HomeMy Public PortalAbout20200608plCC2701-32
DOCUMENTS 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: 06/08/2020
Document dates: 5/13/2020 – 5/20/2020
Set 2 of 10
Note: Documents for every category may not have been received for packet
reproduction in a given week.
12
Baumb, Nelly
From:Karen Morrison <karen.morrison43@comcast.net>
Sent:Wednesday, May 13, 2020 6:02 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:For your respectful consideration
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________________________________
Dear Palo Alto City Council:
I have the following suggestions for consideration as you look, tonight, at funding cuts for programs in Palo Alto.
This email is focusing on how I believe you could save money, this year, by delaying progress on some programs, in order
to fund those programs of most importance to the people and the children of this city.
I propose a one year postponement of all capital projects with the exception of the CA Avenue parking garage. I think
this would be a reasonable stop‐gap approach. These projects have been in the pipeline for years and are not absolutely
critical. In a year, the construction costs may be much lower (which is likely given our current situation), and you may be
able to go out for a second bid, which could offer a great savings to the city.
An area that I wish could be stricken from the budget is the TMA (Transportation Management Assoc). Currently, there
are no traffic issues in PA and we don’t know when we’ll actually have enough of a regular stream of business traffic to
warrant this in the near future. What if telecommuting completely changes the fabric of traffic in Palo Alto! Down the
road, but probably not this next year, we’ll know more. I believe that you should question the need to set aside funds
for something that is not immediately essential to our city.
*Another thought about the TMA ‐ What if it could be fully funded by the businesses, themselves, as a way to mitigate
the impacts to the city!
Thank you for your respectful consideration. You have a very demanding responsibilities and our city depends on your
wisdom, fairness and expertise.
Respectfully,
Karen Morrison
Palo Alto
Redacted
13
Baumb, Nelly
From:Kimberly Eng Lee <kimberlyenglee@gmail.com>
Sent:Wednesday, May 13, 2020 5:09 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Please preserve funding for Teen Programs & Services
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Hello Council Members,
I am a Gunn High School parent, active community leader and advocate for children, families and youth for well over a
decade.
We are in unprecedented times and Palo Alto’s youth of today need our continued support and attention as they bridge
between childhood and adulthood. They are our future leaders and citizens. I am writing to ask that you preserve
funding for the the City's Teen Programs and Services. Your survey of citizens has already prioritized Public Safety and
Neighborhood/Community Services.
Our teens need a forum without their parents to use their VOICE (advocacy), develop their LEADERSHIP (skills), and
EXPRESS themselves (visual, creative & performing arts). Teen programs are not only fun ‐‐ although they are. Public
programs are the SAFE SPACE where any teen regardless of income or background or experience are welcome. City
programs provide EQUITY. They do not discriminate. All this contributes to teenage WELLNESS, a grave concern in our
little town that has been in the nation’s spotlight because of past tragedies. Let’s not forget this. Teen programs are
PROTECTIVE.
As a recent participant in the Project Safety Net Community Meeting, I spoke on a panel about the impact that COVID‐19
has had on the wellbeing of students. My wish during this time is that we hold steady in creating and maintaining a
much needed network around families so that they know there is help and hope for them. As our city officials, please
don’t eliminate help and hope for our future.
‐‐ Kimberly Eng Lee
14
Baumb, Nelly
From:Sean Pour <seanpour94@gmail.com>
Sent:Wednesday, May 13, 2020 4:10 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Can you help me Flatten The Curve? Information you can share.
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Hello,
I hope you are safe and well. My name is Sean with SellMax and I recently led a study looking into cars and how viruses
can spread in them. I believe everyone needs to do their part to help flatten the curve. So, my team and I created an
article to help cover things such as the dirtiest parts of the car, how you should disinfect your car, and much more.
We found out some pretty interesting things like the fact that the steering wheel has 4x more germs than a public toilet
seat and 6x more than your cell phone!
If you have a moment can you please check out my article here and let me know what you think? If you like the article
please help me spread the word by sharing a link on your website here.
Thanks so much and stay safe,
‐Sean
15
Baumb, Nelly
From:Lenore Cymes <lenraven1@gmail.com>
Sent:Wednesday, May 13, 2020 1:33 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Smart moves
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To: City Council Members
IF there ever was a time to invert the list of what to cut from the budget now is the time. Ask people if they miss
another round‐about or the library. Or, does an assistant to an assistant of a department manager, etc deserve a raise
in salary, or build another structure vs items that keep Palo Altans feeling safe.
Once this is over (whenever that may be) or slow down to where life gets back to some regular routine ‐ we need those
services that make Palo Alto a very livable city (town concept long gone) NOT infrastructure spending. Those
activities/projects can wait.
Thank you
Lenore Cymes
Wildwood Lane
16
Baumb, Nelly
From:marygallagher88@gmail.com
Sent:Wednesday, May 13, 2020 12:52 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Fwd: May 13 City Council Meeting Parking
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Palo Alto Council Members:
I concur with the challenges and solutions regarding parking in the core commercial/residential areas as identified by
Neilson Buchanan (below).
This issue has been lingering for years, the necessary resources have been identified and the solutions can be achieved
within a short/reasonable period of time.
Let’s fix this!
Sincerely,
Mary Gallagher
Begin forwarded message:
From: Neilson Buchanan <cnsbuchanan@yahoo.com>
Date: May 11, 2020 at 11:40:36 AM PDT
To: Neilson Buchanan <cnsbuchanan@yahoo.com>
Subject: May 13 City Council Meeting Parking
Dear Neighbors in RPP neighborhoods near University Avenue, I ask you to express your opinion immediately to City Council.
As you know, the Council is making critical rationing decisions for city services. Residential parking adjacent to the two downtowns is at risk. Below is a very long email encompassing the complex, inter-related issues necessary to
protect neighborhoods from intrusion of commercial parking.
You have two good options.
17
#1 Forward my email to city council and state your support. city.council@cityofpaloalto.org
#2 Compose your own opinions using the email below as a guide.
Here is the Council agenda for Wednesday, May 13. You can make comments directly to Council via Zoom or telephone.
http://cityofpaloalto.org/civicax/filebank/blobdload.aspx?&BlobID=76557
Neilson Buchanan
Palo Alto, CA 94301
650 329‐0484
650 537‐9611 cell
cnsbuchanan@yahoo.com
----- Forwarded Message ----- From: Neilson Buchanan <cnsbuchanan@yahoo.com> To: City Council <city.council@cityofpaloalto.org> Cc: Shikada Ed <ed.shikada@cityofpaloalto.org>; Philip Kamhi <philip.kamhi@cityofpaloalto.org>; Hur Mark <mark.hur@cityofpaloalto.org>; Nathan Baird <nathan.baird@cityofpaloalto.org>; Planning Commission <planning.commission@cityofpaloalto.org> Sent: Monday, May 11, 2020, 11:14:29 AM PDT Subject: May 13 City Council Meeting Parking Below is a reasonable set of questions reflecting a strong consensus among experienced resident leaders who understand deeply rooted parking issues in the
commercial cores and neighborhoods. The root problem is under-management of the public and private parking assets within the commercial cores. For example, there is absolutely no shortage of parking after 5pm weekdays and weekends. The issue is modern signage to the garages and then
guidance to spaces within the garages. In my opinion City Councils and City Managers have politically mismanaged parking policy by making certain there was no real understanding among city staff. Therefore, the commercial core/residential neighborhood parking can was kicked down the road
with advantage tipped for the landlords and tenants of office spaces. Looking backwards won't help. However, if developer pressures of today's council are successful in weakening the new Office of Transportation we will lose professional staff and the opportunity to harmonize public and private assets within the commercial cores
and neighborhoods. Wednesday's Council key decisions are the following: 1. Staffing levels in the Office of Transportation 2. Guidance systems within the city garages
3. Modern signage to find garages and surface lots
Redacted
18
4.Parking permit managements system integrated for commercial core and neighborhoods 5. Elimination of Palo Alto TMA...its usefulness has not materialized and it is more
irrelevant than ever. Joint city TMAs could be feasible if they can achieve economies of
scale. PS it is important to remember that there is absolutely no parking shortage in downtown commercial core after 5pm and on weekends. This unused capacity will continue for
many months forward. The problem is effective guidance to parking capacity.
Here are questions to ask staff. I have great confidence in Philip Kamhi who leads the Office of Transportation.
1. When will city staff and Council reduce non resident permits authorized for sale in the
Mayfield/Evergreen Park neighborhoods? What is the new completion date for California Avenue city garage? Its new capacity will allow a substantial reduction or actual full elimination in non-resident parking permits of residential neighborhoods.
2. What is the city's intent to enforce permit and short-term parking "rules" in the
commercial zones? Since April 1 there is unlimited supply of free parking in all RPP neighborhoods. This means unrestricted parking for downtown workers and Caltrain
riders.
There is no incentive to buy parking permits within the California and University Avenue
commercial cores. It is easier and cheaper (zero cost) to park in the neighborhoods than move vehicles within the time limited color zones in the University Avenue commercial core. When Caltrain riders return, then there is incentive to park in neighborhoods especially Old Palo Alto, Downtown North and Professorville. This will
displace downtown workers, customers and residents. What happens when Stanford employees, faculty and students return and park just off campus for free and often convenient. 3. Why is commercial parking in the neighborhoods less expensive than the commercial
cores? Pricing differentials should be higher in the residential neighborhoods to create incentives to park in the commercial cores and not park on residential streets. Priorities are ignored for traditional business such as retail goods and services. Lower paid workers, especially sales tax generating businesses, should have some access to commercial core parking.
4. In lieu fees are a bargain to developers. Developers paying in lieu fees are granted parking in perpetuity. Most irrational is that cost of city land is not included in the calculation of in lieu fees. In reality this is a gift of public property to developers who completely avoid land costs when they elect in lieu fees. Thus pricing of parking is
subsidized and not market driven. 5. After budget cuts, what level of parking programs will be managed by "surviving" staff in the Office of Transportation? If the head count is reduced from 15 to 10, is the OTT a viable "organization for one of our top priorities or just a homeless section within
the Planning Department.
19
6. There has no parking shortage whatsoever in evenings and nights within the cores of both downtowns. Finding parking is the problem. The mid-day Monday to Friday parking crunch is real and a direct result of chronic under-management by city staff and
Council.
Bottom line: RPPs cannot survive if enforcement is suspended for more than a few
months. RPPs took almost 20 years to establish and they cannot be silently
killed without Palo Altans even knowing what is going on!
Re-establish RPP enforcement within 90 days in accordance with the Comprehensive Plan which states city policy to promote commerce but not at the
expense of residential neighborhoods. Neilson Buchanan
Palo Alto, CA 94301 650 329-0484 650 537-9611 cell cnsbuchanan@yahoo.com
Redacted
1
Baumb, Nelly
From:Michelle Baldonado <mqwb@yahoo.com>
Sent:Monday, May 18, 2020 9:11 AM
To:Council, City; board@pausd.org
Subject:letter re: Cubberley for inclusion in City Council and PAUSD Board packets
Attachments:PACO Cubberley Letter.pdf
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Please include my attached letter in the City Council and PAUSD Board packets. I am writing on behalf of the Palo Alto Chamber Orchestra, which is one of Cubberley Community Center's oldest tenants.
Thank you. Sincerely,
Michelle Baldonado
May 18, 2020
Dear Palo Alto City Council and Palo Alto Unified School District Board,
I am writing on behalf of the Palo Alto Chamber Orchestra, a long-time tenant of Cubberley Community
Center.
As we plan together for our city's and our school district's future in light of the novel coronavirus pandemic, let
us stop to reflect on how music and the arts have brought hope and joy around the globe during this
unprecedented time. From the balcony performances that have rallied spirits in Italy to the PAUSD Choir
teachers' video that brightened our day here in Palo Alto, we resonate with how music can give us a sense of
togetherness and transport us out of our daily struggles and uncertainties.
Our very own Cubberley Community Center is home to many music and arts groups that are a vital and
essential part of life here in Palo Alto. As the president of the Palo Alto Chamber Orchestra's Board, I would
like to tell you a little bit about our organization. We are just finishing out our 53rd season as an award-
winning all-strings chamber orchestra that serves regional youth, including many from here in Palo Alto. Our
orchestra began in the Palo Alto home of our first conductor and eventually moved to Cubberley (one of our
PACO alums remembers playing in Cubberley M-2 in 1976), where we've had a wonderful close relationship
with the City ever since. Our five ensembles (varying in size from two to three dozen members) typically have
weekly rehearsals in M-2 and performances at Cubberley Theatre -- these form the rhythm of our orchestra
life. Many of our PACO members begin in PACO as elementary school students and remain in PACO through
high school because they find that the orchestra not only teaches them about music but also about
collaboration, responsibility, and friendship. Indeed, the mission of PACO is to teach young string players to
play well with others, to forge a musical community, and to make the world a better place.
