HomeMy Public PortalAbout20200608plCC5701-32
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 5 of 10
Note: Documents for every category may not have been received for packet
reproduction in a given week.
6
Baumb, Nelly
From:Janice Sedriks <janice325@gmail.com>
Sent:Monday, May 25, 2020 1:13 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Ban on Flavoured Tobacco Sales
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
Honorable Council Members, I wholly agree with the arguments of Council members Tom DuBois, Adrian Fine and Lizz Kniss, that the
proposed ban on flavoured Tobacco sales goes too far. It constitutes egregious government overreach and goes
well beyond what we need to protect kids. The fact that such a ban is likely to shutter Mac’s Smoke shop, one of the few historic gems left in Palo Alto, adds to the arguments against the ban.
Passing such a controversial ordinance during the COVID-19 shelter-in-place mandate is not appropriate. The issue needs to have far more public exposure and discussion and be revisited by Council. Janice Sedriks
Palo Alto
Redacted
7
Baumb, Nelly
From:Jim Soares <jim@soaresmech.com>
Sent:Monday, May 25, 2020 8:44 AM
To:Council, City
Subject:Mac's Smoke Shop Support Letter
Attachments:Mac's Smoke Shop.pdf
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attachments and clicking on links.
Council Member's,
Attached is support letter for Neil owner of above establishment.
Thank you,
Jim Soares
City of Palo Alto 5/25/2020
250 Hamilton Avenue
Palo Alto, CA. 94301
Attn: City Council
Sub: Mac’s Smoke Shop
Council Member’s,
I am writing in support of Mac’ Smoke Shop, Neil is a friend who has owned this
establishment for the last 20 years and now he and his family are subject to going out of
business for selling flavored tobacco that his store sells. I really think you all should take a
look at how your decision will effect his business, his lively hood, and most of all his family. If
people want to use this product it’s the decision of the adult purchasing the product should not
be put into your hand’s as council member’s. I would appreciate a long hard look at what you
would be doing to this man.
Sincerely,
Jim Soares
8
Baumb, Nelly
From:Ziad Hamati <zee9009@hotmail.com>
Sent:Monday, May 25, 2020 1:15 AM
To:Council, City
Subject:PLEASE DON'T CLOSE HOOKAH NITES
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
Dear City Council,
With great disappointment, I received the news that your respected council is intending to close the Hookah
Nites Lounge at downtown Palo Alto.
In this email, I kindly ask you to reconsider your decision and allow this special place to remain open for the
following reasons:
1. This is a very special place for me as I meet with my close friends there every two weeks or so and we
all consider the time we spend there as one of the most special times we all look to having. Losing this
place will be a real blow to our friendship (over 12 guys and girls).
2. This is the only place in Town that connects me to my middle eastern heritage, as the owners from
similar background, the place's atmosphere, the background music and the sounds reminds me of the
place I was born and always brings that loving nostalgic feeling of my grandparents, uncles and aunts.
3. This is the only night place where we go to that does not serve alcohol and thus I do not have to deal
with calling a cab or asking one of our friends for a ride home at the end of the night.
4. Hookah Nites Lounge does not impose any health hazard to our health as the place is well managed
and ventilated and we never witnessed any noncompliance to safety regulations. The place is truly
hygiene and clean and this is one of the reasons my wife always agrees to come along regardless of her
state of physical tiredness… she enjoys a cup of her favorite Turkish coffee after a long day.
5. This place is considered our favorite for my wife and I in Palo Alto and closing it would really give me
no good reason to come to Palo Alto often.
Please Keep this place open
Respectfully,
Ziad Hamati
San Jose
Sent from Outlook
9
Baumb, Nelly
From:SUHAD NIMRI <suhad_nimri@hotmail.com>
Sent:Monday, May 25, 2020 12:50 AM
To:Council, City
Subject:Plea not to close Hookah Nites lounge
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 Suhad, I am 46 years old. It’s such an upsetting news when I heard that Hookah Nites lounge might be closed
by the city council of Palo Alto.
Hookah Nites lounge is a staple in downtown Palo Alto, all my friends and I go to downtown every day specially to
hangout at Hookah Nites lounge, it’s part of our Arabic tradition and culture. It’s a decent place where rules and
regulations are highly implemented by the staff and the owner and this is part of our commitment to this place.
I am pleading to you to keep this place open as it fully adheres to health and safety regulations and connects us to our
beautiful culture, and to keep our moral up through this pandemic.
Sincerely,
Suhad Nimri
10
Baumb, Nelly
From:Debra Ambrose <baggachips@yahoo.com>
Sent:Sunday, May 24, 2020 9:31 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Mac’s Smoke Shop
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on
links.
________________________________
City Council Members,
I was so disheartened to hear we may lose a staple of our community. Mac’s has been with this community through so
many parts of our lives. This has been our go to venue we have turned to, in times of the assignation of our president,
to other times of Landing on the Hudson. A place where we can be asked, how old our children are now?, or is your
mom still planting her roses?
Political discussions, opinions of world events and the elation of grabbing the newest publication of that cherished issue.
It has all been at this special place. Friends and families have frequented Mac’s for decades and grown up around its
location.
Yes, the pandemic has taken a lot from us and we are dealing the best way we know how. Please do not take away this
major part of Palo Alto. Mac’s IS us and we ARE Mac’s. This is who we are.
Thank you,
Debra Ambrose
Sent from my iPhone
11
Baumb, Nelly
From:jonathonsalama@yahoo.com
Sent:Sunday, May 24, 2020 8:45 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Hookah nites Palo Alto
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on
links.
________________________________
To the honorable mayor and city council members City of Palo Alto. am writing you on behalf of a business that is
providing income for families of employees working at this establishment.we are asking you to keep this business open
to provide services to Mediterranean culture that is been a part of this city for almost one hundred years,the owners of
this business always followed the rules and regulations of the City And State and will continue to put clients safety and
health it is top priority during these hard times.we are asking you to treat this business just like any other that offers
services to their clients and not to discriminate against one and favor others. Thank you for your support and excellent
leadership during these challenges.we are all hoping that this dark cloud shall pass so we can go back to normal life.best
regards Jonathon Salama
12
Baumb, Nelly
From:luis lerma <luckylerma@yahoo.com>
Sent:Sunday, May 24, 2020 5:39 PM
To:Council, City
Cc:luis(lucky) lerma
Subject:Re: Mac’s smoke shop
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on
links.
________________________________
Hello my name is Luis L.
I live in San Jose, Ca. And fully support Mac’s Smoke Shop. Please let this Business continue to prove a Serivce that
people and I from all around the Bay‐area and More have the option too buy their products!!!
Thank you very much, Luis L.
Sent from my iPhone
13
Baumb, Nelly
From:Carol Alzriqat <carolz21@sbcglobal.net>
Sent:Sunday, May 24, 2020 4:43 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Hookah Nites Closure
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on
links.
________________________________
Good Afternoon,
As one of the many costumers of the Hookah Nites lounge, I would really appreciate it if you reconsider the decision of
it’s closure due to the fact that it’s our main source of entertainment where our friends get together. In addition to this,
Hookah Nites is a part of our traditions in our country. As The United States of America is a place for all cultures and
ethnicities we would appreciate that ours continues to flourish in the city of Palo Alto. Thank you for your time and I
hope you take my email into consideration.
Best Regards,
Carol Alzriqat
14
Baumb, Nelly
From:Gene Lentz <ehlentz@gmail.com>
Sent:Sunday, May 24, 2020 1:41 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Mac's
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
Council Members.....
sorry, but no, I do NOT live or vote in Palo Alto, but my office (if I ca ever
return) is in Palo Alto, I live in Menlo Park.
I realize that Mac's Smoke Shop, on Emerson St in downtown Palo Alto,
sells tobacco products, some of which are vaping products. I am not a
proponent of or user of vaping products, but that is immaterial. By all
means, it's one thing to ban a certain product, quite another to arbitrarily
ban an entire type/line of product when you know it will force a
historical, traditional merchant to cease doing business in Palo Alto. I
haven't patronized Mac's in years, not since my son was in high school,
and Mac's was the only place I knew of that sold any
newspapers/magazines that covered National High School baseball
rankings.......but, Mac's in the type of place that contributes greatly to the
rich tapestry that makes up downtown Palo Alto, please do not arbitrarily
force them to close. Please don't be short‐sighted, there are already
enough politicians that are filling that role. Thank you
E.H."Gene" Lentz
650.255.2264 cell (text also OK)
KELLER WILLIAMS
Menlo Park/Palo Alto, the heart of Silicon Valley, on the San Francisco Peninsula
15
., Palo Alto 94301
Still working hard, so YOU can relax!
https://calbears.com/schedule.aspx?path=wcrew
EHLentz@GMail.com
GLentzRealEstate@GMail.com
Gene@EHLentz.REALTOR
California Bureau of Real Estate # 01184258
www.EHLentz.REALTOR
2020 Presidential Liaison,
Public Policy Committees, California Assoc of REALTORS
2018‐2019 Trustee, California Real Estate PAC (CREPAC)
2016‐2017 Trustee, California Real Estate PAC (CREPAC)
2015 Presidential Liaison,
Public Policy Committees, California Assoc of REALTORS
2013 Chair, Region 9 of the California Assoc of REALTORS
2012‐2014 Trustee, California Real Estate PAC (CREPAC)
2011 President, Silicon Valley Association of REALTORS (SILVAR)
2010 Vice Chair, California Assoc of REALTORS Political Affairs Committee
2008‐present, Director, California Assoc of REALTORS
http://www.gpmechanicstrust.com/ Would YOU like to help?
