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Home My Public Portal AboutFebruary 26, 2024 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: 2/26/2024 Document dates: 2/20/2024 – 2/26/2024 Note: Documents for every category may not have been received for packet reproduction in a given week. From:Fred Balin To:Council, City Cc:City Mgr Subject:Heart"s in the right place, but ... Date:Monday, February 26, 2024 11:44:29 AM [Some people who received this message don't often get email from fbalin@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 clickingon links.________________________________ … neighbors need to be informed, consulted, and possibly won over, before a temporary, inclement-weather,overnight city location for those without shelter is put into place. It is also not to be unexpected that some residents, through fear, ignorance, misunderstanding, or other reasons, mayhave reservations. That did happen in a few instances in College Terrace when the annual, winter season rotation ofthe Women’s Shelter first came to University Church on Bowdoin Street a decade ago. Heart and HomeCollaborative, our neighborhood association board and other residents were able to work through it as there wasbroad support for the program. So, my thought is to apologize for the failure to lay the groundwork, but continue the effort during the balance of thebad-weather season, and set a future time for outreach to residents who would be most impacted by this and anyfuture, similar plans on city-owned property. Thank you, Fred BalinCollege Terrace From:Gita Dedek To:Council, City Subject:Petition for Mitchell Park Place Date:Monday, February 26, 2024 11:06:18 AM Some people who received this message don't often get email from gitadedek@comcast.net. Learn why this isimportant CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Dear Honorable Mayor, Vice Mayor, and Council Members, I am writing to express wholehearted support for a grant to AbilityPath from the City of Palo Alto to offer programs and services for people with developmental disabilities and the Palo Alto community at large on theground level of Mitchell Park Place, an exciting project to provide much- needed inclusive programs to our community. As we collectively strive for progress, this initiative stands out as a testament to your commitment to uplifting the lives of community members of all abilities.The services offered by AbilityPath within Mitchell Park Place are all transformative. Here’s why they matter: 1. Exercise, Mindfulness, and Wellness Programs: o Nurturing physical and mental well-being, theseprograms empower participants to lead healthier lives. 2. Career Development Services: o Equipping individuals with skills, confidence, andopportunities to thrive in the workforce. 3. Independent Living Skills Services: o Empowering individuals with the practical skills needed for independent living. From daily routinesto self-advocacy, these services foster autonomy and confidence. 4. Education Initiatives: o Lifelong learning is essential. These initiatives fostergrowth, curiosity, and a sense of achievement. 5. Financial Literacy Workshops: o Empowering financial independence and responsible decision-making. 6. Art Classes and Music Classes: o Creative expression knows no bounds. These classes unlock hidden talents, provide joy, and help individuals communicate their thoughts andfeelings. 7. Computer Training: o Digital literacy opens doors to communication, education, and independence. 8. Services for Stroke and Brain Injury Clients: o Compassionate care for those navigating uniquechallenges. 9. Office Space for Social Services: o A hub where individuals can access vital resources, connect with others, and receive personalizedsupport. By supporting AbilityPath’s work at Mitchell Park Place, you are investing in a future where everyone has a seat at the table. Our community thriveswhen we embrace diversity, celebrate abilities, and create spaces that uplift everyone. Thank you for championing this cause. Together, we will build a stronger, more inclusive Palo Alto.Sincerely, Gita, Jan & Gabi Dedek 505 Lowell Ave., Palo Alto, CA 94301 Sent from Mail for Windows View this email in your browser We are proud to announce our upcoming Virtual Speaker event: LWVPA Virtual Speaker Event Wednesday, March 27, 2024 From:LWV Palo Alto Speaker SeriesTo:Council, CitySubject:Free Speech in the Digital Age & The Mass Extinction of American JournalismDate:Monday, February 26, 2024 10:35:47 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious ofopening attachments and clicking on links. 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm Featuring our Guest Speaker Rachael Myrow Senior Editor of KQED’s Silicon Valley News Desk Free Speech in the Digital Age & The Mass Extinction of American Journalism American journalism, like the other pillars of our democracy developed 250 or so years ago now, is struggling to keep up. Worse, struggling to stay alive. You might be thinking, “I’ve got more news coming at me on my phone, 24/7, than I can handle!” KQED's Rachael Myrow is not discounting your experience. She's warning that what many of us observe about the state of journalism right now is like a wet year late into a mega drought; the larger trend lines point to the challenges in the digital age. BIO: Rachael Myrow is Senior Editor of KQED's Silicon Valley News Desk. You can hear her work on NPR, The World, WBUR's Here & Now, and the BBC. She also guest hosts for KQED's Forum. Over the years, she's talked with Kamau Bell, David Byrne, Kamala Harris, Tony Kushner, Armistead Maupin, Van Dyke Parks, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Tommie Smith, among others. Before all this, she hosted The California Report for 7+ years, reporting on topics like assisted living facilities, the robot takeover at Amazon, and chocolate persimmons. She has won numerous awards for her work. Rachael holds degrees in English and journalism from UC Berkeley. Outside of the studio, you'll find Rachael hiking Bay Area trails and whipping up Instagram-ready meals in her kitchen. LWVPaloAlto.org