b5a5-c422ef9f47d5@namprd22.prod.outlook.com]
>
>
> Impacted business - - Embarcadero Way
> [cid:523122bb-47f0-4341-bc95-2b4a2d7fbc31@namprd22.prod.outlook.com]
>
>
> Impacted business - - Embarcadero Way
> [cid:db5fbbac-5747-46e1-8ac7-dc853928c053@namprd22.prod.outlook.com]
>
>
> Embarcadero Way
> [cid:4899a6da-3607-4f1e-8c7c-c6c3b6015ed0@namprd22.prod.outlook.com]
>
>
> Impacted business - - Faber Place
> [cid:258b151e-c28f-46f7-ba4c-e82a02919c1c@namprd22.prod.outlook.com]
>
>
> Impacted business - - Faber Place
> [cid:7110c483-3d95-430b-93a4-65c2956551c7@namprd22.prod.outlook.com]
>
> Faber Place - - Negotiating large vehicles is the ultimate challenge!
> [cid:64a6d172-305c-492e-bce8-4472c95f75e6@namprd22.prod.outlook.com]
>
>
> Faber Place - - I stopped and helped the truck driver of this 18 wheeler go back and forth before he was able to cut
this corner - - A common occurrence and a real problem for businesses that need deliveries by large trucks to their
back loading docks.
> [cid:7471d974-066c-41b8-a27e-8b944e118340@namprd22.prod.outlook.com]
>
>
> Faber Place
> [cid:dbfa307e-ca7c-4ab4-bd78-0ded909ccf20@namprd22.prod.outlook.com]
>
>
> E. Embarcadero Rd.
> [cid:289d100b-e68b-4a85-8903-20c4f72424fd@namprd22.prod.outlook.com]
>
>
> Impacted business - - E. Embarcadero Rd.
> [cid:f036de4a-d89f-4fcb-b4e1-a742e60a8e7a@namprd22.prod.outlook.com]
>
> Impacted business - - E. Embarcadero Rd.
> [cid:e2dab4cc-bdbc-4482-b9be-742e6957d4f0@namprd22.prod.outlook.com]
>
>
> Impacted business - - E. Embarcadero Rd.
> [cid:085d8f1f-dbae-4a21-9bdf-dc9da9d9dd40@namprd22.prod.outlook.com]
>
>
> Impacted business - - E. Embarcadero Rd.
> [cid:52278f06-1523-4df8-aa00-e36fc8de9bc4@namprd22.prod.outlook.com]
>
>
> Impacted business - - E. Embarcadero Rd.
> [cid:ed138dba-523c-491d-aa65-55c2d7ffb9ab@namprd22.prod.outlook.com]
>
From:Robert Marinaro
To:Council, City; Veenker, Vicki; Stone, Greer; Lauing, Ed; Lythcott-Haims, Julie; Reckdahl, Keith; Burt, Patrick; Lu, George; City Mgr
Cc:Bulatao, Eric; Lindsey, Stephen; Nick Marinaro; Jennifer Kain; Roger Smith; Peter Xu; Loren Brown; Dana Dahlstrom; Ceci Kettendorf; Chris Berg; Taly Katz; Barry Katz; Nancy Ellickson; John Schafer; Jeanette Baldwin; Alina Martinez; Micah Murphy; Danielle Dunne; David Famero; Carly Lake; Sandy Freschi; T Bullman; Dave Stellman; Dave Stellman; Steve Wong; Marguerite Poyatos; Manu Kumar; Lydia Kou; Patrick Kelly; Osbaldo Romero; Bryna Chang; Xenia Czisch; Bill McLane; Ramon Moreno; Lester Wong; Cathi Lerch; Maor Greenberg; Moffatt,Pete; Jacob Hakmo; David Perez; Nancy Powers; Dan McKinley; John Lerch; Stacey Tomson; CMEI Wong; DMA Wong; Jin Wong; Maggie Madlangbayan; K Norris; Elidia Tafoya; Scott Hayes; Victor Sloan; John Seltzer; Kandace Kopensky; Moiz Sonasath; Peter Longanecker; Karsyn Smith Development; Raphael Zahnd; Riley Cooke; Pigman, Sophie; Baird, Nathan; Palo Alto Daily Post; Gennady Sheyner; Louis Hsiao; Jo Ann Mandinach; Ann Lafargue Balin; Annette Ross; Mary Gallagher; Maury Green; Terry Holzemer; Joseph Hirsch; Ben Lerner; GregSchmid (external); Suzanne Keehn; William Ross; Ron Chun; Arthur Keller; Jeff Levinsky; Becky Sanders; Chip Wytmar; Sharon Elliot; McDonough, Melissa; Janet Hartley; Charlie Weidanz; Kevin Mayer; Boris Folsch; Margaret Abe-Koga; Ian Halker; Richard Willits; Heather Brownlee; Ken Brownlee; Robin Holbrook; Cassandra Paige; Brad Watson; Alisa Pendicini; Ron Ellickson; Gaines, Chantal; Titan (Zhengtian) Gu; Stephanie Wansek; Penny Brennan; Taryn Sanford; Maia Harris; Sayuri Kabutogi; Bernadette Zimmerman; Doreen Chew; Kshama
Jirage; Jenni Simon; Subadhra Arunasalam; Robert Russell; Doug Bacon; Chuan Wang; Shchopra; Al Dorsky; Phil Wettersten; Ann Wettersten; Todd Jin; Emily Emily; Daryl Savage; Anil Rachakonda; Linda Vanderhule; Adriana Hernandez; Stuart Kreitman; Scott Petersen; Alex Smelik; fred@bockmann.com; Janie Sydow; Deborah j Marinaro; Summa, Doria; Boyd Smith; Lund Smith; Milan Milan; Elliott Lee; Robert Berkovich; Letizia Rodriguez; Brennan Pang; Eggleston, Brad; Rius, Rafael; Lo, Ria; Andrade, Alex; Bob Kennis; Shani Kleinhaus; Peggy
(Margaret) Christiansen; Martin Cuyegkeng; Julia Sun; Aki Hirsa; Colin Swindells; Andrew Li; Evan Mathews; Efrain Monttano Velazquez; Ignacio Montelongo Jr.; Joseph Montelongo; Nayirie Tashjian; Fernanda Prado; Dave Rubenstein; Johnny Vo; Priyanka Raghuraman; Andrew Koo; Joseline Sotomayor; Dmitri Samsonov; Anand Srinivasan; Zohar Gillai; Maria Orlova
Subject:Palo Alto’s Ongoing OSV Crisis - - Bob’s OSV Count (7/10/26)
Date:Sunday, July 12, 2026 3:25:48 PM
Attachments:Impacts to the Community_23May26.docx
RV Inventory_10Jul26.xlsxScreenshot 2026-07-12 at 3.08.31 PM.png
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links.
Palo Alto City Council, OSV Ad Hoc Committee, and Concerned Residents and Businesses,
Once again, based on my most recent OSV count (7/10/26) the numbers of OSVs on Palo Alto streets is holding steady in the 130 -140 range. This has been the case for my last eight counts going back to the end of March. Obviously, the City’s recent enforcement actions have not been able to maintain the downward trend that we saw during the latter months of 2025. This very much needs to change!
Many residents and businesses continue to be impacted. The more folks I talk to the more I learn about the magnitude of these impacts. For instance, the e-mail I shared about the animal feces being dumped in a business’ recycling can and the business owner being forced to clean it out on top of being fined. I received e-mails from at least five other businesses that had the same issue and who knows how many other businesses that don’t see my e-
mails also have been affected.This week I even saw video evidence of it happening from a business’ security camera, by the way needed to be moved to a higher location, because of the RV dwellers tampering with their security equipment.To top it off Greenwaste of Palo Alto wanted to charge a $82.40 trip fee and $25.37 contamination fee to remedy the situation.And then Greenwaste comes back and says - -“To alleviate the unauthorized usage
of the carts onsite, we can install a locking mechanisms on the carts.This will allow only onsite users to access the containers at all times.The installation is $41.20/per cart and a $15/monthly fee for each cart for the driver to unlock and service the cart.”I have primarily heard of this happening in the Commercial/Transport/Industrial (CTI) corridor, the East Meadow Circle area, and on the east side of 101 off of East Bayshore Rd. near Corporation
Way.
I also called and sent two e-mails to Greenwaste wanting to know how often this happens but never received a response.
Perhaps the City should think about how they can reimburse businesses for this expense in addition to the many other added business expenses as listed in my ‘Impacts to the Community‘ list. Or, perhaps the business community should start seriously thinking about how to get the City to compensate them for additional expenses caused by RV dwellers. As we have seen in recent media articles about Mountain View being concerned about losing
property tax revenue. Maybe both Palo Alto residents and businesses should start thinking about asking for a property or business tax reduction.
Another issue that has come up more often in recent weeks is municipal code section §10.44.020 which states: (a) No person shall, between the hours of two a.m. and six a.m. of any day… park upon streets or alleys located within a residential zone or public facility zone any of the following vehicles: (1) Oversized vehicles; (2) Trailers; (3) Camper shells."
First off this is not always enforced in residential zones. I have had to call in RVs parked on the streets of our Adobe Meadow neighborhood. Now why can’t we amend this regulation to be city-wide or include commercial zones in this regulation.
Or how about adding a new section of the code that prohibits these vehicles from parking 10:00 am to 4:00 pm in commercial zones? Lets seriously think about how to reduce the impact to tax-paying Palo Alto businesses.
Today, with by photos below, I would like to focus on the impacts to what I will call the E. Embarcadero Rd/Faber Pl/Embarcadero Way (EFE) corridor. These three streets continue to be heavily impacted. Over my past eight counts dating back to 3/29/26 there have consistently been between 32 -36 OSVs parked on these three streets significantly impacting these businesses. These impacts include: taking up valuable parking, safety concerns from
employees, blocking ingress and egress, and causing property leasing challenges, just to name a few.
In closing, we would very much like to see the City speed up the discussion on solving this issue to make Palo Alto a better community for all of us.
Regards,Bob Marinaro
Attachments:
OSV Count Spreadsheet
List of Impacts to the Community
131 OSVs - - 131 Generators spewing fumes and disturbing the peace. Problematic outside your business and especially problematic outside your residence
Faber Place - - One side of the street is open for street cleaning but they will cover both sides of the street shortly
San Antonio Rd. East of 101 - - A No Parking Zone
San Antonio Rd. East of 101 - - A No Parking Zone
Embarcadero Way
Embarcadero Way
Impacted business - - Embarcadero Way
Impacted business - - Embarcadero Way
Embarcadero Way
Impacted business - - Faber Place
Impacted business - - Faber Place
Faber Place - - Negotiating large vehicles is the ultimate challenge!
Faber Place - - I stopped and helped the truck driver of this 18 wheeler go back and forth before he was able to cut this corner - - A common occurrence and a real problem for businesses that need deliveries by large trucks to their back loading docks.
Faber Place
E. Embarcadero Rd.
Impacted business - - E. Embarcadero Rd.
Impacted business - - E. Embarcadero Rd.
Impacted business - - E. Embarcadero Rd.
Impacted business - - E. Embarcadero Rd.
Impacted business - - E. Embarcadero Rd.
OSV IMPACTS TO THE COMMUNITY
5/23/26 6:46 PM
• Steal water
• Steal electricity
• Dump trash in street
• Dump trash is business dumpsters including large items (mattresses, etc.)
• Dump waste in sewers and in bushes
• Obstructing egress to the point of several reported accidents (on E. Meadow Circle)
• Preventing deliveries to back loading docks
• General safety concerns especially for women
• Blocking traffic such as when vans double park for waste removal
• Take up needed parking spaces for businesses and other facilities – they also reserve
parking spaces adjacent to their OSVs using chairs, cones, etc.
• Intimidate business/institution customers & students
• Noticeable increase in crime in OSV dense neighborhoods
• Liability issues associated with children playing on private property adjacent to OSVs
• OSV slide-outs blocking bike lanes and impeding traffic flow
• Inhibits business owners and property managers from leasing vacant properties
• Decreases property values which in turn decreases property taxes and revenue to the
city
• Discourages property development
• General blight and reduction of quality of life for tax-paying residents and businesses
• Services such as food trucks that once came by for lunch no longer stop by (E. Meadow
Circle)
• Financial - - Additional costs incurred by businesses:
o Additional utility costs
o Installation of locks on dumpsters
o Installation of cameras and security monitoring systems
o Installation of barriers (bollards with chains across driveways, gates, etc.)
o Installation of audio systems to inconvenience OSV dwellers (Faber Place)
o Additional trash pickup costs and additional burden to business owners who have
to properly sort out trash from recycled materials
File: Impacts to the Community_23May26.docx
Palo Alto On Street OSV Count
Street Segment OSVs OSVs OSVs OSVs OSVs OSVs OSVs OSVs OSVs OSVs OSVs OSVs OSVs OSVs OSVs OSVs
#################12/3/2025 ########1/28/2026 #############################################################################
& 10/22/25 & 11/20 & 12/21 & 1/29 & 4/11
1 Fabian Way Between E. Charleston & E. Meadow 17 17 17 17 17 16 17 17 0 2 1 5 4 6 3 4
2 Fabian Way Between E. Charleston & San Antonio Rd.9 8 8 7 8 9 8 9 12 10 11 9 11 10 9 9
3 E. Meadow Circle Off of E. Meadow Dr.52 56 53 52 49 53 48 41 43 43 41 40 40 39 38 37
4 1 2 2 2 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
5 Industrial Ave.Between E. Charleston & Transport St.1 1 1 1 4 4 2 4 2 0 0 1 1 1 1 1
6 Transport St.Between E. San Antonio & Industrial Ave.12 11 11 11 12 11 6 5 4 6 8 7 7 7 5 6
7 San Antonio Rd.Between E. Charleston & Transport St.13 13 15 13 11 11 3 3 5 6 6 5 7 7 7 7
8 San Antonio Rd.East of 101 - -- -- -- -- -- -5 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 2
9
10 Elwell Ct.Dead End Off of E. Bayshore Rd.15 10 10 11 11 11 4 4 6 5 4 5 4 4 4 4
11 Corporation Way Dead End Off of E. Bayshore Rd.12 12 13 12 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
12 Colorado Ave.Colorado Ave. & W. Bayshore Rd.5 6 6 2 3 1 1 4 3 3 4 5 5 5 8 8
13 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
14 E. Embarcadero Rd.East of 101 13 15 8 10 5 9 6 9 6 7 8 6 7 9 10 8
15 Embarcadero Way Dead End off of Embarcadero Rd.14 10 11 7 7 6 9 9 11 11 11 10 11 10 10 12
16
17 Mitchell Park Mitchell Park Parking Lot - -- -- -- -4 2 2 4 1 2 2 2 2 2 2 1
18 Greer Park Greer Park Parking Lot - -- -- -- -1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 1 0
19 Ames Av./Ross Rd.At Intersection with Ross Rd.- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -1 1 0 0
200 197 195 180 165 168 138 136 119 120 120 123 123 123 116 117
20 Park Blvd.South of Page Mill 6 3 4 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0
21 Lambert Ave.Between El Camino & Park Blvd.1 1 2 1 1 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
22 (2 segments)Between Oregon Expressway & Portage Ave.1 0 0 2 3 2 1 3 3 2 3 3 3 5 3 4
23 Poratge Ave.Between El Camino & Park Blvd.4 6 4 2 3 1 2 2 1 1 2 2 3 2 1 2
24 Olive Ave.Between El Camino & Park Blvd.1 2 2 3 3 2 2 2 1 1 1 0 0 1 1 1
25 Sheridan Ave.Between Park Blvd & Caltrain Parking Lot 6 6 6 6 2 3 1 3 2 2 1 1 1 2 1 2
26 Orinda St.Between Fernando Ave. & Wilton Ave.1 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 1 1
27 Matadero Ave.Between El Camino & Park Blvd.- -1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
28 Acacia Ave.Between El Camino & Ash St.- -- -- -- -- -3 2 4 4 4 5 4 5 7 5 3
29 Page Mill Between Park Blvd. & RR - -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -1 0 0 0 1 1 0
20 20 20 19 13 12 11 15 12 12 13 13 15 20 14 14
Total:220 217 215 199 178 180 149 151 131 132 133 136 138 143 130 131
Delta:9 -2 -16 -3 2 -31 2 -20 1 1 3 2 5 -13 1
Days since first count: ########29 43 60 99 115 129 141 159 170 185 199 213 231 248 262
Months since first count: ########1.0 1.4 2.0 3.3 3.8 4.2 4.6 5.2 5.6 6.1 6.5 7.0 7.6 8.2 8.6
Yellow OSVs on new street Palo Alto City Council: City.Council@PaloAlto.gov
Green Utility construction Bob Marinaro: E:Mail: rmarinaro@mac.com, Cell: 650-269-5936
Ash Street Numerous auxillary vehicles in addition to OSVs Abandon Vehicle Hotline: 650-329-2258
Some columns may be hidden to facilitate easy one page viewing
Ventura Area
RV Inventory_10Jul26 7/13/2026 1:38 PM
From:Aram James
To:Council, City
Cc:Dave Price
Subject:Israel: What Went Wrong?
Date:Saturday, July 11, 2026 9:24:51 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
On Sat, Jul 11, 2026 at 8:54 PM Aram James <abjpd1@gmail.com> wrote:
Dave
If there is anyone in the public arena who could benefit from reading and listening to this
piece, it is you. I have zero faith that you will take the time to listen to this show, but I'm
sending it your way in any event.
Avram “ Eliminate The State Israel” Finkelstein
https://open.substack.com/pub/ralphnader/p/israel-what-went-wrong?
r=fjmzt&utm_medium=ios
From:Aram James
To:The Office of Mayor Matt Mahan
Cc:Josh Becker; Gerry Gras; Dana St. George; Sean Allen; Carla Torres; Jessica Speiser, Educational Leader for
California Democratic Delegate, Assembly District 23; Gennady Sheyner; Dave Price; Jeff Rosen; Jay Boyarsky;
jgreen@dailynewsgroup.com; Diana Diamond; Vicki Veenker; Lythcott-Haims, Julie; Reckdahl, Keith; Lauing, Ed;
Shikada, Ed; james pitkin; Reifschneider, James; Roberta Ahlquist; WILPF Peninsula Palo Alto;
District5@bos.sccgov.org; district1@bos.sccgov.org; Supervisor Otto Lee; Supervisor Susan Ellenberg; Susan
Hayase; supervisor.abe-koga@bos.sccgov.org; EPA Today; Anna Griffin; <michael.gennaco@oirgroup.com>;
Damon Silver; city.council@gilroy.org; Council, City; citycouncil@mountainview.gov
Subject:Editorial: Why is San Jose ignoring unhoused, mentally ill people in downtown? - San José Spotlight
Date:Saturday, July 11, 2026 9:00:14 AM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
https://sanjosespotlight.com/editorial-why-is-san-jose-ignoring-unhoused-mentally-ill-people-
in-downtown/
From:Eileen Kim, PharmD
To:City Mgr; Council, City
Subject:Re: Concerns Regarding New RPP Registration Requirements and Data Privacy - Fwd: City of Palo Alto 2026-27
DT Resident Annual Action Required 1465048
Date:Saturday, July 11, 2026 6:20:30 AM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
i
Dear City Manager and Palo Alto City Councilors,
I am writing to raise concerns about the documentation requirements under the new
Residential Parking Permit (RPP) service provider.
Our household owns two vehicles that we park near our home. Under the new system, we are
now required to upload vehicle registration, personal identification, and utility bill or property
tax information. I found uploading my California driver's license, including my photograph
and date of birth, intrusive for a routine parking permit renewal. Being asked to also upload
property tax records felt similarly disproportionate to the purpose of the program.
Yesterday I was asked to upload registration documentation for each vehicle. I submitted
proof of DMV registration payment for each vehicle, which was denied. Today I have been
asked to physically retrieve the paper registration from each car, scan it, and upload that scan
instead.
Beyond the administrative burden, I have serious data privacy concerns. This process
now requires residents to upload a government-issued photo ID, date of birth, vehicle
registration, and property tax or utility records to a third-party vendor. I would like to
understand: Who at the City or the vendor has access to this data? Is it retained after the permit
is issued, and if so, for how long? Is any of it shared with, sold to, or accessible by other third
parties? What security measures are in place to protect it, and has the vendor undergone a data
privacy or security review by the City? Residents should not have to guess at the answers to
these questions before submitting sensitive personal documents.
I am also concerned about accessibility. I am personally able to scan a paper document and
upload it, but I am thinking of the many elderly, disabled, and immigrant residents in Palo
Alto who may not be tech savvy or may lack the equipment to scan and upload documents at
home. Requiring residents to scan and upload paper registration, ID, and financial documents
as a condition of a parking permit they have held for years, without an accessible alternative,
creates a real barrier for these residents. I would ask the City to confirm what alternative
process exists for residents who cannot complete this online, and whether this
requirement has been reviewed for compliance with disability access obligations
This message needs your attention
This is a personal email address.
Mark Safe Report
After years of holding two RPP permits for the same vehicles without incident, this process
has become significantly more burdensome and requires disclosure of far more personal data
than the program's purpose warrants. I would ask the City to review whether this level of
documentation is necessary, and if so, what specific requirement it satisfies. What specific
failure in the previous, less invasive system necessitated this new level of data collection?
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
Eileen Kim
Eileen Kim, PharmD
eileen.rph@gmail.com
---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: <donotreply@getapermit.net>
Date: Fri, Jul 10, 2026 at 3:31 PM
Subject: City of Palo Alto 2026-27 DT Resident Annual Action Required 1465048
To: <EILEEN.RPH@gmail.com>
Your parking permit application 1465048 for the City of Palo Alto has been denied for the
following reason:
Reason for denial:
Details: PLEASE UPLOAD A CURRENT VEHICLE REGISTRATION
Visit paloalto.getapermit.net to sign into your account and upload the required document.
This is for notification only. Please do not reply to this email.
Permit support is available Monday through Friday 8am - 5pm, excluding
holidays. support@getapermit.net.
Thank you,
Permit Support
From:Aram James
To:Gennady Sheyner; Raymond Goins; Shikada, Ed; Sean Allen; Vicki Veenker; julie.ruhlin@oirgroup.con; Lythcott-
Haims, Julie; <michael.gennaco@oirgroup.com>; city.council@gilroy.org; GRP-City Council;
citycouncil@mountainview.gov; Council, City; city.council@menlopark.gov; Supervisor Betty Duong; Supervisor
Otto Lee; Supervisor Susan Ellenberg; Jennifer Morrow San José Spotlight; josh@joshsalcman.com; Josh Becker;
Dave Price; Veenker, Vicki; Veenker, Vicki; cromero@cityofepa.org; rabrica@cityofepa.org; Raymond Goins;
Brandon Pho; Braden Cartwright; Friends of Cubberley; james pitkin; Reifschneider, James; PD Kristina Bell;
Nash, Betsy; Cecilia Taylor; Roberta Ahlquist; Baker, Rob; Robert Salonga; Robert Handa; Bill Newell; Lotus
Fong; editor@paweekly.com; Riley Cooke; sharon jackson; Carla Torres; Anna Griffin;
jgreen@dailynewsgroup.com; Human Relations Commission; Julian Garcia; Angel, David; Jay Boyarsky; Jeff
Conrad; Rosen, Jeff; marc.berman@cityofpaloalto.com; Patrick Marshall; Zelkha, Mila;
planning.commission@cityofpaloalto.0rg; Yolanda Conaway; Goodell, Erin; EPA Today; Jessica Speiser,
Educational Leader for California Democratic Delegate, Assembly District 23; mike braxton; Pat M; Preminger,
Steve; Steve Wagstaffe; Gerry Gras; Dana St. George; Reckdahl, Keith; Richard Konda; Rick Callender
Subject:Re: Hate Crimes in Palo Alto
Date:Saturday, July 11, 2026 12:41:28 AM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
On Sat, Jul 11, 2026 at 12:33 AM Aram James <abjpd1@gmail.com> wrote:
Should our mayor speak out on this issue?
