HomeMy Public PortalAbout20200309plCC 701-32
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: 03/09/2020
Document dates: 2/19/2020 – 2/26/2020
Set 1
Note: Documents for every category may not have been received for packet
reproduction in a given week.
1
Baumb, Nelly
From:Aram James <abjpd1@gmail.com>
Sent:Tuesday, February 25, 2020 12:01 PM
To:Fine, Adrian; Council, City; Palo Alto Free Press
Subject:Police chief says use of force is 'very rare.' Critics are not convinced.--See Aram James comments
below
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
Police chief says use of force is 'very rare.'
Critics are not convinced.
Council mum on recent allegations of excessive force, racism against police officers
by Gennady Sheyner / Palo Alto Weekly
Facing numerous allegations of excessive force by local police officers, including two that were
captured on video, Palo Alto Police Chief Robert Jonsen assured the City Council on Monday night
that such incidents are extremely rare and that officers who cross the line will be held accountable.
But while his words appeared to have mollified council members, who generally refrained from asking
questions about the two high-profile cases, several residents criticized Jonsen and department for its
failure to take responsibility for the recent episodes. This includes the February 2018 arrest at Bueno
Vista Mobile Home Park, which involved a police sergeant slamming a resident named Gustavo
Alvarez into a windshield of a car, and the July 2019 arrest in front of Happy Donuts, in which an
officer pushed Julio Arevalo against a spiked railing and then brought him to the ground, shattering
his orbital bone in the process and causing a concussion.
In both cases, the men who were arrested accused the department of excessive force. The council
approved in November a $572,500 settlement with Alvarez, which also required a letter of apology
from the sergeant, who had since retired (in addition, all sworn officers were required to take LBGTQ
2
sensitivity training). Arevalo filed a claim against the department last fall, seeking $3.85 million in
damages. With the city rejecting his claim, Arevalo’s attorney told the Weekly that he plans to file a
lawsuit in federal court against the department in the coming months for what he called a "brutal
assault."
The Monday discussion on recent police initiatives was Jonsen’s first public response to the highly
publicized allegations. While his presentation was mostly focused on day-to-day police operations --
including an overview of recent initiatives and the latest crime statistics -- he acknowledged that his
department has been subject to criticism because of several high-profile cases.
He also emphasized during his presentation that use of force is extremely rare. The annual report
that the department released this month notes that of the 2,183 arrests that Palo Alto officers made
in 2019, force was used in 18 incidents – a rate of .008%.
"I’m not naive to the fact that we’ve been subject to some very serious allegations over the past
year," Jonsen said. "I want to assure you that I take these allegations very seriously and misconduct
will not be tolerated."
Jonsen also said that most of the incidents that he had reviewed that included use of force involved
individuals who were either under the influence or resisting arrest. In 77% of these cases, he added,
officers relied on physical strength and did not use any weapons.
"I think our personnel do a phenomenal job in communicating with the vast majority of individuals
that they have to apprehend to get them to the back seat without having to use the force at all,"
Jonsen said.
Jonsen also highlighted the downward trend in most violent crimes, with the number of assaults
dipping to its lowest level since 2015 and the number of commercial and residential burglaries
dropping from 234 in 2018 to 179 in 2019.
While council members thanked Jonsen for his presentation, Winter Dellenbach, a Barron Park
resident who led the effort to preserve the Buena Vista Mobile Home Park, pushed back against
Jonsen’s assertions that use-of-force incidents are highly unusual. She alluded to a surveillance video
of Arevalo’s arrest in front of Happy Donuts, which involved him getting pressed against the railing
and then pinned to the ground. The arrest in the video, Dellenbach said, "was simply unreasonable."
"This minimizing of the seriousness of use-of-force is an undermining signal that signals no
improvement is needed," Dellenbach said after Jonsen made his presentation. "If PAPD was in
couples counseling, the therapist would bust it for deflecting and for not taking ownership and
responsibility. … We cannot get better unless we get out of denial and can deal with this in really
good faith. And I don’t think you’re there."
Jonsen also touted the department’s efforts to improve transparency and accountability, including its
recent purchase of about 60 body cameras for officers and police cruisers equipped with five
3
cameras. He also cited Palo Alto’s independent police auditor, the OIG Group, which is charged with
reviewing all Taser deployments, citizen complaints and administrative investigations by the
department itself. The department, he noted, is one of only two in Santa Clara County that uses an
auditor (San Jose is the only other city that does so).
Last December, however, the council changed the rules for independent auditor by
expressly precluding the auditor from looking into incidents involving internal conflicts
within the department. That decision followed reports of a 2014 incident in which a white
officer, Capt. Zach Perron, allegedly used a racial slur against another officer, who had
since left the department. The auditor, in fact, has not released a single report in 2019.
While neither Jonsen nor any of the council members have addressed the 2014 incident,
Aram James, a former public attorney and frequent police critic, suggested Monday that
the city implemented the change to the auditor’s contract expressly to keep that episode
out of the public eye.
"He’s talking about transparency tonight," Aram told the council. "This isn’t transparent.
This is five years of covering up the Perron scandal. Not one of you have the guts to say,
'Hey chief. When are we going to release that?'"
While council members refrained from asking Jonsen about the excessive-force allegations and the
prolonged absence of police audits, they did ask questions about other notable trends, including
increased traffic enforcement in key corridors and an influx of car burglaries, which Jonsen said is a
regional trend.
The department’s annual report showed the number of larceny cases, which includes car burglaries,
spiking from 1,197 in 2018 to 1,724 in 2019. That’s nearly twice the number that were reported in
2011.
Jonsen said most of these incidents are committed by organized groups from outside the area, with
some coming from as far as Los Angeles. Palo Alto, he noted, is not alone in facing this problem. He
cited recent episodes in Mountain View, where there were about 40 auto burglaries in a day, and
Menlo Park, where there were 12.
"They are very sophisticated, very quick and they hit different neighborhoods, different areas very
fast … And they can hit 30 to 40 cars in a matter of moments," he said.
Mayor Adrian Fine asked about the department’s recent ramping up of its traffic-enforcement efforts.
Jonsen had created a two-officer traffic team in 2018. Last year, he added another officer to the
team and solicited feedback from his advisory panel of neighborhood representatives about areas
where enforcement is most needed.
Jonsen said the team visited six target locations last year 198 times and issued 651 citations. The
city’s annual report also noted that the number of collisions had dropped from 993 in 2018 to 836
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last year. When Fine asked whether the city should expect the increased presence of police officers to
change drivers’ behavior, Jonsen suggested that it probably will have some effect on people passing
through Palo Alto.
"The feedback I’ve received is its very noticeable," Jonsen said. "When we went out to same locations
198 times, people tended to notice. You better stop at that stop sign or you’re going to get ticketed."
---
Follow the Palo Alto Weekly/Palo Alto Online on Twitter @PaloAltoWeekly and Facebook for breaking
news, local events, photos, videos and more.
1
Baumb, Nelly
From:Aram James <abjpd1@gmail.com>
Sent:Tuesday, February 25, 2020 12:06 PM
To:paloaltofreepress@gmail.com; Josh Becker; Ashkaan Daneshi; cromero@cityofepa.org;
epatoday@epatoday.org; lmoody@cityofepa.org; Jordan Eldridge
Cc:Ian Bain; Jordan Eldridge
Subject:Police chief says use of force is 'very rare.' Critics are not convinced.--See Aram James comments
below & Winter D’s comments
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
Police chief says use of force is 'very
rare.' Critics are not convinced.
Council mum on recent allegations of excessive force, racism against police
officers
by Gennady Sheyner / Palo Alto Weekly
To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet.
Facing numerous allegations of excessive force by local police officers, including two
that were captured on video, Palo Alto Police Chief Robert Jonsen assured the City
Council on Monday night that such incidents are extremely rare and that officers who
cross the line will be held accountable.
But while his words appeared to have mollified council members, who generally
refrained from asking questions about the two high-profile cases, several residents
criticized Jonsen and department for its failure to take responsibility for the recent
episodes. This includes the February 2018 arrest at Bueno Vista Mobile Home Park,
which involved a police sergeant slamming a resident named Gustavo Alvarez into a
windshield of a car, and the July 2019 arrest in front of Happy Donuts, in which an
officer pushed Julio Arevalo against a spiked railing and then brought him to the
ground, shattering his orbital bone in the process and causing a concussion.
In both cases, the men who were arrested accused the department of excessive force.
The council approved in November a $572,500 settlement with Alvarez, which also
required a letter of apology from the sergeant, who had since retired (in addition, all
sworn officers were required to take LBGTQ sensitivity training). Arevalo filed a claim
1
Baumb, Nelly
From:K Ip <katharine.ip@gmail.com>
Sent:Wednesday, February 19, 2020 1:52 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Bike routes in Palo Alto
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on
links.
________________________________
Hello,
I just wanted to let someone know how wonderful it is that Palo Alto is bike‐able.
When my seventy year old mother visits, she does not feel comfortable driving. Because of the great bike routes, she
loves riding my tricycle around. This greatly increases her mobility here. She uses my trike to pick up my kids from
school and daycare, and visits the California Ave farmers market. Around Palo Alto, she feels safer riding on a bike than
driving, and she likes the feel of the wind on her face when she rides.
Thank you
‐Katharine Ip
1
Baumb, Nelly
From:Peter Phillips <pkphillips@gmail.com>
Sent:Wednesday, February 19, 2020 8:52 PM
To:Council, City
Cc:Pflasterer, Jim; PTAC President
Subject:PTAC Letter in Support of the 2012 Bike/Ped Plan & NTSBB1
Attachments:Appvd Bike Ped PTAC Letter Feb 2020.pdf
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
Dear City Council,
Please read the attached letter from the Palo Alto Council of PTAs (PTAC) Traffic Safety Committee Co‐chairs
concerning the 2012 Bicycle & Pedestrian Plan and NTSBB1 Project.
We want to thank you for your continued support in providing safer routes for children of all ages using multi‐modal
transportation to commute to/from school. The continued collaborative efforts of the Safe Routes to School Partnership
between PAUSD, the City of Palo Alto and PTAs have delivered greater than expected mode shift, reducing congestion
on city streets and providing improved safety for our community’s children (see pg 2 table in attached letter).
We ask for your continued support for the 2012 Bike/Ped Plan so that Palo Alto remains a leader in providing safe routes
for bicyclists and pedestrians of all ages.
Sincerely,
Jim Pflasterer & Peter Phillips
Co‐Chairs, PTAC Traffic Safety Committee
1
Baumb, Nelly
From:A. Crichton <acrichto@pacbell.net>
Sent:Thursday, February 20, 2020 7:27 AM
To:Council, City
Subject:Strong Support of bicycle/pedestrian boulevard network
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attachments and clicking on links.
Dear City Council Members: I have read the report that has been released for Monday's upcoming City Council meeting and I
would like to express my strong support of the growth and vision of a bicycle/pedestrian boulevard
network in Palo Alto and linking to other local and regional bike networks. The staff report focuses on details related to specific Phase 1 traffic calming devices but there is not enough focus on the vision of an overall transportation plan that focuses on making Palo Alto street
safe for all modes. So much work has been done over the past 20+ years that have transformed our
community from a car-bound, neighborhood cut-through speed ways. Our children and families can commute safely via bike or foot to school and work. We have access to our streets to walk more safely. The traffic calming in my neighborhood on Indian and Moreno transformed our streets from an out-of-control cut through where it wasn't even safe to cross the street to a safer, quieter
neighborhood. Cars can still drive through but at much reduced speeds. In addition, the
improvements along Oregon Expressway took many neighborhoods to design a safer way to allow the growth of car traffic to not be a divide the City and allow for safe passage for pedestrians and bikes. This is another example of a very successful project that helped all modes. This project significantly improved the safety in my neighborhood with the changes made at Greer, Indian, and
Bay intersections. The bike network and strategic vision has helped my family commute to schools
and work in a safer manner while allowing cars to use these streets but in a slower and more controlled manner. The City Council needs to step back and take stock over the success that a vision for a systemic,
comprehensive, planned approach to multi-modal, environmentally transportation has served our
community. The bicycle/pedestrian boulevard network plays a very important part in that system. I am disappointed to think that the issues for Ross Road traffic calming might distort the importance of continuing to develop a broad plan. Without a plan and ability for our citizens to control the speed and safety of their neighborhood streets with traffic calming and long-term planning for a bike network
that our streets will succumb to the complaints about the Ross Bike Boulevard.
Despite implementation problems, the project report states that in the short time post-construction, bicycle volumes on Ross have increased 50%. Further, bike counts at affected secondary school sites also have increased significantly (The percentage of enrolled students who
bike to school increased between last year and this year-- Gunn 46% to 50% and JLS 51% to
70%. The confluence of these factors, for me, suggests that we are onto something powerful with bike boulevards.
2
I strongly support the vision of a safe citywide network of bicycle boulevards--quieter streets where people who walk and bike can get out of the fray and din of auto traffic for a calmer, safer, more welcoming experience and more sustainable commutes.
Sincerely, Ann Crichton
Palo Alto, CA 94303
650.291.5442
Redacted
1
Baumb, Nelly
From:PTAC President <president@paloaltopta.org>
Sent:Thursday, February 20, 2020 8:00 AM
To:Council, City
Cc:Phillips, Peter; Pflasterer, Jim
Subject:Re: PTAC Letter in Support of the 2012 Bike/Ped Plan & NTSBB1
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
Dear City Council,
The Palo Alto PTA Council fully supports the 2012 Bike/Ped Plan referenced in this letter.
Thank you.
Jade Chao
President, Palo Alto PTA Council
On Wed, Feb 19, 2020 at 8:52 PM Peter Phillips <pkphillips@gmail.com> wrote:
Dear City Council,
Please read the attached letter from the Palo Alto Council of PTAs (PTAC) Traffic Safety Committee Co‐chairs
concerning the 2012 Bicycle & Pedestrian Plan and NTSBB1 Project.
We want to thank you for your continued support in providing safer routes for children of all ages using multi‐modal
transportation to commute to/from school. The continued collaborative efforts of the Safe Routes to School
Partnership between PAUSD, the City of Palo Alto and PTAs have delivered greater than expected mode shift, reducing
congestion on city streets and providing improved safety for our community’s children (see pg 2 table in attached
letter).
We ask for your continued support for the 2012 Bike/Ped Plan so that Palo Alto remains a leader in providing safe
routes for bicyclists and pedestrians of all ages.
Sincerely,
Jim Pflasterer & Peter Phillips
Co‐Chairs, PTAC Traffic Safety Committee
1
Baumb, Nelly
From:PJ Balin-Watkins <pjbalin@gmail.com>
Sent:Thursday, February 20, 2020 9:35 AM
To:Council, City
Subject:Support for bike lanes on Ross and Meadow
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
Hello,
I would like to write to support the vision for bike / pedestrian routes around Palo Alto, specifically. I think
the bike circle on Ross Road and the bike lane improvements on arastradero are great, and building more
protected bike lanes and traffic calming should continue.
It's important to keep kids safe on our streets.
Also. having a walkable / bikeable town is what makes Palo Alto great!
Thanks
PJ Balin-Watkins
Palo Alto, CA 94303
Redacted
1
Baumb, Nelly
From:Maria Abilock <gotdna@gmail.com>
Sent:Thursday, February 20, 2020 10:27 AM
To:Council, City
Subject:Support Bike Plan Network completion
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
Dear City Council,
I've just read the Staff Report (ID#11078) and I'm urging you to see beyond upset residents who didn't engage with the
community process along the way and to maintain a vision that promotes actual traffic reduction in our city by
completing the Bike Network. Residents, like myself, need to get across the city on select roads prioritized for bicycles
rather.
I am a bicycle commuter as are my teen boys. I use the Ross Rd Bike Blvd daily and stopped commuting along
Middlefield Rd as soon as the construction was complete. My ride is quicker and safer as a result of the Bike
Blvd. Because our health and commute distance allows us to bicycle, we have gone down to just one (electric) car for
our family of 3 drivers. Even so, the car sits in the driveway most of the week.
Other areas such as the Maybell corridor urgently need upgrades to handle the large numbers of students commuting
daily to Gunn, Terman, and Juana Briones.
This Spring, I am launching a Family Cycling program with WheelKids to teach families how to navigate Palo Alto's bike
infrastructure. As more infrastructure appears in Palo Alto, we will teach families how to use it through Family Cycling
classes and guided rides. Our program launch includes screening the Motherload family cargo biking documentary at
Greendell school on March 1. Tickets are already sold out. More people are choosing to get out of their cars and adopt
a biking lifestyle for their own health as well as our planet's help.
Thank you for keeping riders, like me, on your mind as you influence the bike plan of the future.
Maria Abilock
Palo Verde Neighborhood
WheelKids instructor
Parent Education Teacher, PreSchool Family, Palo Alto Adult School
1
Baumb, Nelly
From:William Robinson <williamrobinson@goldenworld.com>
Sent:Thursday, February 20, 2020 1:13 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Approve NTSBB Phase 1 report, apply lessons to Phase 2
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attachments and clicking on links.
As a Palo Alto School Crossing Guard I witness mostly overwhelming GOOD compliance and considerate behavior by all users of our streets. Yes, there are hasty drivers, foolish cyclists and careless pedestrians. They are in the minority.
I think Phase 1 taught us a lot and will continue to encourage safe use. The recommendations in Staff report Evaluation of the Neighborhood Traffic Safety and Bicycle Boulevard Phase 1 Project are modest. And I approve.
In my opinion, the constructed features of Phase 1 are extremely beneficial. Examples: Pedestrians
benefit from fewer tripping hazards. Motorized and Cyclist learn to share the pavement at reduced, less lethal speed differences. As a 50 year resident on Wilkie Way, I agree with the recommendations in the report.
I strongly endorse the City to implement Phase 2 of NTSBB.
‘Rob’ William Robinson 650-464-8933
1
Baumb, Nelly
From:pellson@pacbell.net
Sent:Thursday, February 20, 2020 11:45 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Neighborhood Traffic Safety & Bicycle Boulevard Phase 1 Report (Action Item 12)
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attachments and clicking on links.
Honorable Council Members,
Here are my key thoughts on the Neighborhood Traffic Safety & Bicycle Boulevard Phase 1 (NTSBB1) report:
1). I’d have preferred a simpler design like we have on Bryant Bicycle Boulevard (accomplished with street closure—
which current city policy prohibits) or bike lanes (which neighborhood residents rejected in community meetings
because it would have required removal of on‐street parking). The report asks Council to update guidelines, criteria,
standards, warrants for speed humps (report recommendation #6).
However, Council should go further. Street closure was an important and useful tool removed from the engineering
tool box by policy change, a political reaction to controversy. Trade‐offs are often controversial, but they are
sometimes necessary. We cannot do what we need to do to create safer streets for peds and bikes without some
trade‐offs. When used judiciously, street closure is a relatively inexpensive and effective way to create bike
boulevards that we have used successfully in the past. A policy that completely prohibits street closure for any
reason should be reconsidered. Please direct staff to take a fresh look at this flawed policy.
2). The report doesn't make any strong recommendation about the importance of the VISION in the
Bicycle/Pedestrian Transportation Plan and Comp Plan for a network of quieter streets that prioritizes pedestrians
and bikes. These are school routes, but they also connect people to shops, community centers, parks, jobs. The big idea
was to create a street environment that would invite less confident bicyclists to get out there and try it more, build
confidence, and become more frequent foot‐powered commuters. The report fails to speak to our commitment to this
vision that is outlined in the Bicycle Pedestrian Transportation Plan and supported by the Comprehensive Plan. Though
the implementation needs work, the vision must not be abandoned.
The staff report focuses on details related to specific Phase 1 traffic calming devices. That is important and demands
specific response. However, I ask Council to step back and remember the big picture‐‐a systemic, comprehensive,
planned approach to multi‐modal, environmentally sustainable transportation. The bicycle/pedestrian boulevard
network plays a very important part in that system.
3). I disagree with the recommendation to designate Ross/E. Meadow as two‐way stop with a stop on E. Meadow
(Recco. #3). Larger YIELD signs that are lit for night visibility would be better, coupled with better advisory signage to
alert road users that they are approaching a traffic circle. In a conversation about this yesterday, a friend
said, “Approaching from the south on Meadow I think the signage is woefully inadequate. There is a small regulatory
sign indicating a roundabout, the yield signs are small, and I found myself at the circle before I even realized it was there.
