HomeMy Public PortalAboutJune 19, 2023 City Council Emails701-32
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: 6/19/2023
Document dates: 6/12/2023 – 6/19/2023
Note: Documents for every category may not have been received for packet reproduction
in a given week.
From:slevy@ccsce.com
To:Council, City
Cc:Shikada, Ed; Lait, Jonathan
Subject:follow up on BAHFA
Date:Monday, June 19, 2023 11:10:37 AM
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Happy Juneteenth and a belated happy Father's Day to the dads,
To clarify my request re the BAHFA proposed bond for low-and-moderate income housing is
to support and participate in the effort. Any decision on the actual bond should await final
details.
It is also important for the council and staff to explore and understand the conditions on
money allocated to counties for PA to be awarded funds for this housing.
Individuals can endorse the effort at the site in the PPT.
Organizations are asked to send an email or letter of support and that can go to
Dave Brown
dave@nonprofithousing.org
Steve
From:Deborah Waxman
To:Council, City
Cc:Reckdahl, Keith
Subject:Viaduct again? Really?
Date:Monday, June 19, 2023 10:00:49 AM
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Dear City Council,
I am writing once again to add my voice to those strenuously objecting to raised rail options.
I have lived across from the train for more than a decade, so I am painfully aware of the increased
noise and disruption that trains on a viaduct would impose on my neighborhood. Please, please
remember the reasons you eliminated the viaduct before. I can’t believe this option is before us yet
again after all the meetings and testimony of those most affected. And why is cost the only factor
that seems to drive the recommendations?
We will have to live with your decision for a very long time. In this innovative, lovely city, we must
have the resources and ingenuity to find a solution that does not polarize neighborhoods and
drastically lower our quality of life.
Thanks for your attention,
Deborah Waxman
From:Deborah Ju
To:Council, City
Subject:Rail Crossing Option for Charleston Road
Date:Monday, June 19, 2023 9:10:10 AM
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June 19, 2023
RE: Strong Opposition to Viaduct Rail Crossing Option for Charleston Road
Dear Palo Alto City Council members,
My family has lived in the Charleston Meadows neighborhood for 37 years. We participated in
MANY hearings about possible rail crossing options, urging you to eliminate the raised options
from your consideration and to approve the trench option. We were very relieved when the
viaduct option was removed from consideration. We felt that our time and efforts in
participating in the process were respected and considered. It is infuriating now to hear that
all that work is being disregarded and you are again considering the viaduct option. This shows
a tremendous disregard for the value of residents’ time and concerns.
A decision cannot and must be based on choosing the lowest cost. The option chosen will be
legacy infrastructure that will be visible long after we are all gone. A solution must be found
that is effective and visually appealing. Large concrete viaducts and overpasses are ugly and
are not compatible with a residential neighborhood in a green community. Palo Alto would be
embarrassed and ashamed by such a structure and future generations will wonder how in the
world a City full of smart engineers let this happen.
Our neighborhood has been engaged in this process from the beginning. The overwhelming
majority of residents oppose a raised option. We submitted a Petition early in this process
with 600 signatures in support of the trench and tunnel options and in opposition to the
raised rail options. That opposition has not waned. Neighbors have submitted letters and
spoken at every stage in the process to the point of exhaustion.
We participated in the XCAP Zoom meetings. It was our impression that the XCAP members
favored the trench design but were concerned about the cost estimate prepared by the
consultant. Significant questions have been raised about the accuracy of the cost estimate of
the trench option vis-a-vis the raised options. Similar trench projects have been built in other
locations at much, much lower costs. Many residents feel that the consultants went into this
project intent on pushing an elevated option and that the stark cost differential between
the raised options and the trench reflects that bias. An independent cost review is needed to
have any confidence in the analysis.
There has never been an adequate noise analysis. The consultants only addressed noise level
for the 2 rows of houses closest to the track, which represents a very small fracture of the
affected homes. Their report assumed that 2nd story homes would buffer noise beyond the
second row of houses. Clearly, the consultants' analysis is misinformed. Had they visited the
neighborhood, or done any research at all, they would have learned that there is a one-story
overlay over much of the neighborhood. There are very few two-story homes and none
located where they will buffer noise for the affected area. The noise analysis is sloppy,
inaccurate and invalid. I live in one of the few two story homes in the neighborhood My house
is approximately 2 and ½ blocks from the tracks. The train noise is much louder on our
second story where there is nothing to buffer it than it is downstairs. An elevated train would
affect all the homes in the neighborhood in this fashion--there would be nothing to buffer the
noise for many, many blocks in both directions.
We urge you to remove the raised options from consideration. They are strongly disfavored
by the public.
Sincerely,
Deborah and Werner Ju
371 Whitclem Drive
Palo Alto, CA 94306
Virus-free.www.avg.com
From:David Ephron
To:Council, City
Subject:Re: Rail committee grade separation
Date:Monday, June 19, 2023 8:47:04 AM
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________________________________
Dear City Council,
I am writing to strongly object to the re-introduction of the viaduct option to the list of grade separation options
under consideration for the south Palo Alto crossings. The reason this option was removed was that there was
overwhelming and passionate opposition to it across many, many previous forums and meetings. It’s not fair to keep
bringing it back up and expecting the community to keep turning out to oppose it in meeting after meeting, with the
intent of tiring everyone out and slipping it through. That’s what appears to be happening. I encourage you to go
back and review all the prior comments in opposition in addition to those raised this week.
Best regards,
David Ephron
259 Whitclem Court
Palo Alto, CA 94306
From:Nina Bell
To:Council, City
Subject:Terman Park must stay a City Park
Date:Monday, June 19, 2023 8:03:38 AM
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Dear Mayor Kou and Councilmembers,
"A picture is worth 1000 words."
The photo below certainly confirms that old adage. It makes explicitly clear that the
school district will not abide by any agreement that they make, but rather, will do
exactly what they want to do.
The two signs in the picture are mounted on the fence at one entrance to Terman
Park. The top sign (in brown) was placed there by the City. It states the terms with
which the school may use the park. As stated, the school has exclusive use of the
parkland during the school hours, 7:30 to 3:30........ HOWEVER, the public is
allowed to walk along the paved path through the park during those hours. (This
sign shows the City's compliance with the first recommendation made in the 2004-
2005 Santa Clara County Civil Grand Jury Report regarding the Transfer of
Dedicated Parkland within the City of Palo Alto.)
The sign seen below (in green) was chained to the fence by the school district. It
states that during school hours, THE PUBLIC IS NOT ALLOWED IN THE PARK
AT ALL. It even sites a C.P.C. Code to give it "authority." This sign completely
contradicts and disregards the agreed-upon terms of use that was outlined by the
City.
Clearly the school district cannot be relied upon to abide by the agreements they
make. Whatever they say they will do in order to make this swap happen will not be
adhered to down the road. The proof is in the photograph.
It is imperative that Terman Park remain a City Park. Access to that path .... 24/7,
365 days a year.... is vitally important to all residents from every community in the
south end of Palo Alto and beyond.
Please.....keep Terman Park a City Park!
Respectfully,
Nina Bell
GreenAcres 1
Sent from my iPhone
From:Sheriff Transparency
To:Rebecca Eisenberg
Cc:Aram James; Binder, Andrew; Reifschneider, James; Enberg, Nicholas; Barberini, Christopher; Lee, Craig;
Tannock, Julie; Council, City; Lauing, Ed; Shikada, Ed; Afanasiev, Alex; Perron, Zachary; Veenker, Vicki; Vara
Ramakrishnan; Burt, Patrick; Patricia.Guerrero@jud.ca.gov; Human Relations Commission; Jethroe Moore II;
Shana Segal; Angie Evans; Dave Price; Emily Mibach; Sean Webby; Don Austin; Linda Jolley; Cindy Chavez;
Supervisor Susan Ellenberg; Sue Dremann; editor@paweekly.com; Greer Stone; Joe Simitian; Ortega, Javier;
Rosen, Jeff
Subject:Re: Your friend has shared a San Francisco Chronicle link with you:
Date:Sunday, June 18, 2023 11:13:25 PM
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Great!
Now more work needs to be done to amend SB2 to INCLUDE elected Sheriffs and Chiefs as
they are also the real problem for the continuing systemic issues. We are speaking of the
Sheriffs and Police Chiefs who have criminal and/or violation of civil rights backgrounds and
are now elected and literally untouchable.
We know of MANY who were former GANG members in sheriff/police agencies and those
who served in other agencies with DOCUMENTED civil rights violations. YET, voters vote
them in to serve at the highest office where they can subliminally and also outright pass their
poison onto the rest of the department. States need to be rid of these vermin who continue to
be representative of the bad cops who work for them.
We cannot wait for the day some if not ALL, are shown the door with new and amended laws.
We HOPE California will take the lead on this since they have been last on everything else.
~SCCSTG
On Sun, Jun 18, 2023 at 3:37 PM Rebecca Eisenberg <rebecca@rebecca4water.com> wrote:
Interestingly, the "vast majority of other states" already have a similar law on the
books, so California is late to the game! It's too bad that California is so far behind
in protecting the public from officers who cause the very problems they swear to
prevent. Given the perceived progressiveness of our state, one would imagine that
we were a leader rather than a reluctant follower. Here is the paragraph:
https://www.sfchronicle.com/politics/article/california-cops-decertified-
18151927.php?
utm_campaign=CMS%20Sharing%20Tools%20(Premium)&utm_source=share-by-
email&utm_medium=email
Gov. Gavin Newsom signed the law giving the commission the power to decertify
police officers in 2021, bringing California in line with the vast majority of other
states that already had a process to strip officers of their certification for serious
misconduct. Such offenses can include using excessive force, purposefully
obtaining a false confession, intimidating witnesses, joining a law enforcement
gang and sexual assault.
For those of us who have been demanding police reform, transparency and
accountability, this law is long overdue! Now let's hope that it is actually enforced
(and that police officers and unions don't try to sue to enjoin it-- will they really say
with a straight face that officers are entitled to use excessive force, obtain false
confessions, intimate witnesses, join gangs, and commit sexual assault? Perhaps.
Happy Juneteenth to All,
Best,
Rebecca
On Fri, Jun 16, 2023 at 9:17 PM Aram James <abjpd1@gmail.com> wrote:
‘Pretty staggering’: Thousands of California police officers could be stripped of their
badges under new law
https://www.sfchronicle.com/politics/article/california-cops-decertified-18151927.php?
utm_campaign=CMS%20Sharing%20Tools%20(Premium)&utm_source=share-by-
email&utm_medium=email
California’s police standards commission is bracing to decertify or suspend 3,000 to...
This message was sent via San Francisco Chronicle
From:carlin otto
To:Council, City
Subject:The Hated Viaduct
Date:Sunday, June 18, 2023 7:52:47 PM
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Dear Palo Alto City Council and members of the Rail Committee:
Are you so new to the Rail Committee or the City Council that you do not remember the
intense, heated opposition from the public against the hated 20-foot high viaduct option for the
railroad?
I, and hundreds of other Palo Altoans, spent many many
hours writing letters, collecting signatures, crafting emails and verbal presentations for the
CIty Council and the Rail Committee and the XCAP Panel, sitting in public discussions,
studying the facts, etc. etc. etc. I personally spent well over 100 hours on this effort.
As a citizen, I resent that you would forget all this work that we did and consider adding the
viaduct back onto the options for the railroad. I have a life to live !!! Please do NOT add this
back. We (your Palo Alto citizens) spent thousands of hours to make our positions clear (most
of us do NOT want this option to even be considered), and XCAP, the Committee, and the
Council at that time heard us loud and clear. We should not be asked to repeat this effort!!!!
Please do NOT put this design back onto the possible options. It is an abomination that will
increase the noise level, the dust pollution, the trashiness, and the "skyline" ugliness of Palo
Alto.
Remember, the viaduct itself is 20 feet high but ON TOP OF THAT will sit the extremely
ugly, 20-foot power poles that you can already see installed along the tracks.
Carlin Otto
231 Whitclem Court
Palo Alto, CA
From:Kinny
To:Council, City
Subject:Boulware Park Funding - Consent Item #7
Date:Sunday, June 18, 2023 7:20:42 PM
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Dear Council Members:
Please approve the funding for Ventura's Boulware Park. We need more parkland here in
Ventura. We are excited to see Ventura enhanced with all the amenities the park will offer.
Thank you.
Kinny Kohli Ventura Resident (3705 Park Blvd, Palo Alto)
From:Sally Keyes
To:tom tomvlasic.com
Cc:Council, City; Rachel Croft; Anne Kramer; Sam Lada; Anisha Patel; Jim McFall; Margaret Monroe; Sharon Small;
linda VLASIC
Subject:Re: Possible Reconsideration of Viaduct at Churchill
Date:Sunday, June 18, 2023 5:32:39 PM
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Very well said.
On Sun, Jun 18, 2023 at 5:25 PM tom tomvlasic.com <tom@tomvlasic.com> wrote:
Dear City Council members,
We read the recent news article about your decision to lessen visual impact concerns to, apparently,
allow reconsideration of a viaduct at the Churchill crossing. We see no logical basis for this decision, and
wonder about the factual reasons you relied on to support it. To us it seems that the City received a $6
million grant that the rail committee and you now feel you can use restudying an option that was set
aside after extensive study, public input and considerable expenditure of public funds.
Reconsideration of the viaduct option would be shameful on so many fronts. First, wasting money on an
option that has already been extensively studied. Second, putting citizens of Palo Alto though the same
pain we experienced with the debates that took place on this previously that resulted in a decision that
allows for reasonably moving forward. That decision was made after countless meetings, petitions,
consultant studies, and with millions in staff and consultant costs.
More importantly this would just be another political shield to avoid taking responsibility for stating what
we believe is clear, that if any money is available it will need to spent on fixing the crossing at
Embarcadero and a rail separation on the south side of the city where such a crossing does not exist. The
costs for both of those will likely ultimately approach or exceed $500 million each. Where is that money?
Please show some leadership and true public service and do not reopen the senseless viaduct option.
The range of public comments, many ill-informed, at the end of the recent news article show how
ridiculous, wasteful, time consuming and divisive any reopening would be and underscore the pain it will
bring to all of us who care about the future of Palo Alto as a COMMUNITY And, simply the result would
not further inform the rail crossing planning efforts in any meaningful way.
We respectfully ask you to please stop this nonsense now.
Tom and Linda Vlasic
Mariposa Avenue
From:Sally Keyes
To:Council, City
Subject:Viaduct proposal
Date:Sunday, June 18, 2023 5:31:12 PM
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City Council,
We are more than appalled that this committee is thinking of spending MORE money on a decision that has
already been made.
The viaduct is OFF the table. There is NO need to spend limited funds bringing it back on the table. What a
waste of time, money and energy. Is this what this NEW city council really wants?
We certainly hope that common sense prevails - please!
Richard and Sally Keyes
1573 Mariposa Avenue
Palo Alto, CA. 94306
From:tom tomvlasic.com
To:Council, City
Cc:Rachel Croft; Sally Keyes; Anne Kramer; Sam Lada; Anisha Patel; Jim McFall; Margaret Monroe; Sharon Small;
linda VLASIC
Subject:Possible Reconsideration of Viaduct at Churchill
Date:Sunday, June 18, 2023 5:25:51 PM
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Dear City Council members,
We read the recent news article about your decision to lessen visual impact concerns to, apparently, allow
reconsideration of a viaduct at the Churchill crossing. We see no logical basis for this decision, and wonder
about the factual reasons you relied on to support it. To us it seems that the City received a $6 million grant
that the rail committee and you now feel you can use restudying an option that was set aside after
extensive study, public input and considerable expenditure of public funds.
Reconsideration of the viaduct option would be shameful on so many fronts. First, wasting money on an
option that has already been extensively studied. Second, putting citizens of Palo Alto though the same
pain we experienced with the debates that took place on this previously that resulted in a decision that
allows for reasonably moving forward. That decision was made after countless meetings, petitions,
consultant studies, and with millions in staff and consultant costs.
More importantly this would just be another political shield to avoid taking responsibility for stating what
we believe is clear, that if any money is available it will need to spent on fixing the crossing at Embarcadero
and a rail separation on the south side of the city where such a crossing does not exist. The costs for both
of those will likely ultimately approach or exceed $500 million each. Where is that money?
Please show some leadership and true public service and do not reopen the senseless viaduct option. The
range of public comments, many ill-informed, at the end of the recent news article show how ridiculous,
wasteful, time consuming and divisive any reopening would be and underscore the pain it will bring to all of
us who care about the future of Palo Alto as a COMMUNITY And, simply the result would not further
inform the rail crossing planning efforts in any meaningful way.
We respectfully ask you to please stop this nonsense now.
Tom and Linda Vlasic
Mariposa Avenue
From:Tom DuBois
To:Council, City; Greg Tanaka; Ed Lauing; Vicki Veenker; Lythcott-Haims, Julie; Lydia Kou; Greer Stone; Pat Burt
Cc:Clerk, City
Subject:Comments on Item #41 Tree Protection Ordinance Year One Implementation Update
Date:Sunday, June 18, 2023 4:23:41 PM
Attachments:Staff Report 14355 Tree Protection.pdf
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Council Members,
My understanding is that Monday night is an informational study session on the Tree
Protection ordinance update in 2021, and that policy changes will be agendized after review
by boards and commissions in the Fall. I’ve attached the Staff report from June 6, 2022.
Please take time to read the background on page 3 as well as what was actually changed
(summary of changes on page 5, redlines on page 20).
There seems to be some misunderstanding of what the tree protection ordinance “is” and
“is not”. I want to provide my perspective. First adopted in 1951, the ordinance hadn’t been
updated since 2011. After many public meetings including community outreach meetings,
ARB, Parks and Rec and Council meetings, we passed a thoughtful update last year.
During last year's review process, I looked at the protection ordinances of surrounding
cities. With the Palo Alto update we moved from lagging behind other cities in tree
protection to middle of the pack. Our ordinance protects trees over 15 inches in diameter.
This is NOT extreme in any way! 15 inches aligns us with Los Altos, Menlo Park, and
Mountain View. East Palo Alto protects trees starting at 8 inches in diameter. Redwood
City and Sunnyvale protect them at 12 inches in diameter.
The vast majority of our trees are on private land and, as with other private infrastructure, it
must be maintained by the owners including watering and pruning when necessary. Again
this is true in all cities as far as I know. Our Urban Forester is making good progress
helping ensure residents know what to do. Satellite-based tree management solutions that
the city uses now help us manage our urban forest and be much more proactive than we
were able to be in the past.
The negative press came out because of the storms. Yes we had very severe weather this
year with 80 mile per hour winds that blew down branches and trees. It was shocking,
dangerous and sad to see. The storm didn’t impact just Palo Alto - talking to our Urban
Forester and Canopy, other cities had similar impacts and worse. However, we need to
keep severe weather in perspective and not point to this rare event as justification to
weaken a very reasonable ordinance.
In terms of the ordinance’s implementation, you see in the staff report data, the impact has
been minimal. The old and new tree ordinance resulted in similar outcomes on a
percentage basis.
One final point. We need to protect smaller diameter trees now because Palo Alto has a
more mature urban canopy relative to some of our neighboring cities. We MUST protect
smaller diameter trees in order to have younger trees replace the older ones. Without that,
we risk losing both our older, larger trees and the smaller ones growing now that would
replace them.
I think that I shall never see
A poem lovely as a tree.
