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Home My Public Portal AboutSeptember 18, 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: 9/18/2023 Document dates: 9/12/2023 – 9/18/2023 Note: Documents for every category may not have been received for packet reproduction in a given week. From:Nat Fisher To:Council, City; PlanningCommission@cityofpaloAlto.org Cc:Nat Fisher Subject:9/18 Date:Monday, September 18, 2023 11:17:59 AM Some people who received this message don't often get email from sukiroo@hotmail.com. Learn why this isimportant CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. I am a senior citizen with a handicap status who no longer drives and depends on Avenidas for my transportation. It would be an unfair burden if my deliveries could not be brought to my front door. Also, having lived on Ellsworth for several decades, the intersection with Middlefield Road has always been dangerous, and the plans to amend PC-2343 will make these conditions worse. Protect me and my neighbors here on Ellsworth Place. Say no to the current proposal to amend PC-2343.Natalie Fisher 736 Ellsworth Place From:slevy@ccsce.com To:Council, City Cc:Lait, Jonathan; Shikada, Ed; Nose, Kiely; Guagliardo, Steven; jrm@halfdomecap.com Subject:follow up to my comment on the connection between rent affordability and commuting cost savings Date:Monday, September 18, 2023 10:45:45 AM Attachments:Time and Direct Costs of Commuting.xlsx Some people who received this message don't often get email from slevy@ccsce.com. Learn why this is important 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 to follow up on my public comment at the teacher housing project prescreen last Monday. I did some research and made some assumptions to illustrate the commute cost and value of time saved by eliminating the need for a long commute. While I did these in the context of council discussion of the teacher housing proposal, the findings are applicable more broadly to situations where housing can reduce the need for long commutes. All of the calculations, assumptions and sources are in the attached file so anyone can vary the assumptions to see what the savings are I made these assumptions --the costs of a mile of travel are 65.5 cents (the 2023 IRS mileage allowance) --the gasoline portion of these costs was calculated using $5/gallon and 20 miles/gallon --tolls where applicable are $7/day --the value of time saved is $20/hour or 50% of a $40/hour salary (50% is the low end ofthe research and DOT suggestions) I looked at a 50 mile trip taking one hour (actual times as shown in the file are longer) and assumed that there were 17 weekday commutes a month to make allowance for holiday and personal days off. These are all rough estimates and I will update as new information becomes available. The results are --$65.50 a day per IRS mileage allowance is $1,114 per month --the gasoline portion is $425 per month and if tolls are needed that adds $119 a month --the value of time saved is $680 a month These are substantial savings in addition to avoiding the stress of long commutes and can explain why higher rents can seem and actually be a financially good deal for some individuals. This is the reverse case of what we know is true--that many workers will take a reduction inpay to avoid commuting and be able to work from home. I am happy to discuss and answer any questions. Steve From:Charlie Effinger To:Planning Commission; Council, City; Burt, Patrick; Kou, Lydia; kou.pacc@gmail.com; Lauing, Ed; Lythcott-Haims,Julie; Stone, Greer; Tanaka, Greg; greg@gregtanaka.org; Veenker, Vicki Subject:Regarding the Council Meeting, September 18, 2023, Item 7, 2901 Middlefield Rd and 702 Ellsworth Place Date:Monday, September 18, 2023 10:40:22 AM Some people who received this message don't often get email from charlie.effinger@gmail.com. Learn why this isimportant CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. To Whom it May Concern, I am a tenant who currently rents a house on Ellsworth Place. For environmentally consciousreasons, I choose to not have a car - instead relying on biking, walking, and public transportation for mobility. Thus, I rely on deliveries and delivery services for a fair amount ofmy livelihood (averaging 2-3 deliveries per week.) Because of this, I am concerned about any changes to the street that do not adequately consider delivery drivers and safe spaces for them to park and turn around. The inability fordelivery drivers to access the lane safely would have a major impact on my life. I hope that any major changes to the lane are forward-thinking and provide a thought-out approach to support those who choose to be without cars in the long-term. Thanks,Charlie Effinger From:Aram James To:Council, City; Shikada, Ed; Jethroe Moore; Sean Allen; Josh Becker; Mila Zelkha; Lait, Jonathan; Stump, Molly Subject:From The Mercury News e-edition - Broader homeless RV bans weighed Date:Monday, September 18, 2023 9:53:19 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. ________________________________ Broader homeless RV bans weighed https://edition.pagesuite.com/popovers/dynamic_article_popover.aspx?guid=f7fe5c9f-ded8-4ea0-b855- a826c9c56d46&appcode=SAN252&eguid=23a0ce55-dc6d-4941-b0dc-4e1c0173dc4e&pnum=2# For more great content like this subscribe to the The Mercury News e-edition app here: Sent from my iPhone From:Kristen Van Fleet To:Council, City; Burt, Patrick; Kou, Lydia; kou.pacc@gmail.com; Lauing, Ed; Lythcott-Haims, Julie; Stone, Greer;Tanaka, Greg; greg@gregtanaka.org; Veenker, Vicki Subject:Slide Decks for Council Meeting, September 18, 2023, Item 7, 2901 Middlefield Rd and 702 Ellsworth Pl Date:Monday, September 18, 2023 9:11:30 AM Attachments:Kristen_Van_Fleet-ELLSWORTH PLACE_City_Council_9-18-23.pdf Gala Beykin_ELLSWORTH PLACE_City_Council_9-18-23.pdf CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Dear Mayor Kou, Vice-Mayor Stone, and members of the City of Palo Alto City Council, In speaking with the City Clerk's office this morning, it was advised for me to also send the slide decks, as prepared by Ellsworth Place Residents for Agenda Item #7 tonight, to the City Council. Please find two PDFs attached. Sincerely, Kristen A. Van Fleet ELLSWORTH PLACE - SINCE 1937 ••••••••••••••••••••• Annexed by the City of Palo Alto on May 2, 1947 ●LINE-OF-SIGHT to MATADERO CREEK ○NO FENCE in the line of sight ■We are currently impeded from seeing small pedestrians by the “orange netting” visual aid ■Who will enforce what happens inside of the fence? ○The fence set back from the edge of the Ellsworth Place road ■Drivers have complained about nearly hitting the rebar poles holding up the “orange netting” visual aid ●DRIVEABLE 26-foot width over the first 100-foot section of the Ellsworth Place ○Current PC-2343 conditions provide 26-foot width over the 76-feet length of the parking lot ○Current PC-2343 conditions provide 21.5-foot width between the driveway entrance up to the parking lot ○If the Cul-De-Sac function is removed, delivery vehicles will back out onto Middlefield Road or park in its right lane ○Delivery companies will refuse to deliver to Ellsworth Place if the conditions are not safe or a legal parking provided (Confirmed by conversations with UPS, Amazon, and FedEx.) ●A USEABLE DELIVERY SPACE to fit trucks, measuring 11 feet wide x 26 feet long, w/ room to open doors ○Current plan requires backing up into the 2nd utility pole ○Current plan assumes no cars are parked in the residential driveway ○Most delivery companies DO NOT ALLOW their drivers to back up into residential driveways ○There is room for road circulation and truck parking if the first utility pole is removed ■No inquiries have been opened with CPA about moving/removing the first utility pole ■Comcast has not been asked about moving the cable box on the corner Ellsworth Place Neighbors Want ********************************************************************************** The parking lot has PROVIDED CIRCULATION for both the apartments and homes on Ellsworth Place for over 50 years “This is our cul-de-sac.” BAIT AND SWITCH “Perceived Width” IS NOT Driveable Width! Diagram in Council’s Packet In Reality, their plan “Perceivably Widens” the road using pavers, (with no plan to move infrastructure!) Images are from Google Maps; overimposed with approximate placements of areas. “Perceived width” is NOT drivable road! PC-2343 gives public benefit of a 21.5 foot wide road opening w/ 26-feet and increased road circulation over the parking lot Options that PROVIDE SOME Public Benefit ●Utility pole is removed ●3.5’ and 2.5’ lengths (in blue) are extended the first 100 feet of Ellsworth Place road length ●6 feet is added over the first 100 feet of Ellsworth Place road length on the creek side There is room to both widen the road to 26 feet and place the house UTILITY POLE UTILITY BOXES BLUE rectangle shows widening the road to 26 feet on the creek side of the Ellsworth Place road. Utility Pole in Proposed Delivery Truck Parking Space (PTC 7-12-23, Public Comments, PDF pg. 58-62) ●Missing utility pole on all diagrams ●Requires backing out into utility pole ●Requires backing into residential driveway which is not allowed ●Assumes driveway is free of cars ●10 x 30 foot space between wall & fence ●Delivery trucks are 10 to 11 feet wide ●No room to open door September 2023 July 2023 September 13, 2023 These Cars Belong to the Apartment Tenants - The Parking Lot is Used Daily! Delivery Trucks Use the Parking Lot for Both the Apartments and the Homes on Ellsworth Place These trucks are 10 to 11 feet wide x 26 feet long They avoid backing up as much as possible! How does this parking spot work? Driver’s door opens into guy wires! 4-feet of Pavers is NOT WIDE ENOUGH to park a car completely off of the road! Guests will block Ellsworth Place and create problems with the tenants/home owner. ELLSWORTH PLACE WHO ACTUALLY OWNS THE ROAD Ellsworth Place Homes HAVE NON-EXCLUSIVE INGRESS/EGRESS RIGHTS (Here is written proof from Chicago Title) The Joint Tenancy “1946 Deed” gives this right to 8 of the 13 properties, and divides the road in half with house 741. Establishing rights we already have is not a public benefit! ABANDONED ROAD In Conclusion Ellsworth Place homeowners and residents Want the Proposed House Site to remain in a PC ●PROPOSED HOUSE SITE IS ONLY ENFORCEABLE IN PC ●AMENDMENT REMOVES CURRENT PUBLIC BENEFITS of ample apartment parking & provides delivery truck space ●HARM IS BEING DONE BY REMOVING ROAD CIRCULATION between Ellsworth Place and Middlefield Road ●DETAILS IN THE PACKET MUST BE CORRECTED! ●ROAD OWNERSHIP MUST BE ESTABLISHED before a final vote is made on any PC change(s)! We Want to Prevent this! There have been too many close calls! It is NOT just about tall adults moving at a walking pace! Protect Our Children! The downward slope of the sidewalk causes bicycles to pick up speed faster than walking pace. Did you see me? Developer wants a horizontal fence with 3” wide gaps. Chair Suma (page 55): “It’s too high, it seems even higher than it is because of the grade and I believe it needs to be... the fence needs brought back. …” Commissioner Akin (page 55): “Yes, I agree that the 3-foot fence still interferes with visibility in an area where it’s important. A shorter fence might solve that problem. …” Vice-Chair Chang (page 56): “And then I concur with my colleagues who visited the site and said that the 3-foot fence height does obstruct visibility. …” Commissioner Heckman (page 59): “Wrought iron fences are typically a more open design, so you could see better through them. …” NO FENCE WITHIN THE SIGHT TRIANGLE! ●Who enforces what is placed inside of the fence? Homeowner or Tenant could place inside of the fence large kid’s play equipment, a table and chair set, or shrubbery as shown below. What they think happens… It requires being on the sidewalk for line of sight to the creek! In reality… We need to see to the creek fence/bend in the sidewalk! Current Plan (above) Clear Line of Sight to Creek Fence Exiting Ellsworth Place requires being on the sidewalk (with the current conditions) An Asphalt Approach With Wide Corners (Alma Village is a private street) An Asphalt Approach With Wide Corners (Waverly Oaks is a private street in Old Palo Alto) From HEXAGON TRAFFIC REVIEW of April 14, 2023 (PTC packet 6-28-23, page 40) ●“The current 20-foot dustpan style driveway on Ellsworth Place at Middlefield Road requires vehicles to almost come to a stop to turn into the street.” Ellsworth Neighbor’s Note: This means stopping on Middlefield Road with traffic speeds of 30 - 40 mph, immediately after descending the Matadero Creek overpass. ●“The recommended stopping sight distance for the intersection of Ellsworth Place and Middlefield Road is 200 feet (based on a design speed of 30 mph).” Ellsworth Neighbor’s Note: 200 feet back is the entrance to Winter Lodge Ice Rink; well before the Matadero Creek overpass. ●CLEAR LINE-OF-SIGHT to MATADERO CREEK ○NO FENCE in the line of sight ■We are currently impeded by the “orange netting visual aid” from seeing smaller pedestrians ○The fence set back from the edge of the Ellsworth Place road ■Drivers turning into Ellsworth Place have complained about nearly hitting the rebar poles holding up the “orange netting visual aid” ●ASPHALT APPROACH with WIDENED ENTRANCE CORNERS ○Gives the right-of-way to cars so they don’t have to back-up or make a hasty exit ○Allows cars to pass one another when turning in/out of Ellsworth Place ■Eliminates the need to completely stop on Middlefield Road ○Private streets that join busy roads are designed this way throughout Palo Alto ○Private streets in expensive neighborhoods are also designed this way Ellsworth Place Neighbors Want From:Kristen Van Fleet To:Council, City; Burt, Patrick; Kou, Lydia; kou.pacc@gmail.com; Lauing, Ed; Lythcott-Haims, Julie; Stone, Greer;Tanaka, Greg; greg@gregtanaka.org; Veenker, Vicki Subject:PRS for Public Record of City Council Meeting, Sept. 18, 2023, Item 7, Regarding 2901 Middlefield Road and 702 Ellsworth Place Date:Monday, September 18, 2023 9:06:50 AM Attachments:W005099_Release_6-27_Redacted (PAGE 18).pdf W005099_-_Release_5-3.pdf Public Record Search_6-13.pdf CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Dear Mayor Kou, and members of the City of Palo Alto City Council, Please find attached a portion of the Public Record Search (PRS) documents received by Ellsworth Place Neighbors. These documents and many more were put into the public record for the Planning and Transportation Commission (PTC) meeting held on July 12, 2023, under the public comments section on pages 89 - 94 of the PDF. Here is a link to reach that PDF and the additionaldocuments: https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/files/assets/public/v/5/agendas-minutes-reports/agendas-minutes/planning-and-transportation-commission/2023/ptc-7.12-public- comments6.pdf We hope you will find this information helpful. Sincerely, Kristen A. Van Fleeton behalf of Ellsworth Place Neighbors From:Charlie Weidanz To:Council, City Subject:Last Chance - Register Today: Chamber Mixer & Networking Event Date:Monday, September 18, 2023 8:02:01 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Chamber Mixer & Networking Event Tuesday, September 19, 2023 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm Volvo-McLaren Palo Alto 4190 El Camino Real Palo Alto, CA 94306 Palo Alto Volvo-McClaren will be discussing the future in automotive trends Connect with fellow professionals and business owners. Enjoy light refreshments and drinks. Chamber Members: Free Guests: $20 >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:Jeff Levinsky To:Council, City Subject:Suggested Corrections to Ellsworth Place Ordinances Date:Monday, September 18, 2023 6:51:01 AM Some people who received this message don't often get email from jeff@levinsky.org. Learn why this is important CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Dear City Council Members: Please consider the following textual corrections and adjustments for the two proposed ordinances: 2901 Middlefield Ordinance 702 Ellsworth Ordinance Suggested Correction Section 1 (g)(ii)Correct “first 35 feet” to “first 42 feet” to match Section 5(a)(ii) and plan page A2.1 Section 5 (a) The sight triangle requirement is missing from the 2901 Middlefield ordinance despite it being marked on plan page A2.1 and the PTC recommendation for it at Section 1 (d)(ii). Given that the sight triangle helps ensure pedestrians on the sidewalk can be seen and is already in the plan, it should be added to the 2901 Middlefield ordinance. Section 5 (a)(v)The sight triangle alongside Middlefield does not extend to the creek, impairing full visibility. Council might address this by adjusting the plan and ordinance to “extend the Middlefield side of the sight triangle to the southernmost corner of the property.” Section 5 (a)(v)The phrase “new impediments” is imprecise as there is no clear documentation of what impediments exist now. There is also confusion over fences. To handle this, the text could be: “shall not be obstructed by fences and other impediments taller than 1 foot except trees with no branches below 8 feet” to allow existing trees to remain. Section 1 (d)(v) Section 5 (a)(i) Section 1 (d)(i) Section 5 (a)(ii) The PTC motion did not contain the phrase “perceived width” and it is both ambiguous and undefined in our Municipal Code. Council could replace the phrase “perceived width” with perhaps “drivable width” or simply “width.” Section 1 (g)(v)Section 1 (g)(v)Asserting consistency with Comprehensive Policy L-1.2 to “hold new development to the highest development standards” is clearly incorrect as regards the 24’ wide road, since our own development standards at §21.20.240 require the higher standard of a 32’ wide road or at least 26’ under certain circumstances. The argument in the staff report that a 26’ width, which the PTC recommended, would be an exaction overlooks that (a) our laws already require at least 26’, (b) a PC is always a voluntary rezoning initiated by a property owner and thus any public benefit of a PC is also voluntary and not an exaction, (c) the fundamental purpose for any PC per §18.38.010 is to have “controlled conditions not otherwise attainable under other districts,” thus allowing for public benefits that wouldn’t be justifiable under a normal land use nexus argument, and (d) no similar objection has been ever raised for public benefits desired by the City for other PCs. The Council can follow staff’s suggestion to ask for 26 feet during deliberation while saying it can only make the finding for Policy L-1.2 and approve the PCs if the road is at least 26’ wide. Section 1 (d)(ii) Section 5 (b) The “truck delivery space” is only ten feet wide on plan page A2.1 and situated between a wall and a tall fence. This cannot accommodate modern delivery trucks or allow drivers to exit their trucks while carrying parcels. Hence, there is an inherent conflict between the ordinance language and the plan. The Council can require an alternative location of adequate width for the truck delivery space. Thank you From:Alice Corsello To:Council, City Subject:Traffic safety near Escondido Elementary Date:Monday, September 18, 2023 2:42:33 AM Some people who received this message don't often get email from atyang@gmail.com. Learn why this isimportant CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Dear Mayor Kou, Vice Mayor Stone, and Honorable City Council Members, As a parent of three PAUSD students (including two currently at Escondido Elementary) andresident of College Terrace, I'm writing in response to the accident that happened shortly after Escondido school dismissal on September 9th, 2023. Please support two immediate actions with Escondido Elementary and PAUSD: 1. Crossing Guards: Put crossing guards in place at Stanford Avenue and Escondido Road during all times children are likely to be present before and after school. This would alsoencourage more students to walk/bike to school independently from the densely- populated College Terrace neighborhood. I regularly visit Greendell, and am veryimpressed by the crossing guards stationed there-- would love to have the same for Escondido.2. Traffic Lights & Crossing Signal Audit: Audit the crossing signals at the Stanford Avenue and Escondido Road intersection and eliminate variable behavior. I havenoticed that the traffic signals change from the morning to afternoon, creating a very unsafe crossing environment for all pedestrians, let alone students. Beyond these immediate actions, please consider: 1. Reviewing current Escondido Elementary construction plans, their immediate impact on traffic safety, and if any changes can be made to improve long-term safety. I regularlywalk or bike up Escondido Road after dropping off my children at Escondido, and the current construction blockage of the sidewalk means that I am now walking in the roadduring heavy dropoff/pickup traffic. 2. Consider installing a crosswalk at the intersection of Stanford Avenue and OberlinStreet. I notice that many pedestrians cross at this intersection due to nearby points of interest most readily accessed via this route (for example: Escondido Village housing,Children's Center of the Stanford Community (CCSC), Marguerite bus stop). Thank you for your attention to keep our students and neighborhood residents safe. Best, Alice Corsello (PAUSD parent and College Terrace resident) From:Dilma Coleman To:smcculley@ci.atherton.ca.us; Binder, Andrew Cc:Kou, Lydia; casework_padilla@padilla.senate.gov Subject:Fwd: Ladoris witnessed the murder of Selena Quintanilla. Yolanda Saldivar wasn"t the shooter. Shots werecompleted in Hayward CA. The firey car crash into Walgreens Sunnyvale CA organized by unethical oppressorswith continued harm on Dilma. Ladoris mu... Date:Monday, September 18, 2023 12:43:37 AM Attachments:Screenshot_20230918-000324.pngScreenshot_20230917-233727.png CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. ---------- Forwarded message ---------From: Diva Screws <divascrews6@gmail.com> Date: Mon, Sep 18, 2023, 12:34 AMSubject: Ladoris witnessed the murder of Selena Quintanilla. Yolanda Saldivar wasn't the shooter. Shots were completed in Hayward CA. The firey car crash into Walgreens SunnyvaleCA organized by unethical oppressors with continued harm on Dilma. Ladoris must be investigated.To: <dhappinessforever@gmail.com> Cc: <dgassaway@fairfield.ca.gov>, <jason@sfdetective.com> Dearest reader, it's easier to gain insights yet to believe them is another task. Ladoris is with pedophilia with excessive unethical tormenting disturbances in a collective bargaining murderfor hire assignments. Family violence community violence plus violence on Stanford university campus plus San Jose CA PD police brutality had judge Cordell's avoidance withcomplaints from Dilma Andrea Coleman. If Clara Barnett former Tyrella gardens resident of mountain view CA apartments had been involved with shooting Singer Selena Quintanilla why wasn't it verified ? How did the crimescene data get transferred to the state of Texas? What's the trigger on Hayward CA mayor Mark Salinas + police chief Bryan Matthews? Excessive unethical decisions with smash n grab assignments at the Hillsdale mall in the past.Possible other jewelry store,army surplus or pet store conversions. What other witnesses of the shooting for Selena Quintanilla the wife of Mr. Perez? Was Mr Perez in a secret homosexual boys club? Was Mr. Perez's homosexual lover Matthew Edmondson? What other criminal cases mimicking the murder of Selena Quintanilla? If Clara Barnett was the shooter. How did Clara Barnett gain access for Yolanda Saldivar togain the incarnation? Let's examine the Santa Clara county murder of Sierra Lamar(2012)+ Alameda county murder of Ilene Beth Mischeloff(1989)+ Alameda county murder of Michaela Garecht(1989). Davidmisch is innocent. Laci Rocha Peterson(2001) was kidnapped taken to Sunnyvale CA..her killer isn't her husband Scott Peterson. Let's examine the motives of Judge ladoris. Best regards Dilma Andrea Coleman From:gala b To:Planning Commission; Council, City; Burt, Patrick; Kou, Lydia; kou.pacc@gmail.com; Lauing, Ed; Lythcott-Haims,Julie; Stone, Greer; Tanaka, Greg; greg@gregtanaka.org; Veenker, Vicki Subject:For City Council Meeting on September 18, 2023, Item 7, Regarding 2901-2905 Middlefield Road and 702 Ellsworth Place Date:Sunday, September 17, 2023 8:40:06 PM Some people who received this message don't often get email from galab8@gmail.com. 