HomeMy Public PortalAbout20200608plCC3701-32
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 3 of 10
Note: Documents for every category may not have been received for packet
reproduction in a given week.
1
Baumb, Nelly
From:Kathryn Johnston <kathryn.johnston@mac.com>
Sent:Wednesday, May 20, 2020 2:52 PM
To:Council, City
Cc:Me Johnston
Subject:Palo Alto Art Center Funding
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
Wednesday, May 20, 2020
Dear Council Members,
Hello, my name is Kathryn Johnston. I’m currently living at 325 Channing Ave, but have also lived on Coleridge and
Lowell Avenues in my many years of life in Palo Alto.
I write in support of continuing city resources to the Palo Alto Art Center—while understanding full well that there will
need to be across‐the‐board cuts for many important programs this and next year, due to the coronavirus.
My daughter—and now my granddaughter——have been the beneficiaries of the both warm and stimulating talents
and programs of the Art Center. These classes are part of the woof and warp of their characters now, and will remain a
touchstone of their youth (and the products of these classes? all over our home…) But it is the excellence of the
instructors, the many and varied program offerings, that pushed these two youth to explore the further edges of their
creative capabilities.
I was a Macintosh computer consultant for 26 years; it was a part of my work to also support women in this male‐heavy
profession. And, now, is not Art an integral part of S.T.E.A.M.? Hasn’t the work of Steve Jobs pushed this town forward
fully as much as Hewlett and Packard’s contributions did‐‐‐ Steve, with his focus that an aesthetic sense must be an
integral part of our technological hard‐ and soft‐ware driven lives?
IF there is a “Regional Advantage” in this Valley‐‐‐as AnnaLee Saxenian of U.C. Berkeley has contended—a large part of
the synergy we all stew in every waking day, flows from the cross‐pollination that occurs here among its many‐cultured
people, between and among disciplines. Graphic sensitivity and sophistication propelled many of our local companies to
become global brands—and one reason that has such weight here as a design component is because of the visual
sophistication of Palo Altans. The Art Center's full‐throated existence ensures that this influence will continue to
flourish….
Thank you for your consideration of my position,
and My Best to you all,
Kathryn Johnston
Kathryn Johnston
Palo Alto, CA 94301‐2765
landline: 650 600 8662
mobile: 202 340 9739
kathryn.johnston@mac.com
Redacted
3
Baumb, Nelly
From:Lakshmi Rao <reachlakshmi001@gmail.com>
Sent:Wednesday, May 20, 2020 3:22 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Palo Alto Childrens Theatre
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attachments and clicking on links.
Hello council members,
I’m saddened to hear of the cuts to performances at our beloved Children’s theatre. PACT has been an important part
of our children’s’ lives growing up and a great place for them to develop into young adults. Under the watchful, yet
caring direction of Mr Luckey and and Ms Patricia, our girls learnt to pursue what they loved and felt appreciated to be a
part of the performances. It would be a big loss to the City to cut these performances entirely, especially with the kind
of work this particular theatre has been doing. It really is a gem and we should look at ways to keep some performances
at least going.
Simrun, our older one, especially overcame her shyness mainly due to the theatre and is now an advocate for youth.
Most recently, she was invited to join the allcove YAG, run by the county in partnership with Stanford.
Did you know that the theatre partnered with the Stanford Compression Forum for the past two summers to put up
some unique programming? These employed digital tech to create an immersive theatre experience, that can also be
extended to some social distancing ‐ appropriate ways to have programming for the public. I urge you to reconsider.
Sincerely,
Lakshmi Rao
(Mom to Simrun and Areet Rao)
4
Baumb, Nelly
From:Elise Singer <elise.singer@gmail.com>
Sent:Wednesday, May 20, 2020 3:27 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:childrens theater budget
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attachments and clicking on links.
It is with passion that I write in support of full Children's Theater programming. Although I know we have a serious
budget shortfall to reconcile, our family finds this to be an unacceptable compromise. The theater must continue to
offer their nationally recognized programming, including performances and classes.
I am happy to discuss further, as required. Please do NOT pass the proposed new cuts that effectively cancel
performances.
Sincerely,
Elise + Elliot Singer
Palo Alto
Redacted
5
Baumb, Nelly
From:Susan Pease Banitt <info@suepeasebanitt.com>
Sent:Wednesday, May 20, 2020 2:34 PM
To:Council, City
Cc:Susan Pease Banitt
Subject:Cuts to Children's Theater
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attachments and clicking on links.
Dear Council Members,
Please reconsider cuts to the Palo Alto Childrens’ Theater programs. Growing up in PACT was a life saving activity for me
and enriched my childhood beyond measure. Although I live in another state, I am still actively connected to many of my
theater friends from that time. This week I pointed out Zeljko Ivanek on Madam Secretary to my daughter and
reminisced how he played an ugly stepsister in the dance production of Cinderella in the 70’s with myself in the corps de
ballet.
There are several Facebook groups with whom I have shared this news. Many of us would consider donating to keep the
theater programs alive and well. The benefits of theater in childhood are lifelong. Please do not be shortsighted at this
time. And consider approaching wealthy patrons of the arts to help out.
Best,
Susan Pease Banitt, LCSW, RYT
Author, Speaker, Consultant, Teacher
Lotus Heart Counseling
www.suepeasebanitt.com
@suepeasebanitt
Lotus Heart Counseling
Portland, OR 97210
Mobile: 503‐869‐0314
Fax: 503‐241‐4250
Redacted
1
Baumb, Nelly
From:Gil Weissman <gilweissman2008@gmail.com>
Sent:Wednesday, May 20, 2020 9:47 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Written public comment, Gil Weissman
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attachments and clicking on links.
Good evening, my name is Gil Weissman.
I graduated from Palo Alto High School in 2019, and I wanted to stop by tonight to strongly urge you all to rethink the
proposed reduction in funding for various palo alto teen programs, as well as the children’s theater and art center.
Through my four years of high school, I was an active member of the community program Teen Arts council, culminating
in my serving as president for the 2018-2019 school year.
Founded in 2009 through the Palo Alto children’s theater in response to the devastating suicide clusters, the teen arts
council has continued to be an important pillar in creating community among the teens of palo alto.
The teen arts council provides a necessary outlet and opportunity for teens to share and experience each other’s art
outside of the structured school system, which is particularly important in palo alto, in which the arts within the school
district have been and continue to be vulnerable to budgetary cuts, as was recently highlighted in the deliberations of the
PAUSD school board to reduce instructional leader benefits, regarding further cuts to already undervalued arts programs
with the. As is well-known to be strongly supported by a growing body of research, creative expression through art is
highly conducive to student’s well being and their mental health.
Growing up in this community, I can personally attest to the crucial role of these art programs for the developing
adolescent’s sense of self worth, community, responsibility, and creativity, which I was fortunate enough to have instilled
in me from a young age with my time at the Palo Alto children’s theater, a vital source for youth activity and general
entertainment in the city.
As is increasingly evident, one of the worst ramifications of the COVID-19 pandemic pertains to mental health.
Fortunately, these unprecedented times do not mean that art has to stop like so much of the rest of our world, and the
palo alto arts community has shown us that it can continue to operate, as effectively as (if not more effectively than) ever,
via technology for online interaction.
The teen arts council and palo alto childrens theater were trailblazers and among the first, with their inspiring leadership,
to adapt rapidly to the situation, providing virtual arts events to the community when they were needed most.
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I strongly urge you to check out some of the amazing events that they have been able to produce and make available to
the community, such as the bi-weekly teen arts council virtual open mic nights, which have been a tremendous success.
The fact that the arts always seem to come up first in any discussion about cuts, as is abundantly clear with the history of
the PAUSD is, frankly, tiring. This constant battle sends a negative message to students in the community about how they
are valued, perpetuating an already toxic and stressful environment for students who find it difficult to thrive exclusively in
traditional academic fields. The community arts programs in the city of palo alto provided me a home. They provided me
an escape, a creative outlet, and perhaps most importantly, a community. It is heartbreaking for me to think that such
severe cuts would be made to programs that have had nothing but a positive impact on the city for such a long time, and
that future students will not be given these resources for self expression and well-being at a time when they are needed
most.
And so once again, I strongly urge you to rethink the budget cuts for these essential programs.
Sincerely,
Gil Weissman
gilweissman2008@gmail.com
(650)714-5215
3
Baumb, Nelly
From:Angela Sowa <aasowa@mac.com>
Sent:Wednesday, May 20, 2020 8:42 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:College Terrace Library
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attachments and clicking on links.
I have lived in College Terrace with my husband and children for 25 years.
I am writing to plead that the College Terrace Library not be closed. The building and property has come to represent
more than a quiet place where one can almost recede into the past with a book. Every time I walk my dog, I feel that
when I walk around the property that I am walking around the heartbeat of the neighborhood. Parks are a wonderful
place to meet and greet neighbors but the library and its green represents something different for me, a place to reflect
about why I chose to live here. It brings me back to a small library in Truro MA (Cape Cod) where I took my children in
the evening, red and sticky from the beach. The library here harkens back to the past just like the Truro one, and there
are very few places where we can feel the smallness of a neighborhood amidst the constant progress of big and bigger
buildings appearing.
Please protect this precious piece of landscape and all it has to offer.
Thank you,
Angela Sowa
650 269‐4035
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8
Baumb, Nelly
From:Nazy Attarzadeh <fattarza@yahoo.com>
Sent:Wednesday, May 20, 2020 8:41 PM
To:Council, City
Cc:Nazy Attarzadeh
Subject:In support of Palo Alto Children's Theatre.....
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attachments and clicking on links.
Dear council members, I'm writing to you in support of the Palo Alto Children's Theatre. PACT was my son's second home for MANY years. He started with the Outreach production at Escondido elementary school, and moved on to perform in many main stage, hotdog, and playhouse productions over the years. He is currently a sophomore at Columbia University, studying Computer Science and continues to perform with their theatre group. Here's a 3min 45sec video clip from 2019's Friends of the Palo Alto Children's Theatre's Gala where my son shared his experiences at PACT and the impact it has had on him: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1TR_3BAADKtAYzSnu-BKUvAgCj0YZ5rEg/view?usp=sharing I also like to add that the staff at the theatre are the most competent, caring individuals and have become family to us. Palo Alto Children's Theatre is a gem in our community and it will be a shame to close the doors on something so valuable that is a community magnet. I hope you will reconsider your plans regarding the theatre and open its doors as soon as it's safe to do so. Best, Nazy Attarzadeh
9
Baumb, Nelly
From:lawrence seeff <adamseeff@gmail.com>
Sent:Wednesday, May 20, 2020 8:38 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:children's theatre
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attachments and clicking on links.
Dear Council,
I write to you today after hearing the shocking and very alarming news that you are considering suspending funding to
the Children's Theater as a way of overcoming the budget shortfall that resulted from the COVID‐19 pandemic.
Children's Theater is EXACTLY what we need in order to weather this storm and come through as a community and as a
society. Why would you consider cutting one of the lifelines that our children have to a great source of stability in terms
of their mental health (and ours!) What could be more healing, more uniting and more important than supporting
community theater at this time?
I write to you as a business leader, a parent and a citizen of our community.
Please support community theater and the Palo Alto Children's Theater in this unprecedented time.
We NEED theater to survive this...
Thank you for listening.
‐‐
Thanks
Lawrence
10
Baumb, Nelly
From:Dennis Facchino <dennisfacchino@gmail.com>
Sent:Thursday, May 21, 2020 7:06 AM
To:Council, City
Subject:College Terrace Library
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attachments and clicking on links.
PA City Council Members
I've lived in College Terrance with my wife since December 1996. The
Library is an institution that for some seems to be 'easy pickins' when
times get tough ‐ as they indeed are. This isn't the first time the Library
has come up for retirement to conserve resources!
I appreciate the difficulty the Council faces in trimming to meet
obligations while being overwhelmed providing services to us residents
as revenues disappear.
However, it seems that a Library, a place for learning and enriching one's
life, needs to be protected. For some in falls into the same category as
music, dance, mental health, etc that our culture too easily decides we
can cut these out without cost. We know the cost as our area has
maintained a rich educational, cultural and nurturing attitude of the mind
and body for decades.
Please preserve this wonderful landmark.
Thanks
Dennis Facchino
11
Baumb, Nelly
From:Ryan Helft <rhelft@gmail.com>
Sent:Thursday, May 21, 2020 8:18 AM
To:Council, City
Cc:Andrea Helft; Rebecca Helft; Kimberly Thacker
Subject:Support the Children's Theater!
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attachments and clicking on links.
Hello City Council,
Thank you for your leadership during the challenging times that Covid‐19 presents. We know the city is going to have to
make a number of difficult decisions about the future in order to be fiscally responsible.
I am writing to express my support for the Children's Theater and ask that whatever cuts are made there are not too
onerous. The Children's Theater is such a vital resource for our children. In addition to providing access to and
inspiration from the arts, the programs there teach the kids so much about responsibility, hard work, and team work.
This is so invaluable to kids who are often times at a point in their young lives where they are just developing their sense
of self and who they want to be in the world. The programs are a resource like no other in the city and we really need to
keep them alive during what I'm sure will be a difficult time in the future. The program has had an incredibly positive
impact on all three of our children and their many friends involved in their various projects!
I would urge you to think creatively about how to support and operate the Children's Theater. Even a little bit of access
is better than none, not only for the children involved but for our whole community!
Best,
Ryan
‐‐
Ryan Helft
c) 650 814‐5817
12
Baumb, Nelly
From:Pallavi Tibrewal <pallavi.tibrewal@gmail.com>
Sent:Thursday, May 21, 2020 9:39 AM
To:Council, City
Subject:Children’s theatre and teen programs
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attachments and clicking on links.
The City Council,
We need the children’s Theatre and the teen programs to continue and request to continue funding them. It is
important have these programs for our children in the post covid world to be able to grow up and peruse their interests.
Absence of these programs will only aggravate the mental health issues we will see after opening up.
Please please continue to find these programs.