Regards,
Tom DuBois
From:Naida Sperling
To:Council, City
Subject:Recommended for our city parks
Date:Sunday, June 18, 2023 2:00:21 PM
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________________________________
Hello,
I was reading the June 2023 issue of AARP’s Bulletin and saw an article about Fitlots. This organization sponsors
information and building of fitness parks that are an adjunct to our existing parks. It is meant to be of benefit to all
residents but particularly would be a way for seniors to be outside exercising. I noticed that AARP also offers
online classes instructing how to use the equipment.
I’d like to suggest someone on your team review fitly.org/aarp. Perhaps there are funds for this kind of upgrading or
that someone could submit a proposal for a grant. AARP is awarding grants.
fitly.org/aarp
Thank you for your consideration.
Naida Sperling
From:Aram James
To:Binder, Andrew; Mark Petersen-Perez; Reifschneider, James; Wagner, April; Council, City; Jethroe Moore; Sean
Allen; Barberini, Christopher; Figueroa, Eric; Josh Becker; Shikada, Ed; Human Relations Commission; Joe
Simitian; Rebecca Eisenberg; Perron, Zachary; Tannock, Julie; Stump, Molly; Bains, Paul; Sheriff Transparency;
Shana Segal; Jeff Rosen; chuck jagoda; Jay Boyarsky; Cecilia Taylor; Javier Ortega
Subject:Orlando Officer Arrested for Fleeing Traffic Stop
Date:Sunday, June 18, 2023 12:51:57 PM
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on links.
________________________________
https://youtu.be/uMDG6mYlgCE
Sent from my iPhone
From:Ruthie kaufman
To:Council, City
Date:Sunday, June 18, 2023 9:10:44 AM
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on links.
________________________________
Keep entrance open!!!!!
From:Adrian Brandt
To:Council, City
Cc:Kou, Lydia; Burt, Patrick; Kamhi, Philip; Veenker, Vicki
Subject:Re: U-shaped bridges reduce height & cost of viaduct grade separations
Date:Sunday, June 18, 2023 5:23:50 AM
Attachments:A21F6A6E-3412-4EC7-81F0-4266B91FD579.png
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Here’s the image I meant to include with my prior email … it illustrates the height-reducing
advantage of a U-shaped structure vs the traditional design as depicted and studied by
ADCOM in the June 20 Rail Committee staff report:
The U-Shaped Grade Separation
https://caltrain-hsr.blogspot.com/2015/11/the-u-shaped-grade-separation.html
Regards,
Adrian Brandt
On Sun, Jun 18, 2023 at 05:15 Adrian Brandt <adrian.brandt@gmail.com> wrote:
Honorable Rail Committee Members & staff:
The agenda packet for this Tuesday’s 2 p.m. Rail Committee meeting shows the viaduct
profiles for Churchill, Meadow and Charleston. While there appears to be plenty of room
to use a gentler grade, a 1.6% grade is shown on the ramp between the viaduct over
Churchill and the California Ave. station which remains at grade. I’ve just skimmed
through the profile images, so maybe there’s a good explanation in the accompanying text.
However, as the packet images & cross-sectional diagrams make clear, AECOM only
studied and priced the traditional thick bridge/viaduct design where the tracks rest atop a
relatively thick, hollow longitudinal precast concrete beam.
This means they must climb significantly higher over the streets to provide the desired
15.5 feet of motor vehicle clearance than if a U-shaped bridge was used. The U-shaped
bridges over the street would allow for gentler grades and/or shorter ramping distances
since the tracks could be several feet lower, also resulting in reduced visual impacts
to/from adjacent properties.
To see and learn more about track and train height-reducing “U-shaped” bridges /
viaducts, see the following 2015 blog posting:
The U-Shaped Grade Separation
https://caltrain-hsr.blogspot.com/2015/11/the-u-shaped-grade-separation.html
If you do decide to revisit / revive the viaduct alternative, I urge you to have AECOM (or
whoever your consultant is going forward) to study & cost the use height-reducing U-
shaped structures — at least to cross over streets. These could significantly reduce
ramping distances, and therefore project costs, while reducing height-related visual
impacts.
Regards,
Adrian Brandt
From:Adrian Brandt
To:Council, City
Cc:Kou, Lydia; Burt, Patrick; Kamhi, Philip; Veenker, Vicki
Subject:U-shaped bridges reduce height & cost of viaduct grade separations
Date:Sunday, June 18, 2023 5:18:25 AM
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Honorable Rail Committee Members & staff:
The agenda packet for this Tuesday’s 2 p.m. Rail Committee meeting shows the viaduct
profiles for Churchill, Meadow and Charleston. While there appears to be plenty of room to
use a gentler grade, a 1.6% grade is shown on the ramp between the viaduct over Churchill
and the California Ave. station which remains at grade. I’ve just skimmed through the
profile images, so maybe there’s a good explanation in the accompanying text.
However, as the packet images & cross-sectional diagrams make clear, AECOM only
studied and priced the traditional thick bridge/viaduct design where the tracks rest atop a
relatively thick, hollow longitudinal precast concrete beam.
This means they must climb significantly higher over the streets to provide the desired 15.5
feet of motor vehicle clearance than if a U-shaped bridge was used. The U-shaped bridges
over the street would allow for gentler grades and/or shorter ramping distances since the
tracks could be several feet lower, also resulting in reduced visual impacts to/from adjacent
properties.
To see and learn more about track and train height-reducing “U-shaped” bridges / viaducts,
see the following 2015 blog posting:
The U-Shaped Grade Separation
https://caltrain-hsr.blogspot.com/2015/11/the-u-shaped-grade-separation.html
If you do decide to revisit / revive the viaduct alternative, I urge you to have AECOM (or
whoever your consultant is going forward) to study & cost the use height-reducing U-shaped
structures — at least to cross over streets. These could significantly reduce ramping
distances, and therefore project costs, while reducing height-related visual impacts.
Regards,
Adrian Brandt
From:Loran Harding
To:Loran Harding; alumnipresident@stanford.edu; beachrides; Leodies Buchanan; bearwithme1016@att.net;
boardmembers; fred beyerlein; David Balakian; bballpod; Council, City; Cathy Lewis; Chris Field; Doug Vagim;
dallen1212@gmail.com; Dan Richard; Daniel Zack; dennisbalakian; dan.richard@earthlink.net;
eappel@stanford.edu; Scott Wilkinson; Gabriel.Ramirez@fresno.gov; George.Rutherford@ucsf.edu;
huidentalsanmateo; hennessy; Irv Weissman; Sally Thiessen; Joel Stiner; jerry ruopoli; kfsndesk;
karkazianjewelers@gmail.com; leager; Mark Standriff; Mayor; margaret-sasaki@live.com;
merazroofinginc@att.net; maverickbruno@sbcglobal.net; nick yovino; newsdesk; news@fresnobee.com;
russ@topperjewelers.com; Steve Wayte; sanchezphilip21@gmail.com; terry; tsheehan; vallesR1969@att.net
Subject:Fwd: Hydrogen engines. Fuel cells
Date:Saturday, June 17, 2023 10:08:39 PM
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---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Loran Harding <loran.harding@stanfordalumni.org>
Date: Sat, Jun 17, 2023 at 8:54 PM
Subject: Fwd: Hydrogen engines. Fuel cells
To: Loran Harding <loran.harding@stanfordalumni.org>
Saturday, June 17, 2023
To all-
Marry announces that GMC, at least, will shift focus from EVs to H powered vehicles.
GM CEO Shocks Everybody! | HUGE News! - YouTube
GM put a lot of money into fuel cells around 2005. They had an SUV running on H in Wash.
DC and one in LA. They thought then that H had more potential than EVs. Now they are
coming back to H. Every year their fuel cell stack got smaller as research progressed. So GM
has a lot of experience with H fuel cells.
One TV program showed that if a H tank is involved in a wreck, the flames go up, as they
did with the Hindenburg. H is lighter than air, so it goes up. With gasoline, the flames go
everywhere since the gasoline can go everywhere.
Someone developed a solid material that could hold lots of H and serve as a bumper or o.
component of a car.
Toyota has been selling a H powered fuel cell car in California, and the second generation
of it came out in 2021. The Mirai. Iceland has had H powered buses using fuel cells. It looked
like steam was coming out of the "exhaust pipes". It was water vapor, or water, which is what
comes out of a fuel cell. There have been a few H fueling stations around LA.
This is interesting: JCB and Toyota have developed engines that are still internal
combustion, but burn a mix of O2 and H. Those can supply the power for heavy equipment
that only diesels can at present: Fuel cells and electric motors are not up to the task:
Toyota CEO: "Our NEW Hydrogen Engine Will Destroy The EV Industry!" - YouTube
Scotty Kilmer on H vehicles:
Here's Why Toyota's New Hydrogen Engine is the Future (Goodbye Tesla) - YouTube
BTW, Ford had a car about 10 or 15 years ago car whose engine had been modified to run
on H and O2 gas (as in the Toyota and JCB engines above). No fuel cells or electric motors. A
mixture of that is plenty explosive. Ran great. You mix H and O2 and feed that into cylinders
instead of a mixture of air and gasoline. They said you could safely bend down, put your
mouth over the tail pipe, and inhale the "exhaust" (water vapor). It smelled like the output of a
clothes dryer. That was safe to do since no CO was produced. You're not burning a
hydrocarbon, so no CO to kill you. Also, no CO2 to warm the atmosphere.
How a H fuel cell works:
How Does a Hydrogen Fuel Cell Work? │ Simple Explanation - YouTube
The whole issue is how do you get the H. You can put + and - electrodes in water and turn
on the e-. Bubbles come off of both electrodes, oxygen off one and hydrogen off the other. But
note that the e- has to be produced somehow. The electricity to do the electrolysis of water to
get H has to be produced somewhere.
You can also make H from natural gas, but that takes energy.
"Getting Ugly for Mary Barra:
It's Getting Ugly For Mary Barra | Huge GM News - YouTube
A H powered Tesla? Good to about 12:30 and then he starts discussing tunnels:
Elon Musk's ALL NEW Hydrogen Car SHOCKS The Entire Car Industry! - YouTube
One graphic above showed huge tanker trucks full of compressed H delivering it to H
filling stations. Those would be rolling Hindenbergs. I thought the idea 10 years ago was for
the H to be produced locally, at the fueling station. They have water and electricity. With
those two, they can hydrolize water and produce H. Maybe not in the volume that they would
need. But maybe yes. I get the impression in the Toyota Mirai vid at the end here that they
were producing the H at that fueling station. Someone said there that "20 people have filled up
today so ... less H available"(???)
One further tiny point: A few months ago the NRC approved the design of a modular
nuclear reactor, called SMRs. Small Modular Reactor. Capacity up to 300 MW. You'd gang
these up and have 1,500 MW output with five of them. John Hutson wanted to build two 1,600
MW reactors outside of Fresno around 2005. That all got shot down. I dug through data on all
108 reactors in the US for him and determined who owned them. Any new nuclear reactors in
California are verboten unless certain technical, construction, operation and disposal
conditions are met. AB 65 would have exempted SMRs from some of those conditions, but it
died in committee in Sacto recently. Try to see a June 12, 2023 article "Despite local
bipartisan support, nuclear energy seems DOA". i.e. local support is there in the San Joaquin
Valley. The legislators in Sacto were just afraid of anything with nuclear in the name, at least
for now.
That new modular nuclear reactor design will now be tested at a National Lab in Idaho.
They say it could be approved for deployment by 2028. Point of all this: Those SNRs could
be a God-send since we are going to need a LOT more e- with EVs and now H vehicles
coming on. With nukes, you are not burning fossil fuels and producing CO2, the big
contributor to global warming. Nuclear is clean energy, green energy. As soon as we get
fusion perfected, downsized and installed huglely world-wide, we can halt climate change and
merely save humanity. Nukes will have to be our bridge to fusion. Wind and solar can't fill the
bill, especially with determined population increase offsetting every and all efforts we make
to rein in climate change.
So hopefully those SNRs will get approved and widely deployed. And every last
employee at NASA working on Mars should be fired and re-hired the same day to work on
perfecting and deploying fusion. NASA should become NAFA, the National Aeronautics and
Fusion Administration.
Living with a hydrogen car, the Toyota Mirai. Don't miss this: Short fueling time and
great range. Massive mining to get elements for batteries is avoided with H fuel cells too.
This really looks appealing. And recall, once we get fusion in place around 2100, we will have
unlimited, almost free electricity to produce H, along with all other uses. That will be a very
different world. Sombody said, modestly, "it will change humanity".
Living With A Hydrogen Car (Toyota Mirai) Did NOT Go As Expected: Here's What
Happened - YouTube
L. William Harding
Fresno, Ca.
From:Alex Zuo
To:Council, City
Subject:Boulware Park Funding - Consent Item #7
Date:Saturday, June 17, 2023 5:28:12 PM
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Dear Council Members,
We reside near John Boulware Park and have been eagerly awaiting the start of the
John Boulware Park Renovation project, which was announced sometime back.
However, the construction has been delayed without any clear reason.
The current state of the park is in a state of disrepair and renovation is necessary as
soon as possible. Based on my observation, the facility is broken and there is an
urgent need for a restroom since people use the corner as a toilet. Public safety is
also a concern as we often hear loud music playing or people talking loudly in the
middle of the night.
We kindly request that the funding for Ventura's Boulware Park is approved. With
the inclusion of new amenities, the park will provide a safe and enjoyable space for
families to spend time together, exercise, and enjoy the outdoors.
We sincerely hope that the project can commence as soon as possible.
Thank you!
Alex
From:Günter Steinbach
To:Council, City
Subject:Terman Park
Date:Saturday, June 17, 2023 5:02:19 PM
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________________________________
Dear Mayor Kou and Councilmembers,
I hear that the city and the school district are in talks about handing
Terman Park over to the school district.
I strongly object to this change of control if it allows the school
district to block access to the park and to the paved path that connects
our neighborhood (Pomona, Los Palos, Fairmede, and Glenbrook) with the
Hetch Hetchy green belt and Los Altos. This path is also the safest
route for children to get to Gunn High school. If we lose it our
neighborhood can only be accessed from busy Arastradero Road. If you
must swap the land, please write binding conditions, not promises, into
the contract that the park and the path have to remain accessible in
perpetuity.
Thank you
--
Günter Steinbach, 4267 Pomona Ave., gsteinbach@bambach.us
From:Linda Jolley
To:Binder, Andrew; Reifschneider, James; Enberg, Nicholas; Barberini, Christopher; Lee, Craig; Tannock, Julie;
Council, City; Lauing, Ed; Shikada, Ed; Afanasiev, Alex; Perron, Zachary; Veenker, Vicki; Vara Ramakrishnan;
Burt, Patrick; patricia.guerrero@jud.ca.gov; Human Relations Commission; Jethroe Moore II; Shana Segal; Angie
Evans; Dave Price; Emily Mibach; Sheriff Transparency; Sean Webby; Don Austin; Rebecca Eisenberg; Cindy
Chavez; Supervisor Susan Ellenberg; Sue Dremann; editor@paweekly.com; Greer Stone; Joe Simitian; Ortega,
Javier; Rosen, Jeff; Aram James
Subject:Re: Your friend has shared a San Francisco Chronicle link with you:
Date:Saturday, June 17, 2023 4:00:00 PM
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On Friday, June 16, 2023 at 09:17:05 PM PDT, Aram James <abjpd1@gmail.com> wrote:
‘Pretty staggering’: Thousands of California police officers could be stripped of their badges under new
law
https://www.sfchronicle.com/politics/article/california-cops-decertified-18151927.php?
utm_campaign=CMS%20Sharing%20Tools%20(Premium)&utm_source=share-by-
email&utm_medium=email
California’s police standards commission is bracing to decertify or suspend 3,000 to...
This message was sent via San Francisco Chronicle
From:slevy@ccsce.com
To:Council, City
Cc:Shikada, Ed; Lait, Jonathan; Wong, Tim
Subject:BAHFA and proposed 2024 bond for low-and-moderate income housing
Date:Saturday, June 17, 2023 12:37:10 PM
Attachments:HANDOUT SPUR_Regional Finance and Affordable Housing in BA_June 2023.pdf
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I am attaching a PPT from the SPUR webinar on this effort.
I think this funding will go a long way toward making our goals for this housing realistic as
funding is one of the critical challenges.
Providing substantial funding in addition to what is currently available will be needed to
make our housing equity and environmental goals more likely to be achieved and achieved
sooner.
I note on the slides that several city councils have endorsed this effort and I hope Palo Alto
will join in endorsing.
Steve
From:Olaf Kaestner
To:Council, City
Subject:NO to Swapping Terman Park
Date:Saturday, June 17, 2023 12:16:07 PM
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Dear City Council,
We have lived near the entrance of Terman Park since 1986 with our two children. For them
the path through Terman was the safest way to get to their school, Gunn HS.
For us the path through Terman to Los Altos was and is the safest footpath to the San
Antonio/El Camino Shopping area. We feel strongly that walking and biking should be the
preferred ways to go shopping and avoid pollution.
Apart from this there are two things important to us:
- we should keep the park as a practice field for youth soccer as it was when our children
practiced there,
- for us older adults it is the only possibilty to walk our dogs without driving to other parks
first - driving that should be avoided and which is increasingly difficult as we get older.
Thanks for taking these thoughts into consideration.
Olaf Kaestner, age 75
655 Glenbrook Dr. , PA, 94306
925 494 1125
--
Sent from my Android device with K-9 Mail. Please excuse my brevity.
From:Aram James
To:Jeff Rosen; Lauing, Ed; Sean Allen; Jethroe Moore; Josh Becker; Jay Boyarsky; Mila Zelkha; Council, City; Binder,
Andrew; Reifschneider, James; Wagner, April; Figueroa, Eric; Foley, Michael; Tannock, Julie; Barberini,
Christopher; Lee, Craig; Cecilia Taylor; Shikada, Ed; Assemblymember.Berman@assembly.ca.gov; Shana Segal
Subject:From The Mercury News e-edition - Synagogue gunman is found guilty in attack
Date:Saturday, June 17, 2023 9:38:45 AM
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on links.
________________________________
.
Synagogue gunman is found guilty in attack
https://edition.pagesuite.com/popovers/dynamic_article_popover.aspx?guid=d3542e41-6317-4bce-88e3-
66e94ee26968&appcode=SAN252&eguid=c15e36b0-9ba1-4421-9aff-1f794b6e74a5&pnum=18#
For more great content like this subscribe to the The Mercury News e-edition app here:
Sent from my iPhone
From:Aram James
To:Perron, Zachary; Reifschneider, James; Wagner, April; Barberini, Christopher; Sean Allen; Jethroe Moore; Sheriff
Transparency; Rob Baker; Robert. Jonsen; Binder, Andrew; Mila Zelkha; Council, City; Cecilia Taylor; Shikada,
Ed; Josh Becker; Michael Gennaco; Jeff Rosen; Rebecca Eisenberg; ladoris cordell; Shana Segal; chuck jagoda;
Jay Boyarsky; Enberg, Nicholas; Joe Simitian; Javier Ortega; Supervisor Susan Ellenberg; Angie Evans
Subject:- DOJ: Years of violence, discrimination on force in Minneapolis-consent decree
Date:Saturday, June 17, 2023 9:28:32 AM
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on links.