Redacted
16
Baumb, Nelly
From:Paul <pauld8407@gmail.com>
Sent:Sunday, May 24, 2020 10:35 AM
To:Council, City
Subject:Flavored Tobacco Exemption
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
Dear City Council,
I am an occasional pipe smoker requesting that you kindly exempt flavored tobacco from your upcoming ordinance on
the banning of vapes and flavored tobacco.
‐‐
Regards,
Paul Davidson
"...nothing so liberalizes a man and expands the kindly instincts that nature put in him as travel and contact with many kinds of people."- Mark Twain
17
Baumb, Nelly
From:Alex Carter <arcarter@stanford.edu>
Sent:Saturday, May 23, 2020 5:04 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:MACs
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
Please do not shut down or place restrictions on this shop. It is a valuable service and market that has been around and
ain’t going nowhere!
Support our community, every person and small business. We need to stick together in times like this! Not be divided.
Thank you,
Alex Carter
18
Baumb, Nelly
From:Brian Schaefer <brianeschaefer@yahoo.com>
Sent:Saturday, May 23, 2020 12:03 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:flavored tobacco exemption
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
The City Council has approved an ordinance that will ban the sale of flavored tobacco which I think should be rescinded. Flavored tobacco used in pipes is for adults and is not, for the most part, used by children or young adults. In college I smoked a pipe and enjoyed the smell while not inhaling the
smoke. I would not like to see the banning of this type of product as I'm sure many adults still enjoy
smoking their pipes at home. Let's keep Mac's Smoke Shop open for the sale of flavored tobacco to adults.
Brian E. Schaefer 401K Ventures, LLC (650)325-401K
19
Baumb, Nelly
From:Geneva Washington <genevawashington42@gmail.com>
Sent:Saturday, May 23, 2020 9:33 AM
To:Council, City
Subject:Mac's Smoke Shop
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 in regards to the city council votes that may have the ability to close Macs. Please take look deeper into the
shop. It's more than just vape pens and tobacco products. It is a home that is familiar to people in Palo Alto and with all
the gentrification that is currently going on, it would be nice to keep something that has been in the area for decades.
Please reconsider your votes and what closing this business would do to not only the family that has been managing it,
but to the locals that have been in Palo Alto since the beginning. It's about keeping that history alive. Please think about
how this closure would affect a lot of people. Thank you for taking the time to read this email and I hope this will help in
the decision making process.
Sincerely,
Geneva Washington
20
Baumb, Nelly
From:Derek <simplyzaba@gmail.com>
Sent:Saturday, May 23, 2020 8:29 AM
To:Council, City
Subject:Max smoke shop
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
I am writing this email, In response to the proposed ordinance that will ban flavored tobacco. I am a 54 year resident of
Palo Alto , when I was growing up here my father used to shop a Max’s smoke shop, he would buy his flavored tobacco
and cigarettes there along with news papers. As I grew I also started buying my Cigars and flavored cigarettes there.
They are a part of Palo Alto History and a long time great shop with great people who now own and operate the store
the same way it was 50 years ago. I am requesting an EXEMPTION on the flavored tobacco cigarettes and tobacco
products they sell, be they are the only real shop left. Please don’t ruin this great store that I and a lot of people have
used and admire.
Many Thanks
Sent from my iPhone
Derek
Sent from my iPhone
Derek Zabaldo
21
Baumb, Nelly
From:MAHMOUD ALAEDDIN <maalaeddin22@gmail.com>
Sent:Friday, May 22, 2020 7:37 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Hookah Night Cafe,
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
I am writing to you to reconsider closing Hookha Nite Cafe in Palo Alto, this is a very professional business all great
business people come and socialize while enjoying smoking, the place is very quite, clean and causes no harm to the
community or others plus does not offer any liquor that could be potential for problems.
Again, we ask that you keep this business open specially during this very difficult time, closing the business will do
nothing but add more people to the unemployment line plus its the only source of income for the owner of this facility.
Thank you ,
22
Baumb, Nelly
From:Chelby Sauao <chelbysauao@icloud.com>
Sent:Friday, May 22, 2020 6:25 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:SAVE MACS SMOKE SHOP
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on
links.
________________________________
Hi my name is chelby and I wanna save MACS SMOKE SHOP. It’s been there for 85 years and I would love to see it their
for another 85 years more. Please save this shop although what happened is not good but I believe this shop is there for
a good reason. Let them have there shop and give them the credit for being open during this hard time please don’t take
there shop away I would hate to see it go. Thank you for your time I hope you show mercy and let them keep there
shop.
With love and gratitude,
Chelby S.
Sent from my iPhone
23
Baumb, Nelly
From:Jerald Sauao <sauaomusic@icloud.com>
Sent:Friday, May 22, 2020 4:34 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Save Macs smoke shop
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on
links.
________________________________
Hello
Please reconsider closing Macs smoke shop, it’s been great to me I used to work at Stanford hospital for a couple of
years and this was the best place for me to get my lunches and snacks this store is very great I remember chatting with
All the clerks very friendly people, it would be ashamed to lose this great store that’s been here for a long time Sent
from my iPhone
24
Baumb, Nelly
From:Tia Kolytiris <tkolytiris@sandiego.edu>
Sent:Friday, May 22, 2020 4:12 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Mac’s Smoke Shop
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
To Whom it may concern,
Please give Mac’s Smoke Shop an exemption for the sale of flavored tobacco. This institution is a part of Palo Alto’s
history and is family run. The exemption will keep the store open and support the family.
‐‐
Tia Kolytiris
University of San Diego School of Business
Real Estate Major
25
Baumb, Nelly
From:Lori Khoury <khoury7eleven@sbcglobal.net>
Sent:Friday, May 22, 2020 3:57 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Mac's Smoke Shop - Neil and Lori Khoury
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
Dear City Council members,
As you can well imagine as each day passes the reality of Monday night is sinking in. I have cried for three straight days at the prospect of our iconic little shop going out of business. Years of sweat equity and our hearts have been poured into keeping the tradition of Mac’s alive. We’ve made a lot of friends in years we’ve been there. Mac’s is part of Palo Alto and also part of who we are. What is also part of who we are is selling flavored tobacco, but not the kind you are associating with vape products
and e-cigarettes. I’m not talking about catchy named flavored tobacco like the vape products, I’m talking about flavored pipe tobacco and such. We are requesting an exemption to sell the flavored tobacco as this may be our only lifeline for survival.
I want everyone to know, we completely get the desire to eliminate vape products and e-cigarettes from being sold in Palo Alto. I know people feel that teens were “targeted” for this type of product, and
I’m not here to debate marketing strategies. What I would like to discuss is the misconception that flavored tobacco is the same as vape products. They are NOT the same. Vape products have catchy names like cotton candy, cool aide, etc. We want to sell flavored pipe tobacco and the types of tobacco that have been around forever and don’t have any draw for teens. We have always had these types of products and not once have I ever heard about teens being interested in them nor has
any teen ever come into to try to buy this type of product.
Back in December when this whole issue with a new ordinance was brought up, the focus was on vaping, vaping, vaping. Now there is tremendous government encroachment into other areas that are vital to our livelihood. We are a family-owned business, not some big corporation looking to further our agenda. We just want to continue our legacy and be able to pay our bills and pay our employees.
Our regular Palo Alto customers are shocked and saddened to see the articles in the Daily Post and Palo Alto weekly that indicate council’s vote may close Mac’s. People in Palo Alto love us and our shop and I really feel like we got a very biased lashing Monday night saying a teen just walked in and bought vape products. We did a lot of follow up after we heard this and based on video surveillance the story you were told was NOT TRUE and we can prove it.
In February of this year, Los Altos enacted a stricter smoking ordinance, but with an exemption (see language below) for stores that sell only tobacco. Here is a link to the story in the Los Altos Town Crier. Los Altos council OKs tobacco ordinance & See Me Flags
26
Los Altos council OKs tobacco ordinance & See Me
Flags
Melissa Hartman - Staff Writer/melissah@latc.com
The new tobacco ordinance – the first to regulate the sale of
tobacco or tobacco-related products in Los Altos –...
27
Edward’s Pipe and Tobacco Shop at Village Court Shopping Center falls under this exemption. The owner of Edward’s, Debbie Morton, told Los Altos council that she "would have likely had to close her shop without the exemption". To quote Debbie “I cannot maintain a business without my flavored
tobacco,” she said. “I have vanilla (flavored tobacco), I have rum runner, I have chocolate, I have
custards. Those are what you’re listing in your article.” That is the exact same circumstance Mac's is in now. Los Altos council recognized the potential hardship, empathized with the business owner, and granted the exemption.We request you do the same.
Los Altos Tobacco Exemption language: M. Flavored tobacco products prohibited. No retailer shall sell a tobacco product containing, as a constituent or additive, an artificial or natural flavor or aroma (other than tobacco) or an herb or spice, including but not limited to mint, wintergreen,
cotton candy, mango, candy, cocoa, dessert, alcoholic beverage, herb, menthol, or spice, that is a characterizing flavor or aroma of the tobacco product, smoke, or vapor produced by the tobacco product.