As some of the oldest tenants in the history of Cubberley, we would like to ask that the City and PAUSD
prioritize the leases that we and other Cubberley-based organizations have in place. We are part of the cultural
fabric of Palo Alto and of the neighborhood identity of South Palo Alto. As tenants, we would also like to
express our support for the planned redevelopment of Cubberley and our hope that the City will choose to
make community impact fees available for this long-discussed redesign. While medicine and science are saving
the lives of our citizens, music and art are nurturing the spirits of our citizens. As you embark on difficult
budget decisions that impact us all, please do not forget music and art. We are all in this together.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Michelle Baldonado
Palo Alto Chamber Orchestra Board President and long-term Palo Alto resident
1
Baumb, Nelly
From:Bruce Hodge <hodge@tenaya.com>
Sent:Friday, May 15, 2020 6:52 PM
To:Council, City; UAC; Shikada, Ed; Bobel, Phil; Abendschein, Jonathan
Subject:CFPA Comments on FY2021 Budget Proposals
Attachments:CFPA Comments on FY 2021 Budget Proposals.pdf
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________________________________
Honorable Council Members, UAC Commission, City Manager and Staff,
Enclosed is a PDF detailing Carbon Free Palo Alto’s comments on the FY2021 Budget Proposals.
Thanks for your time to read this.
Sincerely,
Bruce Hodge
Founder, Carbon Free Palo Alto
CFPA Comments on Proposed FY’21 Budget
Our comments below are based on the staff proposals that appear in the following reports:
May 11 Council Mee ng: FY 2021 Revised Proposed Opera ng and Capital Budgets Overview
May 20 UAC Mee ng: FY 2021 Proposed U li es Opera ng and CIP Budgets
General points
●Climate change is a parallel crisis with Covid-19 where the highest costs are the costs of doing
nothing. Global warming, like Covid-19 is playing havoc with our future and requires urgent, far
reaching and unprecedented ac on to reduce fossil fuel use. We do not have me to postpone
the important work that has been started to make the deep reduc ons in fossil fuel use that are
required.
●The Covid-19 crisis is demonstra ng the feasibility and benefits of rapid ac on to deeply
reduce fossil fuel use in transporta on . Telecommu ng allows companies and employees to
save me and reduce fuel use. The community gains more use of streets and public space for
biking and walking while enjoying less air and noise pollu on citywide. This opens significant
opportuni es to make these beneficial changes permanent.
●CFPA supports the general split of proposed budget cuts in the U li es :
○A cut of $1.5M from the electric u lity can be easily addressed by releasing that amount
from the Electric Special Projects Reserve Fund ( $41.6 million). It’s cri cal that the
u lity con nue their work on building electrifica on strategies .
○Larger cuts from the gas u lity seem appropriate given the fact the u lity is facing a
shutdown as early as 2040 and that any new investments risk being stranded.
CFPA supports the following proposed changes to the budget:
●Eliminate the downtown garage . As discussed in past Council mee ngs, this project is of
dubious value as far as parking supply cost/benefits are concerned. This is especially true during
the Covid 19 crisis where demand is expected to remain significantly curtailed in the foreseeable
future. It is also in conflict with our sustainability and community goals.
●Eliminate the gas offset program. Rates should be adjusted accordingly.
●Gas program deferments. Support deferring gas infrastructure spending in favor of more spot
checking for safety issues..
●Postpone non-cri cal capital investment like u lity undergrounding rebuilds ($2.2 million for
FY 2021).
●Support con nued funding of the TMA in the changing transporta on landscape. We need the
TMA to assess the GHG reduc ons of the expected con nua on of working from home and
other transporta on mode shi. s .
●Expand bicycle and pedestrian op ons.
1
Baumb, Nelly
From:Grace Williams <grace.williams2019@gmail.com>
Sent:Friday, May 15, 2020 2:24 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Letter regarding budget cuts of teen services - Grace Williams
Attachments:Letter for City Council - Grace Williams.docx
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To the Palo Alto City Council:
Amid this challenging time, it is important to rely on the support of others while navigating uncertainties
the future holds. For some students in the Palo Alto Unified School District, relying on the support of others
means relying on community-sponsored teen services. These services may include mental health programs,
service organizations, or other leadership initiatives. By no longer funding these services, you are sending a
disheartening message to the students involved in these programs. Especially regarding our town’s painful past,
the removal of these programs seems almost counterintuitive. Why take away such important and useful
services during a time when students may be struggling more than ever?
I am a recent Gunn graduate and current college student. Among other extra-curriculars, YCS and
mental health services were two of the most important programs I participated in as a student. Said programs
involved initiatives I am passionate about and services I utilized time and time again. I joined YCS in middle
school and the first YCS-sponsored event I attended was the JLS Service Day. During the Service Day I
traveled to Abilities United with students and parent chaperones where we played kickball and created arts and
crafts with the adult participants. I first fell in love with service and giving back to my community during this
event. I was fortunate enough to return to Abilities United to volunteer each summer from seventh grade to my
senior year. This opportunity and new-found love would not have been made possible without YCS and the
tireless efforts of the program’s staff. After middle school, I continued to participate in YCS. I became a board
member and eventually became co-president of the YCS club during my junior and senior years. Through YCS,
I have met some of my closest friends, connected with outstandingly supportive staff members and teachers,
and interacted with countless individuals who have shaped my life for the better. But my strong connection to
YCS and services alike is not the only one. Many students, both past and present, have had the opportunity to
participate in such a strong and positive program. Making it so that future PAUSD students will not be offered
the same opportunities may hinder the culture of service in our community. As leaders in our community, it is
2
your responsibility to ensure students are given all the necessary resources to not only achieve greatness, but
also to become the next generation of thoughtful leaders.
Other extremely important teen initiatives facing budget cuts are mental health services. Though their
support and resources are one of the most important things offered, the agendas of these services support the
greater community, not just students. I was fortunate enough to attend a Project Safety Net meeting during my
senior year. Students, teachers, parents, and community members in attendance were encouraged to share their
own thoughts regarding teen mental health and wellness. All participants knew the meeting was a safe space to
share their experiences without judgement. It is not often students and adults come together in a safe space to
share personal thoughts and feelings while feeling equally heard and respected. To cut the budget of teen
services would tell students that leaders of Palo Alto do not value their mental health and well-being as much as
they say they do.
Initiatives focused on service and well-being help promote leadership, advocacy, and the importance of
community building among teens. I implore you not to cut back on services that create a safe space for students
to express and learn more about themselves. To cut these services would erase the hard work we as a
community have done to improve the lives, and futures, of the students of Palo Alto.
Regards,
Grace Williams
2019 Gunn Graduate
Sent from Mail for Windows 10
To the Palo Alto City Council:
Amid this challenging time, it is important to rely on the support of others while
navigating uncertainties the future holds. For some students in the Palo Alto Unified School
District, relying on the support of others means relying on community-sponsored teen services.
These services may include mental health programs, service organizations, or other leadership
initiatives. By no longer funding these services, you are sending a disheartening message to the
students involved in these programs. Especially regarding our town’s painful past, the removal of
these programs seems almost counterintuitive. Why take away such important and useful
services during a time when students may be struggling more than ever?
I am a recent Gunn graduate and current college student. Among other extra-curriculars,
YCS and mental health services were two of the most important programs I participated in as a
student. Said programs involved initiatives I am passionate about and services I utilized time and
time again. I joined YCS in middle school and the first YCS-sponsored event I attended was the
JLS Service Day. During the Service Day I traveled to Abilities United with students and parent
chaperones where we played kickball and created arts and crafts with the adult participants. I
first fell in love with service and giving back to my community during this event. I was fortunate
enough to return to Abilities United to volunteer each summer from seventh grade to my senior
year. This opportunity and new-found love would not have been made possible without YCS and
the tireless efforts of the program’s staff. After middle school, I continued to participate in YCS.
I became a board member and eventually became co-president of the YCS club during my junior
and senior years. Through YCS, I have met some of my closest friends, connected with
outstandingly supportive staff members and teachers, and interacted with countless individuals
who have shaped my life for the better. But my strong connection to YCS and services alike is
not the only one. Many students, both past and present, have had the opportunity to participate in
such a strong and positive program. Making it so that future PAUSD students will not be offered
the same opportunities may hinder the culture of service in our community. As leaders in our
community, it is your responsibility to ensure students are given all the necessary resources to
not only achieve greatness, but also to become the next generation of thoughtful leaders.
Other extremely important teen initiatives facing budget cuts are mental health services.
Though their support and resources are one of the most important things offered, the agendas of
these services support the greater community, not just students. I was fortunate enough to attend
a Project Safety Net meeting during my senior year. Students, teachers, parents, and community
members in attendance were encouraged to share their own thoughts regarding teen mental
health and wellness. All participants knew the meeting was a safe space to share their
experiences without judgement. It is not often students and adults come together in a safe space
to share personal thoughts and feelings while feeling equally heard and respected. To cut the
budget of teen services would tell students that leaders of Palo Alto do not value their mental
health and well-being as much as they say they do.
Initiatives focused on service and well-being help promote leadership, advocacy, and the
importance of community building among teens. I implore you not to cut back on services that
create a safe space for students to express and learn more about themselves. To cut these services
would erase the hard work we as a community have done to improve the lives, and futures, of the
students of Palo Alto.
Regards,
Grace Williams
2019 Gunn Graduate
1
Baumb, Nelly
From:Audrey Gold <audreygold@gmail.com>
Sent:Thursday, May 14, 2020 5:18 PM
To:Council, City
Cc:Mesterhazy, Rosie; Palma, Jose; Gold, Audrey
Subject:Safe Routes to School and Crossing Guards
Attachments:Fletcher City Council Letter May 2020.pdf
Follow Up Flag:Follow up
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Dear City Council members,
Please read this letter from the Fletcher Middle School PTA on the importance of safety for the thousands of children in
Palo Alto that walk and bike to school.
Regards,
Audrey Gold
Fletcher PTA President 2018‐2020
May 13, 2020
Honorable City Council Members,
Choosing budget cuts is a very painful process for you, for the community, and for our valued
city workers. We thank you for reaching out to the community requesting information about
priorities for continued funding. Here are some items that Fletcher Middle School PTA would
prioritize related to Safe Routes to School as you consider what not to cut:
1). Safe Routes to School Staff- Volunteers regularly turnover as families move through the
PAUSD system, so CoPA Safe Routes to School staff provides continuity that enables training
and mobilizing hundreds of volunteers at school sites across the city to organize and implement
traffic safety education. Additionally, this staff administers the program, working with partners
to set agendas, prioritize projects, coordinate transportation problem-solving across
departments and with the partnership agencies. Without their important work the synergies of
partnership that have made this program so successful would be lost. They are the “glue” that
holds the program together.
2). Continue the Crossing Guard Contract-- The Crossing Guard contract provides 29
Crossing Guards at critical intersections citywide. Fletcher Middle School students rely on seven
of them. Four of these crossings are on state highway 82 (El Camino Real). Students cross six
or more lanes posted at 35MPH at each of these high auto volume locations. Please see the
complete list of Palo Alto crossing guard intersections and schools they serve here
https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/civicax/filebank/documents/7298. Many of these are multi-lane
intersections that carry traffic volumes exceeding 20-40,000 autos per day with 35mph posted
speed limits (in many cases, higher 85th percentile speeds). Crossing guards provide
essential visibility and safer crossings, allowing parents to feel comfortable about letting
their students walk and bike to school, especially during the busy morning peak hour.
Question: Has CoPA approached the PAUSD about sharing some of these costs?
3). Finish the Charleston-Arastradero Plan. This mitigation plan has been twenty years in the
making with Terman/Fletcher PTA support throughout. The gap in the bike lanes at the El
Camino intersection presents a documented safety hazard to Fletcher students. Let’s get this
done.
4). If Council must cut the PAPD Traffic Team, please consider putting put a HOLD on the
Traffic Team positions rather than eliminating them, so that they can be easily refilled once the
budget crisis has been resolved. VERY IMPORTANT: Please plan to maintain a PAPD
representative on the City School Traffic Safety Committee with liaison mechanisms in place for
information sharing and collaboration to continue with regular patrol. PAPD is a valued partner.
The program cannot be as effective without their participation.
