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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-09-21 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: 09/21/2026 Document dates: 9/14/26 – 9/21/26 Note: Documents for every category may not have been received for packet reproduction in a given week. From:Aram James To:Lauing, Ed; Vicki Veenker; garygech@gmail.com; bryna@changforcitycouncil.com; Raymond Goins; brianhama@gmail.com; h.etzko@gmail.com; yudy4paloalto@gmail.com Cc:Dave Price; Emily Mibach; Brandon Pho; Braden Cartwright; Gennady Sheyner; Riley Cooke; EPA Today; jgreen@dailynewsgroup.com; Raj Jayadev; sam.liccardo@gmail.com; assemblymember.berman@assembly.ca.gov; Josh Becker; Cait James; Jeff Conrad; Jeff Rosen; Tim James; Jay Boyarsky; Zelkha, Mila; steven mcgill; Preminger, Steve; supervisor.abe-koga@bos.sccgov.org; Supervisor Susan Ellenberg; Supervisor Otto Lee; Nash, Betsy; Taylor, Cecilia; dcombs@menlopark.gov; Supervisor Betty Duong; Sameena Usman; Zahra Billoo; Nicole Chiu-Wang; Human Relations Commission; Council, City; city.council@gilroy.org; Redwood City City Council; CityCouncil; citycouncil@mountainview.gov; james pitkin; alphonso.lozano@santamonica.gov; Seanjames143@yahoo.com; Shankar Ramamoorthy; Sheree Roth; Shepherd, Nancy; Lotus Fong; Roberta Ahlquist; Rodriguez, Miguel; Andre Jimenez; Doug Minkler; Karen Ellis; Holman, Karen (external); Tom DuBois; Ari Tarver; Mohammed; Mora Oommen; Bill Newell; Bil Barber; WILPF Peninsula Palo Alto; William Armaline; Paul George @ PPJC; Penni Wilson; Reckdahl, Keith; Burt, Patrick; Yusra Hussain; Yolanda Conaway Subject:Re: Palo Alto Council race: Lauing says the city should be more transparent – Palo Alto Daily Post Date:Monday, September 21, 2026 11:57:40 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. 9-21-2026 Dear City Council Candidates: I am hoping that not only Ed Lauing, but each of you, will finally be willing to address the elephant in the room —the brutal genocide that is occurring in Palestine — being perpetrated by the war-crimes state of Israel, with the full complicity of our government. I am not asking anyone to agree with my opinions on the state of Israel. I am asking each of you to provide your own well-thought-out viewpoint on the issue so voters are fully informed of your views before they cast their vote on election day. Continued good luck with your campaigns, Avram Finkelstein aka Aram Janes On Mon, Sep 21, 2026 at 9:44 AM Aram James <abjpd1@gmail.com> wrote: Ed Lauing’s transparency score: F. 1. Have you spoken out regarding the ongoing genocide in Palestine-Gaza and the West Bank? No. Are you willing to answer questions on this subject? No 2. Have you opposed more U.S. aid to Israel? No. Are you willing to answer questions on this subject? No 3. Have you advocated for a one-state solution or for the elimination of Israel as a rogue nation? No. Are you willing to answer questions on this subject? No 4. Have you attempted to explain to your constituents that being an anti-Zionist does NOT make you antisemitic? No. Are you willing to answer questions on this subject? No 6. Does your synagogue regularly send money to support the state of Israel? Are you willing to answer this question publicly? No 7. Do you consider yourself a proud Zionist? Are you willing to answer this question publicly? No 8. Are you willing to publicly answer any of the seven questions above? No *** Ed Lauing’s Transparency Score. F. https://padailypost.com/2026/09/19/palo-alto-council-race-lauing-says-the-city-should-be- more-transparent/ From:Charlie Weidanz To:Council, City Subject:Don"t Miss the 31st Annual Great Glass Pumpkin Patch Palo Alto Date:Monday, September 21, 2026 10:01:03 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. 2026 Great Glass Pumpkin Patch Palo Alto | September 26-27, 2026 10,000+ handmade glass pumpkins. One unforgettable weekend. The Great Glass Pumpkin Patch returns this September with 25+ glass artists, live glassblowing, and thousands of one-of-a-kind works to discover. Save the date and start planning your visit. September 26–27, 2026 • 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Palo Alto Art Center • 1313 Newell Road, Palo Alto, CA 94303 FREE ADMISSION The Art Center is at the corner of Embarcadero and Newell roads. Plenty of free street parking is available. greatglasspumpkinpatch.org This email was sent on behalf of Palo Alto Chamber of Commerce 355 Alma St Palo Alto, CA 94301.To unsubscribe click here. If you have questions or comments concerning this email or services in general, please contact us by email at info@paloaltochamber.com. From:Aram James To:Lauing, Ed; Vicki Veenker; garygech@gmail.com; bryna@changforcitycouncil.com; Raymond Goins; brianhama@gmail.com; h.etzko@gmail.com; yudy4paloalto@gmail.com Cc:Dave Price; Braden Cartwright; Brandon Pho; Emily Mibach; Gennady Sheyner; Riley Cooke; Bill Johnson; EPA Today; cromero@cityofepa.org; Ann Ravel; Anne Cribbs; Diana Diamond; jgreen@dailynewsgroup.com; rabrica@cityofepa.org; City Attorney; Council, City; citycouncil@mountainview.gov; GRP-City Council; city.council@gilroy.org; Jeff Conrad; Jeff Rosen; Jeff Hayden; Jeff Cormier; james pitkin; Cait James; supervisor.abe-koga@bos.sccgov.org; Supervisor Otto Lee; Supervisor Susan Ellenberg; Supervisor Betty Duong; district1@bos.sccgov.org; board@pausd.org; CityCouncil; Sean Allen; Carla Torres; Susan Hayase; Salem Ajluni; sam.liccardo@gmail.com; Yolanda Conaway; WILPF Peninsula Palo Alto; steven mcgill; Preminger, Steve; Steve Wagstaffe; Zahra Billoo; Zelkha, Mila; <michael.gennaco@oirgroup.com>; Stephen Connolly; ladoris cordell; julie.ruhlin@oirgroup.con; Roberta Ahlquist; frances.Rothschild@jud.ca.gov; Bil Barber; Holman, Karen (external); Kaloma Smith; Ted Smith; Michael Ybarra; Seher Awan; Ruth Silver Taube; Seanjames143@yahoo.com; Yusra Hussain; Jeff Yoshioka; Nicole Chiu-Wang; Nious, Kevin (NBCUniversal); Matt Schlegel; Malinsky, Jason; Robert Salonga; karen hall; Daniel Kottke Subject:Re: Palo Alto Council race: Lauing says the city should be more transparent – Palo Alto Daily Post Date:Monday, September 21, 2026 9:50:07 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. On Mon, Sep 21, 2026 at 9:44 AM Aram James <abjpd1@gmail.com> wrote: Ed Lauing’s transparency score: F. 1. Have you spoken out regarding the ongoing genocide in Palestine-Gaza and the West Bank? No. Are you willing to answer questions on this subject? No 2. Have you opposed more U.S. aid to Israel? No. Are you willing to answer questions on this subject? No 3. Have you advocated for a one-state solution or for the elimination of Israel as a rogue nation? No. Are you willing to answer questions on this subject? No 4. Have you attempted to explain to your constituents that being an anti-Zionist does NOT make you antisemitic? No. Are you willing to answer questions on this subject? No 5. Are you a dual US-Israeli citizen? Are you willing to even answer this question? No 6. Does your synagogue regularly send money to support the state of Israel? Are you willing to answer this question publicly? No 7. Do you consider yourself a proud Zionist? Are you willing to answer this question publicly? No 8. Are you willing to publicly answer any of the seven questions above? No *** Ed Lauing’s Transparency Score. F. https://padailypost.com/2026/09/19/palo-alto-council-race-lauing-says-the-city-should-be- more-transparent/ From:Aram James To:Lauing, Ed; Vicki Veenker; garygech@gmail.com; bryna@changforcitycouncil.com; Raymond Goins; brianhama@gmail.com; h.etzko@gmail.com; yudy4paloalto@gmail.com Cc:Dave Price; Braden Cartwright; Brandon Pho; Emily Mibach; Gennady Sheyner; Riley Cooke; Bill Johnson; EPA Today; cromero@cityofepa.org; Ann Ravel; Anne Cribbs; Diana Diamond; jgreen@dailynewsgroup.com; rabrica@cityofepa.org; City Attorney; Council, City; citycouncil@mountainview.gov; GRP-City Council; city.council@gilroy.org; Jeff Conrad; Jeff Rosen; Jeff Hayden; Jeff Cormier; james pitkin; Cait James; supervisor.abe-koga@bos.sccgov.org; Supervisor Otto Lee; Supervisor Susan Ellenberg; Supervisor Betty Duong; district1@bos.sccgov.org; board@pausd.org; CityCouncil; Sean Allen; Carla Torres; Susan Hayase; Salem Ajluni; sam.liccardo@gmail.com; Yolanda Conaway; WILPF Peninsula Palo Alto; steven mcgill; Preminger, Steve; Steve Wagstaffe; Zahra Billoo; Zelkha, Mila; <michael.gennaco@oirgroup.com>; Stephen Connolly; ladoris cordell; julie.ruhlin@oirgroup.con; Roberta Ahlquist; frances.Rothschild@jud.ca.gov; Bil Barber; Holman, Karen (external); Kaloma Smith; Ted Smith; Michael Ybarra; Seher Awan; Ruth Silver Taube; Seanjames143@yahoo.com; Yusra Hussain; Jeff Yoshioka; Nicole Chiu-Wang; Nious, Kevin (NBCUniversal) Subject:Palo Alto Council race: Lauing says the city should be more transparent – Palo Alto Daily Post Date:Monday, September 21, 2026 9:45:16 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Ed Lauing’s transparency score: F. 1. Have you spoken out regarding the ongoing genocide in Palestine-Gaza and the West Bank? No. Are you willing to answer questions on this subject? No 2. Have you opposed more U.S. aid to Israel? No. Are you willing to answer questions on this subject? No 3. Have you advocated for a one-state solution or for the elimination of Israel as a rogue nation? No. Are you willing to answer questions on this subject? No 4. Have you attempted to explain to your constituents that being an anti-Zionist does NOT make you antisemitic? No. Are you willing to answer questions on this subject? No 5. Are you a dual US-Israeli citizen? Are you willing to even answer this question? No 6. Does your synagogue regularly send money to support the state of Israel? Are you willing to answer this question publicly? No 7. Do you consider yourself a proud Zionist? Are you willing to answer this question publicly? No 8. Are you willing to publicly answer any of the seven questions above? No *** Ed Lauing’s Transparency Score. F. https://padailypost.com/2026/09/19/palo-alto-council-race-lauing-says-the-city-should-be- more-transparent/ From:Aram James To:bryna@changforcitycouncil.com; garygech@gmail.com Cc:Sean Allen; h.etzko@gmail.com; Raymond Goins; Riley Cooke; Dave Price; Raj Jayadev; Preminger, Steve; steven mcgill; Vicki Veenker; Lauing, Ed; yudy4paloalto@gmail.com; Robert Salonga; Raymond Goins; Matt Schlegel; board@pausd.org; BoardOperations; Charisse Domingo; sharon jackson; Carla Torres; Daniel Kottke; Reckdahl, Keith; Council, City; city.council@gilroy.org; citycouncil@mountainview.gov; jgreen@dailynewsgroup.com; Damon Silver; <michael.gennaco@oirgroup.com>; Emily Mibach; Braden Cartwright; Ruth Silver Taube; Steven D. Lee; Lu, George; Perron, Zachary; City Attorney; Shikada, Ed; Brandon Pho; Jennifer Morrow San José Spotlight; rabrica@cityofepa.org; cromero@cityofepa.org; Anne Cribbs; Lee, Craig; Yolanda Conaway; Jose Valle; Roberta Ahlquist; Human Relations Commission; Diana Diamond; EPA Today; Bill Newell; eric.figueroa@cityofpaloalto.org; Friends of Cubberley; Dan Okonkwo; Mora Oommen; Zelkha, Mila; Kaloma Smith; ladoris cordell; WILPF Peninsula Palo Alto; Rodriguez, Miguel; Dana St. George; Gerry Gras; Gennady Sheyner Subject:Re: Check out the 200-plus comments about the two of you on TikTok-certainly not love letters. Both of you would do Palo AltoA massive favor by dropping out of the race- at least think about it. Date:Sunday, September 20, 2026 10:55:41 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. 9-20-2026 Bryna & Gary: Do Palo Alto a massive favor and drop out of the race now. Read the 200-plus comments (on TikTok) about your ugly performances at the September 10 debate. The straight-up racism both of you demonstrated was commented on by numerous people from all over the Bay Area. You are both disgusting human beings in my view. Do the right thing for Palo Alto, drop out now- Avram Finkelstein https://www.tiktok.com/@goins4council2026?_r=1&_t=ZT-99qEoG4dPjx From:Aram James To:bryna@changforcitycouncil.com; garygech@gmail.com Cc:brianhama@gmail.com; Vicki Veenker; h.etzko@gmail.com; Vicki Veenker; yudy4paloalto@gmail.com; Lauing, Ed; Raymond Goins; Dave Price; Gennady Sheyner; Riley Cooke; Brandon Pho; Braden Cartwright; EPA Today; rabrica@cityofepa.org; cromero@cityofepa.org; Council, City; board@pausd.org; Board of Directors; BoardOperations; supervisor.abe-koga@bos.sccgov.org; Jose Valle; Charisse Domingo; Nicole Chiu-Wang; Sean Allen; Carla Torres; sharon jackson; Susan Hayase; Rose Lynn; sam.liccardo@gmail.com; Jennifer Morrow San José Spotlight Subject:Check out the 200-plus comments about the two of you on TikTok-certainly not love letters. Both of you would do Palo AltoA massive favor by dropping out of the race- at least think about it. Date:Sunday, September 20, 2026 10:42:42 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. 9-20-2026 Bryna & Gary: Do Palo Alto a massive favor and drop out of the race now. Read the 200-plus comments (on TikTok) about your ugly performances at the September 10 debate. The straight-up racism both of you demonstrated was commented on by numerous people from all over the Bay Area. You are both disgusting human beings in my view. Do the right thing for Palo Alto, drop out now- Avram Finkelstein From:Angela Kim To:Vargas-Aguilera, Elisa Cc:City Mgr; Planning Enforcement; Andrade, Alicia; Lait, Jonathan; Council, City; Veenker, Vicki; City Attorney Subject:Re: Repeated Failure to Enforce Municipal Code – 18 Roosevelt Circle – Request for Response Within 10 Days Date:Sunday, September 20, 2026 9:38:56 PM Attachments:image001.png image002.png image004.png image005.png image006.png image007.png CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. i Dear Ms. Vargas, I am following up on my email below, as I have not yet received a response. Given that my home is now on market and the conditions at the Subject Property have continued to worsen, including encroachment into the public walkway, I would appreciate an update on the status of the NOV and any immediate action that the City plans to take. Please let me know when I can expect an update. Thank you for your attention to this matter. Sincerely, Angela On Sat, Sep 12, 2026 at 8:16 AM Angela Kim <woongela@gmail.com> wrote: Dear Ms. Vargas, Thank you for your detailed response and for confirming that this case is being treated as a high priority. I am writing to urge the City to take action as quickly as possible. I am planning to put my home on the market next week, and the condition of the Subject Property has become substantially worse. The accumulated debris and materials are now encroaching into and obstructing the public walkway/right-of-way, in addition to This message needs your attention This is a personal email address. Mark Safe Report the extensive accumulation in the front yard, driveway, backyard, and other areas of the property. This is particularly concerning because the condition of the Subject Property is directly adjacent to my home. The continued deterioration is likely to have a severe adverse impact on the marketability and value of my property. I have already incurred significant out-of-pocket expense to repair my fence as a result of conditions associated with the Subject Property, and I am now facing the prospect of putting my home on the market while this highly visible and worsening condition remains immediately next door. I understand that you indicated a target of issuing the Notice of Violation within the next month. Given the circumstances, however, I respectfully ask whether the City can expedite the NOV and take any other available interim enforcement action before my property is listed next week. At a minimum, I would ask the City to address the materials that are now encroaching onto the public walkway and any conditions presenting an immediate safety or fire hazard. I also strongly encourage the City to consider the large-scale cleanup that was undertaken in 2019. Given the property's history of repeated accumulation, a temporary or piecemeal approach is unlikely to provide a lasting solution. A comprehensive cleanup, followed by regular monitoring and enforcement to prevent the conditions from returning, would appear to be a much more effective approach. Please let me know as soon as possible: 1. Whether the NOV can be issued sooner than the currently anticipated one- month timeframe; 2. Whether the City can take immediate action regarding the materials now encroaching onto the public walkway/right-of-way; 3. Whether the City can conduct an additional inspection specifically addressing the apparent fire hazard and public safety implications of the current conditions; and 4. Whether there is any mechanism available for the City to require or arrange for a comprehensive cleanup given the property's longstanding history and prior 2019 cleanup. I recognize that you are managing a significant caseload, and I appreciate your efforts on this matter. At the same time, the situation is becoming increasingly urgent. My home is about to be placed on the market, and I should not have to suffer a significant loss in value because a longstanding, documented code-enforcement problem immediately adjacent to my property remains unaddressed. I would greatly appreciate anything the City can do to accelerate enforcement and address the most serious conditions before next week. Thank you again for your attention. I look forward to hearing from you promptly. Sincerely, Angela From: Vargas-Aguilera, Elisa <Elisa.Vargas@PaloAlto.gov> Date: Thursday, August 13, 2026 at 9:25 AM To: Angela Kim <woongela@gmail.com> Cc: City Mgr <CityMgr@paloalto.gov>; Planning Enforcement <Planning.Enforcement@PaloAlto.gov>; Andrade, Alicia <Alicia.Andrade@PaloAlto.gov> Subject: RE: Repeated Failure to Enforce Municipal Code – 18 Roosevelt Circle – Request for Response Within 10 Days Dear Ms. Kim, Thank you for your continued patience and for outlining your questions so clearly. Please review my answers addressing your questions. I have gathered as much information as possible at this time. Site inspection date Code Enforcement conducted a site inspection of the property on July 23, 2026. That inspection documented accumulation of debris in the front yard and driveway, along with overgrown vegetation visible from the public right-of-way. Vector Control report date Santa Clara County Vector Control's most recent visit was March 11, 2025, and their report was issued to the homeowners shortly thereafter. That inspection confirmed the presence of rodents and mosquitoes, along with heavy clutter accumulation, and requested that the owner notify Vector Control when the pool would be available for inspection. Vector Control has since made contact with the owner in late 2025 and early 2026, and I have requested a current status update from them. I should note that a separate weed abatement matter is also active on this property. The owner was issued a Notice to Destroy Weeds by the Santa Clara County Weed Abatement Program (working with Palo Alto Fire) with a compliance deadline of July 28, 2025, and the property most likely remains listed on the 2025 Weed Abatement Program Commencement Report, which I have not confirmed as of this email. I've requested an update from that agency as well, since their timeline runs on a separate track from ours. Anticipated NOV issuance Based on the violations confirmed at the July 23 inspection, I am developing a Notice of Violation citing the applicable municipal code sections. My target is to issue the NOV within the next month. I want to be transparent with you that I cannot commit to a firm date given the volume of active cases in the queue, but I can tell you this case is a high priority given its history and complexity, and I will notify you as soon as it is issued. Enforcement process if the homeowner fails to comply Once the NOV is issued, the property owner will be given a compliance deadline specified in the notice. If the violations are not corrected by that deadline, available enforcement mechanisms under the Palo Alto Municipal Code include administrative citations with escalating fines. I will specify the exact deadlines and remedies that apply once the NOV is finalized, since they'll be tied to the specific code sections cited. On your suggestion of a City-arranged cleanup and ongoing monitoring I understand your concern, particularly given that the 2019 cleanup did not produce a lasting resolution. A large-scale City-arranged cleanup, and any ongoing weekly monitoring program, would involve resources and policy decisions beyond what I can commit to at the Code Enforcement level. What I can commit to is pursuing the current violations through the formal NOV process, and factoring the property's compliance history into how we structure enforcement escalation if the owner does not correct the violations. I will also make sure your suggestion is documented as part of this case file. Document preservation I acknowledge your request that the City preserve documents, photographs, inspection records, communications, and other electronically stored information relating to this property and the related complaints and enforcement efforts. I can confirm with you that in code enforcement we currently have a record system that goes back many years, in some cases decades. All documents, photographs, and inspection records associated with this case are in this record system. I will follow up when the NOV is issued, and you're welcome to check in with me in the meantime. Sincerely, Elisa Vargas Supervisor of Code Enforcement (650) 329- 2303| Elisa.Vargas@PaloAlto.gov WWW.PaloAlto.gov From: Vargas-Aguilera, Elisa Sent: Wednesday, August 5, 2026 10:43 AM To: 'Angela Kim' <woongela@gmail.com> Cc: City Mgr <CityMgr@paloalto.gov>; Planning Enforcement <Planning.Enforcement@PaloAlto.gov>; Andrade, Alicia <Alicia.Andrade@PaloAlto.gov> Subject: RE: Repeated Failure to Enforce Municipal Code – 18 Roosevelt Circle – Request for Response Within 10 Days Dear Ms. Kim, Thank you for your reply and for your continued engagement on this matter. Because several of your questions involve dates on records, and actions of agencies outside my division — including the Fire Department and the County Vector Control District — I want to verify those details directly with each agency before providing them to you, rather than give you information that later proves incomplete or imprecise. I ask for your patience while I complete that verification. Please also note that there are details of this case that are confidential in nature that I will not be able to speak about as this is an active case. I also want to be clear with you about the nature of this case. Long-term accumulation cases involving an owner-occupied property are among the most challenging matters in code enforcement. They typically involve multiple agencies, legally required procedural steps. I will provide you a written response to your four questions on or before August 12, 2026. If my verification is complete sooner, you will hear from me sooner. For clarity, I am the Code Enforcement Officer assigned to this case. You can email me directly with your concerns and I can provide you updates as they are available. Thank you again for your patience and your engagement. Respectfully, Elisa Vargas Supervisor of Code Enforcement (650) 329- 2303| Elisa.Vargas@PaloAlto.gov WWW.PaloAlto.gov From: Angela Kim <woongela@gmail.com> Sent: Tuesday, August 4, 2026 6:33 PM To: Vargas-Aguilera, Elisa <Elisa.Vargas@PaloAlto.gov> Cc: City Mgr <CityMgr@paloalto.gov>; Planning Enforcement <Planning.Enforcement@PaloAlto.gov>; Andrade, Alicia <Alicia.Andrade@PaloAlto.gov>; Council, City <city.council@PaloAlto.gov>; Lait, Jonathan <Jonathan.Lait@paloalto.gov>; Veenker, Vicki <Vicki.Veenker@paloalto.gov>; City Attorney <city.attorney@PaloAlto.gov> Subject: Re: Repeated Failure to Enforce Municipal Code – 18 Roosevelt Circle – Request for Response Within 10 Days Importance: High CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Ms. Vargas, I am following up on my email below. I received your automatic out-of-office message and also attempted to reach you by phone but was unable to connect. If you are currently away, would you please let me know whether another member of the Code Enforcement Division is handling this matter in your absence? If so, I would appreciate that person's name and contact information so I can follow up directly. Given the ongoing fire safety concerns and the length of time this matter has remained unresolved, I would appreciate any update that is available. Thank you, and I look forward to hearing from you. Sincerely, Angela From: Angela Kim <woongela@gmail.com> Date: Friday, July 31, 2026 at 10:23 AM To: Vargas-Aguilera, Elisa <Elisa.Vargas@PaloAlto.gov> Cc: City Mgr <CityMgr@paloalto.gov>; Planning Enforcement <Planning.Enforcement@PaloAlto.gov>; Andrade, Alicia <Alicia.Andrade@PaloAlto.gov> Subject: Re: Repeated Failure to Enforce Municipal Code – 18 Roosevelt Circle – Request for Response Within 10 Days Dear Ms. Vargas, Thank you for your prompt response and for confirming that this matter has been assigned to you. I appreciate your acknowledgment that this has been a longstanding issue and that Code Enforcement is actively working on the case. I would appreciate some additional information regarding the City's enforcement efforts. Specifically: 1. On what date did Code Enforcement conduct the site inspection of the property? 2. On what date was the Vector Control report issued to the homeowners? 3. When do you anticipate issuing the Notice of Violation? 4. Once the Notice of Violation is issued, what is the City's enforcement process if the homeowners fail to comply? For example, what deadlines apply, and what enforcement actions (such as administrative citations, fines, abatement, or other remedies) are available if the violations remain uncorrected? As you noted, this has been a persistent problem for many years. According to publicly available reports, the City previously coordinated a large-scale cleanup of the property in 2019, but the conditions returned shortly thereafter. Given that history, I am concerned that a Notice of Violation alone may not result in lasting compliance. I would encourage the City to consider arranging another comprehensive cleanup of the property, followed by regular monitoring and, if necessary, scheduled weekly cleanup efforts until the property remains in compliance. In my view, a sustained enforcement strategy is more likely to achieve a permanent solution than isolated enforcement actions. Please preserve all documents, photographs, inspection records, communications, emails, notes, text messages, and electronically stored information relating to the Subject Property, my complaints, and the City's investigation and enforcement efforts. Thank you again for your attention to this matter. I look forward to your response and to learning more about the City's planned enforcement timeline. Sincerely, Angela Kim From: Vargas-Aguilera, Elisa <Elisa.Vargas@PaloAlto.gov> Date: Thursday, July 30, 2026 at 5:26 PM To: Angela Kim <woongela@gmail.com> Cc: City Mgr <CityMgr@paloalto.gov>; Planning Enforcement <Planning.Enforcement@PaloAlto.gov>; Andrade, Alicia <Alicia.Andrade@PaloAlto.gov> Subject: RE: Repeated Failure to Enforce Municipal Code – 18 Roosevelt Circle – Request for Response Within 10 Days July 30, 2026 Re: Your Correspondence Dated July 22, 2026 — 18 Roosevelt Circle, Palo Alto, CA 94306 (Code Enforcement Case No. 26PCE-00782) Dear Ms. Kim: I write on behalf of the Code Enforcement Division in response to your letter dated July 22, 2026, addressed to Mayor Veenker and City Attorney Jensen, concerning conditions at 18 Roosevelt Circle. I also want to acknowledge, directly, your frustration. You have reported these conditions in good faith on multiple occasions — including formal complaints on July 3, 2025, January 13, 2026, and June 8, 2026. This matter is an active enforcement case, Case No. 26PCE-00782, which was opened on June 8, 2026. This case is assigned to me, and I see that you are the reporting party. Enforcement Plan and actions taken: 1. Site inspection by Code Enforcement has been carried out. Since that inspection, a request to County of Santa Clara Vector Control has been requested, and based on this inspection, they have issued a report directly to the homeowners. In addition, an open violation exists with County of Santa Clara Weed Abatement Program which is also being addressed directly with the homeowners. 2. At this point I am developing a Notice of Violation which outlines for the residents of the property what is required based on the conditions noted. I agree with you that this is an issue that has been persistent for many years which code enforcement is frustrated with as well. I will work within the municipal code to gain compliance regarding the issues present at this property. Unfortunately, I cannot predict or assign a timeline for full resolution. Instead, what I can do is commit to addressing the concerns with the resources that are available to me within the City. Your letter references out-of-pocket expenses for fence repairs which the City cannot address or resolve private damages. =0-Thank you again for your engagement on this matter. We take it seriously. Please feel free to reach out to me directly regarding this matter. Respectfully, Elisa Vargas Supervisor of Code Enforcement (650) 329- 2303| Elisa.Vargas@PaloAlto.gov WWW.PaloAlto.gov From: Angela Kim <woongela@gmail.com> Sent: Wednesday, July 22, 2026 9:06 AM To: Veenker, Vicki <Vicki.Veenker@paloalto.gov>; City Attorney <city.attorney@PaloAlto.gov> Cc: City Mgr <CityMgr@paloalto.gov>; Lait, Jonathan <Jonathan.Lait@paloalto.gov>; Vargas- Aguilera, Elisa <Elisa.Vargas@PaloAlto.gov>; Planning Enforcement <Planning.Enforcement@PaloAlto.gov>; Council, City <city.council@PaloAlto.gov> Subject: Repeated Failure to Enforce Municipal Code – 18 Roosevelt Circle – Request for Response Within 10 Days CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Dear Mayor Veenker, Mr. Jensen, Mr. Lait, Ms. Vargas, and Members of the City Council: Please find attached my letter regarding the City's repeated failure to enforce the Palo Alto Municipal Code with respect to the property located at 18 Roosevelt Circle, Palo Alto, California. As detailed in the attached letter, I have submitted Code Enforcement complaints on July 3, 2025, January 13, 2026, and June 8, 2026. More than one year has passed since my initial complaint, yet the hazardous conditions at the property continue to worsen without meaningful enforcement action. Given the apparent fire hazard and the risks posed to neighboring residents and properties, I respectfully request a written response within ten (10) calendar days identifying the enforcement actions the City has taken and the specific actions it intends to take to address this matter. Thank you for your prompt attention. I look forward to your timely response. Sincerely, Angela Kim 20 Roosevelt Cir, Palo Alto, CA 94306 (650) 714-6191 woongela@gmail.com From:Rod Lehman To:board@pausd.org; Council, City Subject:Opposition to Measure J Date:Sunday, September 20, 2026 4:53:49 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. i Hi, I'm writing to explain why I'll be voting No on Measure J, the proposed half-cent sales tax increase on this November's ballot. Our local leaders have not shown the fiscal discipline needed to justify asking residents for more money. The Palo Alto school board approved teacher raises while the district was already running a budget deficit, and voters made their frustration clear in June when they rejected the district's own parcel tax renewal. Now the City of Palo Alto, with the school board's endorsement, wants voters to approve yet another tax increase. Measure J would push our combined sales tax rate to roughly 10.25%, among the highest on the Peninsula. At a time when residents are already squeezed by high fuel and food costs, this is the wrong ask. Higher sales taxes will push shoppers and diners to neighboring cities, hurting the very small businesses that anchor our downtown and California Avenue districts. Before asking taxpayers for more, the city and school board need to demonstrate they can live within the budgets they already have. Enough is enough. I'll be donating to the No on Measure J campaign. Sincerely, Rod Lehman This message needs your attention This is a personal email address. This is their first mail to some recipients. Mark Safe Report From:Aram James To:garygech@gmail.com; Lauing, Ed; h.etzko@gmail.com; Raymond Goins; Vicki Veenker; brianhama@gmail.com; bryna@changforcitycouncil.com; yudy4paloalto@gmail.com; Dave Price; Emily Mibach; Riley Cooke; Roberta Ahlquist; Gennady Sheyner; Shankar Ramamoorthy; sharon jackson; Sheree Roth; Susan Hayase; Human Relations Commission; Jessica Speiser, Educational Leader for California Democratic Delegate, Assembly District 23; Ruth Silver Taube (rsilvertaube@scu.edu); Shikada, Ed; jgreen@dailynewsgroup.com; Daniel Kottke; Mora Oommen; Bill Newell; Rebecca Kieler; Nash, Betsy; dcombs@menlopark.org; Taylor, Cecilia; PD Kristina Bell; Nancy Goodban; Shepherd, Nancy; Jeff Conrad; Jeff Rosen; Jeff Hayden; Rose Lynn; William Armaline; WILPF Peninsula Palo Alto; Penni Wilson; ladoris cordell; Braden Cartwright; Bains, Paul; Paul George @ PPJC; Jan Tucker; james pitkin; Lewis james; Seanjames143@yahoo.com; Ruth Silver Taube; Jose Valle; Raj Jayadev; Nicole Chiu-Wang; Charisse Domingo; Charlotte Casey; Gerry Gras; Daniel A. Opoku; dAbrams@newsnationnow.com; Scheff, Lisa; Linda Jolley; Zelkha, Mila; Rodriguez, Miguel; Damon Silver; David S. Norris; Angel, David Cc:Josh Becker; assemblymember.berman@assembly.ca.gov; sam.liccardo@gmail.com; Sean Allen; Carla Torres; supervisor.abe-koga@bos.sccgov.org; Reckdahl, Keith; Stone, Greer; ladoris cordell; julie.ruhlin@oirgroup.con; Matt Schlegel; Council, City; Perron, Zachary; steven mcgill; Preminger, Steve; Rick Callender; eric.figueroa@cityofpaloalto.org; Eric Diesel; Supervisor Susan Ellenberg; Supervisor Otto Lee; Sameena Usman; karen hall; Stephen Connolly; Steve Wagstaffe; jsylva@scscourt.org; Jay Boyarsky; EPA Today; Diana Diamond; Rowena Chiu; board@pausd.org; BoardOperations; Patrice Ventresca; Burt, Patrick; Palo Alto Renters" Association; Kaloma Smith; Holman, Karen (external); Friends of Cubberley; Jessica Riskin; Brandon Pho; vramirez@redwoodcity.org; vramirez@cityofpaloalto.org; cotton.gaines@cityofpaloalto.org; Lateef Gray; Lotus Fong; Doug Minkler; Board of Directors; Professor Quintanar; Patricia.Guerrero@jud.ca.gov; frances.Rothschild@jud.ca.gov; DuJuan Green; tom.cline@cityofgilroy.org; GRP-City Council; citycouncil@mountainview.gov; city.council@gilroy.org; City Attorney; Redwood City City Council; Yusra Hussain; city.council@menlopark.gov; Bil Barber; Donna Wallach; Dan Okonkwo; David Kiefer Subject:Re: Reaction to our signage Date:Sunday, September 20, 2026 4:14:56 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Please respond “reply all “ so we can make this a communal exercise. On Sun, Sep 20, 2026 at 4:08 PM Aram James <abjpd1@gmail.com> wrote: Hi Candidates for Palo Alto City Council, It’s Sunday, September 20, 2026, and all 8 of you have worked extremely hard on your campaigns this week, so I don’t want to burden any of you with too much brain work on what should be a day of rest. So here’s the deal! Let’s do a stream-of-consciousness exercise. Just quickly look at the two gentlemen with the posters, photos from a recent No Kings protest action, and write for all of us voters your spontaneous response to the words on each sign. Henry, can you start us off? Continued good luck on your campaigns, Avram Finkelstein, aka Aram James P. S. Anyone on this email list please feel free to respond to the signage as well. From:Aram James To:garygech@gmail.com; Lauing, Ed; h.etzko@gmail.com; Raymond Goins; Vicki Veenker; brianhama@gmail.com; bryna@changforcitycouncil.com; yudy4paloalto@gmail.com; Dave Price; Emily Mibach; Riley Cooke; Roberta Ahlquist; Gennady Sheyner; Shankar Ramamoorthy; sharon jackson; Sheree Roth; Susan Hayase; Human Relations Commission; Jessica Speiser, Educational Leader for California Democratic Delegate, Assembly District 23; Ruth Silver Taube (rsilvertaube@scu.edu); Shikada, Ed; jgreen@dailynewsgroup.com; Daniel Kottke; Mora Oommen; Bill Newell; Rebecca Kieler; Nash, Betsy; dcombs@menlopark.org; Taylor, Cecilia; PD Kristina Bell; Nancy Goodban; Shepherd, Nancy; Jeff Conrad; Jeff Rosen; Jeff Hayden; Rose Lynn; William Armaline; WILPF Peninsula Palo Alto; Penni Wilson; ladoris cordell; Braden Cartwright; Bains, Paul; Paul George @ PPJC; Jan Tucker; james pitkin; Lewis james; Seanjames143@yahoo.com; Ruth Silver Taube; Jose Valle; Raj Jayadev; Nicole Chiu-Wang; Charisse Domingo; Charlotte Casey; Gerry Gras; Daniel A. Opoku; dAbrams@newsnationnow.com; Scheff, Lisa; Linda Jolley; Zelkha, Mila; Rodriguez, Miguel; Damon Silver; David S. Norris; Angel, David Cc:Josh Becker; assemblymember.berman@assembly.ca.gov; sam.liccardo@gmail.com; Sean Allen; Carla Torres; supervisor.abe-koga@bos.sccgov.org; Reckdahl, Keith; Stone, Greer; ladoris cordell; julie.ruhlin@oirgroup.con; Matt Schlegel; Council, City; Perron, Zachary; steven mcgill; Preminger, Steve; Rick Callender; eric.figueroa@cityofpaloalto.org; Eric Diesel; Supervisor Susan Ellenberg; Supervisor Otto Lee; Sameena Usman; karen hall; Stephen Connolly; Steve Wagstaffe; jsylva@scscourt.org; Jay Boyarsky; EPA Today; Diana Diamond; Rowena Chiu; board@pausd.org; BoardOperations; Patrice Ventresca; Burt, Patrick; Palo Alto Renters" Association; Kaloma Smith; Holman, Karen (external); Friends of Cubberley; Jessica Riskin; Brandon Pho; vramirez@redwoodcity.org; vramirez@cityofpaloalto.org; cotton.gaines@cityofpaloalto.org; Lateef Gray; Lotus Fong; Doug Minkler; Board of Directors; Professor Quintanar; Patricia.Guerrero@jud.ca.gov; frances.Rothschild@jud.ca.gov; DuJuan Green; tom.cline@cityofgilroy.org; GRP-City Council; citycouncil@mountainview.gov; city.council@gilroy.org; City Attorney; Redwood City City Council; Yusra Hussain; city.council@menlopark.gov; Bil Barber; Donna Wallach; Dan Okonkwo; David Kiefer Subject:Reaction to our signage Date:Sunday, September 20, 2026 4:09:31 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Hi Candidates for Palo Alto City Council, It’s Sunday, September 20, 2026, and all 8 of you have worked extremely hard on your campaigns this week, so I don’t want to burden any of you with too much brain work on what should be a day of rest. So here’s the deal! Let’s do a stream-of-consciousness exercise. Just quickly look at the two gentlemen with the posters, photos from a recent No Kings protest action, and write for all of us voters your spontaneous response to the words on each sign. Henry, can you start us off? Continued good luck on your campaigns, Avram Finkelstein, aka Aram James P. S. Anyone on this email list please feel free to respond to the signage as well. From:Carol Ruth To:Council, City Subject:Vote for Murrieta"s Resolution Date:Sunday, September 20, 2026 3:35:55 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. i I strongly urge you to vote for the Murrieta's Resolution at the General Assembly vote this Friday. I