HomeMy Public PortalAboutJuly 17, 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: 7/17/2023
Document dates: 7/10/2023 – 7/17/2023
Note: Documents for every category may not have been received for packet reproduction
in a given week.
From:Lori wainen linberg
To:Council, City
Subject:7/16/2023 - HUD Housing Rent Increase Proposal
Date:Monday, July 17, 2023 11:19:47 AM
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________________________________
Re: CA394113007
Webster Wood Apartments
I have heard from my very appreciated apartment manager that we are grandfathered and I still feel my perspective
of looking at the whole picture is extremely important for our future.
In Appreciation,
Lori W Linberg
Dear Mayor and Greg and City Council ,
I am writing you about the new proposal increase in market rate value, rent increase proposed for Webster Wood…
please pass it on
I am sincerely very grateful to have the privilege to live in Webster Wood, but I cannot support the new proposed
large rent increase, which I only found notice of in the laundry room, it was not delivered to any residents. We
have seen that in the Bay Area housing pricing and rent has become so absorbent that we now have a shortage of
teachers, EMT’s, social workers, ER staff, nursery including travelers, frontliners even Doctors and the entire
service industry. I was told they had a difficult time finding anyone to drive the new town buses because they
couldn’t afford to live close enough. We have seen what the high price of rents have done to San Francisco. I plead
as a retired teacher, against this increase and/or to at least at a minimal rate and think seriously about the future
needs of Palo Alto.
Webster Wood residents are here because they are housing insecure. We really don’t need to make more people
homeless and lose more service workers. The rent increase is substantial and the one bedrooms here do not all have
ovens, as they are for the handicapped and it is way too much of an increase. Will residents be grandfathered?
Our community desperately needs teachers, EMT’s, caregivers, service workers and all frontline workers. Most of
the residents are on limited income ( many disabled)and everything has already become very expensive. Business
are having a difficult time getting staff, restaurants servers. Most of the residents at Webster Wood work in the front
line or service industries. I understand a reasonable rent increase, I understand regular repairs are costly and much
work was put on hold since Covid, but this is too much given the building is for those in need. This again seems you
are overestimating the market rate value just like San Francisco reportedly did.
Let’s help keep Palo Alto a community that survives all the recent changes and
supports all people, including staying true to DEI principles, for the sake of the next generation…we owe them that
much. Please do not raise HUD housing rents in such an uninformed and extreme manner for the sake of all for
maintenance. I think there are other options than to add such a burden to those already burdened. I’d like to point
out that we are seeing the negative effects of not planning and the consequences with climate change, our housing
shortage, the degree and cost of homelessness and the loss of a work force in the area due to high rents. Raising
rents in HUD to this degree again only adds bigger problems in the long run. I hope you will reconsider and also
make sure residents are informed before moving forward. I also want to reiterate my sincere appreciation of the
privilege of affordable rent, as a single parent, past teacher in this area and employed with seniors in need, I chose to
serve our community and Webster Wood helped me have affordable rent to provide these services.
Yours,
Lori Wainen-Linberg
Sent from my iPad
From:Aram James
To:Jeff Rosen
Cc:Kevin Jensen; Vara Ramakrishnan; DuJuan Green; Rebecca Eisenberg; Rob Baker; Council, City; Sheriff
Transparency; Molly; Stump, Molly; dennis burns; Sean Allen; Barberini, Christopher; Tannock, Julie; Mila Zelkha;
Gardener, Liz; Tannock, Julie; Michael Gennaco; Foley, Michael
Subject:Chung: DA Rosen needs to clean house in his Bureau of Investigation - San José Spotlight
Date:Monday, July 17, 2023 9:53:53 AM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.Applauding Mr. Chung for speaking up.
Chief Reyes was a police supervisor at the SJPD (many of you don't know, the
official home of 'racial profiling') for many years before retiring and taking aposition with the DA Investigations division before moving up to the top spot for
DA Investigations.
What is disapointing to us is that while many in our group personally know ChiefReyes, it is sad to know that a hispanic person with a high rank stoops low to
bigotry.
Again not surprising given the 'general' views of hispanic/latino people towardspeople of color (brown/black) and other under represented human beings.
Fyi, Chief Reyes is racially 'white'. He is obviously not your dark skinned
hispanic person subject to the bigotry most people of color face.
We recently personally spoke with him about a case that needed to be investigatedbut feared conflict of interest within Santa Clara County and was seeking
guidance from him on the direction from DA Rosen.
After our meeting, our group felt a sense of uneasiness with Chief Reyes andpossible retaliatory issues involving our victim and members of our group.
We decided not to send the information he requested about our victim and the
evidence available. This was about a month before the findings against ChiefReyes was disclosed.
Many in our group are active/retired LE. It is that "6th sense" that caused us to
run the other way (police running from the police) and seek guidance from theAttorney General.
Folks, this is what we are dealing with in Santa Clara County. We can ASSURE
you that Chief Reyes is not the only one in command with bigotry in his mouthand soul.
They need to be shown the door ASAP!
If we are to heal from years and years of civil rights violations, we must removetoxicity at the top. We must have leaders with a compassionate, fair and clean
background free from a questionable past and present.
They did their time in LE and got away with perhaps egregious activity thatwould be cause for dismissal today and/or jail time.
Please keep your eyes, ears and attention to this open. It is happening in ALL of
your cities and counties and we need to be rid of the past and not have thesecretins destroy our future within our communities! Even just 'running' their
mouths is an issue that is not acceptable.
SCCSTG
On Mon, Jul 17, 2023, 6:41 AM Aram James <abjpd1@gmail.com> wrote:
https://sanjosespotlight.com/chung-da-rosen-needs-to-clean-house-in-his-bureau-of-investigation/
Sent from my iPhone
From:Sheriff Transparency
To:Aram James
Cc:Jethroe Moore; Sean Allen; Richard k; ladoris cordell; Robert. Jonsen; Reifschneider, James; Binder, Andrew;
Josh Becker; Veenker, Vicki; Shana Segal; Wagner, April; Shikada, Ed; Council, City; Human Relations
Commission; Michael Gennaco; Rebecca Eisenberg; chuck jagoda; Joe Simitian; vote@sallylieber.org; Jay
Boyarsky; Burt, Patrick
Subject:Re: Chung: DA Rosen needs to clean house in his Bureau of Investigation - San José Spotlight
Date:Monday, July 17, 2023 9:39:14 AM
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Applauding Mr. Chung for speaking up.
Chief Reyes was a police supervisor at the SJPD (many of you don't know, the official homeof 'racial profiling') for many years before retiring and taking a position with the DA
Investigations division before moving up to the top spot for DA Investigations.
What is disapointing to us is that while many in our group personally know Chief Reyes, it issad to know that a hispanic person with a high rank stoops low to bigotry.
Again not surprising given the 'general' views of hispanic/latino people towards people of
color (brown/black) and other under represented human beings.
Fyi, Chief Reyes is racially 'white'. He is obviously not your dark skinned hispanic personsubject to the bigotry most people of color face.
We recently personally spoke with him about a case that needed to be investigated but feared
conflict of interest within Santa Clara County and was seeking guidance from him on thedirection from DA Rosen.
After our meeting, our group felt a sense of uneasiness with Chief Reyes and possible
retaliatory issues involving our victim and members of our group.
We decided not to send the information he requested about our victim and the evidenceavailable. This was about a month before the findings against Chief Reyes was disclosed.
Many in our group are active/retired LE. It is that "6th sense" that caused us to run the other
way (police running from the police) and seek guidance from the Attorney General.
Folks, this is what we are dealing with in Santa Clara County. We can ASSURE you thatChief Reyes is not the only one in command with bigotry in his mouth and soul.
They need to be shown the door ASAP!
If we are to heal from years and years of civil rights violations, we must remove toxicity at the
top. We must have leaders with a compassionate, fair and clean background free from aquestionable past and present.
They did their time in LE and got away with perhaps egregious activity that would be cause
for dismissal today and/or jail time.
Please keep your eyes, ears and attention to this open. It is happening in ALL of your citiesand counties and we need to be rid of the past and not have these cretins destroy our future
within our communities! Even just 'running' their mouths is an issue that is not acceptable.
SCCSTG
On Mon, Jul 17, 2023, 6:41 AM Aram James <abjpd1@gmail.com> wrote:
https://sanjosespotlight.com/chung-da-rosen-needs-to-clean-house-in-his-bureau-of-investigation/
Sent from my iPhone
From:Charlie Weidanz
To:Council, City
Subject:Last Chance: Chamber Mixer & Networking Event - Update on Uplift Local
Date:Monday, July 17, 2023 8:01:24 AM
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Chamber Mixer & Networking Event
Tuesday, July 18, 20235:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Mike's Diner Bar
2680 Middlefield Rd.
Palo Alto, CA 94306
The City of Palo Alto will present an update on UpLift Local.
Connect with fellow professionals and business owners. Enjoy light refreshments and
drinks.
>RSVP Online
This email was sent on behalf of Palo Alto Chamber of Commerce 355 Alma St Palo Alto, CA 94301.To unsubscribe clickhere. If you have questions or comments concerning this email or services in general, please contact us by email atinfo@paloaltochamber.com.
From:Aram James
To:Jethroe Moore; Sean Allen; Richard k; ladoris cordell; Robert. Jonsen; Reifschneider, James; Binder, Andrew;Josh Becker; Veenker, Vicki; Shana Segal; Wagner, April; Shikada, Ed; Council, City; Human RelationsCommission; Michael Gennaco; Rebecca Eisenberg; chuck jagoda; Joe Simitian; vote@sallylieber.org
Cc:Sheriff Transparency; Jay Boyarsky; Burt, Patrick
Subject:Chung: DA Rosen needs to clean house in his Bureau of Investigation - San José Spotlight
Date:Monday, July 17, 2023 6:41:09 AM
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on links.________________________________
https://sanjosespotlight.com/chung-da-rosen-needs-to-clean-house-in-his-bureau-of-investigation/
Sent from my iPhone
From:Aram James
To:Sheriff Transparency
Cc:Perron, Zachary; Reifschneider, James; Binder, Andrew; Council, City; Sean Allen; Jethroe Moore; Shikada, Ed;
Shana Segal; Wagner, April; Barberini, Christopher; Joe Simitian; Josh Becker; Michael Gennaco; Tannock, Julie;
Figueroa, Eric; Foley, Michael; Kevin Jensen; Human Relations Commission; Rebecca Eisenberg; chuck jagoda;
ladoris cordell; Jay Boyarsky; Jeff Rosen; Mila Zelkha; Enberg, Nicholas; DuJuan Green; Angie Evans; Javier
Ortega; dennis burns; Supervisor Susan Ellenberg; Cindy Chavez; Vara Ramakrishnan; Greg Tanaka; Rob Baker;
Bains, Paul; Gardener, Liz; Cecilia Taylor; Julie Lythcott-Haims
Subject:Re: Retired Cop Who Spoke Against Police For Tyre Nichols" Killing Found Dead
Date:Sunday, July 16, 2023 11:31:48 PM
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Sheriff’s Transparency-another excellent piece! Keep them coming. aram
Sent from my iPhone
On Jul 16, 2023, at 10:32 PM, Sheriff Transparency<sccsherifftransparencyinfo@gmail.com> wrote:Well, it is highly suspicious. We found a follow up report that he suffered bluntforce trauma to the back of his head.
While do not know what, if anything, he personally may have been involved with,
it is a sad set of circumstances. We will anxiously await the update and facts.
Meanwhile, the reason cops turn over info directly to media and other agenciesand organizations such as ours, because even the 'police run from the police'.
LE knows all too well where the ground is dirty and 'to run the other way' and
report to someone else they can trust to tell their story or investigate a case.Otherwise they too (and of course others) can be the target of a 'suspicious threat
or death'.
Even if this particular situation is not the case, its not the first time LE Officershas been targeted by other LE for 'crossing the line', 'snitching' on other cops,
telling the truth even if it means the officer talking will face disciplinary actionhimself.
Much of the public is not even aware of how MANY cops are disciplined or
terminated because others in LE told. And, more often than not, these criminalcops end up at another agency. In Calif, that will now come to an end with the
new legislation.
But, with toxic and dirty LE in command and at the top, who can other cops trustto do the right thing? Definitely NOT someone with a questionable or dirty past.
We had our own experience with this right here in Santa Clara County with theDAs Office.
In California, we need to work on amending SB2 or including other legislation toinclude Chiefs and Sheriffs who conmitted a wide variety of civil rights
violations anytime in their careers. As of now, they are not held accountable.
LASD and other agencies have spread their cancerous former Commanders acrossCalifornia and the USA and that needs to stop in order to manage and put an end
to the systemic problems plaguing LE.
IF anyone believes that this will only involve isolated cases of dirty Chiefs andSheriffs, YOU are part of the problem along with those dirty cretins who should
have been gone a LONG time ago. This is much more widespread than some ofignorantly believe.
Open your eye, ears and be a part of the advocacy to your assemblypersons and
state senators to include the leaders of all our California LE agencies!
SCCSTG
On Sat, Jul 15, 2023, 9:16 PM Aram James <abjpd1@gmail.com> wrote:https://youtu.be/gfr2HC53ZxE
Sent from my iPhone
From:Sheriff Transparency
To:Aram James
Cc:Perron, Zachary; Reifschneider, James; Binder, Andrew; Council, City; Sean Allen; Jethroe Moore; Shikada, Ed;
Shana Segal; Wagner, April; Barberini, Christopher; Joe Simitian; Josh Becker; Michael Gennaco; Tannock, Julie;
Figueroa, Eric; Foley, Michael; Kevin Jensen; Human Relations Commission; Rebecca Eisenberg; chuck jagoda;
ladoris cordell; Jay Boyarsky; Jeff Rosen; Mila Zelkha; Enberg, Nicholas; DuJuan Green; Angie Evans; Javier
Ortega; dennis burns; Supervisor Susan Ellenberg; Cindy Chavez; Vara Ramakrishnan; Greg Tanaka; Rob Baker;
Bains, Paul; Gardener, Liz; Cecilia Taylor; Julie Lythcott-Haims
Subject:Re: Retired Cop Who Spoke Against Police For Tyre Nichols" Killing Found Dead
Date:Sunday, July 16, 2023 10:33:00 PM
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Well, it is highly suspicious. We found a follow up report that he suffered blunt force traumato the back of his head.
While do not know what, if anything, he personally may have been involved with, it is a sad
set of circumstances. We will anxiously await the update and facts.
Meanwhile, the reason cops turn over info directly to media and other agencies andorganizations such as ours, because even the 'police run from the police'.
LE knows all too well where the ground is dirty and 'to run the other way' and report to
someone else they can trust to tell their story or investigate a case. Otherwise they too (and ofcourse others) can be the target of a 'suspicious threat or death'.
Even if this particular situation is not the case, its not the first time LE Officers has been
targeted by other LE for 'crossing the line', 'snitching' on other cops, telling the truth even if itmeans the officer talking will face disciplinary action himself.
Much of the public is not even aware of how MANY cops are disciplined or terminated
because others in LE told. And, more often than not, these criminal cops end up at anotheragency. In Calif, that will now come to an end with the new legislation.
But, with toxic and dirty LE in command and at the top, who can other cops trust to do the
right thing? Definitely NOT someone with a questionable or dirty past. We had our ownexperience with this right here in Santa Clara County with the DAs Office.
In California, we need to work on amending SB2 or including other legislation to include
Chiefs and Sheriffs who conmitted a wide variety of civil rights violations anytime in theircareers. As of now, they are not held accountable.
LASD and other agencies have spread their cancerous former Commanders across California
and the USA and that needs to stop in order to manage and put an end to the systemicproblems plaguing LE.
IF anyone believes that this will only involve isolated cases of dirty Chiefs and Sheriffs, YOU
are part of the problem along with those dirty cretins who should have been gone a LONGtime ago. This is much more widespread than some of ignorantly believe.
Open your eye, ears and be a part of the advocacy to your assemblypersons and state senators
to include the leaders of all our California LE agencies!
SCCSTG
On Sat, Jul 15, 2023, 9:16 PM Aram James <abjpd1@gmail.com> wrote:https://youtu.be/gfr2HC53ZxE
Sent from my iPhone
From:Elizabeth Grover
To:Council, City
Subject:No Terman Park land swap
Date:Sunday, July 16, 2023 8:35:34 PM
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________________________________
Hello,
I adamantly oppose the proposed Terman Park land swap.
One of the best aspects of living in Palo Alto is its dedicated park land located throughout the city, accessible to all
neighborhoods. Terman Park is a precious asset benefiting the residents of not just the immediate neighborhood but
other parts of south Palo Alto as well. I live in Barron Park and frequently walk and/or bike along the path behind
the park. I have also used the tennis courts there. Terman Park is used by area residents, Bowman School children,
resident of the Terman Park apartments, sports teams, families, etc. Further, it is the only park on that side of
Arastradero Road. If the land swap is approved, the park would be undedicated to that specific purpose and would
be lost to the City of Palo Alto forever.
The Palo Alto school district only need be responsive to its constituent groups, i.e. parents, teacher, staff, students
while the City of Palo Alto is responsive to all of the residents of the City. Leaving decision making regarding the
park to PAUSD is short sighted and neglects the needs and wishes of the community at large. Parks are shown to
have numerous benefits to the health and well being of residents. Please do not approve the Terman Park land swap.
Thank you,
Elizabeth Grover
3867 La Donna Avenue
From:Saurabh Sureka
To:Council, City; Shikada, Ed
Subject:Caltrain - Charleston
Date:Sunday, July 16, 2023 6:09:06 PM
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Dear Council member/s, Ed,
I hope this letter finds you well. As a long-time resident of South Palo Alto (Park Blvd off Charleston), I am writing to
express my growing concern and frustration regarding the excessive train noise in our neighborhood caused by the frequent
train crossings. The loud train horns blaring day and night have become a significant source of disturbance for many residents
(including kids), impacting our quality of life and peace of mind.
I understand the importance of rail transportation and acknowledge its significance for our city's development. However, I
strongly urge the city authorities to consider implementing a Quiet Zone as a measure to mitigate the excessive train noise. By
establishing a Quiet Zone, we can ensure that train horns are only sounded in emergency situations, which would greatly
reduce the noise pollution and provide much-needed relief to the community.
Furthermore, I would like to understand the long-term plan - viaduct, underpass, etc. that the city is considering. As a resident
living next to tracks — it is my belief that an underpass would allow uninterrupted flow of traffic, eliminate the need for
traffic delays at the crossing, and help improve overall traffic efficiency in the area.
I kindly request that the city authorities carefully evaluate the benefits of an underpass solution and prioritize the well-being
of residents living near the tracks. By investing in this infrastructure, we can foster a safer, quieter, and more sustainable
environment for our community.
I would like to express my willingness to participate in any community meetings or discussions regarding these matters. It is
crucial that we work together to find the most suitable solution that addresses the concerns of the community while ensuring a
safe and efficient transportation system for our city.
Thank you for considering my concerns and proposals. I believe that by working together, we can create a positive impact on
the lives of all residents in our neighborhood.
Thanks,
Saurabh
https://www.linkedin.com/in/surekasaurabh/
From:Aram James
To:Robert. Jonsen; Binder, Andrew; Jethroe Moore; Sean Allen; Reifschneider, James; Shikada, Ed; Wagner, April;Julie Lythcott-Haims; Shana Segal; ladoris cordell; Council, City; Barberini, Christopher; Jeff Rosen; Figueroa,Eric; Burt, Patrick; Patricia.Guerrero@jud.ca.gov; Michael Gennaco; Human Relations Commission; RebeccaEisenberg; chuck jagoda; Jay Boyarsky; Tina Boales; Perron, Zachary; Enberg, Nicholas; Mila Zelkha; AngieEvans; DuJuan Green; Kevin Jensen; Javier Ortega; dennis burns; Supervisor Susan Ellenberg; Cindy Chavez;Josh Becker; Vara Ramakrishnan; Greg Tanaka; Rob Baker; Bains, Paul; Gardener, Liz; Cecilia Taylor; Dave Price;Joe Simitian; Kaloma Smith; Linda Jolley
Subject:LOS ANGELES TIMES: Top L.A. police union official tells cops to go "somewhere that understands your worth"
Date:Sunday, July 16, 2023 2:57:58 PM
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Top L.A. police union official tells cops to go 'somewhere that understandsyour worth'Police union vice president Jerretta Sandoz advised LAPD officers on Facebook
to work in a city that doesn't have two or more council members "who hate you"
Read in Los Angeles Times: https://apple.news/AXOtIfLEXQ5CYloIaM5oE8Q
Shared from Apple News
Sent from my iPhone
From:Aram James
To:Robert. Jonsen; Binder, Andrew; Reifschneider, James; Council, City; Jethroe Moore; Sean Allen; Wagner, April;Barberini, Christopher; Tannock, Julie; Figueroa, Eric; Michael Gennaco; Foley, Michael; Shikada, Ed; ShanaSegal; Supervisor Susan Ellenberg; Jeff Rosen; Joe Simitian; Cindy Chavez; Human Relations Commission;Rebecca Eisenberg; chuck jagoda; Josh Becker; Jay Boyarsky; Tina Boales; Perron, Zachary; Mila Zelkha; Enberg,Nicholas; Angie Evans; DuJuan Green; Javier Ortega; Kevin Jensen; dennis burns; Perron, Zachary; VaraRamakrishnan; Rob Baker; Greg Tanaka; Gardener, Liz; Bains, Paul; Cecilia Taylor
Subject:- Cases dropped after cops charged ( Sunday July 16, 2023)
Date:Sunday, July 16, 2023 2:34:08 PM
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on links.
________________________________
I saw this The Mercury News e-edition article on the The Mercury News e-edition app and thought you’d be
interested.
Cases dropped after cops charged
https://edition.pagesuite.com/popovers/dynamic_article_popover.aspx?guid=9b2ea937-6fea-4876-a001-
60d5250ddf1c&appcode=SAN252&eguid=cb002804-8bdb-431f-845e-5f64e4ae4686&pnum=2#
For more great content like this subscribe to the The Mercury News e-edition app here:
Sent from my iPhone
From:Pat Marriot
To:Council, City
Subject:California Ave.
Date:Sunday, July 16, 2023 1:31:53 PM
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Council Members;
After I moved from Palo Alto, I continued to shop on Cal Ave because I like the Country Sun,
Cal Ave Paints, the Cobblery. It was a wonderful local business district with a variety of retail
and restaurants.
That changed with COVID and then the street closure. Too much of a hassle to go there now.
Dennis Kelly, owner of Protégé restaurant is quoted in the Daily Post: “A rising tide lifts all
boats.” Not true in this case. While restaurants are riding high with the street closure, retail is
being torpedoed.
The city helped restaurants during COVID. Outdoor seating on public property was meant to
be a temporary fix. The pandemic is as over as it ever will be, but restaurant owners have
developed a sense of entitlement. They got a break when they were struggling, but now they
have no concern for their suffering retail neighbors. “I got mine” seems to be their motto.
Cal Ave was a thriving local business district and could be again. It was not meant to be an
entertainment center benefiting restaurants that were allowed to expand their footprints out
to public property during tough times.
Council should not be playing favorites. Cal Ave is a public street. You don’t need to pay a
consultant to figure out what to do with it. Give it back to the public and let businesses
compete fairly on a level playing field.
Pat Marriott Los Altos
From:Aram James
To:Perron, Zachary; Binder, Andrew; Robert. Jonsen; Reifschneider, James; Sheriff Transparency; Jethroe Moore;Sean Allen; Council, City; Shikada, Ed; Shana Segal; Wagner, April; Jeff Rosen; Michael Gennaco; Joe Simitian;ladoris cordell; Rebecca Eisenberg; Human Relations Commission; Julie Lythcott-Haims; Jay Boyarsky; Barberini,Christopher; Figueroa, Eric; Tannock, Julie; chuck jagoda; Mila Zelkha; Enberg, Nicholas; Angie Evans; DuJuanGreen; Kevin Jensen; Javier Ortega; dennis burns; Supervisor Susan Ellenberg; Cindy Chavez; VaraRamakrishnan; Greg Tanaka; Rob Baker; Gardener, Liz; Bains, Paul; Cecilia Taylor
Subject:From The Mercury News e-edition - ‘Already good at racial profiling’
Date:Sunday, July 16, 2023 12:21:17 PM
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on links.
________________________________
I saw this The Mercury News e-edition article (Sunday July 16, 2023)
‘Already good at racial profiling’
https://edition.pagesuite.com/popovers/dynamic_article_popover.aspx?guid=f1564257-f950-4c3a-afa1-
759b280be5f8&appcode=SAN252&eguid=061d86cb-141c-44e2-b95d-43cde2d63e37&pnum=3#
For more great content like this subscribe to the The Mercury News e-edition app here:
Sent from my iPhone
From:Lori wainen linberg
To:Council, City
Subject:7/16/2023 - HUD Housing Rent Increase Proposal
Date:Sunday, July 16, 2023 11:56:07 AM
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________________________________
Re: CA394113007
Webster Wood Apartments
Dear Mayor and Greg and City Council ,
I am writing you about the new proposal increase in market rate value, rent increase proposed for Webster Wood…
please pass it on
I am sincerely very grateful to have the privilege to live in Webster Wood, but I cannot support the new proposed
large rent increase, which I only found notice of in the laundry room, it was not delivered to any residents. We
have seen that in the Bay Area housing pricing and rent has become so absorbent that we now have a shortage of
teachers, EMT’s, social workers, ER staff, nursery including travelers, frontliners even Doctors and the entire
service industry. I was told they had a difficult time finding anyone to drive the new town buses because they
couldn’t afford to live close enough. We have seen what the high price of rents have done to San Francisco. I plead
as a retired teacher, against this increase and/or to at least at a minimal rate and think seriously about the future
needs of Palo Alto.
Webster Wood residents are here because they are housing insecure. We really don’t need to make more people
homeless and lose more service workers. The rent increase is substantial and the one bedrooms here do not all have
ovens, as they are for the handicapped and it is way too much of an increase. Will residents be grandfathered?
Our community desperately needs teachers, EMT’s, caregivers, service workers and all frontline workers. Most of
the residents are on limited income ( many disabled)and everything has already become very expensive. Business
are having a difficult time getting staff, restaurants servers. Most of the residents at Webster Wood work in the front
line or service industries. I understand a reasonable rent increase, I understand regular repairs are costly and much
work was put on hold since Covid, but this is too much given the building is for those in need. This again seems you
are overestimating the market rate value just like San Francisco reportedly did.
Let’s help keep Palo Alto a community that survives all the recent changes and
supports all people, including staying true to DEI principles, for the sake of the next generation…we owe them that
much. Please do not raise HUD housing rents in such an uninformed and extreme manner for the sake of all for
maintenance. I think there are other options than to add such a burden to those already burdened. I’d like to point
out that we are seeing the negative effects of not planning and the consequences with climate change, our housing
shortage, the degree and cost of homelessness and the loss of a work force in the area due to high rents. Raising
rents in HUD to this degree again only adds bigger problems in the long run. I hope you will reconsider and also
make sure residents are informed before moving forward. I also want to reiterate my sincere appreciation of the
privilege of affordable rent, as a single parent, past teacher in this area and employed with seniors in need, I chose to
serve our community and Webster Wood helped me have affordable rent to provide these services.
Yours,
Lori Wainen-Linberg
Sent from my iPad
From:San Jose Silicon Valley NAACPTo:Council, CitySubject:Congratulations to Rev. Dr. Frederick D. Haynes III and the Rainbow PUSH CoalitionDate:Sunday, July 16, 2023 11:23:49 AM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of openingattachments and clicking on links.
Unashamedly Black, Unapologetically Beautiful!!!!
The Oldest, Largest And Strongest
Civil Rights Organization In The United States.
2023 Black Resistance Past, Present,& Future
THURSDAY JULY 20th, 2023 6:30pm-8:30pm
205 E Alma St. San Jose Ca Conference RoomGUEST SPEAKER Garza, Daniel Community Justice and Environmental Health and Justice in our Community.Stephanie Moreno, the Executive Director for the North Santa Clara Resource Conservation
Join us July 28-30 at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center for this one-of-a-kind
experience. The Hub is free and open to the public, and with music, food, shopping, and
family-friendly activities, there will be something for everyone to enjoy.
So, what else is in store? A chance to support Black-owned brands (check).
Networking opportunities (check).
Engaging panel discussions (check).
Live entertainment, free giveaways, and amazing cuisine (check, check, and check).
Key Activities:Block Party: Join a block party hosted by Boston Mayor Michelle Wu
followed by the sounds of legendary DJ Jazzy Jeff as we celebrate the 50th
anniversary of hip-hop.
Career Summit: Learn more about various growth industries in Massachusetts and
connect with companies seeking to fill full-time and part-time positions and
internships.
Hub Happy Hour: Let loose and network with fellow attendees during the Hub
Happy Hour. (Oh, and did we mention we’re having a giveaway for two tickets to the
55th NAACP Image Awards?)
Hear from inspiring entertainers, artists, and entrepreneurs about building financial
wealth and economic power, self-care, wellness, and mental health.
Walk the red carpet, meet and greet with celebrities, engage with sports legends from
Boston's championship teams including the Celtics, Red Sox, and Bruins, and much
more.
Visit naacp.org/thehub to learn more about what’s to come. We can’t wait to see you
there.
Dates: Friday, July 28 – Sunday, July 30, 2023
Times:
Friday: 2:00 P.M. – 9:00 P.M.
Saturday: 11:00 A.M. – 6:00 P.M.
Sunday: 12:00 P.M. – 6:00 P.M.
Location: Boston Convention and Exhibition Center – Hall A
415 Summer Street. | Boston, MA 02210
Mississippi discriminates
against Black residents with
appointed judges, Justice
Department says
DOJ said a new Mississippi law discriminates against residents of
majority-Black Jackson by requiring the appointment of some
judges in a state where most judges are elected.
A new Mississippi law discriminates against residents of the majority-Black
capital city of Jackson by requiring the appointment of some judges in a state
where most judges are elected, the U.S. Justice Department said in court papers
filed Wednesday.
The department is seeking to join a federal lawsuit the NAACP filed against the
state shortly after Republican Gov. Tate Reeves signed the law in April.
Kristen Clarke, the department’s assistant attorney general for civil rights, said
in a statement that Mississippi lawmakers created “a crude scheme that singles
out and discriminates against Black residents” in Jackson and Hinds County,
where the city is located. Clarke said the law creates a “two-tiered system of
justice” with judges and prosecutors chosen by state officials. READ MORE
Congratulations to
Rev. Dr. Frederick D. Haynes III
and the Rainbow PUSH Coalition
For Immediate ReleaseJuly 15, 2023
The Board of Trustees of the Samuel DeWitt Proctor
Conference, Inc. (SDPC) joins faith leaders, visionaries, and
justice activists in offering our heartfelt congratulations to
the Rev. Dr. Frederick D. Haynes III who succeeds the
Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, Sr. as the President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Rainbow
PUSH Coalition.