Again, we thank you for your service to the community and your support of Safe Routes to
School. Fletcher students who walk and bike to school are reducing greenhouse gas emissions,
reducing auto congestion, and staying active. Let’s help them help us.
Sincerely,
Audrey Gold
on behalf of the Fletcher Middle School PTA
1
Baumb, Nelly
From:Eileen Kim, PharmD <eileen.rph@gmail.com>
Sent:Wednesday, May 13, 2020 2:32 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:only having 2 libraries open - health care issues
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
Dear Council Members and Mayor of Palo Alto
As a health care professional, I'm very alarmed ONLY 2 libraries for children will be open. The reality is that the more
libraries are open, the more the community is spread out and less chance of another wave of COVID‐19.
College Terrace library is adjacent to 4 to 5 preschools in the area.
Bing Nursery
College Terrace Preschool (Preschool Family)
There is also another Stanford preschool across from Bing Nursery
And there is another Spanish speaking nursery across from Bing
Reconsider funneling the entire Palo Alto population, especially toddlers and young families into just 2 libraries.
It's asking for COVID19 trouble and massive spread.
Thank You,
Eileen
Eileen Kim, PharmD
eileen.rph@gmail.com
2
Baumb, Nelly
From:Suzanne Keehn <dskeehn@pacbell.net>
Sent:Wednesday, May 13, 2020 1:11 PM
To:Council, City; Shikada, Ed
Subject:I'm Really Amazed
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
How could you in good conscience cut public services and keep the infrastructure
projects,
that do not at this time do anything to support the health and safety of our residents.
Your priorities are skewed.
College Terrace Library should be open at least 3 days a week, plus Mitchell Park, and
the Main Library.
The infrastructure should not be a priority, no one will be effected by them being
postponed, except maybe
the developers. We don't need another new Fire House, just finished one, the public
service building is not
a necessity.
I agree with Vice Mayor DuBois, that the capital fund, for infrastructure, can be
transferred to public services,
much more a priority during this time.
I feel we are all having to choose in our own lives, what is necessary, and what can wait.
The below are from comments from paloaltoonline.
Sincerely,
Suzanne Keehn
94306
======================================================
===============
Since they've decided they must cut actual first responders, the ones who'll arrive to
arrest the burglar or perform CPR on you- I think it is important to remember the
council's previous approval of $716,000 for one item of modern "art" to adorn the 9
figure police/fire building. This city has the zaniest priorities. Part of living in a bubble I
suppose.
Web Link
3
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+ 33 people like this
Posted by Barron Park dad
a resident of Barron Park
11 hours ago
Libraries ought not to be cut if only for the reason that they maintain community
cohesion and mental health during difficult times. Permanently closing College Terrace
library for the sake of saving $167,500 seems really shortsighted and insensitive to the
needs of many seniors and children who then must use public transportation to travel
3.5 miles to the next closest library in other parts of Palo Alto.
1
Baumb, Nelly
From:Martha Hauser <marthahauser@sbcglobal.net>
Sent:Monday, May 18, 2020 12:08 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Keep College Terrace Library Open
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
Dear Council People,
I am writing again to ask that the College Terrace Library remain open. I am a 65 year resident of College
Terrace. The College Terrace Library anchors our community as a place for all ages to explore books, use
computers, offer book readings and provides a day care center for pre-school children. The picnic tables and lawn
bring families together for concerts and meals. I note that the capital project to improve Cameron Park is greater
than one year operation of our little library. Could improvements to Cameron Park be deferred and these funds use
to keep the library in operation? Far more people in our community use the library than Cameron Park.
Please support keeping College Terrace Library open.
Thanks, Martha
Martha Hauser
Redacted
2
Baumb, Nelly
From:sharon inouye <echoes2m@yahoo.com>
Sent:Monday, May 18, 2020 7:08 AM
To:Council, City
Subject:College Terrace Library
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
I am writing to you to express my dismay on hearing that the City of Palo Alto may cut services altogether for the College Terrace Library.
I get my books from there and also get books from other branches delivered to -- College Terrace and don't have to drive
across town to another location for my books. Not only is driving to another branch to pick up books a waste of gas and time, it pollutes the environment and exposes patrons to more people, which is not desirable in a Covid 19 world. Also it is a meeting place for the neighborhood, which is all the more desired once the shelter in place orders are relaxed. As no other branch is being closed I don't see why my local branch is being closed. You are penalizing the patrons in this
location, which serves Stanford and Barron Park people too. This is unfair. If you are determined to hone the library services, do it in an even handed manner, reduce hours of all branches. Do not close College Terrace Library branch. Sharon Inouye
3
Baumb, Nelly
From:Jessica Stark <jessica.stark12@gmail.com>
Sent:Saturday, May 16, 2020 4:47 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Please continue to fund the College Terrace library!
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
Dear City Council,
I learned that funding for the College Terrace library has not yet been secured. I want to reiterate my strong support of
the library as an incredibly valuable community space. I urge you to continue to fund the library's important and
essential work. My previous message in support of the library is also included below.
Thank you,
Jessica Stark
Dear City Council,
I'm a new resident of College Terrace (as of Oct 2019) and was devastated to hear about the proposal to close the
College Terrace library. Before the shelter in place order, I visited the library weekly to check out books. One of my first
fond memories after moving to College Terrace was the friendly staff members' help in obtaining a library card and
teaching me how to request and check out books. The library is a true bright spot in the neighborhood that encourages
residents to unplug and reconnect with literature and each other ‐ sorely needed in the heart of Silicon Valley. I urge you
to reject the proposal to close College Terrace library.
Best,
Jessica Stark
Redacted
Redacted
4
Baumb, Nelly
From:Malcolm Slaney <malcolmslaney@gmail.com> on behalf of Malcolm Slaney <malcolm@slaney.org>
Sent:Saturday, May 16, 2020 4:33 PM
To:Summa, Doria
Cc:Council Member Tanaka Office; Council, City
Subject:Re: College Terrace Library
Yes, yes, yes, yes! Well put!!!
I walk through Cameron Park more often than the library, but the CT library is much more of an icon for our
neighborhood. I’d rather see the library stay open than to see the park improvements.
The park will be x% nicer with the improvements, and the library system will be a tiny bit poorer with the CT library, but
those are minor effects compared to completely shuttering the CT library.
I was staying on the sidelines because I get most of my books from the library electronically. But this is the winning
argument. Please keep the CT library open. (And are volunteers a possible staffing solution?)
— Malcolm
On May 16, 2020, at 10:20 AM, doria s <doriasumma@gmail.com> wrote:
My solutions. One. The annual savings of closing the ct lib is approx 1% of the library systems annual
budget and if it the savings ere spread across the system there would be no discernible reduction in
service to patrons.
Two. There is a Capital project for minor improvements to CAmeron park delaying that project till the
city is flush would save 200k
Which is 30k more than the two year complete
Closure of the only library west of eve the only city facility fir community meetings within two miles and
make grand use of the first library in Pali alto an historic resource that was only just completely
restored.
On Fri, May 15, 2020 at 8:28 PM Council Member Tanaka Office
<Councilmember.Tanaka.Office@gregtanaka.org> wrote:
Dear Neighbors,
Many thanks for taking the time to write in and/or call into our budget hearings this week. I got
hundreds of emails in support of the library. In fact, I think there were more emails and calls into the
budget hearings on this topic than all the other topics combined.
I know many of you might be wondering what is the current status after over 20 hours of budget
hearings this week. At the tail end of this week's hearings (~midnight Weds), I tried to restore the
library budget, but I didn't quite have enough support... one vote away.
5
So right now the library is in the "parking lot". That means the library is still not in the proposed budget,
but on May 26th Council will revisit this item as we finalize the budget.
I think it is important for the Council to hear your opinion on this topic. You can give your input by
emailing city.council@cityofpaloalto.org and/or by calling into our meeting. I can send the conf call
info when it is available if you would like.
I'll also be holding office hours on this topic again this Sunday 5/17 at 4:20 pm since many were not
able to attend last Sunday because of Mother's Day. If interested, please email
justin.qiu@gregtanaka.org to let me know within 24 hours and I can send a Zoom invitation.
On Sun, May 10, 2020 at 8:06 AM Hank Edson <hank@familytreemediation.net> wrote:
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious
of opening attachments and clicking on links.
Dear Council Members,
The College Terrace library plays an irreplaceable role in the college terrace ecosystem. College
Terrace is one of the most diverse and accessible Palo Alto neighborhoods for young families with
young children. Nestled between Stanford, Page Mill Road corporate offices and the California Avenue
corridor, this neighborhood’s hub is Palo Alto’s oldest library. It is the only community institution
between the three noted commercial enterprise areas. In addition, what you may not appreciate is
how the library contributes to the ecology of the California Ave corridor and farmers market, to
Stanford and even to the corporate offices between Page Mill and College Terrace. Image Stanford
without Hoover Tower. College Terrace gives Stanford, Page Mill and California Ave the feel of
bordering an oasis where children walk the sidewalks carrying books to and from the library
attended by their parents pushing a stroller. The library gives the neighborhood dignity, solidity,
elegance, tradition. Take it away and suddenly the neighborhood starts feeling like the disappearing
remainder of something being squeezed out by commercialism. And the surrounding commercial
areas begin to feel like sprawl in the heart of Palo Alto. Meanwhile, all the kids at Escondido
Elementary, many not yet old enough to attend, and many more besides will undeniably have the
frequency of replenished different books to read substantially diminished and their relationship with
and fondness for the library experience as part of American life and values erased without even
knowing it. The many elderly living in college terrace also will have their quality of life meaningfully
diminished. The entire community, I can tell you, will grieve. (And I dare say that would not be without
political consequences.) When it comes to quality of life, some aspects of the ecosystem have a non‐
quantifiable value that is irreplaceable. The College Terrace Library is one. It would be a huge and
destructive mistake for the council to close this library. I often hear people ask, “What does the city
council really do?” Don’t let the only answer they consciously experience be: “They close our
library. That’s what they do.” The difference between the library’s budget and the cost of maintaining
a wasted asset is small. Surely intelligent leadership can come up with a means for saving this living,
vitally contributing heart of a showcase Palo Alto community representative of economic inclusivity,
family values, and cultural diversity!
Sincerely,
Hank Edson
6506447160
Sent from my iPhone
Redacted
6
On May 8, 2020, at 7:50 PM, James Cook <jamesfelixcook@yahoo.com> wrote:
Dear City Council Members,
I wholeheartedly agree with my neighbors and friends: we believe keeping the College
Terrace is a way to promote community, wonder and happiness during a time of
isolation, despair and sadness.
Thank you for your consideration and good luck in your difficult decisions ahead.
Stay safe and healthy,
James Felix Cook
On May 8, 2020, at 6:03 PM, doria s <doriasumma@gmail.com>
wrote:
I agree
And i will do all I can to maintain this community asset from
unnecessarily being shut down for false economies.
Very best
Doria
On Fri, May 8, 2020 at 5:35 PM Annette Ross <port2103@att.net>
wrote:
Fully agree and would gladly volunteer there. There are going to be
myriad changes to our community b/c of Covid; let’s not toss the
cherished community‐building treasures of our community.
It is important that CC (and other levels of government) not use
Covid as a means to an end for certain pre‐Covid
agendas. Community preservation is critical now precisely b/c of the
economic jolt. And neighborhood libraries may well be a primary
resource for many Palo Altans once they reopen.
Sent from my iPhone
On May 8, 2020, at 4:31 PM, Richard Such
<wrichardsuch@gmail.com> wrote:
We have lived in College Terrace for more than 50
years. The branch library is a cultural institution that
we have treasured and used, it seems at least once a
week, except for the couple of painful years during
which it was closed for renovation
appreciate its importance to residents of College
Terrace and surrounding neighborhoods. The
alternatives for us are car rides across town to
7
Rinconada and Mitchell Park libraries, which are
increasingly difficult for seniors like
ourselves. Parents of young children also depend on
the children’s section and the reading‐aloud sessions
there, including recent, English‐learning immigrants
and visitors. Please do not close it, not even
temporarily. The closure for the pandemic has been
hard enough.