<abjpd1@gmail.com> wrote:
https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/palo-alto-hate-crime-investigation-
vandalism-public-restrooms/4112000/
On Fri, Jul 10, 2026 at 11:44 PM Aram James <abjpd1@gmail.com> wrote:
https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/palo-alto-hate-crime-investigation-vandalism-
public-restrooms/4112000/
From:Aram James
To:Gennady Sheyner; Raymond Goins; Shikada, Ed; Sean Allen; Vicki Veenker; julie.ruhlin@oirgroup.con; Lythcott-
Haims, Julie; <michael.gennaco@oirgroup.com>; city.council@gilroy.org; GRP-City Council;
citycouncil@mountainview.gov; Council, City; city.council@menlopark.gov; Supervisor Betty Duong; Supervisor
Otto Lee; Supervisor Susan Ellenberg; Jennifer Morrow San José Spotlight; josh@joshsalcman.com; Josh Becker;
Dave Price; Veenker, Vicki; Veenker, Vicki; cromero@cityofepa.org; rabrica@cityofepa.org; Raymond Goins;
Brandon Pho; Braden Cartwright; Friends of Cubberley; james pitkin; Reifschneider, James; PD Kristina Bell;
Nash, Betsy; Cecilia Taylor; Roberta Ahlquist; Baker, Rob; Robert Salonga; Robert Handa; Bill Newell; Lotus
Fong; editor@paweekly.com; Riley Cooke; sharon jackson; Carla Torres; Anna Griffin;
jgreen@dailynewsgroup.com; Human Relations Commission; Julian Garcia; Angel, David; Jay Boyarsky; Jeff
Conrad; Rosen, Jeff; marc.berman@cityofpaloalto.com; Patrick Marshall; Zelkha, Mila;
planning.commission@cityofpaloalto.0rg; Yolanda Conaway; Goodell, Erin; EPA Today; Jessica Speiser,
Educational Leader for California Democratic Delegate, Assembly District 23; mike braxton; Pat M; Preminger,
Steve; Steve Wagstaffe; Gerry Gras; Dana St. George; Reckdahl, Keith; Richard Konda; Rick Callender
Subject:Hate Crimes in Palo Alto
Date:Saturday, July 11, 2026 12:34:18 AM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
Should our mayor speak out on this issue?
On Fri, Jul 10, 2026 at 11:44 PM Aram James <abjpd1@gmail.com> wrote:
https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/palo-alto-hate-crime-investigation-vandalism-
public-restrooms/4112000/
From:Martin Balestie
To:Council, City
Subject:Critical Infrastructure: PFAs, 6PPD-quinone, sludge dewatering, anaerobic digestion, Dupont wildfire (recent hires/area managers/most eng & science majors: env/chem/mech/civil/cyber/interdiscipl/pub policy)
Date:Friday, July 10, 2026 9:19:19 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links.
Hi! Nice to touch base! Hope all is well!
Just a short email (hope it makes it through). I'm helping get the word out as regards up and coming webinar series, i.e. PFAs, 6PPD-quinone, Dupont wildfire, intro to
secondary treatment, green schoolyards, sludge handling, aging infrastructure, cooling energy and water use tradeoffs, continuing funding and more. Feel free to pass
along/forward to possibly available/interested parties/eng heads/area managers/recent hires. Applies to almost all eng/science/EPC areas: env/chem/mech/ civil/
cyber/interdiscipl/pub policy. Will be glad to redirect to registration links!
Always happy my side to support engineering/education, recommended practice, student mentoring, industry/global outreach and much more. Global and digital go hand in
hand! Have a nice week-end and beyond. Stay safe, healthy and happy! Best of greetings from way down south "el Sur" ... Tschusssssssssssss!! Martin
Teaching, the "profession that makes others possible," cannot be executed in isolation of others!
Penn State Fluid Dynamics Research Consortium (FDRC) Seminar Series for Fall 2026 - Call for Speakers
Seminars will be held every Thursday from 9:30 to 10:30 AM, with the room location to be announced.
Great opportunity to present work and engage with the broader FDRC community.
The series also provides a valuable platform to host visiting research collaborators, offering them a chance to share their insights while connecting with Penn State faculty and
students.
FDRC can support guest speaker travel and accommodations up to $500.
Hosts will coordinate with guests on travel logistics, keeping costs reasonable, and planning an itinerary, including meetings with faculty and lab tours.
Look forward to an engaging seminar series this fall!
How to Manage, Value & Invest in Natural Assets as Part of Water Systems
Date: July 14, 2026
Description: Water utilities rely on a mix of engineered and natural systems to deliver wastewater and drinking services, as well as effectively stormwater management.
Utilities are very familiar with engineered systems—water mains, sewer pipes, pumps, transmission lines, and treatment plants. The role natural systems play in managing water
is less familiar.
Natural systems include forested watersheds, riparian corridors, aquifer systems, wetlands, green stormwater infrastructure, and other natural (or nature mimicking) features.
These “natural assets” can protect water quality, regulate water supply, manage stormwater, and reduce flooding in ways that engineered systems cannot do alone. They can
also provide a wide range of additional environmental and community benefits, such as carbon sequestration, wildlife habitat, urban heat island mitigation, recreational access,
and improved quality of life.
This webinar will explain how water utilities can incorporate natural assets into their asset management protocols, quantify the value natural assets provide to water systems,
and invest in natural assets alongside all other water infrastructure. Presenters will also highlight technical assistance available to small, rural, and tribal water systems
interested in investing in natural assets.
This webinar has four objectives:
- Demonstrate that natural assets are part of water systems and can be effectively incorporated in infrastructure management and investments.
- Feature how utilities can leverage State Revolving Fund loans to pay for natural asset investments.
- Provide insight on the technical assistance available to water utilities to secure funding for natural asset projects.
- Answer participant questions about natural assets and how to manage, value, and invest in this vital water infrastructure.
Source Water Protection and Floodplain Reconnection: Watershed-Scale Green Infrastructure
Date: July 16, 2026
Description: The last session of our Quarterly Green Infrastructure Webinar series will cover Source Water Protection, Floodplain Reconnection, and Watershed Planning, as
methods for improving and protecting water quality. Featuring the work of two experts in New Mexico, it will conclude the Green Infrastructure Webinar Series by zooming out for
a big-picture look at support of natural systems as essential to long-term water security. Learn More
Adiabatic Heat Rejection 101: Engineering Tradeoffs Between Dry and Evaporative Cooling (1.0 PDH) (corporate webinar)
Date: July 16, 2026
Wastewater Systems - Solids Handling - Mechanical Solids Separation (Part 1)
Date: July 23, 2026
Join us for part 1 of our two-part webinar on wastewater solids handling. This one-hour webinar is designed to train wastewater operators, utility board members, and municipal
decision makers on the mechanical solids separation processes and the role it plays in wastewater treatment. We will discuss the various types of solids collected in wastewater
treatment and learn about mechanical solids separation including sludge thickening and mechanical dewatering. Part 2 of the series will be focused on biological digestion.
Green Schoolyards as a Stormwater and Community Resilience Strategy (Part 3): Lessons from Chicagoland
Date: July 28, 2026
Description: This webinar is the third in a three-part series bringing together practitioners for practical discussions on green schoolyards as a high-impact strategy for climate
resilience, public health and stormwater compliance. In this webinar, Holly Sauter will share how MWRD’s Space to Grow and suburban green schoolyards programs are funded
from a utility’s perspective. Superintendent Steve Geraci will share his experience and lessons learned as a school administrator, including how to identify and obtain funding for
school-specific amenities and improvements, to maximize co-benefits for both the school and neighboring communities. Learn More
Combustible Building Materials under the International Wildland-Urban Interface Code
Date: July 29, 2026
Description: As wildfire risk reshapes building codes across the U.S., understanding how the International Wildland-Urban Interface Code (IWUIC) works alongside the IBC is
becoming essential for designers. Join AEC Daily and DuPont for a live webinar navigating IWUIC requirements and exploring how combustible materials can still play a role in
compliant, fire-resilient building envelope design. Earn 1 AIA LU/HSW | 1 IIBEC CEH | 0.10 ICC CEU
What you’ll learn:
The types of hazards the IWUIC is intended to mitigate.
The difference between the IWUIC and the IBC in terms of an overlay code versus a standalone code.
Examples of IBC fire safety requirements that are supplemented or modified by the IWUIC.
Examples of how combustible building materials and assemblies can comply with IWUIC requirements for the building envelope.If you're designing in wildfire-prone areas, this
session will give you practical clarity on code pathways and compliant material options. This course is approved for 1 AIA Learning Unit (LU|HSW), 1 IIBEC Continuing
Education Hour (CEH) and 0.10 ICC CEU credits. Credits are reported in accordance with AEC Daily, AIA, IIBEC and ICC requirements.
Cleaning Our Waterways: Green Infrastructure Solutions for 6PPDQ
Date: July 30, 2026
Description: Every time it rains, water washing off roads and highways carries pollutants into nearby streams, rivers, and estuaries. One of the most concerning pollutants is
6PPD-quinone (6PPDQ), a chemical byproduct of a common tire rubber additive that is among the most toxic substances known to aquatic life. This webinar introduces 6PPDQ
to planners and technical staff who may be encountering it for the first time and shows what communities can do about it. Speakers will share lessons learned from using GSI as
a solution and discuss how municipalities, transportation agencies, and nonprofits can work together to deploy solutions, engage their communities, and access funding.
Geosynthetics Case Studies
Date: August 13, 2026
This webinar will present three case studies in the geosynthetics industry. First, Patrick Elliott (Colorado Lining Int'l/Viaflex) will discuss rehabilitation of a 2-milion gallon water
storage tank in Arizona. The project involved installing a HydraStor Bladder System with an inlet structure, floating vents, and a stormwater removal system, which was
completed in just five days. Second, Brian Fraser (Layfield Group) will present a case study involving the use of baffle curtains in a potable water treatment system to increase
water contact time during the treatment process. Finally, Ron MacKenzie (Inland Tarp & Liner) will discuss the use of factory fabricated geomembrane panels in above ground
storage facilites in mining applications. This case study will illustrate the use of factory fabricated geomembrane panels in mining applicaitons. 1.0 PDH
Presenters: Patrick Elliott, Brian Fraser and Ron MacKenzie
Wastewater Systems Biological Digestion and Sludge Disposal
Date: Aug 27, 2026
Join us for part 2 of our two-part webinar on wastewater solids handling. This one-hour webinar is designed to train wastewater operators, utility board members, and municipal
decision makers on biological digestion and the role it plays in wastewater treatment. We will review digester basics, discuss both aerobic and anaerobic digestion and better
understand land application of sludge.
Presenter: Dawn Nall
Cooling Tower Selection and Design -> The Good, The Bad, The Ugly (corporate webinar)
Date: August 27, 2026
CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE: Small Wastewater System Funding Series - Syracuse University
Successfully securing and managing federal funding for publicly owned and decentralized wastewater treatment systems is no small task, especially with shifting program
priorities and uncertainty about future allocations. This no-cost webinar series from the Capacity Collaborative will guide participants through the entire funding process: where to
find nationally available funding, how to craft competitive proposals, and how to stay in compliance through project completion. Designed for small wastewater systems, each
session focuses on a step in the funding application and management journey, equipping participants with tools and knowledge to increase their chances of funding success.
Workshops and webinars are complimentary under a cooperative agreement with the U.S. EPA. Feel free to forward/circulate to likely stakeholders/incumbent parties. Will be
happy to redirect to registration links!
Teaching, the "profession that makes others possible," cannot be executed in isolation of others!
James C. Young Project - Ken Schifftner Consulting Air Pollution Control - Balestie & Balestie Ingenieros
www.facebook.com/industrialwastewater - www.PocketGoogle.com - www.DigitalProspection.com - www.MartinBalestie.com - www.GalopeApproach.com -
www.TrumpetBible.com
UNIVERSITY MENTOR
University of Maryland: serving a third consecutive term as Computer Science Mentor Iribe Initiative Program
https://engineeringfundamentals.com/1000Ace/z-Peer-Alumni-Mentoring-Agreement-Fall-2021-signed.pdf
uc davis
University of California, Davis (College of Engineering ENG 003 Introduction to Engineering Design Showcase Evaluator): volunteered highly technical
feedback to a full one third of 45 presented student teams although initially scheduled to review just five
projects https://engineeringfundamentals.com/1000Ace/Evaluator%20Assignments%20%26%20Team%20Info%20%28Sp22%29%20U%20California%20Davis.pdf
University of Michigan: Chemical Engineering Mentoring Platform
https://engineeringfundamentals.com/1000Ace/z-umich-chemical-engineering-mentor-ucan-chemical.pdf
Penn State University: Engineering Design 100 Climate Resilience and Adaptation Design December 2025
https://engineeringfundamentals.com/1000Ace/penn-state-engineering-design-100-december-2025-invitation.pdf
p.s.: My good friends, my best friends computers NEVER fail to fail! You may receive duplicates of this message/others as at times I having email snafus/bounces. Feel free to get back to me ad lib, either
via balestie@umich.edu and/or cc.: Martin Balestie < answers@engineeringfundamentals.com> (1) 917 300 3024 (on and off NEW NUMBER ).
From:Martin Balestie
To:Council, City
Subject:Critical Infrastructure: PFAs, 6PPD-quinone, sludge dewatering, anaerobic digestion, Dupont wildfire (recent hires/area managers/most eng & science majors: env/chem/mech/civil/cyber/interdiscipl/pub policy)
Date:Friday, July 10, 2026 9:18:51 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links.
Hi! Nice to touch base! Hope all is well!
Just a short email (hope it makes it through). I'm helping get the word out as regards up and coming webinar series, i.e. PFAs, 6PPD-quinone, Dupont wildfire, intro to
secondary treatment, green schoolyards, sludge handling, aging infrastructure, cooling energy and water use tradeoffs, continuing funding and more. Feel free to pass
along/forward to possibly available/interested parties/eng heads/area managers/recent hires. Applies to almost all eng/science/EPC areas: env/chem/mech/ civil/
cyber/interdiscipl/pub policy. Will be glad to redirect to registration links!
Always happy my side to support engineering/education, recommended practice, student mentoring, industry/global outreach and much more. Global and digital go hand in
hand! Have a nice week-end and beyond. Stay safe, healthy and happy! Best of greetings from way down south "el Sur" ... Tschusssssssssssss!! Martin
Teaching, the "profession that makes others possible," cannot be executed in isolation of others!
Penn State Fluid Dynamics Research Consortium (FDRC) Seminar Series for Fall 2026 - Call for Speakers
Seminars will be held every Thursday from 9:30 to 10:30 AM, with the room location to be announced.
Great opportunity to present work and engage with the broader FDRC community.
The series also provides a valuable platform to host visiting research collaborators, offering them a chance to share their insights while connecting with Penn State faculty and
students.
FDRC can support guest speaker travel and accommodations up to $500.
Hosts will coordinate with guests on travel logistics, keeping costs reasonable, and planning an itinerary, including meetings with faculty and lab tours.
Look forward to an engaging seminar series this fall!
How to Manage, Value & Invest in Natural Assets as Part of Water Systems
Date: July 14, 2026
Description: Water utilities rely on a mix of engineered and natural systems to deliver wastewater and drinking services, as well as effectively stormwater management.
Utilities are very familiar with engineered systems—water mains, sewer pipes, pumps, transmission lines, and treatment plants. The role natural systems play in managing water
is less familiar.
Natural systems include forested watersheds, riparian corridors, aquifer systems, wetlands, green stormwater infrastructure, and other natural (or nature mimicking) features.
These “natural assets” can protect water quality, regulate water supply, manage stormwater, and reduce flooding in ways that engineered systems cannot do alone. They can
also provide a wide range of additional environmental and community benefits, such as carbon sequestration, wildlife habitat, urban heat island mitigation, recreational access,
and improved quality of life.
This webinar will explain how water utilities can incorporate natural assets into their asset management protocols, quantify the value natural assets provide to water systems,
and invest in natural assets alongside all other water infrastructure. Presenters will also highlight technical assistance available to small, rural, and tribal water systems
interested in investing in natural assets.
This webinar has four objectives:
- Demonstrate that natural assets are part of water systems and can be effectively incorporated in infrastructure management and investments.
- Feature how utilities can leverage State Revolving Fund loans to pay for natural asset investments.
- Provide insight on the technical assistance available to water utilities to secure funding for natural asset projects.
- Answer participant questions about natural assets and how to manage, value, and invest in this vital water infrastructure.
Source Water Protection and Floodplain Reconnection: Watershed-Scale Green Infrastructure
Date: July 16, 2026
Description: The last session of our Quarterly Green Infrastructure Webinar series will cover Source Water Protection, Floodplain Reconnection, and Watershed Planning, as
methods for improving and protecting water quality. Featuring the work of two experts in New Mexico, it will conclude the Green Infrastructure Webinar Series by zooming out for
a big-picture look at support of natural systems as essential to long-term water security. Learn More
Adiabatic Heat Rejection 101: Engineering Tradeoffs Between Dry and Evaporative Cooling (1.0 PDH) (corporate webinar)
Date: July 16, 2026
Wastewater Systems - Solids Handling - Mechanical Solids Separation (Part 1)
Date: July 23, 2026
Join us for part 1 of our two-part webinar on wastewater solids handling. This one-hour webinar is designed to train wastewater operators, utility board members, and municipal
decision makers on the mechanical solids separation processes and the role it plays in wastewater treatment. We will discuss the various types of solids collected in wastewater
treatment and learn about mechanical solids separation including sludge thickening and mechanical dewatering. Part 2 of the series will be focused on biological digestion.
Green Schoolyards as a Stormwater and Community Resilience Strategy (Part 3): Lessons from Chicagoland
Date: July 28, 2026
Description: This webinar is the third in a three-part series bringing together practitioners for practical discussions on green schoolyards as a high-impact strategy for climate
resilience, public health and stormwater compliance. In this webinar, Holly Sauter will share how MWRD’s Space to Grow and suburban green schoolyards programs are funded
from a utility’s perspective. Superintendent Steve Geraci will share his experience and lessons learned as a school administrator, including how to identify and obtain funding for
school-specific amenities and improvements, to maximize co-benefits for both the school and neighboring communities. Learn More
Combustible Building Materials under the International Wildland-Urban Interface Code
Date: July 29, 2026
Description: As wildfire risk reshapes building codes across the U.S., understanding how the International Wildland-Urban Interface Code (IWUIC) works alongside the IBC is
becoming essential for designers. Join AEC Daily and DuPont for a live webinar navigating IWUIC requirements and exploring how combustible materials can still play a role in
compliant, fire-resilient building envelope design. Earn 1 AIA LU/HSW | 1 IIBEC CEH | 0.10 ICC CEU
What you’ll learn:
The types of hazards the IWUIC is intended to mitigate.
The difference between the IWUIC and the IBC in terms of an overlay code versus a standalone code.
Examples of IBC fire safety requirements that are supplemented or modified by the IWUIC.
Examples of how combustible building materials and assemblies can comply with IWUIC requirements for the building envelope.If you're designing in wildfire-prone areas, this
session will give you practical clarity on code pathways and compliant material options. This course is approved for 1 AIA Learning Unit (LU|HSW), 1 IIBEC Continuing
Education Hour (CEH) and 0.10 ICC CEU credits. Credits are reported in accordance with AEC Daily, AIA, IIBEC and ICC requirements.
Cleaning Our Waterways: Green Infrastructure Solutions for 6PPDQ
Date: July 30, 2026
Description: Every time it rains, water washing off roads and highways carries pollutants into nearby streams, rivers, and estuaries. One of the most concerning pollutants is
6PPD-quinone (6PPDQ), a chemical byproduct of a common tire rubber additive that is among the most toxic substances known to aquatic life. This webinar introduces 6PPDQ
to planners and technical staff who may be encountering it for the first time and shows what communities can do about it. Speakers will share lessons learned from using GSI as
a solution and discuss how municipalities, transportation agencies, and nonprofits can work together to deploy solutions, engage their communities, and access funding.
Geosynthetics Case Studies
Date: August 13, 2026
This webinar will present three case studies in the geosynthetics industry. First, Patrick Elliott (Colorado Lining Int'l/Viaflex) will discuss rehabilitation of a 2-milion gallon water
storage tank in Arizona. The project involved installing a HydraStor Bladder System with an inlet structure, floating vents, and a stormwater removal system, which was
completed in just five days. Second, Brian Fraser (Layfield Group) will present a case study involving the use of baffle curtains in a potable water treatment system to increase
water contact time during the treatment process. Finally, Ron MacKenzie (Inland Tarp & Liner) will discuss the use of factory fabricated geomembrane panels in above ground
storage facilites in mining applications. This case study will illustrate the use of factory fabricated geomembrane panels in mining applicaitons. 1.0 PDH
Presenters: Patrick Elliott, Brian Fraser and Ron MacKenzie
Wastewater Systems Biological Digestion and Sludge Disposal
Date: Aug 27, 2026
Join us for part 2 of our two-part webinar on wastewater solids handling. This one-hour webinar is designed to train wastewater operators, utility board members, and municipal
decision makers on biological digestion and the role it plays in wastewater treatment. We will review digester basics, discuss both aerobic and anaerobic digestion and better
understand land application of sludge.
Presenter: Dawn Nall
Cooling Tower Selection and Design -> The Good, The Bad, The Ugly (corporate webinar)
Date: August 27, 2026
CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE: Small Wastewater System Funding Series - Syracuse University
Successfully securing and managing federal funding for publicly owned and decentralized wastewater treatment systems is no small task, especially with shifting program
priorities and uncertainty about future allocations. This no-cost webinar series from the Capacity Collaborative will guide participants through the entire funding process: where to
find nationally available funding, how to craft competitive proposals, and how to stay in compliance through project completion. Designed for small wastewater systems, each
session focuses on a step in the funding application and management journey, equipping participants with tools and knowledge to increase their chances of funding success.
Workshops and webinars are complimentary under a cooperative agreement with the U.S. EPA. Feel free to forward/circulate to likely stakeholders/incumbent parties. Will be
happy to redirect to registration links!
Teaching, the "profession that makes others possible," cannot be executed in isolation of others!
James C. Young Project - Ken Schifftner Consulting Air Pollution Control - Balestie & Balestie Ingenieros
www.facebook.com/industrialwastewater - www.PocketGoogle.com - www.DigitalProspection.com - www.MartinBalestie.com - www.GalopeApproach.com -
www.TrumpetBible.com
UNIVERSITY MENTOR
University of Maryland: serving a third consecutive term as Computer Science Mentor Iribe Initiative Program
https://engineeringfundamentals.com/1000Ace/z-Peer-Alumni-Mentoring-Agreement-Fall-2021-signed.pdf
uc davis
University of California, Davis (College of Engineering ENG 003 Introduction to Engineering Design Showcase Evaluator): volunteered highly technical
feedback to a full one third of 45 presented student teams although initially scheduled to review just five
projects https://engineeringfundamentals.com/1000Ace/Evaluator%20Assignments%20%26%20Team%20Info%20%28Sp22%29%20U%20California%20Davis.pdf
University of Michigan: Chemical Engineering Mentoring Platform
https://engineeringfundamentals.com/1000Ace/z-umich-chemical-engineering-mentor-ucan-chemical.pdf
Penn State University: Engineering Design 100 Climate Resilience and Adaptation Design December 2025
https://engineeringfundamentals.com/1000Ace/penn-state-engineering-design-100-december-2025-invitation.pdf
p.s.: My good friends, my best friends computers NEVER fail to fail! You may receive duplicates of this message/others as at times I having email snafus/bounces. Feel free to get back to me ad lib, either
via balestie@umich.edu and/or cc.: Martin Balestie < answers@engineeringfundamentals.com> (1) 917 300 3024 (on and off NEW NUMBER ).
From:upcomingsales@friendspaloaltolib.org
To:Council, City
Subject:July 2026 Book Sale - Friends of the Palo Alto Library
Date:Friday, July 10, 2026 3:24:30 PM
BOOK SALE
NEWSLETTER
THIS WEEKEND AT
CUBBERLEY
Visit our web site
CUBBERLEY USED
BOOK SALES
Saturday July 11
Main Room General Sale 11am - 4pm
Bargain Room 9:30am - 4pm
Children's Room 10am - 4pm
Comic Book Sale 10am - 3pm
Music Pop Up Sale 10am - 2pm
Sunday July 12
All Rooms 1pm - 4pm
4000 Middlefield Road
Palo Alto
NE corner of the Cubberley
Community Center
(650) 213-8755
www.fopal.org
Maps and Directions
More information on the sales
Donate your used books, DVDs, &c
ALL NET PROCEEDS GO TO HELP PALO
ALTO LIBRARIES
Main Room
In our Main Room, prices are way below
what used book stores charge.
Hardcover books start at $3 and
softcover books start at only $2.
No numbered tickets this month!
Please note that due to crowding during
the first two hours of the Book Sale, no
strollers, rolling carts, etc. can be
brought into the Main Room. This is for
the safety of shoppers and volunteers
alike. By 12:30 or so, the crowd thins
out and shoppers are welcome to bring
these items into the sale.
Children's Book Sale
The Children's Room is located in the
portable next to the soccer field near
Greendell School. It is entirely filled
with children's books and toys. You'll
find picture books, school age fiction
and non-fiction, fiction for teens, award
winners, non-English titles, CDs and
DVDs, and books for parents and
teachers, many for 50 cents or $1.
Strollers are welcome in the Children's
Room at any time.
Bargain Books in H-2
The Bargain Room is located in Rooms
H-2 and H-3 of the Cubberley main
campus, between our Main Room and
Middlefield Road. On Saturday,
paperbacks are $1, hardcovers are $2,
and children's books are 50 cents each.