1.Paragraph (M) of this subsection (4.48.040) shall not apply to any retailer that meets all of the following criteria:
a. Primarily sells tobacco products;
b. Generates more than sixty (60) percent of its gross revenues annually from the sale of tobacco products;
c. Does not permit any person under twenty-one (21) years of age to be present or enter the premises at any time, unless accompanied by the person's parent or legal guardian, as defined in
Section 6903 of the Family Code;
d. Does not sell alcoholic beverages or food for consumption on the premises; and
e. Posts a sign outside the retail location that clearly, sufficiently, and conspicuously informs the public that persons under twenty-one (21) years of age are prohibited from entering the premises.
I hope you will reconsider your vote and allow an exemption for the sale of flavored tobacco.
Regards,
Mac’s Smoke Shop
Neil and Lori Khoury
28
I hope you will reconsider your vote and allow an exemption for the sale of flavored tobacco.
Regards,
Mac’s Smoke Shop
Neil and Lori Khoury
29
Baumb, Nelly
From:Jaswinder Singh <jaswinder383@yahoo.com>
Sent:Friday, May 22, 2020 3:53 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:SMOKE SHOP OWNER
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
This is Jaswinder (Jessie) Singh, Owner of Smokes & More in Palo Alto. I was part of the council meeting on May 18th. Unfortunately, I was not given a chance to speak. It
could me technical glitch or maybe something else.
I was very disappointed at few council members who didn't have any clue about vaping but still they voted against it. One of the council member didnt even know what Hookah is. None of them ever visited our store but
they still voted against us.
You cant just take our livelihood from us without even knowing the facts. Most of the people who spoke in the meeting were paid employees or representatives of the
organizations like Cancer society of America. If they care about our health why don't they just ban
cigarettes, flavored alcohol, pharmaceutical drugs which gives you so many diseases. They get paid from these companies to forget about the major issues of mankind. They always try to kill smaller business so that they can capture the remaining markets
This is very hard time we are all going thru bcoz of the Covid19 situation. Business is already down and now because of this vaping ban we will be forced to shut down our businesses. We have mortgages, leases, family depending on this businesses. If vaping is banned in palo alto we
will be forced to be on streets in no time. As you are aware of the high rents in palo alto, there is no
way we can survive selling only regular cigarettes and changinf business model is not going to be easy. My 80% of the business is vaping related and if that is taken away I will be devastated and my family
will suffer.
All the smoke shops in palo alto has clean record and are "Adult only" stores. There are no minors allowed inside the stores. I have been in the business in palo alto for almost 10 yrs now. I never had any issues related underage sale of tobacco products. We have been very strict with checking ID's.
I am requesting you to please exempt adult only stores from this ban and let adults make the decision if they want to smoke or vape. Thanks
Jaswinder
31
Baumb, Nelly
From:Hafez, Mohammed (CIV) <mmhafez@nps.edu>
Sent:Friday, May 22, 2020 2:28 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Hookah Nites Lounge Closure Notice
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
To Whom it May Concern:
I recently received notification that Palo Alto’s City Council plans to close down Hookah Nites
Lounge on University Avenue. I was deeply disappointed by this decision and I hope this letter
can inform the members of the City Council why such a measure is counterproductive,
discriminatory, and infantilizing.
Although I live in San Jose, my wife and I regularly frequent Hookah Nites because we love to
be in Palo Alto. We usually go to University Ave to eat at one of its terrific restaurants, have
tea and desert at Paris Baguette, and end our evening by hanging out with other friends at
Hookah Nites. Hookah is part of the Middle Eastern/Mediterranean traditions that we value
so deeply. It is part of our heritage and adds diversity to Palo Alto’s cultural mosaic. Hookah
Nites is one of the few—perhaps the only—Arab‐inspired establishment in the area. It seems
to me to be quite discriminatory to single out this establishment for reasons that are
unclear. If health considerations are behind this decision, then this is both discriminatory and
infantilizing.
It is discriminatory because other establishments in the area—bars and marijuana
dispensaries—equally have health implications, yet those are not being targeted for closure. It
is infantilizing because it assumes that the patrons of Hookah Nites do not understand the
health risks of casual smoking and, therefore, need the City Council to protect them. This is a
classic case of local government overreach and carries the liability of discriminating against
businesses based on their cultural motifs. As already stated, this is part of a centuries‐old
Middle Eastern heritage and many of the customers that frequent Hookah Nites are of Middle
Eastern origins. It is one of the few places where the Arab community can congregate for
fun. It is also discriminatory against Muslims. My wife and I are Muslims and do not frequent
bars for religious reasons. Hookah lounges are equivalent venues to be out with friends in
public without religious compunction. Taking this away from us—and many other Muslims—is
also discriminatory.
32
I ask you to reconsider your decision or at least provide a public hearing through which
patrons of Hookah Nites are given an opportunity to explain the significance of this
establishment to their community.
With kinds regards,
Mohammed M. Hafez, Ph.D.
Professor
Department of National Security Affairs
Naval Postgraduate School
Glasgow Hall
Room GL‐337
Monterey, CA 93943
mmhafez@nps.edu
Mobile: 831‐233‐0272
Web: Mohammed Hafez Web Page
Redacted
33
Baumb, Nelly
From:mod <mod@cimamgt.com>
Sent:Friday, May 22, 2020 1:08 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:proposed flavored tobacco ordinance
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
Dear Members:
I am writing as a thirty year customer of Mac's Smokeshop. I have always resided in a neighboring town, but visit Palo
Alto often for its variety of retail stores.
The fundamental issue for me is that there is no evidence that consumption of flavored tobacco products carries greater
health risks than those of other tobacco products. Yet those products will continue to be sold if this ordinance is passed.
I believe that Mac's has been consistently vigilant in the prevention of tobacco product sales to minors, and have
personally witnessed their efforts on many occasion.
Those of you who have experience raising children may agree with me that we bear personal responsibility as parents
and caregivers to educate them around the issue of tobacco consumption. When our efforts fail, it falls to retail sellers
to enforce the law. Mac's does so responsibly.
Please do not punish a longstanding member of your retail community for the behavior of others.
Mike O'Donnell
34
Baumb, Nelly
From:Lena Jabri <ljabri@my.smccd.edu>
Sent:Friday, May 22, 2020 11:23 AM
To:Council, City
Subject:Hookah nites
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on
links.
________________________________
The business hookah nites is family home establishment that I have going to for many years. I heard about the
possibility that it may not continue it’s business. I was sadden you hear that because of all the great memories, friendly
faces an great service. I had attended many parties and always had a great time and I remember the day my friend
graduated from school and we had music, food family and friends were all together. Enjoying each other company and
laughing with each other, and seeing everyone who is happy really made my day. Hookah nites is like a home away from
home to me. It would really sadden me to see it go. From Lena
35
Baumb, Nelly
From:alexandra bateh <alexandrabateh700@gmail.com>
Sent:Friday, May 22, 2020 8:54 AM
To:Council, City
Subject:Hookah nights closure
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on
links.
________________________________
To whom this may concern, my name is Alexandra bateh and I am reaching out in regards to the closure of hookah
nights. As a member of this community for several years I have truly loved the way hookah nights has ran their business.
University avenue is truly unique and hookah nights adds to that. Many have gone here for years, and have found it to
be a safe and welcoming environment with great entertainment. It is the only one of its kind on that street and would
like you to reconsider its reopening!
Thank you,
Alexandra Bateh
36
Baumb, Nelly
From:Akram Kildani <akramkildani@gmail.com>
Sent:Thursday, May 21, 2020 10:53 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Hookah nites lounge
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
To whom it concerns, we regret closing the
Hookah nites lounge
Under David Zoumut
we and a big group of friends and family have been customers in this place for years and we were so happy and satisfied
with the service and with the owner himself. He‘s always been obeying the rules and the restrictions regarding the
safety and the age of the customer to keep service trustworthy as possible as he can, never allow under age and his
place and it is always clean and welcoming for the customers . Palo Alto community and visitors were always enjoy the
hookah nites lounge .its always been a remarkable place in Palo alto. Even after the quarantine we are all positive that
David Zoumot, the owner, will take all the safety precautions to ensure customers satisfaction. Please take all these
positive things about this place into consideration, and give your decision for closing the hooks nites lounge another look
. We all want this place to stay open for us.
Thank you
Sent from my iPhone
37
Baumb, Nelly
From:hannah khoury <khoury-hannah1@hotmail.com>
Sent:Thursday, May 21, 2020 10:45 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Closing hookah place
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on
links.
________________________________
To whom it concerns, we regret closing the
Hookah nites lounge
Under David Zoumut
we and a big group of friends and family have been customers in this place for years and we were so happy and satisfied
with the service and with the owner himself. He‘s always been obeying the rules and the restrictions regarding the
safety and the age of the customer to keep service trustworthy as possible as he can, never allow under age and his
place and it is always clean and welcoming for the customers . Palo Alto community and visitors were always enjoy the
hookah nites lounge .its always been a remarkable place in Palo alto. Even after the quarantine we are all positive that
David Zoumot, the owner, will take all the safety precautions to ensure customers satisfaction. Please take all these
positive things about this place into consideration, and give your decision for closing the hooks nites lounge another look
. We all want this place to stay open for us.
Sent from my iPhone
38
Baumb, Nelly
From:hannah khoury <khoury-hannah1@hotmail.com>
Sent:Thursday, May 21, 2020 10:44 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Closing hookah place
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on
links.