And that was on my bike! Before we put stop signs on Meadow, I think there should be more anticipatory signage,
perhaps some bots dots in the roadway, maybe a 10‐15 mph yellow advisory sign (or SLOW sign), and larger yield signs.”
I agree with him. I also think that this change should be coupled with enforcement (ticketing) and education. If we
want road users to learn how to use roundabouts and traffic circles (and I think we do because they are being
constructed all over the state and the country), we need to be consistent about their implementation.
2
4). I would like to state, for the record, I am disappointed that this report never came to the city’s Pedestrian and
Bicycle Advisory Committee, nor PTC, nor City School Traffic Safety Committee. Omission of review by these citizen
advisory committees is inconsistent with the report’s promise for improved community engagement.
Despite implementation problems, the NTSBB1 report states that in the short time post‐construction, bicycle volumes
on Ross have increased 50%. Further, we know that bike counts at affected secondary school sites also have increased
significantly (The percentage of enrolled students who bike to these schools increased significantly between last year
and this year‐‐ Gunn 46% to 50% and JLS 51% to 70%. The confluence of these factors, for me, suggests that we are
onto something powerful with bike boulevards.
Please wrap up Phase 1 and support complete rollout of a citywide network of bicycle boulevards‐‐quieter streets where
people who walk and bike can get out of the fray and din of auto traffic for a calmer, safer, more welcoming experience
and more sustainable commutes.
Thank you for your service to our community.
Best,
Penny Ellson
856‐0736
1
Baumb, Nelly
From:Paul B Goldstein <marmot@stanford.edu>
Sent:Friday, February 21, 2020 11:00 AM
To:Council, City
Cc:PABAC
Subject:Evaluation of the Neighborhood Traffic Safety and Bicycle Boulevard Phase 1 Project Agenda 2/24/20
Attachments:to City Council on BB, etc.pdf
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on
links.
________________________________
Honorable Members of the City Council,
Please see my comments below:
Honorable Members of the City Council,
Re: Agenda Item #12 Evaluation of the Neighborhood Traffic Safety and Bicycle
Boulevard Phase 1 Project
I have two requests:
1. I urge you to reaffirm your commitment to bicycling in Palo Alto, and specifically
to the objective in the 2012 Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation Plan to
“Develop a core network of shared paths, bikeways, and traffic-calmed streets
that connects business and residential districts, schools, parks, and open spaces
to promote healthy, active living.”
2. Regarding the specific remedies in the Staff Report, because these have not
been seen by PABAC, the PTC, or the City/School Traffic Safety Committee, I
urge you to send them back for review. I have my own comments below, but I
think these recommendations would be improved by discussion at the relevant
public committees.
Bicycle Infrastructure:
We need to be realistic that any project to significantly improve bicycle safety and
desirability will almost certainly slow down and inconvenience automobile traffic. A bike
boulevard PRIORITIZES bike traffic over auto traffic. This is a TRADE-OFF. Trade-offs are
difficult and force difficult decisions on City Council and City staff. You are not going to
please everyone, and I suspect that part of the upset about Ross Road is that drivers
want to go just as fast as they went before the project, and they are frustrated.
The best way to make a local street safe for bicycles is to reduce the speed of
automobile traffic, and to increase the number of bikes in proportion to cars thereby
making drivers more aware of cyclists. In addition, reducing the number of stop signs
will make the street more attractive and comfortable for bicyclists.
Unfortunately, we live in an environment where people are in a hurry to get where they
want to go. On top of that we now have technologies like WAZE that will direct drivers
to take the fastest route, regardless of whether that route is an arterial, a local street,
or a bike route. Thus, if we want to slow down traffic AND encourage bicycling and
make it safer, we need to install infrastructure: barriers, narrowing, speed humps,
traffic circles, road closures, etc.
Comments about the remedies in the Report
• Regarding updating the guidelines for the installation of various roadway design
features, I urge you to specifically include street closures. It is my belief that the
Ross Road design could have been significantly simpler and cheaper had street
closures been considered. (Of course, I recognize that street closures have their
own set of issues.)
• I do not believe that a two-way stop at Meadow and Ross should be installed. A
two-way stop at this intersection will be very confusing regarding who has right-
of-way.
o Before stop signs are approved the signage should be improved, and
perhaps some speed control devices should be installed.
o The current signage is woefully inadequate. There is a small regulatory
sign indicating a roundabout, the yield signs are small, and I found myself
at the circle before I even realized it was there. And that was on my bike!
o There should be more anticipatory signage, perhaps some bots dots in
the roadway, maybe a 10-15 mph yellow advisory sign (or SLOW sign),
and larger yield signs. I regret that PABAC, the PTC, or the City/School
Traffic Safety Committee did not have an opportunity to discuss this. I
am sure that these committees would have had suggestions for how to
improve safety at this intersection.
As a longtime resident of Palo Alto, a member of PABAC for over 15 years, and the
former Palo Alto representative on the VTA/County Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory
Committee, I care deeply about bicycling and pedestrian issues in our city. I urge you to
reaffirm the vision in our Comprehensive Plan and our Bike/Ped Plan and to send the
specific remedies in the report back to the relevant committees.
Sincerely,
Paul Goldstein
Emerson Street
1
Baumb, Nelly
From:Joanna Teubert <jmsteubert@gmail.com>
Sent:Friday, February 21, 2020 7:45 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:February 24 City Council Meeting Comments
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
Council members,
Thank you for your work to help make Palo Alto a great city to live and work.
As an employee of a Palo Alto company, I would like to voice my support for improved bicycle
infrastructure. Although many people are resistant to change, I don't think that should stop us from making this
community a better and safer place to travel by bicycle (or foot). I occasionally use my bicycle for commuting and I wish
the infrastructure was available for me to do so more often.
Based on the Evaluation of the Neighborhood Traffic Safety and Bicycle Boulevard Phase 1 Project from the City
Manager, improvements have been observed after make bicycle friendly changes (even if some residents have
complained of the changes). On page 8 of the report, there is shown a large increase in week‐day traffic from 150
bicycles per day to 230 bicycles per day on Ross Road. I firmly believe that as more bicycles use friendly infrastructure,
this will encourage others to try the same. Some people have objected to traffic calming devices, but according to
Appendix A, there was a increase in comfortableness with roundabouts after they had been used for while. I also
applaud all the efforts put into educating students and their parents mentioned on pages 3 and 4 of the report.
In closing, please continue to support bicycle friendly infrastructure. It's good for the environment, people's health,
and our city. Thank you very much.
Joanna
=================
Joanna Teubert
jmsteubert@gmail.com
1
Baumb, Nelly
From:Jessica Mahler <jbledin@gmail.com>
Sent:Saturday, February 22, 2020 10:33 AM
To:Council, City
Subject:Supporting traffic calming/bike lane efforts
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________________________________
Hello!
As a Fairmeadow resident and Fairmeadow Elementary parent, I am writing to express my support for the efforts to
implement bike lanes and traffic calming efforts. The changes on Charleston have been positive to my travel routes
around Palo Alto. I look forward to seeing more!
Thanks!
‐‐Jessica
Sent from my iPhone
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Baumb, Nelly
From:Jeff Weitzman <jeff@weitzman.net>
Sent:Saturday, February 22, 2020 11:54 AM
To:Council, City
Subject:Ross Road Bike Boulevard
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Some input for your meeting on the BIke Plan on Monday. I live on Ross Road, near Oregon Expwy, and drive and bike
on Ross every day. The traffic‐calming changes on Ross have, overall, been a highly positive change. Specifically, I have
noticed a significant reduction in speeds in front of my house with traffic coming off Oregon, and all along Ross Road. I
have also noticed a significant increase in the number of bikes, especially kids and older people, on the road. Finally, the
intersection at Ross and Moreno is much safer now. Cars routinely ignored the stop signs on Moreno crossing Ross,
endangering everyone. Now, the traffic circle provides a safer intersection.
The road isn’t perfect. As the staff report noted, cars and bikes are still learning how to use a traffic circle, and many cars
are trying all sorts of methods for avoiding the speed bumps. Parked cars sometimes push the proximity to bump‐outs
to the limit, making some intersections a little harder to deal with. But these are minor problems that should be
addressed with tweaks to designs going forward and better education, along with just waiting for time and familiarity to
do its work. The East Meadow traffic circle does push the envelop a bit with a tight turning radius — the idea of a traffic
circle is to let cars smoothly merge into the circle when there’s space. At E. Meadow, the circle is small enough that it is
harder to judge how much time you have to enter the circle without interference. Again, time will help people develop
that judgment. The staff recommendation of adding two stop signs, while it does somewhat diminish the benefit of a
traffic circle, may be a good solution. I strongly recommend trying that as a temporary measure and gathering some
data before making a final decision on configuration.
Finally, it’s important to review the changes to Ross in the context of the whole bike plan. The City should reiterate its
commitment to making Palo Alto a safer place to bike, and increasing the number of bike trips. We’re fortunate to be
going through a period of significant innovation in the bike industry — eBikes, cargo bikes, commuter bikes, all are
making it easier and easier to use a bike for around‐town trips and shopping, if the roads are safe and people feel
comfortable trying these new bikes to get them around town.
Thank you for your consideration,
Jeff
Jeff Weitzman
jeff@weitzman.net
650‐219‐3087 (mobile)
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Baumb, Nelly
From:Jim Pf. <jimpf@sbcglobal.net>
Sent:Saturday, February 22, 2020 4:48 PM
To:Council, City
Cc:Phillips, Peter; Kimberly Eng Lee
Subject:Gunn HS PTSA letter in support of the 2012 Bike Ped Plan
Attachments:Gunn_PTAC_Letter_022120.pdf
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Honorable City Council Members,
Please read the attached letter from the Gunn High School PTSA supporting the 2012 Bike/Ped Plan and
recommendation to go forward with the bike boulevard implementations to benefit the High School student commuters
and neighborhood residents.
Thank you for your consideration,
Jim Pflasterer
Gunn HS PTSA Safe Routes to School Representative
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Baumb, Nelly
From:Elke MacGregor <bemacgregor@earthlink.net>
Sent:Sunday, February 23, 2020 1:19 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Bike boulevards
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links.
________________________________
Esteemed council members
Our family really appreciates the effort and thought that you and the community have put into Palo Alto’s bike
transportation infrastructure. Our children have utilized the safe bike routes to the 3 schools in our neighborhood as
well as the bike boulevards to downtown and park areas. In addition, all four of us travel along Charleston Arastradero
multiple times per week for bike rides in the foothills. These routes as well as the prioritization of environmentally
friendly bike/walk transportation have changed our lives immeasurably for the better.
We are proud to be a part of a community that teaches our children and encourages our adults to enjoy their
surroundings from the vantage of foot power. Please continue to support this vision.
Elke & Bruce MacGregor
,
Palo Alto
Redacted
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Baumb, Nelly
From:Pat Kinney <pkinney@ix.netcom.com>
Sent:Sunday, February 23, 2020 8:01 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:I support a safe citywide network of bicycle boulevards
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Dear Council Members,
I support the vision of a safe citywide network of bicycle boulevards--quieter streets where people who walk and bike can get out of the fray and din of auto traffic for a calmer, safer, more welcoming experience and more sustainable
commutes.
Despite implementation problems, the project report states that in the short time post-construction, bicycle volumes on Ross have increased 50%. Further, bike counts at affected secondary school sites also have increased significantly. The percentage of enrolled students who bike to these schools increased significantly between last year and this year-- Gunn 46% to 50% and JLS 51% to 70%.
I support moving ahead with the next phase of bicycle boulevards -- utilizing the lessons we have learned from the first phase, of course.
Patricia Kinney
WIldwood Lane
Palo Alto
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Baumb, Nelly
From:David Coale <david@evcl.com>
Sent:Sunday, February 23, 2020 9:08 PM
To:Council, City
Cc:Star-Lack, Sylvia; Kamhi, Philip; Shikada, Ed
Subject:Bicycle and Pedestrian plan
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attachments and clicking on links.
Dear Mayor and City Council.
I support the Staff recommendations on this item. To summarize:
Build Bike infrastructure; not too fancy, let the community know what you are doing and don’t
wait too long.
Build Bike infrastructure: I think with the new leadership in the transportation department
and with lessons learned, staff is on the right track for completing this project. I am
disappointed that the traffic circle did not work out as planned, they work very well on the
Stanford campus.
Not too Fancy: Some times less is more. The Bryant bike boulevard is a good example; not
very much infrastructure and very affective. The use of temporary installations to test out a
concept is a good idea. It is cheaper to start with less and add more, then the other way
around.
Let the community know what you are doing: I think this did actually happen. I remember
commenting on the plan and I live in Barron Park so the word did get out. It is also up to the
community to be engaged as well before hand. It sounds like Staff is on the right track here
and their Word on the Street program is great.
Don’t wait too long: We are part way through Phase 1 of the Bicycle and Pedestrian
Transportation Plan that was adopted in 2012. The build out of the plan was to take five years
and we are only partway started. This delay is not only costly but robs the community of much
needed improvements. Both this year and last, transportation and climate change are top
priorities and the bike‐ped plan speaks to both priorities. Let’s get going!
Sincerely,
David Coale
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Baumb, Nelly
From:Bill Zaumen <bill.zaumen@gmail.com>
Sent:Sunday, February 23, 2020 10:18 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Bicycle Boulevards
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________________________________
Honorable Members of the City Council,
I'd like to make a few of comments regarding the evaluation of the Neighborhood Traffic Safety and Bicycle Boulevard
Phase 1 Project.
First, my personal experience with the roundabout at Ross Rd and East Meadow has been positive: whether bicycling or
driving, the facility is easy for me to use and nearly everyone I've seen goes through safely. While a city report (NTSBB1)
indicates that there have been 3 bicycle/motor‐vehicle accidents at this location, the statistical error in that value ‐ the
standard deviation ‐ is slightly over 2. That error is high enough that one cannot obtain an accurate estimate for the
actual accident rate.
While minor changes such as making the signs larger might be useful, I'd advise against adding stop signs ‐ the data
doesn't really justify that.
By contrast, restoring the stop‐sign configuration at the intersections of Louis Road, Moreno Avenue, and Amarillo
Avenue to what existed previously is a good idea. I live nearby and my experience with the new stop sign configuration is
that a significant number of motorists do not seem to notice, or at least to not understand, the signs indicating that
approaching traffic does not stop. The risk of an accident, of course, is when the approaching traffic turns at the
intersection.
My guess is that the reason these signs (yellow placards below the stop signs) are ignored is that such signs are found at
many intersections in Palo Alto, often just to remind people that, when stopped at a stop sign aside from all‐way stop
intersections, cross traffic does not stop. That is simply repeating what drivers should know to get a license, so it is no
surprise that drivers start tuning such signs out. These advisory signs were, of course, put in because there a noticeable
fraction of drivers in Palo Alto act like stop signs are advisory, but those drivers will ignore any signage as long as a police
officer is not in sight.
There is a serious problem with aggressive drivers in the area, and it seems to be getting worse, but it is not a traffic‐
engineering problem.
Today, for example, I saw a driver pause on Embarcadero Road just to the left of a driver legally stopped at a red light.
The aggressive driver then made a right turn, cutting off the driver who was legally stopped. Just as he started the turn,
the light turned green.
Fortunately, there wasn't an accident ‐ the driver in the right‐most lane saw the other driver in time.
Regards,
Bill Zaumen
Clara Drive
Palo Alto
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Baumb, Nelly
From:Robert Neff <rmrneff@sonic.net>
Sent:Monday, February 24, 2020 12:18 AM
To:Council, City
Cc:PABAC
Subject:Re: Evaluation of the Neighborhood Traffic Safety and Bicycle Boulevard Phase 1 Project Agenda
2/24/20
Attachments:CouncelLetterNTSBBReport20200224.pdf
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________________________________
Dear Members of City Council,
Please see my attached comments.
‐‐ Robert Neff
robert@neffs.net
February 23, 2020
Comment on Evaluation of the Neighborhood Traffic Safety and Bicycle Boulevard Phase 1
Project (NTSBBP1) Report to council, 2/24/2020
Dear Palo Alto City Council,
With the issuance of this report, and your findings, I hope that Palo Alto can begin moving again
on implementing our network of bikeways, serving the city. I think you should:
1.Accept the findings of this report as it pertains to the process of developing and
implementing transportation programs.
2.Do not approve the untested modifications to the East Meadow / Ross intersection
without further review by at least the Planning and Transportation Commission, the
Pedestrian and Bicycle Advisory Committee, and the School City Traffic Safety
Committees. In addition, the proposal to combine stop signs with a neighborhood traffic
circle may be in conflict with statewide design standards, such as the CA-MUTCD, and
additional review with CalTrans may be desired.
I have a few additional comments:
I really do not like the slots in the speed humps on Ross. It leads everyone - cars, bikes, trucks,
to swerve to ride through the flat part of the speed hump. If public safety response time
requirements can be met without the gaps in the speed humps the street would be safer.
I think the key problem at the Ross/E. Meadow neighborhood traffic circle is a few vehicles
driving through with such excess speed that they cannot properly yield, and be prepared to stop
at the intersection. When I checked on a recent Sunday, about 1 car in 20 drove through at
perhaps 25+ mph. Before giving up on the circle, adding “Yield Ahead”, and “Slow - 15 MPH”,
signs for education, and selective speed enforcement should be tried.
For me, the most discouraging aspect of the Ross Road changes were that many bicyclists did
not like the changes, and I have reflected some on how we got there. The focus of the changes
were to change the street design to slow down cars, and the most important aspect of that was
to narrow the street, so that cars would not be able to easily pass bicyclists, and speeds would
fall closer to typical bicycle speeds. Bicyclists would be forced to mix with cars. While a few
resident cyclists commented negatively on this at community meetings, this was the program
proposed by consultants, and, with some discussion, approved by city staff, PABAC, and city
council.
At the same time, surveys of prospective bicyclists suggested that the best way to attract new
cyclists is completely separated facilities, with no interaction with motorized traffic, (though these
would have been impractical on Ross without loss of parking spaces). After the changes were
made, I have found that bicyclists who are used to taking a traffic lane have few issues with
Ross, but those who don’t want to be in the traffic mix miss the ability to ride to the side, in the
parking lane, with generous space for bikes on the side. Data has shown that bicyclists riding in
the middle of the lane are safer than those on the edge, but surveys also indicate that most
cyclists can sense when the traffic behind them must want to overtake them, and are
uncomfortable when they are the blocker. This rider discomfort was overlooked in the
development process.
I doubt we can get high participation at community meetings. It seems like no amount of
community meetings can get the community’s attention before actual construction begins.
“Nobody told me about that” is on Nextdoor right after the first excavator arrives. With that in
mind, I think the city should focus on a cheap, quick-build approach for new projects, like the
simple paint and plastic posts at Middlefield and N. California near Greene Middle School. The
temporary implementations for the NTSBB program also let the contractor mock up the changes
to the street, before the expense of building. If a project works well, then keep it, and upgrade
later, but if it does not work in practice, it may be easily removed. The San Jose Better
Bikeways project has been using this process with some success, and allowing easier design
tweaks after the implementation is on the street.
I look forward to progress on our existing transportation plans, especially
Charleston/Arastradero phase 3, and an update to the 2012 Bike/Ped Transportation Plan.
Thank you for your service to the city of Palo Alto.
Robert Neff
Emerson/Loma Verde
PABAC member, and current Palo Alto VTA BPAC representative.
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Baumb, Nelly
From:William Courington <billcour@sonic.net>
Sent:Monday, February 24, 2020 9:07 AM
To:Council, City
Subject:Lessons learned from Ross/Moreno/Amarillo
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________________________________
I am strongly in favor of a network of connected low‐stress bicycle boulevards in Palo Alto as the best incentive to
reduce automobile congestion and emissions. However, the City has recently spent $6.4M on projects that have had few
positive effects (about 80 more cyclists per weekday, a higher proportion of bikes to cars), and some negative, including
collisions and community acrimony. Before proceeding we should be sure we have learned from this unfortunate
experience. I urge the Transportation Department, working with PABAC, to create design guidelines for future bicycle
boulevards. These guidelines should give serious consideration to cost as well as effectiveness.
As for the most controversial element, the Ross/Meadow roundabout, I urge more effort to make it work, especially
with explanatory signs. Adding stop signs is likely illegal, and in any case would make Ross/Meadow inconsistent with all
other roundabouts, notably Stanford’s. We do not want proper driver behavior to differ at different roundabouts.