Pallavi Tibrewal
Resident of Palo Alto
13
Baumb, Nelly
From:Candace Pierce <cjpierce@sonic.net>
Sent:Thursday, May 21, 2020 9:48 AM
To:Council, City
Subject:Please do NOT close College Terrace Library
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on
links.
________________________________
This branch library serves many Palo Alto residents and is beloved by all. The convenience of having a local site to pick
up and drop off library materials, having services for young children (a big population in these neighborhoods), online
services and a comfortable reading area are too big a loss. You can save money by keeping this branch open a couple of
days a week and closing or shortening the hours of other branches…so that ALL neighborhoods are served.
Thank you for this consideration.
Candace Pierce
14
Baumb, Nelly
From:john@kovalfamily.com
Sent:Thursday, May 21, 2020 10:46 AM
To:Council, City
Subject:20-21 Budget Input
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attachments and clicking on links.
Council Members,
I am writing again to provide another citizens input into your process. I am disappointed by the Council’s reluctance
to address the issue head‐on. This is a serious matter!
This is not going to be as simple as turning an economic switch back on. Many companies are closing for the rest of the
summer if not end of the year, some even permanently. This will affect our tax revenue stream! Your estimated shortfall
is probably on the low side.
1. Priority should be given to maintaining city services in as close to the current level as possible.
a. This would require an across the board pay cut, until the jobless rate has returned to the 4‐5% range.
b. Rescission of the pay increase given a couple weeks ago. You knew this problems was happening then,
why on earth did you go through with it?
c. Layoff union employees across the board to close the budget gap.
d. Discontinue work on the new police station until the economy rebounds, this is a non‐essential expense
at this time.
2. Curtail redundant city services.
a. Eliminate non‐essential services.
i. Closure of most of the libraries. Our libraries are lightly used and residents could easily go a mile
or two extra to get to another.
ii. Cut any mass transit projects for the time being. No one is going to get on a bus with other
possible Covid carriers.
iii. Closure of schools that can be combined to fill up classrooms to maximum capacity (note: this
may not be your issue).
3. Increase efficiency of current management and employees.
a. Resume full time working 8‐5 M‐F every week to fulfil the community needs. As a small business owner,
I know that the current 9x80 setup is inefficient resulting in less productivity for the same $$. This is
particularly important when you reduce your workforce.
I am sure you have many suggestions, but unemotional objectivity would be the best course of action in the current
predicament. We are all hurting from this shutdown of our economy.
Sincerely,
John Koval
Palo Alto
Redacted
15
Baumb, Nelly
From:Kabir Mahajan <km35047@pausd.us>
Sent:Thursday, May 21, 2020 10:48 AM
To:Council, City
Subject:Budget Cut
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
Dear City Council,
When the time comes to decide on the budget cut, please take this into consideration. Many children, like me, used to
or still do go to the Children's Theatre to enjoy the shows. I remember when I was just turning 8. I had been going to see
the shows for years, and was finally excited to audition for one. James and the Giant Peach was the show then, and I had
seen my sister acting in previous shows and wanted to get in on the action. Granted, I didn't get in, but then I kept
trying. When I got into Busytown, I was so excited. It was all I could think about until rehearsals started. "Who am I going
to be?", "Will I absolutely fail?". Now, many children will be deprived of this. When I walked on stage, I felt so happy. I
do not want the next two years of children to be deprived of this joy. And the older kids, who only have a year or two
left, will not experience their final play. And I, who just started to do more, want to have more opportunities. Many kids
get a lot of joly from watching and being in these plays. So please, do not cut the budget, for the sake of the children of
palo alto.
Thanks for your consideration,
Kabir.
1
Baumb, Nelly
From:Kabir Mahajan <km35047@pausd.us>
Sent:Thursday, May 21, 2020 11:27 AM
To:Council, City
Subject:Re: Your e-mail to City Council was received
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
I'm sorry, just one more really important thing. I worked hard to audition and got a role in a play, Cinderella, in March,
and it abruptly stopped due to quarantine. Our entire cast is waiting to continue with the show as soon as public health
lets us. It was very disheartening to have it cancelled after so much work. Please don't cut the funding. Please, let us
enjoy this play. I love theater, and I'm just entering middle school. I want to do theater, it is where I build a community. I
don't play team sports, so this is my team. Please, find the money to let me continue with this play and this theater.
After all, the show must go on.
Thank you,
Kabir.
On Thu, May 21, 2020 at 10:48 AM Council, City <city.council@cityofpaloalto.org> wrote:
Thank you for your comments to the City Council. Your e‐mail will be forwarded to all seven Council Members and a
printout of your correspondence will also be included in the next available Council packet.
If your comments are about an item that is already scheduled for a City Council agenda, you can call (650) 329‐2571 to
confirm that the item is still on the agenda for the next meeting.
If your letter mentions a specific complaint or a request for service, we'll either reply with an explanation or else send it
on to the appropriate department for clarification.
We appreciate hearing from you.
2
Baumb, Nelly
From:Diane <dianeef@comcast.net>
Sent:Thursday, May 21, 2020 11:40 AM
To:Council, City
Cc:Summa, Doria; Ann Balin
Subject:College Terrace library
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on
links.
________________________________
Hoping our library branch survives after being placed in your “parking lot” I add my further thoughts on the budget
discussion.
Am I wrong in thinking not ALL libraries in the city will have some budget cutting? If not, why not? The City spent much
money renovating CT library, the oldest and the only one this side of town. When I voted for the library bond, I believed
this would ensure the continued use of the CT library. I certainly supported the massive remodel of the Mitchell Park
library, which I have never visited because each time I have tried to see it I could find no parking. Not a desirable choice
for those of us who live miles from it and other branches.
Not sure there has been much neighborhood discussion of the proposed Cameron Park work, which I hear includes a
plan to install barbecues. Do the adjacent neighbors want this? I would oppose this for Werry Park, my next door
“neighbor “. A suggestion is to defer any such work in Cameron Park until the neighbors can fully participate in
discussions and for now use the money to keep our library branch open.
I appreciate the agreement of the managers to a salary cut in these difficult times.
Diane Finkelstein
Sent from my iPad
Redacted
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Baumb, Nelly
From:Steve Raney <steve@paloaltotma.org>
Sent:Thursday, May 21, 2020 11:58 AM
To:Council, City
Cc:Star-Lack, Sylvia; Kamhi, Philip; Nose, Kiely; Kruti Ladani
Subject:May 26 Council: PATMA Budget Parking Lot item
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
Palo Alto Transportation Management Association 355 Alma Street, Palo Alto, CA 94301, www.paloaltotma.org
Dear Council,
This letter outlines our 40% lower funding request for FY21, totaling $453,000, our unique position to support the local service economy during reopening after shelter-in-place, and an innovative bicycle commute program that will recycle city funds into local businesses, further supporting economic recovery. In addition, we request
the City of Palo Alto (COPA) allow the TMA to serve Cal Ave businesses and commuters. We have proven the demand for our programs via a Cal Ave pilot, resourcefully utilizing $100,000 in private sector funding.
The TMA is very grateful for the City’s generous FY20 TMA funding of $750,000. Shelter-in-place has changed our need for funds for FY21. Due to Public Health Orders, current demand for TMA services is low. We have
proven capability to remove 446 cars per day, 386 from downtown and 60 from Cal Ave. Our FY21 budget request uses the City’s end-of-year economic recovery scenario to ramp up to removing 446 vehicles in June 2021, growing at 4% per month from July-Dec 2020 and then at 12% per month from Jan-June 2021.[1] Hence,
we request a $641,000 budget for July ‘20 through June ‘21. Applying $187,500 of unused FY20 funds, our “net budget request” is $453,000, a 40% reduction from FY20.
This request assumes the TMA will be allowed to serve the California Avenue Business District. The current COPA-PATMA funding agreement restricts PATMA to serve only downtown, and we request that Council take
action to remove this restriction in the next funding agreement. The success of our California Avenue pilot has attracted merchants in that district to our Board. We look forward to helping more merchants recover from shelter-in-place with the lifting of this geographical restriction.
The TMA is an essential part of helping Palo Alto businesses recover. Council has requested special support
for hard-hit local service and small businesses. The TMA will accelerate economic recovery by providing Palo Alto with a competitive hiring advantage over cities without TMAs. Perceived employee risk starts when commuters leave their home, not just when they enter their office. In addition to providing transit and
ridesharing programs, the TMA will guide employers on safe return-to-workplace practices that increase employee confidence. The TMA’s groundbreaking federally-funded social equity research found indications that rehiring service workers will be unusually difficult because recently-idled workers will move out of the Bay
Area.
Finally, we are developing a bicycle commute program that will allow us to partner with local businesses to recycle public funds back into the local economy. This first-in-the-world pilot with software partner CashByCycling will provide daily incentives for verifiable active mode commutes, up to $599 per year.
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Geofenced location tracking will confirm both direct-to-work bike, e-bike, e-scooter, and e-skateboard commutes and bike-to-transit-to-work commutes. Within 60 seconds, incentive dollars may be redeemed for
iPhone/android vouchers tethered to individual local merchants that have capable “fintech point-of-sale terminals.” Local incentive tethering causes program funds to be injected back into the local economy, creating a multiplier effect while supporting a contactless form of commuting post-COVID. This program is expected to
cost one-half to one-quarter of many commute alternatives, and one-eighth of a stall in a parking structure.
Our CY2019 Annual Report - google doc will appear as a consent item in an upcoming Council packet. In CY2019 we lowered our hourly labor costs significantly, to one-half of other Bay Area TMAs. We decreased our management overhead percentage-of-expense down to 10.5%. We reduced the cost of our annual
commute survey by 40% while tripling the number of responses and increasing program adoption by 30%. The TMA generated $164,000 in non-City funding in CY2019 and will continue to pursue additional revenue.
Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely,
PATMA Board of Directors
Brad Ehikian, Premier Properties
Amit Patel, Westin
Cal Ave restaurateur Zareen Kahn
Matthew Weinberg, Amazon/A9
Carmel Moyal, Palantir
PATMA Staff
Steve Raney
Kruti Ladani
_________________________________________ 1. SJSU’s Mineta Transportation Institute expects transit ridership to snap back to 75% of normal and 100% by twelve months after recovery. We expect service worker ridership to come back more rapidly than “choice riders.” We have published commute predictions (Medium article, Palo Alto Weekly article), and we expect the SOV rate to increase.
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Baumb, Nelly
From:Gaby G <gabriellatg123@gmail.com>
Sent:Thursday, May 21, 2020 12:35 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:PLEASE READ- Palo Alto Children's Theater During Covid-19
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
Hello, When I first walked into the Palo Alto Children’s Theater to audition for a production of Peter Rabbit, little did I know that I would end up coming yet back again to audition for many more plays and participate in their theater camps, outreach programs, and even volunteer. I would get the chance to experience something that a lot of kids don’t get the chance to experience and come back again, for the next 8 years only to call PACT my
second home. I’m now 14 years old, an incoming freshman at PALY sitting here on my computer frantically writing an email telling the council to please consider helping the Palo Alto Children’s Theater during this time of chaos. I feel SO grateful to call the PACT my second family and home and I can assure you that many other
participants feel the same. PACT gives children the chance to find their voice, learn, communicate, and have fun, all with the theater’s outstanding and professional programs they offer, and their hardworking and professional staff who devote their time to teaching us. I can’t imagine my life, or even Palo Alto without the
PACT and I’m truly heartbroken because many kids in Palo Alto and across the Bay Area won’t get to experience what I got to experience. I understand that during this time, it is really hard to consider, but PLEASE consider helping the Palo Alto Children’s Theater because if it wasn’t for them, I wouldn’t be the
person I am to this day.
Thank you, Gaby G.
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From:R y 4 n <megafreddyfazbear105@gmail.com>
Sent:Thursday, May 21, 2020 1:25 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:children's theatre
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
Hello City Council members,
My name is Ryan Dyer and I heard the news about the possibility of the Children's Theatre closing. When I heard
this news, I was very sad and I want to let you all know that the theatre community is very important to me and to all of
my friend I met there. In the middle of each year crammed with homework and stress, going to the theatre is always
something that I thoroughly enjoy. I have been on tech and I've been in the shows as an actor and each time it always
brings a smile to my face and fills my mind with wonderful memories of the people and the shows I was involved in. As
our community overcomes the challenges of Covid, there has never been a better time for creativity and love for the
theatre. My concern is if the children's theatre closes, it will impact not only the people who participate in the theatre
productions, but the community who comes to watch and love the shows that are put on year round. Now is the time
for us to create and have fun while we push through these troubling times so please don't take away the opportunity for
us to enjoy what we have.
Thank you for taking the time to read this,
Sincerely,
Ryan Dyer
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From:Amann Mahajan <am30943@pausd.us>
Sent:Thursday, May 21, 2020 1:34 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Children's Theater Shutdown
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
Dear Council Members,
I hope you are all doing well in the time of this pandemic, staying safe and healthy. My name is Amann Mahajan, and
although I haven't done a play very recently, the Palo Alto Children's Theatre has always been a big part of my life. As a
little kid, I would go to see the shows with my parents, and I always loved them. When I was old enough, I auditioned for
Peter Rabbit. It was my first "real" play, and acting in it was the best part of my summer! The year after that, I was in
another play, and it was just as good. This went on for a couple of years, each play wonderful in many ways. Being in
these plays made me love theatre‐‐all the parts of it, but especially 1) acting itself and 2) the community built with each
play! Each cast I belonged to became a family, and then there was also the larger community of the theatre itself: all the
people you worked with each time (the directors, the costumers, etc.).
Even recently, I have been enjoying the theatre, though I have not had enough time to act myself. My brother was in
one of the fall shows, and it made me so happy to see him acting. It made me doubly happy to see him acting in the
Children's Theatre, a place I have come to love. I remember walking in there in the fall, seeing the familiar rooms and
the well‐loved stage and fondly missing them.