The room also contains many records,
CDs, and DVDs at $1 each. On Sunday,
the room opens at 1 pm and all prices
are half off. Or, save even more on
Sunday by buying green FOPAL reusable
bags from us for $4/ea (or bring your
own grocery-size reusable bag) and
stuffing them with any items in the
room for $5/bag. Fill four bags at
$5/bag and fill a fifth bag FREE!
Library News
The Library's big news for July is the Summer Reading Program, which started on June 1
and runs until August 1 so you do still have time to start and make progress! The theme is
"Oceans of Possibilities" and you can read more about it and register from the library's web
site.
It's Disability Pride Month, and the Library has more information about that.
Children's Library's schedule is changing on July 20 to "closed on Mondays". Children's
Library new normal schedule will be Tuesdays through Saturdays 10am to 6pm.
You can find out about these sorts of things in a slightly more timely manner from the Palo
Alto City Library Blogs page. Or you can subscribe to them with an RSS reader.
You could find out about other things by subscribing to the Library's mailing list. Like us,
they send one or two messages per month, more usually one.
There is also the Library's events calendar that has a lot besides when the Library is
closed.
-Frank McConnell
Comic Book Sale
This will be our very first GIANT comic book sale. We have over 10,000 comic books, plus
some graphic novels and some sci-fi magazines. We've got everything from Ant-Man to
Zatara and Zatanna. There are some 1970s Marvels, 1980s EC reprints, a bunch of Garth
Ennis's Crossed comics and more! No, I am not going to list them all, there are over
10,000 comic books. Quaequam Blag! If you want a complete list then come to the sale
with your Apple Newton. Why am I fighting with you? Because just like all aliens, I am here
to protect Truth, Justice and the American Way! Everything at our comic book sale will be
ONLY ONE DOLLAR (each).
The Comic Book Sale will be outside in front of our Main Room on Saturday from 10 am to
3 pm. If we have anything left it will be inside our Main Room on Sunday from 1 to 4 pm.
Splundig vur Thrigg!
Politics
With July comes the searing heat of summer, so why not cool off at the Politics section of
the main room? We've got quite packed shelves this month, especially on the International
Relations side of things. With the end war in the middle east, it's crucial that we
understand the careful nuances of what's actually going on, both outside of the United
States and within. Come find answers to questions like, "Can American factories really
sustain themselves with just American workers?" or "With global politics now viewing
America as a ticking time bomb, how much influence are we going to lose, and where will it
go?" Satisfy your thirst for knowledge at FOPAL, and come check out the Regional
Politics/International Relations shelf in the Politics section! Some big titles we have this
month are:
China, Inc.: How the Rise of the Next Superpower Challenges America and the
World, by Ted C. Fischman
Beaten Down, Worked Up: The Past, Present, and Future of American Labor, by New
York Times journalist Steven Greenhouse
And many, many, more books...
So come hide from the heat and browse titles at the Politics section this summer! Looking
forward to seeing you there.
-Emma Chen
Home & Crafts
Happy 250th USA! Create something in the Americana style, and celebrate throughout the
year!
This month we have several books on jewelry making, including One Bead at a Time:
Exploring Creativity with Bead Embroidery. How about candle making? Perhaps your great
great grandmother had a hand at that. In July we have adult coloring books to calm you
down after all those fireworks. Instead of sending a text, there are several books on
calligraphy for you to pen a letter to a friend. Then in Fabric Arts there's Nursery Knits by
Debbie Bliss. You may also want to try traditional crochet, needlepoint, cross-stitch, or
sewing. And don't forget quilting! You can find instruction online, or at the Palo Alto Adult
School to help you get started. Floral Arts showcases a beautiful little book called
Everlasting: The Complete Book of Dried Flowers. Beauty and Fashion titles include The
Gibson Girl and her America, so you can try that "Gay 90's" look. Just for fun, page
through Beyond the Best Dressed: A Cultural History of the Most Glamorous, Radical, and
Scandalous Oscar Fashion. We are loaded with books on decorating, interior design, and
home maintenance, plus building your dream home. Don't miss two wonderful books from
Taschen, Provence Interiors and Alpine Interiors. Happy perusing!
eShelf photos can be found at <https://fopalbooks.com/crafts.html>.
-Virginia Perry
Antiques & Collections
This month you'll find several titles on silver and glass, including the designs of Philip
Jacobs. From the UK, we have The Handbook of British Pottery & Porcelain Marks by
Geoffrey A. Godden. There are two Taschen source books: Decorative Art 30s & 40s, and
Decorative Art 50s. Reaching further back, look for Inside the Victorian Home and The
Straw Bale House. You'll find a few books on Shaker design, one on Bauer pottery, and my
favorite, The Craftsman in America. Don't miss Care & Repair of Antiques & Collectables
and Caring for Your Collections. Look for these and other resources for your collecting
reference.
eShelf photo can be found at <https://fopalbooks.com/crafts.html>.
-Virginia Perry
Children's Room
The CR crew agree that we have never had as many donations as we processed this past
month. Thank you, thank you to our generous donors. Here's what you will find at our July
sale:
School-age Fiction offers some gift-quality, beautifully illustrated classics, including The
Complete Chronicles of Narnia (originally $50, our price $8); Alice's Adventures in
Wonderland; and The Complete Tales of Winnie the Pooh ($8). In the fantasy area, we
have the complete illustrated edition of Harry Potter, years 1 and 2, for $8; lots of the New
York Times best-selling series Wings of Fire, by Tui T. Sutherland; and many of Eoin
Colfer's Artemis Fowl books. Check out our award-winning authors section for a complete
boxed set of Roald Dahl's books for $15; and the latest book from Brian Selznick, Big Tree
(original price $33, our price $10).
If you're a fan of Mo Willems's Elephant and Piggie books, head to our Beginning Readers
shelves--we have a fabulous selection. There are also lots of early readers to keep kids
learning all summer long. On the DVDs shelves you'll find classic Disney movies perfect for
family movie nights.
Look on the Non-fiction display table for a treasure trove of lovely art books, from art
history to how-to, art appreciation, and the lives of great artists.
Robert Louis Stevenson once asked, "What are you able to build with your blocks?" You can
answer that question with so many items from our Activities section! We have several tubs
of Duplos, along with Magnetix and Goldie Blox building kits. This month's special offerings
include three large sets of die-cut punches, a telescope, a microscope, a toy cash register,
and science kits. We also have many musical instruments--harmonicas, recorders, and a
xylophone. You'll find lots of toys for toddlers, plus crafts, games, and jigsaw puzzles
(including some special Dr. Seuss floor puzzles) for all ages. We also have loads of "brain
teasers"--Rubik's cubes, Tangoes, and much more. Looking ahead to the start of the school
year, our math/science table is filled with many textbooks and workbooks, including Beast
Academy. And as usual, we need a big bookcase plus a table to display all of our graphic
novels. Truly something for everyone.
-Carolyn Davidson
Children's Vintage
The Fourth might be over and done, but America's 250th lives on in children's vintage. We
have many books (and even a board game) for all ages about the founding of the US, the
Constitution, the Revolutionary War, and the Star-Spangled Banner. In addition, we again
have a full shelf of history books (We are There, Landmark) before and beyond 1776. More
Terhune books in mylar-protected dust jackets, a 9-volume matched set of classics that
would look good on the shelf, and an early edition of The Cat in the Hat Comes Back are
featured. Thanks to our generous donors, the toy section continues to grow! We have
many Playskool wooden puzzles, hand-carved wooden figures, two Mickey Mouse acrobats
on sticks and some Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel artwork ready for your wall. Happy
July shopping and don't forget to scan the posted QR code for a direct link to FOPAL's
children's vintage bookstore on eBay!
-Chloe
Poetry
July, when monsoon's gentle roar
Brings life to lands parched and sore.
So FOPAL's sale of poetry
Brings life to minds and sets them free
To roam the wilds of nonsense rhyme
And be like children for a time,
Or play at Soldiers and Cowboys,
Discovering these manly joys.
Whate'er you choose, you're sure to find
Some books you cannot leave behind.
https://fopalbooks.com/poetry.html
-Mandy MacCalla
Self Help and Personal Growth
Featured this month are: Unwanted Thoughts and Intense Emotions Workbook; Mother
Hunger; and an Anthony Robbins Time of Your Life Program 10 CD set with supporting
tools-all half, or more, off lowest internet price. There are five shelves of 'Popular on
Amazon' books, including some workbooks worth checking out. Don't forget to look at the
bottom shelf where books by popular artists Brene Brown, Don Miguel Ruis and Malcolm
Gladwell are featured. There are four shelves of New Arrivals. There are 2 bays of Sub-
Sections, featuring 3 copies of the 2024 edition of Enneagram Relationships and Intimacy.
I have great admiration for those healing from addiction and this month I have almost 2
full shelves of books on ADDICTION, including Overeaters Anonymous and some free
pamphlets that I hope can find a good home! May all Beings be Happy, Healthy and Free,
-Marnie
Judaica
Browse the Judaica section for books on the Jewish religion and culture including editions
of the Torah and other basic texts, Kabbalah, Jewish history, the Holocaust, memoirs,
Israel, Jewish Women, the Jewish American Experience and other related subjects.
Special this month -
The Last Ships from Hamburg: Business, Rivalry and the Race to Save Russia's Jews
on the Eve of World War I
Discovering Second Temple Literature - The Scriptures and Stories That Shaped Early
Judaism
Children of Abraham - An Introduction to Islam for Jews
The Invention of Ancient Israel: The Silencing of Palestinian History
Woke Antisemitism - How a Progressive Ideology Harms Jews
On Being Jewish Now - Reflections from Authors and Advocates
The Place of All Possibility - Cultivating Creativity Through Ancient Jewish Wisdom
Jewish Dharma: A Guide to the Practice of Judaism and Zen
Is It Good for the Jews? More Stories from the Old Country and the New
Most fiction with Jewish themes will be found in Modern Literature/Classics or Current
Fiction. Books entirely in Hebrew are shelved in the European Languages section.
Shelf photos at https://fopalbooks.com/judaica.html
-Charlotte Epstein, Judaica Section Manager
SF&F and Comics
This month I'm featuring the second (and last) installment of the big contribution of series
paperbacks. This month's Star Trek books include the TNG books that didn't get displayed
last month, Deep Space Nine, the shorter series like Enterprise and Voyager, crossovers.
and spinoffs. Dragonlance and Star Wars continue from last month. Added this month are a
good selection of Doc Savage novels and a bunch of Edgar Rice Burroughs books. These
are a little scattered around the shelves to get them in; look for clumps of the Mars,
Tarzan, Pellucidar, and Venus series as well as one-offs. Some people have noticed that
the books from this collection smell of smoke; I haven't noticed it, but I'm not very
sensitive to it. If you are, you might want to give them a sniff before buying.
In Comics and Graphic Novels, there is a good turnout of Manga, both in original
Japanese language and English translation. Look for three slipcased sets of reprints of Carl
Barks' Donald Duck titles and four squat volumes of the Complete Dennis the Menace.
-Rich McAllister
Religion
The religion shelves are bursting. Most are on subsection shelves by author. Some specials
are in stands; look for:
Little; Peacemakers in Action
Mullin; Reimagining Denominationalism
Douglass; A Nation under God
Dolan; In Search of an American Catholicism
Murray; Bridging the Sacred and the Secular
Murray; Religious Liberty
Gregg; Shared Stories, Rival Tellings
Kardec; The Gospel according to Spiritism
Abdul Ella; Prophets and Pharaohs
Meyer; Battlefield of the Bible
-Nancy Mahoney Cohen
Mitchell Park Library Store
Please remember that if you are unable to make the monthly sale or perhaps you couldn't
find the book you wanted, that the library stores are open during all library hours. In
addition to Mitchell Park there are stores at Rinconada and Downtown libraries. All of the
stores strive to have interesting books for your purchase. Our prices are comparable to
those in the Main Room.
The special on the Mitchell Park kiosk this month is Science and it is always very popular.
The special is restocked every day except Sunday and this month we have a very large and
diverse selection of Science books available for purchase. A big thanks to the Science
Section Manager, Edwin.
We also have a new addition to our CD section that we're calling "Assorted". It features
popular individual and groups, that we have not had in our inventory until now. Check it
out.
We sell blank cards for those of you who want something more personal than an email or
want to preserve the tradition of a handwritten communication. Our card selection is very
varied and they are available in packets ranging from one to four cards. The prices of cards
in most retail establishments have skyrocketed and our cards are a real bargain in
comparison.
If you are participating in the Summer Reading Program a reminder that the stores accept
"BookBucks."
-Suzanne Little, Manager
Sociology/Anthropology
The 616 books featured by the Sociology/Anthropology section form an impressive
collection on sociology, anthropology, archaeology, race, culture, politics, and social
theory. They cover topics such as inequality, identity, colonialism, globalization, cultural
diversity, and research methods, alongside classic works by influential thinkers. Together,
they provide a broad overview of how societies function, how cultures develop, and how
historical and contemporary issues shape human life. The shelves include both introductory
texts for students and advanced academic works, making them valuable for anyone
interested in understanding people and societies from different perspectives.
Two particularly notable books are The Wretched of the Earth by Frantz Fanon and Frame
Analysis by Erving Goffman. Published in 1961, The Wretched of the Earth is a landmark
work in postcolonial studies. Fanon, a Martinique-born psychiatrist and anti-colonial writer,
explored the psychological and political effects of colonialism and argued for national
liberation. Frame Analysis (1974) is one of Goffman's most influential books. Goffman, a
Canadian sociologist, examined how people interpret everyday experiences through
'frames'--mental structures that help us organize and understand social reality. His work
remains highly influential in sociology, psychology, and communication studies.
Bargain Room
Sections in The Bargain Room that are Full and/or OverFull: Vinyl & CDs, Children's: every
shelf filled!, Art, Science, Mystery, Cooking, Foreign Language, Games and Puzzles,
Reference, Romance, Fiction, Essays, Religion, DVDs & other Media, Psych, Self Help, Sex
& Gender, Sheet Music, Magazines/Maps/Ephemera, Travel, Vintage, Computers, Health &
Medicine. Is that all of the Sections? (To be fair, Judaica and the exercise DVD shelf are not
full.)
-The Boogie Woogie Frugal Boy From Company B
Donations
We accept donations on Monday through Friday from 3-5 pm in the Main Room, and on
Saturday with extended hours from 1-5 pm. But we close to donations in the week before
the sale so that we can prepare the Main Room for the sale, which means that we are
closed for donations from Sunday July 5 through Sunday July 12. Please hold your
donations until Monday July 13.
Please read our donation guidelines before you bring materials to us. Also look at that page
if you need to bring us a donation larger than six boxes or outside our usual donation
times, it has information on scheduling appointments and requesting a pickup.
In addition to books, vinyl, DVDs, CDs, toys, etc. We now accept the following types of
donations:
Cameras
Tools
Watches
Clocks
Typewriters
See our full list of accepted donations at fopal.org/donate.
Suggestions?
We're always eager to hear your suggestions for ways to improve our book sale. Please
email us at suggestions@friendspaloaltolib.org.
This notice comes to you from the non-profit organization Friends of the Palo Alto Library. No trees were
felled in the making of this e-mail. Visit our web site. Become a member by joining online.
Be sure to receive your own free copy of this e-mail notice so that you'll know about all special upcoming
books sales. To sign up, just e-mail us. We carefully protect the privacy of your e-mail address. We will not
share your e-mail address with any other organization and we will not use it for any purpose other than to
send you these notices. If you do not wish to receive these e-mail notices in the future, please reply with
the words "Remove Me" in the first line of the text.
From:Jo Ann Mandinach
To:Robert Marinaro
Cc:Council, City; Veenker, Vicki; Stone, Greer; Lauing, Ed; Lythcott-Haims, Julie; Reckdahl, Keith; Burt, Patrick; Lu,
George; Shikada, Ed; Bulatao, Eric; Lindsey, Stephen; Nick Marinaro; Jennifer Kain; Roger Smith; Peter Xu; Loren
Brown; Dana Dahlstrom; Ceci Kettendorf; Chris Berg; Taly Katz; Barry Katz; Nancy Ellickson; John Schafer;
Jeanette Baldwin; Alina Martinez; Micah Murphy; Danielle Dunne; David Famero; Carly Lake; Sandy Freschi; T
Bullman; Dave Stellman; Dave Stellman; Steve Wong; Marguerite Poyatos; Manu Kumar; Lydia Kou; Patrick
Kelly; Osbaldo Romero; Bryna Chang; Xenia Czisch; Bill McLane; Ramon Moreno; Lester Wong; Cathi Lerch; Maor
Greenberg; Moffatt, Pete; Jacob Hakmo; David Perez; Nancy Powers; Dan McKinley; John Lerch; Stacey Tomson;
CMEI Wong; DMA Wong; Jin Wong; Maggie Madlangbayan; K Norris; Elidia Tafoya; Scott Hayes; Victor Sloan;
John Seltzer; Kandace Kopensky; Moiz Sonasath; Peter Longanecker; Karsyn Smith Development; Raphael
Zahnd; Riley Cooke; Pigman, Sophie; Baird, Nathan; Palo Alto Daily Post; Gennady Sheyner; Louis Hsiao; Ann
Lafargue Balin; Annette Ross; Mary Gallagher; Maury Green; Terry Holzemer; Joseph Hirsch; Ben Lerner; Greg
Schmid (external); Suzanne Keehn; William Ross; Ron Chun; Arthur Keller; Jeff Levinsky; Becky Sanders; Chip
Wytmar; Sharon Elliot; McDonough, Melissa; Janet Hartley; Charlie Weidanz; Kevin Mayer; Boris Folsch; Margaret
Abe-Koga; Ian Halker; Richard Willits; Heather Brownlee; Ken Brownlee; Robin Holbrook; Cassandra Paige; Brad
Watson; Alisa Pendicini; Ron Ellickson; Gaines, Chantal; Titan (Zhengtian) Gu; Stephanie Wansek; Penny
Brennan; Taryn Sanford; Maia Harris; Sayuri Kabutogi; Bernadette Zimmerman; Doreen Chew; Kshama Jirage;
Jenni Simon; Subadhra Arunasalam; Robert Russell; Doug Bacon; Chuan Wang; Shchopra; Al Dorsky; Phil
Wettersten; Ann Wettersten; Todd Jin; Emily Emily; Daryl Savage; Anil Rachakonda; Linda Vanderhule; Adriana
Hernandez; Stuart Kreitman; Scott Petersen; Alex Smelik; fred@bockmann.com; Jsydow@comcast.net; Deborah
j Marinaro; Summa, Doria; Boyd Smith; Lund Smith; Milan Milan; Elliott Lee; Robert Berkovich; Letizia Rodriguez;
Brennan Pang; Eggleston, Brad; Rius, Rafael; Lo, Ria; Andrade, Alex; Bob Kennis; Shani Kleinhaus; Peggy
(Margaret) Christiansen; Martin Cuyegkeng; Julia Sun; Aki Hirsa; Colin Swindells
Subject:Re: Contaminated Recycle - XXX Industrial Ave - - OSV Impacts is Graphic Detail
Date:Friday, July 10, 2026 2:11:51 PM
Attachments:IMG_4842.png
image.png
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
!
Grab a copy of today's (Friday's) Daily Post re the front page article entitled
City worried it'll lose income
From taxes due to RV complaints
"Mountain View city officials are worries about losing property taxes because of
an influx of RV dwellers.
Property owners in areas with a concentration of RV dwellers have appealed
$2.4 million in property tax bills to Santa Clara County Assessor Neysa Fligor,
according to a city memo.
"While the outcome of any individual appeal is uncertain, the number and value
of pending appeals provide an indication of property owners' concerns regarding
property valuation and market conditions in these areas," Assistant City Manager
This message could be suspicious
The sender's email address couldn't be verified.
Mark Safe Report
Audrey Seymour said in a June 22 memo for Mountain View City Council."...
On Tue, Jul 7, 2026 at 5:17 PM Robert Marinaro <rmarinaro@mac.com> wrote:
Dear Palo Alto City Leadership - Who Have the Ability to Fix the OSV Crisis in Our City,
I know this is not the usual OSV biweekly count that I usually send to you, but nonetheless I
think this message is equally important.
As I have talked with, and continue to talk to, the many residents and businesses in our
community I have been told of the many impacts to the community. The below e-mail from
GreenWaste of Palo Alto to one of the businesses on Industrial Ave. is not an isolated
incident. I have been told it happens all too often, but I have never had documentation.
When I saw this I’m thinking should I send this to the City Council, should I include the
many residents and businesses on my cc: list, and decided, Heck Yeah! The people who
have the ability to fix this disgusting situation need to know about this, up close and
personal, because these unfortunate occurrences need to stop. You have a responsibility to
do whatever you can to improve all the conditions in Palo Alto, not just the one you see out
your front door.
Respectfully,
Bob Marinaro
Begin forwarded message:
From: xxx
Subject: Re: Contaminated Recycle - 927 Industrial Ave
Date: July 7, 2026 at 2:45:22 PM PDT
To: Lucia Marquez <Lucia.Marquez@greenwaste.com>
Cc: Robert Marinaro <rmarinaro@mac.com>
Reply from the business owner:
I saw your note on there this morning and I removed it, but please note that this
wasn’t from us. We know how to sort our trash and recycling.
The bins are left out overnight and there are lots of RVs in this area who dump
stuff into our bins.
We and up doing the dirty work of cleaning the stuff up even when we didn’t
cause the problem and the city won’t do anything about the RVs.
Lucia Marquez
GreenWaste of Palo Alto | Environmental Outreach Coordinator
Office (650) 798-5987 | Mobile (408) 529-5390
2765 Lafayette St, Santa Clara, CA 95050
www.greenwaste.com
Warm regards,xxx
On Tue, Jul 7, 2026 at 2:17 PM Lucia Marquez
<Lucia.Marquez@greenwaste.com> wrote:
Good afternoon,
I hope this email finds you well. My name is Lucia and I am the Outreach
Coordinator with GreenWaste of Palo Alto. I am reaching out to inform you
that our driver was unable to service the 96 gallon blue recycle cart this
morning at the address xxx Industrial Ave due to contamination. The cart was
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From:Humphrey, Sonia
Cc:LAFCO
Subject:Notice of Cancellation - August 5, 2026 LAFCO Meeting
Date:Friday, July 10, 2026 11:10:16 AM
Attachments:August 2026 - Notice of Cancellation..pdf
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
i
Please see the attached Notice of Cancellation for the August 5, 2026 LAFCO Meeting.
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.
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PAGE 1 OF 1
NOTICE OF CANCELLATION
LAFCO MEETING – AUGUST 5, 2026
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the regular meeting of the Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) of Santa Clara County scheduled for August 5, 2026, at 1:15 PM has been CANCELLED by order of the LAFCO Chairperson. The next regular meeting of LAFCO will be held on October 7, 2026 at 1:15 PM in the Board of Supervisors Chambers, 70 West Hedding Street, San Jose.
___________________________________________ Sonia Humphrey, LAFCO Clerk July 10, 2026
Docusign Envelope ID: EC366DFF-E7FE-8791-8397-9AE63FD174C6
From:Kirby, Lachlan
To:Council, City
Subject:Palo Alto-raised college student biking 3,000 miles solo across the Southern US for community engagement
Date:Friday, July 10, 2026 10:38:09 AM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
i
Dear Palo Alto City Council members,
I hope you are doing well!
My name is Lachlan Kirby—I’m a varsity swimmer, EMT, and 988 crisis counselor
studying Public Health at Brown University. Right now I’m doing a community project that
I think could really resonate with the Palo Alto and Bay Area community, and I would love
to be connected with any news sources, organizations, or individuals you think may be
moved by this!
Right now, I’m in Eagle Pass, Texas, 1,682 miles into a community-engaged cross-country
bike ride from St. Augustine, FL, to San Diego, CA. I am doing this ride for Southern
community engagement and service, while observing and documenting firsthand how
communities support each other and create safe spaces in the face of adversity. I’m working
closely and spending two weeks with three nonprofits along my route: one on LGBTQ+
community care in MS, one on community health equity right on the border in TX, and one
on mental health support and substance use harm reduction in NM. I finished my time in
MS a couple weeks ago and arrived at the second nonprofit over a week ago! The ride here
was tumultuous - aggressive dog chases, major storms, mechanical failures - but I’ve still
maintained an average of 84 miles per day, have played music at 7 nursing homes, and
raised $16,000 for the organizations I’m spending time with.
I also recently spent four days as a member of the medical team on a Japanese American
pilgrimage from the location of a former WWII internment camp to a current detention
center (both in South-Central Texas). It was run by a group of survivors from the internment
camps in WWII who see history repeating itself and want to make a difference. It was such
a gift to be there!
This project is doubling as a research effort—into how under-resourced communities create
care networks where formal systems struggle. I’m conducting semi-structured qualitative
interviews with the goal of writing a research paper about these communities.