Facebook YouTube LinkedIn Email Email Copyright © 2024 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. Register Now From:Dilma Coleman To:Council, City Subject:Stop Peter eater Doesn"t eat scouts money for his drugs and other violations with Blackmailed lists with attorney Jennifer Bonjean . Peter Dixon caucasian male as if he"s Taiwanese with sex toy addictions with Greek mulattos Dana firestarter. Date:Monday, February 26, 2024 9:46:31 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Check out dilmacoleman's video! #TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTL1LRM6N/ Circle all Heirs hairs hares inside Palo Alto CA fantasy Island City Hall Stanford University Adult ER. Stop all law enforcement agents who desperately need residency on Churchill Avewith the worst Valley Medical Center Hispanics abusing the health system connected with Cali lottery winnings payments for their personal itinerary for church and arborists peel off thedevil's slide within self driving Tesla controller with Downsyndrome female rescued. Go away arsonist planners employments with PG&E. Go away fire restorations planners connected toBerber carpet installation and other vegan Paint delirium list of items bolonga below knee and round Table Pizza 2 projects behind off the wall. Eat Tea go home. Attorney Jennifer Bonjean is the worst..doing harm with a Dopplergamer of RKelly's identityand that man drives a taxi does harm. List the geographic locations whereas attorney Jennifer Bonjean an opera type of investigations is doing sexual assaults inflicted on Porno sites behindthe photographer whereas Singer RKelly's is with Dopplergamers doing more harm using his deceased brother's music lyrics that were written collectively with the truth about Actor WillSmith his own personal addiction with gambling with Islanders smoke pigs in a blanket with the European immigrants living inside of the Hyatt's elevator and other Palestinians doingfalsetto false alarm with posters circulated near the highest drug sales of Fetanayl Ketamine other than children with mental health and other type of cancers are with the worst scamsattached to the children's hospital. Ronald McDonald House collection at McDonald's. As a little bit compassionate show all geographic locations whereas California lottery winnings payments intended for Dilma Andrea Coleman is used up for nasty Hispanic peoplerelated to Juan Martinez or something else vocalized about lesbians rejecting Donald Trump's fetishes of lesbians and his transphobic stories about his daughter being a pedophile creep asDonald Trump's is never a creepypasta with a voice message of happiness. Best regards Dilma Andrea Coleman From:Samina Sundas To:Council, City Subject:Sharing the joy of interfaith Iftar dinner with our extended family and friends. Date:Monday, February 26, 2024 9:31:00 AM Attachments:2024 Interfaith Iftar dinner invitaion.docx Some people who received this message don't often get email from saminasundas@gmail.com. Learn why this isimportant CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Dear Friends, it would be a joy to see you all at ourannual Interfaith Iftar dinner. We will have a brief program about the month of Ramadan. And would loveto answer all your questions about the significance of Fasting in Islam. Yummy complimentary dinner will be served. Looking forward to seeing you all,Samina Sundas There is an Eventbrite link below. Please register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/840970494387 From:David Coale To:Council, City; Shikada, Ed; Abendschein, Jonathan; Lait, Jonathan; Eggleston, Brad Subject:Suspension of all electric code Date:Monday, February 26, 2024 9:02:21 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. Dear Mayor and Council members, It is too bad that Palo Alto is suspending it’s all electric code for what is a technicality in the law suit brought against Berkeley for their ban of gas piping in new buildings. Berkeley is correct in calling out the health issues with gas use in buildings. The BAAQMD has passed a ruling that new appliances should produce zero Nox starting in 20271, due to health issues with the combustion of natural gas. This rule however did not address gas cooktops in that BAAQMD does not address indoor air quality. This is, in my mind, another unfortunate technicality as gas cooktops produce much worse air quality and potential health issues (https://www.mothersoutfront.org/news/gas-stoves-health-and-air-quality-impacts-and- solutions/)2 than the other gas appliances in the home. With Staff’s recommendations, Palo Alto will have three different sets of rules for gas use in the home within a year’s time frame. Another unfortunate outcome of a technicality where no other city, accepting Berkeley, has had a problem with their gas bans. It would be best to just keep the codes the way they are until the change is ready to be put in place, reducing extra work and confusion of having three different rules. In any event, the Development Center should be reminding all applicants that are looking to install gas cooktops, that according to real estate law, any item or condition that might affect the cost of a home upon sale, must be disclosed to the buyer. This would include gas cooktops as multiple studies have found that childhood asthma rates are 20% higher in homes with gas cooktops3. Sincerely, David Coale ---------- 1 FAQ on BAAQMD ruling for zero Nox appliances: https://www.baaqmd.gov/~/media/dotgov/files/rules/reg-9-rule-4-nitrogen-oxides-from-fan-type-residential-central-furnaces/2021-amendments/documents/20230522_faq_appliance- rules_final-pdf.pdf?rev=b425fe938f644fa7839f8d938cad41fd 2 Study by Physicians for Social Responsibility, Rocky Mountain Institute, Sierra Club and Mothers Out Front. Many references cited in the appendix of this report. https://www.mothersoutfront.org/news/gas-stoves-health-and-air-quality-impacts-and-solutions/ 3 Population Attributable Fraction of Gas Stoves and Childhood Asthma in the United States: https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/20/1/75 From:Palo Alto Chamber