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Home My Public Portal AboutDecember 11, 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: 12/11/2023 Document dates: 12/4/2023 – 12/11/2023 Note: Documents for every category may not have been received for packet reproduction in a given week. From:Natalie Geise To:Council, City Subject:Agenda Item #8 - Development of Parking & Downtown Housing Proposals Date:Monday, December 11, 2023 12:28:36 PM Some people who received this message don't often get email from natalie.geise@gmail.com. Learn why this isimportant CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Mayor Kou and Honorable City Council, I am thrilled to see the agenda item tonight considering affordable housing for seniors, teachers, and workers on city-owned parking lots downtown. The severe lack of housing affordability in our community is evidenced by the fact that the median Palo Alto home sales price in 2021 was more than two and a half times that of the County median. As a result of the high housing costs, 14% of households in Palo Alto are severely cost burdened and paying more than 50 percent of income to housing. Building explicitly affordable projects is one tool to address the crisis. Putting forth projects on city-owned land allows us to say that as a city, we are serious about finding solutions and prioritizing affordable housing. As you consider the item tonight, I encourage you to create a larger canvas for Alta and Mid- Pen housing to paint a vision onto. I want to let Alta and Mid-Pen paint a bold vision with more options, more units, and better cost drivers. Please create a larger envelope for affordable housing proposals on our city-owned sites in downtown and: -raise the maximum height to 85+ ft -raise the maximum FAR to 5.0+ -reduce parking minimums Natalie Geise Palo Alto Resident From:pennyellson12@gmail.com To:board@pausd.org; Council, City Subject:City School Liaison Committee Agenda Problem Date:Monday, December 11, 2023 12:22:32 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Honorable Board of Education and City Council Members, The purpose of publicly posting meeting agendas is to notify the public of what will be discussed in a public meeting so that constituents can decide whether or not they want to contribute public comment. In my view, this agenda (which is typical for the City School Liaison Committee these days) does not serve that purpose. https://cityofpaloalto.primegov.com/Portal/Meeting? meetingTemplateId=13439 For instance, I have heard that Cubberley has been discussed at some of these meetings among other controversial issues, but it has not appeared as a specific discussion item on agendas. What can our electeds do to make sure public meeting agendas are regularly written with specificity needed to inform the public about what will be discussed and to insure that meeting time is used effectively to inform and to make recommendations to the BOE and CC? These vague agendas have been the trend for a while now. I have sent a previous email on this subject to appropriate staff with requests for better clarity about what is being discussed, but the practice continues. This trend is not good for public engagement in public process, and I hope our electeds will direct staff to correct this problem. Thank you for considering my comments. Penny Ellson Virus-free.www.avg.com From:Nat Fisher To:Shikada, Ed Cc:Council, City Subject:alerts Date:Monday, December 11, 2023 12:03:54 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. I tried to sign up for automatic alerts at AlertSCC.com but it did not work. I could not signup. Natalie From:Annette Glanckopf To:Council, City; Clerk, City Subject:Ellsworth Place Date:Monday, December 11, 2023 11:52:44 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Dear Council Members. For the safety of the neighborhood, the PC should not be amended. The proposals offered by the developers do not justify a PC, and they make the situation worse than it currently is. The road conditions occurring from the Matadero Creek Overpass and incline/decline of Ellsworth Place, onto a 4-lane road, do not exist anywhere else in Palo Alto. The neighbors have complained about this for over ten years! I personally do not think the PC should be amended, but if it is my recommendations below need to be followed: 1. Implement the UPS-Approved delivery spot plan on Ellsworth. Having trucks park on Sutter will reduce much needed parking for Sutter residents as well as the medical office. 2. Line of sight. absolutely is key for safety - pedestrians, bikers, cars. South side line of sight adjusted to 160 degrees and per city code line of sight at entrance for 160 feet. 3. Middlefield facing fence to be no higher than 1' and add tactile paving to the Middlefield Road sidewalk on both sides of Ellsworth Place 4. Width of Ellsworth at entrance (Easement) should be 26 feet wide for at least 100 feet from Middlefield, not 35 feet. 5. Mobilization should not be on Middlefield, I agree with details in staff report about development of a plan that would not effect the residents. Thank you for considering these points. Annette From:Megan Watson To:Council, City Cc:Ted O"Hanlon; Harris, Arielle O. Subject:Dec. 11th - City Council Regular Meeting - Agenda Item No. 5 Date:Monday, December 11, 2023 11:31:10 AM Attachments:image001.png image006.png image007.png image008.png Some people who received this message don't often get email from mwatson@grubbproperties.com. Learn whythis is important CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. To Members of the City Council, On the matter of Item No.5 on the Consent Calendar, regarding the Entitlement Extension Ordinances for housing projects, we wanted to thank the Policy and Services Committee for recommending its approval before the full Council this evening, as well as thank the Planning Department for their heightened attention on this matter over the past two months. We remain aligned with the Council’s goals of maintaining the viability of pipeline housing projects and are fully committed to seeing our project at 788 San Antonio Road through as we look to 2024 for economic conditions to improve. The two ordinances proposed tonight are a critical step in that process and we offer our full support of the approval and adoption this evening. Thank you again for your time and consideration on this item. Sincerely, Megan Watson Megan Watson Director, Development | Grubb Properties 10000 West Washington Blvd WeWork, 6th Floor Culver City, CA 90232 Mobile: 405-973-5229 mwatson@grubbproperties.com grubbproperties.com From:Alan Cooper To:Historic Resources Board Cc:Council, City; Alan Cooper Subject:Owner consent: Historical property listing Date:Monday, December 11, 2023 11:13:56 AM Some people who received this message don't often get email from akcooper@pacbell.net. Learn why this is important CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Dear HRB members, I am writing to ask that you recommend to City Council that historic resource properties NOT be placed on the local Palo Alto historical inventory over the objections of the property owner. I am owner of a Historic resource property at 270 Kellogg Ave. I believe that, like eminent domain, fair compensation must be provided for a city to take over property rights. Greater incentives than now exist are needed to fairly compensate property owners, if the City is to place the property on the Palo Alto historic register without property owner consent. As an example, the city of Mountain View has MORE incentives than Palo Alto, and they will NOT put a property on their historical inventory if the property owner objects. Thank you! Alan Cooper 270 Kellogg Ave From:slevy@ccsce.com To:Council, City Cc:Lait, Jonathan Subject:Agenda item 8 on housing and parking Date:Monday, December 11, 2023 11:00:13 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Dear Mayor Kou and council members, I support more housing for low-income residents in DTN where I live. I appreciate the decision to contribute the land at minimal cost. DTN is a great area for these residents (close to services, shopping, jobs and transit) and for our HE (more broadly distributing new housing for low-income residents. I do not know enough to suggest the parameters for these projects BUT I do know the right process to use because the council just used it for the ECR focus area. Please engage with Alta and MidPen and others if they come forward on what is needed in terms of height, FAR and other development standards as I am pretty sure they will meet or exceed what was adopted (thank you) for the ECR focus area. My second wish is that the city move quickly to expand the number of these projects DTN as both Alta and MidPen suggested several DTN sites they were interested in moving forward on asap. Thank you Stephen Levy From:Danny Warren Sallis To:Council, City Subject:Support for affordable housing ordinances Date:Monday, December 11, 2023 10:49:43 AM Some people who received this message don't often get email from dsallis@stanford.edu. Learn why this isimportant CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Hello, My name is Danny Sallis. I am a current student at Stanford and a member of Students for Workers’ Rights and the Stanford Coalition for Planning an Equitable 2035. Given tonight’s considerations, I would like to express my support for affordable housing. In order to meet the massive need in the area, we need housing to be built at high densities. Large buildings should be considered to accommodate these needs. Housing downtown will help support the the many working nearby. Thank you! Best wishes, Danny Sallis Some people who received this message don't often get email from ayotopoulos@avenidas.org. Learn why this is important From:City Mgr To:Lait, Jonathan; Paras, Christine; Nose, Kiely; Ramberg, David; French, Amy; Kamhi, Philip Cc:Gaines, Chantal; McDonough, Melissa; Shikada, Ed; Clerk, City; Velasquez, Ingrid Subject:FW: Avenidas & City of Palo Alto Parking In-Lieu Fees Date:Monday, December 11, 2023 10:37:00 AM Attachments:image001.png Good morning— Please find below public comment regarding item 8 (Direction to Pursue Development of New Parking and Refined Proposals for Housing in the University Avenue Downtown and Development Goals for Housing Investment. CEQA Status – Not a Project.) This message was send to CMO general inbox and individual Council emails. Forwarding as FYI only. Thank you, Danille Danille Rice Administrative Assistant Office of the City Manager | Human Resources From: Amy Yotopoulos <ayotopoulos@avenidas.org> Sent: Friday, December 8, 2023 12:00 PM To: City Mgr <CityMgr@cityofpaloalto.org>; City Attorney <city.attorney@CityofPaloAlto.org>; Burt, Patrick <Pat.Burt@CityofPaloAlto.org>; Lauing, Ed <Ed.Lauing@CityofPaloAlto.org>; Stone, Greer <Greer.Stone@CityofPaloAlto.org>; Veenker, Vicki <Vicki.Veenker@CityofPaloAlto.org>; Kou, Lydia <Lydia.Kou@CityofPaloAlto.org>; kou.pacc@gmail.com; Lythcott-Haims, Julie <Julie.LythcottHaims@CityofPaloAlto.org>; Tanaka, Greg <Greg.Tanaka@CityofPaloAlto.org>; greg@gregtanaka.org Cc: David Gordon <dsgordon1@gmail.com> Subject: Avenidas & City of Palo Alto Parking In-Lieu Fees CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Dear City Manager Shikada, City Attorney Stump, City of Palo Alto Council Liaison Lauing, Mayor Kou, & Members of the Palo Alto City Council: As you may know, when Avenidas remodeled the building on 450 Bryant Street in September 2017, we paid over $1.9M in parking in-lieu fees. The money was raised as part of our grassroots capital campaign to support the building’s renovation to modernize the space to better serve our community and to bring it up to code -- community members from Palo Alto and beyond contributed generously. When any action is being considered for these funds, our hope is that the City will consult with Avenidas on how those funds are being earmarked. As a charitable, not-for-profit organization devoted to serving seniors since 1969, it is important that we report back to our community members about how their donations have been used. As a longstanding partner of the City’s with a track record of collaboration with community-focused organizations like La Comida and Downtown Palo Alto Farmers’ Market, we would like to understand the City’s plans for disbursement of these parking in-lieu fees, including the possibility of returning those funds, in light of the recent ruling by the 6th District Court of Appeals/Santa Clara County Superior Court. We noticed that the December 11 City Council meeting features an action item related to this issue -- “Direction to Pursue Development of New Parking and Refined Proposals for Housing in the University Avenue Downtown and Development Goals for Housing Investment” -- which has implications for the use of the parking in-lieu fees. We met with Ed Shikada on November 22 and Ed Lauing on December 7, and we also want to ensure that all of you were aware that Avenidas has a vested interest in these funds. We look forward to learning more about the City’s plans for parking in the downtown area and collaborating with the City regarding the parking in-lieu fees that Avenidas paid. We’re confident in a mutually positive conclusion. In partnership, Amy Yotopoulos Avenidas President & CEO and David Gordon Avenidas Board Chair From:Hamilton Hitchings To:Council, City Cc:Lait, Jonathan Subject:Housing Over Parking Agenda Item Input Date:Monday, December 11, 2023 10:13:58 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Dear Council, As a former member of the HEWG I wanted to share a few thoughts: These projects provide much lower cost housing because they are using city lands and are non-profit housing builders. It’s important that the bidders maximize the amount of outside money they can bring to these projects so we can build more BMR housing in Palo Alto. I support staff’s well thought out recommendation of narrowing the target sites to rectangular lots and starting with Lot T (Lytton & Kipling) followed by lot C (Lytton & Ramona) as well. Many homeless and low income folks live in their cars and/or that is their fallback. In addition, many rely on them to commute to work in other towns so it’s important we provide sheltered parking for their cars. They are also more likely to house share out of fiscal necessity thus increasing the number of cars per unit. In addition, remote parking is less safe for these residents late at night, and also encourages them to park in spots on the street after 3 pm, which then reduces evening parking supply. Before the pandemic many lots were at full parking capacity and combined with the lack of parking for new high density buildings going forward, it’s critical we plan for that. Otherwise lack of parking will become a constraint slowing downtown housing densification. Thus I request council require these projects to build underground parking on all of these housing and parking garage sites. We can not underutilize this valuable space. The city should subsidize the delta cost between above ground and below ground parking from the downtown parking fund, Measure K funds, infrastructure funds or wherever is most convenient for this project. I also support staff’s thoughts on reserving lot A (Emerson & Lytton) for parking which is already being used at 100% at noon and 6pm daily and lot D (Hamilton & Waverly) which is already over 80% utilization at noon and 6 pm. In summary, the goals of low income housing, parking and the health of retail are supported and mutually complementary given the approach stated. Hamilton Hitchings From:Charlie Weidanz To:Council, City Subject:GITKASH invites you to a demonstration on January 9 2024 Date:Monday, December 11, 2023 9:32:42 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. GITKASH, a mobile phone marketing company for local brick and mortar retailers, is a new member of the PALO ALTO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, and Founder, Don Green, invites you to a demonstration on January 9, 2024 at 11:00am Don Green, the founder of GitKash, will demonstrate how retailers can easily create promotions that attract customers into their store at specific times, attract new customers, increase total sales, and encourage repeat business, as well as offers that move excess or expiring inventory or highlight new products and services. He will also discuss how the GitKash solution requires no hardware installations, system integrations, or operational changes. And there are no contracts, fees, or monthly charges. For more information and to register, please email charlie@paloaltochamber.com This email was sent on behalf of Palo Alto Chamber of Commerce 355 Alma St Palo Alto, CA 94301.To unsubscribe click here. If you have questions or comments concerning this email or services in general, please contact us by email at info@paloaltochamber.com. From:Jimmy Stoyell To:Council, City Subject:As much housing as possible for seniors, teachers, and workers on city parking lots! Date:Sunday, December 10, 2023 8:40:08 PM Some people who received this message don't often get email from jamesstoyell@gmail.com. Learn why this isimportant CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Hello, I'm writing to support as much housing as possible on the proposed plans for development on city parking lots. We need as much housing as we can in Palo Alto, particularly for those with lower income, and the area is a fantastic place for it - near transit and services. Please, act quickly and streamline the process for as much housing as possible! Thank you, James Stoyell From:Aram James To:Cecilia Taylor; Council, City; David S. Norris; DuJuan Green; Ed Lauing; Jack Ajluni; Jeff Moore; Josh Becker; Julie Lythcott-Haims; KEVIN JENSEN; Kaloma Smith; Lewis james; Linda Jolley; Zelkha, Mila; Salem Ajluni; Sean Allen; Shikada, Ed; Perron, Zachary; dennis burns Subject:Pressure rising on U.S. after veto of cease-fire call Date:Sunday, December 10, 2023 3:14:45 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Pressure rising on U.S. after veto of cease-fire call Pressure rising on U.S. after veto of cease-fire call https://edition.pagesuite.com/popovers/dynamic_article_popover.aspx?guid=283a17ce-f697- 42c1-9848-ecd5f471b2b2&appcode=SAN252&eguid=f13c17e9-3096-4b5d-ae89- 