Richard and Jane Such,
‐‐
Doria Summa
(650) 867 7544 Mobile
‐‐
Doria Summa
(650) 867 7544 Mobile
Redacted
8
Baumb, Nelly
From:Filseth, Eric (Internal)
Sent:Saturday, May 16, 2020 4:13 PM
To:Summa, Doria
Cc:Alan Gianotti; Alexis Moiseyev; Alicia Thesing; Allen J. Baum; Andrea Cook Fleming; Andrew Fetter;
Ann Balin; Annette Ross; Asa Such; Becky Fuson; Berkeley Revenaugh; Bill Ross; Bonnie King; Brad
Horak; Brent Barker; Brian Feldman; Burke Robinson; Carina Chiang; Chris Makler; Chris Saccheri;
Chris Saccheri; Christopher Botsford; Clara Stoen; Colin Born; Cook, James F.; Council, City; Dan
Kaleba; Danielle Makler; Dara Olmsted; Deborah Plumley; Derek Gurney; Diane Finkelstein; Durham,
KathyF; Ed Schmitt; Eileen Stolee; Emily Wang; Emily and George Marshall; Eric Carlson; Eric Larsen;
Erica Enos; Ewen Wang; Fernando Cabildo; Fred Balin; Geeske Joel; Gray Clossman; Hank Edson; Holly
Welstein; Ingrid Rulifson; Ingrid Shu; Irina Cross; Jack Culpepper; Jaine Reese; Jeff Stoen; Jennifer and
Sebastian Doniach; Jens Jensen; Jeremy Platt; Jerry Yan; Jo Ann Mandinach; Joanne Zschokke; Joe
and Melissa Oliveira; John Mark Agosta; John and Maritza Frankfurt; Julie Good; Karen Damian; Karen
Price; Karlette Warner; Kay Culpepper; Ken Thom; Ken Van Vleck; Kim Raftery; Kristen Anderson; Kyle
Harrison; Larry Kavinoky; Lon Radin; Louise and Aidan Roche; Maggie Heath; Malcolm Slaney;
Manuel Amieva; Margaret Allen; Margit Aramburu; Margot Moiseyev; Marj Pitchon; Mary Jane
Marcus; Meredith Martin; Michael Naar; Michael Smit; Michelle Collette; Michelle Oberman; Ming-
son Wang; Nancy Cassidy; Nancy Lowe; Pam Morgenfeld; Pat Robinson; Patricia Griffin; Patty
Hartsell; Pria Graves; Richard Stolee; Richard Such; Richard Such; Roger Pierno; Roland Vogl;
Ron_and_Joan Tambussi; Ronda Rosner; Ross Revenaugh; Roswitha Remling; Ruth_and_Jerry Consul;
Sairus Patel; Sally and Whit Heaton; Samidh Chakrabarti; Sheila Bonini; Sheila Kothari; Simon Firth;
Steve Woodward; Stewart Carl; Sujata Patel; Sukhi Nagesh; Sumitra Joy; Susan Wilson; Suzanne
Doyle; Suzie Lincoln; Taylor Brady; Terry and MarieLouise Fries; Toby Brookes; Todd Lincoln; Toiya
Black; Tom Jack; Ulla Mick; Ute Engelke; Valerie Sarma; WENDY COOK; Wendy Pang; Zeke Herman;
Zohar Lotan; eric heaton; william.xuan@gregtanaka.org
Subject:RE: College Terrace Library
Thanks Doria.
Plan for all this has been:
1. Go through all the proposed cuts and don’t make any decisions on restoring anything until we’d seen the whole
budget
a. Instead, take the most likely things we’d try to add back, and put them in the “Parking Lot,” a.k.a. the
“candidates for restoration” list
2. More refinement and analysis by Staff based on feedback and questions from (1), and keep looking for ways to
optimize money available
3. Go over the “Parking Lot” list once we knew everything that would be on it, and had the clearest possible picture
of what’s possible
(1) was what we did this past week; (2) is ongoing now, and (3) is coming up in a week. The College Terrace Library is
one of the things on the Parking Lot list. That’s when the main decision on it, and the rest of the list, will get made.
Thank you all for writing in; everybody is aware of the numbers you’ve cited, and I think it’s safe to say all of us want to
minimize the impact as much as possible particularly on Public Safety and Community Services (including Libraries). I’m
sorry everybody has to wait on specific answers to all these things. It’s a pretty gut‐wrenching process to go through,
and we want to do it as carefully as we can.
13
Baumb, Nelly
From:Leonor Delgado <leonor31@sbcglobal.net>
Sent:Saturday, May 16, 2020 2:43 PM
To:Council, City
Cc:Leonor Delgado
Subject:Do not close the College Park Library and others
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on
links.
________________________________
Palo Alto has faced a tremendous crisis with the Covid‐19 pandemic. Yet, the crisis would not be as devastating if
funding were more carefully managed to reflect areas that matter more to most residents—for example, huge
“development” costs that make developers richer and add little to the general quality of life here, rather than investing
in low‐income housing that is livable and blends into the lifestyle of Palo Alto and super‐inflated salaries of city
“executives”—higher than those in Sacramento and Washington, DC. And the proposed “fix”?—cuts in safety—police
and firefighters; reductions in animal control services; closing down of libraries such as the one in College Terrace and
community centers (Cubberley) and community programs, all elements that enrich life here.
What is wrong here? Where are the values? Who matters? Obviously, only the wealthy and those who stand to profit
financially from dipping into the budget.
Don’t cheat residents by relaxing safety, dismissing animals, and destroying community spirit.
Leonor Delgado
14
Baumb, Nelly
From:Allen Baum <abaum@3wisemonkeys.net>
Sent:Saturday, May 16, 2020 2:41 PM
To:Brent Barker
Cc:Summa, Doria; Council Member Tanaka Office; Alan Gianotti; Alexis Moiseyev; Alicia Thesing; Andrea
Cook Fleming; Andrew Fetter; Ann Balin; Annette Ross; Asa Such; Becky Fuson; Berkeley Revenaugh;
Bill Ross; Bonnie King; Brad Horak; Brian Feldman; Burke Robinson; Carina Chiang; Chris Makler; Chris
Saccheri; Chris Saccheri; Christopher Botsford; Clara Stoen; Colin Born; Cook, James F.; Council, City;
Dan Kaleba; Danielle Makler; Dara Olmsted; Deborah Plumley; Derek Gurney; Diane Finkelstein;
Durham, KathyF; Ed Schmitt; Eileen Stolee; Emily Wang; Emily and George Marshall; Eric Carlson; Eric
Larsen; Erica Enos; Ewen Wang; Fernando Cabildo; Fred Balin; Geeske Joel; Gray Clossman; Hank
Edson; Holly Welstein; Ingrid Rulifson; Ingrid Shu; Irina Cross; Jack Culpepper; Jaine Reese; Jeff Stoen;
Jennifer and Sebastian Doniach; Jens Jensen; Jeremy Platt; Jerry Yan; Jo Ann Mandinach; Joanne
Zschokke; Joe and Melissa Oliveira; John Mark Agosta; John and Maritza Frankfurt; Julie Good; Karen
Damian; Karen Price; Karlette Warner; Kay Culpepper; Ken Thom; Ken Van Vleck; Kim Raftery; Kristen
Anderson; Kyle Harrison; Larry Kavinoky; Lon Radin; Louise and Aidan Roche; Maggie Heath; Malcolm
Slaney; Manuel Amieva; Margaret Allen; Margit Aramburu; Margot Moiseyev; Marj Pitchon; Mary
Jane Marcus; Meredith Martin; Michael Naar; Michael Smit; Michelle Collette; Michelle Oberman;
Ming-son Wang; Nancy Cassidy; Nancy Lowe; Pam Morgenfeld; Pat Robinson; Patricia Griffin; Patty
Hartsell; Pria Graves; Richard Stolee; Richard Such; Richard Such; Roger Pierno; Roland Vogl;
Ron_and_Joan Tambussi; Ronda Rosner; Ross Revenaugh; Roswitha Remling; Ruth_and_Jerry Consul;
Sairus Patel; Sally and Whit Heaton; Samidh Chakrabarti; Sheila Bonini; Sheila Kothari; Simon Firth;
Steve Woodward; Stewart Carl; Sujata Patel; Sukhi Nagesh; Sumitra Joy; Susan Wilson; Suzanne
Doyle; Suzie Lincoln; Taylor Brady; Terry and MarieLouise Fries; Toby Brookes; Todd Lincoln; Toiya
Black; Tom Jack; Ulla Mick; Ute Engelke; Valerie Sarma; WENDY COOK; Wendy Pang; Zeke Herman;
Zohar Lotan; eric heaton; william.xuan@gregtanaka.org
Subject:Re: College Terrace Library
Sounds right ‐ but that assumes that the Cameron Park upgrade isn't already on the chopping block.
On 2020‐05‐16 13:14, Brent Barker wrote:
My wife and I completely agree with Doria Summa!!
Brent Barker
On Sat, May 16, 2020 at 10:22 AM doria s <doriasumma@gmail.com> wrote:
My solutions. One. The annual savings of closing the ct lib is approx 1% of the library systems annual budget and if it the savings ere
spread across the system there would be no discernible reduction in service to patrons.
Two. There is a Capital project for minor improvements to CAmeron park delaying that project till the city is flush would save 200k
Which is 30k more than the two year complete
Closure of the only library west of eve the only city facility fir community meetings within two miles and make grand use of the first
library in Pali alto an historic resource that was only just completely restored.
18
Baumb, Nelly
From:sumitra <ncfnorcalrep@gmail.com>
Sent:Saturday, May 16, 2020 2:08 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:College Terrace Library Funding
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
To the Palo Alto City Council members:
I am writing to state that I agree with my fellow College Terrace (CT)
resident, Doria Summa's solutions which are the following:
1. That if the annual savings of closing the College Terrace Library is
approximately 1% of the library system's annual budget and if the savings
are spread across the library system there would be no discernible
reduction in service to patrons.
2. At present, there is a capital project for minor improvements to
Cameron Park in College Terrace, delaying this project until such time
that the city is again in the black would save 200K (which is 30k more
than the two year complete) and could go to funding the CT.
I would also like to add my own solutions which would be to cut the City
manager's salary to $150,000 as well as cut back on any other city
employee that makes over $150,000 and is under working at this
time. Lastly, I agree with Councilman Tanaka, who proposed cutting city
public relations personnel instead of crossing guards and libraries.
Doria Summer's sentiments that we should not be closing the only library
west of the El Camino because it is the only city facility for community
meetings within two miles of any other city building, makes it a very
19
appropriate use of the first library in Palo Alto, which is also an historic
resource, having just recently (2010) been completely restored.
Sincerely,
Sumitra Joy
Princeton St.
Palo Alto, CA.
20
Baumb, Nelly
From:Brent Barker <brentgbarker@gmail.com>
Sent:Saturday, May 16, 2020 1:14 PM
To:Summa, Doria
Cc:Council Member Tanaka Office; Alan Gianotti; Alexis Moiseyev; Alicia Thesing; Allen J. Baum; Andrea
Cook Fleming; Andrew Fetter; Ann Balin; Annette Ross; Asa Such; Becky Fuson; Berkeley Revenaugh;
Bill Ross; Bonnie King; Brad Horak; Brian Feldman; Burke Robinson; Carina Chiang; Chris Makler; Chris
Saccheri; Chris Saccheri; Christopher Botsford; Clara Stoen; Colin Born; Cook, James F.; Council, City;
Dan Kaleba; Danielle Makler; Dara Olmsted; Deborah Plumley; Derek Gurney; Diane Finkelstein;
Durham, KathyF; Ed Schmitt; Eileen Stolee; Emily Wang; Emily and George Marshall; Eric Carlson; Eric
Larsen; Erica Enos; Ewen Wang; Fernando Cabildo; Fred Balin; Geeske Joel; Gray Clossman; Hank
Edson; Holly Welstein; Ingrid Rulifson; Ingrid Shu; Irina Cross; Jack Culpepper; Jaine Reese; Jeff Stoen;
Jennifer and Sebastian Doniach; Jens Jensen; Jeremy Platt; Jerry Yan; Jo Ann Mandinach; Joanne
Zschokke; Joe and Melissa Oliveira; John Mark Agosta; John and Maritza Frankfurt; Julie Good; Karen
Damian; Karen Price; Karlette Warner; Kay Culpepper; Ken Thom; Ken Van Vleck; Kim Raftery; Kristen
Anderson; Kyle Harrison; Larry Kavinoky; Lon Radin; Louise and Aidan Roche; Maggie Heath; Malcolm
Slaney; Manuel Amieva; Margaret Allen; Margit Aramburu; Margot Moiseyev; Marj Pitchon; Mary
Jane Marcus; Meredith Martin; Michael Naar; Michael Smit; Michelle Collette; Michelle Oberman;
Ming-son Wang; Nancy Cassidy; Nancy Lowe; Pam Morgenfeld; Pat Robinson; Patricia Griffin; Patty
Hartsell; Pria Graves; Richard Stolee; Richard Such; Richard Such; Roger Pierno; Roland Vogl;
Ron_and_Joan Tambussi; Ronda Rosner; Ross Revenaugh; Roswitha Remling; Ruth_and_Jerry Consul;
Sairus Patel; Sally and Whit Heaton; Samidh Chakrabarti; Sheila Bonini; Sheila Kothari; Simon Firth;
Steve Woodward; Stewart Carl; Sujata Patel; Sukhi Nagesh; Sumitra Joy; Susan Wilson; Suzanne
Doyle; Suzie Lincoln; Taylor Brady; Terry and MarieLouise Fries; Toby Brookes; Todd Lincoln; Toiya
Black; Tom Jack; Ulla Mick; Ute Engelke; Valerie Sarma; WENDY COOK; Wendy Pang; Zeke Herman;
Zohar Lotan; eric heaton; william.xuan@gregtanaka.org
Subject:Re: College Terrace Library
My wife and I completely agree with Doria Summa!!