of Commerce To:Council, City Subject:Last Few Days Register: Women in Enterprise Speaker Series - Margaret Jackson, #1 Radio Personality in Silicon Valley Date:Monday, February 26, 2024 8:00:30 AM Some people who received this message don't often get email from info@paloaltochamber.com. Learn why this isimportant CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Women In Enterprise ad The Palo Alto Chamber of Commerce Presents: Women in Enterprise Speaker Series Unleash the Waves of Wisdom, Come join us and the #1 Small Business Radio personality in Silicon Valley, Margaret Jackson. With over 7.75 million listeners, Margaret will be the keynote speaker for Women in Enterprise, hosted by the Palo Alto Chamber of Commerce. Friday, March 1, 2024 8:30 AM to 10:00 AM Light breakfast provided Generously Hosted By Jazz Pharmaceuticals 3170 Porter Dr. Palo Alto, CA 94304 $20 for Members $35 for Non-Members >Register Online Elevating and supporting professional women across all industries in Silicon Valley. This email was sent on behalf of Palo Alto Chamber of Commerce 355 Alma St Palo Alto, CA 94301.To unsubscribe clickhere. If you have questions or comments concerning this email or services in general, please contact us by email atinfo@paloaltochamber.com. From:Bonnie Street To:Council, City Subject:Sunset property in Menlo Park Date:Monday, February 26, 2024 7:56:14 AM [Some people who received this message don't often get email from bonniecstreet@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. ________________________________ Dear City Council Members, Today in the San Francisco Chronicle on the front page is an article regarding the Sunset property on Willow Road and Middlefield Road. A developer is proposing to build three towers on this property. The towers would be 421 feet, 371 feet, and 305 feet. This area is already extremely congested with traffic. What would happen if these were to be built? I live on Hamilton Avenue and I often use Middlefield to get into Menlo Park. I think Palo Alto needs to be involved/aware of this situation. Should these towers be build it would gravely affect Palo Alto. Sincerely, Bonnie Street 1146 Hamilton Ave., Palo Alto, CA 94301 Sent from my iPhone From:Rice, Danille To:Council, City; Shikada, Ed Cc:Executive Leadership Team; Clerk, City Subject:City.Council Bundle_February 26 Date:Monday, February 26, 2024 7:07:46 AM Attachments:FW Lets tag them no tags on any of these vehicles .msgRE Trees along Caltrain.msgRE Crescent Park crime.msgFW Palo Alto 311 - what to do issues with no response.msgRE BikeBus Lanes on ECR.msgimage001.png Good morning Mayor and Councilmembers, On behalf of City Manager Ed Shikada, please see attached staff responses to emails received in the City.Council inbox through February 26, 2024. Respectfully,Danille Danille RiceAdministrative AssistantCity Manager’s Office|Human Resources(650) 329-2229 | danille.rice@cityofpaloalto.orgwww.cityofpaloalto.org From:Ann Balin To:Council, City Subject:Library used as shelter Date:Sunday, February 25, 2024 9:55:36 PM [Some people who received this message don't often get email from alafargue@mac.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. ________________________________ Mayor Stone and Council Members, The Home Health Collaborative has operated efficiently the women’s shelter for ten years in College Terrace. I attended the College Terrace Residents’ Association board meeting last Thursday evening where the city’s librarian Diana Learned was present. She explained to the board that the homeless people staying in the library overnight would leave in the AM and the library would be open to the public in the daytime. The library‘s use as a shelter would be seasonal especially during atmospheric rivers. I mentioned that I have no issue with the homeless getting shelter there. Home and Heart Collaborative has a respected track record in Palo Alto. I spoke for myself and was not representing the board’s view as there was no vote on this topic. What I object to is the City Manager Ed Shikada not informing the community of the use of the downtown library as a shelter. The mayor and council members were never informed either. This disregard for the residents shows a lack of transparency to say the least. Now there are Palo Altans who not knowing the library is available during the day feel disrespected by the city manager’s decision. The city manager could have avoided confusion by engaging the community before opening the shelter. The College Residents’ Association held a community meeting with the neighbors before the women’s shelter opened ten years ago. To chant to the community that the city is all about transparency rings false. Respectfully, Ann Lafargue Balin Sent from my iPhone From:Rachel Paley To:Council, City Subject:Grant to AbilityPath Date:Sunday, February 25, 2024 7:29:07 PM Some people who received this message don't often get email from rstenn201@gmail.com. Learn why this isimportant CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Dear Honorable Mayor, Vice Mayor, and Council Members, I am writing to express wholehearted support for a grant to AbilityPath from the City of Palo Alto to offer programs and services for people with developmental disabilities and the Palo Alto community at large on theground level of Mitchell Park Place, an exciting project to provide much- needed inclusive programs to our community. As we collectively strive for progress, this initiative stands out as a testament to your commitment to uplifting the lives of community members of all abilities. The services offered by AbilityPath within Mitchell Park Place are all transformative. Here’s why they matter: 1. Exercise, Mindfulness, and Wellness Programs: o Nurturing physical and mental well-being, theseprograms empower participants to lead healthier lives. 2. Career Development Services: o Equipping individuals with skills, confidence, andopportunities to thrive in the workforce. 3. Independent Living Skills Services: o Empowering individuals with the practical skills needed for independent living. From daily routinesto self-advocacy, these services foster autonomy and confidence. 