My time with the only LGBTQ+ community center in Mississippi was deeply impactful—
seeing disparities in real-time, seeing the impact small, resilient groups of people make
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every day, experiencing so much kindness from strangers—all of it. And while my journey
working with a nurse practitioner and organizing public health efforts a mile from the border
is only just beginning, it has already been incredibly moving. I went into Mexico the other
day to deliver food to a migrant shelter and listened to their stories. I spoke at a city council
meeting to try to pressure the city not to sign a lease allowing toxic barrier buoys to the Rio
Grande, and they agreed! And next week I am planning a diabetes and nutrition community
event with my donations.
Why this is relevant locally news: I grew up in Palo Alto, my parents and younger siblings
still live in Palo, many donors have been from Palo Alto, I’m still very involved with my
club swim team (PASA at Rinconada pool), and visit home frequently. I’m hosting a
community event in this community after the ride is over too. I want to bring the
engagement I’ve done across the South to my own community! I would really appreciate it
if you could help me spread the love.
Relevant links:
Nonprofit information/fundraising →https://linktr.ee/crosscountry26
Instagram with daily posts and updates
→https://www.instagram.com/lach.bikes/
Substack with written reflections →lachbikes.substack.com
Thank you so much!
Best,
Lachlan
From:Xiaoqing Ma
To:EnjoyOnline; Parks
Cc:Council, City
Subject:Request for Gate Lock at [Garden Name] Community Garden — Repeated Theft, Trespassing & Escalating Safety Concerns
Date:Thursday, July 9, 2026 10:46:30 PM
Attachments:Video.mov
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links.
Dear Community Services Department and City Officials,
My name is Michelle Ma, and I am a plot renter at the Rinconada Community Garden. I am writing to formally request the installation of a locking system on the garden's main gate, as persistent and escalating
trespassing, crop theft, and crop destruction have created growing safety risks for garden tenants.
This request is not intended to exclude the public from the garden's educational and community purpose, but to ensure managed access so the garden remains safe, usable, and sustainable for everyone.
THIS PROGRAM IS WORTH PROTECTING
None of us garden out of necessity — we garden for the joy of it. The City's own program catalog is fittingly named "Enjoy!", and that is exactly what this garden delivers: exercise, fresh air, quiet focus, and genuine
community, just like the City's pottery studios and art classes. It is part of what makes Palo Alto unique, and we are proud to be part of it. Demand for plots remains strong. We are writing precisely because we want this
program to thrive for years to come; the problem is not the garden, but its unsecured gate.
THE SITUATION IS ESCALATING
This problem is not new. Theft at the garden began years ago and has grown noticeably worse each year. In recent weeks, however, it has crossed a line: gardeners in our 75-member tenant group chat now report
missing or destroyed crops almost daily, and the behavior has become openly brazen:
1. Trespassers harvest and remove tenants' produce in broad daylight, even while gardeners are present. When asked to stop, they refuse to leave until we threaten to call the police. One gardener was told, verbatim, that
we "should be happy they picked" our vegetables.
2. Some arrive equipped with cutting tools. Entire rows of crops have been cut down cleanly with scissors; a mature eggplant plant was severed at the stem. This is deliberate, equipped intrusion, not casual picking.
3. Confrontations are becoming more frequent and more heated. Many of our gardeners are seniors. With intruders carrying cutting tools and gardeners routinely using metal implements, I am concerned that continued
confrontations could eventually lead to physical injury on City property.
WHY THIS MATTERS TO THE CITY — BEYOND THE GARDENERS
Police resources: Each incident creates an avoidable call for service, and repeated incidents require City and police attention that could be reduced through controlled access. Controlled access is also the most basic,
proven crime-prevention principle (CPTED) — the same one the City already applies when it locks pools, gyms, and community facilities after hours. The garden is currently the exception.
Neighborhood safety: An unsecured site that reliably offers free produce draws repeat trespassers into a residential neighborhood. Neighbors have witnessed these incidents, and a site that so predictably attracts
opportunistic visitors affects the security and peace of the surrounding homes, not just the garden.
Program viability: For years, many of us harvested more than we needed and shared the surplus with neighbors and friends — our own way of building a stronger community, and something we were deeply proud of.
We have never minded giving our vegetables away; there is a world of difference between sharing freely and having crops taken or destroyed by strangers. Today, after wave upon wave of theft, there is often little left
to harvest, let alone to share.
What theft destroys here is not measured in dollars — it is months of patient care and the very enjoyment this program exists to provide. Each stolen harvest is a negation of a gardener's labor and a betrayal of what a
community garden is meant to be. No one would accept a City pottery studio where strangers walk in and take or smash finished work; that is
what gardeners now experience. As fee-paying plot renters, we have a reasonable expectation of enjoying the plots we pay for. If this continues unchecked, tenants will give up their plots and the program the City has
invested in will decline. A gate lock is the difference between a program that quietly loses its gardeners and one that keeps serving residents for decades.
City exposure: Through this letter and its attachments, the City is now being formally notified of a years-long, escalating pattern that now involves intruders with cutting tools on City property. Acting early with a
modest preventive measure is far less costly — in every sense — than responding after an injury or serious altercation occurs.
NEIGHBORING CITIES ALREADY DO THIS
- Sunnyvale — Charles Street Gardens, on City land adjacent to the Civic Center, keeps its gates locked whenever no gardener is present, explicitly because of past vandalism. Locking the gate on entry and exit is
written into every gardener's bed agreement, while the garden maintains free public classes and open events. (See charlesstreetgardens.org.)
- Mountain View — the City's own community gardens (Willowgate, Latham, Senior Garden) operate with gated access limited to registered plot holders.
Both cities balance restricted access with public benefit. I propose the same for Palo Alto.
PROPOSED SOLUTION
1. A City-standard combination or electronic lock on the main gate, with codes issued only to registered, fee-paying plot renters.
2. Emergency access fully preserved: a Knox Box or master emergency code for Fire, EMS, Police, and Parks staff, ensuring 24-hour unobstructed entry.
3. Regular public open days (e.g., monthly) so the garden continues to serve its community education mission.
4. Garden volunteers can assist with day-to-day code coordination, minimizing additional burden on City staff.
If the City has concerns about long-term implementation, I would welcome a pilot locking program for 3–6 months, followed by a review of results.
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION
Attached are date-stamped photos of crops cut down with scissors and plots stripped of produce, a video of trespassers openly picking produce among the plots, tenant group-chat records documenting the recurring
incidents, and a brief incident timeline. Names and photos in the screenshots have been redacted to protect fellow gardeners' privacy. Full records are available upon request.
I would appreciate confirmation of receipt and guidance on next steps within 10 business days, and would welcome a meeting or site visit at your convenience.
Sincerely,
Michelle Ma
Plot renter, Rinconada Community Garden
From:Aram James
To:Reckdahl, Keith; Jessica Speiser, Educational Leader for California Democratic Delegate, Assembly District 23;
Lauing, Ed; Nash, Betsy; GRP-City Council; city.council@gilroy.org; citycouncil@mountainview.gov; Lythcott-
Haims, Julie; city.council@menlopark.gov; Vicki Veenker; Diana Diamond; Braden Cartwright; Emily Mibach;
Roberta Ahlquist
Cc:Rosen, Jeff; Jay Boyarsky; Supervisor Otto Lee; Supervisor Susan Ellenberg; Supervisor Betty Duong;
district1@bos.sccgov.org; Sean Allen; Carla Torres; District5@bos.sccgov.org; District3@sanjoseca.gov; Council,
City; Friends of Cubberley; james pitkin; Reifschneider, James; Shikada, Ed; Ruth Silver Taube; Dave Price;
Gennady Sheyner; jgreen@dailynewsgroup.com; Brandon Pho; Bill Newell
Subject:More Jewish Americans approve of NYC Mayor Mamdani than Israeli PM Netanyahu: poll – The Mercury News
Date:Thursday, July 9, 2026 8:39:45 AM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
https://www.nydailynews.com/2026/07/08/more-jewish-americans-approve-of-nyc-mayor-
mamdani-than-israeli-pm-netanyahu-poll/
From:Aram James
To:Jessica Speiser, Educational Leader for California Democratic Delegate, Assembly District 23; Lauing, Ed;
marc.berman@cityofpaloalto.com; Josh Becker; Jay Boyarsky; Jeff Hayden; Rosen, Jeff; Lythcott-Haims, Julie;
Veenker, Vicki; Reckdahl, Keith; CityCouncil; city.council@gilroy.org; PD Kristina Bell; Nash, Betsy; GRP-City
Council; Council, City; citycouncil@mountainview.gov; Supervisor Susan Ellenberg; Supervisor Otto Lee;
Supervisor Betty Duong; district1@bos.sccgov.org; District5@bos.sccgov.org; Shikada, Ed; Ruth Silver Taube;
Sean Allen; Braden Cartwright
Subject:Rahm Emanuel warns that Israel has become a ‘territorial pariah’ in a blistering speech – The Mercury News
Date:Thursday, July 9, 2026 8:33:32 AM
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https://www.mercurynews.com/2026/07/09/rahm-emanuel-warns-that-israel-has-become-a-
territorial-pariah-in-a-blistering-speech/
From:Matthew Bryant
To:Anupa Bajwa
Cc:Jason Robinson; Council, City; David Adams; Jeff Levinsky; Pepper-Olive Residents; Rebecca Sanders; David
Adams; Marvin Jing Woo; Candy Tsourounis; Shirley Yeh; jieming lin
Subject:Re: [peplive] 2951
Date:Thursday, July 9, 2026 7:11:37 AM
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i
Anupa,
Thank you! Unfortunately the commissioners did pass a new motion to send this application to
City Council to decide. Therefore, it is not over. They plan to bring to the agenda by
September 12.
Best regards,
Matt
On Jul 8, 2026, at 7:40 PM, Anupa Bajwa <anupabajwa@gmail.com> wrote:
Split vote 3-3. Motion to rezone did not pass. It will not go to council, as is, for
further processing.
Thank you for coordinating this, Matt!
Anupa
On Mon, Jul 6, 2026, 10:17 AM Matthew Bryant <vacationmatt@yahoo.com>
wrote:
Hi Jason and everyone included on this note,
Thank you for your input. I plan to submit a version of this letter to the City
Council (city.council@paloalto.gov ) and Emily Kallas
(emily.kallas@paloalto.gov) on the PTC. Also, it would be great to get
everyone to show up or call into the PTC meeting on Wednesday, 8Jul26 at
6pm to reject this rezoning of 470 Olive Ave.
As a reminder, the newly adopted NVCAP continues to include 470 Pepper Ave
This message needs your attention
This is a personal email address.
Mark Safe Report
Powered by Mimecast
(https://www.paloalto.gov/files/assets/public/v/2/planning-amp-development-
services/north-ventura-cap/nvcap-reports/adopted_nvcap_8_26_24.pdf).
Best regards,
Matt
On Jul 1, 2026, at 12:18 AM, Jason Robinson
<robinson.jason.c@gmail.com> wrote:
Matt, David,
Thanks for your notes.
I'll send an email shortly. See below. My argument is to consider it
holistically. These projects typically involve piecemeal
considerations and multiple variances. The impact may be larger.
More housing is fine, but planning is paramount.
Matt -- In the past, some noted that operating a commercial
business in earnest on residentially-zoned property allegedly
violates Palo Alto code and incurs a $1,000 daily fine. $365k/year.
That may not be covered by the plans.
SUBJECT: PUBLIC COMMENT Re: Piecemeal Rezoning (470
Olive Ave / 2951 El Camino Real Corridor) -- Cumulative
Infrastructure Impact Concerns
BODY:
Dear Mayor, Council Members, and Commissioners,
We are writing to express clear and pressing concerns regarding the
proposed rezoning of 470 Olive Ave and 2951 El Camino Real
from R-1 to a higher-density mixed-use designation.
We also note that this topic has come up before, and it didn't
proceed for reasons: [e.g.,
https://www.paloalto.gov/files/assets/public/v/1/agendas-minutes-
reports/agendas-minutes/planning-and-transportation-
commission/2019-agendas-minutes-and-staff-reports/ptc-12.11.19-
470-olive.pdf ].
While everyone understands the state-mandated pressure to fulfill
the Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA), approving this
rezoning without a holistic, corridor-wide cumulative impact
analysis introduces massive safety and infrastructure liabilities
to Ventura and surrounding neighborhoods.
The current planning approach evaluates this block entirely in a
piecemeal fashion (i.e., each project's study typically concludes that
their specific project alone won't significantly degrade the
surrounding intersection to a point of total failure), creating a
dangerous blind spot regarding localized gridlock:
Compounding Localized Density: This specific stretch of
El Camino Real (SR 82) will bear the weight of multiple
massive redevelopments, including the 368-unit project at the
former Fish Market/McDonald’s site, the 5-story 129-unit
housing development at the former Mike’s Bikes site, and
another 113 units at 2951 El Camino / 470 Olive. And what
happens when the Fry's site blossoms? This combination
obviously risks overwhelming this single micro-corridor,
therefore, development must proceed with care to prevent
expensive mistakes.
The Page Mill Bottleneck: The intersection of Page Mill
Road and El Camino Real is currently being reconfigured
after the permanent redesign to remove street parking and
accommodate bike lanes. Backups at that intersection are
commonplace. Combined with eliminating the right-on-red
option, this actively reduces vehicular lane capacity and
impacts business and neighborhood parking. Traffic spills
into the arteries. The Page Mill crosswalk in front of Ash is
more dangerous with increased traffic. Time will tell whether
the new reconfiguration mitigates these issues.
Gridlock of Neighborhood Side-Streets: Because 470
Olive Ave connects to El Camino Real via an un-signaled
stop sign on the side street, the compounding traffic from
these projects can effectively trap neighborhood residents.
When El Camino backs up due to the restricted Page Mill
intersection, turning left into or out of Olive Avenue
becomes physically impossible and creates a severe hazard
for emergency vehicle access.
Our Request to the Council and Commission:
We urge you to conduct a sober, realistic Cumulative Traffic and
Safety Infrastructure Study that explicitly evaluates the
combined impact of the Fish Market/McDonald's site, the Mike’s
Bikes site, 2951 El Camino/470 Olive, the old Fry's site, and other
projects within a reasonable (e.g., 0.75-mi) radius working in
tandem against the reduced road capacity from the new El
Camino/Page Mill configuration including the wholesale removal
of street parking.
The study may not be free, but it would likely be much cheaper
than fixing the resulting mistakes later.
Palo Alto plays a dangerous game by continuing to approve
massive, isolated density increases block-by-block while actively
dismantling the very road infrastructure meant to support them.
Thank you for your time and consideration of Palo Alto's
neighborhoods' long-term safety and efficient transportation.
Regards,
...
cc: Becky
Jason
On Tue, Jun 30, 2026 at 7:11 PM David Adams
<david_94306@yahoo.com> wrote:
+ Pepper/Olive residents some of whom live at that end.
Does anyone have a good case against this rezoning? With what's been
going on around here it would seem the forces are against us.
Regards
David
On Tuesday, June 30, 2026 at 06:22:46 PM PDT, Matthew Bryant
<vacationmatt@yahoo.com> wrote:
<image0.jpeg>
Need your help again to stop 470 Olive Ave rezoning . We have mixed
use on both ends of our blocks. Help preserve the few R1 single family
homes we have left.
Best regards,
Matt
Sent from Outer Space
On May 6, 2023, at 19:08, Matthew Bryant
<vacationmatt@yahoo.com> wrote:
Turns out that the Acclaim Property did buy 2951. They are going to
renovate it and turn into commercial. It’s up for soft sale if anyone is
interested (not listed but shopping it around).
The fish house project is a Stanford collaboration includes McDonald’s.
The vet (now bmnt) pulled out of the old 2951 plan, and it is done.
I talked with Lydia Kou at the May fête parade today. I thanked her for
promoting bikes and asked her to help out the NVCAP. I said the building
heights are too tall and she agreed. She said she is looking out for
Venturans!
Cheers,
Sent from Outer Space
On May 6, 2023, at 17:04, Jeff Levinsky
<jeff@levinsky.org> wrote:
There's no new project submitted for that address. See
https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/Departments/Planning-Development-
Services/Current-Planning/Projects/2951-El-Camino-Real, but what's
there is the 2020 project that didn't go forward. We were told the
developer and the four different owners back then couldn't agree on
things. That developer opted instead to work on the Fish Market project
on the other side of El Camino.
2951 El Camino's last transfer date was in 2017 per the County. See
attached assessment.
Of course, the various owners can always launch a new effort to build
something there and it could be much bigger than the prior plans, thanks
to state laws.
----- Original Message -----
From: Matthew Bryant
To: Rebecca Sanders
Cc: David Adams ; Anupa Bajwa ; Marvin & Jing Woo ; Candy
Tsourounis ; Shirley Yeh ; Jeff Levinsky ; robinson.jason.c@gmail.com
Sent: Friday, May 5, 2023 10:20 AM
Subject: 2951
On another note, the Akins auto body is moving out of 2951 El Camino
Real (at Pepper Ave).
I think the property was sold in 2022 and the new owner raised the rent
on Akins. Akins has decided to move out by May 20.
Today, I noticed three well-dressed individuals walking around the
2951 property and looking longingly at its future. I wonder if these are
real estate developers looking to build another high-rise
commercial/residential like Acclaim Properties proposed a few years
ago.
Does Jeff Levinsky or anybody know anything about 2951 ECR? I tried
to find information about a property sale online.
Best regards,
Matt
471 Pepper Ave
On May 1, 2023, at 7:13 PM, Rebecca Sanders
<rebsanders@gmail.com> wrote:
Dear David and Matt:
I am cc'ing Anupa, since she is right there. Is there
anyone else that should be on this thread? I emailed Jeff
Levinsky about this massive building being grossly
under-parked. He was aware of it. You guys know him,
right. He's PAN's land use guru and super helpful when it
comes to reading zoning laws.
Jeff Levinsky says it would really help if neighbors wrote
letters or better yet spoke at the ARB meeting Thursday.
Neighbors rarely show up and when they do, ARB tends
to listen.
Here's some other stuff he said to me. I hope this helps:
"The overview suggests the project is using its full count
of four exemptions under SB 330. I think that leaves
them still subject to our other rules that protect
sight-lines into neighboring properties and require
screening, plantings, and things like that. I'd
recommend the neighbors go to the ARB and ask for
every bit of that -- and the project should have to
provide it as it has no exemptions left. That might
give some relief.
'A more sophisticated argument is that the state parking
exemptions don't apply if a city can show it would create
safety problems. Normally the City had to be prepared to
make such an argument, but neighbors might hire a
lawyer to help pursue that. At a minimum, they could
certainly mock the developer's attempt to take over the
street for its own parking."
I also asked Jeff about whether it will automatically go to
Council. He's not sure. Various rules generally require
PTC and Council meetings for large projects, even if
using SB 330. But if it doesn't go to Council, it can be
appealed to the Council, although the SB 330 limit on
five meetings may create problems and the Council
may not be able to overturn anything unless it relates to
compliance with objective standards. This Thursday's
meeting is the third hearing for this project.
Jeff's see one can explicitly appeal per 18.15.090(d) for
the density bonus aspects. (I haven't look it up.) More
direct quotes from Jeff:
"The ARB staff report claims the project is subject neither
to the new objective standards protecting neighbors nor
the older ones if they're not objective. I can't see it
hurting the neighbors to ask for anything they feel would
help...The City could have objected to the massive
parking reduction, but opted not to. The City definitely
does not have to grant any special rights to the building
for street parking, of course."
By the way,Charities Housing is run by a 501(c)3 non-
profit, so it could well stay low income forever. If they
eventually sell, the funds they raise would have to be
used for something else consistent with their non-profit
charter.
Anyway, does anyone over there have a plan to go to the
ARB? I'm happy to lend my voice to yours. Is there any
one else we can muster?
Best to all,
Becky
<2951 El Camino Assessment.pdf>
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m.
<image0.jpeg><image0.jpeg>
From:Matthew Bryant
To:Jason Robinson; Council, City
Cc:David Adams; Jeff Levinsky; peplive-residents@googlegroups.com; Rebecca Sanders; David Adams; Anupa
Bajwa; Marvin Jing Woo; Candy Tsourounis; Shirley Yeh; jieming lin
Subject:Re: 2951 ECR and 470 Olive Ave
Date:Thursday, July 9, 2026 7:09:39 AM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
i
Good morning,
The Planning Commission was split last night (3-3) regarding the rezoning of 470 Olive Ave.
Therefore, the recommendation by the housing staff to allow the rezone from RH-1 to MXM
did not pass. However, they did pass a motion to forward to the City Council to decide the
outcome.
Overall, it was a bad outcome. The planning commissioners wanted one thing = more housing.
They described our Ventura neighborhood as ugly with various unkept structures (which don’t
look like single family homes) like the brick box at 470 Olive Ave.
Overall, the commissioners felt bad for the applicant, Thomas Agramonte and family, because
they have been trying to convert to commercial use since 1978. The Agramonte family had 15
minutes to present their case application. During that time, they made false statements such as
contaminated groundwater is no good for a RH-1 and that the structure at 2951 El Camino
Real is connected to 470 Olive Ave (it is clear they are two separate buildings). They have
tried to rezone on numerous occasions and the response was NO, why is this okay today?
I was the only person present in the chambers to represent Ventura neighborhood and the spirit
of the NVCAP. We are going to need a big turnout of Ventura neighbors for the upcoming
City Council meeting and a good letter writing campaign beginning today.
Best regards,
Matt
471 Pepper Ave
415-846-1239
On Jul 6, 2026, at 10:17 AM, Matthew Bryant <vacationmatt@yahoo.com>
wrote:
Hi Jason and everyone included on this note,
This message needs your attention
This is a personal email address.
Mark Safe Report
Powered by Mimecast
Thank you for your input. I plan to submit a version of this letter to the City
Council (city.council@paloalto.gov ) and Emily Kallas
(emily.kallas@paloalto.gov) on the PTC. Also, it would be great to get everyone
to show up or call into the PTC meeting on Wednesday, 8Jul26 at 6pm to reject
this rezoning of 470 Olive Ave.
As a reminder, the newly adopted NVCAP continues to include 470 Pepper Ave
as part of the R-1 zoning
(https://www.paloalto.gov/files/assets/public/v/2/planning-amp-development-
services/north-ventura-cap/nvcap-reports/adopted_nvcap_8_26_24.pdf).
Best regards,
Matt
On Jul 1, 2026, at 12:18 AM, Jason Robinson
<robinson.jason.c@gmail.com> wrote:
Matt, David,
Thanks for your notes.
I'll send an email shortly. See below. My argument is to consider it
holistically. These projects typically involve piecemeal
considerations and multiple variances. The impact may be larger.
More housing is fine, but planning is paramount.
Matt -- In the past, some noted that operating a commercial business
in earnest on residentially-zoned property allegedly violates Palo Alto
code and incurs a $1,000 daily fine. $365k/year. That may not be
covered by the plans.
SUBJECT: PUBLIC COMMENT Re: Piecemeal Rezoning (470
Olive Ave / 2951 El Camino Real Corridor) -- Cumulative
Infrastructure Impact Concerns
BODY:
Dear Mayor, Council Members, and Commissioners,
We are writing to express clear and pressing concerns regarding the
proposed rezoning of 470 Olive Ave and 2951 El Camino Real from
R-1 to a higher-density mixed-use designation.
We also note that this topic has come up before, and it didn't proceed
for reasons: [e.g.,
https://www.paloalto.gov/files/assets/public/v/1/agendas-minutes-
reports/agendas-minutes/planning-and-transportation-
commission/2019-agendas-minutes-and-staff-reports/ptc-12.11.19-
470-olive.pdf ].
While everyone understands the state-mandated pressure to fulfill the
Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA), approving this
rezoning without a holistic, corridor-wide cumulative impact analysis
introduces massive safety and infrastructure liabilities to Ventura
and surrounding neighborhoods.
The current planning approach evaluates this block entirely in a
piecemeal fashion (i.e., each project's study typically concludes that
their specific project alone won't significantly degrade the
surrounding intersection to a point of total failure), creating a
dangerous blind spot regarding localized gridlock:
Compounding Localized Density: This specific stretch of El
Camino Real (SR 82) will bear the weight of multiple massive
redevelopments, including the 368-unit project at the former
Fish Market/McDonald’s site, the 5-story 129-unit housing
development at the former Mike’s Bikes site, and another 113
units at 2951 El Camino / 470 Olive. And what happens when
the Fry's site blossoms? This combination obviously risks
overwhelming this single micro-corridor, therefore,
development must proceed with care to prevent expensive
mistakes.
The Page Mill Bottleneck: The intersection of Page Mill Road
and El Camino Real is currently being reconfigured after the
permanent redesign to remove street parking and accommodate
bike lanes. Backups at that intersection are commonplace.
Combined with eliminating the right-on-red option, this
actively reduces vehicular lane capacity and impacts business
and neighborhood parking. Traffic spills into the arteries. The
Page Mill crosswalk in front of Ash is more dangerous with
increased traffic. Time will tell whether the new
reconfiguration mitigates these issues.