Brent Barker
On Sat, May 16, 2020 at 10:22 AM doria s <doriasumma@gmail.com> wrote:
My solutions. One. The annual savings of closing the ct lib is approx 1% of the library systems annual budget and if it
the savings ere spread across the system there would be no discernible reduction in service to patrons.
Two. There is a Capital project for minor improvements to CAmeron park delaying that project till the city is flush
would save 200k
Which is 30k more than the two year complete
Closure of the only library west of eve the only city facility fir community meetings within two miles and make grand
use of the first library in Pali alto an historic resource that was only just completely restored.
On Fri, May 15, 2020 at 8:28 PM Council Member Tanaka Office <Councilmember.Tanaka.Office@gregtanaka.org>
wrote:
Dear Neighbors,
Many thanks for taking the time to write in and/or call into our budget hearings this week. I got hundreds of emails in
24
Baumb, Nelly
From:Maryjane Marcus <maryjane.marcus@gmail.com>
Sent:Saturday, May 16, 2020 10:54 AM
To:Council, City
Cc:Alan Gianotti; Valerie Sarma; Berkeley Revenaugh; Derek Gurney; Todd Lincoln; Danielle Makler;
Sukhi Nagesh; Alicia Thesing; Dan Kaleba; Michael Naar; Ewen Wang; Manuel Amieva; Ross
Revenaugh; Chris Makler; WENDY COOK; Ingrid Rulifson; Clara Stoen; Suzie Lincoln; Pam Morgenfeld;
Jeff Stoen; Ming-son Wang; Emily Wang; Geeske Joel; Cook, James F.; Summa, Doria
Subject:College Terrace already lost community space
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
Dear City Council,
We already lost our main community spaces with the redevelopment of JJ&F and World Centric into the College Terrace
Centre, that as of now has no grocery store. That was meant to be our community benefit as you know.
So to then, on top of losing our Community Space at College Terrace Centre, to also lose our College Terrace Library is a
huge blow.
We are not close to Mitchell Park nor downtown ‐‐ California Ave deserves to have some public community space.
A community loses a lot if we do not have places where we can be together. This is the ONLY place for College Terrace
at this point and probably Ventura/Evergreen Park.
We take our daughter there every week. Even when I'm not getting a book I will drop in and browse the new books or
movies.
Please reconsider,
Warmly
Mary Jane Marcus
4152699079
‐‐
Learn more & support our RENT FUND for East Palo Alto and nearby neighbors‐ 100% to families.
Redacted
25
26
Baumb, Nelly
From:doria s <doriasumma@gmail.com>
Sent:Saturday, May 16, 2020 10:20 AM
To:Council Member Tanaka Office
Cc:Alan Gianotti; Alexis Moiseyev; Alicia Thesing; Allen J. Baum; Andrea Cook Fleming; Andrew Fetter;
Ann Balin; Annette Ross; Asa Such; Becky Fuson; Berkeley Revenaugh; Bill Ross; Bonnie King; Brad
Horak; Brent Barker; Brian Feldman; Burke Robinson; Carina Chiang; Chris Makler; Chris Saccheri;
Chris Saccheri; Christopher Botsford; Clara Stoen; Colin Born; Cook, James F.; Council, City; Dan
Kaleba; Danielle Makler; Dara Olmsted; Deborah Plumley; Derek Gurney; Diane Finkelstein; Durham,
KathyF; Ed Schmitt; Eileen Stolee; Emily Wang; Emily and George Marshall; Eric Carlson; Eric Larsen;
Erica Enos; Ewen Wang; Fernando Cabildo; Fred Balin; Geeske Joel; Gray Clossman; Hank Edson; Holly
Welstein; Ingrid Rulifson; Ingrid Shu; Irina Cross; Jack Culpepper; Jaine Reese; Jeff Stoen; Jennifer and
Sebastian Doniach; Jens Jensen; Jeremy Platt; Jerry Yan; Jo Ann Mandinach; Joanne Zschokke; Joe
and Melissa Oliveira; John Mark Agosta; John and Maritza Frankfurt; Julie Good; Karen Damian; Karen
Price; Karlette Warner; Kay Culpepper; Ken Thom; Ken Van Vleck; Kim Raftery; Kristen Anderson; Kyle
Harrison; Larry Kavinoky; Lon Radin; Louise and Aidan Roche; Maggie Heath; Malcolm Slaney;
Manuel Amieva; Margaret Allen; Margit Aramburu; Margot Moiseyev; Marj Pitchon; Mary Jane
Marcus; Meredith Martin; Michael Naar; Michael Smit; Michelle Collette; Michelle Oberman; Ming-
son Wang; Nancy Cassidy; Nancy Lowe; Pam Morgenfeld; Pat Robinson; Patricia Griffin; Patty
Hartsell; Pria Graves; Richard Stolee; Richard Such; Richard Such; Roger Pierno; Roland Vogl;
Ron_and_Joan Tambussi; Ronda Rosner; Ross Revenaugh; Roswitha Remling; Ruth_and_Jerry Consul;
Sairus Patel; Sally and Whit Heaton; Samidh Chakrabarti; Sheila Bonini; Sheila Kothari; Simon Firth;
Steve Woodward; Stewart Carl; Sujata Patel; Sukhi Nagesh; Sumitra Joy; Susan Wilson; Suzanne
Doyle; Suzie Lincoln; Taylor Brady; Terry and MarieLouise Fries; Toby Brookes; Todd Lincoln; Toiya
Black; Tom Jack; Ulla Mick; Ute Engelke; Valerie Sarma; WENDY COOK; Wendy Pang; Zeke Herman;
Zohar Lotan; eric heaton; william.xuan@gregtanaka.org
Subject:Re: College Terrace Library
My solutions. One. The annual savings of closing the ct lib is approx 1% of the library systems annual budget and if it the
savings ere spread across the system there would be no discernible reduction in service to patrons.
Two. There is a Capital project for minor improvements to CAmeron park delaying that project till the city is flush would
save 200k
Which is 30k more than the two year complete
Closure of the only library west of eve the only city facility fir community meetings within two miles and make grand use
of the first library in Pali alto an historic resource that was only just completely restored.
On Fri, May 15, 2020 at 8:28 PM Council Member Tanaka Office <Councilmember.Tanaka.Office@gregtanaka.org>
wrote:
Dear Neighbors,
Many thanks for taking the time to write in and/or call into our budget hearings this week. I got hundreds of emails in
support of the library. In fact, I think there were more emails and calls into the budget hearings on this topic than all
the other topics combined.
I know many of you might be wondering what is the current status after over 20 hours of budget hearings this week. At
the tail end of this week's hearings (~midnight Weds), I tried to restore the library budget, but I didn't quite have
30
Baumb, Nelly
From:dedra <dedra@pacbell.net>
Sent:Saturday, May 16, 2020 6:57 AM
To:Council, City
Subject:Please don't close College Terrace Library
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on
links.
________________________________
Dear members of the City Council,
The College Terrace Library is the city resource most used by my family.
All five of us read a lot and take out dozens of books and CD's. My husband likes to spend time there reading, and I love
to browse the Lucky Day shelves and the new books. Both our adult children live with us and read extensively, and my
son's wife is also a big user. It's the only library west of El Camino and while we could go to the other libraries, it would
be a significant loss of our favorite destination in Palo Alto and of a long‐standing family tradition. Surely there are other
ways to cut the budget!
Sincerely,
Dedra Hauser
31
Baumb, Nelly
From:joe_lee@yahoo.com
Sent:Saturday, May 16, 2020 12:04 AM
To:Council, City
Subject:Restore funding for College Terrace library please
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
Dear City Council members,
I hope you will take another hard look this coming week at finding ways NOT to close the College Terrace library. It is an
invaluable resource for the community who live on this part of town.
The next nearest library is 3.5 miles away, which makes it really difficult for senior citizens and children.
There is an oft‐repeated assertion that College Terrace Library checkouts are only 5% of total, implying no‐big‐
deal to close it. But per the library circulation data report, this doesn't include online orders. This means that CT
Library accounts for _far more_ than 5% when it comes to where books are picked up. Said another way, since
the CT Library is small in terms of shelf space, many patrons request books or media online via the Palo Alto
library website and then have them sent to the CT Library for pickup. This saves countless car trips across town.
Libraries, along with parks, “make” the feel and fabric of a town. With so many difficult things going on in the
world at the moment, it sends the wrong message to close libraries. I’ve lived in Palo Alto for nearly 30 years,
and I know that libraries are core to the identify of this town.
The expected savings, $167,000, is really small in the grand scheme of things.
ALSO: Can I ask you to put up for serious discussion whether the $6.1 million (4.5%) salary increase for city employees
can be pulled back a bit for the sake of shared sacrifice during this crisis? This is not out of the norm. My company
VMware (major high tech employer in Palo Alto) won't have any promotions nor salary increases this year, among other
cuts. While no one is happy about this, employees recognize this was a tough decision for senior leadership. They
understand the need for shared sacrifice during this once‐in‐a‐lifetime crisis.
Surely we can find $167,000 to keep College Terrace library, perhaps by forgoing the $6.1 million (4.5%) salary increase
slated for July?
Thank you,
Joe Lee
Oberlin Street, Palo Alto
32
Baumb, Nelly
From:Elan Music <elanloeb@gmail.com>
Sent:Friday, May 15, 2020 9:15 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Save the library!
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
Cut city managers salary‐‐ save the library!
Elan Loeb
Barron park
33
Baumb, Nelly
From:Council Member Tanaka Office <Councilmember.Tanaka.Office@gregtanaka.org>
Sent:Friday, May 15, 2020 8:29 PM
To:Hank Edson
Cc:Cook, James F.; Summa, Doria; Annette Ross; Alexis Moiseyev; Allen J. Baum; Andrea Cook Fleming;
Andrew Fetter; Ann Balin; Asa Such; Becky Fuson; Bill Ross; Bonnie King; Brad Horak; Brent Barker;
Brian Feldman; Burke Robinson; Carina Chiang; Chris Saccheri; Chris Saccheri; Christopher Botsford;
Colin Born; Dara Olmsted; Deborah Plumley; Diane Finkelstein; Ed Schmitt; Eileen Stolee; Emily and
George Marshall; Eric Carlson; Eric Larsen; Erica Enos; Fernando Cabildo; Fred Balin; Gray Clossman;
Holly Welstein; Ingrid Shu; Irina Cross; Jack Culpepper; Jaine Reese; Jennifer and Sebastian Doniach;
Jens Jensen; Jeremy Platt; Jerry Yan; Jo Ann Mandinach; Joanne Zschokke; Joe and Melissa Oliveira;
John Mark Agosta; John and Maritza Frankfurt; Julie Good; Karen Damian; Karen Price; Karlette
Warner; Durham, KathyF; Kay Culpepper; Ken Thom; Ken Van Vleck; Kim Raftery; Kristen Anderson;
Kyle Harrison; Larry Kavinoky; Lon Radin; Louise and Aidan Roche; Maggie Heath; Malcolm Slaney;
Margaret Allen; Margit Aramburu; Margot Moiseyev; Marj Pitchon; Mary Jane Marcus; Meredith
Martin; Michael Smit; Michelle Collette; Michelle Oberman; Nancy Cassidy; Nancy Lowe; Pat
Robinson; Patricia Griffin; Patty Hartsell; Pria Graves; Richard Stolee; Richard Such; Richard Such;
Roger Pierno; Roland Vogl; Ron_and_Joan Tambussi; Ronda Rosner; Roswitha Remling;
Ruth_and_Jerry Consul; Sairus Patel; Sally and Whit Heaton; Samidh Chakrabarti; Sheila Bonini; Sheila
Kothari; Simon Firth; Steve Woodward; Stewart Carl; Sujata Patel; Sumitra Joy; Susan Wilson; Suzanne
Doyle; Taylor Brady; Terry and MarieLouise Fries; Toby Brookes; Toiya Black; Tom Jack; Ulla Mick; Ute
Engelke; Wendy Pang; Zeke Herman; Zohar Lotan; Council, City; eric heaton;
william.xuan@gregtanaka.org; Alan Gianotti; Valerie Sarma; Berkeley Revenaugh; Derek Gurney; Todd
Lincoln; Danielle Makler; Sukhi Nagesh; Alicia Thesing; Dan Kaleba; Michael Naar; Ewen Wang;
Manuel Amieva; Ross Revenaugh; Chris Makler; WENDY COOK; Ingrid Rulifson; Clara Stoen; Suzie
Lincoln; Pam Morgenfeld; Jeff Stoen; Ming-son Wang; Emily Wang; Geeske Joel
Subject:Re: College Terrace Library
Dear Neighbors,
Many thanks for taking the time to write in and/or call into our budget hearings this week. I got hundreds of emails in
support of the library. In fact, I think there were more emails and calls into the budget hearings on this topic than all the
other topics combined.