4. Education Initiatives: o Lifelong learning is essential. These initiativesfoster growth, curiosity, and a sense of achievement. 5. Financial Literacy Workshops: o Empowering financial independence andresponsible decision-making. 6. Art Classes and Music Classes: o Creative expression knows no bounds. These classes unlock hidden talents, provide joy, andhelp individuals communicate their thoughts and feelings. 7. Computer Training: o Digital literacy opens doors to communication,education, and independence. 8. Services for Stroke and Brain Injury Clients: o Compassionate care for those navigating unique challenges. 9. Office Space for Social Services: o A hub where individuals can access vital resources, connect with others, and receive personalized support. By supporting AbilityPath’s work at Mitchell Park Place, you are investing in a future where everyone has a seat at the table. Our community thriveswhen we embrace diversity, celebrate abilities, and create spaces that uplift everyone. Thank you for championing this cause. Together, we will build a stronger, more inclusive Palo Alto. Sincerely, Rachel Paley 201 Creekside Drive, 94306 From:Loran Harding To:Loran Harding; alumnipresident@stanford.edu; antonia.tinoco@hsr.ca.gov; fred beyerlein; David Balakian;Leodies Buchanan; bballpod; bearwithme1016@att.net; boardmembers; Council, City; Cathy Lewis;cramirez.electriclab133@gmail.com; dennisbalakian; Doug Vagim; dan.richard@earthlink.net;dallen1212@gmail.com; Daniel Zack; eappel@stanford.edu; Scott Wilkinson; Gabriel.Ramirez@fresno.gov;George.Rutherford@ucsf.edu; huidentalsanmateo; Irv Weissman; Sally Thiessen; Joel Stiner; jerry ruopoli;karkazianjewelers@gmail.com; kfsndesk; Kevin.Nower@bestbuy.com; margaret-sasaki@live.com;MY77FJ@gmail.com; maverickbruno@sbcglobal.net; Mark Standriff; Mayor; merazroofinginc@att.net; nickyovino; news@fresnobee.com; newsdesk; russ@topperjewelers.com; Steve Wayte; terry; tsheehan;vallesR1969@att.net; yicui@stanford.edu Subject:Hyundai-third largest automaker in world Date:Sunday, February 25, 2024 5:45:53 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Sunday, February 25, 2024 To all- Interesting. Hyundai. They keep getting better. FAR better now than they once were. My Korean gf in the 80's told me how to pronounce Hyundai: He yun day. HE YUN DAY I cannot understand why the company runs ads on TV in the US in which the name ispronounced incorrectly. I think that is a mistake. Most Americans would want to pronouncethe name correctly, if they ever heard it pronounced correctly. You hear everything from Hyundai dealers: Hon day. KCBS AM San Francisco runsradio ads in which they say that!!! Sounds like Honda!! Purely by accident, of course. How Hyundai Became The Third Largest Automaker In The World (youtube.com) Good vid. Hyundai is a force and they seem to be here to stay. Their CEO seems to be Mexican, or at least Latin American. Could come in handy when selling cars in Latin American, or in the US for that matter, if he speaks Espanol. L. William Harding Fresno, Ca. From:Loran Harding To:Loran Harding; alumnipresident@stanford.edu; antonia.tinoco@hsr.ca.gov; fred beyerlein; David Balakian;Leodies Buchanan; bballpod; bearwithme1016@att.net; boardmembers; Council, City; Cathy Lewis;cramirez.electriclab133@gmail.com; dennisbalakian; Doug Vagim; dan.richard@earthlink.net;dallen1212@gmail.com; Daniel Zack; eappel@stanford.edu; Scott Wilkinson; Gabriel.Ramirez@fresno.gov;George.Rutherford@ucsf.edu; huidentalsanmateo; Irv Weissman; Sally Thiessen; Joel Stiner; jerry ruopoli;karkazianjewelers@gmail.com; kfsndesk; Kevin.Nower@bestbuy.com; margaret-sasaki@live.com;MY77FJ@gmail.com; maverickbruno@sbcglobal.net; Mark Standriff; Mayor; merazroofinginc@att.net; nickyovino; news@fresnobee.com; newsdesk; russ@topperjewelers.com; Steve Wayte; terry; tsheehan;vallesR1969@att.net; yicui@stanford.edu Subject:Fwd: Tesla Easy Entry feature Date:Sunday, February 25, 2024 4:25:43 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: Sun, Feb 25, 2024 at 4:11 PM Subject: Fwd: Tesla Easy Entry featureTo: Loran Harding <loran.harding@stanfordalumni.org> Sunday, February 25, 2024 To all, and especially to Elon Musk and Mary Barra- Tesla "Easy Entry" feature: Seemed pretty cool but half way through the driver still hits his head on the severely slopingA pillar getting into the car, even with "Easy Entry". I won't buy such a thing. Tesla's EASY ENTRY feature (youtube.com) Here is a 6'2" tall man. He sits OK in the back of a Model 3 but NOT NOT in the back of a Model S: Headroom. Model 3 has better headroom than Model S (youtube.com) Back to the nutty, severely sloping A pillar. Suggestion: Make a panel of the roof abovethe driver's door, hinged toward the midline so that the driver, after he opens the door, can "snap" that up about 60 degrees so he gains 3 or 4 inches of clearance for his head as he enters.Make this about 4" deep toward the midline of the car, or even less. Maybe 12" wide front to back. Once inside, he can reach up and grab a handle on the underside of it and snap it closed.Everything doesn't have to have little electric motors running it. Maybe put these on both sides of the car. This would work. Many people would never use it, but a lot of people would, thosewho will not buy a Tesla with the current severe A pillar. If this conflicts with the sun roof, leave the sun roof off on models with this feature. How about a T-top? Who made that 20 years ago? It was a US co. You took sections outof the roof and put them in the trunk? You did that when no threat of rain. Make small T sections on both sides of the car, or maybe only on the driver's side. The driver takes out the driver's side panel and has loads of headroom. Issue: vandals and thieves when they find thepanel out. So make the panel roll into the rest of the roof, either toward the midline, or back into or under the roof over the back seat. You don't have to buy much additional clearance, 2or 3 inches for the driver's head as he gets in. IMPORTANT- A possible good solution: I still