HomeMy Public PortalAbout20200608plCC6701-32
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 6 of 10
Note: Documents for every category may not have been received for packet
reproduction in a given week.
7
Baumb, Nelly
From:Zinaida Good <zinaidagood@gmail.com>
Sent:Thursday, May 21, 2020 6:43 AM
To:Council, City; Zinaida Good
Subject:Support for closing University Avenue to traffic
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attachments and clicking on links.
Dear Council Members,
I am one of the residents living a few blocks from the city center in the 94301 zip code.
I'd like to support the ongoing initiatives to help our University Avenue restaurants by temporarily closing University
Avenue to traffic to allow the use of that space for 'socially distant' tables.
In the future, I think it would be great to close University Avenue 1‐2 days on weekends only for the farmers marker and
potentially other events / faire. This would also open up the current farmers market parking lots to build more housing
or offices.
All the best,
Zinaida Good
Palo Alto Resident at Forest & Cowper.
‐‐
Zinaida Good
415‐290‐8944
8
Baumb, Nelly
From:Jennifer Dell-Ernstrom <jdellern@gmail.com>
Sent:Thursday, May 21, 2020 9:27 AM
To:Council, City
Subject:Please create parklets for the survival of small Palo Alto restaurants
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Hello City Council,
I live at in Palo Alto. I am concerned that our small
restaurants will not survive the pandemic and want QUICK action from
the City Council.
Please allow parklets so that our restaurants can provide outside seating
and hopefully remain afloat during the pandemic.
I would like to see this a permanent change since it would make our city
more walkable and pedestrian friendly.
Please do not delay action to help our restaurants!! The slow "Palo Alto
process" doesn't work now ‐ it's not business as usual ‐ and we need FAST
RESPONSE from our city.
Thank you,
Jennifer Dell‐Ernstrom
Redacted
9
Baumb, Nelly
From:donna slade <skislade@gmail.com>
Sent:Thursday, May 21, 2020 9:28 AM
To:Council, City
Subject:Parklets...
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attachments and clicking on links.
Please allow restaurants like Zola and others to offer social distancing dining through parklets. As a resident
of Palo Alto, I feel capable of listening to the experts, protecting myself and still enjoying a meal.
Thank you.
Donna Slad
You can also call:
917.670.9609
10
Baumb, Nelly
From:Robert Bergstrom <robertbergstrom@mac.com>
Sent:Thursday, May 21, 2020 9:34 AM
To:Council, City
Subject:Parklets for restaurants
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links.
________________________________
I am reaching out to strongly encourage the city council to act to create a process for Palo Alto restaurants to create
parklets for outdoor dining. My wife and I work in Palo Alto and my wife is a physician at PAMF just a stones throw from
the University business district. Pre‐COvID we would dine out for lunch and dinner In Palo Alto several times a week but
as things reopen we along with many of our friends and heath care professionals would not dine out unless we could sit
outside. We want to support these restaurants and dine in a safer manner so we would hope to see parklets as an
option for the restaurants. If this is not done, we may dine over in Menlo where this is happening. Thank you for
considering this.
Best,
Robert and Recha Bergstrom
Robertbergstrom@mac.com
Sent from my iPhone
11
Baumb, Nelly
From:JLG <jlg@gassee.com>
Sent:Thursday, May 21, 2020 9:34 AM
To:Council, City
Subject:Open Menlo Park Style parklets in front of restaurants
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attachments and clicking on links.
Dear Palo Alto City Council members,
The future of a vibrant, diverse, prosperous Palo Alto is at stake. Among other measures, this requires your allowing
restaurants to open parklets in front of restaurants similar to the ones we see in Menlo Park. This will allow restaurants
to combine responsible social distancing and economic viability.
Thanks for considering this improvement to the city we love.
Best regards,
Jean-Louis Gassée - living in Palo Alto for the past 31 years!
Read the Monday Note - now in its 13th year.
A weekly free (speech) and free (beer) look at the world of tech.
@gassee on Twitter
12
Baumb, Nelly
From:Kate Shrout <kate.shrout@gmail.com>
Sent:Thursday, May 21, 2020 9:35 AM
To:Council, City
Subject:Palo Alto Homeowner Support of Restaurant Outdoor Parklet Creation
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attachments and clicking on links.
Palo Alto City Council Members,
I hope you are doing well during this crazy time. I own 127 Rinconada Ave, Palo Alto. I am writing in support of the
creation of parklets/increased outdoor dining space for our Palo Alto restaurants. The incredible restaurants we have in
Palo Alto are a huge part of what makes our vibrant community so special. It was a major factor my husband and I
considered when choosing to purchase a home here instead of a neighboring city. I am concerned that without outdoor
seating to enable social distancing, that our restaurant community will be forced to shutter ‐‐ this will have a significant
adverse impact on the Palo Alto community. Please enable restaurants to operate in a safe manner by giving them more
outdoor space to do so.
Regards,
Kate Shrout, Esq.
13
Baumb, Nelly
From:Reed Stevens <trstevens@me.com>
Sent:Thursday, May 21, 2020 9:42 AM
To:Council, City
Subject:Support for Parklets
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links.
________________________________
Dear city council, as someone who was born and raised in downtown Palo Alto and who has experienced the
transformations of downtown over the course of my life (For both better and worse) we need to be doing everything we
can to support community, and not just tech. Downtown has grown more culturally stale, distant and cold in the last
decade as it becomes more and more tech/success centric. Not so long ago it had a small town feel where people took
the time to be related to one another for purposes beyond just making money.
Restaurants and cafes are the epicenters of public human engagement in downtown, parklets bring that community
experience outside where it will positively impact all community participants across downtown. An ultimate version of
this that my family and many other Palo Alto families regularly agree on is transforming University Ave into a walking‐
only park. Parklets is a great first step ‐ if we loose our places of communing with each other then downtown will just
become a row of office buildings and lunch to‐go counters.
In Gratitude,
Reed Stevens
14
Baumb, Nelly
From:Jillian Smillie <jilliansmillie@gmail.com>
Sent:Thursday, May 21, 2020 9:43 AM
To:Council, City
Subject:Palo Alto Restaurants
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attachments and clicking on links.
Hi there,
I've lived in Palo Alto now for almost 9 years and I absolutely love it. Growing up in the Bay Area, Palo Alto has always
had a wonderful unique charm, and a large part of that charm is Downtown, including the many businesses and
restaurants that make up downtown.
I'm writing in support of the creation of parklets/increased outdoor dining space for our Palo Alto restaurants. The
incredible restaurants we have in Palo Alto are a huge part of what makes our vibrant community so special. I'm
concerned that without outdoor seating to enable social distancing, that our restaurant community will be forced to
shutter ‐‐ this will have a significant adverse impact on the Palo Alto community. Please enable restaurants to operate in
a safe manner by giving them more outdoor space to do so.
Thank you,
Jillian
15
Baumb, Nelly
From:chienlan <chienlan@gmail.com>
Sent:Thursday, May 21, 2020 9:45 AM
To:Council, City
Subject:parklets for restaurants, and closing University Ave and California Ave to cars
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attachments and clicking on links.
Hi,
I would like to voice my strong support for parklets for restaurants to ensure there is enough space for social distancing
outdoors and to enable them to survive. These small businesses are the heartbeat of our community and enable us to
have that unique culture that makes Palo Alto such a wonderful place to live. Giving them the space to open and be at
least slightly profitable is the least we could do as a community, given how much they do for us.
Along with this, I strongly urge you to close University and California Ave to cars. Right now, traffic is down significantly,
so their closures will not be as problematic. More importantly, this will allow for greater space for restaurants and
stores to bring things outdoors in a safe manner. If we are serious about letting our small businesses open safely and
profitably, we need to give them much more space outdoors. That is the only reasonable way to keep customers safe
and help them feel comfortable about going out again.
Thank you!
Chienlan
16
Baumb, Nelly
From:Belinda Nivaggioli <belinda.nivaggioli@gmail.com>
Sent:Thursday, May 21, 2020 9:46 AM
To:Council, City
Cc:nivaggioli.thierry@gene.com
Subject:Parklet in front of Zola
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attachments and clicking on links.
We have heard from Zola. We believe that allowing parklets in front of restaurants to allow for more seating and social
distancing is a great idea. We know that restaurants are hit hard. It is difficult to allow sufficient seating considering
how small some of these establishments are. We want to see this industry to bounce back. We urgent the city council
to consider this proposal.
Regards
Belinda and Thierry Nivaggioli
17
Baumb, Nelly
From:Don Jackson <dcj@clark-communications.com>
Sent:Thursday, May 21, 2020 10:08 AM
To:Council, City
Subject:I support helping our restaurants reopen safely via parklets and street closures
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links.