The Children's Theatre is a place where kids can truly find their voices. They learn to act, but they also learn to be good
team members. They learn to work with others. They learn to be kind, compassionate, and responsible. And through all
of this, they know that the community of the theatre can help them if they need it.
This is why I am asking you, the members of the City Council, to please keep the theatre open. It is a source of joy for
both the actors and the audience. It has been with me my whole life, and I cannot imagine Palo Alto without it. Please
let it stay open, allowing everyone to enjoy it. It isn't so much a place now as a community; losing that community
because of shutting down the theatre would be a great loss to everyone.
Thank you so much for reading this long email! Again, I hope you all are well, and I hope you consider keeping this
theatre open. In my opinion, it is one of Palo Alto's most‐loved places.
Sincerely,
Amann Mahajan
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From:Carith Wiseman <carith@pdx.edu>
Sent:Thursday, May 21, 2020 1:44 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Palo Alto Children's Theater
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
Good Afternoon City Council,
I am sorry that I am no longer a citizen of the fine city of Palo Alto, however I grew up there and
am a graduate of Paly, class of 1987.
Currently I am employed at Portland State University and so I live in Oregon.
It has come to my attention, because of a group that I keep in contact with, that the City of Palo
Alto (like all local, state, and federal governments right now) are facing budget issues and that
funding for the next two years of the Palo Alto Children's Theater is in jeopardy.
While I can certainly understand that the theater is not as important as other aspects within the
community I write to simply let you know my thoughts on the theater and its impact on my life.
As a youth I was not a popular nor outgoing child and I suffered from some early childhood
trauma with no real outlet to figure my way into the adult world. I have wonderful parents, my
mother Victoria Bosch worked for the City of Palo Alto for over 20 years prior to her retirement.
And I am well educated from the outstanding schools in Palo Alto. But on a social level I felt like
an outcast.
When I made my way into the Children's Theater, I found peers, I found fun, but most
importantly I found my self esteem. As an accomplished seamstress, I helped in the costume
shop. As a person with leadership potential I was quickly put into a position of managing the
people who volunteered to usher, and after going through all of the summer classes I worked
my way up to becoming a Stage Manager.
I am aware that with Covid-19 it is not realistic for you to open your doors and have productions
run. However, if you terminate funding for two years that means that programming, classes, and
the teen arts council would also be shuttered during this time.
While I would gladly pitch in and offer to help out with a personal donation to the theater, I
doubt that my personal contribution alone could do much. I do think that my story is far from
unique. I still count among my friends a couple dozen people who I connected to during my six
years until I graduated from Children's Theater and began to work with Theaterworks.
If anything can be done to partially fund this important organization over the next two years it
would be much appreciated, and I am sure the children in the community would benefit from
this choice.
Yours sincerely,
Carith Wiseman (formerly Cary Seigel in my Children's Theater days)
9
‐‐
Please consider donating to the COE Student Emergency Fund to support students experiencing urgent, financial hardship.
**Important notification! Due to Covid-19 I am currently working from home and will respond to
your email within 2 business days. Additionally, my full time working hours resume on March
23rd and times are listed below, I will be flexing around twice weekly physical therapy
appointments from now until at least the end of April. Thank you
Hours:
Monday - Friday 8:00am-5:00pm**
Carith Michelle Wiseman
Development Administrator, Office of the Dean
College of Education
Portland State University 503-725-4635 carith@pdx.edu pdx.edu/education
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From:Clea Sarnquist <cleasarnquist@gmail.com>
Sent:Thursday, May 21, 2020 2:25 PM
To:Council, City; Tom Arnold
Subject:Palo Alto Children's Theater
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
Dear City Council Members,
As a long term Palo Alto resident, I write to express concern about cutting funding to children's fine arts programs, and
especially to the Children's Theater.
I grew up in Palo Alto, and the theater was an integral pat of my childhood, and perhaps more importantly, adolescence.
It was where I learned to be a leader, even thought I was very shy and didn't always want to lead, and to make my voice
heard, both on and off of the stage. It was a second home to many of us, a place to be ourselves and be safe, even when
facing difficulties in school and life. The sense of community, of belonging, and of acceptance of diverse groups and
recognizing all different kinds of talent with no questions asked, while still maintaining high levels of hard work and
accountability to your team, is unparalleled. The theater undoubtedly supported my success in school and work over
time in profound ways.
Having moved back to Palo Alto, I now have one daughter in love with the theater, and another who was hoping to get
involved soon. I see that, at the theater, the sense of community and safety, while also insisting on the best possible
work out of each child, have all remained under the current leadership team. It continues to be a magical, life‐altering
place for all of the children involved, and sitting in the audience, it is magical and extraordinary for much of the
community as well.
The fact that the theater allows all children to participate, regardless of availability to pay, is also an important feature,
since so many of the children's activities in this area have price‐tags that make them for the very wealthy only. This
commitment to diversity and inclusion is an important part of what makes this theater so special.
While I certainly appreciate that budgets must be balanced, doing so at the cost of programs that support the well‐being
and education of our youth, and our community as a whole, seems short‐sighted.
Best,
Clea Sarnquist
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From:P Z <pzahedani@gmail.com>
Sent:Thursday, May 21, 2020 3:43 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Please Save Palo Alto Children's Theatre
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
To whom it may concern:
I am writing to urge you to accept the Friends of Palo Alto Children's Theatre's proposal which would help
fund the Theatre through community fundraising and donations.
As the longest-running children's theatre in the country Palo Alto Children's Theatre is so vital to the
community. I know our family has benefited from PACT's programs and shows providing our children a
creative outlet and a place where they have found "their people." Our 13-year-old twins have been
involved with various PACT productions and performances acting and working as crew members. They
have also taken summer camp and various classes offered through PACT. The staff at PACT is a second
family to us, people who know our children and have watched them grow up providing them a safe place
to learn and grow.
Given the uncertainty of these days, and the anxieties and stresses our children are experiencing I think it
is more important than ever to provide them with an outlet for their creative energies, a safe place where
they can grow and learn while enjoying the arts.
Please do not eliminate funding for Palo Alto Children's Theatre. We need it more than ever before!
Best
Patricia P. Zahedani
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From:Becky Griner <beckymgriner@gmail.com>
Sent:Thursday, May 21, 2020 4:25 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:FOPAL
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on
links.
________________________________
I am writing in favor of the FOPAL agreement to continue the funding for the Children’s Theater and the many programs
it supports. My Family has been a long time supporter for three generations, and my siblings, cousins, nieces, and
nephews have been so fortunate to partake in children’s theater at such a wonderful place. Palo Alto could never fully
recover this treasure if it is lost. A unique, historic, and beautiful place with deeply dedicated staff. People like Richard
Curtis and Judge Lucky save lives as surely as anyone. Keep Children’s Theater!
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From:Amy Kacher <amyewardwell@yahoo.com>
Sent:Thursday, May 21, 2020 4:19 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Palo Alto Children's Theater
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
Dear City Council. The mental health of teens in our community has not been healthy for many years. Now with COVID
these kids are in an even more dyer situation. Without the stability of daily school, with the majority of
their time now spent ALONE, in online classes, without the in person interaction with trusted adults and peers in their lives outside of their homes, we've got a compounded problem. Teens in Palo Alto must be supported during this unprecedented time. Cutting all teen programs as is being discussed, is shocking being that Palo Alto is full of professionals who have been imploring our school
community to PUT MENTAL HEALTH FIRST. For our city to put teen programs on the chopping
block is misguided. I have read that the City plans to cancel all performances for the Children's Theater for two years. Making a decision to close anything for two years at this point is odd. It's too soon to know what
things will look like even 6 months from now. Whats more is if the City closes the doors of the theater
for 2 years we will lose the staff that make that place what it is-its not easy to rebuild that and the current staff there is ABSOLUTELY CRITICAL and MUST be maintained. We can't lose those leaders of our community.
Cancelling performances through January 2021 makes sense. Cancel through Jan 2021 and make
sure the theater is poised, nimble, funded and ready to go as SOON as the county deems theater programs to be safe. Between now and January a robust, creative offering of classes/distance experiences can generate connection and income.
I'm hoping you will look deeply at the program and consider alternative ways to keep the theater
open for performances beginning Feb 2021 should the safety situation change. Maybe the fees need to go up, maybe they need more volunteer involvement, but what we need to be SURE of is that we keep the LEADERS of the theater in place.
Making a blanket cut to all teen programs and to shut the doors of the theater for TWO YEARS which
is THE critical hub for our children and teen's who want something in their lives outside of school and tech is cruel. The focus of our community needs to be on children and teens. The Children's Theater is a resource like non-other and if the City decides to shut its doors for 2 years, you will have ripped away a key component to the structure of Palo Alto children's lives. Its not a nicer to have, its a must
have for the health of our city's youth.
Sincerely, Amy Kacher
4
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From:Taryn Irulegui <tirulegui@gmail.com>
Sent:Thursday, May 21, 2020 6:19 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Please don't close the Children's Theatre
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attachments and clicking on links.
It's a fun way to meet with friends and learn about theatre. Please don't close the Children's theatre. I learn alot about
being on a team and lighting and stage crew.
Lucas Irulegui
Age 12
JLS
5
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From:Elizabeth Kim <kmevel703@gmail.com>
Sent:Thursday, May 21, 2020 6:32 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Please save the Children's Theater
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attachments and clicking on links.
Dear City Council,
This theater has been such a precious gift to my family. It is something unique and special to Palo Alto.
As I think about how much pressure our kids are under, I am so grateful that the theater and the community that
surrounds it provides a safe and loving place for all of PA's quirky kids. It is one of the few places where kids of all ages
come together and support each other.
I was heartbroken to hear that the theater may be closing for two years. Is there nothing we can do to try and raise
funds from the community before we decide to close the theater for so long? Could we move to a model where the kids
in the plays are contributing for the opportunity to participate in plays (I know that isn't the model but perhaps this
could be temporary)?
Thanks so much for taking the time to read this.
Eilzabeth Kim
Palo Alto, CA
Redacted
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From:Sarah Curtis <scurtis@sfsu.edu>
Sent:Thursday, May 21, 2020 6:37 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:PACT productions -- please don't cut!
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attachments and clicking on links.
Dear members of the City Council,
I would like to urge you to keep funding for Children's Theater productions in the city budget for
next year and after. I have taken my daughter, now almost 11, to Children's Theater productions
since she was a toddler and they have been an essential educational tool for her to experience the
arts. If you attend one of their productions, you can witness the exuberance of children watching
plays and musicals. The theater is an essential community resource that makes this city
unique. As you may know, Palo Alto has one of the oldest children's theater in the US and I don't
believe they have ever taken a break in production. We should not begin now.
Last year, my daughter also had an opportunity to perform in a production of The Phantom
Tollbooth. I cannot say enough good things about the wonderful staff, from the director to the
costumers to the front office staff who run the theater. The kids have an opportunity to learn
about theater from dedicated professionals, another rare experience.
The tickets to the theater are priced very modestly. Although I would not like to see the price
jump as the reasonable prices make it possible for more families to attend, a small increase in
ticket price (perhaps with some lower‐cost performances) would probably not suppress
attendance and might help round out the budget. There is probably also an opportunity for
additional fundraising.
Shutting down Children's Theater productions would be a sad loss for both performers and
attendees. We have five library branches but only one children's theater. Please do not let it
happen.
Sincerely,
Sarah Curtis
Palo Alto resident
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From:Schwark Satyavolu <schwark@gmail.com> on behalf of Schwark Satyavolu <schwark@alum.rpi.edu>
Sent:Thursday, May 21, 2020 7:04 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Children’s Theater
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
Dear Council Members,
I understand that you are proposing cutting all funding to Children’s Theater for two years. Before you lock that in I
wanted to ask you to reconsider and ask what makes Palo Alto what it is ‐ our children’s theater, the children’s library,
the junior museum and other kid friendly infrastructure is what drew a lot of families with young kids to Palo Alto in
spite of its high real estate costs and property taxes. To rob Palo Alto of these core assets is to rip the very heart of what
it means to live in Palo Alto. It is what a lot of us pay through our nose to live here for ‐ to make sure our children have a
rich growing experience.
I would ask you to find other things to cut rather than those that impact the youngest of our citizens simply because
they do not have their own voice around your table.
‐Schwark Satyavolu
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From:Simone Lev <athena.pa56@gmail.com>
Sent:Thursday, May 21, 2020 7:07 PM
To:Council, City
Cc:Elizabeth Kim
Subject:Keep the Children's Theatre going!
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attachments and clicking on links.
Dear City Council,
My name is Simone Lev, I am 12 years old and I have been part of The Palo Alto Children's Theatre for 3 years. The
Children's Theatre has been a really great place for me and I would be very sad to see it go. Over the years, I have made
so many friends there. It is a place where I can be myself and connect with other people, who I wouldn't normally get to
see. There are so many friend and experiences that I would hate for people to miss. Many kids have grown up watching
these shows, and it would be very sad to all of the kids who enjoy watching, or have waited until the day they are old
enough to audition. As well as being a place where I can make new friends, it is a place where I am able to express
myself. I love being in the productions they put on there. Having the Children's Theatre makes me able to pursue my
passions while also being able to spend time with my friends and family as well as being close to home. It really makes
me feel like I am part of a family who cares a lot about me. One of the things I like the most about the Children's Theatre
that I can't find in a lot of other places is the level of professionalism that the productions have. I really care a lot about
the Palo Alto Children's Theater and I would be, like so many others, devastated if it closed.
‐Simone Lev, . Redacted
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From:Sofia Wong <sofiaewong728@gmail.com>
Sent:Thursday, May 21, 2020 7:22 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Palo Alto Children's Theatre
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
To the Palo Alto City Council,
Hello, my name is Sofia and I have acted in many productions at the Palo Alto Children's Theatre. As a young child, I used
to come to see countless shows with my family. The Children's Theatre has always been a part of my life, and it is even
one of the reasons that my parents decided to move to Palo Alto 10 years ago. The Children's Theatre is an important
and vital center of our community here in Palo Alto. Taking away the funding will have a massive effect on residents of
Palo Alto and beyond. As a young child, coming to see the performances have always been happy memories. The quality
and what this community resource means to us makes Palo Alto special. I have learned and grown so much from being a
part of the shows and taking away the funding will take away the opportunity for others in our community to have those
wonderful experiences. Please take this into consideration.