________________________________
DOJ: Years of violence, discrimination on force
https://edition.pagesuite.com/popovers/dynamic_article_popover.aspx?guid=adbc1a0a-19d2-4426-8959-
0ae191f6a01b&appcode=SAN252&eguid=c15e36b0-9ba1-4421-9aff-1f794b6e74a5&pnum=17#
For more great content like this subscribe to the The Mercury News e-edition app here:
Sent from my iPhone
From:Aram James
To:Shikada, Ed; Council, City; Lait, Jonathan; Stump, Molly
Subject:Palo Alto golf course hits into the rough with wetlands permits violations | News | Palo Alto Online |
Date:Saturday, June 17, 2023 8:46:04 AM
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________________________________
https://www.paloaltoonline.com/news/2023/06/15/palo-alto-golf-course-hits-into-the-rough-with-wetlands-permits-violations?utm_source=express-2023-06-
16&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=express&utm_source=Embarcadero+Mailing+List+%28including+SLJ+Members%29&utm_campaign=58a7772714-
EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2023_06_16_05_00&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_ba1b002ad7-58a7772714-%5BLIST_EMAIL_ID%5D
Sent from my iPhone
From:Miriam K. Freedman
To:Council, City
Cc:Transportation; City Mgr; Stone, Greer; Kou, Lydia; Burt, Patrick; City Attorney; Planning Commission;
news@padailypost.com; editor@paweekly.com
Subject:Re: Neighborhood Appreciation for Alma/Palo Alto Ave Quiet Zone Planning
Date:Saturday, June 17, 2023 8:34:19 AM
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Dear all Palo Alto officials,
I echo all that Josh wrote to you, especially our appreciation for your steady efforts to get a
quiet zone at Palo Alto Avenue and Alma Street. We thank you.
Our building, 101 Alma, with 200+ residents, is a wonderful community for my husband and
me, and having a quiet zone right in front of our building will improve the quality of life for
all in beautiful downtown Palo Alto.
Thank you!
Miriam Kurtzig Freedman, JD, MA
Miriam Kurtzig Freedman, JD, MA
Author, Special Education 2.0 & many other books
617 510 0248 (cell)
miriamkfreedman@gmail.com
http://schoollawpro.com
On Thu, Jun 15, 2023 at 4:40 PM <joshorenberg@gmail.com> wrote:
Hi I wanted to thank all parties involved for taking on the quiet zone project. I represent the
101 Alma community with 200+ affected residents and created a petition for the quiet zone
that got 241 signatures. This is a huge deal for all people affected which will improve the
work/living atmosphere with ability to concentrate at home during the day and the sleeping
atmosphere at night. We appreciate all city staff involved and their good work on this issue
over the past year and half. Thank you to the city manager as well for putting the quiet zone
in the city budget.
Thanks again!!!
Josh & Everybody
From:Aram James
To:Lauing, Ed; Burt, Patrick; Greer Stone; Lydia Kou; Council, City; Jethroe Moore; Sean Allen; Shikada, Ed; Human Relations Commission; Stump, Molly; Josh Becker;
Mila Zelkha
Subject:Lythcott-Haims gets boost in her challenge of state law on paid speeches | News | Palo Alto Online |
Date:Saturday, June 17, 2023 8:24:29 AM
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________________________________
https://www.paloaltoonline.com/news/2023/06/15/lythcott-haims-gets-boost-in-her-challenge-of-state-law-on-paid-speeches?utm_source=express-2023-06-
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Sent from my iPhone
From:Aram James
To:Julie Lythcott-Haims; Greg Tanaka; Jethroe Moore; Sean Allen; Council, City; Josh Becker; Shana Segal; Angie
Evans; Shikada, Ed; Human Relations Commission; Vara Ramakrishnan; alisa mallari tu; Rebecca Eisenberg;
Patricia.Guerrero@jud.ca.gov; Burt, Patrick; Lauing, Ed; Greer Stone; Stump, Molly; Lait, Jonathan
Subject:Op-ed: Redefining our housing crisis - San José Spotlight by supervisor Susan Ellenberg
Date:Saturday, June 17, 2023 8:01:41 AM
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on links.
________________________________
https://sanjosespotlight.com/op-ed-redefining-our-housing-crisis/
Sent from my iPhone
From:Aram James
To:Council, City; Shikada, Ed; Stump, Molly; Josh Becker; Human Relations Commission; Sean Allen; Jethroe Moore;
Reifschneider, James; Wagner, April; Binder, Andrew; Joe Simitian; Jeff Rosen; Rebecca Eisenberg; ladoris
cordell; Shana Segal; chuck jagoda; Figueroa, Eric; Foley, Michael; Tannock, Julie; Jay Boyarsky; Perron,
Zachary; Enberg, Nicholas; Afanasiev, Alex; Tannock, Julie; Javier Ortega; Supervisor Susan Ellenberg; Angie
Evans; Cecilia Taylor; Cindy Chavez; Julie Lythcott-Haims; Vara Ramakrishnan; Kevin Jensen; Tina Boales; Greg
Tanaka; Bains, Paul; Michael Gennaco
Subject:Re: from the archives of aram james ( 2005) The trial of PAPD OFFICERS Craig Lee & Michael Kan
Date:Friday, June 16, 2023 9:55:12 PM
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5/3/2005
To: District Attorney George Kennedy & Assistant District Attorney Karyn
Sinunu
Re: Request that your office retry the criminal case against Palo Alto officers
Craig Lee and Michael Kan
Dear Mr. George Kennedy & Ms. Karyn Sinunu:
I am writing to you to request that your office retry the criminal case against
Palo Alto police officers Michael Kan and Craig Lee. I would like to make some
observations and comments regarding the recently completed trial in this
matter wherein the jury ultimately hung 8 to 4 for guilty. I would then like to
comment on the importance of this case being retried. I hope you will consider
all of my comments in the constructive manner in which they are intended.
Comments re the recently completed trial of Defendants Kan & Lee
First I think it is important to acknowledge the fine work performed
during the course of all of the proceedings in this matter by Deputy
District Attorney Peter Waite. Not only was his preparation and
presentation of the case outstanding, but it was apparent that his
confidence in the strength of the case grew as the matter proceeded. No
doubt the case was not tried without some mistakes and at least one
questionable judgment call, but, given all of the many pressures and roles
being balanced, it was an outstanding job. By the time the case went to
the jury it was my observation/opinion that Mr. Waite had out performed
the very talented attorneys for the defendants.
From the perspective of a former public defender and trial lawyer it was
clear to me that Mr. Waite and his investigative team (Sgt. Mike Denson
and Sgt. Ron Watson from the PAPD) left few stones unturned in an effort
to assure that the prosecution in this matter was both professionally
managed and aggressively pursued.
I had no sense during the trial of this matter, despite the obvious political
pressures and ramifications for the entire prosecution team, that at
anytime that the prosecution team treated this case lightly or in any
fashion differently than any other serious felony matter. Finally, Mr.
Waite, in an example that more public servants should model, made
himself available to members of the public who had endless questions for
and observations to share with him.
During the jury selection process in this case Mr. Waite’s questions and
the nature of the responses by prospective jurors regarding the role of
race, racial profiling, the right of citizens to be free of undue and
unwarranted harassment by the police etc., were both fascinating and
instructive re the current public mood towards law enforcement. Had the
voir dire process been taped it would have made a provocative
documentary on the current status of the relationship between law
enforcement and the community. As indicated by the responses during
voir dire, as it currently stands, the relationship appears tenuous at best.
There were numerous jurors who expressed just barely restrained anger
re the recent killing of Bic Cau Tran by San Jose police officer Chad
Marshall and similarly deep concern re other recent high-profile killings by
members of the SJPD.
What came across strongest from the jury selection process is that both
the depth and width of anger and concern over misconduct by law
enforcement in this county is much greater than reflected by the
mainstream media in Santa Clara County. Whereas the conventional
wisdom has been that police cases are hard to successfully prosecute in
this county the current dynamically shifting demographics, combined with
a well-informed citizenry re police misconduct issues, may well have
changed the landscape permanently. Given the above, it would appear
that police prosecutions are much more like to be successful in this
county now and in the future.
During the course of the jury selection, the defense exercised a
peremptory challenge against the one black female who made it into the
jury box. Given the quality of her responses to the questions posed by
attorneys for both sides, it was clear that this prospective juror was
totally free of bias for either side.
Despite the fact that Mr. Waite made an appropriate Batson/Wheeler
objection that the defense, specifically attorney Harry Stern, had
exercised the challenge in a in racially discriminatory fashion the judge,
Andrea Bryan, declined to ask the defense council for a showing of
specific bias (to establish a race–neutral reasons for the strike) or to find
a prima facie case for requiring a response by the defense. The judge
should have reseated the juror in the presence of the entire panel as a
clear message to the defense that the racist removal of fair-minded
jurors would not be tolerated. (Case law clearly supports the notion that
one race-based peremptory challenge is sufficient to trigger the remedies
contemplated by Batson/Wheeler and its descendants.)
Given that only three African-Americans were in the initial jury panel of
approximately 160 prospective jurors called for in this case, there is little
doubt that the discriminatory strike of the one black female to make it
into the jury box denied the people a jury made up of a cross-section of
the community and thus a fair trial.
The following quotes serve as a reminder of the impact of a
discriminatory challenge based on race in the context of this case: … “The
harm from discriminatory jury selection extends beyond that inflicted on
the defendant and the excluded juror to touch the entire community.”
Batson V. Kentucky, 476 U.S, at 77 (1986).
“The need for public confidence is especially high in cases involving race-
related crimes. In such cases, emotions in the affected community will
inevitably be heated and volatile. Public confidence in the integrity of the
criminal justice system is essential for preserving community peace in
trials involving race-related crimes.” (Citations omitted). Finally, as to
Judge Bryan’s role in denying the community a fair trial, the following is
pertinent: “Be it at the hands of the state or the defense, if a court allows
the juror to be excluded because of group bias, it is a willing participant in
a scheme that could only undermine the very foundation of our system of
justice—our citizens’ ” (citations omitted).
In addition to the failure of Judge Andrea Bryan to perform her
constitutional responsibility to ensure the selection of a fair jury in this
matter, it was apparent that the court allowed the atmosphere
surrounding the trial to favor the defense. Not only did the court appear
to bend over backward to rule in favor of the defense on issues where
you would typically not expect such favorable rulings, but the court
personnel, including the bailiffs, routinely acted with favoritism to
members of law enforcement. This included providing preferential seating
in the courtroom to members of law enforcement, allowing outbursts by
law enforcement spectators to go unpunished while, at the same time,
closely monitoring the conduct of non-law enforcement citizens in the
courtroom to the point of a constitutional chill on access.
Despite all of the efforts by the court and its personnel to tamper with the
jury selection, and evidentiary rulings, and deny equal access to the
courtroom to the public versus members of law enforcement, all in a
thinly veiled attempt to direct a verdict of acquittal, 8 members of the
community still rendered a verdict of guilty refusing, in the greatest
tradition of independent jurors, to buckle under the weight of the
intimidating atmosphere allowed to exist by Judge Andrea Bryan. All of
this speaks volumes re the strength of the evidence in this case and the
fine job done by the prosecution team.
Despite the fact that only 8 of the 12 jurors in this case voted for guilty
the verdict was still one of historic proportions in Santa Clara County. I
know of no other case in recent Santa Clara County history where 8
jurors have voted to convict police officers for the beating of an African-
American citizen. This result calls out for a retrial.
Conclusion re why the case should be retried.
Community sentiment: I have enclosed an editorial from the Palo Alto
Daily News, Accused officers should be retried, April 20, 2005, outlining
some of the reasons why this case should be retried and encouraging
your office to do so, both in the interest of the Palo Alto Police
Department and the Community at large.
Given the statements attributed to Karyn Sinunu in the San Jose Mercury
News (enclosed), (April 19, 2005), that the district attorney usually
retries hung juries and given that in this case, 8 citizens voted for guilty
under the difficult conditions described in the first section of this letter,
failure to do so, in this case, would feed into the perception that there are
two standards of justice in this community, one for the ordinary citizen
and one for police officers.
Given comments in a recent article in The Recorder, April 27, 2005, that
there will be a chase for endorsement by police and law enforcement
groups by the presumed candidates for District Attorney in 2006, and
given Ms. Sinunu’s apparent intent to run for this position, failure to retry
this case might well be seen as decision-based on political expediency
rather than the merits of retying this case.
It is clear that this case would likely not have come to light but for the
courageous act of a few “whistle-blowing” members of the PAPD willing to
break down the traditional “code of silence” that so perniciously
permeates much of law enforcement in this community. By the jury’s
verdict in this case the community has spoken: it is time, once and for all,
to send the message that the so-called “code of silence” will no longer be
tolerated by those we entrust with the awesome power of the badge.
Failure to retry this case would discourage officers in the future to speak
out against rogue officers in their ranks and, as a result, put the public at
risk of more unwarranted beatings and deaths.
Given all of the above, the strength of the evidence presented in the first
trial, the resources and efforts expended by the prosecution, the strong
likelihood of a conviction beyond a reasonable doubt at a second trial, the
efforts of the trial judge to sabotage the prosecution’s case in the first
trial, and the strong public support for a retrial in this matter it is my
request that you exercise your prosecutorial discretion in favor of a retrial
in this case.
Sincerely,
Aram James
Citizen Advocate
From:Aram James
To:Council, City; Binder, Andrew; Afanasiev, Alex; Reifschneider, James; Wagner, April; Foley, Michael; Tannock,
Julie; Figueroa, Eric; Perron, Zachary; Jethroe Moore; Human Relations Commission; Shikada, Ed; Sean Allen;
Michael Gennaco; Josh Becker; Rebecca Eisenberg; Joe Simitian
Subject:Bill Text - SB-2 Peace officers: certification: civil rights.
Date:Friday, June 16, 2023 9:24:53 PM
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________________________________
https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billTextClient.xhtml?bill_id=202120220SB2
Sent from my iPhone
From:Aram James
To:Binder, Andrew; Reifschneider, James; Enberg, Nicholas; Barberini, Christopher; Lee, Craig; Tannock, Julie;
Council, City; Lauing, Ed; Shikada, Ed; Afanasiev, Alex; Perron, Zachary; Veenker, Vicki; Vara Ramakrishnan;
Burt, Patrick; Patricia.Guerrero@jud.ca.gov; Human Relations Commission; Jethroe Moore II; Shana Segal; Angie
Evans; Dave Price; Emily Mibach; Sheriff Transparency; Sean Webby; Don Austin; Rebecca Eisenberg; Linda
Jolley; Cindy Chavez; Supervisor Susan Ellenberg; Sue Dremann; editor@paweekly.com; Greer Stone; Joe
Simitian; Ortega, Javier; Rosen, Jeff
Subject:Your friend has shared a San Francisco Chronicle link with you:
Date:Friday, June 16, 2023 9:17:16 PM
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‘Pretty staggering’: Thousands of California police officers could be stripped of their badges
under new law
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California’s police standards commission is bracing to decertify or suspend 3,000 to...
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From:deborah kurland
To:Council, City
Subject:Terman Park
Date:Friday, June 16, 2023 6:33:20 PM
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We have lived on Los Palos Avenue since 1982! Terman Park is an essential part of our
neighborhood and Green Acres community.
Please, do not lock us out! Deborah Kurland
Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPhone
From:Aram James
To:Barberini, Christopher; Tannock, Julie; Reifschneider, James; Binder, Andrew; Wagner, April; Council, City;
Jethroe Moore; Sean Allen; Shikada, Ed; Michael Gennaco; Enberg, Nicholas; Josh Becker; Jeff Rosen; Joe
Simitian; ladoris cordell; Rebecca Eisenberg; Shana Segal; chuck jagoda; Perron, Zachary; Jay Boyarsky; Javier
Ortega; Supervisor Susan Ellenberg; Angie Evans; Cindy Chavez; Cecilia Taylor; Cindy Chavez; Veenker, Vicki
Subject:Federal Lawsuit Challenges K-9 Reliability
Date:Friday, June 16, 2023 5:23:20 PM
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________________________________
https://youtu.be/OLRjBVvg98U
Sent from my iPhone
From:Alan Chausow
To:Council, City
Subject:Greenmeadow neighborhood needs Terman Park
Date:Friday, June 16, 2023 4:33:25 PM
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I have been a resident of Greenmeadow I for almost 40 years. Terman park has always been
very important to me. While my children were growing up, we frequently went to the park to
play pick up sports, learn to ride a bike and fly kites. There is no other park nearby. I still go to
the park almost daily for walks, bike rides and to watch the weekend soccer games or picnic. I
am planning to “age in place”. I know walking in the park will be important for my health. I
see older and disabled people walk in the park all the time. Also, it is the only access to Los
Altos. The loss of Terman would be a blow to my family and all my neighbors. The needs of
the southern part of Palo Alto has always seemed to be ignored by the City , with most
attention, money and parkland in the northern part of the city. One manifestation of this is the
different market rates of the houses.
I understand the city’s need to modernize and develop the Cubberly site. I don’t want to be a
NIMBY. However, our neighborhood, and myself, in specific, have important needs that
should be met. I would hope there can be a win-win-win result. Who has ownership of the
land is less relevant than what is done with it. My concern is that the school district will
significantly reduce our ability to use it. They have done that in other neighborhoods. Also, if
an agreement is made with the school district, I am concerned that they will renege after a few
years when no one is watching.
A brief and incomplete list of nonnegotiable needs includes
Easy access through the current 3 gates 24/7/365.The gates cannot be locked.
Access to tennis and basketball courts and playing fields when they are not ACTIVELY being
used by the school. That also means that when school is in session, but it is not using the
facilities, it should be available.
Use of the field as a meeting point for emergencies such as earthquakes, etc
Availability for picnics and neighborhood parties
Access should not require signing in at the school office. Although I am OK with major
organized activities needing to reserve.
Ready access to the path around the park and the bridge into Los Altos, again, without signing
in.
The school must clean up the park after the students use it for PE or lunch. We currently often
find discarded food wrappers etc
There are likely more needs that I have not yet considered, as well.
These rights need to be contractually preserved in perpetuity.
I would hope an agreement can be reached that meets everyone’s needs.
Thank you,
Alan Chausow MD
4247 Pomona Ave
Palo Alto
From:Aram James
To:Perron, Zachary; alisa mallari tu; Diana Diamond; Sue Dremann; Josh Becker; Human Relations Commission;
Human Relations Commission; Karen Holman
Cc:Binder, Andrew; Reifschneider, James; Wagner, April; Council, City; Sean Allen; Jethroe Moore; Javier Ortega;
Joe Simitian; Cindy Chavez; Supervisor Susan Ellenberg; Figueroa, Eric; Foley, Michael; Michael Gennaco; Vara
Ramakrishnan
Subject:https://blackamericaweb.com/2023/06/13/charges-dropped-against-cops-who-dumped-black-womans-body-in-
dumpster-then-set-it-ablaze/
Date:Friday, June 16, 2023 1:51:54 PM
Attachments:16866659181431.png
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Charges Dropped Against Cops Who Dumped
Black Woman’s Body In Dumpster, Then Set It
Ablaze
blackamericaweb.com
Sent from my iPhone
From:mark weiss
To:Council, City
Subject:T&n*#ai
Date:Friday, June 16, 2023 1:19:00 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links.________________________________
Wouldn’t it be great if Greg Tanaka limited his involvement in leader ship to creating a bunch of clichés about spending less money and praising tech and then he could write a program that would give an approximate answer to any prompt that we the people would put to our actual leaders?Msrk WeissEnglish majorThinks computers are totally f%#^*
Re:
From:NTB
To:Council, City
Subject:Terman Park Must Stay A City Park
Date:Friday, June 16, 2023 12:52:24 PM
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(I am trying to get this email to you. The first two tries don't seem to have worked.
Hopefully this one will. I'm sorry for the duplicates)
Dear Mayor Kou and Councilmembers,
"A picture is worth 1000 words."
The photo below certainly confirms that old adage. It makes explicitly clear that the
school district will not abide by any agreement that they make, but rather, will do
exactly what they want to do.