78c0f7a0f085&pnum=11# For more great content like this subscribe to the The Mercury News e-edition app here: From:pennyellson12@gmail.com To:Council, City; board@pausd.org; "PABAC"; Planning Commission Subject:Regularly getting outdoors has many benefits, including developing better eyesight. Date:Sunday, December 10, 2023 3:06:11 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Something to think about… https://www.wsj.com/tech/personal-tech/our-eyes-really-are-getting- worse-heres-how-to-save-your-kids-vision-de16d592?mod=series_famtechjulie Walking and biking to school provides many benefits for children, as you know. This Wall Street Journal article taught me about a health benefit I hadn’t known about. Thank you for your forward-thinking, ongoing support of Safe Routes to School. Our community’s children are healthier, happier, learn better (and now we know they see better) when they are given the opportunity to move about safely, freely and regularly outdoors. Happy Holidays! I hope you can get out to enjoy a walk or bike ride during this time. What’s good for our children is also good for us! With gratitude, Penny Ellson Virus-free.www.avg.com From:Aram James To:Council, City; Vicki Veenker Subject:I saw this The Mercury News e-edition article on the The Mercury News e-edition app and thought you’d be interested. Date:Sunday, December 10, 2023 3:04:12 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Fyi: $800M in, Homeless program success is still in question https://edition.pagesuite.com/popovers/dynamic_article_popover.aspx?guid=0a98de20-be8e- 4ebe-9451-c0ef68d8ec35&appcode=SAN252&eguid=f13c17e9-3096-4b5d-ae89- 78c0f7a0f085&pnum=1# For more great content like this subscribe to the The Mercury News e-edition app here: From:Kwanza Price To:Council, City Subject:Agenda Item #5 - Development of Parking & Downtown Housing Proposals Date:Sunday, December 10, 2023 2:01:17 PM Some people who received this message don't often get email from kwanzaprice@gmail.com. Learn why this isimportant CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Dear Palo Alto City Council, I am a resident of Palo Alto. I moved here with my 5 year old in 2018 from NYC after being recruited for a role with a company in PA. We currently rent and will never be able to afford to purchase here, or nearby, without the creation of affordable housing or creative financing. Yet, I am convinced that our presence adds value. We are an African-American family. I am a scientist and my daughter is a budding artist who loves her school here in Palo Alto. Regarding Agenda Item #5, I Implore you to consider these facts: We need significant density and larger buildings at these city-owned sites, which means more affordable units and more people housed Within 0.5 mile there are more than 10 structures over 90 feet and with floor area ratios (FARs) above 5.0. We need to maximize development to create more housing Housing is needed not just so that workers can afford to live here to service the wealthy -- young, innovative, middle class families deserve housing too and the diversity these new families would bring would only enrichen our community The surrounding area is rich in jobs, transit/bike infrastructure, retail and services, and schools need higher enrollment. It is the perfect place to add (a lot) more housing. Housing downtown actively demonstrates our commitment to Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing by spreading affordable units more equitably across the city We need to act with speed, vision, and compassion for those who desperately need stable, affordable housing. Housing is healthcare - providing shelter from the physical elements but also emotional well-being and more agency regarding how we move and locate our bodies. Thee are many studies finding an association between good health and long-term permanent, stable housing. Sincerely, Kwanza Price From:Katherine Clark To:Isabel Castellano; Council, City; Historic Resources Board; French, Amy Cc:LClark@creditcorp.com; Katherine Clark Subject:Supplemental Objections to Historic Designation Date:Sunday, December 10, 2023 1:42:32 PM Some people who received this message don't often get email from kclark@clarklaw.com. Learn why this is important Re: 555 Center Drive, Palo Alto, CA Owners: Lawrence and Katherine Clark Trustees of the Clark Family Trust Ladies and Gentlemen: Our home is located in Crescent Park on a street that is primarily made up of very charming 1920s and 1930s homes. We have no intention of changing the charming appearance of our home. When we remodeled our home in 1993, we copied features from the original home, such as steel casement windows, in the extension. We also obtained a Homeowner Improvement Exception to allow us to move the original garage to the back of the lot, thus preserving the architecture of the garage. Since we sent our preliminary objection to the designation of our residential property’s inclusion on the list of historic residences on December 3 (copy below), we had an opportunity to have a telephone conference with Isabel Castellano at M-Group. We explained our position and she was sympathetic. The purpose of this email is to submit our supplemental objections to the historic designation. First, we learned that, currently, there are NO INCENTIVES to the Historic designation for us. We have already remodeled our home, maximized the FAR and we recently installed a new roof, consistent with the English Tudor style of the house, which will last beyond our lifetimes. We have no plans to remodel so we will not require any special exceptions to the Building Code. We do not see any benefit coming from the Mills Act, even if were adopted by the City, since we purchased our home in 1984 and our property taxes are set under Prop 13. Second, our property is the only one identified by the HRB on Center Drive which is over 6 blocks long. Under SB 9, If everyone on our block was given permission to replace their old houses with new multi-unit structures, we would be the only historic single family house in a sea of multi- unit structures and the value of our home to subsequent buyers or developers would be substantially decreased. Third, as stated in our earlier correspondence, it is our understanding that there are no clear rules and guidelines to this Historic designation in published city ordinances. For the above reasons, we must respectfully OBJECT to the inclusion of our property in the City’s Historic Property List. Similar to what we understand was done with the Professorville neighborhood, we would have no objection to the City designating all of the Crescent Park neighborhood, including University Avenue, from Woodland to Fulton, as a Historic District and exempt from SB 9. Very Respectfully, Lawrence and Katherine Clark Trustees of Clark Family Trust 555 Center Drive Palo Alto, CA 94301 Tel. 650-619-5957 From: Isabel Castellano <icastellano@m-group.us> Date: Friday, December 8, 2023 at 4:57 PM To: Katherine Clark <kclark@clarklaw.com> Cc: LClark@creditcorp.com <LClark@creditcorp.com> Subject: FW: Request for Meeting & Objection to Designation Hello Katherine and Larry, Glad we were able to speak this week. Please reach out if you have any additional questions. As a reminder, HRB meetings are held in-person and on Zoom. If you would like to review the Dec. 14th staff report and watch on Zoom, details are available on the City’s HRB website. Select the “Meeting” tab and the meeting’s agenda and packet are viewed by selecting the three dots next to the meeting date. Have a great weekend, Isabel ISABEL CASTELLANO historic preservation specialist 707.540.0723 x220 a new design on urban planning m-group.us | M-LAB | keepplanninglocal.org From: Isabel Castellano Sent: Monday, December 4, 2023 10:00 PM To: kclark@clarklaw.com Cc: City Mgr <CityMgr@cityofpaloalto.org>; French, Amy <Amy.French@CityofPaloAlto.org>; LClark@creditcorp.com; Historic Resources Board <hrb@cityofpaloalto.org> Subject: FW: Request for Meeting & Objection to Designation Hello Katherine, My name is Isabel Castellano, and I am a Consulting Historic Preservation Specialist for the City of Palo Alto assisting with the 2023 Reconnaissance Survey project. Thank you for corresponding with us and requesting an objection to the Palo Alto Inventory nomination for 555 Center Drive. I would like to note that we have received and recorded your objection request. We will continue to collect objection requests during the entirety of the project, up to the City Council meeting, anticipated for the Spring of 2024. Documents related to the nomination are available on the city’s webpage. Attached is a copy of the Nomination Memo with a Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) forms for your property for your reference. As part of the 2023 Reconnaissance Survey Project, we anticipate presenting all the nomination objections to the Historic Resource Board on the January 25, 2024 hearing agenda. Please note that mailed notices will continue to be sent to property owners in advance of a Historic Resource Board and the City Council meeting to keep you informed. If you have any additional questions, I would be happy to speak with you this week. I am available Tuesday afternoon and Wednesday through Friday. Please let me know of your preferred day and time. Regards, Isabel ISABEL CASTELLANO historic preservation specialist 707.540.0723 x220 a new design on urban planning m-group.us | M-LAB | keepplanninglocal.org From: Katherine Clark <kclark@clarklaw.com> Sent: Sunday, December 3, 2023 4:33 PM To: French, Amy <Amy.French@CityofPaloAlto.org>; Historic Resources Board <hrb@CityofPaloAlto.org> Cc: Larry Clark <LClark@creditcorp.com>; Council, City <city.council@cityofpaloalto.org> Subject: Request for Meeting & Objection to Designation CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Hi Amy, My husband and I own, through a family trust, the R-1 residential property located at 555 Center Drive, Palo Alto in the Crescent Park neighborhood. We have owned our home since 1984. We understand that our property has been added to your list of homes that is eligible for Historic designation. We received your Notice of the December 14 meeting by mail yesterday. We are requesting a timely meeting with you to discuss this matter further. Please provide us your available times for December 4 through 8, 2023. Time is of the essence. We also need to obtain the “packet” of materials related to our property that you referenced in the 10/24/23 HRB meeting. Please send via return email. In the meantime, this email shall serve as a FORMAL OBJECTION to the proposed designation. We must respectfully OBJECT to the proposed designation and the potential listing on the Historical Inventory because we have received INSUFFICIENT information about the incentives for such designation and no ORDINANCE has been enacted by the City to specify the rules and implications of such designation. Thank you, Katherine Clark 555 Center Drive Palo Alto, CA 94301 650-619-5957 From:Sam Gersten To:Council, City Subject:Maximizing affordable housing for seniors, teachers, and workers on city-owned parking lots downtown Date:Sunday, December 10, 2023 1:15:48 PM Some people who received this message don't often get email from sam.gersten@gmail.com. Learn why this isimportant CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Dear Palo Alto City Council, As a renter in Palo Alto, I am strongly in favor of using city lots to build large and dense affordable housing for our neighbors.I urge continuing to expand the development region being considered, and to act with unprecedented speed for affordable housing - let's charge forward towards progress. Thanks, Sam -- Sam Gersten sam.gersten@gmail.com | 718-570-7661 From:Palo Alto Forward To:Council, City Cc:Nose, Kiely; Tong, Sunny Subject:12/11 - Item #8 - Housing on City Parking Lots Date:Sunday, December 10, 2023 12:57:32 PM Attachments:CC Item #8 Housing Parking Lots.pdf CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Honorable City Council, Please find our attached letter regarding Monday's Council Agenda Item #8 - Housing on City Parking Lots. Thank you, -- Amie Ashton Executive Director, Palo Alto Forward 650-793-1585 December 10,2023 SUBJECT:Agenda Item #8 -Development of Parking &Downtown Housing Proposals Mayor Kou and Honorable City Council, Palo Alto Forward is writing in general support of dense housing on downtown parking lots.We are so excited to see this project moving forward.It cannot happen fast enough! Maximize the development potential of these parking lots with a minimum allowed height of at least 85 and floor area ratio (FAR)of at least 5.0.And we urge you to think even bigger –why not 150+feet and FARs of 10.0.Additionally,please consider lowering parking ratios to 0.5 per unit,consistent with other affordable projects that have been allowed to proceed by Council,which would enhance the development’s overall potential for success. Allowing a larger envelope for development means even more affordable units on these sites -especially desperately needed affordable housing for area workers,families,and seniors.We should demonstrate our commitment to affordability (one Council’s top goals since 2021)by allowing larger projects.As we have seen with the San Antonio corridor and El Camino Focus Area,we are gaining public acceptance of higher heights,greater FARs,and lower parking ratios because our housing need is so great. Tall buildings are not uncommon in our downtown.The following is a list of several that are within 0.5 mile of city parking lots,and note that each one has a one-or two-story structure immediately adjacent to it. ●525 University Avenue -237 feet ●Channing House -142 feet ●Palo Alto City Hall -122 feet ●535 Everett Ave -85 feet ●Hotel President -90 feet ●101 Alma -140 feet ●The Marc -165 feet ●325 Forest -65 feet ●360 Forest -77 feet 1 A maximized building envelope would also show the State Department of Housing and Community Development that we are serious about meeting our Housing Element goals.It would also show that we are serious about Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing spreading units across the city. Our housing need is so dire,especially for affordable units -and we have one shot at these sites.Let’s be bold and meet our housing challenges! Sincerely, Amie Ashton, Executive Director and on behalf of the Board of Directors Palo Alto Forward 2 From:Naji Bekhazi To:French, Amy; Historic Resources Board Cc:Council, City Subject:Historical Designation Objection Date:Saturday, December 9, 2023 7:12:26 PM Some people who received this message don't often get email from nbekhazi@yahoo.com. Learn why this is important CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. To whom it may concern, My name is Naji Bekhazi and I am the owner of the house at 1570 University Ave., Palo Alto (APN: 003-08-006). This correspondence is to indicate my objection to my house being on the historical inventory to be voted on by the HRB. My house's external facade has been altered by the previous owner. The entire back of the house has been modified. Also, the original barn garage door was replaced because it was rotten from mold. Some of the external doors need to be replaced as they have rusted over the years. In addition, the house has been modified internally by previous owner. Kitchen and bathrooms have been remodeled and original fixtures have been replaced. The external facade and the internal of the house have been greatly altered, and therefore my objection to include my house on the historical inventory. Not to mention, that all windows and doors are single pane glass, which eventually need to be replaced with new windows and doors with double pane glass to be more heat efficient and reduce gas footprint as well as noise from University Ave. Thank you for your consideration. Best Regards, Naji Bekhazi Address: 1570 University Ave., Palo Alto, CA, 94301 Cell: 408-981-6051 From:Aram James To:<michael.gennaco@oirgroup.com>; Cindy Chavez; Council, City; D Martell; Damon Silver; David S. Norris; Diana Diamond; EPA Today; Ed Lauing; Enberg, Nicholas; Human Relations Commission; Jack Ajluni; Jeff Moore; Josh Becker; Julie Lythcott-Haims; KEVIN JENSEN; Kaloma Smith; Lewis james; Linda Jolley; Gardener, Liz; Zelkha, Mila; Salem Ajluni; Sean Allen; Shikada, Ed; Sue Dremann; Vara Ramakrishnan; Barberini, Christopher; chuck jagoda; dennis burns; Figueroa, Eric; Tannock, Julie; ladoris cordell Subject:Jewish American families confront divide over Israel Date:Saturday, December 9, 2023 5:49:47 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Jewish American families confront divide over Israel Jewish American families confront divide over Israel https://edition.pagesuite.com/popovers/dynamic_article_popover.aspx?guid=38ad8347-670f- 4d66-a103-a33c49ba7dab&appcode=SAN252&eguid=195071c3-0612-4a6e-bf0a- 0a08b3fe4ce7&pnum=1# For more great content like this subscribe to the The Mercury News e-edition app here: From:Jo Ann Mandinach To:Lythcott-Haims, Julie Cc:Council, City Subject:Re: affordable housing developments at city parking lots Date:Saturday, December 9, 2023 10:25:06 AM Julie, thanks for your reply but I don't appreciate your "have you stopped beating your spouse and dog" framing of the issues. I'm for affordable housing, not buying market rate housing for highly paid techies as per their deep-pocketed backers which is what the housing laws require for 80% (or more) of the new housing. I'm against destroying retail and the character of our community to build more $4K apartments, especially when the deep-pocketed backers can spend literally HUNDREDS OF MILLIONS of dollars lobbying against paying their gig workers benefits, unemployment, etc. Why do you think there are so many homeless? Are you aware that EACH of the big tech companies has settled with TENS OF THOUSANDS of minorities, women, older workers for discriminating against them SO they can hire cheaper foreign workers? Why aren't you lobbying for WORKER protections and to change the labor laws? Due to the changing economy and the new huge state deficit and the massive layoffs, I oppose destroying our community to benefit the billionaires screwing workers to enrich themselves. I'm appalled that we're barred from reconsidering RHNA targets in the face of the new realities. Are Newsom and Bonta running a dictatorship or trying to get us to vote Independent or for the GOP? I oppose sticking housing on transit parking lots because then the rest of us have nowhere to park when taking public transit. I oppose having a biased Planning Department with its leg on the scale for big money and developers. I know you oppose oversight for city workers so you can focus on the "big" issues but suggest you take a closer look here at home and how the CITY governs since you're a member of the CITY council. I must have missed your speaking out for the workers or preserving what makes /made Palo Alto interesting, Again, thanks for your response. Jo Ann On Sat, Dec 9, 2023 at 4:29 AM Lythcott-Haims, Julie <Julie.LythcottHaims@cityofpaloalto.org> wrote: Hi Jo Ann, thanks for writing us. Are you against the affordable housing? or are you against parking lots being taken up for affordable housing? And if the latter, would you be OK with affordable housing developdeveloped along with parking? Julie Sent from my iPhone On Dec 8, 2023, at 11:17 AM, Jo Ann Mandinach <joann@needtoknow.com> wrote: CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization.Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. Please stop destroying downtown access for potential shoppers by eliminating parking, If you can't / won't do that, fire all your "retail consultants" since the answer to why retail is suffering here is painfully obvious. Save us some money on these consults who have no local knowledge and save a few merchants, too. Most sincerely, Jo Ann Mandinach PA, CA 94301 From:Henry Etzkowitz To:provost@stanford.edu Cc:Roberta Ahlquist; Rebecca Eisenberg; Council, City; Dorien Detombe Subject:An iconic third Space at risk Date:Friday, December 8, 2023 7:54:44 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Subject: Oak Creek Dear Provost This is to introduce you to the Community of Oak Creek Residents, the independent tenants organization for oak creek apartments. Your predecessor has on file petitions, stating our basic principles and requests of Stanford. With respect to our request for restoration of Clubhouse evening and Sunday hours, the associate provost stated in a memo that this would be accomplished but we must regrettably inform you that no action has been taken to date. Beyond the issue of access is the reparation of the social fabric of this center of resident sociability that has been rent by removal of a variety of activities that allowed families and friends to engage in social activities of interest to different generations in a contiguous area. Even if some of these activities are eventually re-established in separate facilities, the overlay of sociability made possible by an integrated facility is lost. Thus, we request that the management agents offices be removed from the Clubhouse to the dedicated management suite that now sits empty and that billiards, ping pong, knock hockey and children’s puzzles and games be restored to the Clubhouse. Also, it would be good to have the screening room’s schedule of children’s, classical and contemporary feature films resumed, perhaps by engaging the Hewlett Packard Foundation’s Stanford Theatre to manage programming. Sincerely Henry Co-organizer, COCR Ps residents in bcc Sent from my iPhone From:Aram James To:Council, City; Ed Lauing; Jack Ajluni; Josh Becker; Gardener, Liz; ParkRec Commission; Planning Commission; Salem Ajluni; Shikada, Ed; planning.commision@cityofpaloalto.org Subject:Re: Will you sign the petition to say NO tax dollars to bomb civilians? Date:Friday, December 8, 2023 6:05:26 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. On Fri, Dec 8, 2023 at 3:26 PM Palestine & Israel Alert (via MoveOn) <moveon- help@list.moveon.org> wrote: Sign the petition to say NO to using our tax dollars to bomb and kill civilians in Palestine! Dear MoveOn member, Every 10 minutes, a child is killed by Israeli military airstrikes in Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's war on Gaza.1 This means that every 10 minutes, there is a child who will never get to fulfill their dreams. A child who will never get to fulfill their childhood, their teenage years, or their adult years, and a family that will never get to watch their kid grow up. Children represent the bulk of deaths in this latest violence—whether by Israeli military bombs and heavy artillery or Hamas's violence on October 7. And it's not just children. More than 17,000 Palestinians (70% of whom are women and children) have been killed and tens of thousands injured in Gaza by Netanyahu's escalating military campaign of airstrikes (and violations of international law) targeting and bombing civilians in refugee camps, hospitals, homes, mosques, churches, and schools.2,3 Aram, our U.S. taxpayer dollars are being used to fund the relentless bombing of Palestinian civilians.4 It's heartbreaking and wrong, and we can do something about it. Will you join in solidarity and sign the petition to say NO to using our tax dollars to kill and bomb Palestinians? Our leaders must stop sending unconditional military aid to support PM Netanyahu's war of aggression and bombardment of Palestinians. Together, we say NO TAX DOLLARS FOR BOMBING CIVILIANS! Sign the petition Netanyahu and his far-right government, the farthest right in Israel's history, are leading a campaign of indiscriminate bombardment, breaking international law both by targeting civilians and using white phosphorus on civilian populations.5 These attacks have exacerbated the existing humanitarian crisis caused by the Israeli government's air, land, and sea blockade that has caused catastrophic loss of life.6 The reality is that the U.S. government is Netanyahu's largest supplier of weapons, and Congress has already passed legislation to send Israel $3.8 BILLION every year for the next five years.7 And on top of this, the Biden administration proposed sending an additional $14 billion of taxpayer dollars in military aid, which will include military weapons such as bombs and tens of thousands of 155mm artillery shells, which have been the Israeli military's weapon of choice on the ground in Gaza.8 Instead of using taxpayer dollars to bomb Palestinian civilians, our leaders should be calling for a ceasefire now. We must come together to say no tax dollars for bombing civilians! More than 1,200 Israelis were killed and more than 240 taken hostage in the Hamas attacks on October 7. And the brutal response and incessant airstrikes launched by Netanyahu following Hamas's attacks have not only escalated the violence and failed to prioritize the return of those held hostage, they have created an unprecedented humanitarian crisis, with 1 in 200 Palestinians killed in Gaza since October 7.9 Entire multigenerational Palestinian families have been killed and erased from the registry. Entire lineages have been wiped out. Nearly half of Gaza's residents are under the age of 16, and 65% are under the age of 25, effectively meaning that Palestinian children are bearing the brunt of the Israeli government's collective punishment. This unacceptable, inhumane, unjust, collective punishment is also a violation of international law. It must end now. Sign the petition to demand that our tax dollars not be used to bomb civilians. Despite the fact that the Israeli government has cut off fuel, water, and electricity from people in Gaza, doctors and nurses are still doing the best they can to treat their patients. Unfortunately, though, more than half of the 30 hospitals in Gaza have been forced to close, and many have run out of necessary medical supplies such as anesthesia and painkillers.10 And many hospitals have been targeted and bombed by Israeli military airstrikes. 50,000 pregnant women and people are at great risk in Gaza too, with miscarriages, premature births, and stillbirths tripling.11,12 One mother, Hind S., almost gave birth to her baby under the rubble in the aftermath of an Israeli airstrike before she was dug out and rushed to a hospital, where her baby was born with a broken leg from the airstrike.13 Aram, these are only some of the horror stories that have come from PM Netanyahu's bombardment of Palestinians. We have to stop this. Will you sign the petition? A United Nations human rights expert has confirmed that Palestinians are facing mass ethnic cleansing at the hands of the Israeli government and occupation forces.14 United States leaders have the massive power to step in and stop it. If we come together, we can make a huge difference. Our collective calls for a ceasefire are working, and demanding that our tax dollars won't be used to bomb civilians is another big step that we can take. And the time is NOW to come together and demand it. Click here to add your name to this urgent petition, and then pass it along to your friends to spread the word. Thanks for all you do. –Mana, Kenia, Melissa, Mona, and the rest of the team Sources: 1. "One child killed in Gaza every 10 minutes on average, says WHO chief – video," The Guardian, November 11, 2023 https://act.moveon.org/go/185449?t=9&akid=370994%2E28470342%2EuD-Ct- 2. "Gaza reports more than 11,100 killed. That's one out of every 200 people," The Washington Post, November 13, 2023 https://act.moveon.org/go/185455?t=11&akid=370994%2E28470342%2EuD-Ct- 3. "Gaza: After two months of war, women last to eat and children first to die," OCHA Services, December 7, 2023 https://act.moveon.org/go/185456?t=13&akid=370994%2E28470342%2EuD-Ct- 4. "Israel's War in Gaza, Subsidized by the USA," The Nation, November 10, 2023 https://act.moveon.org/go/185454?t=15&akid=370994%2E28470342%2EuD-Ct- 5. "Israel: White Phosphorus Used in Gaza, Lebanon," Human Rights Watch, October 12, 2023 https://act.moveon.org/go/184716?t=17&akid=370994%2E28470342%2EuD-Ct- 6. "UN expert warns of new instance of mass ethnic cleansing of Palestinians, calls for immediate ceasefire," Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, October 14, 2023 https://act.moveon.org/go/184711?t=19&akid=370994%2E28470342%2EuD-Ct- 7. "Israel's War in Gaza, Subsidized by the USA," The Nation, November 10, 2023 https://act.moveon.org/go/185454?t=21&akid=370994%2E28470342%2EuD-Ct- 8. Ibid. 9. "Gaza reports more than 11,100 killed. That's one out of every 200 people," The Washington Post, November 13, 2023 https://act.moveon.org/go/185455?t=23&akid=370994%2E28470342%2EuD-Ct- 10. "What It's Like to Give Birth in Gaza," The Intercept, November 8, 2023 https://act.moveon.org/go/185468?t=25&akid=370994%2E28470342%2EuD-Ct- 11. Ibid. 12. "Doctors in Gaza hospital forced to remove premature babies from incubators as supplies run out," CNN, accessed December 8, 2023 https://act.moveon.org/go/185469?t=27&akid=370994%2E28470342%2EuD-Ct- 13. "Giving birth as bombs fall in Gaza: 'My girl came to the world broken,'" NBC News, November 14, 2023 https://act.moveon.org/go/185470?t=29&akid=370994%2E28470342%2EuD-Ct- 14. "Gaza: UN experts call on international community to prevent genocide against the Palestinian people," Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, November 16, 2023 https://act.moveon.org/go/185465?t=31&akid=370994%2E28470342%2EuD-Ct- You're receiving this petition because we thought it might interest you. It was created on MoveOn.org, where anyone can start their own online petitions. You can start your own petition here. Want to support MoveOn's work? Together, we must work to end the filibuster, codify abortion rights into law, and defend our freedoms, our families, and our futures. We can accomplish all this and more, but only if we work together. Will you start a monthly donation right now to power our critical work? Yes, I'll chip in $5 a month. No, I'm sorry, I can't make a monthly donation. Contributions to MoveOn Civic Action are not tax-deductible for income tax purposes. MoveOn.org Civic Action - PO Box 96141, Washington, D.C. 20090-6141. This email was sent to Aram James on December 8, 2023. To change your email address or update your contact info, click here. MoveOn's privacy policy was recently updated. To read our new privacy policy, click here. To remove yourself from this list, click here. From:Neilson Buchanan To:finance.committe@cityofpaloalto.org; Council, City Cc:Shikada, Ed; Nose, Kiely Subject:Re: State Budget Date:Friday, December 8, 2023 12:30:32 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. My email to the Finance Commitee bounced back. I must have an old email address. Therefore, I have readdressed my email to the City Council Neilson Buchanan 155 Bryant Street Palo Alto, CA 94301 650 329-0484 650 537-9611 cell cnsbuchanan@yahoo.com On Friday, December 8, 2023 at 12:27:52 PM PST, Neilson Buchanan <cnsbuchanan@yahoo.com> wrote: I listened to almost every minute of your last meeting. I think the FY24 Palo Alto budget process is as sound as it can be. I have two comments about the last Finance Commitee meeting. First, I did not hear sufficient contingency planning for the awakening state budget issues. I do not have a firm grasp of its severity. And I certainly don't know how state budget pressures trickle down to Palo Alto's budgets, grant expectations, etc. I urge the Finance Committee to be more clear. Second, I have always been supportive of the conservative, fact-based budgeting process provided by Ed Shikada, Kiely Nose and their staff. They are the "best friends" the Finance Committte and Council have. With city staff's factual approach to city finance, the Council and Finance Committee can adapt this staff advice to the inevitable political pressures. Thanks for listening. Economic reality bites as Newsom faces a big California budget problem Neilson Buchanan 155 Bryant Street Palo Alto, CA 94301 650 329-0484 650 537-9611 cell cnsbuchanan@yahoo.com Economic reality bites as Newsom faces a big California budget problem Dan Walters A new report shows that California's economy is slowing. GavinNewsom faces a huge budget problem with income ta... From:D Martell Cc:Lythcott-Haims, Julie; Lydia Kou; Stone, Greer; Joe Simitian; Jay Thorwaldson; Drekmeier, Peter; Council, City; trishasuvari@hotmail.com Subject:MARTELL - Research re City Council Liaison to Lytton Gardens, duties and responsibilities | Vicki Veenker, Councilwoman Date:Friday, December 8, 2023 11:26:14 AM Some people who received this message don't often get email from dmpaloalto@gmail.com. Learn why this isimportant CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Vicki Veenker, JD Councilwoman & Liaison to Lytton Gardens Palo Alto Dear Vicki, Following find contacts for those who may be able to help clarify your City Council duties and responsibilities as Liaison to Lytton Gardens Senior Community. Joe Simitian t: 408.299.5050, Joe.Simitian@bos.sccgov.org Joe Simitian may likely recall the history behind your liaison position because he was a Palo Alto City mayor during the 1990's. Jay Thorwaldson t: 650.255.9022 JayThor@well.com Retired Palo Alto Weekly's Editor Jay Thorwaldson may likely remember details about when and why the City's liaison position was created because he holds a wealth of knowledge re past city government decisions and he has a personal vested interest in Lytton Gardens history. I truly appreciate your determination to define which rights the City has in regards to Lytton Gardens and ultimately, and more importantly, how these rights might work to senior residents' benefit. Yours truly, -Danielle ----------------------- Danielle Martell dmPaloAlto@gmail.com t: 650.856.0700 City Council Candidate 2016 & 2005 - Residentialist From:D Martell To:Veenker, Vicki Cc:Lythcott-Haims, Julie; Lydia Kou; Stone, Greer; Joe Simitian; Jay Thorwaldson; Drekmeier, Peter; Council, City; trishasuvari@hotmail.com Subject:MARTELL - Research re City Council Liaison to Lytton Gardens, duties and responsibilities | Vicki Veenker, Councilwoman Date:Friday, December 8, 2023 11:19:55 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Vicki Veenker, JD Councilwoman & Liaison to Lytton Gardens Palo Alto Dear Vicki, Following find contacts for those who may be able to help clarify your City Council duties and responsibilities as Liaison to Lytton Gardens Senior Community. Joe Simitian t: 408.299.5050, Joe.Simitian@bos.sccgov.org Joe Simitian may likely recall the history behind your liaison position because he was a Palo Alto City mayor during the 1990's. Jay Thorwaldson t: 650.255.9022 JayThor@well.com Retired Palo Alto Weekly's Editor Jay Thorwaldson may likely remember details about when and why the City's liaison position was created because he holds a wealth of knowledge re past city government decisions and he has a personal vested interest in Lytton Gardens history. I truly appreciate your determination to define which rights the City has in regards to Lytton Gardens and ultimately, and more importantly, how these rights might work to senior residents' benefit. Yours truly, -Danielle ----------------------- Danielle Martell dmPaloAlto@gmail.com t: 650.856.0700 City Council Candidate 2016 & 2005 - Residentialist From:Jo Ann Mandinach To:Council, City; City Mgr Subject:affordable housing developments at city parking lots Date:Friday, December 8, 2023 11:17:30 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Please stop destroying downtown access for potential shoppers by eliminating parking, If you can't / won't do that, fire all your "retail consultants" since the answer to why retail is suffering here is painfully obvious. Save us some money on these consults who have no local knowledge and save a few merchants, too. Most sincerely, Jo Ann Mandinach PA, CA 94301 From:alexg@registertoattendforevent.com Subject:Transit – Oriented Development Symposium Toronto March 2024 (Updated Brochure) Date:Friday, December 8, 2023 12:30:37 AM Attachments:Transit-Oriented Development Symposium (Brochure) 2 Aimi.pdf Some people who received this message don't often get email from alexg@registertoattendforevent.com. Learnwhy this is important CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Transit – Oriented Development Symposium Toronto March 2024 (Updated Brochure) Canada welcomed a notable 431,645 immigrants in 2022 with 35% settling in the Toronto region and it plans to keep setting records for the next three years, reaching a half million arrivals in 2025. Building TODs have the potential