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 members of the City of Palo Alto City Council, As a mother of three elementary-aged children and resident of Ellsworth Place, my thoughtsare that the orange netting temporary fence is not safe there, not allowing the seeing ofpedestrians and cars as I drive out of Ellsworth Place onto Middlefield Road. The inclines andthe narrowing of the road make it topographically challenging. I worry about what will be inside the fence if that fence were permanent. Who will keep thesite triangle clear inside of the fence? The home occupant could not know this rule and thenplace shrubbery, large kid's toys, or a table and chair set, etc. in that corner that would blockthe visibility. No one has mentioned who has to police this and it would not bea good situation to be in, having to knock on the door and ask them to follow the rules! For the safety of the neighborhood, there should not be a fence within the sight triangle, andthe line of sight needs to be clear to the creek where the sidewalk curves, narrows and has ablind spot for seeing pedestrians. Pedestrians don't see there is the Ellsworth Place road andcome down that incline more quickly because they assume it is safe for them to use thesidewalk here. Thank you for keeping Midtown safe for my children. Sincerely, Gala Beykin From:Henry Etzkowitz To:Council, City Cc:Roberta Ahlquist; Sandy Perry-HCA; provost@stanford.edu; james hersh; Marty Wasserman; Kristina Loquist Subject:Palo Alto for whom? Date:Sunday, September 17, 2023 6:36:17 PM [Some people who received this message don't often get email from h.etzko@icloud.com. Learn why this is important at https://aka.ms/LearnAboutSenderIdentification ] CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clickingon links.________________________________ It is the duty of the city council to balance the broader needs of citizens of Palo Alto against the narrow interests ofproperty owners. Private property is not an absolute right. It may be modified by zoning ordinances, defining theuses to which property should be put and even rescinded by eminent domain when land is required for an over-riding public purpose. In the current housing crisis, with jobs surpassing housing units, proposals for new office and R&D facilities should,at minimum, not contribute to increasing the imbalance between jobs and housing and, ideally, lessen thatimbalance. Such projects should also demonstrate that there is a demand for the construction that they propose,especially given the local superfluity of office and R&D space. Council should reconsider its approval of the Sobrato proposal for the Fry’s site and mandate a redesign to reflectthe need for affordable housing in Palo Alto. The 15 acre site could easily accommodate 1,000 households, atvarious income levels, with the city contributing its air rights to the property owners ground rights to craft aneconomically feasible and socially just solution, leaving the historic industrial structure intact as a community centerand museum honoring both the Chinese entrepreneur and multi-ethnic work force employed at the cannery. Sent from my iPhone Sent from my iPhone From:herb To:Council, City; Clerk, City Subject:September 18, 2023 Council Meeting, Item @3: Geng Road Date:Sunday, September 17, 2023 5:50:53 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. SEPTEMBER 18, CITY COUNCIL MEETING,, ANGENDA ITEM #3:GENG ROAD LEASE I urge you to remove this item from your agenda to accomplishthe following: Footnote #3 points to the Preliminary Point in Time Survey forthe County and San Jose only. Direct staff to first post onthe City's Internet site the final report with City data. Palo Alto residence should be determined by legal residence inPalo Alto as of the date of this lease amendment. Being bornin a Palo Alto hospital is not residence. Herb Borock From:Andrea Eyestone To:Planning Commission; Council, City; Burt, Patrick; Kou, Lydia; kou.pacc@gmail.com; Lauing, Ed; Lythcott-Haims,Julie; Stone, Greer; Tanaka, Greg; greg@gregtanaka.org; Veenker, Vicki Subject:Ellsworth Place Proposal Safety Concerns Date:Sunday, September 17, 2023 5:50:19 PM Some people who received this message don't often get email from aeyestone3@gmail.com. Learn why this isimportant CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Regarding the City Council Meeting on September 18, 2023, Agenda Item 7, for 2901-2905 Middlefield Road and 702 Ellsworth Place Dear Mayor Kou, Vice-Mayor Stone, and members of the City of Palo Alto City Council, We are writing to emphasize one of our concerns with the changes on Ellsworth Place beingproposed by the developers. We are very concerned the temporary 3-foot fence is planned to become a permanent fence. Even with the temporary fence being made of netting, it obstructs sightlines, making itchallenging for pedestrians, especially children, and drivers to anticipate each other's movements at the intersection of Ellsworth Place and Middlefield Road. Our concerns arerooted in the fact that the fence makes it extremely difficult for a car on Ellsworth Place to see our daughter when she walks or rides her bike on the sidewalk, and we have to keep her veryclose to us because she doesn't know to stop at that intersection since it doesn't look like a road. Additionally, when in our compact car, we are unable to see down the sidewalk, to the bend inthe sidewalk at Matadero Creek, until our vehicle partially encroaches onto the sidewalk. These are serious safety issues, and we fear they could lead to accidents due to poor visibility, especially with children. Removal of the fence will help address this huge safety concern by keeping the line of sightclear, and an asphalt entry would bring awareness to both drivers and pedestrians that the Ellsworth Place road is there while providing a wider entry that allows two cars to pass oneanother for a safer entry/exit. We kindly request you take into consideration the safety concerns the fence poses to our neighborhood's children and residents. Sincerely,Daniel and Andrea Alberson From:Robyn Ziegler To:Council, City; Burt, Patrick; Kou, Lydia; kou.pacc@gmail.com; Lauing, Ed; Lythcott-Haims, Julie; Stone, Greer;Tanaka, Greg; Veenker, Vicki Subject:For City Council September 18, 2023 Date:Sunday, September 17, 2023 2:07:20 PM Attachments:Screenshot 2023-09-16 at 5.35.59 PM.png Some people who received this message don't often get email from robynanne65@yahoo.com. Learn why this isimportant CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Dear Mayor Kou, Vice Mayor Stone, and members of the City of Palo Alto City Council, Ellsworth Place has already lost enough flora from the developers not opening pertinent applications, as occurred when the protected Valley Oak tree was torn out on October 8, 2018, without a permit. The excuse for removing the Oak was that rats were getting into their apartments! Had they applied for a permit to remove the protected tree, which is still registered with Canopy, they would have found out the property is governed by Ordinance PC-2343, and the full collection of six trees, as approved by the landscape plan when the apartments were built in 1969, which had a maturity of almost 50 years, would still be standing. The Google Maps photo from November 2017 shows the condition of the parking lot before the trees were removed. There are now orange-painted stakes set behind the gorgeous Olive Tree to the right as we exit Ellsworth Place. Is this beautiful/stately and mature tree going to be hacked down to provide for paving? I hope not, as this would be extremely unfortunate. The tree is not obstructing vision when exiting and turning. I trust there is a way to remediate the road circulation and safety concerns without destroying more flora on our street. Thank you in advance for your consideration, Robyn Ziegler 730 Ellsworth Place Palo Alto, CA 94306 From:Robert Chen To:Planning Commission; Council, City; Burt, Patrick; Kou, Lydia; kou.pacc@gmail.com; Lauing, Ed; Lythcott-Haims,Julie; Stone, Greer; Tanaka, Greg; greg@gregtanaka.org; Veenker, Vicki Cc:Kristen Van Fleet Subject:Regarding the City Council Meeting on September 18, 2023, Agenda Item 7, for 2901-2905 Middlefield Road and702 Ellsworth Place Date:Saturday, September 16, 2023 11:44:10 PM Some people who received this message don't often get email from chaoqiangc@hotmail.com. Learn why this isimportant CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Dear Mayo Kou, Vice-Mayor Stone, and members of the Palo Alto City Council, Per the Planned Community Ordinances (#1810 and #2343), the open space at the front of Ellsworth Pl is an important community benefit for people living on Ellsworth Pl as well as some tenants of the Apartments. For the past half century, it has provided a safety buffer for people get in and out of Ellsworth & the Apartments, which also including delivery & other service trucks. The split-off of the open space not only takes the community benefit from us because of somebody else's mistake (which is definitely unfair), but it also creates a serious public safety problem for people get in and out of the street. In my humble opinion and with 10+ years living on Ellsworth Pl, it would be safe for the City to keep the original PC zoning unchanged, to avoid future problems such as car accident & people get injured, which might cause potential lawsuit against the city due to the split-off of the open space. In addition, "Law and Order" should be respected in our renowned PALO ALTO, cutting of protected trees without permit should not be tolerated, not even be encouraged by sacrifice of other community members' benefit. Chaoqiang Chen Ellsworth Pl resident From:Aram James To:Perron, Zachary; Binder, Andrew; Reifschneider, James; Rob Baker; Robert. Jonsen; Council, City; Sean Allen;Shikada, Ed; Jethroe Moore; Josh Becker; Wagner, April; Michael Gennaco; Jeff Rosen; Human RelationsCommission; Sheriff Transparency; Joe Simitian; Rebecca Eisenberg; ladoris cordell; Mila Zelkha; Shana Segal Subject:Expert compares Antioch police behavior toward Black suspects to lynching – NBC Bay Area Date:Saturday, September 16, 2023 8:04:16 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. ________________________________ https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/antioch-police-texting-scandal-expert-officers-behavior/3319300/ Sent from my iPhone From:Aram James To:Julie Lythcott-Haims; Sean Allen; Jethroe Moore; Council, City; Shikada, Ed; Binder, Andrew; Reifschneider,James; Wagner, April; Shana Segal; Michael Gennaco; Jeff Rosen; Human Relations Commission; Joe Simitian Subject:school-band-director-tasered- Date:Saturday, September 16, 2023 6:15:37 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. ________________________________ https://abc6onyourside.com/amp/news/nation-world/high-school-band-director-tasered-arrested-football-alabama- birmingham-johnny-mims-jackson-olin-refusing-stop-performance-field-police Sent from my iPhone From:mark weiss To:Council, City Subject:Fwd: springline for suckers Date:Saturday, September 16, 2023 5:21:57 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Wake up, Santa Clara County, Palo Alto. Mark Weiss Sent from my iPhone Begin forwarded message: From: mark weiss <earwopa@yahoo.com>Date: September 16, 2023 at 1:16:45 AM PDTTo: mark weiss <earwopa@yahoo.com>, tips@inmenlo.comSubject: springline for suckers I thought Springline were rude assholes and further example of the class war between the billionaires (defined as people having more than $200m AUM),millionaires (having between $20m AUM and $199M) and the rest of us, precariat, i.e. people having less than $20M including your house, which youcould lose -- although I admit that I'd rather have a home than nothing at all - but below $20m you are not part of the people who run things around here. Loren Brown of Vance Brown builders told me, in comparison, or part of thesame story, that The Guild came about when 25 billionaires put up $1,000,000 each, for a total of $35m to rebuild on the site of the old indie film space, as a taxwrite-off. But the Guild are doing a great job. And the Springline people, even getting The Guid's help to bring Marcy Playground ("sex and candy") are justassholes. I was kicked out of their shindig three times. I've lived here since 1974 and own a concert company, and spend a lot of time sniffing around the edge of events. Spring line is sex and candy if your idea of sex is a cheap handjob behind the trainstation and candy is dumpster-diving behind Ike's for suckers, literally, for suckers. Mark Weissdowntown North - -over the crick from MP, and here since 1974 Gunn 1982Dartmouth 1986 business ownerhome owner commercial landlordreal estate LP partner former journalistran for City council 3x blogger(650) 305-0701 From:Jeff HoelTo:UACCc:Hoel, Jeff (external); Council, City Subject:TRANSCRIPT & COMMENTS -- 08-06-23 UAC meeting -- FTTP item Date:Saturday, September 16, 2023 4:32:08 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. Commissioners, At your 08-06-23 UAC meeting, you considered an item 3 about FTTP. Agenda, staff report, with presentation slides:https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/files/assets/public/v/1/agendas-minutes-reports/agendas-minutes/utilities-advisory-commission/archived-agenda-and-minutes/agendas-and-minutes-2023/09-sep-2023/09-06-2023-uac-packet.pdfVideo:https://midpenmedia.org/utilities-advisory-commission-32-962023/ Here's a TRANSCRIPT of this item, to which I have added my COMMENTS. Key### -- comments (25)#&# -- slides (8) Thanks. Jeff -------------------Jeff Hoel731 Colorado AvenuePalo Alto, CA 94303------------------- ================================================================================================= 08-06-23 UAC meeting (Item 3 -- FTTP)Attended by:UAC: Chair Segal, Vice Chair Scharff, and Commissioners Phillips, Mauter, Metz, Croft, and ForssellLiaison: Council Member LauingStaff: Director Batchelor, Dave Yuan, Tabatha Boatwright, Jenelle Kamian TRANSCRIPT 1:40:51: Chair Segal: We will move on to Item 3 now, which is an overview of fiber and the fiber backbone. And we'll start with any public comments. 1:41:03: Jenelle Kamian: This is Jenelle Kamian, Program Assistant. If anyone from the public would like to speak on Item number 3, please raise your hand, or dial *9 on your phone. We have onemember of the public who would like to speak on Item number 3. Mr. Herb Borock. 1:41:35: Herb Borock: Thank you. When the Council approved the amendment for Magellan, the first task was to prepare a design for the extension of the fiber backbone and for the fiber to thepremises network. And, you know, previous information you have in deciding how much to do, you know, told you how many fiber strands were in each of those segments, and part of thenetwork. As I understand it, that part of the first task, that was due in July, is done, and available. It's just the other part of the task -- the construction -- which has been delayed, because ofcombining it with the grid modernization. So, it seems to me, all the kinds of information that you that have now should be publicly available. Because when this gets to the Council, they willhave to decide whatever contract they are being presented with allocates funding properly from the Fiber Fund and the Utilities' Electric Fund. And, in addition, since the fiber to the premisescombined with the dark fiber Fund -- and it is itself a business that needs to set pricing, you would need to see how that would split. So, it seems to me by now we should be able to get copies ofthose two designs, including in terms of the fiber, you know, what kinds of equipment, in terms of input and output, and passive optical network, and the number of, you know, customers, andfibers out. And the locations of all those nodes and those segments. And also, separately, for the customer premises equipment, you know, how many people are connected to each contactpoint. 1:43:37: In terms of the huts, based on what Google has done, it would seem to me, for the number of potential customers, that this size hut, as I recall from Google, were originally intended for 10,000each, and then they expanded to 20,000, and had bigger huts. And also, we had a third hut originally on the western part of the City, such as in Barron Park, where there is a high demand. Andthat's not covered, and it's far away. And the two locations are of concern. One is at the Baylands. And we saw what happened when we had a plane hit some wires and knock down the entireelectrical system. And also, in terms of potential earthquakes that have the Colorado station. It might not be a good place. In terms of this building, the Council has been repeatedly told by staffthat it's too dangerous to keep the Police Department in that wing, because of -- it's a critical service, and it might immobilized during a major earthquake. So, to place everything about the fiberproject there doesn't make sense either. And we should have the current pole agreement with AT&T, and also the one with the NCPA proposed. Thank you. 1:44:57: Chair Segal: Thank you. Are there any other public comments? 1:45:02: Jenelle Kamian: No other public comments. 1:45:15: Director Batchelor: So, tonight, we wanted to bring back an update on where we are with our fiber project, and a little bit about -- talk a little bit about just grid modernization, and how we'relooking at combining these two projects. Dave Yuan is here tonight with me, here -- our Strategic Business Manager, to kind of give an update on where we are, and what some of our stumblingblocks are, right at this moment, with this project. So, we'll talk a little bit about that. With that, I'll turn it over to Dave. 1:45:50: Dave Yuan: Good evening, commissioners and Council member. My name's Dave Yuan, Utilities Strategic Business Manager. (I'll wait for the presentation.) As Dean mentioned, we will begiving an update on the fiber expansion project tonight. 1:46:05: #&# Slide 1 -- Palo Alto Fiber Update (packet page 48) It has taken longer than we anticipated to be construction. We are performing our due diligence to prevent any major delays when construction does begin. And it has also given us a little moretime to align the grid mod project with the fiber expansion project, which we'll talk more later in the presentation. Next slide please. 1:46:24: #&# Slide 2 -- AGENDA So, this agenda will include a recap of the three major capital projects that Council has approved. The first is the fiber backbone rebuild. The second is the fiber to the premise project, phase 1of it. And the third one is the grid modernization for electrification. We're also going to give you an update on some of the obstacles, or milestones that we have to achieve, prior to construction. Such as the alignment of the fiber expansion project with the grid mod, The CEQA initial studies, since this is a citywide design. And also the joint pole coordination with AT&T. We have a 100+year agreement with them, that might need some amending. And then we'll also give you an update on some other activities we've been working on 1:47:07: #&# Slide 3 -- HOW DID WE GET HERE? So, what has Council approved so far? Back in December of 2022, Council approved the phased approach to build fiber to the premise without any debt financing. The Fiber Reserves hasaccumulated about $34 million in reserves, from dark fiber leasing, where we lease conduit and fiber strands. ### I was unaware that the City leases conduit. Where's a pricing schedule (analogous to dark fiber's EDF-1, EDF-2, and EDF-3)? The businesses are responsible for lighting the equipment and managing their side of the network, and also finding their own ISP if required. Council approved building a new fiber backbone,and allocating about $20 million to the first phase of fiber to the premise. In June of 2023, Council approved the grid mod project for citywide electrification, to support the City's sustainability andclimate action plan [S/CAP] goal of 80 percent carbon reduction by 2030 of 1990 levels. And, in order to obtain this 100 percent electrification, we need to rebuild the electric distribution system,which includes the transformers, some of the pole replacements, and also all the wires. So, we must mitigate all this in order to prevent overloading of the network. 1:48:18: #&# Slide 4 -- PROJECT(S) RECAP Here are the three projects. So, on top, it gives you the -- kind of the estimated cost of each of the projects. In the second row, it shows you the funding sources. So, we'll start at the fiberbackbone. This is about -- The current backbone is about 25 years old. And there are segments that are congested, where we're unable to add new dark fiber customers, because there's nomore fiber strands available. We sometimes also require multiple field visits to new customer connections, or inquiries, because we don't know what is out there, or what is available. ### Years ago, the City hired a contractor to document everything worth knowing about the dark fiber network. Was this project successful? Is staff saying this documentation is no longer up-to-date? The new backbone is an investment for the City for the next 50+ years, that will serve Utilities, Public Works, Public Safety, and other City departments, and allow for future services. It will alsoprovide additional security and reliability, because it will be separated from the fiber to the premise network and the dark fiber network, where -- which may be accessed by third party contractors,if we allow. ### How many times has anyone (staff or contractor) severed a used fiber strand in a Palo Alto fiber network by mistake? What's staff's plan for reducing the probability of this happening in thefuture. I'm uncomfortable with the idea that staff is less worried about severing FTTP strands than severing dark fiber strands. 1:49:14: The second project is fiber to the premise. As we can tell, reliable and high-speed internet could be considered as an essential utility service during the pandemic, as families were teleworkingand remote learning for extended lengths of time. Video calls, telemedicine, and virtual events require reliable high-speed -- or high-bandwidth -- broadband, especially if they're occurringconcurrently within a household. The City launched a broadband survey and a fiber deposit program in 2022. 3,600 customers responded to the survey, which about 16 percent of those who wesubmitted -- or we had emails of. ### This seems to be saying that the people invited to participate in the survey were all customers of the City's other utilities. And we also received over 740 deposits, showing interest in the City internet broadband. About 30 percent of the customers are dissatisfied with their current internet service. An additional 15percent said they were neutral about what they have right now. We also discovered that 53 percent of the households have already "cut the cord," meaning they only have streaming, they don'thave -- subscribe to cable internet anymore. Or, cable service anymore. ### That is, they don't subscribe to a traditional TV service anymore. So, the top three reasons for switching, they said, was lower price, faster speed, and higher reliability. Based on the survey results, we project that we'd get up to a 40 percent take rate. Whereas break-even, to make this business sustainable, was about 25-30 percent. 1:50:41: Finally, the grid mod project. This is starting now. It's a multi-phase and multi-project. It takes about -- I think we're estimating right now about 7 years. We will first focus on aerial constructionareas, because they pass the most homes, and they are faster to upgrade than the underground areas. The pilot neighborhood we've designed for electrification is in the Leland Manorneighborhood, which is -- encompasses Embarcadero, Louis Road, Oregon Avenue, and Middlefield. ### Some of the homes in the Leland Manor neighborhood are in the City's Underground District 37, which includes homes in the triangle bounded by Embarcadero, Seale, and Middlefield, andalso all the homes on Middlefield.https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/files/assets/public/v/1/city-clerk/resolutions/reso-8752.pdfAre these homes not included in this pilot grid mod project? This is the last area where we have to convert our distribution lines from 4 kV to 12 kV, which is why it's the pilot area. The original pilot, before the -- The original pilot was about -- consisted ofabout 80 poles in that area. It was a very small pilot. But now, we want to align it with the grid mod project. And we're going to expand it to like 1,400 poles. So, it will be a much bigger area forelectrification. Next slide, please. 1:51:57 #&# Slide 5 -- INFORMATIONAL UPDATES For the past few months, staff and consultants have been having discussions on how to best align fiber expansion with grid mod. Given the delay in the fiber project, due to CEQA, staff believethere's an opportunity to align construction of the first phase of fiber to the premise with grid mod to minimize community disruption. Otherwise, we may be entering a customer's back yardmultiple times within a few months. First time, to make a ready pole for the fiber. And then maybe later coming down and replacing the pole for the power side. So, we're trying to combinethese together if possible. We are reaching out to construction firms to see if there are cost savings to this approach. So, that we're still vetting right now. There will be some cost savings. Butwe just don't know what that magnitude may be. It could be a 1 percent. Or it could go up to 15 percent, potentially. However, we do know that there will be better project coordination and lesscommunity disruption if we can hire one company to upgrade both the power and the telecom together. 