________________________________
To whom it concerns, we regret closing the
Hookah nites lounge
Under David Zoumut
we and a big group of friends and family have been customers in this place for years and we were so happy and satisfied
with the service and with the owner himself. He‘s always been obeying the rules and the restrictions regarding the
safety and the age of the customer to keep service trustworthy as possible as he can, never allow under age and his
place and it is always clean and welcoming for the customers . Palo Alto community and visitors were always enjoy the
hookah nites lounge .its always been a remarkable place in Palo alto. Even after the quarantine we are all positive that
David Zoumot, the owner, will take all the safety precautions to ensure customers satisfaction. Please take all these
positive things about this place into consideration, and give your decision for closing the hooks nites lounge another look
. We all want this place to stay open for us.
Sent from my iPhone
39
Baumb, Nelly
From:Abeer Hamed <abeerhamed@icloud.com>
Sent:Thursday, May 21, 2020 10:29 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Hookah Nights
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links.
________________________________
This is a shame that the city of Palo Alto is closing down Hookah Nights. Its a great place to go & relax & enjoy a coffee &
hookah. Do the community a favor & Keep this business open .
Sincerely Abeer & Moe
Sent from my iPhone
40
Baumb, Nelly
From:Akram Kildani <kildani1@yahoo.com>
Sent:Thursday, May 21, 2020 10:26 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Hookah nites lounge
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on
links.
________________________________
Hi Sir, Madam
I am writing this email regarding your decision to close Hookah nites lounge Under David Zoumut Especially at this time
were family owned businesses trying to survive The lounge offers different type of adults relaxing time other than
restaurants and bars not everyone like alcohol drinks
I hope you reconsider you decision and keep the place opened Thank you Akram kildani
Sent from my iPhone
41
Baumb, Nelly
From:Paul Sandoval <paulsandoval@me.com>
Sent:Thursday, May 21, 2020 10:02 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:PLEASE DON’T CLOSE HOOKAH NITES
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links.
________________________________
Hello my name is Paul Sandoval I have been going to Hookah Nites ever since it opened. It is definitely a staple in
downtown Palo Alto just like the bars and across the street and along with Pizza My Heart. Yes we know that Palo Alto is
changing via trendy and tech but let’s not forget what help build downtown places like Hookah Nites. We have seen
CEO’s there NFL, NBA players I mean come on what are you going to put there? Just keep it open for the community and
you will notice that is a staple off of University. Thank you!
Sent from my iPhone
42
Baumb, Nelly
From:Viernes Cigars <viernescigars@gmail.com>
Sent:Thursday, May 21, 2020 6:07 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Cigar Shops - Palo Alto
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
Hello, Recently I saw a newspaper article that mentioned the closing of cigar shops due to a recent law banning vape products. I understand the decision as popular things like Juul and vapes are readily available and purposely make flavors that attract younger consumers. Tobacco, pipe and cigars, are flavored but not with the same
graphics and they are not marketed for teenagers. I think putting Juul and vaping in the same category as cigars is a huge mistake and I can’t comprehend why they would be. I hope you have a way to do more research and see that cigars and pipe tobacco is mainly consumed by more mature adults and not teenagers.
Respectfully, Hector
43
Baumb, Nelly
From:Aaron Mattu <sikhminded408@gmail.com>
Sent:Thursday, May 21, 2020 5:50 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Help macs
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attachments and clicking on links.
Please save macs smoke shop. Me and my family have been coming here for over 30 years. Flavored tobacco is not the
same thing as vape products. My grandfather has been buying flavored pipe tobacco here for 30 years & it will be a
devastation to see macs go from the community
44
Baumb, Nelly
From:Steve Garcia <garcstv@gmail.com>
Sent:Thursday, May 21, 2020 5:08 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Mac’s Smoke Shop
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links.
________________________________
To whom this may concern.
I’m writing to request an exemption for Mac’s Adult Smoke Shop on Emerson Ave. in the city of Palo Alto.
I have visited many times since I am an avid cigar smoker. I always find their location well kept and is staff be a very help
staff.
I believe them to be very courteous and very professional in dealing with their customers.
I’m sure you are no doubt aware that they has serviced the City of Palo Alto for over 50 years now.
I’d appreciate the city of Palo Alto doing what they can to save this family owned business and protect this history of
Palo Alto’s fine establishment.
Best Regards,
Steven Garcia
Sent from my iPhone
45
Baumb, Nelly
From:Nerrisa Mailo <nerrisam@icloud.com>
Sent:Thursday, May 21, 2020 4:55 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Save Macs!
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on
links.
________________________________
Hello City Council,
I hope this email finds you well ‐ I am writing you today and asking you to reconsider closing Macs in Palo Alto. This
family store is a part of Palo Alto History. Their family has become a family to the people in this community. I truly feel
this store is more than just a smoke shop, it’s a place where people go to get their newspaper and read it across on a
bench. It’s a place to find cool gifts for family and friends. I ask you again to reconsider the closing of Macs as it would be
so sad to see them close their doors.
Warmest regards,
Nerrisa Mailo
Sent from my iPhone
46
Baumb, Nelly
From:Aaron Mattu <amattu16@yahoo.com>
Sent:Thursday, May 21, 2020 2:56 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Macs smoke shop
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
SAVE MACS SMOKE SHOP!! FLAVORED TOBACCO IS NOT THE SAME AS VAPE! WE LOVE MACS SMOKE SHOP IN THE
COMMUNITY THEY ARE A STAPLE IN PALO ALTO. WE WOULD HATE TO SEE THEM CLOSE
Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android
47
Baumb, Nelly
From:Roberta Samifua <lopeka2002@yahoo.com>
Sent:Thursday, May 21, 2020 1:56 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Fw: Don't close Mac shop
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attachments and clicking on links.
----- Forwarded Message ----- From: Roberta Samifua <lopeka2002@yahoo.com> To: citycouncil@cityofpaloalto.org <citycouncil@cityofpaloalto.org> Sent: Thursday, May 21, 2020, 01:01:19 PM PDT Subject: Don't close Mac shop Hello and Greetings to the city council of Palo Alto,
I just read the article about Mac's shop may close down. I wanted to say I have been a long time customer of Mac's shop and the owner has been very nice and great customer service there. I don't want to see this shop closed down. I understand the concern of vaping products being a bad habit on young children or minors. But, I feel like that would be the responsibility of their parent to make sure they don't get to it. Also the shops are very strict in carding people when they come in to buy any tobacco products. I saw how they asked an older gentlemen for his ID even though he clearly looks way older then 40 years old.
If you close this shop these kids are just gonna go to another shop to get what they want. Please don't close Mac's shop because I find it convenient and they have been in the community for a Long time! This will be devastating to the owner and our community. Thank you, Roberta Lealamanua
48
Baumb, Nelly
From:Jason Chand <jay_raynil@hotmail.com>
Sent:Thursday, May 21, 2020 1:52 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:macs smoke shop
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on
links.
________________________________
please do not close macs smoke shop.. it’s been in our community for years and sells more products besides vape
products and can survive without selling vape products as it did for decades before vape products became available
Sent from my iPhone
49
Baumb, Nelly
From:Audie Faagai <audiefaagai@gmail.com>
Sent:Thursday, May 21, 2020 12:47 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Please dont close Mac's
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
Please save this small business that has been around in our community for 85 years. Not only has it been a community
staple but they also have become our family. They deserve to stay in business as they have no other way to make a living
and will have to face very tough hardships if they were to close. This is how they survive day to day and to take the only
thing that keeps us all a very close community will be disheartening to many. If you can feel in your heart some
sympathy and compassion as if it were your family, please reconsider the idea of closing this precious gem and give
them that chance to remain open as they deserve. #dontclosemacs
Kindest regards,
Audie Faagai
50
Baumb, Nelly
From:hermosadp@aol.com
Sent:Thursday, May 21, 2020 12:06 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Potential Closing of Macs Smoke Shop
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on
links.
________________________________
To the City Council and Mayor of Palo Alto
I was very sad and emotional when I heard Macs might be closing due to an unfair City Council vote.
I feel that during the Covid‐19 crisis there are much more important things for the City Council to do than vote to punish
the hard working owners of a longtime Palo Alto business. I was very upset that members of the city council have voted
to basically end MACs historical stay in Palo Alto. Shouldn't you be more worried about a looming budget deficit from
Covid‐19 and trying to keep business taxes flowing?
Lately many downtown businesses such as Walgreens announced closings for economic reasons so you should be
working to keep retail businesses in Palo Alto. All some of the city council members seem to care about is having more
and more venture capital firms and startups in downtown.
I have been patronizing MACs since the 1980s and buy magazines and newspapers there. I think there is a middle
ground here to let them stay in business with selling flavored tobacco. Why do you have to be the health police right
now when many other things to worry about. Lets keep them open!
Why doesn't the City Council and Mayor work on finding solutions instead of running family owned businesses out of
town. In the past year longtime businesses I patronized have closed such as Prolific Oven and Village Cheese House likely
due to landlords raising rents.
I doubt this letter will change things but this decision really hits a nerve as my family has lived in Palo Alto since the
1960s and many longtime businesses have closed recently.
Hoping someone gets back to me and Macs is saved.
thanks
Dirk Price
Sent from my iPhone SE
Redacted
51
Baumb, Nelly
From:Leigh Klotz <klotz@klotz.me>
Sent:Thursday, May 21, 2020 11:35 AM
To:Council, City
Subject:Vape ban=no
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
As a Palo Alto resident for over 30 years and the parent of two college seniors, I object to the vape ban. It will not
reduce access to nicotine for teens, but will instead reduce access to harm reduction tools for adults. It has unintended
consequences...for one closing magazine stores.
I do not feel protected nor do I feel this protects our children.