Finally, I think that any street fixture that gives diffident cyclists the choice of riding in front of cars (stressful) or on the
sidewalk (dangerous) is a poor one.
William Courington
Byron St.
PABAC member speaking for himself only
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Baumb, Nelly
From:Evan Lurie <evlurie@stanfordalumni.org>
Sent:Monday, February 24, 2020 10:49 AM
To:Council, City
Subject:Neighborhood Traffic Safety and Bike Boulevards
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Dear Council,
My name is Evan Lurie. My home is 1 block north of Moreno Ave and I regularly travel on Moreno and Ross Avenues by
bicycle or car. My high school age son also routinely uses the Ross Avenue bicycle boulevard. When I commuted for
three years to San Francisco for work, I bicycled daily to CalTrain. I know the environmental and physical benefits of
biking, what it's like to share a lane, avoid parked cars, and navigate confused motorists.
I attended the community meeting at Mitchell Park library in June 2018 after the initial implementation of Ross Road
and Moreno/Amarillo Bicycle Boulevard projects. In other words, I continue to follow this issue, discuss it with neighbors
and friends, and mobilize others to share their thoughts.
Before contemplating the many specifics of the report, I encourage you to recall the larger context which drove the
adoption of multi‐modal transportation goals for our city's comprehensive plan. Palo Alto's goal of reducing green house
emissions by 80% by 2030 is exemplary, but only achievable if our city provides a network of bike and pedestrian paths
connecting residents to shops, schools, parks, libraries, and other vital services. Achieving that vision requires not only
viable shops accessible by foot or bike, but also tightly knit residents and courageous policy decisions. This is not a
scenario where we can choose any two of the three‐‐we need reinforcing economic, social, and political resources to
achieve environmentally sustainable results.This council stirs and reinforces those political resources.
Automobiles are convenient in a 21st century America where suburbs still bloom.Those of us over 35 may find this hard
to fathom, but younger generations viscerally grasp these trade‐offs. Majorities of high school students in Palo Alto earn
their driver's license and rarely ever drive. If we ask them to do what we say (drive less and bike more) and not what we
do (drive more and bike never), we irreparably cheapen our bequest to them. Without these spokes and hubs of shops,
schools, parks, and libraries nearby destinations are not economically viable. Without the political will to lead us through
change that often discomfits we will fail to implement sustainable policies. Environmental policies achieve sustainability
only when political and economic motivations reinforce those policies. This council stirs and reinforces that political will.
Only from this larger context can we appreciate the significance of our bicycle boulevards.
Shifting now to the particulars of staff's report, I stress many of the report's central conclusions. While lane sharing does
indeed require greater awareness from both cyclist and driver, the report notes, "There were no sideswipe or rear‐end
collisions, the types of collisions that would be expected if the sharing of a travel lane was a problem." (p11) Every
finding in this report suggests lane sharing works.
Based on observations of nearly 14,000 users, those most challenged by our four new traffic circles are pedestrians. Of
the 7,000 vehicles observed at speed humps/neckdowns, roughly 12% of motorists crossed the double yellow line.
These observations do not support removal of these traffic features; rather they warrant additional outreach to
pedestrians and motorists as the report describes. Resident surveys confirm that comfort with the traffic circles has
increased significantly since their implementation, strongly suggesting that both longevity and outreach will continue to
increase comfort..
2
Moving forward, let us agree that the proper term for these intersections is traffic circles. Every other term muddies
waters.
Regarding the Louis Road intersections, as a resident of Marion Avenue I often travel east on Moreno toward Louis.
While the right‐of‐way at these intersections were at first confusing, I have found that the current configuration works.
Aside from motorists who live near Amarillo or Moreno, Ohlone parents are among the most frequent users of these
intersections. Because many Ohlone kinder‐gardeners have older siblings attending Ohlone, the number of motorists
completely unfamiliar to these intersections will be substantially fewer than this trial period. I urge Council to consider
further monitoring of these intersections before authorizing a return to all way stops. If Council opts for a reversion,
please establish that Ohlone School administration agrees that the best remedy for the Amarillo/Louis and
Moreno/Louis intersections is a return to the past, which is staff's recommendation.
I encourage council to specify a date by which the City Administrator or his designee will submit a report auditing
remedies for the design errors regarding this project, while noting that roughly 93% of the net design error cost resulted
strictly from additional grinding and paving on Louis Road.
Finally, with regard to staff recommendation #5, I hope Council will direct staff to engage City/School Traffic Safety, and
the Pedestrian and Bicycle Advisory Committee with greater creativity. Both PAUSD high schools offer Advanced
Placement Statistics courses. These courses enroll very capable students who could easily be drawn into the survey
design and statistical analysis stages of gathering and analyzing the samples and confidence intervals of traffic surveys.
Modest consumer rebates (raffles/coupons/contests) for local business who discount goods for shoppers who cycled to
their stores promotes cycling, local shopping, and increases publicity.
Thank you for your consideration.
Evan Lurie
Palo Alto, CA
Redacted
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Baumb, Nelly
From:Ken Kershner <ken@triomotors.co>
Sent:Monday, February 24, 2020 11:26 AM
To:Council, City
Subject:Comments on NTSBB1 report & PA Bikeway Policies
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Honorable Council Members,
I'd like to share my comments on the Neighborhood Traffic Safety & Bicycle Boulevard Phase 1 (NTSBB1)
report & PA Bikeway policies in general.
The council has recently committed to increasing the climate action plan. As a key part of that initiative, we need to dramatically speed up the implementation of bicycle infrastructure projects. At the same time, traffic
congestion is a barrier to increasing housing density. Council leadership is needed to direct staff to proceed at a pace and scale equal to the mode shift needed to mitigate congestion, parking demand, and carbon emissions to achieve the model role that Palo Alto should be demonstrating to the region and beyond. The
report needs to add a reaffirmation of the vision of a multimodal transportation network that prioritizes
sustainable modes. We need City Council to direct and hold staff accountable to move quickly to build
capacity for a rapid transformation.
Please consider adopting a formal Vision Zero & Complete Streets approach to *all* pavement
maintenance projects comparable to what cities like Cambridge, MA have done. Complete Streets are designed and operated to enable safe access for all users – regardless of age, ability, or mode of transportation. Complete Streets make it safe and easy for everyone to travel between work, school, shops,
and other destinations, whether they choose to walk, bicycle, drive, or take transit.
Other cities (San Jose Better Bikeways) have successfully employed tactical urbanism techniques such as
a) iterative temporary pop-up lanes followed by public comment. With feedback integrated into b) paint lane and plastic posts/bollard designs there's an illustrative engagement mechanism for gaining public acceptance for the tradeoffs inherent in providing bicycles their place within the public right of way. Early, adept use of
temporary devices should be used to reduce the length of concept and design phases.
One method for overcoming resident resistance to parking removal on one side of a street is to install
temporary protected lanes with high visible painted lanes and plastic bollard posts that designate the
future more permanent physical separation. These can be removed if the public is unable to acclimate to the parking removed.
2
Direct door-to-door advocacy campaigns can be used to educate the public about the process of deciding between concepts and design tradeoffs. Local advocates at the neighborhood level can be recruited to liaise
with the Office of Transportation.
Street closure or limited restrictions have been successful on Bryant and Park bike boulevards. These should
be expanded in compliance with CVC 21101 provisions for the health and safety of our citizens, which may be controversial but still the right thing to do. Some restrictions on cars are necessary to effectively segregate car traffic from bike traffic which is the key to making riders feel safe to travel by bike. That biker represents one
less car to congest our streets and add to the demand for parking. Neighbors concerned with parking overflow demanding RPP should become biking advocates. I encourage you to reconsider and reverse the city
ban on the street and partial street restrictions.
Thank you for your community service.
Best,
Ken
‐‐
Ken Kershner | Co-Founder & CEO Cell 650-248-9059 | Email ken@triomotors.co Trio Motors | Palo Alto
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Baumb, Nelly
From:Joslyn Leve <joslynml@hotmail.com>
Sent:Monday, February 24, 2020 12:29 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Neighborhood Traffic Safety & Bicycle Boulevard Phase 1 Project
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attachments and clicking on links.
Dear PA City Council members,
I am a driver who uses the roundabout at Ross/E. Meadow and Ross Road several times a day during school
commute times. The changes have been inconvenient, but I would not be writing if I hadn't also witnessed
multiple near‐collisions at the roundabout.
I'm also a parent, however, and I support a network of safe bicycle pathways throughout the city. I really
appreciate the work that has been done. There are so many students who use the Ross Bike Boulevard to get
to JLS; it's amazing.
Taking into account both my reservations about the changes and my support for its aims, I urge you to
approve the modifications to the Ross Road Bicycle Boulevard suggested in the Staff Report. Namely:
1. The designation of Ross Road and E. Meadow Drive as a two‐way stop with the stops on E. Meadow
Drive and the installation of supplemental warning and guide signs and pavement markings.
2. The changes to the roundabout, as suggested by the Staff Report, which will address the concerns of
GreenWaste and the Palo Alto Fire Department. This will include removing the river stones in the
roundabout, and installing red curb at the roundabout departure areas.
In addition, there needs to be continuing education to combat unsafe behavior of motorists, bicycle and
pedestrians.
I truly believe in the vision of a city that values biking, walking and public transportation. Let's fix the issues in
implementing Phase 1, and move on with Phase 2!
Sincerely,
Joslyn Leve
Palo Verde and JLS parent
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Baumb, Nelly
From:Jeanie Tooker <jeanie.tooker@yahoo.com>
Sent:Monday, February 24, 2020 2:54 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Traffic circle at Meadow and Ross
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links.
________________________________
Hello‐
I applaud the city’s intent to provide safer roads for bikes and to beautify our city’s roads. However, the implementation
at Ross and Meadow is particularly problematic.
3 main problems:
— cars drive too fast down Meadow, there is no signage or “calming” on either side of the circle — the width of the road
has been reduced and bikes and cars cannot share the space (due to center planting and other curb extensions) — the
circle requires drivers to use good judgement, rather than be required to stop and wait for a safe crossing. Too many
drivers just don‘t display good judgement
I live near the intersection and avoid it generally because I am concerned about drivers who do not follow the “rules”. I
have been cut off by cars speeding down Meadow, or jumping into the circle in front of me. Drivers often don’t signal,
then turn suddenly. Drivers are careless around kids. I frequently see drivers trying to share the limited road space with
bicycles. I’m sure you’re aware of accidents involving kids. So the intent to provide a safe intersection for the bike route
has failed.
Thank you so much for your review!
Jeanie T Stephens
Sent from my iPhone
1
Baumb, Nelly
From:Steve Raney <steve@paloaltotma.org>
Sent:Monday, February 24, 2020 1:56 PM
To:Council, City
Cc:Star-Lack, Sylvia; Mesterhazy, Rosie
Subject:Feb 24 item 12, increasing bike use
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attachments and clicking on links.
Feb 24, 2020
Dear City Council,
Palo Alto TMA supports:
The City’s 2012 Bicycle
+ Pedestrian Transportation Plan (BPTP) with the goal of increasing bicycle use for local and work commute trips by 100% by 2020.
Shifting drive alone commuting
to bike to help meet Sustainability & Climate Action Plan objectives.
Some supporting comments:
1. Why Isn’t Silicon Valley America’s Biking Capital?
According to Jeff Tumlin’s keynote presentation, https://youtu.be/V8rV0ZUNRvE, at Joint Venture Silicon Valley’s 2017 State of the Valley Conference hosted by Joint Venture Silicon Valley:
“American visitors to Amsterdam,
Copenhagen and other European cities are startled to learn the bicycle is the dominant mode of commuting, despite the cold weather and challenging terrain. Why not Silicon Valley? We have a
Mediterranean climate, a flat landscape, and a health-conscious population
that cares about the environment.”
JVSV and Silicon Valley
Bicycle Coalition produced the Silicon Valley Bike Vision
report, https://jointventure.org/publications/joint-venture-publications/1522-silicon-valley-bike-vision,
2
lays out a vision for Silicon Valley becoming a national leader for bicycle commuting, and provides a roadmap for getting there.
From Silicon Valley Bike Vision, page 21
The bike commute mode share
of Palo Alto residents is given as 8.6% in 2012 so the 2020 doubling objective is 17.2%.
According to the American
Community Survey 2009, the bike commute mode share of workers commuting to Palo Alto jobs was
2.3%
3
2. Bike route stress reduction (improve the bike network)
There is a need to reduce the perceived stress of bike riding. In 2015, Google, Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition, and Alta Planning teamed to create the Google North Santa Clara County Bike Vision Plan,
https://altaplanning.com/wp-content/uploads/Google-Bike-Vision-Plan_high_res.pdf. To increase the attractiveness of bike commuting (and bike first/last mile to/from transit) the project has pioneered a map-based analytics tool, the “Bike Network Stress Test,” to measure rider stress level by the route. A mile biked on
a high-stress street feels eight times longer than a mile biked on a protected bike lane:
Google North Santa Clara County Bike Vision Plan, pg 20
The project has identified low-cost techniques to mitigate high-stress points, with an overriding objective of making Silicon Valley as bike-friendly as Copenhagen.
Key points from the Google Bike Vision Plan:
The reasons people chose not to ride are varied, but
a key factor is the state of today’s roads and bike network.
4
60% of Silicon Valley’s population can be classified
as “Interested but Concerned” and will only bicycle on low-stress streets, having a low tolerance for
high-stress streets or intersections.
The Bike Network “4Cs:” Continuity, Connectivity, Convenience,
and Completeness: Bike networks must be continuous:
too many bike lanes in the United States disappear at intersections and other stressful spots. Bike
networks must
connect:
a single gap in an otherwise complete bike route can discourage potential bicyclists. Bike networks
must be
convenient:
people won’t ride bikes to key destinations if they must go far out of their way. It is also not enough to provide a network of bicycle facilities without also considering what happens when a bike ride ends. A successful network includes sidewalks, safe intersections,
and access to transit and bike parking. This design approach is sometimes called “Complete Streets”.
To attract “Interested but Concerned,” obstacles such as “high-stress streets” and “unfriendly intersections” must be overcome:
High-stress streets are those with multiple lanes and
speed limits of 35 mph or more. Many streets that have bike lanes are also high-stress; building
traditional bike lanes on such streets simply isn’t enough to get more people riding bikes. High-stress streets are often designed for driving speeds well above
the posted speed limit, discouraging all but the most confident of bicyclists. High-stress streets can
also act as barriers to bicycling, with easy crossings only possible at intersections with traffic lights.
In addition to geographical barriers and high-stress
streets, the design of intersections strongly influences who chooses to ride a bicycle. There are a number of ways intersections can be unfriendly to bicyclists:
Bike lanes end before reaching the intersection
Bike lanes merge across lanes of traffic
Freeway on-ramps or off-ramps
Uncontrolled crossings of multi-lane roads
High-speed right-turn lanes (aka slip lanes).
3. Bike technology improvements to increase biking
5
E-bikes increase achievable
commute distance: Some of Silicon Valley’s major employers have promoted e-bikes to shift mode away from SOV on 5- to 10-mile commutes, the distance with the highest SOV rate. E-bike sales are skyrocketing in Europe,
https://www.bike-eu.com/sales-trends/nieuws/2019/08/e-bike-sales-skyrockets-across-europe-10136495,
with one out of four bikes sold in German being electric. Continued price/performance increases in the
e-bike space should help achieve Palo Alto’s double-by-2020 goal.
A top market researcher and
market futures firm, Deloitte Insights, forecasts
that bike tech will explode in 2020. Dec 2019 article
Cycling’s technological transformation: Making bicycling faster, easier,
and safer: TMT Predictions 2020 - “Technological innovations are making bicycling more
attractive to millions of commuters. Bicycling’s upswing in popularity could mean cleaner air, less traffic, and healthier people for cities worldwide.”
4. Better bike infrastructure
Kudos for recent bike infrastructure
efforts including the Managers Mobility Partnership’s Peninsula Bikeway,
http://peninsulabikeway.com,
and the new 101 bike bridge by IKEA.
Initiating a Downtown Area
Plan with potential bike improvements may be congruent with the Sustainability & Climate Action
Plan.
Any new City efforts to
increase the amount of secure bike parking will also contribute to increased biking.
It is terrific to see cities
competing to top other cities in bike infrastructure. City of Oakland’s recent low-cost projects drew national press coverage. Their measures make biking safer and more attractive:
https://sf.streetsblog.org/2017/09/05/eyes-on-the-street-purple-fix-is-in-on-harrison-and-23rd/).
5. The region expects that biking will win the most mode share from SOV.
From the MTC Horizon Futures
Final Report presentation, slide 18: “When it comes to achieving mode shift to address traffic congestion across the future planning scenarios, strategies that prioritized active transportation saw the most pronounced shifts in the regional model.”
6
"Given the low cost relative
to other investments studied, the benefit-cost ratio is greater than one in all three Futures and the
equity scores suggested that lower-income individuals received a larger share of accessibility benefits than higher-income individuals, meaning this strategy
advances equity outcomes too."
6. Bike incentive pilot
PATMA will contribute to
this effort with a scalable, low-cost bike incentive program in 2020.
Kind regards, - Steve Raney Palo Alto TMA
Redacted
1
Baumb, Nelly
From:Heather Sahami <hsahami@gmail.com>
Sent:Monday, February 24, 2020 3:30 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Ohlone PTA Comments on 2012 Bicycle & Pedestrian Transportation Plan: Neighborhood Traffic
Safety and Bicycle Boulevard Projects
Attachments:TSR letter to PA city council (1).pdf
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
Please see the attached letter from the Ohlone PTA in regard to the council's planned discussion for this evening's City
Council meeting.
Thank you,
Heather Sahami, Ohlone PTA President
February 24, 2020
Dear City Council Members,
Ohlone Elementary School PTA writes to express our support for safe, active, and sustainable
commutes and to approve the proposed modifications outlined by city staff for the Ross Road
and E. Meadow intersection and stop controls on Louis Road at Moreno Ave., Fielding Dr. and
Amarillo Ave.
The stop controls on Louis Road will directly impact the daily commutes for Ohlone families and
increase safe bike commuting and driver awareness. As many of our Ohlone alums make the
bike commute to JLS for middle school, the proposed modifications to the Ross Road and E.
Meadow intersection will also have a positive impact on their daily commutes.
As a choice school, Ohlone draws students from all corners of the Palo Alto Unified School
District. We are a commuter school and not a neighborhood school. One of the goals of an
Ohlone education is an understanding of our place in the global community and thoughtful
stewardship of the environment. The Ohlone community places a high value on sustainable
and healthy commutes. We encourage biking, walking, and carpooling for our community
members. The safer and easier those sustainable commutes can be made, the more our
community members will be willing to make the switch from cars to biking.
We thank you for your previous support of the 2012 Bike-Ped Plan including the Neighborhood
Traffic Safety and Bicycle Boulevard Projects and we ask you to continue to implement the
long-awaited city-wide network to support the growth and success of the city’s most successful
transportation demand management program. Thank you for considering the comments of the
Ohlone Elementary PTA.
Sincerely,
Heather Sahami, Ohlone Elementary PTA President
1
Baumb, Nelly
From:j rothstein <janer@stanford.edu>
Sent:Monday, February 24, 2020 5:04 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Support for B&P Transportation Plan and Bike Boulevards
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
Dear Mayor Fine and Council Members,
I’m writing as a biking class teacher, voting PABAC member, health educator, and environmental behavior change
teacher to support building out the Bicycle & Pedestrian Transportation Plan, including the Bicycle Boulevards network.
Active transportation is a win‐win for our health, our pocketbooks, our climate, and our community. Please do whatever
you can to move this forward.
Thanks for all you do. Kind regards,
Jane
Jane Rosten, MSW, LCSW Manager: Environmental Behavior Change Program Health Behavior Counselor Health Improvement Program
Stanford | University Human Resources Palo Alto, CA 94304
1
Baumb, Nelly
From:Liz Gardner <gardnerjaqua@gmail.com>
Sent:Monday, February 24, 2020 5:56 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Yes To Bike Street Plan Expansion
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
Dear Honorable Palo Alto City Council Members:
I am writing to express my support for a more varied and robust bike boulevards and a ped plan
within our City’s street boundaries.