1:52:40: In addition, internal staffing, such as construction manager, project manager, inspectors, and mappers, would be more manageable if we were to combine these projects. Because we do not have the internal resources to run three large projects concurrently. 1:53:05: In regards to CEQA, we are hiring Rincon Consultants to perform the CEQA initial study for the full fiber to the premise design. Rincon has conducted numerous CEQA studies for the City ofPalo Alto and throughout Santa Clara County. Based on the scope of the project, the City isn't anticipating either a negative declaration or a mitigated negative declaration for this project. Theinitial study will be an assessment of aerial and underground construction, the fiber hut, underground vaults, above-ground cabinets, and customer connections. The CEQA timeline is expectedto take about 30 months, including one month of public review and comments. 1:53:48: And finally, the joint pole ownership with AT&T. Currently, 5,400 of our 6,000 poles are jointly owned with AT&T, under a 1918 agreement. The City and AT&T have operated under this jointpole agreement for over a century, to manage pole replacements through the pole intent process. ### This doesn't seem to be an industry-standard term, but it's sort of defined here (PDF page 9): https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/files/assets/public/v/1/agendas-minutes-reports/agendas-minutes/city-council-agendas-minutes/00-archive/2015/doc-letters-11-2-2015-set-1.pdf With the grid mod and fiber expansion project, the City will be touching almost every pole. This will increase the volume of pole replacements from about 100 annually to about 600 over the next3-4 years. And the existing pole intent process right now will not be suffice to handle the volume of poles that we'll having to replace. In addition, the fiber expansion project will also requiremoving -- or relocating -- some of the third party equipment on the pole, to accommodate the fiber, the City's fiber attachments. 'Cause they might be in our com space. So, they might beencroaching in some of those areas, so we will have to work with the third parties, to have them move their equipment down or up, depending on what's needed. So, we are -- We did talk --send out a letter to AT&T. And we are waiting to hear back from them, to have this discussion, to figure out how to coordinate all these projects together. And what kind of resources we'll bothneed. 1:55:05: #&# Slide 6 -- INFORMATIONAL UPDATES (con't) We've also -- one moment, back up one slide -- #&# Slide 5 -- INFORMATIONAL UPDATES ----- again We've also explored the Northern California Joint Pole Association, which is a nonprofit organization that was established over 100 years ago and has about 50 members. It is to help themshare the cost of the utility poles. It's a consortium of private telecommunication, cable TV, phone, and wireless companies, including AT&T, Comcast, Crown Castle, and Verizon. It alsoincludes investor-owned utilities, such as PG&E. And also some municipal agencies, such as Alameda, Roseville, Gridley, and Lodi. So, six of the 16 members of the Northern California PowerAgency (the NCPA) are members of the NCJPA, which is the Northern California Joint Pole [Association]. 1:55:51: We haven't had a long history -- or researched it -- but we're thinking most of these agreements were set a long, long time ago. So, we don't know what the nexus is for why they signed up. Butthe City's main objective of joining the NCJPA is to streamline the pole intent process and the billing process. And also recover the fair costs of replacing the poles from AT&T. Based on ourpreliminary review of their operations handbook, it does not seem that we will achieve either objective by joining the NCJPA. There are more administrative steps, and there's a longer lag timealso for the pole intent process. The current agreement with AT&T is, they may respond with- -- or they SHOULD respond within 10 days. Under the NCJPA, they have 45-day window torespond to a pole intent request. Also, with regard to the costs, the NCJPA uses a shared cost, or an average cost, across all the members. What we're trying to achieve is a full recovery of theactual costs. So, given those two, I don't think the City will be looking into the NCJPA. Instead, we'll be trying to amend our agreement with AT&T instead, to coordinate better. And also faster. Which is all very long overdue. 1:57:07: #&# Slide 6 -- INFORMATIONAL UPDATES (con't) ----- again All right. Some other activities we've been talking about is make pole ready engineering. ### Make-ready engineering. So, we've already done all the make pole ready for all the fiber. So, I think we've surveyed all the 6,000 poles out there. So, we have schematics and load analysis on all those poles. Now, withthe grid mod coming on, we will have to do a new pole assessment, to add on the power portion of it. So, we can leverage what we have existing. But it's just going to take additional time toadd on the power portion of it. So, we have a consultant that we are engaging with. And they think they can do all 1,400 poles, probably within 6 months. 1:57:43: Chair Segal: With part of that inspection, did we determine which poles have third parties who have encroached our space? 1:57:50: Dave Yuan: So, we have pictures of all those poles. They're in the Magellan survey. So, yes, we do have. 1:57:54: Chair Segal: And do you know what number of poles that's an issue? 1:57:57: Dave Yuan: I think in the first phase that we're looking at, it's probably like 300 or so. I won't say it's all encroachment. I'll say 300 needs relocating. So, some could be that they just need tomove it down a little bit. But -- 'cause there's space available. But they're not necessarily encroaching on our space. But there are at least probably 20-50 maybe that are encroaching, I wouldguess. 1:58:24: So, then, the next one is the fiber huts. I think we did talk about it a little bit. We have one at Colorado. So, that is -- that will be the first fiber hut. So, it's a prefabricated building. I know therewas concerns about the flood plain. So, we will be following all the Public Works guidelines and whatever is necessary. We're also joining -- I think the Colorado Substation is also upgradingtheir perimeter wall, for security purposes. So, we will combine that as well with the fiber hut and make sure it's not in the flood zone, or at least mitigated from that. So -- 1:59:06: So, the second one, originally we had thought of two other sites. One was at Hale Well. The other one was near East -- East Bayshore -- East Meadow. Which is by this Little League field. So,given the size and the vicinity, we decided to look elsewhere. At City Hall and Equinix, which is the Palo Alto Exchange center, on Bryant. We thought was a better solution. They're morestrategically located. And we were able to reduce the number of huts from three to two. So, we think that is a better option. So, City Hall -- I know there was some concerns about the seismicstructure of the building. But I think on the study of the police side, there was a definition of what essential services building meant. ### Did this study consider telecom and decide it was not essential, or did it not even consider telecom? Why does the City still believe in this study? And that was for fire station, police station, emergency operations center, California Highway Patrol office, Sheriff's office, or emergency communications dispatch center. So, a data center orfiber hut doesn't really qualify under this definition -- of an emergency service building. So, it might be actually structurally viable for a fiber hut or a data center. But we're still reviewing that withPublic Works. And we're also seeing what's available at Equinix. So, we are in discussions with them right now, to see what space is available to lease. How much cabinet or power space wecan borrow, or use. But I guess the biggest challenge over there is just trying to get the conduit into their building, since they're so -- um -- congested already with other telecoms. I think the askis to put in a 432 [strand] cable into that building. So, we'll see if we can work something out with them. 2:00:47: And, with regards to invitation for bid. So, hopefully, once we get CEQA done, we will begin issuing the information for bid, or RFP, for the construction. And we'll hopefully be able to IDENTIFYboth the grid mod and the telecom work into one RFP -- or IFB. Just so we can see what kind of proposal we're going to get back. So, there will be an option to do both, an option to do one orthe other. And we'll see. 2:01:19: And staffing, right now, we did get four new positions that are approved in the FY'24 budget. We haven't hired for any of them yet, per se. For the Assistant Director, our CIO, Darren Numoto, iskind of serving as an interim in that area, just because he has that telecom experience. And the other three positions we have approved are the Construction or Outside Plant Manager, theSales and Marketing Manager, and also a Senior Network Architect or Engineer. 2:01:51: ### Slide 7 -- BACK UP SLIDES And that's all I have. So, I'll start taking questions. 2:01:58: Chair Segal: Any commissioner questions? 2:02:00: Vice Chair Scharff: So, I guess I was trying to get a sense of -- This seems to have been a -- going to make a fairly large delay in starting construction. That's sort of how it feels. Is that -- Did Itake that out wrong? When are we going to start construction? 2:02:14: Dave Yuan: Given where -- If CEQA takes 6 months -- So, starting now -- So, March is when we'll finish CEQA, let's say. And then the construction bid would probably go out [in] another 3months. And then, evaluation, another 3 months. Well, let's say a year from now is when construction COULD begin. Maybe 9 months to a year is what my guess would be. 2:02:33: Director Batchelor: [inaudible] 2:02:38: Dave Yuan: Well, we could put for construction when CEQA is -- as we're getting closer to CEQA being finalized. I guess. So -- 2:02:45: Director Batchelor: [inaudible] 2:02:52: Director Batchelor: If we did it in January-February time, put out the RFP, by the time that CEQA gets approved, we could have -- go back to Council with the winning contractor, I would think. So -- June? I would probably think by June. We could have it by June. Start construction. 2:03:08: Dave Yuan: Possibly yes. 2:03:10: Vice Chair Scharff: So, possibly next June. 2:03:11: Dave Yuan: Yes. 2:03:12: Vice Chair Scharff: Well, that's much shorter. I thought you had to do the pole -- new pole agreements with AT&T. And I thought you were going to combine -- I guess I misunderstood. Ithought you were going to combine, you know, the grid modernization -- You were going to have all that ready by June. And you're going to do all of that at the same time? 2:03:28: Director Batchelor: Yeah. I mean, -- 2:03:28: Vice Chair Scharff: That's fantastic. 2:03:29: Director Batchelor: I mean, the thing is that, you know, we are working on the design phase -- for the first phase. So, the first phase for the grid mod was only going to be 10 percent. That wasthe first year. Well, we decided that -- let's move it to the full phase. And that's why we increased the size of the grid mod as well as the first phase of fiber. We don't know what those savingsare. As Dave mentioned, it's 1-15 percent. But if we're going to go out there and replace a pole for -- if we have to do it for fiber, but we don't make it tall enough, then we're going to go out thereand touch that pole again -- Now, granted, you would think that when we touch it, we should think about, you know, doing it the proper way. But there's going to be savings there, because if wedid it on the fiber side, it's 100 percent on the fiber. If we wait, and combine it with the electric portion of it, we can take funds from the Electric side as well as Fiber, which will save us dollars inthose aspects of it. So, we think that the reason why, also, it just so happens that where this grid mod is going, to convert this 4,000 volt system to a 12,000 volt system, which needs to beupgraded because of electrification, it just makes sense to combine the two. And we think that the debate right now is -- from Magellan and staff -- is, do you pay a little bit more for having ahigher-level person that works on electric lines bring and put in the strand for the fiber? ### This kind of "strand" is called a messenger wire. So, on the aerial portion, we're going to have to run a piece of wire from pole to pole. And then, that fiber gets put on there. And there's a machine that goes along and loops that fiber onto thatstrand. So, the question is, is it cheaper, in the long run, to have it done by the higher cost? Or do we hire a telecom company to come back for the second time to go back in those back yardeasements -- or even the front easements. So, those are some of the things that we're trying to work out. We think that even though it might be a little bit more money on the electric side, wethink that there's probably some savings from the fiber standpoint, because we're going to touch it at one time. And electric will be on the cusp of paying for the upgrade portion of the poles. So-- So, that's why I -- kind of a little bit longer. 2:05:53: I think the other thing is is that what we learn through this process, we had no idea from a staff perspective, that this was actually going to be a CEQA issue. We figured that we can go out andreplace any kind of wire. We can go out and replace any transformer. We can go out and replace any kind of equipment out there, today, on our electric side. So we thought lashing up somefiber was not going to be a CEQA issue. ### In the City's FY2024 Capital Budget, at page 429 (PDF page 456), re Project Number FO-24000, Fiber to the Premises, it says "This project is expected to have a possible exemption fromCEQA under Section 15301, 15302, 15303 or 15304(f)."https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/files/assets/public/v/1/administrative-services/city-budgets/fy-2024-city-budget/proposed/1-capital-budget-book_final_website_numbering_1.pdfThese sections, which describe various exemptions, are titled "Existing Facilities," https://casetext.com/regulation/california-code-of-regulations/title-14-natural-resources/division-6-resources-agency/chapter-3-guidelines-for-implementation-of-the-california-environmental-quality-act/article-19-categorical-exemptions/section-15301-existing-facilities"Replacement or Reconstruction,"https://casetext.com/regulation/california-code-of-regulations/title-14-natural-resources/division-6-resources-agency/chapter-3-guidelines-for-implementation-of-the-california-environmental-quality-act/article-19-categorical-exemptions/section-15302-replacement-or-reconstruction"New Construction or Conversion of Small Structures,"https://casetext.com/regulation/california-code-of-regulations/title-14-natural-resources/division-6-resources-agency/chapter-3-guidelines-for-implementation-of-the-california-environmental-quality-act/article-19-categorical-exemptions/section-15303-new-construction-or-conversion-of-small-structuresand "Minor Alterations to Land,"https://casetext.com/regulation/california-code-of-regulations/title-14-natural-resources/division-6-resources-agency/chapter-3-guidelines-for-implementation-of-the-california-environmental-quality-act/article-19-categorical-exemptions/section-15304-minor-alterations-to-landrespectively. I'm not a lawyer, but, OK, I can see how aerial FTTP isn't covered by these sections. What about aerial dark fiber? What about underground fiber (both FTTP and dark fiber)? ### In 2011, Google Fiber's Milo Medin said he thought CEQA applied to FTTP.https://oversight.house.gov/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/TestimonyofMiloMedin_1.pdf(He's not a lawyer either, but it could at least have put the issue on the City's radar.) But then we found out from our attorneys that it is under CEQA. So, that put a huge delay in that timeframe. So, then we had to go back to Magellan and find another consultant to help us filethe right -- proper work that we can get the CEQA done. So, that's the little bit of delay portion for CEQA to April. 2:06:32: Vice Chair Scharff: OK. 2:06:33: Chair Segal: Is there a CEQA issue with the grid modernization? 2:06:37: Director Batchelor: We're just replacing basically in-kind. Just larger. So, you know, maybe a little bit larger of a transformer. But there -- you know, the wires are already there. We're going toreplace -- We're going to replace the secondary to a little bit larger of a size wire as well. So there's no CEQA issue there at all. 2:06:59: Commissioner Croft: Is there a possibility with this -- Once we get the bids, do you think there's any possibility that this could accelerate the grid modernization? 2:07:09: Dave Yuan: Yeah. I think with the current proposal, we are accelerating the first part. So, instead of passing maybe 500 homes, we're going to be passing 6,000 homes. So, that's what we'reproposing right now, which is the first phase of fiber to the home. 2:07:22: Commissioner Croft: I was kind of thinking about -- I think the estimated completion date is like 2030. Right? So, the last neighborhoods would go in 2030, which were supposed to be all-electric by 2030. So, is there any -- Do you think there's any chance that, though this process, we would be able to accelerate completion, I guess, of grid modernization? 2:07:42: Dave Yuan: I think there's a possibility of speeding it up, because we'll have this consultant already on board doing all the make-ready. So they will have that under their belts. So, I think they could speed up the other pole make-readies for the other aerial areas. So, I think so. Potentially. But no promises. 2:08:03: Director Batchelor: I think the only caveat that that portion of it is -- not to play this broken record, but, you know, we're having very much difficulties trying to secure transformers. Transformersare out right now about two years. So, we have orders in. We are working with some other companies that what we haven't used in the past, to get transformers in. So, I think it's going to be asupply issue. Wire itself for the cabling of the electric side shouldn't be that big of a problem for us. But it's going to be the switches and also the transformers, as we need almost to double theamount of transformers that we have in the system today. So, it might be a little bit of a delay. But I think, though, that we have sent in orders last year. We have received some. And we have another shipment of another 125-150 transformers coming in by the end of the year. 2:09:03: Commissioner Croft: Sorry. I was going to -- Go ahead. 2:09:06: Commissioner Metz: OK. 2:09:06: Chair Segal: Commissioner Metz. (Then you can -- ) 2:09:08: Commissioner Metz: OK. Yeah. Um. Well, it sounds like you're in the midst of a very challenging infrastructure build-out. Is there a parallel plan on the fiber side for generating revenue? Tohelp pay for this? 2:09:22: Dave Yuan: Yeah. I think the plan is to, as we start building out fiber to the premise, we will start offering that ISP service. So the -- And then, we'll also -- We are in talks with some of ourlarger commercial customers who are asking for more fiber in their areas, Just, right now, we don't have that available. ### Why are these customers asking specifically for dark fiber (given that both dark fiber and FTTP are unavailable at the moment)? What speeds do these customers want? Would they bewilling to use a PON connection, which is shared by a number of premises? Do these customers prefer dark fiber because they think it will be available sooner than FTTP? So, there are a couple of revenue sources. 2:09:39: Commissioner Metz: So, the expectation is that as soon as we get it build out, then we can -- 2:09:43: Dave Yuan: Right. As soon as we get it built out, we can start selling it. Yeah. We don't have to wait 'til full completion. 2:09:50: Commissioner Metz: OK. Thanks. 2:09:53: Commissioner Phillips: I notice that it says that we need to "coordinate" with AT&T. What exactly does that mean? So, I have kind of a two-part question. And they're presumably a competitorwith us in this, which presumably makes it difficult on the fiber side. And, also, when I was reading the summary, it was much more positive on the joining NCJPA. (I'm not used to that acronymyet.) Whereas, what you just presented seemed fairly negative. Was there new information in the interim? 2:10:31: Dave Yuan: Sure. I can do the latter first. The NCJPA -- Before we wrote the report, we didn't get their handbook. So, we had to submit some moneys to receive that, and review theirdocuments. So, since then, we have reviewed their 200-page handbook. Which was a lot -- very outdated. Just so you know, too, as well. So, after reviewing it, we didn't think it met ourneeds. And would just even add more complications. Besides, the two things I mentioned earlier, such as cost recovery and streamlining the administrative paperwork. We might also losecontrol of the poles if we were to join this agency. So, right now, the poles are jointly owned between us and AT&T, for the most part. So, that's another risk that we didn't want to kind of enter, Iguess. 2:11:17: And then, regarding the first question -- was -- I forgot already -- 2:11:21: Commissioner Phillips: What does it mean that we need to "coordinate" with AT&T? What do we need -- What needs to be "coordinated" exactly? 2:11:27: Dave Yuan: Yeah. So, before, with this agreement, we usually have monthly or quarterly meetings with them. So, what we could do is agree on resources -- maybe shared resources that weboth approve, that we can contract out with, to do the work for both sides. So we don't have to keep passing it back and forth to each other. We just have to agree on the cost and who thecontractors may be. And what the operations would look like. What the standards are. And another thing we're looking on is also trying to get a database that we can share together. So,instead of mail -- doing mail for every pole intent, maybe there's a more efficient way of sharing that information. So we get responses faster. So, I think we just need to get them at the table. And just start having these discussions. I think under the joint pole agreement, they are -- they SHOULD BE, at least -- complying with us. Or at least working with us. So, that's what we'retrying to do. 2:12:30: Chair Segal: Commissioner Scharff, did you have a question? Any other questions? I had a couple questions. One, actually, I did a little research into the NCJPA, and I'm actually relieved thatwe're going in a different direction. So, that was good news to me. 2:12:48: On the construction, you were talking about it. It might be more expensive to have the -- do the electrical upgrade and include the fiber. What I didn't hear in there at all was the disruption piece. And I actually think that's a pretty big deal. And so, that should weigh in when we're evaluating this. I mean, money is certainly important. But to have to repeat everything twice is quitedisruptive. And, on that disruption note, it's come up in the past before where we have a very short construction day. And is there -- has there been any thought about whether we might want tofind a way to expand it for this project, given the time constraints that some of our -- some of my fellow commissioners have mentioned? 2:13:39: Dave Yuan: Oh, yeah. I guess we could request for it when we do the -- I don't know what phase we would do. But we'll ask for an exemption from Planning, I guess, during that time when weget permitting. To see if we can expand the operation hours -- construction hours. 2:13:53: Director Batchelor: [inaudible] 2:13:57: Director Batchelor: It's possible that what we could do is maybe -- not be on the major thoroughfares, but all the onesie-twosie streets -- you know, we could probably talk to Planning aboutgiving some type of exemption. Then we could stay out longer for that period of time. Because it's no different than if we had our own crews out there, working in front of your homes, on thestreet. So, we -- That's a good idea. We'll ask about that. 2:14:20: Dave Yuan: In regards to the disruption, we are trying to get one company to do both, so they could do all the power first, and then the telecom could come right afterwards. Hang up all thewires and messengers to complete the task. Probably within weeks or days or whatever it may be. And they'll be coordinating closely together. 