to address the challenges on providing Ontarians and Canadians with more accessible and affordable housing and connect people with job opportunities. Numerous transit-oriented community developments will be built along the new 15-station subway line in Ontario with over 7,000 new housing units and 55,000 jobs are expected to be generated from these developments. With the province’s decision to remove 7,400 acres of land from the Greenbelt to build housing, it provides developers a golden ticket to get their shovels in the ground and begin work on these TOD communities. The recent Ontario budget reaffirmed the government’s major plans for infrastructure development, encompassing a commitment to allocate $145 billion from 2020 to 2030 specifically to undertake significant investments in public transit. Besides Ontario, British Columbia also has allocated around $394 million for acquiring lands along major public transit corridors to build new affordable and market housing buildings. Investing in transit-oriented developments will help transform the region, providing future investors with more housing opportunities while leveraging the profit of future investments. Transit-Oriented Development Symposium is aimed to create a premier destination for professionals who are passionate about creating sustainable, livable, and connected urban spaces centered around efficient transit systems. Also, showcasing case studies, and exploring innovative approaches to designing, developing, and managing transit-oriented environments. BENEFITS OF ATTENDING THIS CONFERENCE Delving into urban planning strategies and land use policies that promote walkability, accessibility, and mixed-use developments around transit nodes Exploring the economic advantages of transit-oriented development Discussing strategies to provide affordable housing within TOD zones Exploring how TOD can be designed to seamlessly integrate various modes of transportation Examining policy frameworks and regulations on the implementation of TOD project that really work! Please find attached PDF brochure for more content details and our contact information should you have any further inquiries. Only limited seats are allocated for this course. Group registration package available with terms and conditions applied. To register for this international conference, kindly fill in the registration form and fax or email it back to us. Best regards From:Roberta Ahlquist To:Transportation; Council, City Subject:Cross-town shuttles Date:Thursday, December 7, 2023 5:40:06 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. ________________________________ Dear Transportation folks, City Council: There are a lot of lower income Pal Alto seniors who now have no free transportation to get pills, groceries, etc. Please re-start this service to better serve our community. We will get a petition going, if there is no response. Sincerely, Roberta Ahlquist, PA Low-income Senior Housing Committee From:Loran Harding To:Loran Harding; alumnipresident@stanford.edu; antonia.tinoco@hsr.ca.gov; bballpod; bearwithme1016@att.net; Leodies Buchanan; boardmembers; fred beyerlein; David Balakian; beachrides; Cathy Lewis; Council, City; cramirez.electriclab133@gmail.com; Doug Vagim; Daniel Zack; dennisbalakian; dallen1212@gmail.com; dan.richard@earthlink.net; eappel@stanford.edu; Scott Wilkinson; Gabriel.Ramirez@fresno.gov; George.Rutherford@ucsf.edu; huidentalsanmateo; Irv Weissman; info@centralvalleyteaparty.com; Sally Thiessen; Joel Stiner; jerry ruopoli; karkazianjewelers@gmail.com; kfsndesk; Mark Standriff; Mayor; maverickbruno@sbcglobal.net; merazroofinginc@att.net; margaret-sasaki@live.com; MY77FJ@gmail.com; nick yovino; newsdesk; news@fresnobee.com; russ@topperjewelers.com; Steve Wayte; terry; tsheehan; vallesR1969@att.net Subject:Fwd: Reactions to $3.1 billion Fed. grant to Calif HSR Date:Thursday, December 7, 2023 4:56:41 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. ---------- Forwarded message --------- From: Loran Harding <loran.harding@stanfordalumni.org> Date: Thu, Dec 7, 2023 at 4:20 PM Subject: Fwd: Reactions to $3.1 billion Fed. grant to Calif HSR To: Loran Harding <loran.harding@stanfordalumni.org> Thurs. Dec. 7, 2023 To all- Important- Many, mostly Democrat, reactions to the huge $3.1 billion Fed. grant to Calif. High Speed Rail. I am delighted with it. Shumer must be gnashing his teeth over this since he diverted most ot the rail money in the Infrastructure Act to his NE corridor. Gnash on, Senator. Nice try at ruining California. Now we need $12-13 billion more to extend HSR from Merced to Gilroy to San Jose. That would truly transform California's Central Valley. Fresnans could board a luxurious high speed train and be in San Jose in ONE HOUR. Right now it is a two hour and fourty-five minute drive. There they could earn 3X what they earn in Fresno. Silicon Valley cos. could more easily locate facilities in the Central Valley. SV employees could buy beautiful new homes in Fresno for $4,000 per month. Right now, they pay $2,000 to $3,000 per month for crummy old, 600 sq. ft. apartments in Santa Clara, e.g. Some below say the grant is $6 billion. We know $3.1 goes to the Calif. High Speed Rail Authority. Not sure where the other almost $3 billion is going. No one in the comments below says. Will any of that help connect Merced to Gilroy to San Jose's Diridon Station? Hope so. We need $12-13 billion to do that. If we can give Israel and Ukraine $100 billion more, as Biden wants, we can find $13 billion to connect up HSR in the Central Valley to Silicon Valley. I think Biden lost a few million votes with that proposal. Come on, Mr. President, let's have another $13 billion now to build Calif. HSR from Merced to Gilroy to San Jose. That is about 90 miles of route. Or 90 miles Merced all the way to San Francisco, not sure which. As you know, the Chinese add 1,000 miles of HSR per year. All of the engineering and environmental work has been completed. It is shovel-ready. Caltrain is electrifying the route now from San Jose to San Francisco, i.e. installing the catenary. You still need the track Merced to Gilroy to San Jose, including some tunneling under the Pacheco Pass from Merced to Gilroy. High-Speed Rail Supporters React to Grant Award News - loran.harding@alumni.stanford.edu - Stanford Alumni Mail (google.com) L. William Harding Fresno, Ca. From:Rice, Danille To:Council, City; Shikada, Ed Cc:Clerk, City; Executive Leadership Team Subject:City.Council Bundle, December 7 Date:Thursday, December 7, 2023 2:55:33 PM Attachments:FW HRB Considerations - 555 Hale Street -.msg FW Object to be historic property.msg FW Objection to inclusion in Historical Inventory (211 Middlefield Road).msg FW 471 Addison Ave. Palo Alto CA 94301 - Objection Letter for inclusion in the Palo Alto Historical Inventory.msg FW Request for Meeting Objection to Designation.msg FW Opposition to Historic Home status for 1449 and 1451 Edgewood Drive Palo Alto.msg FW Historic Home Designation.msg FW Objection to having 381 Guinda Street added to the Palo Alto Historical Inventory.msg FW HRB Nomination Notice - 2277 Byron Street.msg FW Response to Don Jackson Monday .msg RE Response to your complaint regarding Library management.msg FW Cal Ave closure Country Sun Ada"s.msg image002.png Importance:High Good afternoon Mayor and Councilmembers, On behalf of City Manager Ed Shikada, please see attached staff responses to emails received in the City.Council inbox through December 7, 2023. Respectfully, Danille Danille Rice Administrative Assistant City Manager’s Office|Human Resources (650) 329-2229 | danille.rice@cityofpaloalto.org www.cityofpaloalto.org From:Rodgers, Jeff To:Council, City Cc:Ruby Fong (universitygardenapts@msn.com) Subject:Rental Registry Date:Thursday, December 7, 2023 2:01:30 PM Some people who received this message don't often get email from jeff.rodgers@nmrk.com. Learn why this is important CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Dear Council Members-I recently learned through a friend about a proposed Rental Registry. After reading the website for the Rental Registry I fail to understand its purpose. If the idea is that this will help tenants, then someone needs to explain how this will be accomplished. Nothing in the Registry will aid tenants and it will place a substantial burden on small Landlords of which I’m one. I fail to understand the justification for this legislation and wish I had had more notice of the proposal. Sincerely, Jeffrey A. Rodgers Vice Chairman NEWMARK 3055 Olin Avenue, Suite 2200 San Jose, CA 95128 t 408-987-4143 m 650-303-3300 jeff.rodgers@nmrk.com nmrk.com LinkedIn | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram RE LIC #00942763 NOTICE: This e-mail message and any attachments are intended solely for the use of the intended recipient, and may contain information that is confidential, privileged and exempt from disclosure under applicable law. If you are not the intended recipient, you are not permitted to read, disclose, reproduce, distribute, use or take any action in reliance upon this message and any attachments, and we request that you promptly notify the sender and immediately delete this message and any attachments as well as any copies thereof. Delivery of this message to an unintended recipient is not intended to waive any right or privilege. Newmark is neither qualified nor authorized to give legal or tax advice, and any such advice should be obtained from an appropriate, qualified professional advisor of your own choosing. From:Aram James To:Council, City; Ed Lauing; Gennady Sheyner; Jeff Moore; Joe Simitian; Josh Becker; Julie Lythcott-Haims; Linda Jolley; Gardener, Liz; Zelkha, Mila; Sean Allen; Vara Ramakrishnan Subject:UN Security Council to discuss Gaza ceasefire after Guterres invokes rare rule Date:Thursday, December 7, 2023 12:31:57 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. UN Security Council to discuss Gaza ceasefireafter Guterres invokes rare rule https://www.axios.com/2023/12/06/un-security-council-gaza-article-99-israel-guterres From:Planning Subject:County of Santa Clara Zoning Ordinance Amendments Related to the Housing Element Update: Board of Supervisors Hearing Date:Thursday, December 7, 2023 11:48:28 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Dear Stakeholder, Thank you for your continued engagement in the County of Santa Clara 2023-2031 Housing Element Update. The Board of Supervisors adopted the Housing Element Update on October 17, 2023. As a program of the Housing Element Update and Housing Element law requires the County to rezone sites identified in the Housing Element by January 31, 2024. The County of Santa Clara Board of Supervisors has scheduled a public hearing at the meeting indicated below to consider zoning ordinance amendments. To learn more, please visit the County Housing Element Update webpage. Tuesday, December 12, 2023, no earlier than 10:00 am. Public hearing to consider adoption of Ordinance No. NS-1200.384 amending Appendix I, Zoning of the County of Santa Clara Ordinance Code and Ordinance No. NS-1200.385 amending the official zoning maps pursuant to Section 1.20.060 of Appendix I, Zoning of the County of Santa Clara Ordinance Code relating to the Official Zoning Maps and the creation of a new Housing Opportunity Sites "-os" combining district and provisions related to the Sixth Cycle Housing Element Update. California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA): September 2023 Santa Clara County Housing Element and Stanford Community Plan Update Environmental Impact Report. Location: Countywide. Supervisorial District: All. All interested persons may appear and be heard during the public hearing in regard to the above- referenced matter at the Chambers of the Board of Supervisors at the County Government Center, 70 W. Hedding Street, 1st floor, San Jose, or by virtual teleconference. A link to join the meeting virtually will be published in the agenda, which will be made available in advance of the meeting at this web address: https://sccgov.iqm2.com/citizens/default.aspx?.aspx. Written communications should be filed with the Office of the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors prior to the hearing date by emailing to Boardoperations@cob.sccgov.org or delivering to 70 W. Hedding Street, 10th Floor, East Wing, San Jose, CA 95110. If you challenge this decision, you may be limited to raising only those issues that you or someone else raised at the public hearing described in this notice or in written correspondence delivered to the Office of the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors prior to, or at, the public hearing. Documents will be on file in the Office of the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors located at 70 West Hedding Street, East Wing, 10th Floor, San Jose, on or before the Friday preceding the hearing. For further information relating to the proposal above please contact: Joanna Wilk, (408) 299 5799, joanna.wilk@pln.sccgov.org . From:Aram James To:Council, City; Jeff Moore; Josh Becker; Julie Lythcott-Haims; Zelkha, Mila; Sean Allen Subject:Watch ""Israelism"" on YouTube Date:Thursday, December 7, 2023 12:59:05 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. https://youtu.be/GufWUi6g2Ls?si=QLlBIv15w0lVe8eM View this email in your browser From:LWV Palo Alto To:Council, City Subject:Join Our December "First Thursdays" Tomorrow 12/7! Date:Wednesday, December 6, 2023 8:43:47 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious ofopening attachments and clicking on links. LWVPA First Thursdays Thursday, December 7, 2023 11:00 am - 1:00 pm Hosted by Membership Chair, Sunny Dykwel 480 Gary Court, Palo Alto Join us for a celebration of a successful 2023, while launching 2024 with a drive for membership renewal! Lunch will be served: mini-sandwiches, salad, fruits, desserts, ginger ale, and water. You can bring wine if you’d like! Come to learn what's new at the League, chat with our co-presidents and other Board members, and learn about League opportunities based on your interests and time frames. We will then extend the gathering for a membership drive by calling members who have not yet renewed to complete their renewals online or via mail. Many hands make light work— we hope to see you at this fun social and volunteer gathering at our December First Thursdays! 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:Rhonda Bekkedahl To:Council, City Subject:Agenda item: Affordable Housing in Downtown Palo Alto Date:Wednesday, December 6, 2023 6:43:12 PM Attachments:image001.png 23.12.06 Letter to Council for Affordable Housing.pdf Some people who received this message don't often get email from rbekkedahl@channinghouse.org. Learn whythis is important CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. I am attaching my letter to the Mayor and All City Council members. Please add to your consideration of this important issue. Thank you. Rhonda Bekkedahl CEO & Executive Director 650.324.7596 Direct Confidentiality Notice: This transmission and any attached documents may be confidential and contain information protected by State and Federal Medical Privacy statutes and is legally privileged. They are intended for use only by the addressee. If you are not the intended recipient of this transmission, or an agent of the intended recipient, you are prohibited from reading, disclosing, printing, saving, copying, using or otherwise disseminating any information contained in this transmission. If you received this transmission in error, please accept our apologies and notify the sender via reply e-mail. Please delete the entire message and its attachments. Please consider the environment before printing this e-mail. Thank you. CHANNING HOUSE. ESTABLISHED 1961 December 6, 2023 Dear Madame Mayor and Council Members: I am writing in support of using downtown parking lots to build subsidized, affordable housing. I am the CEO of Channing House where 175 hard-working individuals are employed in positions such as housekeeping, dining services, maintenance, and nursing assistants. While these employees provide critical services to the 250 long-time residents of Palo Alto who now reside at Channing House, their wages do not provide the opportunity to live in Palo Alto without more affordable housing options. Our employees find it necessary to commute further and further distances in order to afford adequate housing for their families. This exacerbates the staffing challenges that we are already facing as a non-profit long-term care provider. Local affordable housing would reduce the number of vehicles on the road, as more employees would be able to walk, bike, or use public transportation. This would benefit efforts to reduce pollution. It would also drastically reduce the number of vehicles parking in the neighborhood surrounding Channing House. Your prompt attention to this need would greatly help our efforts to recruit the employees who are critical to the very important services that we provide at Channing House. Thank you for your consideration, P-L-eic_La co_odJ) Rhonda Bekkedahl CEO 650-324-7596 850 Webster Street, Palo Alto, CA 94301 D 650 327 0950 F 650 324 7585 www.channinghouse.org From:Phillip Stein To:French, Amy; Historic Resources Board Cc:andrew stein; Julie Bolanos Bolanos; Laura Santora Stein; Council, City; Paul Stein Subject:Opposition to Historic Home status for 1449 and 1451 Edgewood Drive, Palo Alto Date:Wednesday, December 6, 2023 4:15:25 PM Some people who received this message don't often get email from phllp_stein@yahoo.com. Learn why this is important CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Dear Ms. French: My name is Bonnie Stein. My address is 1449 Edgewood Drive in Palo Alto. I am 50 percent owner of my home, along with my four children who own the other 50 percent. On my property I also have a separate in-law apartment unit above my garage with the address 1451 Edgewood Dr. Palo Alto. I received word that a Historical Resources Board Meeting is holding a public hearing, upcoming on Jan 11, 2024 @ 8:30 a.m., regarding whether a third grouping of Palo Alto homes will be designated as having historic status or not. I would like to go on record as being staunchly opposed to my home being designated as having historic status. My four