Gridlock of Neighborhood Side-Streets: Because 470 Olive
Ave connects to El Camino Real via an un-signaled stop sign
on the side street, the compounding traffic from these projects
can effectively trap neighborhood residents. When El Camino
backs up due to the restricted Page Mill intersection, turning
left into or out of Olive Avenue becomes physically impossible
and creates a severe hazard for emergency vehicle access.
Our Request to the Council and Commission:
We urge you to conduct a sober, realistic Cumulative Traffic and
Safety Infrastructure Study that explicitly evaluates the combined
impact of the Fish Market/McDonald's site, the Mike’s Bikes site,
2951 El Camino/470 Olive, the old Fry's site, and other projects
within a reasonable (e.g., 0.75-mi) radius working in tandem against
the reduced road capacity from the new El Camino/Page Mill
configuration including the wholesale removal of street parking.
The study may not be free, but it would likely be much cheaper than
fixing the resulting mistakes later.
Palo Alto plays a dangerous game by continuing to approve massive,
isolated density increases block-by-block while actively dismantling
the very road infrastructure meant to support them.
Thank you for your time and consideration of Palo Alto's
neighborhoods' long-term safety and efficient transportation.
Regards,
...
cc: Becky
Jason
On Tue, Jun 30, 2026 at 7:11 PM David Adams
<david_94306@yahoo.com> wrote:
+ Pepper/Olive residents some of whom live at that end.
Does anyone have a good case against this rezoning? With what's been
going on around here it would seem the forces are against us.
Regards
David
On Tuesday, June 30, 2026 at 06:22:46 PM PDT, Matthew Bryant
<vacationmatt@yahoo.com> wrote:
<image0.jpeg>
Need your help again to stop 470 Olive Ave rezoning . We have mixed use
on both ends of our blocks. Help preserve the few R1 single family homes
we have left.
Best regards,
Matt
Sent from Outer Space
On May 6, 2023, at 19:08, Matthew Bryant
<vacationmatt@yahoo.com> wrote:
Turns out that the Acclaim Property did buy 2951. They are going to
renovate it and turn into commercial. It’s up for soft sale if anyone is
interested (not listed but shopping it around).
The fish house project is a Stanford collaboration includes McDonald’s.
I talked with Lydia Kou at the May fête parade today. I thanked her for
promoting bikes and asked her to help out the NVCAP. I said the building
heights are too tall and she agreed. She said she is looking out for
Venturans!
Cheers,
Matt
Sent from Outer Space
On May 6, 2023, at 17:04, Jeff Levinsky <jeff@levinsky.org>
wrote:
There's no new project submitted for that address. See
https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/Departments/Planning-Development-
Services/Current-Planning/Projects/2951-El-Camino-Real, but what's there
is the 2020 project that didn't go forward. We were told the developer and
the four different owners back then couldn't agree on things. That
developer opted instead to work on the Fish Market project on the other
side of El Camino.
2951 El Camino's last transfer date was in 2017 per the County. See
attached assessment.
Of course, the various owners can always launch a new effort to build
something there and it could be much bigger than the prior plans, thanks to
state laws.
----- Original Message -----
From: Matthew Bryant
To: Rebecca Sanders
Cc: David Adams ; Anupa Bajwa ; Marvin & Jing Woo ; Candy
Tsourounis ; Shirley Yeh ; Jeff Levinsky ; robinson.jason.c@gmail.com
Sent: Friday, May 5, 2023 10:20 AM
Subject: 2951
On another note, the Akins auto body is moving out of 2951 El Camino
Real (at Pepper Ave).
I think the property was sold in 2022 and the new owner raised the rent
on Akins. Akins has decided to move out by May 20.
Today, I noticed three well-dressed individuals walking around the 2951
property and looking longingly at its future. I wonder if these are real
estate developers looking to build another high-rise
commercial/residential like Acclaim Properties proposed a few years ago.
Does Jeff Levinsky or anybody know anything about 2951 ECR? I tried to
find information about a property sale online.
Best regards,
Matt
471 Pepper Ave
On May 1, 2023, at 7:13 PM, Rebecca Sanders
<rebsanders@gmail.com> wrote:
Dear David and Matt:
I am cc'ing Anupa, since she is right there. Is there anyone
else that should be on this thread? I emailed Jeff Levinsky
about this massive building being grossly under-parked. He
was aware of it. You guys know him, right. He's PAN's land
use guru and super helpful when it comes to reading
zoning laws.
Jeff Levinsky says it would really help if neighbors wrote
letters or better yet spoke at the ARB meeting Thursday.
Neighbors rarely show up and when they do, ARB tends to
listen.
Here's some other stuff he said to me. I hope this helps:
"The overview suggests the project is using its full count of
four exemptions under SB 330. I think that leaves them
still subject to our other rules that protect sight-lines
into neighboring properties and require screening,
plantings, and things like that. I'd recommend the
neighbors go to the ARB and ask for every bit of that --
and the project should have to provide it as it has no
exemptions left. That might give some relief.
'A more sophisticated argument is that the state parking
exemptions don't apply if a city can show it would create
safety problems. Normally the City had to be prepared to
make such an argument, but neighbors might hire a lawyer
to help pursue that. At a minimum, they could certainly
mock the developer's attempt to take over the street for its
own parking."
I also asked Jeff about whether it will automatically go to
Council. He's not sure. Various rules generally require PTC
and Council meetings for large projects, even if using SB
330. But if it doesn't go to Council, it can be appealed to
the Council, although the SB 330 limit on five meetings
may create problems and the Council may not be able to
overturn anything unless it relates to compliance with
objective standards. This Thursday's meeting is the third
hearing for this project.
Jeff's see one can explicitly appeal per 18.15.090(d) for the
density bonus aspects. (I haven't look it up.) More direct
quotes from Jeff:
"The ARB staff report claims the project is subject neither
to the new objective standards protecting neighbors nor the
older ones if they're not objective. I can't see it hurting the
neighbors to ask for anything they feel would help...The
City could have objected to the massive parking reduction,
but opted not to. The City definitely does not have to grant
any special rights to the building for street parking, of
course."
By the way,Charities Housing is run by a 501(c)3 non-
profit, so it could well stay low income forever. If they
eventually sell, the funds they raise would have to be used
for something else consistent with their non-profit charter.
Anyway, does anyone over there have a plan to go to the
ARB? I'm happy to lend my voice to yours. Is there any
one else we can muster?
Best to all,
Becky
<2951 El Camino Assessment.pdf>
From:Robert Marinaro
To:Council, City; Veenker, Vicki; Stone, Greer; Lauing, Ed; Lythcott-Haims, Julie; Burt, Patrick; Lu, George; Shikada, Ed
Cc:Bulatao, Eric; Lindsey, Stephen; Nick Marinaro; Jennifer Kain; Roger Smith; Peter Xu; Loren Brown; Dana Dahlstrom; Ceci Kettendorf; Chris Berg; Taly Katz; Barry Katz; Nancy Ellickson; John Schafer; Jeanette Baldwin; Alina Martinez; Micah Murphy; Danielle
Dunne; David Famero; Carly Lake; Sandy Freschi; T Bullman; Dave Stellman; Dave Stellman; Steve Wong; Marguerite Poyatos; Manu Kumar; Lydia Kou; Patrick Kelly; Osbaldo Romero; Bryna Chang; Xenia Czisch; Bill McLane; Ramon Moreno; Lester Wong; Cathi
Lerch; Maor Greenberg; Moffatt, Pete; Jacob Hakmo; David Perez; Nancy Powers; Dan McKinley; John Lerch; Stacey Tomson; CMEI Wong; DMA Wong; Jin Wong; Maggie Madlangbayan; K Norris; Elidia Tafoya; Scott Hayes; Victor Sloan; John Seltzer; Kandace
Kopensky; Moiz Sonasath; Peter Longanecker; Karsyn Smith Development; Raphael Zahnd; Riley Cooke; Pigman, Sophie; Baird, Nathan; Palo Alto Daily Post; Gennady Sheyner; Louis Hsiao; Jo Ann Mandinach; Ann Lafargue Balin; Annette Ross; Mary Gallagher;
Maury Green; Terry Holzemer; Joseph Hirsch; Ben Lerner; Greg Schmid (external); Suzanne Keehn; William Ross; Ron Chun; Arthur Keller; Jeff Levinsky; Becky Sanders; Chip Wytmar; Sharon Elliot; McDonough, Melissa; Janet Hartley; Charlie Weidanz; Kevin
Mayer; Boris Folsch; Margaret Abe-Koga; Ian Halker; Richard Willits; Heather Brownlee; Ken Brownlee; Robin Holbrook; Cassandra Paige; Brad Watson; Alisa Pendicini; Ron Ellickson; Gaines, Chantal; Titan (Zhengtian) Gu; Stephanie Wansek; Penny Brennan;
Taryn Sanford; Maia Harris; Sayuri Kabutogi; Bernadette Zimmerman; Doreen Chew; Kshama Jirage; Jenni Simon; Subadhra Arunasalam; Robert Russell; Doug Bacon; Chuan Wang; Shchopra; Al Dorsky; Phil Wettersten; Ann Wettersten; Todd Jin; Emily Emily;
Daryl Savage; Anil Rachakonda; Linda Vanderhule; Adriana Hernandez; Stuart Kreitman; Scott Petersen; Alex Smelik; fred@bockmann.com; Jsydow@comcast.net; Deborah j Marinaro; Summa, Doria; Boyd Smith; Lund Smith; Milan Milan; Elliott Lee; Robert
Berkovich; Letizia Rodriguez; Brennan Pang; Eggleston, Brad; Rius, Rafael; Lo, Ria; Andrade, Alex; Bob Kennis; Shani Kleinhaus; Peggy (Margaret) Christiansen; Martin Cuyegkeng; Julia Sun; Aki Hirsa; Colin Swindells
Subject:RVs Infiltrating the Adobe Meadow Neighborhood - - East Meadow Drive (7/8/26 @ 5:00 pm)
Date:Wednesday, July 8, 2026 11:04:41 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links.
Palo Alto City Council,
Another RV infiltrating our neighborhood on East Meadow Drive. This has got to stop! We cannot allow the spillover from East Meadow Circle to spillover onto East Meadow Drive!!!
First it’s one RV, then his buddy follows him, then it is two RVs, and before you know it the street starts filling up. This is our neighborhood and we do not like it!
Eric - I know if I directed this e-mail to you you would tell me there is nothing you can do within the current regulations - and I understand that! The 72 hour regulation is nothing more than a minor inconvenience for these
folks. So let me direct this e-mail to the City Council, one more time, to say that your silence is deafening! Please roll up your sleeves and implement some new or stronger regulations to fix this situation.
Are there real options currently being researched? What’s the latest on the regional approach? Do we the tax-paying residents and businesses, the one’s who are impacted, need to help the City find solutions?
See the RV dweller in the lower photo. Another one who gave me a little lip for taking a his photo. I wonder why they don’t like their photo taken! Will there be a day when I don’t have to take these photos?
Regards,
Bob Marinaro
From:Anupa Bajwa
To:Matthew Bryant
Cc:Jason Robinson; Council, City; David Adams; Jeff Levinsky; Pepper-Olive Residents; Rebecca Sanders; David Adams; Marvin Jing
Woo; Candy Tsourounis; Shirley Yeh; jieming lin
Subject:Re: 2951
Date:Wednesday, July 8, 2026 7:41:24 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of openingattachments and clicking on links.
i
Split vote 3-3. Motion to rezone did not pass. It will not go to council, as is, for further processing.
Thank you for coordinating this, Matt!
Anupa
On Mon, Jul 6, 2026, 10:17 AM Matthew Bryant <vacationmatt@yahoo.com> wrote:
Hi Jason and everyone included on this note,
Thank you for your input. I plan to submit a version of this letter to the City Council
(city.council@paloalto.gov ) and Emily Kallas (emily.kallas@paloalto.gov) on the PTC. Also, it would be
great to get everyone to show up or call into the PTC meeting on Wednesday, 8Jul26 at 6pm to reject this
rezoning of 470 Olive Ave.
As a reminder, the newly adopted NVCAP continues to include 470 Pepper Ave as part of the R-1 zoning
(https://www.paloalto.gov/files/assets/public/v/2/planning-amp-development-services/north-ventura-
cap/nvcap-reports/adopted_nvcap_8_26_24.pdf).
Best regards,
Matt
On Jul 1, 2026, at 12:18 AM, Jason Robinson <robinson.jason.c@gmail.com> wrote:
Matt, David,
Thanks for your notes.
I'll send an email shortly. See below. My argument is to consider it holistically. These projects
typically involve piecemeal considerations and multiple variances. The impact may be larger.
More housing is fine, but planning is paramount.
Matt -- In the past, some noted that operating a commercial business in earnest on
residentially-zoned property allegedly violates Palo Alto code and incurs a $1,000 daily fine.
$365k/year. That may not be covered by the plans.
This message needs your attention
This is a personal email address.
This is their first email to your company.
Mark Safe Report
Powered by Mimecast
SUBJECT: PUBLIC COMMENT Re: Piecemeal Rezoning (470 Olive Ave / 2951 El Camino
Real Corridor) -- Cumulative Infrastructure Impact Concerns
BODY:
Dear Mayor, Council Members, and Commissioners,
We are writing to express clear and pressing concerns regarding the proposed rezoning of 470
Olive Ave and 2951 El Camino Real from R-1 to a higher-density mixed-use designation.
We also note that this topic has come up before, and it didn't proceed for reasons:
[e.g., https://www.paloalto.gov/files/assets/public/v/1/agendas-minutes-reports/agendas-
minutes/planning-and-transportation-commission/2019-agendas-minutes-and-staff-
reports/ptc-12.11.19-470-olive.pdf ].
While everyone understands the state-mandated pressure to fulfill the Regional Housing
Needs Allocation (RHNA), approving this rezoning without a holistic, corridor-wide
cumulative impact analysis introduces massive safety and infrastructure liabilities to
Ventura and surrounding neighborhoods.
The current planning approach evaluates this block entirely in a piecemeal fashion (i.e., each
project's study typically concludes that their specific project alone won't significantly degrade
the surrounding intersection to a point of total failure), creating a dangerous blind spot
regarding localized gridlock:
Compounding Localized Density: This specific stretch of El Camino Real (SR 82)
will bear the weight of multiple massive redevelopments, including the 368-unit project
at the former Fish Market/McDonald’s site, the 5-story 129-unit housing development
at the former Mike’s Bikes site, and another 113 units at 2951 El Camino / 470 Olive.
And what happens when the Fry's site blossoms? This combination obviously risks
overwhelming this single micro-corridor, therefore, development must proceed with
care to prevent expensive mistakes.
The Page Mill Bottleneck: The intersection of Page Mill Road and El Camino Real is
currently being reconfigured after the permanent redesign to remove street parking and
accommodate bike lanes. Backups at that intersection are commonplace. Combined
with eliminating the right-on-red option, this actively reduces vehicular lane capacity
and impacts business and neighborhood parking. Traffic spills into the arteries. The
Page Mill crosswalk in front of Ash is more dangerous with increased traffic. Time will
tell whether the new reconfiguration mitigates these issues.
Gridlock of Neighborhood Side-Streets: Because 470 Olive Ave connects to El
Camino Real via an un-signaled stop sign on the side street, the compounding traffic
from these projects can effectively trap neighborhood residents. When El Camino backs
up due to the restricted Page Mill intersection, turning left into or out of Olive Avenue
becomes physically impossible and creates a severe hazard for emergency
vehicle access.
Our Request to the Council and Commission:
We urge you to conduct a sober, realistic Cumulative Traffic and Safety Infrastructure
Study that explicitly evaluates the combined impact of the Fish Market/McDonald's site, the
Mike’s Bikes site, 2951 El Camino/470 Olive, the old Fry's site, and other projects within a
reasonable (e.g., 0.75-mi) radius working in tandem against the reduced road capacity from
the new El Camino/Page Mill configuration including the wholesale removal of street
parking.
The study may not be free, but it would likely be much cheaper than fixing the resulting
mistakes later.
Palo Alto plays a dangerous game by continuing to approve massive, isolated density
increases block-by-block while actively dismantling the very road infrastructure meant to
support them.
Thank you for your time and consideration of Palo Alto's neighborhoods' long-term safety and
efficient transportation.
Regards,
...
cc: Becky
Jason
On Tue, Jun 30, 2026 at 7:11 PM David Adams <david_94306@yahoo.com> wrote:
+ Pepper/Olive residents some of whom live at that end.
Does anyone have a good case against this rezoning? With what's been going on around here it would
seem the forces are against us.
Regards
David
On Tuesday, June 30, 2026 at 06:22:46 PM PDT, Matthew Bryant <vacationmatt@yahoo.com> wrote:
Need your help again to stop 470 Olive Ave rezoning . We have mixed use on both ends of our blocks.
Help preserve the few R1 single family homes we have left.
Best regards,
Matt
Sent from Outer Space
On May 6, 2023, at 19:08, Matthew Bryant <vacationmatt@yahoo.com> wrote:
Turns out that the Acclaim Property did buy 2951. They are going to renovate it and turn into
commercial. It’s up for soft sale if anyone is interested (not listed but shopping it around).
The fish house project is a Stanford collaboration includes McDonald’s.
The vet (now bmnt) pulled out of the old 2951 plan, and it is done.
I talked with Lydia Kou at the May fête parade today. I thanked her for promoting bikes and asked her
to help out the NVCAP. I said the building heights are too tall and she agreed. She said she is looking
out for Venturans!
Cheers,
Matt
Sent from Outer Space
On May 6, 2023, at 17:04, Jeff Levinsky <jeff@levinsky.org> wrote:
There's no new project submitted for that address. See
https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/Departments/Planning-Development-Services/Current-
Planning/Projects/2951-El-Camino-Real, but what's there is the 2020 project that didn't go forward.
We were told the developer and the four different owners back then couldn't agree on things. That
developer opted instead to work on the Fish Market project on the other side of El Camino.
2951 El Camino's last transfer date was in 2017 per the County. See attached assessment.
Of course, the various owners can always launch a new effort to build something there and it could be
much bigger than the prior plans, thanks to state laws.
----- Original Message -----
From: Matthew Bryant
To: Rebecca Sanders
Cc: David Adams ; Anupa Bajwa ; Marvin & Jing Woo ; Candy Tsourounis ; Shirley Yeh ; Jeff
Levinsky ; robinson.jason.c@gmail.com
Sent: Friday, May 5, 2023 10:20 AM
Subject: 2951
On another note, the Akins auto body is moving out of 2951 El Camino Real (at Pepper Ave).
I think the property was sold in 2022 and the new owner raised the rent on Akins. Akins has decided
to move out by May 20.
Today, I noticed three well-dressed individuals walking around the 2951 property and looking
longingly at its future. I wonder if these are real estate developers looking to build another high-rise
commercial/residential like Acclaim Properties proposed a few years ago.
Does Jeff Levinsky or anybody know anything about 2951 ECR? I tried to find information about a
property sale online.
Best regards,
Matt
471 Pepper Ave
On May 1, 2023, at 7:13 PM, Rebecca Sanders <rebsanders@gmail.com> wrote:
Dear David and Matt:
I am cc'ing Anupa, since she is right there. Is there anyone else that should be on this
thread? I emailed Jeff Levinsky about this massive building being grossly under-
parked. He was aware of it. You guys know him, right. He's PAN's land use guru and
super helpful when it comes to reading zoning laws.
Jeff Levinsky says it would really help if neighbors wrote letters or better yet spoke at
the ARB meeting Thursday. Neighbors rarely show up and when they do, ARB tends
to listen.
Here's some other stuff he said to me. I hope this helps:
"The overview suggests the project is using its full count of four exemptions under SB
330. I think that leaves them still subject to our other rules that protect sight-
lines into neighboring properties and require screening, plantings, and things
like that. I'd recommend the neighbors go to the ARB and ask for every bit of
that -- and the project should have to provide it as it has no exemptions left.
That might give some relief.
'A more sophisticated argument is that the state parking exemptions don't apply if a
city can show it would create safety problems. Normally the City had to be prepared to
make such an argument, but neighbors might hire a lawyer to help pursue that. At a
minimum, they could certainly mock the developer's attempt to take over the street for
its own parking."
I also asked Jeff about whether it will automatically go to Council. He's not sure.
Various rules generally require PTC and Council meetings for large projects, even if
using SB 330. But if it doesn't go to Council, it can be appealed to the Council,
although the SB 330 limit on five meetings may create problems and the Council
may not be able to overturn anything unless it relates to compliance with objective
standards. This Thursday's meeting is the third hearing for this project.
Jeff's see one can explicitly appeal per 18.15.090(d) for the density bonus aspects. (I
haven't look it up.) More direct quotes from Jeff:
"The ARB staff report claims the project is subject neither to the new objective
standards protecting neighbors nor the older ones if they're not objective. I can't see it
hurting the neighbors to ask for anything they feel would help...The City could have
objected to the massive parking reduction, but opted not to. The City definitely does
not have to grant any special rights to the building for street parking, of course."
By the way,Charities Housing is run by a 501(c)3 non-profit, so it could well stay low
income forever. If they eventually sell, the funds they raise would have to be used for
something else consistent with their non-profit charter.
Anyway, does anyone over there have a plan to go to the ARB? I'm happy to lend my
voice to yours. Is there any one else we can muster?
Best to all,
Becky
<2951 El Camino Assessment.pdf>
From:Ben Dandebairen
To:Bello, Katherine; UTL-Backflow; UTL-Customer Service; Clerk, City; Council, City
Subject:Re: Claim against Unfair Delinquent Notice/Charge
Date:Wednesday, July 8, 2026 3:44:25 PM
Attachments:image001.png
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
i
this is a satisfactory outcome, if I could receive some confirmation from the utilities people
that they agree.
Kevin
ps. yes, also, if sincerely offered, I would prefer the annual deadline be in July rather than
during the "June Gloom" when everyone in Palo Alto is far far away on vacation (including
my own family)!
On Wed, Jul 8, 2026 at 2:07 PM Bello, Katherine <Katherine.Bello@paloalto.gov> wrote:
Good afternoon, Mr. Tutor,
I am the claims investigator handling your claim against the City of Palo Alto, and I wanted
to touch base with you regarding the issue at hand.
The Government Claims process allows for any member of the public to present proof of
damages in order to request a reimbursement for those same damages from the government
agency at fault. As I understand from your email, the $57.00 fee has not yet been paid, and
therefore there is nothing for which to reimburse you for.
I do believe this incident can be resolved directly with our Utilities department. I have
discussed the matter with them, and they are willing to cancel/nullify the fee so that you are
no longer expected to pay it.
I hope this is a satisfactory resolution to your claim. Since this will include a direct
This message needs your attention
This is a personal email address.
This is their first mail to some recipients.
Mark Safe Report
Powered by Mimecast
resolution with the department and no other reimbursement to request, it will also require
that you formally retract your claim, which you can do by email. Simply let us know if this
is how you would like to proceed.
Upon receipt of your positive response, I will close your claim file and request that someone
in our Utilities Customer Service department email you a confirmation that the fee is being
cancelled.
Thank you,
Katherine Bello
Senior Legal Secretary
Office of the City Attorney
(650) 329-2171 | Katherine.Bello@PaloAlto.gov
PaloAlto.gov
Please think of the environment before printing this email – Thank you.
This message contains information that may be confidential and privileged. Unless you are the addressee, you
may not use, copy or disclose the message or any information contained in the message. If you received the
message in error, please notify the sender and delete the message.
From: Ben Dandebairen <bendandebairen@gmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, July 7, 2026 4:47 PM
To: UTL-Backflow <backflow@PaloAlto.gov>; Clerk, City <City.Clerk@PaloAlto.gov>; ATT Claims
<ATT.Claims@PaloAlto.gov>
Subject: Claim against Unfair Delinquent Notice/Charge
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
Hi,
this is Mitchell Tutor
An Chen, 595 Bryson Avenue,
Palo Alto, CA 94306
(650) 847-1387
attention: Account Number: 30088091
Today, I received a bill with a "delinquent processing fee" charge of $57, which I am
disputing with the City of Palo Alto. I received a back-dated (May 15, 2026) notice some
number of weeks later, that was entitled "2nd Notice" with penalty charge of $57. However,
I never received the first notice. When I brought this to the attention of COPA utilities, they
blamed it on the Postal Service, but not weeks.! I do not accept that excuse. He also told
me that he did not know Ms. Rodriguez and had never met her. So, why is she allowed to
place false penalty charges on my utilities bill?
Interestingly, when I communicated with Ms. Rodriguez, she offered that since my last
year's bill was paid in July, I could change my "due date" from June to July. This really
underscores how willy-nilly her perceived power is based. If it was changed to July--that is,
within one year of my last bill, which would seem fair, for this annual demand, I would not
have been arbitrarily charged a delinquent 57$ charge!