2:14:38: Chair Segal: That's -- um -- That's good. And then -- (um -- OK, maybe I lost -- oh, I know what I was going to say.) So, maybe some of you have seen -- I don't know. I got an email fromComcast, where Com -- where we can only be a Comcast customer. We don't -- anyway, AT&T doesn't really serve my area. ### FCC's broadband map shows that about 40 percent of the aerial portion of Leland Manor can get service from AT&T fiber. (But I'm not saying the map is accurate.)https://broadbandmap.fcc.gov/location-summary/fixed?version=dec2022&location_id=1377191490&addr1=771+GARLAND+DR&addr2=PALO+ALTO%2C+CA+94303&zoom=15.15&vlon=-122.133410&vlat=37.439036&br=r&speed=1000_100&tech=3 And they announced that they're coming out with this new 10G, with the goal to -- the "goal" to ultimately allow them to deliver multi-gigabit upload and download speeds for $60 a month. ### This "goal" is completely implausible. First, "10G" is not a new technology. It's just a cynically-conceived marketing term for Comcast's collection of existing technologies. Comcast'sexisting DOCSIS 3.1 technology offers 1,200 Mbps down and 35 Mbps up (which is what the FCC map shows for Leland Manor). Comcast is rolling out faster speeds in some (limited) markets,but still not with multi-gigabit upload speed. (In Tennessee, they're offering 2 Gbps downloads and "5x-to-10x faster uploads," which I think means 175-350 Mbps uploads.)https://south.comcast.com/2023/07/27/tennessee-getting-latest-upgrade-to-its-xfinity-10g-network/ ### Is the $60 a month "goal" a one-time special offer, or an everyday price? What are the additional fees?https://potsandpansbyccg.com/2023/05/16/taking-aim-at-junk-fees/ ### This 07-20-23 article says,https://potsandpansbyccg.com/2023/07/20/broadband-grants-and-affordable-rates/"The two most easily identified ISPs with high broadband rates are Charter and Comcast. Charter rates for standalone basic broadband are now over $90 in many markets, and Comcast isnearing $100 per month. Both ISPs don’t give any indication that they are going to slow down with annual rate increases. In fact, now that broadband customer growth has slowed, rate increasesare the best path for these companies to satisfy Wall Street expectations." That's a goal, so they're marketing. So, I found it a little interesting. I don't know if we're on their radar. But I think we are a little bit going to be chasing that for this whole project. And it'ssomething we need to keep in mind. 2:15:28: Dave Yuan: I think with our architecture, we're picking -- I think it's called XG-something-GPON. ### XGS-PON. (X means 10, G means Gbps, S means symmetrical, and PON means passive optical network.) ### XGS-PON's bandwidth is shared by all the premises connected to a PON net. In the City's design, how many premises can be connected to a PON net? The more premises there are, theless bandwidth is available for each premises, on average, and the higher the latency. ### Looking to the future, faster electronics options are available, and there are schemes for mixing and matching different speeds. It allows us to actually toggle the speed anywhere from 1 gigabit up to 10 gigabits, depending on the needs of the neighborhood, or the business, or whatever. ### The speed is not "toggled." The City can offer various speed tiers. So, we have that flexibility. Built in. ### If we want the fiber infrastructure of the City's FTTP network to last, say, 60 years, I'm still not convinced that PON is the right architecture. 2:15:46: Chair Segal: No, I -- And I appreciate that. And that's important. But I also think that if -- What I worry about is if Comcast -- and, I imagine, AT&T is also -- they seem to be working to add fiberto more customers as they go forward -- that we're losing our customer base as time goes on. 2:16:08: Dave Yuan: Understood. 2:16:13: Chair Segal: Any other commissioner -- ** -- OK, go ahead. 2:16:17: Commissioner Croft: This -- In the conversation about the poles, this came to mind -- is, for the undergrounded neighborhoods -- and I apologize if this is in the packet. I don't recall if I saw it -- What is the approach to -- is it -- is there similar economies of scale of doing both the grid modernization and the fiber at the same time? Or is that a different story when you're underground? 2:16:43: Dave Yuan: Based on our initial discussion, this will be a different package -- or a different path. I think for the electric grid mod, I think their focus is all overhead in the beginning. And then, forus, on the fiber side, I think we want to do both underground and overhead if it's in the same neighborhood. So, we will probably have to hire a separate underground construction firm to do thatwork. But it won't be tied with the grid mod. At least not as of right now. ### I'm interested in somewhat related topic: Can/should the dark fiber extension and FTTP be done at the same time. I have the impression that most or all of the dark fiber extension will beunderground. (Right?) So the opportunity for synergy would arise if the FTTP were also underground. Would the dark fiber and FTTP be in separate conduits? If dark fiber and FTTP are notdone at the same time, does staff have an idea of which should be done first? 2:17:10: Director Batchelor: Yeah. And it won't be in -- from a path standpoint, because we don't really have to upgrade the infrastructure on the electric side in the underground areas. We can pull the wire -- the secondary wire -- out of the conduits. ### The City's first underground districts didn't use conduits. But do all the City's underground districts have conduits now? And the wire that we're putting in is not that much larger than what's in there today. So, we'll end up pulling and using -- utilizing the conduit on the electric side. But we're going to have totrench, or we're going to have to bore the streets for the fiber side. 2:17:44: Chair Segal: Well, thank you for the update. Much appreciated. And we'll take a 15-minute break now, before we turn to S/CAP. So, let's be back at 8:23. 2:18:00 END From:On Chong To:Council, City Subject:Regarding the Council Meeting, September 18, 2023, Item 7, 2901 Middlefield Rd and 702 Ellsworth Place Date:Saturday, September 16, 2023 4:16:52 PM Some people who received this message don't often get email from on18881@hotmail.com. Learn why this isimportant CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Dear Mayor Kou, Vice Mayor Stone, and members of the City of Palo Alto City Council, As property owners with tenants on Ellsworth Place, it is imperative for their safety and wayof life on Ellsworth that this situation be resolved once and for all. Through this process, we learned that a portion of our property is on the abandoned section of the Ellsworth Place road,and we don't know who is responsible for it. Your packet includes this statement under Item 7: page 5, "If the City Council were interested in exploring the possibility of taking over ownership of Ellsworth Place that would need to be agendized as a separate discussion." We would like the road ownership "agendized" before making any changes to the existing PC-2343 Ordinance. As we understand it, the city can make the Ellsworth Road much safer over the "parking lot" area and as it joins Middlefield Road if the road is public. This discrimination against private roads is appalling, and the developer's proposal is more dangerous than our current road conditions over theparking lot as were designed and approved with the current PC-2343 Ordinance. Our tenants, like most people, rely on getting deliveries to their homes and it would be burdensome to their lives if they lost the ability to receive deliveries. This would in turn have a direct effect on our property values. The city must preserve package delivery to Ellsworth Place residents and also make the intersection at Middlefield Road and Ellsworth Place safer than what is being proposed by the developers. If this is not possible to do with the proposed development plans, then the current conditions of the PC-2343 Ordinance shouldremain in place. Sincerely,On Chong, Co-Owner of717,723 Ellsworth PlacePalo Alto, CA Sent from my iPhone From:Chin Chong To:Planning Commission; Council, City; Burt, Patrick; Kou, Lydia; kou.pacc@gmail.com; Lauing, Ed; Lythcott-Haims,Julie; Stone, Greer; Tanaka, Greg; greg@gregtanaka.org; Veenker, Vicki Subject:Regarding the Council Meeting, September 18, 2023, Item 7, 2901 Middlefield Rd and 702 Ellsworth Place Date:Saturday, September 16, 2023 4:05:18 PM Some people who received this message don't often get email from chin18881@hotmail.com. Learn why this isimportant CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.Dear Mayor Kou, Vice Mayor Stone, and members of the City of Palo Alto City Council, As property owners with tenants on Ellsworth Place, it is imperative for their safety and wayof life on Ellsworth that this situation be resolved once and for all. Through this process, we learned that a portion of our property is on the abandoned section of the Ellsworth Place road,and we don't know who is responsible for it. Your packet includes this statement under Item 7: page 5, "If the City Council were interested in exploring the possibility of taking over ownership of Ellsworth Place that would need to be agendized as a separate discussion." We would like the road ownership "agendized" beforemaking any changes to the existing PC-2343 Ordinance. As we understand it, the city can make the Ellsworth Road much safer over the "parking lot" area and as it joins Middlefield Road if the road is public. This discrimination against private roads is appalling, and the developer's proposal is more dangerous than our current road conditions over theparking lot as were designed and approved with the current PC-2343 Ordinance. Our tenants, like most people, rely on getting deliveries to their homes and it would be burdensome to their lives if they lost the ability to receive deliveries. This would in turn have a direct effect on our property values. The city must preserve package delivery to Ellsworth Place residents and also make the intersection at Middlefield Road and Ellsworth Place safer than what is being proposed by the developers. If this is not possible to do with the proposed development plans, then the current conditions of the PC-2343 Ordinance shouldremain in place. Sincerely, On and Chai Chin Chong Owner of 717/723 Ellsworth Place Palo Alto From:Matthew Chen To:Planning Commission Cc:Council, City Subject:Urgent Call for Housing Reform Date:Saturday, September 16, 2023 1:42:02 PM Some people who received this message don't often get email from mattchensocial@gmail.com. Learn why this isimportant CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Dear Members of the Planning and Transportation Committee, I write to urge your support for changes to the zoning ordinance to address our town's housing crisis. My partner and I are long-time members of this community. Our favorite activities include taking long walks, visiting the parks, smelling the lavender, and spending time at the library. We cherish the idea of spending the rest of our lives here and raising a family. We have both pursued careers in engineering, affording us decent salaries. However, even with this financial stability, finding a suitable two-bedroom home that meets the needs of our growing family at an affordable price has proven to be nearly impossible. This predicament is not unique to us. Many families in our town face similar challenges, struggling to secure stable housing in the very community they love. This housing crisis demands immediate attention and action. Your support for these reforms will not only help families like ours but also contribute to the overall well-being and prosperity of our community. Thank you for your attention to this matter. Sincerely, Matt Chen From:licensing@petsinneed.org To:Jason Cc:Council, City Subject:RE: Dog Licensing Help! Date:Saturday, September 16, 2023 12:04:01 PM Some people who received this message don't often get email from licensing@petsinneed.org. Learn why this isimportant CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Hello Jason, We’re sorry for the inconvenience. It looks like there was some confusion on our part due to the names, emails, and phone numbers being different on the ID#’s. I went ahead and made sure that the ID# from the reference number 011164 was noted as a duplicate. Just to confirm, we will be using the license number 052158 which is attached to Donnie Matsuda. Please let us know if you have any further questions. Again, we’re sorry for the inconvenience. Thank you, Licensing Department Pets In Need 3281 E Bayshore Rd, Palo Alto CA 94303 650-496-5971 From: Jason <jason1234@me.com> Sent: Saturday, September 16, 2023 10:07 AM To: licensing@petsinneed.org Cc: city.council@cityofpaloalto.org Subject: Dog Licensing Help! Dear Pets In Need, I keep receiving letters saying my dog is not licensed (your reference No. 011164). I have reached out to you repeatedly and repeatedly been told you would resolve the problem. My dogs paperwork is attached and has a different reference number. I don’t know what the problem is. I don’t know why you can’t correct this. Please handle this. I don’t have time to correct this with you over and over and over. Please confirm AGAIN that you have corrected this issue. If you can not please let me know who I should reach out to. Is it the Mayor’s office? Thank you, Jason Martin 808-639-8585 Sent from my iPhone From:Jason To:licensing@petsinneed.org Cc:Council, City Subject:Dog Licensing Help! Date:Saturday, September 16, 2023 10:08:44 AM Attachments:Scanned Documents.pdf [Some people who received this message don't often get email from jason1234@me.com. Learn whythis is important at https://aka.ms/LearnAboutSenderIdentification ] CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of openingattachments and clicking on links.________________________________ Dear Pets In Need, I keep receiving letters saying my dog is not licensed (your reference No. 011164). I have reached out to you repeatedly and repeatedly been told you would resolve the problem. My dogs paperwork is attached and has a different reference number. I don’t know what the problem is. I don’t know why you can’t correct this. Please handle this. Idon’t have time to correct this with you over and over and over. Please confirm AGAIN that you have corrected this issue. If you can not please let me know who Ishould reach out to. Is it the Mayor’s office? Thank you,Jason Martin808-639-8585 Sent from my iPhone From:Bhanu Iyer To:Council, City Cc:Planning Commission Subject:9/18/2023 City Council Meeting Agenda Item 7 (2901-2905 Middlefield Road and 702 Ellsworth Place) Date:Saturday, September 16, 2023 12:14:27 AM Some people who received this message don't often get email from bhanuiyer9@gmail.com. Learn why this isimportant CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Dear Mayor Kou, Vice-Mayor Stone, and members of the City of Palo Alto City Council, Thank you for your time and service to our community. While there is a lot to consider regarding this complicated situation, our biggest concerns are the following: 1. Safety: Our biggest concern 2. Optimum use of the road: For all residents and services (delivery and other vehicles) 3. Fairness: A developer's application for a home should be treated like every other resident onthis street who has built or remodeled a home on Ellsworth Place. Please get in touch with me if you have any questions or need more information. Warm regards,Bhanu Bhanu Iyer 712 Ellsworth Place 650-269-4476 From:Aram James To:Council, City; Shikada, Ed; Jethroe Moore; Sean Allen Subject:California passes bill banning caste-based discrimination | Civil Rights News | Al Jazeera Date:Friday, September 15, 2023 10:57:05 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. ________________________________ https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/9/6/california-state-legislature-passes-bill-banning-caste-based- discrimination Sent from my iPhone From:David Coale To:Council, City Subject:Bike Palo Alto is Back! Date:Friday, September 15, 2023 4:29:39 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. Dear Council Members, City Manager, Staff and Community Members, Please come and join us on Sunday, October 1 from 1-3 pm at Fairmeadow School, Bike Palo Alto volunteers will offer maps to help people explore Palo Alto’s little known bike bridges, off-road trails and quiet streets that make bicycling here easy and fun. This free discovery event will also offer mini bike tune-ups, a pop-up Traffic Safety "Garden", helmet safety fittings, a "Create your Own Trail Mix" snack station and free rechargeable bike lights (limited while supplies last), and a booth where you can talk with planners who work to make our city’s walking and bicycling routes better. Go to www.bikepaloalto.org to register. Volunteer for Bike Palo Alto! We are also looking for volunteers. Sign up here [LINK] to volunteer. Volunteers will receive free “I Bike Palo Alto T-shirts”. Secondary students can volunteer for community service credits. If you want to take part in the ride, we can accommodate you to do both. Don't miss this opportunity to discover why bicycling in Palo Alto is a way of life for so many local people! More information [LINK]. Email Bike Palo Alto with questions. From:Sky Posse Post To:airportdirector@flysfo.com Cc:9-awp-noise@faa.gov; 9-AWA-NoiseOmbudsman@faa.gov; Supervisor Simitian; Council, City Subject:FAA Environmental Assessment needed for SFO GBAS project Date:Friday, September 15, 2023 4:02:25 PM Attachments:2023 EA needed, Letter to SFO Airport Director.pdf Some people who received this message don't often get email from skypossepost@gmail.com. Learn why this isimportant CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Please find attached a letter for Mr. Ivar Sartero. Sky Posse Palo Alto 2225 East Bayshore Avenue,Suite 200,Palo Alto,CA 94303 September 15,2023 Mr.C.Ivar Sartero, Airport Director San Francisco International Airport P.O.Box 8097 San Francisco,CA 94128-8097 Sent via email to airportdirector@flysfo.com Re:FAA Environmental Assessment needed for SFO GBAS project Dear Mr.Sartero, Recent SFO press from SFGate,Mercury News and the Palo Alto Weekly about GBAS didn't mention the FAA’s Noise Policy Review solicitation that is open for public comments until September 29. The FAA’s solicitation is asking,among other things,how to improve communication about noise -it must be a priority to distinguish that different measurements explain different things.Noise analysis to assess noise from new airframe design or engine improvements use different datasets than what is used to look at the noise from a particular flight path,and other (larger)datasets are necessary to measure people’s cumulative and long term exposure to aviation noise.Not distinguishing or disclosing the type of analysis used to represent the potential value of a mitigation initiative not only lacks transparency but it is misleading.It is without standards or oversight about how to communicate the evolution of noise impacts that SFO is using its own noise assumptions and measurements about GBAS, which for example don’t consider the long term and cumulative effects from changes to multiple routes and procedures.Also,SFO unilaterally decided to use discrete measurements of GBAS that can disguise the project’s potential harm. We thus continue to be very concerned about the use of CATEX for the GBAS project because it reduces transparency in how noise and mitigation alternatives are being evaluated.The GAO Report seeks to address precision routes like GBAS with specific recommendations to improve the FAA's efforts to assess noise impacts,and public outreach but the FAA has not done any public outreach on GBAS.As you may be aware,the FAA described its role in this letter,also stating that the agency does not make “pre-decisional” environmental review determinations.When the FAA removes itself from any public outreach during a PBN design process,however,it is choosing -at the outset -on a CATEX (to not invest in in-depth noise assessments or public communications).The GAO report meant to improve noise assessments and communications becomes meaningless with a CATEX. Years have gone into developing GBAS which will meet industry goals but noise assessments and communications are nowhere near what GAO recommended.An EA level investment is needed and appropriate.The Mercury News mentions citizens'desire for fast tracking promising paths but that should not be confused with FAA fast tracking environmental review;fast tracking NEPA means foregoing federal attention and investments needed to assess,and mitigate long term cumulative impacts or making decisions in the dark. In conclusion,CATEX decisions for airspace changes are a disservice and a hazard to the public.SFO promised transparency for the GBAS project but it is not transparent when citizens are arbitrarily denied critical information about the noise pollution affecting their homes,families and personal well being.Long term noise information is especially necesary with Precision Based Navigation that concentrates noise,which communities cannot sustain. We suggest that SFO,and all its partners,have an obligation to be more forthcoming that GBAS is simply not being regulated as far as noise is concerned,and that CATEX carries many risks to citizens because it means that noise concerns are not fully addressed.For everyone’s goals to be served,both the GAO recommendations and an EA level review are needed. Thank you, Sky Posse Palo Alto CC: FAA National Ombudsman 9-AWA-NoiseOmbudsman@faa.gov FAA Regional Ombudsman,Western Pacific Region 9-awp-noise@faa.gov Representative Anna Eshoo Supervisor Joe Simitian supervisor.simitian@bos.sccgov.org Palo Alto City Council city.council@cityofpaloalto.org San Jose Mercury News Palo Alto Weekly SF Gate Sky Posse Palo Alto is a grassroots group of citizens deeply concerned about increased aircraft noise and pollutants from Nextgen.Many have invested substantial effort in studying the issues,attending public hearings and meetings,and engaging in outreach.For more info see www.skypossepaloalto.org. From:Camas J. Steinmetz To:Council, City; Kou, Lydia; Tanaka, Greg; Lythcott-Haims, Julie; Veenker, Vicki; Lauing, Ed Cc:French, Amy; Sauls, Garrett; Yang, Albert; Richard Dewey; Hayes, Ken Subject:Applicant Attorney Letter - Sept 18, 2023 Agenda Item No. 7 - 2901-2905 Middlefield Road and 702 Ellsworth Date:Friday, September 15, 2023 3:10:49 PM Attachments:image001.pngApplicant Attorney Ltr re Agenda Item No. 7 - 2901-05 Middlefield 702 Ellsworth.pdf Some people who received this message don't often get email from cjs@jsmf.com. Learn why this is important CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Dear Mayor Kou and Members of the City Council: On behalf of the 2901-2905 Middlefield applicant, please review and consider the attached letter prior to taking action on Agenda Item No. 7 at your upcoming September 18, 2023 Monday hearing. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, Camas J. Steinmetz, Esq. Jorgenson, Siegel, McClure & Flegel, LLP 1100 Alma Street, Suite 210 | Menlo Park, CA 94025 Phone: (650) 743-9700 |Email: cjs@jsmf.com WILLIAM L. McCLURE JOHN L. FLEGEL DAN K. SIEGEL JENNIFER H. FRIEDMAN MINDIE S. ROMANOWSKY DAVID L. ACH GREGORY K. KLINGSPORN NICOLAS A. FLEGEL KRISTINA A. FE NTON KI MBERLY J . BRUMME R CAMAS J. STEINMETZ P HILIP S . S O USA _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ BRITTNEY L. STANDLEY CHRIST I AN D. PET RANG ELO JORGENSON, SIEGEL, McCLURE & FLEGEL, LLP ATTORNEYS AT LAW 1100 ALMA STREET, SUITE 210 MENLO PARK, CALIFORNIA 94025-3392 (650) 324-9300 FACSIMILE (650) 324-0227 www.jsmf.com OF COUNSEL KE NT MITCHELL _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ RETIRED JOHN D. JORGENSON MARG ARET A. SLO AN DIANE S . GREENBERG _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ DEC EASED MARVIN S . SIEGEL (1936 - 2012) JOHN R.COSGROVE (1932 - 2017) 1 September 15, 2023 Mayor Kou and Members of the City Council City of Palo Alto city.council@cityofpaloalto.org Via Email Re: September 18, 2023 Agenda Item No. 7 - Ordinance Amending Planned Community 2343 zoning for 2901-2905 Middlefield Road and Adopt an Ordinance Establishing a new Planned Community Zoning Designation to Enable the Development of a new Single-Story, Single-Family Residence on 702 Ellsworth Place Dear Honorable Mayor Kou and Members of the City Council: This law firm represents RLD Land LLC, the owner of the apartment building at 2901-2905 Middlefield which is subject to the above referenced jointly filed application with the owner of 702 Ellsworth Place. We respectfully request that you adopt the PC Ordinance for 2901-2905 Middlefield Road & Exhibit A (Development Plan) as recommended by Staff in Exhibit A of Staff Report #:2307-1763 for September 18, 2023 Agenda Item No. 7 (“Staff Report”). Specifically, we request that you approve – and not increase -- the 30-inch increased width of Ellsworth Place that our client has voluntarily offered to pave and grant an easement to the neighbors over on the 2901-2905 Middlefield side, as incorporated in Section 5(a) of the Staff recommended PC Ordinance for 2901-2905 Middlefield Road. 2 We wholeheartedly agree with Staff’s conclusion in the Staff Report that the Planning and Transportation Commission (PTC)’s recommendation to further increase this paved width by an additional 12 inches on the 2901-2905 Middlefield side and by an additional 12 inches on the 702 Ellsworth side (for a total increased width to 26 feet) and grant an easement over this further increased width to the adjacent Ellsworth Place properties would constitute an unwarranted exaction: Staff’s conclusion is supported and articulated by the following comments from Commission Hechtman, who is a land use attorney by profession, at the August 9, 2023 PTC meeting: There’s a natural inclination when a proposal is made to develop a property to kind of look not at the project being proposed but at the surroundings and ask yourself well, okay they want to do this on this land. What problems can we solve while they’re doing this on this land and there can be in that process over reaches. You would… how do I explain this. There are limitations on conditions that we can impose or require… where you often see this is in with public street where somebody wants to develop something and the City wants them to improve a public street and you have to go through this analysis. Well, is what they’re doing creating a traffic impact because if it’s not creating a traffic impact then you can’t make them fix the public street. It’s just a public street that needs to be fixed… we don’t have a public street…. We have a private street and what the Commission is talking about doing last time and a little bit tonight is requiring one private property owner to give its property rights not to the public in relation to some impact of the project, but actually to 13 other private property owners. That’s what we’re talking about when we talk about requiring that these owners grant easements to the folks down the street and I don’t believe we have the power to do that as a City. To require… you know, anymore than we would have to say gosh, this new development is impacting the value of your 13 properties. So, we’re going to make the property owner give each of you $10,000. Right, we can’t do that and it’s particularly troubling here where again, if we look at the impacts of what is being proposed. The only traffic impact on Ellsworth from the totality of the proposal is a beneficial traffic impact. It’s beneficial, right compared to the existing conditions… 3 those neighbors are not saying hey, we really need 26-feet here. Right, this road really needs to be 26-feet and so we are each willing to give the City 3-feet… the 3-foot 37 frontage of our property to make it a 26-foot public road. We’re not hearing that. What we’re hearing is a frustration by these neighbors that property they don’t own, that happens to be in front of us for development, isn’t going to 26-feet which is as near as I can tell it’s never been at. (Emphasis added). Indeed, the required essential nexus and rough proportionality between the Planning Commission’s recommended condition requiring the applicants to pave and grant an easement over additional width beyond what the applicants have voluntarily offered and the impacts of the proposed project on Ellsworth Place is entirely missing. Accordingly, imposing this condition would constitute an unconstitutional regulatory taking of private property without just compensation and therefore cannot constitutionally be imposed. Nollan v. California Coastal Comm’n, 483 U.S. 825 (1987); Dolan v. City of Tigard, 512 U.S. 319 (1994). The seminal cases of Nollan v. California Coastal Comm’n and Dolan v. City of Tigard prohibit public agencies from conditioning a land use approval on the applicant/owner’s relinquishment of a portion of his or her property unless there is an “essential nexus” and “rough proportionality” between the agency demand and the effects of the proposed land use. In Nollan v. California Coastal Commission, 483 US 825 (1987), the Supreme Court considered the constitutionality of a California Coastal Commission development permit conditions requiring dedication of a public access easement along the owner’s private beach. It held that this condition constituted a taking because there was no “nexus” or relationship between the purported impact of the development (obstruction of the public’s ability to view the beach) and the public access easement condition imposed. Id. at 837, 839. In Dolan v. City of Tigard 512 US 374, 391 (1994), the Supreme Court addressed the question left open by Nollan, adding the second prong to the nexus test. The court held that in addition to showing nexus, cities must show that development conditions placed on a discretionary approval have a “rough proportionality” to the development’s impact. In determining whether the condition imposed is roughly proportionate to the impact, the court stated “the city must make some sort of individualized determination that the required dedication is related both in nature and extent to the impact of the proposed development.” Id. The court held that the city had not met its burden of demonstrating that that the building permit condition requiring dedication of a floodplain easement was roughly proportional to the impact of the proposed building. Both the Nollan and Dolan decisions stemmed from a permitting authority using its power and discretion to overreach in demanding concessions that were not adequately tied to project effects. The Court held that these agency decisions diminished the applicant’s property value without justification or compensation, thereby violating the Takings Clause of the Constitution. Thus, under Nollan and Dolan, a condition of approval must be related both in nature and extent to the impact of the proposed land use or permitted activity. As concluded by City staff and articulated by Commissioner Hechtman, there is no relationship between the Planning Commission’s recommended condition requiring the applicants to pave 4 and grant an easement over any additional width beyond what the applicants have voluntarily offered and the impacts of the proposed project (to amend the PC Ordinance to remove the 702 Ellsworth site to allow for its development as a single family home and to accommodate 4 additional parking spaces and a temporary loading space on the 2901-05 Middlefield site) on Ellsworth Place. Hexagon Transportation Consultants, Inc.’s traffic report dated April 14, 2023 which was accepted by City transportation staff concludes that “[t]he existing 20 feet width of Ellsworth Place is adequate for two-way traffic and emergency vehicles access” and “[t] he existing intersection of Ellsworth Place with Middlefield Road has adequate width.” Nonetheless, the applicants have voluntarily offered to increase these widths by a combined total of four feet. As Commissioner Hechtman points out, the project’s impact on Ellsworth Place is in fact beneficial - not detrimental - as it will improve the existing vehicular, bicycle and pedestrian safety of the intersection of Middlefield and Ellsworth Place and on Ellsworth Place by: • Creating an enhanced 35-foot sight triangle at Ellsworth/Middlefield. • Widening the curb cut approach at Ellsworth/Middlefield by 4 feet to a total of 28 feet at the street flare. • Widening the width of Ellsworth Place to 24 ft by (1) paving an additional 30-inch width on the 2901-05 Middlefield side beginning at the Middlefield Road curb line and extending approximately 37 feet to the location of an existing utility pole guy-wire; (2) paving an additional 18-inch width on the 702 Ellsworth side beginning at the Middlefield Road curb line and extending approximately 42 feet to the proposed walkway to the single-family residence. • Offering an ingress and egress easement over the additional paved width to the other properties on Ellsworth Place. • Providing a temporary delivery and loading space onsite at 2901-05 Middlefield Road which is not otherwise required by Code; and • Reducing vehicle trips on Ellsworth by reducing the number of parking spaces using Ellsworth Place and accommodating all current required parking for the 12-unit apartment complex onsite and moving the trash pickup to the Sutter entrance. • Accommodating all current required parking for the existing 12-unit apartment building on site at 2901-05 Middlefield Road Accordingly, we respectfully request that you adopt the PC Ordinance for 2901-2905 Middlefield Road & Exhibit A (Development Plan) as recommended by Staff without modification. Imposing the PTC’s recommended conditions to require the applicants pave and/or grant an easement over any additional width beyond what the applicants have voluntarily offered cannot 5 constitutionally be imposed. Nollan v. California Coastal Comm’n, 483 U.S. 825 (1987); Dolan v. City of Tigard, 512 U.S. 319 (1994). Respectfully submitted, JORGENSON, SIEGEL, McCLURE & FLEGEL, LLP By: Camas Steinmetz Cc: Amy French, Chief Planning Official Garret Saul, Project Planner Albert Yang, Assistant City Attorney From:Amie Ashton Subject:Transit Month Bike/Bus Event - 9/24 Date:Friday, September 15, 2023 1:18:53 PM Attachments:ECR Bike Bus FB.png CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Honorable City Council Members, Commission Members, and Multi-modalTransportation Advocates, Mark your calendars for a celebration of Transit Month with a tour of bus and bikeimprovements on El Camino Real on Sunday, September 24th. Join your fellow citizens to learn about plans for bus and bike improvements on ElCamino Real. This tour will visit key sites, provide a picture of what's happening atseveral locations, and provide an overview of the whole corridor at a poster sessionat the Redwood City Library. You can start the tour from the North or South, or justcome to the poster session at 2:00 p.m. Routes start in Sunnyvale, Mountain View, Redwood City, and South San Francisco.Get more information and sign up here! Thank you and please email me any questions you may have. Amie AshtonBoard Chair, Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition Executive Director, Palo Alto Froward From:Richard Corny To:Council, City; Kou, Lydia Subject:Dead Cal Ave Friday 1pm Date:Friday, September 15, 2023 12:59:17 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachmentsand clicking on links.________________________________ Thank you as alwaysReal Vibrant down here for sure lolHere we are Friday at Lunch 1pm where places like the mall and Town and Country are packed. But us,mildly busy for a few restaurants. Joanie’s has 4 tables outside. And again we really don’t see the pointof the street closure. People have way better downtowns to go to. Ours has been neglected for the last 3and 1/2 years. The street is dirty and no one from the city cares. Please Reopen this madness Thank you Sent from my iPhone From:Charlie Weidanz To:Council, City Subject:Palo Alto Chamber of Commerce News & Updates - September 15, 2023 Date:Friday, September 15, 2023 8:01:22 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. NEWS & UPDATES - September 15, 2023 Chamber Mixer & Networking Event Young Minds Celebrated Event Sibling Cities Town Halls Palo Alto Third Thursday PVA 12th Annual Golf Tournament 2023 Annual Athena Awards 2023 PATMA Commute Survey Chamber Mixer & Networking Event Tuesday, September 19, 2023 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm Volvo-McLaren Palo Alto 4190 El Camino Real Palo Alto, CA 94306 Palo Alto Volvo-McClaren will be discussing the future in automotive trends Connect with fellow professionals and business owners. Enjoy light refreshments and drinks. Chamber Members: Free Guests: $20 >RSVP Online Young Minds Celebrated Young Minds Celebrated at Mike's Diner Flyer Join Young Minds Celebrated: Sunday, September 17, 2023 4 pm - 8 pm Mike's Diner Bar 2680 Middlefield Rd. Palo Alto, CA 94306 Contact chaniachou@gmail.com to perform at the event. Sibling Cities Town Halls Flyer Want to help knit this country back together? Ready to listen with curiosity and empathy to residents of Palo Alto’s Sibling City, Bloomington, Indiana? Curious what they think about how to get along, climate action, and race and belonging? Want to share your views and build friendship, trust, and respect across the miles? Come to a Town Hall where Palo Altans will gather in person and connect by videoconference with a room full of people in Bloomington. Co-sponsored by the cities of Palo Alto and Bloomington, these events aim to renew our public square and offer opportunities to discuss tough issues with fellow Americans distant from us. Three Town Halls will be held on Sunday afternoons from 1-3 pm: Bridging Regional Divides, September 17 Climate Action, October 8 Race & Belonging, November 12 In Palo Alto, we’ll gather at the Mitchell Park Community Center, 3700 Middlefield Road for conversation, comparing and contrasting how these issues arise in each of our communities and sharing both concerns and potential solutions. To register, go to www.siblingcitiesusa.org/events or use this QR code: Sibling Cities USA is a non-profit organization that fosters relationships between city pairs using three pillars of Connection: Community, Commerce, and Civil Discourse. Palo Alto and Bloomington have engaged in numerous joint activities over the last year to get to know each other and develop friendship and respect. Join the movement! Palo Alto Third Thursday Third Thursday California Ave Flyer Join us on Third Thursday 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm September 21st, 2023 California Avenue in Palo Alto Musical groups will be playing at various locations along the street creating the joyful opportunity to explore the Ave and support local businesses. Learn More PVA 12th Annual Golf Tournament PVA 12th Annual Golf Tournament The Paralyzed Veterans of America, Bay Area and Western Chapter will be hosting our 12th Annual Golf Tournament on Monday, September 25, 2023 at 12:00 PM at Cinnabar Hills Golf Club. Register Online 2023 Athena Leadership Awards Presentation athena-logo Palo Alto Chamber of Commerce proudly presents the 2023 Annual ATHENA® Awards The Palo Alto Chamber of Commerce announces the 2023 Awards Thursday, October 19, 2023 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm Sheraton Palo Alto 625 El Camino Real Palo Alto, CA 94301 The ATHENA award is given to honor exceptional women leaders who demonstrate the highest levels of professional excellence, give back to their communities and, most importantly, assist other women in realizing their full leadership potential – and it is an international award, having been given to more than 6,500 recipients in over 500 cities and 8 countries. Locally it is awarded by our Chamber of Commerce. >Register Online 2023 Commute Survey to better understand the commute habits and preferences of Palo Alto workers ® Commute Survey Header - Woman riding on a bike in a city. The Palo Alto Transportation Management Association (PATMA) is conducting their annual commute survey for workers in the University Ave Downtown and California Ave areas through Friday, Oct 5, 2023. Your participation in this 3 minute survey will help the non-profit improve program offerings. PATMA urges people who telecommute to also complete the survey. Enter into a prize drawing at the end of the survey for a chance to win a Patagonia Black Hole duffel bag or 1 of 10 $25 gift cards to spend in Palo Alto. Take the Survey Online or use your smartphone camera to take a photo of this QR code and you will be directed to the survey. Survey QR Code Questions? survey@paloaltotma.org Flyer Españnol See Our Upcoming EventsLearn More About The Chamber PALO ALTO CHAMBER & VISITORS CENTER 355 ALMA STREET | PALO ALTO | CA | 94301 | 650-324-3121 WWW.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:Rachaell Mondino To:Council, City Subject:Fwd: Date:Friday, September 15, 2023 1:44:49 AM Some people who received this message don't often get email from rachaell.mondino@gmail.com. Learn why thisis important CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Dear Mayor Kou, Vice Mayor Stone, and Honorable City Council Members, I’m writing to you about the accident that happened shortly after school dismissal onSeptember 9th, 2023, when one of our students was hit by a car. Due to the timing of dismissal, many students and parents watched this horrible accident and its aftermath.Thankfully, the child survived. We cannot let this happen again to another child or family and change needs to happen. There are many actions/variables that could have helped prevent this from occurring in thefirst place. I’m writing today to ask you to take three immediate three immediate actions: 1) Crossing Guards: Put crossing guards in place at Stanford Avenue and Escondido Road as well as Stanford Avenue and Hanover Street during all times children are likely to be presentbefore and after school. 2) Traffic Lights & Crossing Signal Audit: Audit the crossing signals at the Stanford Avenue and Escondido Road intersection and eliminate variable behavior. The traffic signalschange from the morning to afternoon creating a very unsafe crossing environment for children (and adults). 3) Community Meeting: Call a meeting with Escondido Elementary community/parent andPAUSD to discuss next steps. Beyond these immediate actions, we need additional follow-up in the following areas: 1) Traffic Management Plan: Review and/or create a long-term plan for traffic management at and around Escondido Elementary, prioritizing pedestrian and bicycle safety. 2) Construction Impact: Review current Escondido Elementary construction plans, theirimmediate impact on traffic safety, and if any changes can be made to improve long term safety. Thank you for your attention to keep our students safe, and I look forward to working withyou and the school community as we all work together. – Rachaell Mondino, mother of a kinder and second grader -- Rachaell MondinoRegistered Nurse 510.292.5810 rachaell.mondino@gmail.com From:mark weiss To:News; Shikada, Ed; Julie Lythcott-Haims; Rebecca Eisenberg; Tom DuBois (tom.dubois@gmail.com); Summa, Doria; Holman, Karen(external); Council, City; Len Siegel; Drekmeier, Peter; Curtis Smolar; Marjorie Cohn; Ben Clements; swhiting@sfchronicle.com Subject:Re: Uplift Local September 14, 2023 Date:Thursday, September 14, 2023 11:30:26 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of openingattachments and clicking on links. Ed—is it true that your office deleted my comments (below) that were posted on your or our Medium page, thenremoved the COMMENTS feature entirely? Also, I wish to register here my grievance that I was refused the right to speak at the meeting itself. Mark Weiss What the fuck?! You are doing a horrible job. Tell Sobrato to go to hell. Sent from my iPhone On Sep 14, 2023, at 7:09 PM, mark weiss <earwopa@yahoo.com> wrote: When this first popped up, I was hoping the 14 acre site would be 7 acres of park - -a "major" park -- and 7 acres of housing. At the most recent meeting I was moved by the speakers who argued that Foon Chew the industrialist should be as legacy-oriented as HP. But it still feels like leadership acts like their job is to help billionaires lord over the rest of us, and its one dollar one vote not one person one vote. Both that of the city and that of Lydia and Tom skip the part of the upzoning to RM-30 -- which is a gift to the developers, and that the people who sold 14 acres to another group later bought up a bunch of properties, often from people of color, and now 50 acres are included in the upzone. This result is sort of like, metaphorically speaking, giving up trophies to every kid in the tournament win or lose. We kind of lost. On Thursday, September 14, 2023 at 06:08:22 PM PDT, City of Palo Alto <news@cityofpaloalto.org> wrote: View as Webpage What's New Major Milestone Achieved to Redevelop the Former Fry’s Electronics SiteNational Preparedness Month: Take Control in 1, 2, 3 Mosquito Treatment in South Palo Alto Tonight at 10 p.m. Palo Alto Airport Long Range Facilities & Sustainability Plan CommunityMeetings: September 21 Weekly City Manager Updates: September 11, 2023 Citywide Updates Major Milestone Achieved to Redevelop the Former Fry’s Electronics Site The City Council achieved a major milestone this week with unanimous approval to redevelop the former Fry’s Electronics site at 340 Portage within the North Ventura Coordinated Area Plan (NVCAP) area. Key components of this approval include: Restoration and adaptive reuse of 60% of the historically significant cannery, Construction of 74 new townhome condominiums, Dedication of 3.25 acres for new open space including a one-acre site to be developed by the City for 100% affordable housing, with $5 million to support next steps, and Incorporation of historic displays and art within the development, as well as initiating renaming Portage Avenue and new park in honor of Chinese entrepreneur Thomas Foon Chew. Read a community update authored by former Mayor Tom DuBois and currentMayor Lydia Kou on their recommendations advancing this development agreement last year. For the full details of these actions, read the September 12, 2023 staff report. This milestone supports the Council’s 2023 Priority focused on Housing for Social and Economic Balance and furthering the 2023-2031 City’s Housing Element. National Preparedness Month: Take Control in 1,2, 3 Emergencies happen unexpectedly. Plan ahead for the unexpected. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) established National Preparedness Month every September to raise awareness and offer tools to protect yourself and your loved ones before, during and after an emergency strikes. All month, we'll be sharing ways to stay safe and take action in case of an emergency. Mosquito Treatment in South Palo Alto Tonightat 10 p.m. The County of Santa Clara Vector Control District will be conducting mosquito control treatment on Thursday, September 14 starting at 10 p.m. in areas of South Palo Alto and Mountain View. The treatment will take approximately 2-4 hours and will use truck-mounted equipment to help reduce the mosquito population in the area and the risk of West Nile virus. Read more and click here to view an interactive map of treatment areas. Community health is all of our responsibilities and residents can help by reducing standing water in your yards and notify the City if you see an injured or deceased bird. Palo Alto Police Department’s Animal Control Officers routinely submit deceased birds found in Palo Alto, Los Altos, and Los Altos Hills to Vector Control to run West Nile Virus detection tests. If you see an injured or deceased bird, please help by contacting Animal Control at (650) 329-2413 so they can retrieve and send it to Vector Control for testing. Palo Alto Airport Long Range Facilities &Sustainability Plan Community Meetings The community is invited to attend a community meeting to provide input and guidance on the planning process for the Palo Alto Airport. The next meetings are Thursday, September 21 at 11 a.m. in Menlo Park or 5p.m. in East Palo Alto to share feedback on recommendations, ask questions, and learn about next steps of the long-range facilities and sustainability plan development. These are open house style and staff will be sharing the same information at both meetings. Weekly City Manager Updates: September 11, 2023 City Manager Shikada continues to share updates at each Council meeting highlighting details on upcoming events, City services, City Council discussions planned, and action taken at the meeting. The Mitchell Park Teen Center opened this week for middle and high school students. Learn about job openings with the City. Find a summary of Council actions related to permanent parklets, 340 Portage (Fry’s Electronics site), and more. Read these updates and a summary of City Council actions here. Be Well Suicide Prevention Awareness Month: It’s been one year since Santa Clara Countyadopted the use of 9-8-8, a crisis service and suicide prevention hotline. Help share this community resource in observance of September being Suicide Prevention AwarenessMonth. 