________________________________
Honorable Councilpeople,
I’m writing to urge you to support street/parking changes to enable our local restaurants to use these areas to provide
safe, outdoor, socially‐distanced dining.
As I know you are aware, our local resturants are facing financial ruin as a result of the COVID‐19 public health crisis, and
our restaurants are a very significant quality‐of‐life benefit to all Palo Altans.
When the City/County/State begins to allows restaurants to re‐open, it seems likely and prudent that returning to pre‐
pandemic restaurant table spacing/distancing will not be responsible nor desirable.
It seems obvious to me that allowing “parklets” in front (and adjacent) to our restaurants would significantly help our
local restaurants to provide safer dining, and also help restaurants get closer to their former seating capacity.
Given that we are well into Spring, and Summer is right around the corner, the weather will be the best that it can be to
make outdoor dining reasonable and comfortable.
As a more significant move, I would also encourage and support street closures (particularly in the evening) to provide
even more outdoor space for dining, shopping, etc. I’d propose closing much of University Avenue, and the first block of
side streets like Emerson, Ramona, and Bryant for the Spring/Summer, (again, perhaps after 5:30pm). California
Avenue, the first block of Birch Street off California, Emerson Street between Homer and University, and Hamilton
between Emerson and Ramona.
Given that traffic will likely not return to pre‐pandemic levels anytime soon, and the need to help our local restaurants
and shops, I can imagine that making this Summer a more relaxed, outdoor‐dining friendly experience would provide
financial help to our local restaurants, and be a safe and responsible respite for all Palo Altans.
Respectfully
Don Jackson
18
Baumb, Nelly
From:Ann Kane <lexafk@gmail.com>
Sent:Thursday, May 21, 2020 10:11 AM
To:Council, City
Subject:Palo Alto Restaurants
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links.
________________________________
To whom it may concern,
I am a Palo Alto resident of 7+ years who cares deeply about the protection of public health at all costs. I also 100%
support the local government’s exploration of creating safe outdoor spaces for restaurant seating. Please move forward
with this so that our valued local restaurant owners can create the space necessary to keep their businesses alive and
keep us safely fed. I believe both objectives can me met through this option!
Thank you!
Ann Kane
Sent from my iPhone
Redacted
19
Baumb, Nelly
From:Stephanie Seale <stephka@gmail.com>
Sent:Thursday, May 21, 2020 10:11 AM
To:Council, City
Subject:in support of parklets
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attachments and clicking on links.
Dear Palo Alto City Council,
I am a 12‐year Palo Alto resident and fully support the idea of parklets downtown in order to help local restaurants
expand their seating options/footprint. Less parking and more dining seating, please! We have such amazing weather
and the ability to have a walking/biking culture, we should definitely take advantage of this space as a great way of
helping our restaurant/dining establishments in this very tough post‐pandemic economic climate.
I'd be happy to answer any additional questions if any come up.
warm regards,
Stephanie Seale
Everett Avenue
20
Baumb, Nelly
From:David Klein <dlklein2@gmail.com>
Sent:Thursday, May 21, 2020 10:24 AM
To:Council, City
Subject:outdoor Dining
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attachments and clicking on links.
To Whom it May Concern
I believe there is a notion of outdoor dining, possibly including road closures, being considered as a mitigation as we go
into the next stage of re‐opening.
I want to let you know that, in my opinion, this is a brilliant idea. We should use the space we have and be creative and
flexible. Right now traffic and parking is very light. Restaurants are closed and losing money. We all know that social
distancing will be here for months or longer and this will limit seating. Restaurants and Bar's can re‐open sooner and
with more patrons sooner if we make outdoor dining available
As a resident of Palo Alto since 1997, and one who plans to be here for a time to come it is important to me that I don't
have a Palo Alto of 2021 that is not the one I've lived in for the last 23 years. I value the small restaurants and bars we
have and the only way to keep them is to let them do their job and serve the public.
Please take immediate action to plan for the coming days and weeks to enable outdoor dining both on sidewalks and
with potential street closures. Please be flexible and 'bend' the rules as much as you can in this emergency to support
outdoor alcohol service, seating and anything else that is needed to create a unique and joyful (and profitable) 2020 for
our restaurants and bars. We need this in the Summer of 2020 to recover as a city. The public will support this and it is
temporary. As the emergency subsides you can revoke the order and go back to the prior policies with no concerns of
long term problems. Action and flexibility today will create a short term solution to then let us go back to business as
usual in the long term. Inaction and rigid enforcement of the codes will result in a long term dessert and the undoing of
all the hard work the city has done to revitalize the University and California districts over the last 20 years and the
reasons I have stayed in Palo Alto
Best Regards
David Klein
(650) 906‐9252
Redacted
21
Baumb, Nelly
From:Bill Onderdonk <bill@onderdonk.net>
Sent:Thursday, May 21, 2020 10:29 AM
To:Council, City
Subject:parklets in palo alto
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attachments and clicking on links.
Hi. I am writing to let you know I am in favor of establishing "parklets" for outdoor seating in palo alto similar to what
menlo park has done with portions of santa cruz ave. Thanks for your consideration.
22
Baumb, Nelly
From:Diana Krieg <ribbonsby@earthlink.net>
Sent:Thursday, May 21, 2020 10:34 AM
To:Council, City
Subject:Parklets
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
Please allow parklets in front of all Palo Alto eating establishments. An outdoor dining space, similar to
what you see in Menlo Park, to create additional seating would make social distancing possible for our
Palo Alto restaurants to operate at a greater capacity..
many thanks ,
Diana & Jan krieg
Sent from my iPhone
23
Baumb, Nelly
From:Nanette Solvason <solvasonnanette@fhda.edu>
Sent:Thursday, May 21, 2020 10:39 AM
To:Council, City
Subject:Parklets
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attachments and clicking on links.
Hi. Definitely would love parklets. Being outside is a super way to decreases risk of infection with
coronavirus. Emthusiastic to support our local restaurants.
Nanette Solvason
Palo Alto resident
Get Outlook for iOS
24
Baumb, Nelly
From:James Varner <jv@varnerwine.com>
Sent:Thursday, May 21, 2020 11:03 AM
To:Council, City
Subject:The future of Palo Alto Restaurants
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links.
________________________________
Dear City Council‐members,
With the difficulties the Covid‐19 outbreak has brought, I am concerned for the future of restaurants in Palo Alto. Their
presence helps make Palo Alto the cultural center of Silicon Valley and we need them to survive in order for us to
continue to have the city that we love.
I urge you to allow restaurants to have outdoor tables in parklets in front of their restaurant. This way, they can keep
customers socially distanced and yet serve the number of diners they need to earn a living.
There are always changes after natural catastrophes occur but sometimes the changes can be beneficial. In this case,
reducing the number of cars (as many cities have, like Florence, Paris & Seattle to name a few) would make downtown
Palo Alto more pleasant. Its an opportunity for change for the good. Look to the 1989 Earthquake and the resulting
demolition of the Embarcadero Freeway to see the positive transformation that occurred when the Embarcadero
become less traffic dense and more pedestrian friendly. San Francisco is better off today and I believe Palo Alto will be
also if we encourage more outdoor dining and fewer cars.
Please do give our restaurants a hand and give us customers an even friendlier and more inviting downtown.
Sincerely,
James Varner
A current Ladera resident, but a past resident who still considers Palo Alto his home.
650‐766‐0599
25
Baumb, Nelly
From:Geraldine Gallet <geraldine@gallet.org>
Sent:Thursday, May 21, 2020 11:04 AM
To:Council, City
Subject:Pro Parklets
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links.
________________________________
Good morning,
As a European I just wanted to say that I am greatly in favor of park lets in Palo Alto.
If we want to get our favorite restaurants back this could really help.
I am all for it.
Thanks,
Geraldine
26
Baumb, Nelly
From:Joel Friedman <joelfriedman1@me.com>
Sent:Thursday, May 21, 2020 11:12 AM
To:Council, City
Subject:Outdoor dining spaces for restaurants!
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links.
________________________________
Dear Liz and Amy,
When the City Council considers outdoor dining for restaurants like Zola and Evvia that are not on University Avenue, I
hope that you will support this endeavor. Restaurants and small businesses have been so hard hit by this essential
lockdown. We want to return to restaurants one day and enjoy dining out once more. Many thanks for your tireless
work during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Dr Joel and I appreciate your leadership.
Stay well, stay strong,
Carol
Carol C. Friedman
Sent from my iPad
27
Baumb, Nelly
From:Jose Caldera <josercaldera@mac.com>
Sent:Thursday, May 21, 2020 11:14 AM
To:Council, City
Subject:Parklets
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on
links.