children, copied on this email, feel the same way. To be clear, since there is an address confusion, and the HRB believes the main home is at 1451 (the in-law unit), I want to make sure that neither the 1449 or the 1451 addresses are designated as having Historic status. Will registering my objection with you ensure that my home will not be subjected to the historic status designation, or is further action required? Please reply all and let me know. Best, Bonnie Stein 650-326-2772 From:Palo Alto Chamber of Commerce To:Council, City Subject:Member Spotlight: GitKash Date:Wednesday, December 6, 2023 2:00:17 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Meet GitKash, a mobile marketing company for local brick-and-mortar retailers. The GitKash mobile marketing solution transforms the way retailers connect with consumers. They can easily create promotions that attract customers into their store at specific times, attracts new customers, increase total sales, or encourages repeat business, as well as offers that move excess or expiring inventory and highlight new products and services. With GitKash (www.gitkash.com), retailers get immediate, real-time feedback on offer performance and only pay for success. And they reach consumers where they are - on their smartphones. Using GitKash is frictionless. There is no hardware to install, integrations to perform, or operational changes to make. And no contracts, fees, or monthly charges. Retailers can easily manage offers through a user-friendly web interface. Signing up takes about five minutes, and creating promotions takes less than two. GitKash Retailers control the whole process through a simple Web Interface. MEMBER SPOTLIGHT GitKash Web Interface GitKash Web Interface View the GitKash Merchant Info The free GitKash mobile app is available on both the Apple and the Google Play stores. GitKash Mobile App GitKash Mobile App Consumers can search for deals as well as seeing them on a map. Redemption in the store is simple and the same no matter how they pay - debit, credit, cash, or check. With GitKash, retailers can stop paying for anything except success. Learn more at www.gitkash.com, info@gitkash.com or 650.307.6140. Get it on Google Play This email was sent on behalf of Palo Alto Chamber of Commerce 355 Alma St Palo Alto, CA 94301.To unsubscribe click here. If you have questions or comments concerning this email or services in general, please contact us by email at info@paloaltochamber.com. ISRAELISM NOW AVAILABLE TO RENT WORLDWIDE Dear Israelism supporters, Israelism is now available to watch during the first 3 days of Hanukkah, Dec 8- 10. Pre order now at: bit.ly/rentisraelismnow Please share with your friends and family, and we hope you’re able to watch From:Aram James To:<michael.gennaco@oirgroup.com>; Binder, Andrew; Bryan Gobin; Cerise Castle; Cindy Chavez; Council, City; D Martell; Damon Silver; David S. Norris; Dennis Upton; Diana Diamond; District1@bos.sccgov.org; DuJuan Green; EPA Today; Ed Lauing; Enberg, Nicholas; Jensen, Eric; Greer Stone; Greg Tanaka; Human Relations Commission; Jack Ajluni; Jay Boyarsky; Jeff Moore; Jose Valle; Josh Becker; Julie Lythcott-Haims; Kaloma Smith; Karen Holman; Lewis james; Linda Jolley; Zelkha, Mila; Van Der Zwaag, Minka; Bains, Paul; Penni Wilson; Raj Jayadev; Raymond Goins; Roberta Ahlquist; Rosen, Jeff; Salem Ajluni; Sean Allen; Supervisor Otto Lee; Supervisor Susan Ellenberg; Tom DuBois; Vara Ramakrishnan; WILPF Peninsula Palo Alto; Yi Chen; Perron, Zachary; alisa mallari tu; Barberini, Christopher; citycouncil@mountainview.gov; Lee, Craig; cromero@cityofepa.org; dennis burns; Figueroa, Eric; friendsofcubberley94303@gmail.com; Tannock, Julie; kenneth.Binder@shf.sccgov.org; rabrica@cityofepa.org; walter wilson Subject:Re: RENT ISRAELISM ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD THIS HANUKKAH Date:Wednesday, December 6, 2023 1:29:53 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. On Wed, Dec 6, 2023 at 12:57 PM Israelism <contact@israelismfilm.com> wrote: during Hanukkah. Also, Israelism has been covered extensively in the press, and here’s some of the articles covering our film that recently came out. Go to www.israelismfilm.com/press for a comprehensive list. To make a donation to support the film and its rollout please click here. In Solidarity, The Israelism Team Copyright © 2023 Tikkun Olam Productions, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you opted in via our website. Our mailing address is: Tikkun Olam Productions 165 Middlesex Ave #1018 Somerville, MA 02145 Add us to your address book Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list. Donate to Israelism From:Aram James To:<michael.gennaco@oirgroup.com>; Wagner, April; Binder, Andrew; Bryan Gobin; Cindy Chavez; Council, City; Dave Price; David S. Norris; District1@bos.sccgov.org; DuJuan Green; Ed Lauing; Jensen, Eric; Jay Boyarsky; Jethroe Moore II; Joe Simitian; Hornung, Joel; Josh Becker; Julie Lythcott-Haims; KEVIN JENSEN; Linda Jolley; Ortega, Javier; Reifschneider, James; Richard Konda; Rodriguez, Miguel; Rosen, Jeff; Sean Allen; Shikada, Ed; Stump, Molly; Supervisor Otto Lee; Supervisor Susan Ellenberg; Barberini, Christopher; chuck jagoda; Lee, Craig; dennis burns; Figueroa, Eric; Tannock, Julie; kenneth.Binder@shf.sccgov.org; ladoris cordell Subject:Watch "Cop Uses Stun Gun On Handcuffed Black Man Who Was Complying & Threatens Him During Arrest" on YouTube Date:Wednesday, December 6, 2023 12:19:58 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. https://youtu.be/piSzRIXCQR4?si=YB_2f6EkBLVLml6w From:matt@evolutionaryteams.com To:palo-alto@fridaysforfutureusa.org Subject:FFF Follow Up – Dec 1 (Week #99) Date:Wednesday, December 6, 2023 10:04:50 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. We had an amazing turnout for our first *In Spirit* climate strike – a great way to celebrate Week 99! We enjoyed participation from all over the world! Notably, David checked in from COP28 in Dubai where he isfighting to divert billions in fossil fuel subsidies towards the now operational Loss and Damage fund, aimed at addressing the impacts of climate change. Meanwhile, back in the US we made creative climate signsreflecting what’s on our minds– thanks to everyone for participating and keeping our unbroken string of consecutive climate strikes alive. The Climate Mobilization Project fundraising is going amazingly well! So far we’ve raised an outstanding $1,285, a substantial portion of the $10,000 target. Thank you so much for your generosity! If you have notyet chipped in please do so here – every bit helps! Next up, our Week 100 Celebration! It looks like the weather will cooperate so that we can focus on making music, eating pizza and having a grand time. I am looking forward to seeing everyone *In Person* thisFriday. Keep Up the Fight and See You Friday! Social Justice is Climate Justice Upcoming Events Friday Dec 8: Noon to 1:00PM, Climate Strike Week 100 Celebration! – Palo Alto City Hall King Plaza. Friday, Jan 12: Noon to 1:00, Joint Event – Climate Stike and Climate Friends Book Club – we will discuss All We Can Save chapter 5 – King Plaza in front of Palo Alto City Hall EngageOn calendar: https://www.engageon.org/events Peninsula Peace and Justice calendar: https://peaceandjustice.org/events-calendar/ More Climate Action Check out the amazing public comments made at this week’s City Council meeting from PASCC and others about climate and the war in Gaza: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A-2CuhXvs84&t=700s Democracy Now! is broadcasting from Dubai this week and covering the intersectionality of climate and the war in Gaza. Here some are important news segments: On fossil fuel lobbyists: https://youtu.be/lZDsJ-nz-GI?si=Zilm8EKOdwmRfEW- On the intersection of war and climate and NATO budget increases: https://youtu.be/n1TmRuEHaPg?si=0rSWGg-6BPvuTwEJ On climate justice: https://youtu.be/6inFOc-8Xdo?si=ySn1Bt7FoVlb_aSw Matt is fundraising for The Climate Mobilization Project who organize communities in the US on the frontlines of the climate crisis. Please chip in here: https://givebutter.com/ClimateSurvival/mattschlegel Thankyou! Heat Pump Water Heater Program Update Hot off the press: As of:11/30 11/2 10/2 9/7 7/27 6/29 6/1 4/27 HPWH full-service interest list signups 658 604 549 521 459 511 488 466 Site assessment agreements (SAA) sent 658 604 549 519 458 437 399 345 Signed SAAs 500 448 407 387 326 306 280 156 Completed site assessments 437 381 342 311 244 147 111 58 Installations Total Full Service HPWHs installed 140 117 90 70 27 16 12 8 Total DYI HPWH installed 43 37 n/a 13 Total HPWHs installed 183 154 90 83 Target Installations 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 Monthly Installation Rate Monthly Installation Rate 29 64 7 43 13 9 4 7 Target Monthly Installation Rate 83 83 83 83 83 83 83 Highlighted numbers not accurate because of missing data point Weekly Photos FFF Dec 1: https://photos.app.goo.gl/ebH42akFCZgvQrmy9 What We Are Reading/Watching/Listening to: Climate One podcast: https://www.climateone.org/listen-watch/podcasts The Great Simplification with Nate Hagens (podcast): https://www.thegreatsimplification.com/ Follow Fridays For Future Palo Alto: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fridaysforfuture_paloalto/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/Fri4Future_PA Email notifications of FFF Palo Alto events: https://mailchi.mp/c8c130127345/join-fridays-for-future-palo-alto You are receiving this email because you have expressed an interest in supporting climate action in Palo Alto. If you no longer wish to receive these emails, please let me know. From:Henry Etzkowitz To:Council, City; Sandy Perry-HCA Cc:OakCreek Subject:Fwd: Stay in touch with us Date:Wednesday, December 6, 2023 9:28:35 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Sent from my iPhone Begin forwarded message: From: Henry Etzkowitz <h.etzko@gmail.com> Date: December 6, 2023 at 9:22:06 AM PST To: Selina Ellis <SEllis@sares-regis.com> Cc: provost@stanford.edu, Rebecca Eisenberg <rebecca@rebecca4water.com>, Roberta Ahlquist <roberta.ahlquist@sjsu.edu> Subject: Re: Stay in touch with us the dispersed nature of the property and the limit to office hours makes a centralized system virtually useless and is a further degradation of service like the continuing evening and Sunday closure of the Clubhouse. If you believe that one or two shared carts in each building constitute a danger; provide them as standard equipment with each apartment. It would be courteous to provide the tenants association advance notice of contemplated changes Ps residents in bcc Sent from my iPhone On Dec 5, 2023, at 5:38 PM, Selina Ellis <SEllis@sares-regis.com> wrote: Hello Henry, Thank you for reaching out. We have recently made the decision to remove the carts form every building due to the carts obstructing the fire egress and accessibility issues in the lobbies. It is essential to consider potential safety concerns that could arise in emergency situations. The presence of carts in hallways or stairwells can obstruct egress paths, making it more challenging for residents to evacuate the building quickly and safely. While we understand this is an inconvenience for many residents, we have created a cart check out system here at the Resident Services Department in place of removing the carts. We are open Monday- Saturday between the hours of 9AM-6PM. It is also greatly encouraged for residents to purchase their own portable/foldable cart for their personal use that can be stored in the comfort of their own home. If you have spoken to other concerned residents, we encourage them to express their concerns via email at oakcreekapartments@stanford.edu or give us a call at 650- 800-7753. We value the feedback and opinions of our residents, and we will carefully review all the input we receive. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation as we work to balance convenience and safety within our building. We will continue to explore alternatives and solutions that best serve the needs of our residents. Please let me know if you have any further questions or concerns, I can assist you with. Best, SELINA ELLIS | Resident Services Manager OAK CREEK APARTMENTS 1600 Sand Hill Rd. Palo Alto, CA 94304 650-800-7753 (P) https://oakcreek.stanford.edu/ SEllis@Sares-Regis.com <SRG_RESIDENTIAL_LOGO.jpg> From: Henry Etzkowitz <h.etzko@gmail.com> Sent: Tuesday, December 5, 2023 3:10 PM To: OakCreek <OakCreek@Sares-Regis.com> Cc: provost@stanford.edu <provost@stanford.edu>; Lobdell Jinx <jinxlobdell@comcast.net>; Jim Hersh <hershjim2@gmail.com>; Rebecca Eisenberg <rebecca@rebecca4water.com>; Roberta Ahlquist <roberta.ahlquist@sjsu.edu>; Chunyan Zhou <alice1082@hotmail.com> Subject: Re: Stay in touch with us Kindly Restore the shopping carts at each building. Their removal is an inconvenience for Seniors, especially Community of Oak Creek Residents Sent from my iPhone On Dec 5, 2023, at 11:55 AM, Oak Creek Apartments <noreply@gozego.com> wrote: Oak Creek Apartments Dear Residents, Have a question? Send us a message through our Mobile Doorman app! This is a quick and easy way to get in touch with our team. If you haven’t already, download the app by clicking the download button below or by searching for Mobile Doorman in the app store! Have a great day! phone Viewing this on your phone but don't have the app? Free Download for all Oak Creek Apartments residents. From:Dilma Coleman To:Citymanager@beverlyhills.org; Council, City Cc:Shikada, Ed; policechief@fairfield.ca.gov Subject:Fwd: Research on your step father doing harm to Dilma Andrea Coleman age 47.prior to Cindy"s parents divorce..where is Cindy"s expenses? Where"s Cindy"s birth dad dick"s ugly Xxmas sweaters? Answer your 8 ball. Cindy.. Date:Wednesday, December 6, 2023 9:03:29 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Right now I'm not sure if Clocktower cafe is open for their #1 sex trafficked victim...to make nachos or something vocalized Futhermore hostilely arose with Dilma's ordering a mango smoothie. Or a strawberry smoothie. As Dilma is the former employer with Clocktower cafe or future or past owner.. verify it with Palo Alto CA police chief Andrew Binder if Nisha Misha Extorted money from 2002 California lottery winnings payments from the geographic locations for observations of An San Jose CA apartment complex on Rennisance or Clocktower cafe? Do the data and stop gaslighting. Xxmas gift or compensation for those sex trafficked victims must be purchased today for Dilma 12/6/2023 a portable smoothie maker and gift cards for the shakes is what Dilma desires .as a former Fairfield CA firefighter medic and law enforcement agent with Fairfield CA former mayor Price deceased. Elevate the gift card for the appropriate victim Dilma Andrea Coleman. Add up on the unsolved homicide mysteries and gun control games at that Marriott hotel in Fairfield CA near the in n out burger..add up on Denny's. I ain't got no helicopter medic yet so Dilma fell down the helicopter pad at Stanford hospital...name the year it occurred..and whatever else the 8 ball explains. Plus travel and other stuff..that started Dilma's heart failure and cardiomyopathy Futhermore cardiomegaly????? Paul Pelosi was targeted trapped in the car and at the bus stop in mountain view CA near Rogers Cafe.. sandwiches as mountain view CA officers and firefighters who frequent visits in this area near Rotten Robbie gas station. When did Paul Pelosi get pulled over as a drunk driver? Best regards Dilma Andrea Coleman ---------- Forwarded message --------- From: Dilma Coleman <dhappinessforever@gmail.com> Date: Wed, Dec 6, 2023, 8:24 AM Subject: Research on your step father doing harm to Dilma Andrea Coleman age 47.prior to Cindy's parents divorce..where is Cindy's expenses? Where's Cindy's birth dad dick's ugly Xxmas sweaters? Answer your 8 ball. Cindy.. To: <cindy.ogorman@theagencyre.com> Dear Cindy, if you had any favors for your outdoor winter events. ..then it's important to understand that every email that is sent to you is under investigation. Thru ultimatums given for the worst or outrageous competitive behaviors for the sore losers.. Is the 8 ball answers on the agency? it's spoken resolutions for the appropriate healthy communications seen or unseen thru the business ventures of ur step father.. Do no harm.. Ask the 8ball: Does Cindy have a pastor if she's atheist? 