support Our Neighborhood Voices, a grassroots coalition of California residents fighting to restore local control over zoning and planning. Sacramento’s ongoing housing laws, including recent measures like SB 79, override local zoning to impose one-size-fits-all density mandates near transit hubs and beyond. These policies, sidelined by city councils, limit community input and often fail to deliver truly affordable housing for working families while straining infrastructure, parking, and neighborhood character. Our neighborhoods know best what fits—balanced growth that includes genuinely affordable units, respects existing communities, and involves neighbors in decisions. State mandates handing blank checks to developers without requiring meaningful contributions to schools, roads, or services. I urge you to support a constitutional initiative to empower locals to prioritize appropriate, affordable housing without sacrificing democratic oversight. It’s time to push back against centralized overreach and protect the livability of our cities. Thank you. Sincerely, Carol Ruth 661 Cabrillo Avenue Palo Alto, CA 94305 This message needs your attention This is a personal email address. This is their first email to your company. Mark Safe Report From:Magdalena Cabrera To:ParkRec Commission; Robustelli, Sarah; Shani Kleinhaus; Council, City Subject:End the use of Artificial Turf and PIP Date:Sunday, September 20, 2026 2:36:43 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Hello City Staff and PRC members, It is I , the old lady with a hole in her face (caused by cancer treatments). Some of you might remember me. I am writing to passionately plea with you to ban all synthetics in Palo Alto parks! My friend, neighbor and partner-for-doing-good Claire Elliott has written a detailed email explaining why our fair city must end the use of synthetic materials in our city parks and playgrounds. We have written many times, in truth. I am quite sure that you now know why we must ban AT and PIP rubber. These synthetics are toxic to all living beings: small children, people of all ages, animals, insects and more. They are carcinogenic among other bad things. When science and literature are telling us that children suffer from Nature Deficit Disorder, let us keep our playgrounds as close to a natural and healthy environment as we can. If you sincerely mean what you say, then health for all including our environment will be uppermost in your minds. As a four time cancer survivor (knowing that the other shoe could drop for me at any moment), vote to protect our citizens and our environment from harm in the form of AT and PIP. I will end by quoting part of the lyric from a Joni Mitchell song. ( Some of you might be old enough to remember this song.). I have taken a little liberty with the lyric: "Don't it always seem to go that you don't know what you've got till it's gone, Plastic paradise, roll out more artificial turf." Respectfully, Magdalena Cabrera Ventura Neighborhood resident From:Andrea Wald To:ParkRec Commission; Council, City; Robustelli, Sarah; shanibirds@gmail.com Subject:Agenda item #5 - Parks and Rec Commission mtg 9-22-26 Date:Sunday, September 20, 2026 6:35:15 AM Attachments:image.png image.png image.png image.png image.png image.png image.png image.png image.png image.png CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments andclicking on links. Dear Park & Rec Commissioners, Mayor and City Council members and Staff, I am very concerned about policies that cities are establishing regarding park and playground surfacing. Too often artificial turf and PIP (pour-in-place rubber) are being considered and unfortunately chosen over more healthy alternatives. Not long ago this was an issue brought before the Palo Alto City Council when El Camino Park’s artificial turf soccer field was in need of replacement. Unfortunately, artificial turf was decided upon but the community outreach on this issue did bring about a very positive outcome: Palo Alto has undertaken a pilot to see how natural grass fields treated with more current maintenance practices compare to those that the city will continue to treat in their usual fashion. There will be lots of data collected and analyzed for a discussion of the results around July of next year. Additionally, I’m happy to understand the city does realize that it can take another year or two to truly see the impact of proper maintenance of natural grass and plans to continue to maintain and monitor the chosen fields. This pilot came about in part because of the concerns by City Council about the environmental and health harms of artificial turf. However, much of what I will be sharing in this email is related to PIP, as this was never brought up in previous discussions with any entity in the city. In many instances both surfaces are discussed when one talks about synthetic surfaces for parks and playgrounds, Los Altos does not have a policy recommendation in place for their parks or playgrounds but is in the midst of planning renovation of two playgrounds. Original designs prepared by the hired consulting group proposed PIP on the playgrounds. After a great deal of input from residents and other concerned parties the Parks and Rec Commission just voted unanimously on the following: “EWF as the primary surface material for the renovations at both Shoup Park and Grant Park with supplemental mats in high fall / high traffic areas. No PIP surfacing will be included." In this case, no artificial turf was ever discussed or part of any plans. There are many ways to have wonderful parks and playgrounds for everyone, including those with disabilities, to enjoy that contain only natural ground coverings – not harmful, toxic and environmentally damaging and being proven to have some very concerning health risks. Although a ban on all synthetic ground coverings would be great, simply not putting them into any documents listing them as options for parks and playgrounds is my goal! Following are some very insightful materials I’d like to share. Some talk about the harms of both artificial turf and PIP. Others are great examples of places where natural materials are working great! I hope you’ll all take the time to look at this material before coming up with your proposed plan for Palo Alto. Thank you. Andrea Wald, Co-Founder, Community for Natural Play Surfaces From page 3 of the mini-packet: The guidelines are not intended to establish a Citywide policy requiring or prohibiting synthetic turf at playgrounds. Rather, they are intended to establish a framework for considering whether and where synthetic turf may be appropriate based on the needs and conditions of an individual playground project. Although it appears that the city is not yet looking into a ban on synthetic ground coverings from the material that I, along with others, have and will be providing, it is important to understand that natural materials can and do work and the city should not be considering any synthetic materials under any circumstances. There is simply too much info out there about the harms of these synthetic materials and you are putting residents and the environment in general at risk when you choose them. As stated in the mini-packet on page 4: As part of the development of the guidelines, staff gathered input from individuals involved in the design, inspection, operation, and maintenance of playgrounds. This input highlighted benefits and challenges associated with different surfacing materials and reinforced the importance of considering both the intended function of a surface and the conditions of the individual playground. As part of the development guidelines the city should also reach out to residents to get their input on what they would like to see. From previous communications to the city it is important to note that there are many residents who are strongly opposed to synthetic ground coverings in the city’s parks and playgrounds. Also on page 4 of the mini-packet: STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT Magical Bridge As part of the development of the guidelines, staff met with representatives from Magical Bridge Foundation to better understand the role of surfacing materials in the design and operation of Magical Bridge Playground. A key component of Magical Bridge’s mission is providing an inclusive playground that is accessible to people of all ages and abilities, with accessibility incorporated throughout the playground design. Why is this organization the only one that was engaged in discussions to get input on preferred materials? What about contacting environmental and health groups who have a great understanding of all the harms? Great resources to reach out to regarding use of synthetic surfaces compared to natural ones (both artificial turf and PIP are covered in many of the materials below): 1) Santa Clara County Medical Association: Policy Recommendation on the Use of Artificial Turf on Landscapes, Schools and Playing Fields Santa Clara County Medical Association June 10, 2024. https://www.sccma.org/Portals/19/Artificial%20Turf%20Policy%20Recommendation%20SCCMA%20Final%20%206824%20.pdf 2) Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai: Mount Sinai Experts Support Communities by Advocation for Natural Playgrounds and Fields over Hazardous Artificial Turf Surfaces https://mountsinaiexposomics.org/mount-sinai-experts-support-communities-by-advocating-for-natural-playgrounds-and- fields-over-hazardous-artificial-turf-surfaces/ 3) National Center for Health Research: www.center4research.org https://www.thewellnews.com/opinions/are-playgrounds-in-your-community-safe/ https://www.center4research.org/children-athletes-play-toxic-turf-playgrounds/ 4) Sierra Club: Artificial Turf Policy | Sierra Club 5) Safe Healthy Playing Fields Inc: Safe Healthy Playing Fields 6) Beyond Plastics: Synthetic Turf is HAZARDOUS — Beyond Plastics - Working To End Single-Use Plastic Pollution 7) Turi – Toxics Use Reduction Institute, Lowell Center for Sustainable Production, University of Massachusetts Lowell: turi.org/publications/playground-surfacing-choosing-safer-materials-for-childrens-health-and-the-environment/ 8) The Ecology Center: Artificial Turf Wars: Lessons From the Battlefield | Ecology Center https://www.ecocenter.org/playgrounds-should-be-fun-and-toxic-free 9) Collaborative for Health and Environment: https://www.healthandenvironment.org/latest-research/blog/playground-surfacing-fall-protection-and-fun-without-toxic- chemicals More regarding PIP playground surfaces: Why risk public health and the environment over playground surface choices? While our country is in the midst of yet another oil war it’s absurd that our public officials continue to turn to petroleum-based solutions when natural products like Engineered Wood Fibers exist. Are you up to date on playground studies? This 2019 study looked at 14 children's playgrounds in Seoul, comparing sites with poured rubber surfacing to plain dirt/soil playgrounds, testing for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) — a class of chemicals mostly released from vehicle exhaust and burning fuel that are known or suspected carcinogens. The researchers found PAHs in the dust and soil at all sites, with traffic-related pollution and fossil fuel burning as the likely main sources. Using a statistical modeling approach to estimate children's cancer risk from touching and accidentally ingesting this dust/soil over time, they found risk levels slightly above the U.S. EPA's typical safety threshold — and notably, the rubber-surfaced playgrounds showed roughly 10 times higher estimated cancer risk than the plain soil playgrounds, likely because the rubber traps and concentrates these chemicals. The biggest factors driving that risk were how long children spent playing there and how much dust stuck to their skin. On the other hand, health can improve in more natural settings. It turns out that multi-year studies (1, 2), led by researchers in Finland, found that the skin of the children who played in forest soil, known to be biodiverse, had fewer disease producing bacteria, and that children who played in sandboxes enriched with biodiverse microbiota (known to be safe) developed improved immune systems in as little as two (2) weeks. Synthetic surfaces, such as pour-in-place (PIP) rubber or plastic grass, are not only unnecessary in playgrounds, they may keep children from developing their best resistance to disease. Below is a link to a fabulous article tthat shows you the Good, The Bad and the Ugly of Playground Ideas. “ https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/aetlzn8a1ifaf555kqfna/Schroeder-Park-Safe-Playground-Ideas-20220712.pdf? rlkey=kf12gb51zfd8469z9kgjc9w80&st=864dmqpv&raw=1 ” This guide will give you plenty of ideas for healthier happier kids plus it will help you avoid the following problems of synthetic materials, such as: -Chemical hazards -Maintenance and repairs (worn surfaces, fungus, mildew) -Short life cycle -Federal and state investigations of products -Scorching temperatures (2nd and 3rd degree burns) -Concussions -Expense and warranty This guide should give you all the support you need to make the right decision. Below is a link to an article with some great ideas for natural playgrounds for kids. No need for synthetic materials. https://sfchildrennature.org/?s=Early+Childhood+Nature+Connection The link below contains a great deal of valuable info on EWF surfaces along with excellent photos: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/efyzi7wuq3rc80c2zqhav/EWF-versus-synthetic-surfaced-playgrounds.pdf? rlkey=fz4blojvrmfnuqyc7603judgt&e=1&dl=0 I understand that one issue that you might be concerned about is accessibility for someone who is disabled and/or in a wheelchair. EWF is ADA compliant and therefore deemed appropriate for many with mobility issues. Please take a look the two links below showing a child being pushed across a playground with an EWF surface and also an adult (that’s ME) being pushed across that same surface - keeping in mind that an adult is much heavier than a child (videos taken at Jollyman Park in Cupertino). Whether being pushed or propelling themselves - this surface will work in all cases. And keep in mind, there are special wheelchairs made that make such movements/access much easier. https://youtu.be/OnlfCfnb_As https://drive.google.com/file/d/1IDxIXiN13k74tT01sXPYZV79Q87RJDso/view?usp=drivesdk Additional photos of children in wheelchairs on EWF surfaces: One repeated argument for PIP has to do with “inclusiveness” and ADA compliance. When thinking about a “disabled person," many only think about mobility - wheelchairs, walkers, etc. However, there are many kinds of disabilities. For example: anyone with a cochlear hearing device may have trouble on a synthetic based surface. Central Institute for the Deaf: https://professionals.cid.edu/understanding-and-minimizing-the-effects-of-static-electricity-on-cochlear-implants/ PIP surfaces get much hotter than EWF. Below is a link to a report on a child who had to go to the hospital because walking on the PIP playground caused severe burns on the bottom of his feet. The photos made me want to cry! https://www.cbsnews.com/colorado/news/toddler-receives-second-degree-burns-feet-hot-playground-castle-rock- dangerous/ There are plenty of parks that use EWF. If EWF is ADA compliant. Why risk environmental and health harms with unnatural (fossil-fuel) materials like PIP. As for performance over time, the PIP surfaces do wear down and end up in landfill, where they sit for hundreds of years releasing the toxic chemicals they were made with. https://sfstandard.com/2025/05/02/san-francisco-playground-sunset-park-playground-cost-price/ Below are several photos from parks nearby that show many local cities prefer natural EWF surfacing. Oak Meadow Park, Los Gatos – 11/9/25 Visona park playground: Playground at Blackberry Farms in Cupertino – newly laid EWF. In a recent communication with the head of parks in Cupertino I learned that “in October of 2025 the city had a contractor install Certified EWF within all City owned playgrounds”. From:Aram James To:bryna@changforcitycouncil.com; h.etzko@gmail.com; yudy4paloalto@gmail.com; Raymond Goins; brianhama@gmail.com; garygech@gmail.com; Lauing, Ed; Stone, Greer; Reckdahl, Keith; Vicki Veenker; Shikada, Ed; editor@paweekly.com; Shikada, Ed; Council, City; Jeff Conrad; Jeff Rosen; Jennifer Morrow San José Spotlight; Jessica Speiser, Educational Leader for California Democratic Delegate, Assembly District 23; Jay Boyarsky; Raymond Goins; Matt Schlegel; supervisor.abe-koga@bos.sccgov.org; Supervisor Otto Lee; Supervisor Susan Ellenberg; Sameena Usman; Susan Hayase; jgreen@dailynewsgroup.com; Dave Price; Emily Mibach; Braden Cartwright; board@pausd.org; boardfeedback@smcgov.org; Bill Newell; Zahra Billoo; Bains, Paul; Paul George @ PPJC; Nancy Goodban; Rebecca Kieler; Roberta Ahlquist; Baker, Rob; Human Relations Commission; planning.commission@cityofpaloalto.0rg; ParkRec Commission; city.council@gilroy.org; CityCouncil; Perron, Zachary; citycouncil@mountainview.gov; City Attorney; Pacific GrovePD; GRP-City Council; eric.figueroa@cityofpaloalto.org; Friends of Cubberley; Sheree Roth; ladoris cordell; Jim Lawrence; Goodell, Erin; Lewis james; Reifschneider, James; WILPF Peninsula Palo Alto; Aldinette Lockett; Alaniz, John; Nicole Chiu- Wang; Mora Oommen; Ruth Silver Taube (rsilvertaube@scu.edu); William Armaline; Stephen Connolly; Raj Jayadev; Charisse Domingo; Board of Directors; Sean Allen; Carla Torres; sharon jackson; <michael.gennaco@oirgroup.com>; steven mcgill; Preminger, Steve; Gerry Gras; Daniel Kottke; Damon Silver; Rodriguez, Miguel; Valeros, Gilda B; Gil Rivas; Seanjames143@yahoo.com; Seher Awan; Yolanda Conaway; yolanda; Yolanda Sena; Lotus Fong; Rose Lynn; Riley Cooke; Gennady Sheyner; Palo Alto Free Press; Doug Minkler; Holman, Karen (external); karen hall; james pitkin; Paul George @ PPJC Subject:Re: Report from the West Bank - Tuesday @ 7:00 Date:Saturday, September 19, 2026 9:21:58 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. FYI: Chance for Palo Alto City Council candidates and current council members to become more fully informed on what is occurring in the West Bank. Regards, Avram Finkelstein On Sat, Sep 19, 2026 at 3:48 PM Peninsula Peace & Justice Center <peaceandjusticecenter@gmail.com> wrote: Eyewitness West Bank RUSH REHM - Stanford Prof. / Int'l Solidarity Movement Activist Tuesday, September 22, 7:00 pm Zoom Webinar Advance Registration Required - Register Now Every day brings new headlines about settler violence against West Bank Palestinians, violence that is often ignored or actively abetted by Israeli military forces. Our guest will provide a report on his recent two-month stay in the West Bank and his observations about the realities of daily life for the Palestinians facing such enormous pressures. The trip was organized by the International Solidarity Movement, a Palestinian-led movement committed to resisting the long-entrenched and systematic oppression and dispossession of the Palestinian population, using non-violent, direct-action methods and principles. From Rush Rehm: “I recently returned from 2 months providing solidarity presence for beleaguered Palestinian families in the area around Masafer Yatta, south of Hebron, in the occupied West Bank. As part of a small cohort of International Solidarity Movement volunteers, I experienced first hand what life is like for Palestinians facing daily harassment, and worse, from Israeli settlers, police, and the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). After a brief overview of the larger historical and geopolitical forces at work, my presentation (with photos) will focus on what daily life is like in the West Bank, the forms that non- violence resistance takes, and how anyone interested might get involved.” An actor, director, and professor emeritus of Theater & Performance Studies and Classics, Rush Rehm publishes in the areas of Greek tragedy and contemporary politics. As well as seminars on ancient theater and culture, Rehm taught courses on contemporary politics, the media, and U.S. imperialism. Other Voices: A Monthly Conversation for Activists is presented by Peninsula Peace and Justice Center. PPJC Director Paul George is the host of the program. =============================================== Peninsula Peace and Justice Center www.peaceandjustice.org facebook.com/penin.pjc 4546 El Camino Real B10-335 Los Altos, CA 94022 (mail only) (650) 326-8837 "Peninsula Peace and Justice Center has been one of the most effective of the activist organizations." - Noam Chomsky =============================================== From:Claire E To:Council, City; ParkRec Commission; Robustelli, Sarah; Shani Kleinhaus Subject:Ban Synthetic surfaces in Palo Alto parks Date:Saturday, September 19, 2026 8:48:13 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Dear City Staff and PRC members, According to the summary minutes of the April 6th city council: “Councilmember Reckdahl requested that PRC study whether the City should prohibit the use of artificial turf in playgrounds and other non-athletic City facilities.” and City Manager Shikada stated “…the PRC would want to confer on what would be required to accommodate that within the upcoming year” However, staff seems to have interpreted this request differently. Instead of analyzing the possibility of banning synthetic surfaces, staff provided a list of criteria for using synthetic surfaces (as recommended by the sole stakeholder mentioned, the Magical Bridge Playground organization.) The staff report proposes very general guidelines and outlines a summary of pros and cons of various surfaces (see list below.) The report lists only one drawback to using engineered wood fiber--it requires ongoing maintenance. Ongoing maintenance is also required for synthetic surfaces but they have many additional drawbacks including these listed in the staff report: life cycle concerns, excessive heat, material composition, drainage, sanitation and environmental impacts. Material composition is not detailed in the staff report but the synthetic materials contain many toxic and carcinogenic chemicals with serious concerns to human health, especially small children in close contact with playground surfaces. Synthetic surfaces life cycle concerns include high cost to the city of repair and replacement and high cost to the planet as the material begins to break down and when it reaches the end of its life it is likely to be landfilled--making zero waste goals a distant hope for the city. Please ban synthetics in Palo Alto parks! Well maintained engineered wood fiber can provide accessibility and safety with only the need to occasionally rake and replenish the material. With the long list of drawbacks to synthetic materials, it seems easy to choose to ban these materials from city parks. Thank you, Claire Elliott Emeritus Senior Ecologist, Ventura neighborhood List of pros and cons in staff report for the various playground surfaces: Engineered wood fiber: “can provide an effective and comparatively natural playground surface but requires ongoing maintenance and redistribution to maintain appropriate depth and accessibility.” Poured-in-place (PIP) and bonded rubber surfaces: “provide firm and accessible surfaces and offer design flexibility, but also have maintenance, lifecycle, and environmental considerations. Synthetic turf: “can provide a consistent and accessible surface and may serve specific functional and aesthetic purposes within a playground; and other considerations include heat, maintenance, sanitation, material composition, drainage, environmental impacts, and eventual replacement. From:Aram James To:Burt, Patrick; Reckdahl, Keith; Lauing, Ed; Shikada, Ed; Vicki Veenker; bryna@changforcitycouncil.com; yudy4paloalto@gmail.com; brianhama@gmail.com; h.etzko@gmail.com; Dave Price; garygech@gmail.com; Human Relations Commission; planning.commission@cityofpaloalto.0rg; Sean Allen; Matt Schlegel; Gerry Gras; Dave Price; EPA Today; Braden Cartwright; Riley Cooke; Roberta Ahlquist; ParkRec Commission; district1@bos.sccgov.org; supervisor.abe-koga@bos.sccgov.org; Supervisor Susan Ellenberg; Supervisor Otto Lee; Supervisor Betty Duong; Anne Cribbs; Emily Mibach; Daniel Kottke; Reifschneider, James; Rebecca Kieler; Nancy Goodban; Bill Newell; Perron, Zachary; Lythcott-Haims, Julie; Lu, George; Hoyt, George; Jasso, Tamara; Patrice Ventresca; citycouncil@mountainview.gov; Council, City; City Attorney; city.council@gilroy.org; Reckdahl, Keith; Brandon Pho; jgreen@dailynewsgroup.com; yolanda; Yolanda Sena; Yolanda Conaway; HRW Silicon Valley; Friends of Cubberley; Josh Becker; Jessica Speiser, Educational Leader for California Democratic Delegate, Assembly District 23; assemblymember.berman@assembly.ca.gov; WILPF Peninsula Palo Alto; Palo Alto Renters" Association; Palo Alto Free Press; Brian Good; planning.commision@cityofpaloalto.org; Bains, Paul; Board of Directors; Reifschneider, James; Zahra Billoo; eric.figueroa@cityofpaloalto.org; Goodell, Erin; Eric Diesel; Lotus Fong; Jeff Rosen; Sheree Roth; Gennady Sheyner; Jay Boyarsky; sam.liccardo@gmail.com; Salem Ajluni; Jeff Hayden; Henry Etzkowitz; Dana St. George; <michael.gennaco@oirgroup.com>; Preminger, Steve; Stephen Connolly; Steve Wagstaffe; Seanjames143@yahoo.com; Lewis james; Ann Ravel; Angel, David; Yusra Hussain; Holman, Karen (external); Kaloma Smith; karen hall; Diana Diamond; Dan Okonkwo; Raj Jayadev; Charisse Domingo; Jeff Conrad; Ari Tarver Subject:Re: Bryna Chang TikTok update 9-19-2026 Date:Saturday, September 19, 2026 8:13:13 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Update: 9-19-2026: Please congratulate candidate Bryna Chang. Her vitriolic comments directed at the unhoused and RV dwellers have now brought much unwanted statewide attention to little Palo Alto. She has set both a new low with her racist comments —and now a new high with 31 thousand and counting views on TikTok, and many mocking comments about her not-so-stellar performance. Without her extraordinary efforts to remind folks of Palo Alto’s long history of housing segregation and vile racist policing—Palo Alto might have been able to fly under the radar for a bit. Her debate performance tonight -at the League of Women Voters —all though not worthy of another TikTok video—was less than underwhelming. C-. Just say NO to Bryna Chang for city council, Avram Finkelstein aka Aram James On Fri, Sep 18, 2026 at 11:14 AM Aram James <abjpd1@gmail.com> wrote: The RV video featuring Raymond Goins's pointed laser-light attack on fellow city council candidate Bryna Chang has gone viral on TikTok, with over 13,000 views. Numerous positive comments praise Raymond for calling out Bryna Chang for her hurtful, hateful, and bigoted comments about Palo Alto’s RV residents. Congratulations Raymond for a job well done, Avram Finkelstein aka Aram James https://www.tiktok.com/@goins4council2026?_r=1&_t=ZT-99qEoG4dPjx From:Aram James To:garygech@gmail.com; bryna@changforcitycouncil.com; brianhama@gmail.com; h.etzko@gmail.com; Council, City; yudy4paloalto@gmail.com; Matt Schlegel; Vicki Veenker; Lauing, Ed Subject:Re: Questions for city council candidates ( slight edits) Date:Saturday, September 19, 2026 4:56:13 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. On Sat, Sep 19, 2026 at 11:08 AM Aram James <abjpd1@gmail.com> wrote: 9-19-2026 Hi Steven, No one except my candidate Raymond Goins would dare to attempt to answer these questions. Even he is reluctant. I sent the questions to all eight candidates plus most local politicians and of course the local newspaper outlets. I will go to the next few city council meetings that are broadcast and feign shock and disappointment that the candidates have refused to answer the 4 simple questions. Some of the candidates or even some of the current sitting council members will want yet again to claim that both the questions and the questioner are anti-Semitic. As usual, you hit the nail on the head: They just want me to simply sit the fuck down and shut the fuck up. Who wants to discuss U.S. complicity with the state of Israel's ongoing genocide when they can deflect, look away, and instead debate how to fix potholes in the streets. Of the more than 100 people my email was sent to you are the only person to respond. Silence is complicity, Talk soon, Aram On Sat, Sep 19, 2026 at 10:10 AM steven mcgill : This is pretty bold! I am sure they are wanting you to sit down and shut up. Glad to see your resolve is unwavering!!! On Saturday, September 19, 2026 at 12:25:04 AM PDT, Aram James <abjpd1@gmail.com> wrote: Time for candidates to answer questions Re the genocidal state of Israel Candidates for Palo Alto city council it's time we get your view on the genocidal apartheid state of Israel. 1. Do you agree if Israel refuses to embrace a one state solution that Israel should be eliminated? Yes, No, Explain. 2. Do you agree that the U.S. Congress is Israeli occupied territory? Yes, No, explain. 3. Do agree that being anti-Zionist is NOT being antisemitic? Yes, No, explain. 4. Do you agree that all aid of any type, military included, to Israel should be permanently banned? Yes, No, explain https://fb.watch/v/74XEu_s_h/?mibextid=wwXIfr&fs=e From:Aram James To:jgreen@dailynewsgroup.com; CityCouncil; Council, City; city.council@gilroy.org; citycouncil@mountainview.gov; Human Relations Commission; GRP-City Council; city.council@menlopark.gov; HRW Silicon Valley; Robert Handa; Diana Diamond; Gennady Sheyner; Riley Cooke; Richard Horning; Rick Callender; WILPF Peninsula Palo Alto; Steve Wagstaffe; Donna Wallach; Donald Mendoza; Goodell, Erin; james pitkin; Matt Schlegel; Nash, Betsy; Taylor, Cecilia; dcombs@menlopark.gov; planning.commission@cityofpaloalto.0rg; Sean Allen; Seher Awan Cc:supervisor.abe-koga@bos.sccgov.org; Supervisor Susan Ellenberg; board@pausd.org; EPA Today; Jeff Conrad; Jennifer Morrow San José Spotlight; Vara Ramakrishnan Subject:Re: Questions for city council candidates ( slight edits) Date:Saturday, September 19, 2026 2:56:13 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. 9-19-2026 Hi Steven, No one except my candidate Raymond Goins would dare to attempt to answer these questions. Even he is reluctant. I sent the questions to all eight candidates plus most local politicians and of course the local newspaper outlets. I will go to the next few city council meetings that are broadcast and feign shock and disappointment that the candidates have refused to answer the 4 simple questions. Some of the candidates or even some of the current sitting council members will want yet again to claim that both the questions and the questioner are anti-Semitic. As usual, you hit the nail on the head: They just want me to simply sit the fuck down and shut the fuck up. Who wants to discuss U.S. complicity with the state of Israel's ongoing genocide when they can deflect, look away, and instead debate how to fix potholes in the streets. Of the more than 100 people my email was sent to you are the only person to respond. Silence is complicity, Talk soon, Aram On Sat, Sep 19, 2026 at 10:10 AM steven mcgill : This is pretty bold! I am sure they are wanting you to sit down and shut up. Glad to see your resolve is unwavering!!! On Saturday, September 19, 2026 at 12:25:04 AM PDT, Aram James <abjpd1@gmail.com> wrote: Time for candidates to answer questions Re the genocidal state of Israel Candidates for Palo Alto city council it's time we get your view on the genocidal apartheid state of Israel. 1. Do you agree if Israel refuses to embrace a one state solution that Israel should be eliminated? Yes, No, Explain. 2. Do you agree that the U.S. Congress is Israeli occupied territory? Yes, No, explain. 3. Do agree that being anti-Zionist is NOT being antisemitic? Yes, No, explain. 4. Do you agree that all aid of any type, military included, to Israel should be permanently banned? Yes, No, explain https://fb.watch/v/74XEu_s_h/?mibextid=wwXIfr&fs=e From:Dave Wills To:clambert@paweekly.com Cc:Council, City; City Mgr Subject:Palo Alto"s Living Levee Date:Saturday, September 19, 2026 9:09:15 AM Editor, I just read your article on the living levee in Palo Alto. Unfortunately, B Sakura Cannestra didn't quite get the whole story. In order to build the levee, the path that runs along the side was raised by several feet. When doing this, they left both ends of the path at the previous elevation. There was already a drainage problem at the north end of the path. When they raised the levee they exacerbated that problem and created the same problem at the south end. Now when it rains, both sides of the path are blocked by large puddles making them impassible. The south side has drainage pipes which do not work and the city or contractor placed sand bags on the north side which makes the pond larger. I talked to the contractor who did the construction and was told they recognized the problem and advised the city. They were told by the city to use the elevations they were given. I then contacted the city and was told that when the rains start they might go out and take a look. But obviously that will be too late. I applaud the construction of the new living levee. It is very attractive. On the other hand, the city employees who are responsible created a big problem for us daily users and have so far not accepted responsibility for either creating the problem or fixing it. Apparently the city "might" do something but only after the path becomes unusable. That is not the kind of responsiveness I am used to from Palo Alto. Dave Wills From:Aram James To:bryna@changforcitycouncil.com; yudy4paloalto@gmail.com; h.etzko@gmail.com; Lauing, Ed; Vicki Veenker; brianhama@gmail.com; garygech@gmail.com; Raymond Goins Cc:Jeff Conrad; Reckdahl, Keith; Dave Price; EPA Today; Human Relations Commission; planning.commission@cityofpaloalto.0rg; Supervisor Otto Lee; supervisor.abe-koga@bos.sccgov.org; Susan Hayase; Supervisor Susan Ellenberg; Jessica Speiser, Educational Leader for California Democratic Delegate, Assembly District 23; assemblymember.berman@assembly.ca.gov; Supervisor Betty Duong; district1@bos.sccgov.org; bos@smcgov.org; Matt Schlegel; The Office of Mayor Matt Mahan; Salem Ajluni; Sameena Usman; Raj Jayadev; Nicole Chiu-Wang; Charisse Domingo; Mora Oommen; Bill Newell; Nancy Goodban; Josh Becker; Reifschneider, James; Rebecca Kieler; sam.liccardo@gmail.com; Zelkha, Mila; Emily Mibach; jgreen@dailynewsgroup.com; gerald.engler@doj.ca.gov; Board of Directors; board@pausd.org; Friends of Cubberley; Goodell, Erin; eric.figueroa@cityofpaloalto.org; Roberta Ahlquist; Riley Cooke; Gennady Sheyner; Council, City; Diana Diamond; dcombs@menlopark.gov; Veenker, Vicki; Anne Cribbs; cromero@cityofepa.org; Angel, David; Damon Silver; Rodriguez, Miguel; David Piper; Jeff Rosen; Jay Boyarsky; Malinsky, Jason; <michael.gennaco@oirgroup.com>; Stephen Connolly; julie.ruhlin@oirgroup.con; Jennifer Morrow San José Spotlight; Sean Allen; Seanjames143@yahoo.com; alphonso.lozano@santamonica.gov; Holman, Karen (external); karen hall; WILPF Peninsula Palo Alto; Perron, Zachary; editor@paweekly.com; sharon jackson; Sheree Roth; Shankar Ramamoorthy; Douglas A. Murray; Doug Minkler; frances.Rothschild@jud.ca.gov; Burt, Patrick; city.council@gilroy.org; CityCouncil; citycouncil@mountainview.gov; BRC; Embarcadero Media Support; Brandon Pho; Pacific GrovePD; Gerry Gras; Dana St. George; Daniel Kottke; PD Kristina Bell; Ferguson, Ruth; Ruth Silver Taube; Penni Wilson; Lewis james; steven mcgill; james pitkin; vramirez@redwoodcity.org; Vara Ramakrishnan; Yolanda Conaway; Steve Wagstaffe; Bil Barber; Zahra Billoo; Carla Torres; Braden Cartwright; walter wilson; William Armaline Subject:Questions for city council candidates on the genocidal state of Israel Date:Saturday, September 19, 2026 12:25:21 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Time for candidates to answer questions Re the genocidal state of Israel Candidates for Palo Alto city council it's time we get your view on the genocidal apartheid state of Israel. 1. Do you agree if Israel refuses to embrace a one state solution that Israel should be eliminated? Yes, No, Explain. 2. Do you agree that the U.S. Congress is Israel occupied territory? Yes, No, explain. 3. Do agree that being anti-Zionist is NOT being antisemitic? Yes, No, explain. 4. Do you agree that all aid of any type, military included, to Israel should be permanently banned? Yes, No, explain https://fb.watch/v/74XEu_s_h/?mibextid=wwXIfr&fs=e From:Aram James To:Burt, Patrick; Reckdahl, Keith; Lauing, Ed; Shikada, Ed; Vicki Veenker; bryna@changforcitycouncil.com; yudy4paloalto@gmail.com; brianhama@gmail.com; h.etzko@gmail.com; Dave Price; garygech@gmail.com; Human Relations Commission; planning.commission@cityofpaloalto.0rg; Sean Allen; Matt Schlegel; Gerry Gras; Dave Price; EPA Today; Braden Cartwright; Riley Cooke; Roberta Ahlquist; ParkRec Commission; district1@bos.sccgov.org; supervisor.abe-koga@bos.sccgov.org; Supervisor Susan Ellenberg; Supervisor Otto Lee; Supervisor Betty Duong; Anne Cribbs; Emily Mibach; Daniel Kottke; Reifschneider, James; Rebecca Kieler; Nancy Goodban; Bill Newell; Perron, Zachary; Lythcott-Haims, Julie; Lu, George; Hoyt, George; Jasso, Tamara; Patrice Ventresca; citycouncil@mountainview.gov; Council, City; City Attorney; city.council@gilroy.org; Reckdahl, Keith; Brandon Pho; jgreen@dailynewsgroup.com; yolanda; Yolanda Sena; Yolanda Conaway; HRW Silicon Valley; Friends of Cubberley; Josh Becker; Jessica Speiser, Educational Leader for California Democratic Delegate, Assembly District 23; assemblymember.berman@assembly.ca.gov; WILPF Peninsula Palo Alto; Palo Alto Renters" Association; Palo Alto Free Press; Brian Good; planning.commision@cityofpaloalto.org; Bains, Paul; Board of Directors; Reifschneider, James; Zahra Billoo; eric.figueroa@cityofpaloalto.org; Goodell, Erin; Eric Diesel; Lotus Fong; Jeff Rosen; Sheree Roth; Gennady Sheyner; Jay Boyarsky; sam.liccardo@gmail.com; Salem Ajluni; Jeff Hayden; Henry Etzkowitz; Dana St. George; <michael.gennaco@oirgroup.com>; Preminger, Steve; Stephen Connolly; Steve Wagstaffe; Seanjames143@yahoo.com; Lewis james; Ann Ravel; Angel, David; Yusra Hussain; Enberg, Nicholas; Goodell, Erin Subject:Re: goins4Change on TikTok Date:Friday, September 18, 2026 8:06:49 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. UPDATE The RV Video now has more than 21 thousand views. The comments were near 200 when I last checked and were beyond scathing, especially toward Bryna Chang's ugly and vile comments. Many expressed utter contempt for Ms. Chang, and it went down from there. To say the least, Bryna Chang is now a viral phenomenon. If you don't trust me, check the comments out yourself. Avram Finkelstein aka Aram James P.S. The other candidate, whose name I won't even mention, is an unmitigated embarrassment to my dad’s people. On Fri, Sep 18, 2026 at 11:14 AM Aram James <abjpd1@gmail.com> wrote: The RV video featuring Raymond Goins's pointed laser-light attack on fellow city council candidate Bryna Chang has gone viral on TikTok, with over 13,000 views. Numerous positive comments praise Raymond for calling out Bryna Chang for her hurtful, hateful, and bigoted comments about Palo Alto’s RV residents. Congratulations Raymond for a job well done, Avram Finkelstein aka Aram James https://www.tiktok.com/@goins4council2026?