52
Baumb, Nelly
From:Connor Braman <connor.braman@gmail.com>
Sent:Thursday, May 21, 2020 10:57 AM
To:Council, City
Subject:Vaping/Flavored Tobacco Ban
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
Dear City Council,
Your recent vote to ban the sale of flavored tobacco products is threatening to shut down an important Palo Alto
institution in Mac's Smoke Shop. Your desire to prevent underage vaping is threatening important businesses during this
time of economic crisis. You must vote in favor of exemptions for businesses selling flavored tobacco to responsible
adults and protect business in this turbulent time.
Sincerely,
Connor
53
Baumb, Nelly
From:Smedley, Luanne <LSmedley@stanfordchildrens.org>
Sent:Thursday, May 21, 2020 10:02 AM
To:Council, City
Subject:Mac’s - DON’T CLOSE!
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on
links.
________________________________
To whom it may concern:
Mac’s has been a staple in the community for 85 years and serves a real need for the people of Palo Alto! Please do not
close this very needed resource!
Luanne Smedley
Sent from my iPhone
CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This communication and any attachments may contain confidential or privileged information
for the use by the designated recipient(s) named above. If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified
that you have received this communication in error and that any review, disclosure, dissemination, distribution or
copying of it or the attachments is strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please contact
me and destroy all copies of the communication and attachments. Thank you.
54
Baumb, Nelly
From:Linzi Burrows <britlinzi@yahoo.com>
Sent:Thursday, May 21, 2020 10:02 AM
To:Council, City
Subject:Mac’s Smoke shop
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on
links.
________________________________
Mac’s smoke shop is an icon in Palo Alto, I have been going there for years as a restaurant employee and if it closes
there will be nowhere to go on my breaks. It is one of the only places you can purchase newspapers and magazines.
Please reconsider closing it...
Thankyou
Sent from my iPhone
1
Baumb, Nelly
From:Alexandra Nijmeh <alexandranijmeh@gmail.com>
Sent:Monday, May 25, 2020 7:59 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Hookah Nites
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on
links.
________________________________
PLEASE DON’T CLOSE HOOKAH NITES
Hello my name is Alexandra Nijmeh, I have been going to Hookah nights since I was 18, I am now 27. Hookah Nites has
been a place of culture that I never received in my own town. The owner of the place makes me feel like I’m home. This
is part of Downtown. I don’t drink, so Hookah Nites is the place where I go to relax and have fun with my friends and
family. This is a safe heaven for some people who live away from their home and they aren’t able to go to a place that is
out of town. All of those international students, who go to the schools in the area, would want a place that reminds
them of home, won’t have that anymore if you shut down. It’s a great place for people who are part of this culture.
Please don’t shut them down, I need my safe spot.
Alexandra Nijmeh
2
Baumb, Nelly
From:A.J. McGlone <ajmcglone@gmail.com>
Sent:Thursday, May 21, 2020 3:22 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Please!
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
Please save macs!!!!! I have been shopping with these guys my whole life of 32 years! And I drive all the way from
Sunnyvale, etc now that I don't live there!!! Please!
1
Baumb, Nelly
From:delukie@aol.com
Sent:Wednesday, May 27, 2020 10:32 AM
To:city.council@cityof paloalto.org
Subject:Mac's Smoke shop
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
I SUPPORT EXEMPTION .. for Mac's Smoke shop...a piece of HISTORY for Palo Alto......don't close this
store down, they sell to ADULTS...and the dangers of smoking or flavored pipe tobacco etc. are well
know to ALL of us !! Adults can choose for themselves. Thank you
resident...Stephanie Dwiggins... Redacted
2
Baumb, Nelly
From:Marvin Rios <marv.rios91@gmail.com>
Sent:Tuesday, May 26, 2020 2:25 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Ban of Vape Flavors
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attachments and clicking on links.
Hi there City Council,
I'm sending you an rmail in regards to the recently passed ban of Vaporizer Juice Flavors. My name is Marvin Rios and I
currently reside at 633 Arastradero Road, located in Palo Alto. This ban stands to have an immediate negative effect on
the coty revenue, as well as push vaporizer users like myself to buy vape juice outside of the city. I urge you as a resident
of Palo Alto to rescind this ban so that I and many others may continue to purchase our Vape Juice within the City.
Thank you,
Marvin Rios
3
Baumb, Nelly
From:Candice Wheeler <tanwheeler@gmail.com>
Sent:Tuesday, May 26, 2020 10:23 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Thank you!
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
I just want to thank you for passing the motion to ban flavored tobacco in Palo Alto stores! As a parent of three children,
I really appreciate this!
1
Baumb, Nelly
From:Don Jackson <dcj@clark-communications.com>
Sent:Tuesday, May 26, 2020 7:18 AM
To:Council, City
Subject:Washington Post article: Cities are closing streets to make way for restaurants and pedestrians
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on
links.
________________________________
Another article about cities closing streets to support outdoor, socially‐distant dining
https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/trafficandcommuting/cities‐are‐closing‐streets‐to‐make‐way‐for‐restaurants‐
and‐pedestrians/2020/05/25/1f1af634‐9b73‐11ea‐ad09‐8da7ec214672_story.html
2
Baumb, Nelly
From:Branden Greene <bg24026@pausd.us>
Sent:Monday, May 25, 2020 10:27 PM
To:Council, City
Cc:Brian Miguel
Subject:Letter to City Council regarding closing California Avenue to drive-thru traffic
Attachments:Letter to City Council regarding closing California Avenue to drive-thru traffic.pdf
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
Dear City of Palo Alto, City Clerk,
I kindly submit my letter to the City Council regarding California Avenue. Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Branden Greene.
May 22, 2020
City of Palo Alto, Office of the City Clerk
250 Hamilton Avenue
Palo Alto, CA 94301
Dear Mayor Fine & City Council Members,
California Avenue is the smaller downtown in Palo Alto and it offers the community the
opportunity to enjoy small businesses and incredible food. With the coronavirus limiting our
ability to eat out and enter stores, these businesses have been facing hard times. Not only are the
businesses suffering, but many of their employees are unable to work due to the recent
government safety protocols. It is important to help our businesses and employees in any way we
can and to prevent cars from driving through California Avenue from El Camino Real to Ash
Street would be an excellent next step.
For almost all restaurants it’s hard to make a sufficient amount of money while keeping
social distancing in mind due to the coronavirus. Some cities, like Menlo Park and Mountain
View, have been thinking about closing streets to traffic so restaurants can add additional seating
outside while maintaining the six-foot distancing rule. I am writing to you to let you know that I
support this idea and believe it is a way to keep restaurants in business. This is a great solution
because every inch of free space matters at this time. If restaurants want to ensure their
customer’s safety, they can’t have tons of people packed into a small building. It is expensive to
run a business in this area and when you own a restaurant every table seated with guests is an
opportunity for revenue. Restaurants are unable to pay rent and their employees with only half
the tables available due to social distancing. If the streets were to close off traffic and only be
open to pedestrians, the restaurants can spread their seating onto the street and can serve more
customers and bring in the revenue they need to stay in business. It will also take a lot of
planning to make the community feel safe in a downtown area. Spreading the tables out onto the
street is a perfect way to make people feel comfortable at a restaurant.
Some people say that closing off the streets could be dangerous because emergency
responses couldn’t reach the blocked-off areas. Cities who have been considering doing this are
working with the emergency services to create access points to ensure they can reach the
closed-off streets. In my opinion, this plan could work well and would be a big benefit to
businesses that have been affected by this pandemic. A perfect example of a successful
implementation of this idea is on Middlefield Road in Redwood City.
Mayor Adrian Fine was quoted in the Almanac as being in support of this idea but he
says it is not the right time to make this decision and that we should focus on budgeting and
health issues. With a $40-million budget shortfall, the sooner businesses get back to normal the
sooner the budget will improve. Focusing on getting more customers back at businesses is a
priority.
I love the variety of restaurants on California Avenue, and I would hate to see some of
them go out of business due to a lack of customers. Thank you for reading my letter and I hope
you will consider helping both the community and its small businesses.
Sincerely,
Branden Greene
Palo Alto, CA 94306
3
Baumb, Nelly
From:Sally Espinoza <ashaskovec@gmail.com>
Sent:Monday, May 25, 2020 4:34 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:support for closing university Ave to cars
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
I'm writing in support of the closure of University Avenue to traffic in order to support the businesses ability to remain
open while observing social distancing. This would turn a congested street into a people‐friendly center, putting cars on
Lytton and Hamilton seems like a reasonable compromise, especially since the amount of traffic is way down anyway for
the foreseeable future. Let's do the right thing for our community and the businesses looking to survive this period.
Sally
‐‐
____________
Sally Espinoza
Redacted
4
Baumb, Nelly
From:Kimberley Wong <sheepgirl1@yahoo.com>
Sent:Monday, May 25, 2020 3:57 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Please close University and California Ave to help restaurants expand into streets and recover
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on
links.
________________________________
Dear Mayor, Vice Mayor and City Council Members,
I’d like to support closing off University and California Ave at least temporarily at least until the flagging restaurant
business can get back on their feet again while adhering to social distancing of tables and customers during this
financially strained period!
Thank you for your consideration! Menlo Park and other cities are doing this. We should follow suit. The shelter in place
has reduced traffic on these roads considerably so I believe this is the opportune time to put these measures in place to
test out the new normal and help one of our most viable and profitable sectors to recover from shutdown.
Thank you!