Rev. Jackson founded PUSH (People United to Save Humanity) in 1971, the National
Rainbow Coalition in 1984, and, in 1996, the organizations merged to become Rainbow
PUSH Coalition.
Dr. Haynes is co-chair of the Samuel DeWitt Proctor Conference, Inc., and continues to
exemplify the passion and commitment to global racial justice that defines the legacy of
Rev. Jackson and Rainbow PUSH, as well as the mission and ministry of the Samuel
DeWitt Proctor Conference, Inc., which he co-founded more than twenty years ago.
Dr. Iva Carruthers, general secretary and co-founder of the SDPC, said that “this nation
has moved into a new season of struggle against racial injustices, hate speech, new
institutional forms and policies of oppression against the poor, people of color and those
deemed by some to be” less than” because of religion or sexual orientation. Rainbow
PUSH and the SDPC are inextricably bound by mission, a commitment to
strengthen program collaborations, and the handprint of the late Rev. Dr.
Samuel DeWitt Proctor, pastor emeritus of Abyssinian Baptist Church, who
was mentor to the co-founders of each organization as they began their early
journey of ministry.
“The ministry legacies of Dr. Proctor’s mentees, Rev. Dr. Jeremiah A. Wright, Jr. and Rev.
Jesse L. Jackson, Sr., have established a strong foundation of courageous leadership upon
which 21st-century demands for civil and human rights can be moved forward,” said
Bishop Leah Daughtry, SDPC co-chair. “Collaboration between national and local
organizations is ever more needed at this time,” she said.
“As Rainbow PUSH continues its important work, the SDPC celebrates the legendary and
global ministry, work, and sacrifices of the Rainbow PUSH family under the leadership of
Rev. Jesse L. Jackson. We honor his family and all those who have made PUSH a force to
be reckoned with on the global stage,” Carruthers said.
“The SDPC Board of Trustees receives this moment as a cause for celebration
and a call to clarity of purpose. This moment reminds us of how desperately we need
to honor the past and chart new ways of organizing against internal and external threats to
our future. We are confident that Rev. Dr. Frederick D. Haynes III stands ready to meet
today’s challenges that require vision, unity, and strategic action, and we stand in unity for
such a time as this, as we face the growing injustices which target our fundamental civil
and human rights,” said Dr. Carruthers.
“God has blessed SDPC, the faith community of the United States, and the global
community through Dr. Haynes’ leadership, vision, and collegiality. We celebrate God’s
call for Dr. Haynes’ life as he embraces this new dimension of ministry with Rainbow
PUSH,” said Rev Dr. Jeremiah A. Wright, Jr, SDPC co-founder.
For information, call,
Rev. Dr. Susan K. Smith
(614) 216-8725
DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSIONBlack Harvard And Princeton Students
Graduate At Higher Rates Than Classmates
Overall, Equally At Yale
Shaun Harper Contributor
I am a diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) expert
The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled race-conscious college admissions policies and
practices unconstitutional. Affirmative Action opponents have long argued that admitting
presumably unqualified applicants of color to highly-selective institutions sets those
students up for failure because they can’t do the work. If completing a bachelor’s degree is
a reasonable measure of whether someone has what it takes to succeed in the Ivy League
or at another highly-selective university, then federal data from the three institutions
where admission slots are among the most coveted in the world confirm that Black
students are indeed more than capable and deserving of the opportunities they earned.
READ MORE
As the first Black woman to serve as a Supreme Court justice, Ketanji Brown Jackson hasbeen a tireless advocate for progress and equality.
So when extremists took unprecedented steps to lock Black and brown students out ofhigher education, Justice Jackson immediately set the legal record – and the court –straight about the REAL effects of ruling against affirmative action.
Now, the NAACP is harnessing Justice Jackson’s call to action by taking the fight to the
next level!
We’re launching a massive campaign to protect diversity in higher education andwe need all hands on deck! Please, add your name now to show Americans standwith Justice Jackson and the NAACP’s fight against educational discrimination >>
Lawyers with supreme court
business paid Clarence Thomas
aide via Venmo
Payments to Rajan Vasisht, an aide from 2019-21,
underscore ties between the justice and lawyers who argue
cases in front of him
Several lawyers who have had business before the
supreme court, including one who successfully
argued to end race-conscious admissions at
universities, paid money to a top aide to
Justice Clarence Thomas, according to the aide’s
Venmo transactions. The payments appear to have
been made in connection to Thomas’s 2019
Christmas party.
The payments to Rajan Vasisht, who served as Thomas’s aide from July 2019 to July 2021,
seem to underscore the close ties between Thomas, who is embroiled in ethics scandals
following a series of revelations about his relationship with a wealthy billionaire donor,
and certain senior Washington lawyers who argue cases and have other business in front
of the justice. READ MORE
EVC X Eastridge
Join us on Saturday, July 22nd when Evergreen Valley College TAKES OVER center court!
Evergreen Valley College will be hosting a resource fair full of games, prizes raffles, and
more for guests and community members. The fun kicks off at 11 AM and ends at 2 PM!
Organizations will be on hand to discuss services, volunteerism, employment, and
educational opportunities!
Come Join in on the fun, it's all happening near Starbucks in Center Court!
Your copy should address 3 key questions: Who am I writing for? (Audience) Why should
they care? (Benefit) What do I want them to do here? (Call-to-Action)
Create a great offer by adding words like "free" "personalized" "complimentary" or
"customized." A sense of urgency often helps readers take an action, so think about
inserting phrases like "for a limited time only" or "only 7 remaining!"
“Being a Black student at a
predominantly white institution
is a form of Black resistance”
Aasiya Norris (CAS’23)
Black resistance is intrinsic to Black existence in a
country that was built on the backs of Black people.
Throughout US history, Black people have been
murdered in cold blood simply because we are audacious
enough to exist. We study at a university where it is rare
to see people who look like us; who share our experience.
Being a Black student at a predominately white institution is a form of Black resistance
because we show up, take space, and demand equity for ourselves, and those students to
follow. Black resistance is necessary for Black survival so that we live on to tell our story,
celebrate our history, and demand that systemic barriers intended to hinder our
advancement are torn down. Black resistance is activism. From slave rebellions to the Civil
Rights Movement to the Movement for Black Lives, we are not satisfied with a seat at the
table of the oppressor. Rather, our resistance lives in abolishing the table of oppression
and building advanced and inclusive systems. Black resistance is our existence. Our fight is
a transgenerational flame that will never be extinguished.
CCYS Football & Cheer Signups
Offering tackle football and cheer, registration is NOW OPEN! Accepting boys and girls
aged 5 - 14 years old. The 2023 Fall season starts on August 1st!
Sign your child up at CCYS.com/register to participate!
News Horrified by 'whites-only' language in their
property deeds, Ladera residents worked
hard to purge it
Now a new state law is making it easier to find and remove outdated and
illegal racial restrictions
Property owners who participated in the effort to purge racist language from property deeds in Ladera
include, from left, Blake Sandy, Leslie Wambach, Lea Gottlieb, Mia Clark and Linda Arrillaga. Photo by
Federica Armstrong.
When Leslie Wambach was house hunting on the Midpeninsula in 2003, she thought she
had discovered the perfect home in the perfect neighborhood. The house in the residential
community of Ladera was surprisingly affordable compared to most others in the area,
and the neighborhood was scenic, rural-feeling and close to the conveniences of
neighboring Portola Valley. But then she came across something that gave her pause: The
property deed contained restrictions from an earlier era prohibiting anyone who wasn't
"Caucasian or white race" from owning or occupying land in the neighborhood.
Although these types of covenants were outlawed in 1948 and are no longer enforceable,
its presence on her property deed raised concerns about the origins of these racial
restrictions and their possible hurtful impact on residents today.READ MORE
The conference is free and includes interactive lessons, workshops,
round tables, and un-conference spaces. Dr. Luci Pangrazio will open
the conference with a keynote on Thursday, August 3rd, and Dr. Roxana
Marachi will close it with another keynote on Friday, August 4th.
REGISTRATION LINK
CONVENTION ANNOUNCEMENTS
We are thrilled to have Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley joining us as our keynote speaker
for the Juanita Jackson Mitchell Gala! Our theme this year is the Black Met Gala so make
sure you come dressed to impress to walk the black carpet! Register today and get your
ticket to the gala!
TEVYN JERMAINE HILL SCHOLASTIC AND CREATIVE ARTS
SCHOLARSHIP
The Tevyn Jermaine Hill Scholastic & Creative Arts Scholarships was created by Terayle
Hill in honor of his late brother, Tevyn Jermaine Hill. This scholarship will be provided to
Youth & College member. Below are the requirements.
Be a graduating senior in high school or Freshman, Sophomore, or Junior in college
Hold at least a 3.7 GPA or higher to be considered
Be involved with performing arts (theater, choir, band, etc.) on and/or off campus
Submit a 1- 2 page essay following the prompt: "If you had the power to change
anything about the world, what would it be and why?" --
Essay must have an introduction of who you are, what your goals are after
graduating, and how you plan to use your mind, craft, and/or dreams to
impact the world.
Please send a headshot and a copy of your unofficial transcripts
to TevynJH.Scholarship@gmail.com.
Personnel Board from L to R: Denis O'Neal, Linda Castaldi, Susan Murphy, Sue
Kehl
Personnel Board Recruiting Applicants for Vacant Position
The Santa Clara County Personnel Board is seeking a qualified individual to fill a vacant
position on its Board. The primary purpose of the Personnel Board is to review and make
decisions on appeals made by County employees related to disciplinary actions such as
suspensions, demotions, and terminations.
The Personnel Board is comprised of five members appointed by the Board of
Supervisors. Two members are appointed directly by the County Board of Supervisors, and
two members are selected by the Board of Supervisors from a list nominated by county
employees. The fifth member is appointed by the Board of Supervisors based on the
recommendation of the other four members. It is this last, fifth position that is currently
vacant and open for recruitment. Currently, the four sitting members of the Personnel
Board are all retired County employees with backgrounds in either labor or management.
Personnel Board members serve for up to a four-year term and may be considered by the
Board of Supervisors for subsequent reappointments.
Personnel Board members pride themselves on their collegial relationships. Board
members encourage a collaborative and respectful environment where diverse
perspectives are valued and discussions are open. Members work to foster a relationship of
trust between parties by having the best interests of the appellant, the County, and due
process at heart.
The Personnel Board typically meets on Fridays, around 2-3 times a month, in addition to
conducting a monthly business meeting. In rare cases, a multiday hearing may be
scheduled, which could involve consecutive meeting dates.
Personnel Board members are compensated $300 per meeting day. The Board operates as
a commission of the County, and all proceedings are subject to the rules of the Brown Act
and open to the public. The Personnel Board is assisted by designated members of County
Counsel and the Clerk of the Board's office.
Hearings are carried out according to established rules and procedures governed by
the Board. The employee filing the appeal and the County department initiating the
disciplinary action may be represented by an attorney or a representative, or the parties
may choose to represent themselves. Both sides present evidence, and then the Personnel
Board members adjourn to a closed session to deliberate. The findings are issued in an
open session and written findings of fact are accepted by the Personnel Board.
Individuals interested in the position are encouraged to apply. Applications can be
completed by filling out the information requested at the following link: Form -
PrimeGov (preferred method). Applicants can also contact the Santa Clara County Clerk
of the Board's office at (408) 299-5001 for application materials.
KNOW YOUR
RIGHTS
Every American should enjoy
equal rights without
discrimination based on race. It's
critical that we understand the
laws, court system, and the judges
that determine those rights. Learn
about the bedrock laws and
structures that shape our everyday
lives. READ MORE
Ben’s Chili Bowl: the Black
restaurant surviving and
thriving through six decades
By DaQuan Lawrence,
DLawrence@afro.com
Whether you know it as “1213 U
Street”, “the Bowl”, or “1213 U Street,
NW, Washington D.C”., the address for
Ben’s Chili Bowl has become a
foundation of Washington, D.C. The
restaurant has become near
synonymous with the nation’s capital,
feeding millions of customers from
around the world, while also imparting
a bit of the Black culture that runs deep
in the company’s roots. READ MORE
What to expect at the NAACP Convention in Boston
Steph Solis
When the NAACP National Convention comes to Boston in July, local officials
expect thousands of attendees and an estimated $10 million boost to the local
economy.
The city last hosted the convention in 1982.
Why it matters: Boston still has a reputation as a racist city to some, especially
considering its historical roles in the slave trade and segregation.
The convention gives the city a chance to "reintroduce itself," says Tanisha
Sullivan, president of the NAACP’s Boston branch.
READ MORE
Website History Events Youth
Address:
205 E Alma Ave d10 San Jose, CA 95112
Telephone:
+1 (408) 898-6985
Drop Us A Line
San Jose Silicon Valley NAACP | 1313 N Milpitas Blvd #163, Milpitas, CA 95035
Unsubscribe city.council@cityofpaloalto.org
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From:Aram James
To:Binder, Andrew; Reifschneider, James; Afanasiev, Alex; Wagner, April; Perron, Zachary; Shikada, Ed; JethroeMoore; Sean Allen; Robert. Jonsen; Rob Baker; Jeff Rosen; Josh Becker; Council, City; Mila Zelkha; Shana Segal;Angie Evans; Joe Simitian; Vara Ramakrishnan; Michael Gennaco; Figueroa, Eric; Sheriff Transparency; Council,City; Human Relations Commission
Subject:L.A. Sheriff slams deputy who punched mom in face as she held baby
Date:Sunday, July 16, 2023 10:32:22 AM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
NewsBreakUsed by over 45 million people Open APP
L.A. Sheriff slams deputy who punched mom in face as she
held baby
newyorkbeacon.com
I found this on NewsBreak: L.A. Sheriff slams deputy who punched mom in face as
she held baby
Click to read the full story
Sent from my iPhone
From:Lori wainen linberg
To:Council, City
Subject:7/16/2023 - HUD Housing Rent Increase Proposal
Date:Sunday, July 16, 2023 9:06:22 AM
[Some people who received this message don't often get email from loriwainenlinberg@gmail.com. Learn why this
is important at https://aka.ms/LearnAboutSenderIdentification ]
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on links.
________________________________
Dear Mayor and Greg and City Council ,
I am writing you about the new proposal increase in market rate value, rent increase proposed for Webster Wood…
please pass it on
I am sincerely very grateful to have the privilege to live in Webster Wood, but I cannot support the new proposed
large rent increase, which I only found notice of in the laundry room, it was not delivered to any residents. We
have seen that in the Bay Area housing pricing and rent has become so absorbent that we now have a shortage of
teachers, EMT’s, social workers, ER staff, nursery including travelers, frontliners even Doctors and the entire
service industry. I was told they had a difficult time finding anyone to drive the new town buses because they
couldn’t afford to live close enough. We have seen what the high price of rents have done to San Francisco. I plead
as a retired teacher, against this increase and/or to at least at a minimal rate and think seriously about the future
needs of Palo Alto.
Webster Wood residents are here because they are housing insecure. We really don’t need to make more people
homeless and lose more service workers. The rent increase is substantial and the one bedrooms here do not all have
ovens, as they are for the handicapped and it is way too much of an increase. Will residents be grandfathered?
Our community desperately needs teachers, EMT’s, caregivers, service workers and all frontline workers. Most of
the residents are on limited income ( many disabled)and everything has already become very expensive. Business
are having a difficult time getting staff, restaurants servers. Most of the residents at Webster Wood work in the front
line or service industries. I understand a reasonable rent increase, I understand regular repairs are costly and much
work was put on hold since Covid, but this is too much given the building is for those in need. This again seems you
are overestimating the market rate value just like San Francisco reportedly did.
Let’s help keep Palo Alto a community that survives all the recent changes and
supports all people, including staying true to DEI principles, for the sake of the next generation…we owe them that
much. Please do not raise HUD housing rents in such an uninformed and extreme manner for the sake of all for
maintenance. I think there are other options than to add such a burden to those already burdened. I’d like to point
out that we are seeing the negative effects of not planning and the consequences with climate change, our housing
shortage, the degree and cost of homelessness and the loss of a work force in the area due to high rents. Raising
rents in HUD to this degree again only adds bigger problems in the long run. I hope you will reconsider and also
make sure residents are informed before moving forward. I also want to reiterate my sincere appreciation of the
privilege of affordable rent, as a single parent, past teacher in this area and employed with seniors in need, I chose to
serve our community and Webster Wood helped me have affordable rent to provide these services.
Yours,
Lori Wainen-Linberg
Sent from my iPad
From:Mary Gallagher
To:Council, City; Police
Subject:Re: Decibel Limits for Exhaust-Modified Vehicles
Date:Sunday, July 16, 2023 12:05:54 AM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
The same Benz is zooming loudly around the Ventura neighborhood at this late hour of 12:02
Is there nothing the PD can do to stop these cars from entering the public roads?
Thank you,
MaryOn Tue, Jul 4, 2023 at 12:43 AM Mary Gallagher <livebuoyantly@gmail.com> wrote:
Dear Police and Council Folks:
May something be done about the vehicles with modified exhausts? Tonight and on
many an early morning/eventing, these vehicles have been zooming around the
Ventura neighborhood and beyond disturbing the sleep of many residents in Palo
Alto and beyond.
The Governor of New York passed a law known as the Sleep Law (see details below)
with a decibel level of 60 db. In the interest of resident safety and health, may Palo
Alto and the State of California lower the decibel level to 60 db in our existing
vehicle noise law (see below)--sooner rather than later?
https://www.semasan.com/legislative-alerts/new-york/fact-vs-fiction-new-york-
exhaust-noise-legislation
https://maisonlaw.com/safety-laws/california-exhaust-noise-laws/
Too often Sleepless in Palo Alto,
--
Mary Gallagher, B.Sc.
Aquatics Professional650-683-7102 (cell)
Copyright 2022
Security Alert NoticeThe information contained in this e-mail is confidential information, presumed to be virus free, and intended only for
use by the individual or entity named above. Virus protection is the responsibility of the recipient. If the reader of this
email is not the intended recipient, dissemination or distribution is prohibited. If you have received this email in error,please delete the material from your computer. --
Mary Gallagher, B.Sc.
Aquatics Professional650-683-7102 (cell)
Copyright 2022
Security Alert Notice
The information contained in this e-mail is confidential information, presumed to be virus free, and intended only for
use by the individual or entity named above. Virus protection is the responsibility of the recipient. If the reader of thisemail is not the intended recipient, dissemination or distribution is prohibited. If you have received this email in error,please delete the material from your computer.
From:Aram James
To:Perron, Zachary; Sheriff Transparency; Reifschneider, James; Binder, Andrew; Council, City; Sean Allen; JethroeMoore; Shikada, Ed; Shana Segal; Wagner, April; Barberini, Christopher; Joe Simitian; Josh Becker; MichaelGennaco; Tannock, Julie; Figueroa, Eric; Foley, Michael; Council, City; Kevin Jensen; Human RelationsCommission; Rebecca Eisenberg; chuck jagoda; ladoris cordell; Jay Boyarsky; Jeff Rosen; Mila Zelkha; Enberg,Nicholas; DuJuan Green; Angie Evans; Javier Ortega; dennis burns; Supervisor Susan Ellenberg; Cindy Chavez;Vara Ramakrishnan; Greg Tanaka; Rob Baker; Bains, Paul; Gardener, Liz; Cecilia Taylor; Julie Lythcott-Haims
Subject:Retired Cop Who Spoke Against Police For Tyre Nichols" Killing Found Dead
Date:Saturday, July 15, 2023 9:16:34 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking
on links.
________________________________
https://youtu.be/gfr2HC53ZxE
Sent from my iPhone
From:Sheriff Transparency
To:Aram James
Cc:Robert. Jonsen; Binder, Andrew; Jethroe Moore; Sean Allen; Reifschneider, James; Josh Becker; Cindy Chavez;
Michael Gennaco; Mila Zelkha; Shikada, Ed; Council, City; Shana Segal; Angie Evans; Joe Simitian; Jeff Rosen;
DuJuan Green; GRP-City Council; Gardener, Liz; Kevin Jensen; dennis burns; Patricia.Guerrero@jud.ca.gov;
Tannock, Julie; Figueroa, Eric
Subject:Re: L.A. deputy punches mother holding baby during arrest in incident sheriff called "unacceptable"
Date:Saturday, July 15, 2023 8:39:59 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
Once again...
Nobody should be surprised at the egregious behavior of LASD Antelope Valley Deputies.
10yrs after the civil rights violations findings by DOJ and the pattern of abuse is exessively alive and well.
What did the Commander Bob Jonsen during that time (2005 to 2013) do to mitigate these
problems??
Wow. Probably nothing we will assume, since he left before the final report from the LACounty Attorneys Office came out in 2013 in response to the DOJ findings.
Interesting that he is up here in Santa Clara County and has done absolutely nothing notable to
change the excessive use of force culture of law enforcement.
Leaving behind a mess at Menlo Park and Palo Alto PD, and now continuing with the SheriffOffice. Hope he doesn't ruin it even more as many here know how toxic that environment was
left by his supporter, Laurie Smith.
We will have a lot of updates in the coming months. Perhaps he will retire by then before heembarrasess himself along with his political supporters in Santa Clara County.
-SCCSTG
On Wed, Jul 12, 2023, 10:27 PM Aram James <abjpd1@gmail.com> wrote:
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/l-deputy-punches-mother-holding-baby-arrest-incident-sheriff-called-un-rcna93988
Sent from my iPhone
From:Aram James
To:Perron, Zachary; Binder, Andrew; Robert. Jonsen; Jethroe Moore; Council, City; Sean Allen; Reifschneider,James; Wagner, April; Shana Segal; Josh Becker; Jeff Rosen; Joe Simitian; Michael Gennaco; Supervisor SusanEllenberg; ladoris cordell; Rebecca Eisenberg; chuck jagoda; Julie Lythcott-Haims; Jay Boyarsky; SheriffTransparency; Shikada, Ed; Mila Zelkha; Human Relations Commission; Angie Evans; DuJuan Green; JavierOrtega; Cindy Chavez; Kevin Jensen; dennis burns; Greg Tanaka; Vara Ramakrishnan; Gardener, Liz; Bains,Paul; Rob Baker; Enberg, Nicholas; Cecilia Taylor
Subject:Cops Accuse San Bernardino Department Of Discrimination
Date:Saturday, July 15, 2023 8:38:02 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking
on links.
________________________________
https://youtu.be/Gxv0RnH9X08
Sent from my iPhone
From:Aram James
To:Julie Lythcott-Haims; Gardener, Liz; Angie Evans; chuck jagoda; Council, City; vote@sallylieber.org; Shana Segal;Josh Becker; Mila Zelkha; Shikada, Ed; Sean Allen; Jethroe Moore; Cecilia Taylor; citycouncil@mountainview.gov;GRP-City Council; Binder, Andrew; Robert. Jonsen; Joe Simitian; Supervisor Susan Ellenberg; Cindy Chavez;Javier Ortega
Subject:Urban farming development sprouts in Santa Clara - San José Spotlight
Date:Saturday, July 15, 2023 2:50:20 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking
on links.
________________________________
https://sanjosespotlight.com/urban-farming-development-agrihood-sprouts-in-santa-clara/
Sent from my iPhone
From:Aram James
To:Molly; Jethroe Moore; jeff_conrad@msn.com; Jay Boyarsky; Sean Allen; Jethroe Moore; Josh Becker; MilaZelkha; Angie Evans; Vara Ramakrishnan; Shana Segal; alisa mallari tu; Julie Lythcott-Haims; Veenker, Vicki;Gardener, Liz; Stump, Molly; chuck jagoda; DuJuan Green; dennis burns; DuJuan Green; Bains, Paul;peaceandjusticecenter@gmail.com; Council, City; Shana Segal; vote@sallylieber.org; Supervisor Susan Ellenberg;Cindy Chavez; Joe Simitian
Subject:If you can"t afford an attorney, tough luck
Date:Saturday, July 15, 2023 10:15:58 AM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.Closing Argument
This week's art is by VinceVader. Full work below.
DONATE
BY JAMILES LARTEY
If you live in a large city, you probably don’t worry much about
finding a lawyer, should you ever need one. Whether you can
afford that lawyer is another matter, but they are available. As a
city-dweller, I can easily recall the names of several local defense
attorneys just from thinking of bus advertisements and billboards
I pass on a typical drive.
In much of rural America, the situation looks vastly different.
The Denver Post reported this week that 23 of Colorado’s 64
counties now fall into the category of “legal deserts”: mostly rural
places where there is fewer than one attorney per 1,000 people.
It’s hardly just a Colorado problem, said Pamela Metzger, director
of the Deason Criminal Justice Reform Center at Southern
Methodist University. She told me that lawyers in rural areas skew
much older than those in cities and are retiring at a much faster
pace than they are being replaced, citing research on legal deserts
in Texas.
“We don't teach about it in law school. We don't make it a viable
career opportunity, and we’ve priced everybody out of practicing
in rural areas,” Metzger said.
Legal deserts are just one of many barriers people face in
obtaining legal representation, the most apparent one being cost:
By some estimates, 80% of criminal defendants can’t afford a
lawyer. Indeed, 2023 marks 60 years since the Supreme Court
ruled in Gideon v. Wainwright that state courts must provide
attorneys to criminal defendants who can’t afford their own.
The case spurred the creation of public defender officers as a
counterpart to prosecutors in the criminal system. Notably,
though, the idea of public defense is much older, the brainchild of
Clara Shortridge Foltz, also the first woman to practice law in
California. She first pitched the idea at the 1893 World’s Fair.
John P. Gross, a law professor at the University of Wisconsin,
makes the case that the promise of Gideon is one that’s largely
gone unrealized.“The mere presence of defense counsel lends our
justice system the veneer of legitimacy, while the inability of
defense counsel to do the job required of them makes it rotten at
its core,” he writes, in an editorial for The Hill.
Gross zeroes in on the chronic underfunding and understaffing
that has left public defender systems in many states — including
Oregon, Louisiana and New Mexico — in a near-perpetual state of
crisis, with defenders assigned to many more cases than they can
realistically handle. Those problems extend beyond the lawyer
scarcity in rural areas and into many of America’s largest cities as
well.
Criminal court systems are also not consistent about who qualifies
for a public defense, and some deny court-appointed lawyers even
to very poor people. In other cases, people may receive public
defender services, for which they are then billed and plunged into
debt. This month, the state of New Jersey abolished these fees and
canceled old debt as well.
A lesser-known limitation of Gideon is that many elements of the
criminal court process do not come with the constitutional
guarantee of a lawyer. Roughly half of U.S. counties do not
provide defense counsel at bail hearings — which determine if a
person will await trial behind bars — potentially for months or
even years, according to an analysis from the Rand Corporation,
Similarly, despite a recent rule change in Mississippi, low-income
criminal defendants there frequently go months without a lawyer
between their preliminary hearing and being indicted, Caleb
Bedillion wrote for The Marshall Project earlier this month.
Research suggests that a lack of representation at these early
stages may leave more defendants, who are presumed innocent,
locked up. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, began offering defense
counsel at some bail hearings several years ago, but didn’t have
enough lawyers available to provide one for all defendants. That
created an accidental experiment on the effect of legal
representation, and the difference was clear: People with lawyers
were 20% more likely to be released without cash bail than those
who didn’t have a lawyer.
Many of the circumstances that land people in court are not
criminal prosecutions and therefore do not offer the protections of
Gideon. Migrants held in immigration detention, for example, are
not entitled to lawyers during removal proceedings. Lawmakers in
New York and the U.S. Congress have recently drafted legislation
to change that, but neither proposal has become law. Experts told
AZ Central’s Rafael Carranza that “having an attorney to represent
them in court is the single biggest factor in whether someone with
a pending immigration case in the U.S. is successful with their
claim.” For some cases, like asylum-seekers fleeing targeted
violence, the difference can be life or death.
Earlier this year, the Biden Administration guaranteed all asylum-
seekers access to counsel during newly expedited screening
interviews. But that promise so far “appears largely unfulfilled,”
The Associated Press reported.
Only about 3% of people facing eviction have lawyers, compared
to 81% of landlords, according to the advocacy group National
Coalition for a Civil Right to Counsel. Largely spurred by the
COVID-19 pandemic, many cities, counties, and three states have
started “right to counsel” programs to provide legal assistance to
low-income people facing eviction. In some cases, the differences
have been profound. In Kansas City, more than 91% of tenants
who received legal services under the program avoided eviction,
compared with a 99% eviction rate before it was rolled out,
according to one of the nonprofits running the effort.
Alicia Johnson, who leads another of the organizations providing
legal services, told KCUR in Kansas City that having a lawyer
makes it more likely a tenant will show up to contest an eviction.
In some cases, access to a lawyer “means the difference between
them actually going to court and not going to court.”
THE BEST OF THE MARSHALL PROJECT
Bad stats. A quarter of the U.S. population wasn't represented in
last year’s federal crime data, according to The Marshall Project’s
analysis. The gaps in data, including from some of the nation’s
largest police departments, make it hard for policymakers to
address public safety, and easy for “bad faith” actors to mislead.
TMP’s Weihua Li, Jasmyne Ricard and Anna Flagg have our latest
analysis.
Modern-day eugenics. While serving time in a California
prison, Moonlight Pulido agreed to undergo surgery to remove
potentially cancerous growths on her uterus. She was given a
hysterectomy instead. TMP’s Carla Canning has the latest
installment of our special “Life Inside” series focusing on
reproductive rights behind bars.
Each week, Closing Argument highlights the work of someone with an interest in the criminaljustice system. This piece is by Vince Vader.
Jamiles Lartey is a New Orleans-based staff writer for The MarshallProject. Previously, he worked as a reporter for the Guardian coveringissues of criminal justice, race and policing. Jamiles was a member of theteam behind the award-winning online database “The Counted,” trackingpolice violence in 2015 and 2016. In 2016, he was named “Michael J.Feeney Emerging Journalist of the Year” by the National Association ofBlack Journalists.
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The Marshall Project · 156 West 56th Street · Studio, 3rd Floor · New York, NY 10019 · USA
From:Kerry Yarkin
To:Council, City
Subject:Another fatality
Date:Saturday, July 15, 2023 7:48:25 AM
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Please get the Churchill grade separation done ASAP! Very unsafe conditions, no time to
waste. KerryYarkin
https://www.mercurynews.com/2023/07/14/caltrain-strikes-and-kills-pedestrian-in-palo-
alto/amp/
From:Suneeti Shah Vakharia
To:Council, City
Subject:Terman Park
Date:Saturday, July 15, 2023 5:53:58 AM
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Dear Palo Alto City Council,I’m writing on behalf of the neighboring community around Terman Park to ask you to please
consider retaining the park in the area. In addition to neighboring seniors in the communitywho walk there and get social interactions throgh their walks in the park, Terman students and
neighboring students at Bowman and neighborhood kids use this park for athletics, for walkswith family and friends, for science and nature exploration and more, and losing the park and
access to it — whether using the creek for science, enjoying nature walks, having activities forathletics, or simply riding a bike or walking through it to get to other parts of a neighborhood
— impacts the way our kids experience the community and their sense of belonging to acommunity bigger than their home or their school institution.