I know many of you might be wondering what is the current status after over 20 hours of budget hearings this week. At
the tail end of this week's hearings (~midnight Weds), I tried to restore the library budget, but I didn't quite have enough
support... one vote away.
So right now the library is in the "parking lot". That means the library is still not in the proposed budget, but on May
26th Council will revisit this item as we finalize the budget.
I think it is important for the Council to hear your opinion on this topic. You can give your input by emailing
city.council@cityofpaloalto.org and/or by calling into our meeting. I can send the conf call info when it is available if you
would like.
I'll also be holding office hours on this topic again this Sunday 5/17 at 4:20 pm since many were not able to attend last
Sunday because of Mother's Day. If interested, please email justin.qiu@gregtanaka.org to let me know within 24 hours
and I can send a Zoom invitation.
On Sun, May 10, 2020 at 8:06 AM Hank Edson <hank@familytreemediation.net> wrote:
36
Baumb, Nelly
From:Council Member Tanaka Office <Councilmember.Tanaka.Office@gregtanaka.org>
Sent:Friday, May 15, 2020 8:28 PM
To:Eileen Stolee
Cc:Ronda Rosner; Summa, Doria; Annette Ross; Alexis Moiseyev; Allen J. Baum; Andrea Cook Fleming;
Andrew Fetter; Ann Balin; Asa Such; Becky Fuson; Bill Ross; Bonnie King; Brad Horak; Brent Barker;
Brian Feldman; Burke Robinson; Carina Chiang; Chris Saccheri; Chris Saccheri; Christopher Botsford;
Colin Born; Dara Olmsted; Deborah Plumley; Diane Finkelstein; Ed Schmitt; Emily and George
Marshall; Eric Carlson; Eric Larsen; Erica Enos; Fernando Cabildo; Fred Balin; Gray Clossman; Holly
Welstein; Ingrid Shu; Irina Cross; Jack Culpepper; Jaine Reese; Cook, James F.; Jennifer and Sebastian
Doniach; Jens Jensen; Jeremy Platt; Jerry Yan; Jo Ann Mandinach; Joanne Zschokke; Joe and Melissa
Oliveira; John Mark Agosta; John and Maritza Frankfurt; Julie Good; Karen Damian; Karen Price;
Karlette Warner; Durham, KathyF; Kay Culpepper; Ken Thom; Ken Van Vleck; Kim Raftery; Kristen
Anderson; Kyle Harrison; Larry Kavinoky; Lon Radin; Louise and Aidan Roche; Maggie Heath; Malcolm
Slaney; Margaret Allen; Margit Aramburu; Margot Moiseyev; Marj Pitchon; Mary Jane Marcus;
Meredith Martin; Michael Smit; Michelle Collette; Michelle Oberman; Nancy Cassidy; Nancy Lowe; Pat
Robinson; Patricia Griffin; Patty Hartsell; Pria Graves; Richard Stolee; Richard Such; Richard Such;
Roger Pierno; Roland Vogl; Ron_and_Joan Tambussi; Roswitha Remling; Ruth_and_Jerry Consul;
Sairus Patel; Sally and Whit Heaton; Samidh Chakrabarti; Sheila Bonini; Sheila Kothari; Simon Firth;
Steve Woodward; Stewart Carl; Sujata Patel; Sumitra Joy; Susan Wilson; Suzanne Doyle; Taylor Brady;
Terry and MarieLouise Fries; Toby Brookes; Toiya Black; Tom Jack; Ulla Mick; Ute Engelke; Wendy
Pang; Zeke Herman; Zohar Lotan; Council, City; eric heaton; william.xuan@gregtanaka.org
Subject:Re: College Terrace Library
Dear Neighbors,
Many thanks for taking the time to write in and/or call into our budget hearings this week. I got hundreds of emails in
support of the library. In fact, I think there were more emails and calls into the budget hearings on this topic than all the
other topics combined.
I know many of you might be wondering what is the current status after over 20 hours of budget hearings this week. At
the tail end of this week's hearings (~midnight Weds), I tried to restore the library budget, but I didn't quite have enough
support... one vote away.
So right now the library is in the "parking lot". That means the library is still not in the proposed budget, but on May
26th Council will revisit this item as we finalize the budget.
I think it is important for the Council to hear your opinion on this topic. You can give your input by emailing
city.council@cityofpaloalto.org and/or by calling into our meeting. I can send the conf call info when it is available if you
would like.
I'll also be holding office hours on this topic again this Sunday 5/17 at 4:20 pm since many were not able to attend last
Sunday because of Mother's Day. If interested, please email justin.qiu@gregtanaka.org to let me know within 24 hours
and I can send a Zoom invitation.
On Sun, May 10, 2020 at 8:57 AM Eileen Stolee <estolee@gmail.com> wrote:
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
Hi,
37
I hope everyone on this thread has sent their concerns to the City Council.
Please send an email to city.council@cityofpaloalto.org
It is very important that our elected officials hear from all of us!
Thanks,
Eileen Stolee
On Sat, May 9, 2020 at 6:20 PM Ronda Rosner <rondarosner@gmail.com> wrote:
Yes, I'm annoyed that $1.3M can be saved from reducing hours at other branches, yet the city will only save
$167K from a complete closure of the CT library. There has to be a better compromise, like reducing the
open days for CT from four to three perhaps? A complete closure is too extreme and unfair to our hood!
Ronda,
"It is strange how new and unexpected conditions bring out unguessed ability to meet them."
~ Edgar Rice Burroughs
On Fri, May 8, 2020 at 6:03 PM doria s <doriasumma@gmail.com> wrote:
I agree
And i will do all I can to maintain this community asset from unnecessarily being shut down for false economies.
Very best
Doria
On Fri, May 8, 2020 at 5:35 PM Annette Ross <port2103@att.net> wrote:
Fully agree and would gladly volunteer there. There are going to be myriad changes to our community b/c of Covid;
let’s not toss the cherished community‐building treasures of our community.
It is important that CC (and other levels of government) not use Covid as a means to an end for certain pre‐Covid
agendas. Community preservation is critical now precisely b/c of the economic jolt. And neighborhood libraries
may well be a primary resource for many Palo Altans once they reopen.
Sent from my iPhone
On May 8, 2020, at 4:31 PM, Richard Such <wrichardsuch@gmail.com> wrote:
We have lived in College Terrace for more than 50 years. The branch library is a cultural institution
that we have treasured and used, it seems at least once a week, except for the couple of painful
years during which it was closed for renovation
appreciate its importance to residents of College Terrace and surrounding neighborhoods. The
alternatives for us are car rides across town to Rinconada and Mitchell Park libraries, which are
increasingly difficult for seniors like ourselves. Parents of young children also depend on the
children’s section and the reading‐aloud sessions there, including recent, English‐learning
immigrants and visitors. Please do not close it, not even temporarily. The closure for the pandemic
has been hard enough.
Richard and Jane Such,
Redacted
Redacted
38
‐‐
Doria Summa
(650) 867 7544 Mobile
39
Baumb, Nelly
From:Revenaugh, Berkeley <Berkeley.Revenaugh@franklintempleton.com>
Sent:Friday, May 15, 2020 5:49 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:College Terrace Library
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
Hi City Council,
As a resident of College Terrace, we use the local library so often. It would be a huge loss to our neighborhood and
community. My husband and I and our three sons all use the library. My children love the freedom of walking there to
look for books. Having the local library is so unique and special and additive to our lives. My children and I see neighbors
while we are there. It connects us to the neighbors of all ages.
We hope the budget can be altered to keep our special library. It is part of why living in College Terrace is special.
Thanks!
Berkeley Revenaugh
Berkeley Revenaugh Senior Client Portfolio Manager, FT Multi-Asset Solutions Franklin Templeton Investments tel +11 (650) 431-5701 berkeley.revenaugh@franklintempleton.com www.franklintempleton.com
Notice: All email and instant messages (including attachments) sent to or from Franklin Templeton Investments (FTI)
personnel may be retained, monitored and/or reviewed by FTI and its agents, or authorized law enforcement personnel,
without further notice or consent.
Under new Data Protection regulations in Europe your personal information may be subject to our EU specific Privacy &
Cookies Notice which you can read here, regardless of where the information originates. Depending on your location,
other privacy laws and regulations may also apply to you.
40
Baumb, Nelly
From:Lesley N. Robertson <lrobertson@stanford.edu>
Sent:Friday, May 15, 2020 2:37 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:College terrace library
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on
links.
________________________________
Dear city council
Please vote to keep college terrace library open. It is an essential part of our community and the only library branch
safely accessible by bicycle or foot traffic to the residential communities west of el camino. This is an especially
impactful consideration for children, retirees and anyone without ready access to a vehicle —tho the library is
frequented by all. College Terrace library is a treasured presence in our community and provides critical services for
Palo Alto residents.
Please vote to keep College Terrace library open.
Sincerely
Lesley Robertson.
41
Baumb, Nelly
From:mike.forster@alumni.usc.edu
Sent:Friday, May 15, 2020 10:30 AM
To:Council, City
Cc:'Susan C'; mlf2
Subject:Do not close the College Terrace Library
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
May 15, 2020
City Council Members:
Please keep open the College Terrace Library. It is a valuable and popular resource for College
Terrace, Evergreen Park, Ventura, and Stanford residents.
Palo Alto keeps losing commercial resources, especially in and around California Avenue -
bookstores, thrift shops, hardware stores, flower shops, stationery stores, and so on. Let's not
have our city government contribute to such losses by closing this library.
Mike Forster, Evergreen Park
Palo Alto, CA 94306
Redacted
42
Baumb, Nelly
From:Anna Bigelow <abigelow@stanford.edu>
Sent:Friday, May 15, 2020 9:12 AM
To:Council, City
Subject:save the College Terrace Library
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
it is historic. it is a community center. it is inexpensive. it is essential. build it up, don’t tear it down.
Anna Bigelow, PhD
Department of Religious Studies
Stanford University
Stanford, CA 94305
abigelow@stanford.edu
pronouns: she/her
Redacted
43
Baumb, Nelly
From:shuchi sarkar <shuchisarkar2004@yahoo.com>
Sent:Friday, May 15, 2020 7:27 AM
To:Council, City
Subject:College Terrace library
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on
links.
________________________________
As a resident of College Terrace and Palo Alto and trying to keep the tradition of reading alive please do not close this
historical library. I know times are tough but please don’t kill a tradition and landmark. This next gen needs to start
reading and the library is a big part fo that
Shuchi Sarkar
44
Baumb, Nelly
From:Skip Shapiro <sailorskip76@gmail.com>
Sent:Thursday, May 14, 2020 11:54 AM
To:Council, City
Subject:Budget Cuts for Libraries and Art Center
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
Council Members,
I just read about the proposed reduction in library hours and cuts to the Art Center programs. I’m writing to ask whether
volunteers could supplement paid staff so that library hours can be maintained per normal. I am willing to volunteer to
help at Rinconada library which is my neighborhood library.
Thanks in advance for considering this idea.
Skip Shapiro
sailorskip76@gmail.com
Redacte
d
45
Baumb, Nelly
From:Jordan Dietch <jordandietch@gmail.com>
Sent:Wednesday, May 13, 2020 2:21 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Please Don’t close College Terrace Library
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
Please don’t close this library. We frequently use this library to check out books.