Kimberley Wong,
Longtime resident of Palo Alto and granddaughter of owner of City Cafe, established on University in 1905
5
Baumb, Nelly
From:Yvonne Dennis <yvondennis@gmail.com>
Sent:Monday, May 25, 2020 2:54 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Increase Outdoor Dining in Downtown Palo Alto
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
Hello
I am writing you to ask for your support of restaurant establishments in downtown Palo Alto. Many restaurants will face
challenges in meeting the new restrictions for inside seating. I ask that you strongly consider closing streets to car traffic
to allow the restaurants to expand seating to outside areas. Otherwise I fear that many establishments will not survive.
Thank you,
Yvonne Dennis
6
Baumb, Nelly
From:Heiner Litz <heinerlitz@gmail.com>
Sent:Monday, May 25, 2020 2:36 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Safe Businesses on University Street
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
Dear CIty Counsil,
please lock down University Avenue for cars so we can have a pedestrian area with outside seating to save all
businesses. Palo Alto needs some more outside area. Bring Santana Row to PA!!
Heiner
7
Baumb, Nelly
From:Ellen Semaya Krasnow <ellen@thekrasnows.com>
Sent:Monday, May 25, 2020 12:36 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Helping restaurants
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on
links.
________________________________
I am writing to voice my support for our restaurants in Palo Alto. With new social distancing requirements, it would be
helpful for restaurants to be able to use more outdoor spaces to serve their customers. I have seen the parklets (I think
that is what they are called?) in Menlo Park and on Castro Street where they have removed some parking spaces to
create more outdoor dining. I believe you could do this on some streets in Palo Alto. You could also close some streets
for example University Avenue and California Avenue, to help restaurants. I am sure there are traffic considerations, but
with many companies choosing to let people work from home more I hope we will see less traffic.
One of my favorite restaurants downtown is Zola, it is a narrow place and will have a harder time with the social
distancing rules. There are other restaurants on Bryant street too. Any consideration to making some streets one way
in order to make more space? This would help a number of restaurants on Bryant street.
I hope you will consider taking steps to make it easier for restaurants to meet the new social distancing requirements.
We have been ordering out and tipping well and have even donated to some restaurants, but we are looking forward to
when we can eat out again and having more space would help the restaurants.
Thank you for your consideration.
Ellen Krasnow
Palo Alto
650 224 6095
Redacted
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Baumb, Nelly
From:The Careys <zcareys@sbcglobal.net>
Sent:Monday, May 25, 2020 11:48 AM
To:Council, City
Subject:Outdoor dining space
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on
links.
________________________________
I wanted to express my complete support for creating out door dining space in downtown and Cal ave. We want to keep
(or at least return to) a thriving restaurant scene. Honestly it just makes sense to me in general. Thanks for your
consideration.
Lynn Carey
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Baumb, Nelly
From:Maria Foley <maria@mariafoley.com>
Sent:Monday, May 25, 2020 10:25 AM
To:Council, City
Cc:Rick Potts
Subject:Suggestion to keep University and California Avenues closed
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
To whom it may concern, I would like to suggest that the City Council consider keeping University Avenue and California Avenue closed to motor vehicles as we prepare for a gradual reopening up of our economy. This way we can keep the respective downtown areas safe, walkable and vibrant. I think this would enhance community spirit overall and, during the COVID pandemic, allow restaurants to create seating that would accommodate social distancing. This will benefit both the community and the downtown businesses. Doing this now, as we search for ways to address the need for social distance, will allow for a trial run to see if this arrangement would be beneficial to the community on a full time basis. All the best, Maria Maria Foley Palo Alto, CA 94306 415 609 3536
Redacted
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Baumb, Nelly
From:Karen Jacobson <jacobson.karen.a@gmail.com>
Sent:Monday, May 25, 2020 8:10 AM
To:Council, City
Subject:When Restaurants Re-Open: Please Close University Ave and Cal Ave to Cars
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on
links.
________________________________
Dear PA City Council Members,
I’m writing to urge you to close University and Cal Avenues to cars (at least temporarily for the summer and early fall)
when bars and restaurants are allowed to re‐open. This will allow them to set up tables outside to comply with social
distancing rules. And, it will be healthier for diners as fresh air reduces viral transmission. This is a way for restaurants
and bars to increase their capacity in order to remain economically viable and for us to support them. It would be such a
loss for the small businesses in our community to go under.
Best Regards,
Karen Jacobson
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Baumb, Nelly
From:David Markowitz <davidm@usa.net>
Sent:Sunday, May 24, 2020 5:20 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Open up Cal Ave and University Ave to pedestrians
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on
links.
________________________________
I’ve been in support of this idea for many years. Now seems the opportune time to make it so. Major cities around the
world have set examples by closing major thoroughfares representing far greater vehicle traffic than on our streets.
Benefits to residents, visitors, shops and restaurants are well documented. Let’s make the effort to make Palo Alto a
model for cities going forward.
Thanks,
David Markowitz
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Baumb, Nelly
From:Melissa Almgren <melissaalmgren@gmail.com>
Sent:Sunday, May 24, 2020 3:29 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Supporting Palo Alto restaurants
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attachments and clicking on links.
Esteemed members of the Palo Alto City Council,
I am writing to express support for allowing local restaurants to expand their outdoor space to allow for more
capacity as they begin to open.
It goes without saying that these restauranteurs/small business owners have suffered devastating business
losses due to the pandemic. And given the likely protocols (reduced capacities, safety measures) to be
implemented as they re-open, it's highly unlikely that many of these businesses will be able to sustain enough
business to stay alive.
Palo Alto has always had a thriving restaurant scene and it would be a real shame to see restaurants close. To
that end, anything we can do to allow them to survive, we should.
Respectfully,
Melissa Almgren
--
Melissa Almgren
13
Baumb, Nelly
From:Michelle Chen <mchenstudio@gmail.com>
Sent:Sunday, May 24, 2020 1:57 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Make University Ave and Cal Ave pedestrian only
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attachments and clicking on links.
Hello,
I'm writing today, because I would like to see our business‐heavy corridors like University Ave and California Ave become
pedestrian‐only in these times. It would benefit the restaurants and cafes, encouraging outdoor seating which means
they can bring in more business while keeping risk of infection low. It would also help us socially distance. The sidewalks
are not wide enough to accommodate social distancing when there's lots of people walking through those streets.
Thank you for your time,
Michelle
Resident of Palo Alto
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Baumb, Nelly
From:Adrienne Pierce <adrienne.pierce@gmail.com>
Sent:Sunday, May 24, 2020 1:04 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Pedestrian streets
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
Please close California Ave from El Camino to Park Ave to traffic and allow for restaurants to use the streets for
social distancing and service.
Traffic can flow around up Cambridge and El Camino on Park.
Thank you for your consideration,
Adrienne Pierce
, Palo Alto, CA 94306
‐‐
650‐283‐9202 | Linkedin
Renewable Energy and Sustainability
Redacted
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From:Lucie Richter <lucie.richter@gmail.com>
Sent:Sunday, May 24, 2020 11:39 AM
To:Council, City
Subject:Pedestrian zones
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attachments and clicking on links.
Hello,
With keeping social distance we need space. Like in Europe, we could turn CA Ave and University into pedestrian zones
and allow restaurants and cafes to spread into the streets. We live in a great climate that allows us to do so.
Thank you!
Lucie
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Baumb, Nelly
From:Don Jackson <dcj@clark-communications.com>
Sent:Sunday, May 24, 2020 11:20 AM
To:Council, City
Subject:Re: I support helping our restaurants reopen safely via parklets and street closures
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
Honorable Councilpeople:
I urge you to read this op‐ed piece from the NY Times authored by a restaurant owner regarding the challenges he and
others are facing:
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/22/opinion/nyc‐bars‐restaurants‐coronavirus.html?smid=em‐share
Respectfully,
Don Jackson
==========================. Previous email ===============================
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
17
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
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Baumb, Nelly
From:Michael Knowles <michael.c.knowles@gmail.com>
Sent:Sunday, May 24, 2020 11:13 AM
To:Council, City
Subject:Please open California Ave and University Ave...
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
…to pedestrians and to outdoor seating for restaurants. In other words, please eliminate car traffic on these
streets. This would not only allow more safe area for walking and enjoying restaurants, it would also encourage forms of
transportation (walking or biking) to these destinations.
Thank you for your consideration.
Mike
Michael C. Knowles
Phone: (650) 888-8985
skype: michael.c.knowles
19
Baumb, Nelly
From:Carol Ezrati <crutlen@hotmail.com>
Sent:Sunday, May 24, 2020 11:11 AM
To:Council, City
Subject:Outdoor Seating for Restaurants
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attachments and clicking on links.
In an effort to support our local restaurants, we should close California Ave to car traffic after 3 pm every day. The
street would be open to pedestrians only. Restaurants should allowed to set up seating in the street. This will allow
restaurants to serve a similar number of patrons as pre‐epidemic while still preserving proper social distancing.
Carol Ezrati
.
Sent from Mail for Windows 10
Redacted
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Baumb, Nelly
From:Dr. Jochen Profit <profit@stanford.edu>
Sent:Sunday, May 24, 2020 10:24 AM
To:Council, City
Subject:Pedestrian zones for outdoor dining
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on
links.
________________________________
As we’re transitioning to opening up, please consider transforming University Ave and California Ave into Pedestrian
zones.
Would allow restaurants and businesses to spill into streets, making transmission of infections much less likely than with
indoor dining. Keep a few cross streets open for traffic, parking garage access.
Seems like a no‐brainer. Helps business, general quality of life in PA, increases appeal, better public health.