Best Regards,
Sofia W.
Freshman at Palo Alto High School
10
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From:Doris Roberts <dorislea.cdead@gmail.com>
Sent:Thursday, May 21, 2020 9:34 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:College Terrace Library
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links.
________________________________
Dear City Council:
I write again to voice
my concerns regarding the
College Terrace Library.
I ask that it please remain open.
It is an asset to the entire Terrace and a place that one can walk to.
It’s absence would be greatly missed and greatly mourned.
Thank you for your attention and for your consideration.
Sincerely yours,
Doris Roberts
Palo Alto
94306‐1321
Sent from my iPhone
Redacted
11
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From:Stanley Wong <swong8@gmail.com>
Sent:Thursday, May 21, 2020 9:42 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:In Support of Palo Alto Children's Theatre
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attachments and clicking on links.
Hello,
I want to send this email in support for The Palo Alto Children's Theatre. I understand that these are challenging times
and as a result The Palo Alto Children's Theatre is in danger of losing a great deal of its funding and may close
indefinitely or a period of time.
The Palo Alto Children's Theatre is one of the nationally recognized pillars that make the community of Palo Alto so
special. Through its many programs not only brings performing arts to children and teens in our community as well as
children in disadvantaged communities an opportunity to experience as well.
I have seen first hand how these performances connect with children of all ages from the youngest (with Playhouse) to
the oldest teenagers (main stage performances, camp counselors, Teen events).
All three of my children have either performed or have volunteered for the Children's Theatre in the past and have
greatly enjoyed their experiences there. My daughter, Sofia (14), in particular, has performed in several main stage
productions (School House Rock, Beat Bugs) as well as numerous Playhouse productions for younger children. Since my
daughter is shy, fearful, and introverted, the opportunity Children's Theatre really gives her the outlet to open up,
perform, and express herself. I have personally seen how transformative these experiences these experiences have on
her confidence, discipline and commitment.
Sofia and her youngest brother, Oliver (9), were most recently chosen to participate in the upcoming production of
Cinderella, until Covid‐19/SIP delayed these performances indefinitely.
As you're are making these hard decisions, please consider the huge impact that the PA Children's Theatre has on our
children and community at large.
Respectfully,
Stanley Wong
, Palo Alto, CA
Redacted
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From:A R <inform1ar@gmail.com>
Sent:Thursday, May 21, 2020 10:18 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Children's Theater
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
Dear Members of Council,
I understand the stresses placed on you with budget shortfalls and can't presume to know the priorities you are
weighing. However, it may be helpful to know the role that the Palo Alto Children's Theater and their programs have had
on the mental health of my children. Our 12‐year‐old son in particular wasn't in a good place last year. The staff and
community of PACT played a huge role in helping his emotional state and self‐worth. I imagine they've played a big role
in other children's lives in a similar way, and I hope that funding their important work will be a priority as make your
budget decisions.
The evidence for the link between the performing arts and positive mental health is clear ‐ a much needed balm for
times like this.
Thank you for your consideration,
Aparna Ramanathan
13
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From:Mayank Gupta <mayankmunish@gmail.com>
Sent:Friday, May 22, 2020 9:11 AM
To:Council, City
Cc:Gunjan Gupta; Mayank Gupta
Subject:Palo Alto Children's Theatre - Appeal for Continuation of Funding
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
Dear Council members,
We are parents of a 6th grader who has been part of PACT for the last 3 years ever since we have been part of the Palo
Alto community. PACT has supported our son to integrate into the local community by picking up cultural nuances and
new skills that he never had experienced before outside of US. This is the only activity that he is extremely passionate
about outside of going to school and not having 2 years of further participation will really impact his confidence and
growth as an international kid who is blending into the local fabric.
In our son's own words on what he will miss if he does not get to be a part of the theater:
1. The feeling he gets from the appreciation of the audience
2. The fact that he gets to be a bit silly on the stage and gets an outlet for his imagination and creativity
3. The co‐actors that help him improve his own acting skills and become more confident as a rising teen
4. The choreographers/directors who put the effort in teaching him skills and give him opportunities to get better roles
We most humbly request you to consider keeping the PACT going and helping our son and many other kids for whom
closing down PACT will have a big adverse impact.
With kind regards,
Gunjan and Mayank
(parents of Ruddhra Gupta)
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From:Lisa Rt <lrtmail@gmail.com>
Sent:Friday, May 22, 2020 9:55 AM
To:Council, City
Subject:Palo Alto Children's Theatre
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on
links.
________________________________
Dear City Council Members,
I am writing to voice my alarm at learning that the Palo Alto Children’s Theater programs may be cut for the next two
years. Our family has enjoyed the PACT productions, camps and classes since 2012. My 12‐year old daughter — a true
theater kid — found deep connections with friends at the Theatre that she did not experience elsewhere. Through my
own volunteer work with Friends of the Palo Alto Children’s Theatre, I have found a personally rewarding way to give
back to the community and have also deepened my connection with the City. The Theatre is an important part of our
lives and, for us, a primary benefit of living in Palo Alto.
I would also like to mention that the Theatre’s online virtual classes have been extremely helpful while sheltering in
place. After a few weeks of being totally disconnected from the Theater, I was able to enroll my daughter in a weekly
improv class with one of her favorite teachers. Now, each week she spends an hour with peers and a mentor who share
her passion for exuberant creative expression. It is a vital connection to “normalcy" for her. I hope the Theatre will
continue to offer virtual classes like this to help creative children connect with each other and the Theatre, at least in
some way.
Thank you for your consideration. If you would like any more details or information about my family’s experience with
the Children’s Theater, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely,
Lisa Trovato
Charleston Meadows
1
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From:Julie Gordon <julie@16stars.com>
Sent:Friday, May 22, 2020 11:01 AM
To:Council, City
Subject:Please don't defund PACT
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
Dear Palo Alto City Council,
I know the world has stopped and you need to rectify the budget shortfalls. But defunding the Children's Theater is not
the way to do that. Think about all of the art that we are consuming right now. The TV, movies, comedy, music — all of
that was created by theater kids. If you didn't have an iPad full of content to distract you and your family from this
insane virus, what would you do?
Art instruction helps children develop motor, language, and social skills. Putting on a play drives all manner of decision‐
making, risk‐taking, and inventiveness. It may look like a basic after school activity, but it is a community of like‐minded
people. Theater literally saves lives. It saved mine. My mom died when I was 15 and theater was my refuge. PACT was
my family when my blood family was broken.
Creative arts are the lifeblood of any society. Palo Alto is too important of a city to be without art. If you defund the
children's theater, you'll be cutting a crucial thread in the fabric of our beautiful town. Please, please reconsider robbing
the theater of its funding. Instead of fixing a problem, you'll be creating a far bigger one for the future of the city and the
children who live there.
Thank you,
Julie Gordon
Active PACT member for 8 years
2
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From:Joan Phelan <jphelan449@gmail.com>
Sent:Friday, May 22, 2020 11:44 AM
To:Council, City
Subject:Neighborhood libraries
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on
links.
________________________________
Thank you so much for rethinking the closing of neighborhood libraries. We live close to College Terrace Library and
patronize it many times a month. I adore it since it is small, quiet, and friendly. If they don’t have the book I need, I can
have the book sent to College Terrace where I can walk over and pick it up.
The library is used by many families ‐ a number of whom have small children. The small venue at College Terrace is
much more appropriate than the big children’s section at Mitchell Park.
One more thing to consider. The College Terrace library has been used by three generations of my family members.
Part of keeping small, older venues like College Terrace and Children’s libraries is the historical perspective. It is so
important for my granddaughter (and the grandchildren of other patrons) to know that their father and their
grandparents used those libraries.
Joan Phelan, Evergreen Park
3
Baumb, Nelly
From:Alison McNall <a_mcnall@icloud.com>
Sent:Friday, May 22, 2020 12:09 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Children’s Theatre
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on
links.
________________________________
I have had my kids, their friends and now my grandchild participate in the Children’s theatre for the past 30 years. My
husband was a volunteer there.
How can you even think of closing the theatre? The programs and shows they run are fantastic. They do an outreach in
all of the local schools where everyone can participate. They have also started running programs for kids with special
needs. Palo Alto city barely recognizes that there are kids with special needs here. Look at our only swimming pool! No
special needs kid can use it.
How much did you spend on that bike overpass, the stupid street calming all around Ross Road? None of that was
essential but the Children’s Theatre is part of the backbone of our community.
Please rethink what you are doing. The Children’s Theatre has been part of our community for so long.
Thank you
Alison McNall
4
Baumb, Nelly
From:Jo Ann Mandinach <joann@needtoknow.com>
Sent:Friday, May 22, 2020 12:19 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Please cut the big capital expenditure projects before you finalize the budget
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
There's still time to cut the big-ticket capital expenditure items before you
finalize the budget. Please do so.
Please read the sensible Guest Opinion https://www.paloaltoonline.com/square/2020/05/22/guest-opinion-a-
better-way-to-save-vital-city-services
as well as the comments.
As some of you know. I can't believe you spent the time urgently needed
for high-priority budget discussions working on ways to deprive adults of
their legal rights to flavored pipe tobacco and vaping supplies because a
few teenagers illegally bought vape products. Prohibition never works and
PA residents -- both adults and teens -- are certainly smart enough to know
how to shop online and in nearby communities.
We need sensible, smart cost-effective government that adjusts to the
times, not virtue-signalling ineffective nanny-bans.
Most sincerely,
Jo Ann Mandinach
Palo Alto, CA 94301
PS: I don't smoke flavored pipe tobacco or vape
Redacted
5
Baumb, Nelly
From:Jennifer Lang <jenniferlang08@gmail.com>
Sent:Friday, May 22, 2020 12:48 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Palo Alto Children's Theatre
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
Dear Palo Alto City Council,
I am writing to you on behalf of the Palo Alto Children’s Theatre. This theatre as been part of the Palo Alto
community for a very long time. As a Gunn High School graduate of 1990, I was part of several productions at
the Children’s Theatre many years ago. When my daughter, Abby, showed interest in theatre, I knew exactly
where to take her, the Palo Alto Children’s Theatre.
She has since been in two Summer Hot Dog Shows and three Main Stage Productions before the
shutdown. This year, she was casted in the Cabaret Fundraiser and Cinderella, before they were cancelled this
year due to the pandemic. I can tell you all about how much she enjoys being on the stage, learning new
things and meeting new people, however it is so much more than that. She has grown so much as a person.
The independence, responsibility, maturity and accountability she has learned is insurmountable. She has
learned how to manage her time between school, choir, ice skating and her production rehearsals. She is
more confident in herself and her public speaking. All this is from the Children’s Theatre. The theatre is
where she can be herself along with other kids with the same interests, without a parent holding her hand and
telling her what to do. The is something all her own that she gets to show us on opening night. Seeing that
show makes all the late evening pickups, dinner in the car, long days and schedule balancing so worth it to a
parent.
The quality of the shows are hands down AMAZING! The sets, costumes and special effects are at such a
professional level. From the Playhouse Series where the audience is part of the show, to the dinnertime Hot
Dog Shows over the summer with our family picnic. Then of course the Main Stage Productions where, as a
young child, you think you are seeing a Broadway style show. My youngest is looking forward to being on the
stage just like his big sister at the Children’s Theatre.
The level of professionalism at the Children’s Theatre is wonderful. From the production staff, costume
designers, and the executive director, they all have a way of getting the best out of the kids. Not only teaching
them the ways of the theatre but lifelong skills as well. Whether they are in only one show or many shows,
each child learns something with the theater experience.
We now find ourselves in times of uncertainty. Families are quarantined at home without schools, friends or
activities. We find ourselves more reliant on “screen time” or solo activities. We need to find a way to bring
this creative outlet to our kids into our new “normal”. While life at the Children’s Theatre will not be the same
as it was before the pandemic, taking away this outlet for kids like Abby is not the answer. We need to find a
way to continue the Children’s Theatre Programs, maybe not quite to the scale as before, but to a least give
these kids a chance at something “normal”.
6
Please take into consideration all the kids that may not have any place to be themselves, the amazing staff and
all the wonderful programs offered at the Children’s Theatre. Shutting it down for a few years will be
detrimental to the program. We will lose staff, kids will be forgotten and the wonderful program as we know
it will be gone forever. Please don’t let this happen.
Sincerely,
Jennifer Lang
Children’s Theatre Parent
7
Baumb, Nelly
From:Ibby Day <ibbyday@gmail.com>
Sent:Friday, May 22, 2020 12:51 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Keep YCS! / Teen Programming Cuts
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
Dear Palo Alto City Council Members,
My name is Ibby Day, and I was a 2017 Paly alum. During my time in high school, I took part in a club called YCS‐Interact
for all four years. As a freshman, I was timid and didn't have many reliable friends I felt I could relate to. YCS is what
changed that, and now my future, quite literally. I found a second home within the club and grew to be a confident
leader. I eventually took part in Paly's ASB (Student Body) in my senior year because YCS empowered me to develop the
skills to apply for a role. But those skills have transferred even past high school. In fact, I am now my college's student
body president!
High school was also a very isolating time, and to be honest I was quite mentally unstable, but being in YCS made me
feel less alone and helped me navigate all the stress of high school by providing service opportunities and a network of
kind people. I am still in touch with many of my colleagues over the years because this organization truly gave me more
than just transferable skills. I heard recently from one of them that due to COVID‐19, PACC is considering cutting the YCS
program. I would strongly like to advocate that you keep it because YCS is not only what got me through high school, but
impacted what I am doing now. I am a designer, but I have minors in social innovation and business. I'm hoping to design
for social issues and be a leader in my field. I wouldn't be in this field or be doing the work I am today without YCS. I
would hope that PACC would want to keep a program that taught the next generation of leaders!