As this $57 is currently in dispute, I will now pay (to hurriedly beat a July 9th due date with
a Los Angeles mailing address! (I received this today) the total of $ $337.19 minus $57 or
$287.19.
Sincerely,
M.Tutor
A. Chen
From:Jo Ann Mandinach
To:CeCi Kettendorf
Cc:Robert Marinaro; Council, City; Veenker, Vicki; Stone, Greer; Lauing, Ed; Lythcott-Haims, Julie; Reckdahl, Keith;
Burt, Patrick; Lu, George; Shikada, Ed; Bulatao, Eric; Lindsey, Stephen; Nick Marinaro; Jennifer Kain; Roger
Smith; Peter Xu; Loren Brown; Dana Dahlstrom; Chris Berg; Taly Katz; Barry Katz; Nancy Ellickson; John
Schafer; Jeanette Baldwin; Alina Martinez; Micah Murphy; Danielle Dunne; David Famero; Carly Lake; Sandy
Freschi; T Bullman; Dave Stellman; Dave Stellman; Steve Wong; Marguerite Poyatos; Manu Kumar; Lydia Kou;
Patrick Kelly; Osbaldo Romero; Bryna Chang; Xenia Czisch; Bill McLane; Ramon Moreno; Lester Wong; Cathi
Lerch; Maor Greenberg; Moffatt, Pete; Jacob Hakmo; David Perez; Nancy Powers; Dan McKinley; John Lerch;
Stacey Tomson; CMEI Wong; DMA Wong; Jin Wong; Maggie Madlangbayan; K Norris; Elidia Tafoya; Scott Hayes;
Victor Sloan; John Seltzer; Kandace Kopensky; Moiz Sonasath; Peter Longanecker; Karsyn Smith Development;
Raphael Zahnd; Riley Cooke; Pigman, Sophie; Baird, Nathan; Palo Alto Daily Post; Gennady Sheyner; Louis
Hsiao; Ann Lafargue Balin; Annette Ross; Mary Gallagher; Maury Green; Terry Holzemer; Joseph Hirsch; Ben
Lerner; Greg Schmid (external); Suzanne Keehn; William Ross; Ron Chun; Arthur Keller; Jeff Levinsky; Becky
Sanders; Chip Wytmar; Sharon Elliot; McDonough, Melissa; Janet Hartley; Charlie Weidanz; Kevin Mayer; Boris
Folsch; Margaret Abe-Koga; Ian Halker; Richard Willits; Heather Brownlee; Ken Brownlee; Robin Holbrook;
Cassandra Paige; Brad Watson; Alisa Pendicini; Ron Ellickson; Gaines, Chantal; Titan (Zhengtian) Gu; Stephanie
Wansek; Penny Brennan; Taryn Sanford; Maia Harris; Sayuri Kabutogi; Bernadette Zimmerman; Doreen Chew;
Kshama Jirage; Jenni Simon; Subadhra Arunasalam; Robert Russell; Doug Bacon; Chuan Wang; Shchopra; Al
Dorsky; Phil Wettersten; Ann Wettersten; Todd Jin; Emily Emily; Daryl Savage; Anil Rachakonda; Linda
Vanderhule; Adriana Hernandez; Stuart Kreitman; Scott Petersen; Alex Smelik; fred@bockmann.com;
Jsydow@comcast.net; Deborah j Marinaro; Summa, Doria; Boyd Smith; Lund Smith; Milan Milan; Elliott Lee;
Robert Berkovich; Letizia Rodriguez; Brennan Pang; Eggleston, Brad; Rius, Rafael; Lo, Ria; Andrade, Alex; Bob
Kennis; Shani Kleinhaus; Peggy (Margaret) Christiansen; Martin Cuyegkeng; Julia Sun; Aki Hirsa; Colin Swindells
Subject:Re: Contaminated Recycle - XXX Industrial Ave - - OSV Impacts is Graphic Detail
Date:Wednesday, July 8, 2026 12:34:02 AM
Attachments:IMG_4842.png
image.png
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
!
The Daily Post article is now online and awaiting your comments. Maybe if enough
of us comment, we might get a response?
City stymied in reducing RV parking
https://padailypost.com/2026/07/07/city-stymied-in-reducing-rv-parking/?
On Tue, Jul 7, 2026 at 5:43 PM CeCi Kettendorf <cecihome@gmail.com> wrote:
.
A government's first responsibility is the safety of the residents, but ours ignores the latter.
We need new city leadership.
On Tue, Jul 7, 2026 at 8:17 PM Robert Marinaro <rmarinaro@mac.com> wrote:
Dear Palo Alto City Leadership - Who Have the Ability to Fix the OSV Crisis in Our City,
This message could be suspicious
The sender's email address couldn't be verified.
Mark Safe Report
I know this is not the usual OSV biweekly count that I usually send to you, but
nonetheless I think this message is equally important.
As I have talked with, and continue to talk to, the many residents and businesses in our
community I have been told of the many impacts to the community. The below e-mail
from GreenWaste of Palo Alto to one of the businesses on Industrial Ave. is not an
isolated incident. I have been told it happens all too often, but I have never had
documentation.
When I saw this I’m thinking should I send this to the City Council, should I include the
many residents and businesses on my cc: list, and decided, Heck Yeah! The people who
have the ability to fix this disgusting situation need to know about this, up close and
personal, because these unfortunate occurrences need to stop. You have a responsibility to
do whatever you can to improve all the conditions in Palo Alto, not just the one you see
out your front door.
Respectfully,
Bob Marinaro
Begin forwarded message:
From: xxx
Subject: Re: Contaminated Recycle - 927 Industrial Ave
Date: July 7, 2026 at 2:45:22 PM PDT
To: Lucia Marquez <Lucia.Marquez@greenwaste.com>
Cc: Robert Marinaro <rmarinaro@mac.com>
Reply from the business owner:
I saw your note on there this morning and I removed it, but please note that
this wasn’t from us. We know how to sort our trash and recycling.
The bins are left out overnight and there are lots of RVs in this area who
dump stuff into our bins.
We and up doing the dirty work of cleaning the stuff up even when we didn’t
cause the problem and the city won’t do anything about the RVs.
Lucia Marquez
GreenWaste of Palo Alto | Environmental Outreach Coordinator
Office (650) 798-5987 | Mobile (408) 529-5390
2765 Lafayette St, Santa Clara, CA 95050
www.greenwaste.com
Warm regards,xxx
On Tue, Jul 7, 2026 at 2:17 PM Lucia Marquez
<Lucia.Marquez@greenwaste.com> wrote:
Good afternoon,
I hope this email finds you well. My name is Lucia and I am the Outreach
Coordinator with GreenWaste of Palo Alto. I am reaching out to inform you
that our driver was unable to service the 96 gallon blue recycle cart this
morning at the address xxx Industrial Ave due to contamination. The cart
was contaminated with animal feces. Photo attached.
To resume service as normal, please remove the contamination and provide
a cleared out photo to us by Monday, 7/13 by 3pm. If you're unable to
remove the contamination, we can proceed with dumping and charging the
bin for an $82.40 trip/fee $25.37 contamination/fee.
Please let us know how you would like to proceed, if you have any
questions, or if there is anything else we can assist you with.
Thank you,
This email and any attachments are privileged and/or confidential and this email
and any attachments should not be forwarded or distributed without the
permission of the author. If you are not the intended recipient, please delete this
email and any attachments immediately and notify the sender. This email does
not constitute an agreement to conduct transactions by electronic means and
does not create a legally binding contract or enforceable obligation in the
absence of an executed written agreement.
Reimagine a Greener Way to a Better World– Reduce, Reuse, Recycle; print only
when necessary and recycle what you don’t reuse. For more information about
GreenWaste, please visit us online at www.greenwaste.com.
View GreenWaste’s privacy policy here. privacy policy
From:CeCi Kettendorf
To:Robert Marinaro
Cc:Council, City; Veenker, Vicki; Stone, Greer; Lauing, Ed; Lythcott-Haims, Julie; Reckdahl, Keith; Burt, Patrick; Lu,
George; Shikada, Ed; Bulatao, Eric; Lindsey, Stephen; Nick Marinaro; Jennifer Kain; Roger Smith; Peter Xu; Loren
Brown; Dana Dahlstrom; Chris Berg; Taly Katz; Barry Katz; Nancy Ellickson; John Schafer; Jeanette Baldwin;
Alina Martinez; Micah Murphy; Danielle Dunne; David Famero; Carly Lake; Sandy Freschi; T Bullman; Dave
Stellman; Dave Stellman; Steve Wong; Marguerite Poyatos; Manu Kumar; Lydia Kou; Patrick Kelly; Osbaldo
Romero; Bryna Chang; Xenia Czisch; Bill McLane; Ramon Moreno; Lester Wong; Cathi Lerch; Maor Greenberg;
Moffatt, Pete; Jacob Hakmo; David Perez; Nancy Powers; Dan McKinley; John Lerch; Stacey Tomson; CMEI
Wong; DMA Wong; Jin Wong; Maggie Madlangbayan; K Norris; Elidia Tafoya; Scott Hayes; Victor Sloan; John
Seltzer; Kandace Kopensky; Moiz Sonasath; Peter Longanecker; Karsyn Smith Development; Raphael Zahnd;
Riley Cooke; Pigman, Sophie; Baird, Nathan; Palo Alto Daily Post; Gennady Sheyner; Louis Hsiao; Jo Ann
Mandinach; Ann Lafargue Balin; Annette Ross; Mary Gallagher; Maury Green; Terry Holzemer; Joseph Hirsch;
Ben Lerner; Greg Schmid (external); Suzanne Keehn; William Ross; Ron Chun; Arthur Keller; Jeff Levinsky; Becky
Sanders; Chip Wytmar; Sharon Elliot; McDonough, Melissa; Janet Hartley; Charlie Weidanz; Kevin Mayer; Boris
Folsch; Margaret Abe-Koga; Ian Halker; Richard Willits; Heather Brownlee; Ken Brownlee; Robin Holbrook;
Cassandra Paige; Brad Watson; Alisa Pendicini; Ron Ellickson; Gaines, Chantal; Titan (Zhengtian) Gu; Stephanie
Wansek; Penny Brennan; Taryn Sanford; Maia Harris; Sayuri Kabutogi; Bernadette Zimmerman; Doreen Chew;
Kshama Jirage; Jenni Simon; Subadhra Arunasalam; Robert Russell; Doug Bacon; Chuan Wang; Shchopra; Al
Dorsky; Phil Wettersten; Ann Wettersten; Todd Jin; Emily Emily; Daryl Savage; Anil Rachakonda; Linda
Vanderhule; Adriana Hernandez; Stuart Kreitman; Scott Petersen; Alex Smelik; fred@bockmann.com;
Jsydow@comcast.net; Deborah j Marinaro; Summa, Doria; Boyd Smith; Lund Smith; Milan Milan; Elliott Lee;
Robert Berkovich; Letizia Rodriguez; Brennan Pang; Eggleston, Brad; Rius, Rafael; Lo, Ria; Andrade, Alex; Bob
Kennis; Shani Kleinhaus; Peggy (Margaret) Christiansen; Martin Cuyegkeng; Julia Sun; Aki Hirsa; Colin Swindells
Subject:Re: Contaminated Recycle - XXX Industrial Ave - - OSV Impacts is Graphic Detail
Date:Tuesday, July 7, 2026 5:44:10 PM
Attachments:IMG_4842.png
image.png
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
.
A government's first responsibility is the safety of the residents, but ours ignores the latter.
We need new city leadership.
On Tue, Jul 7, 2026 at 8:17 PM Robert Marinaro <rmarinaro@mac.com> wrote:
Dear Palo Alto City Leadership - Who Have the Ability to Fix the OSV Crisis in Our City,
I know this is not the usual OSV biweekly count that I usually send to you, but nonetheless I
think this message is equally important.
As I have talked with, and continue to talk to, the many residents and businesses in our
community I have been told of the many impacts to the community. The below e-mail from
GreenWaste of Palo Alto to one of the businesses on Industrial Ave. is not an isolated
incident. I have been told it happens all too often, but I have never had documentation.
When I saw this I’m thinking should I send this to the City Council, should I include the
many residents and businesses on my cc: list, and decided, Heck Yeah! The people who
have the ability to fix this disgusting situation need to know about this, up close and
personal, because these unfortunate occurrences need to stop. You have a responsibility to
do whatever you can to improve all the conditions in Palo Alto, not just the one you see out
your front door.
Respectfully,
Bob Marinaro
Begin forwarded message:
From: xxx
Subject: Re: Contaminated Recycle - 927 Industrial Ave
Date: July 7, 2026 at 2:45:22 PM PDT
To: Lucia Marquez <Lucia.Marquez@greenwaste.com>
Cc: Robert Marinaro <rmarinaro@mac.com>
Reply from the business owner:
I saw your note on there this morning and I removed it, but please note that this
wasn’t from us. We know how to sort our trash and recycling.
The bins are left out overnight and there are lots of RVs in this area who dump
stuff into our bins.
We and up doing the dirty work of cleaning the stuff up even when we didn’t
cause the problem and the city won’t do anything about the RVs.
Warm regards,xxx
On Tue, Jul 7, 2026 at 2:17 PM Lucia Marquez
<Lucia.Marquez@greenwaste.com> wrote:
Good afternoon,
I hope this email finds you well. My name is Lucia and I am the Outreach
Coordinator with GreenWaste of Palo Alto. I am reaching out to inform you
that our driver was unable to service the 96 gallon blue recycle cart this
morning at the address xxx Industrial Ave due to contamination. The cart was
contaminated with animal feces. Photo attached.
To resume service as normal, please remove the contamination and provide a
cleared out photo to us by Monday, 7/13 by 3pm. If you're unable to remove
the contamination, we can proceed with dumping and charging the bin for
an $82.40 trip/fee $25.37 contamination/fee.
Please let us know how you would like to proceed, if you have any questions,
or if there is anything else we can assist you with.
Thank you,
Lucia Marquez
GreenWaste of Palo Alto | Environmental Outreach Coordinator
Office (650) 798-5987 | Mobile (408) 529-5390
2765 Lafayette St, Santa Clara, CA 95050
www.greenwaste.com
This email and any attachments are privileged and/or confidential and this email
and any attachments should not be forwarded or distributed without the
permission of the author. If you are not the intended recipient, please delete this
email and any attachments immediately and notify the sender. This email does not
constitute an agreement to conduct transactions by electronic means and does not
create a legally binding contract or enforceable obligation in the absence of an
executed written agreement.
Reimagine a Greener Way to a Better World– Reduce, Reuse, Recycle; print only
when necessary and recycle what you don’t reuse. For more information about
GreenWaste, please visit us online at www.greenwaste.com.
View GreenWaste’s privacy policy here. privacy policy
From:Robert Marinaro
To:Council, City; Veenker, Vicki; Stone, Greer; Lauing, Ed; Lythcott-Haims, Julie; Reckdahl, Keith; Burt, Patrick; Lu,
George; Shikada, Ed
Cc:Bulatao, Eric; Lindsey, Stephen; Nick Marinaro; Jennifer Kain; Roger Smith; Peter Xu; Loren Brown; Dana
Dahlstrom; Ceci Kettendorf; Chris Berg; Taly Katz; Barry Katz; Nancy Ellickson; John Schafer; Jeanette Baldwin;
Alina Martinez; Micah Murphy; Danielle Dunne; David Famero; Carly Lake; Sandy Freschi; T Bullman; Dave
Stellman; Dave Stellman; Steve Wong; Marguerite Poyatos; Manu Kumar; Lydia Kou; Patrick Kelly; Osbaldo
Romero; Bryna Chang; Xenia Czisch; Bill McLane; Ramon Moreno; Lester Wong; Cathi Lerch; Maor Greenberg;
Moffatt, Pete; Jacob Hakmo; David Perez; Nancy Powers; Dan McKinley; John Lerch; Stacey Tomson; CMEI
Wong; DMA Wong; Jin Wong; Maggie Madlangbayan; K Norris; Elidia Tafoya; Scott Hayes; Victor Sloan; John
Seltzer; Kandace Kopensky; Moiz Sonasath; Peter Longanecker; Karsyn Smith Development; Raphael Zahnd;
Riley Cooke; Pigman, Sophie; Baird, Nathan; Palo Alto Daily Post; Gennady Sheyner; Louis Hsiao; Jo Ann
Mandinach; Ann Lafargue Balin; Annette Ross; Mary Gallagher; Maury Green; Terry Holzemer; Joseph Hirsch;
Ben Lerner; Greg Schmid (external); Suzanne Keehn; William Ross; Ron Chun; Arthur Keller; Jeff Levinsky; Becky
Sanders; Chip Wytmar; Sharon Elliot; McDonough, Melissa; Janet Hartley; Charlie Weidanz; Kevin Mayer; Boris
Folsch; Margaret Abe-Koga; Ian Halker; Richard Willits; Heather Brownlee; Ken Brownlee; Robin Holbrook;
Cassandra Paige; Brad Watson; Alisa Pendicini; Ron Ellickson; Gaines, Chantal; Titan (Zhengtian) Gu; Stephanie
Wansek; Penny Brennan; Taryn Sanford; Maia Harris; Sayuri Kabutogi; Bernadette Zimmerman; Doreen Chew;
Kshama Jirage; Jenni Simon; Subadhra Arunasalam; Robert Russell; Doug Bacon; Chuan Wang; Shchopra; Al
Dorsky; Phil Wettersten; Ann Wettersten; Todd Jin; Emily Emily; Daryl Savage; Anil Rachakonda; Linda
Vanderhule; Adriana Hernandez; Stuart Kreitman; Scott Petersen; Alex Smelik; fred@bockmann.com;
Jsydow@comcast.net; Deborah j Marinaro; Summa, Doria; Boyd Smith; Lund Smith; Milan Milan; Elliott Lee;
Robert Berkovich; Letizia Rodriguez; Brennan Pang; Eggleston, Brad; Rius, Rafael; Lo, Ria; Andrade, Alex; Bob
Kennis; Shani Kleinhaus; Peggy (Margaret) Christiansen; Martin Cuyegkeng; Julia Sun; Aki Hirsa; Colin Swindells
Subject:Contaminated Recycle - XXX Industrial Ave - - OSV Impacts is Graphic Detail
Date:Tuesday, July 7, 2026 5:25:05 PM
Attachments:IMG_4842.png
image.png
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
Dear Palo Alto City Leadership - Who Have the Ability to Fix the OSV Crisis in Our City,
I know this is not the usual OSV biweekly count that I usually send to you, but nonetheless I
think this message is equally important.
As I have talked with, and continue to talk to, the many residents and businesses in our
community I have been told of the many impacts to the community. The below e-mail from
GreenWaste of Palo Alto to one of the businesses on Industrial Ave. is not an isolated
incident. I have been told it happens all too often, but I have never had documentation.
When I saw this I’m thinking should I send this to the City Council, should I include the many
residents and businesses on my cc: list, and decided, Heck Yeah! The people who have the
ability to fix this disgusting situation need to know about this, up close and personal, because
these unfortunate occurrences need to stop. You have a responsibility to do whatever you can
to improve all the conditions in Palo Alto, not just the one you see out your front door.
Respectfully,
Bob Marinaro
Begin forwarded message:
From: xxx
Subject: Re: Contaminated Recycle - 927 Industrial Ave
Date: July 7, 2026 at 2:45:22 PM PDT
To: Lucia Marquez <Lucia.Marquez@greenwaste.com>
Cc: Robert Marinaro <rmarinaro@mac.com>
Reply from the business owner:
I saw your note on there this morning and I removed it, but please note that this
wasn’t from us. We know how to sort our trash and recycling.
The bins are left out overnight and there are lots of RVs in this area who dump
stuff into our bins.
Lucia Marquez
GreenWaste of Palo Alto | Environmental Outreach Coordinator
Office (650) 798-5987 | Mobile (408) 529-5390
2765 Lafayette St, Santa Clara, CA 95050
www.greenwaste.com
We and up doing the dirty work of cleaning the stuff up even when we didn’t
cause the problem and the city won’t do anything about the RVs.
Warm regards,xxx
On Tue, Jul 7, 2026 at 2:17 PM Lucia Marquez
<Lucia.Marquez@greenwaste.com> wrote:
Good afternoon,
I hope this email finds you well. My name is Lucia and I am the Outreach
Coordinator with GreenWaste of Palo Alto. I am reaching out to inform you that
our driver was unable to service the 96 gallon blue recycle cart this morning at
the address xxx Industrial Ave due to contamination. The cart was
contaminated with animal feces. Photo attached.
To resume service as normal, please remove the contamination and provide a
cleared out photo to us by Monday, 7/13 by 3pm. If you're unable to remove
the contamination, we can proceed with dumping and charging the bin for an
$82.40 trip/fee $25.37 contamination/fee.
Please let us know how you would like to proceed, if you have any questions, or
if there is anything else we can assist you with.
Thank you,
This email and any attachments are privileged and/or confidential and this email and
any attachments should not be forwarded or distributed without the permission of
the author. If you are not the intended recipient, please delete this email and any
attachments immediately and notify the sender. This email does not constitute an
agreement to conduct transactions by electronic means and does not create a legally
binding contract or enforceable obligation in the absence of an executed written
agreement.
Reimagine a Greener Way to a Better World– Reduce, Reuse, Recycle; print only when
necessary and recycle what you don’t reuse. For more information about
GreenWaste, please visit us online at www.greenwaste.com.
View GreenWaste’s privacy policy here. privacy policy
From:Bill Wolff
To:Council, City
Subject:RV Parking on Fabian Way
Date:Tuesday, July 7, 2026 1:23:20 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
i
Good morning,
Fabian Way between Charleston Road and San Antonio Road is an RV encampment, with 10-
12 RV’s parked semi-permanently. I routinely walk on that street, but because of my concern
about sanitation and safety, now walk elsewhere.
I have sent pictures and written to the Police Department and their response is the famous “72
hours” rule.
The vehicle that I look out on from my window, NEVER moves and I am certain that many of
the others on both sides of Fabian Way towards San Antonio never move.
Why is the City Council reluctant to take action to deal with
this issue, which I’m sure is pervasive throughout the city?
Solving the local and national homeless problem is not within my very limited capabilities, but
keeping it out of Palo Alto should be a priority of our elected officials.
Respectfully,
Bill Wolff
899 E. Charleston Road
Palo Alto, CA 94303
This message needs your attention
This is a personal email address.
This is their first email to you.
Mark Safe Report
From:jfleming@right-thing.net
To:Raybould, Claire
Cc:Clerk, City; Council, City; Architectural Review Board; Lait, Jonathan; Shikada, Ed; astrauss@greenfirelaw.com
Subject:RE: Follow Up Question: 1661 Page Mill Road AT&T cell tower (25ENC-00272)
Date:Tuesday, July 7, 2026 12:08:01 PM
Attachments:image001.png
image002.png
image004.png
image008.png
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
Thank you for this information and background, Claire. I see also that you have filed
a new public records request for me.
A couple of questions:
1. Can you clarify what specialized shrouds were requested and by whom? I did
not see anything in the plans showing changes to the shrouds that AT&T had
originally proposed to the ARB. I also do not recall seeing any communications
about that in my public records request.
2. I see that the shroud dimensions on the original application and the January
final plans are the same. If the shrouds are being revised, shouldn’t the photo
sims also reflect that?
Also, you have not responded to the concerns about that plans that I raised in
my letter, concerns such as the shut-off signage in the wrong location. Two
other examples are the lack of detail for the underground vault, and the lack of
a meter.
Again, I am asking because the current plans are the same ones as the
original plans. Whatever it is that AT&T may have in mind, the plans
apparently have not been updated to address these issues.
3. Finally, do you know when AT&T requested the permit extension? I see that the
new permit date is June 8th , but the original permit would have expired weeks
before in April.
Belatedly wishing you a Happy Fourth,
Jeanne
Jeanne Fleming, PhD
JFleming@Right-Thing.net
650-325-5151
From: Raybould, Claire <Claire.Raybould@paloalto.gov>
Sent: Wednesday, July 1, 2026 9:00 AM
To: jfleming@right-thing.net
Cc: Lait, Jonathan <Jonathan.Lait@paloalto.gov>; City Mgr <CityMgr@paloalto.gov>
Subject: RE: Follow Up Question: 1661 Page Mill Road AT&T cell tower (25ENC-00272)
Good morning Jeanne,
Attached is the permit application. Please note that they did request another extension
from Public Works Engineering yesterday, I believe to update the start date from July 1,
2026 to July 13, 2026. Requests for extension would have gone to public works
engineering so I do not have those requests, though you may request any responsive
records through a public records request.
With respect to the timeline, the City does not have control over when they start the
construction except to the extent that they continue to update the City to keep their
encroachment permit active. But in previous discussions with the applicant they noted
that it would take some time to manufacture the specialized shrouds we were
requesting. The applicant did also agree to a 45-day tolling agreement that allowed for a
hearing with the Architectural Review Board as well as sufficient time to issue the
decision and allow for that decisions to be appealed to Council if requested. Without
agreement to that tolling agreement we would have been limited to issuing a final
decision the day after the ARB hearing and without an opportunity for appeal.