_r=1&_t=ZT-99qEoG4dPjx From:Charlie Weidanz To:Council, City Subject:Winner"s Announced! You"re Invited to the 2026 Athena Leadership Awards Presentation Date:Friday, September 18, 2026 1:23:14 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Athena International 2026 Leadership Presentation promo Irene Wong portrait Peying Lee portrait Athena International logo Palo Alto Chamber of Commerce proudly presents the 2026 Annual ATHENA® Awards Thursday October 15, 2026 5:30 pm - 8:00 pm El Prado Hotel 520 Cowper St. Palo Alto, CA 94301 Get Your Tickets Today >> The ATHENA award is given to honor exceptional woman leaders who demonstrate the highest levels of professional excellence, give back to their communities and, most importantly, assist other women in realizing their full leadership potential – and it is an international award, having been given to more than 6,500 recipients in over 500 cities and 8 countries. Locally it is awarded by our Chamber of Commerce. ®​ Event Info This email was sent on behalf of Palo Alto Chamber of Commerce 355 Alma St Palo Alto, CA 94301.To unsubscribe click here. If you have questions or comments concerning this email or services in general, please contact us by email at info@paloaltochamber.com. From:JEANETTE BALDWIN To:Robert Marinaro Cc:Council, City; Veenker, Vicki; Stone, Greer; Lauing, Ed; Lythcott-Haims, Julie; Reckdahl, Keith; Lu, George; City Mgr; Burt, Patrick; Bulatao, Eric; Police; Apple, Kara; Rosalie Cook; Dmitri Samsonov; Ceci Kettendorf; Chris Schremp; Christine Schremp; Bill McLane; Roger Smith; Peter Xu; Chip Wytmar; Sharon Elliot; Robin Holbrook; Arthur Keller; Becky Sanders; McDonough, Melissa; Gaines, Chantal; Margaret Abe-Koga; Jon Hellesoe; Josh Becker; Marc Berman; Nicole Fernandez; Leslie Bulbuk; Andrade, Alex; Nick Marinaro; Jennifer Kain; Dana Dahlstrom; Chris Berg; Taly Katz; Barry Katz; Nancy Ellickson; John Schafer; Alina Martinez; Micah Murphy; Danielle Dunne; David Famero; Carly Lake; Sandy Freschi; Theron Bullman; Dave Stellman; Steve Wong; Marguerite Poyatos; Manu Kumar; Lydia Kou; Patrick Kelly; Osbaldo Romero; Bryna Chang; Xenia Czisch; 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; K Norris; Elidia Tafoya; Scott Hayes; Victor Sloan; John Seltzer; Kandace Kopensky; Moiz Sonasath; Peter Longanecker; Karsyn Smith Development; Raphael Zahnd; Riley Cooke; 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; Jeff Levinsky; Janet Hartley; Charlie Weidanz; Kevin Mayer; Ian Halker; Richard Willits; Heather Brownlee; Ken Brownlee; Cassandra Paige; Brad Watson; Alisa Pendicini; Ron Ellickson; 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; 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; 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; Gerson Bers; Mike Emrick; Anand Srinivasan; Zohar Gillai; Maria Orlova; Marc Husemann; Niklas Sprungmann; Joe Sinnott; Linda Zausen; Danny Whelan; Gulya Timokhina; Matt Lynch; Oksana Selavri; Chuck Karish; Fred Bailin; Dave Adams; Christian Hothem; Aditya Jain; Anjali Jain; Jenny Lee; Arun Bodapati; Soumya Bodapati; Yingxi Liu; Susan Dorsky; Dave Price; Elaine Goodman; Brandon Cartwright; Gary Gechlik; Clark Penado; Francescarael Rael; Lena Yarovaya; Kenneth Russell; Ryan Judd; Evan Reade; Kaye Crawford; Kay Satit; Sooji Nam; Francis Lim; Giselle Roohparvar; Stephen Casale; Luci Sheppard; Alex Tesler; Michelle Rosengaus; Grace Downer; David Downer; Mary Ann Norton; Jason Robinson; Jen Bartolomei; Dave Melisso; Polina Samsonov; Eva Gandhe; Ruby Flath; Laya Ganapati; Christin Zhang; Arvind Kumar; David Featherman; Melinda McGee; John Melnychuk; Eric Chan; Glenn McGall; Clay Lambert Subject:Re: Chaos on the Streets of South Palo Alto - - OSV Hell!!! Date:Friday, September 18, 2026 11:43:50 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. i Hello Bob and Everyone, Yesterday, I noticed an unidentified jar left directly outside the Palo Alto Public Works office, next to an illegally parked van that appears to be inhabited. There seem to be ongoing issues up and down Embarcadero Road. This message needs your attention This is a personal email address. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast Best regards, Jeanette Baldwin On Thu, Sep 17, 2026 at 12:49 PM Robert Marinaro <rmarinaro@mac.com> wrote: Download full resolution images Available until Oct 17, 2026 Palo Alto City Council, OSV Ad Hoc Committee, and Concerned Residents and Businesses, As the text messages and e-mails came in this morning I thought I should take a little drive around the neighborhood and see first hand what was going on. I first drove over to the segment of Fabian Way (between E. Charleston & San Antonio) because I received a text from a resident of the Charleston Village Condos that two RVs had wedged themselves in between the cars that they have to constantly park in front of their complex so the RVs do not park there. Today is street cleaning day so two of these RVs that regularly park on this segment of Fabian Way unabated moved in front of these residences. Question - - Why were street cleaning signs posted on only part of this street segment and not in front of this condo complex? Then I drove over to East Meadow Drive and saw one of my neighbors taking photos of the two RVs parked next to Ramos Park. She said so glad to see you I was just ready to text you these photos! And, I have since seen additional photos sent to the City Council this morning after I returned home about these same RVs parked on East Meadow Drive! And then there is East Meadow Circle, as you can see in the photos below the OSV situation on East Meadow Circle is out of control! Let me repeat that - Out of Control!!! The first thing I saw was a RV, again, parked in front of the Echelon Condos. Then I saw the Palo Alto Community Service Officer talking with a tow truck driver getting ready to tow one of the several RVs that did not move as designated by the sandwich board signs that says they cannot park on this side of the street from 7am to 11am during to street sweeping. I asked about the other RVs in violation and he said they only have the ability to tow one of them. Then there is the other RV that was parked between a Google building and the Echelon Condos. He pulled away from the curb and sat at the stop sign blocking this person trying to exit Google’s parking lot. I tried to get him to move away from the stop sign, but he refused. So I had to summon the Community Safety Officer to tell the RV dweller to move along and not block traffic. He thought he would wait it out until 11am when he could park again on East Meadow Circle because he knows the City of Palo Alto does not have sufficient enough regulations in place to control the situation. Let me repeat that - the City of Palo Alto does not have sufficient enough regulations in place to control the situation. And then there was the situation yesterday where two RVs were parked on San Antonio Rd. (E. of 101) next to the Homekey transitional housing facility where there are “No Parking: signs posted. After reporting the situation to PAPD I was told that these two “No Parking” signs are not enforceable because they are not codified. Folks you cannot make this stuff up! This situation in South Palo Alto is beyond the pale and needs to rectfied immediately. It is time for an emergency declaration and rid these RVs from our streets as soon as possible. Lets stop the pussyfooting around and rollup your damn sleeves and lets find a solution. This has gone on for way too long and we tired as hell and we’re not going to take it anymore. No more wolves guarding the hen house! Put on you big girl and boy pants and take charge of the situation. We are tired of hearing “non-punitive," ”balanced,” “it’s going to take time,” BS. We need action now!!! Respectfully, Bob Marinaro Fabian Way 9/17/26 Fabian Way 9/17/26 Fabian Way 9/17/26 Fabian Way 9/17/26 East Meadow Drive adjacent to Ramos Park 9/17/26 East Meadow Drive adjacent to Ramos Park - - This one RV had just pulled away from the curb to get first dibs on his spot on East Meadow Circle 9/17/26 @ 10:50am East Meadow Circle 9/17/26 East Meadow Circle 9/17/26 East Meadow Circle 9/17/26 East Meadow Circle Google Driveway 9/17/26 East Meadow Circle 9/17/26 East Meadow Circle 9/17/26 San Antonio Rd east of 101 next to Homekey Transitional Housing Facility 9/16/26 -- Jeanette Baldwin From:Aram James To:Burt, Patrick; Reckdahl, Keith; Lauing, Ed; Shikada, Ed; Vicki Veenker; bryna@changforcitycouncil.com; yudy4paloalto@gmail.com; brianhama@gmail.com; h.etzko@gmail.com; Dave Price; garygech@gmail.com; Human Relations Commission; planning.commission@cityofpaloalto.0rg; Sean Allen; Matt Schlegel; Gerry Gras; Dave Price; EPA Today; Braden Cartwright; Riley Cooke; Roberta Ahlquist; ParkRec Commission; district1@bos.sccgov.org; supervisor.abe-koga@bos.sccgov.org; Supervisor Susan Ellenberg; Supervisor Otto Lee; Supervisor Betty Duong; Anne Cribbs; Emily Mibach; Daniel Kottke; Reifschneider, James; Rebecca Kieler; Nancy Goodban; Bill Newell; Perron, Zachary; Lythcott-Haims, Julie; Lu, George; Hoyt, George; Jasso, Tamara; Patrice Ventresca; citycouncil@mountainview.gov; Council, City; City Attorney; city.council@gilroy.org; Reckdahl, Keith; Brandon Pho; jgreen@dailynewsgroup.com; yolanda; Yolanda Sena; Yolanda Conaway; HRW Silicon Valley; Friends of Cubberley; Josh Becker; Jessica Speiser, Educational Leader for California Democratic Delegate, Assembly District 23; assemblymember.berman@assembly.ca.gov; WILPF Peninsula Palo Alto; Palo Alto Renters" Association; Palo Alto Free Press; Brian Good; planning.commision@cityofpaloalto.org; Bains, Paul; Board of Directors; Reifschneider, James; Zahra Billoo; eric.figueroa@cityofpaloalto.org; Goodell, Erin; Eric Diesel; Lotus Fong; Jeff Rosen; Sheree Roth; Gennady Sheyner; Jay Boyarsky; sam.liccardo@gmail.com; Salem Ajluni; Jeff Hayden; Henry Etzkowitz; Dana St. George; <michael.gennaco@oirgroup.com>; Preminger, Steve; Stephen Connolly; Steve Wagstaffe; Seanjames143@yahoo.com; Lewis james; Ann Ravel; Angel, David; Yusra Hussain Subject:goins4Change on TikTok Date:Friday, September 18, 2026 11:15:02 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. The RV video featuring Raymond Goins's pointed laser-light attack on fellow city council candidate Bryna Chang has gone viral on TikTok, with over 13,000 views. Numerous positive comments praise Raymond for calling out Bryna Chang for her hurtful, hateful, and bigoted comments about Palo Alto’s RV residents. Congratulations Raymond for a job well done, Avram Finkelstein aka Aram James https://www.tiktok.com/@goins4council2026?_r=1&_t=ZT-99qEoG4dPjx From:Chris Schremp To:Veenker, Vicki; Council, City; cityattorney@paloalto.gov; Lauing, Ed; Shikada, Ed; Reckdahl, Keith; Stone, Greer; Lythcott-Haims, Julie; Bulatao, Eric Cc:Jo Ann Mandinach; Robert Marinaro; Annette Ross; Penny Brennan; Zohar Gillai; Martin Cuyegkeng; Jenny Lee; Josh Becker; Marc Berman; Leslie Bulbuk; Nicole Fernandez; Margaret Abe-Koga; Nick Marinaro; Jennifer Kain; Roger Smith; Peter Xu; Loren Brown; Dana Dahlstrom; Ceci Kettendorf; Chris Berg; Taly Katz; Barry Katz; John Schafer; Jeanette Baldwin; Alina Martinez; Micah Murphy; Danielle Dunne; David Famero; Carly Lake; Sandy Freschi; Theron Bullman; Dave Stellman; Dave Stellman; Steve Wong; Lydia Kou; Patrick Kelly; Osbaldo Romero; Bryna Chang; Bill McLane; Lester Wong; Cathi Lerch; 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; Baird, Nathan; Palo Alto Daily Post; Gennady Sheyner; Louis Hsiao; Ann Lafargue Balin; Mary Gallagher; Maury Green; Terry Holzemer; Joseph Hirsch; William Ross; Arthur Keller; Becky Sanders; Kevin Mayer; Boris Folsch; Ian Halker; Richard Willits; Heather Brownlee; Ken Brownlee; Robin Holbrook; Cassandra Paige; Brad Watson; Alisa Pendicini; Ron Ellickson; Titan Gu; Stephanie Wansek; Colin Swindells; Aki Hirsa; Oksana Selavri; Chris Schremp; Christine Schremp Subject:Addressing Litigation Fears, the Recent PAPD Lawsuit, and PAMC § 10.44.020 Date:Friday, September 18, 2026 10:50:42 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Mayor Veenker, Vice Mayor Stone, City Manager Shikada, and Members of the Palo Alto City Council, In my recent conversations with community members and local stakeholders, a recurring theme has emerged regarding why the City continues to hesitate on enacting a citywide overnight Oversized Vehicle (OSV) ban: a fear of being sued. Please don't give into that fear - even following the September 17 Palo Alto Online article reporting that a vehicle dweller has filed a lawsuit against the Palo Alto Police Department over a towed truck. This lawsuit should not be used by the Council or City Management as a justification to hide behind legal concerns or delay enacting PAMC § 10.44.020. As the City Attorney made clear in that very article, this lawsuit lacks legal merit. A single, groundless legal filing over a standard vehicle tow does not change federal law, nor does it erode Palo Alto's municipal authority. As a community, we need to be clear about the actual legal realities post-Grants Pass: 1. The Supreme Court Established Clear Municipal Authority Prior to City of Grants Pass v. Johnson, advocacy groups routinely relied on Eighth Amendment claims to block cities from enforcing parking and camping restrictions. That legal doctrine no longer applies. Under current federal law, Palo Alto has constitutional authority to enforce generally applicable time, place, and manner restrictions on public streets—including overnight OSV parking limits under PAMC § 10.44.020—regardless of shelter availability. 2. Baseless Claims Are Not a Reason to Freeze Policy In municipal governance, the threat of isolated litigation will always exist. However, allowing weak or meritless claims to dictate city policy sets a dangerous precedent. It effectively surrenders local decision-making to special interest groups while leaving tax-paying residents and local business owners to deal with unmitigated safety hazards on our public thoroughfares. 3. Sound Execution Neutralizes Procedural Risk Neighboring jurisdictions—including Mountain View, Berkeley, San Francisco, Oakland, Menlo Park—enforce OSV restrictions daily without being enjoined by courts. Palo Alto can easily protect itself from procedural challenges by deploying a clean, standard execution framework: Advance Written Notice: Provide a 30-to-45-day public notice window before active towing enforcement begins. Statutory Gateway Signage: Deploy cost-effective CVC § 22651(n) entry signs at municipal boundaries. Uniform Code Execution: Apply restrictions consistently across all public rights-of- way. The legal authority post-Grants Pass is clear, the City Attorney has confirmed the city's strong legal footing, and the implementation framework is ready. We urge the Council not to let baseless lawsuits stall action, but rather to direct staff to move forward with executing PAMC § 10.44.020 citywide. Best regards, Chris Schremp Palo Alto Resident & Stakeholder September 2026 Updates, pt. 2 Fall Kick-off Speaker Announced! Join us for our fall members' kickoff meeting, with atimely speaker on AI and surveillance. From:LWV Palo Alto To:Council, City Subject:Fall Kick-off Speaker Announced: "AI, Surveillance, and Democracy: Organizing Against Flock Cameras" Date:Friday, September 18, 2026 10:33:42 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious ofopening attachments and clicking on links. Saturday, October 10 | 3:00-4:30 pm 4161 Alma St. (Etz Chayim Social Hall) Attorney and activist, Cara Silver, will speak on “AI, Surveillance, and Democracy: Organizing Against Flock Cameras,” followed by Q&A. Meet our new board members, learn about updates to our local program and hear highlights from the LWVUS annual convention. We’ll also review our committees. Doors open at 2:45pm. Program begins at 3:00pm. Registration link to follow. Cara Silver is a municipal attorney and a relatively new political activist. A practiced municipal lawyer for over 30 years, Silver has served as the City Attorney for Portola Valley, Acting City Attorney for Menlo Park, Senior Land Use Attorney for Palo Alto, Litigation Attorney for Santa Monica and most recently Planning and Land Use Attorney for Alameda. Silver specializes in land use law and urban planning and is especially passionate about drafting local ordinances linking multi-family housing with public transit and accounting for sea level rise and wildfires. She is a strong supporter of local government because of its immediate impact and problem-solving abilities. Silver's interest in political activism started with Trump 2.0. A member of Indivisible Palo Alto Plus (IPA+), she chairs the IPA+ Immigrant Rights Action Team, and helped create Safety Over Surveillance (SOS) Palo Alto, an anti-ALPR (automated license plate recognition) coalition of 14 organizations. She has participated in organizing several local democracy forums relating to immigration, mass surveillance and voting rights. Most recently, she has leveraged her knowledge of local government to advocate against Flock cameras and mass surveillance. Coming up! S E P T E M B E R 19: LWVPA Candidate Forum: CITY COUNCIL (Zoom) | 19: TABLING - Community Health Fair, 11-2 22: LWVPA Board Meeting | 22: LWVSCC - Protecting Our Elections (Zoom) 24: LWVPA/PTAC Candidate Forum: SCHOOL BOARD (Zoom) | 24: LWVBA - SB63 Zoom Sept. 24 - Oct. 13: ROV mails county election information guides to all registered voters O C T O B E R 3: Prop 4 Kick-Off | 3: TABLING, Rinconada Library | 3: TABLING, 34th Annual Black College Awareness Fair 5: ROV mails vote by mail packets | 5 thru Nov. 2: Early voting at ROV office 10: Fall Kick-Off Meeting & Speaker - 3:00-4:30pm, Etz Chayim Social Hall 19: Last day to register to vote for Nov. 3 election with regular ballot 20 -Nov. 3: Conditional voter registration at any Vote Center or ROV office 24 thru Nov. 3: Vote Centers are open 27: Last day to request vote-by-mail replacement N O V E M B E R 3: ELECTION DAY! All vote centers open LWVPA Candidate Forums: The League of Women Voters of Palo Alto is hosting two Candidate Forums for the upcoming election. We invite everyone to come listen to the candidates and learn where they stand on pertinent issues. Bring your friends, family and neighbors! Candidate forums like these are one way the League makes democracy work! We encourage you to submit questions in advance of the forum using the question submission links below or in your registration confirmation email. Time permitting, we'll also take questions during the event. Palo Alto City Council Candidate Forum(Zoom) Saturday, September 19, 2026 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm (Photo by the Palo Alto Weekly/Palo Alto Online) Register for the City Council Forum Ask Your Question of Council Candidates Palo Alto School Board Candidate Forum(Zoom) Co-Sponsored by PTAC (Palo Alto Council of PTAs) Thursday, September 24, 2026 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm (Photo by the Palo Alto Weekly/Palo Alto Online) Register for the School Board Forum Ask Your Question of School Board Candidates November 3 Ballot: Vote with the LWV of California Read it all here. Can you lend a hand? Whether you have a few hours to give or are ready to take on a larger role, there is a place for you. Your time and talents can help us educate and engage voters and strengthen civic participation in our community. We hope you’ll join us! Reach out if you have any questions at contact@lwvpaloalto.org. We look forward to working with you! Regional Events 9.22 - FROM THE LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF SANTA CLARA COUNTY: Protecting Our Elections: How to Prepare for Attacks on the Right to Vote 9.22.26 - 5pm (Zoom) As we head into the November elections, many are concerned about potential threats to voting rights. Join us to hear from voting rights experts from the Brennan Center for Justice and Common Cause California on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. – 6:15 p.m. (PST) via Zoom. The speakers will discuss current threats to voting rights nationally and in California, efforts to safeguard our rights, and steps you can take. Please register for the program. Submit your question here. About our Speakers Justin Lam serves as counsel in the Brennan Center’s Voting Rights and Elections Program. Before joining the center, he clerked for Judge John P. Howard III of the District of Columbia Court of Appeals and Judge Nina R. Morrison of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York. He also worked to advance children’s rights in education and juvenile justice as a public interest fellow at the National Center for Youth Law. Lam earned his bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of California, Los Angeles, and his master of public policy and law degree from the University of California, Berkeley. Brittany Stonesifer is the Senior Program Manager for Voting Rights and Redistricting at Common Cause California, where she leads statewide advocacy and education to ensure that all voters have fair access to the ballot. Stonesifer previously served as Senior Staff Attorney in the Democracy and Civic Engagement Program at ACLU of Northern California and Staff Attorney with Legal Services for Prisoners with Children. She holds her J.D. from University of California Law, San Francisco, her B.A. from The Evergreen State College, and studied international human rights law at the University of London. 9.24 - INVITATION FROM THE LWV BAY AREA Regional Transit Measure on the Ballot (SB63) On November 3, voters in five Bay Area Counties will be asked to approve a Regional Transit Measure intended to help maintain the region’s major public transportation systems including BART, AC Transit, Caltrain, and SF Muni. Read the entire article here. Join us for a presentation on SB 63 Thursday, September 24, 6:30-7:30PM via Zoom Register Here 10.3: AN INVITATION FROM RHO DELTA OMEGA CHAPTER OF ALPHA KAPPA ALPHA SORORITY, INC.: Table with us on Oct. 3! We're looking for a few volunteers to help from 12-2pm on OCTOBER 3 as part of the 34th Annual Black College Awareness Fair at College of San Mateo, coordinated by our colleagues in Rho Delta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. As well as doing voter registration of young people, we will be informing guests about the propositions on the November ballot. Interested? Please email us at contact@lwvpaloalto.org. Contact your Members of Congress!Share your thoughts on how theyshould represent YOU. Reach them at: FEDERAL: US SENATE: Senator ALEX PADILLA | Senator ADAM SCHIFF US HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES: Representative SAM LICCARDO (16th District) | Find your CA state representative CALIFORNIA: State Assembly District 23 (Palo Alto) - Assemblymember MARC BERMAN State Senate District 13 (Palo Alto) - Senator JOSH BECKER Not listed here? Find Your California Representatives Stay Informed! Sign Up for LWV California &LWVUS News & Alerts Click here to sign up for LWVC Newsletter and LWVC Action Alerts Click here to sign up for LWVUS Email News (at bottom) and LWVUS Action Alerts Facebook Website Instagram Copyright © 2026 League of Women Voters Palo Alto, All rights reserved. From Voter Recipient List Email us at lwvpaoffice@gmail.com Our mailing address is: League of Women Voters Palo Alto 3921 E Bayshore Rd Ste 209 Palo Alto, CA 94303-4303 Add us to your address book Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list. Questions? Please contact communications@lwvpaloalto.org. From:Becky Wolf-Loretz To:Pigman, Sophie Cc:Council, City; City Attorney; City Mgr; Veenker, Vicki; Jensen, Christopher; marykatestimmler@gmail.com Subject:Opportunity Center — I Need Substantive City Action, Not Another Acknowledgment Date:Friday, September 18, 2026 10:19:51 AM Attachments:All people conducted Toc – Becky.pdf CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Sophie, I am following up again regarding the Opportunity Center because there are now far too many outstanding questions, requests for assistance, and requests for intervention that have never been substantively resolved. I recently compiled a chronology from my own Gmail documenting my requests for assistance regarding the Opportunity Center from August 2025 through September 2026. I am attaching it. Looking at this record as a whole has made something very clear to me: I have spent an extraordinary amount of time contacting the City and other agencies, repeatedly explaining the same problems, supplying evidence, asking for meetings, asking for investigations, asking for protection of residents, and following up when nothing happens. At this point, I need to understand what the City’s process actually is. You have repeatedly been the person I have been directed to contact regarding the Opportunity Center. But if everything is being routed through you while the underlying questions remain unanswered and the residents continue coming to me for help, then this process is not working. I do not want to spend another year sending emails into a system that acknowledges them without resolving anything. I do not even live at the Opportunity Center anymore. Yet residents continue contacting me because they are frightened, confused, facing housing problems, or feel that nobody is listening to them. I continue advocating because I cannot walk away from people who are asking me for help simply because I was fortunate enough to leave the building. People are still being harmed. Tom Wilson is still fighting for appropriate intervention and housing assistance after months and months of advocacy. Cynthia Gonzalez is still without the housing stability she desperately needs. Residents continue raising concerns about conditions, treatment, displacement, accommodations, retaliation, and their ability to obtain meaningful assistance. And I am still asking many of the same fundamental questions I was asking months ago. So I need something different from the City now. Please review the attached chronology and tell me: 1. Which of these matters has the City actually investigated and resolved? 2. Which matters remain open? 3. Who within the City is responsible for each outstanding issue? 4. Which matters does the City believe are outside its jurisdiction, and where specifically is the City referring those matters? 5. Who has responsibility for looking at what has happened at the Opportunity Center as a whole rather than treating every resident, incident, complaint, and agency response as an isolated event? If you do not have the authority to answer these questions or coordinate this response, then please escalate this email to the person who does and tell me who that person is. I also want to be very clear about something. I am not going away. I will continue attending Palo Alto City Council meetings. I will continue attending Human Relations Commission meetings. I will continue providing documentation. I will continue speaking publicly. And I will continue advocating for the residents who contact me until these issues are meaningfully addressed. That is not a threat. It is a statement of commitment. I would much rather spend that time working collaboratively with the City toward solutions than repeatedly asking why nobody has responded. There is an enormous difference between being given a contact person and being given a path to resolution. Right now, I have a contact person. I need a path to resolution. Please tell me what that path is. Thank you, Becky Wolf Founder & President Opportunity Center Tenant Union #SilenceIsNotSurvivable From:Aram James To:Council, City; Burt, Patrick; Stone, Greer; DuJuan Green; Sean Allen; Human Relations Commission; Council, City; City Attorney; citycouncil@mountainview.gov; CityCouncil; Jennifer Morrow San José Spotlight; Mora Oommen; Jessica Speiser, Educational Leader for California Democratic Delegate, Assembly District 23; Josh Becker; assemblymember.berman@assembly.ca.gov; Vicki Veenker; cromero@cityofepa.org; rabrica@cityofepa.org Cc:Tim; JIM MINKLER1; Hans-Peter Tiemann; WILPF Peninsula Palo Alto; vramirez@redwoodcity.org Subject:Re: Source: Palo Alto Online—Reparations Date:Friday, September 18, 2026 7:18:07 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. From the archives of Aram James Reparations by Aram James Source: Palo Alto Online Letters to the editor - Palo Alto Online https://share.google/xduzBIZbVBb7tCW6U From:Aram James To:planning.commission@cityofpaloalto.0rg; Perron, Zachary; Council, City; EPA Today; Diana Diamond; Brandon Pho; Braden Cartwright; City Attorney; citycouncil@mountainview.gov; Human Relations Commission; Nicole Chiu-Wang; Board of Directors; supervisor.abe-koga@bos.sccgov.org; sam.liccardo@gmail.com; Supervisor Susan Ellenberg; Supervisor Otto Lee; Dave Price; Brian Good; Yolanda Conaway; WILPF Peninsula Palo Alto; Embarcadero Media Support; Emily Mibach; Lewis james; Senator Becker; assemblymember.berman@assembly.ca.gov; Reckdahl, Keith; Bains, Paul; Patricia.Guerrero@jud.ca.gov; Preminger, Steve; jgreen@dailynewsgroup.com; Goodell, Erin; eric.figueroa@cityofpaloalto.org; Eric Diesel; Friends of Cubberley; Seanjames143@yahoo.com; Steve Wagstaffe; Lotus Fong; Robert Salonga; Robert Handa; Riley Cooke; Doug Fort; Paul George @ PPJC; Palo Alto Renters" Association; Enberg, Nicholas; Reifschneider, James; Jay Boyarsky; Daniel Kottke; Yusra Hussain; Freddie.Quintana@sen.ca.gov; Dave Price; Professor Quintanar; The Office of Mayor Matt Mahan; Mora Oommen; Raging Grannies of the Peninsula; Dana St. George; Vicki Veenker; Roberta Ahlquist; Palo Alto Free Press; Silicon Valley TV; garygech@gmail.com; yudy4paloalto@gmail.com; Supervisor Betty Duong; bryna@changforcitycouncil.com; Josh Becker; assemblymember.ahrens@assembly.ca.gov; Clarice Cho; Lythcott-Haims, Julie; Brian Welch; Bryan Gobin; mike braxton; PD Kristina Bell; Burt, Patrick; Stone, Greer; DuJuan Green; Holman, Karen (external); Brian Chancellor; brianhama@gmail.com; Chi-Kai Sin Subject:Re: Watch "Raymond Goins responds to candidates Bryna Chang and Dr. Gary Gechlik disparaging poor people" on YouTube Date:Friday, September 18, 2026 6:20:06 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. On Fri, Sep 18, 2026 at 12:02 AM Aram James <abjpd1@gmail.com> wrote: Dear Editor: I've worked with Raymond Goins for the last three years and encouraged him to run for city council. I am doing what I can to support him at each step of his campaign. If you have a few minutes to review last night’s section on RVs it shows Raymond Goins pointedly going after candidate Bryna Chang for comments he found offensive. I will leave it to you to decide whether you find Bryna Chang’s comments offensive. I was extremely proud of how Raymond handled himself last night. https://youtube.com/shorts/fjY3rj5qq-I?feature=share Raymond is a gifted man who brings a life experience unique to this council campaign. It's past time we brought someone like Raymond into our city government. Aram James Palo Alto, CA 415-370-5056 94303 From:Aram James To:planning.commission@cityofpaloalto.0rg; Perron, Zachary; Council, City; EPA Today; Diana Diamond; Brandon Pho; Braden Cartwright; City Attorney; citycouncil@mountainview.gov; Human Relations Commission; Nicole Chiu-Wang; Board of Directors; supervisor.abe-koga@bos.sccgov.org; sam.liccardo@gmail.com; Supervisor Susan Ellenberg; Supervisor Otto Lee; Dave Price; Brian Good; Yolanda Conaway; WILPF Peninsula Palo Alto; Embarcadero Media Support; Emily Mibach; Lewis james; Senator Becker; assemblymember.berman@assembly.ca.gov; Reckdahl, Keith; Bains, Paul; Patricia.Guerrero@jud.ca.gov; Preminger, Steve; jgreen@dailynewsgroup.com; Goodell, Erin; eric.figueroa@cityofpaloalto.org; Eric Diesel; Friends of Cubberley; Seanjames143@yahoo.com; Steve Wagstaffe; Lotus Fong; Robert Salonga; Robert Handa; Riley Cooke; Doug Fort; Paul George @ PPJC; Palo Alto Renters" Association; Enberg, Nicholas; Reifschneider, James; Jay Boyarsky; Daniel Kottke; Yusra Hussain; Freddie.Quintana@sen.ca.gov; Dave Price; Professor Quintanar; The Office of Mayor Matt Mahan; Mora Oommen; Raging Grannies of the Peninsula; Dana St. George; Vicki Veenker; Roberta Ahlquist; Palo Alto Free Press; Silicon Valley TV; garygech@gmail.com; yudy4paloalto@gmail.com; Supervisor Betty Duong; bryna@changforcitycouncil.com; Josh Becker; assemblymember.ahrens@assembly.ca.gov; Clarice Cho; Lythcott-Haims, Julie; Brian Welch; Bryan Gobin; mike braxton; PD Kristina Bell; Burt, Patrick; Stone, Greer; DuJuan Green; Holman, Karen (external); Brian Chancellor; brianhama@gmail.com; Chi-Kai Sin Subject:Re: Watch "Raymond Goins responds to candidates Bryna Chang and Dr. Gary Gechlik disparaging poor people" on YouTube Date:Friday, September 18, 2026 12:03:17 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. On Thu, Sep 17, 2026 at 9:51 PM Aram James <abjpd1@gmail.com> wrote: Dear Editor: I've worked with Raymond Goins for the last three years and encouraged him to run for city council. I am doing what I can to support him at each step of his campaign. If you have a few minutes to review last night’s section on RVs it shows Raymond Goins pointedly going after candidate Bryna Chang for comments he found offensive. I will leave it to you to decide whether you find Bryna Chang’s comments offensive. I was extremely proud of how Raymond handled himself last night. https://youtube.com/shorts/fjY3rj5qq-I?feature=share Raymond is a gifted man who brings a life experience unique to this council campaign. It's past time we brought someone like Raymond into our city government. Aram James Palo Alto, CA 415-370-5056 94303 From:Aram James To:<michael.gennaco@oirgroup.com>; julie.ruhlin@oirgroup.con; Stephen Connolly; Rebecca Eisenberg; Bill Newell; Bil Barber; Zahra Billoo; Freddie.Quintana@sen.ca.gov; Preminger, Steve; supervisor.abe-koga@bos.sccgov.org; Supervisor Susan Ellenberg; Supervisor Otto Lee; Embarcadero Media Support; Friends of Cubberley; Jose Valle; Gerry Gras; jgreen@dailynewsgroup.com; EPA Today; Anne Cribbs; cromero@cityofepa.org; Lee, Craig; WILPF Peninsula Palo Alto; Human Relations Commission; Burt, Patrick; Patrice Ventresca; Seher Awan; Rose Lynn; Dana St. George; Sean Allen; Sean Webby; Senator Becker; sam.liccardo@gmail.com; Salem Ajluni; Jessica Speiser, Educational Leader for California Democratic Delegate, Assembly District 23; h.etzko@gmail.com Subject:Update: Taser victim in Stanford mall arrest identified - Palo Alto Online Date:Thursday, September 17, 2026 11:20:46 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Mike, FYI: Check comments at the bottom of this article. https://www.paloaltoonline.com/police/2026/09/15/probe-launched-after-officer-fires-taser- injures-man-at-stanford-mall/ From:Aram James To:planning.commission@cityofpaloalto.0rg; Perron, Zachary; Council, City; EPA Today; Diana Diamond; Brandon Pho; Braden Cartwright; City Attorney; citycouncil@mountainview.gov; Human Relations Commission; Nicole Chiu-Wang; Board of Directors; supervisor.abe-koga@bos.sccgov.org; sam.liccardo@gmail.com; Supervisor Susan Ellenberg; Supervisor Otto Lee; Dave Price; Brian Good; Yolanda Conaway; WILPF Peninsula Palo Alto; Embarcadero Media Support; Emily Mibach; Lewis james; Senator Becker; assemblymember.berman@assembly.ca.gov; Reckdahl, Keith; Bains, Paul; Patricia.Guerrero@jud.ca.gov; Preminger, Steve; jgreen@dailynewsgroup.com; Goodell, Erin; eric.figueroa@cityofpaloalto.org; Eric Diesel; Friends of Cubberley; Seanjames143@yahoo.com; Steve Wagstaffe; Lotus Fong; Robert Salonga; Robert Handa; Riley Cooke; Doug Fort; Paul George @ PPJC; Palo Alto Renters" Association; Enberg, Nicholas; Reifschneider, James; Jay Boyarsky; Daniel Kottke; Yusra Hussain; Freddie.Quintana@sen.ca.gov; Dave Price; Professor Quintanar; The Office of Mayor Matt Mahan; Mora Oommen; Raging Grannies of the Peninsula; Dana St. George; Vicki Veenker; Roberta Ahlquist; Palo Alto Free Press; Silicon Valley TV; Zelkha, Mila; Jasso, Tamara; Gerry Gras; james pitkin; PD Kristina Bell; Rebecca Kieler; Rebecca Eisenberg; HRW Silicon Valley; <michael.gennaco@oirgroup.com>; Gennady Sheyner Subject:Watch "Raymond Goins responds to candidates Bryna Chang and Dr. Gary Gechlik disparaging poor people" on YouTube Date:Thursday, September 17, 2026 9:51:48 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Dear Editor: I've worked with Raymond Goins for the last three years and encouraged him to run for city council. I am doing what I can to support him at each step of his campaign. If you have a few minutes to review last night’s section on RVs it shows Raymond Goins pointedly going after candidate Bryna Chang for comments he found offensive. I will leave it to you to decide whether you find Bryna Chang’s comments offensive. I was extremely proud of how Raymond handled himself last night. https://youtube.com/shorts/fjY3rj5qq-I?feature=share Raymond is a gifted man who brings a life experience unique to this council campaign. It's past time we brought someone like Raymond into our city government. Aram James Palo Alto, CA 415-370-5056 94303 From:Palo Alto Student Climate Coalition To:Council, City Cc:aidenmiao354@gmail.com; zarabellubbi@gmail.com; deepikajmenon@gmail.com; Jenna Mu; niasharm120@gmail.com; Nieve Teetzel; Abby Peterson Subject:Palo Alto Student Climate Coalition: City Council focus on tree planting Date:Thursday, September 17, 2026 8:56:33 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. i Dear City Council, We, the Palo Alto Student Climate Coalition, thank the Council for all of their work towards sustainability in the city. In the wake of recent National Weather Service Heat Advisory that ran on Thursday, September 10, 2026 and the Climate Action and Sustainability Committee meeting acknowledging the pressing issue of offsetting the City’s carbon emissions, we urge Council to continue thinking about implementing shade- tree programs or tree-planting campaigns to combat both extreme heat, improve liveability, and contribute to carbon capture in the City. We acknowledge that trees aren’t able to fully compensate for the pressing issue of purchasing carbon offsets in the City, but we believe that trees are valuable in both climate resilience and improving living conditions for community members, especially in South Palo Alto where there is a lower concentration of trees compared to other parts of the city. Although we don’t have a formal policy proposal, we hope that the City Council takes the importance of trees in heat resilience and carbon capture into future planning and initiatives. Thank you, Palo Alto Student Climate Coalition 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 Download full resolution images Available until Oct 17, 2026 From:Robert Marinaro To:Council, City; Veenker, Vicki; Stone, Greer; Lauing, Ed; Lythcott-Haims, Julie; Reckdahl, Keith; Lu, George; City Mgr; Burt, Patrick Cc:Bulatao, Eric; Police; Apple, Kara; Rosalie Cook; Dmitri Samsonov; Ceci Kettendorf; Chris Schremp; Christine Schremp; Bill McLane; Roger Smith; Peter Xu; Chip Wytmar; Sharon Elliot; Robin Holbrook; Arthur