Best,
Ibby
‐‐
Ibby Day (she/her)
ArtCenter Student Government President
8
Baumb, Nelly
From:Abby Lang <abbylang08@gmail.com>
Sent:Friday, May 22, 2020 1:05 PM
To:Council, City
Cc:Jennifer Lang
Subject:Palo Alto Children's Theatre
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
Hello City of Palo Alto Council, my name is Abby Lang and I’m 12 years old. I have been involved with the Palo Alto Children’s
Theatre for about four years. It has been my home away from home ever since. We may just be a group of kids who talk loud and
like to sing, but there’s more than that. There is a group of people that accept you. There is a level of professionalism that many
other theatres don’t meet. They teach us everything we need to know, but we work hard. Theatre allows us to express ourselves, to
be known. It is a place where everyone has the same passion for music and acting that others just don’t understand. The feeling of
being on the stage, under the lights. The pride we take in our productions.
But there’s more. The community. The laughs. We are kids from all different ages, schools, situations at home, but we come
together for something we are passionate about. These people, who put their heart and soul into their productions, the ones we
rehearse with and laugh with and get in trouble for talking backstage with. We may joke around a lot, but we all take the show
seriously. And when it’s over, we cry. That’s the best way to put it. We cry because it is over, because we will never have a cast with
the same dynamic as that one. We may not see some of these people again, but you have the memories. And those memories, the
experience, the community, is what makes us come back, again, and again. The shows are put on almost completely by us, the kids.
We are the tech, the stage managers, the leads, the ensemble, the hair and makeup.
But there is another group of people who nothing could happen without. The costume designers who make the most amazing
costumes that make us feel the part more than any line or solo could. The directors, choreographers, music directors, who get to
know us and remember our strengths and weaknesses when we audition again. All of them have taught me pretty much everything I
know about theatre.
Before my first show, I had about as much knowledge regarding theatre as you would expect an eight‐year‐old to. But after six
shows, I now know so much more about not only how to sing or say lines, but other lessons about hard work, independence, and
responsibility. It takes a lot of those to put on a show, let me tell you, but it is always worth it in the end. And PACT does so much more than just shows. They have classes for everyone, vocal lessons and choirs, improv groups and acting
classes, camps and dance classes, teen groups, tech classes, and more. They even go into the Elementary Schools and show them a
glimpse of the magic of theatre. They let us dig deeper into our passions, and discover new ones.
All of the other theatres in the area ask parents to provide costumes, help make sets, be the backstage crew. They are classes that
meet once a week, with the parents’ presence allowed. Then it is no longer teaching the kids to be responsible and independent, it is
no longer our thing that we take enjoyment in as something we did by ourselves and get to show to our parents.
That is one of the things I love most about PACT, being able to be independent, away from my parents, and being treated like a
capable and independent human being who doesn’t need their hand held. And all they ask for are donations and for the parents to
help run concessions, and even that is optional. I know it will change, but so has everything else in this pandemic. But please don’t
cut the funding. I don’t know where else I would go without PACT, but I will always end up comparing other theatres to them, and
nowhere else meets the bar that the Children’s Theatre sets. So please, do not take away my home from me, or from every other kid
who loves the theatre as much as I do. Sincerely, -Abby Lang
9
Baumb, Nelly
From:Nat Fisher <sukiroo@hotmail.com>
Sent:Friday, May 22, 2020 1:51 PM
To:Council, City; Shikada, Ed
Subject:budget
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
It is very wrong that the free City shuttles have been cut from the budget! This is a
necessity for many people, those who don't drive, seniors, disabled people, poor people,
students. How are they to get around town? How are students going to get to schools once
the schools are back open?
Completely cutting the lease with the school district at Cubberley is unacceptable. Not
only should we support the school district but also the art community which will be
displaced with nowhere to go.
I urge the Council to reconsider these cuts.
Natalie Fisher
10
Baumb, Nelly
From:Corbin Platti <csplatti@gmail.com>
Sent:Friday, May 22, 2020 2:40 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Teen Service Funding
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
Hello Palo Alto City Council,
I am writing in response to the proposal to cut funding to teen service programs for the coming years. As a member of the MakeX community I have witnessed the amazing things that have come out of the program and
wanted to share them with you all.
Walking into MakeX during open hours will never cease to amaze you; on any given day you might find a slew of makers from middle schoolers to adults all working together in this shared space. You will witness people helping each other with an infinite variety of creative projects. You will see artists painting murals on the walls side by side with teen rocket scientists realizing their newest invention. And you will be amazed as teen leaders foster this community safely and responsibly through peer guidance and support. This kind of interdisciplinary program is truly one-of-a-kind, building up our youth community not only as better engineers and artists, but as creatives, problem solvers, learners, educators, and leaders. Cutting MakeX would leave a deep and permanent scar on many of the communities Palo Alto prides itself on supporting.
MakeX has always been there for us. During regular programming MakeX has provided us with a creative
outlet and a healthy community, and has worked with our schools to encourage project-based education. Today, MakeX is working with hospitals and other maker organizations to make and distribute much-needed PPE, being part of an initiative that has distributed over 30,000 face shields to local healthcare providers. In
these difficult times, I ask that you be there for MakeX in return.
I speak for the entire community in wishing you remain happy and healthy, and know you will make the right decision in supporting our communities through these difficult times.
Best,
Corbin Platti
11
Baumb, Nelly
From:Ardan Michael Blum <ardan.michael.blum@gmail.com>
Sent:Friday, May 22, 2020 2:51 PM
To:Council, City; Clerk, City; Shikada, Ed
Subject:Updated 05/22/20 | Why keeping Janine De la Vega as Public-Affairs Manager is important
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
Dear Mayor Fine, Vice‐Mayor DuBois, and Council Members Cormack, Filseth, Kniss, Kou and Tanaka,
When there is a prolonged police standoff in a Palo Alto neighborhood, when a school goes into lockdown, when a bank
is robbed, when a senior citizen goes missing and countless other events in our community we seek information that is
official and as close to real‐time as possible. This is the first essential role that Janine De la Vega has provided. This is
done in the form of posts on Twitter, Nextdoor, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, Flickr, and more social media sources,
PDF documents produced within a short time frame of an event, as well as always making herself available to answer
media requests.
Given the global impact that certain events can have within the epicenter of Silicon Valley her role is vital. Transparency
and interaction are key to a working police force.
The management of the Citizen's Police Academy is another role that Janine handles. Why is this important to the
community? Well, as a graduate, I can attest that this program allows for trust and transparency between the police and
the community.
Janine also manages the Advanced Police Academy, outreach events such as National Night Out, the Police Chief's
Advisory Committee and many more day to day aspects of communication.
In conclusion, Janine is a caring person, full of passion for her work. It is my hope that should the tragic mistake be made
to cut her position due to a lack of understanding as to the global, social outreach role she holds, that an appeal will be
heard and that she may be re‐instated.
Sincerely,
Ardan Michael Blum
-
I have edited and updated my open letter at https://www.iterate.live/post/budget‐cuts‐in‐palo‐alto‐why‐keeping‐
janine‐de‐la‐vega‐as‐public‐affairs‐manager‐is‐important
12
Baumb, Nelly
From:andy@enginuity.com
Sent:Friday, May 22, 2020 3:18 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Proposed funding cuts for teen activities
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
Dear City Council,
I’m writing to request that you do not cut funding to teen activities such as MakeX. I am an adult Palo Alto resident who
has used MakeX many times, and in addition to being a resource for me, I have been continually amazed by the projects
being built by teens and younger, sometimes much younger. Robotics, aviation, machining, etc. These kids not only used
3D printers, in at least one case I saw a youngster building one of his own design. These are tools I could not have
dreamt of having access to at their age. It’s one of the things that gives Palo Alto’s children a leg up in the world. I
encourage you to keep or increase funding to these unique city resources.
Best regards,
Andy Daniel
13
Baumb, Nelly
From:sherry heller <Sherry_Mark@yahoo.com>
Sent:Friday, May 22, 2020 3:31 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Please Restore Funding for Youth Community Programs
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
Dear Palo Alto City Councilmembers,
I was very disappointed to hear that the Palo Alto City Council is proposing to drastically cut or
eliminate the majority of community programs that serve our City’s children and teens. I recognize
that cuts must be made and should be made across all City cost centers. But I don’t think it is okay to
cut all funding for some community programs without making meaningful reductions to the salaries
of our City’s highest earning employees or deferring some of the most expensive capital improvement
projects.
I am asking the Council to try harder to preserve more funding for the programs that serve our youth
through entities such as the Teen Center and Teen Councils, YCS, MakeX, the libraries, the Art Center
and the Palo Alto Children’s Theatre, among others.
The Palo Alto Children’s Theatre, in particular, has been a part of my life since I was a child growing up
in Palo Alto in the 70’s and 80’s. I participated in several shows during my elementary and middle
school years and continued to attend shows that my high school peers were in. Now, I have a
teenaged son who has been acting in shows since he was eight years old and has volunteered as an
intern for multiple camps. PACT has been such a positive force in his development, as it has been for
the thousands of other kids who have participated in or attended shows, that the thought of all that
just going away for two years is devastating. I ask the Council to build in some funds that will allow
the theatre to resume productions as soon as it is safe.
I was glad to read that salary reductions from the top managers have been offered, and I hope the
unions will be willing to negotiate some reductions for their highest earners as well. That seems like
one way to free up funds for community services. Or how about postponing some of the large cap ex
projects? When the Council decides to move ahead with expensive new buildings, while cutting the
theatre, arts, libraries and community programs, it does not paint a pretty picture.
I hope that the Council will reconsider its approach to rebalancing the budget. There are many
adjustments that can be made that do not threaten the developmental, social and emotional health
of our City’s youngest members.
Thank you,
Sherry Heller
15
Baumb, Nelly
From:Brandon Thacker <branjthacker@gmail.com>
Sent:Friday, May 22, 2020 3:46 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:With regards to Palo Alto Children's Theater
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
Dear Council Members,
My name is Brandon Thacker and I have been a participant at PACT for over 8 years now. I am now headed into my
senior year in high school, which is the last year I will be able to participate in productions there. Personal reasons aside,
there are many other reasons that I believe PACT should continue to receive funding. First off, the staff at PACT currently
are some of the most dedicated workers I have ever seen. I have gotten an opportunity to know all of them very well,
and they all care greatly about the children involved in the theater, the general community, and the quality of
productions that are produced. They make the theater feel like a professional establishment with very high production
quality, despite some of the cast members being only 8 years old. Secondly, the theater is and can continue to provide
valuable service to the community during the pandemic. I recently had the privilege of participating in a workshop to
test the feasibility of creating shorter, online productions adapted from the playhouse series, which I believe was quite a
large success. I believe that the theater could continue to improve the quality of these productions and put them out for
the entertainment of the general public. Additionally, myself and a few of my peers are working with the theater to have
zoom meetings with the participants every few weeks, in which we play theater games, organize script writing
challenges, and provide many of the younger children with much needed human connection outside their families. The
final reason I believe it is imperative the theater remain funded is the profound impact it has on the children who
participate in its myriad programs. When I auditioned for my first show back in 2012 I was a very socially inept 4th
grader who lacked any sense of confidence, stage presence, or public speaking ability. Through participating at PACT I
have grown into a very socially confident Junior who can give presentations at school with ease and stand up for himself
in tough situations. These abilities and skills are beyond important for success in life, and I don't believe I would be
nearly as well versed in them as I am today were it not for this theater nurturing me and helping me to overcome my
fears and struggles. That journey was not only made possible through the theater as an institution, but also because of
the amazing community of staff and performers that the theater currently has. To conclude, while we may not have the
chance to put on many shows next year, it is imperative that the theatre continues to operate with this talented staff
and stellar community as it did before this pandemic began, so that other kids can also have their lives transformed by
this truly wonderful establishment that I almost see as my second home.
Regards,
Brandon
16
Baumb, Nelly
From:Nicole Borgaard <nicoleborgaard@gmail.com>
Sent:Friday, May 22, 2020 4:25 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Teen Service Programs Funding & MakeX
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
Hello Palo Alto City Council,
As I understand it, Palo Alto is considering cutting funds for teen service programs which would include the MakeX program. As an educator in the maker community I've been seriously impressed by the self-driven
curiosity of the kids at MakeX because they don't just ask questions, they get their hands dirty in trying to figure out the answer by building collaborative projects.
The world needs doers, makers, and collaborators - not more consumers. Enabling these kids with voracious
minds to create content and resources to provide knowledge and new experiences is worthwhile to create more independent thinkers. These are the minds that drive our country forward - let them innovate and we all benefit.
As an educator I have found that although I have plenty to teach, I have much more to learn and I look forward to learning from what comes out of the MakeX program.
Best, Nicole Borgaard Educator, Maker Nexus, a Silicon Valley Makerspace
17
Baumb, Nelly
From:Jill Asher <jill@magicalbridge.org>
Sent:Friday, May 22, 2020 5:12 PM
To:Council, City; Human Relations Commission; board@pausd.org
Subject:Please continue to keep the Think Fund active
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
Dear Palo Alto City Council, Palo Alto Human Relations Commissioners, and Palo Alto School Board,
We are writing to you on behalf of the Magical Bridge Foundation to plead with city leadership to reconsider cuts to vital services during this unprecedented time. While we understand and appreciate that many cuts to the budget need to happen, we want to underscore the urgent need of our most vulnerable living in Palo Alto
and highlight the ways in which our disabled community in Palo Alto is not being served.
Even prior to the pandemic, children and adults living with visible and invisible disabilities have been receiving virtually no programs and inadequate support from our city. Children and teens with significant disabilities have not had any thoughtful educational options provided to them since the stay-home ordinance took place. And,
regarding community options, Palo Alto’s ENJOY catalog has yet to offer any meaningful recreational options for those living in our town with disabilities. As a result, families with children and teens who pay property taxes to live in a community that views “inclusion” are actually living in the reality of being excluded.