As our community grapples with extreme climate change, sky rocketing housing costs,
transportation challenges, automobile traffic/parking, aging infrastructure — the health and well‐
being of our most vulnerable populations, disabled, low‐income, school children, aging baby
boomers, and those struggling to age in place is an imperative. Our City budget must spend wisely
and plan appropriately. Instituting sound and less expensive alternatives to the single occupancy
vehicle is the answer. The 5/2 jobs to housing exacerbates short car trips and longer commutes.
As a community we can pull together and help offset this imbalance with better bike
infrastructure.
Before making any final decisions, I ask that serious consideration be given to a price tag
comparison between building anymore four‐story parking garages and upgrade for bicycle/ped
friendly streets. The way to combat auto traffic pollution is to invite more bicycles and pedestrians
within. A plan of choice for our residents to embrace and expand on. We can then freely, safely
and economically navigate through our day without the use of automobiles.
While saving money these sound bike planning measures also dramatically reduce toxic carbon
out‐put. All is a win, win, win for the entities here which really matter: city services, first
responders, law enforcement, resource officers, non‐profits, teachers and health care workers.
Most who because housing costs and lack of supply cannot live here. Yet who are on the front
lines of serving Palo Alto’s residents, families, children, elderly, homeless and more.
From what I understand. City street build outs, whilst accommodating for bikes is multi millions of
dollars less in cost and adds positive ions to our climate, is safer, good for calming nerves, more
healthful, is human powered, and has little strain on road maintenance and reduces incidental
trash on our sidewalks and in the roadways. When a city plans and constructs for the use of more
bike commuters and pedestrian travel, rather than producing the mega tons of cement and
asphalt needed for car transit, much less petroleum pollution is whipped into our air, cuts down
2
on finite particles, potholes repair, and fatal car accidents which critically, is the fifth highest rate
of death in our country according to the Center for Disease Control.
Meanwhile. The State of California is incentivizing those who take steps to improve their carbon
emission footprint. One example. The state will give up to a $7000 voucher for cargo bike
purchase to those who qualify. Having this choice is great. Yet before I make such a commitment
and give up my car, I have to know that my own city is taking action, working in tandem with its
motivated citizens who want to embrace the climate crisis by making a life changing choice
switching from a car to an Electric Bike. Will you please take this step too and allow for multi‐
modal transit alternatives to take on a shape greater than the automobile and better serves for
more bikes and pedestrians.
For a point of reference. Over 50 percent of all of our PAUSD school district children commute to
school and back home. Let’s grow this number to include all ages from infants in bike carriers to
those of us well into our ‘80’s. We are lucky to live in such a temperament climate, have level
intersecting roads, wonderful roundabouts, and live/work close to amenities, When it comes to
leadership, capitalizing on these attributes expanding our roads for better bikeways, bicycle
boulevards makes us leaders, not climate losers.
Liz Gardner
Palo Alto, CA 94301
6508457502
‐‐
Liz Gardner
Redacted
1
Baumb, Nelly
From:Richard Willits <richardwillits@me.com>
Sent:Monday, February 24, 2020 6:35 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Bike Boulevards
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on
links.
________________________________
Our streets are seeing way more traffic on bikes, especially e‐bikes. We have a flat city and great weather, and will see
more bike traffic. For it to remain safe, we need more and better dedicated bike travelways. We should work to regain
the tool of road closures to create better Bike Boulevards.
Richard Willits
1
Baumb, Nelly
From:Terry Barton <terry.barton@gmail.com>
Sent:Tuesday, February 25, 2020 11:47 AM
To:Council, City
Subject:Thanks for investment in Bike routes and traffic safety
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
9 years ago I switched my 4 mile daily drive through Palo Alto from car to bike. I am still in the minority, but continued
investment in improving the bike network will make bike commuting attractive to even more people.
I enjoy a healthy, low cost, pollution free commute and don't add to the traffic or parking problems in Palo Alto any
longer. Many other will get the same benefits and reduce city expenses to support traffic if you continue to improve the
bike routes.
Terry Barton
1
Baumb, Nelly
From:Jeff Hoel <jeff_hoel@yahoo.com>
Sent:Sunday, February 23, 2020 11:47 AM
To:Council, City
Cc:Hoel, Jeff (external); UAC
Subject:02-24-20 colleagues memo by Cormack and DuBois -- potential next steps for improving how
boards and commissions work
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
Council members,
On 02-24-20. you'll be considering a colleagues memo by Council Member Cormack and Vice Mayor DuBois about how
to make Palo Alto's boards and commissions better. Here's the staff report: https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/civicax/filebank/blobdload.aspx?t=58578.89&BlobID=75334 Please see my comments below (paragraphs in red beginning with "###").
Thanks.
Jeff ------------------- Jeff Hoel
Palo Alto, CA 94303
------------------- ################################################################################################## --- page 1 of 4 ---
City of Palo Alto COLLEAGUES MEMO DATE: February 24, 2020 TO: City Council Members FROM: Council Member Cormack, Council Member DuBois SUBJECT: Update From the Ad hoc Committee (Vice Mayor Dubois and Council Member Cormack) on Boards and Commissions and Potential Next Steps The ad hoc committee wishes to provide an update on work completed to date and recommend next steps in the process. Work completed to date The work to date has included: ● Surveying current and former board members and commissioners ● Reviewing our laws, policies and procedures as well as those of other cities and towns ● Interviewing the staff who work with our boards and commissions
Redacted
2
Survey The survey had eight questions and was sent to 123 current and former board members and commissioners for whom the City Clerk had email addresses, of whom 66 responded. ### How much of the survey data should be revealed to the public?
Highlights of the survey include an average score of 8 out of 10 when asked if they would recommend serving on a board
or commission to others. There were many positive comments, with the vast majority centered around community -- contributing to, serving, giving back to, and feeling a part of -- as well as working with other members and staff and sharing particular expertise. The negative comments included the process for setting agendas, public reaction to unpopular decisions, lack of clarity or involvement from the City Council, time commitment required, and working with other board members and commissioners. Council members may want to review the open-ended responses to get a sense of the responses. The ad hoc committee appreciates the work of the Chief Communication Official in conducting
and analyzing this survey and is grateful to all of the board members and commissioners who took the time to participate in the survey and share their thoughts.
Policies and procedures The suite of policies and procedures that we currently have is not consistent across boards and commissions and does
not provide clear guidance about roles and responsibilities, including that of the staff liaison, the Chair, or the Council liaison. The policies and procedures, roles and responsibilities, and handbooks that four other cities provide offer helpful
direction for
--- page 2 of 4 ---
improving our own. For example, Redwood City has a signature page for board members and commissioners to indicate their understanding of the roles and responsibilities, Mountain View describes when boards and commissions may use
subcommittees and how, Sunnyvale provides mandatory training for board members and commissioners, and Menlo Park defines the role of the chair and encourages good working relationships with other advisory board members. The ad hoc
committee appreciates the work of the City Attorney in identifying and providing relevant documents, which are shared below.
### Some of these documents include not just boards and commissions but also other entities. Does the ad hoc
committee want to consider the other entities too?
● Link to Palo Alto https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/gov/boards/default.asp ### This source (07-01-16) includes a committee (CAC re FTTP etc.) which no longer exists and was never a board or commission. ● Link to Mountain View https://www.mountainview.gov/council/bcc/default.asp ● Link to Redwood City https://www.redwoodcity.org/departments/city-clerk/advisory-boards-commissions-and-committees ● Link to Sunnyvale https://sunnyvale.ca.gov/government/boards.htm ● Link to Menlo Park https://www.menlopark.org/153/Advisory-commissions-and-committees
Interviews with staff During our interviews with Staff Liaisons, several issues were highlighted. As mentioned above, we should establish clear roles and responsibilities for staff and share those proactively with board members and commissioners. Defined processes on establishing a work plan and changing that plan throughout the year are also needed.
3
The amount of time and effort for a staffer to work with a board or commission is very significant, as much as 50 percent of their time in a month. This investment can be worthwhile to help clarify strategy, get productive work done, and vet recommendations to Council, but needs to be managed properly. ### Who should do the managing?
Regrettably, there is concern about how a few board members and commissioners have treated staff and their colleagues over the years. While this behavior appears to be quite rare, the ad hoc committee is concerned about the impact on our
professional staff and the important work that they do with the boards and commissions. The ad hoc committee appreciates the time that staff took to meet with us.
Recommendations to be considered Our initial recommendations include:
● Updates to the application and interview process
● Training for new members/commissioners and new chairs and vice-chairs ● Using annual work plans with a process to change priorities during the year ### Staff maintains a series of 12-month rolling calendars of utilities topics to be covered by UAC (and Council) in the next 12 months, and UAC can suggest changes at each of its meetings. Some 12-month calendars are more informative than others. This one (01-09-19) predicts topics 4 months ahead. https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/civicax/filebank/documents/68308 This one (05-01-19) predicts topics 11 months ahead. http://cityofpaloalto.org/civicax/filebank/documents/70942 Topics are named but not described. Some topics are identified but are not scheduled. ### How close is this 12-month rolling calendar mechanism to what the ad hoc committee recommends as an "annual workplan"? ### (In the old days, 12-month rolling calendars weren't available online, but now they are.) ● Creating a handbook that establishes policies and procedures for how boards and commissions work, including expectations for those appointed ● Updates to our underlying ordinances ● Considering changes to the boards and commissions themselves --- page 3 of 4 ---
Application and interview process ● Create a cover letter for the application that summarizes expectations for the role as well as the suggestion that
applicants watch a few meetings and review relevant documents to become familiar with the board or commission’s work
● Review all questions for relevance and links to ensure accuracy ● Consider moving all appointments to the same time of year to allow for training program and to reduce timing issues related to Council elections (for discussion) ● Establishing term limits in line with the Council term limits or three terms (for discussion)
Training
Two types of training are recommended. First, an onboarding training that includes information about how to be a good board member or commissioner, as well as how to comply with the Brown Act and board/commission specific information. Second, training for new chairs and vice-chairs will help them transition into their new roles effectively. The City
4
Manager’s Office would be well positioned to lead this training, in conjunction with the City Attorney and the various departments.
Annual Workplans (for discussion) Many other jurisdictions require annual workplans from the boards and commissions which could be placed on Council’s
consent calendar. One suggestion from the survey was to have these workplans be created after the Council’s priority setting meeting so that boards and commissions can integrate those into their own work. The ad hoc committee believes
having an annual workplan will improve the coordination and communication between Council and boards and commissions. ### One way to improve communication between Council and its boards and commissions is to have joint study sessions annually.
There also needs to be a clear process for a board or commission to initiate work during the year. This could be a memo from the board or commission, approved by a majority vote with an exception for emergencies. Additionally, individual
board and commission members should not be permitted to initiate work for staff.
Handbook
The ad hoc committee recommends that Council direct staff to create a handbook that outlines roles and responsibilities for board members and commissioners, including expectations for professional conduct, conflicts of interest and recusals,
attendance policies, how and when appointees can be removed, and roles of the staff, chair, and Council liaison. The ad hoc committee has reviewed the four exemplars from other jurisdictions with staff and made initial suggestions about
desired topics and initial work is underway. A draft will be brought to Council for review and approval.
### When?
Changes to boards and commissions (for discussion)
While reviewing the survey results, listening to staff, and learning about other cities, we have identified a few possible changes that Council may wish to consider. These are offered as concepts at this stage, not as recommendations.
● Disbanding the Library Advisory Commission, as some members recommended
--- page 4 of 4 ---
● Adding a Senior Commission, as some other cities have
● Adding a Climate/Environment/Sustainability Commission, as most other cities have
### Most other cities don't have their own municipal utilities, so they don't have a UAC. Why isn't Palo Alto's UAC the
right commission to take on this assignment (as it's been doing)? ● Splitting Planning and Transportation Commission into two, to align with the two departments
### If this were done, would the two resulting commissions each continue to be treated specially -- 15-minute candidate interviews, verbatim minutes, etc.? Are there enough venues and dates to accommodate two separate commissions?
Discussion topics We would like to get some feedback from council on several items, noted above as for discussion: 1. The idea of workplans and a prioritization process for new work during the year 2. Establishing term limits and for how long ### Is the point here that term limits should be uniform across boards and commissions? Currently, some boards and commissions have 4-year terms and some have 3-year terms. Should the length of terms be standardized? 3. Moving to a single interview period in spring, with more selective filtering of candidates to interview
5
### When Council votes on which candidates to interview, it nearly always votes to interview all candidates. Why isn't that (at least nearly always) the right answer? 4. Proposed changes to our boards and commissions
Next steps
Much of this work is in progress. The ad-hoc committee has considered the input of current and former board members
and commissioners and looked at practices in other cities and is working with staff to bring draft updates back to Council for the application and interview process, training, workplan process, handbook and ordinance updates. The ad hoc committee respectfully requests that we continue to work with staff to develop these draft documents and bring them back to Council as refined proposals.
### Sounds good. I await further developments.
1
Baumb, Nelly
From:JOHN JACOBS <johnajacobs@comcast.net>
Sent:Wednesday, February 26, 2020 9:18 AM
To:Council, City
Subject:Ramos Park dog run
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
Dear Council Members: Please don't allow the proposed dog run at Ramos Park to happen. Ramos Park is a small, relatively
quiet, but well-utilized neighborhood park, ideal, in so many ways, for its users. A dog run will result in
increased noise from morning to evening, not to mention offensive smells as dog owners will jot be picking up their dogs' poop. I'm generally fond of dogs, but adding this dog run will elevate dogs' needs above needs of the folks who are users of the park, misplaced priorities, in my opinion. Besides, Mitchell Park, with its sizable dog run, is only a 10 minute walk from Ramos, easily
accessible to those who want to legally run their dogs close to home.
In a related matter, it would also be nice if those dog owners who regularly run their dogs off leash in Ramos could be cited for doing so. Even an occasional citation would result in the word spreading quickly that this perfectly reasonable city ordinance will actually be enforced, thereby eliminating, or at
least greatly reducing, this activity.
Thank you for your consideration of this matter. Sincerely,
John Jacobs Palo Alto 94303
Redacted
1
Baumb, Nelly
From:Loran Harding <loran.harding@stanfordalumni.org>
Sent:Monday, February 24, 2020 1:07 AM
To:leager; Cathy Lewis; Leodies Buchanan; paul.caprioglio; dallen1212@gmail.com;
eappel@stanford.edu; esmeralda.soria@fresno.gov; grinellelake@yahoo.com; steve.hogg; Jason
Tarvin; popoff; russ@topperjewelers.com; toni.tinoco@hsr.ca.gov; Tom Lang; david.valenstein; nick
yovino; boardmembers; Doug Vagim; Dan Richard; kwalsh@kmaxtv.com; kfsndesk; newsdesk;
vallesR1969@att.net; Mayor; Council, City; Chris Field; huidentalsanmateo; margaret-sasaki@live.com
Subject:Fwd: Frontline: "Amazon Empire- the rise of Jeff Bezos". 1:54:23 Must see.
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ Forwarded message ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐
From: Loran Harding <loran.harding@stanfordalumni.org>
Date: Sun, Feb 23, 2020 at 10:15 PM
Subject: Fwd: Frontline: "Amazon Empire‐ the rise of Jeff Bezos". 1:54:23 Must see.
To: <kwalsh@kmaxtv.com>, kfsndesk <kfsndesk@abc.com>, newsdesk <newsdesk@ksee.com>, Pam Kelly
<pkelly@svlg.org>
‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ Forwarded message ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐
From: Loran Harding <loran.harding@stanfordalumni.org>
Date: Sun, Feb 23, 2020 at 10:09 PM
Subject: Fwd: Frontline: "Amazon Empire‐ the rise of Jeff Bezos". 1:54:23 Must see.
To: <fmbeyerlein@sbcglobal.net>, Doug Vagim <dvagim@gmail.com>, Steve Wayte <steve4liberty@gmail.com>, Steven
Feinstein <steven.feinstein@ionicmaterials.com>, Mark Standriff <mark.standriff@fresno.gov>, Mark Waldrep
<mwaldrep@aixmediagroup.com>, Mayor <mayor@fresno.gov>, Mark Kreutzer <mlkreutzer@yahoo.com>,
<mthibodeaux@electriclaboratories.com>, huidentalsanmateo <huidentalsanmateo@gmail.com>, hennessy
<hennessy@stanford.edu>, <margaret‐sasaki@live.com>, bballpod <bballpod@aol.com>, Joel Stiner
<jastiner@gmail.com>, beachrides <beachrides@sbcglobal.net>, jerry ruopoli <jrwiseguy7@gmail.com>, dennisbalakian
<dennisbalakian@sbcglobal.net>, David Balakian <davidbalakian@sbcglobal.net>, Dan Richard <danrichard@mac.com>,
Daniel Zack <daniel.zack@fresno.gov>, terry <terry@terrynagel.com>, <midge@thebarretts.com>,
<vallesR1969@att.net>
‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ Forwarded message ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐
From: Loran Harding <loran.harding@stanfordalumni.org>
Date: Sun, Feb 23, 2020 at 9:49 PM
Subject: Frontline: "Amazon Empire‐ the rise of Jeff Bezos". 1:54:23 Must see.
To: Loran Harding <loran.harding@stanfordalumni.org>
2
Sunday, Feb. 23, 2020
https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/frontline/film/amazon‐empire/
This aired on PBS Tues. Feb. 18, 2020. Amazing. Important to know. If you don't see this, you'll have a hole in your
knowledge base.
Since Bezos can do anything, I wonder if he could help get HSR built in California. Having it running would be
good for Amazon. Just his getting behind it would be good for Amazon. It will be good for climate change if we can
produce the e‐ it will use without burning hydrocarbons. Anyone for thorium reactors? BTW, the 520‐mile California HSR
system would be 3% of the length the 25,000 KM of HSR that China just built in 10 years, and we have immense
Republican opposition to it. Trump shot off his ignorant mouth in Bakersfield about it. In the 30's, Hitler and Tojo saw
that the United States couldn't feed its own people, and that encouraged them. "What do we have to fear from a
country that can't feed its own people?"
"What do we have to fear from a country that can't build 3% of the HSR system that China just built?"
LH
1
Baumb, Nelly
From:Aram James <abjpd1@gmail.com>
Sent:Sunday, February 23, 2020 10:49 PM
To:Josh Becker
Cc:Ashkaan Daneshi; Dave Price; paloaltofreepress@gmail.com; chuck jagoda;
WILPF.peninsula.paloalto@gmail.com; Lewis. james; Jeff Rosen; Kou, Lydia; Council, City;
city.council@menlopark.org; Kniss, Liz (internal); Human Relations Commission; Jonsen, Robert;
Perron, Zachary; greg@gregtanaka.org; DuBois, Tom; Fine, Adrian; Roberta Ahlquist; Ian Bain; Bill
Johnson; Minor, Beth; City Mgr; council@redwoodcity.org; Donna Wallach; epatoday@epatoday.org;
Stump, Molly; fred smith; citycouncil@mountainview.gov; Tony Dixon; PD Dan Mulholland;
cindy.chavez@bos.sccgov.org; Supervisor Simitian; Dave Cortese; Sean James; Anna Griffin; Binder,
Andrew; Allison@padailypost.com; rabrica@cityofepa.org; Raj; lmoody@cityofepa.org; Carol
Brouillet; City Attorney; michael.gennaco@oirgroup.com; MGR-Melissa Stevenson Diaz; Myra Weiher;
Mayor and Council; james pitkin; Nicholas Chan; Cullen, Charles; Carol@silverlaw.biz; Winter
Dellenbach; Jordan Eldridge; epatoday@epatoday.org; Lewis. james; Sean James
Subject:Re: Josh Becker’s gracious response
Follow Up Flag:Follow up
Flag Status:Flagged
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on
links.
________________________________
Hi Josh,
Thanks so much for your gracious response.
Best regards,
Aram
See below
Josh’s gracious response
Sally is a great person and candidate.
I do look forward to connecting at some point.
Josh
> Hi Josh,
>
> Full disclosure I met Sally Lieber today spent about an hour discussing many issues related to our criminal justice
system, Tasers, the death penalty, police abuse, etc.
>
> I had never met Sally Lieber before and was, my bad, unfamiliar with her positions. After our conversation...others
were present for our conversation ‐for different short portions, I have decide to support her candidacy.
>
2
> I will be asking her to answer the same 14 questions I posed to you in writing. She has indicated a willingness to
answer at least some of my questions in writing.