________________________________
Dear City Council,
We greatly appreciate all the work you have been doing in making sure we get through these uncertain times.
I wanted to support our local restaurants by giving my support to the Parklets proposals that I have been hearing about.
Facilitating outdoor space for restaurants while restricting car traffic in certain areas of the city seems a reasonable
compromise while we go through this situation.
Thanks and happy to be contacted if more information were needed.
Cheers,
‐ jose
28
Baumb, Nelly
From:Edward Murray <ermurray@pacbell.net>
Sent:Thursday, May 21, 2020 11:14 AM
To:Council, City
Cc:Zola; Susan Hathaway
Subject:Parklets Enable Restaurant Survival in Palo Alto
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
Please support immediate approval of restaurant parklets so restaurants can take advantage of the outdoor summer
season.
Parklets will expand restaurant capacity which can partially mitigate the negative financial impact of social
distancing. By your timely action, many of our cherished restaurants can be saved.
As a frequent diner, I and many friends will be happy to adhere to additional social distancing regulations required to
make this work.
Be Well,
Ed Murray
Sent from Mail for Windows 10
29
Baumb, Nelly
From:Dayton Misfeldt <dayton@misfeldtimages.com>
Sent:Thursday, May 21, 2020 11:24 AM
To:Council, City
Subject:NOLA
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links.
________________________________
Please allow outside seating. Fitting ambiance for PA.
Thanks
Dayton S Misfeldt
Palo Alto, CA 94301
H: 650‐327‐6069
C: 408‐807‐8343
Redacted
30
Baumb, Nelly
From:Rachel Thomas <rachelthomasesq@gmail.com>
Sent:Thursday, May 21, 2020 11:24 AM
To:Council, City
Subject:Restaurants re-opening and use of streets/parking spots downtown
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
Dear City Council Members,
I am a resident of Palo Alto and I live downtown. As the City approaches phased re‐opening of certain downtown
businesses after the shut down as a result of COVID‐19, I hope that the City will consider taking measures that meet the
twin goals of protecting the health of the people in our community as well as the health of the businesses in our
community. It appears, based on reports, that restaurants have faced extreme hardship as a result of the COVID‐19
restrictions and may continue to struggle under various proposed re‐opening plans. One action the City could take to
ease the burden on restaurants while promoting the health of residents and guests in Palo Alto is to permit the use of
parking spaces for "parklets" or other similar seating areas.
I strongly support the use of parking spaces near restaurants for this purpose.
Another action the City could take is to close certain streets or portions of streets to vehicular traffic for the same
purpose ‐ to encourage social distancing, outside dining, walking/riding bikes, and safe practices for restaurants.
I strongly support the closure of certain streets or portions of streets for these purposes.
I recognize that the details are often tricky and finding the right balance of interests can be challenging but I feel
confident that this Council can meet the various needs of the community and be a leader to other communities in this
regard. I encourage Council to act quickly, considering of course the County and State orders and guidelines.
Kindly,
Rachel Thomas
31
Baumb, Nelly
From:GORDON BRODY <gabrodymd@mac.com>
Sent:Thursday, May 21, 2020 11:27 AM
To:Council, City
Subject:Parklets are needed to insure the vibrancy off our downtown
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on
links.
________________________________
Dear Palo Alto City Council members,
The future of a vibrant, diverse, prosperous Palo Alto is at stake. Among other measures, this requires your allowing
restaurants to open parklets in front of restaurants similar to the ones we see in Menlo Park. This will allow restaurants
to combine responsible social distancing and economic viability. This has been a successful strategy in many modern
cities and is an ideal solution given our climate. We need this more than we need the street parking spaces. We can have
the ambience of Paris here in Palo Alto! It will insure the survival of our unique restaurants and cafes and enhance
property and rental values which will suffer greatly if we lose our cafe culture. Thank you for your service and leadership
during these difficult times.
Gordon A. Brody, MD
Palo Alto
Thanks for considering this improvement to the city we love.
Best regards,
Sent from my iPad
Redacted
32
Baumb, Nelly
From:Amy Keohane <amykeohane@hotmail.com>
Sent:Thursday, May 21, 2020 11:28 AM
To:Council, City
Subject:Open up the streets or at least some
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attachments and clicking on links.
Hi I think we need to see how we can help our DT restaurants by closing some of the streets down. I think the
city can at least move forward to shut down the streets, either Ramona and Byant or even parts of University
ave. Let the restaurants how to figure out how to decorate their area. I know we have a few restaurants not
opening at all. If the ABC can quickly turn around the off sales liquor license, Palo Alto can figure out how to
help our DT to flourish again at least if it is only for the summer. Please Please Please help them out. There
are other cities doing this for the restaurants.
amy
Amy Keohane
650‐346‐5306
33
Baumb, Nelly
From:Judy Aptekar <judyaptekar@gmail.com>
Sent:Thursday, May 21, 2020 11:45 AM
To:Council, City
Subject:Outside Dining
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links.
________________________________
I am in favor of creating an environment for additional outdoor dining so more restaurants will have a better chance of
surviving.
Judy Aptekar
34
Baumb, Nelly
From:Karl Ronn <kpronn@gmail.com>
Sent:Thursday, May 21, 2020 12:02 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Parklets for Palo Alto
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on
links.
________________________________
I read about the plans in Berkeley to close streets to allow the restaurants to expand. This is a wonderful idea. It would
create the added space so our restaurants can re‐open and serve enough people to be economically viable. We in
particular miss Zola and want to see them survive. A little parklet would really help. I know traffic and parking issues
would be a risk, but work‐from‐home should be encouraged and that could help us with the vibrancy while limiting the
traffic issues.
Please make this happen quickly so we can help our local restaurants.
Thanks,
Karl Ronn
Palo Alto, CA 94301
650‐391‐9396
Redacted
35
Baumb, Nelly
From:Ladan Miranz <ladan@miranz.com>
Sent:Thursday, May 21, 2020 12:19 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Restaurants in Palo Alto
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attachments and clicking on links.
Hello,
We are residents of Crescent Park Palo Alto we are writing to request that our restaurants in downtown Palo Alto be
allowed to seat people on outside terraces just like in Menlo Park. This has been a long time tradition in European cities
not sure why the US does no duplicates a successful model?? It brings great ambience to the city and with our wonderful
weather it should be implemented here more than anywhere else in the world.
Please let us know your thoughts?
Kindly,
Ladan and Tony Miranz
Crescent Park area.
(Writen by voice)
36
Baumb, Nelly
From:Valérie Zeller <valeriezeller@gmail.com>
Sent:Thursday, May 21, 2020 12:19 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:In favor of Parklets
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attachments and clicking on links.
Hello,
I am a Palo Alto resident and I am in favor of parklets in front of restaurants to enable them to expand their outdoor
dining space.
This will save our Palo Alto restaurants but also will provide patrons with a nice outdoor experience.
Thank you for your consideration
Valerie Zeller
, Palo Alto, CA 94303 Redacted
37
Baumb, Nelly
From:Libby Russo <libbypaca@aol.com>
Sent:Thursday, May 21, 2020 12:36 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Saving downtown Palo Alto
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links.
________________________________
As we begin to recover from the effects of the shutdown, we would like to ask the City Council to allow the restaurants
to open soon and with the addition of outdoor seating using the sidewalk and any other reasonable space. Social
distancing can be better maintained with this configuration while helping the restaurants with their bottom line.
Thank you,
Libby and Joseph Russo
Palo Alto, 94304
Sent from my iPad
Redacted
38
Baumb, Nelly
From:Waldek Kaczmarski <waldus@gmail.com>
Sent:Thursday, May 21, 2020 12:38 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Closing University Ave
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attachments and clicking on links.
I thing it is excellent idea and long overdue. University Ave is just for Tourists Drivers ‐ and they would be better off
walking ‐ it is healthier for them, less pollution for us and who knows , if they walking ,they might actually stop at those
businesses that are so concern that they will loos costumers. I support it with all my hearth.
‐‐
Waldek Kaczmarski
39
Baumb, Nelly
From:virginia weiss <vaweiss2010@gmail.com>
Sent:Thursday, May 21, 2020 1:12 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Zola and other restaurants
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attachments and clicking on links.
In support of Zola and other downtown restaurants, I hope that the council will consider and allow the creation of
parklets for dining in future.
Virginia Weiss
40
Baumb, Nelly
From:Laurel Lipsick <laurellipsick524@gmail.com>
Sent:Thursday, May 21, 2020 1:14 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Parklets close University Ave
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links.
________________________________
I am hoping that you will close University Ave for outside dining as well as adding Parklets on side streets so we can
support Palo Alto restaurants. I will not eat inside so please add additional outside seating ASAP!