After the Magical Bridge playground opened in 2015, Magical Bridge Foundation was formed in 2016 so that
families had a place that welcomed their whole family, especially if that included a disabled child. Thanks to generous donors, we are proud to have been able to serve every “body” through our on-site play space, intergenerational programming teen activities. With the ongoing media interest and generous coverage about our playground and companion programs, the City of Palo Alto has enjoyed recognition as a city that values all its families. While we want to continue shining a light on Palo Alto’s spirit of generosity, we need the City to join our efforts to finance and provide recreational programming to include the various abilities that make up our community.
Inclusion and innovation is part of our organizational DNA, and our response to COVID-19 has been no different. Since the pandemic erupted mid-March, Magical Bridge Foundation immediately responded by offering a consistent activity that our community desperately needed. Since March 21st, Magical Bridge has been hosting daily FREE, family-friendly, sensory-friendly virtual concerts on our Facebook Page. This has been happening every single day, and most virtual concerts average 500+ views (some have even reached
over 4k viewers). With no funding or support from the city (we were declined from the Emerging Needs Fund), we identified a private donor who sponsored the concerts through May 31, 2020. Sadly, these concerts are coming to an end because we can no longer pay our performers, who have also lost their livelihood due to the
pandemic. We were proud to have been able to offer these intergenerational concerts, and financial compensation to our local performers, every day, for almost 3 months.
Earlier in the year, several city staff members who appreciated the impact of our Teen Kindness Ambassador program encouraged our many teens to apply for the Think Fund grant. We mobilized quickly, partnered with
key Palo Alto nonprofits on the front line during the pandemic -- and thoughtfully applied for grants that would profoundly benefit those in most need. These grants would empower our Palo Alto teens and future leaders to mobilize the community and help local nonprofits during these challenging times.
We supported these applications with the encouragement of city leaders, and asked our teens to create and identify projects, and complete the application, which they did. Despite this early encouragement, we have no
idea where these projects stand. Our teen volunteers are now left in limbo with little to no communication from
18
the Think Fund grant -- and the inability to move their leadership projects forward without the small funding needed. Our Kindness Ambassadors include over 50 middle school and high school local students (most, from
Palo Alto) who come together in a collaborative way to connect and serve this community. Many of our teen volunteers have disabilities and being in a place where they truly belong as valued members of this communityis real “magic.”
Specifically, our Palo Alto teens applied for a grant to:
Support
Life Moves. Our teens would collect toiletries from neighbors and the community, which
would be used at the homeless shelter (showers) at the Opportunity Center. This would include shampoo, soap, wipes, toothpaste and essential items needed by our homeless population
Support
Palo Alto Jewish and Family and Children’s Services (JFCS) Food Pantry. Our teens would
be working to collect canned food that would be delivered to Seniors in need of these essential items.
Support
Palo Alto’s Abilities United/Gatepath disabled artists and preschool students. Our teens
would work to collect paints, brushes, canvases for the disabled artists who are no longer able to use the studio --- and collect books and toys for low income, disabled preschool families who are falling further behind because they are not in school.
Train Kindness
Ambassadors in an innovative new learning program, called “Active Learning” as a way to
serve the most marginalized population in our community. Since never PAUSD nor the City of Palo Alto have provided thoughtful solutions for Palo Alto teens on the lowest developmental levels, several
state-certified therapists prepared a specific program for
our teens to understand the principles of Active Learning so that once safe, these teens will apply their training to work with several families who are eager to work with us.
We understand that these are unprecedented times that require difficult and sometimes painful decisions for every city government. We also know you value protecting our most vulnerable citizens. We sincerely hope that at the very minimum, you will continue to fund Think Fund grant and our four projects, which will make a
positive impact on those who are in need in our beloved community.
Warm regards,
Magical Bridge Foundation Jill Asher, Olenka Villarreal, Maria Hassid
‐‐
Jill Asher
Executive Director
650‐520‐8512
19
--
My TEDx Talk about Magical Bridge
Connect with Magical Bridge on:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/magicalbridge
Twitter: https://twitter.com/magicalbridge
20
Baumb, Nelly
From:Isabella Yu <isabella.y.0303@gmail.com>
Sent:Friday, May 22, 2020 6:07 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Teen Service Funding
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
Hello Palo Alto City Council,
I am writing in response to the proposal to cut funding to teen service programs for the coming years. As a member of the MakeX community I have witnessed the amazing things that have come out of the program and wanted to share them with you all.
Walking into MakeX during open hours will never cease to amaze you; on any given day you might find a slew
of makers from middle schoolers to adults all working together in this shared space. You will witness people helping each other with an infinite variety of creative projects. You will see artists painting murals on the walls side by side with teen rocket scientists realizing their newest invention. And you will be amazed as teen
leaders foster this community safely and responsibly through peer guidance and support. This kind of interdisciplinary program is truly one-of-a-kind, building up our youth community not only as better engineers and artists, but as creatives, problem solvers, learners, educators, and leaders. Cutting MakeX would leave a deep and permanent scar on many of the communities Palo Alto prides itself on supporting.
MakeX has always been there for us. During regular programming MakeX has provided us with a creative outlet and a healthy community, and has worked with our schools to encourage project-based education. Today, MakeX is working with hospitals and other maker organizations to make and distribute much-needed PPE, being part of an initiative that has distributed over 30,000 face shields to local healthcare providers. In these difficult times, I ask that you be there for MakeX in return.
I speak for the entire community in wishing you remain happy and healthy, and know you will make the right decision in supporting our communities through these difficult times.
Best,
Isabella, MakeX Mentor
21
Baumb, Nelly
From:Sophia Lu <sophiajoylu@gmail.com>
Sent:Friday, May 22, 2020 6:17 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Teen Funding
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
Hello Palo Alto City Council,
I am writing in response to the proposal to cut funding to teen service programs for the coming years. As a member of the MakeX community I have witnessed the amazing things that have come out of the program and wanted to share them with you all.
Walking into MakeX during open hours will never cease to amaze you; on any given day you might find a slew
of makers from middle schoolers to adults all working together in this shared space. You will witness people helping each other with an infinite variety of creative projects. You will see artists painting murals on the walls side by side with teen rocket scientists realizing their newest invention. And you will be amazed as teen
leaders foster this community safely and responsibly through peer guidance and support. This kind of interdisciplinary program is truly one-of-a-kind, building up our youth community not only as better engineers and artists, but as creatives, problem solvers, learners, educators, and leaders. Cutting MakeX would leave a deep and permanent scar on many of the communities Palo Alto prides itself on supporting.
MakeX has always been there for us. During regular programming MakeX has provided us with a creative outlet and a healthy community, and has worked with our schools to encourage project-based education. Today, MakeX is working with hospitals and other maker organizations to make and distribute much-needed PPE, being part of an initiative that has distributed over 30,000 face shields to local healthcare providers. In these difficult times, I ask that you be there for MakeX in return.
I speak for the entire community in wishing you remain happy and healthy, and know you will make the right decision in supporting our communities through these difficult times.
Best,
Sophia Lu
22
Baumb, Nelly
From:Patrick More <pfmore@stanford.edu>
Sent:Friday, May 22, 2020 6:20 PM
To:Council, City
Cc:Kimberly Thacker
Subject:City od Palo Alto's proposal to cancel all performances at the Pal6t5o Alto Children's Theatre for two
years and cutting all teen programs as well as many other programs.
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
Dear City Council Member,
As a proud parent of two Palo Alto Children’s Theatre (PACT) participants, I was very shocked and disappointed to hear
that the City of Palo Alto has proposed cancelling all performances at the Children's Theatre for two years. In addition,
City of Palo Alto has proposed cutting teen programs as well as other PACT programs.
PACT has provided a creative outlet for my two children to grow and build their self‐confidence. They have learned how
to collaborate with others, improve upon their communication and self‐ discipline skills. The teen programs are very
important to keep. Teenagers need these programs to develop their performing art skills with their peers such as with
“Open Mic”. Teenagers are already very vulnerable living in the academic pressure cooker of high school and this one
of the few outlets that they get. Please do not take this away from them.
The audience will also suffer. PACT provided a form of entertainment that pulls the kids away out of the virtual world
and brings them back into the physical world. We cannot take this away.
I understand that the pandemic has impacted us all. When the ”shelter in place” is lifted, the PACT will find a way to
provided live performances and “in person” programs that are delivered in a safe manner for both the participants and
the audience.
Please keep this continuously active 83 year old institution going. You have the power to do so.
Thank you,
Patrick More
23
Baumb, Nelly
From:Kabir Bhatia <kabirbhatia04@gmail.com>
Sent:Friday, May 22, 2020 6:40 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Teen Services
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
Dear City Council,
I have heard of the plan to cut spending for teen services in favor of a new library, and I would like to urge you to
reconsider.
As a high schooler in the district, I know what these services mean. For better or for worse, the educational system in
this area is demanding and stressful, and these services are critical in both supporting us teens and allowing us to give
back.
Furthermore, we already have a wonderfully strong library system in the city, and we don't need to sacrifice our unique
teen services to add yet another branch.
Thanks,
Kabir Bhatia, Paly '22
24
Baumb, Nelly
From:Kathleen Early <kathy.early@gmail.com>
Sent:Friday, May 22, 2020 6:54 PM
To:Council, City
Cc:patburtpa@gmail.com
Subject:Re: A better way to save vital city services
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
Dear City Council Members:
Pat Burt's and Pat Markevitch's opinion piece in the Palo Alto Weekly outlines measures that can be used by the CC to
reevaluate budget cuts. The authors are right that it does not make sense to prioritize capitol improvements over vital
services. They are right that "The city and council staff need to transparently lay out their economic assumptions and
the fiscal implications of budget changes they're proposing."
Thank you for your voluntary 15% pay cut. Having taken that step puts you in a good position to negotiate with unions
and workers to save as many jobs as possible.
Please take the time necessary to get the budget right. Delaying cuts while you reevaluate the situation may be costly,
but going down the wrong path will be even more costly and painful.
Sincerely yours,
Kathy Early
Palo Verde, Palo Alto
25
Baumb, Nelly
From:Roger Gordon <rogergordon@comcast.net>
Sent:Friday, May 22, 2020 6:59 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Please fund the Palo Alto Children’s Theatre
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on
links.
________________________________
Good evening,
My name is Roger Gordon. I’m now 35 years old and serving as an Army Chaplain on active duty in the 101st Airborne
Division at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. I love my job, I love doing ministry and serving my country at the same time. But
long before now, I was a star on the stages of the Palo Alto Children’s Theatre. I grew up at PACT and had lead roles in
countless plays and musicals and summer conservatory and Wingspread shows. It was the absolute best part of my
childhood and teen years. Nothing else came close. I loved school too, and was a very good student. But I truly believe
the reason I did so well in school was because of the PACT. We know how much the arts nurture and strengthen youth
development. They undoubtedly play a vital, often unrecognized, and majorly undervalued role in developing confident,
resilient, courageous, intelligent, empathetic human beings and citizens. Although I (sadly) no longer have the
opportunity to act or participate in theatre, I am 150% convinced that I would not be able to be a successful Army
Chaplain were it not for all that the PACT gave me. Kids who participate in the PACT not only make great actors and
artists, they also make great ministers, lawyers, teachers, politicians, and all around engaged and informed public
citizens. The PACT is no doubt a treasured service to society that keeps on giving. In at least my case and I know others
as well, it is literally a service to our country.
Clearly, I am writing asking you to look again at your budget to find ways to save funding for the PACT. I am not just
asking, I am begging. Losing funding for the PACT for two years would likely spell the permanent closing of the theatre.
That would be devastating and a major disservice to the next generation and to our country.
I don’t envy the job you have to do. I can’t imagine how incredibly difficult it must be to balance a budget in light of what
is almost certainly going to be another Great Depression. I can imagine it must seem like cutting funds for the PACT is a
necessary evil to balance the budget. Yet I ask you to consider that the PACT is just as vital, just as necessary, as so many
other public services. I doubt you are eliminating funding for police or firefighters, and I would argue we need the PACT
just as much.
I could understand making cuts to the PACT, maybe even short term significant ones. Sadly, it’s likely the PACT may not
be able to put on any productions for awhile anyway, possibly not even until 2021. Of course, that is a question for the
PACT staff and the public health authorities. Regardless, some cuts probably, sadly, do make sense. But complete
elimination of all funds for two years is a draconian and harsh measure that would be beyond tragic.
I ask you to look again at the budget. Look at where else you might be able to trim funding. The people of Palo Alto love
the PACT. I would imagine the vast majority of people who live there would much rather see greater shared sacrifice
than the total loss of what is, frankly, a national treasure.
I know you must be facing a very difficult decision. I pray for you all to have the patience, wisdom, and compassion to
come to a good answer for the city. Thank you for all you do for the city of Palo Alto.
Blessings and peace,
27
Baumb, Nelly
From:Dan <danshi@gmail.com>
Sent:Friday, May 22, 2020 7:30 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Teen Service Funding - We need MakeX!
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
Hello Palo Alto City Council,
I am writing in response to the proposal to cut funding to teen service programs for the coming years. As a member of the MakeX community I have witnessed the amazing things that have come out of the program and wanted to share them with you all.
I was a coach for one of the SciOly team at Greene Middle school. Our project can't be done without the great
help from the kids at MakeX. They are truly handy and passionate to help! Please continue their funding, we need MakeX!
I speak for the entire community in wishing you remain happy and healthy, and know you will make the right decision in supporting our communities through these difficult times.
Best,
Dan Shi
28
Baumb, Nelly
From:Sarah Curtis <scurtis@sfsu.edu>
Sent:Friday, May 22, 2020 8:07 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:PACT budget cuts
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
Dear City Council members, I believe you have thought of proceeding to take budget cuts from some local establishments. One of them just happens to be Palo Alto Children’s Theatre. There are many reasons why placing these cuts for the theatre’s employees is unreasonable and unwelcome by those in cast, crew, audiences, and the employees themselves.