The approved encroachment permit reflects the following changes as recommended by
the ARB and reinforced in the conditions of approval of the project:
a. Disconnect Switch
The disconnect switch is called out inside a below-grade vault, which is flush with the
surrounding grade. One of the shrouds will have safety details directing Fire/utilities to the
sub-box.
b. Radio Height
All radios have been repositioned so that the lowest radio shroud is no less than 12 feet
above finished grade.
c. Radio Alignment and Mounting Configuration
NextEdge’s engineering analysis (Engineering Letter prepared by Chris Wener, P.E. (dated
October 24, 2025), determined that mounting all three radios at the same elevation is not
structurally feasible on the existing aluminum streetlight pole. As detailed in the letter, the
aluminum light poles cannot be field-welded for reinforcement without compromising their
structural integrity. Installing three radios at one elevation would require multiple adjacent
cable access ports, which would reduce the pole’s load-carrying capacity and risk long-term
material degradation. To maintain structural safety and compliance with both industry
standards and the City’s aesthetic objectives, the three radios have instead been mounted
vertically, as depicted in the construction drawings. This arrangement:
Keeps all radios oriented parallel to and facing away from the street;
Minimizes visual mass and maintains concealment; and
Preserves the pole’s structural strength and integrity.
Claire
Claire Raybould, AICP
Manager, Current Planning
Planning and Development Services Department
(650) 329-2116 | Claire.Raybould@paloalto.gov
www.cityofpaloalto.org
Parcel Report | Palo Alto Zoning Code | Online Permitting System | Planning Forms & Applications |
Planning Applications Mapped
From: jfleming@right-thing.net <jfleming@right-thing.net>
Sent: Monday, June 29, 2026 4:05 PM
To: Raybould, Claire <Claire.Raybould@paloalto.gov>
Cc: Clerk, City <City.Clerk@PaloAlto.gov>; Council, City <city.council@PaloAlto.gov>; Architectural
Review Board <arb@PaloAlto.gov>; Lait, Jonathan <Jonathan.Lait@paloalto.gov>; Shikada, Ed
<Ed.Shikada@paloalto.gov>; astrauss@greenfirelaw.com
Subject: RE: Follow Up Question: 1661 Page Mill Road AT&T cell tower (25ENC-00272)
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
Claire,
Thank you for this information.
Could you please provide me with a copy of AT&T’s extension request for 1661 Page
Mill Road, as well as a copy of the updated permit? Thank you.
I am interested because, last fall, AT&T said it was a matter of extreme urgency that
the Architectural Review Board approve their cell tower application immediately,
rather than require the company to return for a third round of review. Residents
would like to understand why that sense of urgency apparently evaporated, since
AT&T sought a months-long postponement of building the installation.
Residents would also like to know whether AT&T has modified the cell tower’s plans
—for example, to move the power shut-off sign to a location where it would be useful
to firefighters and others who could need that information in a hurry.
Thanks and best,
Jeanne
Jeanne Fleming, PhD
JFleming@Right-Thing.net
650-325-5151
From: Raybould, Claire <Claire.Raybould@paloalto.gov>
Sent: Friday, June 26, 2026 8:01 PM
To: Jeanne Fleming <jfleming@right-thing.net>
Cc: City Mgr <CityMgr@paloalto.gov>; Lait, Jonathan <Jonathan.Lait@paloalto.gov>
Subject: RE: Follow Up Question: 1661 Page Mill Road AT&T cell tower (25ENC-00272)
Jeanne,
Thank you for your questions and apologies for the delay in responding. As allowed in
accordance with the terms of encroachment permits, which are issued through our
Public Works division, the applicant previously requested an amendment to their permit,
updating their anticipated start date of work on the permit to July 1, 2023. The permit
states: “This permit/lease shall expire if work on the encroachment described within
does not commence within sixty (60) days of the date of approval, or by the anticipated
start date as indicated above, whichever is later.” We allow applicants to amend the
start date, if desired, in coordination with public works. Therefore, the permit is still
valid. Per the terms laid out on the issued permit we do not require filing of a new
application or payment of new fees unless it has been six months since the issuance of
the permit and the work is not yet completed.
Claire
Claire Raybould, AICP
Manager, Current Planning
Planning and Development Services Department
(650) 329-2116 | Claire.Raybould@paloalto.gov
www.cityofpaloalto.org
Parcel Report | Palo Alto Zoning Code | Online Permitting System | Planning Forms & Applications |
Planning Applications Mapped
From: jfleming@right-thing.net <jfleming@right-thing.net>
Sent: Thursday, June 11, 2026 6:31 PM
To: Lait, Jonathan <Jonathan.Lait@paloalto.gov>
Cc: Clerk, City <City.Clerk@PaloAlto.gov>; Council, City <city.council@PaloAlto.gov>; Shikada, Ed
<Ed.Shikada@paloalto.gov>; astrauss@greenfirelaw.com
Subject: FW: Follow Up Question: 1661 Page Mill Road AT&T cell tower (25ENC-00272)
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
Dear Jon Lait,
Five weeks ago, I asked a member of your staff for the following information (see the
email thread below):
AT&T failed to start work on their new 1661 Page Mill Road cell tower by April
1st, causing the permit to expire. Has AT&T requested a new permit? And, if
so, has AT&T paid for this new permit?
I see that she is now on vacation through July 5th. Hence, I would appreciate it if
someone else from your office would answer the questions I’ve asked.
Thank you for your help.
Sincerely,
Jeanne Fleming
Jeanne Fleming, PhD
JFleming@Right-Thing.net
650-325-5151
From: jfleming@right-thing.net <jfleming@right-thing.net>
Sent: Monday, May 11, 2026 3:53 PM
To: 'Kandikuppa, Nishita' <Nishita.Kandikuppa@paloalto.gov>
Cc: astrauss@greenfirelaw.com
Subject: RE: Follow Up Question: 1661 Page Mill Road AT&T cell tower (25ENC-00272)
Thanks, Nishita. I look forward to learning where things stand with AT&T’s
application/permit.
I’ve CCed United Neighbors’ lawyer on this email. (You met Ariel at the ARB’s first
consideration of the 1661 Page Mill facility.) He is much more conversant with
procedure than I am.
Thanks and best,
Jeanne
Jeanne Fleming, PhD
JFleming@Right-Thing.net
650-325-5151
From: Kandikuppa, Nishita <Nishita.Kandikuppa@paloalto.gov>
Sent: Monday, May 11, 2026 10:10 AM
To: jfleming@right-thing.net
Subject: Re: Follow Up Question: 1661 Page Mill Road AT&T cell tower (25ENC-00272)
Hi Jeanne,
Thank you for your emails. I am coordinating with the applicant team and the issuer of the
encroachment permit (Public Works Engineering) to determine if any extensions were requested.
I will follow up with you once I have an update.
Best,
Nishita
Nishita Kandikuppa
Associate Planner
Planning and Development Services Department
(650) 838-2806 | nishita.kandikuppa@paloalto.gov
www.paloalto.gov
Note: I will be out of office on vacation from 06/12 through 07/05.
From: jfleming@right-thing.net <jfleming@right-thing.net>
Sent: Monday, May 11, 2026 9:43 AM
To: Kandikuppa, Nishita <Nishita.Kandikuppa@paloalto.gov>
Subject: FW: Follow Up Question: 1661 Page Mill Road AT&T cell tower (25ENC-00272)
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
Hi Nishita,
I just want to be sure you received my email below. It has a follow-up question on the
1661 Page Mill facility.
Thanks and best,
Jeanne
Jeanne Fleming, PhD
JFleming@Right-Thing.net
650-325-5151
From: jfleming@right-thing.net <jfleming@right-thing.net>
Sent: Tuesday, May 5, 2026 12:15 PM
To: 'Kandikuppa, Nishita' <Nishita.Kandikuppa@paloalto.gov>
Subject: Follow Up Question: 1661 Page Mill Road AT&T cell tower (25ENC-00272)
Hi Nishita,
Thank you again for the information. As I think it over, I have a follow-up question.
Specifically, the AT&T encroachment permit for 1661 Page Mill (which United
Neighbors’ attorney received via public records request) a) is dated January 30th, and
b) has a stated start date of April 1st. The permit states: "This permit/lease* shall
expire if work on the encroachment described within does not commence within sixty
(60) days of the date of approval, or by the anticipated start date as indicated above,
whichever is later."
Given that AT&T has not started work, causing the permit to expire, has AT&T
requested a new permit? And, if so, has AT&T paid for this new permit?
Thanks and best,
Jeanne
Jeanne Fleming, PhD
JFleming@Right-Thing.net
From:Ash B
To:Lauing, Ed; City Mgr; Riley Cooke; Council, City; Bulatao, Eric
Subject:Re: RV FIRE Greer Park
Date:Tuesday, July 7, 2026 10:06:27 AM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
Thank you for making the Greer RV and trailer park. I hope you guys get promoted and get re-
elected in your positions. And yes make sure there are no RVs parked outside your houses.
Send them all to Greer. You don't worry about public safety, 72 hour parking law or traffic
hazards anyways!
Great job!
Ash
On Dec 12, 2025, at 11:00 PM, Ash B <ashtradebiz@yahoo.com> wrote:
Ed, City Council, City Manager-
There was a RV fire today at one of the RVs and a tree burnt down at Greer park. The electric
and cable lines are fried. There are a swarm of cops and fire trucks.
Not sure if anyone was hurt but I'm sure there was significant damage around the area.
Who is taking responsibility for this mishap? Why are tax paying law abiding local residents
exposed to the hazards of unsupervised and unregulated permanent RVs parked on city
streets?
Someone needs to be accountable and penalized for wasting tax payer dollars and putting lives
at risk.
What action is going to be taken to make sure this doesn't happen again?
Do we need to take this to court to get an answer?
Riley, pls cover the story.
Ash
On Oct 27, 2025, at 9:44 AM, Ash B <ashtradebiz@yahoo.com> wrote:
Thank you Ed. This is a major concern. I will take pictures next time. Appreciate your
attention.
Ash
On Oct 27, 2025, at 9:29 AM, Lauing, Ed <Ed.Lauing@paloalto.gov> wrote:
Ash,
I talked with the Assistant Chief about this. He sent officers out Saturday. They ticketed one vehicle
for parking too close to a fire hydrant. At the time they went, there were no large propane tanks
outside the RVs. The police are stepping up patrols in that area which is certainly needed.
I will be announcing the ad hoc council committee early this week that will dig into this problem and
will articulate solutions to the council as a whole.
Ed Lauing
Mayor
Ed.Lauing@Palo Alto.gov
Office: 650-329-2571
<image001.png>
From: Ash B <ashtradebiz@yahoo.com>
Sent: Saturday, October 25, 2025 10:45 AM
To: McDonough, Melissa <Melissa.McDonough@paloalto.gov>; gavin.newsom@gov.ca.gov;
governor@governor.ca.gov
Cc: City Mgr <CityMgr@paloalto.gov>; Council, City <city.council@PaloAlto.gov>; Riley Cooke
<rcooke@embarcaderomedia.org>; STEVE GILBERT <sjgilbert99@yahoo.com>
Subject: Re: Ongoing Concerns Regarding RV Parking and Safety near Greer Park
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
And now....
we have more RVs parked there and some trailers with large propane tanks right outside.
Not only the plea for child safety around kids crossing the roads during the games have fallen on
deaf ears. Now there is an explosion and fire hazard with propane tanks.
The inaction you all have showed is appalling. This is what "Democrats"do. They love "talking" about
issues. Intelligent data points, eloquent speeches, appear empathetic but TOTAL INACTION. So so
frustrating. No strong leadership That's why they keep losing. I regret being a democrat.
Even the laws on the books don't get implemented.
I am copying the governor's office. I know he is trying to be a little more centrist and hopefully will
wake up the well paid beaureacrats of Palo Alto to do something about the dire situation.
Thank you
Ash
On Aug 14, 2025, at 7:06 PM, Ash B <ashtradebiz@yahoo.com> wrote:
Thank you Melissa. Appreciate your detailed response but I don't see any action taken in this
matter.
Is it possible to access records on the citations and towing records from the PA SPD?
It's very frustrating to know that no action is taken and we need to continue to deliberate on this
forever.
What stops the RVs from taking over all the streets in the city? I'm sure there is something that can
be done legally.
I will write to the office of Gavin Newsom on this matter.
Thank you
On Aug 14, 2025, at 2:56 PM, McDonough, Melissa <Melissa.McDonough@paloalto.gov> wrote:
Thank you for your continued correspondence and for sharing your concerns regarding the RVs
parked near Greer Park. I am responding on behalf of the City Manager, Ed Shikada.
First and foremost, I want to acknowledge your frustration and concern—particularly regarding the
safety and environmental impacts you’ve observed along Colorado Avenue and West Bayshore. The
issues you raise around traffic safety, oil spills, unauthorized use of cones to block off street parking,
and accumulated debris are all serious matters, and I want to assure you that there are not being
taken lightly.
The Palo Alto Police Department’s Special Problems Detail (SPD), has been monitoring this area. As
you may know, SPD is responsible for addressing quality-of-life concerns related to vehicle dwellings
and unhoused individuals. Officers have issued citations where appropriate and towed vehicles
when legally permissible and logistically feasible. However, enforcement is often constrained by legal
limitations, safety considerations when individuals are living in the vehicles, and the availability of
appropriate towing and storage options.
Finally, I want to acknowledge your sentiment about civic participation and accountability. We
welcome your engagement in public meetings and policy discussions. As Councilmember Lu
mentioned, the City Council Policy and Services Committee will be discussing policy options related
to oversized vehicle parking and homelessness impacts at its special meeting on August 25. This will
be an important opportunity for community members like yourself to share input and hear directly
from City staff and elected officials about proposed strategies.
While the challenges are complex, your feedback is important to informing balanced, lawful, and
humane responses to these ongoing issues.
Best regards,
Melissa
<image001.png>Melissa McDonough, MPP
Assistant to the City Manager
pronouns: she/her
650.329.2533 (desk) | 650.586.1557 (mobile)
Melissa.McDonough@PaloAlto.gov
www.PaloAlto.gov
<image002.png>
From:Chris Schremp
To:Lauing, Ed; Shikada, Ed; Lythcott-Haims, Julie; Reckdahl, Keith; Veenker, Vicki; Council, City
Cc:Christine Schremp; Robert Marinaro; Roger Smith; Peter Xu; Barry Katz; Ceci Kettendorf; Nancy Ellickson; Dana
Dahlstrom; Lydia Kou; Bill McLane; Dave Stellman; Loren Brown; Charlie Weidanz; Jeanette Baldwin; Titan
(Zhengtian) Gu; Becky Sanders; John Schafer; Scott Petersen
Subject:Re: Rebuttal of OSV Staff Report & Proposal for Action
Date:Monday, July 6, 2026 4:10:07 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
Mr. Shikada, Mayor Veenker, and Members of the Ad Hoc Committee,
I have continued to review and analyze the most expeditious and legal way forward
on this issue. In doing so, I have tried to put myself in your shoes to better
understand the potential hurdles you feel you might face. Given that the committee
has never provided specific examples of these hurdles—other than offering vague
"legal concerns," or incorrectly framing this as a homelessness or "ties to the
community" issue—I have continued to dig into the matter myself.
In reviewing the legal frameworks available to the City of Palo Alto, I identified a
critical piece of existing legislation that completely refutes the narrative of municipal
helplessness on the OSV issue.
Palo Alto does not need to wait for open-ended "pilot programs" or prolonged
legislative drafting. The City Council has already passed the exact law required to
protect our residential neighborhoods.
Palo Alto Municipal Code Section 10.44.020 (Standing or parking) explicitly
states:
(a) No person shall, between the hours of two a.m. and six a.m. of any
day... park upon streets or alleys located within a residential zone or
public facility zone any of the following vehicles: (1) Oversized vehicles;
(2) Trailers; (3) Camper shells...
(c) Where not inconsistent with the U.S. Constitution or other applicable
law, vehicles parked in violation of this section are subject to tow.
I have included the full text at the end of the email.
This law applies today across the entirety of Palo Alto. The only reason it remains
completely unenforced on our side of town comes down to an operational choice
regarding signage.
Up to this point, staff has stalled enforcement by claiming that activating this code
requires block-by-block signage on every street in the city, carrying an artificial,
multi-million dollar price tag. This is an operational excuse, not a legal barrier.
Under California Vehicle Code (CVC) § 22651(n), the City can fully satisfy its
physical notification obligations for a uniform citywide restriction by installing heavy-
exclusively at city inlets and municipal borders
(e.g., entry points from Mountain View, Menlo Park, and East Palo Alto).
By placing entry signs at our municipal boundaries stating "OSV/Trailer Parking
Prohibited 2 AM–6 AM Citywide Per PAMC 10.44.020," the City achieves immediate
legal compliance to actively enforce and tow across all residential neighborhoods
within 30 to 45 days, at a trivial fraction of the cost of block-by-block implementation.
This discovery offers an immediate opportunity to accelerate the comprehensive plan
I previously provided. The question is no longer what the city can legally do
post-Grants Pass. The question is: Why is the City Manager’s office choosing to
leave PAMC § 10.44.020 completely unenforced in South and Midtown Palo
Alto while residential blocks in other neighborhoods are aggressively
protected?
We look forward to an operational response regarding the immediate deployment of
a citywide border-signage model to activate the laws already on our books.
Regards,
Chris Schremp
Palo Alto Resident & Stakeholder
----
10.44.020 Standing or parking.
(a) No person shall, between the hours of two a.m. and six a.m. of any day,unless authorized by a hardship permit issued pursuant to Section 10.44.021 or a
construction or maintenance permit issued pursuant to Section 10.40.045, park upon
streets or alleys located within a residential zone or public facility zone any of the
following vehicles:
(1) Oversized vehicles;
(2) Trailers;
(3) Camper shells;
(4) Tow trucks as defined by California Vehicle Code Section 615;
(5) Special construction equipment as defined by California Vehicle Code Section
565.
(b) No person shall park or leave standing a non-motorized vehicle upon any
public street or highway.
(1) For the purposes of this subsection, “non-motorized vehicle” means anytrailer, camp trailer, semitrailer or trailer coach as defined by the California VehicleCode. “Non-motorized vehicle” does not include any bicycle, scooter, or micromobilitydevice.
(2) This subsection shall not apply to a nonmotorized vehicle that is attached to avehicle capable of moving the nonmotorized vehicle in a lawful manner upon thestreet, carries a hardship permit issued pursuant to Section 10.44.021 or a
construction or maintenance permit issued pursuant to Section 10.40.045, is actively
being loaded or unloaded, or is undergoing emergency repairs.
(c) Where not inconsistent with the U.S. Constitution or other applicable law,vehicles parked in violation of this section are subject to tow.
(Ord. 5689 § 2, 2026: Ord. 5685 § 2, 2025: Ord. 4558 § 5 (part), 1999)
On Thu, Jun 18, 2026 at 5:04 PM Chris Schremp <chrisschremp88@gmail.com> wrote:
Ad Hoc Council Members, Mr. Shikada, and Mayor Veenker,
I spent some time reviewing the City Council Staff Report #2603-6171, published on June
8, 2026.
First, I want to acknowledge that work is being done and efforts seem to have delivered
progress on some aspects of the OSV issue. However, for the most part, these efforts
have been isolated to specific neighborhoods in Palo Alto, which have ultimately only
shifted the problem to others. This inequity is at the heart of so many of the current
problems we are facing.
And while this report indicates "measurable progress" and "success in reducing impacts,"
our direct, daily observations on our streets suggest a profound disconnect between the
report’s conclusions and the reality on the ground. The report includes metrics that don’t
tell the whole story, omits critical geographic displacement data, and misinterprets
resident exhaustion as a sign of municipal compliance.
Below is an analysis with the intent of contextualizing the misleading and incomplete
nature of the report.
In addition, in the spirit of not only pointing out problems but also identifying solutions, I
have included a detailed proposal below (and attached) which we expect the City and the
Council to take seriously and consider adopting in the coming weeks.
REGIONAL ANALYSIS & REBUTTAL TO REPORT #2603-6171
1. On "Point-in-Time" Claims and Hidden Metrics
The Report States: “'Point-in-time checks' by the Police Department showed an
overall decline in OSVs across monitored locations between January and May,
though in some areas numbers remained consistent... staff found that the number
of OSVs reduced from 191 to 133."
The Neighborhood Rebuttal: The City presents a generic drop from 191 to 133 as
a citywide victory, yet completely hides the geographic breakdown. What are the
"monitored locations"? Please publish the exact numbers per monitored location.
Which specific streets saw a decrease, and which specific streets "remained
consistent" or saw increases? Our observations indicate that while the overall count
may have shrunk citywide, the vehicles have simply migrated away from heavily
policed commercial zones and taken up permanent residence in residential
neighborhoods like ours. In fact, it appears most, if not all, of those remaining 133
vehicles are now on our side of town, given that the committee found a way to
effectively restrict OSVs in North Palo Alto.
2. On Fiscal Misallocation and Indefinite Timelines of Phase II
The Report States: "Phase II could expand deep cleaning and street sweeping to
additional streets, supported by permanent signage... The full scope of Phase II
remains under development with the City Council ad hoc Committee."
The Neighborhood Rebuttal: This confirmation reveals that Phase II lacks any
definitive, actionable timeline, while the Finance Committee simultaneously
recommends allocating additional funding for FY27. This confirms to taxpayers that
the City's primary operational strategy is to continuously spend our tax dollars
cleaning up the biological and mechanical waste left by unregulated OSVs, rather
than enforcing active parking bans. Why is Phase II an open-ended, exploratory
concept while the financial burden of managing this crisis is continuously shifted
onto Palo Alto property owners? Will the City refund or reduce our property taxes
during this uncapped Phase II timeline? Will you compensate homeowners for
impacted business losses and depressed property values?
3. On the Myth of "Phase I Success" and Displaced Noncompliance
The Report States: "Phase I successfully reduced noncompliance and some
impacts related to OSVs on public streets... Conditions improved over time as
compliance increased..."
The Neighborhood Rebuttal: This statement is demonstrably false and
misleading. Phase I did not solve the problem; it merely acted as a displacement
mechanism. By selectively clearing a few high-profile zones, the City exacerbated
the crisis in South and Midtown Palo Alto. OSV encampments have grown
increasingly bold, encroaching onto previously unaffected residential streets like
Ames, Ross, Louis, Colorado, Loma Verde, and East Meadow, and directly
blocking bike lanes and sidewalks on Fabian Way / Charleston Village (in front
of the Blue Condos) and East Meadow Drive (directly obstructing Ramos
Park).
4. On Omitted Towing Data and Selected Jurisdictions
The Report States: "From January to September 2025, there were 73 tows, of
which 15 were OSVs... From October to December 2025, there were a total of 50
tows, of which were 31 OSVs... The Police Department has paid $91,600 for OSV
towing services."
The Neighborhood Rebuttal: The report explicitly boasts about spending $91,600
on increased towing rates to address noncompliant vehicles. Which specific streets
and neighborhoods did these tows take place in? Our neighborhood has witnessed
almost zero towing enforcement, leading to zero visible consequences for habitual
violators blocking public rights-of-way. Show us the geographic log of these OSV
tows so taxpayers can see exactly which neighborhoods the City is choosing to
protect, and which ones it is choosing to ignore.
5. Incorrectly Interpreting Reduced 72-Hour Violations as "Success"
Correspondence from Council Member Ed Lauing: “That statement by the news
organization is a bit misleading to the reader, but it is correct. The writer is referring
to the fact that, after substantial towing, there are fewer OSV dwellers violating the
72 hour parking law and the expired vehicle registration law. It does not mean the
city is content with the current OSV count or that we are not continuing to tow.”
The Neighborhood Rebuttal: Telling us that OSV dwellers are simply getting
better at avoiding towing is not reassuring in the slightest. It confirms exactly what
neighbors have been pointing out for months. When you state that there are fewer
individuals violating the 72-hour parking law, you are describing a system that has
taught violators how to game the rules, not a system that has achieved compliance.
The OSV owners have simply figured out the exact timing required to avoid a tow
sticker: they move their vehicles just enough feet, or shuffle them around the
immediate neighborhood blocks, to reset the city's 72-hour clock.
As noted above, this rotating displacement has pushed vehicles directly in front of
Ramos Park, where they are blocking sidewalks and bike lanes used by
neighborhood families, and actively parking directly in front of residential homes on
East Meadow, Ross, Louis, Ames, Loma Verde, Colorado, and Fabian Way /
Charleston Village. A vehicle shifting positions every 72 hours might look like a
successful data point on a compliance spreadsheet. From our vantage point as
residents, it is an active shell game. The public safety hazards, the blocked
sightlines, the infrastructure damage, and the accumulated trash do not disappear
just because an RV moves 50 feet down the block. Measuring the "success" of a
policy by how effectively violators can dodge enforcement is a fundamental
misdiagnosis. We do not want them getting better at avoiding current laws; we want
the City to pass and enforce citywide boundary restrictions that permanently protect
our neighborhood infrastructure.