988 is available nationwide, 24/7 as an easy to remember three-digit dialing and texting code, with a chat feature on 988lifeline.org. Connect with trained crisis counselors who can help people experiencing mental health-related distress including thoughts of suicide, mental health or substance use crises, emotional distress, and other reasons to connect. Tackling Too Much Tech: Using too much technology can have negative effects on mental and physical health, including sleep deprivation, eye strain, and isolation. This 10-Step Guide to Digital Detox provides resources to help combat these side effects and build healthier tech habits. Recipe of the Week: It’s officially fall because all our favorite pumpkin flavored foods and drinks are back. Pumpkins are nutrient dense and contain benefits for our heart. Check out this healthy (we promise!) pumpkin cookie recipe to jumpstart your pumpkin-loving season properly. Family Resources Latinx & Hispanic Heritage Month: September 15 – October 15 we honor the history, culture, and contributions of those whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. Check out colorful visual art, compelling literary works, relentless activism, events and more in the Palo Alto City Library’s list. Caltrain Promotion Fares: Take your family and kids on Caltrain with their promotion fares now through January 2024. Get 50% off parking, $1 youth fare, 3-day unlimited pass for hybrid commuters, plus group and family day passes. VisitCaltrain.com/promos for more details. September 17 is Constitution Day: Explore digital resources from the National Archives to learn about the Constitution. On September 17, 1787, the delegates to the Constitutional Convention met for the last time to sign the document they had created. National Voter Registration Day is September 19, 2023!: National Voter Registration Day efforts are designed to ensure every eligible voter has the opportunity to vote, creating broad awareness of voter registration opportunities to reach tens of thousands of voters who may not register otherwise. Visit their website to check your registration and learn about the national program to increase voter registration. There are also paid job opportunities with the County of Santa Clara to help with the upcoming elections. How to Maintain Well-Being During College Prep: On Wednesday, September 20 at 6:30 p.m., join Tiffany Phu, a certified college and career services professional, to learn about maintaining wellness while balancing school and preparing for college. This webinar is free and open to all. Please register to receive the Zoom link, which will be emailed 30 minutes before the workshop. Calendar & Careers Join the Conversation & Connect Art & Music in the Afternoon September 15 @ 4 p.m. Financial Health and Wellness with BradHamada September 16 @ 2 p.m. Animal Portrait Workshop September 17 @ 1 p.m. Sibling Cities Town Hall Meetings September 17 @ 1 p.m. National Voter Registration Day September 19 – All Day 3rd Thursday on Cal Ave September 21 @ 6 p.m. Friday Night at the Art Center September 22 @ 6 p.m. Neighborhood Town Hall: Leland Manor, Old Palo Alto, and Southgate September 24 @ 1:45 p.m. Rain Barrel Workshop September 30 @ 10 a.m. View all community events on the CityCalendar. Find Your Next Career with Us! Associate Engineer Building Inspector Specialist Engineer (Public Works) Fire Plans Examiner Fleet Project Manager Lineperson/Cable Splicer Management Analyst (IT) Motorized Equipment Mechanic Office of Emergency Services Coordinator Police Officer Trainee Teen Center Counselor Teen Program Assistant Utilities Engineering Technician Find More Jobs at www.CityofPaloAlto.org/Careers City Manager's Office | 250 Hamilton Ave, 7th Floor, Palo Alto, CA 94301 Unsubscribe earwopa@yahoo.com Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice Sent by news@cityofpaloalto.org powered by Try email marketing for free today! From:Aram James To:Jethroe Moore; Sean Allen; Council, City; Shikada, Ed; Josh Becker; Tannock, Julie Subject:This L.A. Democrat is a ‘New Testament kind of guy’ — and one of California’s most powerful voices on criminal justice Date:Thursday, September 14, 2023 8:17:13 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 This L.A. Democrat is a ‘New Testament kind of guy’ — and one of California’s most powerful voices on criminal justice WitnessLA The man — tall and gaunt, slightly bedraggled, carrying a plastic grocery bag — nodded to Reggie Jones-Sawyer as he ambled down the sidewalk. “Hey, Reverend,” he drawled. Click to read the full story Sent from my iPhone From:Aram James To:Perron, Zachary; Foley, Michael; Figueroa, Eric; Tannock, Julie; Reifschneider, James; Wagner, April; Binder,Andrew; Sean Allen; Council, City; Jethroe Moore; Josh Becker; Michael Gennaco; Jeff Rosen; Human RelationsCommission; Shikada, Ed; Sheriff Transparency; Rebecca Eisenberg Subject:"Don’t give me that Black crap": Video from 2017 shows embattled Berkeley sergeant Date:Thursday, September 14, 2023 7:57:34 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 'Don’t give me that Black crap': Video from 2017 shows embattled Berkeley sergeant The Berkeley Scanner Mayor Jesse Arreguín expressed "shock and outrage" Tuesday night about a newly resurfaced Copwatch video from 2017 showing a Berkeley police sergeant who is already under fire over alleged racist conduct last year. Click to read the full story Sent from my iPhone From:Aram James To:Julie Lythcott-Haims; Council, City; Jethroe Moore; Sean Allen; Stump, Molly; Emily Mibach; Shana Segal; Vara Ramakrishnan; alisa mallari tu; Josh Becker; vote@sallylieber.org; Jeff Rosen; Jay Boyarsky; Lauing, Ed Subject:Update on Netanyahu"s Visit to Silicon Valley Date:Thursday, September 14, 2023 7:32:08 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Dear Community, As you may know, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced a visit to the Silicon Valley this coming Monday, before he heads to New York to address the United Nations General Assembly. We expect there will be significant media coverage around his visit, as well as large protests planned by UnXeptable and other local Israeli and Jewish communities. Yesterday, JCRC Bay Area, the Jewish Community Federation & Endowment Fund, and JCRC of Silicon Valley sent a joint letter (below) to his office, requesting a private forum to discuss community concerns during his visit. Our offer for dialogue was declined. In our letter, we highlighted the perils and impact of the reasonableness law and other proposed judicial system changes: “We are concerned these changes could jeopardize the future of liberal democracy and the protection of minority rights in Israel—core values of the U.S.-Israel relationship and our Jewish community.” We urged consensus as the appropriate path forward. We also called on Netanyahu to press Silicon Valley leaders for action due to rising antisemitism and hate emanating from social media platforms. This is especially relevant considering his scheduled meeting with Elon Musk, whose rhetoric about ADL and amplification of white supremacist themes is inflammatory and dangerous. September 13, 2023 Mr. Benjamin Netanyahu Prime Minister of the State of Israel3 Eliezer Kaplan Street Jerusalem, Israel Cc: Ambassador Marco Sermoneta, Consul General of Israel to the Pacific Northwest Dear Mr. Prime Minister: On the eve of your visit to San Francisco and Silicon Valley, we are writing to you as representatives of the Bay Area Jewish community—the fourth- largest Jewish population in the United States, which includesthousands of Israelis and Israeli-Americans. We are hoping for an opportunity to meet with you during your visit to discuss the following issues: In recent months, our community has grown increasingly troubled by unprecedented unrest and polarization within Israeli societydue to the passage of the reasonableness clause, as well as further proposed changes to Israel’s judicial system. We are concerned these changes could jeopardize the future of liberal democracy and the protection of minority rights in Israel—core values of the U.S.-Israel relationship and our Jewish community. We believe that fundamental changes to Israel’s democraticsystem require consensus of the Israeli public and urge you to work with the President and opposition leaders to heal today’s divides and forge a unified path. We also understand you plan to visit Silicon Valley executives to strengthen ties with Israel’s tech and AI sectors. We hope that youuse your position of leadership to press for sorely needed reforms to protect Jews and other minorities from rising hate online. A recent poll commissioned by JCRC found that one-third of Bay Area Jews surveyed experienced or directly witnessed antisemitism in the past three years. Respondents cited social media platforms as one of the primary sources of antisemiticincidents. Just last week, X owner Elon Musk fanned the flames ofantisemitism by demonizing the Anti-Defamation League and amplifying white supremacist conspiracies. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, Jan Reicher, Chair, JCRC Bay Area Tyler Gregory, CEO, JCRC Bay Area Eileen Ruby, Chair, Jewish Federation Joy Sisisky, CEO, Jewish Federation Kotarah Cooper, Chair, JCRC of Jewish Silicon Valley Jessica Blitchok, Director, JCRC of Jewish Silicon Valley Jewish Silicon Valley | 14855 Oka Road, Los Gatos, CA 95032 Unsubscribe abjpd1@gmail.com Update Profile | Our Privacy Policy | Constant Contact Data Notice Sent by jessicab@jvalley.org powered by Try email marketing for free today! From:Kristen Van Fleet To:Burt, Patrick; kou.pacc@gmail.com; Kou, Lydia; Council, City; Lauing, Ed; Lythcott-Haims, Julie; Stone, Greer;Tanaka, Greg; greg@gregtanaka.org; Veenker, Vicki; gsheyner@paweekly.com; Planning Commission; WilliamRoss Subject:Re: Ellsworth Place - For September 18, 2023, Agenda Item 7 - 2901 Middlefield Road Date:Thursday, September 14, 2023 2:44:25 PM Attachments:Chicago Title_July 27_2023_950674-Letter.pdf Misrepresentation of the deed to 705 Ellsworth Place_ptc-7.12-public-comments6.pdf Jeff Levinsky Letter_ptc-7.12-public-comments6.pdf CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Regarding City Council Meeting on September 18, 2023, Item 7 Dear Mayor Kou, Vice-Mayor Stone, and members of the City of Palo Alto City Council, Attached are the remaining 3 PDFs. Sincerely, Kristen A. Van Fleet on behalf of Ellsworth Place Residents On Thu, Sep 14, 2023 at 2:36 PM Kristen Van Fleet <kvanfleet@gmail.com> wrote: Regarding City Council Meeting on September 18, 2023, Item 7 Dear Mayor Kou, Vice-Mayor Stone, and members of the City of Palo Alto City Council, For your reference, Ellsworth Place Residents have prepared an outline of refutes and additional PDF documents to correct statements made in the packet, as prepared for the meeting of September 18, 2023, item 7 on the agenda. There are a total of 4 PDF files, which will be sent in two emails. We invite all of you to come for a site visit to Ellsworth Place and meet with us prior to this meeting. Thank you for your time and attention to this matter. Sincerely, Kristen A. Van Fleet on behalf of Ellsworth Place Residents From:Kristen Van Fleet To:Burt, Patrick; kou.pacc@gmail.com; Kou, Lydia; Council, City; Lauing, Ed; Lythcott-Haims, Julie; Stone, Greer;Tanaka, Greg; greg@gregtanaka.org; Veenker, Vicki; gsheyner@paweekly.com; Planning Commission; WilliamRoss Subject:Ellsworth Place - For September 18, 2023, Agenda Item 7 - 2901 Middlefield Road Date:Thursday, September 14, 2023 2:38:14 PM Attachments:Ellsworth - Letter for City Council Meeting on September 18, 2023 - Google Docs.pdf.pdf CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Regarding City Council Meeting on September 18, 2023, Item 7 Dear Mayor Kou, Vice-Mayor Stone, and members of the City of Palo Alto City Council, For your reference, Ellsworth Place Residents have prepared an outline of refutes and additional PDF documents to correct statements made in the packet, as prepared for the meeting of September 18, 2023, item 7 on the agenda. There are a total of 4 PDF files, which will be sent in two emails. We invite all of you to come for a site visit to Ellsworth Place and meet with us prior to this meeting. Thank you for your time and attention to this matter. Sincerely, Kristen A. Van Fleet on behalf of Ellsworth Place Residents From:Aram James To:vote@sallylieber.org; Lythcott-Haims, Julie; Shana Segal; Sean Allen; Jethroe Moore; Council, City;citycouncil@mountainview.gov Subject:Sally Lieber for Board of Supervisor Date:Wednesday, September 13, 2023 9:33:52 PM Attachments:image.png CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of openingattachments and clicking on links.________________________________ Sent from my iPhone From:Rob Schreiber To:Planning Commission; Council, City Subject:In support of further steps on housing Date:Wednesday, September 13, 2023 6:53:15 PM Some people who received this message don't often get email from r_schreiber_98@yahoo.com. Learn why this isimportant CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Dear commissioners and councillors, I've lived in Palo Alto since 1982, mostly in Greenmeadow, where I served for several years on the community association board and as association president. In that time I have seen enormous changes in Palo Alto. They are not always the ones I would have liked to see. In particular, I have seen dogged resistance to opening Palo Alto residence to a wider class of younger and less affluent families, and instead the conversion of a middle class neighborhood, Midtown, into one for the wealthy. What a shame. And as a resident of South Palo Alto I have been sad to see a sorry declinein the south-of-downtown commercial spaces. This during a time of enormous growth in the area in general. We need more housing; we need it in desirable areas of the city close to transit, retail,schools. We need it for teachers, for other workers, for our children, and for the many younger families forced by the housing shortages into long commutes. We need to encourage developers. Developers like Joe Eichler built Palo Alto; we want them and need them to build here. Please therefore take steps to further arenaissance of development: housing throughout and not only in the far corners of the 101/San Antonio periphery; a relaxation of archaic and unnecessary restrictions (height, parking, and others); a simplification of the approvals processes; and whatever steps are needed to get the city moving in this direction. It is ironic that in a city that was converted (half of it) from farmland to suburbia in a very short space of time we should now embrace stagnation rather than positive change. Please work within the state's mandates. Spare us the embarrassment ofanother failing housing element grade. Sincerely, Rob Schreiber From:rov.media To:Council, City Subject:Support Needed: Hiring Election Workers for 2024 Elections and National Voter Registration Day Date:Wednesday, September 13, 2023 3:54:10 PM Attachments:image001.png2024 Downloadable Media Kit.pdf1.png2.png3.png4.png County of Santa Clara White Bckgrnd-01.png Some people who received this message don't often get email from rov.media@rov.sccgov.org. Learn why this isimportant CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious ofopening attachments and clicking on links. Dear City Council and Mayor, We're hiring election workers for the 2024 Elections and could use your help getting the word out. Can you please include and share our "Now Hiring" flyer in your newsletters. Your support will greatly help us find dedicated individuals for crucial roles. Attached is our Now Hiring Media Kit along with a caption that you can use if you decided to share on any of your platforms: The County of Santa Clara Registrar of Voters’ Office is now hiring. We are currently recruiting for various positions throughout our organization and are looking for individuals interested in contributing to their community for the upcoming March 5, 2024, Presidential Primary Election. We are also looking for bilingual staff to join us. Apply today at www.sccvote.org/now_hiring. #sccvotes We would also like to invite you and your community to join the Registrar of Voter’s celebration of National Voter Registration Day on Tuesday, September 19, 2023 from 4PM - 7PM, at the PayPal Office Headquarters in San Jose. The Registrar of Voters is hosting this free, non-partisan event. Come meet community organizations, register to vote, learn how to be ready for future elections, come and meet us! Learn more about National Voter Registration, click here: National Voter Registration Day Attached is a social media carousel (images 1-4 or a flyer) if you decide to share on any of your platforms. Thank you, Check out our podcast www.buzzsprout.com/2114350 Evelyn MendezPublic and Legislative Affairs Manager County of Santa Clara | Office of the Registrar of Voters Address: 1555 Berger Drive, Bldg 2, San Jose, CA 95112Desk: (408) 282-3066 | Cell: (408) 687-8924 | Media Line: (408) 282-3008 Media e-mail: rov.media@rov.sccgov.org Direct e-mail: evelyn.mendez@rov.sccgov.org From:Joslyn Leve To:Planning Commission Cc:Council, City Subject:Zoning changes Date:Wednesday, September 13, 2023 3:44:57 PM Some people who received this message don't often get email from joslynml@hotmail.com. Learn why this isimportant CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Dear Planning Commission and City Council members, I enthusiastically support more housing in Palo Alto. Beyond the astronomical prices, the housing supply is not nearly enough to accommodate local workers. We were lucky to purchase our house years ago; people shouldn't need luck to find a home. Palo Alto needs to build more, throughout the entire city. Centering all of the development in a few locations puts stress on just a few schools, roads, and services. Also, when new developments are clustered near each other, the character of the area completely changes. The buildings are usually similar in design, and there's no sense of place. Why not allow some townhomes in single-family zoned areas? Revisit the policies that favor huge homes on a parcel that is large enough to house two or more families. Not every building project has to be for 50+ units. Consider reducing the amount of parking required in multi-unit housing. if the site is near adequate retail within walking/biking distance, a sea of parking spots is unnecessary. Maybe you can develop a free or subsidized LinkPass for the Palo Alto Link service (or other transportation options) that's a perk for tenants who forgo having a car. We need to be proactive and creative. Otherwise, 'builder's remedy' developments will make the decisions for us. Sincerely, Joslyn Leve From:Lynn Chiapella To:City Mgr Cc:Council, City Subject:Squatter on Sutter Date:Wednesday, September 13, 2023 2:54:19 PM Some people who received this message don't often get email from lchiapella@gmail.com. Learn why this isimportant CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Dear City Manager; There is a large van parked overnight on Sutter Avenue. I don't consider this to be a case of Homelessness. He, She, They clearly have a home. Why have you, City staff, or CityCouncil not found a way to provide parking for these unorthodox "homes" in Palo Alto? There are so many City and church-owned parking lots that do not impinge on residential property. There are so many empty commercial and industrial parking lots as well. You might even get a reduction in the state mandated 6000+ homes. Lynn Chiapella Virus-free.www.avast.com From:Adi Greif To:Council, City Subject:Traffic safety at Escondido Date:Wednesday, September 13, 2023 1:57:51 PM Some people who received this message don't often get email from adi.griffon@gmail.com. Learn why this isimportant CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Dear Mayor Kou, Vice Mayor Stone, and Honorable City Council Members, My name is Adi Greif and I'm a parent of two children at Escondido. I'm writing to you about the accident that happened shortly after school dismissal on September 9th, 2023, when one of our students was hit by a car. Due to the timing of dismissal, many students and parents (including the child's sibling) watched this horrible accident and its aftermath. Thankfully, the child survived. We cannot let this happen again to another child or family and change needs to happen. There are many actions/variables that could have helped prevent this from occurring in the first place. I’m writing today to ask you to support two immediate actions with Escondido Elementary and PAUSD: 1. Crossing Guards: Put crossing guards in place at Stanford Avenue and Escondido Road as well as Stanford Avenue and Hanover Street during all times children are likely to be present before and after school. Stanford Ave and Bowdoin is also potentially dangerous. 2. Traffic Lights & Crossing Signal Audit: Audit the crossing signals at the Stanford Avenue and Escondido Road intersection and eliminate variable behavior. The traffic signals change from the morning to afternoon creating a very unsafe crossing environment for children (and adults). Beyond these immediate actions, we need additional follow-up on the following two items: 1. Traffic Management Plan: Review and/or create a long-term plan for traffic management at and around Escondido Elementary prioritizing pedestrian and bicycle safety. 2. Construction Impact: Review current Escondido Elementary construction plans, their immediate impact on traffic safety, and if any changes can be made to improve long term safety. Thank you for your attention to keep our students safe, and I look forward to working with you and the school community as we all work together. -Adi Greif, (parent of Kai Bernstein, 4th grade and Tavi Bernstein, 1st grade) From:Melissa Oliveira To:Council, City Cc:Joe Oliveira Subject:Escondido Elementary Child Hit by Car: IMMEDIATE ACTION NEEDED Date:Wednesday, September 13, 2023 9:54:25 AM Some people who received this message don't often get email from melissa.gibson@gmail.com. Learn why this isimportant CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Dear Mayor Kou, Vice Mayor Stone, and Honorable City Council Members, Our child was hit by a car this past Friday, 9/8/23 shortly after dismissal in front of Escondido Elementary, when he was in the crosswalk. He is alive which is truly a miracle. As you can imagine, this accident has shaken our family to its core and moreover, propelled usinto action -- to create a safe environment for children to commute to/from school. This never should have happened in the first place; and the next child who gets hit, might not be asfortunate as our child. We are reaching out as there seems to be confusion surrounding Escondido's jurisdiction -- specifically as it relates to the relationship with PAUSD, City of Palo Alto, and StanfordUniversity. Unfortunately, it's often tragedy that propels change in policy that has long been ignored or deemed "impossible" to implement. Escondido Elementary's traffic safety has been one ofthose issues. We, in concert with our fellow Escondido families, are actively trying to get answers to questions. CROSSING GUARDS:1. Why doesn't Escondido Elementary have crossing guards? 2. Of the 12 PAUSD elementary schools, how many HAVE crossing guards?3. Of the 12 PAUSD elementary schools, how many DO NOT HAVE crossing guards? 4. What is the process and criteria that determine if crossing guards are implemented/needed atPAUSD schools? 5. Who/what department has jurisdiction over the implementation of crossing guards? TRAFFIC LIGHTS & CROSSING SIGNALS:1. Who has jurisdiction over the traffic lights and crossing signals on Stanford Avenue at the intersection of Escondido Road?2. What was the strategy behind having inconsistent crossing signals that change from the morning to the afternoon?3. Who is responsible for accessing the current traffic lights and crossing signals and ensuring that these signals meet best practice standards for school crossings? TRAFFIC CALMING & SAFETY MEASURES:1. Who has jurisdiction to support the Escondido community in expeditiously reviewing the best-in-class traffic calming measures? 