It is an amazing experience, the feeling of the spotlight on your shoulders, the eyes on you on your brilliant costume, as I have experienced this very feeling. A feeling of belonging and joy. There are not many theatres just for children around in Palo Alto and being a part of something special, for instance, theatrical productions,
is wonderfully delightful. Making friends, sharing lines, singing your heart out and doing what you love are only
some of the things that cast and crew members at the Children’s Theatre encounter, leaving a smile on their face, and a previously empty space in their heart filled to the brim with joy.
Besides the Children’s Theatre there aren’t many other Theatres dedicated to children in Palo Alto. Besides Peninsula Youth Theatre (PYT) kids would have to ride in stuffy cars all the way to Sunnyvale to be a part in an
all Child Production. Not only have I attended these performances from a very young age (2 years old, to be exact) and enjoyed them greatly, I have also been cast in them and therefore my love for the Children’s Theatre grows stronger by the minute. I wish to be an author and professional actress when I grow up. The Children’s Theatre is one of the first steps to achieving my lifelong goal. I’m sure others feel the same way.
Thirdly, audiences rely on theatrical assemblies, especially those of the children. There aren’t many other theatres besides the ones I’ve already mentioned. There are movie theatres, school musicals and plays, but no other public theatrical productions. Making budget cuts to the staff, and cancelling performances would just make others even unhappier than they already are. I know times are hard, I agree, but cast hearts and crew hearts will break when audition day comes and goes without the ability to try out for the various productions the Children’s Theatre has. Please, take consideration into your minds. There are many things to consider, and I’m sure that the Children’s Theatre is not currently the biggest worry on your minds, but it is on mine. I’m not the only one. We are relying on you, City Council, to help Palo Alto even if that means scratching the Palo Alto
Children’s Theatre off your list of places to place cuts. Please. Please.
Sincerely, A disconsolate Palo Alto student, Julia Curtis, age 11
29
Baumb, Nelly
From:Harrianne Mills <hmills@paloaltou.edu>
Sent:Friday, May 22, 2020 8:26 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Teen Service Funding
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
Hello Palo Alto City Council,
I am writing in response to the proposal to cut funding to teen service programs for the coming years. As a member of the MakeX community I have witnessed the amazing things that have come out of the program and wanted to share them with you all.
Walking into MakeX during open hours will never cease to amaze you; on any given day you might find a slew
of makers from middle schoolers to adults all working together in this shared space. You will witness people helping each other with an infinite variety of creative projects. You will see artists painting murals on the walls side by side with teen rocket scientists realizing their newest invention. And you will be amazed as teen
leaders foster this community safely and responsibly through peer guidance and support. This kind of interdisciplinary program is truly one-of-a-kind, building up our youth community not only as better engineers and artists, but as creatives, problem solvers, learners, educators, and leaders. Cutting MakeX would leave a deep and permanent scar on many of the communities Palo Alto prides itself on supporting.
MakeX has always been there for us. During regular programming MakeX has provided us with a creative outlet and a healthy community, and has worked with our schools to encourage project-based education. Today, MakeX is working with hospitals and other maker organizations to make and distribute much-needed PPE, being part of an initiative that has distributed over 30,000 face shields to local healthcare providers. In these difficult times, I ask that you be there for MakeX in return.
I speak for the entire community in wishing you remain happy and healthy, and know you will make the right decision in supporting our communities through these difficult times.
All the Best,
Lucas Davidson Email: hmills@paloaltou.edu
30
Baumb, Nelly
From:Christina O'Konski <cmokonski@gmail.com>
Sent:Friday, May 22, 2020 9:07 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Please don't cut the Children's Theatre
Attachments:Gingerbread Man.JPG; Rapunzel 2.JPG; Rapunzel 1.JPG; Sleeping Beauty.JPG
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
Hello,
My name is Christina O'Konski. I am currently a freshman at the University of Oregon, but I have lived in Palo Alto my
entire life. I attended Addison Elementary School, Greene Middle School, and Palo Alto Senior High School. I recently
read over the City of Palo Alto's proposed funding cuts and I wanted to urge you not to cut funding to the Palo Alto
Children's Theatre.
I have so many positive memories associated with the Children's Theatre. When I was younger I attended their summer
camps and watched countless Hot Dog Suppertime and mainstage shows. The Children's Theatre outreach program
came to Addison when I was in elementary school, and I can still remember acting in the Wizard of Oz and Alice in
Wonderland. Those programs introduced me to theater, which became a major part of my social and creative identity
throughout middle and high school.
In high school, I was a counselor at their summer camps and participated in the Playhouse program, which puts on short
interactive fairytale plays for young children and their families. I've attached a few photos from Playhouse to this email
to try and convey how fantastic that specific program is. I also wrote a short play which was featured in Playpalooza at
the Children's Theatre, which was very encouraging and rewarding to me creatively. In other words, I can safely say that
the Children's Theatre is an incredibly unique and wonderful place that brings joy to so many people.
Though I was not as involved in the Children's Theatre as much as some of my friends, I understand how much it meant
to them. The Children's Theatre is a place where kids learn to express themselves creatively; a place where they feel free
to make mistakes and grow both as individuals and as artists. The Children's Theatre gives students interested in
technical theater opportunities to learn about and design those aspects of shows, such as lights, sets, and costumes,
something many elementary and middle schools lack.
Most importantly, the Children's Theatre is a vital hub of community‐‐a space where children feel safe to be themselves,
where they can make friends they would otherwise never meet, and where there are adults and older peers that the
children trust and look up to immensely. And, it almost goes without saying, but the shows at the Children's Theatre are
a fantastic bonding and community event for families of all ages. Plus, they introduce little kids, such as myself many
years ago, to the idea of theater, thus growing and perpetuating the programs.
If you cut all programs at the Children's Theatre for two years, you are going to kill all of this completely. So many kids
are not even going to be able to say goodbye to the people they have bonded with over the years. The kids who will age
out of programs within the next two years are going to miss out on the bigger roles and increased responsibility and
leadership that their time at the Children's Theatre has been building to.
Most importantly, the adults who work at the Children's Theatre will have to find other jobs and may not return once
the Children's Theatre reopens. This would irreparably destroy the community of the Children's Theatre that so many
children rely on as a place where they feel valued and comfortable.
31
Cut some programs entirely. If you have to, cut everything for a few months. But any more than that and this incredible
hub for children interested in the theater arts is going to be destroyed. Please, please do not cut this program for two
years. It is so important creatively, socially, and psychologically for so many children.
Thank you,
Christina O'Konski
32
Baumb, Nelly
From:Christina O'Konski <cmokonski@gmail.com>
Sent:Friday, May 22, 2020 9:12 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Please don't cut Teen Arts Council
Attachments:TAC.jpg
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
Hello,
My name is Christina O'Konski. I am currently a freshman at the University of Oregon, but I have lived in Palo Alto my
entire life. I attended Addison Elementary School, Greene Middle School, and Palo Alto Senior High School. I recently
read over the City of Palo Alto's proposed funding cuts to "all teen programs" in Palo Alto, and I wanted to urge you not
to cut funding to the Teen Arts Council.
I was never a member of TAC, but many of my friends were. I was lucky enough to hear about TAC from them, and
attended and performed at Open Mic Nights, Point B Poetry Slams, and Buoyancy Festivals throughout high school. The
environment at all of these events was incredible‐‐everyone, no matter their age or what school they attended, was so
supportive, encouraging, and respectful of everyone else.
I've had the privilege to hear deeply personal and vulnerable poetry, music and raps from close friends and strangers
alike. I performed with improv groups, did original stand‐up comedy, and even rapped "Alphabet Aerobics" by
Blackalicious at various Open Mics. I felt that not only the people I knew, but every single person there was encouraging
and supporting me every single time.
If you cut funding to all teen programs, these monthly gatherings of supportive and creative teens will vanish. Even if
you can't financially support the TAC to the extent you have in the past, I urge you to continue supporting them in other
ways. If you can't give them a budget, at least continue to help them organize and plan free events. If you can't afford to
give them use of the community rooms at Mitchell Park, officially cordon off areas of public parks and let them perform
outside, or promote them online as they do virtual events.
In other words, I implore you to let this by teens, for teens program continue to exist. It is not only a beautiful and
unique program, but vital to the mental health of teens here in Palo Alto, especially with everything that's been going
on.
I have attached a photo from an Open Mic Night, to try to convey the environment of these events.
Thank you,
Christina O'Konski
33
Baumb, Nelly
From:Tata Serebryany <tata.serebryany@gmail.com>
Sent:Friday, May 22, 2020 9:18 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Teen Service Funding
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
Hello Palo Alto City Council,
I am writing in response to the proposal to cut funding to teen service programs for the coming years. As a member of the MakeX community I have witnessed the amazing things that have come out of the program and wanted to share them with you all.
Walking into MakeX during open hours will never cease to amaze you; on any given day you might find a slew
of makers from middle schoolers to adults all working together in this shared space. You will witness people helping each other with an infinite variety of creative projects. You will see artists painting murals on the walls side by side with teen rocket scientists realizing their newest invention. And you will be amazed as teen
leaders foster this community safely and responsibly through peer guidance and support. This kind of interdisciplinary program is truly one-of-a-kind, building up our youth community not only as better engineers and artists, but as creatives, problem solvers, learners, educators, and leaders. Cutting MakeX would leave a deep and permanent scar on many of the communities Palo Alto prides itself on supporting.
MakeX has always been there for us. During regular programming MakeX has provided us with a creative outlet and a healthy community, and has worked with our schools to encourage project-based education. Today, MakeX is working with hospitals and other maker organizations to make and distribute much-needed PPE, being part of an initiative that has distributed over 30,000 face shields to local healthcare providers. In these difficult times, I ask that you be there for MakeX in return.
I speak for the entire community in wishing you remain happy and healthy, and know you will make the right decision in supporting our communities through these difficult times.
Best,
Tata
34
Baumb, Nelly
From:Steve Young <SYoung@hggc.com>
Sent:Friday, May 22, 2020 10:44 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Childrens Theater
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
Dear City Council
There are essential services that must be a priority, I understand that as you tackle a budget shortfall. But the next near
essential service is for those programs that go to the heart of our community, and that is exactly where Childrens
Theater lives. It engages an important segment of our city as well as the joy it brings to many who come watch. If at all
possible it seems we should do anything that we can to allow for the Childrens Theater to receive funding.
A concerned theater family
Steve Young
35
Baumb, Nelly
From:A Holstein <apholstein@gmail.com>
Sent:Friday, May 22, 2020 11:30 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Plea to keep teen and children's programming
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on
links.
________________________________
Dear City Council Members,
We just wanted to send a plea for you to consider continued funding of Palo Alto’s teen and children’s programs.
My husband grew up in Palo Alto, and we moved back here in large part because of the city’s embrace of family
programs, strong libraries and wonderful schools. Our kids have been dedicated users of the library (we ran over to
Rinconada as soon as we heard the libraries were closing from SIP) since they were tiny. Both our kids have been
involved in or attended the children’s theatre events and classes. And our daughter took art classes with her
grandmother, which they both loved.
Now, with SIP, our kids are missing out on friends, school and ordinary life. Our daughter is at Duveneck, our son is at
Paly. Our hearts hurt seeing them yearn to connect with friends.
One bright spot for our son was being a YCS mentor. He made dreamcatchers, planned family walks around our
neighborhood, worked on posters. Every Friday, he looked forward to seeing other mentors and mentees. He was a CIT
at Foothills last summer and was hoping to do that again this summer, and being a YCS mentor was an activity he chose
on his own out of the catalog of opportunities.
Our daughter, on the other hand, keeps asking when the library will reopen. All her camps have clearly been canceled,
we both work full time, and she basically watches a screen all day for school.
Please, please, please keep kids’ funding, for both teen programs and children’s programs. And please keep our libraries
funded and fully open. These are not “optional” activities. They are the lifeblood of our community, gathering spots and
programs for teens (who otherwise either bury their heads in academics and get overstressed, or just play video games
and text), fun places for younger kids to discover talents and passions — and reading! — and ways for kids to get
together with grandparents.
We’re being robbed of so much right now. Health, lives, jobs, small everyday pleasures like hugging friends. Please don’t
take more away from our kids. Give them something to look forward to!
Thank you,
Amara Holstein and Mark Deggeller
36
Baumb, Nelly
From:Priya Satia <psatia@stanford.edu>
Sent:Saturday, May 23, 2020 9:16 AM
To:Council, City
Subject:closure of PACT?
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on
links.
________________________________
Dear PA City Council,
Thank you for all the work you do to serve our community. I am writing to appeal to you about the status of the Palo
Alto Children's Theater.
We have heard that the theater may be closed for two years due to budget constraints.
This is very dismaying news. This theater is the beating heart of our children's community.
Both my children are active in the theatre‐‐my son was cast in a play, to his delight, just before lockdown, and is
anxiously looking forward to restarting rehearsals when public health permits that. The theater has been part of our life
since my older one (age 14) was 2 or 3. The staff there are a source of warmth and friendship and mentorship to my
kids. The community is welcoming and nurturing. It is a different kind of teamwork for kids who may not thrive in team
sports (like my younger one). He loves to act and do tech. My older one acts and writes scripts.
They love their theater friends, who they don't get to meet at school.
They love Mr. Lucky and all the directors and Mr. Richard at the desk.
Please don't take away this essential resource for kids to act, design, produce, and, most importantly, watch theater.
Surely, we can find ways to supplement the budget and keep the theater open? Theater tickets and refreshment sales
and donations can be enhanced, perhaps?
The PACT's reach extends well beyond Palo Alto, it is a regional treasure. Please, let's do what's needed to keep this
jewel shining at its best.
Please, please, please, don't break children's hearts‐‐they've lost so much this year.