6. On Misreading "Nuisance Citation" Declines
The Report States: "There has also been a reduction in the number of nuisance
citations related to OSVs. In 2025 there were 89 public nuisance citations issued
and in 2026, through May 13, 2026, there have been 27 citations issued."
The Neighborhood Rebuttal: The City Manager is profoundly misinterpreting
resident behavior as a policy success. The drop from 89 to 27 citations is not due to
"improved behavior" on the streets; it is due to resident exhaustion. Homeowners
have realized that logging active public nuisances, illegal dumping, and safety
hazards into the City's 311 system results in zero operational follow-up or
enforcement. We have stopped acting as the City’s unpaid, uncompensated code
enforcement watch out of sheer frustration, not because the nuisances have
stopped.
7. On the False Claim of Responsiveness to Correspondence
The Report States: "Staff continue to monitor and respond to correspondence
submitted to the City Council on this topic."
The Neighborhood Rebuttal: This claim is outright false. Other than occasionally
offering "listening sessions" or ad hoc meetings that present no concrete plans,
residents have received zero meaningful, actionable written responses to the
extensive safety and code violations we have flagged. To state in an official public
record that staff is actively responding to constituent correspondence while our
direct inquiries are met with weeks of complete silence is an abdication of municipal
transparency.
THE PROPOSAL & ACTIONABLE POLICY BLUEPRINT
Our coalition of residents has taken the time to extensively consult with experts who are
well-versed in municipal governance, traffic safety infrastructure, and California
constitutional law.
The result of those consultations is the proposal detailed below.
We believe this proposal provides an immediate, legally sound, and fiscally responsible
operational roadmap. It balances public safety and equitable land use with a structured,
compassionate transition plan for vehicle dwellers. By leveraging the post-Grants Pass
legal landscape, the City can restore neighborhood safety, clear blocked public
infrastructure, and fulfill its fiduciary duties to its tax-paying residents.
Neighborhood Escalation, Community Myths and the Misperception that
Viable Alternatives Don’t Exist
Because enforcement has stalled, OSV operations have grown increasingly bold,
migrating into previously unaffected neighborhoods, streets and park ecosystems. And
the council’s suggestion that there are limited alternatives is incorrect.
Residential Encroachment: Active clusters have established an ongoing
presence along Ames, Ross, Louis, Loma Verde, Colorado, East Meadow and
Mitchell Park.
Infrastructure Hazards: Vehicles are now stationed on Fabian Way / Charleston
Village directly obstructing the Blue Condos and frequently along East Meadow
Drive right in front of Ramos Park, physically blocking pedestrian sidewalks and
bike lanes, creating acute life-safety hazards for neighborhood children and
families.
The Lifestyle Commute: Direct observation confirms that multiple OSVs are being
utilized as rent-free, mid-week "commuter pads" to shorten commutes to
employment hubs like Livermore. These operations are frequently supported by
brand-new, premium transport vehicles ($80k+ SUVs, luxury sedans, and Teslas),
fundamentally dispelling the narrative of universal economic destitution. In multiple
documented cases, these vehicles have boats attached or expensive motorcycles
parked next to them, further proving this is not a homelessness issue. Furthermore,
working in or around Palo Alto does not equate to having deep roots or historical
ties to our civic community.
The Accommodating Magnet & Long-Term Choice: Direct engagement and
local media coverage confirm that multiple OSV dwellers explicitly chose their
current locations because Palo Alto's non-enforcement policy is so
"accommodating," with individuals migrating from as far away as Sacramento and
Tahoe— disproving the City's claim of local community ties. Furthermore,
conversations reveal that a significant number of these individuals have lived out of
their OSVs for 5, 10, or 15+ years; this duration establishes a permanent choice
rather than a temporary, situational economic crisis.
Double Standard for Economic Reality: We need to call out the double standard
happening on our streets. If a hard-working housed family—whether they are a
cost of living in Palo Alto, they make the difficult, standard economic choice to
relocate. They move to other parts of California or to entirely different states like
Indiana, Wisconsin, or Colorado where their dollar stretches further. They do not
get to appropriate a piece of a public park or a residential bike lane to subsidize
their preferred climate or proximity to Silicon Valley.
The exact same standard must apply to OSV dwellers. There is absolutely no
shortage of physical space or infrastructure for full-time vehicles living in this
country. There are millions of acres of dedicated Bureau of Land
Management (BLM) Long-Term Visitor Areas in Arizona explicitly set up for
year-round vehicle habitation, and thousands of highly affordable, legally
zoned RV parks across the Midwest and Southwest where monthly lot rents
are as low as $300 to $500.
These individuals are choosing to occupy Palo Alto’s high-value residential
streets and park zones not because they have zero options left in America,
but because Palo Alto’s non-enforcement policy makes it free and easy for
them to do so at the direct expense of our local taxpayers. Working or
wanting to live in Palo Alto does not grant anyone an un-zoned right to free
public land.
Alternatives to Palo Alto and CA Exist:
Quartzsite & The Lower Colorado River Valley (Arizona)
This is the epicenter of long-term, high-capacity vehicles living in
the United States.
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) operates massive Long-
Term Visitor Areas (LTVAs) (such as La Posa in Quartzsite or
Imperial in California/Arizona borders). For a nominal fee (around
$180 for an entire 7-month permit), anyone can legally park an
OSV on thousands of acres of designated land.
These areas are explicitly designed for long-term vehicle
habitation, offering centralized stations for trash disposal,
freshwater filling, and blackwater dump stations.
The Upper Midwest & Ohio River Valley (Indiana, Ohio, Michigan)
If vehicle dwellers are looking for affordable, permanent stationary
options, the states that actually manufacture the vast majority of
the country's RVs have the highest density of cheap, long-term RV
infrastructure.
States like Indiana and Ohio feature hundreds of rural and semi-
rural mobile home and RV parks with massive vacancy rates.
Unlike the Bay Area, where a single RV space can cost upwards of
$1,500/month, long-term lot rentals in these regions frequently
cost between $300 and $500 per month, including utility hookups.
The cost of food, gas, and basic amenities is drastically lower,
allowing a fixed or low income to stretch three to four times
further than it would in Silicon Valley.
Escapees RV Club Co-Ops (Texas, New Mexico, Nevada)
For long-term vehicle dwellers who want a structured, legal, and
community-oriented environment without paying California real
estate prices, the Southwest features dedicated RV Co-Op parks.
Networks like the Escapees RV Club operate massive, low-cost
cooperative parks throughout Texas, New Mexico, and Nevada.
These locations are specifically zoned for full-time RV residency,
offering permanent lot options, low maintenance fees, and robust
community infrastructure (laundry, medical access, and
community centers).
A FOUR-PHASE BLUEPRINT FOR RESOLUTION
PHASE 1: Adopt a Citywide Boundary Restrictions Model
The Operational Bottleneck: Staff previously estimated that block-by-block
signage to enforce localized restrictions would cost millions of dollars—a projection
that serves as an artificial barrier to action.
The Solution (CVC § 22651(n)): Under the California Vehicle Code, the City can
satisfy its physical notification obligations by enacting a uniform citywide overnight
restriction (prohibiting OSVs from parking on any public right-of-way between 2:00
AM and 6:00 AM).
Implementation: The City can establish full legal compliance by installing heavy-
duty legislative notice signs exclusively at city inlets and municipal borders (e.g.,
entry points from Mountain View, Menlo Park, and East Palo Alto). This achieves
citywide enforcement capability within 30 to 45 days at a fraction of the cost of
block-by-block signage.
PHASE 2: Implement a 30-Day Proactive, Compassionate Transition Period
The Philosophy: Residents understand the necessity of giving OSV dwellers fair,
reasonable time to adjust to municipal policy changes. We firmly believe public
funds are far better spent on extensive forewarning and structured outreach than
on the continuous, reactive cleanup of unregulated encampments.
The Solution: Upon passage of the citywide ordinance, the City will initiate a strict
30-day transition clock. During this window, code enforcement and social services
will conduct intensive community outreach, distributing flyers directly to all occupied
OSVs.
Resource Allocation: This 30-day window provides ample, humane notice for
transient occupants to relocate to legitimate, zoned RV parks in our state or
elsewhere in the US, or utilize designated municipal safe-parking programs,
ensuring no individual is caught off guard when active enforcement commences.
PHASE 3: Re-Establish the "Social Contract" via Equitable Enforcement
The Geographic Disparity: Certain neighborhoods, such as Old Palo Alto (e.g.,
the 1400 block of Webster St), enjoy the aggressive protections of Residential
Preferential Parking (RPP) districts, where non-permitted vehicles are strictly
ticketed or towed within a 2-hour window. Concurrently, South and Midtown Palo
Alto residential streets are treated as unregulated overflow lots.
The Solution: The City must eliminate this two-tiered system of municipal
protection. If the City’s operational and legal frameworks are robust enough to keep
streets clear near downtown and the properties of city leadership, those exact
same standards of protection must be applied equitably to the streets surrounding
Ramos Park, Fabian Way, and our broader neighborhoods.
PHASE 4: Transition from "72-Hour Warnings" to Active Safety Citations
The Myth of the 72-Hour Right: Under CVC § 22651(k), a 72-hour warning sticker
applies exclusively to vehicles legally parked but left standing.
The Solution: When an OSV parks on a residential street obstructing an active
bike lane, blocking the line-of-sight of a critical intersection, or encroaching onto an
ADA-compliant sidewalk, it is in immediate violation of public safety codes.
Actionable Directive: Instruct the Palo Alto Police Department (PAPD) and Code
Enforcement to issue immediate, non-waivable traffic safety citations for
infrastructure blockages upon discovery. Repeat violators who exhaust their 30-day
transition window must face immediate impoundment under active safety-hazard
protocols rather than receiving sequential, consequence-free warning stickers.
CLARIFYING THE LEGAL & POLICY REALITIES
1. The Post-Grants Pass Landscape
The City’s previous hesitation to implement sweeping restrictions was tethered to 9th
Circuit precedent (Martin v. Boise). However, the United States Supreme Court's ruling in
City of Grants Pass v. Johnson completely shifted the legal landscape, returning full
authority over public rights-of-way and camping ordinances to local policymakers.
Constitutional fears are no longer a viable justification for municipal delay.
2. Dissecting "Community Ties" vs. Transient Migration
The narrative that Palo Alto is solely managing a localized population with deep roots in
our community is contradicted by empirical evidence. Recent regional media coverage
(KPIX | CBS News Bay Area) highlighted OSV occupants openly admitting they migrated
to Palo Alto from as far away as Sacramento and Tahoe purely because our municipal
posture is uniquely "accommodating." Palo Alto has inadvertently turned itself into a
subsidized regional destination. We have verified and documented instances of
occupants who hold permanent residences in Capitola and Scotts Valley using our
neighborhood streets as a weekly bridge for their commutes.
3. Distinction of Scope: Vehicle Removal vs. Land Use
We must clarify a common misstatement often repeated in public forums: "if people are
removed from their RVs, we have a different type of homelessness problem." Residents
are not asking the City to remove people from their vehicles. Occupants have every right
to reside in their RVs. However, they do not have a right to appropriate public
thoroughfares, family transit corridors, and neighborhood parks as un-zoned, rent-free
mobile home parks. The City's primary fiduciary duty is to the tax-paying citizens who
fund the municipality; it is not obligated to source private land or absorb regional RV
demand prior to enforcing its own municipal safety codes.
CONCLUSION & CALL TO ACTION
We urge the City Council to bypass open-ended "pilot program" frameworks—which
frequently result in prolonged dialogue while conditions on the ground spirit away—and
directly vote on the following directives ahead of the summer recess:
1.
Direct the City Manager to draft an ordinance implementing a uniform citywide
overnight OSV restriction utilizing the border-signage model, coupled with an
immediate budget allocation for the 30-Day Proactive Notification and Outreach
Flyer Campaign.
2.
Direct the City Attorney to provide an immediate briefing on municipal
enforcement options optimized by the Grants Pass ruling to protect R-1 and
residential zones.
3.
Direct PAPD and Code Enforcement to initiate immediate, proactive enforcement
of bike-lane obstructions and safety-sightline hazards at parks and school routes
without the application of elective 72-hour grace periods.
Taxpayers contributing upwards of $50,000 annually in property taxes are fulfilling their
financial obligations to Palo Alto; we expect the City to fulfill its reciprocal obligation to
protect the basic safety, sanitation, and accessibility of our streets.
I look forward to your response and partnership to act upon our proposal.
Regards,
Chris Schremp
From:America SCORES Bay Area
To:Council, City
Subject:As the U.S. Team Chases History, We"re Changing the Game
Date:Monday, July 6, 2026 3:27:20 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious ofopening attachments and clicking on links.
Soccer Legacy Gala Goers,
The 1994 World Cup team just barely lost to Brazil 1-0 at Stanford Stadium in the
first game of the knockout round. Thirty-two years later, the U.S. team will be
playing in a second knockout game and if they win, they will make history again.
America SCORES was born out of the success of 1994. Now in 2026, during this
year’s World Cup, SCORES students are walking hand-in-hand into sold-out
stadiums with soccer superstars as part of the Quaker Player Escort Program.
At the Gala last May, we celebrated our history, and we invested in the future.
Soccer has come far, but not far enough. Persistent barriers still exist at the youth
level, especially for families who can not afford the model of pay-to-play soccer.
Soccer is moving forward in the U.S. at the highest level. Thanks to you and
programs like SCORES, soccer is also thriving in unlikely places, including 180 Bay
Area public schools. No cost. No tryouts. No Barriers. That’s how SCORES is
changing the game.
The 2026 U.S. team is writing a new chapter for soccer. And when the games are
done, when the last whistle blows for the U.S. National Team – whether it's today
or later in July – America SCORES will keep showing up.
For SCORES, success is not measured by a single tournament or a single game.
Success is opening doors for kids to play soccer. Success is supporting a corps of
front-line coach-mentors day after day, week after week, season after season.
Success is when a student reports at the end the season: “I have a coach who cares
about me.” Success is when creative, inspiring poetry is written and shared by Poet-
Athletes like Santiago, Hayzel, and Emiley.
When the World Cup ends this summer, SCORES will be gearing up to start the
fall season at 180 Bay Area public school sites. Nearly 7,000 students will be
counting on us to show up. When we do, they’ll have a coach, a new jersey, and a
team. They'll get to play out their dreams that were fanned with the U.S. Team
and the 2026 World Cup.
Once again, thank you for attending the Gala and for helping us build on the
legacy that began in ‘94. If you purchased a ticket or a table, won an auction item,
raised your paddle, or dropped your name tag in a bucket, we couldn’t be more
grateful for your support. If you are looking for a reason to lean in more, this is
your call to action: Stay Engaged. These kids are counting on us.
Here’s some ways to continue the momentum:
• View & share photos from the Soccer Legacy Gala
• Watch this CBS segment about Poet-Athlete Giselle who was selected for the
Quaker Player Escort Program
• Read this story from SF Chronicle about the high cost of youth sports and what
SCORES is doing to make soccer more accessible
• Make a donation or gift via donor advised fund or stock
• Contact me (cschmidt@americascores.org) if you have feedback about the Gala
or want to get more involved in our big vision to reach more kids and communities
Let’s Go USA. Lets go America SCORES. Let’s Make Soccer History AGAIN!
Sincerely,
Colin Schmidt
CEO & Executive Director
America SCORES Bay Area
Copyright (C) 2026 | America SCORES Bay Area. All rights reserved.
Our mailing address is: 530 Divisadero Street, PMB #741 San Francisco, CA 94117
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From:Matthew Bryant
To:Planning Commission; Council, City; Kallas, Emily
Cc:Matt Bryant; Candy Tsourounis
Subject:470 Olive Ave rezoning opposition
Date:Monday, July 6, 2026 12:09:46 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
i
Dear distinguished Palo Alto City Council, PTC members, and project planner Emily Kallas,
I am writing this letter to express my opposition with the rezoning request by 470 Olive
Ave, which is an existing R-1 zoning that is shown to be part of the R-1 zoning per the
existing and updated 2024 NVCAP
(https://www.paloalto.gov/files/assets/public/v/2/planning-amp-development-services/north-
ventura-cap/nvcap-reports/adopted_nvcap_8_26_24.pdf). Per the existing NVCAP zoning
ordinances the 470 Olive Ave parcel is R-1 and should not be permitted to become a medium
density mixed use for a multitude of reasons.
It should be noted that 470 Olive Ave is currently non conforming and has previously
attempted to rezone in 2019 and it was not allowed to proceed for reasons: [e.g.,
https://www.paloalto.gov/files/assets/public/v/1/agendas-minutes-reports/agendas-
minutes/planning-and-transportation-commission/2019-agendas-minutes-and-staff-reports/ptc-
12.11.19-470-olive.pdf ]. In 2019, 470 Olive Ave had been noted to be non conforming and
operating a commercial business in earnest on residentially-zoned property which allegedly
violates Palo Alto code and incurs a $1,000 daily fine or $365,000/year. It is unknown whether
the fines been paid to the City of Palo Alto.
It should further be noted that there is a new R-1 single family residential currently under
construction next door at 450 Olive Ave which is conforming and will help to enhance the
NVCAP R-1 zoning as designed and agreed to in the updated 2024 NVCAP. Also, recent
ADU have been built on R-1 zones at 461 Pepper Ave, 295 Olive Ave, and 305 Olive Ave
which helps fulfill further housing needs in Palo Alto.
We and our Pepper and Olive Street neighbors are writing to express clear and pressing
opposition and concerns regarding the proposed rezoning of 470 Olive Ave from R-1 to a
medium-density mixed-use designation.
While everyone understands the state-mandated pressure to fulfill the Regional Housing
Needs Allocation (RHNA), approving this rezoning without a holistic, corridor-wide
cumulative impact analysis introduces massive safety and infrastructure liabilities to
Ventura and surrounding neighborhoods.
This message needs your attention
This is a personal email address.
Mark Safe Report
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The current planning approach evaluates this block entirely in a piecemeal fashion (i.e., each
project's study typically concludes that their specific project alone won't significantly degrade
the surrounding intersection to a point of total failure), creating a dangerous blind spot
regarding localized gridlock:
Compounding Localized Density: This specific stretch of El Camino Real (SR 82) of
South Palo Alto will bear the weight of multiple massive redevelopments, including the
368-unit project at the former Fish Market/McDonald’s site, the 5-story 129-unit
housing development at the former Mike’s Bikes site, and other nearby construction
such as the 80-plus condos at former Fry's Cannery site. This combination obviously
risks overwhelming this single micro-corridor, therefore, development must proceed
with care to prevent expensive mistakes.
The Page Mill Bottleneck: The intersection of Page Mill Road and El Camino Real is
currently being reconfigured after the permanent redesign to remove street parking and
accommodate bike lanes. Backups at that intersection are commonplace. Combined with
eliminating the right-on-red option, this actively reduces vehicular lane capacity and
impacts business and neighborhood parking. Traffic spills into the arteries. The Page
Mill crosswalk in front of Ash is more dangerous with increased traffic. Time will tell
whether the new reconfiguration mitigates these issues.
Gridlock of Neighborhood Side-Streets: Because 470 Olive Ave connects to El
Camino Real via an un-signaled stop sign on the side street, the compounding traffic
from these projects can effectively trap neighborhood residents. When El Camino backs
up due to the restricted Page Mill intersection, turning left into or out of Olive Avenue
becomes physically impossible and creates a severe hazard for emergency vehicle
access.
Our Request to the Council and Commission:
We urge you to oppose the 470 Olive Ave rezoning request and furthermore conduct a
sober, realistic Cumulative Traffic and Safety Infrastructure Study that explicitly
evaluates the combined impact of the Fish Market/McDonald's site, the Mike’s Bikes site, the
Fry's Cannery site, and other projects within a reasonable (e.g., 0.75-mi) radius working in
tandem against the reduced road capacity from the new El Camino/Page Mill configuration
including the wholesale removal of street parking.
The study may not be free, but it would likely be much cheaper than fixing the resulting
mistakes later.
Palo Alto plays a dangerous game by continuing to approve massive, isolated density
increases block-by-block while actively dismantling the very road infrastructure meant to
support them.
Thank you for your time and consideration of Palo Alto's neighborhoods' long-term safety and
efficient transportation.
Sincerely,
Matthew Bryant, PharmD
471 Pepper Ave, Palo Alto, CA 94306
From:Aram James
To:Meg Thomas; Julian Garcia; Council, City; Shikada, Ed
Subject:Re: Records Center] Public Records Request :: W008240-062626
Date:Monday, July 6, 2026 12:02:33 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
On Mon, Jul 6, 2026 at 12:00 PM Aram James <abjpd1@gmail.com> wrote:
7/6/2026
Hi Meg & Julian,
I hope both of you had a great 4th weekend. Below is the response from the Palo Alto Fire
Marshal, Tamara Jasso, to my request regarding the possibility of the City of Palo Alto
conducting seismic/earthquake inspections of apartment complexes like the Southwood
Complex.
As you will read, privately owned apartment complexes like the Southwood Complex are
responsible for performing their own seismic inspections.
“ Routine structural inspections and maintaining seismic integrity are the legal
responsibility of the private property owner.”
I would appreciate it if you would pass on my request to the owners of the
Southwood Complex that they conduct a full seismic inspection of the property
promptly and, once the inspection is complete, release the report's findings to the
tenants at Southwood and provide the City of Palo Alto with a copy of the report.
Of course, if repairs or maintenance, etc., are necessary to bring the complex into
compliance with earthquake safety standards, I would request that said
repairs/maintenance be conducted in a timely fashion.
Sincerely,
Aram James
415-370-5056
Dear Mr. James,
Thank you for reaching out. The seismic safety of our community is a critical issue, and I am
glad to provide clarification on how seismic evaluations and inspections are managed in the
City of Palo Alto.
To address your primary question: The City of Palo Alto (including both the Fire Department
and the Building Department) does not perform active or routine seismic structural inspections
on private residential apartment complexes. Routine structural inspections and maintaining
seismic integrity are the legal responsibility of the private property owner. Instead, the City’s
role is regulatory, governed by specific state and local building standards. Under the Palo Alto
Municipal Code (PAMC), seismic evaluations are handled through targeted safety programs.
Palo Alto has a local program designed to identify and evaluate specific high-risk structural
types. Under this program, the City requires private owners of specific building categories to
hire a licensed civil or structural engineer to prepare and submit an engineering report to the
Building Department. This engineering report is meant to investigate structural systems
resisting earthquake forces and determine if they are inadequate to prevent structural failure or
collapse.
However, this program only applies to specific types of older or high-occupancy structures,
categorized as follows:
Category I: Buildings constructed of unreinforced masonry (URM) (excluding very
small buildings under 1,900 sq. ft. with 6 or fewer occupants).
Category II: Buildings constructed prior to January 1, 1935, containing 100 or more
occupants.
Category III: Buildings constructed between January 1, 1935, and August 1, 1976,
containing 300 or more occupants.
Most standard, modern, or smaller-scale multi-family apartment complexes do not meet these
specific criteria and therefore do not fall under the City's seismic reporting program.
Outside of the reporting program described above, seismic evaluations of existing buildings
are only legally triggered under the California Existing Building Code (CEBC) and local
amendments when an owner applies for permits to perform substantial additions, alterations,
or structural repairs.
For standard apartment complexes—such as the Southwood Apartments—the City does not
have a mechanism to proactively inspect or structurally evaluate the buildings for earthquake
safety. If residents have concerns about the seismic safety or structural integrity of their
building, we strongly recommend raising those concerns directly with the property
management or owner. The owner can choose to hire a private licensed structural engineer to
evaluate the property and recommend seismic safety upgrades.
Please let me know if you have any further questions regarding fire safety regulations or
emergency preparedness in Palo Alto.
Tamara Jasso | Fire Marshal
City of Palo Alto Fire Department
250 Hamilton Ave | Palo Alto, CA 94301
D: 650.329.2329 | E: tamara.jasso@paloalto.gov
To monitor the progress or update this request please log into the [NAMEOFSYSTEM]
Dear Aram:
The City of Palo Alto is dedicated and responsive to our community. Your
request has been received and is being processed. Your request was given the
reference number W008240-062626 for tracking purposes.
Records Requested: Hi Chief Tamara Jasso:
I hope you and your family are doing well. I am very interested to get
information on the earthquake/seismic inspections of apartment complexes like
the Southwood Apartment Complex at 2850 Middlefield Rd, in Palo Alto.
Any information you can provide me regarding this critical issue would be
appreciated.
Sincerely,
Aram James
415-370-5056