Keller; Becky Sanders; McDonough, Melissa; Gaines, Chantal; Margaret Abe-Koga; Jon Hellesoe; Josh Becker; Marc Berman; Nicole Fernandez; Leslie Bulbuk; Andrade, Alex; Nick Marinaro; Jennifer Kain; 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; Theron Bullman; Dave Stellman; Steve Wong; Marguerite Poyatos; Manu Kumar; Lydia Kou; Patrick Kelly; Osbaldo Romero; Bryna Chang; Xenia Czisch; 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; K Norris; Elidia Tafoya; Scott Hayes; Victor Sloan; John Seltzer; Kandace Kopensky; Moiz Sonasath; Peter Longanecker; Karsyn Smith Development; Raphael Zahnd; Riley Cooke; 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; Jeff Levinsky; Janet Hartley; Charlie Weidanz; Kevin Mayer; Ian Halker; Richard Willits; Heather Brownlee; Ken Brownlee; Cassandra Paige; Brad Watson; Alisa Pendicini; Ron Ellickson; 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; 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; 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; Gerson Bers; Mike Emrick; Anand Srinivasan; Zohar Gillai; Maria Orlova; Marc Husemann; Niklas Sprungmann; Joe Sinnott; Linda Zausen; Danny Whelan; Gulya Timokhina; Matt Lynch; Oksana Selavri; Chuck Karish; Fred Bailin; Dave Adams; Christian Hothem; Aditya Jain; Anjali Jain; Jenny Lee; Arun Bodapati; Soumya Bodapati; Yingxi Liu; Susan Dorsky; Dave Price; Elaine Goodman; Brandon Cartwright; Gary Gechlik; Clark Penado; Francescarael Rael; Lena Yarovaya; Kenneth Russell; Ryan Judd; Evan Reade; Kaye Crawford; Kay Satit; Sooji Nam; Francis Lim; Giselle Roohparvar; Stephen Casale; Luci Sheppard; Alex Tesler; Michelle Rosengaus; Grace Downer; David Downer; Mary Ann Norton; Jason Robinson; Jen Bartolomei; Dave Melisso; Polina Samsonov; Eva Gandhe; Ruby Flath; Laya Ganapati; Christin Zhang; Arvind Kumar; David Featherman; Melinda McGee; John Melnychuk; Eric Chan; Glenn McGall; Clay Lambert Subject:Chaos on the Streets of South Palo Alto - - OSV Hell!!! Date:Thursday, September 17, 2026 12:49:55 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Palo Alto City Council, OSV Ad Hoc Committee, and Concerned Residents and Businesses, As the text messages and e-mails came in this morning I thought I should take a little drive around the neighborhood and see first hand what was going on. I first drove over to the segment of Fabian Way (between E. Charleston & San Antonio) because I received a text from a resident of the Charleston Village Condos that two RVs had wedged themselves in between the cars that they have to constantly park in front of their complex so the RVs do not park there. Today is street cleaning day so two of these RVs that regularly park on this segment of Fabian Way unabated moved in front of these residences. Question - - Why were street cleaning signs posted on only part of this street segment and not in front of this condo complex? Then I drove over to East Meadow Drive and saw one of my neighbors taking photos of the two RVs parked next to Ramos Park. She said so glad to see you I was just ready to text you these photos! And, I have since seen additional photos sent to the City Council this morning after I returned home about these same RVs parked on East Meadow Drive! And then there is East Meadow Circle, as you can see in the photos below the OSV situation on East Meadow Circle is out of control! Let me repeat that - Out of Control!!! The first thing I saw was a RV, again, parked in front of the Echelon Condos. Then I saw the Palo Alto Community Service Officer talking with a tow truck driver getting ready to tow one of the several RVs that did not move as designated by the sandwich board signs that says they cannot park on this side of the street from 7am to 11am during to street sweeping. I asked about the other RVs in violation and he said they only have the ability to tow one of them. Then there is the other RV that was parked between a Google building and the Echelon Condos. He pulled away from the curb and sat at the stop sign blocking this person trying to exit Google’s parking lot. I tried to get him to move away from the stop sign, but he refused. So I had to summon the Community Safety Officer to tell the RV dweller to move along and not block traffic. He thought he would wait it out until 11am when he could park again on East Meadow Circle because he knows the City of Palo Alto does not have sufficient enough regulations in place to control the situation. Let me repeat that - the City of Palo Alto does not have sufficient enough regulations in place to control the situation. And then there was the situation yesterday where two RVs were parked on San Antonio Rd. (E. of 101) next to the Homekey transitional housing facility where there are “No Parking: signs posted. After reporting the situation to PAPD I was told that these two “No Parking” signs are not enforceable because they are not codified. Folks you cannot make this stuff up! This situation in South Palo Alto is beyond the pale and needs to rectfied immediately. It is time for an emergency declaration and rid these RVs from our streets as soon as possible. Lets stop the pussyfooting around and rollup your damn sleeves and lets find a solution. This has gone on for way too long and we tired as hell and we’re not going to take it anymore. No more wolves guarding the hen house! Put on you big girl and boy pants and take charge of the situation. We are tired of hearing “non-punitive," ”balanced,” “it’s going to take time,” BS. We need action now!!! Respectfully, Bob Marinaro Fabian Way 9/17/26 Fabian Way 9/17/26 Fabian Way 9/17/26 Fabian Way 9/17/26 East Meadow Drive adjacent to Ramos Park 9/17/26 East Meadow Drive adjacent to Ramos Park - - This one RV had just pulled away from the curb to get first dibs on his spot on East Meadow Circle 9/17/26 @ 10:50am East Meadow Circle 9/17/26 East Meadow Circle 9/17/26 East Meadow Circle 9/17/26 East Meadow Circle 9/17/26 East Meadow Circle Google Driveway 9/17/26 East Meadow Circle 9/17/26 East Meadow Circle 9/17/26 San Antonio Rd east of 101 next to Homekey Transitional Housing Facility 9/16/26 From:Zohar Gillai To:Colin Swindells Cc:Chris Schremp; Veenker, Vicki; Council, City; Lauing, Ed; Shikada, Ed; Lythcott-Haims, Julie; Robert Marinaro; Reckdahl, Keith; Stone, Greer; Jo Ann Mandinach; Annette Ross; Penny Brennan; Martin Cuyegkeng; Jenny Lee; Josh Becker; Marc Berman; Leslie Bulbuk; Nicole Fernandez; Margaret Abe-Koga; Bulatao, Eric; Nick Marinaro; Jennifer Kain; Roger Smith; Peter Xu; Loren Brown; Dana Dahlstrom; Ceci Kettendorf; Chris Berg; Taly Katz; Barry Katz; John Schafer; Jeanette Baldwin; Alina Martinez; Micah Murphy; Danielle Dunne; David Famero; Carly Lake; Sandy Freschi; Theron Bullman; Dave Stellman; Dave Stellman; Steve Wong; Lydia Kou; Patrick Kelly; Osbaldo Romero; Bryna Chang; Bill McLane; Lester Wong; Cathi Lerch; 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; Baird, Nathan; Palo Alto Daily Post; Gennady Sheyner; Louis Hsiao; Ann Lafargue Balin; Mary Gallagher; Maury Green; Terry Holzemer; Joseph Hirsch; William Ross; Arthur Keller; Becky Sanders; Kevin Mayer; Boris Folsch; Ian Halker; Richard Willits; Heather Brownlee; Ken Brownlee; Robin Holbrook; Cassandra Paige; Brad Watson; Alisa Pendicini; Ron Ellickson; Titan Gu; Stephanie Wansek; Aki Hirsa; Oksana Selavri; Christine Schremp Subject:Re: Unanswered Communications & Immediate Safety Hazard: East Meadow Drive / Ramos Park Date:Thursday, September 17, 2026 12:04:24 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. i Making sure it’s clear that - my “all” was directed at the city council. On Sep 17, 2026, at 11:53 AM, Colin Swindells <colin.swindells@gmail.com> wrote: I re-iterate my outstanding offer to the Palo Alto City Council to help assess, document and monitor a process of meaningful, timely change for this OSV situation. So many win-win situations are clearly available, with the status quo benefiting almost no one. Colin (Swindells) Heschel On Thu, Sep 17, 2026 at 10:13 AM Zohar Gillai <zgillai@gmail.com> wrote: I drove around East Meadow circle yesterday- some of the RV’s have motorcycles and boats next to them. These “dwellers” are simply taking advantage of the city’s lack of action and negligence while tax paying residents lose on safety, walkable space, clean air, and degradation property values. What are you all doing about this? This message needs your attention This is a personal email address. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast On Thu, Sep 17, 2026 at 9:59 AM Chris Schremp <chrisschremp88@gmail.com> wrote: Mayor Veenker, Vice Mayor Stone, City Manager Shikada, and Members of the Palo Alto City Council, I am writing today out of pure exhaustion. Over the past several weeks, I have sent multiple detailed emails requesting an update on the City’s execution plan for PAMC § 10.44.020, an update on interim code enforcement, and a timeline for bringing a citywide overnight OSV ban to a Council vote. To date, I have received zero response from the City. While residents are being left in the dark, the conditions on our public streets continue to deteriorate. Right now, there are two Oversized Vehicles parked on East Meadow Drive directly in front of Ramos Park completely blocking the designated bike lane. One of these vehicles has an attached trailer clearly labeled "HIGH VOLTAGE." (Photos attached) This is an immediate, daily safety hazard on a primary school route: Blocking Bike Lanes: Forcing children, families, and cyclists out of protected lanes directly into oncoming vehicle traffic. Hazardous Equipment: Unmonitored trailers carrying "High Voltage" warnings parked adjacent to a public neighborhood park. Complete Lack of Interim Enforcement: Proof that despite ongoing discussions, zero basic code enforcement is occurring on the ground. It should not be the responsibility of tax-paying residents and local business owners to continuously photograph, document, and report these hazardous violations just to get basic code enforcement. Given that my previous emails have gone unanswered, I am asking for an immediate response to two direct questions: 1. Immediate Dispatch: Will Police or Code Enforcement be dispatched today to clear these bike lane obstructions and inspect the hazardous trailer on East Meadow Drive? 2. Weekly Cadence & Timeline: When will the City Council establish a clear timeline for executing PAMC § 10.44.020 citywide and commit to a regular update cadence for affected residents? Our community expects prompt action on current hazards and transparency regarding long-term code execution. I look forward to your response. Respectfully, Chris Schremp Palo Alto Resident & Stakeholder From:Colin Swindells To:Zohar Gillai Cc:Chris Schremp; Veenker, Vicki; Council, City; Lauing, Ed; Shikada, Ed; Lythcott-Haims, Julie; Robert Marinaro; Reckdahl, Keith; Stone, Greer; Jo Ann Mandinach; Annette Ross; Penny Brennan; Martin Cuyegkeng; Jenny Lee; Josh Becker; Marc Berman; Leslie Bulbuk; Nicole Fernandez; Margaret Abe-Koga; Bulatao, Eric; Nick Marinaro; Jennifer Kain; Roger Smith; Peter Xu; Loren Brown; Dana Dahlstrom; Ceci Kettendorf; Chris Berg; Taly Katz; Barry Katz; John Schafer; Jeanette Baldwin; Alina Martinez; Micah Murphy; Danielle Dunne; David Famero; Carly Lake; Sandy Freschi; Theron Bullman; Dave Stellman; Dave Stellman; Steve Wong; Lydia Kou; Patrick Kelly; Osbaldo Romero; Bryna Chang; Bill McLane; Lester Wong; Cathi Lerch; 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; Baird, Nathan; Palo Alto Daily Post; Gennady Sheyner; Louis Hsiao; Ann Lafargue Balin; Mary Gallagher; Maury Green; Terry Holzemer; Joseph Hirsch; William Ross; Arthur Keller; Becky Sanders; Kevin Mayer; Boris Folsch; Ian Halker; Richard Willits; Heather Brownlee; Ken Brownlee; Robin Holbrook; Cassandra Paige; Brad Watson; Alisa Pendicini; Ron Ellickson; Titan Gu; Stephanie Wansek; Aki Hirsa; Oksana Selavri; Christine Schremp Subject:Re: Unanswered Communications & Immediate Safety Hazard: East Meadow Drive / Ramos Park Date:Thursday, September 17, 2026 11:54:16 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. i I re-iterate my outstanding offer to the Palo Alto City Council to help assess, document and monitor a process of meaningful, timely change for this OSV situation. So many win-win situations are clearly available, with the status quo benefiting almost no one. Colin (Swindells) Heschel On Thu, Sep 17, 2026 at 10:13 AM Zohar Gillai <zgillai@gmail.com> wrote: I drove around East Meadow circle yesterday- some of the RV’s have motorcycles and boats next to them. These “dwellers” are simply taking advantage of the city’s lack of action and negligence while tax paying residents lose on safety, walkable space, clean air, and degradation property values. What are you all doing about this? On Thu, Sep 17, 2026 at 9:59 AM Chris Schremp <chrisschremp88@gmail.com> wrote: Mayor Veenker, Vice Mayor Stone, City Manager Shikada, and Members of the Palo Alto City Council, I am writing today out of pure exhaustion. Over the past several weeks, I have sent multiple detailed emails requesting an update on the City’s execution plan for PAMC § 10.44.020, an update on interim code enforcement, and a timeline for bringing a citywide overnight OSV ban to a Council This message needs your attention This is a personal email address. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast vote. To date, I have received zero response from the City. While residents are being left in the dark, the conditions on our public streets continue to deteriorate. Right now, there are two Oversized Vehicles parked on East Meadow Drive directly in front of Ramos Park completely blocking the designated bike lane. One of these vehicles has an attached trailer clearly labeled "HIGH VOLTAGE." (Photos attached) This is an immediate, daily safety hazard on a primary school route: Blocking Bike Lanes: Forcing children, families, and cyclists out of protected lanes directly into oncoming vehicle traffic. Hazardous Equipment: Unmonitored trailers carrying "High Voltage" warnings parked adjacent to a public neighborhood park. Complete Lack of Interim Enforcement: Proof that despite ongoing discussions, zero basic code enforcement is occurring on the ground. It should not be the responsibility of tax-paying residents and local business owners to continuously photograph, document, and report these hazardous violations just to get basic code enforcement. Given that my previous emails have gone unanswered, I am asking for an immediate response to two direct questions: 1. Immediate Dispatch: Will Police or Code Enforcement be dispatched today to clear these bike lane obstructions and inspect the hazardous trailer on East Meadow Drive? 2. Weekly Cadence & Timeline: When will the City Council establish a clear timeline for executing PAMC § 10.44.020 citywide and commit to a regular update cadence for affected residents? Our community expects prompt action on current hazards and transparency regarding long-term code execution. I look forward to your response. Respectfully, Chris Schremp Palo Alto Resident & Stakeholder From:Charlie Weidanz To:Council, City Subject:Palo Alto Chamber of Commerce News & Events - September 17, 2026 Date:Thursday, September 17, 2026 10:53:17 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Palo Alto Chamber Logo News & Events - September 17, 2026 2026 ATHENA Leadership Awards Presentation Opus1 Grand Opening Ribbon Cutting Party Learn and Play Montessori School Open House YMCA 9th Annual Community Health Fair Avenidas & La Comida Celebration and Fundraiser Calenda on Cal Ave Event | Neighbors Abroad 31st Annual Great Glass Pumpkin Patch Palo Alto Sofia University - 2026 Global Mental Health Conference Vista Center's White Cane Awareness Day WeHOPE Seeds of Hope: From Seed to Harvest Event Palo Alto Police Foundation Celebration of the PSB Grand Opening with 49er Steve Young & Rep. Sam Liccardo Chamber Events Athena International 2026 Leadership Presentation promo Palo Alto Chamber of Commerce proudly presents the 2026 Annual ATHENA® Awards Thursday October 15, 2026 5:30 pm - 8:00 pm El Prado Hotel 520 Cowper St. Palo Alto, CA 94301 Get Your Tickets Today >> The ATHENA award is given to honor exceptional woman leaders who demonstrate the highest levels of professional excellence, give back to their communities and, most importantly, assist other women in realizing their full leadership potential – and it is an international award, having been given to more than 6,500 recipients in over 500 cities and 8 countries. Locally it is awarded by our Chamber of Commerce. Register Online >> Event Info ®​ Join us for the Grand Opening Ribbon Cutting Celebration of Opus1 Music Studio Palo Alto Tuesday, September 22, 2026 Noon - 2:00 PM Ribbon Cutting at 12:30 PM Location: 3401 El Camino Real Palo Alto, CA 94306 RSVP Online >> -- Celebrating 20 Years of Music Education & Community For 20 years, Opus 1 Music Studio has been part of the Palo Alto and Mountain View communities, helping students of all ages discover the joy of making music. Founded in 2006 as a small after school studio, Opus 1 has grown into three Bay Area campuses, with more than 1,400 weekly students and 50 professional, conservatory-trained, world class teachers, teaching Piano, Violin, Cello, Guitar and Voice. Through private lessons, group classes, recitals, examinations and performances, our goal has remained the same: to provide serious music education in an environment that is warm, encouraging and joyful. We also understand how busy family life can be, which is why we offer flexible and convenient online scheduling, making it easier for families to fit music lessons into their schedules and accommodate their busy lives. From a child's very first notes to advanced students performing on prestigious stages, we believe music education is about much more than learning an instrument. It builds confidence, discipline, creativity and a lifelong appreciation for music. As we celebrate our 20th anniversary, we are incredibly grateful to the thousands of students, families, teachers and staff who have been part of the Opus 1 community over the years. “Music education is about more than teaching notes and technique. It is about helping each student discover confidence, creativity and joy, while bringing people together through a shared love of music. That sense of community has always been at the heart of Opus 1.” — Doris Lellouche, Co-Founder & Director Twenty years after our first students walked through our doors, we are excited to begin our next chapter with the Grand Opening of our new Palo Alto campus at 3401 El Camino Real. With expanded facilities, beautiful teaching spaces and more opportunities for our students to learn, perform and connect, we look forward to serving Palo Alto, Mountain View and the surrounding communities for many years to come. We can't wait to welcome you to our new home for music! Learn More >> Learn and Play Montessori School Open House flyer Join the Palo Alto Chamber of Commerce at the Learn and Play Montessori School Open House on Saturday, September 26, 2026 from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Tour the campus, meet the caring teachers, and discover the engaging programs Learn and Play Montessori School offers. Enjoy fun crafts and a bubble party while exploring the learning environment to see what makes the school special! RSVP Here >> Member Events YMCA Annual Community Health Fair flyer The YMCA is hosting the 9th Annual Community Health Fair at Mitchell Park Community Center on Saturday, September 19th. Register Online >> Avenidas + La Comida 2 Strong, 1 Mission Fundraiser 9-24-26 flyer This September join Avenidas and La Comida for Fun. Flavors. Fundraising Avenidas and La Comida are coming together on September 24, 2026 for a joint celebration and fundraiser to support programs and services for the older adults in our community. Enjoy delicious bites and drinks from more than 14 local restaurants and beverage partners, an open bar, and live music, while making a meaningful impact. Join us as a sponsor or purchase your tickets today, and help older adults in our community stay healthy, connected, and engaged. Tickets are limited. Learn more and reserve your spot: 2 Strong, 1 Mission – Avenidas, La Comida Joint Fundraiser >> Can’t make it? Please consider donating to power our mission: Donate to Avenidas & La Comida Here Sneak peek: Here are some of the featured food and drinks partners: Bevri, Chef Chu's, Coupa Café, Evvia, Grocery Outlet, La Bodeguita, La Comida, Meyhouse, Oren's Hummus, Terún, The Patio, The Pro, The Redwood, Zareen's. Calenda on Cal Ave poster Saturday, September 26, Neighbors Abroad will be hosting a Calenda on California Avenue. A Calenda is a festive street festival that originated in Palo Alto's Sister City of Oaxaca, Mexico. The Calenda will take place from 3:00pm to 7:00pm. This year, we will celebrate three of our Sister Cities: Oaxaca; Palo, Leyte, Philippines; and Narok, Kenya. The free event will feature live music and dance performances, mezcal tasting, international vendors featuring goods from our Sister Cities, children's activities, and more. The City of Palo Alto is designating the Calenda as an Entertainment Zone, which allows attendees to enjoy alcoholic beverages from participating restaurants while strolling through the designated area. Join Neighbors Abroad >> 2026 Great Glass Pumpkin Patch Palo Alto | September 26-27, 2026 10,000+ handmade glass pumpkins. One unforgettable weekend. The Great Glass Pumpkin Patch returns this September with 25+ glass artists, live glassblowing, and thousands of one-of-a-kind works to discover. Save the date and start planning your visit. September 26–27, 2026 • 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Palo Alto Art Center • 1313 Newell Road, Palo Alto, CA 94303 FREE ADMISSION The Art Center is at the corner of Embarcadero and Newell roads. Plenty of free street parking is available. greatglasspumpkinpatch.org Sofia University Global Mental Health Conference 2026 Embodiment, Integration, and Whole-Person Mental Health in the VUCA Era September 27, 2026 Live Online Event Early Bird Registration Ends August 31st Register today to secure your spot >> Advancing Mental Health Through Global Collaboration The Sofia University Global Mental Health Conference 2026 is an international online gathering dedicated to advancing mental health through research, education, clinical practice, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Each year, the conference brings together scholars, clinicians, educators, students, healthcare professionals, and emerging leaders from around the world to exchange ideas, explore innovative approaches, and inspire meaningful change. This year's theme, "Embodiment, Integration, and Whole-Person Mental Health in the VUCA Era," explores how individuals, organizations, and communities can foster resilience, well-being, and human flourishing amid increasing volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity. Grounded in Sofia University's tradition of whole-person education and transpersonal psychology, the conference provides a global forum for interdisciplinary dialogue, evidence- based research, and cross-cultural collaboration—all accessible from wherever you are. What to Expect Attendees will have the opportunity to: Hear from internationally recognized experts in mental health, psychology, education, healthcare, and related disciplines. Explore emerging research and innovative practices supporting whole- person well-being. Participate in engaging keynote presentations, panel discussions, and interactive sessions. Connect virtually with professionals, researchers, educators, and students from around the world. Discover practical strategies that integrate mind, body, and spirit to promote resilience and human flourishing. Who Should Attend? This conference is designed for: Mental health professionals Psychologists and counselors Healthcare practitioners Researchers and educators Graduate and doctoral students Coaches and organizational leaders Anyone passionate about advancing whole-person mental health Join Us Online Experience a full day of inspiring presentations, meaningful conversations, and global networking—all from the convenience of your home or office. Take advantage of Early Bird Registration through August 31st and reserve your place today. LEARN MORE AND REGISTER HERE We look forward to welcoming participants from around the world on September 27, 2026, for a day of learning, collaboration, and advancing the future of global mental health. Saturday, September 27th, 2026 - Online | Learn More >> ​ Join Vista Center for their Second Annual White Cane Awareness Day! On Thursday, October 8, veterans, individuals living with vision loss, and community members will gather at Palo Alto City Hall for a meaningful community walk through downtown Palo Alto, followed by a brief program celebrating accessibility, inclusion, and independence. The white cane is a powerful symbol of dignity, self-determination, and safe, independent travel. White Cane Awareness Day is an opportunity to honor the achievements of people who are blind or have low vision while raising awareness throughout our community. Thursday, October 8, 2026 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM Palo Alto City Hall *No registration is required—everyone is welcome! We hope you’ll join us as we walk together in support of accessibility, inclusion, and independence. ​ WeHOPE Seeds of Hope: From Seed to Harvest Event Promo Seeds of Hope: From Seed to Harvest Date: October 8, 2026 Time: 6:00–8:00 PM Location: Crowne Plaza Foster City 1221 Chess Drive, Foster City, CA 94404 Ticket: $150 per person Table Sponsorship: $1,750 Registration: www.wehope.org/soh Online Campaign: www.givebutter.com/seedsofhope2026 ​ Palo Alto Public Safety Building The Palo Alto Police Foundation Presents: A celebration of the official opening of The Palo Alto Public Safety Building Saturday, October 10, 2026, 11:00am – 2:00pm Register Online >> Special Guest Speaker SF 49ers Champion Steve Young. Opening remarks from Congressman Sam Liccardo. Presentation by Police Chief James Reifschneider. Steve Young, Sam Liccardo, James Reifschneider Cops, Cars, and Canines A Community Fundraiser with Palo Alto’s Finest Brunch Catered by Terún Italian Restaurant Espresso Bar Police K-9 Demonstrations Palo Alto Police Car Show – A rare opportunity for a close-up look at the Mobile Emergency Operations Truck, the Rivian and to chat with the officers who operate them. Strong communities are built on strong partnerships. This outdoor celebration is an opportunity to support and connect with the Palo Alto Police Department while enjoying an authentic Italian brunch. We hope to see you at this very special (and fun) event. Bring the family! Lieutenant Joel Hornung and PAPF Founder Roger Smith Lieutenant Joel Hornung and PAPF Founder Roger Smith Saturday, October 10, 2026 11:00am – 2:00pm 250 Sherman Ave., Palo Alto (Adjacent to the Public Safety Building) $100/person. Kids under 12 are free. Space is limited. Registration deadline Oct. 3. REGISTER ONLINE >> Sponsorship opportunities are available. LEARN ABOUT SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES >> All proceeds from this event benefit the Palo Alto Police Foundation, a 501(C)3 nonprofit. The mission of the Palo Alto Police Foundation is to enhance the quality of life for Palo Alto’s residents and working population, and strengthen police-community relations. Can’t Attend? You can still make a tax-deductible contribution online >> or mail a check to the Palo Alto Police Foundation, P.O. Box 264, Palo Alto, CA 94302. Questions? Contact paloaltopolicefoundation@gmail.com. Italian Brunch Saturday, October 10, 2026 11:00 AM to 2PM Public Safety Building 250 Sherman Ave. Palo Alto, CA 94301 Register >> Learn More About The Chamber ​ PALO ALTO CHAMBER & VISITORS CENTER 355 ALMA STREET | PALO ALTO | CA | 94301 | 650-324-3121 WWW.PALOALTOCHAMBER.COM ​ This email was sent on behalf of Palo Alto Chamber of Commerce 355 Alma St Palo Alto, CA 94301.To unsubscribe click here. If you have questions or comments concerning this email or services in general, please contact us by email at info@paloaltochamber.com. From:Zohar Gillai To:Chris Schremp Cc:Veenker, Vicki; Council, City; Lauing, Ed; Shikada, Ed; Lythcott-Haims, Julie; Robert Marinaro; Reckdahl, Keith; Stone, Greer; Jo Ann Mandinach; Annette Ross; Penny Brennan; Martin Cuyegkeng; Jenny Lee; Josh Becker; Marc Berman; Leslie Bulbuk; Nicole Fernandez; Margaret Abe-Koga; Bulatao, Eric; Nick Marinaro; Jennifer Kain; Roger Smith; Peter Xu; Loren Brown; Dana Dahlstrom; Ceci Kettendorf; Chris Berg; Taly Katz; Barry Katz; John Schafer; Jeanette Baldwin; Alina Martinez; Micah Murphy; Danielle Dunne; David Famero; Carly Lake; Sandy Freschi; Theron Bullman; Dave Stellman; Dave Stellman; Steve Wong; Lydia Kou; Patrick Kelly; Osbaldo Romero; Bryna Chang; Bill McLane; Lester Wong; Cathi Lerch; 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; Baird, Nathan; Palo Alto Daily Post; Gennady Sheyner; Louis Hsiao; Ann Lafargue Balin; Mary Gallagher; Maury Green; Terry Holzemer; Joseph Hirsch; William Ross; Arthur Keller; Becky Sanders; Kevin Mayer; Boris Folsch; Ian Halker; Richard Willits; Heather Brownlee; Ken Brownlee; Robin Holbrook; Cassandra Paige; Brad Watson; Alisa Pendicini; Ron Ellickson; Titan Gu; Stephanie Wansek; Colin Swindells; Aki Hirsa; Oksana Selavri; Christine Schremp Subject:Re: Unanswered Communications & Immediate Safety Hazard: East Meadow Drive / Ramos Park Date:Thursday, September 17, 2026 10:13:46 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. i I drove around East Meadow circle yesterday- some of the RV’s have motorcycles and boats next to them. These “dwellers” are simply taking advantage of the city’s lack of action and negligence while tax paying residents lose on safety, walkable space, clean air, and degradation property values. What are you all doing about this? On Thu, Sep 17, 2026 at 9:59 AM Chris Schremp <chrisschremp88@gmail.com> wrote: Mayor Veenker, Vice Mayor Stone, City Manager Shikada, and Members of the Palo Alto City Council, I am writing today out of pure exhaustion. Over the past several weeks, I have sent multiple detailed emails requesting an update on the City’s execution plan for PAMC § 10.44.020, an update on interim code enforcement, and a timeline for bringing a citywide overnight OSV ban to a Council vote. To date, I have received zero response from the City. While residents are being left in the dark, the conditions on our public streets continue to deteriorate. Right now, there are two Oversized Vehicles parked on East Meadow Drive directly in front of Ramos Park completely blocking the designated bike lane. One of these vehicles has an attached trailer clearly labeled "HIGH VOLTAGE." 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 (Photos attached) This is an immediate, daily safety hazard on a primary school route: Blocking Bike Lanes: Forcing children, families, and cyclists out of protected lanes directly into oncoming vehicle traffic. Hazardous Equipment: Unmonitored trailers carrying "High Voltage" warnings parked adjacent to a public neighborhood park. Complete Lack of Interim Enforcement: Proof that despite ongoing discussions, zero basic code enforcement is occurring on the ground. It should not be the responsibility of tax-paying residents and local business owners to continuously photograph, document, and report these hazardous violations just to get basic code enforcement. Given that my previous emails have gone unanswered, I am asking for an immediate response to two direct questions: 1. Immediate Dispatch: Will Police or Code Enforcement be dispatched today to clear these bike lane obstructions and inspect the hazardous trailer on East Meadow Drive? 2. Weekly Cadence & Timeline: When will the City Council establish a clear timeline for executing PAMC § 10.44.020 citywide and commit to a regular update cadence for affected residents? Our community expects prompt action on current hazards and transparency regarding long-term code execution. I look forward to your response. Respectfully, Chris Schremp Palo Alto Resident & Stakeholder From:Chris Schremp To:Veenker, Vicki; Council, City; Lauing, Ed; Shikada, Ed; Lythcott-Haims, Julie; Robert Marinaro; Reckdahl, Keith; Stone, Greer Cc:Jo Ann Mandinach; Annette Ross; Penny Brennan; Zohar Gillai; Martin Cuyegkeng; Jenny Lee; Josh Becker; Marc Berman; Leslie Bulbuk; Nicole Fernandez; Margaret Abe-Koga; Bulatao, Eric; Nick Marinaro; Jennifer Kain; Roger Smith; Peter Xu; Loren Brown; Dana Dahlstrom; Ceci Kettendorf; Chris Berg; Taly Katz; Barry Katz; John Schafer; Jeanette Baldwin; Alina Martinez; Micah Murphy; Danielle Dunne; David Famero; Carly Lake; Sandy Freschi; Theron Bullman; Dave Stellman; Dave Stellman; Steve Wong; Lydia Kou; Patrick Kelly; Osbaldo Romero; Bryna Chang; Bill McLane; Lester Wong; Cathi Lerch; 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; Baird, Nathan; Palo Alto Daily Post; Gennady Sheyner; Louis Hsiao; Ann Lafargue Balin; Mary Gallagher; Maury Green; Terry Holzemer; Joseph Hirsch; William Ross; Arthur Keller; Becky Sanders; Kevin Mayer; Boris Folsch; Ian Halker; Richard Willits; Heather Brownlee; Ken Brownlee; Robin Holbrook; Cassandra Paige; Brad Watson; Alisa Pendicini; Ron Ellickson; Titan Gu; Stephanie Wansek; Colin Swindells; Aki Hirsa; Oksana Selavri; Chris Schremp; Christine Schremp Subject:Unanswered Communications & Immediate Safety Hazard: East Meadow Drive / Ramos Park Date:Thursday, September 17, 2026 10:00:38 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Mayor Veenker, Vice Mayor Stone, City Manager Shikada, and Members of the Palo Alto City Council, I am writing today out of pure exhaustion. Over the past several weeks, I have sent multiple detailed emails requesting an update on the City’s execution plan for PAMC § 10.44.020, an update on interim code enforcement, and a timeline for bringing a citywide overnight OSV ban to a Council vote. To date, I have received zero response from the City. While residents are being left in the dark, the conditions on our public streets continue to deteriorate. Right now, there are two Oversized Vehicles parked on East Meadow Drive directly in front of Ramos Park completely blocking the designated bike lane. One of these vehicles has an attached trailer clearly labeled "HIGH VOLTAGE." (Photos attached) This is an immediate, daily safety hazard on a primary school route: Blocking Bike Lanes: Forcing children, families, and cyclists out of protected lanes directly into oncoming vehicle traffic. Hazardous Equipment: Unmonitored trailers carrying "High Voltage" warnings parked adjacent to a public neighborhood park. Complete Lack of Interim Enforcement: Proof that despite ongoing discussions, zero basic code enforcement is occurring on the ground. It should not be the responsibility of tax-paying residents and local business owners to continuously photograph, document, and report these hazardous violations just to get basic code enforcement. Given that my previous emails have gone unanswered, I am asking for an immediate response to two direct questions: 1. Immediate Dispatch: Will Police or Code Enforcement be dispatched today to clear these bike lane obstructions and inspect the hazardous trailer on East Meadow Drive? 