Thank you for considering this request,
Very best,
Priya Satia
‐‐
Priya Satia
Raymond A. Spruance Professor of International History Department of History Stanford University Stanford, CA 94305‐
2024
Email: psatia@stanford.edu
Web: http://history.stanford.edu/people/priya‐satia
37
Baumb, Nelly
From:Daniella Maor.S <dsmaor@gmail.com>
Sent:Saturday, May 23, 2020 11:29 AM
To:Council, City
Subject:Funding to teen services
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
To whom it may concern,
Hello, my name is Daniella and I am an incoming junior at Gunn High School. It has come to my attention that funding
for teen services may be cut, and I would like to inform you how awful that decision is. Cutting funding for teen services,
even if it’s for only 2 years, will be the end to most of these programs. Being student run, they hardly get funding, so
cutting it would make it almost impossible to reopen the program once it resets funding. I am especially concerned
about MakeX and the Palo Alto Children’s Theatre, for I have been apart of these programs for some time now. I have
been at the theatre since 5th grade and it is a community unlike anything else. Both these programs are places that
allow students to express themselves in ways they can’t anywhere else. School systems are allows worried about
students’ mental health, and as a student who deals with anxiety pretty regularly, I can tell you how much these
programs help de‐stress and create an outlet for teens to be creative. Teens now a days are always told to get off their
phone and stop watching tv and go do something. So we did. We joined these amazing programs that help us, mentally
and academically, and now the city just wants the cut them off. The school board can implement all the classes they
want, such as SELF and other classes in the hope that it will help students mental health. But it doesn’t. These programs
are what’s helping students get by. They are the things that make us happy. We can sit in a classroom all day and learn
about mental health, and having an open mind set, but it’s all stuff we know and heard before a million times. These
programs, our programs, the places we feel safe and happy. The places we express ourselves, where our communities
are, these are the programs that are helping teens in Palo Alto. I can’t speak for all teens, but I know many of them feel
this way. Cutting funding for these programs will be a grave mistake.
Thank you for your consideration,
Daniella Maor
38
Baumb, Nelly
From:Boaz Maor <boaz_maor@yahoo.com>
Sent:Saturday, May 23, 2020 11:48 AM
To:Council, City
Subject:Teen services - MakeX
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on
links.
________________________________
I understand you are assessing cost cutting measures to help cope with the impacts of COVID‐19 on the city financials. It
is a must‐do action and we all as residents of the city appreciate it.
I did want to weigh in on the importance of Teen Services and the value of supporting them in the city. Palo Alto is
unique in a large way as a place that is good to live in. The high investment in services in the city balances The high cost
of living here. Investment in Teen Services is among the highest impact ones ‐ arguably the highest value‐for‐money
investment you make!
A few years ago, I discovered a few dozen 2” nails have been beaten into the window edge of my teenage son. When I
asked him about it he answered that he was stressed and needed a way to relive that stress. I offered to buy more nails,
but also suggested him to bike to the MakeX workshop and do woodwork there. Fast forward two years and MakeX has
become (for him and a number of his friends) the go‐to place to cool down. The ability to be in a teen‐only place AND
work with power tools and machines has been invaluable to them. Not to mention, the opportunity to mentor and
coach other (elementary school and middle school Kids as well as high schools and even occasional adults visiting) is
inspiring to watch!
And since MakeX is run by teens and most of the Equipment and materials are donated, the financial requirement by the
city is so minimal it will be a mistake to stop it.
Thank you for your consideration!
Boaz
‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐
Boaz Maor
+1‐415‐867‐6393
39
Baumb, Nelly
From:Brian White <bcwhite@stanford.edu>
Sent:Saturday, May 23, 2020 12:12 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:college terrace library
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links.
________________________________
Hi,
My kids are grown, and it’s been a while since I’ve used the College Terrace Library. But it’s a wonderful place for the
community, so I would be very sad if it closes.
Best,
Brian White
40
Baumb, Nelly
From:Nat Fisher <sukiroo@hotmail.com>
Sent:Saturday, May 23, 2020 12:17 PM
To:Shikada, Ed; Council, City
Subject:fire budget
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attachments and clicking on links.
Restore the funds for the fire department, please.
Ambulances coming from out of town take longer to arrive and will cost lives.
What were you thinking!
Natalie Fisher
Palo Alto
41
Baumb, Nelly
From:Kevin Dee <kdee1@swarthmore.edu>
Sent:Saturday, May 23, 2020 12:24 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Teen Service Funding
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
Hello Palo Alto City Council, I am writing in response to the proposal to cut funding to teen service programs for the coming years. As a member of the MakeX community I have witnessed the amazing things that have come out of the program and wanted to share them with you all.
Walking into MakeX during open hours will never cease to amaze you; on any given day you might find a slew of makers from middle schoolers to adults all working together in this shared space. You will witness people helping each other with an infinite variety of creative projects. You will see artists painting murals on the walls side by side with teen rocket scientists realizing their newest invention. And you will be amazed as teen leaders foster this community safely and responsibly through peer guidance and support. This kind of interdisciplinary program is truly one-of-a-kind, building up our youth community not only as better engineers and artists, but as creatives, problem solvers, learners, educators, and leaders. Cutting MakeX would leave a deep and permanent scar on many of the communities Palo Alto prides itself on supporting.
MakeX has always been there for us. During regular programming MakeX has provided us with a creative outlet and a healthy community, and has worked with our schools to encourage project-based education. Today, MakeX is working with hospitals and other maker organizations to make and distribute much-needed PPE, being part of an initiative that has distributed over 30,000 face shields to local healthcare providers. In
these difficult times, I ask that you be there for MakeX in return.
I speak for the entire community in wishing you remain happy and healthy, and know you will make the right decision in supporting our communities through these difficult times.
Best, Kevin Dee Former MakeX Volunteer Mentor Gunn '18
42
Baumb, Nelly
From:Ashu Agrawal <agrawalashu@hotmail.com>
Sent:Saturday, May 23, 2020 12:29 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Palo Alto Children’s Theater
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attachments and clicking on links.
Attached please see a note from my 11 year old (5th grader):
—————————‐
Dear Palo Alto City Council members,
I have been watching shows at the The Palo Alto Children's theater for as long as I can remember. It has become like a
second home to me, and I have now acted in three shows. Last year, I injured my knee, so I was unable to play sports for
9 months. During that period of time, I was cast in two plays at the Children's Theater, and while I could not play sports, I
was able to do something else that I love ‐ participate in a theater performance. The theater is a diverse group of people
with great fellow cast members, amazing costume designers, wardrobe managers, lighting specialists, directors, and
many more people who make the experience of acting in and watching a performance so special.
The Palo Alto Children's Theater is a vital part of my life and many others', and to close it down would negatively affect
countless people in the Palo Alto community.
Sincerely,
Mihir Agrawal
5th Grader
Palo Alto Resident
Sent from my iPhone
43
Baumb, Nelly
From:Nancy A Huber <njh451@comcast.net>
Sent:Saturday, May 23, 2020 2:04 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:The Roth Building and The Palo Alto Museum
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links.
________________________________
Dear Mayor Fine, Vice Mayor Tom DuBois, and Council Members Liz Kniss, Alison Cormack, Eric Filseth, Linda Kou, Greg
Tanaka,
Joe and I are writing in support of the Palo Alto Museum and their efforts to turn the historic Roth Building into a
museum that will be a resource for students, researchers, and people of all ages. Many will travel here to explore the
museum and its archives who are interested in the history of Palo Alto, the Stanford connection, and the innovation
that eventually created Silicon Valley. We feel the Palo Alto Museum will be an important asset for all our community.
Sincerely,
Hon. Joe Huber and Nancy Huber
Palo Alto, CA 94301
Redacted
44
Baumb, Nelly
From:Meredith Einaudi <mweinaudi@gmail.com>
Sent:Saturday, May 23, 2020 2:12 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Please Keep College Terrace Library Open
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attachments and clicking on links.
Dear Council Members,
I am writing to implore you to keep the funding of College Terrace Library
in the City's revised budget. Department stores measure their success by
sales per square foot. If College Terrace Library measured its success by
the number of individuals using the library's range of services per square
foot of building space, I believe that College Terrace would have one of
the highest,if not The highest, per square foot user rate of any of the
city's libraries. In addition,it is a treasured neighborhood hub,used by all
generations from graduate student families and students from two
nearby elementary schools to middle aged residents and retirees.It
serves not only the neighborhoods of College Terrace but all the
residents of Stanford's faculty and staff residential campus homes.
Because of its proximity to Stanford it is probably the most multi cultural
library in town.
The library's proposed budget cut of $167,000 per year is a 'drop in the
bucket' compared to many of the proposed 'big ticket' capital
improvement expenditures being considered. I agree with the budget
priorities suggested by former Palo Alto mayor Pat Burt and
Infrastructure Blue Ribbon Committee member Pat Markevitch in the
Guest Opinion they authored in the Palo Alto Weekly 5/22/20 which
emphasizes maintaining public services over Capital Improvements that
can easily be postponed. Even the proposed $200,000 budget for
renovating Cameron Park seems a far less significant service to College
45
Terrace residents than preserving the four days per week that our College
Terrace Library is open.
I realize that aligning the City's budget with the new expected tax
revenue decreases is a very difficult task. Everyone who writes has their
own priority.However the unusually high number of letters you has
received that advocate for continuing the funding of College Terrace
Library to my mind indicates that this is a small instance in which a large
number of tax paying residents have all agreed that the College Terrace
Library is for them one of the City's most important services. I have used
and treasured that library for 45 years.
Respectfully submitted, Meredith Einaudi
1
Baumb, Nelly
From:Mmsparents 1 <mmsparents1@gmail.com>
Sent:Saturday, May 23, 2020 2:32 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Children’s theater
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links.
________________________________
Dear City Council,
We have been in the community over 10 years and have valued Palo Alto children’s theater very much. It is the only
community theater in our area and it supports the local schools. These days with the music and arts programs being cut
in public schools here, there is very little art for children left in the area and we do not want to see the Children’s theater
cut this year. This is a Palo Alto long time iconic institution.
Additionally this is likely not a high budget item so cutting it would not yield a lot of savings for the city compared to
other cuts that could yield more significant savings.
Thank you for your consideration.
Lisa Hwong
415‐699‐2691
Sent from my iPhone
2
Baumb, Nelly
From:Federica <federun@yahoo.com>
Sent:Saturday, May 23, 2020 3:26 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Please support the Children’s Theatre
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on
links.
________________________________
Dear City Council Memebers,
I am writing to you in reference to the proposed closure of the Children’s Theatre’s performances for 2 years as well as
cutting of teens programs.
The Children’s Theatre is a great resource for our community, it offers access to arts for children and whole families and
I strongly urge you to do all possible to keep its funding and activities going, with respect of health measures necessary
due to current pandemic.
The arts and ways for people to find connection within our community are more important than ever and I hope you will
do everything in your powers to preserve this great Palo Alto institution.
Thank you for your consideration
Federica Armstrong
Old Palo Alto resident
3
Baumb, Nelly
From:Hanna V <hanna.vuornos@gmail.com>
Sent:Saturday, May 23, 2020 3:49 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Please continue funding for Palo Alto Children's Theater
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
Dear city council,
I write to you to urge you to keep funding the Children's Theater. Their wonderful programs and productions are
essential to the Palo Alto community. Since we moved to this area 5 years ago we have been enjoying their productions,
weekly classes and summer camps. We have been extremely impressed about the dedication and professionalism of the
staff.
Please continue to fund their work as it is essential for keeping the Palo Alto community together!
Best Regards,
Hanna Vuornos
4
Baumb, Nelly
From:carole/steve eittreim <eittreimcs@gmail.com>
Sent:Saturday, May 23, 2020 5:30 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Fund Children's Theatre
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links.
________________________________
Dear Council Members,
The Palo Alto Children's Theatre is what makes Palo Alto a special place to live and bring up children. Our children must
come first when deciding which cuts to make in the city budget.
There are plenty of places to cut the budget without doing damage to the programs the city provides for our children.
Firstly, a 15% cut over the board for city employees which are the highest on the peninsula.
Sincerely,
Caroleann Eittreim
Palo Alto, Ca 94303
650‐856‐6977
Redacted
5
Baumb, Nelly
From:Schwartz, Ronen <rschwartz@informatica.com>
Sent:Saturday, May 23, 2020 7:15 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Teen Services are important
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links.
________________________________
Palo Alto City council,
Teen Services are important And especially in our city that has seen more chalk aged with our teens. While economy is
challenging, teens challenges will grow ‐ learning from home, far from friends ...
Please take any suggestion to reduce teen services off the table. Please negotiate with all vendors reduced fees.
Ronen Schwartz
Palo Alto
Sent from my iPhone
Redacted
6
Baumb, Nelly
From:Sunai Raillard <saraillard@icloud.com>
Sent:Saturday, May 23, 2020 9:39 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Please do not shut down the Palo Alto Art Center
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
Dear City Council of Palo Alto
I have been an active member of the Ceramics studio at the Palo Alto art center for years. I probably don’t have to tell
you that the studio is one of a kind. It’s such a resource for the entire Bay Area. I understand that art is at the bottom of
the totem pole during a crisis of the dimensions that we are experiencing right now, but I am appealing to you to save
the art center. Closing it would make it almost impossible to re‐create it the way it was once we get out of this crisis.
Thank you so much.
Sunai Raillard, Ph.D.
Dr. sc. nat. ETH Zuerich
7
Baumb, Nelly
From:Anne Schmitt <anneschmitt2344@gmail.com>
Sent:Sunday, May 24, 2020 6:42 AM
To:Council, City
Cc:'Ann Balin' via CTRA Board to Board
Subject:College terrace Library
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links.
________________________________
Dear Council,
I think the decision about College Terrace library is pending. I really hope this valuable community resource stays open. I
do have a question which I hope you have considered:
What will happen to the building if it is no longer a library? Will all the electronics and books be removed, or will it sit
there fully equipped as a mausoleum to a once special place?
If it is emptied, can it be repurposed in the interim as a community meeting place, activity center of some sort?
If not emptied, or in fact if emptied, how will the building be preserved for future use? Will it be protected from
vandalism and other unfortunate ‘occupations”? What is the cost of maintaining a sadly empty building?
Thanks for all your consideration of priorities, money and people at this time.
Anne Schmitt