2. What is the process by which we can immediately begin this review? As you can surmise, we have many, many questions and would request that a specialmeeting be called, with the City of Palo Alto, PAUSD, and Stanford University toaddress the issues and concerns of our Escondido community. We look forward to your reply and next steps per our requests.Best regards, Melissa & Joe Oliveira ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Melissa Oliveira c: 650.867.5963 melissa.gibson@gmail.com From:Aram James To:Council, City; Binder, Andrew; Shikada, Ed; Sean Allen; Jethroe Moore; Reifschneider, James; VaraRamakrishnan; Linda Jolley; Chuck Jagoda; Josh Becker; Mila Zelkha; Michael Gennaco;Stephen.Connolly@oirgroup.com Subject:Why is Santa Clara County still using tear gas in jails? - San José Spotlight Date:Wednesday, September 13, 2023 9:51:01 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. ________________________________ https://sanjosespotlight.com/why-is-santa-clara-county-still-using-tear-gas-in-jails/ Sent from my iPhone From:Aram James To:Roberta Ahlquist; Linda Jolley; Gardener, Liz; Julie Lythcott-Haims; Council, City; Shikada, Ed; Stump, Molly; Lait,Jonathan; Angie Evans Subject:From The Mercury News e-edition - New bills streamline building projects Date:Wednesday, September 13, 2023 9:32:44 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. ________________________________ New bills streamline building projects https://edition.pagesuite.com/popovers/dynamic_article_popover.aspx?guid=5930dc8f-09aa-4d79-8e1a- cd37220db913&appcode=SAN252&eguid=c2907ad1-de5d-480b-b812-8ef0874c8f39&pnum=31# For more great content like this subscribe to the The Mercury News e-edition app here: Sent from my iPhone From:Aram James To:Robert. Jonsen; Binder, Andrew; Reifschneider, James; Wagner, April; Perron, Zachary; Tannock, Julie; Council,City; Figueroa, Eric; Foley, Michael; Sean Allen; Jethroe Moore; Figueroa, Eric; Jensen, Eric; Hornung, Joel; JavierOrtega; Shikada, Ed; Michael Gennaco; Jeff Rosen; Human Relations Commission; Joe Simitian; Shana Segal;Rebecca Eisenberg; Josh Becker; ladoris cordell; Mila Zelkha; Tina Boales; DuJuan Green; Kevin Jensen; dennisburns; Jay Boyarsky; Cindy Chavez Subject:From The Mercury News e-edition - Former police officers charged in beating death of Tyre Nichols Date:Wednesday, September 13, 2023 9:13:31 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. ________________________________ Former police officers charged in beating death of Tyre Nichols https://edition.pagesuite.com/popovers/dynamic_article_popover.aspx?guid=2cfaf400-abff-4aa5-9c5b- 2012a8e15d34&appcode=SAN252&eguid=c2907ad1-de5d-480b-b812-8ef0874c8f39&pnum=15# For more great content like this subscribe to the The Mercury News e-edition app here: Sent from my iPhone From:Tony Svensson To:Hartley, Craig; Vargas-Aguilera, Elisa; Reynolds, Brian; Hoyt, George; Burt, Patrick; Lythcott-Haims, Julie; Council, CitySubject:Re: Gas Leaf Blowers Continue UnabatedDate:Wednesday, September 13, 2023 8:45:07 AM gas leaf blower on amherst On 12 Sep 2023, at 14:54, Tony Svensson <tonyb@trimarket.com> wrote: To All, especially the Mayor: Today at 10:11, I attempted to call in a gas leaf blower infraction on Columbia; in fact, two blowers were operating at the same residence. Your (650) 646-1855 provided amessage that I had reached the Code Enforcement Line. The message ended with Mailbox Full. If I suggest that your handling of these matters are beyond pathetic, can you argue with me? Mr. Svensson On 11 Sep 2023, at 11:11, Reynolds, Brian <Brian.Reynolds@CityofPaloAlto.org> wrote: I am away from the office and will return on September 12th. I will have limited access to my email during this time. If you have an immediate code enforcement matter or question please contact Code EnforcementSupervisor Elisa Vargas at: Elisa.vargas@cityofpaloalto.org or call 650- 329-2605. Otherwise, I will return messages when I am back. Thank you Brian ReynoldsLead Code Enforcement Officer On 11 Sep 2023, at 11:10, Tony Svensson <tonyb@trimarket.com> wrote: To All, especially the Mayor: Attached are two images from about an hour ago on California Avenue. Where I come from, RESULTS are expected, not just “we are listening and we care” which is the best I can get from you guys. As a tax paying resident of Palo Alto and California — since 1980 — I’d like to read what your a) Plan and b) effective remedies are? And directly to Lead Code Enforcement Officer Brian Reynolds: On a scale from A to F, if you were to give you and your team a performance grade, what would that grade be? Why? Mr. Svensson <230911GLB2.jpg><230911GLB1.jpg> On 1 Sep 2023, at 12:21, Lythcott-Haims, Julie <Julie.LythcottHaims@CityofPaloAlto.org> wrote: Sometimes all we can do is let people know we are listening and we care. I hope you manage to have an enjoyable long weekend despite these annoying leaf blowers. Sent from my iPhone On Sep 1, 2023, at 9:06 AM, Tony Svensson <tonyb@trimarket.com> wrote: Julie, Thanks, it IS appreciated. Tony On 1 Sep 2023, at 08:45, Lythcott-Haims, Julie <Julie.LythcottHaims@CityofPaloAlto.org> wrote: Hi Tony, I'm not sure I have the opportunity to make any kind of difference here but I just want to acknowledge how frustrated you are. And I appreciate your keeping at it.They are clearly our systems that need to be improved here. Julie Sent from my iPhone On Sep 1, 2023, at 7:05 AM, Tony Svensson <tonyb@trimarket.com> wrote: Folks, Please read this from Zendesk (whose platform you’re using), specifically its entries on acceptable response times: The time interval between a lodged complaint and the perpetrator having left the site is generally no more than 15-30 minutes. Mr. Svensson — On 6 Sep 2023, at 16:13, Tony Svensson <tonyb@trimarket.com> wrote: Craig & Team, I appreciate your reaching out. IF I can meet with you/your team AND the Mayor, I’m in. Otherwise, this is a waste of time. And yes, I understand that the operators holding the blowers are not to blame…they’re simply trying tomake a living. And, by now you can probably tell that I’m livid about how “Green Palo Alto” has, for some 18 years, managed gas leaf blowers, while spending a massive amount of tax payers’ dollars on green programs (largely to look good). With 17 solar panels on our roof,Tony Svensson On 5 Sep 2023, at 17:06, Hartley, Craig <Craig.Hartley@CityofPaloAlto.org> wrote: Hello Mr. Svensson, We would like to meet with you in person to discuss your concerns. Would you have time on Thursday to meet? Or would a day next week be better. We could come to you or meetsomewhere convenient for you. Thank you, Craig HartleyCode Enforcement Officer City of Palo Alto650-329-2503 From: Tony Svensson <tonyb@trimarket.com> Sent: Friday, September 1, 2023 9:27 AMTo: Vargas-Aguilera, Elisa <Elisa.Vargas@cityofpaloalto.org> Cc: Reynolds, Brian <Brian.Reynolds@CityofPaloAlto.org>; Hartley, Craig <Craig.Hartley@CityofPaloAlto.org>; Hoyt, George <George.Hoyt@CityofPaloAlto.org>; Burt, Patrick <Pat.Burt@CityofPaloAlto.org>; Council, City <city.council@cityofpaloalto.org> Subject: Re: Leaf Blower Concerns in College Terrace District [2264 Bowdoin Street] 09:25, 1 September 2023: ANOTHER GAS LEAF BLOWER ON AMHERST On 30 Aug 2023, at 11:09, Tony Svensson <tonyb@trimarket.com> wrote: GAS LEAF BLOWER ON AMHERST On 22 Aug 2023, at 10:39, Tony Svensson <tonyb@trimarket.com> wrote: got it(last name is Svensson) On 22 Aug 2023, at 10:32, Vargas-Aguilera, Elisa <Elisa.Vargas@cityofpaloalto.org> wrote: Good morning Mr. Svennson, I’m writing to give you an update. Our Code Enforcement Officer Mr. Hartley visited 2251 Bowdoin Street and did not witness a leaf blower being used at the property. He did however speak to the Superintendent of the site and provided him a verbal warning. The Superintendent acknowledged that there were some folks working at the site that were from out of town that didn’t know the rules about leaf blowers. Even though this was the case, he shared that he would assure that no one else uses a gas leaf blower at the site. I am hopeful that this will resolve the issue at this location. Unfortunately, this does not mean that you may not experience more disruption. If you find yourself in this situation again, please do not hesitate to reach out. We will continue to monitor this district for gas leaf blowers. Thank you, <image001.png>Elisa Vargas, CCEO Code Enforcement Supervisor (Interim) Planning & Development Services (650) 885-8565 | elisa.vargas@cityofpaloalto.org https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/Departments/Planning-Development-Services <image002.png><image003.jpg><image004.png><image005.png><image006.png> <image007.png> From: Tony Svensson <tonyb@trimarket.com> Sent: Monday, August 21, 2023 2:50 PM To: Vargas-Aguilera, Elisa <Elisa.Vargas@cityofpaloalto.org> Cc: Reynolds, Brian <Brian.Reynolds@CityofPaloAlto.org>; Hartley, Craig <Craig.Hartley@CityofPaloAlto.org>; Hoyt, George <George.Hoyt@CityofPaloAlto.org>; Burt, Patrick <Pat.Burt@CityofPaloAlto.org>; Council, City <city.council@cityofpaloalto.org> Subject: Re: Leaf Blower Concerns in College Terrace District [2264 Bowdoin Street] Pulled from your web site: (650) 329-2605. Have not lodged complaint on 311. The crew operating the gas leaf blower is from Legacy Roofing & Waterproofing, (408) 467-0150 Starting just after 1 PM today, ending some 15 minutes later. Previously: On 17 Aug 2023 at 07:50, the house is woken up by a gas leaf blower literally across the street from us, specifically at the work site on 2251 Bowdoin Street. (I walked over to talk to them and was completely ignored.) Before that: Numerous! And diligent calling to Police (recently Code Enforcement) has yielded Nada. Re, your suggestion, “Then every time you hear this gas leaf blower send me an email.” Respectfully: I really do not WANT to have to deal with this. It’s your job. On 21 Aug 2023, at 14:17, Vargas-Aguilera, Elisa <Elisa.Vargas@cityofpaloalto.org> wrote: Mr. Svensson, I understand that hearing this gas leaf blower(s) is very disrupting and we are here to assist. Firstly, could you please share the code enforcement phone number that you are calling with me? Secondly, were you able to lodge a complaint via 311? If not, or do not wish to, I can enter them for you. This is an Some people who received this message don't often get email from tonyb@trimarket.com. Learn why this is important important step in our process that we have been using to identify violations by date, time, and location. So far, this strategy has been useful in many of our neighborhoods. We may find that this may not be the most effective strategy in your situation. I would be most appreciative if you would provide me all the dates, times, and location(s) of when you have heard the gas leaf blower(s). Then every time you hear this gas leaf blower send me an email. With your diligent assistance, I am certain we will locate this gas leaf blower and provide them with a warning and potentially a notice of violation. Thank you, <image002.png>Elisa Vargas, CCEO Code Enforcement Supervisor (Interim) Planning & Development Services (650) 885-8565 | elisa.vargas@cityofpaloalto.org https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/Departments/Planning-Development-Services <image003.png><image004.jpg><image005.png><image006.png><image007.png> <image008.png> From: Tony Svensson <tonyb@trimarket.com> Sent: Monday, August 21, 2023 1:35 PMTo: Vargas-Aguilera, Elisa <Elisa.Vargas@cityofpaloalto.org> Cc: Reynolds, Brian <Brian.Reynolds@CityofPaloAlto.org>; Hartley, Craig <Craig.Hartley@CityofPaloAlto.org>; Hoyt, George <George.Hoyt@CityofPaloAlto.org>; Burt, Patrick <Pat.Burt@CityofPaloAlto.org>; Council, City <city.council@cityofpaloalto.org> Subject: Re: Leaf Blower Concerns in College Terrace District [2264 Bowdoin Street]Importance: High CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. Attached is an image of the STIHL gas leaf blower operated at 2251 Bowdoin Street, as previously reported. On 21 Aug 2023, at 13:18, Tony Svensson <tonyb@trimarket.com> wrote: AGAIN, the same gas leaf blower is operating at 2251 Bowdoin Street. Calling the Code Enforcement phone number yields, “Code enforcement is not available, leave a message.” What a joke, you guys ought to be ashamed of yourself. On 17 Aug 2023, at 08:26, Tony Svensson <tonyb@trimarket.com> wrote: Ms. Vargas-Aguilera: Today at 07:50, the house is woken up by a gas leaf blower literally across the street from us, specifically at the work site on 2251 Bowdoin Street. Calling the police some 15 minutes later yields the response, “We don’t handle that anymore, it’s Code Enforcement, I will connect you.” which results in some 15-20 signals and then a disconnect. Elucidate further how this factual dead-end maps with the City’s stated, quote, 1. “We are working diligently to address the gas leaf blower complaints in your neighborhood.” and how that 2. “...reflects our evolving Leaf Blower Enforcement Program and the commitment the City of Palo Alto has in keeping the air clean and reducing our carbon footprint.” Conversely, and to be clear, this instead reflects on the City’s complete lack of code enforcement since the 2005 gas leaf blower ban and the commensurate lack of an interest in, quote, “keeping the air clean and reducing our carbon footprint.” What’s the plan here? Mr. Svensson On 7 Aug 2023, at 13:11, Vargas-Aguilera, Elisa <Elisa.Vargas@cityofpaloalto.org> wrote: Mr. Svensson, Thank you for your email. We are working diligently to address the gas leaf blower complaints in your neighborhood. We were upset to hear that we might have missed an opportunity to address your concerns. I have investigated your leaf blower concerns reported within the College Terrace District where 2264 Bowdoin Street is located and have asked Code Enforcement Officer C. Hartley to provide me with an update. Leaf Blower statistics for College Terrace District between January 1, 2023 - August 7, 2023: Opened valid Leaf Blower cases in College Terrace District:11 Total Closed cases: Warning letters were sent out to property owners. No repeat violations. Of these seven (7) cases, two (2) cases were violations observed by Officer C. Hartley and Notice of Violations were sent out. 7 Currently Open: Open complaints are currently on schedule to be inspected.4 Street locations for valid leaf blower locations: Numbered Opened Stanford Avenue 0 Amherst Avenue 0 Bowdoin Street 0 College Avenue 8 Dartmouth Street 1 Hanover Street 1 2300 Columbia Street 1 We understand that gas leaf blowers disrupt the quiet enjoyment of your neighborhood and make it a priority to reach out to anyone who takes the time to enter a complaint. We are working diligently to continue to spread the word that gas- powered leaf blowers are prohibited in residential neighborhoods and enforcing when necessary. A complaint was received by Code Enforcement Officer C. Hartley via email by Tony Svensson tonyb@trimarket.com on Saturday, February 25, 2023, at 6:40 AM. A response was generated and emailed to tonyb@trimarket.com on Monday, February 27, 2023, at 10:54 AM that yielded no further communication. It is highly possible that this response might have been forwarded to you SPAM mailbox. If you have further questions regarding Leaf Blower cases in your district, please feel free to email me directly. I am hopeful that the information brough forth in this email reflects our evolving Leaf Blower Enforcement Program and the commitment the City of Palo Alto has in keeping the air clean and reducing our carbon footprint. You are always welcomed to report gas leaf blower though our 311 App, or you can contact any one of our code officers. Code Enforcement Officer Craig Hartley:Craig.Hartley@CityofPaloAlto.org Tel: (650) 329-2503 Lead Code Enforcement Officer Brian Reynolds:Brian.Reynolds@cityofpaloalto.org Tel: (650) 329-2358 <image001.jpg> View this email in your browser LWVPA Fall Kick Off Event Sunday, October 1, 2023 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm From:LWV Palo Alto Speaker SeriesTo:Council, CitySubject:LWVPA Fall Kick Off Event with Santa Clara County Supervisor Joe SimitianDate:Wednesday, September 13, 2023 8:29:49 AM Some people who received this message don't often get email from publicity@lwvpaloalto.org. Learn why this isimportant CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious ofopening attachments and clicking on links. The Foster Museum 940 Commercial St. Palo Alto Light Hors d’Oeuvres Will Be Served Join us for engaging conversation with our Guest Speaker. Bring a friend and introduce them to the League! Featuring our Guest Speaker: Santa Clara County Supervisor Joe Simitian Bridging the Divide — Hope for the Future Supervisor Joe Simitian will share his thoughts, based on his own experiences, on why he believes there is a way to push through and past our current polarization, and the role for the LWV Palo Alto in this process. Submit your questions for Santa Clara County Supervisor Joe Simitian in advance here. Please share with others who may be interested. About our Speaker: Register Now Joe Simitian was elected to the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors in 2012, re- elected in 2016 and 2020. He represents the Fifth District, which includes Cupertino, Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, Mountain View, Palo Alto, Saratoga, Stanford, and portions of Sunnyvale and San Jose. Joe's public service over the years includes stints as a member of the California State Senate, the California State Assembly, Mayor of Palo Alto, President of the Palo Alto School Board, as well as an earlier term on the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors. Joe received his Bachelor of Arts degree from The Colorado College. He also holds a Master of Arts degree in International Policy Studies from Stanford University, as well as a Masters degree in City Planning and a Juris Doctor law degree from the University of California at Berkeley. During his tenure in the State Legislature, Joe authored high-impact legislation on energy, water, environment, education, privacy, elder protection, and highway safety. Joe brings a wide range of perspectives and backgrounds to his work. He has served at all levels of state and local government. Joe also has hands-on experience in the private sector as a public school’s attorney, businessman, and certified city planner. Along with a breadth of international interests and experience, Joe's professional education and training particularly apply to his work in public service. LWVPaloAlto.org Facebook Twitter YouTube LinkedIn Email Email Copyright © 2023 League of Women Voters Palo Alto, All rights reserved. From Voter Recipient List Our mailing address is: League of Women Voters Palo Alto 3921 E Bayshore Rd Ste 209 Palo Alto, CA 94303-4303 Add us to your address book Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list. From:Aram James To:Robert. Jonsen; Binder, Andrew; Reifschneider, James; Sean Allen; Shikada, Ed; Rebecca Eisenberg; Council,City; Wagner, April; Jethroe Moore; Foley, Michael; Stephen.Connolly@oirgroup.com; Sheriff Transparency; VaraRamakrishnan; Afanasiev, Alex; alisa mallari tu; Shana Segal; dennis burns; Kevin Jensen; Jeff Rosen; DuJuanGreen; Joe Simitian; Supervisor Otto Lee; Supervisor Susan Ellenberg; Damon Silver; Human RelationsCommission; Julie Lythcott-Haims; ladoris cordell; Mila Zelkha; Perron, Zachary; Cindy Chavez; Jay Boyarsky;Josh Becker; Angie Evans; Enberg, Nicholas Subject:Officer Caught Laughing At Grad Student Killed By Speeding Cop Date:Tuesday, September 12, 2023 11:30:18 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. ________________________________ This is ugly: https://jalopnik.com/officer-caught-laughing-at-grad-student-killed-by-cop-1850830548 Sent from my iPhone From:Deborah Goldeen To:Council, City Subject:Chinese American History Date:Tuesday, September 12, 2023 8:32:45 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links.________________________________ There is lots of Chinese American history in our area. But at the same time in the same place (Mayfield in the thirties and forties, there was lotsof Mexican American history and Black American history and Japanese American history. Mayfield was 1/4 black, 1/4 white, 1/4 Mexican and1/4 Asian, You want to acknowledge the builder of that cannery? Great. How about honoring the south American man who was pricipal ofMayfield school in the 50’s and ran it as a defacto Spanish language immersion program. Keeping a cannery? Canneries were a dime a dozen. They were built cheap and fast were the site of horrible worker exploitation. Have you notread Jack London? And you think a fire or an earthquake isn’t going to take that building down in about 30 seconds? This objection isn’t abouthistory. It’s about housing and not building it. Otherwise why would Doria Suma be involved? She’s sitting in council chambers right now. About the “if one cannot afford to reside here” comments, do these people not understand that living elsewhere means a discarded mattress onthe side of Gualdalupe River? And then in the same breath, these people exclaim how horrible it is that San Francisco has a homelessnessproblem. I am astonished that council is seriously considering keeping that cannery buildings. Deborah Goldeen, 2130 Birch St, 94306 > From:herb To:Council, City; Clerk, City Subject:Fw: September 11, 2023 Council Meeting, Item #10: Parklets Date:Tuesday, September 12, 2023 7:19:56 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. SSEPTEMBER 11, 2023 CITY COUNCIL MEETING, ITEM #10 PERMIT PARKLET RECOGNITION Comments Made by Herb Borock at September 11, 2023 CouncilMeeting, Item #10 This email letter summarizes the comments I made about AgendaItem #10 at the September 11, 2023 Council Meeting. 1. Correction to Prior Letter Forwarded Below The title of the prior letter is "Permit Parklet Recognition". The correct title is "Permit Parklet Program". The correctionis shown below in italic underscored typeface below: PERMIT PARKLLET PROGRAM 2. Program Not Exempt From CEQA I summarized my comments from the prior letter that theproposal is not exempt from CEQA. 3. Seating Either on Sidewalk or in Parklets I read from my letter of May 7, 2022 about this subject andsaid I would provide you with a copy of that letter thatappears below. Herb Borock herb To: city.council@cityofpaloalto.org; city.clerk@cityofpaloalto.org Bcc: You Sun 5/8/2022 12:35 AM Herb BorockP. O. Box 632Palo Alto, Ca 94302 May 7, 2022 Palo Alto City Council250 Hamilton AvenuePalo Alto, CA 94302 MAY 9, 2022 CITY COUNCIL MEETING, AGENDA ITEM #10PERMANENT PARKLET PROGRAM Dear City Council: The parklet program was started to provide restaurants away to serve customers who could not be served inside arestaurant due to the pandemic. Now that indoor seating is possible, some restaurantsare serving customers indoors, on the sidewalk, and in aparklets. Somebody is going to capture the rent per square footfrom the additional dining space. If the City of Palo Alto does not charge the going rentper square foot per month for the added space, theproperty owner will capture the incremental rent thenext time a lease is signed. In addition to the rent per square foot for the parklet,somebody needs to pay for the parking spaces occupied bythe parklet. The in-lieu parking fee in the City's Municipal FeeSchedule is the correct amount, because the parkingspaces removed to create the parklet cannot be replacedby another street parking space, but must be replaced bya parking space in a parking structure. Restaurants that have parklets are encroaching on thesidewalk multiple times by making a round trip acrossthe sidewalk to serve each customer by taking orders,delivering each course of a meal, clearing tables aftereach course, delivering the bill, and accepting payment. The public generally is inconvenience by this repeatedencroachment of the sidewalk that is needed to connectthe parklet with the indoor space where food isprepared. Allowing both parklets and the use of the sidewalk forcustomer seating is too much of an encroachment. If a restaurant has a parklet, it should be prohibitedfrom having tables and chairs on the sidewalk. The Zoning Code in Palo Alto Municipal Code Chapter18.70 includes language for continuing and maintainingnonconforming uses and noncomplying facilities. Any ordinance for parklets should be clear that theparklet can exist only as long as the enabling ordinance for parklets exists. Otherwise, restaurants that build parklets will arguethat they are entitled to continue using parklets for along time because they spent so much money to create theparklets. No environmental analysis has been done to show theeffect that closing streets has on traffic andcirculation. The City should have pre-pandemic traffic volumes forstreets in the Downtown and California Avenue businessdistricts that indicate how much traffic at specifictimes of day for different days of the week would haveto be rerouted due to any closed streets used forparklets. Traffic volume data is available from citywide trafficstudies, business district traffic studies, and trafficstudies for specific proposed projects in the businessdistricts. The customers of parklets include those who travel byautomobile to get to the parklet. Where do thosecustomers park, and which residential neighborhoods dothey travel through to be able to eat and drink outsidein a parklet that has replaced parking spaces and islocated on a street that is closed to traffic? Thank you for your consideration of these comments. Sincerely, Herb Borock From: herb Sent: Monday, September 11, 2023 12:49 AM To: city.council@cityofpaloalto.org <city.council@cityofpaloalto.org>; city.clerk@cityofpaloalto.org <city.clerk@cityofpaloalto.org> Subject: September 11, 2023 Council Meeting, Item #10: Parklets SEPTEMBER 11, 2023 CITY COUNCIL