There aren’t many safe, easily accessible and incredibly diverse/interesting parks for young
kids and Terman Park is one of them, which both my 5yo and my 10yo walk to with theirclasses, their friends, and their teachers to enjoy the diverse activities this park allows them to
experience. Please consider the above and retain the park rather than a swap with Cubberlyacreage, which is inaccessible and not going to serve tbe community th e same way.
Best,
Suneeti Shah(Mom of neighborhood student)
From:Aram James
To:Perron, Zachary; Binder, Andrew; Reifschneider, James; Sean Allen; Jethroe Moore; ladoris cordell; Shikada, Ed;Wagner, April; Shana Segal; Josh Becker; Council, City; Mila Zelkha; Angie Evans; Vara Ramakrishnan; JoeSimitian; Human Relations Commission; Michael Gennaco; Rebecca Eisenberg; Karen Holman; Kaloma Smith;Shana Segal; vote@sallylieber.org; chuck jagoda; Sheriff Transparency; Jay Boyarsky
Subject:Republican House member refers to Black Americans as "colored people" in...
Date:Friday, July 14, 2023 11:09:04 PM
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on links.
________________________________
https://youtu.be/XnMlm20VuT0
Sent from my iPhone
From:Krishna Dave
To:Council, City
Subject:Story of Terman Park (Please do not demolish it)
Date:Friday, July 14, 2023 9:34:25 PM
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Dear Mayor Kou and Council Members,
I hope that you are doing well! My name is Krishna Dave and I am a resident of TermanApartments next to the Terman Park in Palo Alto. I am writing this email to request the local
government to not demolish Terman Park and rent it out for commercial activities. I work asan engineer at a tech company remotely and am also, a part-time student. Walking around
Terman Park during my day and weekends has been beautiful and calming for my heath andwell-being. It would be heart breaking to see this park being rented out/demolished for a
commercial property.
Terman Apartments also houses many elderly and senior citizens, and next to the park is aschool. So, adding noisy and disruptive influences to the neighborhood will adversely affect
the quality of life and well being of every one residing and working around this area. This parkis definitely a gem in Palo Alto and Bay Area at large which is largely commercial and sub
urban.
So, I would strongly urge you to reconsider your decision of commertializing this property.Please save public green spaces!
Thanks!
Krishna Dave
From:Aram James
To:Perron, Zachary; Robert. Jonsen; Jethroe Moore; Sean Allen; Council, City; Reifschneider, James; Shikada, Ed; Wagner, April; DuJuan Green; Kevin Jensen;dennis burns; Figueroa, Eric; Tannock, Julie; Barberini, Christopher; Lee, Craig; cromero@cityofepa.org; EPA Today; ladoris cordell; Shana Segal; Jeff Rosen; JoeSimitian; Michael Gennaco; Salem Ajluni
Subject:Horrified by "whites-only" language in their property deeds, Ladera residents worked hard to purge it | News | Palo Alto Online |
Date:Friday, July 14, 2023 7:02:02 PM
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________________________________
https://www.paloaltoonline.com/news/2023/07/14/horrified-by-whites-only-language-in-their-property-deeds-ladera-residents-worked-hard-to-purge-it?utm_source=express-2023-07-14&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=express&utm_source=Embarcadero+Mailing+List+%28including+SLJ+Members%29&utm_campaign=fadd4f8472-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2023_07_14_05_00&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_ba1b002ad7-fadd4f8472-%5BLIST_EMAIL_ID%5D
Sent from my iPhone
From:Aram James
To:Perron, Zachary; Binder, Andrew; Reifschneider, James; Jethroe Moore; Josh Becker; Sean Allen; Wagner, April;Shikada, Ed; Jeff Rosen; Joe Simitian; Shana Segal; Council, City; Michael Gennaco; ladoris cordell; RebeccaEisenberg; Human Relations Commission; Jay Boyarsky; chuck jagoda; Sheriff Transparency; Enberg, Nicholas;Mila Zelkha; Javier Ortega; DuJuan Green; Angie Evans; Kevin Jensen; dennis burns; Cindy Chavez; SupervisorSusan Ellenberg; Greg Tanaka; Vara Ramakrishnan; Rob Baker; Bains, Paul; Julie Lythcott-Haims; Gardener, Liz
Subject:Cops KILL Mentally Ill Black Man Over Fruit
Date:Friday, July 14, 2023 5:24:18 PM
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on links.
________________________________
https://youtu.be/tf8P1By0GYc
Sent from my iPhone
From:Katie Mueller
To:Council, City; ParkRec Commission
Subject:Don"t Swap Terman Park!
Date:Friday, July 14, 2023 5:18:27 PM
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Dear Mayor Kou and Council Members,
I’d like to share a story from this week that exemplifies one aspect of what Terman
Park means to me personally. On Wednesday, I took my lunch out to Terman Park
and the Hetch Hetchy Trail to stretch my legs and enjoy time in nature, as is often my
routine. While walking, I crossed paths with an elderly man who was out getting
some exercise. We chatted while he took a bit of a rest, and I learned that he is 86
years old and walks in the park partially based on advice from his doctor to keep his
body limber. We chatted about my work at a neighborhood school and exchanged
pleasantries about the weather.
This may seem like a mundane interaction, and in some ways, it is. But as a young
person in the Bay Area, I do not find many easily accessible public spaces in which to
have such interactions. Terman Park is the only place I experience this – an oasis
among busy highways and crowded apartment buildings. As someone without a
backyard, I love sharing Terman Park with the community. Of course, there are other
parks – but they are not here. They are not ours. They are not available to me during
my lunch break, nor to this man so close to his home.
My grandparents aren’t around anymore, and even when they were, they lived far
away. It means a great deal to me to be able to have these sorts of casual
connections with other generations. It helps me put things into perspective, to take a
wider view of this journey that we call life. It reminds me that the best we can do is to
be kind to one another. I can’t help but wonder if the elderly people I meet on the
path have their own grandchildren out there, perhaps somewhere too far to visit as
often as they’d like. I try to treat them the way I hope that others treated my
grandparents.
There is increasing evidence that loneliness is a pivotal issue in public health – and it
is not limited to the elderly, though it can certainly be exacerbated for them. When I
am at Terman Park, when I exchange a smile with a neighbor or when a dog licks my
hand as they walk on leash, I feel less lonely, and I imagine they do as well. These
interactions cannot be quantified, which is why I must present you with this
anecdote rather than cold hard data. But I hope you agree that they are hugely
important, and I hope you weigh them accordingly as you move forward with any
plans for a potential land swap.
Warmly,
Katie Mueller
Working in Palo Alto since 2013
-- Katie Mueller
Director of Community Development
Bowman School
4000 Terman Drive
Palo Alto, CA 94306
Phone: 650-285-9556
Discover. Create. Become.
Facebook|Twitter|Instagram
Pronouns: she/her
Why are pronouns important?
From:David
To:City Attorney
Cc:Council, City; City Mgr
Subject:damage claim rejected
Date:Friday, July 14, 2023 2:49:53 PM
Some people who received this message don't often get email from davidm@usa.net. Learn why this is important
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Hello,
I'm following up on a previously raised issue.
Our back yard fence was damaged by Palo Alto Utilities in order to remove and install a new
utility pole. The fence had to be repaired as a result of the damage caused by the city. At
the direction of the city clerk and City Attorney's office I submitted the requested claim form
and supporting documentation for reimbursement.
After my original claim was unexpectedly rejected, I called and spoke to Bella Wu at the
City Attorney's office. Ms Wu appeared understanding and assured me that the case would
be revisited and that I should expect to receive a check as compensation for the claim by
mail. Weeks passed and I was surprised only to receive a stack of apparently unrelated
paperwork along with another rejection notice.
It concerns me that the city can indiscriminately destroy homeowner property and not
assume responsibility to repair the damage. It further concerns me that the City attorney's
representative would mislead and misrepresent the city's intentions. Instead of the rightful
reimbursement that I was promised, the long awaited letter contained only volumes of
poorly photocopied pages borrowed from some unintelligible legal code document. No
explanation was provided as to why the claim was rejected.
Over nearly three decades as a Palo Alto resident, I have been nothing but a responsible
homeowner. Never have I requested any sort of payment from the city for any reason. Now
living in Palo Alto as a recent retiree, it appears to me reckless and irresponsible for the City
to feel justified in destroying personal property with at best impunity and at worst
deception.
I would like to request a further review of this case that results either in compensation or
with a clear description of why a clearly valid claim of property damage by the city can be
summarily rejected.
Thank you,
David Markowitz
164 Heather Lane
From:Aram James
To:Robert. Jonsen; Binder, Andrew; Jethroe Moore; Sean Allen; Reifschneider, James; Barberini, Christopher;Tannock, Julie; Council, City; Figueroa, Eric; Lee, Craig; Shikada, Ed; Afanasiev, Alex; Jeff Rosen; Kevin Jensen;Josh Becker; Joe Simitian; Human Relations Commission; Michael Gennaco; ladoris cordell; Rebecca Eisenberg;Wagner, April; chuck jagoda; Jay Boyarsky
Cc:Sheriff Transparency; Shana Segal; Angie Evans; Anna Griffin
Subject:Bay Area Cops Caught in Web of Scandal are Now Suspended
Date:Thursday, July 13, 2023 4:51:30 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.NewsBreakUsed by over 45 million people Open APP
Bay Area Cops Caught in Web of Scandal are Now
Suspended
hoodline.com
I found this on NewsBreak: Bay Area Cops Caught in Web of Scandal are Now
Suspended
Click to read the full story
Sent from my iPhone
From:Aram James
To:Robert. Jonsen; Sean Allen; RANDALL HIGGINS; Jethroe Moore; Sheriff Transparency; Council, City; Binder,Andrew; Shikada, Ed; Shana Segal; Reifschneider, James; Vara Ramakrishnan; Afanasiev, Alex; Jeff Rosen; JoeSimitian; Javier Ortega; Supervisor Susan Ellenberg; Sue Dremann; Cindy Chavez; Wagner, April; MichaelGennaco; ladoris cordell; Rebecca Eisenberg; chuck jagoda; Raj; Barberini, Christopher; Human RelationsCommission; Jay Boyarsky; Perron, Zachary; Enberg, Nicholas; Mila Zelkha; Angie Evans; Josh Becker
Cc:dennis burns; Kevin Jensen; DuJuan Green; Rob Baker; Afanasiev, Alex; Figueroa, Eric
Subject:JUDGE BLOCKS COUNTY WATCHDOG"S INVESTIGATION INTO DEPUTY GANGS IN LA SHERIFF"S DEPARTMENT
Date:Thursday, July 13, 2023 12:46:14 PM
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on links.________________________________
https://abc7.com/amp/los-angeles-county-lasd-deputy-gangs-cliques/13492081/
Sent from my iPhone
From:Aram James
To:Robert. Jonsen; Rob Baker; Jeff Rosen; Josh Becker; Jay Boyarsky; DuJuan Green; Jethroe Moore; Sean Allen;Reifschneider, James; vote@sallylieber.org; Shikada, Ed; Shana Segal; David Angel; Binder, Andrew; Wagner,April; Joe Simitian; Human Relations Commission; Michael Gennaco; ladoris cordell; Council, City; RebeccaEisenberg; chuck jagoda; Sheriff Transparency; Perron, Zachary; Enberg, Nicholas; Mila Zelkha; Javier Ortega;Angie Evans; Kevin Jensen; dennis burns; Cindy Chavez; Supervisor Susan Ellenberg; Greg Tanaka; VaraRamakrishnan; Bains, Paul
Subject:CAMPAIGN TO RECALL OAKLAND REFORM DISTRICT ATTORNEY GETS ROLLING Oakland District Attorney
Pamela Price is the target of a recall campaign, joining a slew of reformist prosecutors in California and
elsewhere.
Date:Thursday, July 13, 2023 12:14:00 PM
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on links.
________________________________
https://theintercept.com/2023/07/12/recall-oakland-da-pamela-price/
Sent from my iPhone
From:Charlie Weidanz
To:Council, City
Subject:Summer Buzz: Third Thursday - July 20, 6pm - 9pm
Date:Thursday, July 13, 2023 11:31:05 AM
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Summer Buzz - Third Thursday California Ave
Palo Alto Third Thursday - A Monthly Live Music Event
Join us on Third Thursday
6:00 pm - 9:00 pmJuly 20th, 2023
California Avenue in Palo Alto
Musical groups will be playing at various locations along the street creating the joyfulopportunity to explore the Ave and support local businesses.
Learn More
This email was sent on behalf of Palo Alto Chamber of Commerce 355 Alma St Palo Alto, CA 94301.To unsubscribe clickhere. If you have questions or comments concerning this email or services in general, please contact us by email at
info@paloaltochamber.com.
From:Aram James
To:Sean james; Robert. Jonsen; Sheriff Transparency; Jethroe Moore; Council, City; Binder, Andrew; Reifschneider,James; Shikada, Ed; Molly; Jeff Rosen; Rob Baker; Shana Segal; Jay Boyarsky; Burt, Patrick;Patricia.Guerrero@jud.ca.gov; Josh Becker; Bains, Paul; Wagner, April; Ladoris Cordell; Javier Ortega; JoeSimitian; Human Relations Commission; Karen Holman; Kaloma Smith; Michael Gennaco; Rebecca Eisenberg;chuck jagoda; Julie Lythcott-Haims; Perron, Zachary; Enberg, Nicholas; Mila Zelkha; Angie Evans; DuJuan Green;Kevin Jensen; dennis burns; Greg Tanaka; Cindy Chavez; Supervisor Susan Ellenberg; Vara Ramakrishnan;Gardener, Liz
Subject:- Group seeks to recall new DA
Date:Thursday, July 13, 2023 8:48:07 AM
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on links.
________________________________
Group seeks to recall new DA
https://edition.pagesuite.com/popovers/dynamic_article_popover.aspx?guid=38d43feb-94d0-418b-a061-
77830dd8cb8f&appcode=SAN252&eguid=67b94012-711d-4e48-bd15-0b28711f03a6&pnum=3#
For more great content like this subscribe to the The Mercury News e-edition app here:
Sent from my iPhone
From:Aram James
To:Sheriff Transparency; Robert. Jonsen; Binder, Andrew; Jethroe Moore; Sean Allen; Reifschneider, James; JoshBecker; Cindy Chavez; Michael Gennaco; Mila Zelkha; Shikada, Ed; Council, City; Shana Segal; Angie Evans; JoeSimitian; Jeff Rosen
Cc:DuJuan Green; GRP-City Council; Gardener, Liz; Kevin Jensen; dennis burns; Patricia.Guerrero@jud.ca.gov;
Tannock, Julie; Figueroa, Eric
Subject:L.A. deputy punches mother holding baby during arrest in incident sheriff called "unacceptable"
Date:Wednesday, July 12, 2023 10:27:55 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking
on links.________________________________
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/l-deputy-punches-mother-holding-baby-arrest-incident-sheriff-called-un-rcna93988
Sent from my iPhone
From:NTB
To:Parks
Cc:Council, City; ParkRec Commission
Subject:Regarding Terman Park
Date:Wednesday, July 12, 2023 6:33:03 PM
Attachments:image004.pngimage007.pngimage008.pngimage003.png
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Dear Javod,
Thank you for your email sent on behalf of the Parks and Rec Commission. I am copying the
Commissioners as well as the City Council as I would like to share my comments with all.
You wrote that, "The land swap for Terman Park has been mentioned as just one of severaloptions for the Council to discuss." As I understand it, there are not several options, but just
ONE other property (Ventura) being considered for a swap...... but it's acreage is quite belowthe desired amount to be traded; so basically, it is not a viable option. There are no other
options mentioned from the May 15 meeting leaving us, the public, to assume that onlyTerman Park and Ventura are on the table, and only Terman Park meets the criteria.
Yes, Terman Park will need to go to the voters to be un-dedicated as Parkland. At least one
councilmember has declared that it need not take long to un-dedicate Terman Park. Theysuggested creating a broader initiative to put on the ballot, one which would bundle the un-
dedication of Terman with other land-use items. What is so egregious about that suggestion isthat the other items are publicly favored whereas un-dedicating Terman Park is NOT favored.
By so bundling, they look to have the un-dedication of Terman Park pass by having it ride onthe coattails of favorable items. The word that comes to mind about such a maneuver is
"underhanded."
The next meeting on the situation, which is happening in August, is a closed door meeting.There is no opportunity for engagement by the public before they hammer out their suggestion
to present to Council. So much for the public having a voice.
Once again, I appreciate your email, and your consideration of what has been written here.
Sincerely,Nina Bell
On Wed, Jul 12, 2023 at 12:20 PM Parks <Parks@cityofpaloalto.org> wrote:
Dear Resident,
Thank you for your comments on Terman Park and for sharing how much you and othersvalue the park. I am responding on behalf of the Parks and Recreation Commission. In
March of this year, the Palo Alto Unified School District Board of Education provided aletter to the Palo Alto City Council inviting the City to submit one or more proposals to
transfer a portion of PAUSD-owned land at Cubberley to the City. The City Council held aStudy Session on May 15, 2023 to discuss the School District’s invitation and will discuss it
again in a Closed Session discussion in August or September.
There are several options for the City Council to consider before responding to the SchoolDistrict. The land swap for Terman Park has been mentioned as just one of several options
for the Council to discuss. If the Council chooses to pursue this option, there will still be aneed to go to the voters to un-dedicate it as parkland by a majority vote of the people. Most
importantly, there will be further engagement opportunities as the City Council continues toadvance discussions on any of the options related to Cubberley. If you would like to receive
updates on Cubberley discussions, including information on upcoming meetings, please fillout this form here.
Thank You,
Javod
City of Palo Alto
Community Services Department
3201 E Bayshore Rd | Palo Alto, CA 94303650.463.4949 | parks@cityofpaloalto.org
From:matt@evolutionaryteams.com
To:matt@evolutionaryteams.com
Subject:FFF – July 7 – Fridays for Future Follow up (Week #78)
Date:Wednesday, July 12, 2023 5:46:09 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of openingattachments and clicking on links.
Ooops… Let me try again.
Paula from Avenidas joined us Friday thanks to Rick. Paula shared her long family history of activism. It’s always a pleasure tomeet a kindred spirit! Among other things, Paula is an expert at dancing the California Twirl, so let’s encourage her to give us alesson at an upcoming FFF. Rick is organizing a talk on Buddhism at Avenidas this Friday after our climate vigil. We will “march” over to Avenidas at around12:40 after we take our group picture. If you want to join us for lunch at Avenidas, please RSVP to Rick and/or me.
José joined us briefly – great to see him again and looking forward to hearing more of his stories and poetry.
Rick has created a number of memorable and catchy climate songs. You will want to hear Rick’s voice and to join us in
singing these tunes together.
Mother Earth just endured her hottest week on record since 100,000 B.C.E. because we continue to burn fossil fuels and
blanket her with heat-trapping pollution. Some scientists call this new epoch in the Earth’s history the Anthropocene. In the past,
humans used the conjunction of planets and stars to define epochs. The Anthropocene is marked by the conjunction of Coal, Oil and Gas. A
killer heat storm hits California this weekend. Please stay safe.
Keep Up the Fight and See You Friday!
Only You Can Stop Burning Fossil Fuel
Upcoming Events
Friday, July 14, Noon: Fridays for Future Palo Alto – Meet at Noon at King Plaza in front of Palo Alto City Hall and then
march over to Avenidas at 12:40.
Sunday, July 23 at 1:30 pm: Climate Friends Book Club – we will discuss All We Can Save chapters 5 & 6. Details at:
https://www.engageon.org/events
Friday, Sept 15 – GLOBAL CLIMATE STRIKE! – Time and Place: TBD
EngageOn calendar: https://www.engageon.org/events
Peninsula Peace and Justice calendar: https://peaceandjustice.org/events-calendar/
More Climate Action
Here is the slide deck from the S/CAP program presented to Palo City Council on 6/5:
https://cityofpaloalto.primegov.com/Portal/viewer?id=1869&type=2.
David Ligouy is in Tijuana fulfilling his mission of creating worker co-ops in every state in Mexico to build electric bike kits.
He seeks: 1) a technical partner to help produce the motor; 2) help to organize the management structure of the worker
co-op; and 3) cash to “prime the pump” for the first 3 months of operations. Reach out to David or me if you know
anyone who can help.
Palo Alto’s Heat Pump Water Heater Program Status
Here’s the latest data on the Heat Pump Water Heater Program:
As of:6/29 6/1 4/27 4/5
HPWH full-service interest list signups 511 488 466 432
Site assessment agreements (SAA) sent 437 399 345 125
Signed SAAs 306 280 156 70
Completed site assessments 147 111 58 22
New HPWH rebate applicants 4
Rebates paid this month 5
Installations
Full Service HPWHs installed 16 12 8 1
DYI HPWH installed TBD
Total HPWHs installed TBD
Target Installations 1000 1000
Monthly Installation Rate (as of 6/29 including DIY installations)
Current Monthly Installation Rate 9 4 7 n/a
Target Monthly Installation Rate 83 83
Weekly Photos
FFF July 7: https://photos.app.goo.gl/2XZKgq7uv29DYUp66
What We Are Watching/Listening to:Climate One podcast: https://www.climateone.org/listen-watch/podcasts (By the way, I interviewed co-host Greg Dalton here:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=epzK2e161JA )The Great Simplification with Nate Hagens (podcast): https://www.thegreatsimplification.com/
Extrapolations (TV series): https://www.apple.com/tv-pr/originals/extrapolations/
Follow Fridays For Future Palo Alto:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fridaysforfuture_paloalto/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Fri4Future_PA
Email notifications of FFF Palo Alto events: https://mailchi.mp/c8c130127345/join-fridays-for-future-palo-alto
You are receiving this email because you have expressed an interest in supporting climate action in Palo Alto. If you no
longer wish to receive these emails, please let me know.
Matt Schlegel
Organizer
Fridays For Future Palo Alto
Cell: 650-924-8923
Email: Palo-Alto@FridaysForFutureUSA.org
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fridaysforfuture_paloalto/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Fri4Future_PA
Web: https://fridaysforfutureusa.org/local-groups/palo-alto/
From:matt@evolutionaryteams.com
To:Matt Schlegel
Subject:FFF – July 7 – Fridays for Future Follow up (Week #78)
Date:Wednesday, July 12, 2023 5:42:48 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of openingattachments and clicking on links.
Paula from Avenidas thanks to Rick. Paula shared her long family history of activism. It’s always a pleasure to meet a kindredspirit! Among other things, Paula is an expert at dancing the California Twirl, so let’s encourage her to give us a lesson at anupcoming FFF.
Rick is organizing a talk on Buddhism at Avenidas this Friday after our climate vigil. We will “march” over to Avenidas at around
12:40 after we take our group picture. If you want to join us for lunch at Avenidas, please RSVP to Rick and/or me.
José joined us briefly – great to see him again and looking forward to hearing more of his stories and poetry.
Rick has created a number of memorable and catchy climate songs. You will want to hear Rick’s voice and to join us in
singing these tunes together.
Mother Earth just endured her hottest week on record since 100,000 B.C.E. because we continue to burn fossil fuels and
blanket her with heat-trapping pollution. Some scientists call this new epoch in the Earth’s history the Anthropocene. In the past,
humans used the conjunction of planets and stars to define epochs. The Anthropocene is marked by the conjunction of Coal, Oil and Gas. A
killer heat storm hits California this weekend. Please stay safe.
Keep Up the Fight and See You Friday!
Only You Can Stop Burning Fossil Fuel
Upcoming Events
Friday, July 14, Noon: Fridays for Future Palo Alto – Meet at Noon at King Plaza in front of Palo Alto City Hall and then
march over to Avenidas at 12:40.
Sunday, July 23 at 1:30 pm: Climate Friends Book Club – we will discuss All We Can Save chapters 5 & 6. Details at:
https://www.engageon.org/events
Friday, Sept 15 – GLOBAL CLIMATE STRIKE! – Time and Place: TBD
EngageOn calendar: https://www.engageon.org/events
Peninsula Peace and Justice calendar: https://peaceandjustice.org/events-calendar/
More Climate Action
Here is the slide deck from the S/CAP program presented to Palo City Council on 6/5:
https://cityofpaloalto.primegov.com/Portal/viewer?id=1869&type=2.
David Ligouy is in Tijuana fulfilling his mission of creating worker co-ops in every state in Mexico to build electric bike kits.
He seeks: 1) a technical partner to help produce the motor; 2) help to organize the management structure of the worker
co-op; and 3) cash to “prime the pump” for the first 3 months of operations. Reach out to David or me if you know
anyone who can help.
Palo Alto’s Heat Pump Water Heater Program Status
Here’s the latest data on the Heat Pump Water Heater Program:
As of:6/29 6/1 4/27 4/5
HPWH full-service interest list signups 511 488 466 432
Site assessment agreements (SAA) sent 437 399 345 125
Signed SAAs 306 280 156 70
Completed site assessments 147 111 58 22
New HPWH rebate applicants 4
Rebates paid this month 5
Installations
Full Service HPWHs installed 16 12 8 1
DYI HPWH installed TBD
Total HPWHs installed TBD
Target Installations 1000 1000
Monthly Installation Rate (as of 6/29 including DIY installations)
Current Monthly Installation Rate 9 4 7 n/a
Target Monthly Installation Rate 83 83
Weekly Photos
FFF July 7: https://photos.app.goo.gl/2XZKgq7uv29DYUp66
What We Are Watching/Listening to:
Climate One podcast: https://www.climateone.org/listen-watch/podcasts (By the way, I interviewed co-host Greg Dalton here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=epzK2e161JA )
The Great Simplification with Nate Hagens (podcast): https://www.thegreatsimplification.com/
Extrapolations (TV series): https://www.apple.com/tv-pr/originals/extrapolations/
Follow Fridays For Future Palo Alto:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fridaysforfuture_paloalto/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Fri4Future_PA
Email notifications of FFF Palo Alto events: https://mailchi.mp/c8c130127345/join-fridays-for-future-palo-alto
You are receiving this email because you have expressed an interest in supporting climate action in Palo Alto. If you no
longer wish to receive these emails, please let me know.
Matt Schlegel
Organizer
Fridays For Future Palo Alto
Cell: 650-924-8923
Email: Palo-Alto@FridaysForFutureUSA.org
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fridaysforfuture_paloalto/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Fri4Future_PA
Web: https://fridaysforfutureusa.org/local-groups/palo-alto/
From:Aram James
To:Greer Stone; Greg Tanaka; Jethroe Moore; Josh Becker; Sean Allen; Mila Zelkha; Shikada, Ed; Council, City; Shana Segal; Human
Relations Commission; Kaloma Smith; Bains, Paul; Kevin Jensen; Sheriff Transparency; dennis burns; Salem Ajluni; Jack Ajluni;
Binder, Andrew; Reifschneider, James; Wagner, April; Jeff Rosen; Jay Boyarsky; Michael Gennaco; Rebecca Eisenberg; Joe
Simitian; chuck jagoda; Perron, Zachary; Enberg, Nicholas; Javier Ortega; DuJuan Green; Angie Evans; Cindy Chavez; SupervisorSusan Ellenberg; Vara Ramakrishnan
Subject:Sign to condemn Israel’s attacks on West Bank cities
Date:Wednesday, July 12, 2023 4:15:47 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of openingattachments and clicking on links.
Aram ,
Last week, the Israeli military escalated its brutal attacks on West
Bank’s Jenin refugee camp, bombing and killing civilians (including
children), blocking medical assistance for wounded Palestinians,
shooting journalists, firing on hospitals where families sought refuge,
and destroying essential roads, water and sewage lines, and 80% of
the homes in the area.
UN officials expressed shock at the destruction and trauma in Jenin,
reporting that children in the refugee camp are now afraid to leave their
homes.[1]
Without international condemnation, Israel will continue
escalating violence and traumatizing generations of Palestinians.
Prime Minister Netanyahu said this would “not be a one-time
action.”
Although these war crimes were aided by U.S. weapons and
taxpayer dollars, President Biden has not criticized the invasion.
Instead the White House released a statement supporting Israel’s “right
to defend” itself.[2]
To be clear, there are not two equal sides here. Occupying military
powers do not have legal rights to “defend” themselves against
the people they control.
The UN Secretary-General reiterated this when responding to last
week’s assault on Jenin, noting that “Israel, as the occupying power…
has the responsibility to ensure that the [Palestinian] civilian population
is protected against all acts of violence.”[3]
The people in Jenin’s refugee camp were made refugees after 1948’s
Nakba, where 800,000 Palestinians were forced out of their
homelands. Israel’s far-right leaders have called for another Nakba, but
the Nakba never ended, with Israel’s government continuing to terrorize
and oppress the Palestinian people—who are not allowed to escape or
even become citizens.
Our country funds this violent apartheid regime. When our
political leaders stay silent, we dehumanize Palestinians and
enable more horror.
Add your name if you agree: We need more members of Congressand members of the Biden administration to speak out andcondemn Israel’s increasing attacks on Palestinians.
ADD YOUR NAME
Thank you for continuing to act for Palestinian liberation.
In solidarity,
Rashida
[1] The destruction was shocking, says high-level UNRWA officials
after visiting Jenin refugee camp
[2] Israel Killed Civilians, Targeted Hospitals in Jenin With US
Weapons and Support
[3] Israel-Palestine: UN chief strongly condemns mounting violence,
acts of terror
---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Rashida Tlaib
Date: Sat, July 8, 2023
Subject: Sign to condemn Israel’s attacks on West Bank cities
To: abjpd1@gmail.com
Aram ,
This week, the Israeli military escalated its recent deadly raids on West
Bank cities, bombing the city of Jenin and killing children in a refugee
camp.
The people who were forced to flee from the Jenin refugee camp this
week have been made refugees multiple times. They descend from
families who came to Jenin during the 1948 Nakba, when violent
militias forcibly removed close to 800,000 Indigenous Palestinians from
their homelands.
Clearly, the Israeli government is still trying to displace and erase
Palestinians. For multiple days this week, Israeli soldiers in Jenin
blocked medical assistance for wounded Palestinians by bulldozing
roads, and fired on hospitals where families sought refuge.
They destroyed 80% of Palestinian homes, cut off water and electricity,
and shot at journalists. Remember: When the military murdered
beloved Palestinian American journalist Shireen Abu Akleh last year,
she was covering a military raid on Jenin. Attacks on Jenin have
continued up through last week, and then again this week.