Laurel Lipsick
Sent from my iPhone
41
Baumb, Nelly
From:Stewart Hindley <stewarthindley@gmail.com>
Sent:Thursday, May 21, 2020 1:16 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Parklets
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attachments and clicking on links.
Hi,
I'm just writing to let you know I would be supportive of Palo Alto allowing parklets in front of restaurants to support
them during shelter in place / COVID.
Best,
Stewart Hindley
Palo Alto Property owner and resident
, Palo Alto, CA 94301 Redacted
42
Baumb, Nelly
From:Ken Wilk <bigkltla@yahoo.com>
Sent:Thursday, May 21, 2020 1:17 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Restaurant accommodations.
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links.
________________________________
Please assist restaurants in any way possible to reopen in a way that they can safely serve the public. Outdoor dining—
including side road closures of streets branching from university should be carefully considered.
Thank you—Ken Wilk , PA.
Sent from my iPhone
Redacted
43
Baumb, Nelly
From:Art Liberman <art_liberman@yahoo.com>
Sent:Thursday, May 21, 2020 1:26 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Create outdoor dining spaces for restaurants
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
Council members - My wife and I are members of the vulnerable group to the Covid-19 virus. We are well and appreciate the efforts of the County Health Department and you, Council members, in aiding to provide advice and guidance to insure we stay well.
One thing we miss is going out to restaurants. We are hesitant and I think you understand why. I'm
not sure we will be willing to return to any restaurants in the near future unless you provide outdoor areas for restaurants to have tables. Seating outdoors is much safer for everyone and the incomparable weather we have in Palo Alto allows for that. It is a win-win. So, I urge you to consider immediately making some streets pedestrian only (University Ave, and Cal Ave) and to create
''parklets" in front of restaurant establishments on some of the side streets. An outdoor dining space
creates seating areas that would allow us to maintain social distancing while allowing many of the fine restaurants in Palo Alto to resume operating at an increased level. I know that many issues confront the city now and you are busy, but bringing life back to our city by creating outdoor dining spaces is something you should do, and you should do soon before many of
the wonderful smaller restaurants in Palo Alto are forced to close their doors forever.
Arthur Liberman Chimalus Drive, Palo Alto
44
Baumb, Nelly
From:Jim Goddard <JGoddard@sapcenter.com>
Sent:Thursday, May 21, 2020 1:29 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Restaurant Parklets
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links.
________________________________
Allow them and do it right like Menlo Park.
Sent from my iPad
45
Baumb, Nelly
From:Lynn Brown <lynnhyattbrown@yahoo.com>
Sent:Thursday, May 21, 2020 1:34 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Outdoor seating at Palo Alto restaurants
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attachments and clicking on links.
Hello, Just a quick note to communicate that we are in favor of increased outdoor seating at town
restaurants. Yes, that includes taking over some parking slots.
Many thanks, Lynn Brown and Family
46
Baumb, Nelly
From:Yvonne Powell <ypowell19@gmail.com>
Sent:Thursday, May 21, 2020 1:45 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:In favor of parklets PA
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links.
________________________________
Dear City council,
We anticipate our transition to safe gathering in downtown Palo Alto. There are several of our favorite small individually
owned restaurants which do not have the optimal space for “safe” dining. These businesses are barely hanging on, trying
to avoid a permanent close, which would affect downtown immensely. We propose and support the idea of creating
more outdoor seating space for many of these business as we negotiate our new landscape together.
Kindest regards,
Yvonne Powell
47
Baumb, Nelly
From:Beth Mayo <bethmayo@sbcglobal.net>
Sent:Thursday, May 21, 2020 1:46 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Parklets for Palo Alto
Importance:High
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on
links.
________________________________
Palo Alto City Council Members,
While we are not residents of Palo Alto, all of our favorite dining spots are in Palo Alto. The pandemic has been a dreary
time for those of us who are foodies and dine out multiple evenings a week. As the restrictions of sheltering in place
begin to be lifted, many of us worry about the fate of particularly the small restaurants that we so enjoy. Adhering to
the social distancing is going to cut the occupancy of many of the places to less than a sustainable level to keep their
doors open. The addition of parklets in front of a number of the restaurants would allow for more customers to be
served and might well be the key to allowing those restaurants to remain open.
You no doubt are hearing from others on this same topic. Please add our names to the list of those
supporting/suggesting parklets, even though it will take away parking spaces which are already a difficult commodity for
those of us who live too far away to be able to think of walking.
Thank you for your consideration of this solution,
Beth and Wayne Mayo
Los Altos, CA
48
Baumb, Nelly
From:SwooperNet <swoopernet@gmail.com>
Sent:Thursday, May 21, 2020 1:48 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Parklets - Needed ASAP for Businesses to Thrive
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links.
________________________________
Hello,
I’m writing to request the city council urgently examine the idea of parklets for a number of the restaurants in Palo Alto.
Without this outdoor space, many of our small businesses won’t be able to thrive and Palo Alto will suffer greatly.
Menlo Park has created a number of these parklets along Santa Cruz Avenue and they are a wonderful addition. Yes,
some parking will be eliminated but hopefully that compels people to walk or bike. New times with COVID‐19. I do hope
the city council is examining all options and getting creative with their ideas and implementing changes fast.
I would like to encourage a parklet be considered and implemented ASAP for Zola. It’s an incredible restaurant and I’d
be said to see it go.
Thank you for listening.
Leslie H.
1
Baumb, Nelly
From:Karin Meyer <karin@karinmeyer.org>
Sent:Thursday, May 21, 2020 1:56 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Outdoor dining downtown?
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attachments and clicking on links.
Esteemed City Council Members,
In the age of distance eating, walking and communing, would it not make sense to increase the amount of sidewalk or street
closures allowing people to better occupy the downtown areas? It would certainly allow for the retailers and restaurants to
serve more people, especially during the warmer months. Menlo Park has been able to expand its outdoor seating capacity.
Has Palo Alto considered doing the same?
Thank you,
Karin Meyer
Redacted
2
Baumb, Nelly
From:Rawnsley, Kathi A. <KRawnsley@lowenstein.com>
Sent:Thursday, May 21, 2020 2:27 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Dining in Palo Alto
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attachments and clicking on links.
As a resident and business owner here in Palo Alto, I want to express my whole‐hearted support for opening up our
streets/parking area to seating for our Downtown Palo Alto and California Avenue area restaurants. This outdoor space
will make all the difference for these vital businesses once we can actually open doors and get out into our community.
Please act on this option as soon as possible to save our city and it’s small businesses.
Thank you,
Kathi
Kathi A. Rawnsley
Partner
Palo Alto Managing Partner
Lowenstein Sandler LLP
T: 650.433.5596
M: 650.400.3610
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This message contains confidential information, intended only for the person(s) named above, which may also be privileged. Any use, distribution, copying or disclosure by any other person is strictly prohibited. In such case, you should delete this message and kindly notify the sender via reply e-mail. Please advise immediately if you or your employer does not consent to Internet e-mail for messages of this kind.
3
Baumb, Nelly
From:Richard Dewey <rrd@deweyland.com>
Sent:Thursday, May 21, 2020 2:30 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Parklets
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attachments and clicking on links.
Honorable Members of the City Council of Palo Alto: I’m writing to ask that you consider the creation of parklets in and
around the downtown core that will allow restaurants to place seating outside. This will help with the challenges of
spacing within the restaurants and further add a bit of interest to the streetscape. Yes, parking availability will be
impacted. On balance, the parklets will be a benefit to the restaurants and I’ll accept some parking inconveniences in
this exchange.
Thank you for your consideration, and for all of the time and care you give to the residents and businesses of Palo Alto.
Regards,
Rich
‐‐
Richard R. Dewey, Jr.
President/CEO
Dewey Land Company, Inc.
4th Floor
Burlingame CA 94010
650.571.1010 ‐ voice
Redacted
4
Baumb, Nelly
From:Zimran <zimran_ahmed@yahoo.com>
Sent:Thursday, May 21, 2020 2:49 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Parklets for Palo Alto
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links.
________________________________
Hi
It’s the summer and I would love if we could support our local restaurants through parklets.
The weather is warm, we can be sensible, and these businesses are a critical part of our community.
Thank you!
‐Zimran
5
Baumb, Nelly
From:Amy Kacher <amyewardwell@yahoo.com>
Sent:Thursday, May 21, 2020 3:14 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Outdoor Seating for restaurants
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attachments and clicking on links.
Hello, I'm writing to ask the city to allow restaurants to install parklettes similar to what I've seen in Menlo Park. I'm hoping that by expanding capacity, the restaurants can serve more diners in a safe distance
and stay in business.