Try it temporarily. I bet it will be so popular, no one will want to go back after the pandemic is passed.
Best regards,
Jochen Profit, MD
Department of Pediatrics
Stanford University
Sent from my iPhone
Message potentially dictated; typos likely
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Baumb, Nelly
From:Corine Cesana <ccesana7@icloud.com>
Sent:Sunday, May 24, 2020 9:37 AM
To:Council, City
Subject:Closing streets
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on
links.
________________________________
Dear City Council
We do support our community Businesses,
Cafés , restaurants and stores
I support commercial streets to be permanently closed to traffic Everyone should stroll Without fear of been ran By a
speedy car ,Heavy pollution Furthermore During covid uncertain times it will allow businesses to work leaving outside
tables Within 10 feet distances , Repetitive disinfection / sanitation Patrons mandate to wear masks when in close
proximity with others
Stores could allow limited patrons at a time with their face mask and repetitive hands sanitation Like Already in place
For pharmacies or grocery stores Napa Valley has started the process
Thank you for all your support to our community And hard work
Corine Cesana , essential worker
22
Baumb, Nelly
From:Cindy Nelson <cindynelson11@gmail.com>
Sent:Sunday, May 24, 2020 8:43 AM
To:Council, City
Cc:Cindy N
Subject:Please prioritize restaurants and business using streets for expansion
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
I moved to Palo Alto in 1983. I've seen lots of change over the years, and accept it as part of a community that is growing
and changing. I am an avid walker and spent a lot of time on California Ave, the home of mostly privately owned
restaurants and businesses. I also frequent University Ave, but the cars and traffic make it far less charming and
interesting. I recently bought a new ebike in town at a local bike shop, overcoming my resistance to biking for my health
and my necessary errands, and have been pleased beyond words as to how that has allowed me to stay connected
safely during the shelter in place order.
The interactions I have shopping and eating on local streets have led me to learn more about, and understand the
importance of social contact in public places to our non‐physical mental health needs. It also brings us into contact with
people of different backgrounds and economic circumstances, and gives us an opportunity to support each other with
kind words and gestures, and even new and ongoing relationships, something that may be more important to our health
than we realize. This is sorely needed now, and we need to act quickly to find ways to do this safely, with patience and
kindness. I'm willing to help!
Safely Increase Social Connection OUTSIDE of Social Media
Restaurants and business in one's local town lead to repeat connections with neighbors, friends, and business owners.
The overall happiness and mental wellness that live social connections help maintain and create can bring about a more
unified and healthy population. Research indicates that using social media and online services as one's *primary* social
milieu is unhealthy for the non‐physical needs of humans.
Let's jump on this now, before we lose more revenue from business failure. https://www.wired.com/story/cities‐
reopen‐outdoor‐dining‐lifeline/
I'd like to recommend that the city act quickly to allow restaurants (and possibly other establishments) to use city streets
adjacent to them, closed at certain times of day to cars, to create larger spaces for offering their services safely. This link
is article from Wired that shows this is happening NOW, in progressive and innovative cities and for very good reason!
The Farmers' Markets all over have been operating continuously this way, and they AND patrons have adapted
beautifully and cooperatively to our need to connect in person, albeit masked and distanced, with other human beings
who need to continue to work in order to survive. It's a win/win scenario and would likely bring back some of the joy of
living in a lively town with so many interesting people.
Cities all over the world are testing this, from Berkeley to Vilnius ‐ Palo Alto is an obvious leader, or could be, to the new
wellness of physically distanced social interaction.
Here is a guide to opening the streets of cities, published before the CoronaVirus, by an organization involved with other
cities that have done this, addressing benefits and challenges BEFORE the pandemic, still applicable but now with added
urgency.
23
I'm willing to help support or lead on this initiative as a long term supporter of both the city, the businesses, and the
residents. I have no conflicts of interest ‐ I'm not a business owner ‐ other than wanting our community to thrive. I also
understand residents' needs to have room to park; clearly the solution must take those needs into account as well.
If we lose these mom and pop businesses, we may see the interest and charm of the city decline, leading to a less
amenable environment for walking, biking, living, and working. Being surrounded by either empty storefronts or office
buildings might provide needed short term revenue, but the tradeoff would be immense.
Thank you
Cindy Nelson
(former Tech Executive
Xerox, Oracle, Phone.com, Openwave Systems)
Musician
Palo Alto Resident since 1983
650‐248‐1222
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Baumb, Nelly
From:Zoe Zuniga <zoezuniga@gmail.com>
Sent:Sunday, May 24, 2020 6:14 AM
To:Council, City
Subject:Make University Ave a pedesestrian mall
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
Dear City Council
I have not driven down University in decades and always park farther away and then walk in.
Thank you for your consideration
Zoe Zuniga
Zoe Zuniga CEO Zoe Zuniga Creations
zoezuniga.com: the central hub
Projects:
Mind‐Body Copy
Mind‐Body Clarity
Mindful Joyful
25
Baumb, Nelly
From:Terùn Pizza <info@terunpizza.com>
Sent:Saturday, May 23, 2020 5:25 PM
To:Shikada, Ed
Cc:Council, City; Apple, Kara
Subject:Re: Restaurants with food truck and open Parks options.
Thank you very much.
Come to get a Pizza take out some day Ed.
Ciao
Maico & C.
On Sat, May 23, 2020 at 5:21 PM Shikada, Ed <Ed.Shikada@cityofpaloalto.org> wrote:
Hi Maico ‐
Good to hear from you again. Let me ask Kara Apple to get in touch with you. She’s on assignment to my office and can
help sort out what might be of interest to you that we can facilitate.
Best,
—Ed
From: Franco Campilongo <info@terunpizza.com>
Sent: Saturday, May 23, 2020 5:05 PM
To: Council, City
Subject: Restaurants with food truck and open Parks options.
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on
links.
________________________________
My name is Maico Campilongo,
CoOwner of iTalico and TERÙN restaurant on California Ave.
Since seems that the option of closing California Ave or parklet hypothesis it’s not in the agenda, I was thinking that
in one of the zoom meetings with city manager and city council people, previously we talked about the option of
expansion of the restaurants using food trucks and using Palo Alto public parks .
With TERÙN we are evaluating the opportunity of buying an extra oven to attach to our ford F 150 To be used for
catering and inside Palo Alto public Parks.
Please let me know if there is any chance to talk about it .
Thank you .
Maico Campilongo
terunpizza.com and iTalicorestaurant.com
6507998481
27
Baumb, Nelly
From:Shikada, Ed
Sent:Saturday, May 23, 2020 5:22 PM
To:Franco Campilongo
Cc:Council, City; Apple, Kara
Subject:Re: Restaurants with food truck and open Parks options.
Hi Maico ‐
Good to hear from you again. Let me ask Kara Apple to get in touch with you. She’s on assignment to my office and can
help sort out what might be of interest to you that we can facilitate.
Best,
—Ed
From: Franco Campilongo <info@terunpizza.com>
Sent: Saturday, May 23, 2020 5:05 PM
To: Council, City
Subject: Restaurants with food truck and open Parks options.
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on
links.
________________________________
My name is Maico Campilongo,
CoOwner of iTalico and TERÙN restaurant on California Ave.
Since seems that the option of closing California Ave or parklet hypothesis it’s not in the agenda, I was thinking that
in one of the zoom meetings with city manager and city council people, previously we talked about the option of
expansion of the restaurants using food trucks and using Palo Alto public parks .
With TERÙN we are evaluating the opportunity of buying an extra oven to attach to our ford F 150 To be used for
catering and inside Palo Alto public Parks.
Please let me know if there is any chance to talk about it .
Thank you .
Maico Campilongo
terunpizza.com and iTalicorestaurant.com
6507998481
Sent from my iPhone
28
Baumb, Nelly
From:Franco Campilongo <info@terunpizza.com>
Sent:Saturday, May 23, 2020 5:05 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Restaurants with food truck and open Parks options.
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on
links.
________________________________
My name is Maico Campilongo,
CoOwner of iTalico and TERÙN restaurant on California Ave.
Since seems that the option of closing California Ave or parklet hypothesis it’s not in the agenda, I was thinking that in
one of the zoom meetings with city manager and city council people, previously we talked about the option of expansion
of the restaurants using food trucks and using Palo Alto public parks .
With TERÙN we are evaluating the opportunity of buying an extra oven to attach to our ford F 150 To be used for
catering and inside Palo Alto public Parks.
Please let me know if there is any chance to talk about it .
Thank you .
Maico Campilongo
terunpizza.com and iTalicorestaurant.com
6507998481
Sent from my iPhone
29
Baumb, Nelly
From:Gordana Pavlovic <design@gordana.net>
Sent:Saturday, May 23, 2020 3:53 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Make University Avenue pedestrian
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on
links.
________________________________
I am in favor of creating a pedestrian zone on University Avenue between Middlefield and Ramona street. Also let
Lytton and Hamilton become one way streets!
Thank you!
Gordana Pavlovic
602 Hawthorne avenue
Sent from my iPhone
Please excuse my typos
30
Baumb, Nelly
From:Tyler Hoffman <tylerhoffman123@gmail.com>
Sent:Saturday, May 23, 2020 2:22 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:For restaurants: Please allow parklets
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on
links.
________________________________
Hi,
We need to protect Palo Alto’s unique and vibrant restaurant culture from destruction due to social distancing. Please
allow and encourage outdoor “Parklets” in front of restaurants like in downtown Menlo Park, to increase capacity by
facilitating the outdoor dining option. This is also a great enhancer overall for Palo Alto, as even under normal
circumstances, we lack enough outside dining options. Please act to protect restaurants and retail and avoid Palo Alto
turning into a ghost town due to the wreckage of Covid.