2. Weekly Cadence & Timeline: When will the City Council establish a clear timeline for executing PAMC § 10.44.020 citywide and commit to a regular update cadence for affected residents? Our community expects prompt action on current hazards and transparency regarding long- term code execution. I look forward to your response. Respectfully, Chris Schremp Palo Alto Resident & Stakeholder From:John Melnychuk To:Lu, George Cc:Clerk, City; Council, City; Burt, Patrick; Lauing, Ed; Lythcott-Haims, Julie; Reckdahl, Keith; Stone, Greer; Veenker, Vicki Subject:Rail Grade Separation Council Decision September 28th. - vote no on Hybrid at Meadow. - table this decision. Date:Thursday, September 17, 2026 9:11:23 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Hello Council member Lu, Thank you for your continued thoughtful work towards improving the operations of Palo Alto. Today I write to ask if you would please take 3 minutes to watch the attached presentation that I crafted. Your calendar for meetings was full, so I am writing to you. I am concerned about will happen in Palo Alto if Hybrid option is confirmed for E. Meadow crossing. There have been many problems in the process leading to the promulgation of this option. In December 20205, Council chose, with NOT full information, to adopt the Hybrid plan for further study. Council rejected the plan to study and refine an underground option at E. Meadow after being presented only line-drawings that describe the project. It was not possible for Council or for residents to comprehend what is proposed. I believe the short video here will clarify what is coming if Hybrid approach is adopted. It is very devastating to neighborhoods adjacent to the Caltrain corridor. Please take 3 minutes to review this East Meadow Corrected Final GradeSeparationPaloAlto youtube.com Beyond this, Caltrain made a surprise request to expand the size of the raised rail overpass section to be able to fully capture use of its right of way on September 10th. Presently the plan is to construct the rail overpass for 2 tracks, Caltrain asked the Rail Committee a plan that will allow a third track at this location so it may park trains on the third track. I ask you to please ask about this on September 28th, because advancing the planning for Hybrid now means you are adopting a plan for 3 tracks not two. The berm and concreted walls will be bigger and more massive than anything presented to Rail Committee, to residents or to Council. Rail Committee Chair will say “Kimley Horn rail design consultants say we need more money and are out of time to study underpass at Meadow.” This was by design since I think the effects were effectively concealed from all of us. Now this plan should not be adopted simply because it’s a default condition. Perhaps campaign was designed to give everything Caltrain asked for and nothing Palo Alto residents and neighbors of the railway. Please ask some questions about why Council did not see human scale renderings in December 2025, when it voted to advance study of Hybrid approach at E. Meadow. And ask what Caltrain means when it asks at the last minute, to expand the Hybrid plan to add room for a third track. Council should not vote for a plan that it hasn’t seen, I think. Thanks so much, Mr. Lu. Please do call me if you would like a further history or more information. Respectfully, John Melnychuk Fairmeadow, Palo Alto (650) 906-5656 From:Becky Wolf-Loretz To:Council, City; Veenker, Vicki; Stone, Greer; Lauing, Ed; Lythcott-Haims, Julie; Lu, George; julie.lythcott@paloalto.gov; Reckdahl, Keith; Shea, Kyle Subject:Subject: Human Relations Commission Application – Becky Wolf Date:Wednesday, September 16, 2026 3:10:55 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Subject: Human Relations Commission Application – Becky Wolf Dear Mayor Veenker and Members of the Palo Alto City Council, I am submitting my application for appointment to the Palo Alto Human Relations Commission. I am applying because I believe I could bring a perspective to the Commission that is not always represented in government decision-making: the perspective of someone who has experienced systems from both sides of the table. My life has included domestic violence beginning in childhood and continuing into adulthood, a long-term marriage affected by abuse, legal and financial abuse, disability, housing instability, supportive housing, and now homelessness. I have also spent the last year advocating for other people navigating many of those same systems. Those experiences changed the way I look at public policy. I have learned that a policy can sound excellent on paper and still fail the person it was created to protect. That is why I care so deeply about bringing policy and lived experience into the same room. As founder of The Opportunity Center Single Side Tenant Union and as an advocate, I have worked with residents, veterans, seniors, people with disabilities, survivors, and people who are unhoused or housing insecure. I have learned to review public records, Housing Authority materials, voucher requirements, ADA procedures, HAP contracts, CDBG funding, complaint processes, City documents, planning materials, and reports such as SPUR. I am comfortable asking: Who is responsible? Who is monitoring? Where does the funding come from? What protections exist? Were they followed? And what actually happened to the person at the end of the process? I do not believe accountability has to mean hostility or blame. I believe accountability means making sure that when an organization or government body accepts responsibility for monitoring, funding, protecting, or serving people, that responsibility has meaning. I also believe deeply that people who rarely enter government meeting rooms deserve representation inside them. If appointed, I would especially hope to help strengthen the connection between the HRC and Palo Alto residents who are unhoused, living in supportive housing, disabled, elderly, survivors of violence, or otherwise struggling to make themselves heard. One thing about me is very simple: once I learn that something is wrong, I cannot unknow it. I want to understand why it happened, what can be changed, and how we can keep the next person from falling into the same gap. I am currently unhoused, while actively working to secure permanent full-time housing again in Palo Alto. I hope my current housing circumstances will not prevent me from serving the community I care so deeply about. In many ways, this experience has made the importance of representation even clearer to me. I am attaching my application and supporting materials for your consideration. Please let me know if there is any additional information, documentation, or material that would be helpful. Thank you for considering my application and for the opportunity to participate in Palo Alto civic life. Warmly, Becky Wolf Advocate Founder, The Opportunity Center Single Side Tenant Union 669.467.7711 Beckytheadvocate@gmail.com #SilenceIsNotSurvivable From:Aram James To:Lauing, Ed; Vicki Veenker; sam.liccardo@gmail.com; Reckdahl, Keith; Stone, Greer; Sean Allen; DuJuan Green; assemblymember.berman@assembly.ca.gov; Josh Becker; Council, City; planning.commission@cityofpaloalto.0rg; ParkRec Commission; Dave Price; Braden Cartwright; Emily Mibach; Human Relations Commission Subject:Coates 2014- The Case for Reparations Date:Wednesday, September 16, 2026 2:45:51 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Coates 2014- The Case for Reparations https://share.google/HFzYBDxUZyjcFQmdl From:Charlie Weidanz To:Council, City Subject:Highlighting our 3 New Member Spotlights | Palo Alto Chamber of Commerce Date:Wednesday, September 16, 2026 1:31:21 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Palo Alto Chamber Logo Introducing Our New Member Spotlights 27 Miles Malibu Palo Alto Sahba Shere Art Studio Sekoya Lounge & Kitchen 27 Miles Malibu logo 27 Miles Malibu & Vallorani 27 Miles Malibu is a family-run California luxury lifestyle brand founded by husband- and-wife team Emily and Ernie Vallorano. The name came to them during a drive along Pacific Coast Highway, when they passed the familiar "27 Miles of Scenic Beauty" sign marking Malibu's coastline. That moment captured the spirit they wanted for the brand: relaxed, beautiful, colorful, and distinctly Californian. Since its founding, 27 Miles Malibu has become known for luxurious cashmere, distinctive knitwear, airy linen, and effortlessly polished pieces designed to be worn and enjoyed every day. The collection brings together exceptional softness, modern color, thoughtful details, and easy silhouettes that move naturally from the coast to the city. With collections for both women and men, the brand offers clothing 27 Miles Malibu Fashion The Palo Alto boutique also introduces customers to Vallorani, the company's made-in-Italy fashion and tailoring division for women and men. Vallorani combines Italian craftsmanship with a modern California point of view, offering refined ready-to-wear alongside personalized made-to-measure services. Customers can select fabrics, colors, finishes, and fit details to create garments that reflect their individual style. The experience is personal and attentive, whether a client is looking for a beautifully tailored jacket, a complete suit, or a distinctive piece for work, travel, or a special occasion. California Cashmere - 27 Miles Malibu | Watch Video >> Watch Video >> Together, 27 Miles Malibu and Vallorani bring two complementary expressions of modern luxury to Palo Alto: the relaxed sophistication of California knitwear and the precision of Italian tailoring. As a family- run business, Emily and Ernie believe luxury should feel welcoming, personal, and easy to live in. Their new Palo Alto store offers a warm, service-focused destination where women and men can discover exceptional materials, thoughtful design, and clothing made to become lasting favorites. It is a place to explore, connect, and build a wardrobe with confidence. Visit the Palo Alto location at Towne & Country Village, 855 El Camino Real, Ste #5. Shop online at 27MilesMalibu.com >> Sahba Shere Art Studio & Gallery Sahba Shere Art Studio Sahba Shere Art Studio Sahba Shere creates abstract, mixed-media paintings that explore presence, reflection, and connection. Inspired by nature, meditation, and the experience of moving across cultures, her layered works - what she calls “Mindscapes” - invite viewers to pause, reflect, and discover their own personal connections. A local resident, Sahba maintains studios in both Palo Alto and Palm Springs. Her Palo Alto studio and gallery is not only a place to experience her art, but also a welcoming gathering space for meaningful conversation and creative exchange. Sahba Shere in her art studio Through her Sahba Salons, she brings together artists, writers, scholars, and thought leaders to celebrate diverse voices and spark engaging conversations. These intimate gatherings reflect her belief in the power of art and dialogue to build community and inspire new ideas. Palo Alto Chamber members are warmly invited to visit Sahba’s studio and gallery, experience her work up close, meet the artist, and explore the stories and creative process behind her paintings. Whether you are an art enthusiast, collector, or simply curious, stop by and discover a space designed for art, reflection, and connection. Watch Sahba Shere in Sudio video >> Watch Video >> Sahba has exhibited locally, nationally, and internationally, with recent presentations at the Arts District in Palm Springs, Santa Clarita City Hall, the U.S. Ambassador’s Residence in Sofia, Bulgaria (Art in Embassies program), and was an Artist-in-Residence at École de Paris Arts - L’AiR Arts + Cité Falguière Association Montparnasse, Paris, France. Her work is currently on view at HIGHLIGHT, presented by THE ELEMENTAL, in Palm Springs, CA. Her work has been featured in exhibitions at Spring/Break Art Show in New York, Joshua Tree Gallery of Contemporary Art, and McEvoy Ranch in Sonoma, and is held in numerous public and private collections including Yale University, Harvard University, Apple, Google, LinkedIn, and Hilton Hotels. Address: 628 Emerson Street (2nd floor), Palo Alto, CA 94301 (by appointment or by chance) Phone: 650-283-5315 Email: sahbashere@gmail.com Website: www.sahbashere.com Join the mailing list Follow Sahba on Instagram @sahbashereart Connect with Sahba on LinkedIn SEKOYA TURNS THREE A New Look. A New Experience. Three Years in the Making. Three years ago, we opened our doors with the hope of creating a place where exceptional food, fine wine, craft cocktails, and community could come together. As we celebrate our third anniversary, we're delighted to welcome you into our newly refreshed dining room and unveil The Amber Hour Three—an exceptional three- course dinner for $59, available exclusively during Amber Hour. Sekoya Lounge & Kitchen feast Amber Hour is offered Monday through Thursday from 5–6pm and Friday and Saturday from 4–6pm. Located at 417 California Ave, Palo Alto. Learn More and Make a Reservation >> Learn More About The Chamber ​ PALO ALTO CHAMBER & VISITORS CENTER 355 ALMA STREET | PALO ALTO | CA | 94301 | 650-324-3121 WWW.PALOALTOCHAMBER.COM This email was sent on behalf of Palo Alto Chamber of Commerce 355 Alma St Palo Alto, CA 94301.To unsubscribe click here. If you have questions or comments concerning this email or services in general, please contact us by email at info@paloaltochamber.com. From:Aram James To:Reifschneider, James; City Attorney; Scheff, Lisa; Council, City Subject:CPRA request for information on purchase of the Taser 10 Date:Wednesday, September 16, 2026 10:40:27 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. 9-16-2026 Dear City Clerk / Public Records Officer, Pursuant to the California Public Records Act (Gov. Code § 7921.000 et seq.), I request copies of records concerning any acquisition, possession, testing, evaluation, demonstration, or planned acquisition of Axon TASER 10 conducted energy weapons (CEWs) by the Palo Alto Police Department or the City of Palo Alto from January 1, 2023 through the present. Please search for and provide the following records: 1. Purchase orders, invoices, receipts, and payment records for TASER 10 devices, cartridges, accessories, docking stations, batteries, or related equipment. 2. Contracts, amendments, quotations, proposals, purchase agreements, or other procurement documents with Axon Enterprise, Inc. or any reseller concerning TASER 10 equipment or services. 3. Records concerning any TASER 10 demonstration, evaluation, trial, loan, sample, pilot program, or temporary deployment, including correspondence with Axon or its representatives. 4. Inventory records identifying TASER 10 devices owned, assigned, stored, issued, tested, or otherwise possessed by the Palo Alto Police Department. 5. Emails and other correspondence between Palo Alto Police Department personnel, City procurement personnel, and Axon representatives concerning TASER 10. 6. Internal memoranda, staff reports, presentations, briefing materials, or recommendations concerning whether to purchase, test, evaluate, or deploy TASER 10. 7. Records concerning funding, grants, budget requests, or City Council authorization associated with TASER 10. 8. Any records showing the model numbers, quantities, serial numbers, or dates of acquisition of TASER 10 devices. For clarity, this request is not limited to completed purchases. It also includes records concerning demonstrations, evaluations, trial units, loaned equipment, pilot programs, or other temporary possession of TASER 10 devices. Please search the records of the Palo Alto Police Department, City Manager’s Office, City Clerk, Purchasing/Procurement, Finance, and any other City department reasonably likely to possess responsive records. Electronic copies are preferred. If any portion of the requested records is exempt from disclosure, please provide all reasonably segregable non-exempt portions and identify the specific statutory exemption relied upon for each withheld record. If the City determines that clarification or narrowing is necessary, please contact me before processing the request so that I can clarify it. Thank you. Sincerely, Aram James 415-370-5056 From:Charlie Weidanz To:Council, City Subject:For Your Information | Palo Alto Chamber of Commerce Date:Wednesday, September 16, 2026 9:30:55 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Palo Alto Chamber Logo For Your Information Free Business Funding Readiness Series NOW HIRING - Manufacturing Roles Valley Transportation Authority Request For Information State Route 82 South - Multimodal Corridor Plan Survey Special Member Offer: Sofia University Tuition Incentive for Chamber Members Business Funding Reediness Series flyer The City of Palo Alto Economic Development team is partnering with the Silicon Valley and NorCal Small Business Development Center, SBA, and California Office of the Small Business Advocate (CalOSBA) on a three-module small business training taking place on Sept. 23, 30, and Oct. 7. The purpose of the training is to provide local small businesses with technical assistance on access to capital. The training is free to small businesses and entrepreneurs. Regiser Online >> More Manufacturing roles just opened up! San Jose & Fremont - $20-$27/hr DOE We’re looking for: Assemblers PCB Quality Inspectors Material Handlers And more! If you’ve worked with PCB or electronic components, we want to hear from you! Apply now! >> For any questions, you can reply to this email or call us at 408-247-8233. Thank you! Sharing is caring Send this to someone looking for work Assembler OQ Job Description >> PCB Quality Inspector Job Description >> Valley Transportation Authority Logo Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) is exploring the revitalization of the Palo Alto Train Depot through a public-facing commercial venture. The envisioned project may include community activations, (historic or art exhibitions, or public demonstration exhibitions), food service operations, small-front retail, pop-up events and flexible coworking space. VTA considers minimum activation to be simple food and beverage service, which may be fulfilled via coffee cart. The intent is to activate and enliven this historic transit structure with a food service operator serving VTA, Caltrain, SamTrans, and Margurite transit riders. Read More in the RFI Document Here >> Caltrans Bay Area State Route 82 South graphic To help identify key needs along State Route 82 in Santa Clara County, Caltrans wants to hear from you. Please fill out the survey >>. The survey will close on September 18, 2026. Need another way to comment? Email: south82corridorplan@publicinput.com. Caltrans District 4 (Bay Area) is developing a Comprehensive Multimodal Corridor Plan (CMCP) for State Route (SR) 82, better known locally as El Camino Real and The Alameda, between the Cities of Palo Alto and San Jose. A CMCP is a long-range plan developed between Caltrans, local, and regional partners to identify opportunities for multimodal (transit, auto, rail, bicycle, and pedestrian modes) transportation improvements. The Plan will describe and analyze transportation facilities along SR 82. The goals of the plan are to decrease vehicle emissions, improve transportation safety, advance equity, and improve the efficiency of moving people within the Corridor. It will identify improvement strategies and recommend projects which help us and our partners to qualify for future funding and programming opportunities. Take Survey >> More Information >> Special Member Offer As a valued Chamber of Commerce member, you're invited to take advantage of an exclusive 20% tuition incentive toward Sofia University's new 100% Online Master of Global Leadership (MGL). Exclusive Chamber Member Benefit Save 20% on tuition when you begin the Master of Global Leadership during the Fall 2026 quarter. This limited-time offer is available exclusively to current Palo Alto Chamber of Commerce members. Introducing Sofia University's New Master of Global Leadership Bay Area organizations need leaders who can navigate change, inspire diverse teams, and make informed decisions in an increasingly global and interconnected world. Sofia University, located in Palo Alto, has a new 100% Online Master of Global Leadership was created for professionals who are ready to advance into executive, senior leadership, or entrepreneurial roles—without putting their careers on hold. Designed specifically for working professionals, the program can be completed in just 1.5 years and provides the flexibility to balance graduate education with work, family, and other personal commitments. Students develop the leadership skills today's organizations demand through coursework focused on: Authentic and ethical leadership Systems thinking and strategic decision-making Cross-cultural leadership and collaboration Organizational transformation and change management Artificial intelligence and emerging technologies Global ethics, sustainability, and social responsibility Grounded in Sofia University's distinctive transpersonal approach to education, the program develops not only your professional leadership capabilities, but also your emotional intelligence, self-awareness, adaptability, and ability to lead with purpose in an increasingly complex world. Learn Alongside Experienced Professionals One of Sofia University's greatest strengths is its learning community. Unlike many graduate programs where classrooms are often filled with students just beginning their academic journeys, Sofia's graduate classrooms are comprised primarily of working professionals, business leaders, entrepreneurs, and established career professionals. Your classmates bring valuable real-world experience, creating engaging discussions, practical learning opportunities, and professional networking that extends well beyond graduation. If you're looking for a graduate program where you can connect with peers who understand the realities of balancing career, leadership responsibilities, and family life, Sofia offers an educational experience that is both relevant and rewarding. An Exceptional Value The Master of Global Leadership is competitively priced at less than $26,000 in total tuition, making it an outstanding value for professionals seeking a high-quality graduate education. Sofia University is proudly accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)—the same regional accrediting body that accredits many of California's most respected institutions, including UC Berkeley, Stanford University, and UCLA. Discover the curriculum, program structure, learning outcomes, admission requirements, and how Sofia University's unique approach to leadership development can help you achieve your professional goals. Contact the Sofia University Admissions Team at admissions@sofia.edu to learn more about the program and begin the application process. Important To receive the exclusive 20% Chamber Member Tuition Incentive, simply mention your current Chamber of Commerce membership when contacting our Admissions Team. Exclusive Chamber Member Offer 20% Tuition Incentive Available exclusively to current Chamber of Commerce members Valid for new students enrolling in the Master of Global Leadership for the Fall 2026 quarter only Lead globally. Learn online. Grow with purpose. Contact: admissions@sofia.edu See Our Upcoming Events Learn More About The Chamber ​ PALO ALTO CHAMBER & VISITORS CENTER 355 ALMA STREET | PALO ALTO | CA | 94301 | 650-324-3121 WWW.PALOALTOCHAMBER.COM This email was sent on behalf of Palo Alto Chamber of Commerce 355 Alma St Palo Alto, CA 94301.To unsubscribe click here. If you have questions or comments concerning this email or services in general, please contact us by email at info@paloaltochamber.com. From:Rita Comes To:senator.becker@senate.ca.gov; Council, City; City Mgr Subject:60th Annual Quaker Harvest Festival - Saturday, September 19, 10am - 3:30pm Date:Tuesday, September 15, 2026 9:23:06 PM Attachments:Full Press Release 60thQHF.docx 60QHF Final Poster 081026.png #60QHF Poster re Teen Poetry.png CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. i Greetings We really hope that you are able to come by this event. Sixty years of celebrating and supporting FCLCA. Rita Comes Whitney PRESS RELEASE 60th Annual Quaker Harvest Festival Celebrates Community, Music, Youth Voices, and a Legacy of Social Action PALO ALTO, CA — The Palo Alto Friends Meeting invites the community to celebrate the 60th Annual Quaker Harvest Festival on Saturday, September 19, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Palo Alto Friends Meeting House, 957 Colorado Avenue, Palo Alto, CA. For six decades, the Quaker Harvest Festival has brought together friends, neighbors, families, and visitors for a joyful day of community, creativity, music, and service. This year's festival will feature live music throughout the day, a Teen Poetry Slam, book sales, homemade baked goods and jams, a gift marketplace, and activities and fun for children and families. Admission is free and all are welcome. 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 Most importantly, proceeds from the festival will benefit the Friends Committee on Legislation of California (FCLCA), a nonpartisan, statewide public-interest advocacy organization founded by Quakers in 1952. FCLCA brings what it calls a “voice of conscience” to California's state government, advocating for laws and policies that are just, compassionate, and respectful of the inherent worth of every person. Its work includes economic justice, immigrant rights, criminal justice reform, environmental issues, and other matters affecting communities throughout California. A Special Stage for Young Voices: Teen Poetry Slam One of this year's special highlights will be the Teen Poetry Slam from noon to 1:00 p.m. Young poets will take the stage to share their original voices, stories, ideas, and creativity with the community. The Poetry Slam is designed to celebrate the imagination and perspectives of young people while creating an encouraging space where youth can be heard and applauded. “Community has always been at the heart of the Harvest Festival,” said Rita Comes Whitney, a member of the Palo Alto Friends Meeting and past Trustee at Hidden Villa, “We are especially excited to create a space this year for young people to share their voices and talents with the wider community.” Music, Books, Baked Goods, Jams, and Treasures to Discover Visitors can enjoy live music throughout the day, creating a festive backdrop for browsing, visiting with friends, and enjoying the many activities. The festival will also offer a variety of popular items for sale, including: Books for readers of all ages Homemade baked goods Jams and preserves Gift and marketplace items Unique artisan goods and community treasures Families will also find activities and fun for children, making the festival an opportunity for multiple generations to spend the day together. From Humble Beginnings at Hidden Villa The story of the Quaker Harvest Festival is deeply connected to the history of Hidden Villa and to Josephine Whitney Duveneck, one of the remarkable community builders and social visionaries of the Bay Area. According to Hidden Villa's historical archives, the first 27 Quaker Harvest Festivals were held at Hidden Villa, from 1966 through 1993. An archival photograph from one of the early festivals shows Josephine Duveneck herself participating, wearing a festival badge—a wonderful reminder that the event's roots were modest, personal, and grounded in community participation. Hidden Villa itself had long been a place where community, social concern, education, and hospitality came together. Frank and Josephine Duveneck opened their land and home as a became associated with efforts ranging from support for refugees and Japanese Americans returning from incarceration during World War II to interracial summer camps, environmental education, and support for farmworker organizing. Josephine Duveneck also had a deep connection to the Religious Society of Friends. Historical accounts describe her involvement in Quaker organizing and community-building, including helping establish Friends activities and centers in the Bay Area. Her life and work reflected a commitment to inclusion, service, dialogue, and social justice—values that continue to resonate through both the Harvest Festival and the work it supports today. The Duvenecks had, in the words of Hidden Villa's historical account, a remarkable ability to start and support traditions that endured. The Quaker Harvest Festival is one of those traditions. Celebrating 60 Years—and Looking Forward Now, as the festival marks its 60th anniversary, the celebration carries that history forward. What began as a community gathering at Hidden Villa has evolved over six decades while retaining its essential spirit: people coming together to enjoy one another, share their talents, support a meaningful cause, and strengthen the bonds of community. This year's festival invites longtime attendees and first-time visitors alike to become part of that continuing story. 60th Annual Quaker Harvest Festival Saturday, September 19, 2026 10:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m. Palo Alto Friends Meeting House 957 Colorado Avenue, Palo Alto, CA Highlights include: Live music throughout the day Teen Poetry Slam, 12:00–1:00 p.m. Book sales Homemade baked goods and jams Gift marketplace Children's activities and games Free admission All proceeds benefit FCLCA and its work to advance justice, compassion, peace, environmental responsibility, and respect for the inherent worth of every person. For more information, visit: Palo Alto Friends Meeting Friends Committee on Legislation of California Media Contact Rita Comes Whitney Ravrita@gmail.com 415-640-1757 PRESS RELEASE 60th Annual Quaker Harvest Festival Celebrates Community, Music, Youth Voices, and a Legacy of Social Action PALO ALTO, CA — The Palo Alto Friends Meeting invites the community to celebrate the 60th Annual Quaker Harvest Festival on Saturday, September 19, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Palo Alto Friends Meeting House, 957 Colorado Avenue, Palo Alto, CA. For six decades, the Quaker Harvest Festival has brought together friends, neighbors, families, and visitors for a joyful day of community, creativity, music, and service. This year's festival will feature live music throughout the day, a Teen Poetry Slam, book sales, homemade baked goods and jams, a gift marketplace, and activities and fun for children and families. Admission is free and all are welcome. Most importantly, proceeds from the festival will benefit the Friends Committee on Legislation of California (FCLCA), a nonpartisan, statewide public-interest advocacy organization founded by Quakers in 1952. FCLCA brings what it calls a “voice of conscience” to California's state government, advocating for laws and policies that are just, compassionate, and respectful of the inherent worth of every person. Its work includes economic justice, immigrant rights, criminal justice reform, environmental issues, and other matters affecting communities throughout California. A Special Stage for Young Voices: Teen Poetry Slam One of this year's special highlights will be the Teen Poetry Slam from noon to 1:00 p.m. Young poets will take the stage to share their original voices, stories, ideas, and creativity with the community. The Poetry Slam is designed to celebrate the imagination and perspectives of young people while creating an encouraging space where youth can be heard and applauded. “Community has always been at the heart of the Harvest Festival,” said Rita Comes Whitney, a member of the Palo Alto Friends Meeting and past Trustee at Hidden Villa, “We are especially excited to create a space this year for young people to share their voices and talents with the wider community.” Music, Books, Baked Goods, Jams, and Treasures to Discover Visitors can enjoy live music throughout the day, creating a festive backdrop for browsing, visiting with friends, and enjoying the many activities. The festival will also offer a variety of popular items for sale, including: • Books for readers of all ages • Homemade baked goods • Jams and preserves • Gift and marketplace items • Unique artisan goods and community treasures Families will also find activities and fun for children, making the festival an opportunity for multiple generations to spend the day together. From Humble Beginnings at Hidden Villa The story of the Quaker Harvest Festival is deeply connected to the history of Hidden Villa and to Josephine Whitney Duveneck, one of the remarkable community builders and social visionaries of the Bay Area. According to Hidden Villa's historical archives, the first 27 Quaker Harvest Festivals were held at Hidden Villa, from 1966 through 1993. An archival photograph from one of the early festivals shows Josephine Duveneck herself participating, wearing a festival badge—a wonderful reminder that the event's roots were modest, personal, and grounded in community participation. Hidden Villa itself had long been a place where community, social concern, education, and hospitality came together. Frank and Josephine Duveneck opened their land and home as a gathering place for reflection, discussion, and social reform. Over the years, Hidden Villa became associated with efforts ranging from support for refugees and Japanese Americans returning from incarceration during World War II to interracial summer camps, environmental education, and support for farmworker organizing. Josephine Duveneck also had a deep connection to the Religious Society of Friends. Historical accounts describe her involvement in Quaker organizing and community-building, including helping establish Friends activities and centers in the Bay Area. Her life and work reflected a commitment to inclusion, service, dialogue, and social justice—values that continue to resonate through both the Harvest Festival and the work it supports today. The Duvenecks had, in the words of Hidden Villa's historical account, a remarkable ability to start and support traditions that endured. The Quaker Harvest Festival is one of those traditions. Celebrating 60 Years—and Looking Forward Now, as the festival marks its 60th anniversary, the celebration carries that history forward. What began as a community gathering at Hidden Villa has evolved over six decades while retaining its essential spirit: people coming together to enjoy one another, share their talents, support a meaningful cause, and strengthen the bonds of community. This year's festival invites longtime attendees and first-time visitors alike to become part of that continuing story. 60th Annual Quaker Harvest Festival Saturday, September 19, 2026 10:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m. Palo Alto Friends Meeting House 957 Colorado Avenue, Palo Alto, CA Highlights include: • Live music throughout the day • Teen Poetry Slam, 12:00–1:00 p.m. • Book sales • Homemade baked goods and jams • Gift marketplace • Children's activities and games • Free admission All proceeds benefit FCLCA and its work to advance justice, compassion, peace, environmental responsibility, and respect for the inherent worth of every person. For more information, visit: Palo Alto Friends Meeting Friends Committee on Legislation of California Media Contact Rita Comes Whitney Ravrita@gmail.com 415-640-1757 From:Aram James To:planning.commission@cityofpaloalto.0rg; ParkRec Commission; Human Relations Commission; Council, City; Dave Price; Braden Cartwright; Brandon Pho; Diana Diamond; EPA Today Subject:Re: Candidates disparage the poor—Raymond Goins strikes back Date:Tuesday, September 15, 2026 9:14:38 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. On Sat, Sep 12, 2026 at 12:51 AM Aram James <abjpd1@gmail.com> wrote: Palo Alto City Council candidate Ray Goins responds to candidates Brynna Chang and Dr. Gary Gechlik disparaging poor people at the Future of Palo Alto Housing Forum co-hosted by Palo Alto Forward and SV@Home Action Fund. https://youtube.com/shorts/fjY3rj5qq-I?feature=share From:Martin Balestie To:Council, City Subject:Critical Infrastructure: chlorine disinfection, aeration systems 101, utility management, data center HVAC, bridge load rating, landfill GCCS biogas systems, engineering software, manufacturing (recent hires/area managers/most eng & science majors:... Date:Tuesday, September 15, 2026 8:18:28 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. drinking water service reliability, chlorine disinfection, aeration systems 101, data center HVAC, utility management, bridge load rating, landfill GCCS biogas systems, engineering software, future of manufacturing 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, professional and career development, technical task group mentoring, industry/global outreach and much more. Global and digital go hand in hand! Have a nice mid week 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! Chlorine Disinfection and Calculations for Drinking Water Operators Date: September 15, 2026 Description: Chlorine disinfection is one of the most important processes used in drinking water treatment and distribution systems to protect public health. This one-hour webinar provides drinking water operators with an overview of chlorine chemistry, disinfection principles, and the practical calculations required for effective system operation. Participants will learn how chlorine works to inactivate pathogens, the factors that affect disinfection performance, and how to monitor and maintain proper disinfectant residuals throughout the treatment and distribution systems. The webinar will also cover common operator calculations related to chlorine dosage, feed rates, residual concentrations, and contact time (CT). Real-world examples and calculation exercises will help operators strengthen their understanding and confidence in applying chlorine disinfection concepts in daily operations. Learning Objectives: Explain the purpose of chlorine disinfection and describe how chlorine protects public health by controlling waterborne pathogens. Identify key factors that influence chlorine disinfection effectiveness, including pH, temperature, contact time, chlorine demand, and residual concentration. Calculate chlorine dosage and feed rates for different forms of chlorine disinfectants using standard drinking water operator formulas and units of measurement. Determine chlorine residuals and CT values and apply these calculations to evaluate and optimize disinfection performance in drinking water systems. Presenter: Daryl Gotham, P.E., Senior Research Engineer, Great Lakes Environmental Infrastructure Center Who Should Attend: Managers, owners, and operators of small drinking water systems serving less than 10,000 people Decision-makers for drinking water utilities, including mayors, finance officers, utility managers, public works directors, city councilors, board members, tribal council members, and clerks Consultants and technical assistance providers serving drinking water systems Aeration 101 Date: September 17, 2026 Description: Aeration plays a critical role in maintaining healthy wastewater lagoon performance, particularly during periods of high temperatures, increased biological activity, and changing seasonal conditions. This webinar will introduce the fundamentals of lagoon aeration and explain how oxygen transfer supports biological treatment, odor control, and regulatory compliance. Participants will learn the basic principles of aeration, common types of aeration equipment, factors that influence oxygen demand, and how aeration can improve lagoon treatment efficiency. The session will also discuss operational considerations, troubleshooting strategies, energy use, and approaches for optimizing aeration performance in lagoon systems. Designed specifically for wastewater operators and managers, this webinar will provide practical guidance on understanding, evaluating, and managing aeration systems to support reliable lagoon operations year-round. Presenter: Dr. Jason R. Barrett, Mississippi State University Effective Utility Management for Wastewater Systems Date: September 24, 2026 Description: Effective Utility Management (EUM) for Water and Wastewater Systems is a nationally recognized framework that optimizes utility operations, governance, and financial sustainability. Wastewater systems often lack the structured planning needed to prevent public health risks, compliance violations, and severe budget shortfalls. Mastering EUM principles empowers operators and managers to build practical strategic plans, prioritize resources, and demonstrate continuous improvement to state regulators. Learning Objectives: Upon completion of this webinar, participants will be able to: Identify the essential elements of a utility strategic planning process. Define the 10 core attributes of Effective Utility Management. Explain prioritization strategies to maximize limited staff and financial resources. Analyze system performance using standard EUM utility metrics. Presenter: Greg Pearson, Water & Wastewater Systems Trainer, Great Lakes Environmental Infrastructure Center Who Should Attend: Managers, owners, and operators of small wastewater systems serving less than 10,000 people Decision-makers for drinking wastewater utilities, including mayors, finance officers, utility managers, public works directors, city councilors, board members, tribal council members, and clerks Consultants and technical assistance providers serving wastewater systems Data Center Heat Rejection (corporate webinar - data center HVAC - 1.0 PDH) Date: September 24, 12:00 PM Description: As data center workloads continue to grow, selecting the right heat rejection strategy is critical to achieving performance, efficiency and sustainability goals. Data Center Heat Rejection webinar will explore the following: - Air-cooled vs. water-cooled approaches - Water, power and footprint tradeoffs - Total cost of ownership considerations - Best practices for modern data center cooling Attendees will receive Certificates of Completion and can earn PDH credits. 2026 Bridge Load Rating Fall Training Series Each workshop will be offered twice, giving you flexibility to select the session time that best fits your schedule. Join us for the Bridge Load Rating Spring Series: Bridge Load Rating 2-Day Virtual Workshop Bridge Load Rating Basics: From Plans to Load Rating Bridge Load Rating: Theory & Policy Advanced Topics in Bridge Load Rating: Part 1 Advanced Topics in Bridge Load Rating: Part 2 2026 Bridge Load Rating 2-Day Virtual Workshop (Sept) Learn how to use AASHTOWare Bridge Rating software in a 2-day hands-onn workshop environment. This event will take place from 9:00am-12:00pm (ET) on both September 23rd & 24th. Participants will need the latest version of the software installed on the computer they are using for the training. AASHTOWare Bridge Rating software is available to local agencies and their consultants free of charge (courtesy of MDOT) for use on Michigan bridges. Landfill Methane Generation and Gas Collection and Control Systems Date: September 24, 2026 Description: This webinar will provide an overview of landfill methane generation and gas collection and control systems (GCCS), drawing on lessons from a comprehensive field research program at a modern landfill. We will highlight how multiple measurement technologies, combined with gas collection system operational data, provide new insights into methane emissions and collection performance. The session will focus on practical applications for improving methane mitigation and landfill gas management. 