The two signs in the picture are mounted on the fence at one entrance to Terman
Park. The top sign (in brown) was placed there by the City. It states the terms with
which the school may use the park. As stated, the school has exclusive use of the
parkland during the school hours, 7:30 to 3:30........ HOWEVER, the public is
allowed to walk along the paved path through the park during those hours. (This
sign shows the City's compliance with the first recommendation made in the 2004-
2005 Santa Clara County Civil Grand Jury Report regarding the Transfer of
Dedicated Parkland within the City of Palo Alto.)
The sign seen below (in green) was chained to the fence by the school district. It
states that during school hours, THE PUBLIC IS NOT ALLOWED IN THE PARK
AT ALL. It even sites a C.P.C. Code to give it "authority." This sign completely
contradicts and disregards the agreed-upon terms of use that was outlined by the
City.
Clearly the school district cannot be relied upon to abide by the agreements they
make. Whatever they say they will do in order to make this swap happen will not be
adhered to down the road. The proof is in the photograph.
It is imperative that Terman Park remain a City Park. Access to that path .... 24/7,
365 days a year.... is vitally important to all residents from every community in the
south end of Palo Alto and beyond.
Please.....keep Terman Park a City Park!
Respectfully,
Nina Bell
GreenAcres 1
From:Aram James
To:Binder, Andrew; Wagner, April; Perron, Zachary; Reifschneider, James; Jethroe Moore; Sean Allen; ladoris
cordell; Josh Becker; Council, City; Michael Gennaco; Shikada, Ed; Jeff Rosen; Rebecca Eisenberg; Shana Segal;
Joe Simitian; Barberini, Christopher; Figueroa, Eric; Foley, Michael; Jay Boyarsky; Shana Segal; Greer Stone;
Sheriff Transparency; chuck jagoda; Human Relations Commission; Enberg, Nicholas; Javier Ortega; Supervisor
Susan Ellenberg; Angie Evans; Cecilia Taylor
Subject:The AG who prosecuted George Floyd"s killers has ideas for how to end police violence
Date:Friday, June 16, 2023 12:17:01 PM
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https://www.npr.org/2023/05/22/1177457366/minnesota-attorney-general-keith-ellison-book-
george-floyd-police-violence
Shared via the Google app
Sent from my iPhone
From:Diane McCoy
To:Council, City
Subject:Palo Alto golf course hits into the rough with wetlands permits violations | News | Palo Alto Online |
Date:Friday, June 16, 2023 11:38:05 AM
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Dear City Council Members.
This article appearing today in Palo Alto Online makes me very angry, frustrated and
saddened.
For a city that continues to purport it’s promises to ‘be green, protect the environment, etc.
etc.’ this certainly did ‘fall through the cracks,’ as one city official states in the article.
Are golfers ‘educated’ about the sensitivity and importance of this habitat? They definitely
are not properly ‘patrolled’ out there on the green. There should be accountability for that.
At the very least there should be a lot of signage out there, throughout the course, reminding
golfers of where they can and cannot go, and why.
Cutting through native plants, especially with motorized golf carts, smacks of selfish
entitlement.
I hope I can look forward to the city getting on this situation pronto.
Thank you for your time.
Diane McCoy
Resident
Greer Road, Palo Alto
https://www.paloaltoonline.com/news/2023/06/15/palo-alto-golf-course-hits-into-
the-rough-with-wetlands-permits-violations?utm_source=express-2023-06-
16&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=express&utm_source=Embarcadero+M
ailing+List+(including+SLJ+Members)&utm_campaign=58a7772714-
EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2023_06_16_05_00&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_
ba1b002ad7-58a7772714-[LIST_EMAIL_ID]
From:Eva Dobrov
To:Council, City
Subject:Boulware Park Funding - Consent Item #7
Date:Friday, June 16, 2023 10:56:12 AM
[Some people who received this message don't often get email from eva.dobrov@yahoo.com. Learn why this is
important at https://aka.ms/LearnAboutSenderIdentification ]
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on links.
________________________________
Dear Council Members:
I am writing to ask that you please approve the funding for Ventura's Boulware Park. We need more parkland here
in Ventura. We are excited to see Ventura enhanced with all the amenities the park will offer. Thank you.
Eva Dobrov
3920 Ventura Ct.
Ventura Resident
From:Aram James
To:Perron, Zachary; Binder, Andrew; Reifschneider, James; Kevin Jensen; dennis burns; DuJuan Green; Jethroe
Moore; Council, City; Sean Allen; Josh Becker; Wagner, April; Barberini, Christopher; Foley, Michael; Human
Relations Commission; Jeff Rosen; Joe Simitian; Javier Ortega; Shikada, Ed; ladoris cordell; Shana Segal; chuck
jagoda; Jay Boyarsky; Tannock, Julie
Subject:From The Mercury News e-edition - Ex-Antioch officer charged with assault of handcuffed man
Date:Friday, June 16, 2023 8:26:40 AM
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on links.
________________________________
Ex-Antioch officer charged with assault of handcuffed man
https://edition.pagesuite.com/popovers/dynamic_article_popover.aspx?guid=8e752b3c-555d-4f66-9977-
233a186df1fb&appcode=SAN252&eguid=8b75b61e-a94e-468e-bfb7-f3af9dfb2dc2&pnum=4#
For more great content like this subscribe to the The Mercury News e-edition app here:
Sent from my iPhone
From:Lissy Bland
To:Jensen, Peter; Council, City
Subject:Boulware Park Renovation
Date:Friday, June 16, 2023 7:52:20 AM
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Dear City Council Members,
Please approve full funding for the Boulware Park Renovation. The project plan accurately
reflects the desires neighborhood residents as expressed at three community meetings held by
the project team. I have two local granddaughters, ages four and nine, and a local grand dog.
As regular visitors to the park, are all excited about the planned renovation. I am sure my
granddaughters will enjoy all the new playground equipment. And we will finally be able to
let the grand dog run off leash!
This renovation is long overdue!
Lissy Bland
235 Wilton Ave
From:Henry Etzkowitz
To:Jialei Yang; Mickie Winkler; Ekaterina Albats; Hajikhani Arash; Magnus Klofsten; Gloria Hom; Tatiana Pospelova;
Chunyan Zhou; provost@stanford.edu; Christiane Gebhardt; Jinx Lobdell; Kristina Loquist
Cc:Council, City; Rebecca Eisenberg
Subject:Re: Save Oak Creek Clubhouse; Palo Alto’s Iconic “Third Place”
Date:Friday, June 16, 2023 7:29:17 AM
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Sent from my iPhone
On Jun 16, 2023, at 7:21 AM, Henry Etzkowitz <H.Etzko@gmail.com> wrote:
To alumni and friends of oak creek
Now is the time to write Whitney McNair, Stanford’s associate Vice provost,
charge of all land and housing including the university’s newly acquired oak
creek where you and /or your colleagues resided during their time at Stanford.
This vibrant multi l-generation community is currently und going
“Stanfordization”!simplification from a rich community with an evening and
Sunday Open clubhouse, with brunch, billiards, ping pong and newspapers on
coffeehouse holders to bring residents together are now being separated with the
call of the newly hired management company to: “go to your apartments.”
Umbrellas on the deck tables have been removed as have the low seating tables
themselves, replaced by unprotected uncovered high tables, difficult for seniors to
access
discouragement or lack of attention to sociability, highly supported among
undergraduates has traditionally been beyond the purview of Stanford’s housing
offer for others, witness the relatively activity-less Stanford West.
Moreover, the university is creating a dermatological health hazard in disallowing
residents use of balcony umbrellas. There is a basic human right to cancer free
open air access and enjoyment that the Saris Regis Management and ultimately
Stanford bears responsibility. We call upon the Palo Alto city council to regulate
by ordinance, establishing a four foot rule of umbrella extension, properly
anchored.
Sincerely
Henry
Community of Oak Creek Residents, co-organizer
Sent from my iPhone
Begin forwarded message:
From: Henry Etzkowitz <H.Etzko@gmail.com>
Date: June 16, 2023 at 5:57:02 AM PDT
To: Whitney McNair <wmcnair@stanford.edu>, Roberta Ahlquist
<finnroberta@gmail.com>, Kristina Loquist
<Kristina.Loquist@bos.sccgov.org>, Rebecca Eisenberg
<rebecca@rebecca4water.com>, Jinx Lobdell
<jinxlobdell@comcast.net>, Marty Wasserman
<deeperlook@aol.com>, Bette Kiernan <betteuk@aol.com>,
Ekaterina Albats <Ekaterina.Albats@lut.fi>, Dorien jacque
<hagthd@hotmail.com>, Orna Rosenfeld
<orna@ornarosenfeld.com>, Bae Hyo <khbae@busan.go.kr>
Cc: provost@stanford.edu, City Council
<city.council@cityofpaloalto.org>, aziz.junaid@gmail.com, Catie
Fee <cgfee@stanford.edu>, Ellen Fox <ellenfox787@gmail.com>,
Ellen Granovetter <elledino@yahoo.com>, Hersh Jim
<hershj@salve.edu>, Spencer Craig Gondorf
<sgondorf@stanford.edu>
Subject: Fwd: Save Oak Creek Clubhouse; Palo Alto’s Iconic
“Third Place”
Dear Whitney
How are you? With graduation approaching; How is your promised
review of OC coming along? When will Stanford be accessing the
views of students, post doc, faculty and senior residents through town
meetings etc. has the Palo Alto city council OC outreach committee,
headed by Mayor Kuo, been in touch yet? We look forward to their
report to the City Council, as well
Standard students have been involved with an energy study for the
city and might be interested and available as summer interns to
extend their work. Recently learned, Stanford West residents
interested if your investigation will extend to their neighborhood.
Any personal interviews, case studies or questionnaires under way?
residents and alumni former residents, various countries, wonder
whether and how their experiences and views will be taken into
account.
as you are aware, COCR conducted a focus group 11 October 2022
replicating the classic Merton and Kendall (1946) analysis of a multi-
racial NYC housing project, collected and awaiting transcription
Silicon Valley archives, Green Library
Best
Henry
Community of oak creek residents, co-organizer
Sent from my iPhone
Begin forwarded message:
From: Henry Etzkowitz <H.Etzko@gmail.com>
Date: June 12, 2023 at 7:58:00 AM PDT
To: Bette <betteuk@aol.com>
Subject: Re: Save Oak Creek Clubhouse; Palo Alto’s
Iconic “Third Place”
Thanx
On Tue, May 16, 2023 at 1:35 PM Ellen Fox
<ellenfox787@gmail.com> wrote:
Sent from my iPad
Begin forwarded message:
From: Henry Etzkowitz
<h.etzko@gmail.com>
Date: April 24, 2023 at 12:31:24 AM
CDT
To: city.council@cityofpaloalto.com,
vicki@vickiforcouncil.com, Kristina
Loquist
<Kristina.Loquist@bos.sccgov.org>,
Rebecca Eisenberg
<rebecca@rebecca4water.com>, Julie
Lythcott-Haims
<julieforpaloalto@gmail.com>, Greg
Tanaka <greg@gregtanaka.org>,
provost@stanford.edu, Hersh Jim
<hershj@salve.edu>, Jinx Lobdell
<jinxlobdell@comcast.net>, Marty
Wasserman <deeperlook@aol.com>, Fox
Ellen <ellenfox787@gmail.com>, daisy
law <dmclaw@hotmail.com>,
Representative Eshoo
<ca18aeima@mail.house.gov>, mickie
winkler <mickie650@gmail.com>,
Roberta Ahlquist
<roberta.ahlquist@sjsu.edu>, Hom Gloria
<homgloria@gmail.com>, Ed Shikada
<Ed.Shikada@cityofpaloalto.org>, Ellen
Granovetter <elledino@yahoo.com>, Eric
Henshall
<Eric.Henshall@mail.house.gov>,
Firoozeh Dastmalchi
<firoozehdh@gmail.com>, John
Thipphawong
<jthipphawong@yahoo.com>, Jim
Beddows
<jim.beddows@decisionplatform.io>,
Arshi <arshi.mustafa008@gmail.com>
Subject: Save Oak Creek Clubhouse;
Palo Alto’s Iconic “Third Place”
at a recent
planning
committee
meeting of the
Palo Alto City
council,
concerning a
consultant’s
report on
maintaining the
viability of
shopping areas,
Council Member
Julie Leithcote-
Haims called
attention to the
significance of
third places,
areas of
sociability,
beyond
workplace and
home that create
community
The UK has its pubs; Vienna,
coffeehouses; Germany, bier gardens.
California housing complexes typically
have Clubhouses, a less well recognized
peer of the above classic sociability
creating third spaces, with more or less
dimensions of social activities, informal
and programmed.
Palo Alto’s oak creek apartments, a 759
unit Bauhaus architected multi-unit
complement to its individual Eichler
homes of common iconic design heritage,
worthy of landmark status, has recently
been acquired by Stanford university to
help solve the university’s housing
problem. However, without taking broader
consequences into account, the university
intensifying Palo Alto’s housing shortfall
by removing oak creek from general rental
access and degrading its own post doc,
phd and professional school students
social and mental health chances
communicide is
accomplished
through the
systematic
reduction in
opportunities to
form and
maintain
meaningful social
ties. Indeed, a
founder of
empirical
sociology, Emile
Durkheim,
identified
anomie, the loss
of social ties, as
one of the main
causes of Suicide
in his classic
book by that
name, the
origination of
empirical
sociology
The Oak Creek
Clubhouse has
been de named
despite no known
record as
slaveholder in
contrast to across
the bay George
Berkeley’s
venue. For
decades from its
founding as an
apartment
complex, on
leased Stanford
lands, the
clubhouse served
as informal
gathering space,
with chairs and
couches grouped
to encourage
interaction in
contrast to the
Covid
architecture
inspired Holbach
hall in Green
library with its
individual
winged chairs. A
motion picture
theatre, resident
organized
philosophy and
current events
discussion
groups, a ping
pong table,
billiard room and
knock hockey for
children were
among the social
activities. When
Stanford recently
acquired the
remainder of the
99 year lease; it
hired the Saris
Regis firm to
manage the
complex on
behalf of the
Provost’s
Residential
management
unit; the
systematic
deconstruction of
the Clubhouse
was set in
motion. evening
and weekend
hours were
immediately
eliminated
Paradoxically,
these were the
very times when
post-docs, for
whose desperate
housing needs the
complex was
acquired, could
best use the
facilities
(Saturday
daytime hours
were
subsequently
renewed in the
face of modest
ongoing protest)
Next, the billiard
table
disappeared,
temporarily
replaced by a
seating
arrangement.
A construction
person appeared
to measure the
room’s open
passage for a
doorframe. A
fellow resident
asked, “what’s
happening?” I
replied, They’re
making it into an
office.” A Saris
Regis employee,
overhearing,
sharply
intervened with,
“That’s not true.”
Nevertheless, a
lockable door
was installed and
IKEA-like desks
assembled. The
office denier
proudly
proclaimed,
“That’s my
office”.
An iconic
sociability
creating spacious
space with
soaring ceiling,
kitchen and
coffee making
room is being
destroyed, piece
by piece, making
it less attractive
to use as
individual
functions
disappear. In
substitution, the
Provost’s
representative
promises a
smaller space,
likely one of the
low ceiling
classrooms
closed upon
takeover. A slow
acting
Parkinson’s like
sociability
reduction process
has been induced,
creating anomie
where there was
community,
reducing the
opportunities to
find friendships,
meet new
interdispinary
colleagues and
form inter
generational
relationships.
Communicide is
being committed
on the Farm.
Henry Etzkowitz
Community of
Oak Creek
Residents, Co-
Organizer&
Stanford Silicon
Valley Archives
Donor
Sent from my
iPhone
From:Henry Etzkowitz
To:Jialei Yang; Mickie Winkler; Ekaterina Albats; Hajikhani Arash; Magnus Klofsten; Gloria Hom; Tatiana Pospelova;
Chunyan Zhou; provost@stanford.edu; Christiane Gebhardt; Jinx Lobdell; Kristina Loquist
Cc:Council, City; Rebecca Eisenberg
Subject:Fwd: Save Oak Creek Clubhouse; Palo Alto’s Iconic “Third Place”
Date:Friday, June 16, 2023 7:21:53 AM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
To alumni and friends of oak creek
Now is the time to write Whitney McNair, Stanford’s associate Vice provost, charge of all
land and housing including the university’s newly acquired oak creek where you and /or your
colleagues resided during their time at Stanford. This vibrant multi l-generation community is
currently und going
“Stanfordization”!simplification from a rich community with an evening and Sunday
Oppenheimer clubhouse, with brunch, billiards, ping pong and newspapers on coffeehouse
holders to bring residents together are now being separated with the call of the newly hired
management company to: “go to your apartments.” Umbrellas on the deck tables have been
removed as have the low seating tables themselves, replaced by unprotected uncovered high
tables, difficult for seniors to access
discouragement or lack of attention to sociability, highly supported among undergraduates has
traditionally been beyond the purview of Stanford’s housing offer for others, witness the
relatively activity-less Stanford West.
Moreover, the university is creating a dermatological health hazard in disallowing residents
use of balcony umbrellas. There is a basic human right to cancer free open air access and
enjoyment that the Saris Regis Management and ultimately Stanford bears responsibility. We
call upon the Palo Alto city council to regulate by ordinance, establishing a four foot rule of
umbrella extension, properly anchored.
Sincerely
Henry
Community of Oak Creek Residents, co-organizer
Sent from my iPhone
Begin forwarded message:
From: Henry Etzkowitz <H.Etzko@gmail.com>
Date: June 16, 2023 at 5:57:02 AM PDT
To: Whitney McNair <wmcnair@stanford.edu>, Roberta Ahlquist
<finnroberta@gmail.com>, Kristina Loquist <Kristina.Loquist@bos.sccgov.org>,
Rebecca Eisenberg <rebecca@rebecca4water.com>, Jinx Lobdell
<jinxlobdell@comcast.net>, Marty Wasserman <deeperlook@aol.com>, Bette
Kiernan <betteuk@aol.com>, Ekaterina Albats <Ekaterina.Albats@lut.fi>,
Dorien jacque <hagthd@hotmail.com>, Orna Rosenfeld
<orna@ornarosenfeld.com>, Bae Hyo <khbae@busan.go.kr>
Cc: provost@stanford.edu, City Council <city.council@cityofpaloalto.org>,
aziz.junaid@gmail.com, Catie Fee <cgfee@stanford.edu>, Ellen Fox
<ellenfox787@gmail.com>, Ellen Granovetter <elledino@yahoo.com>, Hersh
Jim <hershj@salve.edu>, Spencer Craig Gondorf <sgondorf@stanford.edu>
Subject: Fwd: Save Oak Creek Clubhouse; Palo Alto’s Iconic “Third Place”
Dear Whitney
How are you? With graduation approaching; How is your promised review of OC
coming along? When will Stanford be accessing the views of students, post doc,
faculty and senior residents through town meetings etc. has the Palo Alto city
council OC outreach committee, headed by Mayor Kuo, been in touch yet? We
look forward to their report to the City Council, as well
Standard students have been involved with an energy study for the city and
might be interested and available as summer interns to extend their work.