The U.S. government can and must hold Israel accountable for
these ongoing war crimes.
The Biden administration and Congress can refuse to send
billions of our tax dollars to the Israeli military each year. At
minimum, they can speak out and condemn these human rights
violations.
Add your name to tell Congress and the Biden administration:
Condemn this week’s war crimes, and speak out against Israel’sattacks on West Bank cities.
ADD YOUR NAME
Official military attacks have escalated dramatically this year, as have
attacks by Israeli settlers.
Top Israeli government officials have called for “another Nakba”
and have openly supported increasingly horrific and frequent
settler-led pogroms, where Israelis kill Palestinians and destroy
their homes.
To be clear: This is not a “conflict” between two equal sides, or
between two countries. Israel’s powerful government and military keep
terrorizing and oppressing the Palestinian people, who are not allowed
to escape or even become citizens.
This is an apartheid regime enacting ethnic cleansing and war
crimes with American backing, bulldozers, and bullets.
Meanwhile, U.S. officials keep trying to silence criticism of Israel.
They tried to block a UN event this year commemorating the Nakba,
and U.S. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy tried to stop an event about
the Nakba on Capitol Hill. These attempts have failed, and will continue
to fail as long as we keep speaking out.
But too many U.S. officials stay silent, and this inaction enables the
Israeli government to continue colonizing Palestinians with impunity.
Without condemnation, Israel will continue to escalate violence,
killing more Palestinians than last year—which was the deadliest
year so far. We cannot allow this unbearable status quo to
continue.
Add your name if you agree: We need more members of Congress
and members of the Biden administration to speak out andcondemn Israel’s increasing attacks on Palestinians.
ADD YOUR NAME
Thank you for taking action. We will keep fighting until Palestinians can
live freely, with human dignity and equal rights.
In solidarity,
Rashida
DONATE NOW
https://rashidaforcongress.com/
Rashida Tlaib for Congress
PO Box 32777
Detroit, MI 48232
PAID FOR BY RASHIDA TLAIB FOR
CONGRESS
Sent via ActionNetwork.org. To update your email address, change your name or address, or to stop receiving emailsfrom Rashida Tlaib for Congress, please click here.
From:Alicia Bogart
To:Council, City
Subject:NO to swapping Terman Park!
Date:Wednesday, July 12, 2023 1:46:49 PM
Some people who received this message don't often get email from aliciab@bowmanschool.org. Learn why this isimportant
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
Dear Mayor Kou and Councilmembers,
I am both a resident of Terman Apartments in Palo Alto and a teacher at Bowman School onTerman Drive. Without Terman Park, I personally have little access to green space and no
safe/easy access to biking trails which I frequent to go to the local neighborhoods, parks, anddowntown Palo Alto. This little park is a gem of nature and allows access to the local creek
too.
In my role as a teacher, I frequently take students through and to this park, down the path tothe creek to do scientific observations and give them the freedom to run and play sports on the
field. This is a bastion of nature and open space for the young people I care about so deeply aspart of my profession. As a Cross Country and Soccer coach at Bowman, I have often used
this field too for training, since our urban space is otherwise limited, and the students can'texercise their full potential in the confined space of our play yard.
I plead to you -- please save my local park and keep access open to the students of Bowman
and the surrounding schools.
Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,Alicia Bogart
--
Alicia Bogart
Teacher, Secondary
Bowman School
4000 Terman Drive
Palo Alto, CA 94306
Phone: 650-813-9131
Discover. Create. Become.
Facebook|Twitter|Instagram
Pronouns: She/Her, They/Them
Why are pronouns important?
From:Lara Ekwall
To:Lisa Robins
Cc:Anthony Secviar; Steve Ugur; mahmood saljooqi; Al Ghafouri; Dennis Kelly; Richard Corny; Council, City;
Manager zareens; Franco Campilongo; Alexa Sol; Alexandra Lee-Gardner; Arce, Ozzy; Bruce Fukuji;
Gillian@zombierunner.com; Guagliardo, Steven; Paloalto@summitbicycles.com; Ryankhalil91@gmail.com;
alecia@vinvinowine.com; berry@gamelandia.fun; bfbusinessllc@gmail.com; carolina@blossombirthandfamily.org;
cartal23@aol.com; charlie@paloaltochamber.com; chris@performancegaines.com; cv@kaligreekkitchen.com;
dc@zombierunner.com; dennis@vinvinowine.com; info@vivesol.biz; info@casualchicsalon.com;
info@italicorestaurant.com; info@galleryhouse.art; ismetsylm@gmail.com; izzysbb@gmail.com;
jinsho454calave@gmail.com; joaniescafepaloalto@gmail.com; judy@lpetal.com; kanzeman@sbcglobal.net;
labohemepaloalto@gmail.com; lifestylegoods@countrysun.com; lotusthaibistro@gmail.com;
lucia.miracchi@gmail.com; maico.campilongo@gmail.com; michael@labodeguita.com;
michaelbendicott@gmail.com; nguyenbchan@gmail.com; nguyentoanandy@gmail.com;
nick@performancegaines.com; paloalto@clubpilates.com; pastispaloalto@gmail.com; scott@countrysun.com;
umetea888@gmail.com; victoriaballetpaloalto@gmail.com; zareensrestaurant@gmail.com; Denise Sanders; Kou,
Lydia; Tanaka, Greg; Stone, Greer; Lythcott-Haims, Julie; Veenker, Vicki; Lauing, Ed; Burt, Patrick; City Mgr
Subject:Re: Car-free Streets: Cal Ave. Business Owners Focus Group
Date:Wednesday, July 12, 2023 12:42:39 PM
Attachments:Protege Logo.png
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
I am cc'ing city council to make sure they are aware of the variety of
opinions that are out there... I hope they are all able to take the time to read
this thread...
On Wed, Jul 12, 2023 at 12:00 PM Lisa Robins <lisa@vinvinowine.com> wrote:Hi All,
I'm glad to see so many people chiming in. We should form a neighborhood business
association to share ideas regularly. We have opportunities here, and they are not all or nothing.
One lane in? Closed weekends and 3rd Thursday? Semi-annual street fair? I support a vote per
business, but think we have a better chance of being heard if we speak as a group to the city.
Closing the street doesn't make it a destination. We do that. Each business on the street is a
destination or it wouldn't still be standing. The more diverse the entire district is, the better it
will be for all of us. We need a mix of services, dining and retail. The more the merrier! Access
is important, and it's limited with the street closed.
Yes, the landscape of traditional retail is changing. Even more reason to cherish the businesses
that have not disappeared. Unique retail spaces drive visitors to the neighborhood. My
customers combine visits to me with haircuts, shoe repair, (formerly) dog grooming, grocery
shopping, clothes shopping, and lunch or dinner. Again, the more reasons to come, the better.
The list of businesses that have closed over the last 3 years is much longer than what was
detailed in an earlier email, and it doesn’t just include retail.
Closing California Avenue was an emergency measure to save restaurants. I was 100% for it. It
is past time to reconsider. While I appreciate recent efforts to make the empty spaces more
usable with furniture & games, the result has been to provide a comfy space for the delivery
drivers that hang around all day.
Will someone from the city of Palo Alto give us a mini update? Is the feasibility study that the
street closure was extended for happening? Is there a target date for its
completion/presentation? Can we reconsider a marked bike lane since the traffic is there
regardless? When is the next opportunity for input? Any insight will be appreciated.
Best,
Lisa
Owner - Wine BuyerVin Vino Wine
main (650) 324-4903cell (415) 609-9938
www.vinvinowine.com
On Monday, July 10, 2023 at 06:40:28 PM PDT, Steve Ugur <steve@sekoyapaloalto.com> wrote:
I also agree with opening Cal Ave. I have already sent 2 lengthy emails in the past and I still stand by
all those points I had previously made.
I am also happy to see the business owners weighing in, and ultimately, we must support one another
despite any disagreements we may have on the direction of Cal Ave. In my opinion, more diverse
businesses are able to thrive on an open Cal Ave, where only a select few would continue to thrive on a
closed Cal Ave.
I am still having trouble understanding why we can’t just have permitted parklets on Cal Ave, while
reopening the street? This will enable a more aesthetically pleasing integration with the restaurants
they serve. It is also the best compromise. I am definitely not against outdoor dining, but it just isn’t
pleasant right now on Cal Ave. It definitely does look like a temporary street fair.
Regarding the vacant storefronts and possibly seeing them converted into restaurants. That is no cake
walk. The T.I. cost for turning a retail spot into a full service restaurant, in the Bay Area, is around $500
a square foot and that is for an average buildout. Plus, Cities simply do not like restaurants. We
(restaurants) have a much larger carbon footprint than retail shops, we use a lot more water, we
generate a lot more waste, oils, grease, etc etc… I have opened numerous restaurants from scratch
and it gets exponentially harder each time because of this.
The problem right now is Cal Ave does not have an identity because it’s been on the fence for 3 years.
Either the street needs to be closed and someone or some group needs to be in charge of maintaining
it and upholding it’s aesthetic-appeal; or the street should open to traffic with the addition of parklets.
I also agree with a vote, one per business. At least it would put this debate to rest and we can all be
certain on the future of Cal Ave.
Best regards,
Steve Ugur | Founder & Director of Ops
Sekoya Lounge & Kitchen
417 California Avenue, Palo Alto, CA 94306
www.sekoyapaloalto.com
From: Lara Ekwall <lara@labodeguita.com>
Sent: Tuesday, July 11, 2023 3:11 AM
To: Anthony Secviar <anthony@protegepaloalto.com>
Cc: mahmood saljooqi <moods.winebar@yahoo.com>; Al Ghafouri <alghafouri@gmail.com>; Dennis Kelly
<dennis@protegepaloalto.com>; Richard Corny <guitarrichie@yahoo.com>; City Council
<city.council@cityofpaloalto.org>; Manager zareens <zareensmanager@gmail.com>; Franco Campilongo
<francocampilongo@gmail.com>; Alexa Sol <alexaisabella11@gmail.com>; Alexandra Lee-Gardner
<a.leegardner@fehrandpeers.com>; Arce, Ozzy <Ozzy.Arce@cityofpaloalto.org>; Bruce Fukuji
<bruce@fukuji.com>; Gillian@zombierunner.com <Gillian@zombierunner.com>; Guagliardo, Steven
<Steven.Guagliardo@cityofpaloalto.org>; Paloalto@summitbicycles.com <Paloalto@summitbicycles.com>;
Ryankhalil91@gmail.com <Ryankhalil91@gmail.com>; alecia@vinvinowine.com <alecia@vinvinowine.com>;
berry@gamelandia.fun <berry@gamelandia.fun>; bfbusinessllc@gmail.com <bfbusinessllc@gmail.com>;
carolina@blossombirthandfamily.org <carolina@blossombirthandfamily.org>; cartal23@aol.com
<cartal23@aol.com>; charlie@paloaltochamber.com <charlie@paloaltochamber.com>;
chris@performancegaines.com <chris@performancegaines.com>; cv@kaligreekkitchen.com
<cv@kaligreekkitchen.com>; dc@zombierunner.com <dc@zombierunner.com>; dennis@vinvinowine.com
<dennis@vinvinowine.com>; info@vivesol.biz <info@vivesol.biz>; info@casualchicsalon.com
<info@casualchicsalon.com>; info@italicorestaurant.com <info@italicorestaurant.com>; info@galleryhouse.art
<info@galleryhouse.art>; ismetsylm@gmail.com <ismetsylm@gmail.com>; izzysbb@gmail.com
<izzysbb@gmail.com>; jinsho454calave@gmail.com <jinsho454calave@gmail.com>;
joaniescafepaloalto@gmail.com <joaniescafepaloalto@gmail.com>; judy@lpetal.com <judy@lpetal.com>;
kanzeman@sbcglobal.net <kanzeman@sbcglobal.net>; labohemepaloalto@gmail.com
<labohemepaloalto@gmail.com>; lifestylegoods@countrysun.com <lifestylegoods@countrysun.com>;
lisa@vinvinowine.com <lisa@vinvinowine.com>; lotusthaibistro@gmail.com <lotusthaibistro@gmail.com>;
lucia.miracchi@gmail.com <lucia.miracchi@gmail.com>; maico.campilongo@gmail.com
<maico.campilongo@gmail.com>; michael@labodeguita.com <michael@labodeguita.com>;
michaelbendicott@gmail.com <michaelbendicott@gmail.com>; nguyenbchan@gmail.com
<nguyenbchan@gmail.com>; nguyentoanandy@gmail.com <nguyentoanandy@gmail.com>;
nick@performancegaines.com <nick@performancegaines.com>; paloalto@clubpilates.com
<paloalto@clubpilates.com>; pastispaloalto@gmail.com <pastispaloalto@gmail.com>; scott@countrysun.com
<scott@countrysun.com>; umetea888@gmail.com <umetea888@gmail.com>; victoriaballetpaloalto@gmail.com
<victoriaballetpaloalto@gmail.com>; zareensrestaurant@gmail.com <zareensrestaurant@gmail.com>; Steve
Ugur <steve@sekoyapaloalto.com>; Denise Sanders <poodlegirl123@yahoo.com>
Subject: Re: Car-free Streets: Cal Ave. Business Owners Focus Group
Does anyone know if the city is even considering a one lane (or 2) into Cal
Ave? Or is this a "done deal"? Opening (at least one lane) would make it
easier for people to access the district via the El Camino turn. An open
avenue would make it easier for people to get to Cal Train/parking garage,
would be better for the disabled and elderly to utilize the street... Also,
would help support our most important anchor (in my opinion), Mollie
Stone's... Seems like it could be a reasonable compromise... Businesses
who want could still have parklets... We could all benefit from exposure to
cars, bikes and pedestrians while providing some outdoor options...
Also, I feel like not enough businesses are on this thread. If you have
neighboring shops, offices, property owners, please share. This should be
about ALL of us. Lara
On Mon, Jul 10, 2023 at 3:59 PM Anthony Secviar <anthony@protegepaloalto.com> wrote:
I could not agree more.
Open Cal Ave.
The restaurant’s will thrive with or without the closure-the diversity and character of the street will
not.
If anyone thinks the street looks appealing or has a European feel, it’s my opinion that the benefits tohis/her business are clouding judgement.
There is zero aesthetic integration of the street with the outdoor dining spaces. It feels like you’rewalking through a temporary street fair.
This street closure was an attempt to keep businesses going through a pandemic. Post pandemic ittransitioned into an experimental closure to mimic european style alfresco dining. Currently thisexperiment is hurting more businesses than it is helping and has not turned into anything attractive (inmy opinion). We should reopen the street.
We all know the headwinds and challenges retail businesses face in todays online-fanatic world. I forone would like to give them EVERY opportunity to succeed-opening the street being one of them.Retail adds to the charm, diversity and “life” of a street. Empty store fronts do not. Let’s not be foolishand think that every store vacancy will be turned into a restaurant anytime in the near future,regardless of a recent change in policy even the city can’t universally explain.
I’m committed to Cal Ave and want to see the entire street thrive, not just a handful of establishments.Everyone benefits from having a street that is attractive to all forms of tenants and businesses.
Open Cal Ave gets my vote.
With respect,
ANTHONY SECVIAR
Chef | Owner
M 707 312 0931
250 S. California Avenue
Palo Alto, California 94306
Sent from my iPhone
On Jul 10, 2023, at 3:22 PM, mahmood saljooqi <moods.winebar@yahoo.com> wrote:
Open California Ave! I’m going to upset people but the pandemic is over and all
restaurant should go back to pre pandemic rules! Stop blocking sidewalks and dis
obeying the rules that were set by the city which they have stopped enforcing. Richard
is right! It looks like the Wild West. The city mentioned they were going to model
California Ave after cities like Europe but have fallen short. The street is filled with
garbage and leaves that have piled up. Parklets would have been a good idea but they
look like someone with no experience with any construction experience built them. Give
the retailers a chance to survive. Every Restaurant owner new what space they had
when they signed the lease and no one is taking away your space but let’s give other
businesses a chance as well.
Sent from my iPhone
On Jul 10, 2023, at 1:28 PM, Al Ghafouri <alghafouri@gmail.com> wrote:
Hello everyone, I have been on cal ave over 25 years. 10 years at plantation cafe whichwas closed few years back after I sold the business and 15 years atcurrent location Printers cafe . As I mentioned before my business stilldown 50 percent from before Pandemic , on top of that they are bunch ofFood facilities right in front of cafe Every Sunday this is supposed to beFarmers Market not Food Market. Complaining to city few times nothingsis done is Shame . During the daytime on cal ave is like ghost townnothing like before pandemic. Best , Al Ghafouri Sent from my iPhone
On Jul 10, 2023, at 12:45 PM, Dennis Kelly
<dennis@protegepaloalto.com> wrote:
I’m glad to see so many business owners weighing-in on
this forum. Too many have sat on the sidelines due to their
frustration with the process over the past couple of years.
It appears to me that business owners who are benefiting
from additional seating capacity support the street closure.
Those who are suffering from the lack of storefront access
for drivers are in favor of opening up the street to
automobiles. Makes perfect sense.
We believe every business on Cal Ave and its cross-streets
(ex. True Salon, Bistro Elan, Café Pro Bono, Nachmarkt,
etc…) deserves a voice in this crucial decision. This issue
should be decided through a vote of those who invest their
time, money and financial futures into our street on a daily
basis… The business owners.
The question is obvious: Should California Avenue open to
automobiles in 2024? Each and every business should get
ONE single vote and the voting ballot should be
PUBLISHED so that the process is fully transparent.
Not every business will be fully satisfied in the end, but a
rising tide lifts all boats. So why not put it to a published
vote by the businesses and the majority rules?
Thank you very much for your consideration.
DENNIS KELLY, MS
Master Sommelier | Owner
M 707.291.1607
250 California Avenue
Palo Alto, CA 94306
RESERVATIONS
INSTAGRAM
On Jul 10, 2023, at 11:24 AM, Richard Corny<guitarrichie@yahoo.com> wrote:
Easy for businesses that benefit from the closure to say
that.
My business will thrive no matter what and this is my lastemail about the closure, sorry to have disrupted your timeand sorry for the long email but I speak from the heart.
It’s nice to see in writing how people feel so thank you.Some of you don’t want the street to reopen and want to usto “Move Forward” I take that as close minded, slightly greedy and slightlydisrespectful . A move forward would be to reopen and stopdwelling on a street closure that looks like a disorganizedWild West and a construction zone after 3 years. Asneighbors we should be able to compromise.
Our family has been doing business on the street since1940 and at our current location since 1985.We have survived wars, recessions, dot com bust, financialcrisis, street remodels and a pandemic. On the other hand we have seen countless restaurantscome and go, as well as retail, pharmacies, hardwarestores and salons. We think a reopen (even a one way ) would make it fair foreveryone and not just a few businesses and make it invitingfor more diverse new businesses to want to open up on CalAve. Also to make it easier for my elder customers to get tomy store. And that’s our opinion.
Our business is a necessity, no one does what we do formiles. We serve to the wealthy as well as the poor. We dorepairs for all the local high end stores like Wilkes,Bloomingdales, Louis Vuitton etc…. Doctors recommend us to their patients. People send us repair from all over the country and wehave customers that travel from all over the bay. I’m as versatile as it gets. And as thriving as can thrive.Luckily I don’t have to adjust my hours accordingly and feelsorry for businesses that have to. I also don’t need any lessons on my retail business frompeople who clearly benefit from the closure.
Thank you Good luck to everyone
Respectfully CFO of The Cobblery LLC
Sent from my iPhone
On Jul 8, 2023, at 5:03 PM, Jess
<Jessicasadee@gmail.com> wrote:
Sent from my iPhone
On Jul 8, 2023, at 9:22 AM,
Manager zareens
<zareensmanager@gmail.com>
wrote:
Hi Everyone
Keeping Cal Ave. closed willmake it a destination for friendsand family to hangout which willbe good for all businesses andlandlords. City of Palo Alto isalso helping us bring foot trafficto our downtown.
With the new parking reform
law, AB 2097 that was passed
this year, retail is now allowed
to convert to restaurant easily
so hopefully we will see less
‘for lease’ signs and more
restaurants on this street soon!
I believe in the potential of Cal
Ave. and this is the reason why
we are expanding our foot print
here.
Best,
Zareen Khan
Owner/Chefwww.zareensrestaurant.com
On Jul 7, 2023, at 11:40 AM,
Franco Campilongo<francocampilongo@gmail.com>
wrote:
Fellow business owners
I appreciate your perspectiveand willingness to share your
thoughts. It's true that
businesses often face
challenges and need to adaptto changing circumstances,such as the acceleratedbusiness model changesbrought by the pandemic. It'salso important to recognize thatnot all businesses are able toadapt quickly or survive thechanges.
The shift towards remote workand the overall decrease in in-office workers has had asignificant impact on the retailindustry. The rise of onlineshopping has been acceleratedby several factors, including theconvenience it offers and thepotential for cost savings. As aresult, retailers have beenadapting to these changes byinvesting in their onlinepresence, expanding their e-commerce capabilities, andoptimizing their websites for aseamless shopping experience.
While political decisions can bechallenging to satisfy everyone,it's important for cities to weighthe potential benefits anddrawbacks of such decisions.From my perspective, closing adead-end street to car trafficcan present a significantopportunity for the city of PaloAlto if implemented effectively.
Terun sales Ref to 20192019 = 100%2020 = - 40% (mostly take out)2021 = + 25% (partially on takeout only)2022 = + 40%2023 = + 60% projected
Italico Sales Ref to 20192019 = 100%2020 = - 70% (closed fewmonths)2021 = - 50% (closed a month)Added Pizza to the Menu2022 = + 20% 2023 = + 40% projected
I believe that, based on my
economic analysis, it would be
beneficial for the street toremain closed and for theongoing project to continue,making it an extraordinaryspace, especially consideringthe availability of now sufficientparking spaces. I acknowledge that thisconfiguration may favorrestaurants, and I believe thatthe direction of CaliforniaAvenue becoming a restaurantrow aligns with what I think andhear the community desires.Terun and Italico have madesubstantial investments inoutdoor furniture andbeautification of our front streetspace, aiming to provide anenjoyable experience for gueststhat is on par with, if not betterthan, being inside therestaurant.I also understand that somebusinesses may have heldback on investments due toawaiting final decisions fromthe City.
Regarding empty spaces:
1. Subway was replaced by
another successful
business
2. Former Spalti (empty
way before pandemic) is
being replaced by a
restaurant that will thrive
3. Old Theatre (former
Zombie runner) is a hard
to take lease
4. Former bakery also hard
lease to take (Empty pre
pandemic)
5. Starbucks wanted to
leave in 2019 already,
Zareen is taking over
that space
6. Former Pastis being
replaced by an Indian
restaurant
7. Bank of the West was
going to be replaced by
SVB (we all know what
happened)
8. Nut house being
replaced with a fresherproject
The street closure is not the
primary cause of the empty
spaces on California Avenue.
It's important to consider
multiple factors that may
contribute to vacant spaces,
and it seems that, from my
observation, the closure of the
street is not the main driver.
It's evident that I have a strong
belief in the potential of
California Avenue and have
taken proactive steps to
enhance the customer
experience in my
establishments.
I am confident that my
restaurants will thrive
regardless of the street's status.
However, I believe that there is
a significant opportunity for
greater success for California
Avenue by keeping it closed to
car traffic.
I think we should be shifting the
focus towards the future and
discussing strategies to make
California Avenue attractive in
the interim. Dwelling too much
on past issues might hinder
progress, so it's important to
look forward and identify
actionable steps to enhance the
appeal of the area.
Thank you
Ciao
Franco Campilongo and
Terun/Italico family
On Thu, Jul 6, 2023 at 4:29 PM
Alexa Sol
<alexaisabella11@gmail.com>
wrote:
Do we have any update on
that last meeting that we had
with the street design? I
remember everyone was
interested in a one way open
road ? Or what was the
consensus on the options?
I apologize I have been out ofthe loop and I agree that thestreet is looking pretty sad outthere with all the for leaselocations, construction, emptyoffices and still an incohesivestrategy and decisionmaking. I wish everyone the best andappreciate all the efforts youare each taking formaintaining your business forour community.
On Thu, Jul 6, 2023 at 9:48AM Al Ghafouri<alghafouri@gmail.com>
wrote:Hello All , This is Al from printers cafeour catering and walk incustomer still is down 50percent from 2019 prepandemic California ave isnot the same any more isactually depressing to se noone on street .of course alloffices in the area areclosed that’s not help either.Al Sent from my iPhone
On Jul 6,
2023, at 9:38
AM, Richard
Corny
<guitarrichie@yahoo.com>
wrote:
Hello and
thank you all
for your time
as always
It is strange to
me that Palo
Alto wants to
relax the ban
in chain
stores around
Cal Ave and
such when
we lost two of
the biggest
chains out
there,STARBUCKSandSUBWAY.Multi billiondollarbusinessescouldn’tsurvive on ourstreet with ourlack of foottraffic. Don’tget me wrongStarbucksgoing out isgreat for thesmall momand popscoffee shops,as it shouldbe. But torelax the bigchain laws isa biglaughablemistake. Nobig chains isgoing to openon a deadclosed street.They’d rathergo to the mallor town andcountry typeplaces. Andas of nowwe’re down 2big chain onour street. Sowhere’s theirreplacements?lolBy the waythe doordashdrivers havetaken thebank parkinglot and someof the nicechairs andtables you putout. Doesn’tdo any goodfor mybusiness but
great for them
and the
restaurants. And my retailis still 35%down fromlast yearwhich wasalreadyterrible and50% downfrom pre-Covid by theway. Worsethan duringthe financialcrisis. If itwasn’t for myshoe repairservices Iwould haveclosedalready. As usual I amfor areopening ofthe street.Somethingthat wouldbenefit mybusiness andnot just therestaurants.
Thank youand good luckto everyoneout there.
--
Alexa Sol
Quinto Sol
2201 Broadway
Redwood City
6503655765
www.quintosol.ca
Sun of Wolf
406 S. California Ave
Palo Alto
www.sunofwolfpa.com
contact@sunofwolfpa.com
--
Franco Campilongo
Owner Terún Pizzeria
448 California Ave
Palo Alto CA 94306
Tel. 650 6008310 info@terunpizza.com
www.terunpizza.com
Owner iTalico Restaurant & Wine
Bar
341 California Ave
Palo Alto CA 94306
Tel. 650 4739616
info@italicorestaurant.com
www.italicorestaurant.com
From:Aram James
To:Perron, Zachary; Sean Allen; Josh Becker; Jethroe Moore; Mila Zelkha; Shikada, Ed; Council, City; Shana Segal;Binder, Andrew; Wagner, April; Jeff Rosen; Human Relations Commission; Joe Simitian; Figueroa, Eric; Tannock,Julie; Reifschneider, James; Rebecca Eisenberg; chuck jagoda; Vara Ramakrishnan
Subject:‘Reparation Is Due:’ California Task Force Delivers 115 Recommendations in Final Report
Date:Wednesday, July 12, 2023 12:09:13 PM
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NewsBreakUsed by over 45 million people Open APP
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Recommendations in Final Report
Click to read the full story
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From:Friends of the Palo Alto Junior Museum & Zoo
To:Council, City
Subject:Exhibit Spotlight: The Building Blocks Exhibit
Date:Wednesday, July 12, 2023 12:04:11 PM
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Summer Updates from the JMZJuly 12, 2023
Hello Friends,
Summer is in full swing at the JMZ! Come see the new Fly River turtles, living in theCichlid Tank. These fascinating creatures resemble sea turtles, making them very fun towatch up close in the small tunnel next to the aquarium.
This month, we take a look at the JMZ’s soon to be revamped block exhibit, which willinvite young visitors to explore their curiosity in new ways. The City of Palo Alto continues
to fundraise for exhibits through its Commemorative Block Campaign. A commemorativeblock becomes part of a community donor wall in the JMZ’s exhibit hall, and is displayedfor a minimum of 15 years. Click here for more information or to purchase acommemorative block.
We hope you will join the Friends on Tuesday, July 25 between 3:30 - 4:30 p.m. in theJMZ’s Courtyard for an ice cream treat. Friends’ visitor events are free with admission;please remember to purchase tickets to the Palo Alto Junior Museum & Zoo in advance.
We hope to see you at the JMZ soon!
Lauren AngeloPresident, Friends of the Palo Alto Junior Museum & Zoo
Exhibit Spotlight: The Building Blocks ExhibitQuestions for Tina Keegan, JMZ Exhibits Director
Tell us about the building blocks exhibit. What makes it special?
All of the exhibits at the Palo Alto Junior Museum & Zoo are interactive and allow children
to explore science concepts through play. The building blocks exhibit is a great example of
this, and is one of our most popular exhibits. By stacking different blocks and shapes
together, children are introduced to engineering concepts that serve as a solid foundation
for more complex STEM topics. Young visitors are very engaged with the block exhibit. It
is not uncommon to see children building their own unique structures and even
collaborating with other children. Giving kids the opportunity to play off of one another’s
ideas is a great exercise in the importance of teamwork. The blocks are wonderful for
learning, both academically and socially.
How is the building blocks exhibit being revamped?
We designed the building blocks area with the flexibility to change the building activity. Wecreate something custom along with an off-the-shelf block to enhance play and offersomething unique that a child won’t have at their home or school.
Our magnetic Tegu blocks will be retired at the end of this year to introduce Squigz. These
toys are flexible and stick to one another with suction-cups. Bendable Squigz can create
new shapes like rocket ships or animals or bridges. We watched kids playing with Squiqz
and noticed them building cool structures on windows. Using their play as inspiration, we
added colorful tubes, spheres, and plastic to inspire kids to build between structures. The
large window will be transformed to a giant canvas with prismatic stickers to beckon
creativity.
Come see our young engineers and artists build something exceptional!
A young visitor builds with Squigz.
Rendering of what the new block play area will look like.
Can you tell us more about commemorative blocks?
Commemorative blocks are inscribed wood blocks displayed on the JMZ’s community
donor wall, near the block play area at the end of the exhibit hall. Purchasing a block for
our wall helps support new exhibits, including our building blocks area, while also fostering
a sense of community. These blocks will be part of the JMZ for a minimum of 15 years.
Commemorative blocks are customizable, so when you look at the wall, you see a rangeof inspirational quotes, dedications, and even some animals. These blocks have beenvery popular amongst our community.
The opportunity to purchase a block will soon close, and we have only a limited number ofblocks left. If you are interested in donating a block, please visit our block campaignwebpage.