1.0 PDH Presenter: Dr. Tarek Abichou (Florida State University) Tarek Abichou is a Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Florida State University. He earned his B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. in Civil and Environmental Engineering from the University of Wisconsin–Madison and has more than 30 years of experience in landfill engineering, methane emissions, and landfill gas systems. His work combines extensive field investigations at landfills across the United States with advanced measurement technologies, including surface monitoring, drones, tracer studies, continuous monitoring, and aerial measurements, to better understand, quantify, and reduce methane emissions. He works closely with landfill owners, operators, consultants, and regulatory agencies to evaluate gas collection system performance and develop practical, science-based solutions for improving methane capture and reducing emissions. 2026 Engineering Software Date: October 5, 2026 The Center for Technology & Training has partnered with civil engineering faculty to develop learning modules that bridge the gap between classroom theory and hands-on software experiences. Bentley Education provides the educational software access that forms the basis for these modules.In this free webinar, faculty members will demonstrate how to easily integrate these pre-built modules into existing syllabi, homework, or computational labs. These modules may also be of interest to working professionals who are branching into new areas of expertise. Intended Audience Civil engineering faculty and students Transportation agency engineers/technicians Anyone interested in learning about OpenRoads™ Designer, OpenBridge ® Designer, MicroStation®, SYNCHRO™ Pro or Plaxis® 3D THE FUTURE OF MANUFACTURING Date: October 14, 2026 Older generations are retiring from manufacturing; companies are scrambling to fill production demands, keep equipment running, navigate current energy pressures and optimize core plant utilities like compressed air and chilled water. Industry professionals must work together to engage with the general public to change misconceptions about manufacturing and drive awareness to new solutions such as AI, digitization, automation and robotics. Key Takeaways: Leveraging technology in new ways to support manufacturers Adapting new types of automation, digital tools, frontline worker solutions and AI Engaging the new workforce to attract and retain younger generations Jake Hall is an advocate for manufacturing, automation and skilled trades by helping revolutionize the way people and companies present themselves through social media. With over 120,000 followers and 250,000,000+ views on his content, he ignites conversations about the latest in manufacturing and automation to excite the current and future workforce about industry. Learn more. 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 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:Alsu To:Council, City Subject:Palo Alto Link service Date:Tuesday, September 15, 2026 4:51:04 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. Dear Palo Alto City Council, My name is Alsu, and I rely on Palo Alto Link every day to get around our community. I don’t have a driver’s license, so this service isn’t an occasional convenience for me — it’s my primary way of getting to work, appointments, errands, and picking up my daughter from school. If Palo Alto Link shuts down at the end of October, I will lose reliable, independent mobility and be forced into far more expensive and less flexible alternatives like rideshare services, if they’re even available when I need them — including for something as routine and necessary as school pickup. Palo Alto Link is an essential, affordable service for residents like me who don’t drive and need flexible transportation options to fully participate in daily life. I urge you to prioritize funding and preserve Palo Alto Link for our community. Sincerely, Alsu Stanford neighborhood / 94304 From:Shea, Kyle To:shailo@gmail.com; Hiral Parekh Cc:City Mgr; Reynolds, Brian; pdsdirector; Council, City; Gerhardt, Jodie; Ethan Lin; Jeff Jeff; Sarah Smith Le; Amy Amy; kibert724@yahoo.com Subject:RE: 3935 Duncan Place - intrusive bright lights and big windows Date:Tuesday, September 15, 2026 4:23:33 PM Attachments:image001.pngimage002.pngimage003.png Hi Shailo, The contractor will send a worker out this afternoon to shut off all internal lights . Thank you Kyle Kyle Shea, CASp Building Inspection Manager Planning and Development Department O: (650) 617-3507 C: (650) 313-1897| Kyle.Shea@PaloAlto.gov www.PaloAlto.gov From: Shailo Rao <shailo@gmail.com> Sent: Tuesday, September 15, 2026 4:18 PM To: Hiral Parekh <hiral.parekh@gmail.com> Cc: Shea, Kyle <Kyle.Shea@paloalto.gov>; City Mgr <CityMgr@paloalto.gov>; Reynolds, Brian <Brian.Reynolds@paloalto.gov>; pdsdirector <pdsdirector@PaloAlto.gov>; Council, City <city.council@PaloAlto.gov>; Gerhardt, Jodie <Jodie.Gerhardt@paloalto.gov>; Ethan Lin <erzhenlin@gmail.com>; Jeff Jeff <3325usa@gmail.com>; Sarah Smith Le <sarahsmithle24@gmail.com>; Amy Amy <2955usa@gmail.com>; kibert724@yahoo.com Subject: Re: 3935 Duncan Place - intrusive bright lights and big windows CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. Please cease 3935's construction activity until they respect our community. On Mon, Sep 14, 2026 at 8:15 PM Shailo Rao <shailo@gmail.com> wrote: Once again the lighthouse is on. Once again the city did not do anything here. Earn your paychecks. On Wed, Aug 19, 2026 at 8:00 PM Shailo Rao <shailo@gmail.com> wrote: Response please. Please stop reckless house flippers from ruining our community. On Wed, Aug 19, 2026 at 8:27 AM Hiral Parekh <hiral.parekh@gmail.com> wrote: Dear Members of the City Council and Planning Department, As a brief follow-up, I wanted to highlight the Palo Alto standards that appear most relevant to the impacts we are experiencing at 3905 Duncan Place: ADU privacy standards — PAMC §18.09.040: Palo Alto includes objective privacy protections for ADUs, including requirements addressing windows that face adjacent residential properties. First-floor windows: For certain first-floor windows facing an adjacent interior property line, the Code requires additional privacy protection depending on the height of the finished floor above grade and whether the window is an egress window. These protections can include opaque glazing, elevated sill heights, or alternative window placement. Egress windows: Where feasible, first-floor egress windows should not face an adjacent interior property line. Where that cannot be avoided, opaque glazing may be required. Window placement: The Code also encourages the use of skylights instead of operable windows facing adjacent properties where feasible, reflecting the City’s intent to reduce direct privacy impacts. ADU exterior lighting — PAMC §18.09.040(k)(2)(G): Exterior lighting must be directed downward and may not direct light toward adjacent interior property lines. Outdoor lighting — PAMC §18.40.250: Palo Alto requires outdoor lighting to be shielded and directed to prevent light trespass and minimize impacts on neighboring properties. In low-density residential areas, spillover lighting onto adjacent properties is not allowed. Given these provisions, I am asking the City to review both the approved plans and the completed construction at 3935 Duncan Place and determine specifically whether the window placement, glazing, sightlines, exterior lighting, and as-built conditions comply with the applicable standards. I would also appreciate confirmation of which ADU ordinance and privacy standards were applied to this project when it was approved. Thank you, Hiral Parekh3905 Duncan Place On Tue, Aug 18, 2026 at 9:20 PM Hiral Parekh <hiral.parekh@gmail.com> wrote: Dear Members of the Palo Alto City Council and Planning Department, I am writing about the ADU expansion and rebuild approved at 3935 Duncan Place and the direct impact it has had on our home at 3905 Duncan Place. The result is unacceptable. The new structure sits in extremely close proximity to our property and directly overlooks our home and backyard. Bright indoor and outdoor lighting faces our property and are left on all night. We have lost privacy and peace and now feel exposed in our own home. I understand the City’s desire to support ADUs and additional housing. But development should not come at the expense of the basic privacy and quality of life of the family living next door. In this case, the City allowed a developer to dramatically increase the size and value of a property while leaving our family to bear the consequences. I find that deeply frustrating and, frankly, disgusting. I am a working mother raising three children in Palo Alto. We work extremely hard to live in this community, and it is upsetting to see how little weight our family’s privacy appears to have carried in this process. I am asking members of the Planning Department and City Council to come to 3905 Duncan Place and see the impact firsthand. I also ask the City to identify what mitigation can now be required to address the lighting and privacy impacts created by this project. The developer won here, and our family was left to bear the consequences. That is not acceptable. Sincerely, Hiral Parekh3905 Duncan Place From:Shailo Rao To:Hiral Parekh Cc:Shea, Kyle; City Mgr; Reynolds, Brian; pdsdirector; Council, City; Gerhardt, Jodie; Ethan Lin; Jeff Jeff; Sarah Smith Le; Amy Amy; kibert724@yahoo.com Subject:Re: 3935 Duncan Place - intrusive bright lights and big windows Date:Tuesday, September 15, 2026 4:18:47 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Please cease 3935's construction activity until they respect our community. On Mon, Sep 14, 2026 at 8:15 PM Shailo Rao <shailo@gmail.com> wrote: Once again the lighthouse is on. Once again the city did not do anything here. Earn your paychecks. On Wed, Aug 19, 2026 at 8:00 PM Shailo Rao <shailo@gmail.com> wrote: Response please. Please stop reckless house flippers from ruining our community. On Wed, Aug 19, 2026 at 8:27 AM Hiral Parekh <hiral.parekh@gmail.com> wrote: Dear Members of the City Council and Planning Department, As a brief follow-up, I wanted to highlight the Palo Alto standards that appear most relevant to the impacts we are experiencing at 3905 Duncan Place: ADU privacy standards — PAMC §18.09.040: Palo Alto includes objective privacy protections for ADUs, including requirements addressing windows that face adjacent residential properties. First-floor windows: For certain first-floor windows facing an adjacent interior property line, the Code requires additional privacy protection depending on the height of the finished floor above grade and whether the window is an egress window. These protections can include opaque glazing, elevated sill heights, or alternative window placement. Egress windows: Where feasible, first-floor egress windows should not face an adjacent interior property line. Where that cannot be avoided, opaque glazing may be required. Window placement: The Code also encourages the use of skylights instead of operable windows facing adjacent properties where feasible, reflecting the City’s intent to reduce direct privacy impacts. ADU exterior lighting — PAMC §18.09.040(k)(2)(G): Exterior lighting must be directed downward and may not direct light toward adjacent interior property lines. Outdoor lighting — PAMC §18.40.250: Palo Alto requires outdoor lighting to be shielded and directed to prevent light trespass and minimize impacts on neighboring properties. In low-density residential areas, spillover lighting onto adjacent properties is not allowed. Given these provisions, I am asking the City to review both the approved plans and the completed construction at 3935 Duncan Place and determine specifically whether the window placement, glazing, sightlines, exterior lighting, and as-built conditions comply with the applicable standards. I would also appreciate confirmation of which ADU ordinance and privacy standards were applied to this project when it was approved. Thank you, Hiral Parekh 3905 Duncan Place On Tue, Aug 18, 2026 at 9:20 PM Hiral Parekh <hiral.parekh@gmail.com> wrote: Dear Members of the Palo Alto City Council and Planning Department, I am writing about the ADU expansion and rebuild approved at 3935 Duncan Place and the direct impact it has had on our home at 3905 Duncan Place. The result is unacceptable. The new structure sits in extremely close proximity to our property and directly overlooks our home and backyard. Bright indoor and outdoor lighting faces our property and are left on all night. We have lost privacy and peace and now feel exposed in our own home. I understand the City’s desire to support ADUs and additional housing. But development should not come at the expense of the basic privacy and quality of life of the family living next door. In this case, the City allowed a developer to dramatically increase the size and value of a property while leaving our family to bear the consequences. I find that deeply frustrating and, frankly, disgusting. I am a working mother raising three children in Palo Alto. We work extremely hard to live in this community, and it is upsetting to see how little weight our family’s privacy appears to have carried in this process. I am asking members of the Planning Department and City Council to come to 3905 Duncan Place and see the impact firsthand. I also ask the City to identify what mitigation can now be required to address the lighting and privacy impacts created by this project. The developer won here, and our family was left to bear the consequences. That is not acceptable. Sincerely, Hiral Parekh 3905 Duncan Place From:Charlie Weidanz To:Council, City Subject:Join us for these Upcoming Events | Palo Alto Chamber of Commerce Date:Tuesday, September 15, 2026 3:15:09 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Palo Alto Chamber Logo Mark Your Calendar - Upcoming Events 2026 ATHENA Leadership Awards Presentation Opus1 Grand Opening Ribbon Cutting Party Learn and Play Montessori School Open House YMCA 9th Annual Community Health Fair Avenidas & La Comida Celebration and Fundraiser Calenda on Cal Ave Event | Neighbors Abroad 31st Annual Great Glass Pumpkin Patch Palo Alto Sofia University - 2026 Global Mental Health Conference Vista Center's White Cane Awareness Day WeHOPE Seeds of Hope: From Seed to Harvest Event Palo Alto Police Foundation Celebration of the PSB Grand Opening with 49er Steve Young & Rep. Sam Liccardo Chamber Events Athena International 2026 Leadership Presentation promo Palo Alto Chamber of Commerce proudly presents the 2026 Annual ATHENA® Awards Thursday October 15, 2026 5:30 pm - 8:00 pm El Prado Hotel 520 Cowper St. Palo Alto, CA 94301 Get Your Tickets Today >> The ATHENA award is given to honor exceptional woman leaders who demonstrate the highest levels of professional excellence, give back to their communities and, most importantly, assist other women in realizing their full leadership potential – and it is an international award, having been given to more than 6,500 recipients in over 500 cities and 8 countries. Locally it is awarded by our Chamber of Commerce. Register Online >> Event Info ®​ Join us for the Grand Opening Ribbon Cutting Celebration of Opus1 Music Studio Palo Alto Tuesday, September 22, 2026 Noon - 2:00 PM Ribbon Cutting at 12:30 PM Location: 3401 El Camino Real Palo Alto, CA 94306 RSVP Online >> -- Celebrating 20 Years of Music Education & Community For 20 years, Opus 1 Music Studio has been part of the Palo Alto and Mountain View communities, helping students of all ages discover the joy of making music. Founded in 2006 as a small after school studio, Opus 1 has grown into three Bay Area campuses, with more than 1,400 weekly students and 50 professional, conservatory-trained, world class teachers, teaching Piano, Violin, Cello, Guitar and Voice. Through private lessons, group classes, recitals, examinations and performances, our goal has remained the same: to provide serious music education in an environment that is warm, encouraging and joyful. We also understand how busy family life can be, which is why we offer flexible and convenient online scheduling, making it easier for families to fit music lessons into their schedules and accommodate their busy lives. From a child's very first notes to advanced students performing on prestigious stages, we believe music education is about much more than learning an instrument. It builds confidence, discipline, creativity and a lifelong appreciation for music. As we celebrate our 20th anniversary, we are incredibly grateful to the thousands of students, families, teachers and staff who have been part of the Opus 1 community over the years. “Music education is about more than teaching notes and technique. It is about helping each student discover confidence, creativity and joy, while bringing people together through a shared love of music. That sense of community has always been at the heart of Opus 1.” — Doris Lellouche, Co-Founder & Director Twenty years after our first students walked through our doors, we are excited to begin our next chapter with the Grand Opening of our new Palo Alto campus at 3401 El Camino Real. With expanded facilities, beautiful teaching spaces and more opportunities for our students to learn, perform and connect, we look forward to serving Palo Alto, Mountain View and the surrounding communities for many years to come. We can't wait to welcome you to our new home for music! Learn More >> Learn and Play Montessori School Open House flyer Join the Palo Alto Chamber of Commerce at the Learn and Play Montessori School Open House on Saturday, September 26, 2026 from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Tour the campus, meet the caring teachers, and discover the engaging programs Learn and Play Montessori School offers. Enjoy fun crafts and a bubble party while exploring the learning environment to see what makes the school special! RSVP Here >> Member Events YMCA Annual Community Health Fair flyer The YMCA is hosting the 9th Annual Community Health Fair at Mitchell Park Community Center on Saturday, September 19th. Register Online >> Avenidas + La Comida 2 Strong, 1 Mission Fundraiser 9-24-26 flyer This September join Avenidas and La Comida for Fun. Flavors. Fundraising Avenidas and La Comida are coming together on September 24, 2026 for a joint celebration and fundraiser to support programs and services for the older adults in our community. Enjoy delicious bites and drinks from more than 14 local restaurants and beverage partners, an open bar, and live music, while making a meaningful impact. Join us as a sponsor or purchase your tickets today, and help older adults in our community stay healthy, connected, and engaged. Tickets are limited. Learn more and reserve your spot: 2 Strong, 1 Mission – Avenidas, La Comida Joint Fundraiser >> Can’t make it? Please consider donating to power our mission: Donate to Avenidas & La Comida Here Sneak peek: Here are some of the featured food and drinks partners: Bevri, Chef Chu's, Coupa Café, Evvia, Grocery Outlet, La Bodeguita, La Comida, Meyhouse, Oren's Hummus, Terún, The Patio, The Pro, The Redwood, Zareen's. Calenda on Cal Ave poster Saturday, September 26, Neighbors Abroad will be hosting a Calenda on California Avenue. A Calenda is a festive street festival that originated in Palo Alto's Sister City of Oaxaca, Mexico. The Calenda will take place from 3:00pm to 7:00pm. This year, we will celebrate three of our Sister Cities: Oaxaca; Palo, Leyte, Philippines; and Narok, Kenya. The free event will feature live music and dance performances, mezcal tasting, international vendors featuring goods from our Sister Cities, children's activities, and more. The City of Palo Alto is designating the Calenda as an Entertainment Zone, which allows attendees to enjoy alcoholic beverages from participating restaurants while strolling through the designated area. Join Neighbors Abroad >> 2026 Great Glass Pumpkin Patch Palo Alto | September 26-27, 2026 10,000+ handmade glass pumpkins. One unforgettable weekend. The Great Glass Pumpkin Patch returns this September with 25+ glass artists, live glassblowing, and thousands of one-of-a-kind works to discover. Save the date and start planning your visit. September 26–27, 2026 • 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Palo Alto Art Center • 1313 Newell Road, Palo Alto, CA 94303 FREE ADMISSION The Art Center is at the corner of Embarcadero and Newell roads. Plenty of free street parking is available. greatglasspumpkinpatch.org Sofia University Global Mental Health Conference 2026 Embodiment, Integration, and Whole-Person Mental Health in the VUCA Era September 27, 2026 Live Online Event Early Bird Registration Ends August 31st Register today to secure your spot >> Advancing Mental Health Through Global Collaboration The Sofia University Global Mental Health Conference 2026 is an international online gathering dedicated to advancing mental health through research, education, clinical practice, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Each year, the conference brings together scholars, clinicians, educators, students, healthcare professionals, and emerging leaders from around the world to exchange ideas, explore innovative approaches, and inspire meaningful change. This year's theme, "Embodiment, Integration, and Whole-Person Mental Health in the VUCA Era," explores how individuals, organizations, and communities can foster resilience, well-being, and human flourishing amid increasing volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity. Grounded in Sofia University's tradition of whole-person education and transpersonal psychology, the conference provides a global forum for interdisciplinary dialogue, evidence- based research, and cross-cultural collaboration—all accessible from wherever you are. What to Expect Attendees will have the opportunity to: Hear from internationally recognized experts in mental health, psychology, education, healthcare, and related disciplines. Explore emerging research and innovative practices supporting whole- person well-being. Participate in engaging keynote presentations, panel discussions, and interactive sessions. Connect virtually with professionals, researchers, educators, and students from around the world. Discover practical strategies that integrate mind, body, and spirit to promote resilience and human flourishing. Who Should Attend? This conference is designed for: Mental health professionals Psychologists and counselors Healthcare practitioners Researchers and educators Graduate and doctoral students Coaches and organizational leaders Anyone passionate about advancing whole-person mental health Join Us Online Experience a full day of inspiring presentations, meaningful conversations, and global networking—all from the convenience of your home or office. Take advantage of Early Bird Registration through August 31st and reserve your place today. LEARN MORE AND REGISTER HERE We look forward to welcoming participants from around the world on September 27, 2026, for a day of learning, collaboration, and advancing the future of global mental health. Saturday, September 27th, 2026 - Online | Learn More >> ​ Join Vista Center for their Second Annual White Cane Awareness Day! On Thursday, October 8, veterans, individuals living with vision loss, and community members will gather at Palo Alto City Hall for a meaningful community walk through downtown Palo Alto, followed by a brief program celebrating accessibility, inclusion, and independence. The white cane is a powerful symbol of dignity, self-determination, and safe, independent travel. White Cane Awareness Day is an opportunity to honor the achievements of people who are blind or have low vision while raising awareness throughout our community. Thursday, October 8, 2026 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM Palo Alto City Hall *No registration is required—everyone is welcome! We hope you’ll join us as we walk together in support of accessibility, inclusion, and independence. ​ WeHOPE Seeds of Hope: From Seed to Harvest Event Promo Seeds of Hope: From Seed to Harvest Date: October 8, 2026 Time: 6:00–8:00 PM Location: Crowne Plaza Foster City 1221 Chess Drive, Foster City, CA 94404 Ticket: $150 per person Table Sponsorship: $1,750 Registration: www.wehope.org/soh Online Campaign: www.givebutter.com/seedsofhope2026 ​ Palo Alto Public Safety Building The Palo Alto Police Foundation Presents: A celebration of the official opening of The Palo Alto Public Safety Building Saturday, October 10, 2026, 11:00am – 2:00pm Register Online >> Special Guest Speaker SF 49ers Champion Steve Young. Opening remarks from Congressman Sam Liccardo. Presentation by Police Chief James Reifschneider. Steve Young, Sam Liccardo, James Reifschneider Cops, Cars, and Canines A Community Fundraiser with Palo Alto’s Finest Brunch Catered by Terún Italian Restaurant Espresso Bar Police K-9 Demonstrations Palo Alto Police Car Show – A rare opportunity for a close-up look at the Mobile Emergency Operations Truck, the Rivian and to chat with the officers who operate them. Strong communities are built on strong partnerships. This outdoor celebration is an opportunity to support and connect with the Palo Alto Police Department while enjoying an authentic Italian brunch. We hope to see you at this very special (and fun) event. Bring the family! Lieutenant Joel Hornung and PAPF Founder Roger Smith Lieutenant Joel Hornung and PAPF Founder Roger Smith Saturday, October 10, 2026 11:00am – 2:00pm 250 Sherman Ave., Palo Alto (Adjacent to the Public Safety Building) $100/person. Kids under 12 are free. Space is limited. Registration deadline Oct. 3. REGISTER ONLINE >> Sponsorship opportunities are available. LEARN ABOUT SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES >> All proceeds from this event benefit the Palo Alto Police Foundation, a 501(C)3 nonprofit. The mission of the Palo Alto Police Foundation is to enhance the quality of life for Palo Alto’s residents and working population, and strengthen police-community relations. Can’t Attend? You can still make a tax-deductible contribution online >> or mail a check to the Palo Alto Police Foundation, P.O. Box 264, Palo Alto, CA 94302. Questions? Contact paloaltopolicefoundation@gmail.com. Italian Brunch Saturday, October 10, 2026 11:00 AM to 2PM Public Safety Building 250 Sherman Ave. Palo Alto, CA 94301 Register >> Learn More About The Chamber ​ PALO ALTO CHAMBER & VISITORS CENTER 355 ALMA STREET | PALO ALTO | CA | 94301 | 650-324-3121 WWW.PALOALTOCHAMBER.COM ​ This email was sent on behalf of Palo Alto Chamber of Commerce 355 Alma St Palo Alto, CA 94301.To unsubscribe click here. If you have questions or comments concerning this email or services in general, please contact us by email at info@paloaltochamber.com. From:Fred Balin To:Council, City; City Mgr Subject:Peterson Matter - My Comments at Orals Last Night Plus Related Attachments Date:Tuesday, September 15, 2026 1:01:14 PM Attachments:On Line Review.pdf Complaint Letter 1_8_26.pdf CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Councilmembers, Mr. City Manager, FYI. My comments during orals yesterday together with attachments of two documents referenced. ---- Fred Balin, College Terrace The handling of the Forest Peterson matter is a disturbing instance of how our city deals with charges of corruption. As you will recall on January 8th a tow yard owner, in an email to the city manager and city attorney (attached), filed a complaint after “Mr. Peterson’s vehicle was towed at the direction of the Palo Alto Police Department.” The email continues: “Mr. Peterson repeatedly identified himself as a member of the Palo Alto Planning Commission and referenced his official position, while requesting a discount or special treatment.” If true, isn’t this solicitation of bribery? Around the same time, hopefully you also received and read Peterson’s negative online review of the tow company (attached), also submitted to the city by the tow yard owner. Amidst other gripes, he states that he was overcharged. In doing so, he corroborates that he had, in fact, complained about the tow yard’s pricing. Let’s set aside for now the propriety of whether a Palo Alto official should be online trashing a company, who does business with the city and examine the two leading possibilities of what happened. Either the tow yard owner made up the whole story of Peterson using his power as a commissioner to get a discount or special treatment, or the tow yard owner’s account is true. Ordinary folks whose vehicles are towed might grouse about the charges, but the only logical reason this letter of complaint was written and sent is because Peterson identified himself as a commissioner, and his own words online showed he was upset about the billing. Reading further from the complaint letter: “When the requested discount was not granted, Mr. Peterson became rude and made statements suggesting that he could ‘change the rules’ in the future to benefit himself.” If true, isn’t this extortion? And then: “He further indicated that he had friends within the Department who would agree with him and support such changes.” If he said as much, he entangled the Palo Alto Police Department, most likely through no fault of its own. The email concludes: “Please let me know if additional information, dates, or documentation would be helpful. I appreciate your attention to this matter and trust that it will be reviewed appropriately.” What did the city do in considering these very serious allegations? Did the city immediately notify the appropriate law enforcement agency, such as the county district attorney, to investigate so that witnesses could be contacted and evidence collected as soon as possible? Did the city keep the complainant informed of what was happening and prevent retaliatory behavior? And did those in charge in the city, act in a manner completely unimpacted by fears of embarrassment or political considerations? We have no such indications. We do know, from public records, that the city waited a full two months after receipt of the complaint to contract with Oppenheimer Investigations Group. Why so long? And we also know that three weeks prior to that, Peterson submitted his application to the city clerk to be reappointed to the Planning and Transportation Commission. So was Peterson’s reappointment application the impetus for the hiring of the investigator, and were those in charge in the city, waiting, or maybe hoping, that he would not reapply so the matter would never reach the light of day? Concerned citizens want to know. The mayor took credit Wednesday night for moving the investigation along and public records do show the city asking that at least a truncated report be delivered about a week before the April 13th vote for commission appointments, where Peterson was reappointed via the votes of four council members. Last Wednesday, we heard lengthy and emotional arguments from that majority to keep the investigation private, but we heard no words of regret or apology for their decision to reappoint him. The report was criticized as thin, unconvincing, with no video to show for, and no interview with the complainant. How much of this was attributable to the two-month delay by the city between complaint and hiring an investigator, who would deliver a late-in-the game, rushed report, to meet a deadline prior to the council voting on Peterson’s reappointment? In spite of all this, we were lucky in that Peterson turned out to be his own worst advocate through his actions in January and comments and revelations in the press once the story broke in July. For example: His on-line rant against the tow yard (attached). That research was the basis of his interactions there. His odd, newly-found advocacy from the commission dais for public parking. The glowing letter of recommendation to you from his employee. Without that, it is likely he would still be on the commission today and even discussion of the release of the investigation would never have come to the dais. But the Mayor and Vice Mayor had enough and brought his removal to the council agenda. In one last blast, the commissioner responded by blaming political opponents, before resigning the next day. What’s the takeaway. Do not hide bad news or protect those out of political affiliation. Treat reports of corruption seriously, with immediate investigative support. Thank you. ## fb 9/15/26 Show more Nearest Junkyards to Redwood City, CA I highly highly recommend this place! My car got rear ended and I needed to _nd a body shop towork on the damage. Cesar was absolutely amazing to work with, he not only helped me handlethe car, but also helped with handling insurance as they were annoying to deal with. Him and histeam were super professional and delightful to work with. So grateful I found this place and Ide_nitely recommend! F Forest Looks like they make puppet accounts and give themselves good reviews -- like others said, unprofessional and incoherent not just to others but to themselves as well: shop looked like a mess, I doubt they are real mechanics, they towed my daughter's car she'd just pulled from a family member's house, she'd paid full back reg and scheduled a smog -- I called and they said $$ fee and they close at 5pm. We were there at 1 pm to get docs from car, then to city and back with… release, only now they want $$$ because it is past 2pm and then cited the law: the guy called me a liar that he never said 5 pm, then we got aggressively yelled at by their friend for asking questions who said it's disrespectful to ask questions. Don't ask questions here for your personal safety apparently. N Nathan Vang My car got towed illegally by this company when I was parked legally in an apartment complex in the visitor parking for less than 24 hours. Tried to get the car back the same day (friday) it was towed only to get told only the registered owner can pick it up. Lady at the front desk said we can get the car anytime tomorrow (Saturday) and saying they are open 24 hours. Come the next day just to be closed. Called the number on the window and lady over the phone states "we are close… you were supposed to make an appointment. We will have someone there within an hour". Really horrible customer service and communication with this company. They are just stealing money from people with ridiculously high prices and horrible communication. Exclusive Auto Care a…High Performance…Eco-Dumpster Junkyards Near Me Our Services Cash for Cars Near Me Makes We Buy Please let me know if additional information, dates, or documentation would be helpful. I appreciate your attention to this matter and trust that it will be reviewed appropriately. Sincerely, September 2026 Updates Coming up! S E P T E M B E R 15: ACLU: Defend Democracy Tour, 6-8pm - TONIGHT! 19: LWVPA Candidate Forum: CITY COUNCIL (Zoom) | 19: TABLING - Community Health Fair, 11-2 22: LWVPA Board Meeting | 22: LWVSCC - Protecting Our Elections (Zoom) 24: LWVPA/PTAC Candidate Forum: SCHOOL BOARD (Zoom) | 24: LWVBA - SB63 Zoom Sept. 24 - Oct. 13: ROV mails county election information guides to all registered voters O C T O B E R 3: Prop 4 Kick-Off | 3: TABLING, Rinconada Library | 3: TABLING, 34th Annual Black College Awareness Fair 5: ROV mails vote by mail packets | 5 thru Nov. 2: Early voting at ROV office 10: Fall Kick-Off Meeting & Speaker - 3:00-4:30pm, Etz Chayim Social Hall From:LWV Palo Alto To:Council, City Subject:Be informed. Be involved. Register for the LWVPA Candidate Forums! Date:Tuesday, September 15, 2026 10:23:38 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of openingattachments and clicking on links. 