>
> If this happens... I will share her written responses with you and the other folks on this e‐mail list. And of course, I
would still very much welcome your written responses to the same 14 questions. And, of course, I respect your 1st
Amendment right NOT to answer the question as well.
>
> Given the energy and money you have spent on your campaign thus far ....I predict you are very likely to be one of the
two candidates to make it into the general election.
>
> If my prediction is correct ....I will do my best to persuade you through logic and reasoning ...to reconsider answering
my questions for the general election.
>
> Best regards, Take Care & Be Well,
>
>
> Aram James
>
>> On Feb 20, 2020, at 10:51 PM, Aram James <abjpd1@gmail.com> wrote:
>>
>> 11/20/2020
>>
>> Hi Josh,
>>
>> I know 14 questions and 14 separate answers can be a lot of work. The silver lining is your answers will go out to a lot
of potential voters.
>>
>> In addition, having the time to put down your answers in writing ....makes it much more difficult for the public or
your opponents to misconstrue your position on the issues.
>>
>> Please consider that this election is the quintessential democratic public event...and NOT a private corporate
election.
>>
>> We all want and deserve to hear you views. Thanks so much for your consideration.
>>
>> Sincerely.
>>
>> Aram James
>>
>>
>>> Hi Josh,
>>
>>> I have a Stanford student who will be interviewing me this evening re the intersection of homelessness and political
activism. I will be home tomorrow evening to take your call ( Friday Feb 21)*** But see my alternative suggestion
below...let me know what you think before we limit ourselves to a private phone call. My questions are all of public
interest.
>>>
>>> I would still appreciate if you would consider answering all of my
>>> questions below in writing ...so there is a public record of our exchange and other voters can benefit from our
exchange. The last thing I want is one of us claiming the other said something the other claims wasn’t said. Please
consider my effort to engage you is something other voters are very much interested in. Certainly if you are declining to
3
write out your responses for public consumption.... then maybe we could meet with a tape recorder to record this
potentially critical‐interesting exchange. Let me know what you think of this idea.
>>>
>>> Best regards,
>>>
>>> Aram James
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> Hi aram,
>>>> I was hoping we could talk on the phone tonight. You asked a lot of questions and I’d like to discuss live. I’m not
going to respond to 42 people but happy to talk with you.
>>>> Josh.
>>>
>>>
>>>>>> On Feb 20, 2020, at 3:59 PM, Aram James <abjpd1@gmail.com> wrote:
>>>> 2/20/2020
>>>> Hello Josh.
>>>> Since I first sent out my questions to you ...and copied numerous others —I’ve had a number of folks reach out to
me wondering when and if ...you would be responding in good faith ....to each of my substantive questions —under the
space provided for your answers.
>>>> Not only does the 1st amendment allow political candidates wide latitude to answer questions re the hot button
political, legal and social issues of the day...but at least equally important.... voters have a 1st amendment right to be as
fully informed as possible ...re the candidates views before they cast their votes: See in this regard... the 2002 U.S.
Supreme Court decision in Republican Party v. White 536 U.S. 765.
>>>> Below are two quotes from decision...one from the majority opinion and the other from the concurring opinion.
>>>> 1. ...” The political speech of candidates is at the heart of of
>>>> the First Amendment, and direct restrictions on the content of candidate speech are simply beyond the power of
the government to Impose.” ( Justice Kennedy’s concurring opinion) 2. In the majority opinion written by Justice Antonin
Scalia... the following language is instructive re the voters’s first amendment right to be as fully informed re the issues by
the candidates as possible:
>>>> “ The greater power to dispense with elections altogether does not
>>>> include the lesser power to conduct elections under conditions of state‐imposed voter ignorance. If the state
chooses to tap the energy and the legitimizing power of the democratic process, it must accord the participants in that
process....the First Amendment rights that attach to their roles. “ Josh, I have intentionally tried to NOT ask soft ball
questions ...but rather questions that touch on provocative and controversial subject matter. We the people hope you
will do your very best to answer all questions in more then just a perfunctory/superficial manner.
>>>> Best regards
>>>> Aram James
>>>> 415‐370‐5056
>>>> ( see original questions below)
>>>> 2/16/2020
>>>> Hi Josh,
>>>>> When your time permits... I’d like to hear your specific views on a few best police practice issues, criminal justice
related issues .. and a few other hot button political issues. My goal is to become as fully informed on the issues as
possible ...before I cast my vote.
>>>>> 1. Your view point on whether Tasers should be banned statewide? Why? Why not?
>>>>> 2. Your views on mass incarceration?
>>>>> 3..Your views on the need for reform re our criminal justice system? Bail reform? Your view on alternatives to
incarceration for non‐violent offenders.?
4
>>>>> 4. Your view on race based jury nullification for African‐American defendants —and other defendants of color...
or some reasonable alternative to the current jury system ...of mostly white jurors sitting in judgement of defendants of
color.
>>>>> 5. Your view on the death penalty? For? Against? Why?
>>>>> 6. Sentencing reform? Yes? No? If yes, type of reforms you would support?
>>>>> 7. Your opinion on the progressive prosecutor movement ...and white wing prosecutorial push back....see the
SF/LA Daily Journal ‐Thursday ‐Feb 13, 2020...article titled: Critics of progressive DA movement start to push back—‐
front page...
>>>>> ( largest daily legal paper in CA) 8. How to solve the problem of
>>>>> police departments statewide responding to the CPRA ..in very uneven ways ...some departments responding in a
timely manner ..and other departments foot dragging and engaging in obstructive tactics ...to effectively— nullify the
benefits of the CPRA... in police matters.
>>>>> 9. Your view of the BDS movement on publicly supported California campuses.
>>>>> 10. Whether the state of California should support the BDS? Why? Why not?
>>>>> 11. Whether the state of CA should engage in an economic boycott ...to bring the state of Israel into compliance
with International law? Why? Why not?
>>>>> 12. Should the state of California push Israel to recognize a fully sovereign Palestine? Why? Why not?
>>>>> 13. Should the State of California resist efforts of the Trump administration to expand the wall between California
and Mexico? Why? Why not?
>>>>> 14. Should the state of California support a movement to demand that Israel tear down the wall between Israel
and Palestine?
>>>>> Why? Why not?
>>>>> *** My family and friends —often look to me__ for advice on candidates... and who I think would best service our
district. I hope to do my democratic part to fully inform my community on the hot button issues above.
>>>>> ***Please feel free_in fact I would prefer‐if you would take the time to respond to each of my numbered
questions ...below each numbered question. This will allow for as much clarity on each issue as possible.
>>>>> ****I would very like to either meet in person... or by phone... to follow up on your initial responses.
>>>>> *** Once you have answered each of the above questions I will share your responses with my interested friends,
and the local Palo Alto Press...Daily Post —editor Dave Price, and the PA weekly, Palo Alto Free Press, etc. I will then
submit the identical questions to each of the other candidates —and share the questions and answers with as many
members of the public as I can—and all of the candidates.
>>>>> *** I will tentatively call this my: Aram James voters——fully informed on the issues ‐before election day
....grassroots democracy in action project.
>>>>> ***P.S. I will send you one recent piece I co‐authored on
>>>>> Tasers...And a second piece on the question: Are judicial
>>>>> elections a fraud on the voters? Hopefully this will give you a
>>>>> partial view ....on some of the issues that are important to at
>>>>> least one of your perspective constituents Best regards‐
>>>>> sincerely, Aram James
>>>>> 415‐370‐5056
>>>>> P.S. please consider responding— reply all‐ so as many voters as possible can receive the benefit of our exchange.
Thanks.
>>>>> Sent from my iPhone
>>>>>>> On Feb 15, 2020, at 11:02 PM, Josh Becker <becker.josh@gmail.com> wrote:
>>>>>> Aram, I look forward to your question, Josh
>>>>>>>>>> On Feb 15, 2020, at 5:56 PM, Ashkaan Daneshi <asher.daneshi@gmail.com> wrote:
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Hi Josh,
>>>>>>> Aram is a retired public defendant and a best police practices advocate and he wants to vote between either
you or Brownrigg. He has a question from you before he votes. Could you kindly answer?
>>>>>>> Aram please ask your question from Josh?
>>>>>>> Cheers,
>>>>>>> Ashkaan
1
Baumb, Nelly
From:powers5500@aol.com
Sent:Wednesday, February 19, 2020 3:39 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Fwd: Childcare now available during City Council meetings
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
FYI:
Subject: Childcare now available during City Council meetings
Wed. Feb. 19, 2020 For additional languages, view
this email in your browser
Childcare now available during City Council meetings
2
People planning to attend Hayward City Council meetings can now obtain free childcare
services by making an advance request to the Office of the City Clerk by the Friday prior to
the meeting.
The City of Hayward is offering childcare during Council meetings to make it easier for
members of households with young children to participate in local government.
The Council makes budgetary, legislative and other policy decisions, and sets aside time to
receive public comment during regular and special meetings held Tuesday nights at City Hall,
777 B Street, Hayward. Agendas for upcoming Council meetings are posted at least 72
hours in advance and available here through the City’s website.
The childcare services will be provided at City Hall in Conference Room 2A on the same floor
as and near the Council chambers. To access the service, an authorized adult, carrying valid
photo identification, will be required to complete a consent form, and sign the child or children
under their care in and out of the service location.
Anyone interested in receiving the service must request it by contacting the Office of the City
Clerk at (510) 583-4400 at least by 5 p.m. on the Friday prior to a regular or specially
scheduled Tuesday night meeting of the Council.
3
Tap right into your city & submit a request, make a suggestion, or report a problem with Access Hayward!
Our mailing address is:
777 B Street
Hayward, CA 94541
Interested in working for the City of Hayward? Check out our current vacancies.
Want to change how you receive these emails?
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1
Baumb, Nelly
From:Press strong <pressstrong@gmail.com>
Sent:Monday, February 24, 2020 7:45 PM
To:Burns, Dennis; Council, City; Human Relations Commission; michael.gennaco@oirgroup.com; Cullen,
Charles; Green, DuJuan
Cc:Jill.Wine-Banks@macmillan.com; colleen.osborne@macmillan.com; KWinfree@manatt.com;
jeff.modisett@nextlawnetwork.com; jensie.anderson@law.utah.edu;
ronnell.andersen.jones@law.utah.edu; David.Schendiman@law.utah.edu; eabramowitz@maglaw.com;
ckubota@cov.com; lwise@roginlaw.com; peter.zimroth@arnoldporter.com;
Michael.Bromwich@bromwichgroup.com; MBromwich@bromwichgroup.com;
john.durham@usdoj.gov; Bill.williams@usdoj.gov
Subject:Police Retaliation for exposing corruption
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
Dennis Burns
former Palo Alto Police Chief
I'm minding my own business drinking a cup of coffee about 4:55 pm on February 23, 2020 and this undercover
cop/cadet/informant shows up attempting to video tape me. Why is this person conducting surveillance on me? Are
your supporters going to make another false, "Deef Fake" video, a piece of fiction in order to frame me for a crime for
exposing your previous destruction and falsification of evidence?
Remember how Sgt Powers and Ofc. Burger added the audio "Taser, taser, taser." to the recordings? But that's nothing
compared to the video editing?
2
Who do you think directed this person to target me? I have a good idea.
3
https://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2020/02/19/us/ap‐us‐oregon‐wrongful‐arrest.html
You aided and abetted the creation of falsified evidence, fake videos, and taser gun activation data to cover up
the crimes of your fellow officers and submitted that evidence to District Attorney to wrongly incriminate the
victim of your officers' crimes.
https://chiefburns.weebly.com/
You got caught but the DA helped you get away with your cheating by creating fraudulent crime lab reports
and denying the prima facia irrefutable evidence
https://jeffrosenda.weebly.com/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VrA7ehMi0Lg&feature=youtu.be
4
ONE:
The MAV videos have been edited and falsified:
https://chiefburns.weebly.com/exhibit‐10.html
https://sccrimelab.weebly.com/one.html
TWO:
The two taser cameras which recorded the incident were sent to Taser International and destroyed;
https://chiefburns.weebly.com/exhibit‐7.html
THREE:
The PAPD acknowledged destroying a taser cartridge, taser probes, blast doors and AFIDS;
The PAPD acknowledged that four taser probes were fired from two separate taser guns; two probes from
each gun however the video footage of the second taser firing is missing from the MAV videos and the Taser
video from the taser gun that fired the taser probes;
https://chiefburns.weebly.com/exhibit‐5.html
https://chiefburns.weebly.com/pc‐135.html
https://chiefburns.weebly.com/pc‐135‐‐141‐b.html
FOUR
The PAPD falsely presented the crime scene by removing the taser cartridge, taser probes, blast
doors and AFIDS, which is a violation of CA PC 141(b);
https://corruptpaloaltopolice.weebly.com/afanasiev.html
https://corruptpaloaltopolice.weebly.com/powers.html
FIVE
Two officers from the PAPD knowingly provided false testimony during a court proceeding;
https://sccrimelab.weebly.com/nine.html
https://sccrimelab.weebly.com/seven.html
SIX
The PAPD falsified the taser gun activation data and submitted that data to federal court, not
once but twice and Judge Koh swept it under the rug;
https://chiefburns.weebly.com/exhibit‐6.html
SEVEN
How the Santa Clara District Attorney concealed the crimes of the Palo Alto Police;
https://jeffrosenda.weebly.com/
5
There is a lot more evidence that implicates the DA and others but this is more than sufficient to
prove the allegations to Kamala Harris.
https://chiefburns.weebly.com/
14 missing videos
https://corruptpaloaltopolice.weebly.com/missing‐videos.html
The complete cover up:
https://michaelgennacooir.weebly.com/
https://judgelucykoh.weebly.com/
Tony Ciampi
1
Baumb, Nelly
From:Heidi Yauman <heidi.yauman@icloud.com>
Sent:Friday, February 21, 2020 4:16 PM
To:Cary Andrew Crittenden
Cc:juvenal.alves@shf.sccgov.org; Jeffrey.Puente@sheriff.sccgov.org; judgebullock1949@gmail.com;
j@fuerylaw.com
Subject:Re: Theft and destruction of Heidi Yauman's computer
Follow Up Flag:Follow up
Flag Status:Flagged
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
Cary Crittenden is still.authorized to act on my behalf Pursuant to ADA and I never withdrew my consent. He has
followed up many times to help retrieve computer and stop them from terrorizing me. I authorize him to collect the
$800 for computer And hard drive and help with lawsuit . I NEVER WITH DREW MY CONSENT. This applies to
everything relating to eviction and all the attacks against me.
Heidi Yauman
3
On Feb 21, 2020, at 3:52 PM, Cary Andrew Crittenden <caryandrewcrittenden@icloud.com> wrote:
On Feb 21, 2020, at 3:52 PM, Cary Andrew Crittenden
<caryandrewcrittenden@icloud.com> wrote:
This property was never UNCLAIMED.
Furthermore, the office of public administrator / guardian had attempted on several
occasions to retrieve her property & Heidi Yauman had followed upon writing
concerning these things.
Heidi Yauman had made it clear that she did not consent to the property being taken in
the first place. It was stolen from her to cover up a homicide.
Heidi Yauman must be compensated for the cost of the computer and hard drive, the
contents and the injuries inflicted upon her & pain and suffering .
Heidi Yauman with myself and San Jose Council Member Madison Nguyen before the
attacks:
Heidi Yauman after the attacks: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjYr8MHgjec
Cary Andrew Crittenden. |. 408‐318‐1105
Homicide of Markham Plaza resident: Robert Moss concealed from 2013/2014 Civil
Grand Jury investigation into the Santa Clara County Public Guardian
<DECLARATION OF FACTS IN SUPPORT OF PETITION FOR HABEAS CORPUS RELIEF.pdf>
<PublicGuardian.pdf>
Sec. A20-6. - Disposition of unclaimed property in Sheriff's custody.
SHARE LINK TO SECTIONPRINT SECTIONDOWNLOAD (DOCX) OF
SECTIONSEMAIL SECTIONCOMPARE VERSIONS
Except as provided in Section A20-7, any property, including money, in the possession of the Sheriff which is not required to be retained in the performance of the Sheriff's official duties and which has remained unclaimed for more than three months shall be disposed of in the following manner:
(a)
4
Currency or coin shall be deposited with the County Treasurer for deposit to the general fund of the County.
(b)
All other property may be transferred by the Sheriff to the Public Administrator or transferred to an on-line Internet auctioneer pursuant to Civil Code § 1873 for sale to the public at public auction and the proceeds thereof shall be paid over to the County Treasurer for deposit to the general fund of the County; provided, however, that bicycles and toys shall be turned over to the Chief Juvenile Probation Officer upon his or her request for use in any program of activities designed to prevent juvenile delinquency pursuant to Welfare and Institutions Code § 516.
(c)
Any such property which, in the opinion of the Sheriff or the Public Administrator, is
worthless or which if sold at public auction would not bring a sum sufficient to offset the cost of conducting the sale may be destroyed, or donated to charitable institutions, or may be repaired and renovated by County prisoners and transferred to the Public Administrator for sale at public auction.
On Feb 21, 2020, at 3:10 PM, Cary Andrew Crittenden
<caryandrewcrittenden@icloud.com> wrote:
Mr. Alves,
Please tell me the county ordinance section that you claim authorized
the destruction of Heidi Yauman’s property.
Please confirm that the ordinance you referred to was: 820.6? Is that
correct or incorrect?
Regards,
Cary Andrew Crittenden | 408‐318‐1105
Begin forwarded message:
From: Heidi Yauman <heidi.yauman@icloud.com>
Subject: Re: Heidi Yauman's property
destroyed by sheriff department
Date: February 21, 2020 at 2:29:02 PM PST
To: Cary Andrew Crittenden <caryandrewcrittenden@icloud.com>
Cc: julie.delfava@bos.sccgov.org, Jeffrey.Puente@sheriff.sccgov.org, juvenal.alves@shf.sccgov.org
5
dear Julie del fava i am so hurt by sheriffs but thank you
for trying to help me and i hope you have a nice day
from heidi yauman
<image0.jpeg>
Sent from my iPad
On Feb 21, 2020, at 2:14 PM, Cary
Andrew Crittenden
<caryandrewcrittenden@icloud.com>
wrote:
Hello Julie,
I spoke with Juvenal
Alves today, with Santa
Clara County Sheriff
dept.
He informed me that
Heidi
Yauman’s computer
and external hard,
which were stolen by
Sheriff detective Samy
Tarazi 5 years ago were
destroyed.
Heidi and others had
made numerous
attempts to retrieve her
property which and
were repeatedly
stonewaled.
Thank you very much
for trying to help.
Best Regards,
Cary Andrew Crittenden
|. 408‐318‐1105
Homicide of Markham
Plaza resident: Robert
Moss concealed from
2013 / 2014 civil grand
jury investigation into
Santa Clara County
Public Guardian:
6
<DECLARATION OF FACTS IN SUPPORT
OF PETITION FOR HABEAS CORPUS
RELIEF.pdf>
<Grand‐Jury‐Investigation‐Public‐
Guardian‐Santa‐Clara‐County.pdf>
Begin forwarded
message:
From: Cary Andrew Crittenden <caryandrewcrittende
n@icloud.com>
Subject: Heidi
Yauman's property
destroyed by sheriff
department
Date: February 21, 2020 at 1:58:55 PM PST
To: julie.delfavo@bos.sccgov.org
Cc: Jeffrey.Puente@sheriff.sccgov.org,
juvenal.alves@shf.sccgov.org
Hello Julie,
I spoke with Juvenal
Alves today, with Santa
Clara County Sheriff
dept.
He informed me that
Heidi
Yauman’s computer
and external hard,
which were stolen by
Sheriff detective Samy
Tarazi 5 years ago were
destroyed.
Heidi and others had
made numerous
attempts to retrieve her
property which and
were repeatedly
stonewaled.
7
Thank you very much
for trying to help.
Best Regards,
Cary Andrew Crittenden
|. 408‐318‐1105
Homicide of Markham
Plaza resident: Robert
Moss concealed from
2013 / 2014 civil grand
jury investigation into
Santa Clara County
Public Guardian:
Begin
forward
ed
messag
e:
From: Cary Andrew
Crittenden <carya
ndrewcrittenden@icl
oud.com>
Subje
ct:
Appoi
ntmen
t at
Sheriff
office.