Thanks,
Jordan
1
Baumb, Nelly
From:Igor M <igorm106@hotmail.com>
Sent:Thursday, May 14, 2020 12:51 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Fine, Cormack, Filseth, Kniss: We will remember how you voted when we vote
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
City Council,
Stop the unnecessary capital construction. Bike bridge??? You have got to be kidding.
The underpass is available.
The cost of the City Manager's office per 2020 adopted budget (salaries only):
City Manager - $356,000
Assistant to the City Manager - $310,000
Assistant City Manager - $256,000
Deputy City Manager - $214,000
Chief Communications Office - $206,000
Communications Manager - $121,000
Executive Assistant to the City Manager - $102,000
2 Admin Assistants - $178,000
Management Analyst - $85,000
Total salary is $1,830,000; add in benefits, and it's $2,700,000
Five (5) PR positions at City Hall ????????!!!!!!!
Lisa Caracciolo $131,389 salary, $179,357 salary+benefits
Meghan Horrigan-Taylor, $180,000, $252,000 salary + benefits (benefits est @ 40%)
Catherine Elvert: $155,836 salary, $220,529 salary+benefits
Janine Hartley, $136,449 salary, $185,901 salary+benefits
Janine De La Vega, $125,000 + $175,000 Salary and benefits (benefits set @ 40%)
Any of those salaries will completely offset the College Terrace
library closure.
Voted for cuts to police and fire:
Fine, Filseth, Cormack and Kniss
2
We will remember when we vote.
Cheers,
Daniel
3
Baumb, Nelly
From:Diana <dianastar1@gmail.com>
Sent:Thursday, May 14, 2020 2:26 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:PACT
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on
links.
________________________________
Dear City Council,
I understand that you are in need of making budget cuts. One of the programs on the block is the Palo Alto Children’s
Theatre.
I implore you to continue to provide funding. I began at the Children’s Theatre in 1968 at the age of 9. It changed my life
both personally and professionally. It became my beacon and my family. I was there until I graduated from high school. I
kept in touch and always went back to visit.
I never realized how privileged and special it was until I went to UCLA and no one had heard of such a place. They only
had arts in school.
I continued a life in the theatre for 25 years. My life would have never been as amazing or as rich without the foundation
of the one and only Palo Alto Children’s Theatre.
Please value this treasure. It’s one of the reasons Palo Alto is so special.
Most Sincerely,
Diana (née Rollnick) Podolsky
Sent from my iPhone
4
Baumb, Nelly
From:Ray-Perry, Cayla
Sent:Thursday, May 14, 2020 7:20 PM
To:Council, City; Fine, Adrian; Cormack, Alison; DuBois, Tom; Filseth, Eric (Internal); Kniss, Liz (internal);
Kou, Lydia; Tanaka, Greg
Subject:My piece about our jobs in the city
I intend to keep this short and sweet. My job as one of the few professionals that produces the shows at the
Palo Alto children's theatre (specifically I paint the sets and I am the only one on staff that does so) is an
incredibly specific one. Most people wouldn't know that my career path exists, let alone that someone like me
has a spot on staff with the city of Palo Alto. Even of those in the technical theatre industry, only a finite
percentage of them can paint theatrical sets. Luckily for the children's theatre, I am also trained in education. I
work as a teaching artist and have more that 6 years experience working with children. This makes me one of
the only people qualified in the Bay Area to work this job. It took 3 years of constant job searching to come
across this role at the children's theatre‐‐essentially my dream job.
I have worked countless jobs in the theatre industry, and I can tell you without a doubt, that my job at the Palo
Alto children's theatre is the best one I have ever worked. The quality of work we are able to produce for the
children in our area is world class compared to other opportunities that these children may have in the arts.
This is SPECIFICALLY BECAUSE the city has had the resources to be specific and hire people like me. I don't
intend to toot my own horn, only to express that people like me are not abundant.
This is also to explain that jobs like mine at the children's theatre are not abundant. If I lost my job here, I
would be forced to essentially start fresh with a new career. I would be lost. It would be years before I find
another job in my field because it is the only thing I have experience in.
The staff at the children's theatre is small but incredibly mighty. It has taken years for us to all come to the
theatre on our own paths, but if laid off, it would take years to build up the staff support again for the
children's theatre. Staffing there is not an on/off switch because we are unique. The skills they need at the
children's theatre are not abundant in the Bay Area AT ALL and starting over again would be starting over the
build of the children's theatre's reputation as well.
I understand the need to not produce shows for the foreseeable future. This is an important and necessary
step to keep Palo Alto youth and our staff safe and healthy. But we are a small team and we are able to work
socially distant. We have incredible skills to offer the city in other ways, and their are parts of our organization,
such at shop upkeep, that we have neglected due to all the work we have been putting into shows in the past
year and a half. But given the opportunity to take a break from producing, we can even further improve our
programing‐‐and then we'll already be ready to hit the ground running when we can produce shows again,
creating that on/off switch!
Thank you for reading. It is my sincere hope that I can continue working in this city for longer. I can tell you
with absolute honesty that this is the best job I have ever had. Loosing it would ruin me.
Cayla Ray‐Perry
Scenic Artist
Palo Alto Children's Theatre
5
www.scenicartbycayla.com
Scenic Art by Cayla Ray-Perry
Cayla is a scenic painter, designer, and artist with a BFA in
Theatre Design and Production (2014) from Central
Washington University. Cayla was born and raised in San
Jose, California where she developed a love for theatre
and performance as early as age 6. She first began to
apply her creative and
www.scenicartbycayla.com
6
Baumb, Nelly
From:Toby Lobell <tobylobell@gmail.com>
Sent:Wednesday, May 20, 2020 10:07 AM
To:Council, City
Subject:Library
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
Dear City Council,
Please don't close the college terrace library, I am in fifth grade and I get a lot of my studying resources from that library
and it would bring me lots of trouble to make my busy parents drive me all the way across town to get 2 or 3 books
instead of walking 10 minutes.
Thanks,
Toby Lobell
7
Baumb, Nelly
From:Karen Price <rolfingduo@earthlink.net>
Sent:Wednesday, May 20, 2020 10:20 AM
To:Council, City
Subject:Please save the College Terrace library
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on
links.
________________________________
Dear city council members,
In these incredibly difficult and challenging times we need the small things that make our neighborhood and our lives
worthwhile. The College Terrace Library serves the entire community from very young children through to very old
seniors.
Books can be very dear friends when people are not available for whatever reason. People need to be close to this
library. Please make whatever budget cuts are necessary elsewhere to keep this valuable and important library open. As
it is we only have access four days a week.
Thank you for your consideration,
Karen Price
Hanover St
Sent from my iPhone
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Baumb, Nelly
From:Kai LOBELL <kailobell@gmail.com>
Sent:Wednesday, May 20, 2020 1:43 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:College Terrace Library Closure
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City Council,
I am a high school student and Gunn, and I go to the college terrace library almost every week. It is the only library
within walking distance of where I and many people around me live. To go to another library means to drive through
traffic for a while and then go into a big crowded library. This quiet, perfect, library has been the home of many of my
fondest memories. Please do not take this place where other and I can relax and learn away.
‐Kai Lobell
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Baumb, Nelly
From:Andie Reed <andiezreed@gmail.com>
Sent:Wednesday, May 20, 2020 1:19 PM
To:Council, City; City Mgr
Subject:2020-21 budget
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Dear Council Members and City Manager,
In listening to some hours of the budget hearings last week, it is clear what a very
difficult task it is to effectively and efficiently present the material for the Council's
decision-making process, not to mention COVID impacts, which cause substantive
financial problems (huge reductions in budget) and process problems (how to "meet",
work together, and provide public access). It is much appreciated that you are doing
what you can to make it work. I am especially impressed with the budget page on the
City website making it easy to go back and revisit particular areas of the hearings
(thanks for those "jump to" links).
As you continue your deliberations on the budget, please keep in mind how important
arts and cultural institutions are to the residents of Palo Alto; kids, teens, and older
adults count on many of the community services that make Palo Alto such a great place
to live. It is especially important to support the library in College Terrace, the Children's
theater, and the Arts Center. These venues are not only culturally significant, but they
house community meeting places that are of utmost importance to the residents. Also, I
have always thought, after all the hard work raising funds and staving off further
deterioration of the Roth building by volunteers over many years, that the City should
step in and finish getting it ready to house the City museum. In this city where there is
an incredible amount of volunteerism promoting and preserving its history, it has always
surprised me that we haven't gotten that museum up and running.
These are not huge investments of funding but letting them die out during this time
would be catastrophic; these are one-way doors that are harder each year to re-
open. Some changes to the current Capital Improvement Plan, such as street and
parking lot maintenance and improvements and canceling the El Camino Pedestrian Plan
would be less impactful than closing the Arts Center for 2 years, for example.
Please ensure savings that can be made available from capital infrastructure programs
and capital improvement plans are earmarked to support these popular and vitally
important community services.
Thank you for your dedication and hard work.
Andie Reed
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‐‐
Andie Reed CPA
Palo Alto, CA 94301
530-401-3809
Redacted
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Baumb, Nelly
From:David Lobell <dlobell@stanford.edu>
Sent:Wednesday, May 20, 2020 12:43 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:College terrace library
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Hello
I am a frequent user of the college terrace library, and wanted to voice my support for keeping it open. It’s
important for local users, especially children, to be able to walk to a library. It’s one of the best uses of our tax
dollars and I doubt would save much money relative to other expenses. there are no other libraries within
walking distance of the Stanford and college terrace neighborhoods.
Sincerely,
David Lobell
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Baumb, Nelly
From:Ardan Michael Blum <ardan.michael.blum@gmail.com>
Sent:Wednesday, May 20, 2020 12:30 PM
To:Council, City; Clerk, City; Shikada, Ed
Subject:Re: Why keeping Janine De la Vega as public-affairs manager is important.
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Warm greetings,
I am quite impressed by the hard and personal steps taken by our city
manager.
More on Twitter: https://twitter.com/ArdanBlum/status/1263188521856061440
Best regards,
Ardan Michael
On Wed, May 13, 2020 at 2:55 PM Ardan Michael Blum <ardan.michael.blum@gmail.com> wrote:
Warm greetings,
Please see this article:
https://www.iterate.live/post/budget‐cuts‐in‐palo‐alto‐why‐keeping‐janine‐de‐la‐vega‐as‐public‐affairs‐manager‐is‐
important
Best regards,
Ardan Michael Blum
‐‐
CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This email, including any attachments, is for the sole use of the
intended recipient(s) and may contain confidential and privileged information or may otherwise be
protected by law. Any unauthorized review, use, disclosure or distribution is prohibited. If you are not
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the intended recipient, please contact the sender by reply email and destroy all copies of the original
message and any attachment thereto.
‐‐
CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This email, including any attachments, is for the sole use of the
intended recipient(s) and may contain confidential and privileged information or may otherwise be
protected by law. Any unauthorized review, use, disclosure or distribution is prohibited. If you are not
the intended recipient, please contact the sender by reply email and destroy all copies of the original
message and any attachment thereto.
7
Baumb, Nelly
From:Carolyn Manning <manningpeeps@gmail.com>
Sent:Wednesday, May 20, 2020 12:21 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:In support of College Terrace Library
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Dear city council,
I understand that there are incredibly difficult financial decisions being made in this unprecedented time, and appreciate
one has to make tough calls. I would like to ask that you reconsider the decision to close the College Terrace branch
library, as it is the only branch that serves residents on the west side of El Camino.
It is a vital resource for many graduate student families and elderly residents who do not have access to a car. Those on
a budget find free access to newspapers, magazines and books are an incredible way to continue learning and find
pleasure in a tough economy. The relatively low cost of keeping this open should be a factor in your decision on where
to cut.
Thanks,
Carolyn Manning
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Baumb, Nelly
From:Kimberly Thacker <kdawnkali@yahoo.com>
Sent:Wednesday, May 20, 2020 12:13 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Please support our Children's Theatre
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Dear City Council Members,
Thank you for the extremely difficult work you are doing making hard decisions during this time and for your thoughtful consideration hearing members of the community. I would not want to be in your positions and recognize how tough it is to make these choices.
I wanted to write a brief note on behalf of prioritizing the Children's Theatre as much as is possible, in which both my sons
have performed in for several years now. My older son, now a junior, has often said "the theatre is my life!" For many students, the Theatre is much, much more than an extra activity. It is a source of their primary community, confidence in who they are, and their outlet for passion and creativity. It is my hope that if social guidelines allow performances this year that we could at least have a Spring 2021 performance and a Summer Hot Dog season, especially important for the Seniors who will be graduating next year, and also for the many other children who will have gone a full year without being able to pursue their passion, creative outlet, and self-expression. After months of disruption, not being able to participate
in their favorite activity because of budget, IF it is possible where we are with COVID 19, would be such a disappointment - and it would be such a celebration for the child actors and the audience to be able to perform a show after this trying period of our lives.