19: Last day to register to vote for Nov. 3 election with regular ballot 20 -Nov. 3: Conditional voter registration at any Vote Center or ROV office 24 thru Nov. 3: Vote Centers are open 27: Last day to request vote-by-mail replacement N O V E M B E R 3: ELECTION DAY! All vote centers open From Ben & Jerry’s Scoop Shops and LUSH stores to public libraries and universities, the League will be out nationwide registering voters, mobilizing volunteers, and uniting Americans in exercising their right to vote. Over the past 13 years, National Voter Registration Day has helped over 6.5 million Americans register to vote. Make sure you’re ready to make your voice heard at the ballot box. - In League, Team LWV Register Today! The League of Women Voters of Palo Alto is hosting two Candidate Forums for the upcoming election. We invite everyone to come listen to the candidates and learn where they stand on pertinent issues. Bring your friends, family and neighbors! Candidate forums like these are one way the League makes democracy work! We encourage you to submit questions in advance of the forum using the question submission links below or in your registration confirmation email. Time permitting, we'll also take questions during the event. LWVPA Candidate Forums: Palo Alto City Council Candidate Forum (Zoom) Saturday, September 19, 2026 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm (Photo by the Palo Alto Weekly/Palo Alto Online) Palo Alto School Board Candidate Forum (Zoom) Co-Sponsored by PTAC (Palo Alto Council of PTAs) Thursday, September 24, 2026 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm (Photo by the Palo Alto Weekly/Palo Alto Online) Register for the City Council Forum Ask Your Question of Council Candidates Register for the School Board Forum Ask Your Question of School Board Candidates From LWVC: BALLOT GUIDE FROM THE STATE LEAGUE: (Sign up to get alerts like these: see the how-to at the bottom of this email.) Looked at California’s November ballot and thought, “14 propositions?! Where do I even start?” We’ve got you covered! Our state team has dug into all 14 measures to explain what they would do, why they matter, and where the League stands. November 3 Ballot: Vote with the LWV of California Read it all here. Democracy needs YOU to thrive! Can you lend a hand? Make a difference by volunteering! Join our fabulous team of volunteers - everyone 16 and up no matter how you identify is welcome! Learn more about our teams and programs on our website. As a supporter of the League of Women Voters, you care about the strength of our democracy — and about having informed, engaged voters right here in Palo Alto. With less than 2 months to the election, we ask you to take that commitment one step further: could you find a little time to volunteer with us? We have several specific ways you can help, depending on your interests, skills, and availability: Like talking to people at community events? Join us at one of our local tabling events, where we share information on the upcoming elections and ballot measures. Do you enjoy presenting to a group of people on state and local ballot measures? Join our team of presenters and present the nonpartisan summaries of ballot measure pros/cons to community organizations. We’ll provide you the slide deck with speaker notes and resources for getting up to speed on the ballot measures. How about mentoring high school and college students? Join our Youth Voter Program and work alongside high school and college students to promote civic engagement, register/pre-register students and help empower the next generation of voters. Do you enjoy voter outreach work? Help us increase voter turnout in various neighborhoods and among Whether you have a few hours to give or are ready to take on a larger role, there is a place for you. Your time and talents can help us educate and engage voters and strengthen civic participation in our community. We hope you’ll join us! Reach out if you have any questions at contact@lwvpaloalto.org. We look forward to working with you! - Hannah Lu, LWVPA Voter Services Regional Events 9.15 - AN INVITATION FROM TODAY! Defend Democracy Tour - ACLU of Northern California Throughout 2026, ACLU NorCal executive director Abdi Soltani is touring Northern California to highlight and celebrate the ways people are stepping up to defend democracy in its hour of need. We invite ACLU members, partners, and friends to join us at an event near you. Join us in PALO ALTO on September 15, 6-8pm for a briefing and reception. We look forward to meeting with ACLU supporters in your community to thank you, share updates on the ACLU's work nationwide and locally, and provide opportunities for you to get involved in the work to protect our democracy in 2026 and beyond. Learn more at www.aclunorcal.org/tour. September 15, 6-8pm at Mitchell Park Community Center. For questions about the event, please reach out to events@aclunc.org. REGISTER HERE 9.22 - FROM THE LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF SANTA CLARA COUNTY: Protecting Our Elections: How to Prepare for Attacks on the Right to Vote 9.22.26 - 5pm (Zoom) As we head into the November elections, many are concerned about potential threats to voting rights. Join us to hear from voting rights experts from the Brennan Center for Justice and Common Cause California on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. – 6:15 p.m. (PST) via Zoom. The speakers will discuss current threats to voting rights nationally and in California, efforts to safeguard our rights, and steps you can take. Please register for the program. Submit your question here. About our Speakers Justin Lam serves as counsel in the Brennan Center’s Voting Rights and Elections Program. Before joining the center, he clerked for Judge John P. Howard III of the District of Columbia Court of Appeals and Judge Nina R. Morrison of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York. He also worked to advance children’s rights in education and juvenile justice as a public interest fellow at the National Center for Youth Law. Lam earned his bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of California, Los Angeles, and his master of public policy and law degree from the University of California, Berkeley. Brittany Stonesifer is the Senior Program Manager for Voting Rights and Redistricting at Common Cause California, where she leads statewide advocacy and education to ensure that all voters have fair access to the ballot. Stonesifer previously served as Senior Staff Attorney in the Democracy and Civic Engagement Program at ACLU of Northern California and Staff Attorney with Legal Services for Prisoners with Children. She holds her J.D. from University of California Law, San Francisco, her B.A. from The Evergreen State College, and studied international human rights law at the University of London. 9.24 - INVITATION FROM THE LWV BAY AREA RegionalTransit Measure to be on the ballot (SB63) On November 3, voters in five Bay Area Counties will be asked to approve a Regional Transit Measure intended to help maintain the region’s major public transportation systems including BART, AC Transit, Caltrain, and SF Muni. Read the entire article here. Join us for a presentation on SB 63 Thursday, September 24, 6:30-7:30PM via Zoom Register Here 10.3: AN INVITATION FROM RHO DELTA OMEGA CHAPTER OF ALPHA KAPPA ALPHA SORORITY, INC.: Table with us on Oct. 3! We're looking for a few volunteers to help from 12-2pm on OCTOBER 3 as part of the 34th Annual Black College Awareness Fair at College of San Mateo, coordinated by our colleagues in Rho Delta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. As well as doing voter registration of young people, we will be informing guests about the propositions on the November ballot. Interested? Please email us at contact@lwvpaloalto.org. Contact your Members of Congress!Share your thoughts on how they shouldrepresent YOU. Reach them at: FEDERAL: US SENATE: Senator ALEX PADILLA | Senator ADAM SCHIFF US HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES: Representative SAM LICCARDO (16th District) | Find your CA state representative CALIFORNIA: State Assembly District 23 (Palo Alto) - Assemblymember MARC BERMAN Not listed here? Find Your California Representatives Stay Informed! Sign Up for LWV California &LWVUS News & Alerts Click here to sign up for LWVC Newsletter and LWVC Action Alerts Click here to sign up for LWVUS Email News (at bottom) and LWVUS Action Alerts Facebook Website Instagram Copyright © 2026 League of Women Voters Palo Alto, All rights reserved. From Voter Recipient List Email us at lwvpaoffice@gmail.com Our mailing address is: League of Women Voters Palo Alto 3921 E Bayshore Rd Ste 209 Palo Alto, CA 94303-4303 Add us to your address book Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list. Questions? Please contact communications@lwvpaloalto.org. From:Shailo Rao To:Armer, Jennifer Cc:Sauls, Garrett; Shea, Kyle; Jeff Jeff; Gerhardt, Jodie; Sarah Smith Le; Hiral Parekh; City Mgr; pdsdirector; Amy Amy; Ethan Lin; Borjon, David; Vargas-Aguilera, Elisa; Council, City Subject:Re: Formal Neighborhood Complaint Regarding Violation of ADU Zoning Ordinance 18.09.040 Date:Monday, September 14, 2026 8:27:16 PM Attachments:image026.png image030.png image031.png image017.png Outlook-imtrtmeh.png image015.png Outlook-ugsfxxlv.png Outlook-Logo image033.png image014.png Outlook-oqtig1du.png Outlook-2i2ps0mg.png image023.png image003.png image013.png image025.png image018.png Outlook-Logo image021.png Outlook-lxvzfakd.png image004.png image032.png image028.png CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. Jennifer, It's been a week and no response. Do your job. On Tue, Sep 8, 2026 at 7:33 AM Shailo Rao <shailo@gmail.com> wrote: Jennifer, Thank you for your response. However, your email continues the Planning Department’s troubling pattern of hiding behind selective, narrow readings of the municipal code while absolving itself of any duty to protect the privacy, safety, and livability of long-term Palo Alto residents. The assertion that the City has "evaluated whether these provisions apply" and has "no leverage" to intervene collapses under the documented facts of this project. We require the following issues to be placed squarely into the administrative record and addressed by city leadership: 1. The Department’s Track Record of Oversight on this Exact Parcel Your response asks the neighborhood to trust that staff has properly interpreted and applied every applicable code standard to this build. That trust has been thoroughly eroded by this department’s track record on this exact address: The Planning and Building Department previously reviewed, approved, and permitted a 23-foot-tall structure on this very lot—in blatant violation of the strict 17-foot Single-Story Overlay requirement. That massive, illegal error was not caught by staff’s internal reviews; it was uncovered only because our entire neighborhood was forced to do the department’s job, comb through the plans, and file formal complaints to force the City to rescind its mistake. Given that the City already committed a fundamental regulatory failure on this parcel, the reflexive assertion that the current window layout and ADU specifications are completely lawful and beyond review carries no credibility. 2. Abdication of Duty: Telling Taxpayers to Absorb the Costs of City Errors Acknowledging that shifting the mitigation burden to adjacent homeowners "comes at a cost to you" while brushing it off as "not a unique circumstance" is an unacceptable response from municipal officials. The City allowed a speculative house flipper to install clear, operable windows pointed directly into the private, floor-to-ceiling glass living spaces and children’s study rooms of adjacent Eichlers. Suggesting that long-term tax-paying residents should now spend thousands of dollars to plant mature trees, sacrifice their own open space, block their sunlight, and surrender usable yard area to shield against an invasive build is completely upside down. Any required physical buffer, screening, or architectural retrofit belongs on the developer’s property, paid for by the developer. The victims of poor planning should not be billed for the City's oversight. 3. The Fiction of "Zero Leverage" The statement that the City "does not hold leverage over the property owner" is legally and procedurally incorrect: The City holds the ultimate administrative leverage: the Final Building Inspection sign-off and the Certificate of Occupancy. A permit issued on defective premises or through administrative oversight does not grant a developer blanket immunity against municipal nuisance abatement or health and safety enforcement under California Civil Code § 3479. Furthermore, by accepting the developer’s clever labeling of this ADU as a "studio" to bypass egress privacy rules under PAMC 18.09.040(D), the City has facilitated a glaring loophole. If a future owner puts up a simple partition wall to create a bedroom, those clear, operable windows instantly become non- compliant egress windows facing an interior property line without the required opaque glazing. The City is knowingly signing off on a latent code violation. 4. Active Nuisance and Failure to Regulate Basic Neighborhood Harmony Dismissing our complaints regarding the blinding, overnight illumination by claiming the Dark Sky ordinance is not retroactive misses the core issue: Blasting stadium-level construction lighting directly into 5 to 6 neighboring bedrooms through the night is not a matter of whether a specific new ordinance applies—it is an active, actionable private and public nuisance under common law and general municipal police powers. That the Building Inspection Manager had to personally phone the job site just to get lights switched off proves that this developer has operated with total disregard for the community throughout the entire process. Next Steps & Formal Escalation Since Planning staff has repeatedly stated its inability or unwillingness to exercise administrative authority to protect our families, we will not allow this issue to be quietly closed out. 1. Withhold Final Sign-Off: We formally demand that the City withhold the final Certificate of Occupancy for 3935 Duncan Place until an independent, inter- departmental review is conducted on the window operability, grade calculations, and side-yard clearances. 2. City Leadership Review: This entire record—including the initial 23-foot permitting blunder, the multiple verified after-hours citations, the photo City Manager, the City Attorney, the Planning and Transportation Commission, and the City Council. If the City Council's adopted policies in 2023 created loopholes so porous that speculative flippers can strip established residents of basic home privacy, then elected leadership needs to confront that failure directly on this case study before final sign-off is granted. Sincerely, Shailo Rao On Fri, Sep 4, 2026 at 4:42 PM Armer, Jennifer <Jennifer.Armer@paloalto.gov> wrote: Shailo, As staff noted previously, there are instances where the City can apply privacy measures to ADU projects through its objective review process for a building permit. Those are specifically limited to ADUs built under Table 2 of PAMC Section 18.09.040 and the City’s privacy regulations under (k)(2) apply when an egress window faces a neighbor and/or when non-egress windows face a neighbor on an ADU where the first finished floor is two feet or more above grade. Staff have evaluated whether these provisions apply to this project and have determined that they do not. Separately, the City can only apply its Privacy Guidelines for Two-Story homes when application has been proposed; this is not a process available to homes in a single-story overlay. Staff has suggested some alternatives to consider minimizing impacts from this development and while we understand this comes at a cost to you, it is not a unique circumstance. The City does not hold leverage over the property owner to do more than what is required by the code in place at the time the permit was issued. The City’s recent Dark Skies ordinance only covers exterior lighting fixtures for the building – not interior fixtures or lighting from the building. Additionally, it came into effect after this permit was issued. City staff will look to update its ADU code in the future to ensure the privacy standards we can apply are meeting the community’s needs, but those standards would not be retroactively applicable to this project. While we will continue efforts to encourage the contractor to address the concerns and reduce impacts, we cannot require additional changes to this project that go beyond our code requirements. Sincerely, Jennifer JENNIFER ARMER, AICP Assistant Director Planning and Development Services Department (650) 329-2191 | jennifer.armer@paloalto.gov www.paloalto.gov From: Armer, Jennifer <Jennifer.Armer@paloalto.gov> Sent: Wednesday, September 2, 2026 9:23 AM To: shailo@gmail.com <shailo@gmail.com> Cc: Sauls, Garrett <Garrett.Sauls@paloalto.gov> Subject: Re: Formal Neighborhood Complaint Regarding Violation of ADU Zoning Ordinance 18.09.040 Shailo, I appreciate the documentation that you have provided. I find that full understanding is better accomplished through conversation and would welcome the opportunity, should you want to meet. Based on your email below, we will respond to your requests via email. You can expect a response by the end of the week. Sincerely, Jennifer JENNIFER ARMER, AICP Assistant Director Planning and Development Services Department (650) 329-2191 | jennifer.armer@paloalto.gov www.paloalto.gov From: Shailo Rao <shailo@gmail.com> Sent: Tuesday, September 1, 2026 5:35 PM To: Armer, Jennifer <Jennifer.Armer@paloalto.gov> Cc: Sauls, Garrett <Garrett.Sauls@paloalto.gov> Subject: Re: Formal Neighborhood Complaint Regarding Violation of ADU Zoning Ordinance 18.09.040 CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. This can be accomplished over email. Agenda 1. Hear neighbor concerns/project history (Shailo) -- This has been documented over countless emails and Police Reports. Our community has reported everything. Unfortunately these reports have been largely ignored. 2. Describe State mandates and City's regulations/options (Garrett) -- Your turn. 3. Discuss next steps (all) -- Thanks in advance for doing your job. On Tue, Sep 1, 2026 at 5:30 PM Armer, Jennifer <Jennifer.Armer@paloalto.gov> wrote: Shailo, Below is my expectation for this meeting. I would welcome your input. Agenda 1. Hear neighbor concerns/project history (Shailo) 2. Describe State mandates and City's regulations/options (Garrett) 3. Discuss next steps (all) Goal: Common understanding of issues, concerns, constraints, and options. Sincerely, Jennifer JENNIFER ARMER, AICP Assistant Director Planning and Development Services Department (650) 329-2191 | jennifer.armer@paloalto.gov www.paloalto.gov From: Shailo Rao <shailo@gmail.com> Sent: Tuesday, September 1, 2026 4:59 PM To: Armer, Jennifer <Jennifer.Armer@paloalto.gov> Cc: Sauls, Garrett <Garrett.Sauls@paloalto.gov> Subject: Re: Formal Neighborhood Complaint Regarding Violation of ADU Zoning Ordinance 18.09.040 CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. Please provide a clear agenda for this meeting, including the meeting goal. On Tue, Sep 1, 2026 at 3:35 PM Armer, Jennifer <Jennifer.Armer@paloalto.gov> wrote: Hi Shailo, Fridays are a difficult day for site visits and in-person meetings, but I believe you have already had the chance to have Garrett out to the site. With a goal of having an in- person conversation soon, would tomorrow at 2pm or 2:30pm at City Hall be an option for you? Sincerely, Jennifer JENNIFER ARMER, AICP Assistant Director Planning and Development Services Department (650) 329-2191 | jennifer.armer@paloalto.gov www.paloalto.gov From: Shailo Rao <shailo@gmail.com> Sent: Tuesday, September 1, 2026 1:49 PM To: Armer, Jennifer <Jennifer.Armer@paloalto.gov> Cc: Sauls, Garrett <Garrett.Sauls@paloalto.gov> Subject: Re: Formal Neighborhood Complaint Regarding Violation of ADU Zoning Ordinance 18.09.040 CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. Thank you Jennifer. How about this Friday 8:30 at our house 3905 Duncan Pl, Palo Alto, CA 94306? On Tue, Sep 1, 2026 at 8:38 AM Armer, Jennifer <Jennifer.Armer@paloalto.gov> wrote: Good Morning Shailo, Thank you for your detailed emails and efforts to address this situation. I would like to suggest that you, Garrett, and I meet to discuss your concerns and the options and constraints in this situation. For now, I have moved all the other email recipients to bcc, so they don't need to be part of our work to find a time to meet, but if you have other neighbors who wish to join us, please let me know. Is there generally a day of the week and/or time of day that will work well for you? I prefer an in-person meeting if we can find a time that works. Sincerely, Jennifer JENNIFER ARMER, AICP Assistant Director Planning and Development Services Department (650) 329-2191 | jennifer.armer@paloalto.gov www.paloalto.gov From: Shailo Rao <shailo@gmail.com> Sent: Thursday, August 27, 2026 4:43 PM To: Sauls, Garrett <Garrett.Sauls@paloalto.gov> Cc: Shea, Kyle <Kyle.Shea@paloalto.gov>; Jeff Jeff <3325usa@gmail.com>; Gerhardt, Jodie <Jodie.Gerhardt@paloalto.gov>; Sarah Smith Le <sarahsmithle24@gmail.com>; Hiral Parekh <hiral.parekh@gmail.com>; City Mgr <CityMgr@paloalto.gov>; pdsdirector <pdsdirector@PaloAlto.gov>; Amy Amy <2955usa@gmail.com>; Ethan Lin <erzhenlin@gmail.com>; Borjon, David <David.Borjon@paloalto.gov>; Vargas-Aguilera, Elisa <Elisa.Vargas@PaloAlto.gov> Subject: Re: Formal Neighborhood Complaint Regarding Violation of ADU Zoning Ordinance 18.09.040 CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. Hi Garrett, Kyle, and Planning Leadership, Thank you for the updates regarding the temporary outreach to the project manager on the lighting issues. However, suggesting that adjacent homeowners should spend thousands of dollars to plant mature landscaping on our own properties to shield against an invasive build completely misplaces the burden of this project’s impacts. The surrounding neighborhood should not bear the financial, spatial, and logistical burden of mitigating a speculative developer’s poor site design. The City has an administrative duty of care to protect the livelihood, privacy, and safety of its established tax-paying residents. We ask that the Planning and Development Services leadership review the following critical points before any final inspections, approvals, or occupancy certificates are granted: 1. Shifting the Remediation Burden is Inappropriate Suggesting that established homeowners plant screening trees on their side of the fence fails basic planning fairness: Our properties are historic Eichlers built around signature glass architecture and established backyard footprints. Forcing neighbors to eliminate their own sunlight, open yard space, and property functionality to shield against clear windows that never should have been approved in this orientation is an unreasonable demand. Any required landscape buffer, physical screening, or architectural mitigation belongs on the developer’s parcel, not on the surrounding community. 2. Operational Band-Aids Do Not Solve the Permanent "Lighthouse" Effect While we appreciate Kyle contacting the site manager regarding job site lighting, this only addresses an active construction infraction. As demonstrated by the photographs submitted across multiple nights, the elevation and unrestricted window placement create an intrusive "lighthouse" beaming directly into the bedrooms and living areas of 5 to 6 neighboring families. Once construction finishes and the house is sold, city staff will not be calling the new tenant every evening. A permanent architectural remedy is required now, while the City still holds regulatory leverage before sign-off. 3. The Failure of Local Enforcement vs. Holistic City Authority The Planning Department continues to rely on technicalities—treating this structure as a "studio" to bypass egress privacy rules and citing grade thresholds to avoid window restrictions. Relying on these technical loopholes ignores the City’s broader authority under PAMC Chapter 18.12/18.40 (Single-Family Residential Compatibility) and California Nuisance Law (Civil Code § 3479). A Single-Story Overlay was enacted specifically to protect neighborhood light, air, and character. Allowing a speculative developer to construct high, un-screened viewing planes that directly look into our children's study and living spaces represents an active breakdown in local zoning protections. Required Conditions for Final Sign-Off To resolve this issue equitably before occupancy is permitted, we demand that the City attach the following mandatory conditions to 3935 Duncan Place: 1. Mandatory Removal of Invasive Windows: Require the developer to completely remove all clear, operable side- and rear-facing windows overlooking 3905 and 3881 Duncan Place. These walls must be enclosed as solid walls or retrofitted strictly as high, fixed non-operable openings with zero operability or direct line of sight into private living spaces. 2. On-Site Developer Landscaping: Require the developer to install tall, evergreen privacy trees and screening on their property boundary before final inspection sign-off. 3. Lighting & Photometric Compliance: Mandate fully shielded, downward-directed fixtures (Dark Sky compliance) and automated cut-off timers on all exterior/interior boundary-facing illumination. We are not asking for special treatment; we are asking the City of Palo Alto to enforce basic standards of safety, privacy, and neighborhood compatibility. We look forward to an update from Director Lait and department leadership on how the City intends to enforce these necessary mitigations prior to final sign-off. Sincerely, Shailo Rao On Thu, Aug 27, 2026 at 8:16 AM Sauls, Garrett <Garrett.Sauls@paloalto.gov> wrote: Hi all, It sounds like Kyle spoke to the project manager who agreed to ensure the lights are turned off at the end of the day. If that hasn’t been happening, please let us know and we’ll follow up with them. Unfortunately, our code doesn’t have requirements for landscape screening between properties whether it’s an ADU or a new home and adjacent properties unless they go through the two-story design review process so we cannot require those to be implemented here. We do have privacy measures for ADUs that meet certain criteria which we described before this one does not meet. I have seen other scenarios where neighbors will plant landscaping on their side of the property to provide them more privacy. I understand your frustrations with this project and the limits of the City’s ordinances. Unfortunately, even if the codes change in the future, I haven’t seen us retroactively apply these standards to projects that have permits issued before that ordinance took effect. Best regards, Garrett Sauls Principal Planner Planning and Development Services Department (650) 329-2471 | Garrett.Sauls@PaloAlto.gov Parcel Report | Palo Alto Municipal Code | Online Permitting System | Planning Application Forms & Handouts | Permit Applications Mapped | Schedule AnAppointment From: Shailo Rao <shailo@gmail.com> Sent: Tuesday, August 25, 2026 4:51 PM To: Shea, Kyle <Kyle.Shea@paloalto.gov> Cc: Jeff Jeff <3325usa@gmail.com>; Sauls, Garrett <Garrett.Sauls@paloalto.gov>; Gerhardt, Jodie <Jodie.Gerhardt@paloalto.gov>; Sarah Smith Le <sarahsmithle24@gmail.com>; Hiral Parekh <hiral.parekh@gmail.com>; City Mgr <CityMgr@paloalto.gov>; pdsdirector <pdsdirector@PaloAlto.gov>; Amy Amy <2955usa@gmail.com>; Ethan Lin <erzhenlin@gmail.com>; Borjon, David <David.Borjon@paloalto.gov>; Vargas-Aguilera, Elisa <Elisa.Vargas@PaloAlto.gov> Subject: Re: Formal Neighborhood Complaint Regarding Violation of ADU Zoning Ordinance 18.09.040 CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. What's the long term solution? On Thu, Aug 20, 2026 at 12:11 PM Shailo Rao <shailo@gmail.com> wrote: Thank you Kyle, but assuming this unprofessional construction company even complies, this is nothing more than just a temporary bandaid. What's the long term solution to the lighthouse created by this house flipper's cheap design? Please be proactive here. The city should never have approved these plans and allowed the construction of this eyesore to get this far. This light was also on for for 2 straight nights. You acted way too slowly here again. You completely ignored Hiral Parekh's email 2 nights ago. Do better. On Thu, Aug 20, 2026 at 11:08 AM Shea, Kyle <Kyle.Shea@paloalto.gov> wrote: Good morning Jeff, I reached out to project manager yesterday regarding lights being left on throughout the night. He returned my call this morning and I have requested that all lights are off at the end of the day. Thank you Kyle Kyle Shea, CASp Building Inspection Manager Planning and Development Department O: (650) 617-3507 C: (650) 313-1897| Kyle.Shea@PaloAlto.gov www.PaloAlto.gov From: Jeff Jeff <3325usa@gmail.com> Sent: Thursday, August 20, 2026 9:38 AM To: Sauls, Garrett <Garrett.Sauls@paloalto.gov> Cc: shailo@gmail.com; Gerhardt, Jodie <Jodie.Gerhardt@paloalto.gov>; Sarah Smith Le <sarahsmithle24@gmail.com>; Shea, Kyle <Kyle.Shea@paloalto.gov>; Hiral Parekh <hiral.parekh@gmail.com>; City Mgr <CityMgr@paloalto.gov>; pdsdirector <pdsdirector@PaloAlto.gov>; Amy Amy <2955usa@gmail.com>; Ethan Lin <erzhenlin@gmail.com>; Borjon, David <David.Borjon@paloalto.gov>; Vargas-Aguilera, Elisa <Elisa.Vargas@PaloAlto.gov> Subject: Re: Formal Neighborhood Complaint Regarding Violation of ADU Zoning Ordinance 18.09.040 CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. I am writing to bring an urgent local issue to your attention regarding a major oversight in city planning and code enforcement in Palo Alto. The City of Palo Alto recently allowed real estate developers and speculators to construct a massively tall and oversized new house right in the middle of our traditional Eichler neighborhood. Because iconic Eichler homes feature expansive glass walls, floor-to-ceiling windows, and continuous open outdoor spaces, living here is like living in a "fishbowl." Constructing such a massive structure right next to us feels like erecting a giant "lighthouse" directly over these fishbowls. Furthermore, these developers routinely keep all the electric lights on bright late into the night. The harsh light beams directly through the glass windows of 5 to 6 neighboring homes, severe disrupting residents' sleep. Despite these invasive conditions, the City has failed to enforce basic protections: Developers have not been required to turn off or dim lights at night. No temporary blackout curtains have been mandated to prevent light from shining into neighboring windows. Developers have not been required to plant tall privacy trees to buffer the visual and lighting impact on adjacent properties. Jeff Huang 3881 Duncan Place 於 2026年8月20日週四，上午8:07寫道： Good morning, Shailo, After speaking with the Chief Building Official and Planning Director, they agreed that Kyle and mine’s on-site measurement confirmed that the proposed building is consistent with the City’s regulations. As they are consistent with the requirements in our municipal code, we cannot require that the applicant do more than that. To your concerns around the tree roots and protection measures, please connect with my colleague Peter Gollinger in Urban Forestry: Peter.Gollinger@PaloAlto.gov. Best regards, Garrett Sauls Principal Planner Planning and Development Services Department (650) 329-2471 | Garrett.Sauls@PaloAlto.gov Parcel Report | Palo Alto Municipal Code | Online Permitting System | Planning Application Forms & Handouts | Permit Applications Mapped | Schedule An Appointment From: Shailo Rao <shailo@gmail.com> Sent: Wednesday, August 19, 2026 8:27 PM To: Sauls, Garrett <Garrett.Sauls@paloalto.gov> Cc: Gerhardt, Jodie <Jodie.Gerhardt@paloalto.gov>; Sarah Smith Le <sarahsmithle24@gmail.com>; Shea, Kyle <Kyle.Shea@paloalto.gov>; Hiral Parekh <hiral.parekh@gmail.com>; Jeff Jeff <3325usa@gmail.com>; City Mgr <CityMgr@paloalto.gov>; pdsdirector <pdsdirector@PaloAlto.gov>; Amy Amy <2955usa@gmail.com>; Ethan Lin <erzhenlin@gmail.com>; Borjon, David <David.Borjon@paloalto.gov>; Vargas-Aguilera, Elisa <Elisa.Vargas@PaloAlto.gov> Subject: Re: Formal Neighborhood Complaint Regarding Violation of ADU Zoning Ordinance 18.09.040 CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. How could this be approved by the city? On Wed, Aug 19, 2026 at 7:56 PM Shailo Rao <shailo@gmail.com> wrote: It has been 48 days without a response. On Tue, Aug 18, 2026 at 6:07 PM Shailo Rao <shailo@gmail.com> wrote: Please respond. This house flipper has created a dangerous situation. They can literally look directly into our kid's study room, living room, and kitchen. We can do the same for their cheaply constructed house. They are also making all neighbors uncomfortable with their viewing area. Please inspect this construction's current state. There are zero fire access reasons for this invasive design, On Thu, Jul 2, 2026 at 8:00 AM Shailo Rao <shailo@gmail.com> wrote: Hi Garrett, Thank you for your response and for performing the on-site measurement with Kyle. We appreciate your transparency regarding the methodology used under PAMC 18.04.030(64)(B) and your consultation with the Chief Building Official. While we understand that your department is executing a literal application of the text regarding studio egress, we cannot accept that a technical loophole should absolve a speculative project from holistic city compliance. Because this build creates an active, permanent privacy and safety intrusion into our homes, we are maintaining our formal complaint. However, rather than placing the burden on the surrounding neighborhood to absorb this impact or spend personal time drafting municipal petitions, the burden of proof and administrative due diligence must rest squarely on the applicant and the City. To resolve this conflict and ensure absolute compliance before any further structural inspections or occupancy permits are signed off, we request that the City mandate the following actions: 1. Developer Must Provide a Certified Topographic and Civil Survey While we appreciate your field tape-measurement, a manual measurement does not substitute for a certified engineering layout on a sloped R-1 lot where inches dictate code compliance. Because we formally contest the grading baselines used by the applicant, the City should require the developer to submit a certified, stamped topographic survey from a licensed civil engineer validating the exact, un-altered pre-construction natural grade. Construction progress on the ADU envelope should be placed on an administrative hold until the developer funds and provides this precise data to your department for verification. 2. Mandatory Inter-Departmental Referral to Urban Forestry The structural footprint, foundation excavation, and utility trenching for this ADU run directly along our shared property lines, deeply encroaching into the Tree Protection Zones (TPZ) of our mature, established landscaping. Under PAMC Chapter 8.10, the developer is legally required to maintain strict protection protocols. We request that the Planning Department formally refer this project to the Urban Forestry Division to open an active field investigation file. The developer should be required to submit an independent arborist's report proving that their excavation has not permanently compromised or damaged the protected root systems of adjacent properties. 3. Planning Department Referral to City Council on ADU Ordinance Failures You mentioned that the City Council adopted these rules in 2023 believing they were appropriate. However, this project stands as a textbook case study of how speculative builders can easily manipulate "studio" designations and minor grading thresholds to completely subvert the single-story overlay protections of Palo Alto's historic Eichler neighborhoods. As the administrative body overseeing these codes, we request that the Planning Department flag this active enforcement failure directly to the Planning Commission and City Council as part of your department's ongoing monitoring of state and local ADU policy impacts. The onus shouldn't be on the residents to write policy petitions to fix a clear regulatory gap that your team has now physically witnessed on-site. Moving Forward Ultimately, our neighborhood group is asking for a livable, common-sense resolution. The simplest way for the developer to clear these administrative hurdles, satisfy the neighborhood, and avoid a prolonged timeline is to immediately retrofit the highly invasive windows with factory-frosted opaque glazing or high clerestory openings. Until the developer provides a certified civil survey and arborist compliance verification, we request that the city withhold further inspection sign-offs on the 3935 Duncan Pl structure. Thank you for your continued partnership and for ensuring our city codes are held to the highest standard of accountability. Warm regards, Shailo On Wed, Jul 1, 2026 at 9:21 AM Sauls, Garrett <Garrett.Sauls@paloalto.gov> wrote: Hi Shailo, Kyle Shea and I were able to go out to the property last week to evaluate the height of the structure. Looking at the property, we noted the following: 1. The height of the ADU and window placement comply with the requirements I referenced before. To determine this, we took a measurement from existing grade at the adjacent properties which reflected what grade was prior to construction (consistent with how we measure grade based on PAMC 18.04.030(64)(B) for R-1 lots with slope changes of less than 10%) and measured to the first finished floor inside the building. The height did not exceed two feet which is the threshold for when the ADU privacy requirements must be incorporated into the structure. 2. Kyle and I spoke with the Chief Building Official about your concerns about the windows not being classified as EERO windows. The Chief Building Official echoed our previous response that the residential building code only requires one emergency escape and rescue opening. The door is designated as the required opening for this studio and so these windows would not be considered as egress windows. In addition, the windows which face your property are physically limited by the placement of the fence and would not qualify as egress points from the structure. As a result, we cannot apply our ADU privacy regulations to these windows. The City does not have privacy measures for single-story homes, only two-story homes. Council adopted privacy regulations for second dwelling units, but they only apply under the circumstances that I highlighted before. In this case, we are unable to apply these rules to this project. Best regards, Garrett Sauls Principal Planner Planning and Development Services Department (650) 329-2471 | Garrett.Sauls@PaloAlto.gov Parcel Report | Palo Alto Municipal Code | Online Permitting System | Planning Application Forms & Handouts | Permit Applications Mapped | Schedule AnAppointment From: Shailo Rao <shailo@gmail.com> Sent: Wednesday, June 24, 2026 11:52 PM To: Sauls, Garrett <Garrett.Sauls@paloalto.gov> Cc: Gerhardt, Jodie <Jodie.Gerhardt@paloalto.gov>; Sarah Smith Le <sarahsmithle24@gmail.com>; Shea, Kyle <Kyle.Shea@paloalto.gov>; Hiral Parekh <hiral.parekh@gmail.com>; Jeff Jeff <3325usa@gmail.com>; City Mgr <CityMgr@paloalto.gov>; pdsdirector <pdsdirector@PaloAlto.gov>; Amy Amy <2955usa@gmail.com>; Ethan Lin <erzhenlin@gmail.com>; Borjon, David <David.Borjon@paloalto.gov>; Vargas-Aguilera, Elisa <Elisa.Vargas@PaloAlto.gov> Subject: Re: Formal Neighborhood Complaint Regarding Violation of ADU Zoning Ordinance 18.09.040 CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. Hi Garrett, Thank you for the update and for arranging the upcoming site visit with the inspection manager. We genuinely appreciate your proactive approach in verifying whether the physical construction matches the approved plan sets. While we acknowledge your point regarding the explicit tiering of certain rules under the single-story overlay, we must firmly push back on the notion that the City lacks any administrative framework to address severe, deleterious privacy impacts caused by single-story primary dwellings or ground-level ADUs. Before your site visit, we ask that your department evaluate the following established planning principles and municipal hooks, which we stand by firmly: 1. Palo Alto Single-Family Residential Design Guidelines Apply to All Dwellings While PAMC Chapter 18.12 and the Single-Story Overlay (S-Overlay) regulate specific structural metrics like height and floor-area ratios, primary single-family home approvals remain fundamentally bound by the City of Palo Alto Single-Family Residential Design Guidelines (adopted by City Council resolution). These compatibility standards do not expire or become optional simply because a home is single-story. The guidelines explicitly dictate that window placement must minimize direct privacy impacts on adjacent neighbors, specifically recommending the offset of windows, utilization of high-sill/clerestory openings, and obscured glass when facing the primary living spaces of adjacent properties. The developer’s choice to place low, clear, operable windows directly parallel to our historic, floor-to-ceiling Eichler glass walls directly violates the core compatibility tenets of these city-adopted standards. 2. Strict Field Verification of the ADU "Two-Foot Grade" Threshold (PAMC 18.09.040(E)) We are very glad the inspection manager is visiting the site, as this is where paper schematics must confront real-world topography. Because the lot at 3935 Duncan Pl sits on a natural slope relative to 3905 and 3881 Duncan Pl, a measurement that looks compliant on a flat blueprint can easily manifest as a violation in the field. We formally request that the inspector measure the finished floor height relative to the actual, pre-existing natural grade at our shared property lines, rather than an artificial benchmark or modified grade fill imported by the construction crew. If the physical framing or concrete slab sits 2 feet or more above the true adjacent grade facing our yards, the privacy mandates of Section 18.09.040(E) must be retroactively enforced. 