like what Tucker did with his '48 Tucker here. See photos of it. The doors had steel frames that came clear up to the roof. Then, that part of the door frame at the top went intothe roof for two or three inches. That gave people more head room on entering or exitingthe vehicle.So the doors came up and then rolled into the roof two or three inches. When oneopened a door, a small part of the roof came out as part of the top of the door. I urge Tesla and GM to consider this arrangement. This could be the best way to address this issue. L. William Harding Fresno, Ca. From:Aram James To:<michael.gennaco@oirgroup.com>; Ahmed@ahmedforcongressca.com; Wagner, April; Braden Cartwright;Council, City; DuJuan Green; Emily Mibach; Greg Tanaka; Jeff Moore; Joe Simitian; Jose Valle; Josh Becker; JulieLythcott-Haims; KEVIN JENSEN; Kaloma Smith; Michelle; Zelkha, Mila; Raj Jayadev; Raymond Goins;Reifschneider, James; Robert. Jonsen; Salem Ajluni; Sean Allen; Sheriff Transparency; Shikada, Ed; SupervisorOtto Lee; Supervisor Susan Ellenberg; Vara Ramakrishnan; dennis burns; district1@bos.sccgov.org;kenneth.Binder@shf.sccgov.org Subject:Oversight investigators find deputy gang ‘logo’ outside Los Angeles women’s jail Date:Sunday, February 25, 2024 12:20:23 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Oversight investigators find deputy gang ‘logo’ outside Los Angeles women’s jail https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2024-02-22/oversight-investigators-find-deputy-gang-logo-outside-los-angeles-womens-jail You don't often get email from ccastro@rutan.com. Learn why this is important From:Ah Yun, MahealaniTo:Council, CitySubject:FW: City Council Special Meeting – February 26, 2024 – Agenda Item #9: “Proposed Approval of Two Contracts for Consultant Services for the Downtown Housing Plan [DHP]…”Date:Sunday, February 25, 2024 11:56:34 AMAttachments:image001.png2024 0223 D. Lanferman Letter to Mayor and City Council re $2mil. consultant contracts.pdfimage003.pngimage010.pngimage011.pngimage014.png The attached letter is addressed to the City Council. Thank you, Mahealani Ah YunCity Clerk Office of the City Clerk 250 Hamilton Avenue Palo Alto, CA 94301 P: 650.329.2379 | E: Mahealani.AhYun@CityofPaloAlto.org From: Castro, Clarissa <ccastro@rutan.com> Sent: Friday, February 23, 2024 4:54 PM To: Stump, Molly <Molly.Stump@CityofPaloAlto.org> Cc: Lanferman, David <DLanferman@rutan.com> Subject: City Council Special Meeting – February 26, 2024 – Agenda Item #9: “Proposed Approval of Two Contracts for Consultant Services for the Downtown Housing Plan [DHP]…” CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. Good afternoon Ms. Stump, Attached please find written correspondence from Mr. Lanferman in regards to the above-referenced matter. Best, Clarissa CastroLegal Secretary 455 Market Street, Suite 1870 | San Francisco, CA 94105O. (650) 263-7900 | D. (650) 320-1500 x7725 ccastro@rutan.com | www.rutan.com _____________________________________________________ Privileged And Confidential Communication. This electronic transmission, and any documents attached hereto, (a) are protected by the Electronic Communications Privacy Act (18 USC §§ 2510-2521), (b) may contain confidential and/or legally privileged information, and (c) are for the sole use of the intended recipient named above. If you have received this electronic message in error, please notify the sender and delete the electronic message. Any disclosure, copying, distribution, or use of the contents of the information received in error is strictly prohibited. David P. Lanferman Direct Dial: (650) 320-1507 E-mail: dlanferman@rutan.com February 23, 2024 Rutan & Tucker, LLP | Five Palo Alto Square, 3000 El Camino Real, Suite 200 Palo Alto, CA 94306-9814 | 650-320 -1500 | Fax 650-320-9905 Orange County | Palo Alto | San Francisco | Scottsdale | www.rutan.com 2783/031499-0005 20292920.1 a02/23/24 VIA E-MAIL Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council CITY OF PALO ALTO 250 Hamilton Avenue Palo Alto, CA 94301 Re: City Council Special Meeting – February 26, 2024 – Agenda Item #9: “Proposed Approval of Two Contracts for Consultant Services for the Downtown Housing Plan [DHP]…” Comments, Questions, and Objections Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council: According to the Council Agenda report, this Agenda Item suggests that the City Council should approve and authorize the execution of two contracts for consultant services – totaling nearly $ 2 million – for “planning, consulting, and project management services” in order to “advance the Downtown Housing Plan [DHP] in a timely manner.” This proposed action, however, appears to be misguided and premature. On behalf of many merchants, business, and property owners in the Downtown area, we respectfully take this opportunity to urge the Council to reject the current proposed consulting contracts, which would unwisely “put the cart before the horse.” Council should instead defer action on this item – and should avoid the waste of public money – unless and until the City has a final and approved version of its new Housing Element, and unless that Housing Element is amended to recognize that the City is not free to abandon or replace Downtown parking facilities with other uses (even desirable uses such as affordable housing.) The proposed contracts would spend City money – nearly two million dollars – to work on the Downtown Housing Plan [DHP]. According to the Agenda report, that work would involve “implementing components of the [current draft] of 2023-2031 Housing Element.” It is our understanding that that current version of the proposed Housing Element has not yet been reviewed, much less approved, by the California Department of Housing & Community Development. It is therefore at least premature, and imprudent, for Council to make such a huge commitment of City funds for outside consultants to “implement” a non-final Housing Element which may well be subject to further revisions following the State’s review. Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council February 23, 2024 Page 2 2783/031499-0005 20292920.1 a02/23/24 Moreover, the Agenda report also states that these consulting contracts are intended to assist in implementation of the highly-questionable portion of that draft Housing Element known as “Program 1.4 [“City-Owned Land Lots”].” That “Program 1.4” in the draft Housing Element, however, is based on the unfounded and legally-unsound assumption that the City is free to abandon or “replace” the existing Downtown surface parking lots, or to convert them to uses other than providing public parking to serve the Downtown community. To the contrary, those parking lots have been acquired, improved, and maintained as a result of assessments imposed on the Downtown property owners and business. As pointed out in our letter to Council dated December 12, 2023 [copy attached]. the City is not free to disregard the important rights of those who have for many years paid assessments to provide for the creation and preservation of well-located and convenient permanent Downtown parking facilities, or the commitments made by the City in order to secure the approvals of Downtown property owners for the formation and funding of the assessment district. The Council should therefore reject – or at least defer action on – the proposed contracts. There is no reason for Council to act hastily to hire outside planners based to work on a DHP that is based on unfinished Housing Element and which is erroneously premised on the assumption that the consultants can “implement” a program improperly dependent upon the unlawful abandonment and replacement of existing parking facilities. Council is urged to direct Staff to consider other alternatives, and revise the scope of work included in the proposed contracts so as to provide feasible and lawful ways of attempting to address Council’s concerns about increasing the supply of housing in the Downtown area -- consistent with existing local policies and commitments and that will not harm the economic vibrancy of the Downtown community. Thank you for your consideration of these concerns. Very truly yours, RUTAN & TUCKER, LLP David P. Lanferman cc: City Manager, via email City Attorney’s Office, via email David P. Lanferman Direct Dial: (650) 320-1507 E-mail: dlanferman@rutan.com December 11, 2023 Rutan & Tucker, LLP | Five Palo Alto Square, 3000 El Camino Real, Suite 200 Palo Alto, CA 94306-9814 | 650-320 -1500 | Fax 650-320-9905 Orange County | Palo Alto | San Francisco | Scottsdale | www.rutan.com 2783/031499-0005 20015889.4 a12/11/23 VIA E-MAIL Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council CITY OF PALO ALTO 250 Hamilton Avenue Palo Alto, CA 94301 Re: City Council Meeting – December 11, 2023 – Agenda Item #8: “Direction to Pursue New Parking and Refined Proposals for Housing in the University Avenue Downtown, etc.” Comments, Questions, and Objections Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council: We understand that this Agenda Item requests that the City Council “provide direction” to Staff with regard to two separate items: (a) resuming efforts to provide a new parking structure at Lot D (formerly known as the “Downtown Parking Garage Project”), and (b) the possibility of pursuing more detailed proposals for potential construction of new “affordable housing” projects on one or more of the existing surface parking lots located in the University Avenue downtown area. While it is gratifying that the first Item confirms that City Staff recognizes the importance and need for the creation of more new off-street parking opportunities to serve the Downtown community, including a Downtown Parking Garage, the second Item on the Agenda – seeking guidance for the possible conversion and loss of existing parking lots – is very problematic. This letter highlights just a few of the more obvious failings and errors of that proposal. On behalf of many merchants, business, and property owners in that Downtown area, including many who have been paying assessments for the acquisition, improvement and maintenance of those parking facilities for decades, we take this opportunity to call your attention to some of the many flaws, conflicts, and dangers posed by that extraordinary proposal. The proposal to replace vital Downtown parking facilities with housing is inconsistent with many land use plans and policies, and is in disregard of the rights and interests of the Downtown community served by the existing parking lots. Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council December 11, 2023 Page 2 2783/031499-0005 20015889.4 a12/11/23 The City’s laudable and long-overdue efforts to provide suitable sites for housing, including “affordable” housing, should not be pursued at the expense of demolishing the critically-needed existing public parking resources strategically located throughout Downtown to serve the community. The recent approval of many curbside “parklets” has removed more than 100 previously-available parking spaces. The City’s planned “University Streetscape Project” will also result in a reduction of the parking supply in Downtown. Even the Staff Report (p. 6) acknowledges the continuing critical need for adequate parking in the Downtown: “[D]emand for parking in the downtown has increased since the COVID-19 pandemic….” Accordingly, with regard to the possibility of pursuing proposals to destroy one or more existing parking lots in speculative pursuit of a few, poorly-located, incredibly expensive, affordable housing units, we would respectfully urge Council to provide Staff with direction to “go back to the drawing board” and to come back with more reasonable, viable, and lawful plans consistent with the City’s Comprehensive Plan and other controlling plans and policies. Among the questions and problems most readily apparent from the Staff Report on this Item, are the following: 1. There Is No Apparent Parking Strategy or Plan for Downtown. When the Council suspended work on the former Downtown Parking Garage back in February 2019, the Council also “directed Staff … to return … with a broader parking management strategy and options to meet Downtown parking needs.” (Staff