California Dinosaur Garden Update
Artists from Blue Rhino Studio are sculpting the final versions of the dinosaurs for the
California Dinosaur Garden exhibit, opening this fall. These replicas are incredibly
detailed, especially features like feathers, scales and eyes. Many of the dinosaurs
featured are in dynamic poses that show how they would have interacted with their
environment. For example, the Ichthyornis bird (pictured below) has a small fish in its
mouth, giving visitors a glimpse into their diet. The goal of this exhibit is to give visitors a
glimpse into the biodiversity of prehistoric California. This rich variety of life was critical for
a healthy planet, just as it is today.Through these kinds of exhibits, we hope to inspire the
conservationists of the future.
Interested in learning more about the California Dinosaur Garden? Read our recent
Behind the Scenes and the Exhibit Preview from last year. Thank you to our generous
supporters for making this exhibit a reality.
Photo of the Ichthyornis replica holding a fish in its beak. Photo credit of Blue RhinoStudio.
Photo of an artist shaping the foot of the Saurornitholestes. Photo credit of Blue RhinoStudio.
Friends of the Palo Alto Junior Museum & Zooinfo@friendsjmz.org | www.friendsjmz.org
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From:Lisa Robins
To:Lara Ekwall; Anthony Secviar; Steve Ugur
Cc:mahmood saljooqi; Al Ghafouri; Dennis Kelly; Richard Corny; Council, City; Manager zareens; Franco
Campilongo; Alexa Sol; Alexandra Lee-Gardner; Arce, Ozzy; Bruce Fukuji; Gillian@zombierunner.com;
Guagliardo, Steven; Paloalto@summitbicycles.com; Ryankhalil91@gmail.com; alecia@vinvinowine.com;
berry@gamelandia.fun; bfbusinessllc@gmail.com; carolina@blossombirthandfamily.org; cartal23@aol.com;
charlie@paloaltochamber.com; chris@performancegaines.com; cv@kaligreekkitchen.com;
dc@zombierunner.com; dennis@vinvinowine.com; info@vivesol.biz; info@casualchicsalon.com;
info@italicorestaurant.com; info@galleryhouse.art; ismetsylm@gmail.com; izzysbb@gmail.com;
jinsho454calave@gmail.com; joaniescafepaloalto@gmail.com; judy@lpetal.com; kanzeman@sbcglobal.net;
labohemepaloalto@gmail.com; lifestylegoods@countrysun.com; lotusthaibistro@gmail.com;
lucia.miracchi@gmail.com; maico.campilongo@gmail.com; michael@labodeguita.com;
michaelbendicott@gmail.com; nguyenbchan@gmail.com; nguyentoanandy@gmail.com;
nick@performancegaines.com; paloalto@clubpilates.com; pastispaloalto@gmail.com; scott@countrysun.com;
umetea888@gmail.com; victoriaballetpaloalto@gmail.com; zareensrestaurant@gmail.com; Denise Sanders
Subject:Re: Car-free Streets: Cal Ave. Business Owners Focus Group
Date:Wednesday, July 12, 2023 12:03:43 PM
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Hi All,
I'm glad to see so many people chiming in. We should form a neighborhood business association
to share ideas regularly. We have opportunities here, and they are not all or nothing. One lane in?
Closed weekends and 3rd Thursday? Semi-annual street fair? I support a vote per business, but
think we have a better chance of being heard if we speak as a group to the city.
Closing the street doesn't make it a destination. We do that. Each business on the street is a
destination or it wouldn't still be standing. The more diverse the entire district is, the better it willbe for all of us. We need a mix of services, dining and retail. The more the merrier! Access is
important, and it's limited with the street closed.
Yes, the landscape of traditional retail is changing. Even more reason to cherish the businesses
that have not disappeared. Unique retail spaces drive visitors to the neighborhood. My customerscombine visits to me with haircuts, shoe repair, (formerly) dog grooming, grocery shopping,
clothes shopping, and lunch or dinner. Again, the more reasons to come, the better. The list ofbusinesses that have closed over the last 3 years is much longer than what was detailed in an
earlier email, and it doesn’t just include retail.
Closing California Avenue was an emergency measure to save restaurants. I was 100% for it. It is
past time to reconsider. While I appreciate recent efforts to make the empty spaces more usablewith furniture & games, the result has been to provide a comfy space for the delivery drivers that
hang around all day.
Will someone from the city of Palo Alto give us a mini update? Is the feasibility study that thestreet closure was extended for happening? Is there a target date for its completion/presentation?
Can we reconsider a marked bike lane since the traffic is there regardless? When is the nextopportunity for input? Any insight will be appreciated.
Best,
Lisa
Owner - Wine BuyerVin Vino Wine
main (650) 324-4903cell (415) 609-9938
www.vinvinowine.com
On Monday, July 10, 2023 at 06:40:28 PM PDT, Steve Ugur <steve@sekoyapaloalto.com> wrote:
I also agree with opening Cal Ave. I have already sent 2 lengthy emails in the past and I still stand by all
those points I had previously made.
I am also happy to see the business owners weighing in, and ultimately, we must support one another
despite any disagreements we may have on the direction of Cal Ave. In my opinion, more diverse
businesses are able to thrive on an open Cal Ave, where only a select few would continue to thrive on a
closed Cal Ave.
I am still having trouble understanding why we can’t just have permitted parklets on Cal Ave, while
reopening the street? This will enable a more aesthetically pleasing integration with the restaurants they
serve. It is also the best compromise. I am definitely not against outdoor dining, but it just isn’t pleasant
right now on Cal Ave. It definitely does look like a temporary street fair.
Regarding the vacant storefronts and possibly seeing them converted into restaurants. That is no cake
walk. The T.I. cost for turning a retail spot into a full service restaurant, in the Bay Area, is around $500 a
square foot and that is for an average buildout. Plus, Cities simply do not like restaurants. We
(restaurants) have a much larger carbon footprint than retail shops, we use a lot more water, we generate
a lot more waste, oils, grease, etc etc… I have opened numerous restaurants from scratch and it gets
exponentially harder each time because of this.
The problem right now is Cal Ave does not have an identity because it’s been on the fence for 3 years.
Either the street needs to be closed and someone or some group needs to be in charge of maintaining it
and upholding it’s aesthetic-appeal; or the street should open to traffic with the addition of parklets.
I also agree with a vote, one per business. At least it would put this debate to rest and we can all be
certain on the future of Cal Ave.
Best regards,
Steve Ugur | Founder & Director of Ops
Sekoya Lounge & Kitchen
417 California Avenue, Palo Alto, CA 94306
www.sekoyapaloalto.com
From: Lara Ekwall <lara@labodeguita.com>
Sent: Tuesday, July 11, 2023 3:11 AM
To: Anthony Secviar <anthony@protegepaloalto.com>
Cc: mahmood saljooqi <moods.winebar@yahoo.com>; Al Ghafouri <alghafouri@gmail.com>; Dennis Kelly
<dennis@protegepaloalto.com>; Richard Corny <guitarrichie@yahoo.com>; City Council
<city.council@cityofpaloalto.org>; Manager zareens <zareensmanager@gmail.com>; Franco Campilongo
<francocampilongo@gmail.com>; Alexa Sol <alexaisabella11@gmail.com>; Alexandra Lee-Gardner
<a.leegardner@fehrandpeers.com>; Arce, Ozzy <Ozzy.Arce@cityofpaloalto.org>; Bruce Fukuji <bruce@fukuji.com>;
Gillian@zombierunner.com <Gillian@zombierunner.com>; Guagliardo, Steven
<Steven.Guagliardo@cityofpaloalto.org>; Paloalto@summitbicycles.com <Paloalto@summitbicycles.com>;
Ryankhalil91@gmail.com <Ryankhalil91@gmail.com>; alecia@vinvinowine.com <alecia@vinvinowine.com>;
berry@gamelandia.fun <berry@gamelandia.fun>; bfbusinessllc@gmail.com <bfbusinessllc@gmail.com>;
carolina@blossombirthandfamily.org <carolina@blossombirthandfamily.org>; cartal23@aol.com
<cartal23@aol.com>; charlie@paloaltochamber.com <charlie@paloaltochamber.com>;
chris@performancegaines.com <chris@performancegaines.com>; cv@kaligreekkitchen.com
<cv@kaligreekkitchen.com>; dc@zombierunner.com <dc@zombierunner.com>; dennis@vinvinowine.com
<dennis@vinvinowine.com>; info@vivesol.biz <info@vivesol.biz>; info@casualchicsalon.com
<info@casualchicsalon.com>; info@italicorestaurant.com <info@italicorestaurant.com>; info@galleryhouse.art
<info@galleryhouse.art>; ismetsylm@gmail.com <ismetsylm@gmail.com>; izzysbb@gmail.com
<izzysbb@gmail.com>; jinsho454calave@gmail.com <jinsho454calave@gmail.com>;
joaniescafepaloalto@gmail.com <joaniescafepaloalto@gmail.com>; judy@lpetal.com <judy@lpetal.com>;
kanzeman@sbcglobal.net <kanzeman@sbcglobal.net>; labohemepaloalto@gmail.com
<labohemepaloalto@gmail.com>; lifestylegoods@countrysun.com <lifestylegoods@countrysun.com>;
lisa@vinvinowine.com <lisa@vinvinowine.com>; lotusthaibistro@gmail.com <lotusthaibistro@gmail.com>;
lucia.miracchi@gmail.com <lucia.miracchi@gmail.com>; maico.campilongo@gmail.com
<maico.campilongo@gmail.com>; michael@labodeguita.com <michael@labodeguita.com>;
michaelbendicott@gmail.com <michaelbendicott@gmail.com>; nguyenbchan@gmail.com
<nguyenbchan@gmail.com>; nguyentoanandy@gmail.com <nguyentoanandy@gmail.com>;
nick@performancegaines.com <nick@performancegaines.com>; paloalto@clubpilates.com
<paloalto@clubpilates.com>; pastispaloalto@gmail.com <pastispaloalto@gmail.com>; scott@countrysun.com
<scott@countrysun.com>; umetea888@gmail.com <umetea888@gmail.com>; victoriaballetpaloalto@gmail.com
<victoriaballetpaloalto@gmail.com>; zareensrestaurant@gmail.com <zareensrestaurant@gmail.com>; Steve Ugur
<steve@sekoyapaloalto.com>; Denise Sanders <poodlegirl123@yahoo.com>
Subject: Re: Car-free Streets: Cal Ave. Business Owners Focus Group
Does anyone know if the city is even considering a one lane (or 2) into Cal
Ave? Or is this a "done deal"? Opening (at least one lane) would make it
easier for people to access the district via the El Camino turn. An open
avenue would make it easier for people to get to Cal Train/parking garage,
would be better for the disabled and elderly to utilize the street... Also, would
help support our most important anchor (in my opinion), Mollie Stone's...
Seems like it could be a reasonable compromise... Businesses who want
could still have parklets... We could all benefit from exposure to cars, bikes
and pedestrians while providing some outdoor options...
Also, I feel like not enough businesses are on this thread. If you have
neighboring shops, offices, property owners, please share. This should be
about ALL of us. Lara
On Mon, Jul 10, 2023 at 3:59 PM Anthony Secviar <anthony@protegepaloalto.com> wrote:
I could not agree more.
Open Cal Ave.
The restaurant’s will thrive with or without the closure-the diversity and character of the street will not.
If anyone thinks the street looks appealing or has a European feel, it’s my opinion that the benefits to
his/her business are clouding judgement.
There is zero aesthetic integration of the street with the outdoor dining spaces. It feels like you’re
walking through a temporary street fair.
This street closure was an attempt to keep businesses going through a pandemic. Post pandemic ittransitioned into an experimental closure to mimic european style alfresco dining. Currently thisexperiment is hurting more businesses than it is helping and has not turned into anything attractive (inmy opinion). We should reopen the street.
We all know the headwinds and challenges retail businesses face in todays online-fanatic world. I forone would like to give them EVERY opportunity to succeed-opening the street being one of them. Retailadds to the charm, diversity and “life” of a street. Empty store fronts do not. Let’s not be foolish andthink that every store vacancy will be turned into a restaurant anytime in the near future, regardless of arecent change in policy even the city can’t universally explain.
I’m committed to Cal Ave and want to see the entire street thrive, not just a handful of establishments.Everyone benefits from having a street that is attractive to all forms of tenants and businesses.
Open Cal Ave gets my vote.
With respect,
ANTHONY SECVIAR
Chef | Owner
M 707 312 0931
250 S. California Avenue
Palo Alto, California 94306
Sent from my iPhone
On Jul 10, 2023, at 3:22 PM, mahmood saljooqi <moods.winebar@yahoo.com> wrote:
Open California Ave! I’m going to upset people but the pandemic is over and all
restaurant should go back to pre pandemic rules! Stop blocking sidewalks and dis
obeying the rules that were set by the city which they have stopped enforcing. Richard is
right! It looks like the Wild West. The city mentioned they were going to model California
Ave after cities like Europe but have fallen short. The street is filled with garbage and
leaves that have piled up. Parklets would have been a good idea but they look like
someone with no experience with any construction experience built them. Give the
retailers a chance to survive. Every Restaurant owner new what space they had when
they signed the lease and no one is taking away your space but let’s give other
businesses a chance as well.
Sent from my iPhone
On Jul 10, 2023, at 1:28 PM, Al Ghafouri <alghafouri@gmail.com> wrote:
Hello everyone,
I have been on cal ave over 25 years. 10 years at plantation cafe which wasclosed few years back after I sold the business and 15 years at currentlocation Printers cafe . As I mentioned before my business still down 50percent from before Pandemic , on top of that they are bunch of Foodfacilities right in front of cafe Every Sunday this is supposed to be FarmersMarket not Food Market. Complaining to city few times nothings is done isShame . During the daytime on cal ave is like ghost town nothing like beforepandemic. Best , Al Ghafouri Sent from my iPhone
On Jul 10, 2023, at 12:45 PM, Dennis Kelly
<dennis@protegepaloalto.com> wrote:
I’m glad to see so many business owners weighing-in on this
forum. Too many have sat on the sidelines due to their
frustration with the process over the past couple of years.
It appears to me that business owners who are benefiting
from additional seating capacity support the street closure.
Those who are suffering from the lack of storefront access for
drivers are in favor of opening up the street to automobiles.
Makes perfect sense.
We believe every business on Cal Ave and its cross-streets
(ex. True Salon, Bistro Elan, Café Pro Bono, Nachmarkt,
etc…) deserves a voice in this crucial decision. This issue
should be decided through a vote of those who invest their
time, money and financial futures into our street on a daily
basis… The business owners.
The question is obvious: Should California Avenue open to
automobiles in 2024? Each and every business should get
ONE single vote and the voting ballot should be PUBLISHED
so that the process is fully transparent.
Not every business will be fully satisfied in the end, but a
rising tide lifts all boats. So why not put it to a published vote
by the businesses and the majority rules?
Thank you very much for your consideration.
DENNIS KELLY, MS
Master Sommelier | Owner
M 707.291.1607
250 California Avenue
Palo Alto, CA 94306
RESERVATIONSINSTAGRAM
On Jul 10, 2023, at 11:24 AM, Richard Corny
<guitarrichie@yahoo.com> wrote:
Easy for businesses that benefit from the closure to say that.
My business will thrive no matter what and this is my last
email about the closure, sorry to have disrupted your time and
sorry for the long email but I speak from the heart.
It’s nice to see in writing how people feel so thank you. Some
of you don’t want the street to reopen and want to us to “Move
Forward”
I take that as close minded, slightly greedy and slightly
disrespectful . A move forward would be to reopen and stop
dwelling on a street closure that looks like a disorganized
Wild West and a construction zone after 3 years. As
neighbors we should be able to compromise.
Our family has been doing business on the street since 1940
and at our current location since 1985.
We have survived wars, recessions, dot com bust, financial
crisis, street remodels and a pandemic.
On the other hand we have seen countless restaurants come
and go, as well as retail, pharmacies, hardware stores and
salons.
We think a reopen (even a one way ) would make it fair for
everyone and not just a few businesses and make it inviting
for more diverse new businesses to want to open up on Cal
Ave. Also to make it easier for my elder customers to get to
my store.
And that’s our opinion.
Our business is a necessity, no one does what we do for
miles. We serve to the wealthy as well as the poor. We do
repairs for all the local high end stores like Wilkes,
Bloomingdales, Louis Vuitton etc….
Doctors recommend us to their patients.
People send us repair from all over the country and we have
customers that travel from all over the bay.
I’m as versatile as it gets. And as thriving as can thrive.
Luckily I don’t have to adjust my hours accordingly and feel
sorry for businesses that have to.
I also don’t need any lessons on my retail business from
people who clearly benefit from the closure.
Thank you
Good luck to everyone
Respectfully
CFO of The Cobblery LLC
Sent from my iPhone
On Jul 8, 2023, at 5:03 PM, Jess<Jessicasadee@gmail.com> wrote:
Sent from my iPhone
On Jul 8, 2023, at 9:22 AM,
Manager zareens
<zareensmanager@gmail.com>
wrote:
Hi Everyone
Keeping Cal Ave. closed will
make it a destination for friends
and family to hangout which will
be good for all businesses and
landlords. City of Palo Alto is also
helping us bring foot traffic to our
downtown.
With the new parking reform
law, AB 2097 that was passed
this year, retail is now allowed to
convert to restaurant easily so
hopefully we will see less ‘for
lease’ signs and more restaurants
on this street soon!
I believe in the potential of Cal
Ave. and this is the reason why
we are expanding our foot print
here.
Best,
Zareen Khan
Owner/Chefwww.zareensrestaurant.com
On Jul 7, 2023, at 11:40 AM,
Franco Campilongo
<francocampilongo@gmail.com>
wrote:
Fellow business owners
I appreciate your perspective and
willingness to share your
thoughts. It's true that businesses
often face challenges and need to
adapt to changing circumstances,
such as the accelerated business
model changes brought by the
pandemic. It's also important to
recognize that not all businesses
are able to adapt quickly or
survive the changes.
The shift towards remote workand the overall decrease in in-office workers has had asignificant impact on the retailindustry. The rise of onlineshopping has been acceleratedby several factors, including theconvenience it offers and thepotential for cost savings. As aresult, retailers have beenadapting to these changes byinvesting in their online presence,expanding their e-commercecapabilities, and optimizing theirwebsites for a seamless shoppingexperience.
While political decisions can bechallenging to satisfy everyone,it's important for cities to weighthe potential benefits anddrawbacks of such decisions.From my perspective, closing adead-end street to car traffic canpresent a significant opportunityfor the city of Palo Alto ifimplemented effectively.
Terun sales Ref to 20192019 = 100%2020 = - 40% (mostly take out)2021 = + 25% (partially on takeout only)2022 = + 40%2023 = + 60% projected
Italico Sales Ref to 20192019 = 100%2020 = - 70% (closed fewmonths)2021 = - 50% (closed a month)Added Pizza to the Menu2022 = + 20% 2023 = + 40% projected
I believe that, based on myeconomic analysis, it would bebeneficial for the street to remainclosed and for the ongoing projectto continue, making it anextraordinary space, especiallyconsidering the availability of nowsufficient parking spaces. I acknowledge that this
configuration may favor
restaurants, and I believe that the
direction of California Avenuebecoming a restaurant rowaligns with what I think and hearthe community desires.Terun and Italico have madesubstantial investments in outdoorfurniture and beautification of ourfront street space, aiming toprovide an enjoyable experiencefor guests that is on par with, ifnot better than, being inside therestaurant.I also understand that somebusinesses may have held backon investments due to awaitingfinal decisions from the City.
Regarding empty spaces:
1. Subway was replaced by
another successful
business
2. Former Spalti (empty way
before pandemic) is being
replaced by a restaurant
that will thrive
3. Old Theatre (former
Zombie runner) is a hard to
take lease
4. Former bakery also hard
lease to take (Empty pre
pandemic)
5. Starbucks wanted to leave
in 2019 already, Zareen is
taking over that space
6. Former Pastis being
replaced by an Indian
restaurant
7. Bank of the West was
going to be replaced by
SVB (we all know what
happened)
8. Nut house being replaced
with a fresher project
The street closure is not the
primary cause of the empty
spaces on California Avenue. It's
important to consider multiple
factors that may contribute to
vacant spaces, and it seems that,
from my observation, the closure
of the street is not the main driver.
It's evident that I have a strong
belief in the potential of California
Avenue and have taken proactive
steps to enhance the customer
experience in my establishments.
I am confident that my restaurants
will thrive regardless of the
street's status. However, I believe
that there is a significant
opportunity for greater success
for California Avenue by keeping
it closed to car traffic.
I think we should be shifting the
focus towards the future and
discussing strategies to make
California Avenue attractive in the
interim. Dwelling too much on
past issues might hinder
progress, so it's important to look
forward and identify actionable
steps to enhance the appeal of
the area.
Thank you
Ciao
Franco Campilongo and
Terun/Italico family
On Thu, Jul 6, 2023 at 4:29 PM
Alexa Sol
<alexaisabella11@gmail.com>
wrote:
Do we have any update on that
last meeting that we had with
the street design? I remember
everyone was interested in a
one way open road ? Or what
was the consensus on the
options?
I apologize I have been out of
the loop and I agree that the
street is looking pretty sad out
there with all the for lease
locations, construction, empty
offices and still an incohesive
strategy and decision making.
I wish everyone the best and
appreciate all the efforts you are
each taking for maintaining
your business for our
community.
On Thu, Jul 6, 2023 at 9:48 AM
Al Ghafouri
<alghafouri@gmail.com> wrote:
Hello All ,
This is Al from printers cafe
our catering and walk incustomer still is down 50percent from 2019 prepandemic California ave is notthe same any more is actuallydepressing to se no one onstreet .of course all offices inthe area are closed that’s nothelp either. Al Sent from my iPhone
On Jul 6, 2023,
at 9:38 AM,
Richard Corny
<guitarrichie@yahoo.com>
wrote:
Hello and thank
you all for your
time as always
It is strange to
me that Palo
Alto wants to
relax the ban in
chain stores
around Cal Ave
and such when
we lost two of
the biggest
chains out
there,
STARBUCKS
and SUBWAY.
Multi billion
dollar
businesses
couldn’t survive
on our street
with our lack of
foot traffic. Don’t
get me wrong
Starbucks going
out is great for
the small mom
and pops coffee
shops, as it
should be. But
to relax the big
chain laws is a
big laughable
mistake. No big
chains is going
to open on a
dead closed
street. They’drather go to themall or townand countrytype places.And as of nowwe’re down 2big chain on ourstreet. Sowhere’s theirreplacements?lolBy the way thedoordashdrivers havetaken the bankparking lot andsome of thenice chairs andtables you putout. Doesn’t doany good for mybusiness butgreat for themand therestaurants. And my retail isstill 35% downfrom last yearwhich wasalready terribleand 50% downfrom pre-Covidby the way.Worse thanduring thefinancial crisis.If it wasn’t formy shoe repairservices I wouldhave closedalready. As usual I amfor a reopeningof the street.Something thatwould benefitmy businessand not just therestaurants.
Thank you andgood luck toeveryone outthere.
--
Alexa Sol
Quinto Sol
2201 Broadway
Redwood City
6503655765
www.quintosol.ca
Sun of Wolf
406 S. California Ave
Palo Alto
www.sunofwolfpa.com
contact@sunofwolfpa.com
--
Franco Campilongo
Owner Terún Pizzeria
448 California Ave
Palo Alto CA 94306
Tel. 650 6008310
info@terunpizza.com
www.terunpizza.com
Owner iTalico Restaurant & Wine
Bar
341 California Ave
Palo Alto CA 94306
Tel. 650 4739616
info@italicorestaurant.com
www.italicorestaurant.com
From:Bowman Advancement
To:Council, City; ParkRec Commission
Subject:Keep Terman a City Park!
Date:Wednesday, July 12, 2023 10:50:38 AM
Some people who received this message don't often get email from office@bowmanschool.org. Learn why this isimportant
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
Dear Mayor Kou and Council Members,
I am writing on behalf of Bowman School, an organization that serves 300 students,
60+ faculty/staff, 450+ parents, and 1000+ alumni or former students. Bowman
School was founded in Palo Alto in 1995 under the name Children’s International
School, and we began operations in rented space at Cubberley Community Center
with 15 students. For over 25 years, we have grown our business in Palo Alto with an
emphasis on being good neighbors and a positive addition to the community. A
significant number of our families are residents of Palo Alto (currently about 20%),
and those who do not reside in the city regularly commute here for school days and
other related events, which increases their likelihood of patronizing local businesses.
Our community strongly opposes the potential proposal to swap Terman Park for
acreage at Cubberley. The park is an important and well-loved feature of our
neighborhood for a wide variety of reasons, including:
The Glenbrook Gate is a vital part of our safety plan, providing an exit route in a
potential emergency situation, particularly if Arastradero Rd is impacted. The
possibility of this gate being locked, as the school tried to do at the beginning
of covid, is highly concerning.
Students and classes often use Terman field for free play and athletic activities
when it is not being used by Fletcher, particularly in the summer as we are a
year-round school. Physical fitness is an essential aspect of child development,
and the use of Terman field provides an important supplement to our physical
education program.
Students and classes frequently use the paved paths of Terman Park and the
Glenbrook Gate to access the Hetch Hetchy Trail, where they enjoy nature
walks and trips to the creek for scientific observation. Bowman School is a
strong proponent of hands-on, experiential learning, and access to the creek
complements our science curriculum. In addition, time in nature has proven
benefits to children’s (and adults’) well-being. Thanks to the values we instill in
our students, they often pick up any trash that they find during these nature
walks as a way to give back to the broader community and protect the
environment.
With parental permission, our older students enjoy using the paved paths of
Terman Park, the Glenbrook Gate, and the Hetch Hetchy Trail as a way to safely
travel in small groups to the Sweet Shop and other Los Altos locations. While
this may sound like an inconsequential perk, it is actually a key step toward
raising adults (shoutout to Council Member Julie Lythcott-Haims!), as the safety
of these public spaces empowers preteens to experience independence and
build self-confidence on these excursions, which better prepares them for the
wider world.
Students and families regularly use the paved paths of Terman Park to safely
ride their bicycles to and from Bowman, thus reducing carbon emissions and
traffic on Arastradero Rd.
Families use Terman Park as an afterschool gathering place for playdates,
picnics, and general recreation.
Over the next few weeks, I will keep you updated with details on our community’s
use of Terman Park, including photos from teachers and drawings from students, in
hopes that this will further illustrate the value that Terman Park provides.
The Cubberley Community Center will always hold a special place in Bowman’s
history and in our hearts. Even after moving to our own dedicated site in 2004,
Bowman School regularly rented space at Cubberley for our theater productions
before building our own stage in 2019. We are uniquely positioned to understand
the potential that Cubberley holds, and we would love to see it grow and thrive.
However, swapping Terman Park is not the solution – this will create harm to our
school community in addition to our Palo Alto neighbors, particularly families and
the elderly. We urge you to keep these groups and our voices in mind as you further
consider options related to Cubberley.
On behalf of the entire Bowman community,
Katie Mueller
Director of Community Development
Bowman School
--
Bowman East: 4000 Terman Drive
Bowman West: 693 Arastradero Road
Palo Alto, CA 94306
Phone: 650-813-9131
Discover. Create. Become.Bowman School | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
From:Kristen Van Fleet
To:Dao, Veronica; Planning Commission; City Attorney; City Mgr; Council, City; gsheyner@paweekly.com; Furman,Sheri
Subject:For PTC Meeting, July 12, 2023, Action Item 2
Date:Wednesday, July 12, 2023 9:11:22 AM
Attachments:Ellsworth Place_July 3, 2023, Meeting with Planning & Transportation - Google Docs.pdf
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
Regarding: The Continuation of Action Item #2 from the PTC meeting of June 28, 2023,
“2901 Middlefield Road and 702 Ellsworth Place: Request for Rezoning to Amend Planned
Community 2343 (PC2343)...” (Applications 23PLN-27, 23PLN-00027, 23PLN-00025)
July 12, 2023
Dear Chair Summa and Members of the Planning and Transportation Commission,
Please find attached our notes from the site visit to Ellsworth Place on July 3, 2023, by Staff
of both the Planning and Transportation Departments. These notes are written in the words
of those who attended; either from copied emails or by transcription from voice recording.
Also understand, while most Ellsworth Place Neighbors have at minimum a college degree,
and many have doctorates or higher, the majority speak English as a second language.
Many have been expressing to me the challenges of conveying their full experiences in
English either in writing or verbally. I am doing my best to be the bridge between my
neighbors and City governance. However, most of us have been learning how our City
governance works as we go along, and the City of Palo Alto does NOT MAKE THIS
PROCESS EASY.
This whole process has been made more challenging by having these proceedings take
place over the summer while many of our residents are away in countries with unreliable
internet and time zones that are 9 - 12 hours ahead. We can resume full participation as of
July 31, 2023.
Collectively, it is our experience that this process has been favoring the developers. Our
concerns, as residents of Ellsworth Place, have been addressed with minimal to no effort.
There are city laws and ordinances that need to be enforced in this process!
We ask for a fair process that uses truth and transparency. When the packet continues to contain
false information, confusing information, and different information from one page to the next, there
is something wrong here.
I have left messages this week asking to talk with our Assistant City Attorney Albert Yang, in an
effort to get the mistakes and confusion corrected, and I have yet to receive a response to my
inquiry.
As tax-paying citizens, our City can do better!
Sincerely,
Kristen A. Van Fleet
on behalf of the Ellsworth Place Residents
Regarding the meeting with the City of Palo Alto Transportation and Planning
July 3, 2023
In attendance:
From Planning - Garrett Sauls
From Transportation - Silvia Star-Lack, Shrupath Patel
Ellsworth Place homeowners:
Kristen A. Van Fleet
Paul Bigbee
Robert Chaoqian Chen
Bhanu Iyer
Susan Light
Xoee Margolis
Gala Beykin
Yevgeny Khasin
—---------------------------------------
Bhanu Iyer (transcribed from a recording on 7/9/2023):
“Hi my name is Bhanu Iyer, this is what I remember from the meeting on July 3, 2023, with Garrett Sauls,
Silvia Star-Lack, and Shrupath Patel. What I remember the most, what stuck out in my mind is that the
Planning Department, the staff at the Planning Department, were making suggestions for their report,
reflected what they thought the Council was leaning towards; and to me, that’s very troublesome. The
staff at the Planning Department should give an objective opinion of what they think the situation is. Not
what they think the Planning, err..or the City Council wants to hear. And that’s what came out from the
meeting. One of them mentioned that the staff tries and prepares a report to support what the City Council
is thinking. And that to me is a huge red flag.”
Paul Bigbee (typed in his own words):
“What I remember is a lot of people all talking all at once. I told Garrett I felt bad for him having to take the
brunt of everyone’s angst. A lot of things were being said, ideas being thrown around back and forth,
Silvia said more than once that she and Shepath were there for transportation reasons and had nothing to
do with the planning aspects of things, that they were there to talk about safety. In context, Garret said
that the transportation was talking about banning delivery trucks of a certain size. This was questioned by
one of the neighbors and it was said again that they may need to be banned from the street for safety
reasons; especially if a house goes up…”
Kristen A. Van Fleet (typed in her own words):
● I handed Silvia, Shrupath, and Garrett each a printed copy of the 14-page document titled,
“ Ellsworth Place Residents Demand a Safer and More Accessible Road ” .