3. The Predictable "Studio" Loophole and Future Enforcement Burden By designating the ADU as a "studio" to establish the entry door as the sole legal path of egress, the developer has bypassed the window privacy rule (18.09.040(D)) on paper. However, if a future occupant adds a cosmetic partition wall to create a separated sleeping area—a highly predictable layout modification for a speculative flip—these exact windows will instantly become non-compliant, unpermitted egress openings. The City should not permit a speculative builder to bake a structural code conflict into the property's footprint, leaving long-term residents to bear the future enforcement burden. Coordinating the Site Visit We remain fully committed to working collaboratively with your office to find an equitable, livable solution. A simple, permanent remedy—such as requiring the developer to use factory-frosted opaque glazing or high-set window retrofits on the walls facing our properties—fully protects our families' privacy without reducing the developer's built square footage. Please let us know the scheduled date and time of your site inspection. We would like to ensure we are home to grant you and the inspection manager access to our backyards, allowing you to see the exact, unfiltered line of sight from our living spaces. Warm regards, Shailo On Wed, Jun 24, 2026 at 8:14 AM Sauls, Garrett <Garrett.Sauls@paloalto.gov> wrote: Hi Shailo, Thank you for your email. We appreciate the concerns you raised previously in addition to the items you noted in your email below from yesterday. I am coordinating with the inspection manager to go to the site to determine whether they have built their project according to the approved plans we have on file. If there are any issues that I note which affect the need for privacy measures for the ADU, then I will let all you know. Can you clarify which specific provisions you are referencing in section 3 below regarding privacy from the single-family home? Palo Alto has a design review process and privacy measures for two-story homes, but we do not have privacy measures for single-story homes except as they apply to ADU/JADUs under PAMC 18.09.040 and .050. Given that the properties within this area have a single-story overlay, a two-story home would not be permissible where we would apply privacy measures. If there is a separate neighborhood organization for the eichler neighborhood that manages architectural style or design through CC&Rs, that is a private entity and rules that come from it are only privately enforceable. I stand by the response I provided before regarding egress windows and when privacy measures apply. The Council adopted ordinance, and the conversations I had with them around this issue in 2023, discussed many of the concerns you raised. Ultimately, they adopted these rules and felt they were appropriate. If you have any questions, let me know. Best regards, Garrett Sauls Principal Planner Planning and Development Services Department (650) 329-2471 | Garrett.Sauls@PaloAlto.gov Parcel Report | Palo Alto Municipal Code | Online Permitting System | Planning Application Forms & Handouts | Permit Applications Mapped | Schedule An Appointment From: Shailo Rao <shailo@gmail.com> Sent: Tuesday, June 23, 2026 9:05 AM To: Sauls, Garrett <Garrett.Sauls@paloalto.gov> Cc: Gerhardt, Jodie <Jodie.Gerhardt@paloalto.gov>; Sarah Smith Le <sarahsmithle24@gmail.com>; Shea, Kyle <Kyle.Shea@paloalto.gov>; Hiral Parekh <hiral.parekh@gmail.com>; Jeff Jeff <3325usa@gmail.com>; City Mgr <CityMgr@paloalto.gov>; pdsdirector <pdsdirector@PaloAlto.gov>; Amy Amy <2955usa@gmail.com>; Ethan Lin <erzhenlin@gmail.com>; Borjon, David <David.Borjon@paloalto.gov>; Vargas-Aguilera, Elisa <Elisa.Vargas@PaloAlto.gov> Subject: Re: Formal Neighborhood Complaint Regarding Violation of ADU Zoning Ordinance 18.09.040 CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. Dear Mr. Sauls and Ms. Vargas-Aguilera, Thank you for your response dated May 1, 2026. We appreciate the Planning Department's technical review of the architectural plans for 3935 Duncan Pl. However, we strongly disagree with your narrow interpretation of the Palo Alto Municipal Code (PAMC). The current construction creates an unprecedented, severe privacy intrusion that directly violates both the letter and the legislative intent of Palo Alto’s zoning ordinances. This correspondence serves as our formal Notice of Zoning Non-Compliance. We urge the Planning Department to issue an immediate Stop Work Order (Cease and Desist) on all window installations and wall enclosures facing our interior property lines until these issues are legally resolved. We submit the following points for the administrative record: 1. Defective "Studio" Designation and Egress Loophole (PAMC 18.09.040(D)) Your letter notes that because the applicant labeled the structure a "studio unit" rather than a traditional one-bedroom, the entry door is designated as the primary egress path, thereby rendering PAMC 18.09.040(D) inapplicable to the windows. As a matter of law and public safety, this interpretation is deeply defective: Secondary Egress Reality: Under California Building Code (CBC) Chapter 10, any window of sufficient dimension in a habitable space can and will function as a secondary emergency escape and rescue opening. Violation of Mandatory Code Language: PAMC 18.09.040(D) states explicitly: “Where feasible, egress windows... shall not face towards an adjacent interior property line. If this is not feasible, then these windows shall utilize opaque glazing on the whole window.” The code uses the mandatory term “shall.” The "Where Feasible" Standard: The developer had ample alternative orientations (frontage, rear yard depth, or internal courtyard layout) to place these windows. Positioning large, clear, operable windows directly looking into our historic Eichler floor-to-ceiling glass walls fails the legal test of "feasibility." Labeling a unit a studio to bypass neighborhood privacy mandates constitutes an impermissible circumvention of local zoning restrictions. 2. Physical Fact-Checking of Finished Grade Height (PAMC 18.09.040(E)) Your review of the developer's submitted blueprint sets indicates that the first finished floor is not two feet or greater from grade. We formally challenge the accuracy of the applicant's submitted grade charts: Due to the specific topographical slope of the lots on Duncan Pl, the structure's physical height relative to the actual, existing natural grade bordering 3905 and 3881 Duncan Pl creates a severe, elevated vantage point. Plan sets submitted by speculative house-flippers often rely on idealized or altered "finished grades" rather than existing natural topography. We demand an independent, on-site measurement by a city building inspector to verify the exact distance from the actual ground level to the top of the subfloor framing before any further structural inspections are approved. 3. Failure of the Primary Residence to Meet Neighborhood Compatibility Standards Our initial filing concerned privacy violations stemming from both the ADU and the main residential structure. Your response omitted any mention of the primary home. While the 2023 City Council discussions you cited may have limited certain uniform privacy restrictions on one-story ADUs, they absolutely did not strip the City of its authority or duty to enforce privacy mandates on primary single-family residential construction. Under Palo Alto's Single-Family Residential Design Guidelines and Contextual Standards (PAMC 18.12/18.40), new structures must be compatible with the existing neighborhood fabric. Constructing clear, direct- sight windows facing the private, glass-walled rears of established Eichler homes violates these long-standing city development standards. 4. Demand for Immediate Administrative Action A house flipper operates on an abbreviated timeline to maximize profit and exit the community, leaving permanent, irreparable damage to the privacy, safety, and property values of long-term residents. To prevent this matter from escalating to formal litigation under California’s private nuisance laws and Article I, Section 1 of the California Constitution (Inalienable Right to Privacy), we request that the City immediately take the following actions: 1. Halt Construction / Issue a Stop Work Order on the framing, window installation, and siding of the walls directly facing 3905 and 3881 Duncan Pl. 2. Mandate a Corrective Plan Revision requiring the developer to retrofit all side/interiors-facing windows on both structures to utilize high-set, non-operable clerestory windows or permanent, factory-installed opaque/frosted glazing. 3. Conduct an On-Site Inspection alongside the affected neighbors to verify the actual visual impact and lines of sight from our living rooms. We are fully prepared to protect our families and our community's architectural integrity through all available administrative and legal channels. We look forward to your prompt response and the scheduling of an immediate on-site inspection. Sincerely, Shailo Rao Resident and Property Owner, 3905 Duncan Pl On Tue, May 12, 2026 at 8:08 AM Sauls, Garrett <Garrett.Sauls@paloalto.gov> wrote: Good morning Shailo, Thank you for sharing this additional information. We are going to the Planning and Transportation Commission tomorrow to discuss changes to our ADU ordinance if you want to attend and provide your feedback and experience. The item will be heard around 6:15pm and you are welcome to attend virtually or in person to provide that feedback. Please note that the project complies with our code requirements and any changes to the code in the future would could not be applied retroactively to this project. Best regards Garrett Sauls Principal Planner Planning and Development Services Department (650) 329-2471 | Garrett.Sauls@PaloAlto.gov Parcel Report | Palo Alto Municipal Code | Online Permitting System | Planning Application Forms & Handouts | Permit Applications Mapped | Schedule An Appointment From: Shailo Rao <shailo@gmail.com> Sent: Monday, May 11, 2026 6:14 PM To: Sauls, Garrett <Garrett.Sauls@paloalto.gov> Cc: Gerhardt, Jodie <Jodie.Gerhardt@paloalto.gov>; Sarah Smith Le <sarahsmithle24@gmail.com>; Shea, Kyle <Kyle.Shea@paloalto.gov>; Hiral Parekh <hiral.parekh@gmail.com>; Jeff Jeff <3325usa@gmail.com>; City Mgr <CityMgr@paloalto.gov>; pdsdirector <pdsdirector@PaloAlto.gov>; Amy Amy <2955usa@gmail.com>; Ethan Lin <erzhenlin@gmail.com>; Borjon, David <David.Borjon@paloalto.gov>; Vargas-Aguilera, Elisa <Elisa.Vargas@PaloAlto.gov>; Reckdahl, Keith <Keith.Reckdahl@paloalto.gov> Subject: Re: Formal Neighborhood Complaint Regarding Violation of ADU Zoning Ordinance 18.09.040 CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. Please see attached photos. The house flipper has created a mess where they can look directly into both of houses (living / dining areas). This is an invasion of our privacy and risks the safety of our families. If current city codes allow for this situation, they need to be updated. This should not be happening in our community. On Mon, May 4, 2026 at 2:38 PM Sauls, Garrett <Garrett.Sauls@paloalto.gov> wrote: Hi Shailo, Thank you for reaching out and I apologize I didn’t respond sooner as I had to confirm a couple things before responding. Firstly, I am removing Brian from this thread as he is on leave. I have included his manager, Elisa Vargas-Aguilera, to this thread instead. Looking into the project further, I have the following feedback: 1. PAMC 18.09.040(D) identifies that egress windows either need to face neighboring property lines or utilize opaque glazing on the whole of the window. Egress windows are windows that are required for emergency exiting in the event of a fire or other life safety event. Typically, these are required from individual bedrooms but in this case, the applicant proposed a studio unit which doesn’t have a closed off bedroom separate from the rest of the unit. When a studio unit is proposed, the entrance to the unit serves as the egress. In speaking with the inspection manager, he confirmed that the plans do not call out the proposed windows as egress windows. Unless these windows were egress windows, we cannot apply this rule to the project. 2. PAMC 18.09.040(E) identifies that when the first finished floor of the ADU is two feet or greater in height from grade, then non-egress windows that face a neighboring property must have a five-foot sill height (if operable) or use opaque glazing on the window (up to five feet from the finished floor of the unit). As shown in the images below from the plan set, the proposed structure’s first finished floor is not two feet or greater from grade. Unfortunately, we cannot apply this rule to the project either. For some context, I spoke with the Planning Commission and City Council about these rules in 2023 and at that time, there wasn’t majority support to uniformly apply privacy rules to one-story ADUs, just to two-story structures with these specific caveats for certain circumstances. We appreciate the concerns that you’ve raised and want to continue to work with you when there are construction related issues that come up which you highlighted before. Hopefully, those haven’t continued since we spoke last. If you have any questions, please let me know. Best regards, Garrett Sauls Principal Planner Planning and Development Services Department (650) 329-2471 | Garrett.Sauls@PaloAlto.gov Parcel Report | Palo Alto Municipal Code | Online Permitting System | Planning Application Forms & Handouts | Permit Applications Mapped | Schedule AnAppointment From: Shailo Rao <shailo@gmail.com> Sent: Friday, May 1, 2026 7:31 AM To: Sauls, Garrett <Garrett.Sauls@paloalto.gov>; Gerhardt, Jodie <Jodie.Gerhardt@paloalto.gov> Cc: Sarah Smith Le <sarahsmithle24@gmail.com>; Shea, Kyle <Kyle.Shea@paloalto.gov>; Hiral Parekh <hiral.parekh@gmail.com>; Jeff Jeff <3325usa@gmail.com>; City Mgr <CityMgr@paloalto.gov>; pdsdirector <pdsdirector@PaloAlto.gov>; Amy Amy <2955usa@gmail.com>; Reynolds, Brian <Brian.Reynolds@paloalto.gov>; Ethan Lin <erzhenlin@gmail.com>; Borjon, David <David.Borjon@paloalto.gov> Subject: Formal Neighborhood Complaint Regarding Violation of ADU Zoning Ordinance 18.09.040 CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. To the Palo Alto Planning and Development Services Department: We, the residents of 3905 Duncan Pl and 3881 Duncan Pl, are writing to formally submit a collaborative complaint regarding the ongoing construction at 3935 Duncan Pl. While we support the thoughtful addition of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) within our community, the current development at this address demonstrates a clear disregard for Palo Alto’s privacy standards and specific zoning ordinances, creating an untenable situation for our families. 1. Violation of ADU Zoning Code 18.09.040 The construction of the ADU and main residence includes clear, operable windows that directly face the interior property lines of our homes. This design stands in direct violation of Palo Alto Municipal Code 18.09.040 (D) and (E), which outlines clear standards for privacy and window placement: Sill Height and Operability (18.09.040.E): Because the first finished floor of this unit is elevated, the current installation of low, clear, operable windows violates the requirement for a minimum five-foot sill height for operable windows or opaque glazing for the lower half of non-operable windows. Glazing Requirements (18.09.040.D): The windows at 3935 Duncan Pl are currently clear and operable, directly overlooking our private living spaces. Per the code, egress windows must utilize opaque glazing. 2. Impact on Privacy and Safety Our homes are classic Eichler designs, characterized by signature floor-to-ceiling glass walls at the rear. This architectural style relies heavily on the privacy of our backyards. The windows at 3935 Duncan Pl are positioned such that they have a direct, unobstructed line of sight into our: Kitchens and dining areas Family rooms Study rooms and private home offices This is not merely a matter of aesthetics; it is a significant safety and privacy concern. Our households include young children whose daily activities are now completely visible to a revolving door of contractors and future occupants of a "spec" house. 3. Community Standards and Past Precedents When we remodeled our own homes, we worked closely with the City to ensure our designs respected our neighbors' privacy. For instance, the wall at 3905 Duncan Pl facing 3881 Duncan Pl utilizes high-set, non-operable windows to ensure no line of sight into the neighbor’s yard. The developer at 3935 Duncan Pl has shown a pattern of disruption and disregard for these established community norms. As this project is a "house flip," the current owners lack a long-term stake in the harmony of our street, yet their construction choices will leave a permanent negative impact on the privacy and property values of our established homes. 4. Requested Action We respectfully request that the City of Palo Alto Code Enforcement Division conduct a site inspection to verify these violations. We ask that the following corrective measures be mandated before any final permits are signed off: 1. Relocate all windows facing 3905 and 3881 Duncan Pl with opaque/frosted glazing with no viewing ability as required by Code 18.09.040. 2. Modify operable windows to comply with the five-foot sill height requirement to prevent direct overlooking. We value the character of Palo Alto and the safety of our neighborhood. We are happy to meet with a city inspector on-site to demonstrate the severity of the privacy intrusion from our vantage point. Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter and for your dedication to maintaining the standards of our community. Sincerely, Shailo Rao Resident of 3905 Duncan Pl From:Shailo Rao To:Hiral Parekh Cc:Shea, Kyle; City Mgr; Reynolds, Brian; pdsdirector; Council, City; Gerhardt, Jodie; Ethan Lin; Jeff Jeff; Sarah Smith Le; Amy Amy; kibert724@yahoo.com Subject:Re: 3935 Duncan Place - intrusive bright lights and big windows Date:Monday, September 14, 2026 8:15:56 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Once again the lighthouse is on. Once again the city did not do anything here. Earn your paychecks. On Wed, Aug 19, 2026 at 8:00 PM Shailo Rao <shailo@gmail.com> wrote: Response please. Please stop reckless house flippers from ruining our community. On Wed, Aug 19, 2026 at 8:27 AM Hiral Parekh <hiral.parekh@gmail.com> wrote: Dear Members of the City Council and Planning Department, As a brief follow-up, I wanted to highlight the Palo Alto standards that appear most relevant to the impacts we are experiencing at 3905 Duncan Place: ADU privacy standards — PAMC §18.09.040: Palo Alto includes objective privacy protections for ADUs, including requirements addressing windows that face adjacent residential properties. First-floor windows: For certain first-floor windows facing an adjacent interior property line, the Code requires additional privacy protection depending on the height of the finished floor above grade and whether the window is an egress window. These protections can include opaque glazing, elevated sill heights, or alternative window placement. Egress windows: Where feasible, first-floor egress windows should not face an adjacent interior property line. Where that cannot be avoided, opaque glazing may be required. Window placement: The Code also encourages the use of skylights instead of operable windows facing adjacent properties where feasible, reflecting the City’s intent to reduce direct privacy impacts. ADU exterior lighting — PAMC §18.09.040(k)(2)(G): Exterior lighting must be directed downward and may not direct light toward adjacent interior property lines. Outdoor lighting — PAMC §18.40.250: Palo Alto requires outdoor lighting to be shielded and directed to prevent light trespass and minimize impacts on neighboring properties. In low-density residential areas, spillover lighting onto adjacent properties is not allowed. Given these provisions, I am asking the City to review both the approved plans and the completed construction at 3935 Duncan Place and determine specifically whether the window placement, glazing, sightlines, exterior lighting, and as-built conditions comply with the applicable standards. I would also appreciate confirmation of which ADU ordinance and privacy standards were applied to this project when it was approved. Thank you, Hiral Parekh 3905 Duncan Place On Tue, Aug 18, 2026 at 9:20 PM Hiral Parekh <hiral.parekh@gmail.com> wrote: Dear Members of the Palo Alto City Council and Planning Department, I am writing about the ADU expansion and rebuild approved at 3935 Duncan Place and the direct impact it has had on our home at 3905 Duncan Place. The result is unacceptable. The new structure sits in extremely close proximity to our property and directly overlooks our home and backyard. Bright indoor and outdoor lighting faces our property and are left on all night. We have lost privacy and peace and now feel exposed in our own home. I understand the City’s desire to support ADUs and additional housing. But development should not come at the expense of the basic privacy and quality of life of the family living next door. In this case, the City allowed a developer to dramatically increase the size and value of a property while leaving our family to bear the consequences. I find that deeply frustrating and, frankly, disgusting. I am a working mother raising three children in Palo Alto. We work extremely hard to live in this community, and it is upsetting to see how little weight our family’s privacy appears to have carried in this process. I am asking members of the Planning Department and City Council to come to 3905 Duncan Place and see the impact firsthand. I also ask the City to identify what mitigation can now be required to address the lighting and privacy impacts created by this project. The developer won here, and our family was left to bear the consequences. That is not acceptable. Sincerely, Hiral Parekh 3905 Duncan Place From:Randy Mont-Reynaud To:Burt, Patrick Cc:Council, City; Clerk, City; George Lu; Lu, George Subject:Re: I am on-zoom, waiting to speak, what"s up? Date:Monday, September 14, 2026 6:56:04 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Ah, I saw my name on the list...I'm waiting. (P.S. how to inform public that RE - a partnership with Stanford for Marguerite is rife with liability issues, to say the least- -we will see personal helicopters for all before that happens) Meanwhile, here's my remarks on LINK: The Link has taken me for a Ride! Safely on Many rides - to worship, to clinic, to pharmacies, grocery stores and near enough to Stanford Hospital. (FYI can stop at Stanford Medical offices directly across from Beth Am!) No, it’s not perfect - it is a work in progress like the new Police and Safety Building, and like that work, it needs patience, nurturance and support. Did I say patience? Glad we are addressing energy and feasibility. Surely between the City and some good grant writers, fund can be coaxed to continue to develop and improve this unique program. Hats off also to the drivers who drive safely, carefully, under pressure of schedules, traffic and impatient riders, inattentive pedestrians cyclists and scooters — and distracted drivers. Safety is a big factor in why I am a fan of LINK - makes aging in place feasible. Please continue and expand LINK and keep me off your roads! On Mon, Sep 14, 2026 at 6:47 PM Burt, Patrick <Pat.Burt@paloalto.gov> wrote: Zoom general comment occurs at the end of our meeting. Get Outlook for iOS From: Randy Mont-Reynaud <rmontreynaud@gmail.com> Sent: Monday, 14 September 2026 18:45:37 To: Council, City <city.council@PaloAlto.gov>; Clerk, City <City.Clerk@PaloAlto.gov>; George Lu <georgeforpaloalto@gmail.com>; Lu, George <George.Lu@paloalto.gov> Subject: I am on-zoom, waiting to speak, what's up? CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. -- Randy Mont-Reynaud, PhD -- Randy Mont-Reynaud, PhD From:Burt, Patrick To:Randy Mont-Reynaud; Council, City; Clerk, City; George Lu; Lu, George Subject:Re: I am on-zoom, waiting to speak, what"s up? Date:Monday, September 14, 2026 6:47:14 PM Zoom general comment occurs at the end of our meeting. Get Outlook for iOS From: Randy Mont-Reynaud <rmontreynaud@gmail.com> Sent: Monday, 14 September 2026 18:45:37 To: Council, City <city.council@PaloAlto.gov>; Clerk, City <City.Clerk@PaloAlto.gov>; George Lu <georgeforpaloalto@gmail.com>; Lu, George <George.Lu@paloalto.gov> Subject: I am on-zoom, waiting to speak, what's up? CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. -- Randy Mont-Reynaud, PhD From:Randy Mont-Reynaud To:Council, City; Clerk, City; George Lu; Lu, George Subject:I am on-zoom, waiting to speak, what"s up? Date:Monday, September 14, 2026 6:46:06 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. -- Randy Mont-Reynaud, PhD From:Charlie Weidanz To:Council, City Subject:You"re Invited to a Special Open House at Learn and Play Montessori School Date:Monday, September 14, 2026 4:53:21 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Learn and Play Montessori School Open House flyer Join the Palo Alto Chamber of Commerce at the Learn and Play Montessori School Open House on Saturday, September 26, 2026 from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Tour the campus, meet the caring teachers, and discover the engaging programs Learn and Play Montessori School offers. Enjoy fun crafts and a bubble party while exploring the learning environment to see what makes the school special! RSVP Here >> This email was sent on behalf of Palo Alto Chamber of Commerce 355 Alma St Palo Alto, CA 94301.To unsubscribe click here. If you have questions or comments concerning this email or services in general, please contact us by email at info@paloaltochamber.com. From:atkinsonkim@pacbell.net To:Council, City Subject:Speeding is not ok in Palo Alto Date:Monday, September 14, 2026 3:57:53 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. i To the Palo Alto City Council, 1. To this homeowner, who grew up in Palo Alto and raised her own children here, it is mind-boggling how you allow speeding on Middlefield Road between Oregon Expwy & Embarcadero, at speeds that look like 40-50 mph sometimes. Awful. Dangerous. Some drivers do what they can get away with, when there is no oversight. There is no speed oversight here. Your lenient policy endangers residents, school children (middle school and elementary school), dog walkers, street crossers, elderly, handicapped, and endangers the city’s beautiful Community Center, theaters and Jr. Museum. There is no excuse for this. Fix it. Do NOT “defund the police” on Middlefield Road. Have the courage to give out speeding tickets. 2. Why are about 9 in 10 Teslas seen on the road without license plates on the front of the vehicle ? California state law says that all vehicles must have a license plate on the front of a car, as well as on the back. Very few Teslas are seen with license plates on front. (a few do comply—especially the older models) Why ? Want our vote ? Please show integrity and courage to make our city safer, and compliant with state laws. This message needs your attention This is a personal email address. This is their first email to you. Mark Safe Report Powered by Mimecast You can add this letter to the responses to the survey you have sent out. Kim Atkinson Homeowner on Middlefield Road From:Diane Anderson To:Council, City Subject:Discontinue PAL Date:Monday, September 14, 2026 3:41:23 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. i Hello! My name is Diane Anderson. I rely on the Palo Alto Link to live an independent life style. I attend medical appointments, obtain medications and grocery shop with this service. I no longer drive an automobile. The cost of surviving will increase substantially via Uber or Lyft!! (From $2.00 to$10.00--one way, from $4.00 to $20.00 round trip) This amount pays for absolutely necessary trips. It would make optional trips to the library or volunteering prohibitive. I feel that the City of Palo Alto should respect the needs of seniors who don't drive cars or ride bicycles. I request that funding be allocated to this essential service. Thank you. My zip code is 94301. This message needs your attention This is a personal email address. This is their first email to you. Mark Safe Report From:stephanie wansek To:Council, City Cc:Clerk, City; City Mgr Subject:Agenda Item 6 — OSV Parking Permit Districts and Citywide OSV Policy: Regional Context Date:Monday, September 14, 2026 12:24:18 PM Attachments:Palo_Alto_OSV_Regional_Precedents_Summary.docx CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Dear Mayor Veenker and Council Members, I wrote last week regarding the need to establish a clear citywide OSV parking rule before building out a permanent permit-district structure. My central point was that Palo Alto should separate the regulation of the vehicle from the circumstances of the person living in it — establishing an objective parking rule while addressing housing, services and transition needs on a separate track. I wanted to follow up with one additional concern that I believe has become increasingly important as cities throughout the Bay Area change their approach to RV and oversized- vehicle parking. Palo Alto is not making this policy in isolation. Menlo Park, Cupertino, San Francisco, Redwood City and, most recently, Oakland have all taken significant steps to regulate oversized vehicles, RVs or inhabited vehicles on public streets. As surrounding jurisdictions become less permissive, Palo Alto needs to consider the very real possibility that a more open- ended policy here will simply attract or absorb vehicles displaced from elsewhere in the region. That makes both timing and the scope of any transition program extremely important. The first step should be simple: amend Palo Alto’s existing OSV parking ordinance so that the overnight restriction applies citywide, regardless of zoning. The City does not need to create a new regulatory structure to accomplish that. Separately, if the City chooses to provide temporary permits, designated parking, services or other transition assistance, those programs should be designed for a defined existing population, with a fixed eligibility date, clear criteria and a clear end point. A transition program only works if the population being transitioned is finite. A permit framework intended to facilitate that transition should be finite as well. This is also why I remain opposed to the OSV Parking Permit District ordinance on tonight’s Consent Calendar. I understand that some form of permit authority may be useful during a transition, but Chapter 10.49 would permanently establish a general framework for creating OSV Parking Permit Districts without limiting that authority to the existing population, defining it as a temporary transition mechanism, or providing a sunset. If permit districts are needed for transition, they should be created for that limited purpose — not established as an open-ended feature of Palo Alto’s Municipal Code before the City has adopted the underlying citywide parking rule. Without a defined cutoff, Palo Alto risks creating a revolving system in which one vehicle transitions out and another arrives to take its place. That risk becomes greater as neighboring cities tighten their own rules. The purpose of a transition program should be to reduce and ultimately transition the population that exists today — not create an ongoing program for future arrivals. I respectfully ask Council to: 1. Pull the OSV Parking Permit District ordinance from tonight’s Consent Calendar rather than permanently codifying an open-ended permit-district framework at this stage. 2. Direct staff to return promptly with an amendment to the City’s existing OSV parking ordinance extending the overnight restriction citywide, regardless of zoning. 3. Separately, determine whether a temporary transition program is needed for the existing population and, if so, establish a fixed eligibility date, clear criteria and a defined end point. I am attaching a short regional-precedent summary covering Menlo Park, Cupertino, Redwood City, San Francisco and Oakland. Each city has taken a somewhat different approach, but together they illustrate an important sequence: establish the parking rule, define any transition population, and make any special transition assistance limited and time- bound. Palo Alto has the resources to create a thoughtful transition for people who genuinely need assistance. But I believe we need to move quickly enough that the population we are trying to transition does not remain open-ended. Thank you, Stephanie Wansek Bay Area OSV / RV Parking Policy: Regional Precedents A concise reference for Palo Alto policy discussions | September 14, 2026 Core takeaway. Taken together, these nearby examples point to a practical sequence: establish a clear parking rule; separately define any existing population that may need transition assistance; keep special transition programs limited and time-bound; and distinguish vehicle regulation from housing and services policy. Why the regional context matters. Palo Alto is not making policy in isolation. As neighboring Bay Area cities tighten oversized-vehicle rules and enforcement, a materially more permissive Palo Alto policy can create a foreseeable displacement risk. Any transition program is more likely to reduce the existing population if eligibility is finite rather than continuously open to future arrivals. 1. Menlo Park — Establish the citywide rule Menlo Park adopted its current oversized-vehicle restrictions on March 24, 2025. The municipal code prohibits oversized vehicles on any public street in the city between 2:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m., subject to enumerated exceptions. Enforcement began June 15, 2025 after an education period. “No person shall stop, stand, park, or leave standing any oversized vehicle on any public street in the city...” Why it matters for Palo Alto: A directly neighboring city chose an objective citywide vehicle rule rather than relying on zoning-by-zoning restrictions. Source: City of Menlo Park — Oversized vehicle enforcement / Municipal Code https://www.menlopark.gov/News-articles/Public-safety/20250609Enforcement-of-oversized-vehicles-and- overnight-parking-ordinances 2. Cupertino — Act before a small problem expands Cupertino reported that in early 2025, isolated RVs became clusters of more than 40 vehicles within a matter of months. The City Council responded on September 16, 2025 by revising its parking regulations; the citywide overnight OSV restrictions took effect in October 2025. “What started as isolated, singular instances became clusters of vehicles that rose to more than 40...” Why it matters for Palo Alto: Cupertino is a particularly relevant Silicon Valley comparison. Its experience illustrates how quickly a relatively limited RV presence can grow. Source: City of Cupertino — March 13, 2026 OSV Enforcement Memorandum https://www.cupertino.gov/files/assets/city/v/1/departments/documents/city-council/council-informational- memos/2026/03-march-13-2026-status-of-code-enforcement-actions-oversized-vehicle-enforcement.pdf 3. Redwood City — Rule + temporary transition + transition ends Since September 2020, Redwood City has prohibited overnight RV/oversized-vehicle street parking from 8:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. At the same time, it created a temporary safe-parking program for RV residents who were living on Redwood City streets at the program’s inception. The temporary program ended in February 2023; the underlying overnight restriction remains. “[A] two-pronged approach: prohibit overnight RV parking... while simultaneously offering... parking options for RV residents...” Why it matters for Palo Alto: This is the clearest regional example of separating a durable parking rule from a temporary transition program for an existing population. Source: City of Redwood City — Providing Paths into Permanent Housing https://www.redwoodcity.org/departments/city-manager/city-manager-s-initiatives/addressing-homelessness-and- unstably-housed-residents/providing-paths-into-permanent-housing 4. San Francisco — Define the transition population with a cutoff date San Francisco’s Large Vehicle Refuge Permit is available only to qualifying applicants who were present in San Francisco and occupying the large vehicle as of May 31, 2025. The cutoff makes the special transition population finite rather than automatically extending the program to future arrivals. “[T]he applicant must have been present in San Francisco and occupying the Large Vehicle as of May 31, 2025...” Why it matters for Palo Alto: This directly illustrates how a city can offer a transition pathway without creating an open-ended benefit for people who arrive later. Source: San Francisco Transportation Code § 917 — Large Vehicle Refuge Permit https://media.api.sf.gov/documents/Vehicular_Homelessness_Strategy_and_Permitting_Program_- _Frequently_Asked_Ques_ITbrdBn.pdf 5. Oakland — Separate vehicle enforcement from encampment policy On April 14, 2026, Oakland adopted a new Encampment Abatement Policy. The policy defines “encampment” to exclude vehicles and authorizes citation and towing of inhabited vehicles pursuant to applicable California and Oakland vehicle law. Oakland continues separate notice and shelter-offer requirements for non-urgent encampment closures. “[D]efines ‘encampment’ to exclude vehicles and authorizes citation and towing of inhabited vehicles...” Why it matters for Palo Alto: Oakland makes the conceptual distinction explicit: vehicle-code enforcement and homelessness/encampment protocols do not have to be the same policy question. Source: City of Oakland — 2026 Encampment Abatement Policy https://www.oaklandca.gov/Community/The-Unhoused-Community/Homelessness-and-Encampment-Response What these examples suggest for Palo Alto • Amend the existing OSV parking rule so the overnight restriction applies citywide, regardless of zoning. • Treat any transition program as a separate policy decision rather than a prerequisite to the parking rule. • If transition assistance is offered, define the eligible existing population promptly using a fixed date and clear criteria. • Keep any special permits, designated parking, or transition assistance limited and time-bound so the program reduces a finite population rather than replenishing it. Note: These jurisdictions use different legal mechanisms and enforcement procedures. They are presented here as regional policy precedents, not as identical models. The common lesson is the sequencing and separation of the parking rule from any temporary transition response.