Recently learned, Stanford West residents interested if your investigation will
extend to their neighborhood. Any personal interviews, case studies or
questionnaires under way? residents and alumni former residents, various
countries, wonder whether and how their experiences and views will be taken
into account.
as you are aware, COCR conducted a focus group 11 October 2022 replicating the
classic Merton and Kendall (1946) analysis of a multi-racial NYC housing
project, collected and awaiting transcription Silicon Valley archives, Green
Library
Best
Henry
Community of oak creek residents, co-organizer
Sent from my iPhone
Begin forwarded message:
From: Henry Etzkowitz <H.Etzko@gmail.com>
Date: June 12, 2023 at 7:58:00 AM PDT
To: Bette <betteuk@aol.com>
Subject: Re: Save Oak Creek Clubhouse; Palo Alto’s Iconic
“Third Place”
Thanx
On Tue, May 16, 2023 at 1:35 PM Ellen Fox
<ellenfox787@gmail.com> wrote:
Sent from my iPad
Begin forwarded message:
From: Henry Etzkowitz <h.etzko@gmail.com>
Date: April 24, 2023 at 12:31:24 AM CDT
To: city.council@cityofpaloalto.com,
vicki@vickiforcouncil.com, Kristina Loquist
<Kristina.Loquist@bos.sccgov.org>, Rebecca
Eisenberg <rebecca@rebecca4water.com>, Julie
Lythcott-Haims <julieforpaloalto@gmail.com>, Greg
Tanaka <greg@gregtanaka.org>,
provost@stanford.edu, Hersh Jim
<hershj@salve.edu>, Jinx Lobdell
<jinxlobdell@comcast.net>, Marty Wasserman
<deeperlook@aol.com>, Fox Ellen
<ellenfox787@gmail.com>, daisy law
<dmclaw@hotmail.com>, Representative Eshoo
<ca18aeima@mail.house.gov>, mickie winkler
<mickie650@gmail.com>, Roberta Ahlquist
<roberta.ahlquist@sjsu.edu>, Hom Gloria
<homgloria@gmail.com>, Ed Shikada
<Ed.Shikada@cityofpaloalto.org>, Ellen Granovetter
<elledino@yahoo.com>, Eric Henshall
<Eric.Henshall@mail.house.gov>, Firoozeh
Dastmalchi <firoozehdh@gmail.com>, John
Thipphawong <jthipphawong@yahoo.com>, Jim
Beddows <jim.beddows@decisionplatform.io>, Arshi
<arshi.mustafa008@gmail.com>
Subject: Save Oak Creek Clubhouse; Palo Alto’s
Iconic “Third Place”
at a recent planning
committee meeting of the
Palo Alto City council,
concerning a consultant’s
report on maintaining the
viability of shopping areas,
Council Member Julie
Leithcote-Haims called
attention to the significance of
third places, areas of
sociability, beyond workplace
and home that create
community
The UK has its pubs; Vienna, coffeehouses; Germany,
bier gardens. California housing complexes typically
have Clubhouses, a less well recognized peer of the
above classic sociability creating third spaces, with
more or less dimensions of social activities, informal
and programmed.
Palo Alto’s oak creek apartments, a 759 unit Bauhaus
architected multi-unit complement to its individual
Eichler homes of common iconic design heritage,
worthy of landmark status, has recently been acquired
by Stanford university to help solve the university’s
housing problem. However, without taking broader
consequences into account, the university intensifying
Palo Alto’s housing shortfall by removing oak creek
from general rental access and degrading its own post
doc, phd and professional school students social and
mental health chances
communicide is accomplished
through the systematic
reduction in opportunities to
form and maintain
meaningful social ties.
Indeed, a founder of empirical
sociology, Emile Durkheim,
identified anomie, the loss of
social ties, as one of the main
causes of Suicide in his
classic book by that name, the
origination of empirical
sociology
The Oak Creek Clubhouse
has been de named despite no
known record as slaveholder
in contrast to across the bay
George Berkeley’s venue. For
decades from its founding as
an apartment complex, on
leased Stanford lands, the
clubhouse served as informal
gathering space, with chairs
and couches grouped to
encourage interaction in
contrast to the Covid
architecture inspired Holbach
hall in Green library with its
individual winged chairs. A
motion picture theatre,
resident organized philosophy
and current events discussion
groups, a ping pong table,
billiard room and knock
hockey for children were
among the social activities.
When Stanford recently
acquired the remainder of the
99 year lease; it hired the
Saris Regis firm to manage
the complex on behalf of the
Provost’s Residential
management unit; the
systematic deconstruction of
the Clubhouse was set in
motion. evening and
weekend hours were
immediately eliminated
Paradoxically, these were the
very times when post-docs,
for whose desperate housing
needs the complex was
acquired, could best use the
facilities (Saturday daytime
hours were subsequently
renewed in the face of modest
ongoing protest)
Next, the billiard table
disappeared, temporarily
replaced by a seating
arrangement.
A construction person
appeared to measure the
room’s open passage for a
doorframe. A fellow resident
asked, “what’s happening?” I
replied, They’re making it
into an office.” A Saris Regis
employee, overhearing,
sharply intervened with,
“That’s not true.”
Nevertheless, a lockable door
was installed and IKEA-like
desks assembled. The office
denier proudly proclaimed,
“That’s my office”.
An iconic sociability creating
spacious space with soaring
ceiling, kitchen and coffee
making room is being
destroyed, piece by piece,
making it less attractive to use
as individual functions
disappear. In substitution, the
Provost’s representative
promises a smaller space,
likely one of the low ceiling
classrooms closed upon
takeover. A slow acting
Parkinson’s like sociability
reduction process has been
induced, creating anomie
where there was community,
reducing the opportunities to
find friendships, meet new
interdispinary colleagues and
form inter generational
relationships. Communicide
is being committed on the
Farm.
Henry Etzkowitz
Community of Oak Creek
Residents, Co-Organizer&
Stanford Silicon Valley
Archives Donor
Sent from my iPhone
From:Kammy Lo
To:Council, City
Cc:Shikada, Ed; Gollinger, Peter
Subject:Canopy"s Comments on 6/19/23 City Council Agenda Item #41: Tree Protection Ordinance Year One
Implementation Update
Date:Friday, June 16, 2023 7:00:21 AM
Some people who received this message don't often get email from kammy@canopy.org. Learn why this isimportant
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
Item 41 - Tree Protection Ordinance Year One Implementation Update
City Council June 19, 2023 Meeting
Dear Mayor Kou, Vice Mayor Stone, and Council Members,
We are writing to reiterate our support for Palo Alto’s updated Tree Protection Ordinance
and to express our deep gratitude to city staff for their dedicated work on implementation.
Less than a year ago the City Council took a vital step forward in growing and preserving
the city’s urban forest. The ordinance update aligned the City’s ordinance with what
neighboring cities have already implemented and added clear criteria to guide decision
making. We look forward to continuing to partner with the City as implementation of the
updated ordinance continues.
Last winter’s unprecedented storms underscore the importance of the City’s commitment to
its urban forest. Beloved trees fell or were damaged, and our community experienced fear,
loss, and property damage due to the torrential storms. Yet trees remain the most important
nature-based solution to climate change. Despite the loss, our valued urban forest remains
in place, sequestering carbon, combating the urban heat island effect, and cooling
buildings. One of the key points in Canopy’s message of support for our community during
the storms was proactive tree care. Appropriate watering and proper pruning will help trees
withstand storms to come.
We are grateful for the opportunity to partner with the City’s excellent staff, in particular the
Urban Forestry Section led by Peter Gollinger, on outreach for the updated ordinance.
Canopy’s TreEnews newsletters have reached thousands of community members;
Canopy’s and the City’s webpages have answered many questions; and the ordinance
update has been incorporated into Canopy’s popular tree walk brochure for Palo Alto. Over
the coming months, additional components of the City’s thorough outreach plan will be
rolled out.
As the City works toward its Sustainability and Climate Action Plan goal of increasing city-
wide tree canopy coverage to 40% by 2030, the updated Tree Protection Ordinance plays a
key role. We appreciate your commitment to growing and preserving Palo Alto’s urban
forest.
Best regards,
Kammy Lo (she/her/她)
Interim Executive Director
kammy@canopy.org
408-431-4052
Canopy.org
Working part-time
Canopy is hiring!
From:Henry Etzkowitz
To:Whitney McNair; Roberta Ahlquist; Kristina Loquist; Rebecca Eisenberg; Jinx Lobdell; Marty Wasserman; Bette
Kiernan; Ekaterina Albats; Dorien jacque; Orna Rosenfeld; Bae Hyo
Cc:provost@stanford.edu; Council, City; aziz.junaid@gmail.com; Catie Fee; Ellen Fox; Ellen Granovetter; Hersh Jim;
Spencer Craig Gondorf
Subject:Fwd: Save Oak Creek Clubhouse; Palo Alto’s Iconic “Third Place”
Date:Friday, June 16, 2023 5:57:11 AM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
Dear Whitney
How are you? With graduation approaching; How is your promised review of OC coming
along? When will Stanford be accessing the views of students, post doc, faculty and senior
residents through town meetings etc. has the Palo Alto city council OC outreach committee,
headed by Mayor Kuo, been in touch yet? We look forward to their report to the City Council,
as well
Standard students have been involved with an energy study for the city and might be
interested and available as summer interns to extend their work. Recently learned, Stanford
West residents interested if your investigation will extend to their neighborhood. Any
personal interviews, case studies or questionnaires under way? residents and alumni former
residents, various countries, wonder whether and how their experiences and views will be
taken into account.
as you are aware, COCR conducted a focus group 11 October 2022 replicating the classic
Merton and Kendall (1946) analysis of a multi-racial NYC housing project, collected and
awaiting transcription Silicon Valley archives, Green Library
Best
Henry
Community of oak creek residents, co-organizer
Sent from my iPhone
Begin forwarded message:
From: Henry Etzkowitz <H.Etzko@gmail.com>
Date: June 12, 2023 at 7:58:00 AM PDT
To: Bette <betteuk@aol.com>
Subject: Re: Save Oak Creek Clubhouse; Palo Alto’s Iconic “Third Place”
Thanx
On Tue, May 16, 2023 at 1:35 PM Ellen Fox <ellenfox787@gmail.com> wrote:
Sent from my iPad
Begin forwarded message:
From: Henry Etzkowitz <h.etzko@gmail.com>
Date: April 24, 2023 at 12:31:24 AM CDT
To: city.council@cityofpaloalto.com, vicki@vickiforcouncil.com,
Kristina Loquist <Kristina.Loquist@bos.sccgov.org>, Rebecca
Eisenberg <rebecca@rebecca4water.com>, Julie Lythcott-Haims
<julieforpaloalto@gmail.com>, Greg Tanaka
<greg@gregtanaka.org>, provost@stanford.edu, Hersh Jim
<hershj@salve.edu>, Jinx Lobdell <jinxlobdell@comcast.net>,
Marty Wasserman <deeperlook@aol.com>, Fox Ellen
<ellenfox787@gmail.com>, daisy law <dmclaw@hotmail.com>,
Representative Eshoo <ca18aeima@mail.house.gov>, mickie
winkler <mickie650@gmail.com>, Roberta Ahlquist
<roberta.ahlquist@sjsu.edu>, Hom Gloria
<homgloria@gmail.com>, Ed Shikada
<Ed.Shikada@cityofpaloalto.org>, Ellen Granovetter
<elledino@yahoo.com>, Eric Henshall
<Eric.Henshall@mail.house.gov>, Firoozeh Dastmalchi
<firoozehdh@gmail.com>, John Thipphawong
<jthipphawong@yahoo.com>, Jim Beddows
<jim.beddows@decisionplatform.io>, Arshi
<arshi.mustafa008@gmail.com>
Subject: Save Oak Creek Clubhouse; Palo Alto’s Iconic “Third
Place”
at a recent planning committee meeting of
the Palo Alto City council, concerning a
consultant’s report on maintaining the
viability of shopping areas, Council
Member Julie Leithcote-Haims called
attention to the significance of third
places, areas of sociability, beyond
workplace and home that create
community
The UK has its pubs; Vienna, coffeehouses; Germany, bier
gardens. California housing complexes typically have Clubhouses,
a less well recognized peer of the above classic sociability creating
third spaces, with more or less dimensions of social activities,
informal and programmed.
Palo Alto’s oak creek apartments, a 759 unit Bauhaus architected
multi-unit complement to its individual Eichler homes of common
iconic design heritage, worthy of landmark status, has recently been
acquired by Stanford university to help solve the university’s
housing problem. However, without taking broader consequences
into account, the university intensifying Palo Alto’s housing
shortfall by removing oak creek from general rental access and
degrading its own post doc, phd and professional school students
social and mental health chances
communicide is accomplished through the
systematic reduction in opportunities to
form and maintain meaningful social ties.
Indeed, a founder of empirical sociology,
Emile Durkheim, identified anomie, the
loss of social ties, as one of the main
causes of Suicide in his
The Oak Creek Clubhouse has been de
named despite no known record as
slaveholder in contrast to across the bay
George Berkeley’s venue. For decades
from its founding as an apartment
complex, on leased Stanford lands, the
clubhouse served as informal gathering
space, with chairs and couches grouped to
encourage interaction in contrast to the
Covid architecture inspired Holbach hall
in Green library with its individual winged
chairs. A motion picture theatre, resident
organized philosophy and current events
discussion groups, a ping pong table,
billiard room and knock hockey for
children were among the social activities.
When Stanford recently acquired the
remainder of the 99 year lease; it hired the
Saris Regis firm to manage the complex
on behalf of the Provost’s Residential
management unit; the systematic
deconstruction of the Clubhouse was set
in motion. evening and weekend hours
were immediately eliminated
Paradoxically, these were the very times
when post-docs, for whose desperate
housing needs the complex was acquired,
could best use the facilities (Saturday
daytime hours were subsequently renewed
in the face of modest ongoing protest)
Next, the billiard table disappeared,
temporarily replaced by a seating
arrangement.
A construction person appeared to
measure the room’s open passage for a
doorframe. A fellow resident asked,
“what’s happening?” I replied, They’re
making it into an office.” A Saris Regis
employee, overhearing, sharply intervened
with, “That’s not true.” Nevertheless, a
lockable door was installed and IKEA-like
desks assembled. The office denier
proudly proclaimed, “That’s my office”.
An iconic sociability creating spacious
space with soaring ceiling, kitchen and
coffee making room is being destroyed,
piece by piece, making it less attractive to
use as individual functions disappear. In
substitution, the Provost’s representative
promises a smaller space, likely one of the
low ceiling classrooms closed upon
takeover. A slow acting Parkinson’s like
sociability reduction process has been
induced, creating anomie where there was
community, reducing the opportunities to
find friendships, meet new interdispinary
colleagues and form inter generational
relationships. Communicide is being
committed on the Farm.
Henry Etzkowitz
Community of Oak Creek Residents, Co-
Organizer&
Stanford Silicon Valley Archives Donor
Sent from my iPhone
From:Aram James
To:Binder, Andrew; Reifschneider, James; Wagner, April; Perron, Zachary; Council, City; Jethroe Moore; Sean Allen;
Shikada, Ed; Josh Becker; Human Relations Commission; Jeff Rosen; Rebecca Eisenberg; Michael Gennaco;
ladoris cordell; Shana Segal; Jay Boyarsky; chuck jagoda; Joe Simitian; Enberg, Nicholas; Javier Ortega;
Supervisor Susan Ellenberg; Angie Evans; Cecilia Taylor; Cindy Chavez; Vara Ramakrishnan
Subject:See at the bottom of this article a description of the deceptive coerced false confession of Gunn HS student Jorge
Hernandez in 2002 -after repeated lies by members of the PAPD. Could this scenario happen again?
Date:Thursday, June 15, 2023 7:07:00 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking
on links.
________________________________
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/a-true-confession/
Sent from my iPhone
From:Theodor Colbert
To:Council, City
Subject:Do not swap Terman Park, please
Date:Thursday, June 15, 2023 7:00:43 PM
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important at https://aka.ms/LearnAboutSenderIdentification ]
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on links.
________________________________
Gentlemen,
I have lived near the entrance to Terman Park since 1988. My wife and I walk through it every day on our daily
walk and, since developing macular degeneration and having to restrict my driving, I walk to nearby stores through
the park shortcut.
Additionally, in case of an emergency (fire, earthquake, etc.), right now we have two ways of escaping: via
Arastradero or via the park to Los Altos.
My way of life would be detrimentally impacted if I were not able anymore to cross the park to get to stores, to the
bank or to the train station.
Thank you for your consideration.
Theodor Colbert, age 77
643 Glenbrook Drive
Palo Alto, 94306
(650)-857-0222
From:Aram James
To:Binder, Andrew; Reifschneider, James; Sean Allen; Jethroe Moore; Perron, Zachary; Jeff Rosen; Josh Becker;
Wagner, April; Shikada, Ed; Michael Gennaco; Human Relations Commission; Council, City; Rebecca Eisenberg;
ladoris cordell; Shana Segal; chuck jagoda; Jay Boyarsky; Joe Simitian; Barberini, Christopher; Foley, Michael;
Lee, Craig; Diana Diamond; Gennady Sheyner; Javier Ortega
Subject:Coerced false confessions still a problem —are PAPD officers still allowed to lie to suspects? Time to ask Andrew
Binder
Date:Thursday, June 15, 2023 6:57:07 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking
on links.
________________________________
https://www.cbsnews.com/amp/sacramento/news/false-confessions-why-a-conservative-da-is-urging-law-
enforcement-to-stop-lying-to-suspects/
Sent from my iPhone
From:joshorenberg@gmail.com
To:Council, City
Cc:Transportation; City Mgr; Stone, Greer; Kou, Lydia; Burt, Patrick; City Attorney; Planning Commission;
news@padailypost.com; editor@paweekly.com
Subject:Neighborhood Appreciation for Alma/Palo Alto Ave Quiet Zone Planning
Date:Thursday, June 15, 2023 4:40:09 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
Hi I wanted to thank all parties involved for taking on the quiet zone project. I represent the 101
Alma community with 200+ affected residents and created a petition for the quiet zone that got 241
signatures. This is a huge deal for all people affected which will improve the work/living atmosphere
with ability to concentrate at home during the day and the sleeping atmosphere at night. We
appreciate all city staff involved and their good work on this issue over the past year and half. Thank
you to the city manager as well for putting the quiet zone in the city budget.
Thanks again!!!
Josh & Everybody
From:Ron Lo
To:Council, City
Subject:NO to swapping Terman Park! Keep Terman a City Park!
Date:Thursday, June 15, 2023 4:28:12 PM
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Dear Mayor Kou and Councilmembers,
Please do not do it. We use the trail for daily necessities.
Best Regards,
Roland & Peggy Luo
607 Arastradero Road
From:NTB
To:Council, City
Subject:KEEP TERMAN PARK A CITY PARK!
Date:Thursday, June 15, 2023 4:28:11 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
Dear Mayor Kou and Council-members,
There are many reasons why keeping Terman Park as a city park is important, but here is
one I consider to be of the upmost importance:
Imagine a horseshoe with both ends pointing toward Arastradero. That is the configuration
of the roads in GreenAcres 1. We are a landlocked neighborhood.
In an emergency, if there is a disaster coming toward us from the north, the way out of our
neighborhood will be blocked. Our only other point of egress is through the Glenbrook Gate
into Terman Park. From there we can make our escape to the south.
If the school district has control over the park, they can permanently lock the gate on us as
they tried to do at the start of Covid. They were made to re-open it by the City after we
complained that our access was being denied. If they owned the park, they could keep it
locked at all times. It has happened before. It will happen again.
Consequently, such a swap will put the lives of the GreenAcres 1 residents in jeopardy. Do
you really feel comfortable doing that?
There must be another solution, perhaps another piece of property to swap…one that is not a
dedicated park?
Parkland is precious.
Once it's gone, it's gone.