● I said that this isn’t the first time safety had been brought up by the Ellsworth Place residents, that
back in 2013 when I was a Block Preparedness Coordinator (BPC) we tried to get safety
addressed only to be told by the City we weren’t allowed to implement our ideas.
● I gave Garrett copies of the deeds for house 705 Elsworth Place and asked him to get the
correction made in the packet, that the apartments are presenting the 705 Ellsworth deed as their
own and it’s false information; we’ve been telling Amy French this since she gave us the utilities
map and deed during her site visit back in February.
1 of 4
● I asked what are the differences if the street is privately owned versus owned by the City of Palo
Alto. (I don’t remember a response to this question.)
● Garrett Sauls said that he was the one who found the PC [Ordinance PC-2343] . I asked him
when he found it, and he said something like, “late December to early January”. I commented that
Robin Ellnor found it on December 20, 2022, when I called code enforcement, and he replied
something like, “Yes, she also found it…”.
Paraphrasing more of my memories of the meeting;
● Neighbors were sharing their near-miss accident stories and starting to talk over one another.
● A neighbor said something to the effect that the City needs to be treating us fairly and stop
favoring the developers, that they should own up to their mistakes, and that’s why cities and
companies carry insurance; for mistakes like this.
● Another neighbor shared that his son had been hit by a car near Middlefield and Ellsworth while
on his bike which caused him to fall off of it, but he was lucky because he was uninjured.
● Other neighbors were lamenting the difficulties of being able to see traffic and pedestrians coming
from the creek side and also the difficulty of turning right onto Ellsworth from Middlefield because
the opening of the road is too narrow for cars to pass one another.
I remember saying we want the road entrance brought up to code for the minimum private road width of
26 feet wide. Garrett said, somewhat jokingly, that the City would have to eminent domain 3 feet from
each of our properties to make it fair…I responded with something like, “The houses are grandfathered in
and the problem is within the first 100’ of the road; you’d be running the road through people’s living
rooms!” (Joking or not, this isn’t funny.)
I added, “PCs are supposed to provide public benefits, not take them away.” To which the response was
something like, “The public benefit is Palo Alto gets another house in the housing stock.”
Other comments made by planning were to the effect of:
● The City has to be careful about what they ask of the developers …
● Developers have to live somewhere too.
● Delivery trucks may need to be banned (from entering Ellsworth Place).
Silvia mentioned several times that they were there to talk about transportation issues, not planning. I
finally walked over to Silvia and Sherpath, to ask if what we were saying made sense and they said that it
did, that they had already taken some photos, etc. before the meeting. I also let both of them know that
everything the neighbors could think of was in that 14-page report and they both thanked me for it.
After the group meeting, I spoke with Garrett one-on-one and relayed more concerns:
● He mentioned the high cost of rent in the area and shared that he can’t afford to live in Palo Alto. I
said something to the effect that this project isn’t going to help with affordable housing! I added
that I understood; I’d gone to college on Pell Grants and was grateful to have my home here in
Palo Alto.
● I remember questioning the “ban on delivery trucks” and said somewhat jokingly, “Those are
fighting words!” But more seriously, is this where we want this situation to go?”
● I showed him the survey map of the Ellsworth Place homeowner's deeds, (see below), which was
prepared by a licensed surveyor, and shows how 254 feet of the road length, about half, is
attached to house #741. I asked specifically if they (741) would also be allowed to use the road in
their calculations. His response was something like they would probably not be allowed to
2 of 4
because of where the house is located; that Planning looks are how the road affects the
neighbors and makes its decisions accordingly. (This was a confusing answer; if 702 is allowed to
use the road in their development plans, then so should 741 be allowed to use the road in theirs.)
● I also relayed that I did not want to throw anyone from planning under the bus, that the
department is clearly overworked and understaffed, but that our letters and concerns have either
been overlooked or are being addressed with minimum effort or confusing responses, and that
everything, from our perspective, has been favoring the developers which is not right under
AB1234 . He didn’t know what that was. I asked him if he’d taken the government ethics class and
he said that he hadn’t.
● He encouraged me to send our grievances to the City Manager to get everything on the record,
and asked me to copy him on all of the emails so he could help make sure our issues were being
addressed; then he gave me his card.
Yevgeny Khasin (copied and pasted from an email received on July 9. 2023):
My name is Yevgeny Khasin. Here are the key points that I remember from the meeting on July 3, 2023,
with Garrett Sauls, Silvia Star-Lack, and Shrupath Patel:
1. Silvia and Shrupath examined the difficulty of exiting Ellsworth Pl street onto Middlefield St, focusing on
the limited visibility for pedestrians on the left side (they were doing that … before the meeting officially
started).
2. Neighbors expressed their safety concerns about the street.
3. A neighbor mentioned that Santa Clara County believes the street belongs to the city of Palo Alto.
Another neighbor emphasized that the planning department cannot act without restrictions and mentioned
that the city cannot show favoritism towards one neighbor/lot over others. The neighbor raised the issue
of the city approving special setbacks and a two-story building for the "Ellsworth 702" lot while denying
3 of 4
similar requests from other lot owners on the street. The neighbor suggested that the city should
acknowledge its mistake in approving the plans for the "Ellsworth 702" lot instead of trying to cover it up.
5. Neighbor pointed out that the leftmost parking spot in the apartment complex covered parking lot on
Ellsworth Pl street is too small. This causes cars to "double park" in the adjacent spot, creating difficulties
for parking and leading to cars using the "Ellsworth 702" parking lot.
6. Same neighbor reminded the city representatives the apartment complex owner's plan for delivery
trucks parking would block the cars' covered parking, which is not even legal.
7. Neighbor shared an incident where his son fell off his bicycle while trying to avoid a car backing out
from the apartment complex parking lot, highlighting the narrowness of the street as a safety concern.
8. I raised the issue of large trucks facing challenges when turning around on the street. I mentioned that
the garbage truck, which comes twice on the same day during rush hour, every week, ends up backing up
into the street from Middlefield Rd.
9. I also mentioned that apart from the entrance/exit challenges, there is an additional safety concern of
cars making left turns into Middlefield from Keys School, which is located right in front of our street
entrance/exit.
10. Silvia and Shrupath mostly listened without taking sides, while Garrett seemed to assume the
responsibility for the meeting and tried to mildly defend the city of Palo Alto. For instance, when a
neighbor expressed skepticism about the "Ellsworth 702" owner's story of building a house for himself
and his family to move there for the purpose of his son attending Palo Alto High School, stating that the
owner is actually a developer who buys cheap lots to build and sell houses, Garrett responded by saying,
"Well, developers also need a place to live."
Gala Beykin: (copied and pasted from an email received on July 9. 2023; edited at Gala’s request):
My name is Gala Beykin. Here are the key points that I remember from the meeting on July 3, 2023 with
Garrett Sauls, Silvia Star-Lack, and Shrupath Patel:
Many neighbors participated in the meeting and expressed their various safety and other apprehensions.
The meeting lasted for one hour, concluding when Silvia had to depart. Personally, I voiced my concerns
regarding inadequate visibility, excessive speed, the presence of a school nearby, and the critical issue of
safety for both pedestrians and vehicles.
During the course of the meeting, attention was drawn to a hazardous situation when a garbage truck,
originating from the Keys school parking lot, was observed reversing into Middlefield. We emphasized the
potential danger associated with such a maneuver, emphasizing the inherent risks involved.
To ensure comprehensive documentation of the safety concerns raised, a thorough written report
summarizing the issues was submitted to the team at the conclusion of the meeting.
4 of 4
From:Charlie Weidanz
To:Council, City
Subject:SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITY: 2023 Palo Alto Festival of the Arts
Date:Wednesday, July 12, 2023 8:00:20 AM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
Palo Alto Festival of the Arts - Celebrating 40 years
Want to get your business in front of tens of thousands of local
residents?
Join us as a Corporate Sponsor for the 2023 Palo Alto Festival of the Arts Aug. 26-27
along University Avenue. Along with branding, you will have promotional and lead
generation opportunities galore with tens of thousands of attendees expected over
the weekend. We look forward to helping you find a creative and satisfying fit for yourspecific needs. For details, call Claudette Mannina at 831-461-1796
or claudette@designingleads.com.
See full Festival details at www.paloaltochamber.com/festival.
Hope to see you Aug. 26-27!
This signature event is proudly hosted by:
This email was sent on behalf of Palo Alto Chamber of Commerce 355 Alma St Palo Alto, CA 94301.To unsubscribe clickhere. If you have questions or comments concerning this email or services in general, please contact us by email atinfo@paloaltochamber.com.
This email was sent on behalf of Palo Alto Chamber of Commerce 355 Alma St Palo Alto, CA 94301.To unsubscribe clickhere. If you have questions or comments concerning this email or services in general, please contact us by email atinfo@paloaltochamber.com.
From:Jon Jang
To:Council, City
Subject:Jon Jang Corrected Version 2 of Preservation of Thomas Foon Chew Bayside Cannery
Date:Tuesday, July 11, 2023 9:49:16 PM
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Dear Distinguished members of the City Council,
Please accept this second correspondence and remove my previous correspondence sent hoursago.
I am in full wholeheartedly support of preserving the physical space of Thomas Foon Chew’sBayside Cannery because of its historic significance on a national level.
My name is Jon Jang. I am a composer, pianist, bandleader and a changemaker. Many of mymusic works, such as the Chinese American Symphony, commemorate and celebrate ChineseAmerican transnational history.
I grew up in Palo Alto during the early 1960s at a time when Joseph Eichler, a Jewish liberalreal estate developer fought for the rights of people of color (minorities) in Palo Alto. He soldan Eichler house to my widowed mother who had to raise three children on her own. At RossRoad Elementary School, I was one of two Chinese American students.
I was often reminded in Palo Alto that Stanford built the railroad.
In May 1969, I read an article in the San Francisco Chronicle about a ceremony in Utah tocommemorate the centennial anniversary of the completion of the Central Pacific Railroad. Iwas surprised to learn that it was the Chinese immigrant workers, not Stanford, who built thefirst transcontinental railroad in the US. I was surprised to learn that John Volpe, the keynotespeaker who was the Secretary of Transportation, declared ten times that it was quoteunquote “American workers who built the railroad.” My Uncle Phil Choy, who was Chairpersonof the Chinese Historical Society of America, was outraged about the US governmentcomplete erasure of the history of Chinese immigrant workers who built the firsttranscontinental railroad in United States. On May 6, 1882, President Chester Arthur signed the Chinese Exclusion Act (1882-1943) whichbanned Chinese immigrants from entering the United States as well as denying naturalizationto Chinese immigrants to become US citizens. This was the first US law that excluded people inthis country solely based on race. What is remarkable about the making of Thomas Foon Chew’s Bayside Cannery in 1918 is thatit became one of the major canneries in the world during the Chinese Exclusion Act era where“in a few short years, the dominant image of Chinese lurched from despised oriental ‘other’ towartime ally to dangerous communist threat.” Mae Ngai’s book, Impossible Subjects: IllegalAliens and the Making of Modern America. I strongly urge you to give your utmost consideration to this significant and heroic Americanhistory that took place in Palo Alto. Thank you for your consideration. Respectfully Yours, Jon JangMobile: 415.377.3581
From:Jon Jang
To:Council, City
Subject:Preservation of Thomas Foon Chew Bayside Cannery
Date:Tuesday, July 11, 2023 8:42:14 PM
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Dear distinguished members of the City Council,
I am in full wholeheartedly support of preserving the physical space of Thomas Foon Chew’sBayside Cannery because of its historic significance on a national level.
My name is Jon Jang. I am a composer, pianist, bandleader and a changemaker. Many of mymusic works, such as the Chinese American Symphony, commemorate and celebrate ChineseAmerican transnational history.
I grew up in Palo Alto during the early 1960s at a time when Joseph Eichler, a Jewish liberalreal estate developer fought for the rights of people of color (minorities) in Palo Alto. He soldan Eichler house to my widowed mother who had to raise three children on her own. At RossRoad Elementary School, I was one of two Chinese American students.
I was often reminded in Palo Alto that Stanford built the railroad.
In May 1969, I read an article in the San Francisco Chronicle about a ceremony in Utah tocommemorate the centennial anniversary of the completion of the Central Pacific Railroad. Iwas surprised to learn that it was the Chinese immigrant workers, not Stanford, who built thefirst transcontinental railroad in the US. I was surprised to learn that John Volpe, the keynotespeaker who was the Secretary of Transportation, declared ten times that it was quoteunquote “American workers who built the railroad.” My Uncle Phil Choy, who was Chairpersonof the Chinese Historical Society of America, was outraged about the US governmentcomplete erasure of the history of Chinese immigrant workers who built the firsttranscontinental railroad in the United States. On May 6, 1882, President Chester Arthur signed the Chinese Exclusion Act (1882-1943) whichbanned Chinese immigrants from entering the United States as well as denying naturalizationto Chinese immigrants to become US citizens. This was the first US law that excluded people inthis country solely based on race. What is remarkable about the making of William Foon Chew’s Bayside Cannery in 1918 is thatit became one of the major canneries in the world during the Chinese Exclusion Act era where“in a few short years, the dominant image of Chinese lurched from despised oriental ‘other’ towartime ally to dangerous communist threat.” Mae Ngai’s book, Impossible Subjects: IllegalAliens and the Making of Modern America. I strongly urge you to give your utmost consideration to this significant and heroic Americanhistory that took place in Palo Alto. Thank you for your consideration.
From:Aram James
To:Gardener, Liz; chuck jagoda; Linda Jolley; Angie Evans; Jethroe Moore; Sean Allen; Julie Lythcott-Haims; Council,City; Shikada, Ed; Mila Zelkha; Shana Segal; Binder, Andrew; Reifschneider, James; Josh Becker; Jeff Rosen; JoeSimitian; Cindy Chavez; Sheriff Transparency; Michael Gennaco; ladoris cordell; Rebecca Eisenberg; Jay Boyarsky
Subject:The first six months: San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan - San José Spotlight
Date:Tuesday, July 11, 2023 8:33:23 PM
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on links.
________________________________
https://sanjosespotlight.com/the-first-six-months-san-jose-mayor-matt-mahan/
Sent from my iPhone
From:Aram James
To:Shikada, Ed; Stump, Molly; Molly; Lait, Jonathan; Jeff Rosen; Rob Baker; Jay Boyarsky; Supervisor SusanEllenberg; Cindy Chavez; Joe Simitian; Jethroe Moore; Sean Allen; Sheriff Transparency; Reifschneider, James;Binder, Andrew; Wagner, April; Josh Becker; Mila Zelkha; Shana Segal; Council, City; Human RelationsCommission; Kevin Jensen; DuJuan Green; dennis burns; Ladoris Cordell; dis_course@yahoo.com; MichaelGennaco; Rebecca Eisenberg; chuck jagoda
Subject:Investigation of top Price deputy DA found misconduct at prior job
Date:Tuesday, July 11, 2023 5:13:27 PM
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on links.
________________________________
https://www.berkeleyscanner.com/2023/07/11/pamela-price/otis-bruce-jr-marin-county-da-misconduct-
investigation/
Sent from my iPhone
From:Kou, Lydia
To:Anna Wichansky; Council, City; ParkRec Commission
Subject:Re: No swapping Terman Park
Date:Tuesday, July 11, 2023 3:03:30 PM
Hello Anna. It was lovely to meet you today.
Kindest regards,Lydia
Get Outlook for iOS
From: Anna Wichansky <radcliffe73@yahoo.com>
Sent: Saturday, July 8, 2023 5:26:09 PM
To: Kou, Lydia <Lydia.Kou@CityofPaloAlto.org>; Council, City <city.council@cityofpaloalto.org>;
ParkRec Commission <parkrec.commission@CityofPaloAlto.org>
Subject: Fw: No swapping Terman Park
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
Dear Mayor Kou and City Council, I have recently read via the Palo Alto Online there is a plan to
"undedicate" Terman Park as an open space in order to more easily dispatch it to the school district.
I think this is pretty underhanded, as then it will become off limits to our fellow citizens in Palo AltoOrchards, Green Acres, and other adjoining neighborhoods, who USE THE PARK EVERYDAY.
I would therefore like to reiterate my opposition to "undedicating" Terman Park and swapping it for land atCubberly with the PAUSD. The people in our neighborhood don't want access to land at Cubberley or theBaylands. They want someplace THEY CAN WALK TO.
We are appalled at the idea that this last small bit of green space will be off-limits. Please do not do this. Itwas bad enough during Covid when we couldn't access it at all through Glen Brook Drive. Even now, wecannot walk during certain times of the day due to the kids at school. Bikes and dog walkers are alsousing the space. It is not much but seems to be in a good location to promote walking and other physicalactivity.
We have very limited recreational sites and services in this part of town the way it is.
See below for my original letter.
Many thanks. Anna Wichansky, 4234 Suzanne Drive, Palo Alto 94306
----- Forwarded Message -----From: Anna Wichansky <radcliffe73@yahoo.com>To: city.council@cityofpaloalto.org <city.council@cityofpaloalto.org>Sent: Monday, June 19, 2023 at 06:08:23 PM PDTSubject: No swapping Terman Park
To Mayor Kou and City Council, I am senior citizen resident of Palo Alto Orchards with some mobilityproblems, using Terman Park Daily to walk. It is diffiucult to get to other parks in Palo Alto at this point.I need access to Terman Park all the time, to do my exercises and walk my dog. We have no other parkor equivalent on our side of Arastradero, other than the cemetery, wherewe aren't allowed to walk and they close the gates. Please do not swap this for land at Cubberly, or allowthe school district to do it. We have so little recreational facilities on this side
of town (South Palo Alto) the way it is. No pool at all. This is the least you can do, please; my husband
and I vote for you in every election. We appreciate preservation of the few limited sites and services we
get in our neighborhood. Thanks, Anna Wichansky, 4235 Suzanne Drive, Palo Alto.
From:Aram James
To:Perron, Zachary; Reifschneider, James; Wagner, April; Sean Allen; Robert. Jonsen; Jethroe Moore; Council, City;Shikada, Ed; Josh Becker; Shana Segal; Binder, Andrew; Joe Simitian; Jeff Rosen; Michael Gennaco; ladoriscordell; chuck jagoda; Rebecca Eisenberg; Jay Boyarsky; Dave Price; DuJuan Green; Sheriff Transparency; VaraRamakrishnan; Mila Zelkha; Human Relations Commission; Enberg, Nicholas; Javier Ortega; Angie Evans; KevinJensen; dennis burns; Greg Tanaka; Supervisor Susan Ellenberg; Cindy Chavez; Rob Baker; Bains, Paul
Subject:California man paralyzed from run-in with police gets $20 million settlement | AP News
Date:Tuesday, July 11, 2023 2:19:07 PM
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on links.
________________________________
https://apnews.com/article/paralyzed-man-police-california-lawsuit-43cd3b316da99f502d16091330803028
Sent from my iPhone
From:Frankie Farhat
To:Council, City
Cc:ParkRec Commission
Subject:Keep Terman a City Park
Date:Tuesday, July 11, 2023 2:14:52 PM
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Dear Mayor Kou and Councilmembers,
I understand discussions are taking place between the City of Palo Alto and the
school district to swap land, and that this might result in Terman Park becoming
school district property.
For the swap to take place, I expect the school district will make all kinds of
guarantees and promises, including allowing use of the perimeter path and keeping
open the gate separating Glenbrook Drive from the park. But beware! There's every
probability that the school district will lock the gate and deny access to the path,
whatever they may promise.
Why can I be so sure? Simply because they have already locked the gate on us, the
public. In 2020, at the start of Covid, they fully disregarded their agreement with the
City on how they could use Terman Park. They locked the gate and denied accessuntil complaints were made. They had no right, no authority, to take that action but
they did it anyway. If they owned Terman Park, then they would have the right and
the authority...
They are already demonstrating their intent to deny all access during the school
hours, including the paved perimeter path. Signage that they put up at the two
entrances from Hetch Hetchy bike trail make clear that they consider Terman Park
closed to the public in its entirety during school hours. This is in completecontradiction to their agreement with the City. The signage the City put on the fence
at one of those entrances states the public has access to the paved path during
school hours. The school district put their sign denying ALL access right beneath it.
They had no right or authority to put signage with that wording there. If theyowned Terman Park, then they would have the right and the authority...
In short, whatever the school district may promise in exchange of a swap, we cannot,
and must not believe them. Their prior actions have made their intentions clear.
Please do not swap any portion of Terman Park to the school district whatever they
may promise in exchange.
Thank you
From:Aram James
To:Sheriff Transparency
Cc:Perron, Zachary; DuJuan Green; Kevin Jensen; dennis burns; Ladoris Cordell; Sean Allen; Jethroe Moore;
Reifschneider, James; Julie Lythcott-Haims; Binder, Andrew; Stump, Molly; Shikada, Ed; Javier Ortega; Mila
Zelkha; Dave Price; Emily Mibach; Braden Cartwright; Council, City; Shana Segal; Jeff Rosen; Joe Simitian;
Supervisor Susan Ellenberg; Robert. Jonsen; Human Relations Commission; Michael Gennaco; Josh Becker;
Rebecca Eisenberg; chuck jagoda; Jay Boyarsky; Wagner, April; Enberg, Nicholas; Angie Evans; Greg Tanaka
Subject:Re: Aurora police chief fires officer after racial slur, but he"s back on th...
Date:Tuesday, July 11, 2023 12:59:17 PM
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7/11/2023
Dear Sheriff Transparency,
Thanks again for so eloquently shining a light on the systemic white supremacy that continuesto be so prevalent in the ranks of law enforcement here in Santa Clara County and across this
country. Working together we will in fact root it out and then deposit in the trash bin of historywhere it belongs.
Best regards,
aram
On Jul 11, 2023, at 10:58 AM, Sheriff Transparency
<sccsherifftransparencyinfo@gmail.com> wrote:""Alabama Porch Monkey""
He says it so calmly. And the Chief himself justifies it subliminally by saying he
understands the situation they were in with dangerous suspects but to even give areason SHOULD NOT even part of the bigger issue here. People see what
happened. NO excuse for exposing your racism!!
That Officer needed to be fired period and not reinstated but the Civil Servicecommision in our opinion reinstated him for political reasons and from within
their own biases.
The ignorant folks need to wake up.
We can be mad at the World for the actions of others but to stoop to thebackwoods level of calling people out by being derogatory has NO place in public
service.
Folks on this email thread at the TOP need to take NOTE:
Many will fall down as demonstrated by the recent investigations of top publicofficials for actions of primarily running their mouths and exposing who they
are...a toxic hazard to the men and women they supervise and a danger to publicsafety themselves.
There are MANY more that need to take a walk out of the position of authority
including in Santa Clara County.
Another great example of keeping systemic problems alive and well. Let's keepworking to ROOT them OUT!
Your actions speak louder than your words and WE are working tirelessly to do
this.
How about YOU???
SCCSTG
On Mon, Jul 10, 2023, 8:08 AM Aram James <abjpd1@gmail.com> wrote:https://youtu.be/5TO9aIYEFrk
Sent from my iPhone
From:Charlie Weidanz
To:Council, City
Subject:SILICON VALLEY MAGAZINE - Partner Opportunity
Date:Tuesday, July 11, 2023 12:35:13 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
Dear Chamber Members:
Knowing that you share our passion for a thriving Palo Alto business community, I am excited to tell you about our
upcoming partnership with Silicon Valley magazine for an editorial feature about Palo Alto.
The feature will promote business in Palo Alto and highlight the great local businesses, residents, and innovators. It
will serve as a marketing tool for both your business and the Chamber as we continue our commitment to the
economic growth of the city.
The article will be in the September issue of Silicon Valley. This is an exciting opportunity for us to reach the Bay
Area’s most affluent residents and visitors.
If you are interested in learning more about the creative ways they can incorporate you and your business into the
editorial feature as well as additional partnerships to maximize your messaging, please RSVP back to me and I will
be happy to connect you with their team.
Thank you for considering this opportunity!
Charlie Weidanz
President/CEO
Palo Alto Chamber of Commerce
This email was sent on behalf of Palo Alto Chamber of Commerce 355 Alma St Palo Alto, CA 94301.To unsubscribe clickhere. If you have questions or comments concerning this email or services in general, please contact us by email atinfo@paloaltochamber.com.
From:Friends of the Palo Alto Junior Museum & Zoo
To:Council, City
Subject:You"re Invited: Enjoy an Ice Cream Treat at the JMZ!
Date:Tuesday, July 11, 2023 12:33:23 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of openingattachments and clicking on links.
Logo_Full_Color_CMYK.jpg
Your treat is free with admission. To purchase tickets for the Palo Alto Junior
Museum & Zoo, please go to Enjoy! Online and book your visit for Tuesday,
July 25. We hope to see you then!
Friends of the Palo Alto Junior Museum & Zooinfo@friendsjmz.org | www.friendsjmz.org
DONATE NOW
Connect with us
Friends of the JMZ | 1451 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto, CA 94301
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From:Sheriff Transparency
To:Aram James
Cc:Perron, Zachary; DuJuan Green; Kevin Jensen; dennis burns; Ladoris Cordell; Sean Allen; Jethroe Moore;
Reifschneider, James; Julie Lythcott-Haims; Binder, Andrew; Stump, Molly; Shikada, Ed; Javier Ortega; Mila
Zelkha; Dave Price; Emily Mibach; Braden Cartwright; Council, City; Shana Segal; Jeff Rosen; Joe Simitian;
Supervisor Susan Ellenberg; Robert. Jonsen; Human Relations Commission; Michael Gennaco; Josh Becker;
Rebecca Eisenberg; chuck jagoda; Jay Boyarsky; Wagner, April; Enberg, Nicholas; Angie Evans; Greg Tanaka
Subject:Re: Aurora police chief fires officer after racial slur, but he"s back on th...
Date:Tuesday, July 11, 2023 10:59:01 AM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
""Alabama Porch Monkey""
He says it so calmly. And the Chief himself justifies it subliminally by saying he understandsthe situation they were in with dangerous suspects but to even give a reason SHOULD NOT
even part of the bigger issue here. People see what happened. NO excuse for exposing yourracism!!
That Officer needed to be fired period and not reinstated but the Civil Service commision in
our opinion reinstated him for political reasons and from within their own biases.
The ignorant folks need to wake up.
We can be mad at the World for the actions of others but to stoop to the backwoods level ofcalling people out by being derogatory has NO place in public service.
Folks on this email thread at the TOP need to take NOTE:
Many will fall down as demonstrated by the recent investigations of top public officials for
actions of primarily running their mouths and exposing who they are...a toxic hazard to themen and women they supervise and a danger to public safety themselves.
There are MANY more that need to take a walk out of the position of authority including in
Santa Clara County.
Another great example of keeping systemic problems alive and well. Let's keep working toROOT them OUT!
Your actions speak louder than your words and WE are working tirelessly to do this.
How about YOU???
SCCSTG
On Mon, Jul 10, 2023, 8:08 AM Aram James <abjpd1@gmail.com> wrote:
https://youtu.be/5TO9aIYEFrk
Sent from my iPhone
From:Aram James
To:Gardener, Liz; Roberta Ahlquist; Julie Lythcott-Haims; Council, City; chuck jagoda; Josh Becker; Mila Zelkha
Subject:From The Mercury News e-edition - ‘Builder’s remedy’ project in the works
Date:Tuesday, July 11, 2023 9:31:15 AM
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on links.
________________________________
I saw this The Mercury News e-edition article
‘Builder’s remedy’ project in the works
https://edition.pagesuite.com/popovers/dynamic_article_popover.aspx?guid=f7c871cc-6bb6-4a7a-ad75-
a6b324fba85c&appcode=SAN252&eguid=dac52071-e80b-44c2-93bc-ddd91bc7f13e&pnum=34#
For more great content like this subscribe to the The Mercury News e-edition app here:
Sent from my iPhone
From:Aram James
To:Sean Allen; Jethroe Moore; Council, City; Roberta Ahlquist; Gardener, Liz; Shikada, Ed; Josh Becker; Mila Zelkha;Human Relations Commission; Shana Segal; Reifschneider, James; Joe Simitian
Subject:Meetings must remain open to public viewing
Date:Tuesday, July 11, 2023 9:09:35 AM
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on links.
________________________________
Meetings must remain open to public viewing
https://edition.pagesuite.com/popovers/dynamic_article_popover.aspx?guid=85ff6f0e-a6c8-4ca8-bfd8-
bba308e11267&appcode=SAN252&eguid=dac52071-e80b-44c2-93bc-ddd91bc7f13e&pnum=27#
For more great content like this subscribe to the The Mercury News e-edition app here:
Sent from my iPhone
From:Charlie Weidanz
To:Council, City
Subject:Reminder: Chamber Mixer & Networking Event - Update on Uplift Local
Date:Tuesday, July 11, 2023 8:03:29 AM
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Chamber Mixer & Networking Event
Tuesday, July 18, 20235:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Mike's Diner Bar
The City of Palo Alto will present an update on UpLift Local.
Connect with fellow professionals and business owners. Enjoy light refreshments and
drinks.
>RSVP Online
This email was sent on behalf of Palo Alto Chamber of Commerce 355 Alma St Palo Alto, CA 94301.To unsubscribe clickhere. If you have questions or comments concerning this email or services in general, please contact us by email at
info@paloaltochamber.com.
From:Steve Ugur
To:Lara Ekwall; Anthony Secviar
Cc:mahmood saljooqi; Al Ghafouri; Dennis Kelly; Richard Corny; Council, City; Manager zareens; Franco
Campilongo; Alexa Sol; Alexandra Lee-Gardner; Arce, Ozzy; Bruce Fukuji; Gillian@zombierunner.com;
Guagliardo, Steven; Paloalto@summitbicycles.com; Ryankhalil91@gmail.com; alecia@vinvinowine.com;
berry@gamelandia.fun; bfbusinessllc@gmail.com; carolina@blossombirthandfamily.org; cartal23@aol.com;
charlie@paloaltochamber.com; chris@performancegaines.com; cv@kaligreekkitchen.com;
dc@zombierunner.com; dennis@vinvinowine.com; info@vivesol.biz; info@casualchicsalon.com;
info@italicorestaurant.com; info@galleryhouse.art; ismetsylm@gmail.com; izzysbb@gmail.com;
jinsho454calave@gmail.com; joaniescafepaloalto@gmail.com; judy@lpetal.com; kanzeman@sbcglobal.net;
labohemepaloalto@gmail.com; lifestylegoods@countrysun.com; lisa@vinvinowine.com;
lotusthaibistro@gmail.com; lucia.miracchi@gmail.com; maico.campilongo@gmail.com;
michael@labodeguita.com; michaelbendicott@gmail.com; nguyenbchan@gmail.com;
nguyentoanandy@gmail.com; nick@performancegaines.com; paloalto@clubpilates.com;
pastispaloalto@gmail.com; scott@countrysun.com; umetea888@gmail.com; victoriaballetpaloalto@gmail.com;
zareensrestaurant@gmail.com; Denise Sanders
Subject:Re: Car-free Streets: Cal Ave. Business Owners Focus Group
Date:Monday, July 10, 2023 6:40:40 PM
Attachments:Protege Logo.png
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I also agree with opening Cal Ave. I have already sent 2 lengthy emails in the past and I stillstand by all those points I had previously made.