Report, p. 2). Now, nearly five (5) years later, the City still has no strategy or plan “to meet Downtown parking needs.” The second Item on this Agenda appears to be a proposal for nothing more than piecemeal action aimed solely at creating a few spots of misplaced housing at the expense of the existing Downtown community – and largely ignores “Downtown parking needs.” Far from presenting a coherent parking strategy for Downtown, the Staff’s proposal for the destruction of the critically-needed existing Downtown parking facilities and imposition of new, non-conforming, high-density residential structures in their place is nothing more than narrowly- focused, uncoordinated, and patchworked “urban planning.” The City’s recent quest for more opportunities for residential development, though welcomed, should not become an excuse for shattering the character of the Downtown community or destroying the economic viability of the Downtown, which is highly-dependent upon the availability of adequate parking throughout the community in order to provide convenient access for vehicles and people. As observed by a recent article by the American Planning Association offering guidance for municipal parking strategies: Parking is not an island in itself; it's one element of a transportation program. On- street and off-street parking, transit, walking, biking, and curb management must Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council December 11, 2023 Page 3 2783/031499-0005 20015889.4 a12/11/23 be connected to plan for how many vehicles ― and more importantly people ― are provided access.1 2. No Outreach to Downtown Stakeholders. Thus far, there has been little or no public outreach to the Downtown community regarding the possible loss of the existing parking lots – even though those facilities have been paid for, in large part, by the business and property owners and the University Avenue Parking Assessment District over many years. Since this idea has reportedly been under consideration by Staff at least since December 2021, the lack of such public outreach over the past two years is of concern and tends to alienate those who stand to be most impacted by such radical transformation of the Downtown area. 3. No Net Parking Loss: The City’s own proposed new Housing Element (not yet approved by the California Department of Housing & Community Development) expressly requires “no net loss” of existing parking. Program 1.4(a) would ostensibly allow existing City surface parking lots to be redeveloped to “replace and add” parking while creating new housing opportunities, including affordable housing. Lot T reportedly provides 51 parking spaces at present, and the new housing structures would increase the need for parking in close proximity to the proposed new housing, at least 40 new additional spaces if a 1.0 space/unit ratio were to be applied (the City’s standard requirement for all multifamily residential). Where and how could at least 91+ new public parking spaces be provided in Downtown? The Municipal Code generally requires that any “off-site” parking required in connection with a development project must be at least within 500 feet of the project site. 4. Location, location, location…. The Staff Report indicates that both the MidPen and Alta proposals would entail destruction of the existing surface parking at Lot T, loss of its 51 spaces, construction of new very tall residential structures, and “relocation” of parking spaces to an undisclosed “off-site” location. It is unclear whether or how such new and “re-located” off-site parking could be located in the Downtown area or would otherwise provide equivalent value and convenience as the existing Lot T serving Downtown. The need for parking is directly related to existing land uses in the Downtown, and such needs may not be served by random developer- provided parking spaces in remote parts of the City. For just one example, the loss of Lot T’s parking would immediately impact many nearby retailers including Sancho’s Taqueria, Vino Locale, Ike’s Love and Sandwiches and the high-traffic Apple retail store. An important, and irreplaceable, feature of the existing Downtown parking is the “distributive” nature of the locations. The existing parking lots are well-located and distributed at strategic sites throughout the Downtown, providing accessibility and convenience for employees, visitors, customers and others. Such well-distributed parking is key to retail, hospitality, and office viability. 1 Nichols & Dorsett, AICP, “8 Ways to Launch Your Parking Strategy,” PLANNING MAGAZINE (APA, Sept 29, 2021). Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council December 11, 2023 Page 4 2783/031499-0005 20015889.4 a12/11/23 5. Need for dramatic changes to applicable Zoning: The Staff Report indicates that the proposed actions would require that the existing zoning and land use policies be substantially changed in order to pursue the possible construction of new tall housing structures – exceeding the existing zoning height limitations and increasing the density such as to require more intense Floor Area Ratios (FAR) than currently permitted. We believe that Lot T, for example, is currently zoned “PF: Public Facility.” “The PF designation is designed to accommodate governmental, public utility, educational, and community service or recreational facilities.” Currently, residential uses are not allowed on a PF zoned property, so a significant zone change would be required. Other substantial deviations or changes to the City’s existing planning policies and zoning would likely also be required, i.e., Comprehensive Plan Policy L-5; Goal L-4.1 [“Encourage the upgrading and revitalization of selected Centers in a manner that is compatible with the character of surrounding neighborhoods, without loss of retail and existing small, local businesses.]; Policy B-4.5 [“Maintain distinct business districts as a means of retaining local services and diversifying the City’s economic base.”] 6. Wide impacts of zoning changes: It is likely that the City would not only need to change the zoning and other policies applicable to Lot T, but also as to many other similarly-situated properties, in order to avoid legal exposure to claims of unlawful spot zoning or arbitrary discrimination. Consequently, the zoning changes that would be necessary to accommodate housing on Lot T (or other existing parking sites) would likely need to be made applicable to wider areas of the City. A “domino effect” leading to many more tall, intensely-developed, office buildings and housing structures is a likely consequence, essentially transforming the Downtown area. The scope of these wide impacts would need extensive and careful study and public input. 