Terman Park is an open space that provides pleasure and safety for South Palo Alto
residents.
KEEP TERMAN PARK A CITY PARK!
Nina Bell
GreenAcres 1
From:Diane Baldwin
To:Council, City
Subject:Terman gate
Date:Thursday, June 15, 2023 2:31:20 PM
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on links.
________________________________
I have lived in the Green Acres 1 neighborhood for 45 years and have always enjoyed walking the pathway behind
Terman Park. It provides access to the bike and walking pathway into Los Altos. We use it almost daily for exercise
and good mental health. Please do not close off our access to this pathway!
Diane Baldwin
and
Sent from my iPad
From:Geri
To:Council, City
Subject:Near 2533 Middlefield, a piece of the sidewalk is sticking way up with an un matched replacement. — Nextdoor
Date:Thursday, June 15, 2023 2:20:52 PM
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https://aka.ms/LearnAboutSenderIdentification ]
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on links.
________________________________
From my neighborhood: https://nextdoor.com/p/5HLnwr62tnKs?
utm_source=share&extras=MzU4MTkxOQ%3D%3D
Sent from my iPhone
From:Aram James
To:Council, City; Lauing, Ed; Sean Allen; Jethroe Moore
Subject:Cornell West
Date:Thursday, June 15, 2023 2:16:07 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
Cornel West Explains Decision To Seek GREEN
PARTY Nomination In 2024; Potential SPOILER
For Dems
youtu.be
Sent from my iPhone
From:Nancy
To:Council, City
Subject:Keep Terman Park open
Date:Thursday, June 15, 2023 2:03:09 PM
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Dear City Council Members,
I am very saddened to hear that you are considering closing the Glenbrook gate to Terman Park. I live in the Green
Acres 1 neighborhood and that park is vital to us. We are a cul-de-sac neighborhood, so our only exits (for cars) go
out to Arastradero Road. But pedestrians and cyclists have another option of going through the Glenbrook Gate and
crossing over the bridge to the Los Altos side. Almost every day I and friends use that access to go for a walk or
bicycle, and go get a newspaper from a bin on Los Altos Ave, go shopping to the shopping centers at El Camino and
San Antonio, and go to restaurants there. Cycling and walking is possible with the Glenbrook Gate access. Our city
wants to encourage more cycling and walking, but if that gate is closed, you will be discouraging alternatives to
autos.
If you take this away from us, you will impact not just our neighborhood, but many other pedestrians and clyclists
from other neighborhoods who use that access. And they don't know about your plans.
Also, the park is a very important place for neighborhood kids to go and play -- where they don't have to cross
Arastradero which is usually very busy. Soccer teams make good use of the fields, as well as summer sport teams
for children. It would be a terrible loss for us to lose this park. And I have seen wildlife there -- hawks, herons, and
other birds.
Please reconsider and do not close the Glenbrook gate or put structures on the land. Please keep Terman Park as it
is.
Thank you for your time,
Nancy Steinbach
Palo Alto
From:Nancy Mott
To:Council, City
Subject:Please keep Terman Park a City Park
Date:Thursday, June 15, 2023 12:32:05 PM
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Lydia:
We all bought in this neighborhood, like you did in Barron Park, for the close outdoor space
and parks. It's very important for seniors, like myself , to walk, and many people in Green
Acres 1, walk towards Los Altos on that path, as it is a safe and QUIET path, not on
Arastradero.
Our landlocked neighborhood has only one way to exit, Arastradero, so for safety reasons
alone, we need that path.
Thank you for your attention in this matter.
Nancy Mott
Green Acres 1
--
Nancy Mott
650.255.2325
Realtor®
DRE#: 01028928
578 University Avenue, Palo Alto, CA 94301
From:Anne Marie Jamieson
To:Council, City
Subject:NO to swapping Terman Park!
Date:Thursday, June 15, 2023 10:48:03 AM
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Dear Mayor Kou and Councilmembers,
As a resident of the Green Acres II neighborhood of Palo Alto, I’m opposed to the
possibility of selling Terman Park to the school district for the following reasons:
1. The path through Terman Park is a safe bike route for kids and adults alike traveling to
school or into Los Altos.....not just from our neighborhood but also other south side
neighborhoods.
2. It's the only parkland we have on our side of Arastradero.
3. Residents of all ages use the path for their daily exercise, seniors especially, as it is a
pleasant open space and a safe one to access.
4. Neighborhood kids play on the field.
5. Living as we do in a landlocked neighborhood with only one way to exit (via
Arastradero), having another point of egress is crucial for the safety of our residents in an
emergency. We need to be able to exit through the Glenbrook Gate. It can never be closed
on us.
6. In an emergency, school children need to be able to exit into our neighborhood.
Thank you for considering,
Anne Marie Jamieson
Sent from my iPhone
From:Travis Jamieson
To:Council, City
Subject:NO to swapping Terman Park!
Date:Thursday, June 15, 2023 10:26:13 AM
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Dear Mayor Kou and Councilmembers,
As a resident of the Green Acres II neighborhood of Palo Alto, I’m opposed to the
possibility of selling Terman Park to the school district for the following reasons:
1. The path through Terman Park is a safe bike route for kids and adults alike traveling to
school or into Los Altos.....not just from our neighborhood but also other south side
neighborhoods.
2. It's the only parkland we have on our side of Arastradero.
3. Residents of all ages use the path for their daily exercise, seniors especially, as it is a
pleasant open space and a safe one to access.
4. Neighborhood kids play on the field.
5. Living as we do in a landlocked neighborhood with only one way to exit (via
Arastradero), having another point of egress is crucial for the safety of our residents in an
emergency. We need to be able to exit through the Glenbrook Gate. It can never be closed
on us.
6. In an emergency, school children need to be able to exit into our neighborhood.
Thank you for considering,
Travis Jamieson
4281 Los Palos Ave
Palo Alto, CA 94306
312-428-0579
From:Aram James
To:Burt, Patrick; Lauing, Ed; Greer Stone; Council, City; Jethroe Moore; Sean Allen; Human Relations Commission;
Binder, Andrew; Reifschneider, James; Wagner, April; Shikada, Ed; Jeff Rosen; Michael Gennaco; Joe Simitian;
Rebecca Eisenberg; Shana Segal; chuck jagoda; Jay Boyarsky; Perron, Zachary; Cecilia Taylor; Barberini,
Christopher; chuck jagoda
Subject:WATCH: Trigger Happy Cops Shoot Man With Hands In Air
Date:Thursday, June 15, 2023 3:00:39 AM
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on links.
________________________________
https://youtu.be/vRl0Y4IrJ5c
Sent from my iPhone
From:Henry Etzkowitz
To:Khonika Gope; Orna Rosenfeld; Kristina Loquist; Roberta Ahlquist; Dorien Detombe; Bette Kiernan; Catie Fee;
daisy law; David Skurnick; Chunyan Zhou
Cc:Council, City; Shikada, Ed; provost@stanford.edu; Whitney McNair; Marty Wasserman; Ellen Fox; Ellen
Granovetter; Jinx Lobdell
Subject:Re: Palo Alto Know Your Neighbor Grant
Date:Wednesday, June 14, 2023 7:25:08 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
Dear Khonika
Great! Good to be reassured and have faith renewed: American local political process still
works positively, Palo Alto. Look forward to sociability event, renewing and revivifying oak
creek iconic third space tradition in the face of management opposition and landlord
indifference, to date, that hopefully will be turned around by bottom up efforts like your and
your colleagues graduation celebration, Bette’s natural leaf initiative, and Jim and Marty’s
ongoing philosophy and current events classes, the latter hopefully not starved of new input
through Saris Regis and Stanford’s apparent cancelling diverse newspaper subscriptions. All
this can be reversed and billiards returned to its rightful home, with management relegated to
previous offices
In solidsrity
Henry
Community of oak creek residents, co-organizer
Sent from my iPhone
On Jun 14, 2023, at 6:41 PM, Khonika Gope <khonika@stanford.edu> wrote:
Thanks a lot, Henry! You are a magician. Someone from the Know Your
Neighbor Grant program sent me an email. I will be in touch with her for details.
:) Thank you once again.
On Wed, Jun 14, 2023 at 12:58 PM Henry Etzkowitz <h.etzko@gmail.com>
wrote:
Dear Ed
How are you?
This is to request, in your capacity as City Manager, that you guide Khonika
Gope and fellow oak creek Palo Alto residents to appropriate colleague, if not
yourself, for advice in making application for a neighborhood acquaintanceship
enhancement event. Learned, assume correctly, at a recent City Council
meeting that there are $500 awards available for this purpose
With thanks in advance
Best regards
Henry
Community of oak creek residents, co-organizer
Sent from my iPhone
Begin forwarded message:
From: Khonika Gope <khonika@stanford.edu>
Date: June 14, 2023 at 12:22:37 PM PDT
To: Henry Etzkowitz <H.Etzko@gmail.com>
Subject: Palo Alto Know Your Neighbor Grant
Hi Henry,
I called them several times, but they didn't pick up. I wanted to
know more about the application - what should be included, how
detailed, how long, etc. They have some guidelines on the website
but that is not very clear. I will keep calling today/tomorrow. If
they don't pick up, I will just submit an application from scratch.
Let's see.
Khonika
On Tue, Jun 13, 2023 at 7:52 PM Henry Etzkowitz
<h.etzko@gmail.com> wrote:
Hi Khonika
Any news? Hope to party in your honor soon!
Best
Henry
Sent from my iPhone
Begin forwarded message:
From: Henry Etzkowitz <H.Etzko@gmail.com>
Date: June 13, 2023 at 5:26:38 PM PDT
To: Julie Lythcott-Haims
<Julie.LythcottHaims@cityofpaloalto.org>, Kristina
Loquist <Kristina.Loquist@bos.sccgov.org>,
Rebecca Eisenberg <rebecca@rebecca4water.com>,
Roberta Ahlquist <roberta.ahlquist@sjsu.edu>,
Terry Beaubois <tbeaubois@gmail.com>, Marty
Wasserman <deeperlook@aol.com>, Hersh Jim
<hershj@salve.edu>, Mark Granovetter
<mgranovetter@gmail.com>, Ellen Fox
<ellenfox787@gmail.com>, Catie Fee
<cgfee@stanford.edu>
Cc: City Council <city.council@cityofpaloalto.org>,
provost@stanford.edu, Whitney McNair
<wmcnair@stanford.edu>, Orna Rosenfeld
<orna@ornarosenfeld.com>, Dorien jacque
<hagthd@hotmail.com>, Jinx Lobdell
<jinxlobdell@comcast.net>, Bette Kiernan
<betteuk@aol.com>
Subject: Dear Julie
Your unwillingness to support the revival of the oak
creek clubhouse on the grounds that it is privately
owned, although ironically, the new owner is a
university, a quintessential public institution,
expresses the fundamental ideology of Palo Alto,
grounded in individual home ownership, material
wealth gained through the social solidarity of
creating scarcity through the good fortune of gaining
access to a mortgage on a dwelling, an opportunity
denied to an increasing number of fellow Palo
Altan’s even apparently high salaried persons in
local tech firms.
a speaker in a recent stanford economic sociology
seminar introduced his talk on a study of venture
capital, noting that a quarter million per annum
employed person would have diffeiculty getting on
the wealth creating escalator of home ownership . A
parent speaking to the Santa Clara supervisor at an
event during the last election cycle received a
sympatheic commiseration telling how her children
could not afford to live in the beloved town where
they were raised.
The transformation of the Stanford Shopping Center
from a simalcrum of early post war suburban
sociability to a venue for isolated appreciation of
unique handcrafted artifacts whose economic model
requires only occasional sales at stratospheric prices
is exemplified by the disappearance of the classic
1950’s coffee shop, appreciated in theory but rarely
if ever visited in practice and the appearance of a
sales venue for handcrafted mattresses where the
modal price point is $100,00. Less expensive models
are available, down to 30kbut the best seller in the
US is the 100k version, albeit less than custom made
models that may cost up to a million. In full or at
least partial disclosure, since as an aficionado of
Hasten’s the 1852 Swedish saddler transitioned to
bedmaker, after sinking blissfully into dormant siesta
state, awakening an hour later to an offer of a
cappuccino, who could not be compromised in their
critique of capitalism when such pleasures are
offered to a happenstance guest. The Hastens
experience is the epitome of isolated curated
sociability that I recommend to all. If you quote me
sufficiently, I may qualify for a discount, that word
is inserted by the Ai writing program but the actual
promise is the full Monty.
On the other hand a recent visit to new York for a
65th high school reunion revealed another sociability
space, Manhattan’s new canopied seated bus stood,
where socially desperate wait not for transportation
but for the opportunity of interaction with a person
who is actually waiting for a crosstown bus. So back
to Oak creek where the other sociality generator, the
hot tub is out of commission for sorely needed repair
during the most salubrious season. The club limps
along, with uncomfortable high seateddifficult to
access out door furniture having been moved indoors
to replace the armchairs and sofas that were formerly
grouped into conversation pods
as it happens, the reunion was held at the university
club an elite fifth Avenue temple to sociability
whose armchairs and their inhabitants were
heretofore glimpsed as a passerby. Having gained
access, it was sad to see an empty venue with
multiple newspapers lacking readers and a
chessboard lacking players. On another coast, the
oak creek cliubhouse with PhD students post docs
and their children, seniors, excluded, a venue
available for use but potential users locked out by
Stanford University, their landlord. a tale of two
contemporary university clubs. Elected
representatives responsibility extends beyond the
streets and obvious public places into the full sum
total of even ostensibly private places whose
contiguity and relationship to each other constitute
Palo Alto even as its residents whether domiciled or
not are your constituents. Therefore, as our town’s
primary advocate of third spaces, we invite you to
take on oak creek as well as a game room or
temporary closed street as an opportunity to
represent us.
Best
Henry
Community of oak creek residents, co-organizer
Sent from my iPhone
From:Angela Dellaporta
To:Council, City
Subject:Boulware Park
Date:Wednesday, June 14, 2023 2:02:28 PM
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on links.
________________________________
Dear City Council Members,
Our neighborhood is excited about the refurbishment of Boulware Park. I am especially enthusiastic about the
naturalization of the creek, and creek access for visitor, as currently exists at Bol Park.
I encourage you to fund all the new amenities suggested in the plans that have been drawn up.
Thank you,
Angela Dellaporta
Sent from my iPad
From:Aram James
To:Binder, Andrew; Reifschneider, James; Wagner, April; Perron, Zachary; Council, City; Human Relations
Commission; Sean Allen; Jethroe Moore; Barberini, Christopher; Enberg, Nicholas; Shikada, Ed; Tannock, Julie;
Figueroa, Eric; Foley, Michael
Subject:A look at the most notable police payouts in the Bay Area ( 2020)
Date:Wednesday, June 14, 2023 1:11:22 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking
on links.
________________________________
https://www.ktvu.com/news/a-look-at-the-most-notable-police-payouts-in-the-bay-area
Sent from my iPhone
From:Henry Etzkowitz
To:Shikada, Ed; daisy law; Kristina Loquist; Marty Wasserman; Jinx Lobdell; Gloria Hom; Mickie Winkler; Gerry
jurgensen; Ellen Granovetter; Khonika Gope
Cc:Council, City; provost@stanford.edu; Catie Fee; Bette Kiernan; Jim Hersh; Ellen Fox; Firoozeh Dastmalchi;
Roberta Ahlquist; Rebecca Eisenberg
Subject:Fwd: Palo Alto Know Your Neighbor Grant
Date:Wednesday, June 14, 2023 12:58:01 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
Dear Ed
How are you?
This is to request, in your capacity as City Manager, that you guide Khonika Gope and fellow
oak creek Palo Alto residents to appropriate colleague, if not yourself, for advice in making
application for a neighborhood acquaintanceship enhancement event. Learned, assume
correctly, at a recent City Council meeting that there are $500 awards available for this
purpose
With thanks in advance
Best regards
Henry
Community of oak creek residents, co-organizer
Sent from my iPhone
Begin forwarded message:
From: Khonika Gope <khonika@stanford.edu>
Date: June 14, 2023 at 12:22:37 PM PDT
To: Henry Etzkowitz <H.Etzko@gmail.com>
Subject: Palo Alto Know Your Neighbor Grant
Hi Henry,
I called them several times, but they didn't pick up. I wanted to know more about
the application - what should be included, how detailed, how long, etc. They have
some guidelines on the website but that is not very clear. I will keep calling
today/tomorrow. If they don't pick up, I will just submit an application from
scratch. Let's see.
Khonika
On Tue, Jun 13, 2023 at 7:52 PM Henry Etzkowitz <h.etzko@gmail.com> wrote:
Hi Khonika
Any news? Hope to party in your honor soon!
Best
Henry
Sent from my iPhone
Begin forwarded message:
From: Henry Etzkowitz <H.Etzko@gmail.com>
Date: June 13, 2023 at 5:26:38 PM PDT
To: Julie Lythcott-Haims
<Julie.LythcottHaims@cityofpaloalto.org>, Kristina Loquist
<Kristina.Loquist@bos.sccgov.org>, Rebecca Eisenberg
<rebecca@rebecca4water.com>, Roberta Ahlquist
<roberta.ahlquist@sjsu.edu>, Terry Beaubois
<tbeaubois@gmail.com>, Marty Wasserman
<deeperlook@aol.com>, Hersh Jim <hershj@salve.edu>, Mark
Granovetter <mgranovetter@gmail.com>, Ellen Fox
<ellenfox787@gmail.com>, Catie Fee <cgfee@stanford.edu>
Cc: City Council <city.council@cityofpaloalto.org>,
provost@stanford.edu, Whitney McNair
<wmcnair@stanford.edu>, Orna Rosenfeld
<orna@ornarosenfeld.com>, Dorien jacque
<hagthd@hotmail.com>, Jinx Lobdell <jinxlobdell@comcast.net>,
Bette Kiernan <betteuk@aol.com>
Subject: Dear Julie
Your unwillingness to support the revival of the oak creek
clubhouse on the grounds that it is privately owned, although
ironically, the new owner is a university, a quintessential public
institution, expresses the fundamental ideology of Palo Alto,
grounded in individual home ownership, material wealth gained
through the social solidarity of creating scarcity through the good
fortune of gaining access to a mortgage on a dwelling, an
opportunity denied to an increasing number of fellow Palo Altan’s
even apparently high salaried persons in local tech firms.
a speaker in a recent stanford economic sociology seminar
introduced his talk on a study of venture capital, noting that a
quarter million per annum employed person would have diffeiculty
getting on the wealth creating escalator of home ownership . A
parent speaking to the Santa Clara supervisor at an event during the
last election cycle received a sympatheic commiseration telling
how her children could not afford to live in the beloved town where
they were raised.
The transformation of the Stanford Shopping Center from a
simalcrum of early post war suburban sociability to a venue for
isolated appreciation of unique handcrafted artifacts whose
economic model requires only occasional sales at stratospheric
prices is exemplified by the disappearance of the classic 1950’s
coffee shop, appreciated in theory but rarely if ever visited in
practice and the appearance of a sales venue for handcrafted
mattresses where the modal price point is $100,00. Less expensive
models are available, down to 30kbut the best seller in the US is the
100k version, albeit less than custom made models that may cost up
to a million. In full or at least partial disclosure, since as an
aficionado of Hasten’s the 1852 Swedish saddler transitioned to
bedmaker, after sinking blissfully into dormant siesta state,
awakening an hour later to an offer of a cappuccino, who could not
be compromised in their critique of capitalism when such pleasures
are offered to a happenstance guest. The Hastens experience is the
epitome of isolated curated sociability that I recommend to all. If
you quote me sufficiently, I may qualify for a discount, that word is
inserted by the Ai writing program but the actual promise is the full
Monty.