8 ball: answers : it's a surprise. Dilma Coleman MD-JD asks the question: Cindy do you know Diva Screws MD JD? Cindy never had anything vocalized with her beliefs in a 8ball. Does quick sand appear better than a Maraj? Any mountain view law enforcement agents arriving to Clocktower cafe complaints on December 6,2023 will offer up their pay for the day.. started today..do no harm on the former employer with mountain view CA police department and fire department employee Dilma Andrea Coleman..stop the abuse now. Look at the picture of the ideology of the angry men that depend on sex trafficking children and disabled women especially when the negro women is Dilma Andrea Coleman the undocumented daughter of Aretha Franklin.. verify it on the next open homes for sell. Shut off the water to the Clocktower cafe now..shut off their electricity. If Cindy doesn't want to believe it that was an order for a missing Mango smoothie Dilma requests. A triple check. The type of sexual assaults abuse that the Clocktower cafe owners done on Dilma Andrea Coleman is not inside a courthouse or something like it's in a community courtcase at Mitchell park library. Dilma Coleman isn't the scary part...it's Santa Clara county DA Jeff Rosen plus his cohorts affiliated with their gambling addictions with their own personal itinerary whereas it's hard to seperate their favorite lover's from the victim witness. Did Cindy gain access to reviews the security tapes at dollar tree when an attacker sexual assaults Dilma had went shopping push up and wigs with glued extensions had calmed down and dilma is bald..with no braided hair as usual because of the owners of Clocktower cafe. There's no police report on it and it's not gonna disappear on an etch a sketch. Clocktower cafe owner Joel and Persian ownership Misha must end their ownership now. Stop sex trafficking children and disabled women Dilma Andrea Coleman ...stop making Porno sites behind the photographer using dignity on wheels washing mobile services. Joel has done harm with his Filipino women employment with Stanford hospital..harm of Dilma Andrea Coleman must end now. Stop the unethical RN nurses and doctors from their performance their tormenting assaults inflicted on Dilma Andrea Coleman at the Stanford adult ER . Verify it. Do no harm. That's Dilma's complaint to Cindy. It's important to understand it's over Paul Pelosi sail boat that type of competition is on again and again year after year. The unsolved homicide mysteries are currently over Maria Hsaio. Clocktower cafe owner Joel retired firefighter and law enforcement agents has a business partner Nisha calls police on a disabled women Dilma Andrea Coleman because they sex trafficked Dilma Andrea Coleman. Stop the falsifying statements about Edwin Castro being the best Powerball lottery winner. Verify that on 2002 Nisha calls for help to gather information quickly about the reality of how to Extort money from California lottery winnings payments intended for Dilma Andrea Coleman. It's that type of morning. Best regards Dilma Andrea Coleman From:Charlie Weidanz To:Council, City Subject:Holiday Specials At Our Hotels Date:Wednesday, December 6, 2023 8:30:17 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Hotel Holiday Events Hotel Citrine's Holiday In-Laws Package Holiday Deals: Sheraton - The Westin - The Clement Palo Alto Santa's Coming to Dinah's! Holiday Happier at Graduate Palo Alto Hotel Citrine's Holiday In-Laws Package Hotel Citrine's Holiday In-Laws Package Flyer Whether you need an extra room or two for visiting guests or are seeking your own R&R from the festivities, the Holiday In-Laws Package at Hotel Citrine will be the gift that keeps on giving! Overnight Package Includes: $25 Daily Credit to Wild Onion Bistro & Bar 2 Signature Cocktails on Arrival Overnight Valet Parking Package available November 18, 2023 - January 14, 2024 *2-Night stay minimum Hotel Citrine offers an elevated spot to stay in Palo Alto, with amenities the entire family can enjoy during the holidays. Take a dip in the plunge pool, elevate your heart-rate at our state-of-the-art fitness center, rent one of their PUBLIC bicycles to explore Palo Alto’s many bike paths and enjoy a farm-fresh meal and craft cocktails at Wild Onion Bistro & Bar. Book Online Holiday Deals: Sheraton - The Westin - The Clement Palo Alto Holiday Deals: Sheraton - The Weston - The Clement Palo Alto Flyer Book Online: Sheraton & The Westin Holiday Special Rate The Clement Palo Alto Holiday Special Rate Santa's Coming to Dinah's! Santa's Coming to Dinah's flyer Stay at Dinah's and see Santa on December 15th & 16th, 2023 Join Dinah's from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM for Hot Chocolate & Cookies, a picture of Santa, and other fun activities! RSVP REQUIRED: Call (650) 493-2844 and mention "Cookies with Santa". Get Santa's special deals when you stay at Dinah's on December 15th and 16th. RSVP Required: Email reservations@dinahshotel.com or call (650) 493-2844 and mention "Santa's Invite" Santa's Staying to Dinah's Holiday Happier at Graduate Palo Alto Holiday Happier 2023 - Graduate Hotels flyer Host your holiday party at the Graduate Palo Alto's President's Terrace rooftop or Lou & Herbert's. Book by December 30, 2023 for parties hosted before January 30, 2024. LIMITED AVAILABILITY Contact: sales@graduatepaloalto.com for more info. See Our Upcoming Events Learn 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 click here. If you have questions or comments concerning this email or services in general, please contact us by email at info@paloaltochamber.com. From:Loran Harding To:Loran Harding; alumnipresident@stanford.edu; antonia.tinoco@hsr.ca.gov; bballpod; David Balakian; bearwithme1016@att.net; Leodies Buchanan; boardmembers; fred beyerlein; Cathy Lewis; Council, City; cramirez.electriclab133@gmail.com; Doug Vagim; dennisbalakian; dallen1212@gmail.com; Daniel Zack; dan.richard@earthlink.net; eappel@stanford.edu; Scott Wilkinson; Gabriel.Ramirez@fresno.gov; George.Rutherford@ucsf.edu; huidentalsanmateo; hennessy; Irv Weissman; Sally Thiessen; jerry ruopoli; Joel Stiner; karkazianjewelers@gmail.com; kfsndesk; maverickbruno@sbcglobal.net; merazroofinginc@att.net; margaret-sasaki@live.com; MY77FJ@gmail.com; Mark Standriff; Mayor; nick yovino; news@fresnobee.com; newsdesk; russ@topperjewelers.com; Steve Wayte; terry; tsheehan; vallesR1969@att.net Subject:Fwd: New Elon interview re Cybertruck Well worthwhile Date:Tuesday, December 5, 2023 11:58:46 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. ---------- Forwarded message --------- From: Loran Harding <loran.harding@stanfordalumni.org> Date: Tue, Dec 5, 2023 at 10:42 PM Subject: New Elon interview re Cybertruck Well worthwhile To: Loran Harding <loran.harding@stanfordalumni.org> Tues. Dec. 5, 2023 To all- Elon Musk and Sandy Munro discuss the Cybertruck! - YouTube Wow. Well worth seeing. L. William Harding Fresno, Ca. From:Marshall Koch To:French, Amy; Historic Resources Board Cc:Council, City; Stewart Koch Subject:Historic Home Designation Date:Tuesday, December 5, 2023 9:12:10 PM [Some people who received this message don't often get email from squawskier1975@gmail.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. ________________________________ To Whom It May Concern, I am writing in response to our home at 1726 Fulton Street in Palo Alto being placed on the historic home designation list. I would like to state for the record that we do not want our home included on this list. My brother Stewart Koch who is cc’d on this email and I are co owners of the house. The house is currently for sale and we are not comfortable burdening the future owner with a designation they may not want. If for any reason we choose to take the house off of the market we do not want to be included on this list. To be clear and blunt please remove 1726 Fulton Street from your list of historic homes. There needs to greater outreach to homeowners about this process and all that it entails. Simply sending a letter that states if you do not respond by a certain date a decision will be made for you is not neighborly or legal. Respectfully, Marshall Koch From:Mark Vershel To:French, Amy; Historic Resources Board Cc:Council, City; Mark Vershel; Teri Vershel Subject:Objection to having 381 Guinda Street added to the Palo Alto Historical Inventory Date:Tuesday, December 5, 2023 4:52:05 PM Some people who received this message don't often get email from mark@vershel.com. Learn why this is important CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Dear Amy and the HRB, To our knowledge there has been no interior review of our house (at 381 Guinda St) by the city or their consultants. In addition there have been substantial changes to the home since its initial construction that have eliminated any historic character that may have existed. We object to including our home in the Palo Alto Historical Inventory. Regards, Mark & Teri Vershel Mark Vershel (650) 400-9590 cell From:Humphrey, Sonia Cc:Abello, Emmanuel; Palacherla, Neelima; Noel, Dunia Subject:LAFCO’s Countywide Fire Service Review Final Report - Now Available Date:Tuesday, December 5, 2023 4:48:20 PM Attachments:image001.png Some people who received this message don't often get email from sonia.humphrey@ceo.sccgov.org. Learn why this is important CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Dear Affected Agencies, Organizations, and Interested Parties: The Final Report for the Countywide Fire Service Review, adopted by LAFCO on October 4, 2023, is now available on the LAFCO website. We thank you for your time, participation, and assistance throughout the Countywide Fire Service Review project. As a next step and as directed by the Commission, LAFCO staff will contact affected agencies and request a written response from each of the agencies on their plans for implementing the Report’s recommendations and will inform the Commission of each agency’s written response. Best regards, Sonia Humphrey, LAFCO Clerk LAFCO of Santa Clara County 777 North First Street, Suite 410 San Jose, CA 95112 (408) 993-4709 From:Sean Stettner To:French, Amy; Historic Resources Board Cc:Council, City; azadeh nezhat Subject:HRB Nomination Notice - 2277 Byron Street Date:Tuesday, December 5, 2023 2:01:51 PM Some people who received this message don't often get email from sean.stettner@gmail.com. Learn why this is important CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Simply stated, my wife and I, Azadeh Nezhat and Sean Stettner, OBJECT to a historical designation on our property at 2277 Byron Street, Palo Alto, CA 94301. The city’s decision to establish a historic designation on our property is completely arbitrary. Essentially the house has been deemed to be an “attractive early California Ranch style building.” While we agree that the house is attractive, which is why we bought it, the reason for designating the house “historic” is no more than a description of the house and its apparent history. By this logic nearly every old building could qualify as “historic” simply by reciting its history and then explaining that the construction reflects some particular style. The analysis supporting the established criteria is severly lacking. Criteria 2 requires the structure represent a style “important to the city, state, or nation.” But the nomination does not explain why this house’s style was important to anyone, let alone the city, state, or nation. An example of a building that would qualify under Criteria 2 would be a building that served as an important fortification in a war or possibly a home that used an innovative design to make the home more likely to withstand earthquakes. The reason the nomination package does not explain why our house qualifies under Criteria 2 is simple: there is no coherent way to make such a case. The house simply is not (and never was) important. Criteria 5 simply says “the architect or building was important.” This criteria is a tautology as there is no explanation as to how one determines if an architect or building “was important.” To the degree that the building itself was important it should qualify under Criteria 2, which (as explained above) our house does not. Criteria 5 also says the “architect was important.” But our house was not designed by an architect. Notably, a close inspection of the Stedman history reveals that NONE of their houses should qualify because the Stedmans were not actual architects. Marcus Stedman “in fact never finished the internship required for an architectural license.”( https://www.pastheritage.org/Stedman.html) And his brother simply obtained an engineering degree. The Palo Alto Stanford Heritage itself admits that Marcus Stedman “couldn’t legally call himself an architect.”( https://www.pastheritage.org/Stedman.html) Because neither brother was an architect, our house literally cannot qualify under the “architect” portion of Criteria 5. Rather than truly focus on the actual criteria, a very small group of people have deemed the period or house significant in their personal opinion. In reality the lack of history of this house demonstrates this this house has no historical significance. No significant recorded historical events took place in or around the home. A lawyer and his wife commissioned the house. They were not significant historical figures. The brothers who built the house are not important historical figures. They designed and built dozens of well-built homes from the 1930’s to the 1960’s. But that alone does not make the home “historic.” Aside from the fact that the home does not meet any of the criteria set forth, an individual historic designation on our property does not provide any benefit to the neighborhood or community as a whole. No one cares, except for the city employees responsible for this project and us, the homeowners. The proposed designation will come at cost to us, not only financially, but also infringe on our ownership rights to our property. When we bought the house we understood existing regulations, such as zoning laws applied. And we bought the house subject to those existing rules. But to impose a new restriction on our specific house almost certainly would be deemed to be a taking under the Constitution’s Takings Clause. Our family already must incur additional cost to enhance our property for live-ability, energy efficiency, and aesthetic design. We already appreciate our property, and if we choose to improve it for ourselves, we do not need a government designation to regulate our options and choices. We know how to make decisions that will maintain the integrity, style and design of our home, while making it more livable for us. The city does not need to make it more restrictive for us compared to our neighbors. In summary, we love our property and will care for it without the need of a government’s historical designation. We object to the proposal to list our property included any historical index or designated in any way that infringes on our rights to modify or improve the property. Sincerely, Sean Stettner Azadeh Nezhat From:Patty Irish To:Council, City Subject:Agenda item: Affordable Housing in Downtown Palo Alto Date:Tuesday, December 5, 2023 12:59:01 PM Attachments:Letter to Council for Affordable Housing on downtown parking lots 12-5-23.docx Some people who received this message don't often get email from irishpw@gmail.com. Learn why this is important CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Attached in my letter to the Mayor and All the City Council members. Please add to your considerations of the important issue. Patty Irish -- Patty Irish 850 Webster St. #628 Palo Alto, CA 94301 650-324-7407 650-245-3906 cell How do you tell a story that has been told the wrong way for so long? From:Helene Grossman To:Council, City Subject:Biking safety issues Date:Tuesday, December 5, 2023 10:01:08 AM Some people who received this message don't often get email from helenegrossman@gmail.com. Learn why thisis important CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Dear City Council, I am reaching out regarding two PaloAlto311 tickets that I filed about 3 months ago, related to bike safety. I have not received a response on either of these tickets, and I am not sure what to do next. Could you help me escalate these tickets to the Office of Transportation or otherwise advise me on next steps? Here are the tickets: #14230901. This is in regards to the sidewalk leading to Ohlone Elementary. This sidewalk has such a shallow rolling curb that drivers have difficulty telling the difference between street and sidewalk. As a result, cars end up driving on the sidewalk, right near young children walking/biking/scootering to school. If the City could add some demarcation between road and sidewalk (for example, posts or a vertical curb), it would make it safer for all the kids going to school. #14437242. This is in regards to the roundabout at E Meadow and Ross Rd. According to the City traffic engineer, traffic on Ross Rd always has the right of way here since it is a 2-way stop. However, they also advised that Ross Rd traffic should use caution and yield if there is traffic in the roundabout, despite not having a yield sign. Therefore, vehicles approaching on Ross Rd and vehicles going around the roundabout both justifiably believe they have the right of way. This is confusing and unsafe. Over a hundred kids bike through this roundabout on their way to JLS, and I'm hoping the City could make it a 4-way stop (i.e., just add stop signs on Ross Rd) to ensure that bikes in the roundabout can finish their traversal without being cut off by vehicles approaching on Ross Rd. Thank you! Sincerely, Helene Grossman From:Jim Migdal To:French, Amy; Historic Resources Board Cc:Council, City; Victoria Thorp Subject:HRB Considerations - 555 Hale Street - Date:Tuesday, December 5, 2023 9:37:16 AM Some people who received this message don't often get email from jimmigdal@gmail.com. Learn why this is important CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Hi Amy and HRB, I am writing regarding my home at 555 Hale St, Palo Alto, Ca 94301 which I think is on the list for consideration by the HRB. Victoria Thorp, my wife, and I bought our home in 2011 and remodeled it in 2012. The house was built in the 30s and then extensively remodeled and expanded in 1997. We love the house and the neighborhood, but it's not a historic house and we do not want it to be considered by the HRB. I believe we are late in responding - I think a response was requested initially in October, but I think there is another consideration in January. Let me know what other input may be helpful. We changed the address from 551 to 555 Hale in 2012 and sometimes the databases don't update. Thanks, Jim From:James Poppy To:Council, City Subject:Re: [Request received] Ticket # 2708 Date:Tuesday, December 5, 2023 9:01:28 AM Some people who received this message don't often get email from jpoppy55@icloud.com. Learn why this isimportant CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Sorry, but I failed to mention that the importance of the parking issue around the school is that Castilleja’s current TDM would not count cars on the street, just cars that pull into drop off areas. All cars should be counted, and it will be even more important during construction. On Dec 5, 2023, at 8:52 AM, City Council <city.council@cityofpaloalto.org> wrote: Thank you for your comments to the City of Palo Alto. If your message is for City Council, it will be forwarded to all seven Council Members and a printout of your correspondence will also be included in the next available Council packet. If your comments are about an item that is already scheduled for a City Council agenda, you can call (650) 329-2571 to confirm the item is still on the agenda for the next meeting. If your message mentions a specific complaint or request for service, we’ll either reply with an explanation or send it to the appropriate department for clarification. We appreciate hearing from you. Thank you! This email is a service from City of Palo Alto. Delivered by Zendesk [PK9PJ4-3RKNL] From:James Poppy To:Council, City Subject:Castilleja continues to lie to neighbors Date:Tuesday, December 5, 2023 8:52:15 AM [Some people who received this message don't often get email from jpoppy55@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 clicking on links.