I hope you'll consider this. The vibe and heartbeat of our downtown relies on a thriving restaurant scene. Thank you Amy Kacher
6
Baumb, Nelly
From:Maria Rutenburg <Maria@peninsulacompany.com>
Sent:Thursday, May 21, 2020 3:16 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:close University for traffic
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attachments and clicking on links.
Hi,
I work in downtown Palo Alto. Please close down University to allow more space for people to dine and shop to help our
businesses. with new guidelines, restaurants are hard pressed to close, this will help them lot.
There is no problem using other streets given the layout of Palo Alto.
Thank you,
Maria Rutenburg
attorney at law
managing broker
DRE # 1311300
CA BAR # 250186
www.peninsulacompany.com
(650) 7434915‐ direct
(650) 5395639‐ office
(650) 6463122‐ fax
7
Baumb, Nelly
From:Michele Wang <meeshwang@gmail.com>
Sent:Thursday, May 21, 2020 3:06 PM
To:Council, City
Cc:Ted Wang
Subject:HELP For our Restauratnts - PLEASE ALLOW PARKING SPOTS FOR OUTDOOR SEATING FOR OUR
LOCAL RESTAURANTS
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 reaching out to ask for your help with our local restaurants. The restaurants are a vital part of our community and
one of the reasons why I loving living close to downtown Palo Alto. I am VERY concerned about the ability for our
restaurants to weather this pandemic. In talking with some of the local restaurant operators, I understand that they are
looking for ways to expand their seating while keeping the necessary social distancing requirements. One way is if they
were able to use some of the parking spaces for outdoor seating. As a resident of Palo Alto, I would LOVE to see that
happen. It feels like an easy way for us to help our restaurants try to weather this period of time.
As a long time resident of Palo Alto (~20 years), I thank you for your help.
Michele Wang
.
Palo Alto
Redacted
8
Baumb, Nelly
From:Ken Joye <kmjoye@gmail.com>
Sent:Thursday, May 21, 2020 3:16 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:close University Ave
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links.
________________________________
I understand that a number of residents have started a discussion about closing University Ave to automobile traffic.
That sounds like a splendid idea.
I find that walking downtown is *so* much more pleasant when that roadway is closed to automobile traffic (for
example, the art fair or the street music festival).
I highly encourage you to support this idea, very much like the idea of dining outdoors this summer if the shelter‐in‐
place order were to permit that.
thank you very much for your consideration, Ken Joye Ventura neighborhood
9
Baumb, Nelly
From:Carlos Ramón <carlos@compas.global>
Sent:Thursday, May 21, 2020 3:17 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Please, close University! Have the courage to explore this option! I come from Europe and the best
streets are made for pedestrians - tons of shoppers, families, etc. PLEASE!
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
‐‐
Carlos Ramon, Founder & CEO
cell +1 650 815 1464
www.compas.global
10
Baumb, Nelly
From:Lauren Rivera <lauren.rivera@comcast.net>
Sent:Thursday, May 21, 2020 3:17 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:University
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attachments and clicking on links.
We envision a promenade similar to that of Santana Row where children, and all, can enjoy the outdoors without the
fear of and pollution from cars. We envision an outdoor dining space, similar to what you see in Menlo Park that
creates additional seating that would make social distancing possible, while allowing all restaurants to continue operating at greater capacity.
Lauren Rivera
510‐282‐0210
11
Baumb, Nelly
From:Nathan Fahrenthold <nfahrenthold@gmail.com>
Sent:Thursday, May 21, 2020 3:18 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:University Avenue Shut Down
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attachments and clicking on links.
City Council,
I think it is a great idea to shut down University Avenue, even if only on the weekends to create a promenade area.
It would help stimulate the downtown economy and allow for more social distancing because of the increased space.
Thanks,
‐‐
Nathan Fahrenthold
Palo Alto, CA 94303
Redacted
12
Baumb, Nelly
From:Cindy Axe <cindyaxe@gmail.com>
Sent:Thursday, May 21, 2020 3:20 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:university ave in palo alto
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attachments and clicking on links.
Hello.
We are in full support of closing University Street in downtown Palo Alto to allow more spaced out
seating so our restaurants and cafe can accommodate more customers. We have seen great success
with this model in Austin, Texas as well as Munich, Germany. Please support our community and let
us be together.
Best,
Cindy Axe
Portola Valley
13
Baumb, Nelly
From:Abhaya Parthy <abhayap@gmail.com>
Sent:Thursday, May 21, 2020 3:22 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Expand outdoor seating area on University Ave and close it to cars
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on
links.
________________________________
Hi,
Could you please expand the outdoor seating for restaurants and cafes on University Ave and close it to cars so we don’t
have to breathe in pollution while sitting outside?
Thanks!
Abhaya
Sent from my iPhone
14
Baumb, Nelly
From:Ann James <gardenandfeathers@gmail.com>
Sent:Thursday, May 21, 2020 3:22 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Parklets by restaurants
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
Please do follow the requests of all our favorite restaurants and allow parklets by restaurants in Palo Alto. We all need
these restaurants to return and give us joy again. We aren’t ready to be inside with others yet, but outside is a different
story. So, please add parklets!!
15
Baumb, Nelly
From:Alex Siegel <a.siegel0595@gmail.com>
Sent:Thursday, May 21, 2020 3:23 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Pedestrian University Ave.
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attachments and clicking on links.
Hello,
My name is Alex Siegel and I’ve learned of the efforts by local businesses to urge a move towards a pedestrian University
Avenue. I am in great support of this. I don’t live in Palo Alto, but I work in Palo Alto and believe that if the streets were
closed to support pedestrian movement over vehicular movement, the street would take on an entirely new and vibrant
life. The street is so well equipped with the residential zone at one end, public transportation at the other, adjacency to
Stanford University and wonderful number of inviting storefronts.
I would love stay in tune with this effort if it gains traction and hope for a day where we can all safely walk down
university in the streets!
Best,
Alex
‐‐
Alex Siegel, AIAS
Designer, B.ARCH
Cal Poly San Luis Obispo Alum
16
Baumb, Nelly
From:Maura Carta <mauracarta@googlemail.com>
Sent:Thursday, May 21, 2020 3:25 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Close down University Avenue
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on
links.
________________________________
Hello wonderful City of Palo Alto,
I am thrilled you have closed down Bryant Street from Forest to Embarcadero. People are still racing down it, so please
make it permanent by putting in barriers similar to Bryant at Lowell.
Please consider closing down part of University Ave. It would be such an asset to the town and bring people in for the
day. It would make Palo Alto an even more wonderful town to live and shop and eat.
Thank you for reading this, and be well, Maura Carta
17
Baumb, Nelly
From:Zia Yusuf <toziayusuf@gmail.com>
Sent:Thursday, May 21, 2020 3:26 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Please close down University Ave.
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
Hello Palo Alto Council
I have never written to any city council before ‐ but felt I should now.
I would strongly encourage you to close down University Ave and create an environment for us to enjoy the restaurants
etc. it would really turn this negative environment into something different and positive.
I hope you do so and soon
Zia
‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐
Zia Yusuf
Senior Partner & Managing Director
Boston Consulting Group ‐ Silicon Valley
Executive Assistant: Briana Wood
Email: wood.briana@bcg.com
18
Baumb, Nelly
From:nimmolo@fastmail.fm
Sent:Thursday, May 21, 2020 3:27 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:University Plaza
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on
links.
________________________________
Writing to express my support for shutting University to cars to help the restaurants (and humans). There is no doubt
this will help it come back to life and benefit the city and people economically, psychologically and socially.
19
Baumb, Nelly
From:Dena Seki <denaseki@yahoo.com>
Sent:Thursday, May 21, 2020 3:28 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Please close down University Ave for the foreseeable future
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on
links.
________________________________
Please close down University Ave for the foreseeable future. There could be a promenade similar to that of Santana Row
where children, and all, can enjoy the outdoors without the fear of and pollution from cars. With an outdoor dining
space, similar to what you see in Menlo Park, restaurants can creates additional seating that would make social
distancing possible, while allowing all restaurants to continue operating at greater capacity.
Thank you,
Dena Seki
20
Baumb, Nelly
From:Mike Conley <conley@littledog2.com>
Sent:Thursday, May 21, 2020 3:28 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Opening University Avenue
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
I think it's vitally important to keep the many businesses along University Avenue alive and part of that probably means
using University as a means of allowing sufficient physical distancing‐‐ especially for smaller restaurants and shops.