Date: Februa
8
ry 19, 2020
at 2:47:28 PM
PST
To: julie.de
lfavo@bos.sccgov.o
rg
Cc: j@fuerylaw.com
Hi Julie,
I
receive
d
email/t
ext
messag
es with
confirm
ation &
case
number
but
unfortu
nately I
can not
make
appoint
ment at
sheriff
office
becaus
e I had
to
return
to court
in Palo
Alto.
There
was
miss
underst
anding
&
9
thought
it was
ok to
leave
for San
Jose
Will try
for
tomorr
ow or
Friday
Thanks,
Cary
Sent
from
my
iPhone
Begin
forward
ed
messag
e:
F
r
o
m
:
C
a
r
y
A
n
d
r
e
w
C
r
i
t
t
e
n
d
e
n
<
10
c
a
r
y
a
n
d
r
e
w
c
r
i
t
t
e
n
d
e
n
@
i
c
l
o
u
d
.
c
o
m
>
D
a
t
e
:
F
e
b
r
u
a
r
y
1
9
,
2
0
2
0
1
Baumb, Nelly
From:Heidi Yauman <heidi.yauman@icloud.com>
Sent:Friday, February 21, 2020 2:37 PM
To:RUA
Subject:Fwd: Heidi Yauman's property destroyed by sheriff department
Follow Up Flag:Follow up
Flag Status:Flagged
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
dear bob the sheriffs destroyed my computer that they stole from me in 2015 because i tried to get medical help from
heidi yauman
Begin forwarded message:
From: Heidi Yauman <heidi.yauman@icloud.com>
Date: February 21, 2020 at 2:29:02 PM PST
To: Cary Andrew Crittenden <caryandrewcrittenden@icloud.com>
Cc: julie.delfava@bos.sccgov.org, Jeffrey.Puente@sheriff.sccgov.org, juvenal.alves@shf.sccgov.org
Subject: Re: Heidi Yauman's property destroyed by sheriff department
1
Baumb, Nelly
From:roshy agah <roshy.agah@gmail.com>
Sent:Wednesday, February 26, 2020 10:23 AM
To:Council, City
Subject:Special Request
Attachments:sigimg0.png
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
Dear Council members:
I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to you on behalf of the Iranian American
Women Foundation, an educational nonprofit organization based in Irvine, CA, with multiple
Chapters, including our Northern California Chapter. Our goal is to connect women of our
heritage, celebrate their successes, reinforce their potential, and promote their economic,
academic, entrepreneurial, philanthropic, and scientific contributions. We have an additional
focus on young women and aim to promote their advancement through mentorship
programs and leadership development workshops.
Since our founding in 2011, IAWF has hosted 19 Women’s Leadership Conferences,
supported over 60 young professionals through mentorship, and provided countless
scholarships to young women in need. In recognition of our work, Mayor Eric Garcetti
declared April 27th as the Iranian American Women Day in the City of Los Angeles. This
declaration was a great tribute not only to the foundation, but to the over 6,000 members
we are proud to represent. We are seeking a similar proclamation for the same date, April
27th, from the City of Palo Alto. We are excited to announce that the City of San Jose has
accepted our request, and we are looking for more cities in the Bay Area to do the same.
Thank you for taking the time to review our request, and I look forward to hearing back
about this proposal.
Gratefully,
Roshy Mozafar - Northern California Chapter Leader Iranian American Women Foundation - Northern California Chapter 18881 Von Karman Ave., Suite 1620 Irvine, CA 92612 Phone: (650-888-1864 http://www.iawfoundation.org/
The linked image cannot be displayed. The file may have been mov ed, renamed, or deleted. Verify that the link points to the correct file and location.
1
Baumb, Nelly
From:Chris Robell <chris_robell@yahoo.com>
Sent:Thursday, February 20, 2020 11:31 AM
To:Council, City
Subject:Front page of today's Daily Post
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
Please read the attached from today’s Palo Alto Daily Post regarding Measures G and H.
Respectfully,
Chris Robell
Palo Alto resident
2
1
Baumb, Nelly
From:Gary Wesley <gary.wesley@yahoo.com>
Sent:Saturday, February 22, 2020 11:07 AM
To:Larry Klein; fongcouncil@sunnyvale.ca.gov; fongcouncil@sunnyvale.ca.gov; Glenn Hendricks;
larssoncouncil@sunnyvale.ca.gov; larssoncouncil@sunnyvale.ca.gov;
meltoncouncil@sunnyvale.ca.gov; meltoncouncil@sunnyvale.ca.gov;
goldmancouncil@sunnyvale.ca.gov; goldmancouncil@sunnyvale.ca.gov;
smithcouncil@sunnyvale.ca.gov; smithcouncil@sunnyvale.ca.gov
Cc:Council, City; council@losaltosca.gov; council@losaltosca.gov
Subject:Foothill-De Anza tax measures on Sunnyvale City Council agenda 2-25-20 (7 pm)
Attachments:Scanned from a Xerox multifunction device.pdf
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
Sunnyvale Mayor and City Council:
In connection with your consideration at your meeting on Tuesday, 2‐25‐20 (7 p.m.) of whether to endorse the state
proposition (13) and some local measures, I am attaching an editorial from Dave Price, the editor of the Palo Alto Daily
Post, concerning the Foothill‐De Anza Community College District's use of the lucky number "8" in its $898 million bond
(Measure G) and its $48 parcel tax (Measure H).
The editorial refers to the District's trickery and lack of respect for Chinese‐American voters.
Gary Wesley
Resident of Mountain View
gary.wesley@yahoo.com
(408‐882‐5070)
1
Baumb, Nelly
From:Manjun Martin <paul.manjun@gmail.com>
Sent:Sunday, February 23, 2020 8:28 PM
To:Fine, Adrian
Cc:Council, City
Subject:A Vision for Palo Alto!
Dear Mayor Fine:
Thanks for asking about an alternative to “build/build/build” as a vision for Palo Alto:
First let's start with a view of five of the things that make Palo Alto special, these are our North Star: (My humble
opinion, many more can be added)
1) We are a small residential community with a long historical connection to one of the world’s great research
Universities.
2) We care deeply about education as a foundation for the future of our community. We have built over decades one
of the best K‐12 school systems in USA and host many exceptional private institutions. Education is not just for children
and must be a lifelong quest so we have also invested in adult education, community libraries, community events,
historical preservation and many other tools for educating our entire community to understand the past and to shape
the future.
3) We care deeply about quality of life; community open space, environmental footprint, safety and privacy.
4) We welcome a diversity of people and cultures from around the world and are enrich community with this diversity.
5) We are a nursery for small, innovative new companies and support a diversity of unique small professional and
retail establishments.
Next let's pop a few bubbles that underpin the “Build/Build/Build” philosophy.
Bubble 1) The idea that economic growth is dominated by population growth is so 20th century, WRONG for 2020 and
WRONG for the future of Palo Alto. In fact, economic growth depends basically on labor force growth(population +
participation) and on productivity. In the 3 years since January 2017, CA population has grown from 39.36M to 39.51M
(0.38%) while the economy has grown by more than 10%. Labor force participation has grown and productivity has
grown, that’s it, essentially zero population growth. This is our future in Palo Alto, in California and in most
industrialized countries in around the world.
Bubble 2) The idea that building more housing particularly “affordable housing” will solve the housing/jobs imbalance in
WRONG! A SacBee article March 5th 2017 had an interesting title “California exports it's poor to Texas, other states
while wealthier people move in.” Aside from the dramatic title, further down in the article was a statement that overall
more people have left California than have arrived from other states, BUT that California has IMPORTED more college
graduates than it has exported. Two things are clear from this; 1) California has failed in education of its own citizens
and instead must import educated people from out of state to fill the jobs being created. 2) The appetite for educated
workers, particularly in the Bay Area is literally insatiable. The only way to balance housing/jobs is to push back on the
job creation. “A job for every house.” NOT a “House for every job.” Stop the build/build/build, manage job creation by
making cost of locating in Palo Alto high enough that enough(not too few, not too many, but many more than now)
companies move out and focus on quality of life!
So what can Palo Alto city council do?
2
1) Palo Alto needs to create a per‐employee tax that increases for businesses with more than 250 employees in the
city. Most of these large corporations are sitting on Prop 13 low tax property, not paying their fair share of taxes and
taking up space that could be better used to support small businesses, professionals and startups that are the heart of
our community. Larger companies need to focus on creating new jobs where housing already exists; Oakland, Tri‐Valley,
Morgan Hill, Sonoma. No reason to keep letting Big Tech build/build/build on the Peninsula.
2) The “Affordable Housing Funds” collected by city of Palo Alto should be redirected to subsidize purchase of existing
housing by employees of the City of Palo Alto and the Palo Alto Unified School district. We need to support the people
who work for the key functions of the City of Palo Alto, we don’t need to add more people.
3) Palo Alto needs to focus on Quality of life issues:
A) For decades we have been promised that utility lines would be put underground, but year after year the
funds are diverted to other priorities. We’ve recently had two major outages and one very tragic death due to
overhead power lines. Enough, please fund a program to fully underground Palo Alto utilities by 2025. As an adjunct to
this we claim to be “Tree City USA” and I’m very proud of our urban forestry department, but where I live Trees are
absolutely second citizens to power lines. Simply look down Lincoln Ave. On the one side with underground power
lines the trees are gorgeous, on the other side the trees are cut into distorted shapes and eventually cut down
entirely. What a missed opportunity.
B) As of September 24th 2019 Palo Alto was $455 Million behind on pensions. We need to fund the pensions
of the people who support our city!
C) Parking on public streets within residential neighborhoods is overwhelming and dangerous. Please put in
place city‐wide restrictions requiring residential permits for overnight parking and signs clearly requiring all cars to be
moved from the streets during street cleaning days at penalty of being towed.
D) Idling in residential neighborhoods is also getting out of control. Please put in place idling restrictions that
make it illegal to idle a car/truck for more than 30 minutes within 50ft of housing. People who have need for 24/7
security presence should simply get electric vehicles.
E) For all newly available land, such as Fry’s please make sure that land use is divided proportional to Palo Alto as it
is today; R1, multi‐family, Public Parks, Community use should be planned in a way that current ratio is unchanged.
F) Further support of adult education, arts and PAUSD.
Sincerely
Paul S. Martin
On Feb 14, 2020, at 10:52 PM, Fine, Adrian <Adrian.Fine@CityofPaloAlto.org> wrote:
Hi Paul,
Thanks for writing. A few questions:
‐how do you think we should “move” jobs somewhere else? What effect do you think that would have
on our local economy?
‐it seems like you’re not supportive of more homes and neighbors in Palo Alto... so if we “move” those
jobs and don’t grow our housing base, what kind of future do you see for Palo Alto?
Thanks and Kind Regards,
Adrian
On Feb 14, 2020, at 20:11, Paul Martin <paul.manjun@gmail.com> wrote:
3
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization.
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Hello Neilson:
I totally agree!
I wrote to city council objecting to request to create new L‐lot on a narrow street near
us. Some members of this City Council including our Mayor seem hell bent on
cramming as many new homes into an already fully built out Palo Alto as possible and
they don’t require sufficient on‐premises/off street parking so then the narrow streets
are filled both sides with parked cars turning them into dangerous one way roads. I live
near a school and hardly a month goes by where I don’t see a child nearly hit on his/her
bike due to too many cars parked on narrow streets not built for two side parking!
Enough with building more housing, we need to move the jobs out to where housing
already exists and focus on improving Palo Alto for Palo Alto residents.
1). Increase funding for urban forestry.
2). Act on decades old promises to underground utility wires.
3). Connect the buried dark fiber to our homes.
4). Pay our pension debts
5). So many promises to fulfill before we even consider to add more people!
...
Paul
On Feb 11, 2020, at 8:55 AM, Neilson Buchanan
<cnsbuchanan@yahoo.com> wrote:
I understand that you have raised the narrow 30' streets
issue with city staff. Did you get a response? We in
Downtown North (DTN) have sets of narrow streets creating parking, fire safety and traffic issues. It seems that our Planning Commission and city staff may be
planning to increase non-resident parking permits issued for
neighborhoods adjacent to University and California Avenue. Therefore, these issues will become more important.
Neilson Buchanan
Palo Alto, CA 94301 650 329-0484
650 537-9611 cell
cnsbuchanan@yahoo.com
Redacted
1
Baumb, Nelly
From:mwilliams <moniwilliams@yahoo.com>
Sent:Thursday, February 20, 2020 1:59 PM
To:Council, City; ParkRec Commission
Cc:Howard, Adam
Subject:Thank you!
Attachments:Thank you for Pickleball Courts.docx
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
Monica Williams
USAPA Ambassador
PPR Certified Coach
Palo Alto Pickleball Club
President
(650)254-1041
Palo Alto Pickleball Club
Nonprofit Status 501(c)7
February 20, 2020
The Palo Alto City Council
City of Palo Alto Parks and Recreation Commission
City of Palo Alto Recreation Department
On behalf of the Palo Alto Pickleball club I want to tell you how much we appreciate the new
dedicated pickleball courts at Mitchell Park. The number of people who use these courts is
growing every day, and you have been instrumental in providing a wonderful place for the
community to gather for exercise and camaraderie.
I want to assure you that the club is inclusive and welcomes everyone who drops by to play, or
to learn to play, on these beautiful new public pickleball courts. Unfortunately, there was a
misunderstanding by a club member who thought that the courts could be reserved. This
problem has been resolved, and we have made it clear to everyone that we have no jurisdiction
on the courts, no reservations are allowed except for tournaments and city classes, and that the
courts are to be used first come first served.
As a club, we are working toward encouraging the use of the courts throughout the day and
evening so that everyone can benefit. We are accomplishing this by suggesting times when
players of similar levels may gather to have a more rewarding experience. A majority of
daytime players are senior citizens who use the courts every week-day for their daily exercise
and social activity. On weekends, many younger people, workers and students, participate, and
the club helps guide them on the most likely times to find open courts.
We are all extremely grateful for the work that officials in the Recreation Department and the
Parks and Recreation Commission did to bring these courts to fruition, and we appreciate that
the City Council had the foresight to approve their construction.
With Enormous Thanks!
Monica Williams
President
On behalf of the Board of Directors
and all Members of the Palo Alto Pickleball Club
1
Baumb, Nelly
From:Masen Tag <masentag@gmail.com>
Sent:Wednesday, February 19, 2020 2:24 PM
To:Council, City
Subject:Public Health Efficacy Development
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
The Office of City Council & Mayor:
My name is Masen Tag and a Cognitive & Social Efficacy developer. Currently, I am working on a Public Health Efficacy
program and contacting selective offices of governments /States/Cities around the world for some information.
Since developing this program aiming improving public health, obtaining general information about the standards of
each developed society is required. For instance, the standard of your public health, the education system,
transportation services, climate / environmental justice integration strategy for immigrants and minorities, diversity of
the population, consumer protection, food quality control, gender equality, etc.
More importantly, facts are the structure of this development. Therefore, I am sending this and hoping to receive your
response to the questions below. Your support and encouragement are very much appreciated.
How many percent of the school‐lunch/food is plant‐based?
How many percent of the serving soft drinks in the schools is non‐sugary and non‐flavored?
How many percent of the schools' food containers, cups, straws, etc., are non‐plastic materials?
How many public libraries (non‐scientific) are available in the city?
Any cognitive program available in the libraries to increase the visitors' interest in reading?
Was there any increase or cut in the public libraries' budget in the past 4 years?
How many public libraries in the city were closed or open in the past 4 years?
Also, which of the following services in the city are free ‐ if available ‐ or is leaning to?
Public transportation
Homecare for elderly/senior citizens
School lunch for all students (citizens and non‐citizens)
Child care up to age 5‐6 (citizens and non‐citizens)
Housing for low income and elderly/senior citizens
Any public work‐out program for decreasing Cardiovascular system diseases
Any public cognitive programs for older adults preventing early aging
Any self‐efficacy program in learning and academic achievement
Any public social‐programs for Gen Z/ new generation preventing the impacts of the obsessive use of smart
devices
Any public preventative programs for Gen Z/ new generation decreasing the impacts of excessive time‐
spending on social media
2
Respectfully Yours,
Masen Tag
Cognitive & Social Efficacy Developer
P. O. Box 4799, Irvine, CA, 92616
1
Baumb, Nelly
From:Roberta Ahlquist <roberta.ahlquist@sjsu.edu>
Sent:Wednesday, February 26, 2020 11:41 AM
To:Dave Price; Council, City
Subject:Fwd: [ttweeklynews] Tenants Together Newsletter // February 26
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
Tenants are organizing. We need to provide our service sector workers w/ extremely low‐income housing.
From: Tenants Together via ttweeklynews list <ttweeklynews@npogroups.org>
Date: Wed, Feb 26, 2020 at 10:02 AM
Subject: [ttweeklynews] Tenants Together Newsletter // February 26
To: <ttweeklynews@npogroups.org>
TENANTS TOGETHER
2
Santa Barbara City Council to Study Effects of AB 1482 ‐ Santa Barbara
Independent
100+ Santa Barbara Independent / Saved by Tenants Together
But a proposed city ordinance the council was considering last April, before
the new state law was approved, would require landlords to pay up to five
months’ rent or $5,000, whichever was more.
In the end, the council unanimously voted to commission a new study to
determine how much landlords would be required to pay tenants forced to
move through no fault of theirs.
READ MORE
Long Beach renters get new protections under City Council’s emergency
housing law ‐ Long Beach Post
500+ Long Beach Post / Saved by Tenants Together
3
Councilmembers unanimously passed an emergency ordinance to fix what
they considered a flaw in the state’s new housing law, which went into effect
in January and allowed tenant evictions from units that landlords said were
going to be demolished or substantially remodeled.
The City Council, faced with mounting pressure from renters and tenant
activists, stepped in to act, apparently becoming the first municipal body in
California to strengthen and clarify the new state law.
READ MORE
Berkeley Mayor Jesse Arreguín announces policy to preserve affordable
housing ‐ Daily Californian
4 Daily Californian / Saved by Tenants Together
Berkeley Mayor Jesse Arreguín held a press conference Feb. 20 to unveil the
Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act, or TOPA, a city ordinance aimed at
preserving affordable housing in Berkeley.
When the owner wanted to sell the property, the NCLT helped the co-op
tenants fight to keep their housing and succeeded with funds from the city of
Berkeley.
4
READ MORE
Causa Justa :: Just Cause Marks 20 Years of Struggle ‐ SF Bay Area
Indymedia
SF Bay Area Indymedia / Saved by Tenants Together
It was 20 years ago that the Coalition for Just Cause in Oakland was formed, and
held their first meeting on January 29, 2000, in the basement of the downtown
Oakland Public Library.
READ MORE
5
Renting an apartment depends on who and where you are ‐ Marin
Independent Journal
24 Marin Independent Journal / Saved by Tenants Together
For instance, if a landlord has “a lack of trust” of a potential tenant based on
race, said Bay Area tenants’ rights attorney Leah Simon-Weisberg, they
might impose an application fee and look more thoroughly into the person,
instead of thinking , “Oh, you fit into what I imagine a neighbor should look
like.”
According to a new Zillow analysis , renters of color are disproportionately
more likely than white renters to pay an application fee when they are
searching for a new home, even when researchers controlled for age, income
and other factors.