On the other hand a recent visit to new York for a 65th high school
reunion revealed another sociability space, Manhattan’s new
canopied seated bus stood, where socially desperate wait not for
transportation but for the opportunity of interaction with a person
who is actually waiting for a crosstown bus. So back to Oak creek
where the other sociality generator, the hot tub is out of
commission for sorely needed repair during the most salubrious
season. The club limps along, with uncomfortable high
seateddifficult to access out door furniture having been moved
indoors to replace the armchairs and sofas that were formerly
grouped into conversation pods
as it happens, the reunion was held at the university club an elite
fifth Avenue temple to sociability whose armchairs and their
inhabitants were heretofore glimpsed as a passerby. Having gained
access, it was sad to see an empty venue with multiple newspapers
lacking readers and a chessboard lacking players. On another coast,
the oak creek cliubhouse with PhD students post docs and their
children, seniors, excluded, a venue available for use but potential
users locked out by Stanford University, their landlord. a tale of
two contemporary university clubs. Elected representatives
responsibility extends beyond the streets and obvious public places
into the full sum total of even ostensibly private places whose
contiguity and relationship to each other constitute Palo Alto even
as its residents whether domiciled or not are your constituents.
Therefore, as our town’s primary advocate of third spaces, we
invite you to take on oak creek as well as a game room or
temporary closed street as an opportunity to represent us.
Best
Henry
Community of oak creek residents, co-organizer
Sent from my iPhone
From:Bridget Buckley
To:Council, City
Subject:Boulware Park in Venture: Please APPROVE
Date:Wednesday, June 14, 2023 11:54:38 AM
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Dear Palo Alto Council Members:
As a Ventura resident, I'm writing to let you know that I am a strong supporter of public parks
and I truly believe that having a strong and safe public space greatly benefits our
communities. With this said, please approve the funding for Ventura's Boulware Park. We
need more parkland here in Ventura. During the pandemic, my late husband, daughter and I
spent many many hours in Boulware park and this location holds a special place in my heart. I
have been a Ventura resident since 2017 and love my community but think we can always be
better. I am very much looking forward to and am excited to see Ventura enhanced with all
the amenities the park will offer. Thank you for your ear.
Bridget Buckley
Ventura Resident
--
Bridget M. Buckley
bridget@bridgetland.com
www.linkedin.com/in/bridgetbuckley
From:Roxy Rapp
To:Council, City; Lait, Jonathan; Eggleston, Brad; French, Amy; Shikada, Ed
Subject:Thank You
Date:Wednesday, June 14, 2023 10:32:21 AM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
Dear Mr. Fakhouri,
Thank you very much for cooperating with the city and your next door neighbor landlord for
removing 12 feet of your parklet in front of 375 University. Our new tenant at 375, Circuit
Lighting, is very happy to have it done before their grand opening at the end of this month.
Again, thank you for your corporation.
Roxy Rapp
From:Virginia Walbot
To:Council, City
Subject:Pets in Need negotiations Value of Trap Neuter Release programs
Date:Wednesday, June 14, 2023 7:38:49 AM
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I highly recommend retaining TNR (Trap Neuter Release) programs for
feral cats in our area. This is the best program – backed up by data –
for long term management of unhoused cats. My experience as the
faculty advisor to the Stanford cat network for 20 years afforded the
opportunity to observe first hand the diminution of feral cats on campus
from a high of approximately 1500 in the late 1980s to a handful by
2010. There were additional new cats added each spring by local
residents “dumping” pregnant cats or cats with kittens on campus,
however, with diligent TNR application, these new arrivals were
prevented from reproducing and through a Cat Network adoption
website, all were placed in adoptive homes. Consequently, the
population of campus cats steadily declined as the cats aged and died;
most of the cats when elderly were adopted out to “retirement” homes
for their final few years.
Virginia Walbot
Professor
Department of Biology
391 Jane Stanford Way
Stanford University
Stanford CA 94305-5020
650 – 723 -2227
FAX 650 – 725 -8221
walbot@stanford.edu
Walbot Lab http://stanford.edu/~walbot/
Dahlia Project http://web.stanford.edu/group/dahlia_genetics/index.htm
From:Jennifer Landesmann
To:Council, City
Subject:Re: Delta is being sued for claiming to be a carbon-neutral airline
Date:Wednesday, June 14, 2023 12:09:09 AM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
two more articles in case the qz link didn't work
https://www.washingtonpost.com/climate-environment/2023/05/31/delta-airlines-carbon-
neutral-lawsuit/
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/may/30/delta-air-lines-lawsuit-carbon-
neutrality-aoe
or please do a search for "Delta, greenwashing" and the various news reports will show.
Thanks.
On Wed, Jun 14, 2023 at 9:04 AM Jennifer Landesmann <jlandesmann@gmail.com> wrote:
Dear Council,
Earlier this year I reached out to you because of an article in the Daily Post with suggestive
claims from the City about potential new activity at PAO, being about sustainability.
Please see this lawsuit by a private citizen - about suggestive sustainability claims.
https://qz.com/delta-air-lines-lawsuit-carbon-neutrality-offsets-claim-1850490129
It's only a matter of time before airports and cities which own airports face the question
about disclosures about the real impacts of noise on human health.
This recent article in the NY Times, at this link, (a report which reached out to 30 scientists)
illustrates that the issue of noise is far from being one of "annoyance" or the sole standard
that the FAA uses. They do a good job explaining the physical connections. The ear-brain
connection is "on" 24/7. For this reason for example, you don't even have to be awoken to be
harmed by night time disruptions.
In the capital markets, we call impacts of the level that the NY Times describes, "material"
and it's long overdue for the aviation community - attorneys, operators, and especially the
cities that own industrial-level pollution operations affecting human health to transition to
full disclosure and transparency. It doesn't matter that the FAA doesn't let you do proper
accounting, or measurements because you are signing grant assurances (trading off City
control for money).
You, the City are still responsible for not misleading people with sustainability claims.
Thank you,
Jennifer
---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Jennifer Landesmann <jlandesmann@gmail.com>
Date: Mon, Feb 27, 2023 at 10:38 PM
Subject: City of Palo Alto officially enters aviation Greenwashing?
To: <city.council@cityofpaloalto.org>
Hello Council,
You're probably familiar with the practice of using misleading information to deceive about
the environmental impact of the operations of a company or entity. That is called
greenwashing and today's Daily Post article about the City's Public Works department
prioritizing this activity pretty much went there. It was unfortunately not surprising too
because maybe this helps explain why Public Works has been neglecting the SFO and
Nextgen airplane noise priority.
2 things to know:
1) Electric planes have narrowly focused on reducing high frequency noise and the levels of
low frequency noise is unknown. Low frequency noise is noise that goes through walls, skin
and bones and cannot be mitigated by insulation. We have tried to warn the FAA, and all the
enthusiasts that they are measuring noise for their products completely wrong.
2) These vehicles may need to fly lower which means that any increase in the number of
operations could spell hell for anyone near - and farther away. Think Fireworks or Shoreline
noise.
You probably already know that these ventures serve absolutely no purpose in improving
transportation options because they can only hold a few people with money. And please
don't use the narrative that it's for ER services because that is not the whole story. As you
proceed, it's safe to say that everything you can say is false advertising until you provide
robust environmental analysis about the airport. Full disclosure reporting to residents.
Also, are these experiments going to affect my ability to dry my hair when the City's
blackouts happen? How much will this cost the City in time and resources. It has apparently
already cost residents with the fact that staff has been engaged with this, without any
Council direction as far as I can tell, and it's up on the agenda for next week?
Jennifer
From:Jennifer Landesmann
To:Council, City
Subject:Delta is being sued for claiming to be a carbon-neutral airline
Date:Wednesday, June 14, 2023 12:04:47 AM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
Dear Council,
Earlier this year I reached out to you because of an article in the Daily Post with suggestive
claims from the City about potential new activity at PAO, being about sustainability.
Please see this lawsuit by a private citizen - about suggestive sustainability claims.
https://qz.com/delta-air-lines-lawsuit-carbon-neutrality-offsets-claim-1850490129
It's only a matter of time before airports and cities which own airports face the question about
disclosures about the real impacts of noise on human health.
This recent article in the NY Times, at this link, (a report which reached out to 30 scientists)
illustrates that the issue of noise is far from being one of "annoyance" or the sole standard that
the FAA uses. They do a good job explaining the physical connections. The ear-brain
connection is "on" 24/7. For this reason for example, you don't even have to be awoken to be
harmed by night time disruptions.
In the capital markets, we call impacts of the level that the NY Times describes, "material"
and it's long overdue for the aviation community - attorneys, operators, and especially the
cities that own industrial-level pollution operations affecting human health to transition to full
disclosure and transparency. It doesn't matter that the FAA doesn't let you do proper
accounting, or measurements because you are signing grant assurances (trading off City
control for money).
You, the City are still responsible for not misleading people with sustainability claims.
Thank you,
Jennifer
---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Jennifer Landesmann <jlandesmann@gmail.com>
Date: Mon, Feb 27, 2023 at 10:38 PM
Subject: City of Palo Alto officially enters aviation Greenwashing?
To: <city.council@cityofpaloalto.org>
Hello Council,
You're probably familiar with the practice of using misleading information to deceive about
the environmental impact of the operations of a company or entity. That is called
greenwashing and today's Daily Post article about the City's Public Works department
prioritizing this activity pretty much went there. It was unfortunately not surprising too
because maybe this helps explain why Public Works has been neglecting the SFO and
Nextgen airplane noise priority.
2 things to know:
1) Electric planes have narrowly focused on reducing high frequency noise and the levels of
low frequency noise is unknown. Low frequency noise is noise that goes through walls, skin
and bones and cannot be mitigated by insulation. We have tried to warn the FAA, and all the
enthusiasts that they are measuring noise for their products completely wrong.
2) These vehicles may need to fly lower which means that any increase in the number of
operations could spell hell for anyone near - and farther away. Think Fireworks or Shoreline
noise.
You probably already know that these ventures serve absolutely no purpose in improving
transportation options because they can only hold a few people with money. And please don't
use the narrative that it's for ER services because that is not the whole story. As you proceed,
it's safe to say that everything you can say is false advertising until you provide robust
environmental analysis about the airport. Full disclosure reporting to residents.
Also, are these experiments going to affect my ability to dry my hair when the City's blackouts
happen? How much will this cost the City in time and resources. It has apparently already cost
residents with the fact that staff has been engaged with this, without any Council direction as
far as I can tell, and it's up on the agenda for next week?
Jennifer
From:Henry Etzkowitz
To:Lythcott-Haims, Julie; Kristina Loquist; Rebecca Eisenberg; Roberta Ahlquist; Terry Beaubois; Marty Wasserman;
Hersh Jim; Mark Granovetter; Ellen Fox; Catie Fee
Cc:Council, City; provost@stanford.edu; Whitney McNair; Orna Rosenfeld; Dorien jacque; Jinx Lobdell; Bette Kiernan
Subject:Dear Julie
Date:Tuesday, June 13, 2023 5:26:45 PM
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________________________________
Your unwillingness to support the revival of the oak creek clubhouse on the grounds that it is privately owned,
although ironically, the new owner is a university, a quintessential public institution, expresses the fundamental
ideology of Palo Alto, grounded in individual home ownership, material wealth gained through the social solidarity
of creating scarcity through the good fortune of gaining access to a mortgage on a dwelling, an opportunity denied to
an increasing number of fellow Palo Altan’s even apparently high salaried persons in local tech firms.
a speaker in a recent stanford economic sociology seminar introduced his talk on a study of venture capital, noting
that a quarter million per annum employed person would have diffeiculty getting on the wealth creating escalator of
home ownership . A parent speaking to the Santa Clara supervisor at an event during the last election cycle received
a sympatheic commiseration telling how her children could not afford to live in the beloved town where they were
raised.
The transformation of the Stanford Shopping Center from a simalcrum of early post war suburban sociability to a
venue for isolated appreciation of unique handcrafted artifacts whose economic model requires only occasional sales
at stratospheric prices is exemplified by the disappearance of the classic 1950’s coffee shop, appreciated in theory
but rarely if ever visited in practice and the appearance of a sales venue for handcrafted mattresses where the modal
price point is $100,00. Less expensive models are available, down to 30kbut the best seller in the US is the 100k
version, albeit less than custom made models that may cost up to a million. In full or at least partial disclosure,
since as an aficionado of Hasten’s the 1852 Swedish saddler transitioned to bedmaker, after sinking blissfully into
dormant siesta state, awakening an hour later to an offer of a cappuccino, who could not be compromised in their
critique of capitalism when such pleasures are offered to a happenstance guest. The Hastens experience is the
epitome of isolated curated sociability that I recommend to all. If you quote me sufficiently, I may qualify for a
discount, that word is inserted by the Ai writing program but the actual promise is the full Monty.
On the other hand a recent visit to new York for a 65th high school reunion revealed another sociability space,
Manhattan’s new canopied seated bus stood, where socially desperate wait not for transportation but for the
opportunity of interaction with a person who is actually waiting for a crosstown bus. So back to Oak creek where the
other sociality generator, the hot tub is out of commission for sorely needed repair during the most salubrious
season. The club limps along, with uncomfortable high seateddifficult to access out door furniture having been
moved indoors to replace the armchairs and sofas that were formerly grouped into conversation pods
as it happens, the reunion was held at the university club an elite fifth Avenue temple to sociability whose armchairs
and their inhabitants were heretofore glimpsed as a passerby. Having gained access, it was sad to see an empty
venue with multiple newspapers lacking readers and a chessboard lacking players. On another coast, the oak creek
cliubhouse with PhD students post docs and their children, seniors, excluded, a venue available for use but potential
users locked out by Stanford University, their landlord. a tale of two contemporary university clubs. Elected
representatives responsibility extends beyond the streets and obvious public places into the full sum total of even
ostensibly private places whose contiguity and relationship to each other constitute Palo Alto even as its residents
whether domiciled or not are your constituents. Therefore, as our town’s primary advocate of third spaces, we invite
you to take on oak creek as well as a game room or temporary closed street as an opportunity to represent us.
Best
Henry
Community of oak creek residents, co-organizer
Sent from my iPhone
From:Pamela Mayerfeld
To:Planning Commission; Council, City
Cc:mysemite
Subject:Setback rules for Electric Heat Pump Installation
Date:Tuesday, June 13, 2023 4:48:17 PM
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Dear Planning Commission & City Council,
We understand that the Planning Department will soon be recommending updating setback
rules for outdoor equipment that meets the city's noise ordinance to 4 feet throughout the city.
Please approve this request.
We would love to transition from gas to an electric heat pump system for our heating and
cooling needs but the present setback for our property is 8 feet. We met with several
companies 2 years ago and designed sensibly located systems that would work with a 6 foot
setback, but we couldn't proceed per our present designation of 8 feet.
Please agree to revise the setback to 4 feet throughout the city vs the inconsistent setback
distances in effect today.
Thank you
Pam Mayerfeld & Richard Hallsted
890 E Meadow Drive
From:Ed Hillard
To:Council, City
Subject:paloaltopoa.com
Date:Tuesday, June 13, 2023 3:52:59 PM
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Hello,
What is the City Council's position on the solicitation that is going out in the US Mail for
paloalotpoa.com, a fund raising effort focused on the City of Palo Alto's police department,
and appears to have City of Palo Alto PD support?
Ed Hillard
Greer Road
From:Sandra Hickson
To:Council, City
Subject:Pets In Need
Date:Tuesday, June 13, 2023 7:28:02 AM
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this is important at https://aka.ms/LearnAboutSenderIdentification ]
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on links.
________________________________
Unfortunately I see this morning the council was too weak to do the right thing and is going to continue to contract
with a notoriously well known sub par organization. Well done City of Palo Alto. But as a former employee of 26+
years I honestly expected nothing else from you. You too have a notoriously sub par reputation.
Sandra Pretari Hickson
Sent from my iPhone
From:Aram James
To:Greg Tanaka; Council, City; Shikada, Ed
Subject:Life moves salaries
Date:Tuesday, June 13, 2023 1:38:54 AM
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https://nonprofitlight.com/ca/menlo-park/lifemoves
Shared via the Google app
Sent from my iPhone
From:Aram James
To:Council, City; Shikada, Ed; Stump, Molly
Subject:Animal shelter volunteer awarded $6.8 million after being mauled by dog, nearly having arm ripped off
Date:Monday, June 12, 2023 8:52:24 PM
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on links.
________________________________
https://www.cbsnews.com/amp/losangeles/news/animal-shelter-volunteer-awarded-6-8-million-after-being-mauled-
by-dog-nearly-having-arm-ripped-off/
Sent from my iPhone
From:Aram James
To:Council, City; Shikada, Ed; Jethroe Moore; Human Relations Commission
Subject:SB 403 passes in the state senate
Date:Monday, June 12, 2023 5:52:25 PM
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on links.
________________________________
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/amp/rcnaa
Sent from my iPhone
From:Agnes Caulfield
To:Council, City
Subject:Feral Cat Policy: Item 13 on June 12, City Council meeting
Date:Monday, June 12, 2023 4:56:19 PM
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City of Palo Alto Council Members:
I am requesting the Council strengthen the Feral Cat Policy in the current agreement to include that feral
and neutered cats shall not be released within Palo Alto and Partnering Cities.
I am resident of Los Altos, an artists and a member of the Santa Clara Valley Audubon Society.
I often bring visitors to the Baylands and local preserves to bird watch and enjoy painting with artists at the
baylands and local preserves.
I am also a "cat lover” and appreciate cats are indeed the perfect killing machines as described by a
veterinarian friend. I know cats kill vast quantities of birds regardless of whether they are well fed house
pets or hungry feral cats.
I feel very strongly that pets as well as feral cats should not be dumped in parks. It is disheartening to see a
birds being dragged off by feral cats or to see feral cats living in bushes.
Respectfully,
Agnes Caulfield
Los Altos, CA
From:Sandra Pretari Hickson
To:Council, City
Subject:Pets In Need
Date:Monday, June 12, 2023 4:10:24 PM
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Dear Council -
As a former employee of Animal Services, I feel compelled to write regarding the renewing of
the shelter contract with Pets In Need. For those of you that were not on the council when this
tragic mistake was made, please know the following -
Pets in Need, the former City Manager and his department all assured not only us, but the city
council, the citizens of Palo Alto and all that used the shelter’s services that PIN would
continue to provide all the services that Animal services had.
We were assured that they would continue to provide low cost spay and neuters to the public.
They do not. The number of spays and neuters provided to the public are minuscule compared
to what PAAS used to provide.
We were assured they would continue providing after hours emergency care. They no longer
want to do that.
We were assured that they would continue to provide euthanasia services to the public. It takes
an act of congress for a citizen to access this service.
We were assured they would build a new shelter. They are not.
We were assured they would take returns of adopted animals at any point during the animal’s
lifetime. This too takes an act of congress.
The list is far longer but I will leave that to the city employees providing an alternative to lay
them out for you.
The bottom line is that PIN is what is known as a Retail Rescue in shelter and rescue circles.
They only care about numbers of adoptions, moving animals in and out as quickly as possible
and hence increasing donations. The higher the number of adoptions they can promote, the
more donations they get. That is why they trucked a van load of dogs from the valley with no
air conditioning that resulted in the death of seven puppies. They need to fill up those kennels
and move them out as quickly as they can. More puppies, higher adoption numbers. Now they
want more money for less services. By continuing this contract all the City of Palo Alto is
doing is subsidizing a Retail Rescue, the headquarters of which is not even in the City of Palo
Alto.