21
Baumb, Nelly
From:Meghann Tovar <meghann.tovar@gmail.com>
Sent:Thursday, May 21, 2020 3:30 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:closing University Ave. to traffic
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
To Whom it May Concern,
We are experiencing the economic carnage of COVID‐19 all around us. Our fellow neighbors are losing their jobs and
businesses all around Palo Alto are struggling to keep their doors open. Several businesses on University Ave., primarily
restaurants, have written notes to their patrons and Palo Alto residents asking us to write on their behalf to request the
closing of University Ave. to car traffic to allow outdoor dining.
As long‐time Palo Alto residents, we completely support this idea and would have supported it even without the
upending of our economy by COVID‐19 policies. It seems beneficial to shops and restaurants on University Ave. as well
as to our city as a whole. We are strong supporters of biking in our city too, and this would encourage more bikes and
walkers to enjoy University Ave. in this way.
Please consider keeping this road closed to traffic.
Meghann Tovar
(PA resident, Greenwood Ave.)
22
Baumb, Nelly
From:Reuven Shelef <reuven@ootb-c.com>
Sent:Thursday, May 21, 2020 3:31 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Please keep downtown Palo Alto alive.
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
Dear Palo Alto City Council,
I care about keeping Cafe Venetia and other restaurants in downtown Palo Alto alive.
I would love to see University Ave be a promenade similar to that of Santana Row where children, and all, can enjoy the
outdoors without the fear of and pollution from cars.
An outdoor dining space, similar to what you see in Menlo Park that creates additional seating that would make social
distancing possible, while allowing all restaurants to continue operating at greater capacity.
Please make this vision a reality, for the foreseen future.
Thank you,
Reuven.
‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐
Reuven Shelef
President & CEO, OUT OF THE BOX Consulting
~Untangling Complex Challenges ~ Creating Clarity and Workability~
Email: Reuven@ootb‐c.com | Connect with me on LinkedIn
Web: www.ootb‐c.com | Phone: +1(415)359‐7062 | Skype: reuvensh
‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐
“NetTel Partners sees 200% increase in productivity after OUT OF THE BOX Consulting implements Salesforce.com for
NetTel, adapting it to serve as an ERP system, too!”
‐ Learn more here
23
Baumb, Nelly
From:Ravrita <ravrita@gmail.com>
Sent:Thursday, May 21, 2020 3:34 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:University Ave and California Ave in Palo Alto
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on
links.
________________________________
Hello
I am writing to ask you to strongly consider closing University Ave and California Ave in Palo Alto to Vehicle traffic.
University Avenue and California Avenue businesses in Palo Alto have suffered greatly in the past couple years during
construction and now they are suffering with SIP during COVID‐19. There are many restaurants and businesses on those
two streets ‐ local businesses, businesses that are owned by hard‐working residents and employ hard‐working residents
at those businesses. The city of Palo Alto is way overdue in doing this. Business owners have been asking for a program
which closes those streets similar to the way Santana Row is closed and other promenades around the world are closed.
This time during this international crisis really shows that we need to change the way we do business and take care of
each other.
For decades people in Palo Alto have been asking for those streets to be closed and allow businesses to prosper on
University and California Avenues. The only way those restaurants can survive with social distancing in place, is to have
those streets closed.
Thank you for your consideration of this pressing issue.
Rita Comes Whitney
Past member of the Palo Alto Downtown Business Association
24
Baumb, Nelly
From:Maurizio Gianola <maurizio.gianola@gmail.com>
Sent:Thursday, May 21, 2020 3:34 PM
To:Council, City
Cc:A0 Maurizio Gianola
Subject:Consider to close down University Ave for the foreseeable future.
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
Hello,
I have been a Palo Alto resident for the last 33 years.
To help downtown business recover from the COVID‐19 Shelter In Place lock down PLEASE consider to close down
University Ave for the foreseeable future.
I envision a promenade similar to that of Santana Row or many European cities where children, and all, can enjoy the
outdoors without the fear of and pollution from cars.
I envision an outdoor dining space, similar to what you see in Menlo Park that creates additional seating that would
make social distancing possible, while allowing all restaurants to continue operating at greater capacity.
Thank you.
Maurizio A. Gianola
email: maurizio.gianola@gmail.com
________________________________________________
This email may contain confidential and privileged material
for the sole use of the intended recipient.
Any review or distribution by others is strictly prohibited.
If you are not the intended recipient please contact the
sender and delete all copies.
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25
Baumb, Nelly
From:Ryan Kalember <ryan.kalember@gmail.com>
Sent:Thursday, May 21, 2020 3:35 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:University Avenue closure to traffic
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
Hi,
As a Palo Alto resident (Southgate specifically), I wanted to express my support for reconfiguring University Avenue to
be pedestrian only. I’d even be in favor of reconfiguring it permanently, as I have tried to limit my car trips there and
usually go by bike with my family.
Regards,
Ryan
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Baumb, Nelly
From:Robert Valenti <valentir@mac.com>
Sent:Thursday, May 21, 2020 3:37 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Closing University Ave
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on
links.
________________________________
I strongly urge you to consider closing University Ave allowing restaurants to and businesses to remain in viable while
providing a promenade where families and children can enjoy coffees, pastries and dining in the outdoors.
We have been to so many European cities that have made their main street (or even streets) pedestrian only.
Doing this would add charm to an otherwise plain downtown across from one of most beautiful universities in the world.
From High to Cowper could be the limits and Hamilton and Lytton could be one way streets for traffic.
Thank you for your consideration.
Robert and Verónica Valenti
(415) 519‐5456
Redacted
27
Baumb, Nelly
From:Hikari Farms <tatsukimobile@gmail.com>
Sent:Thursday, May 21, 2020 3:37 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Close down University avenue to make it pedestrians only
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on
links.
________________________________
Dear Palo Alto City Council members,
I work in downtown near University ave on Ramona.
I heard recently that there is a discussion about closing down University ave for car traffic.
I would wholeheartedly support that brilliant idea to make the already beautiful community better and more livable.
Kind regards,
Tatsuki Tomita
28
Baumb, Nelly
From:Anne Bain <annegbain@gmail.com>
Sent:Thursday, May 21, 2020 3:38 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Pedestrian only for University Ave
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on
links.
________________________________
I would like to add my voice to the petition to have University Ave converted to pedestrian only.
Anne Bain
Louis Rd
Palo Alto
Sent from my iPhone
29
Baumb, Nelly
From:Olexiy <olexiyo@gmail.com>
Sent:Thursday, May 21, 2020 3:37 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Proposal for closing downtown University Avenue
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
Good day,
Hope you are safe!
Today I've learned about a proposal to turn University Avenue between Middlefield and High into a pedestrian‐only
street. I am writing to express my and my family's full support for this idea.
University Avenue is one of our favorite places in the Bay Area. We love having shops, restaurants, cafes, and a few
parks within a walking distance. Sidewalks cooked barely fit all the pedestrians during precovid days, and we would need
even more space to follow social distancing guidelines. Turning the street into pedestrian‐only would provide extra safe
space for kids, attract more people, and would allow the restaurants to open while being safe.
Please make University pedestrian‐only!
Have a great day!
Olexiy Oryeshko
30
Baumb, Nelly
From:Shayak Banerjee <shayakbanerj@gmail.com>
Sent:Thursday, May 21, 2020 3:41 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Requesting making University Avenue pedestrian only
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attachments and clicking on links.
Hi,
I work at Houzz, a company headquartered in Palo Alto (Hamilton and Bryant). I am a patron of many of the businesses
on and around University Avenue. Cafe Venetia, a cafe I love and frequent, has suggested that the City of Palo Alto close
down University Ave for the foreseeable future. They envision a promenade similar to that of Santana Row where
children, and all, can enjoy the outdoors without the fear of and pollution from cars. They envision an outdoor dining
space, similar to what you see in Menlo Park that creates additional seating that would make social distancing possible,
while allowing all restaurants to continue operating at greater capacity.
I think this is a great idea and a great way to support the businesses in and around University Avenue, while also giving
the community entertainment options within the constraints imposed by the pandemic. I know University Avenue is a
major thoroughfare but given the prevalence of work from home for the foreseeable future, I don't anticipate that to be
a problem.
I appreciate your consideration of my request.
Best Regards,
Shayak Banerjee,
Employee at Houzz
31
Baumb, Nelly
From:Barry M Katz <bkatz@stanford.edu>
Sent:Thursday, May 21, 2020 3:42 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Closing University Ave
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
I’m writing to add my voice to the growing number of citizens and businesses who support closing University Avenue to
automobile traffic. This would be a bold, human‐centered, and future‐looking move.
As a city and a nation we have a rare opportunity to retreat from the worst of our practices and orient ourselves instead
toward a post‐pandemic future. In the past the City has invested in multi‐million dollar parking garages. Looking to the
future, we should be investing in strategies that will reduce our dependence on private automobiles, rather than
encourage it.