READ MORE
Feeling mobile? Get the Feedly app and read on the go
6
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1
Baumb, Nelly
From:Loran Harding <loran.harding@stanfordalumni.org>
Sent:Thursday, February 20, 2020 2:12 PM
To:Loran Harding; bballpod; beachrides; David Balakian; becerra.bere11@gmail.com; bearwithme1016
@att.net; Council, City; Cathy Lewis; paul.caprioglio; Chris Field; Dan Richard; Doug Vagim;
dennisbalakian; Daniel Zack; eappel@stanford.edu; esmeralda.soria@fresno.gov;
fmbeyerlein@sbcglobal.net; Steven Feinstein; Raymond Rivas; fmerlo@wildelectric.net;
grinellelake@yahoo.com; huidentalsanmateo; hennessy; steve.hogg; igorstrav .; jerry ruopoli; Joel
Stiner; Jason Tarvin; Mark Kreutzer; kfsndesk; kwalsh@kmaxtv.com; leager; Leodies Buchanan;
mthibodeaux@electriclaboratories.com; margaret-sasaki@live.com; Mayor; newsdesk; nick yovino;
Pam Kelly; russ@topperjewelers.com; Steve Wayte; terry; vallesR1969@att.net; yicui@stanford.edu
Subject:Fwd: German court rules Tesla can fell forest for gigafactory nr. Berlin
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ Forwarded message ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐
From: Loran Harding <loran.harding@stanfordalumni.org>
Date: Thu, Feb 20, 2020 at 1:58 PM
Subject: Fwd: German court rules Tesla can fell forest for gigafactory nr. Berlin
To: Loran Harding <loran.harding@stanfordalumni.org>
‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ Forwarded message ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐
From: Loran Harding <loran.harding@stanfordalumni.org>
Date: Thu, Feb 20, 2020 at 1:52 PM
Subject: Fwd: German court rules Tesla can fell forest for gigafactory nr. Berlin
To: Loran Harding <loran.harding@stanfordalumni.org>
‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ Forwarded message ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐
From: Loran Harding <loran.harding@stanfordalumni.org>
Date: Thu, Feb 20, 2020 at 1:46 PM
Subject: German court rules Tesla can fell forest for gigafactory nr. Berlin
To: Loran Harding <loran.harding@stanfordalumni.org>
Thurs. 2‐20‐20
To all‐
Today, a German court allowed Tesla to cut trees to clear land for a gigafactory SE of Berlin to build cars and make
batts.
2
https://www.dw.com/en/tesla‐can‐cut‐down‐german‐forest‐for‐gigafactory‐court‐rules/a‐52385115
Tesla slipped a bit in trading today, going back under $900 per share. I can't kick though, having paid $377 per
share. It. c. at $899.41 per share, down 1.96% today.
Some profit taking on NVDA too. It c. at $308.70 today, down 1.91%.
One should realize that TSLA and NVDA are somewhat related. NVDA makes the chips and the software that runs
on those chips for self‐driving cars, and no one is more into those than Tesla. Notice how they fell almost the same
percentage today. Maybe just a coincidence. There is vid. of Elon Musk sitting on‐stage talking to Jensen Huang, founder
and CEO of NVDA. Huang said there that he owns all three Tesla models at that time, Model S, Model X and Model 3.
I could not resist buying 10 more shares of Teekay Tankers today, TNK, at $14.8657 per share. That brings my avg.
price paid for TNK down to $20.86 per share. People are putting price targets of $37 on it. Rated A by Schwab. Looks like
a no‐brainer at this price.
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#inbox/FMfcgxwGDWlwggmvgdNcQPbvkNKSSJvh
LH
1
Baumb, Nelly
From:Palo Alto Free Press <paloaltofreepress@gmail.com>
Sent:Monday, February 24, 2020 2:23 PM
To:Council, City; Jonsen, Robert; Perron, Zachary
Cc:James Aram; Wagner, April; Reifschneider, James; Binder, Andrew; Apple, Kara; Stump, Molly
Subject:Racially motivated and profiled - Traffic Ticket.pdf
Attachments:Traffic Ticket.pdf
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on
links.
________________________________
This was a traffic citation I received by the PAPD. It was radically motivated..... Ive kept it all these years....
1. Nicaraguan citizen.
2.Nicaraguan vehicle.
3. Nicaraguan plates
4. Nicaraguan drivers license (Nicaraguan license was refused by PAPD)
5. Nicaraguan passport.
Vehicle was driven thousands of miles across Central America, Mexico and the US never an issue until I entered the City
of Palo Alto.
Posted $1000.00 bail to have my case heard in a court of law. BTW received my bail back, ticket dismissed........
I argued, I was on vacation among other things.....Chief Jonsen or anybody else care to comment.
Ps. I didn't have insurance documentation with me at the time...
Pss.....Some not all (PAPD undercover) police cruisers have tinted windows....
Perhaps this was all done in the interest of “Best Police Practices” building community trust one ticket at a time......
Sincerely,
Mark Petersen‐Perez
Sent from my iPad
Redacted
Redacted
Redacted
Redacted
1
Baumb, Nelly
From:Jeff Hoel <jeff_hoel@yahoo.com>
Sent:Friday, February 21, 2020 2:31 PM
To:UAC
Cc:Hoel, Jeff (external); Council, City
Subject:electric system reliability
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
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Commissioners, At UAC's 02-05-20 meeting, at item IX.5 -- potential future topics -- (at 2:07:35 on the video), https://midpenmedia.org/utilities-advisory-commission-31-252020/ Commissioners Forssell and Jackson mentioned that it would be nice for UAC to consider the topic of the reliability of the City's electric utility. (See microtranscript below the "######" line.) Good idea! I have some comments. 1. If the City wants to improve the reliability of its electric service, it has to measure it and report it. The City used to report reliability information in the Utilities Quarterly Update documents for the 4th Quarter. But after 2016, it stopped doing this. Here's the 2016 report (PDF pages 61-64). http://cityofpaloalto.org/civicax/filebank/documents/54496 Please look at this report and discuss whether it tells you everything you need to know. It says SAIDI (System Average Interruption Duration Index) was 39.48 minutes per year in 2016. That is, the average customer was without power for 39.48 minutes in that year. It notes how many failures were aerial and how many were underground, but it doesn't really show how each contributed to overall reliability. It also doesn't say, for undergrounded cases, whether the transformers are also underground. I'm not saying that the City has to publish reliability information in Utilities Quarterly Update documents, necessarily, but it should publish this data periodically (annually? quarterly?), in a predictable place, so UAC, Council, and the public can see how the City is doing over the years. This FY2020 operating budget (PDF page 429) https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/civicax/filebank/documents/73190 reports that in FY 2017, SAIDI was 63.76 minutes per year, and in FY 2018, it was 87.98 minutes per year. But it doesn't report information about SAIFI (System Average Interruption Frequency Index) or CAIDI (Customer Average Interruption Duration Index). And it doesn't say anything about what was aerial and what was undergrounded. To me, operating budget documents shouldn't be the primary place to report electric reliability data. For more information about this, please see this 08-16-18 transcript & comments document (pages 29-75). https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/civicax/filebank/documents/66531 Just search for occurrences of SAIDI. Fort Collins, CO, reported a SAIDI of 16.8 minutes per year for 2018 (page 14). https://www.fcgov.com/utilities//img/site_specific/uploads/energy-policy-2018-annual-update-report_no-petroleum.pdf Also, its SAIFI was 0.37 outages per year, and its CAIDI was 44.7 minutes per outage. The graph shows how SAIFI, CAIDI, and SAIDI are related. By the way, Fort Collins' electric infrastructure is almost entirely undergrounded. 2. I'll forward as a separate message my 05-15-18 message to UAC Commissioner Ballantine about electric reliability. (I guess I should have sent it to all of UAC originally.) 3. The City's electric reliability issue is related to the City's undergrounding issue.
2
A 09-07-11 staff report https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/civicax/filebank/documents/30141 said that completing the City's undergrounding of utilities might cost $281 million, of which $70 million might be paid by customers, leaving $211 million to be shared by the City and wired telecom incumbents AT&T and Comcast. Historically, the utility has had permission to use about 2% of electric revenues to do undergrounding.
Estimated electric revenues for FY2020 are $166 million (PDF page 58 here) https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/civicax/filebank/documents/73190 so 2% of electric revenues these days is about $3.3 million. A 03-06-19 staff report seemed to indicate that the rate of undergrounding was pretty slow. http://cityofpaloalto.org/civicax/filebank/documents/69596 Staff said that maintaining existing undergrounded facilities (including replacing equipment at end-of-life) should be prioritized over doing new undergrounding. I'm not clear about why the City can't do both. Should the rule about 2% of electric revenues be for just new undergrounding or for both new undergrounding and maintenance of existing undergrounding? And is 2% the right rule? 4. The City's electric reliability issue is related to the City's connections to the larger electric grid. On 02-17-10, an airplane crash knocked out all three of the City's connections to the larger grid, and power was out citywide for about 7 hours and 50 minutes. So that added 470 minutes per year to the City's SAIDI for 2010. (But that statistic wasn't
mentioned in the minutes of a 04-07-10 UAC discussion of transmission alternatives.) https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/civicax/filebank/documents/20125 (And a video is not available online.) A 02-01-12 staff report considered the possibility of adding a fourth connection (or, alternatively, undergrounding some existing connections). https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/civicax/filebank/documents/30466 A 02-15-20 article in the Palo Alto Daily Post quoted City Manager Shikada as saying that Stanford "recently" told the City it is no longer willing to consider a partnership to add a fourth transmission line connection through SLAC. If so, that should be documented by the City. 5. The City's electric reliability issue is related to the smart meter and smart grid issue. If the City had smart meters, they could be used to report outages "instantaneously," which could result in reduced outage duration (CAIDI). Also, in theory, data collection about outages could be automated, making it easier to produce reliability reports. Also, in theory, better reporting of actual loads could lead to identifying which transformers should be replaced BEFORE they fail. Chattanooga is an example of a utility that uses its citywide municipal FTTP network to control smart switches in its electric grid. When a switch detects a fault, it opens. But, under network control, it can then test whether the problem was only ephemeral, and if so, can close again. 6. In 2018, the American Public Power Association gave Palo Alto an RP3 (Reliable Public Power Provider) award at the Diamond Level (highest level). https://www.publicpower.org/rp3-designated-utilities The award lasts for three years. Palo Alto could reapply in 2021. https://www.publicpower.org/about/members/reliability-recognition-tracking Thanks. Jeff ------------------- Jeff Hoel Palo Alto, CA 94303 ------------------- ################################################################################################ https://midpenmedia.org/utilities-advisory-commission-31-252020/
Redacted
3
2:09:22: Commissioner Forssell: Just a couple things. I would love to have a better understanding of our outages profile. I feel like there have been a number of them. In the [news]. Maybe just because it was a goose, and that was funny. And mylar balloons. I don't know if our sort of average outage rates hold steady over the years. Or if they ebb and flow. But --if it was -- I see -- you know, there's a general educational update to be scheduled. I'd be interested in learning more about kind of what our outage patterns look like.
... 2:13:09: Commissioner Jackson: I had one follow-up on Commissioner Forssell's request for the discussion about the outages. One thing I would very interested at that discussion would be hearing about what percentage of outages that we're having would be prevented if the electric lines were underground in those areas. Geese generally don't fly underground. Mylar balloons generally do not fly underground. So, it would be interesting to break out outages as -- would they have been prevented if there was underground service in those districts. 2:13:47: Chair Danaher: All right. 2:13:48: Jonathan Abendschein: You know, it's interesting. We had this discussion a little bit last year. There was a -- There was sort of a netting to this. How many would be prevented would be prevented by putting them underground, and how many would be added due to burrowing creatures, and roots, and -- And so there's a -- There's a net there. So, we can come back with that. 2:14:08: Commissioner Jackson: Also, I have not read about any squirrels burrowing into -- I'm sure it's happened. But you don't read about in the papers as much.
1
Baumb, Nelly
From:Jeff Hoel <jeff_hoel@yahoo.com>
Sent:Friday, February 21, 2020 2:41 PM
To:UAC
Cc:Hoel, Jeff (external); Council, City
Subject:more about electric reliability
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
Commissioners, FYI. Jeff ----- Forwarded Message -----
From: Jeff Hoel <jeff_hoel@yahoo.com>
To: Arne Ballantine <arneballantine@att.net>
Cc: Jeff Hoel <jeff_hoel@yahoo.com>
Sent: Tuesday, May 15, 2018, 02:17:11 PM PDT
Subject: more about electric reliability Arnie, FYI, since you're interested in electric reliability. Generally, two things that seem to decrease SAIDI are 1) undergrounding and 2) remote-controlled switches. Thanks. Jeff ############################################################################# GENERAL: 04-05-18: "Average frequency and duration of electric distribution outages vary by states" https://www.eia.gov/todayinenergy/detail.php?id=35652 * Municipal electric utilities seem to do better than investor-owned utilities. * Apparently some people like to keep the score two ways: 1) including major events and 2) not including major events. * The video says that outages of less than 5 minutes don't count. (Is this how Palo Alto keeps the score?) ==================== EUROPE: 02-01-17: "What is the Value of Microgrid Resilience?" https://microgridknowledge.com/microgrid-resilience/ Figure 1 shows SAIDI of various European countries over the years 2002-2014.
2
==================== JAPAN: 03-19-15:
http://az545403.vo.msecnd.net/uploads/2015/03/5-tepco.pdf Shows SAIDI and SAIFI for Tepco from 1966 to 2012 (page 6). In 2010, SAIDI spiked to 153 minutes per year, because of the Great East Japan Earthquake. But since 1992, it's usually under 10 minutes per year. ==================== GERMANY: 08-28-14: "Germany's Grid: Renewables Rich and Rock Solid" https://spectrum.ieee.org/energywise/energy/the-smarter-grid/germanys-superstable-solarsoaked-grid "... the most likely reason for Germany's grid reliability is the preponderance of underground lines in the distribution networks. Over 80 percent of Germany's low-voltage lines and over 90 percent of its medium-voltage lines are underground. Other European countries scoring high on SAIDI have similar preponderance of underground distribution, including Denmark, Switzerland and the Netherlands, according to a December 2013 reliability assessment from the Brussels-based Council of European Energy Regulators." ==================== FORT COLLINS:
Energy Policy -- 2016 Annual Update -- Fort Collins, CO https://www.fcgov.com/utilities/img/site_specific/uploads/17-10736_2016_Energy_Policy_Update_Web.pdf SAIDI was 19 minutes per year. This document doesn't mention it, but the electric wires are underground. Fort Collins has started to implement a citywide FTTP network. May 2015: Energy Policy -- 2015 Annual Update -- Fort Collins, CO https://www.fcgov.com/utilities/img/site_specific/uploads/A_2015_Energy_Policy_annual_update_final.pdf SAIDI was 20.6 minutes per year. June 2011: Energy Policy -- 2010 Annual Update -- Fort Collins, CO https://www.fcgov.com/utilities/img/site_specific/uploads/Energy_Policy_2010_annual_update.pdf SAIDI was not reported explicitly, but it was CAIDI * SAIFI = 38 * 0.45 = 17.1 minutes per year. I think this was even before they had smart meters. June 2011: "Fort Collins Recognized for Smart Grid Technology Efforts" https://www.fcgov.com/news/?id=3782 "Automated Metering Infrastructure in 2012/2013 In the next few years, Fort Collins Utilities’ residential and small commercial customers will be able to monitor their own energy use and make informed decisions on energy consumption." 2008 Sustainability Report https://www.fcgov.com/utilities/img/site_specific/uploads/2008-gri-report.pdf SAIDI was 10.04 minutes per year. "Fort Collins Light and Power was one of the first electric utilities in the nation to begin placing its electric lines underground. We began converting our existing overhead lines to underground as a pilot program in 1986, adopted a formal undergrounding program in 1989 and completed this ambitions undertaking 17 years later at a cost of $25 million." Wow! That's inexpensive. 04-09-15: Fort Collins Utilities L & P Equipment Failure Review https://www.fcgov.com/utilities/img/site_specific/uploads/Reliability_and_Outages_04.09.2015.pdf On PDF page 24, there's a graph showing SAIDI from 1984 to 2014. (At the top of the slide, it says "CAIDI," but I think that's wrong.)
3
==================== LONGMONT: 06-05-17: Longmont's Power & Communication's Stats
https://longmontobserver.org/city/longmont-power-communications-stats/ SAIDI -- 32 minutes per year. SAIFI -- 0.46 events per year. CAIDI -- 70 minutes per event. 2008: Report to the Community https://www.longmontcolorado.gov/home/showdocument?id=1772 Electric distribution system: * 433 miles -- underground * 149 miles -- overhead * 582 miles -- TOTAL 2016: Report to the Community https://www.longmontcolorado.gov/home/showdocument?id=18177 Electric distribution system: * 496 miles underground * 120 miles overhead -- not stated explicitly (it's total minus underground) -- note: less than in 2008. * 616 miles TOTAL This document also says that LPC has received APPA's RP3 award six times (each lasting 3 years). Google "site:longmontcolorado.gov electric reliability" about 114 hits.
05-09-17: LPC remains a gem of a utility with 'Diamond' RP3 rating. Utility has been in top two Reliable Public Power ratings since 2006. https://www.longmontcolorado.gov/Home/Components/News/News/3584/3 But Google "site:longmontcolorado.gov saidi" 0 hits. (So, I guess LPC chooses not to talk about "SAIDI" directly.) ==================== CHATTANOOGA: June 2017: "Analysis of Electric Power Board of Chattanooga Smart Grid Investment" (83 pages) -- also cited in my message of 05-09-18. https://info.ornl.gov/sites/publications/Files/Pub74732.pdf "When EPB first began the installation of its automation equipment, during normal operation, the system average interruption duration index (SAIDI) was 112 minutes per year; and the system average interruption frequency index (SAIFI) was 1.42 interruptions per year. When EPB finished installing the intelligent automation hardware with integrated communications, the SAIDI was reduced to 61.8 minutes per year and the SAIFI was reduced to 0.69 interruptions per year " Note that these SAIDI numbers aren't very impressive, but most of their electric wires are overhead, and they get some severe weather. 03-05-15: "3 Benefits of Undergrounding Home Electrical Service" https://epb.com/about-epb/news/articles/9 "Undergrounding has been done locally for about 50 years but became a citywide policy for new construction in 1993, after the widespread power outages caused by the blizzard, ..." 05-17-17: Vegetation Management https://epb.com/vegetation-management "Vegetation is one of the leading causes of outages in our electric system because high wind, ice, lightning and heavy rain cause trees and limbs to fall which can down power lines." 07-22-15: https://emma.msrb.org/EA731625-EA573577-EA969438.pdf Electric distribution system:
4
* 2,900 circuit miles -- overhead 4,000-volt and 12,000-volt distribution lines * 730 miles -- conduit carrying 4,000-volt and 12,000-volt distribution lines I'm not sure why it's worded this way. Anyhow, it's clear that most of the electric lines are overhead. ====================
PALO ALTO:
05-02-18: proposed budgets for utilities -- Palo Alto https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/civicax/filebank/documents/64785 SAIDI: 39.48 -- FY 2016 -- actual 63.76 -- FY 2017 -- actual 60.00 -- FY 2018 -- adopted 60.00 -- FY 2018 -- estimated 60.00 -- FY 2019 -- proposed 03-18-14: review of CPAU department organizational assessment https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/civicax/filebank/documents/39413 SAIDI: Figure 3-15 (PDF page 89) illustrates SAIDI for 2008-2010 (but doesn't provide the numbers) for Palo Alto and some benchmark entities. (The 2010 information doesn't seem to reflect the plane crash.) ==================== AMERICAN PUBLIC POWER ASSOCIATION: About the Reliable Public Power Provider (RP3) Program https://www.publicpower.org/about/members/reliability-recognition-tracking Analysis of 2016 RP3 Application Data https://www.publicpower.org/system/files/documents/analysis_of_2016_rp3_application_data.pdf SAIDI: 23.03 minutes per year -- 1st quartile (25th percentile) 45.00 minutes per year -- median quartile (50th percentile) 74.15 minutes per year -- 3rd quartile (75th percentile) 188.46 minutes per year -- maximum value (I guess this data is for only utilities that applied to receive an award.) 05-07-18: RP3: Designated Utilities https://www.publicpower.org/rp3-designated-utilities Showing just selected utilities -- but the source lists 92 diamond, 98 platinum, and 64 gold. They apparently show just the most recent award the utility received. Awards lasts 3 years. The list is in alphabetical order, so it doesn't show ranking within a category. Diamond Level: City of Palo Alto Utilities, CA (2018) Clarksville Department of Electricity / CDE Lightband, TN (2017) Fort Collins Light and Power, CO (2017) Longmont Power & Communication, CO (2017) Loveland Water and Power, CO (2018) Morristown Utilities Commission, TN (2017) ==================== 2016 -- Smart Distribution Systems https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/9/4/297 (click on "download PDF) Using remote controlled switches (RCSs) can improve SAIDI. "The average SAIDI in the U.S. is above 100 min without consideration of major events [11]. According to [12], SAIDI in South Korea in the same year is about 11 min. The enhanced reliability of South Korea distribution systems results from a
5
high level of distribution automation through deploying smart grid technologies [13]. By 2012, South Korea has upgraded 48% of manual switches to RCSs and deployed DMSs widely in the distribution operating center [12]." (RCS = remote-controlled switch, DMS = distribution management systems.) The paper presents a hypothetical example and shows how adding RCSs, in theory, decreases SAIDI.