MEETING, ITEM #10 PERMIT PARKLET RECOGNITION This agenda item is not exempt from CEQA due to CEQA Regulation15300.2(b), Cumulative Impact. The following must be analyzed before environmental review iscomplete and adequate: No environmental analysis has been done to show the effect thatclosing streets has on traffic and circulation. The City should have pre-pandemic traffic volumes for streetsin the Downtown and California Avenue business districts thatindicate how much traffic at specific times of day fordifferent days of the week would have to be rerouted due to anyclosed streets used for parklets. Traffic volume data is available from citywide traffic studies,business district traffic studies, and traffic studies forspecific proposed projects in the business districts. The customers of parklets include those who travel byautomobile to get to the parklet. Where do those customerspark, and which residential neighborhoods do they travelthrough to be able to eat and drink outside in a parklet thathas replaced parking spaces and is located on a street that isclosed to traffic? Herb Borock From:Aram James To:Michael Gennaco; Stephen.Connolly@oirgroup.com; Sean Allen; Jethroe Moore; Julie Lythcott-Haims; GennadySheyner; Council, City Subject:Re: 2021 request for OIR to report on cases in which Palo Alto police officers point a gun on a community member or crime suspect and the race of that individual Date:Tuesday, September 12, 2023 6:01:04 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Slight edit: On Sep 12, 2023, at 5:14 PM, Aram James <abjpd1@gmail.com> wrote:9/12/2023 Hi Mike & Steve: See my comments in this piece( see at the very bottom of my comments) re the importance of recording the race of the person who members of the PAPD pull agun on. Also consider in making your decision to release the racial demographics of those who guns were pulled on, in your just released report, the recent trend ofCalifornia law acknowledging the importance of releasing just such information in order to work towards eliminating racial bias in the entirety of our criminalinjustice system: See the RJA, Racial Justice Act: https://law.justia.com/codes/california/2022/code-pen/part-2/title-2/section-745/ In addition please see RIPA, Racial Identity and Profiling Act: https://www.csuci.edu/publicsafety/police/ripa-stop-data-information.htm Finally, viewing both the current state of the law in California on compellingmore transparency on racial bias issues, as well as California’s robust PRA, public records act, in combination with the Palo Alto Police Departments long anddespicable history of racially discriminatory policing, I am hereby requesting the racial demographics of the six individuals who had guns pulled on thenby the PAPD as outlined in your most recent OIR report. I look forward to your response. Aram James 415-370-5056 https://www.paloaltoonline.com/news/2021/06/15/police-auditor-to-vet-cases-in- which-palo-alto-officers-point-guns Shared via the Google app Sent from my iPhone From:Aram James To:Burt, Patrick; Lydia Kou; Greer Stone; Shikada, Ed; Jethroe Moore; Sean Allen; Reifschneider, James; Binder,Andrew; Wagner, April; Shana Segal; Council, City; Jeff Rosen; Rob Baker; Vara Ramakrishnan; Human RelationsCommission; Bains, Paul; Joe Simitian; Cindy Chavez; District1@bos.sccgov.org; Supervisor Otto Lee; JavierOrtega; Tina Boales; Rebecca Eisenberg; Julie Lythcott-Haims; ladoris cordell; Mila Zelkha Subject:- A racist policy on housing caused a bitter state brawl Date:Tuesday, September 12, 2023 5:54:58 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. ________________________________ A racist policy on housing caused a bitter state brawl https://edition.pagesuite.com/popovers/dynamic_article_popover.aspx?guid=9db447a3-422c-473e-8495- 150dd3ad8ac3&appcode=SAN252&eguid=b2fe87c8-006e-40ae-8e9a-d49332ae4b83&pnum=26# For more great content like this subscribe to the The Mercury News e-edition app here: Sent from my iPhone From:Aram James To:Council, City Subject:San Jose approves settlement for George Floyd protest injuries Date:Tuesday, September 12, 2023 4:01:14 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. ________________________________ > > FYI: > https://www.mercurynews.com/2023/09/12/san-jose-approves-3-3-million-settlement-for-george-floyd-protest- injuries/ > > > Sent from my iPhone From:Aram James To:Stump, Molly; Julie Lythcott-Haims; Jethroe Moore; Sean Allen; Bains, Paul; Robert. Jonsen; Council, City;Binder, Andrew; Josh Becker; Reifschneider, James; Shana Segal; Michael Gennaco;Stephen.Connolly@oirgroup.com; Jeff Rosen; Wagner, April; Human Relations Commission; Joe Simitian; SheriffTransparency; Rebecca Eisenberg; ladoris cordell; Perron, Zachary; Mila Zelkha; DuJuan Green; Kevin Jensen;dennis burns; Jay Boyarsky; Supervisor Susan Ellenberg; Cindy Chavez; Angie Evans; Enberg, Nicholas; VaraRamakrishnan Subject:San Jose approves settlement for George Floyd protest injuries Date:Tuesday, September 12, 2023 3:58:04 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. ________________________________ FYI: https://www.mercurynews.com/2023/09/12/san-jose-approves-3-3-million-settlement-for-george-floyd-protest- injuries/ Sent from my iPhone From:Tony SvenssonTo:Hartley, Craig; Vargas-Aguilera, Elisa; Reynolds, Brian; Hoyt, George; Burt, Patrick; Lythcott-Haims, Julie; Council, City Subject:Re: Gas Leaf Blowers Continue UnabatedDate:Tuesday, September 12, 2023 2:54:32 PM To All, especially the Mayor: Today at 10:11, I attempted to call in a gas leaf blower infraction on Columbia; in fact, two blowers were operating at the same residence. Your (650) 646-1855 provided amessage that I had reached the Code Enforcement Line. The message ended with Mailbox Full. If I suggest that your handling of these matters are beyond pathetic, can you argue with me? Mr. Svensson On 11 Sep 2023, at 11:11, Reynolds, Brian <Brian.Reynolds@CityofPaloAlto.org> wrote: I am away from the office and will return on September 12th. I will have limited access to my email during this time. If you have an immediate code enforcement matter or question please contact Code EnforcementSupervisor Elisa Vargas at: Elisa.vargas@cityofpaloalto.org or call 650- 329-2605. Otherwise, I will return messages when I am back. Thank you Brian ReynoldsLead Code Enforcement Officer On 11 Sep 2023, at 11:10, Tony Svensson <tonyb@trimarket.com> wrote: To All, especially the Mayor: Attached are two images from about an hour ago on California Avenue. Where I come from, RESULTS are expected, not just “we are listening and we care” which is the best I can get from you guys. As a tax paying resident of Palo Alto and California — since 1980 — I’d like to read what your a) Plan and b) effective remedies are? And directly to Lead Code Enforcement Officer Brian Reynolds: On a scale from A to F, if you were to give you and your team a performance grade, what would that grade be? Why? Mr. Svensson <230911GLB2.jpg><230911GLB1.jpg> On 1 Sep 2023, at 12:21, Lythcott-Haims, Julie <Julie.LythcottHaims@CityofPaloAlto.org> wrote: Sometimes all we can do is let people know we are listening and we care. I hope you manage to have an enjoyable long weekend despite these annoying leaf blowers. Sent from my iPhone On Sep 1, 2023, at 9:06 AM, Tony Svensson <tonyb@trimarket.com> wrote: Julie, Thanks, it IS appreciated. Tony On 1 Sep 2023, at 08:45, Lythcott-Haims, Julie <Julie.LythcottHaims@CityofPaloAlto.org> wrote: Hi Tony, I'm not sure I have the opportunity to make any kind of difference here but I just want to acknowledge how frustrated you are. And I appreciate your keeping at it. They areclearly our systems that need to be improved here. Julie Sent from my iPhone On Sep 1, 2023, at 7:05 AM, Tony Svensson <tonyb@trimarket.com> wrote: Folks, Please read this from Zendesk (whose platform you’re using), specifically its entries on acceptable response times: The time interval between a lodged complaint and the perpetrator having left the site is generally no more than 15-30 minutes. Mr. Svensson — On 6 Sep 2023, at 16:13, Tony Svensson <tonyb@trimarket.com> wrote: Craig & Team, I appreciate your reaching out. IF I can meet with you/your team AND the Mayor, I’m in. Otherwise, this is a waste of time. And yes, I understand that the operators holding the blowers are not to blame…they’re simply trying to make aliving. And, by now you can probably tell that I’m livid about how “Green Palo Alto” has, for some 18 years, managed gas leaf blowers, while spending a massive amount of tax payers’ dollars on green programs(largely to look good). With 17 solar panels on our roof,Tony Svensson On 5 Sep 2023, at 17:06, Hartley, Craig <Craig.Hartley@CityofPaloAlto.org> wrote: Hello Mr. Svensson, We would like to meet with you in person to discuss your concerns. Would you have time on Thursday to meet? Or would a day next week be better. We could come to you or meetsomewhere convenient for you. Thank you, Craig HartleyCode Enforcement Officer City of Palo Alto650-329-2503 From: Tony Svensson <tonyb@trimarket.com> Sent: Friday, September 1, 2023 9:27 AM To: Vargas-Aguilera, Elisa <Elisa.Vargas@cityofpaloalto.org>Cc: Reynolds, Brian <Brian.Reynolds@CityofPaloAlto.org>; Hartley, Craig <Craig.Hartley@CityofPaloAlto.org>; Hoyt, George <George.Hoyt@CityofPaloAlto.org>; Burt, Patrick <Pat.Burt@CityofPaloAlto.org>; Council, City <city.council@cityofpaloalto.org> Subject: Re: Leaf Blower Concerns in College Terrace District [2264 Bowdoin Street] 09:25, 1 September 2023: ANOTHER GAS LEAF BLOWER ON AMHERST On 30 Aug 2023, at 11:09, Tony Svensson <tonyb@trimarket.com> wrote: GAS LEAF BLOWER ON AMHERST On 22 Aug 2023, at 10:39, Tony Svensson <tonyb@trimarket.com> wrote: got it(last name is Svensson) On 22 Aug 2023, at 10:32, Vargas-Aguilera, Elisa <Elisa.Vargas@cityofpaloalto.org> wrote: Good morning Mr. Svennson, I’m writing to give you an update. Our Code Enforcement Officer Mr. Hartley visited 2251 Bowdoin Street and did not witness a leaf blower being used at the property. He did however speak to the Superintendent of the site and provided him a verbal warning. The Superintendent acknowledged that there were some folks working at the site that were from out of town that didn’t know the rules about leaf blowers. Even though this was the case, he shared that he would assure that no one else uses a gas leaf blower at the site. I am hopeful that this will resolve the issue at this location. Unfortunately, this does not mean that you may not experience more disruption. If you find yourself in this situation again, please do not hesitate to reach out. We will continue to monitor this district for gas leaf blowers. Thank you, <image001.png>Elisa Vargas, CCEO Code Enforcement Supervisor (Interim) Planning & Development Services (650) 885-8565 | elisa.vargas@cityofpaloalto.org https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/Departments/Planning-Development-Services <image002.png><image003.jpg><image004.png><image005.png><image006.png> <image007.png> From: Tony Svensson <tonyb@trimarket.com> Sent: Monday, August 21, 2023 2:50 PM To: Vargas-Aguilera, Elisa <Elisa.Vargas@cityofpaloalto.org> Cc: Reynolds, Brian <Brian.Reynolds@CityofPaloAlto.org>; Hartley, Craig <Craig.Hartley@CityofPaloAlto.org>; Hoyt, George <George.Hoyt@CityofPaloAlto.org>; Burt, Patrick <Pat.Burt@CityofPaloAlto.org>; Council, City <city.council@cityofpaloalto.org> Subject: Re: Leaf Blower Concerns in College Terrace District [2264 Bowdoin Street] Pulled from your web site: (650) 329-2605. Have not lodged complaint on 311. The crew operating the gas leaf blower is from Legacy Roofing & Waterproofing, (408) 467-0150 Starting just after 1 PM today, ending some 15 minutes later. Previously: On 17 Aug 2023 at 07:50, the house is woken up by a gas leaf blower literally across the street from us, specifically at the work site on 2251 Bowdoin Street. (I walked over to talk to them and was completely ignored.) Before that: Numerous! And diligent calling to Police (recently Code Enforcement) has yielded Nada. Re, your suggestion, “Then every time you hear this gas leaf blower send me an email.” Respectfully: I really do not WANT to have to deal with this. It’s your job. On 21 Aug 2023, at 14:17, Vargas-Aguilera, Elisa <Elisa.Vargas@cityofpaloalto.org> wrote: Mr. Svensson, I understand that hearing this gas leaf blower(s) is very disrupting and we are here to assist. Firstly, could you please share the code enforcement phone number that you are calling with me? Some people who received this message don't often get email from tonyb@trimarket.com. Learn why this is important Secondly, were you able to lodge a complaint via 311? If not, or do not wish to, I can enter them for you. This is an important step in our process that we have been using to identify violations by date, time, and location. So far, this strategy has been useful in many of our neighborhoods. We may find that this may not be the most effective strategy in your situation. I would be most appreciative if you would provide me all the dates, times, and location(s) of when you have heard the gas leaf blower(s). Then every time you hear this gas leaf blower send me an email. With your diligent assistance, I am certain we will locate this gas leaf blower and provide them with a warning and potentially a notice of violation. Thank you, <image002.png>Elisa Vargas, CCEO Code Enforcement Supervisor (Interim) Planning & Development Services (650) 885-8565 | elisa.vargas@cityofpaloalto.org https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/Departments/Planning-Development-Services <image003.png><image004.jpg><image005.png><image006.png><image007.png> <image008.png> From: Tony Svensson <tonyb@trimarket.com> Sent: Monday, August 21, 2023 1:35 PM To: Vargas-Aguilera, Elisa <Elisa.Vargas@cityofpaloalto.org>Cc: Reynolds, Brian <Brian.Reynolds@CityofPaloAlto.org>; Hartley, Craig <Craig.Hartley@CityofPaloAlto.org>; Hoyt, George <George.Hoyt@CityofPaloAlto.org>; Burt, Patrick <Pat.Burt@CityofPaloAlto.org>; Council, City <city.council@cityofpaloalto.org> Subject: Re: Leaf Blower Concerns in College Terrace District [2264 Bowdoin Street] Importance: High CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. Attached is an image of the STIHL gas leaf blower operated at 2251 Bowdoin Street, as previously reported. On 21 Aug 2023, at 13:18, Tony Svensson <tonyb@trimarket.com> wrote: AGAIN, the same gas leaf blower is operating at 2251 Bowdoin Street. Calling the Code Enforcement phone number yields, “Code enforcement is not available, leave a message.” What a joke, you guys ought to be ashamed of yourself. On 17 Aug 2023, at 08:26, Tony Svensson <tonyb@trimarket.com> wrote: Ms. Vargas-Aguilera: Today at 07:50, the house is woken up by a gas leaf blower literally across the street from us, specifically at the work site on 2251 Bowdoin Street. Calling the police some 15 minutes later yields the response, “We don’t handle that anymore, it’s Code Enforcement, I will connect you.” which results in some 15-20 signals and then a disconnect. Elucidate further how this factual dead-end maps with the City’s stated, quote, 1. “We are working diligently to address the gas leaf blower complaints in your neighborhood.” and how that 2. “...reflects our evolving Leaf Blower Enforcement Program and the commitment the City of Palo Alto has in keeping the air clean and reducing our carbon footprint.” Conversely, and to be clear, this instead reflects on the City’s complete lack of code enforcement since the 2005 gas leaf blower ban and the commensurate lack of an interest in, quote, “keeping the air clean and reducing our carbon footprint.” What’s the plan here? Mr. Svensson On 7 Aug 2023, at 13:11, Vargas-Aguilera, Elisa <Elisa.Vargas@cityofpaloalto.org> wrote: Mr. Svensson, Thank you for your email. We are working diligently to address the gas leaf blower complaints in your neighborhood. We were upset to hear that we might have missed an opportunity to address your concerns. I have investigated your leaf blower concerns reported within the College Terrace District where 2264 Bowdoin Street is located and have asked Code Enforcement Officer C. Hartley to provide me with an update. Leaf Blower statistics for College Terrace District between January 1, 2023 - August 7, 2023: Opened valid Leaf Blower cases in College Terrace District:11 Total Closed cases: Warning letters were sent out to property owners. No repeat violations. Of these seven (7) cases, two (2) cases were violations observed by Officer C. Hartley and Notice of Violations were sent out. 7 Currently Open: Open complaints are currently on schedule to be inspected.4 Street locations for valid leaf blower locations: Numbered Opened Stanford Avenue 0 Amherst Avenue 0 Bowdoin Street 0 College Avenue 8 Dartmouth Street 1 Hanover Street 1 2300 Columbia Street 1 We understand that gas leaf blowers disrupt the quiet enjoyment of your neighborhood and make it a priority to reach out to anyone who takes the time to enter a complaint. We are working diligently to continue to spread the word that gas-powered leaf blowers are prohibited in residential neighborhoods and enforcing when necessary. A complaint was received by Code Enforcement Officer C. Hartley via email by Tony Svensson tonyb@trimarket.com on Saturday, February 25, 2023, at 6:40 AM. A response was generated and emailed to tonyb@trimarket.com on Monday, February 27, 2023, at 10:54 AM that yielded no further communication. It is highly possible that this response might have been forwarded to you SPAM mailbox. If you have further questions regarding Leaf Blower cases in your district, please feel free to email me directly. I am hopeful that the information brough forth in this email reflects our evolving Leaf Blower Enforcement Program and the commitment the City of Palo Alto has in keeping the air clean and reducing our carbon footprint. You are always welcomed to report gas leaf blower though our 311 App, or you can contact any one of our code officers. Code Enforcement Officer Craig Hartley:Craig.Hartley@CityofPaloAlto.org Tel: (650) 329-2503 Lead Code Enforcement Officer Brian Reynolds:Brian.Reynolds@cityofpaloalto.org Tel: (650) 329-2358 <image001.jpg> From:Magrissa FunnieTo:Becchetti, Benjamin; Council, CitySubject:Help Fabian wayDate:Tuesday, September 12, 2023 12:51:19 PM [Some people who received this message don't often get email from mikkifunnie@yahoo.com. Learn why this is important at https://aka.ms/LearnAboutSenderIdentification ] CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links.________________________________ Help us now, it’s getting worse not betterSent from my iPhone From:Magrissa FunnieTo:Becchetti, Benjamin; Council, CitySubject:This how you want me live on Fabian way wowDate:Tuesday, September 12, 2023 12:51:03 PM [Some people who received this message don't often get email from mikkifunnie@yahoo.com. Learn why this is important at https://aka.ms/LearnAboutSenderIdentification ] CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links.________________________________ No tags on vehicle why on city streetsSent from my iPhone From:Friends of the Palo Alto Junior Museum & Zoo To:Council, City Subject:JMZ Recognized with Award by the Kennedy Center Date:Tuesday, September 12, 2023 12:01:00 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of openingattachments and clicking on links. Logo_Full_Color_CMYK.jpg JMZ Recognized by the Kennedy Center and Friends' Fall EventsSeptember 12, 2023 Hello Friends, I’m delighted to share that the Palo Alto Junior Museum & Zoo has been recognized for itswork to make the new museum and zoo accessible and inclusive to children andcaregivers with disabilities. The JMZ recently won the Community Asset Award from theKennedy Center’s Leadership Exchange in the Arts and Disability program. You can readmore about this important recognition below, and about the JMZ’s accessibility efforts inthis article. The fall will be a busy and exciting time at the JMZ. The California Dinosaur Garden will open to the public in early October. This immersive and interactive exhibit was made possible thanks to generous donations from our donor community and a grant awarded to the JMZ by the Institute of Museum and Library Services. On Friday, October 27, the Friends will host our popular Halloween at the JMZ! event, with proceeds going to the Friends’ Annual Giving Fund. Tickets will be available for purchase on Eventbrite on Thursday, September 28. Finally, I hope you will join the Friends on Friday, September 15 from 1 - 2 p.m. tocelebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. JMZ Zookeepers Juan and Jasmin will introduce a fewsurprise animal guests and answer questions about their jobs in both English andSpanish. Lauren AngeloPresident, Friends of the Palo Alto Junior Museum & Zoo JMZ Recognized by the The Kennedy Center with the Community Asset Award Questions for JMZ Exhibits Director, Tina Keegan What is the Kennedy Center’s Leadership Exchange in Arts and Disability (LEAD)program? Can you share more about the conference? The Kennedy Center’s LEAD program encourages and advocates for the inclusion ofpeople with disabilities in arts and culture spaces. LEAD events and conferences allowprofessionals to exchange ideas about best practices for accessibility work. In total,around 900 people were at the conference this year, allowing us to network and buildrapport with other organizations who are committed to access and inclusion. This year, I attended the conference with former Accessibility Coordinator, Lisa Eriksen, and one of our advisors, Susan Glass, who have both played crucial roles in making the JMZ more accessible. The Friends of the JMZ funds professional development for JMZ staff, including this conference, and are committed to creating a more accessible and inclusive JMZ. Along with a representative from an art museum and another from a theater, I presentedon how we train our staff on creating a welcoming and inclusive experience. Staff trainingis ongoing, and so, we have implemented strategies to periodically remind our staff aboutall the wonderful accessibility supports at the JMZ. Photo from the award ceremony. From left to right: Betty Siegal (Director of Office ofAccessibility and VSA at John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts), Tina Keegan, LisaEriksen, Susan Glass. Tell us about the Community Asset Award. Every year, the LEAD Awards recognize outstanding organizations and leaders whosededication to accessibility and the inclusion of people with disabilities should be looked atas an example in the field. The Community Asset Award celebrates the success oforganizations and people that continually demonstrate success with access initiatives,improving accessibility in their organization, city, state or region. We were among fourrecipients of the award this year. Recipients must display that they have made significant contributions to accessibility work over at least five years. In addition, the body of work must be a comprehensive project that recognizes diversity within the disability community. Why did the JMZ make the decision to apply for the Community Asset Award? For 13 years, we have worked to improve accessibility at the JMZ. In 2017, we were awarded a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services for a project called Access from the Ground Up, which aimed to increase the inclusion of people with disabilities at the JMZ. While creating the exhibits for the rebuilt JMZ, our exhibits team consulted with the Accessibility Advisory Committee for thoughtful ideas on how to create a positive experience for people of all abilities. Last year, a summative evaluation was completed of this project, and its success has been presented multiple times at different conferences. We decided to apply for the Community Asset Award so that we could inspire otherorganizations to learn more about creating inclusive arts and culture spaces. Our workover the past 13 years is important. As we continue learning, we felt like the opportunity toapply for this award would tie us to other leaders who are committed to this work. Earn Volunteer Hours! Help us with the most popular Halloween event in town, Halloween at the JMZ! onFriday, October 27, between 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. We need volunteers to help us with set up,decorations, treat stations, entertainment, and clean up. To apply, fill out your contactinformation on our Google Form. Pizza will be provided! Must be at least 15 years old tovolunteer. Friends of the Palo Alto Junior Museum & Zoo info@friendsjmz.org | www.friendsjmz.org DONATE NOW Connect with us Friends of the JMZ | 1451 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto, CA 94301 Unsubscribe city.council@cityofpaloalto.org Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice Sent by info@friendsjmz.org powered by Try email marketing for free today!