________________________________ Council Members,At the November neighborhood meeting with Castilleja, acting head of school Kathy Lyendecker stated that people not associated with the school were parking on Emerson Street, which is completely disingenuous. Photos attached show that students and staff are adhering to the agreement to park on their side of the street. It was also brought to her attention that a large percentage of students and staff are not applying parking stickers to their cars. Yesterday, for example, there were 22 cars parked on Emerson, and only 3 cars had stickers. The same thing happens in the senior parking lot, where about 20% of the cars had stickers. Commissioner Lait has consistently sided with the school and has no problem lying to neighbors. Please consider appointing a council member as a go-between with the school and neighbors. You approved this project so please take some responsibility for enforcing it. Regards,Jim PoppyMelville Avenue Sent from my iPad From:Aram James To:Council, City Subject:car-dwelling-ban-would-demonize-the-homeless/ Date:Monday, December 4, 2023 7:28:32 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. From the archives of Aram James https://www.mercurynews.com/2013/08/02/aram-james-car-dwelling-ban-would-demonize- the-homeless/ From:Aram James To:Council, City Subject:Vehicle habitation ban Date:Monday, December 4, 2023 7:23:09 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. https://www.mercurynews.com/2014/11/12/palo-alto-council-expected-to-repeal-vehicle- habitation-ban/amp/ View this email in your browser. Visit us on www.lwvpaloalto.org, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter DECEMBER VOTER December 4, 2023 In this Issue Message from our Co-Presidents LWVPA Updates First Thursdays Membership Renewal November 2023 Board Meeting Highlights Advocacy Reports Events in the Community From:LWV Palo Alto VOTER To:Council, City Subject:LWVPA December VOTER - Have You Renewed Your Membership? Date:Monday, December 4, 2023 5:21:06 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious ofopening attachments and clicking on links. Subscribe to our Google Calendar Ranked Choice Voting In the News VOTE411 2024 Presidential Primary Election Happy Holidays from LWVPA! Message from our Co-Presidents Dear Members, It’s December and all the holiday excitement has finally arrived! When our news is filled with suffering and division, it’s a good time to remind ourselves about what brings us joy and fulfillment, and to embrace and celebrate those nearest us—our families, friends and colleagues who help shape our community and bring meaning and joy into our lives. And in that vein, we want to celebrate YOU! Each of you is a valued thread in the fabric of our League and we especially appreciate those who volunteer to ensure that our League continues to thrive and have a positive impact on our community. A special new way to deepen our understanding of topical issues is our First Thursdays casual meetups. In November a group of “Leaguers” got firsthand insights from Adina Levin, co-founder of Seamless Bay Area, about local transportation innovations and agreements between agencies and public transit designs to serve all Bay Area communities more efficiently. Special thanks to Membership Chair Sunny Dykwel for launching our annual membership drive, which includes the December renewals. You should have received your renewal notice already and there’s more information in this newsletter. Please renew now—we need you! And on that topic, our December First Thursday will be a membership renewal activity on December 7th hosted by Sunny at her home with a light lunch and tempting treats. Join us for a fun opportunity to connect with your League friends and help re-engage them in our work. More information available below. Special thanks also to our Housing Committee that reached out to the City Council about the need for more affordable, equitable housing and for creating a rental registry. The League continues to advocate for strategies that will make a real difference in our housing situation for people of all ages and incomes. Thank you to Lisa Ratner and her committee for their terrific work on this critical issue. We’re thrilled to announce that Erika Buck has agreed to fill the spot of Nominating Committee Chair for this year and to develop next year’s slate of officers and directors. While this committee meets only for a short time, its work guarantees the sustainability of our League’s leadership and has a direct effect on the success of all our efforts. Please consider joining Erika to help in this important effort. It’s not a big time commitment but it will have a big impact! We look forward to seeing all of you on Wednesday, December 6th, for our Winter Luncheon at Il Fornaio, featuring the inspirational Donna Norton, founder of MomsRising, a network of people around the nation, united by the goal of building a more family-friendly America. Wishing you happy holidays, Judy Kleinberg and Nancy Shepherd Co-presidents LWVPA Updates LWVPA First Thursdays Thursday, December 7, 2023 11:00 am - 1:00 pm Hosted by Membership Chair, Sunny Dykwel 480 Gary Court, Palo Alto Join us for a celebration of a successful 2023, while launching 2024 with a drive for membership renewal! Lunch will be served: mini-sandwiches, salad, fruits, desserts, ginger ale, and water. You can bring wine if you’d like! Come to learn what's new at the League, chat with our co-presidents and other Board members, and learn about League opportunities based on your interests and time frames. We will then extend the gathering for a membership drive by calling members who have not yet renewed to complete their renewals online or via mail. Many hands make light work— we hope to see you at this fun social and volunteer gathering at our December First Thursdays! Membership Renewal We’ve begun our annual membership renewal cycle and we hope you will continue to support LWVPA by renewing your membership and participating in League events and activities. Members received an email notification on November 1. Please log in to your Member account to complete the renewal. Members will be able to pay online using PayPal, credit card (after choosing the PayPal option), or by mailing us a check. To log in to your account, just go to the LWVPA website and click <Member Login> at the top right. If you do not remember your username or password, click the button <Forgot My Username/Password>. Questions? Please contact members@lwvpaloalto.org. Thank you for your continued support of LWVPA. We also welcome new members to join HERE! - Sunny Dykwel, Membership Director November 2023 Board Meeting Highlights The November Board meeting included discussions of LWVUS plans to transition membership dues and a lively discussion on fundraising and the range of reserves the Board should encourage in our budget planning process. Approved Motions: Approved nomination of Erika Buck to serve as chair of Nominating Committee. Approved response to the LWVC request, expressing that we endorse LWVC to make comments on closing loopholes in federal gun licensing online. Approved that LWVPA 1) pursue a best practice of aiming to have a 9- to-12-months budget in reserves; and 2) we submit this recommendation to our Budget Committee to review in the spring and suggest changes to the practice at that time. Approved consent calendars for October and November including approval of minutes, two EAC letters to City Council, and the addition of the Palo Alto Chamber Foundation as an allied organization. We will not have a Board Meeting in December due to the holidays. Our next Board Meeting is on Tuesday, January 23, 2024. All members are welcome to join the meeting by emailing contact@lwvpaloalto.org. - Megan Swezey Fogarty, Secretary Advocacy Reports Local Advocacy In October and November 2023, your Board wrote letters supporting policies which would help stem the rising unaffordability of our city to low- and moderate-income households and help decrease greenhouse gas emissions by encouraging shorter commutes. Our letters went to: 1. the County Board of Supervisors, supporting updates to the Stanford University Community Plan to require: a) Stanford to locate at least 70% of new housing on campus and only 30% off campus; b) no development in the Foothills for 99 years unless approved by a 4/5 vote of supervisors; and c) no new net car trips in or out of Stanford during peak commuting hours. The Supervisors adopted these recommendations and went even further, upping the percent of on campus housing to 75%. Read the letter HERE. 2. the City of Palo Alto, supporting increased height and density along El Camino Real, close to transit centers, to accommodate housing units required by our regional fair share of low, moderate and above moderate-income housing. We also urged the city to consider increasing height and density in other high opportunity neighborhoods close to transit, such as the downtown transit center. We reminded the city that low- and moderate-income housing would need local financing as well as appropriate zoning and urged the city to consider new local sources, including bond financing. Read the letter HERE. 3. the City of Palo Alto, supporting an ordinance implementing a rent registry which would require mandatory reporting of rental increases, vacancies, notices to quit and unlawful detainers. We also urged the city to study enforcement mechanisms, such as a tenant right to counsel, to prevent unjust evictions and the loss of low- and moderate-income households. Eviction filings have risen dramatically in Santa Clara County since the end of the pandemic. The rental registry will inform what kinds of rental protections and enforcement mechanisms would help stem forced evictions of our tenant community (46% of households). Read the letter HERE. National Advocacy LWVUS strongly criticized an appellate court ruling that there is no private right of action for violations of Sec. 2 of the Voting Rights Act as undermining our democracy. See HERE. LWV Pennsylvania and allies won a federal court ruling that mail ballots without a handwritten date on outside envelope must be counted. See HERE. - Lisa Ratner, Advocacy Chair Events in the Community Ranked Choice Voting Two listening sessions about ranked choice voting— how it works and when it might be used in Santa Clara County—are scheduled in December by the California Ranked Choice Voting Coalition (CalRCV) in partnership with County Supervisor Otto Lee. An in-person session will be Wednesday, December 6, 6-7 pm at Maker Nexus in Sunnyvale. Register HERE. A Zoom presentation is scheduled for Thursday, December 14, 6-7 pm. Register HERE. In the News Voter's Edge resource changing to VOTE411 For decades, voters in California have turned to Voter's Edge, an online voter guide, to learn more about the candidates and measures on their ballot. Starting in 2024, Leagues in California will switch to a national similar platform, VOTE411, used by LWV throughout the country. Local Leagues will continue to contact local candidates to encourage them to post information about the qualifications and priorities. Voters will go to the VOTE411.org website, enter their address, and see what's on their personal ballot. The site also includes convenient links for voter registration, voting options, and information on Candidate Forums and Pros & Cons presentations. If you would like to be part of the new VOTE411 volunteer team for our League, please email contact@lwvpaloalto.org. There will be a training sessions: For new volunteers: Thursday, December 7, 12 noon - 1 pm. Register HERE. For returning volunteers (those who previously worked on Voter's Edge): Monday, December 4, 12 noon - 1 pm Register HERE. Wednesday, December 6, 10 - 11 am Register HERE. Presidential Primary Election is March 5, 2024 Dec. 13 is the deadline for candidates to file to be on the ballot for the Presidential Primary Election in California on Tuesday, March 5, 2024. Mailing of Vote-By-Mail ballots begins on Monday, February 5. The last day to register to vote for the March 5 election is Monday, February 19. March ballots will include candidates for these elective offices: U.S. President U.S. Senator for California All U.S. Congressional districts in California State Senate districts 13 &15 All State Assembly districts Santa Clara Board of Supervisors districts 2, 3 & 5 San Jose Mayor San Jose City Council even-numbered districts (2, 4, 6, 8 & 10) The League will be holding Candidate Forums for some of these races, and information on candidates will be available to voters on VOTE411.org (formerly Voter's Edge). Look out for more information on the dates. Happy Holidays from LWV of Palo Alto! LWVPA Board Officers & Directors OFFICERS Nancy Shepherd & Judy Kleinberg Co-Presidents Liz Kniss 1st Vice President, Immediate Past President Lisa Ratner 2nd Vice President, DIRECTORS Paula Collins Parliamentarian Karen Kalinsky Collaborations Hannah Lu Communications Advocacy Megan Swezey Fogarty Secretary Theivanai Palaniappan Treasurer TBD Voter Services Bonnie Packer County Council Chair Sunny Dykwel Membership Terry Godfrey Fundraising LWVPA Off-Board Civil Discourse Liaison Susan Owicki Civics Education Chair TBD DEI (Diversity, Equity & Inclusion) Chair TBD Education Gail Price Events Myra Lessner Housing & Transportation Steve Levy Local Campaign Finance Reform Lisa Ratner, Elizabeth Weal & Karen Kalinsky LWVPA Board Folder Task Force Hannah Lu Natural Resources/Climate Nominating Committee Erika Buck, Chair Paula Collins Hannah Lu Observer Corps Katie Causey Gun Violence Prevention Hilary Glann Stacey Ashlund Social Media Rachel Kellerman Chloe Chan VOTER and E-Blast Editors Hannah Lu Ella Debenham Ellen Forbes Voter's Edge Clinton Lewis Meg Durbin Webmaster Rachel Kellerman Change Hilary Glann Mary O'Kicki Stay Informed! Sign Up for LWV California & LWVUS News & Alerts Click here to sign up for LWVC Newsletter and LWVC Action Alerts Click here to sign up for LWVUS Email News (at bottom) and LWVUS Action Alerts How to contact your elected officials All your elected officials United States President Joseph R. Biden (202) 456-1414 Senator Laphonza R. Butler (202) 224-3841 Senator Alex Padilla 202-224-3553 Rep. Anna Eshoo (650) 323-2984 California Governor Gavin Newsom (916) 445-2841 Senator Josh Becker (650) 212-3313 Assemblymember Marc Berman (650) 691-2121 Santa Clara County Supervisor Joe Simitian (650) 965-8737 joe.simitian@bos.sccgov.org Other Areas in California Locate your elected officials by using your street address JOIN A TEAM Learn More About Our Teams and Programs on our Website! Facebook Twitter Website 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. Questions? Please contact communications@lwvpaloalto.org. From:Wolfgang Dueregger To:Council, City Cc:Lydia Kou; Pat Burt Gmail; Greer Stone; Lauing, Ed; Wolfgang Dueregger Subject:Printers Cafe on California Ave Date:Monday, December 4, 2023 4:24:50 PM Some people who received this message don't often get email from wolfgang.dueregger@alumni.stanford.edu. 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, I would like to ask you to only allow expansion/modification of the adjacent gym (Performance Gaines) if the current Printer's Cafe is not negatively impacted in any way. I also want to emphasize that no changes to the building's exterior should be allowed and especially this beautiful mural on the Birch Street side of the building must be preserved. Please make sure enough insulation is put into place between Printers Cafe and the gym so that when people drop weights, etc. the adjacent Printers Cafe is not negatively affected. And lastly, any approval of any changes to the shared building between Printers Cafe and the gym must be contingent on the fact that Printers Cafe is offered fair rent. This has been the case most of the time until the recent change of ownership of the combined building. It is my understanding that the renewal of the lease for Printers Cafe is extremely high and inconsistent and completely unrealistic with the actual revenue streams of the cafe. If this happens, you know exactly where we are heading. No More Printers Cafe, another empty building, and the same fate as Country Sun and all the small businesses across from Printers who went out of business over the last 10 years (many of them already pre-Covid) because of the exorbitant rents and leases. The owners of all these buildings are investors and don't care about the neighborhood. Otherwise potential tenants would be offered a fair rent or lease and all these buildings would not sit empty for MANY years already... please take this into your consideration. thank you Wolfgang Dueregger From:Don Jackson To:French, Amy; Historic Resources Board Cc:Lait, Jonathan; City Attorney; Shikada, Ed; Council, City Subject:Prior public disclosure of HRB staff presentations and letters to the HRB, Brown Act requirements? Date:Monday, December 4, 2023 3:47:15 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Honorable Board members and Ms French, I request that staff presentations to the HRB and public communications (emails & letters) to the HRB be made available publicly, prior to each HRB meeting. In my previous experience as a commissioner on the UAC, it was my understanding that both items were required to be accessible by the public before the meeting in order to comply with the Brown Act. For example, on the UAC "2023 and 2022 Utilities Advisory Commission Agendas & Minutes" web page, the “Agenda and Packet” link for the “December 06, 2023” meeting provides the agenda, copies of all staff presentations and reports that will be discussed/presented at the meeting, and includes a link to “Public Letter(s) to the UAC”. Why isn’t the HRB and staff providing these documents, before the meetings, or at all? I have not seen/found a link to access public letters to the HRB for previous (or the upcoming December 14th) HRB meetings. In addition, the December 14th agenda has not been posted to the HRB website as of today, but was published (as a legal notice) on December 1st in the Palo Alto Daily Post. The staff presentation