Animal Services was not broken when PIN took over the shelter. Several consultants were
hired to provide analysis and recommendations. Every single one said we were doing a great
job with what we were given to work with, to either give us more money or leave us alone.
The only thing broken was a City Manager and his department that hated municipal
employees. The only thing gained after the decision to outsource is the City spending more
money for less services and the complete deterioration of the stellar reputation of Animal
Services, and believe me it was stellar. There was a reason no local reputable animal control
agencies bid on the animal control contract and there is a reason why only an adoption only
shelter, not an animal control agency, with a poor reputation was the only organization that
bid. They have a Retail Rescue agenda that is completely contrary to the vision, morals and
ethics of any reputable Animal Services organization and of the City of Palo Alto. I implore
you, please do not make the same mistake twice.
Thank you,
Sandra Pretari Hickson
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this transmission in error, please reply or call the sender and delete this
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From:Boyd Smith
To:Council, City
Cc:Jenn Bodine; Lund Smith
Subject:Comment on Item #14 at 6/12 Council Meeting
Date:Monday, June 12, 2023 3:36:35 PM
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Good afternoon Mayor Kou, Vice Mayor Stone and Council members,
Regarding item #14 on tonight’s agenda, as nearby property owners we are very supportive of the
LifeMoves project on San Antonio. However, we are concerned that the proposed 23 parking spaces
are insufficient and will result in visitors and residents parking on nearby streets. The surrounding
streets are already filled with parked cars and cannot support additional vehicle parking.
We ask the City to ensure this project will provide enough parking for the residents and visitors on
site.
Thank you,
Boyd Smith
From:Henry Etzkowitz
To:Lythcott-Haims, Julie; Council, City; Roberta Ahlquist; Terry Beaubois; Rebecca Eisenberg; Kristina Loquist; Marty Wasserman; Hersh Jim;
Jinx Lobdell; daisy law; Mickie Winkler; Ellen Fox; Jerker Lessing; Orna Rosenfeld; Firoozeh Dastmalchi; Representative Eshoo; Gloria Hom;
Bette Kiernan; Catie Fee; Dorien jacque; Ellen Granovetter; John Salois; Martin Wasserman; Shikada, Ed; Mark Granovetter; Whitney McNair;
Greg Tanaka; Christiane Gebhardt; John Marlin
Subject:Re: Hot Stuff, And I"m Not Just Talking Summer!
Date:Monday, June 12, 2023 2:58:07 PM
Hi Julie
Although we are on the same wavelength; we are on a different page, media and metaphor mixed! Aware you
view adulthood as a primary individual pursuit; suggest widening horizons, for example oak creek clubhouse is a
“quasi-public space” recognized by landlords until recently when residents were allowed to invite two guests.
Nominally private; it is a public facility for its neighborhood that the city of Palo Alto should treasure and seek to
replicate similar permanent multi functional sociability generation third spaces and places Palo Alto wide.
Community of oak creek residents looks froward to your support of it iconic third space and your sponsorship of
evaluation and replication Palo Alto wide.
As for housing, Palo Alto may expand its remit and in cooperation with Stanford, which has underutilized
infrastructure in its shopping center and research park, build multiple oak creeks (759 units) and show the way to
address the housing crisis that affects academia from Berkeley to DeAnza and indeed the entire Silicon Valley
region that might organize as a housing district and use the collective bonding authority of its municipalities and
counties while simultaneously creating parks from all unbuilt lands and landmarking classic architectural and
social neighborhoods like the Eichler areas and oak creek, with their common Bauhaus heritage. The California
Institute of Regenerative Medicine, the multibillion stem cell initiative points the way. Indeed, it was
entrepreneured by a Stanford law graduate who utilized his affordable housing bonding expertise for health
expertise when he learned that annual appropriations would be insufficient to realize a health care goal (Etzkowitz
and Rickne, 2016) exercise of approval authority similarly needs to be transcended to address housing shortfall.
The UN SDG’s and the human right to housing is surely within reach of the most globally innovative
community!
Best
Henry
Community of Oak Creek Residents, Co-organizer
Www.triplehelix.net
Sent from my iPhone
On Jun 12, 2023, at 2:04 PM, Lythcott-Haims, Julie <Julie.LythcottHaims@cityofpaloalto.org>
wrote:
Hi Henry,
Thanks for reading my stuff and for writing. Please note I had to remove the Palo Alto City Council
email address from the cc:s (If I respond to all of the city council on a substantive topic of policy that
could come before the Council this becomes a “Brown Act” violation). And with that I have left the
other cc:s here and I apologize to anyone who is not interested in seeing my response to your inquiry.
First, yes, I am amenable to housing almost anywhere (although as you saw in my most recent
newsletter, I’m dismayed by the thought of putting humans out by a utilities plant with no other
humans in sight). So yes, I am very excited about the concept of infill housing. Haven’t seen much of
that come our way since I’ve been on Council though. As I was often reminded on the campaign trail,
the city doesn’t build housing, we approve housing. Those are two very different things.
Second, thanks for the opportunity to look up “perspicacious.” It’s been awhile since I heard that
word.
Third, yes the concept of third space matters greatly to me still. I am deeply interested in Palo Alto
having more businesses, organizations, and even open spaces that are not membership-restricted such
as a game room, bar, coffee shop, bookstore, bowling alley, park, empty lot where humans can gather
and let their hair down. I put on an event at Gamelandia on Cal Ave, and I also put on an event on the
closed of portion of Ramona for this purpose. Within this context I appreciate the attention you’re
calling to what is going down at Oak Creek; however since the Clubhouse is within a private space
that is only available to folks who live in Oak Creek, and their guests, it is not something I am able to
prioritize as part of my third place efforts. Hope that makes sense.
Many thanks for being a human who cares about the quality of life of all - And thanks for your
support of my campaign and efforts to be one such leader -
Julie
Julie Lythcott-Haims
Council Member, City of Palo Alto
On Jun 12, 2023, at 12:14 PM, Henry Etzkowitz <H.Etzko@gmail.com> wrote:
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Becautious of opening attachments and clicking on links.
Julie
Enjoy and appreciate your well written reporting and rallying.
Why are you amenable to housing proposals that develop outskirts, requiring replication
of infrastructure, rather than utilizing existing infrastructure, building high and wide on
shopping centers, under-grounding their parking lots.
Cheers
Henry
Ps waiting for your initiative to commission a “third space” report. surely as important, if
not more important, shopping center viability. You have perspicaciously called attention
to Palo Alto’s third space gap. Your signature issue needs following up. You have been
uncharacteristically quiet. In particular, your support with Stanford, where you have
long connection, for saving oak creek clubhouse, a multi-functional sociability venue,
undergoing dismantlement on your watch!
Sincerely
Henry
Your oak creek campaigner and under the door leafletter
Co-organizer, Community of oak creek residents
Www.triplehelix.net
Sent from my iPhone
On Jun 8, 2023, at 2:01 PM, Julie Lythcott-Haims
<teamjulieforpaloalto@gmail.com> wrote:
In two weeks Council takes its summer recess, and I can't remember the last
time I needed a break so badly. But don't get me wrong, I love the work. It's
challenging – both intellectually and relationally – and my brain and spirit are
nourished by it. (Yes, even with all the hard parts.)
We Had Two Wins, Then a Wait,What???
Our community values were on display at our most recent Council meeting
(June 5). Here's what I mean by that:
1. WE'RE SUPPORTING RENTERS. It's estimated that 46% of Palo Altans
are renters, and unfortunately *some* find themselves in really rough
circumstances. So, after years of work and advocacy from local leaders,
staff, and community advocates, Council voted to strengthen renter
protections beyond what the state requires, in two important ways. First,
we capped security deposits at 1.5x of monthly rent (lowered from 2x).
Second, we extended just cause eviction protection protocols to a whole
lot more folks - basically the only renters not eligible for such protections
are those: who have rented their place for less than 6 months; who rent a
single family home not owned by a corporation or trust; or who rent a
duplex with the landlord living in the other half. Protections include
adequate notice, opportunity to resolve the issue, and for no fault
evictions, relocation assistance in the form of one month's rent. I
commend all the people who got us to this point, especially Lauren
Bigelow at Palo Alto Renters Association who is a tremendous advocate.
There is more we could do for Palo Alto renters. But I'm confident that
what we've just approved will help a lot of people experience greater
certainty and less stress in their living situation.
2. WE'RE PROTECTING THE PLANET Cities give off 75% of the
greenhouse gasses the world suffers under, and so changing behavior
within cities is the greatest opportunity for tackling climate change and
staving off the worst of it. On Monday night, we heard a robust report on
our S/CAP (Sustainability and Climate Action Plan), specifically on the
work plan for the next two years to make continued progress toward
reaching our "80/30" climate goals (meaning, reducing our carbon
emissions by 80% by the year 2030). Based on changes made since the
S/CAP was first implemented, we've already achieved a 53.9% decrease
in carbon emissions from changing the way the city does business, which
is huge. But we still have a long way to go. And the greatest volume of
carbon emitted in our city now comes from our home appliances and
vehicles, so individual behavioral change is what's needed to get us the
rest of the way there. This is going to take a lot of compassionate,
thoughtful, and persuasive conversation, including articulating a future we
can look forward to. I found myself asking from the dais whether the
thousands of new housing units planned for the southernmost border of
Palo Alto in the San Antonio area could be a blueprint for how to develop
a green community: denser housing, 100% electric, near transit, walkable
to shops and amenities, all under a canopy of trees. Seems like the
perfect microcosm in which to develop and perfect a city design of the
future. We shall see.
3. YET WAIT, WHAT ♀... We had a study session on a new water treatment
facility proposed for out near the Baylands on the east end of San
Antonio. I'm excited about that project, yet in looking closely at the map I
realized that it will built right next to the recently approved Life Moves
transitional housing development for unhoused people. Frankly, I couldn't
believe it. Meaning, while I am in favor of both the water facility and of the
transitional housing, conceptually, my concern is why they are adjacent to
one another. I asked myself how members of the prior Council arrived at
the decision that it was okay to do this - to put humans in a swath of the
city typically reserved for waste processing, knowing that we would never
put a big utilities building near a single family or multi-family
neighborhood? My heart yearned to know why unhoused humans are not
rated highly enough so as to be protected from that? And why their needs
are seen as so different from other humans that we can just plop them
anywhere, completely away from the community of other humans, not to
mention services, transit, and shops? Colleagues have implored me to
accept that "this was the only possible place." But was it? I mean, isn't all
of what we do a choice reflecting our values? I spoke up from the dais
and you can see some of that reflected in the article below.
The Palo Alto Weekly also did a piece on it which you can read here.
(Please note that the term "caste" was something I alluded to in my remarks
only because we'd *just* heard from members of the public about the concept
of caste and whether it should or should not be a protected status in the
California constitution. So I opened with something like Hearing concerns about
'caste; I cannot help but wonder if in this circumstance...)
Please please also know that both the transitional housing and water treatment
facility are done deals, and I'm not trying to undo them. I'm inspired by the
language of Aubrey Merriman, CEO of Life Moves, who recently shared with
me his vision of being "loyal to the future." As long as I'm a part of the
conversation, I WILL be loyal to the future, and I will ask us to face these tough
questions about values head on, through an equity lens. And as we continue to
build out the city in accordance with our housing obligations, I hope we will hold
ourselves accountable to do what's right for the humans among us who have
traditionally been left out of the conversation or removed entirely from the map
of what matters.
So What Do YOU Think?
Share Your Opinions With Council
The City Council is a group of seven folk who are trying to do right by 68,000
people. The issues are complex and multi-faceted. There is often no consensus
on what's the right approach. And, sometimes you have more expertise on an
issue than we do. Sometimes we're not seeing it as clearly as we might.
The city recently began putting on quarterly Neighborhood Town Hall sessions
with city staff and council available to answer questions, and supported by our
wonderful neighborhood leaders. The next one is this Sunday, June 11, from 3-
5:15 pm at Paly in the Peery Family Center (large gym). While all are welcome,
this quarter's event is specifically for residents in the neighborhoods of College
Terrace, Evergreen, Mayfield, Ventura and Palo Alto Central, and we will center
the concerns the leaders of those neighborhoods have brought forth. The
meeting will begin with a community social at 3:00 p.m. and conclude by 5:15
p.m. The draft agenda can be found here. I will be one of the three council
members present, along with my colleagues Ed Lauing and Vicki Veenker!
That's right, it's all the newbies. Come check us out!
I also encourage you to pay attention to what's happening in our remaining two
Council meetings before the summer break. If any of the topics are dear to your
heart, consider writing us a letter at city.council@cityofpaloalto.org. Or better
yet, come to the meeting either in person or on Zoom and comment. (And if you
want to speak about something NOT on the agenda, that's great too - we
reserve time right up front for you to speak your mind.)
The agenda for June 12 is here. Highlights from my perspective are:
Life Moves transitional housing project
Independent Police Auditor report
Pets in Need Term Sheet
The agenda for June 19 was not available at publishing date. Once the agenda
has been posted by the City Clerk's office, you will find it here.
Highlights:
FY24 Budget adoption
Tree ordinance review
We need your voice in the mix. And we need to listen to it.
Let's Get Going, Housers!
A few months ago, when I was beginning to level up my detailed understanding
of the housing issues we face, I asked for advice on how I should identity
myself within the movement to build more housing. Reason being, putting
oneself in the camp of "NIMBY" vs "YIMBY" can be polarizing, and misleading,
and even limiting. (There's great factionalism within the YIMBY movement
which is a pain, if not surprising.) I was advised to use the term "houser." As in:
"I believe in building more housing and getting more humans housed. I'm a
houser."
So... Calling all of my fellow housers!!! On Saturday August 12 we're putting on
a daylong summit at my place to discuss the issues underpinning the housing
challenge we face, so we can collectively level up our learning and brainstorm
about next steps together. In the meantime, don't miss this must-read recent
profile of our Mayor in this weekend's San Francisco Chronicle: YIMBYs love to
hate her. Inside one Bay Area Mayor's anti-housing campaign. And if you
haven't already bought your copy of Just Action: How to Challenge Segregation
Enacted Under the Color of Law, well then just reply to this email entering
yourself into a raffle for a free copy because I just bought ten copies at Books
Inc Palo Alto and am giving away nine!!!
Live Music Is Everywhere!
With the official start of summer mere days away, we're going to be treated to
music ALL summer long! Here are two ongoing weekly series, followed by
periodic events:
Weekly Twilight Concert Series
With concerts at Rinconada and Mitchell Park every Saturday at 6:30pm,
there's music to get everyone groovin'! Check out all the dates and bands for
both parks here.
Weekly Music For Younger Souls
Every Friday, music with a more gentle vibe takes place from 6-7:30pm at the
Magical Bridge Playground in Mitchell Park. It's called "Magical Music and
Motion." All abilities welcome. Bring a picnic and enjoy! Here's the summer line
up!
Friday, June 9, 6-7:30pm
Free At Mitchell Park
John Henry's Farm, All abilities, All ages welcome. Gentle Melodies for younger
listeners. Info here.
Friday, June 9, 7-9:30pm
Free at Lytton Plaza
Freddy Jones Band, Earthwise Productions
Saturday, June 10, 12pm-2:30pm
Free at Lytton Plaza
Cien Mil Mangos, Larry Ochs, Gerald Cleaver Duo- Jazz music, Earthwise
Productions
Saturday, June 10, 6:30-8pm
Free at Rinconada Park
AJ Crawdaddy, Twilight Series Concert Series
Sunday, June 11, 2-3:30pm
Free at Lytton Plaza
Jim Campilongo Ben Davis Duo, Earthwise Productions
Thursday, June 15, 6-9pm
6 Different bands with a World Music Theme
Cal Avenue (3rd Thursday)
I can't wait to check out this new "3rd Thursday" concept and I hope to see you
there!
Take an Art Walk
El
Tomorrow (June 9) at 5pm, come and meet the artists who painted the vibrant
murals on Cal Ave as they take you on a tour to show you how art and the
community came together to beautify our city. The tour starts by the fountain at
2351 Park Blvd. Brought to you by the Palo Alto Public Art Program.
Family Movie Nights, All Summer!
Hours later, tomorrow, (June 9) bring a blanket, snacks and your favorite
people to Mitchell Park for a Family Friendly Movie. Seating begins at 7pm on
the athletic fields. Check out the movie line up to plan your nights all summer!
Seven More Days Until the FPPC OpinesAbout How I Earn a Living
Days before the Council break, the FPPC will meet to discuss whether the way
in which I earn a living violates their rules for elected officials. I don't think
anyone who can be objective and unbiased about it actually believes I'm
violating the spirit of the law, but whether I violate the letter of this
overbroad law is a fair question, and if I DO violate the letter of the law with
speeches that do not take place in the city whose whose topics have nothing to
do with city policy, then we have to ask whether that law is unreasonable and
should be changed. These are the questions the commission will grapple with
next Thursday. I'm positively thrilled to have the support of numerous third
parties including the League of California Cities, the California Political
Attorneys Association, the Santa Clara Democratic Party, and the former head
of the FPPC herself!
As we await the outcome, I want to take a moment to thank you for
continuing to buoy me with your support, whether you say something kind when
I see you out and about, you drop me a message by email or on social media,
or when I see your words in the newspaper. For example, look here at what
Barron Park resident Jerry Underdal had to say when he went to bat for me
in Palo Alto Online Town Hall, which the Weekly excerpted in their print edition.
Jerry, I love this so much that I cut out and put it by the flowers in my kitchen.
As I close, and thank you for reading this far, I just want to remind you that you
are a beacon of light. Share your love and your laughter. Be kind to a stranger.
Talk to a teen. Rescue a pet. Hug your loved ones a little more often than you
normally do!
xo
PS/As of July 9, Mitchell Park Library will once again be open again on
Sundays. A perfect place to read your free copy of Just Action whether you win
one from me or check it out from the library! (And hats off to my fellow council
member Vicki Veenker for pushing us to restore library open hours to pre-
pandemic levels!)
PSS/The beautiful flowers you see on our dining table below came from one of
you - a supporter who wanted me to know that they appreciate how I show up
to fight for what's right even though it makes me unpopular in some circles!
THANK YOU.
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Julie Lythcott-Haims for Palo Alto City Council 2022
julieforpaloalto@gmail.com | 3790 El Camino Real #2022 Palo Alto, CA 94306
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GET INVOLVED TODAY!
From:Henry Etzkowitz
To:jdong@paweekly.com; Dorien Detombe; Christiane Gebhardt; provost@stanford.edu; Whitney McNair; John
Thipphawong; Justin Zalkin
Cc:Rebecca Eisenberg; Roberta Ahlquist; Representative Eshoo; Kristina Loquist; Council, City; Marty Wasserman;
Jinx Lobdell; Orna Rosenfeld
Subject:To the Editor
Date:Monday, June 12, 2023 2:17:04 PM
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________________________________
When a senior public authority employee undermines and discriminates against an elected official and she fights
back legally your newspaper call it waging war without acknowledging the cause and responsibility for the attack in
the agency itself. Ms Eisenberg deserves your apology and support for her public service. The CEO’s behavior
should be investigated instead of denigrating a victim who has the courage and resources to respond which sadly is
too often not the case and why perpetrators, harassers and worse are confident their actions will not only not be
questioned but the victim will be blamed as in “Valley Water director wages war with own agency.”
Sincerely
Henry Etzkowitz
Community of Oak Creek Residents, co-organizer
1766 Sand Hill Road
Palo Alto CA 94304
Www.triplehelix.net
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