BK
Barry M. Katz, Ph.D. Palo Alto, CA. 94306 m: 650.644-8697
Redacted
32
Baumb, Nelly
From:Andrea Davis <mlledavis@gmail.com>
Sent:Thursday, May 21, 2020 3:47 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Close down University Ave
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attachments and clicking on links.
Hi,
I live in San Mateo, and some of my favorite restaurants are in downtown Palo Alto. Please close down University Ave, so that restaurants can have an outdoor dining space while maintaining social distancing, and so that pedestrians can enjoy the outdoors without worrying about cars.
Thank you! Andréa
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Baumb, Nelly
From:Jessica Luo <jesandluo@gmail.com>
Sent:Thursday, May 21, 2020 3:55 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Support for University Avenue closure to vehicular traffic
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
To whom it may concern:
My name is Jessica Luo. I grew up in the Adobe Meadows neighborhood and am about to graduate from Stanford
University. I’d like to express my support for the proposal to close University Avenue to vehicular traffic from both those
perspectives. As both a student and a resident, I frequent University Avenue for its cafes and restaurants on a regular
basis, and support any policies that allow them to get the continued and sustained support they need to stay open.
Furthermore, as a commuter, my impression is that of the north‐south arterials in the city, University is already
extremely inefficient due to the timing of its traffic lights. Those lights support pedestrian traffic but with an uneasy
effect on vehicular traffic, and it seems to me that in light of the need to provide flexibility and further options for
restaurants and cafes on University, making University pedestrian‐only would be a logical extension of this existing
priority. In sum, I think closing University to vehicular traffic is a good way to support both the commercial and
residential community with minimal costs.
All best,
Jessica
34
Baumb, Nelly
From:Joan Semeria <jsemeria@yahoo.com>
Sent:Thursday, May 21, 2020 3:57 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Pedestrian only University Ave.
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on
links.
________________________________
Hi it has come to my attention that there is a possibility that University Ave could be closed to cars. What a great idea
especially in light of the pandemic. More people would be willing to go out if there was more space. Please consider this.
It’s hard to park on the street anyway.
Jon Semeria
35
Baumb, Nelly
From:Cristina Kinney <CKinney@hewlett.org>
Sent:Thursday, May 21, 2020 3:59 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:University Avenue closure to cars
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attachments and clicking on links.
Dear City Council members,
I write to you today in the hopes that you will consider closing University Avenue (downtown area), to traffic and make
it pedestrian only. This will help maintaining social distancing, promoting outdoor dining and helping businesses get
back to operating levels. I come from Europe and can attest how beneficial it is to have pedestrian only areas.
Thank you for your consideration,
Cristina Kinney
(Menlo Park resident but living next to the border of Palo alto and often walking to downtown using pedestrian bridge).
36
Baumb, Nelly
From:Michael Santullo <michaelp@santullo.com>
Sent:Thursday, May 21, 2020 4:03 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Assistance For Restaurants, Expand Outdoor Seating
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attachments and clicking on links.
Dear City Council
Please assist our local restaurants and cafes by allowing them to expand seating into outdoor areas such as sidewalks,
street parking, and streets. This will allow restaurants to maintain social distancing and also be able to accommodate
enough customers to stay in business. If this causes an inconvenience related to parking and driving around the
downtown areas, it is a worthwhile tradeoff to help our restaurants get back on their feet. Please work with the
restaurants themselves to understand their needs and be flexible as we all learn as we go along.
Thank you,
Mike Santullo
37
Baumb, Nelly
From:Alyssa Haught <alyssarhaught@gmail.com>
Sent:Thursday, May 21, 2020 4:05 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Closing University to Cars
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on
links.
________________________________
Hello,
Our family of 5 adults (all long time Palo Alto and Menlo Park residents) are in favor of closing University Avenue to all
cars.
Thank you,
Alyssa
38
Baumb, Nelly
From:Lilia Tsalenko <liliamt@gmail.com>
Sent:Thursday, May 21, 2020 4:14 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Strong support for walkable areas in Palo Alto
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attachments and clicking on links.
Dear Council,
I and my friends and family strongly support walkable areas in Palo Alto, especially on California and University avenues. It will not only help the businesses to thrive now and improve the budget deficit, but will attract more businesses in the nearest future and will make our city much more like a 21st century one! We love our markets, street fairs etc! Lilia
39
Baumb, Nelly
From:lorenza0 <lorenza0@aol.com>
Sent:Thursday, May 21, 2020 4:16 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:STREET CLOSURE
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attachments and clicking on links.
I am a citizen of PaloAlto. I support the closure of few Palo Alto street to allow easy distance walking and restaurant and coffee external sitting. I recommend closure of California Avenue and University Avenue. The result is going to be a pleasant experience for everyone worth to consider even outside the crisis time. Regards,
Lorenza
Sent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy smartphone
40
Baumb, Nelly
From:lorenza0 <lorenza0@aol.com>
Sent:Thursday, May 21, 2020 4:18 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:STREET CLOSURE
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
I am a citizen of PaloAlto. I support the closure of few Palo Alto street to allow easy distance walking and restaurant and coffee external sitting. I recommend closure of California Avenue and University Avenue. The result is going to be a pleasant
experience for everyone worth to consider even outside the crisis time. Regards, Lorenza Moro
Palo Alto CA 94306
Sent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy smartphone
Redacted
41
Baumb, Nelly
From:Erik Meijer <erik.meijer@meijcrosoft.com>
Sent:Thursday, May 21, 2020 4:19 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Downtown University Ave Pedestrian zone
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on
links.
________________________________
L.S.
I hear that several business such as Cafe Venetia are lobbying to turn downtown Palo Alto University Ave into a
pedestrian zone.
This would be amazing and would improve the appeal of downtown palo alto by many orders of magnitude and
undoubtedly be a big boost for businesses.
Dare to be bold. Just do it.
Erik Meijer
Webster St
Palo Alto
42
Baumb, Nelly
From:rgamburd <rgamburd@yahoo.com>
Sent:Thursday, May 21, 2020 4:23 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Park let’s
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on
links.
________________________________
Dear council members,
I am strongly in favor of establishing “parklets” in our business districts, downtown, California Ave etc, to allow
merchants and restaurants to have out door space to social distance and reopen. I’m afraid we will loose many local
business if customers are not comfortable with spacing, and outdoors is much safer.
Thank you,
Robert Gamburd, M.D.
43
Baumb, Nelly
From:David Espar <davidespar@gmail.com>
Sent:Thursday, May 21, 2020 4:26 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Traffic-free University Ave!
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attachments and clicking on links.
Yes! This would be great!!
‐‐
David Espar
617‐388‐4899 (M)
44
Baumb, Nelly
From:Dennis Ruby <todmruby@gmail.com>
Sent:Thursday, May 21, 2020 4:26 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:The closing of University Avenue
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on
links.
________________________________
Greetings,
I am in favor of closing University Avenue to traffic, or at least part of it. Many of the streets in European cities are
closed to traffic and as a result they them seem to be so much more alive cities than our own which are dominated by
vehicles. Outside dining, la dolce vita.
I would think P.A. would have enough parking capacity to handle the parking space that would be eliminated. We need
to encourage people to NOT drive if for no other reason than for the health of our planted.
Sincerely,
Dennis Ruby
45
Baumb, Nelly
From:Jeff Welser <welser@stanfordalumni.org>
Sent:Thursday, May 21, 2020 4:26 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Please allow "parklets" in Palo Alto
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
Dear Councilors ‐‐
As we're all aware, the pandemic has disproportionately hit many small businesses in our city, and in particular
restaurants. I've been doing everything I can to support them through take‐out and delivery, and as we being to open
back up, I look forward to enjoying eating out again ‐‐ but now of course with the proper social distancing. The
challenge of course will be those necessary precautions will impact capacity, and this is going to make it even harder for
restaurants to survive.
One thing that can help: if the City Council could approve the establishment of "parklets" to allow expanded outdoor
seating in Palo Alto, it could greatly increase that capacity, while maintaining social distancing. As you're aware, Menlo
Park already has these, and I always found the "vibe" these bring to the downtown there is really fantastic. Introducing
them in PA would be a great improvement to the already vibrant scene there ‐‐ and is even more critical given the
aftermath of this crisis.
I realize these things always come with tradeoffs ‐‐ and obvious one being somewhat reduced parking in this case. But
the great work you've done in expanding the number of multi‐story lots downtown has helped quite a bit already, and I
think the small impact parklets would have are well worth it to insure PA maintains the fantastic array of eating options
we all took for granted before COVID‐19.
Thanks for your support in advance!