for the November 9th meeting was not made available prior to that meeting (AFAICT, I wasn’t able to find it…), but seems to have been made available at some point thereafter on the “2023 Reconnaissance Survey” web page. (and that page is not referenced/linked-to from the meeting documents on the meeting calendars!) Because it was not provided beforehand, and it was not presented prior to the public comments time for that agenda item, I was unable to comment on important information within the presentation at that meeting. Please provide copies of any staff presentations/reports and public letters to the HRB prior to the upcoming December 14th, January 11th, and January 25th meetings. Additionally, please provide copies of public letters to the HRB for the past November 9th meeting, including objection letters Ms French asked to be sent to directily to her or to the consultant. Finally, why doesn’t the HRB web page provide a way to sign up for automatic notices of upcoming meeting agendas, like the UAC web page? E.g. "Subscribe to the Utilities Advisory Commission email list to receive agendas directly in your inbox" Regards Don Jackson From:Chuck Jagoda To:Aram James Cc:<michael.gennaco@oirgroup.com>; Baker, Rob; Cindy Chavez; Council, City; David S. Norris; Diana Diamond; DuJuan Green; Ed Lauing; Human Relations Commission; Jack Ajluni; Jay Boyarsky; Jeff Moore; Joe Simitian; Josh Becker; Julie Lythcott-Haims; Kaloma Smith; Karen Holman; Linda Jolley; Zelkha, Mila; Van Der Zwaag, Minka; O"Neal, Molly; ParkRec Commission; Patricia.Guerrero@jud.ca.gov; Roberta Ahlquist; Rodriguez, Miguel; Rosen, Jeff; Salem Ajluni; Sean Allen; Supervisor Otto Lee; Supervisor Susan Ellenberg; Tom DuBois; Vara Ramakrishnan; WILPF Peninsula Palo Alto; Perron, Zachary; alisa mallari tu; Barberini, Christopher; dennis burns; friendsofcubberley94303@gmail.com; ladoris cordell Subject:Re: I found this on NewsBreak: ‘Awful News’: Christiane Amanpour Says ‘At Least Nine Members’ of CNN Producer’s Family Killed in Gaza Date:Monday, December 4, 2023 2:12:57 PM Some people who received this message don't often get email from jagodachuck@gmail.com. Learn why this isimportant CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Did you hear about the NYC Jewish teacher (at Hillcrest High) who was chased by pro Palestinian students? On Mon, Dec 4, 2023 at 1:33 PM Aram James <abjpd1@gmail.com> wrote: I found this on NewsBreak: ‘Awful News’: Christiane Amanpour Says ‘At Least Nine Members’ of CNN Producer’s Family Killed in Gaza https://share.newsbreak.com/5kpc0g3l From:Aram James To:<michael.gennaco@oirgroup.com>; Baker, Rob; Cindy Chavez; Council, City; David S. Norris; Diana Diamond; DuJuan Green; Ed Lauing; Human Relations Commission; Jack Ajluni; Jay Boyarsky; Jeff Moore; Joe Simitian; Josh Becker; Julie Lythcott-Haims; Kaloma Smith; Karen Holman; Linda Jolley; Zelkha, Mila; Van Der Zwaag, Minka; O"Neal, Molly; ParkRec Commission; Patricia.Guerrero@jud.ca.gov; Roberta Ahlquist; Rodriguez, Miguel; Rosen, Jeff; Salem Ajluni; Sean Allen; Supervisor Otto Lee; Supervisor Susan Ellenberg; Tom DuBois; Vara Ramakrishnan; WILPF Peninsula Palo Alto; Perron, Zachary; alisa mallari tu; Barberini, Christopher; chuck jagoda; dennis burns; friendsofcubberley94303@gmail.com; ladoris cordell Subject:I found this on NewsBreak: ‘Awful News’: Christiane Amanpour Says ‘At Least Nine Members’ of CNN Producer’s Family Killed in Gaza Date:Monday, December 4, 2023 1:33:50 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. I found this on NewsBreak: ‘Awful News’: Christiane Amanpour Says ‘At Least Nine Members’ of CNN Producer’s Family Killed in Gaza https://share.newsbreak.com/5kpc0g3l From:E Nigenda To:Council, City; Eggleston, Brad; Shikada, Ed; Bobel, Phil; Weiss, Julie Cc:Keith Bennett; Rita Vrhel Subject:Re: Agenda item #6, Amendment No. 2 to . . . Extend the Contract 3.5 years through June 30, 2027 for Sea Level Rise Adaptation Plan Development Date:Monday, December 4, 2023 1:21:48 PM Attachments:1-16-21 GW Rise and Construction.pdf CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Dear City Council Members, We are concerned and disappointed by yet another, and very lengthy, postponement of Palo Alto’s Sea Level Rise Adaptation Plan. By contract, this Plan was first due June 21, 2023. The first Amendment to the Plan extended the due date to December 21, 2023. Just as we think we’re about to finally have a Plan, we’re told it will be three and a half more years before we have a plan (unless, of course, we get more amendments). In the meantime, due to State mandates and the urgent need to develop housing, the City is permitting non-climate resilient building construction. We are putting future residents in harm’s way. Why? Because we have no Plan and thus no building codes and regulations that mandate climate resilient building practices. Almost three years ago, in a letter to City Council (please see attached copy), we mentioned some impacts rising sea and groundwater levels will have on the built environment. Chief among these, where the groundwater level is already high, are The mobilization of toxic contaminants Salinization of groundwater which leads to increased corrosion /deterioration of building materials and risk of premature failure of buildings Increased hydrostatic pressure and increased buoyancy of underground construction also leading to premature failure of buildings unless these factors are preemptively accounted for in the building’s design Increased risk of flooding when creating underground “dams” to the flow of groundwater. Increased risk of flooding due to significant soil removal for underground construction In the meantime, San Mateo County already has a plan that helps guide the cities and unincorporated areas in the County: "In 2022, OneShoreline also engaged with the cities of San Carlos and San Mateo to account for climate-driven flooding, sea level rise, and groundwater rise in their General Plan Draft Goals, Policies, and Actions." OneShoreline’s Planning Guidance Policy. As our knowledge of the impacts of climate-driven flooding, sea level rise, and groundwater rise evolves, Palo Alto’s Sea Level Rise Adaptation Plan will necessarily need to keep improving. Please do not let the perfect be the enemy of the good enough. There will always be one more study that needs doing. While we wait for Palo Alto’s Adaptation Plan to be finalized, we respectfully request that building codes and regulations be updated to account for and mitigate the problems we’re already aware of. This will help diminish climate change driven risk to the City and its residents. Thank you for your service to our community, Keith Bennett, Ph.D. Rita Vrhel, R.N. Esther Nigenda, Ph.D. Dear City Council Members: This timely article1 from KQED, “Groundwater Beneath Your Feet Is Rising with the Sea. It Could Bring Long-Buried Toxic Contamination with It” is critically important and relevant to Palo Alto. In this article Mr. Grant Cope, deputy director of California’s Department of Toxic Substances Control, states, "One of the most important things that people can do is to require local governments to pass enforceable standards that apply to groundwater rise due to sea level rise. These should include local requirements for new buildings and cleanups." We know the City is aware of the issue of rising groundwater with sea level rise; both are being studied and will be included in the City’s Sea Level Rise (SLR) Vulnerability Assessment and Sea Level Rise Adaptation Plan due in June 2023. But can Palo Alto safely wait until 2023 before starting to address the anticipated impacts of sea level rise and the concurrent groundwater rise on our City? With the recent approval of the EIR for 788 San Antonio Road and the entire Project Area on San Antonio Road from Middlefield Road to East Charleston, we believe Palo Alto cannot wait. Neither the EIR for this project nor City Staff nor City Council addressed the various issues associated with underground construction, groundwater, toxic plumes, sea level rise or ground water rise, which all converge in this area. This lack of adequate review puts Palo Alto at risk. Chief among these risks, where the groundwater table is high, such as at 788 San Antonio Road are: 1. Excessive waste of a natural resource – groundwater – due to dewatering for underground construction 2. The rise of groundwater with sea level rise and consequent: a. Mobilization of existing contaminant plumes due to construction dewatering and/or groundwater level rise, b. Increased buoyancy and hydrostatic pressure on underground construction which are not addressed in Palo Alto’s current construction codes or plans, c. The resulting salinization of groundwater which can lead to increased corrosion and shorter lifespan of structures and infrastructures and d. Risk of saline contamination in groundwater as a potential source of emergency drinking water. Major concerns related to the cumulative impacts of the ever- increasing number of underground structures, including those planned for the 788 San Antonio Road Program Area, have not been adequately addressed. These are: 1. Underground structures, especially several in close proximity to each other, can impede natural underground water flows by synergistically acting as a dam to the flow of groundwater.2 Visualize that groundwater flow cut off or disrupted as Palo Alto’s groundwater flows from the foothills towards the Bay. 2. The potential for widespread sheet flooding is increased by soil removal during construction. Soil, besides its important functions of sequestering carbon and supporting structures, canopy and infrastructure, retains precipitation and regulates groundwater flow. The more soil removed, the greater the risk of flooding. Recent studies3,4 suggest the impacts of sea level and groundwater level rise will be felt by the mid-2030s in areas where groundwater level is 13 feet or less below ground surface or up to a mile inland. The expected lifetime of a structure built today is 50+ years; any new building with underground construction built in areas of high groundwater will be impacted by the issues mentioned above. Since underground construction is considered permanent, it will be more difficult and expensive to remedy impacts to the proposed projects, neighboring structures and infrastructure than if these impacts are considered and mitigated before construction.5 Palo Alto has an urgent need to plan proactively for the inevitable sea level and ground water level rise. It also must avoid creating underground dams, protect our groundwater supplies and ensure safe construction. As such, Save Palo Alto’s Groundwater will be asking Council to consider additional Regulations to strengthen our Groundwater Ordinance. We ask the City Council to enact a temporary moratorium on underground construction in areas where the (summer) groundwater levels are less than 13 feet below ground surface until comprehensive regulations are adopted. We look forward to working with all stakeholders on this important and timely topic. Thank you for considering our comments, Keith Bennett, Ph.D. Rita Vrhel, R.N. Greg Zicarelli, Ph.D. Esther Nigenda, Ph.D. Save Palo Alto’s Groundwater 1. Groundwater Beneath Your Feet Is Rising with the Sea. It Could Bring Long-Buried Toxic Contamination with It https://www.kqed.org/science/1971582/groundwater-beneath-your-feet-is-rising-with-the-sea-it-could-bring-long-buried- toxins-with-it 2. Preene, M, Roberts, T and Powrie, W, Groundwater control: design and practice, second edition, London, CIRIA, 2016; 209p, p. 81. 3. New tool projects high-tide flooding in U.S. coastal locations https://www.hawaii.edu/news/2020/12/14/high-tide-flooding-locations-us/ 4. Sea-level rise and coastal groundwater inundation and shoaling at select sites in California, USA. J. Hydrol.: Reg. Stud. (2015), http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ejrh.2015.12.055 5. FEMA: Building Codes Save Factsheet https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/2020-07/fema_building_codes_save_factsheet-04302020.pdf From:slevy@ccsce.com To:Council, City; Planning Commission Cc:Lait, Jonathan Subject:some recent articles about housing Date:Monday, December 4, 2023 12:01:28 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of openingattachments and clicking on links. Dear Council and PTC members, Below are three articles from the past week about housing The first article below documents how adding housing in DTN Sunnyvale did produce an upturn in retail/dining and other activity https://sanjosespotlight.com/downtown-sunnyvales-housing-anchors-the-community/ The second article below reports on how Menlo Park provided more zoning incentives for housing DTN as part of moving toward a compliant housing element. https://www.almanacnews.com/news/2023/11/30/menlo-park-council-votes-to-allow-development-of- up-to-100-housing-units-per-acre-in- downtown#:~:text=28%20meeting%2C%20the%20Menlo%20Park,past%20year%20and%20a%20half The third article below reports on how recent increases in apartments coming online have led to rental concessions/lower rental costs. https://www.mercurynews.com/2023/11/30/free-rent-with-apartment-supply-increasing-landlords- turn-to-concessions/ I encourage you to consider how these recent trends and actions can be translated into Palo Alto plans Stephen Levy From:James Stephens To:French, Amy; 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:Re: Regarding the Application for Amending of PC2343 - 702 Ellsworth Place and 2901 - 2905 Middlefield Road Date:Wednesday, November 29, 2023 7:07:19 PM Attachments:Palo Alto City Council.docx Some people who received this message don't often get email from jstephensdds@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 my revised letter regarding the Application for Amending of PC2343 - 702 Ellsworth Place and 2901 - 2905 Middlefield Road. Please include my letter in the printed packet for the December 11th City Council Meeting. I teach in San Francisco at the University of the Pacific School of Dentistry and will be unable to present in person. Thank you, James Stephens James D. Stephens, DDS Midtown Professional Building 2075 Middlefield Road Palo Alto, CA 94306 650.248.6717 Notice of Confidentiality: This communication and any accompanying document(s) may contain health information that may be confidential or privileged. The information is intended for the sole use of the individual named above. If you receive this electronic transmission in error you areadvised that any disclosure including copying, distribution, or the taking of any action is strictly prohibited. Moreover any such inadvertent disclosure shall not compromise or waive the HIPAA compliance privilege in the communication or otherwise. If you have received this communication in error, please contact Stephens & Park, DDS 650.321.9693 On Wed, Oct 25, 2023 at 5:10 PM James Stephens <jstephensdds@gmail.com> wrote: Please find attached my letter regarding the Application for Amending of PC2343 - 702 Ellsworth Place and 2901 - 2905 Middlefield Road. Please include my letter in the printed packet for the November 6th City Council Meeting. I will be out of town and unable to present in person. Thank you, James Stephens James D. Stephens, DDS Midtown Professional Building 2875 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto, CA 94306 650.248.6717 jstephensdds@gmail.com Notice of Confidentiality: This communication and any accompanying document(s) may contain health information that may be confidential or privileged. The information is intended for the sole use of the individual named above. If you receive this electronic transmission in error you are advised that any disclosure including copying, distribution, or the taking of any action is strictly prohibited. Moreover any such inadvertent disclosure shall not compromise or waive the HIPAA compliance privilege in the communication or otherwise. If you have received this communication in error, please contact Stephens & Park, DDS 650.321.9693 TO: Palo Alto City Council Re: Regarding: LEGISLATIVE - Amending Planned Community 2343 zoning for 2901 - 2905 Middleﬁeld Road 11/30/2023 Dear Amy French, Mayor Kou, Vice Mayor Stone, and members of the City of Palo Alto City Council, I am wri�ng today to comment on the unintended consequences of the development project at Elsworth Place and Middleﬁeld Road. My wife and I own the Medical Dental building on the corner of Middleﬁeld Road and Suter Avenue in Palo Alto. Known as the Midtown Professional Building, it has provided oﬃces for neighborhood Physicians and Den�st since the late 1950’s. Addi�onally, we both prac�ced den�stry in Suite #1 of the building for almost 40 years. My concern is regarding the loss of access to parking for residents on Elsworth Place and the sugges�on that they can simply park on Suter Avenue. It is not quite that simple because Suter is already impacted by vehicles from the residents of high density living, school and church parking and recently camper vans that regularly use the street for more than overnight parking. Over the years we have had Suter Avenue residents forced to park in our lot which is reserved for our pa�ents and employees. Telling the Elsworth Place residents that they can simply go around the corner to park is disingenuous as few spaces are available at any �me of the day let alone a�ernoons and evenings. The issues around parking in the lot for the Midtown Professional Building will be signiﬁcantly magniﬁed by this near-sighted recommenda�on. The result of displacement of the residents of the Elsworth Place community’s parking will be a signiﬁcant nega�ve eﬀect on the residents and businesses on Suter Avenue and Middleﬁeld Road. Addi�onal demand will lead to a signiﬁcant quality of life issues for the many Suter Avenue residents who already have to search for adequate parking. I would strongly encourage the City Council and Planning Department to ﬁnd a solu�on that allows for adequate parking on the Elsworth Place site and does not increase the demand on the already dense parking on Suter Street that will impact the healthcare oﬃces and the community they serve. Thank you for your considera�on. Respec�ully, James Stephens, DDS Midtown Professional Building 2875 Middleﬁeld Road Palo Alto, CA 94306 650 248-6717