My other concern is staff. The Children's Theatre has such a high level of professionalism and excellence and I see it as a true jewel of the City that supports such a program. Much of this comes from the wonderful work of the current staff. It is hard for artists to live in our area at any time and I am worried that if people lost jobs they may not be around to resume
their positions when this is past us.
I know things must be cut and that there are so many beneficial programs the City supports. As a parent, I am willing to step up and contribute more to our theatre should a performance be possible and I think others may be as well if the City can continue to support it. May you continue in your decision making with wisdom and patience and thank you for your
service and care.
Best, Kim Thacker
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Baumb, Nelly
From:Elizabeth Garr <elizabethgarr@gmail.com>
Sent:Wednesday, May 20, 2020 8:27 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Children's Theatre
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Dear City Council Members,
The Children's Theater is one of the prime jewels that makes Palo Alto a special place to live. Please do not cut Children's
Theater's budget; we need it, the children need it, especially after shelter in place. We need art and community in our
lives.
Sincerely,
Elizabeth Garr
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Baumb, Nelly
From:Jennifer Antonow <jennifer.antonow@gmail.com>
Sent:Wednesday, May 20, 2020 8:27 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Children’s Theatre funding
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I know times are tough, but losing two years of children’s theatre funding likely means that we could lose the incredible
staff there. Both of my kids had formidable experiences under Judge Luckey, Patricia Montenegro, Richard at the desk
and Jennie the costume designer. The theatre is a gem and we are so lucky to have it in our community. Please
reconsider or work with FOPACT to try to reduce the impact on the theatre. Thank you for your consideration and all
you are doing at this difficult time.
Jennifer Antonow
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Baumb, Nelly
From:Tammy Kwan <kwan.tammy@gmail.com>
Sent:Wednesday, May 20, 2020 8:25 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Children's Theatre
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Dear City Council,
Please, please reconsider the funding for the Children's Theatre.
My daughter had struggled with friends at school since preschool and from performing in the many shows at the
Children's Theatre, she begun to overcome her struggles and is now able to make good friendships at school. In
addition, the Children's Theatre is a special place and an invaluable resource here in our community. Please do not take
this away from our children. My daughter was looking forward to auditioning for the Summer Hot Dog
performances and was really saddened to hear that due to the current pandemic, the performances would be
cancelled. Please do not take away even more opportunities. It would truly be devastating for her as well as all the
other kids in our community.
Respectfully,
Tammy Kwan
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Baumb, Nelly
From:Laura Wolfe <lhwolfe@gmail.com>
Sent:Wednesday, May 20, 2020 8:05 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Childrens Theatre
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________________________________
Dear City Council:
I’m writing in support of our Palo Alto Childrens Theatre. I grew up in Palo Alto in two places: my childhood home, and
the Childrens Theatre back when Pat Briggs was there. My roles ranged from “part of the crowd scene” to the leading
role of Harlequin. Everything I needed to learn about teamwork and resilience, I learned at the Childrens Theatre. Please
support their budget and keep this jewel in Palo Alto open.
Respectfully
Laura Wolfe
Iris Way
Sent from my iPhone
5
Baumb, Nelly
From:Arielle Blumenfeld <blumenfeld.arielle@gmail.com>
Sent:Wednesday, May 20, 2020 8:03 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Please reconsider keeping the Palo Alto Children's Theatre open
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Dear Palo Alto City Council, Hi! My name is Arielle Blumenfeld, and I have been a member of the Palo Alto Children’s Theatre for the past six or seven years. I cannot explain how much the theatre has made an impact on my life. As a third-grader, I had little interest in sports. Although I played soccer, swam, and competed in gymnastics, I never felt a strong drive towards these activities. I remember seeing one of my close friends preform and decided I wanted to try acting. This was one of the
best decisions of my life. When I auditioned for the first time, I felt excited when I saw my name on the company list. I loved the sassy character I played, Garland, and remember the costume I wore. I still recall how magical I felt when I first stepped onto the stage. I loved everything about it.
Since then, I acted in over twenty shows (the majority were at the Children’s Theatre). I have participated in plays, musicals, playhouse experiences, cabarets, and was a summer intern for PACT in June of 2019.
Through acting in these productions, my goal was to inspire young kids to try acting. Theatre made an incredible impact on my life. By closing the theatre, you are stopping lots of children from feeling their spark. If I never participated in my first show, I would have missed out on some of the best programs, experiences, and
friends I have ever had. Without the Children’s Theatre, I would never have had a passion for theatre. By cutting the theatre from your budget, you are depriving hundreds of children of finding their potential passions. From the bottom of my heart, please reconsider keeping the Palo Alto Children's Theatre open, for it is my home. Best regards, Arielle Blumenfeld
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Baumb, Nelly
From:Yair Blumenfeld <yairb@stanford.edu>
Sent:Wednesday, May 20, 2020 7:59 PM
To:Council, City
Cc:Maya
Subject:E-mail on behalf of the Palo Alto Children's Theatre
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Dear Palo Alto City Council,
We are writing this message of strongest possible support on behalf of the Palo Alto Children’s Theatre. As residents of
Palo Alto for over 10 years, and as parents of two daughters, there are few local programs which have brought similar
joy, culture, creativity, excitement, imagination, and pure magic to our lives like the Palo Alto Children’s Theatre. Our
daughters have been attending productions and performing in the theatre since a very young age, and we cannot
imagine living and raising children in Palo Alto without the theatre.
Interestingly, we recently read a novel titled “The Last Train to London”, a nationally recognized best‐selling novel by
Mrs. Meg Clayton (please see cover below). We were pleasantly surprised after reading her fabulous novel to read the
author’s acknowledgment section describing her inspiration for the novel (see below as well). In short, the theatre has
clearly influenced countless others well beyond the city of Palo Alto, and it would be absolutely devastating to see this
particular program cut. We realize that each program is vital to the longevity of our city, but we urge you to please
sustain the theatre on behalf of the families and children of Palo Alto and the region. As Oscar Wilde once said: “I regard
the theatre as the greatest of all art forms, the most immediate way in which a human being can share with another the
sense of what it is to be a human being”. These words resonate loudly today as we face an unprecedent threat.
Thank you for your consideration,
Yair & Maya Blumenfeld
Yair J. Blumenfeld, MD
Associate Professor
Division of Maternal‐Fetal Medicine
Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology
Stanford University School of Medicine
Director, Fetal Therapy
Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford
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Baumb, Nelly
From:Ting Yao <tyao0323@gmail.com>
Sent:Wednesday, May 20, 2020 7:48 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Children's theater
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Hi, city council member -
I am so sad to hear about the proposal to cancel Children's theater performances for two years. This program brings
so much joy and skill development opportunities for young actors and theater. It is also provides a platform for Palo Alto communities and families to connect with each other.
It would be so horrific to simply cancel the program for two years; for many children, the period may be the very critical two years to grow and learn. Understanding that there is budget pressure, I still believe that there could be many other ways to continue the program with the reduced funding, such as higher tickets fee, mandatory and higher charge for all actors who participate in the program;
Thank you for considering this and I hope city of Palo Alto makes the right decision during the difficult time in supporting our children and our community.
Best regards
Ting (650-600-8918)
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Baumb, Nelly
From:Rachel Lotan <rlotan@stanford.edu>
Sent:Wednesday, May 20, 2020 7:28 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:college terrace library
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Please, please, please, keep it open!
Rachel Lotan, PhD
Professor (Teaching) Emerita
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Baumb, Nelly
From:Jon Zeitlin <jon.zeitlin@gmail.com>
Sent:Wednesday, May 20, 2020 6:32 PM
To:Council, City
Cc:kdawnkali@yahoo.com
Subject:save Palo Alto children's theater
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Dear Palo Alto City Council:
Palo Alto Children's Theater was the highlight of my three children's year. We moved to Palo Alto this past August, an
awkward time to have to start 8th grade for my oldest child, Theo. He tried out for and was cast in Phantom Tollbooth,
giving him confidence, making friends, and making him feel better about the move.
About a month after Phantom Tollbooth was done, my ten year old twins were cast in Stinky Cheese Man at Juana
Briones School where they attend. What a wonderful production and so fun for Noa and Eli who made great friends
during the performance.
My wife and I moved away from Palo Alto twenty years ago and when we returned this past summer, we did find some
things that we didn't like now (crowdedness, lack of affordability) but Palo Alto Children's Theater made us feel so much
better about our move back.
Please don't cut funding. There must be some other ways in this very wealthy area to make it up with additional
revenue sources.
Best
Jon Zeitlin
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Baumb, Nelly
From:Annie Chan <anniechan1@gmail.com>
Sent:Wednesday, May 20, 2020 5:46 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Children's theater funding
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Dear City council member,
As a parent of 3 young kids, a physician, and member of this community, I strongly urge you to consider the importance
of the Palo Alto Children's Theatre. It provides a valuable service for our kids to express themselves and be a part of the
arts which is even more important in these challenging times.
Thank you for your consideration.
Annie Chan
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Baumb, Nelly
From:Maya Adam <madam@stanford.edu>
Sent:Wednesday, May 20, 2020 5:10 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:The need for theater in Palo Alto
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Dear Friends,
I am writing to you about the suggested cutbacks and suspension of community theater in Palo Alto.
This concerns me deeply as both an educator, a cons and parent. Live community theater is an absolutely essential part
of our children’s social‐emotional development. It protects their mental health in ways that will encourage resilience for
a lifetime. Opportunities for children, their parents – for all community members – to attend and participate in live
theater, allows us to withstand the challenges of daily life and to find our voices within a sea of noise. I will not bore you
with the research documenting the health benefits of community theater for both adults and children living in a
community like ours, but suffice it to say that live community theater is an ESSENTIAL SERVICE in many ways that impact
our long term health and wellbeing.
Please consider finding a way to keep community theater alive in Palo Alto.
With gratitude for your consideration,
Maya Adam MD
Maya Adam MD
Director of Health Education Outreach
Faculty Lead | Digital MEdIC South Africa
Clinical Assistant Professor | Dept. of Pediatrics
Stanford School of Medicine
+1 (650) 839 3600 | +27 (72) 237 8926
Zoom: https://stanford.zoom.us/my/mayaadam
Digital MEdIC YouTube channel
Watch our latest animated COVID-19 prevention video.
Together, we can prevent the spread.
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Baumb, Nelly
From:Amber Li <amberleysgarden@gmail.com>
Sent:Wednesday, May 20, 2020 4:54 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:College Terrace Library
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________________________________
Dear City Council,
We are so pleased to learn that the city administrators will cut back some pay. I have lost all my pay during the
pandemic and I have worked assiduously to build my business as a realtor for years. But I don't have access to the public
library in College Terrace and count on their services for my livelihood. I am willing to sacrifice my pay to have public
services like my local library, but I would be hard pressed to lack access after so much sacrifice.
There must be other less important priorities in the city budget that could be cut to preserve the oldest library in Palo
Alto. Pls find them and preserve the heritage of learning and wisdom that we all know as the College Terrace Library.
Thank you.
Amber Li
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Baumb, Nelly
From:Laurence Pichot <laurence.pichot@gmail.com>
Sent:Wednesday, May 20, 2020 4:49 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Protect the children theater
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To whom it may concern,
Palo Alto has the longest running children's theater in the nation and it is critical the city does what it is needed to
protect it.
This is an important part of the fabric of our children's lives, as present and future artists and consumers of art and
theater. Shelter in place is bringing a huge amount of mental health issues, addiction to screens, anxiety, depression. We
have to preserve an outlet for creativity.
My kids have attended every single show since they were two, they are now 7 and 9. It is great for the young ones,
fabulous confident builder for the older ones and good role model.
Please take the necessary measure to preserve it.
Kind regards
‐‐
Laurence
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Baumb, Nelly
From:Elly R <elychka@gmail.com>
Sent:Wednesday, May 20, 2020 4:28 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Musical Theater Budget
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To whom it my concern:
Please do not slash the Children's Theater budget. My child is in 3rd grade and has been waiting for years to be allowed
to participate in the Children's Theater performance. If you cut it for 2 years, she will never be able to do this because
she will miss her one and only year that our school was scheduled to have this option. She will be absolutely
devastated!
Thank you for your time,
Elly Erlikh (mother to a rising 4th grader and aspiring actress, and to a rising Kindergartener)