1
Baumb, Nelly
From:Loran Harding <loran.harding@stanfordalumni.org>
Sent:Tuesday, February 25, 2020 5:04 PM
To:Loran Harding; bballpod; Irv Weissman; francis.collins@nih.gov; fmbeyerlein@sbcglobal.net;
dennisbalakian; David Balakian; Joel Stiner; Mayor; Council, City; Mark Standriff; Mark Kreutzer;
margaret-sasaki@live.com; beachrides; eappel@stanford.edu; shanhui.fan@stanford.edu;
yicui@stanford.edu; hennessy; mthibodeaux@electriclaboratories.com; midge@thebarretts.com;
Mark Waldrep; kfsndesk; newsdesk; kwalsh@kmaxtv.com; terry; boardmembers; Cathy Lewis; Doug
Vagim; Daniel Zack; Dan Richard; grinellelake@yahoo.com; huidentalsanmateo; steve.hogg; jerry
ruopoli; Pam Kelly; leager; popoff; russ@topperjewelers.com; toni.tinoco@hsr.ca.gov; vallesR1969
@att.net; nick yovino; Chris Field; dallen1212@gmail.com
Subject:Fwd: Today, Feb. 25, 2020 WHO expert who led team to China- Important
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening
attachments and clicking on links.
‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ Forwarded message ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐
From: Loran Harding <loran.harding@stanfordalumni.org>
Date: Tue, Feb 25, 2020 at 4:49 PM
Subject: Fwd: Today, Feb. 25, 2020 WHO expert who led team to China‐ Important
To: Loran Harding <loran.harding@stanfordalumni.org>
‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ Forwarded message ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐
From: Loran Harding <loran.harding@stanfordalumni.org>
Date: Tue, Feb 25, 2020 at 4:47 PM
Subject: Today, Feb. 25, 2020 WHO expert who led team to China‐ Important
To: Loran Harding <loran.harding@stanfordalumni.org>
Tues. Feb. 25, 2020
Important: Our epidemic experts should watch this before the virus hits here. WHO expert who led group to China
and held his discussion today:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v3TowZyuIxI
Also, see PBS Newshour for Feb. 25, 2020 for the first few minutes. Important announcements today by U.S.
gov. discussed there. Here it is: See here from 3 minutes to ~9:50:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VWPLhu3ZaKU
LH
Monday, February 24, 2020 Daily Post 7
l •l :J l~I t•l~I
Police meeting ton.ight
Dear Editor~ Tonight at 6, the Palo
Alto City Council will hold a one-hour
study session on community policing.
My bet is that this study session will
be a filibuster by the unfailingly polite
police chief, Robert Jonsen - a one-man
PR stunt to take the heat off the chief, city
attorney and city manager for their ongo-
ing coverup of the Zack Perron scandal.
This session will be all about policing,
and zero about community.
Predictably, the chief and command
staff will drone on for most of the one-
hour session regarding best practic-
es in the field of community policing.
There's little chance that the council
will let the numerous recent victims of
the Police Department's wave of vio-
lence, brutality, and long-standing pat-
tern of racially discriminatory policing
receive equal time to rebut what will
surely be Jonsen's claim.
Council members will play their
obligatory role, praising the chief ad
nauseam for all the things he does to
keep our community safe.
Based on past performances, council
members who ask the chief even slight-
ly probing questions will be compelled
to genuflect before proceeding with
their questions.
Only upon risk of political and pro-
fessional death will they dare ask the
operative question: when are you going
to release the Perron investigation?
AramJames
Palo Alto
l co:;27~rnNG
~ [ ) Placed Before ~ting
.;· ~at Meeting
DATE: February 18, 2020
TO: STATE, CITY AND LOCAL OFFICIALS
NOTICE OF PACIFIC GAS AND ELECTRIC COMPANY'S REQUEST TO INCREASE RATES FOR
THE WILDFIRE EXPENSE MEMORANDUM ACCOUNT (A.20-02-004)
Summary
On February 7, 2020, Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) filed its Wildfire Expense Memorandum Account
(WEMA) application No. A.20-02-004 with the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC).
The application seeks recovery of certain costs recorded in the WEMA, including $498.7 million for insurance costs
incurred between July 26, 2017, and December 31, 2019. These costs exceed previously authorized rates for the same
period. ·
If the CPUC approves this application, PG&E will recover costs in electric and gas rates over a one-year period beginning
January 1, 2021.
Background
PG&E purchases excess liability insurance to protect against claims that may arise in connection with business
operations. The program is designed to protect PG&E from significant losses, which could ultimately lead to increased
rates for customers. PG&E renews this excess liability insurance on or about August 1 each year.
The cost of this insurance has increased dramatically due to high wildfire liabilities in California.
How will the application affect electric rates?
Most customers receive bundled electric service from PG&E, meaning they receive electric generation, transmission and
distribution services.
Based on rates currently in effect, the bill for a typical residential nonCARE customer using 500 kWh per month would
increase from $124.41 to $127.88, or 2.8%.
Direct Access and Community Choice Aggregation customers only receive electric transmission and distribution services
from PG&E. On average, these customers would see an increa·se of 1.8%.
Another category of nonbundled customers is Departing Load. These customers do not receive electric generation,
transmission or distribution services from PG&E. However, these customers are required to pay certain charges by law or
CPUC decision. These customers will not be impacted by this application.
Detailed rate impacts are being sent directly to customers in February and March 2020. Actual impacts will vary
depending on usage.
How will the application affect gas rates?
Bundled gas customers receive transmission, distribution, and procurement services from PG&E.
Based on rates currently in effect, the gas bill for a typical residential customer averaging 32 therms per month would
increase from $50.88 to $52.68, or 3.5%.
Detailed rate impacts are being sent directly to customers in February and March 2020. Actual impacts will vary
depending on usage.
How do I find out more about PG&E's proposals?
If you have questions about PG&E's filing, please contact PG&E at 1-800-743-5000. For TTY, call 1-800-652-4712. Para
mas detalles Harne al 1-800-660-6789 • ~~~¥.le~ 1-800-893-9555. If you would like a copy of PG&E's filing and
exhibits, please write to PG&E at the address below:
Pacific Gas and Electric Company
WEMA Application (A.20-02-004)
P.O. Box 7442
San Francisco, CA 94120
1
I 0 :QI WV tiz 83J OZ
331.:idO S.~H31J All:J
VJ '011\1 OlVd :W AllJ
A copy of PG&E's filing and exhibits is also available for review at the CPUC's Central Files office by appointment only.
For more information, contact aljcentralfilesid@cpuc.ca.gov or 1-415-703-2045. PG&E's application (without exhibits) is
available on the CPUC's website at www.cpuc.ca.gov.
CPUC process
This application will be assigned to an Administrative Law Judge (Judge) who will determine how to receive evidence and
other related information necessary for the CPUC to establish a record upon which to base its decision. Evidentiary
hearings (EHs) may be held where parties will present their testimony and may be subject to cross-examination by other
parties. These EHs are open to the public, but only those who are formal parties in the case can participate.
After considering all proposals and evidence presented during the hearings, the assigned Judge will issue a proposed
decision which may adopt PG&E's proposal, modify it or deny it. Any of the five CPUC Commissioners may sponsor an
alternate decision. The proposed decision, and any alternate decisions, will be discussed and voted on at a scheduled
CPUC Voting Meeting that is open to the public.
The California Public Advocates Office (CalPA) may review this application. CalPA is the independent consumer advocate
within the CPUC with a legislative mandate to represent investor-owned utility customers to obtain the lowest possible
rate for service consistent with reliable and safe service levels. CalPA has a multidisciplinary staff with expertise in
economics, finance, accounting and engineering. For more information about CalPA, please call 1-415-703-1584, email
PublicAdvocatesOffice@cpuc.ca.gov or visit CalPA's website at www.publicadvocates.cpuc.ca.gov.
Stay informed
If you would like to follow this proceeding, or any other issue before the CPUC, you may use the CPUC's free subscription
service. Sign up at: http://subscribecpuc.cpuc.ca.gov. If you would like to learn how you can participate in the
proceeding, have informal comments about the application or have questions about the CPUC processes, you may
access the CPUC's Public Advisor's Office (PAO) webpage at http://consumers.cpuc.ca.gov/pao/.
You may also contact the PAO as follows:
Email: public.advisor@cpuc.ca.gov
Mail: CPUC
Public Advisor's Office
505 Van Ness Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94102
Call: 1-866-849-8390 (toll-free) or 1-415-703-207 4
TTY: 1-866-836-7825 (toll-free) or 1-415-703-5282
Please reference PG&E's WEMA Application (A.20-02-004) in any communications you have with the CPUC regarding
this matter. All public comments will become part of the public correspondence file for this proceeding and made available
for review by the assigned Judge, Commissioners and appropriate CPUC staff.
,.. . . . " "·. .....
2
DATE: February 18, 2020
TO: STATE, CITY AND LOCAL OFFICIALS
NOTICE OF PACIFIC GAS AND ELECTRIC COMPANY'S REQUEST TO INCREASE RATES FOR
WILDFIRE MITIGATION AND CATASTROPHIC EVENTS INTERIM RATES (A.20-02-003)
Summary
On February 7, 2020, Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) filed its Wildfire Mitigation and Catastrophic Events
Interim Rates application with the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC).
PG&E is requesting $899 million in this application. If the CPUC approves the proposal, PG&E will increase electric rates
over a 17-month period beginning in August 2020.
The application includes costs related to:
• Mitigating wildfire risk, including enhanced vegetation management;
• Upgrading the electric system to be more resilient;
• Responding to catastrophic events, including wildfires and storms;
• Safely restoring utility services to customers after catastrophic events, including repairing, replacing or restoring
damaged utility facilities; and
• Complying with governmental agency orders for emergencies declared to be disasters by the state of California or
federal authorities.
Costs related to the above total approximately $1 .67 billion mainly over a period of 2017 through 2019. The current
application proposes to recover a portion of the total costs in advance of the formal application(s) that will be filed later this
year.
Background
Wildfire risk mitigation costs included in this application comply with the Wildfire Mitigation Plan approved by the CPUC in
May 2019 and the Fire Safety decision approved by the CPUC in December 2017.
How will the application affect electric rates?
Most customers receive bundled electric service from PG&E, meaning they receive electric generation, transmission and
distribution services.
Based on rates currently in effect, the bill for a typical residential nonCARE customer using 500 kWh per month would
increase from $124.41 to $130.11, or 4.6%.
Direct Access and Community Choice Aggregation customers only receive electric transmission and distribution services
from PG&E. On average, these customers would see an increase of 5.8%.
Another category of nonbundled customers is Departing Load. These customers do not receive electric generation,
transmission or distribution services from PG&E. However, these customers are required to pay certain charges by law or
CPUC decision. The impact of PG&E's application on these customers is an average increase of 1.9%.
Detailed rate impacts are being sent directly to customers in February and March 2020. Actual impacts will vary
depending on usage.
How do I find out more about PG&E's proposals?
If you have questions about PG&E's filing, please contact PG&E at 1·800-743-5000. For TTY, call 1-800-652-4712. Para
mas detalles Harne al 1-800-660-6789 • ~~~~~ 1-800-893-9555. If you would like a copy of PG&E's filing and
exhibits, please write to PG&E at the address below:
Pacific Gas and Electric Company
Wildfire Mitigation and Catastrophic Events
Interim Rates Application (A.20-02-003)
P.O. Box 7442
San Francisco, CA 94120
A copy of PG&E's filing and exhibits is also available for review at the CPUC's Central Files office by appointment only.
For more information, contact aljcentralfilesid@cpuc.ca.gov or 1-415-703-2045. PG&E's application (without exhibits) is
available on the CPUC's website at www.cpuc.ca.gov.
CPUC process
This application will be assigned to an Administrative Law Judge (Judge) who will determine how to receive evidence and
other related information necessary for the CPUC to establish a record upon which to base its decision. Evidentiary
hearings (EHs) may be held where parties will present their testimony and may be subject to cross-examination by other
parties. These EHs are open to the public, but only those who are formal parties in the case can participate.
After considering all proposals and evidence presented during the hearings, the assigned Judge will issue a proposed
decision which may adopt PG&E's proposal, modify it or deny it. Any of the five CPUC Commissioners may sponsor an
alternate decision. The proposed decision, and any alternate decisions, will be discussed and voted on at a scheduled
CPUC Voting Meeting that is open to the public.
The California Public Advocates Office (CalPA) may review this application. CalPA is the independent consumer advocate
within the CPUC with a legislative mandate to represent investor-owned utility customers to obtain the lowest possible
rate for service consistent with reliable and safe service levels. CalPA has a multidisciplinary staff with expertise in
economics, finance, accounting and engineering. For more information about CalPA, please call 1-415-703-1584, email
PublicAdvocatesOffice@cpuc.ca.gov or visit CalPA's website at www.publicadvocates.cpuc.ca.gov.
Stay informed
If you would like to follow this proceeding, or any other issue before the CPUC, please use the CPUC's free subscription
service. Sign up at: http://subscribecpuc.cpuc.ca.gov. If you would like to learn how you can participate in the
proceeding, have informal comments about the proposal or have questions about the CPUC processes, you may access
the CPUC's Public Advisor's Office (PAO) webpage at http://consumers.cpuc.ca.gov/pao/.
You may also contact the PAO as follows:
Email: public.advisor@cpuc.ca.gov
Mail: CPUC
Public Advisor's Office
505 Van Ness Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94102
Call: 1-866-849-8390 (toll-free) or 1-415-703-2074
TTY: 1-866-836-7825 (toll-free) or 1-415-703-5282
Please reference Wildfire Mitigation and Catastrophic Events Interim Rates Application (A.20-02-003) in any
communications you have with the CPUC regarding this matter. All public comments will become part of the public
correspondence file for this proceeding and made available for review by the assigned Judge, Commissioners and
appropriate CPUC staff.
ClTY Of PALO ALTO. CA
CITY CLERK'S OFFICE
20 FEB 24 AM 10: 02
l o· V7A lldmi/J/sf;<afive t?J/Ce
333 / Al Fl!.tf If
Jan Jofe CA gJ/311
c. c VTA Ct/std;ne; Ser~/ce Ce/7/er
.FS-A W Sa/710 clara ~f
S041 :Jote, CA 9S 1-1..3
-Palo 1111-o C/l-y Covnc./I
250 f/am//l-011 Ave
Polo A/lo( C-11 gq JOI
BOARD AND COMMISSIONS SURVEY RESULTS
JANUARY 2020
High Level Summary
TOTAL RESPONSES: 66
Which board(s) or co n1111i ss ion (s) d id/do you serve on?
(select all that apply)
Answered: 66 Skippec!: O
Architectural
Review Board
Historfc I
Resources Board
Human
Relat101H ...
Librar1
Advisor/ ...
Parks and
Recreation ...
Planning and
Traosportatr ...
Publoc Art
Commission
Ut1Uties
Ad•11sor/ ...
Other {please
s,:ecify)
ANSWER CHOICES
Archnectural Review Board
Histor1c Resources Boar d
Human Relations Commrssron
Library Adv1501y Comm1ss1on
0% 10%
Pa1ks and Recreation Comm1ss1on
Plannmg and Transportation Comnussron
Pubhc An Com1111ss1on
Utrlnres Aclvrsory Comnussron
Other (please specify)
Total Respondents: 66
20~ 301\.o -iO% so% so~, 10•" ao•c 90% 10a•,:,
RESPONSES
12.12%
4.55%
9.09%
10.61%
19.70°0
19.7'1%
12.12%
9 09%
19.70%
8
3
6
7
13
13
8
6
13
1
# OTHER (PLEASE SPECIFY) DATE
l Slorm Drains Oversight 1113/2020 1:31 PM
2 Storm Drain oversight 1113/2020 10:14 AM
3 Development center customer advisory Group, and c omp plan committee 111312020 9:43 AM
4 Slormwater management 1/5/2020 1:10 PM
5 Stoi m Drains Overs1ght 12/24/2019 7:35 PM
6 Stormwater Management 12/20/2019 9:01 PM
7 IBRC 12/20/2019 7:18 PM
8 IBRC 12/20/2019 6:06 PM
9 Infrastructure, cubberly advisory, library bond 12120/2019 5:48 PM
10 Storm Drain Advisory 12/20/2019 5:29 PM
11 lbnc 12/20/2019 5:25 PM
12 Storm drains 12/2012019 5:12 PM
13 Blue Ribbon Storm Drain 12/20/2019 5:04 PM
On a scale from 0-10, how likely are you to recommend se1·ving on a boa1·d or
co111n1ission to others?
.:.
ANSWER CHOICES AVERAGE NUMBER TOTAL NUMBER RESPONSES
Responses
Total Respondents: 53
2
HISTORIC REVIEW BOARD
How lo ng have you served on this boarcl /con1111iss ion?
A-ismred: 3 Skipped: 63
Less than 1
year
4-6 years
r-l!lre than 6
~·ears
Oo· .. 10% 20% 30%
ANSWER CHOICES
Less th an l year
1-3 years
4-6 years
More tl1an 6 years
TOTAL
50% 70% 60% 90% 100~3
Hovv oft en did/does yo ur bo dy operat e effect ively as a
group?
A ·sw~;e.j: 3 Skipped· 63
Usua.lly ANSWER CHOICES
Always
Usually
Sometimes Scmecimes
Rarel'i
Rarely !\ever
TOTAL
Never
0% 10% 20% 50% 6C ~-o 70~1 80% 90% 100~)
RESPONSES
0.00°10 0
33.33%
0.00% 0
613.67% 2
3
RESPONSES
66.67% 2
33.33%
o.oo~. 0
O.OO<o 0
o.oo~. 0
3
4
If you se rv e(d) on a con1n1iss io n/boa rd with a Co uncil
li ais on, what are you r expectat ions of a Council Li ai son?
Answe red: 3 Skipped: 63
Not sure I u nderstandl t he questio
1113/2020 2:36 PM
E -e ctive communlcati on direct y 11b'6th c-0uncil member
1/5/2020 1:12 PM
Our pre•Jious liaisol!l came 1-recp,uenrrly. Our current one does not co me. The Liaison can alert us 1ro
history/planning re ar:ed co,f!·cerns of the curre nt Councill and can help t-o ecJucarron other Council
members abour: s1.1:-cf1 matteors, d!ra•.-.i ng o t heir own expe rt ise and tile advise of tlite HRS.
!2/26/2019 1"1:10 Ar-•
6
If yo u serve(d) on a co n1n1ission/board with a Council
liaison, what are yo ur exp ectations of a Council Liaiso n?
Answered: 5 Skipped: 61
Pro vide g · idal!l.ce wn.en necessary, share thougrits from Council opine on necessity {)f work
commission is working on. Help relay information to Council.
1113/2020 9:31 AM
attend meeti11gs1 give updates on what council is wo rking on as it overlaps wlth iss ues of co ncern t o
the co mmission, lbe an ao1mcate at Council Meetings when an iss ue is before the council/being
worked on by' s;ralff which mig~1t be enhanced by commission input, help navigate difficulties with
staff
·12j27/2019 1:19 AM
Regular meeting attendance. lnpuc on how the commission can work effec;tii.·e y wit h Co uncil.
12/20/2019 7:5 \ PM
First, Let me note, t hat I've harl botn experiences, when t he Council member always attendee! and
wllen the Council member rarely attended. In those instances when tile Co uncil member auende-d,
the CM w ntriblJlted lby giving a sense of the Council's wilt. That input aided in foc1Jsing on meaningful
priorities, drafting sound recommendations, and having a more informed perspective on wt1k h to
make a vote. It was also important that :rile Council Liaison was available oursioe of Commission
meetings rn brainstorm issues and approaches . I clon't believe t he CM ever dominat ed and
constrain ed t he 1,vill of rhe Commission. So my expectation is that a Council Liaiso n informs
Commission delibe rations ancl as a resull elevates t he value of t he Commissi{)n's work to t he Cou11ci
and the Cit~· . The CM a~so playeol a role com municating the will of the Council to staff and thereby
helped focus on Council priorities. ·
l:.../20/'J019 7:30 PM
Relay information -rnm Council meetings and give suggestions on commissions' rotes on ce rtain
issues.
12/20/20 9 S:'.21 Pf1.'1
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