Thank you!
Tyler Hoffman
Downtown North
31
Baumb, Nelly
From:Anne Brodell <anne.brodell@me.com>
Sent:Saturday, May 23, 2020 2:19 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Opening University Ave and Cal ave
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on
links.
________________________________
Dear City Council,
I have lived here for decades. I went to school here and raised my kids here.
My spouse and I are patrons of many establishments on both University Ave and Cal Ave. The coffee shops and
restaurants are filled with people we know and love. They are part of our lives and we are part of theirs,bc we are a
community.
In this spirit please open up University Ave and Cal ave to pedestrians and restaurants so that we can all be out and safe
and patronize our favorite places. They can stay in business. We can all protect each other. It is a win win win.
And
Honestly these streets should stay closed at least on weekends after 5 even after the pandemic.
Thank you very much
Anne Brodell
Palo Alto CA
Redacted
32
Baumb, Nelly
From:Nittai Malchin <nittaimalchin@gmail.com>
Sent:Saturday, May 23, 2020 12:24 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:University Ave Request
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
Hello —
I’m writing to express my support of the idea to close down University Ave for the
foreseeable future in support of our local beloved establishments. This will turn it into 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, Nittai
33
Baumb, Nelly
From:Hossein Namazi <hossein13@gmail.com>
Sent:Saturday, May 23, 2020 11:45 AM
To:Council, City
Subject:Request to Close University Ave to auto traffic
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
Dear Member of Palo Alto City Council,
As Menlo Park residents within walking distance of Palo Alto Downtown and University Ave, we enjoy walking to
University Ave, shopping, and enjoying the restaurants, cafes, and events there. It is noticeable how much nicer the
University Ave feels when it is closed to cars during special events. We also have noticed how much the public enjoys
walking and biking there during this pandemic when there are fewer cars to worry about. We strongly urge the Palo City
Council to consider closing down University Ave to auto traffic for the foreseeable future and provide a more pedestrian
friendly area for the residents and visitors.
Thanks for your attention to this matter,
Hossein Namazi
, Menlo Park, CA 94025 Redacted
34
Baumb, Nelly
From:Solly Malchin <solly@moxiemethod.com>
Sent:Saturday, May 23, 2020 11:12 AM
To:Council, City
Subject:Close University Avenue to Cars
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
Hello,
In support of our local beloved establishments I am in favor of closing down University Ave for the foreseeable future. This will turn it into 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.
Sincerely, Solly Malchin
, Palo Alto, CA 94301
‐‐
Solly Malchin 415-307-0176
Redacted
35
Baumb, Nelly
From:Federica <federun@yahoo.com>
Sent:Saturday, May 23, 2020 10:14 AM
To:Council, City
Subject:Closing Univerisry Ave to traffic
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on
links.
________________________________
Hello City Council,
As a resident of Palo Alto I deeply appreciate how our City and County officials have been implementing measures to
keep our community safe during this pandemic.
As a resident I am also deeply concerned with the future of our restaurants and businesses that are been gravely
affected by the shelter in place order.
I therefore support the initiative to close University Ave. to car traffic to allow restaurants and shops to have open air
space to conduct business.
I hope that the City can find a safe way to implement this plan to help both businesses and residents find some sense of
normality in the midst of this crisis.
Thank you for your consideration.
Federica Armstrong
Old Palo Alto resident
36
Baumb, Nelly
From:Antun Domic <antundomict@gmail.com>
Sent:Saturday, May 23, 2020 8:35 AM
To:Council, City
Cc:mary E Slocum
Subject:converting University and California Avs to pedestrian traffic only
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on
links.
________________________________
Dear City Council Members:
we are writing to you to express our support to convert parts of University Ave. and Califonia
Ave. to pedestrian traffic only. We think this is a good idea, and it will definitely help the many businesses in these areas
to survive given the need for restrictions on proximity that will have to be implemented as re‐opening occurs.
Sincerely yours,
Antun Domic and Mary E. Slocum
Palo Alto
Redacted
37
Baumb, Nelly
From:Nauman Rafique <naumanr@gmail.com>
Sent:Friday, May 22, 2020 6:46 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Please close University Avenue for cars
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
I own a car and I frequently drive through Palo Alto downtown. But I support the cause of parking, and walking to the
downtown area. It will create a pleasant experience for everyone.
Thanks.
(A frequent visitor to Palo Alto coffee shops, bars and restaurants)
38
Baumb, Nelly
From:George Burkhard <george.burkhard@gmail.com>
Sent:Friday, May 22, 2020 6:18 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Please allow "parklets" for PA restaurants if possible!
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
Hello,
As someone who travels to Palo Alto for many of my favorite restaurants (Zola, Evvia, etc), I am writing to encourage you
to come up with a scheme like Menlo Park, where restaurants can serve people outdoors with large space between
tables in order to maintain social distance. I think having a few blocks of road closure to allow seating in the street would
be a great way to do this, and the disturbance to evening traffic would be minimal since most of us are working from
home anyway. It's similar to closing a street for a farmers market, after all, and we've found ways to deal with that once
everyone is used to it. Safety is #1, of course, but this is a way to maintain safety while preventing Palo Alto's biggest
drawing businesses from going under. The only downside would be an inconvenience to auto traffic, but honestly that's
a small price to pay, and if it encourages more people to bike or walk then that is a long‐term win anyway.
Thank you
George Burkhard
1
Baumb, Nelly
From:Mary Fischer <mary@mfischer.net>
Sent:Wednesday, May 20, 2020 8:32 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Make University Ave no Cars
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on
links.
________________________________
Let all the restaurants tumble out onto the pavement and let diners enjoy the California summer. That’s what we dream
of and that’s what is needed now! So please let us redesign our future for the better.
Longing to see the 🌟 stars while eating outside on University Ave, Mary Fischer Sent from my iPad
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Baumb, Nelly
From:Lucas Washburn <lucaswashburn13@gmail.com>
Sent:Wednesday, May 20, 2020 10:24 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Making University Avenue a Pedestrian Zone
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
Hi Guys,
I have heard that people are talking about closing University Ave to cars. I have wanted to see something like this my
whole life in Palo Alto. It would make our downtown much more vibrant, attract more customers, encourage people to
walk around, and bring the community together. Win‐win if you ask me.
Sincerely,
Lucas Washburn
3
Baumb, Nelly
From:Joseph Johnson <joeplex@gmail.com>
Sent:Wednesday, May 20, 2020 10:41 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:University Ave Pedestrian Zone
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
I am in favor of making University Avenue a permanent pedestrian zone (free from motor vehicle traffic).
Joseph Johnson
Long time Palo Alto resident
4
Baumb, Nelly
From:Liza Zassenhaus <lzassen@gmail.com>
Sent:Thursday, May 21, 2020 9:24 AM
To:Council, City
Subject:Restaurants
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on
links.
________________________________
To whom it may concern,
Please consider opening parking spaces for restaurants to seat customers. Now more than ever we need to take
advantage of our beautiful weather and support local businesses. Palo Alto and Menlo park restaurants add character
and levity in our lives and for those who wish to open and support their staff I know there is a growing number of
citizens who want to do their part for our local economy.
Thank you for considering,
Liza Zassenhaus
Sent (with better typing intentions) from my iPhone
5
Baumb, Nelly
From:Paul Mederos <pvm@enchant.co>
Sent:Thursday, May 21, 2020 9:23 AM
To:Council, City
Subject:Fwd: Whats Next for Zola
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
Hi!
As a resident, I would absolutely love parklets, and in general closing of certain streets to vehicle traffic in favor of more
pedestrian and walkability 😊 really love how downtown Los Altos closed parts of its streets for walk + play areas.
also really appreciate all you’re doing to keep small local biz supported during this time. it’s what makes me absolutely
love living here ❤
thank you all!!
Paul
From: Zola <zola@zola.fbmta.com>
Sent: Thursday, May 21, 2020 9:16:37 AM
To: pvm@enchant.co <pvm@enchant.co>
Subject: Whats Next for Zola
View Online
Thank You & Coming Next
Firstly, we would like to share our deep gratitude for all of the support we have received
from you during these trying times. From buying gift cards to sending encouraging
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emails, we are touched and humbled. We hope to give the love back the best way we
know how through our new Zola to-go offerings in the very near future.
Please be on the lookout for an email in the coming weeks that will outline the tasty
details. We’ve missed serving our community and are eager to show you the exciting
menu we’ve been thoughtfully crafting.
The Future of Palo Alto
Many of you have inquired about how you can best help us get through these
extraordinary circumstances. I have spent a lot of time talking to other restaurant
owners and brainstorming ways that we can save our industry from complete collapse.
If you care about keeping Zola and all restaurants in Palo Alto afloat, I ask that you
support us in pushing the City to allow parklets in front of our establishments. An
outdoor dining space, similar to what you see in Menlo Park, creates additional seating
that would make social distancing possible for our patrons while allowing us to continue
operating at greater capacity. If you are also in favor of encouraging the creation of
parklets, please send an email to city.council@cityofpaloalto.org expressing your view.
They DO read these emails and it does help. We are in this together and without
community support and participation, we stand to lose the cultural fabric of Palo Alto.
Push City Council to help small businesses.
Make a Reservation
Zola 565 Bryant Street Palo Alto, CA 94301P: (650) 521-0651
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