Sincerely,
Jeff Welser
46
Baumb, Nelly
From:Ali Alasti <ali.alasti@gmail.com>
Sent:Thursday, May 21, 2020 4:31 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Please support downtown small businesses
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
Dear council members,
I support any measures to help our downtown small businesses and restaurants.
Please consider rerouting traffic in the commercial section of university Ave and
California Ave , even if just for a few months, to support our local restaurants. Let
pedestrians walk down the streets rather then the sidewalks so restaurants might turn
several more tables every lunch and dinner. This would hopefully help them get their
footing back.
A pedestrian only center will also create a warmer and more inviting downtown and
hopefully help undo the feeling of “extended business park” our downtown is becoming
.
The cost seems low and the potential benefits not only to restaurants but to our sense
of community is significant.
Please consider these ideas to help support our community and small businesses.
Ali Alasti
Palo Alto, 94301
Redacted
47
Baumb, Nelly
From:Adriana Vascan (avascan) <avascan@cisco.com>
Sent:Thursday, May 21, 2020 4:32 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Please make University Street pedestrian only
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
In order for businesses to have outdoor seating and stay alive..! This will benefit everyone’s mental health as well..
Thank you!
Adriana Vascan
48
Baumb, Nelly
From:Edward Swenson (swenson) <swenson@cisco.com>
Sent:Thursday, May 21, 2020 4:32 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Close California Avenue and University Avenue to Cars... we need Pedestrian Malls
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
The coronavirus has upended daily life in the United States. Tens of thousands have died, hundreds of thousands have confirmed infections. Social distancing and lockdowns have prevented worse health outcomes, but produced their own devastating economic effects, as business closed and laid off workers. While much of Palo Alto has escaped some of the worst of these effects, with a high tech workforce that can continue to work remotely, our business districts now resemble ghost towns. Only a few establishments are
open for take out, or selling essential items like food or medicine or hardware.
The lockdown has not been without some bright spots. The air is cleaner. Traffic and noise are noticeably less than usual, although the light traffic has caused some concerns about speeding. People are spending more time together as families and finding things to do. Palo Alto is particularly fortunate with many parks, quiet residential neighborhoods, and excellent weather, making simply walking around an essential, pleasurable lockdown activity.
We all would like to get back to “normal” as soon as possible, but without a vaccine or cure it is likely that social distancing of some sort will be required for an extended period of time. Ideas such as wearing masks, setting tables farther apart in restaurants, etc. have been proposed to reduce the health risk while allowing some more economic activity.
Implementing and maintaining social distancing, while better than being completely closed, will still hamper the recovery of our treasured small businesses in our commercial districts. A restaurant with half the number of tables will likely still struggle. The US Chamber of Commerce estimates 40% of small businesses could close permanently due to the effects of the economic depression we are facing. What can be done to improve those odds locally ? Buying takeout and gift certificates are nice ideas, but we can do better.
University Avenue and California Avenue host dozens of businesses, many of which serve food and drinks. Even in normal times, the streets are no longer indispensable for traffic flow or parking, there are many alternative routes and places to park. Why not close the street to traffic on some blocks to become pedestrian malls, like Santa Monica’s Third Street or the center of almost every European city ? This is a widely used
model to turn a shopping street into a destination.
Closing the streets to traffic allows the space to be used both by the businesses for outdoor tables, or lines, and their customers. Both are urgently needed in our initial reopening phase coming out of shelter in place orders. Businesses need the space to maintain capacity while providing the required separation. Customers need the space while walking down the street to maintain their distance. A simple plan might be parking spots for the businesses, while the streets become wide sidewalks. As things improve, new vendors may be allowed to set up in the streets, similar to the way farmers markets and art/wine festivals operate. Plenty of room could
be used for bike parking to encourage local residents to visit.
The benefits of car-free business districts are many. The businesses will have a greater chance to survive and perhaps thrive with the extra space. People will enjoy their experience, and be more likely to come and linger. Encouraging residents to shop, eat, and drink in town will help our city close the predicted budget deficit,
maintaining the services we enjoy. And of course, to the extent we can encourage biking and walking to these
49
districts, it reduces our carbon footprint. Traffic and pollution reduction has been the silver lining of this pandemic.
Thank you, we need to support our local businesses.
Edward D Swenson
Palo Alto CA 94306
650 353 6429
Redacted
50
Baumb, Nelly
From:Ajay Juneja <ajayjuneja@me.com>
Sent:Thursday, May 21, 2020 4:35 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Please close the downtown streets for additional seating!
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on
links.
________________________________
Dear City of Palo Alto,
I would greatly appreciate it if, the streets of downtown palo alto were closed to help support the restaurants and coffee
shops with additional seating during this time of social distancing.
It would help Palo Alto businesses get back on their feet financially, faster.
Thank you,
Ajay
51
Baumb, Nelly
From:Jeanine Kuczik <jekpharma@icloud.com>
Sent:Thursday, May 21, 2020 4:39 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Please approve university ave to close to traffic and allow outdoor dining and strolling for the next
few months.
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on
links.
________________________________
Hello
We live on homer ave and totally support this initiative. What can we do to help make it happen soon?
Thank you!
Jeanine savello
Sent from my iPhone
52
Baumb, Nelly
From:Lauralyn Curry-Leech <lauralyn.cl@gmail.com>
Sent:Thursday, May 21, 2020 4:49 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Make University Ave a Pedestrian Zone
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on
links.
________________________________
Hi there City Council,
I am writing today to urge you to shut down University Ave for the foreseeable future! Not only does it make sense right
now in this era of social distancing, it also makes sense for a more livable downtown area. Right now social distancing is
incredibly important, and to allow restaurants (who have already been struggling during shelter in place) a chance to
continue operating, if university Ave were made into a promenade with additional outdoor seating for restaurants in an
outdoor dining space, this would be beneficial for both concerns. Additionally, it would make the downtown area a
space that is free from the pollution and the dangers of cars. It would be a draw for families and those wishing to visit
the retail and restaurants of downtown!
I hope you will consider making this change as soon as possible!
Thanks and all the best,
Lauralyn
53
Baumb, Nelly
From:Pierre Fontarensky <pierrefontarensky@yahoo.com>
Sent:Thursday, May 21, 2020 4:51 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Close down University Ave
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on
links.
________________________________
We envision a promenade similar to that of Santana Row where children, and all, can enjoy the outdoors without the
fear of and pollution from cars. We envision an outdoor dining space, similar to what you see in Menlo Park that creates
additional seating that would make social distancing possible, while allowing all restaurants to continue operating at
greater capacity.
Thanks,
Pierre Fontarensky
54
Baumb, Nelly
From:mdesbard@accession.com
Sent:Thursday, May 21, 2020 4:54 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Parklets deployment
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
I am in favor of parklet deployment
This will avoid me to go to Menlo Park for DINER
Thanks for promoting and deploying ASAP
Best regards
M
Get Outlook for iOS
55
Baumb, Nelly
From:Sabrina Corvo <sabrina.corvo@gmail.com>
Sent:Thursday, May 21, 2020 4:56 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Consider to close down University Ave for the foreseeable future
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
Hello,
I have been a Palo Alto resident for the last 33 years.
To help downtown business recover from the COVID‐19 Shelter In Place lock down PLEASE consider to close down
University Ave for the foreseeable future.
I envision a promenade similar to that of Santana Row or many European cities where children, and all, can enjoy the
outdoors without the fear of and pollution from cars.
I envision an outdoor dining space, similar to what you see in Menlo Park that creates additional seating that would
make social distancing possible, while allowing all restaurants to continue operating at greater capacity.
Thank you.
‐‐
Sabrina Corvo
sabrina.corvo@gmail.com
56
Baumb, Nelly
From:Clancy, Rory <Rory.Clancy@dolby.com>
Sent:Thursday, May 21, 2020 4:57 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:city st closures to save bars and restaurants
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on
links.
________________________________
Hi
Your prompt action is needed to save these businesses.
Please close Cal Ave and University Ave to traffic and allow socially distant dining to proceed on these streets asap.
Thanks
Rory
Mid‐town resident
57
Baumb, Nelly
From:Craig Persiko <craigpersiko@gmail.com>
Sent:Thursday, May 21, 2020 5:02 PM
To:Council, City
Cc:Betto
Subject:Please close University Ave to cars
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
Dear Palo Alto City Council,
I'm writing to ask you to open up University Avenue for outdoor dining and walking with social distancing. If you block
automobile access to University Ave, it will make the strip of restaurants and shops much more enjoyable and safe with
social distancing. I often go there by bicycle, to eat out, have ice cream, coffee, go shopping etc. but even car drivers will
be able to get around fine on the surrounding streets.
Thanks,
Craig Persiko