I am also happy to see the business owners weighing in, and ultimately, we must support one
another despite any disagreements we may have on the direction of Cal Ave. In my opinion,more diverse businesses are able to thrive on an open Cal Ave, where only a select few would
continue to thrive on a closed Cal Ave.
I am still having trouble understanding why we can’t just have permitted parklets on Cal Ave,while reopening the street? This will enable a more aesthetically pleasing integration with the
restaurants they serve. It is also the best compromise. I am definitely not against outdoordining, but it just isn’t pleasant right now on Cal Ave. It definitely does look like a temporary
street fair.
Regarding the vacant storefronts and possibly seeing them converted into restaurants. That isno cake walk. The T.I. cost for turning a retail spot into a full service restaurant, in the Bay
Area, is around $500 a square foot and that is for an average buildout. Plus, Cities simply donot like restaurants. We (restaurants) have a much larger carbon footprint than retail shops, we
use a lot more water, we generate a lot more waste, oils, grease, etc etc… I have openednumerous restaurants from scratch and it gets exponentially harder each time because of this.
The problem right now is Cal Ave does not have an identity because it’s been on the fence for
3 years. Either the street needs to be closed and someone or some group needs to be in chargeof maintaining it and upholding it’s aesthetic-appeal; or the street should open to traffic with
the addition of parklets.
I also agree with a vote, one per business. At least it would put this debate to rest and we canall be certain on the future of Cal Ave.
Best regards,
Steve Ugur | Founder & Director of OpsSekoya Lounge & Kitchen
417 California Avenue, Palo Alto, CA 94306www.sekoyapaloalto.com
From: Lara Ekwall <lara@labodeguita.com>
Sent: Tuesday, July 11, 2023 3:11 AM
To: Anthony Secviar <anthony@protegepaloalto.com>
Cc: mahmood saljooqi <moods.winebar@yahoo.com>; Al Ghafouri <alghafouri@gmail.com>;
Dennis Kelly <dennis@protegepaloalto.com>; Richard Corny <guitarrichie@yahoo.com>; City
Council <city.council@cityofpaloalto.org>; Manager zareens <zareensmanager@gmail.com>;
Franco Campilongo <francocampilongo@gmail.com>; Alexa Sol <alexaisabella11@gmail.com>;
Alexandra Lee-Gardner <a.leegardner@fehrandpeers.com>; Arce, Ozzy
<Ozzy.Arce@cityofpaloalto.org>; Bruce Fukuji <bruce@fukuji.com>;
Gillian@zombierunner.com <Gillian@zombierunner.com>; Guagliardo, Steven
<Steven.Guagliardo@cityofpaloalto.org>; Paloalto@summitbicycles.com
<Paloalto@summitbicycles.com>; Ryankhalil91@gmail.com <Ryankhalil91@gmail.com>;
alecia@vinvinowine.com <alecia@vinvinowine.com>; berry@gamelandia.fun
<berry@gamelandia.fun>; bfbusinessllc@gmail.com <bfbusinessllc@gmail.com>;
carolina@blossombirthandfamily.org <carolina@blossombirthandfamily.org>;
cartal23@aol.com <cartal23@aol.com>; charlie@paloaltochamber.com
<charlie@paloaltochamber.com>; chris@performancegaines.com
<chris@performancegaines.com>; cv@kaligreekkitchen.com <cv@kaligreekkitchen.com>;
dc@zombierunner.com <dc@zombierunner.com>; dennis@vinvinowine.com
<dennis@vinvinowine.com>; info@vivesol.biz <info@vivesol.biz>; info@casualchicsalon.com
<info@casualchicsalon.com>; info@italicorestaurant.com <info@italicorestaurant.com>;
info@galleryhouse.art <info@galleryhouse.art>; ismetsylm@gmail.com
<ismetsylm@gmail.com>; izzysbb@gmail.com <izzysbb@gmail.com>;
jinsho454calave@gmail.com <jinsho454calave@gmail.com>; joaniescafepaloalto@gmail.com
<joaniescafepaloalto@gmail.com>; judy@lpetal.com <judy@lpetal.com>;
kanzeman@sbcglobal.net <kanzeman@sbcglobal.net>; labohemepaloalto@gmail.com
<labohemepaloalto@gmail.com>; lifestylegoods@countrysun.com
<lifestylegoods@countrysun.com>; lisa@vinvinowine.com <lisa@vinvinowine.com>;
lotusthaibistro@gmail.com <lotusthaibistro@gmail.com>; lucia.miracchi@gmail.com
<lucia.miracchi@gmail.com>; maico.campilongo@gmail.com
<maico.campilongo@gmail.com>; michael@labodeguita.com <michael@labodeguita.com>;
michaelbendicott@gmail.com <michaelbendicott@gmail.com>; nguyenbchan@gmail.com
<nguyenbchan@gmail.com>; nguyentoanandy@gmail.com <nguyentoanandy@gmail.com>;
nick@performancegaines.com <nick@performancegaines.com>; paloalto@clubpilates.com
<paloalto@clubpilates.com>; pastispaloalto@gmail.com <pastispaloalto@gmail.com>;
scott@countrysun.com <scott@countrysun.com>; umetea888@gmail.com
<umetea888@gmail.com>; victoriaballetpaloalto@gmail.com
<victoriaballetpaloalto@gmail.com>; zareensrestaurant@gmail.com
<zareensrestaurant@gmail.com>; Steve Ugur <steve@sekoyapaloalto.com>; Denise Sanders
<poodlegirl123@yahoo.com>
Subject: Re: Car-free Streets: Cal Ave. Business Owners Focus Group
Does anyone know if the city is even considering a one lane (or 2) into Cal
Ave? Or is this a "done deal"? Opening (at least one lane) would make it
easier for people to access the district via the El Camino turn. An open
avenue would make it easier for people to get to Cal Train/parking garage,
would be better for the disabled and elderly to utilize the street... Also, would
help support our most important anchor (in my opinion), Mollie Stone's...
Seems like it could be a reasonable compromise... Businesses who want
could still have parklets... We could all benefit from exposure to cars, bikes
and pedestrians while providing some outdoor options...
Also, I feel like not enough businesses are on this thread. If you have
neighboring shops, offices, property owners, please share. This should be
about ALL of us. Lara
On Mon, Jul 10, 2023 at 3:59 PM Anthony Secviar <anthony@protegepaloalto.com> wrote:I could not agree more.
Open Cal Ave.
The restaurant’s will thrive with or without the closure-the diversity and character of the
street will not.
If anyone thinks the street looks appealing or has a European feel, it’s my opinion that thebenefits to his/her business are clouding judgement.
There is zero aesthetic integration of the street with the outdoor dining spaces. It feels like
you’re walking through a temporary street fair.
This street closure was an attempt to keep businesses going through a pandemic. Postpandemic it transitioned into an experimental closure to mimic european style alfresco
dining. Currently this experiment is hurting more businesses than it is helping and has notturned into anything attractive (in my opinion). We should reopen the street.
We all know the headwinds and challenges retail businesses face in todays online-fanatic
world. I for one would like to give them EVERY opportunity to succeed-opening the streetbeing one of them. Retail adds to the charm, diversity and “life” of a street. Empty store
fronts do not. Let’s not be foolish and think that every store vacancy will be turned into arestaurant anytime in the near future, regardless of a recent change in policy even the city
can’t universally explain.
I’m committed to Cal Ave and want to see the entire street thrive, not just a handful ofestablishments. Everyone benefits from having a street that is attractive to all forms of
tenants and businesses.
Open Cal Ave gets my vote.
With respect,
ANTHONY SECVIAR
Chef | Owner
M 707 312 0931
250 S. California Avenue
Palo Alto, California 94306
Sent from my iPhone
On Jul 10, 2023, at 3:22 PM, mahmood saljooqi <moods.winebar@yahoo.com>
wrote:
Open California Ave! I’m going to upset people but the pandemic is over andall restaurant should go back to pre pandemic rules! Stop blocking sidewalks
and dis obeying the rules that were set by the city which they have stoppedenforcing. Richard is right! It looks like the Wild West. The city mentioned they
were going to model California Ave after cities like Europe but have fallenshort. The street is filled with garbage and leaves that have piled up. Parklets
would have been a good idea but they look like someone with no experiencewith any construction experience built them. Give the retailers a chance to
survive. Every Restaurant owner new what space they had when they signed thelease and no one is taking away your space but let’s give other businesses a
chance as well.
Sent from my iPhone
On Jul 10, 2023, at 1:28 PM, Al Ghafouri<alghafouri@gmail.com> wrote:
Hello everyone,
I have been on cal ave over 25 years. 10 years at plantation cafewhich was closed few years back after I sold the business and 15
years at current location Printers cafe . As I mentioned before mybusiness still down 50 percent from before Pandemic , on top of
that they are bunch of Food facilities right in front of cafe Every
Sunday this is supposed to be Farmers Market not Food Market.Complaining to city few times nothings is done is Shame . During
the daytime on cal ave is like ghost town nothing like beforepandemic. Best , Al Ghafouri
Sent from my iPhone
On Jul 10, 2023, at 12:45 PM, Dennis Kelly<dennis@protegepaloalto.com> wrote:
I’m glad to see so many business owners weighing-inon this forum. Too many have sat on the sidelines dueto their frustration with the process over the pastcouple of years.
It appears to me that business owners who arebenefiting from additional seating capacity support thestreet closure. Those who are suffering from the lackof storefront access for drivers are in favor of openingup the street to automobiles. Makes perfect sense.
We believe every business on Cal Ave and its cross-streets (ex. True Salon, Bistro Elan, Café Pro Bono,Nachmarkt, etc…) deserves a voice in this crucialdecision. This issue should be decided through a voteof those who invest their time, money and financialfutures into our street on a daily basis… The businessowners.
The question is obvious: Should California Avenueopen to automobiles in 2024? Each and every businessshould get ONE single vote and the voting ballotshould be PUBLISHED so that the process is fullytransparent.
Not every business will be fully satisfied in the end,but a rising tide lifts all boats. So why not put it to apublished vote by the businesses and the majorityrules?
Thank you very much for your consideration.
DENNIS KELLY, MSMaster Sommelier | OwnerM 707.291.1607
250 California AvenuePalo Alto, CA 94306
RESERVATIONSINSTAGRAM
On Jul 10, 2023, at 11:24 AM, Richard Corny<guitarrichie@yahoo.com> wrote:
Easy for businesses that benefit from the closure to saythat.My business will thrive no matter what and this is mylast email about the closure, sorry to have disruptedyour time and sorry for the long email but I speak fromthe heart.
It’s nice to see in writing how people feel so thankyou. Some of you don’t want the street to reopen andwant to us to “Move Forward” I take that as close minded, slightly greedy and slightlydisrespectful . A move forward would be to reopen andstop dwelling on a street closure that looks like adisorganized Wild West and a construction zone after3 years. As neighbors we should be able tocompromise.
Our family has been doing business on the street since1940 and at our current location since 1985.We have survived wars, recessions, dot com bust,financial crisis, street remodels and a pandemic. On the other hand we have seen countless restaurantscome and go, as well as retail, pharmacies, hardwarestores and salons. We think a reopen (even a one way ) would make itfair for everyone and not just a few businesses andmake it inviting for more diverse new businesses towant to open up on Cal Ave. Also to make it easier formy elder customers to get to my store. And that’s our opinion.
Our business is a necessity, no one does what we dofor miles. We serve to the wealthy as well as the poor.We do repairs for all the local high end stores likeWilkes, Bloomingdales, Louis Vuitton etc…. Doctors recommend us to their patients. People send us repair from all over the country and wehave customers that travel from all over the bay. I’m as versatile as it gets. And as thriving as canthrive.Luckily I don’t have to adjust my hours accordinglyand feel sorry for businesses that have to. I also don’t need any lessons on my retail business
from people who clearly benefit from the closure.
Thank you Good luck to everyone
Respectfully CFO of The Cobblery LLC
Sent from my iPhone
On Jul 8, 2023, at 5:03 PM, Jess<Jessicasadee@gmail.com> wrote:
Sent from my iPhone
On Jul 8, 2023, at 9:22 AM,Manager zareens<zareensmanager@gmail.com>wrote:
Hi Everyone
Keeping Cal Ave. closed willmake it a destination forfriends and family to hangoutwhich will be good for allbusinesses and landlords. Cityof Palo Alto is also helping usbring foot traffic to ourdowntown.
With the new parking reformlaw, AB 2097 that was passed
this year, retail is now
allowed to convert torestaurant easily so hopefully
we will see less ‘for lease’signs and more restaurants on
this street soon!
I believe in the potential ofCal Ave. and this is the
reason why we are expandingour foot print here.
Best,
Zareen KhanOwner/Chefwww.zareensrestaurant.com
On Jul 7, 2023, at 11:40 AM,Franco Campilongo<francocampilongo@gmail.com>wrote:
Fellow business owners
I appreciate your perspective and
willingness to share your thoughts.
It's true that businesses often face
challenges and need to adapt to
changing circumstances, such as the
accelerated business model changes
brought by the pandemic. It's also
important to recognize that not all
businesses are able to adapt quickly
or survive the changes.
The shift towards remote work and
the overall decrease in in-office
workers has had a significant impact
on the retail industry. The rise of
online shopping has been accelerated
by several factors, including the
convenience it offers and the
potential for cost savings. As a
result, retailers have been adapting to
these changes by investing in their
online presence, expanding their e-
commerce capabilities, and
optimizing their websites for a
seamless shopping experience.
While political decisions can be
challenging to satisfy everyone, it's
important for cities to weigh the
potential benefits and drawbacks of
such decisions. From my
perspective, closing a dead-end street
to car traffic can present a significant
opportunity for the city of Palo Alto
if implemented effectively.
Terun sales Ref to 2019
2019 = 100%
2020 = - 40% (mostly take out)
2021 = + 25% (partially on take out
only)
2022 = + 40%
2023 = + 60% projected
Italico Sales Ref to 20192019 = 100%2020 = - 70% (closed few months)2021 = - 50% (closed a month)Added Pizza to the Menu2022 = + 20% 2023 = + 40% projected
I believe that, based on my economicanalysis, it would be beneficial forthe street to remain closed and forthe ongoing project to continue,making it an extraordinary space,especially considering theavailability of now sufficient parkingspaces. I acknowledge that this configurationmay favor restaurants, and I believethat the direction of CaliforniaAvenue becoming a restaurant rowaligns with what I think and hear thecommunity desires.Terun and Italico have madesubstantial investments in outdoorfurniture and beautification of ourfront street space, aiming to providean enjoyable experience for gueststhat is on par with, if not better than,being inside the restaurant.I also understand that somebusinesses may have held back oninvestments due to awaiting finaldecisions from the City.
Regarding empty spaces:
1. Subway was replaced byanother successful business2. Former Spalti (empty waybefore pandemic) is beingreplaced by a restaurant thatwill thrive3. Old Theatre (former Zombierunner) is a hard to take lease4. Former bakery also hardlease to take (Empty prepandemic)5. Starbucks wanted to leave in2019 already, Zareen istaking over that space6. Former Pastis being replacedby an Indian restaurant7. Bank of the West was going
to be replaced by SVB (we
all know what happened)
8. Nut house being replacedwith a fresher project
The street closure is not the primarycause of the empty spaces onCalifornia Avenue. It's important toconsider multiple factors that maycontribute to vacant spaces, and itseems that, from my observation, theclosure of the street is not the maindriver.
It's evident that I have a strong beliefin the potential of California Avenueand have taken proactive steps toenhance the customer experience inmy establishments. I am confident that my restaurantswill thrive regardless of the street'sstatus. However, I believe that thereis a significant opportunity forgreater success for CaliforniaAvenue by keeping it closed to cartraffic.
I think we should be shifting thefocus towards the future anddiscussing strategies to makeCalifornia Avenue attractive in theinterim. Dwelling too much on pastissues might hinder progress, so it'simportant to look forward andidentify actionable steps to enhancethe appeal of the area.
Thank you Ciao Franco Campilongo andTerun/Italico family
On Thu, Jul 6, 2023 at
4:29 PM Alexa Sol<alexaisabella11@gmail.com>
wrote:Do we have any update on
that last meeting that wehad with the street design? I
remember everyone wasinterested in a one way
open road ? Or what wasthe consensus on the
options?
I apologize I have been outof the loop and I agree that
the street is looking prettysad out there with all the for
lease locations,construction, empty offices
and still an incohesivestrategy and decision
making. I wish everyone the best
and appreciate all theefforts you are each taking
for maintainingyour business for our
community.
On Thu, Jul 6, 2023 at 9:48AM Al Ghafouri
<alghafouri@gmail.com>wrote:
Hello All , This is Al from printers
cafe our catering andwalk in customer still is
down 50 percent from2019 pre pandemic
California ave is not thesame any more is actually
depressing to se no oneon street .of course all
offices in the area areclosed that’s not help
either. Al Sent from my iPhone
On Jul 6,
2023, at 9:38AM, Richard
Corny<guitarrichie@yahoo.com>
wrote:
Hello andthank you allfor your timeas always
It is strangeto me that
Palo Altowants to
relax the banin chain
stores aroundCal Ave and
such whenwe lost two
of the biggestchains out
there,STARBUCKS
andSUBWAY.
Multi billiondollar
businessescouldn’t
survive onour street
with our lackof foot
traffic. Don’tget me wrong
Starbucksgoing out is
great for thesmall mom
and popscoffee shops,
as it shouldbe. But to
relax the bigchain laws is
a biglaughable
mistake. Nobig chains is
going to openon a dead
closed street.They’d rather
go to the mallor town and
country typeplaces. And
as of nowwe’re down 2
big chain onour street. So
where’s theirreplacements?
lolBy the way
the doordashdrivers have
taken thebank parking
lot and someof the nice
chairs andtables you
put out.Doesn’t do
any good formy business
but great forthem and the
restaurants. And my retail
is still 35%down from
last yearwhich was
alreadyterrible and
50% downfrom pre-
Covid by theway. Worse
than duringthe financial
crisis. If itwasn’t for
my shoerepair
services Iwould have
closedalready.
As usual I amfor a
reopening ofthe street.
Somethingthat would
benefit mybusiness and
not just therestaurants.
Thank you
and goodluck to
everyone outthere.
-- Alexa Sol
Quinto Sol
2201 BroadwayRedwood City
6503655765www.quintosol.ca
Sun of Wolf406 S. California Ave
Palo Altowww.sunofwolfpa.com
contact@sunofwolfpa.com
-- Franco Campilongo
Owner Terún Pizzeria
448 California Ave Palo Alto CA 94306Tel. 650 6008310 info@terunpizza.com www.terunpizza.com
Owner iTalico Restaurant & Wine Bar
341 California Ave
Palo Alto CA 94306
Tel. 650 4739616
info@italicorestaurant.com
www.italicorestaurant.com
From:Lara Ekwall
To:Anthony Secviar
Cc:mahmood saljooqi; Al Ghafouri; Dennis Kelly; Richard Corny; Council, City; Manager zareens; Franco
Campilongo; Alexa Sol; Alexandra Lee-Gardner; Arce, Ozzy; Bruce Fukuji; Gillian@zombierunner.com;
Guagliardo, Steven; Paloalto@summitbicycles.com; Ryankhalil91@gmail.com; alecia@vinvinowine.com;
berry@gamelandia.fun; bfbusinessllc@gmail.com; carolina@blossombirthandfamily.org; cartal23@aol.com;
charlie@paloaltochamber.com; chris@performancegaines.com; cv@kaligreekkitchen.com;
dc@zombierunner.com; dennis@vinvinowine.com; info@vivesol.biz; info@casualchicsalon.com;
info@italicorestaurant.com; info@galleryhouse.art; ismetsylm@gmail.com; izzysbb@gmail.com;
jinsho454calave@gmail.com; joaniescafepaloalto@gmail.com; judy@lpetal.com; kanzeman@sbcglobal.net;
labohemepaloalto@gmail.com; lifestylegoods@countrysun.com; lisa@vinvinowine.com;
lotusthaibistro@gmail.com; lucia.miracchi@gmail.com; maico.campilongo@gmail.com;
michael@labodeguita.com; michaelbendicott@gmail.com; nguyenbchan@gmail.com;
nguyentoanandy@gmail.com; nick@performancegaines.com; paloalto@clubpilates.com;
pastispaloalto@gmail.com; scott@countrysun.com; umetea888@gmail.com; victoriaballetpaloalto@gmail.com;
zareensrestaurant@gmail.com; Steve Ugur; Denise Sanders
Subject:Re: Car-free Streets: Cal Ave. Business Owners Focus Group
Date:Monday, July 10, 2023 5:11:04 PM
Attachments:Protege Logo.png
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
Does anyone know if the city is even considering a one lane (or 2) into Cal
Ave? Or is this a "done deal"? Opening (at least one lane) would make it
easier for people to access the district via the El Camino turn. An open
avenue would make it easier for people to get to Cal Train/parking garage,
would be better for the disabled and elderly to utilize the street... Also, would
help support our most important anchor (in my opinion), Mollie Stone's...
Seems like it could be a reasonable compromise... Businesses who want
could still have parklets... We could all benefit from exposure to cars, bikes
and pedestrians while providing some outdoor options...
Also, I feel like not enough businesses are on this thread. If you have
neighboring shops, offices, property owners, please share. This should be
about ALL of us. Lara
On Mon, Jul 10, 2023 at 3:59 PM Anthony Secviar <anthony@protegepaloalto.com> wrote:I could not agree more.
Open Cal Ave.
The restaurant’s will thrive with or without the closure-the diversity and character of thestreet will not.
If anyone thinks the street looks appealing or has a European feel, it’s my opinion that thebenefits to his/her business are clouding judgement.
There is zero aesthetic integration of the street with the outdoor dining spaces. It feels likeyou’re walking through a temporary street fair.
This street closure was an attempt to keep businesses going through a pandemic. Post
pandemic it transitioned into an experimental closure to mimic european style alfrescodining. Currently this experiment is hurting more businesses than it is helping and has not
turned into anything attractive (in my opinion). We should reopen the street.
We all know the headwinds and challenges retail businesses face in todays online-fanaticworld. I for one would like to give them EVERY opportunity to succeed-opening the street
being one of them. Retail adds to the charm, diversity and “life” of a street. Empty storefronts do not. Let’s not be foolish and think that every store vacancy will be turned into a
restaurant anytime in the near future, regardless of a recent change in policy even the citycan’t universally explain.
I’m committed to Cal Ave and want to see the entire street thrive, not just a handful of
establishments. Everyone benefits from having a street that is attractive to all forms oftenants and businesses.
Open Cal Ave gets my vote.
With respect,
ANTHONY SECVIAR
Chef | Owner
M 707 312 0931
250 S. California Avenue
Palo Alto, California 94306
Sent from my iPhone
On Jul 10, 2023, at 3:22 PM, mahmood saljooqi <moods.winebar@yahoo.com>wrote:
Open California Ave! I’m going to upset people but the pandemic is over andall restaurant should go back to pre pandemic rules! Stop blocking sidewalksand dis obeying the rules that were set by the city which they have stoppedenforcing. Richard is right! It looks like the Wild West. The city mentioned theywere going to model California Ave after cities like Europe but have fallenshort. The street is filled with garbage and leaves that have piled up. Parkletswould have been a good idea but they look like someone with no experiencewith any construction experience built them. Give the retailers a chance tosurvive. Every Restaurant owner new what space they had when they signed thelease and no one is taking away your space but let’s give other businesses achance as well.
Sent from my iPhone
On Jul 10, 2023, at 1:28 PM, Al Ghafouri
<alghafouri@gmail.com> wrote:
Hello everyone, I have been on cal ave over 25 years. 10 years at plantation cafe
which was closed few years back after I sold the business and 15years at current location Printers cafe . As I mentioned before my
business still down 50 percent from before Pandemic , on top ofthat they are bunch of Food facilities right in front of cafe Every
Sunday this is supposed to be Farmers Market not Food Market.Complaining to city few times nothings is done is Shame . During
the daytime on cal ave is like ghost town nothing like beforepandemic. Best , Al Ghafouri
Sent from my iPhone
On Jul 10, 2023, at 12:45 PM, Dennis Kelly<dennis@protegepaloalto.com> wrote:
I’m glad to see so many business owners weighing-inon this forum. Too many have sat on the sidelines dueto their frustration with the process over the pastcouple of years.
It appears to me that business owners who arebenefiting from additional seating capacity support thestreet closure. Those who are suffering from the lackof storefront access for drivers are in favor of openingup the street to automobiles. Makes perfect sense.
We believe every business on Cal Ave and its cross-streets (ex. True Salon, Bistro Elan, Café Pro Bono,Nachmarkt, etc…) deserves a voice in this crucialdecision. This issue should be decided through a voteof those who invest their time, money and financialfutures into our street on a daily basis… The businessowners.
The question is obvious: Should California Avenueopen to automobiles in 2024? Each and every businessshould get ONE single vote and the voting ballotshould be PUBLISHED so that the process is fullytransparent.
Not every business will be fully satisfied in the end,but a rising tide lifts all boats. So why not put it to apublished vote by the businesses and the majorityrules?
Thank you very much for your consideration.
DENNIS KELLY, MS
Master Sommelier | OwnerM 707.291.1607
250 California AvenuePalo Alto, CA 94306
RESERVATIONSINSTAGRAM
On Jul 10, 2023, at 11:24 AM, Richard Corny<guitarrichie@yahoo.com> wrote:
Easy for businesses that benefit from the closure to saythat.My business will thrive no matter what and this is mylast email about the closure, sorry to have disruptedyour time and sorry for the long email but I speak fromthe heart.
It’s nice to see in writing how people feel so thankyou. Some of you don’t want the street to reopen andwant to us to “Move Forward” I take that as close minded, slightly greedy and slightlydisrespectful . A move forward would be to reopen andstop dwelling on a street closure that looks like adisorganized Wild West and a construction zone after3 years. As neighbors we should be able tocompromise.
Our family has been doing business on the street since1940 and at our current location since 1985.We have survived wars, recessions, dot com bust,financial crisis, street remodels and a pandemic. On the other hand we have seen countless restaurantscome and go, as well as retail, pharmacies, hardwarestores and salons. We think a reopen (even a one way ) would make itfair for everyone and not just a few businesses andmake it inviting for more diverse new businesses towant to open up on Cal Ave. Also to make it easier formy elder customers to get to my store. And that’s our opinion.
Our business is a necessity, no one does what we do
for miles. We serve to the wealthy as well as the poor.We do repairs for all the local high end stores like
Wilkes, Bloomingdales, Louis Vuitton etc…. Doctors recommend us to their patients.
People send us repair from all over the country and wehave customers that travel from all over the bay.
I’m as versatile as it gets. And as thriving as canthrive.
Luckily I don’t have to adjust my hours accordinglyand feel sorry for businesses that have to.
I also don’t need any lessons on my retail businessfrom people who clearly benefit from the closure.
Thank you
Good luck to everyone
Respectfully CFO of The Cobblery LLC
Sent from my iPhone
On Jul 8, 2023, at 5:03 PM, Jess<Jessicasadee@gmail.com> wrote:
Sent from my iPhone
On Jul 8, 2023, at 9:22 AM,
Manager zareens<zareensmanager@gmail.com>
wrote:
Hi Everyone
Keeping Cal Ave. closed willmake it a destination forfriends and family to hangoutwhich will be good for allbusinesses and landlords. Cityof Palo Alto is also helping usbring foot traffic to ourdowntown.
With the new parking reformlaw, AB 2097 that was passed
this year, retail is nowallowed to convert torestaurant easily so hopefullywe will see less ‘for lease’signs and more restaurants onthis street soon!
I believe in the potential ofCal Ave. and this is thereason why we are expandingour foot print here.
Best,Zareen KhanOwner/Chefwww.zareensrestaurant.com
On Jul 7, 2023, at 11:40 AM,Franco Campilongo
<francocampilongo@gmail.com>wrote:
Fellow business owners
I appreciate your perspective andwillingness to share your thoughts.It's true that businesses often facechallenges and need to adapt tochanging circumstances, such as theaccelerated business model changesbrought by the pandemic. It's alsoimportant to recognize that not allbusinesses are able to adapt quicklyor survive the changes.
The shift towards remote work andthe overall decrease in in-officeworkers has had a significant impacton the retail industry. The rise ofonline shopping has been acceleratedby several factors, including theconvenience it offers and thepotential for cost savings. As aresult, retailers have been adapting tothese changes by investing in theironline presence, expanding their e-commerce capabilities, andoptimizing their websites for aseamless shopping experience.
While political decisions can bechallenging to satisfy everyone, it'simportant for cities to weigh the
potential benefits and drawbacks of
such decisions. From my
perspective, closing a dead-end streetto car traffic can present a significantopportunity for the city of Palo Altoif implemented effectively.
Terun sales Ref to 20192019 = 100%2020 = - 40% (mostly take out)2021 = + 25% (partially on take outonly)2022 = + 40%2023 = + 60% projected
Italico Sales Ref to 20192019 = 100%2020 = - 70% (closed few months)2021 = - 50% (closed a month)Added Pizza to the Menu2022 = + 20% 2023 = + 40% projected
I believe that, based on my economicanalysis, it would be beneficial forthe street to remain closed and forthe ongoing project to continue,making it an extraordinary space,especially considering theavailability of now sufficient parkingspaces. I acknowledge that this configurationmay favor restaurants, and I believethat the direction of CaliforniaAvenue becoming a restaurant rowaligns with what I think and hear thecommunity desires.Terun and Italico have madesubstantial investments in outdoorfurniture and beautification of ourfront street space, aiming to providean enjoyable experience for gueststhat is on par with, if not better than,being inside the restaurant.I also understand that somebusinesses may have held back oninvestments due to awaiting finaldecisions from the City.
Regarding empty spaces:
1. Subway was replaced byanother successful business2. Former Spalti (empty waybefore pandemic) is beingreplaced by a restaurant that
will thrive
3. Old Theatre (former Zombie
runner) is a hard to take lease4. Former bakery also hardlease to take (Empty prepandemic)5. Starbucks wanted to leave in2019 already, Zareen istaking over that space6. Former Pastis being replacedby an Indian restaurant7. Bank of the West was goingto be replaced by SVB (weall know what happened) 8. Nut house being replacedwith a fresher project
The street closure is not the primarycause of the empty spaces onCalifornia Avenue. It's important toconsider multiple factors that maycontribute to vacant spaces, and itseems that, from my observation, theclosure of the street is not the maindriver.
It's evident that I have a strong beliefin the potential of California Avenueand have taken proactive steps toenhance the customer experience inmy establishments. I am confident that my restaurantswill thrive regardless of the street'sstatus. However, I believe that thereis a significant opportunity forgreater success for CaliforniaAvenue by keeping it closed to cartraffic.
I think we should be shifting thefocus towards the future anddiscussing strategies to makeCalifornia Avenue attractive in theinterim. Dwelling too much on pastissues might hinder progress, so it'simportant to look forward andidentify actionable steps to enhancethe appeal of the area.
Thank you Ciao Franco Campilongo andTerun/Italico family
On Thu, Jul 6, 2023 at
4:29 PM Alexa Sol<alexaisabella11@gmail.com>
wrote:Do we have any update on
that last meeting that wehad with the street design? I
remember everyone wasinterested in a one way
open road ? Or what wasthe consensus on the
options?I apologize I have been out
of the loop and I agree thatthe street is looking pretty
sad out there with all the forlease locations,
construction, empty officesand still an incohesive
strategy and decisionmaking.
I wish everyone the bestand appreciate all the
efforts you are each takingfor maintaining
your business for ourcommunity.
On Thu, Jul 6, 2023 at 9:48
AM Al Ghafouri<alghafouri@gmail.com>
wrote:Hello All ,
This is Al from printerscafe our catering and
walk in customer still isdown 50 percent from
2019 pre pandemicCalifornia ave is not the
same any more is actuallydepressing to se no one
on street .of course alloffices in the area are
closed that’s not helpeither. Al
Sent from my iPhone
On Jul 6,2023, at 9:38
AM, Richard
Corny<guitarrichie@yahoo.com>
wrote:
Hello andthank you allfor your timeas always
It is strangeto me thatPalo Altowants torelax the banin chainstores aroundCal Ave andsuch whenwe lost twoof the biggestchains outthere,STARBUCKSandSUBWAY.Multi billiondollarbusinessescouldn’tsurvive onour streetwith our lackof foottraffic. Don’tget me wrongStarbucksgoing out isgreat for thesmall momand popscoffee shops,as it shouldbe. But torelax the bigchain laws isa biglaughablemistake. Nobig chains is
going to openon a dead
closed street.They’d rather
go to the mallor town and
country typeplaces. And
as of nowwe’re down 2
big chain onour street. So
where’s theirreplacements?
lolBy the way
the doordashdrivers have
taken thebank parking
lot and someof the nice
chairs andtables you
put out.Doesn’t do
any good formy business
but great forthem and the
restaurants. And my retail
is still 35%down from
last yearwhich was
alreadyterrible and
50% downfrom pre-
Covid by theway. Worse
than duringthe financial
crisis. If itwasn’t for
my shoerepair
services Iwould have
closedalready.
As usual I amfor a
reopening ofthe street.
Somethingthat would
benefit mybusiness and
not just therestaurants.
Thank you
and goodluck to
everyone outthere.
-- Alexa Sol
Quinto Sol
2201 BroadwayRedwood City
6503655765www.quintosol.ca
Sun of Wolf406 S. California Ave
Palo Altowww.sunofwolfpa.com
contact@sunofwolfpa.com
-- Franco Campilongo
Owner Terún Pizzeria
448 California Ave Palo Alto CA 94306Tel. 650 6008310 info@terunpizza.com www.terunpizza.com
Owner iTalico Restaurant & Wine Bar
341 California Ave
Palo Alto CA 94306
Tel. 650 4739616
info@italicorestaurant.com
www.italicorestaurant.com
From:Anthony Secviar
To:mahmood saljooqi
Cc:Al Ghafouri; Dennis Kelly; Richard Corny; Council, City; Manager zareens; Franco Campilongo; Alexa Sol;
Alexandra Lee-Gardner; Arce, Ozzy; Bruce Fukuji; Gillian@zombierunner.com; Guagliardo, Steven;
Lara@labodeguita.com; Paloalto@summitbicycles.com; Ryankhalil91@gmail.com; alecia@vinvinowine.com;
berry@gamelandia.fun; bfbusinessllc@gmail.com; carolina@blossombirthandfamily.org; cartal23@aol.com;
charlie@paloaltochamber.com; chris@performancegaines.com; cv@kaligreekkitchen.com;
dc@zombierunner.com; dennis@vinvinowine.com; info@vivesol.biz; info@casualchicsalon.com;
info@italicorestaurant.com; info@galleryhouse.art; ismetsylm@gmail.com; izzysbb@gmail.com;
jinsho454calave@gmail.com; joaniescafepaloalto@gmail.com; judy@lpetal.com; kanzeman@sbcglobal.net;
labohemepaloalto@gmail.com; lifestylegoods@countrysun.com; lisa@vinvinowine.com;
lotusthaibistro@gmail.com; lucia.miracchi@gmail.com; maico.campilongo@gmail.com;
michael@labodeguita.com; michaelbendicott@gmail.com; nguyenbchan@gmail.com;
nguyentoanandy@gmail.com; nick@performancegaines.com; paloalto@clubpilates.com;
pastispaloalto@gmail.com; scott@countrysun.com; umetea888@gmail.com; victoriaballetpaloalto@gmail.com;
zareensrestaurant@gmail.com
Subject:Re: Car-free Streets: Cal Ave. Business Owners Focus Group
Date:Monday, July 10, 2023 3:59:50 PM
Attachments:Protege Logo.png
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I could not agree more.
Open Cal Ave.
The restaurant’s will thrive with or without the closure-the diversity and character of the streetwill not.
If anyone thinks the street looks appealing or has a European feel, it’s my opinion that the
benefits to his/her business are clouding judgement.
There is zero aesthetic integration of the street with the outdoor dining spaces. It feels likeyou’re walking through a temporary street fair.
This street closure was an attempt to keep businesses going through a pandemic. Post
pandemic it transitioned into an experimental closure to mimic european style alfresco dining.Currently this experiment is hurting more businesses than it is helping and has not turned into
anything attractive (in my opinion). We should reopen the street.
We all know the headwinds and challenges retail businesses face in todays online-fanaticworld. I for one would like to give them EVERY opportunity to succeed-opening the street
being one of them. Retail adds to the charm, diversity and “life” of a street. Empty store frontsdo not. Let’s not be foolish and think that every store vacancy will be turned into a restaurant
anytime in the near future, regardless of a recent change in policy even the city can’tuniversally explain.
I’m committed to Cal Ave and want to see the entire street thrive, not just a handful of
establishments. Everyone benefits from having a street that is attractive to all forms of tenantsand businesses.
Open Cal Ave gets my vote.
With respect,
ANTHONY SECVIAR
Chef | Owner
M 707 312 0931
250 S. California Avenue
Palo Alto, California 94306
Sent from my iPhone
On Jul 10, 2023, at 3:22 PM, mahmood saljooqi <moods.winebar@yahoo.com>wrote:Open California Ave! I’m going to upset people but the pandemic is over and allrestaurant should go back to pre pandemic rules! Stop blocking sidewalks and disobeying the rules that were set by the city which they have stopped enforcing.Richard is right! It looks like the Wild West. The city mentioned they were goingto model California Ave after cities like Europe but have fallen short. The street isfilled with garbage and leaves that have piled up. Parklets would have been agood idea but they look like someone with no experience with any constructionexperience built them. Give the retailers a chance to survive. Every Restaurantowner new what space they had when they signed the lease and no one is takingaway your space but let’s give other businesses a chance as well.
Sent from my iPhone
On Jul 10, 2023, at 1:28 PM, Al Ghafouri <alghafouri@gmail.com>wrote:Hello everyone, I have been on cal ave over 25 years. 10 years at plantation cafewhich was closed few years back after I sold the business and 15years at current location Printers cafe . As I mentioned before mybusiness still down 50 percent from before Pandemic , on top of thatthey are bunch of Food facilities right in front of cafe Every Sundaythis is supposed to be Farmers Market not Food Market. Complainingto city few times nothings is done is Shame . During the daytime oncal ave is like ghost town nothing like before pandemic. Best , AlGhafouri Sent from my iPhone
On Jul 10, 2023, at 12:45 PM, Dennis Kelly<dennis@protegepaloalto.com> wrote:I’m glad to see so many business owners weighing-in onthis forum. Too many have sat on the sidelines due totheir frustration with the process over the past couple ofyears.
It appears to me that business owners who are benefitingfrom additional seating capacity support the streetclosure. Those who are suffering from the lack ofstorefront access for drivers are in favor of opening upthe street to automobiles. Makes perfect sense.
We believe every business on Cal Ave and its cross-streets (ex. True Salon, Bistro Elan, Café Pro Bono,Nachmarkt, etc…) deserves a voice in this crucialdecision. This issue should be decided through a vote ofthose who invest their time, money and financial futuresinto our street on a daily basis… The business owners.
The question is obvious: Should California Avenue opento automobiles in 2024? Each and every business shouldget ONE single vote and the voting ballot should bePUBLISHED so that the process is fully transparent.
Not every business will be fully satisfied in the end, but arising tide lifts all boats. So why not put it to a publishedvote by the businesses and the majority rules?
Thank you very much for your consideration.
DENNIS KELLY, MSMaster Sommelier | OwnerM 707.291.1607
250 California AvenuePalo Alto, CA 94306
RESERVATIONSINSTAGRAM
On Jul 10, 2023, at 11:24 AM, Richard Corny<guitarrichie@yahoo.com> wrote:Easy for businesses that benefit from the closure to saythat.
My business will thrive no matter what and this is mylast email about the closure, sorry to have disrupted your
time and sorry for the long email but I speak from theheart.
It’s nice to see in writing how people feel so thank you.
Some of you don’t want the street to reopen and want tous to “Move Forward”
I take that as close minded, slightly greedy and slightlydisrespectful . A move forward would be to reopen and
stop dwelling on a street closure that looks like adisorganized Wild West and a construction zone after 3
years. As neighbors we should be able to compromise.
Our family has been doing business on the street since1940 and at our current location since 1985.
We have survived wars, recessions, dot com bust,financial crisis, street remodels and a pandemic.
On the other hand we have seen countless restaurantscome and go, as well as retail, pharmacies, hardware
stores and salons. We think a reopen (even a one way ) would make it fair
for everyone and not just a few businesses and make itinviting for more diverse new businesses to want to open
up on Cal Ave. Also to make it easier for my eldercustomers to get to my store.
And that’s our opinion.
Our business is a necessity, no one does what we do formiles. We serve to the wealthy as well as the poor. We
do repairs for all the local high end stores like Wilkes,Bloomingdales, Louis Vuitton etc….
Doctors recommend us to their patients. People send us repair from all over the country and we
have customers that travel from all over the bay. I’m as versatile as it gets. And as thriving as can thrive.
Luckily I don’t have to adjust my hours accordingly andfeel sorry for businesses that have to.
I also don’t need any lessons on my retail business frompeople who clearly benefit from the closure.
Thank you
Good luck to everyone
Respectfully CFO of The Cobblery LLC
Sent from my iPhone
On Jul 8, 2023, at 5:03 PM, Jess<Jessicasadee@gmail.com> wrote:Sent from my iPhone
On Jul 8, 2023, at 9:22 AM,
Manager zareens<zareensmanager@gmail.com>
wrote:Hi Everyone
Keeping Cal Ave. closed willmake it a destination for friendsand family to hangout whichwill be good for all businessesand landlords. City of Palo Altois also helping us bring foottraffic to our downtown.
With the new parking reformlaw, AB 2097 that was passed
this year, retail is now allowedto convert to restaurant easily sohopefully we will see less ‘forlease’ signs and morerestaurants on this street soon!
I believe in the potential of CalAve. and this is the reason whywe are expanding our foot printhere.
Best,Zareen KhanOwner/Chefwww.zareensrestaurant.com
On Jul 7, 2023, at 11:40 AM,Franco Campilongo
<francocampilongo@gmail.com>wrote:Fellow business owners
I appreciate your perspective and
willingness to share your thoughts. It'strue that businesses often facechallenges and need to adapt tochanging circumstances, such as theaccelerated business model changesbrought by the pandemic. It's alsoimportant to recognize that not allbusinesses are able to adapt quickly orsurvive the changes.
The shift towards remote work and theoverall decrease in in-office workershas had a significant impact on theretail industry. The rise of onlineshopping has been accelerated byseveral factors, including theconvenience it offers and the potentialfor cost savings. As a result, retailershave been adapting to these changes byinvesting in their online presence,expanding their e-commercecapabilities, and optimizing theirwebsites for a seamless shoppingexperience.
While political decisions can bechallenging to satisfy everyone, it'simportant for cities to weigh thepotential benefits and drawbacks ofsuch decisions. From my perspective,closing a dead-end street to car trafficcan present a significant opportunityfor the city of Palo Alto if implementedeffectively.
Terun sales Ref to 20192019 = 100%2020 = - 40% (mostly take out)2021 = + 25% (partially on take outonly)2022 = + 40%2023 = + 60% projected
Italico Sales Ref to 20192019 = 100%2020 = - 70% (closed few months)2021 = - 50% (closed a month) AddedPizza to the Menu2022 = + 20% 2023 = + 40% projected
I believe that, based on my economicanalysis, it would be beneficial for thestreet to remain closed and for theongoing project to continue, making it
an extraordinary space, especially
considering the availability of now
sufficient parking spaces. I acknowledge that this configurationmay favor restaurants, and I believethat the direction of California Avenuebecoming a restaurant row aligns withwhat I think and hear the communitydesires.Terun and Italico have made substantialinvestments in outdoor furniture andbeautification of our front street space,aiming to provide an enjoyableexperience for guests that is on parwith, if not better than, being inside therestaurant.I also understand that some businessesmay have held back on investments dueto awaiting final decisions from theCity.
Regarding empty spaces:
1. Subway was replaced byanother successful business2. Former Spalti (empty waybefore pandemic) is beingreplaced by a restaurant thatwill thrive3. Old Theatre (former Zombierunner) is a hard to take lease4. Former bakery also hard leaseto take (Empty pre pandemic)5. Starbucks wanted to leave in2019 already, Zareen is takingover that space6. Former Pastis being replaced byan Indian restaurant7. Bank of the West was going tobe replaced by SVB (we allknow what happened) 8. Nut house being replaced with afresher project
The street closure is not the primarycause of the empty spaces on CaliforniaAvenue. It's important to considermultiple factors that may contribute tovacant spaces, and it seems that, frommy observation, the closure of thestreet is not the main driver.
It's evident that I have a strong belief inthe potential of California Avenue andhave taken proactive steps to enhance
the customer experience in my
establishments.
I am confident that my restaurants willthrive regardless of the street's status.However, I believe that there is asignificant opportunity for greatersuccess for California Avenue bykeeping it closed to car traffic.
I think we should be shifting the focustowards the future and discussingstrategies to make California Avenueattractive in the interim. Dwelling toomuch on past issues might hinderprogress, so it's important to lookforward and identify actionable steps toenhance the appeal of the area.
Thank you Ciao Franco Campilongo and Terun/Italicofamily
On Thu, Jul 6, 2023 at 4:29 PM
Alexa Sol<alexaisabella11@gmail.com>
wrote:Do we have any update on
that last meeting that we hadwith the street design? I
remember everyone wasinterested in a one way open
road ? Or what was theconsensus on the options?
I apologize I have been out ofthe loop and I agree that the
street is looking pretty sad outthere with all the for lease
locations, construction, emptyoffices and still an incohesive
strategy and decisionmaking.
I wish everyone the best andappreciate all the efforts you
are each taking formaintaining your business for
our community.
On Thu, Jul 6, 2023 at 9:48AM Al Ghafouri
<alghafouri@gmail.com>wrote:
Hello All ,
This is Al from printers cafeour catering and walk in
customer still is down 50percent from 2019 pre
pandemic California ave isnot the same any more is
actually depressing to se noone on street .of course all
offices in the area areclosed that’s not help either.
Al Sent from my iPhone
On Jul 6, 2023,
at 9:38 AM,Richard Corny
<guitarrichie@yahoo.com>wrote:
Hello andthank you allfor your time asalways
It is strange tome that PaloAlto wants torelax the ban inchain storesaround Cal Aveand such whenwe lost two ofthe biggestchains outthere,STARBUCKSand SUBWAY.Multi billiondollarbusinessescouldn’tsurvive on ourstreet with ourlack of foottraffic. Don’tget me wrongStarbucksgoing out isgreat for the
small mom andpops coffee
shops, as itshould be. But
to relax the bigchain laws is a
big laughablemistake. No big
chains is goingto open on a
dead closedstreet. They’d
rather go to themall or town
and countrytype places.
And as of nowwe’re down 2
big chain onour street. So
where’s theirreplacements?
lolBy the way the
doordashdrivers have
taken the bankparking lot and
some of thenice chairs and
tables you putout. Doesn’t do
any good formy business
but great forthem and the
restaurants. And my retail
is still 35%down from last
year which wasalready terrible
and 50% downfrom pre-Covid
by the way.Worse than
during thefinancial crisis.
If it wasn’t formy shoe repair
services Iwould have
closed already. As usual I am
for a reopeningof the street.
Something thatwould benefit
my businessand not just the
restaurants.
Thank you andgood luck to
everyone outthere.
-- Alexa Sol
Quinto Sol
2201 BroadwayRedwood City
6503655765www.quintosol.ca
Sun of Wolf406 S. California Ave
Palo Altowww.sunofwolfpa.com
contact@sunofwolfpa.com
-- Franco Campilongo
Owner Terún Pizzeria
448 California Ave Palo Alto CA 94306Tel. 650 6008310 info@terunpizza.com www.terunpizza.com
Owner iTalico Restaurant & Wine Bar
341 California Ave
Palo Alto CA 94306
Tel. 650 4739616
info@italicorestaurant.com
www.italicorestaurant.com
From:mahmood saljooqi
To:Al Ghafouri
Cc:Dennis Kelly; Richard Corny; Council, City; Manager zareens; Franco Campilongo; Alexa Sol; Alexandra Lee-
Gardner; Arce, Ozzy; Bruce Fukuji; gillian@zombierunner.com; Guagliardo, Steven; Lara@labodeguita.com;
Paloalto@summitbicycles.com; Ryankhalil91@gmail.com; alecia@vinvinowine.com;
anthony@protegepaloalto.com; berry@gamelandia.fun; bfbusinessllc@gmail.com;
carolina@blossombirthandfamily.org; cartal23@aol.com; charlie@paloaltochamber.com;
chris@performancegaines.com; cv@kaligreekkitchen.com; dc@zombierunner.com; dennis@vinvinowine.com;
info@vivesol.biz; info@casualchicsalon.com; info@italicorestaurant.com; info@galleryhouse.art;
ismetsylm@gmail.com; izzysbb@gmail.com; jinsho454calave@gmail.com; joaniescafepaloalto@gmail.com;
judy@lpetal.com; kanzeman@sbcglobal.net; labohemepaloalto@gmail.com; lifestylegoods@countrysun.com;
lisa@vinvinowine.com; lotusthaibistro@gmail.com; lucia.miracchi@gmail.com; maico.campilongo@gmail.com;
michael@labodeguita.com; michaelbendicott@gmail.com; nguyenbchan@gmail.com;
nguyentoanandy@gmail.com; nick@performancegaines.com; paloalto@clubpilates.com;
pastispaloalto@gmail.com; scott@countrysun.com; umetea888@gmail.com; victoriaballetpaloalto@gmail.com;
zareensrestaurant@gmail.com
Subject:Re: Car-free Streets: Cal Ave. Business Owners Focus Group
Date:Monday, July 10, 2023 3:22:42 PM
Some people who received this message don't often get email from moods.winebar@yahoo.com. Learn why thisis important
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
Open California Ave! I’m going to upset people but the pandemic is over and all restaurant
should go back to pre pandemic rules! Stop blocking sidewalks and dis obeying the rules thatwere set by the city which they have stopped enforcing. Richard is right! It looks like the Wild
West. The city mentioned they were going to model California Ave after cities like Europe buthave fallen short. The street is filled with garbage and leaves that have piled up. Parklets
would have been a good idea but they look like someone with no experience with anyconstruction experience built them. Give the retailers a chance to survive. Every Restaurant
owner new what space they had when they signed the lease and no one is taking away yourspace but let’s give other businesses a chance as well.
Sent from my iPhone
On Jul 10, 2023, at 1:28 PM, Al Ghafouri <alghafouri@gmail.com> wrote:Hello everyone,
I have been on cal ave over 25 years. 10 years at plantation cafe which was closedfew years back after I sold the business and 15 years at current location Printers
cafe . As I mentioned before my business still down 50 percent from beforePandemic , on top of that they are bunch of Food facilities right in front of cafe
Every Sunday this is supposed to be Farmers Market not Food Market.Complaining to city few times nothings is done is Shame . During the daytime on
cal ave is like ghost town nothing like before pandemic. Best , Al Ghafouri Sent from my iPhone
On Jul 10, 2023, at 12:45 PM, Dennis Kelly
<dennis@protegepaloalto.com> wrote:
I’m glad to see so many business owners weighing-in on this forum.Too many have sat on the sidelines due to their frustration with the
process over the past couple of years.
It appears to me that business owners who are benefiting fromadditional seating capacity support the street closure. Those who are
suffering from the lack of storefront access for drivers are in favor ofopening up the street to automobiles. Makes perfect sense.
We believe every business on Cal Ave and its cross-streets (ex. True
Salon, Bistro Elan, Café Pro Bono, Nachmarkt, etc…) deserves avoice in this crucial decision. This issue should be decided through a
vote of those who invest their time, money and financial futures intoour street on a daily basis… The business owners.
The question is obvious: Should California Avenue open to
automobiles in 2024? Each and every business should get ONE singlevote and the voting ballot should be PUBLISHED so that the process
is fully transparent.
Not every business will be fully satisfied in the end, but a rising tidelifts all boats. So why not put it to a published vote by the businesses
and the majority rules?
Thank you very much for your consideration.
DENNIS KELLY, MSMaster Sommelier | OwnerM 707.291.1607
250 California AvenuePalo Alto, CA 94306
RESERVATIONSINSTAGRAM
On Jul 10, 2023, at 11:24 AM, Richard Corny<guitarrichie@yahoo.com> wrote:Easy for businesses that benefit from the closure to say that.My business will thrive no matter what and this is my last emailabout the closure, sorry to have disrupted your time and sorry for thelong email but I speak from the heart.
It’s nice to see in writing how people feel so thank you. Some of youdon’t want the street to reopen and want to us to “Move Forward” I take that as close minded, slightly greedy and slightly disrespectful .A move forward would be to reopen and stop dwelling on a street
closure that looks like a disorganized Wild West and a constructionzone after 3 years. As neighbors we should be able to compromise.
Our family has been doing business on the street since 1940 and atour current location since 1985.We have survived wars, recessions, dot com bust, financial crisis,street remodels and a pandemic. On the other hand we have seen countless restaurants come and go,as well as retail, pharmacies, hardware stores and salons. We think a reopen (even a one way ) would make it fair for everyoneand not just a few businesses and make it inviting for more diversenew businesses to want to open up on Cal Ave. Also to make it easierfor my elder customers to get to my store. And that’s our opinion.
Our business is a necessity, no one does what we do for miles. Weserve to the wealthy as well as the poor. We do repairs for all thelocal high end stores like Wilkes, Bloomingdales, Louis Vuittonetc…. Doctors recommend us to their patients. People send us repair from all over the country and we havecustomers that travel from all over the bay. I’m as versatile as it gets. And as thriving as can thrive.Luckily I don’t have to adjust my hours accordingly and feel sorry forbusinesses that have to. I also don’t need any lessons on my retail business from people whoclearly benefit from the closure.
Thank you Good luck to everyone
Respectfully CFO of The Cobblery LLC
Sent from my iPhone
On Jul 8, 2023, at 5:03 PM, Jess<Jessicasadee@gmail.com> wrote:Sent from my iPhone
On Jul 8, 2023, at 9:22 AM, Managerzareens <zareensmanager@gmail.com>wrote:
Hi Everyone
Keeping Cal Ave. closed will make it adestination for friends and family to hangoutwhich will be good for all businesses andlandlords. City of Palo Alto is also helpingus bring foot traffic to our downtown.
With the new parking reform law, AB
2097 that was passed this year, retail is now
allowed to convert to restaurant easily sohopefully we will see less ‘for lease’ signsand more restaurants on this street soon!
I believe in the potential of Cal Ave. and thisis the reason why we are expanding our footprint here.
Best,Zareen KhanOwner/Chefwww.zareensrestaurant.com
On Jul 7, 2023, at 11:40 AM, Franco
Campilongo<francocampilongo@gmail.com> wrote:Fellow business owners
I appreciate your perspective and willingness to shareyour thoughts. It's true that businesses often facechallenges and need to adapt to changingcircumstances, such as the accelerated business modelchanges brought by the pandemic. It's also important torecognize that not all businesses are able to adaptquickly or survive the changes.
The shift towards remote work and the overalldecrease in in-office workers has had a significantimpact on the retail industry. The rise of onlineshopping has been accelerated by several factors,including the convenience it offers and the potentialfor cost savings. As a result, retailers have beenadapting to these changes by investing in their onlinepresence, expanding their e-commerce capabilities,and optimizing their websites for a seamless shoppingexperience.
While political decisions can be challenging to satisfyeveryone, it's important for cities to weigh the potentialbenefits and drawbacks of such decisions. From my
perspective, closing a dead-end street to car traffic can
present a significant opportunity for the city of Palo
Alto if implemented effectively.
Terun sales Ref to 20192019 = 100%2020 = - 40% (mostly take out)2021 = + 25% (partially on take out only)2022 = + 40%2023 = + 60% projected
Italico Sales Ref to 20192019 = 100%2020 = - 70% (closed few months)2021 = - 50% (closed a month) Added Pizza to theMenu2022 = + 20% 2023 = + 40% projected
I believe that, based on my economic analysis, itwould be beneficial for the street to remain closed andfor the ongoing project to continue, making it anextraordinary space, especially considering theavailability of now sufficient parking spaces. I acknowledge that this configuration may favorrestaurants, and I believe that the direction ofCalifornia Avenue becoming a restaurant row alignswith what I think and hear the community desires.Terun and Italico have made substantial investments inoutdoor furniture and beautification of our front streetspace, aiming to provide an enjoyable experience forguests that is on par with, if not better than, beinginside the restaurant.I also understand that some businesses may have heldback on investments due to awaiting final decisionsfrom the City.
Regarding empty spaces:
1. Subway was replaced by another successfulbusiness2. Former Spalti (empty way before pandemic) isbeing replaced by a restaurant that will thrive3. Old Theatre (former Zombie runner) is a hardto take lease4. Former bakery also hard lease to take (Emptypre pandemic)5. Starbucks wanted to leave in 2019 already,Zareen is taking over that space6. Former Pastis being replaced by an Indianrestaurant7. Bank of the West was going to be replaced bySVB (we all know what happened) 8. Nut house being replaced with a fresher project
The street closure is not the primary cause of the
empty spaces on California Avenue. It's important to
consider multiple factors that may contribute to vacantspaces, and it seems that, from my observation, theclosure of the street is not the main driver.
It's evident that I have a strong belief in the potential ofCalifornia Avenue and have taken proactive steps toenhance the customer experience in myestablishments. I am confident that my restaurants will thriveregardless of the street's status. However, I believe thatthere is a significant opportunity for greater success forCalifornia Avenue by keeping it closed to car traffic.
I think we should be shifting the focus towards thefuture and discussing strategies to make CaliforniaAvenue attractive in the interim. Dwelling too muchon past issues might hinder progress, so it's importantto look forward and identify actionable steps toenhance the appeal of the area.
Thank you Ciao Franco Campilongo and Terun/Italico family
On Thu, Jul 6, 2023 at 4:29 PM Alexa Sol
<alexaisabella11@gmail.com> wrote:Do we have any update on that last
meeting that we had with the streetdesign? I remember everyone was
interested in a one way open road ? Orwhat was the consensus on the options?
I apologize I have been out of the loop andI agree that the street is looking pretty sad
out there with all the for lease locations,construction, empty offices and still an
incohesive strategy and decision making. I wish everyone the best and appreciate all
the efforts you are each taking formaintaining your business for our
community.
On Thu, Jul 6, 2023 at 9:48 AM AlGhafouri <alghafouri@gmail.com> wrote:
Hello All , This is Al from printers cafe our
catering and walk in customer still isdown 50 percent from 2019 pre
pandemic California ave is not the sameany more is actually depressing to se no
one on street .of course all offices in thearea are closed that’s not help either. Al
Sent from my iPhone
On Jul 6, 2023, at 9:38 AM,Richard Corny
<guitarrichie@yahoo.com>wrote:
Hello and thank you all foryour time as always
It is strange to me that PaloAlto wants to relax the banin chain stores around CalAve and such when we losttwo of the biggest chainsout there, STARBUCKSand SUBWAY. Multibillion dollar businessescouldn’t survive on ourstreet with our lack of foottraffic. Don’t get me wrongStarbucks going out is greatfor the small mom and popscoffee shops, as it shouldbe. But to relax the bigchain laws is a biglaughable mistake. No bigchains is going to open on adead closed street. They’drather go to the mall ortown and country typeplaces. And as of nowwe’re down 2 big chain onour street. So where’s theirreplacements? lolBy the way the doordashdrivers have taken the bankparking lot and some of thenice chairs and tables youput out. Doesn’t do anygood for my business butgreat for them and therestaurants. And my retail is still 35%down from last year whichwas already terrible and50% down from pre-Covidby the way. Worse thanduring the financial crisis. If
it wasn’t for my shoe repairservices I would have
closed already. As usual I am for a
reopening of the street.Something that would
benefit my business and notjust the restaurants.
Thank you and good luck to
everyone out there.
--
Alexa Sol
Quinto Sol2201 Broadway
Redwood City6503655765
www.quintosol.ca
Sun of Wolf
406 S. California AvePalo Alto
www.sunofwolfpa.comcontact@sunofwolfpa.com
-- Franco Campilongo
Owner Terún Pizzeria
448 California Ave Palo Alto CA 94306Tel. 650 6008310 info@terunpizza.com www.terunpizza.com
Owner iTalico Restaurant & Wine Bar
341 California Ave
Palo Alto CA 94306
Tel. 650 4739616
info@italicorestaurant.com
www.italicorestaurant.com