7. Environmental impacts and need for CEQA compliance: To the extent that the feasibility of pursuing housing on the existing parking lots is dependent on the City being able to make necessary changes to the City’s Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Ordinance, the City would first need to conduct the appropriate environmental review of those proposed land use actions. Zoning changes, for example, are generally recognized as the type of discretionary “project” requiring detailed CEQA review and analysis. (Pub. Res. Code § 21080.) 8. Disregard of the Rights and Interests of Downtown Assessees: The existing Downtown parking facilities have been paid for, in large part, by the owners of businesses and properties in the area by way of assessments approved by the owners based on the City’s representations and agreements that the funds would be used solely for the provision of publicly- accessible parking facilities serving the Downtown community. Although the Staff Report claims that the City holds “title to the fee interest” in the twelve (12) existing parking lots, the Downtown owners who have financed those lots over many years are the beneficial owners of those properties. The City merely has custodial rights, in the nature of a trustee, to manage the parking facilities for their committed parking uses, for the benefit of those who have paid for the parking facilities. The City would be at risk of being found in breach of those fiduciary responsibilities by attempting to unilaterally abandon the designated use of the sites for “parking” purposes and instead converting Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council December 11, 2023 Page 5 2783/031499-0005 20015889.4 a12/11/23 the use to housing, of any type, without compensation and without the consent of the assessed property owners. 9. Fiscal Uncertainties: The costs of realizing either of the proposed new housing on the existing public parking lots are speculative and enormous. There is no indication as to the source(s) of funding for the planning and public infrastructure that would be necessary to bring either proposal to reality. The Staff Report estimates that the costs to construct just the hypothetical new affordable housing units would be approximately $1 million per unit – even if the City could legally contribute the site at no cost to the developers. In addition, the developers would be required to provide a suitable site to construct “replacement” public parking spaces. The Staff Report estimates that the costs of building the Downtown Parking Garage Project have escalated to approximately $36 million. It also reports that the City has identified no more than $12 million or so in accumulated “parking in-lieu fees” to fund that project (and Staff notes that even that amount is uncertain due to pending litigation requiring the City to refund at least part of those fees.) Pursuant to the City’s own Municipal Code, the use of “parking in-lieu fees” that the City has previously collected, or may collect from future downtown non-residential development, is strictly limited: such fee may be used “only for construction of public parking spaces within the assessment district to serve the parking needs of the district created by the developments that paid the Fees.” (PAMC § 16.57.060). The Staff Report does not adequately disclose or explain the sources of funding that would be required even to set the stage for pursuing the proposed affordable housing development in Downtown. Consequently, that second Item on the Agenda appears to be unrealistic and fiscally unsound. It has been suggested that this effort to envision new, very tall, high-density affordable housing construction in Downtown is little more than an effort to create the illusion of potentially “feasible” housing sites in order to temporarily appease the State HCD and help win approval for the new Housing Element. Conclusion: As noted at the outset, we respectfully support Staff’s requests for direction to pursue reasonable and lawful efforts to provide additional public parking in Downtown, consistent with the City’s planning and zoning, as well as reasonable pursuit of appropriate and feasible sites for housing development. However, we respectfully object to the request for Council authority to pursue the second part of this Agenda Item, i.e., the unreasonable, unrealistic, and potentially unlawful attempt to destroy and misuse the existing public parking facilities and allow the construction of non- conforming housing (of any type or affordability) on those sites. For the reasons summarized above, and for such other reasons as may be raised at the hearing on this matter, we would urge the Council to direct Staff to consider other alternatives, and give further consideration to other, feasible and lawful, ways of attempting to address Council’s concerns about increasing the supply Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council December 11, 2023 Page 6 2783/031499-0005 20015889.4 a12/11/23 of housing in the Downtown area consistent with existing local policies and commitments and that will not harm the economic vibrancy Downtown business owners are working so hard to maintain. Thank you for your consideration of these concerns. Very truly yours, RUTAN & TUCKER, LLP David P. Lanferman cc: City Manager, via email City Attorney’s Office, via email From:Aram James To:Wagner, April; Braden Cartwright; Cecilia Taylor; Council, City; D Martell; Dave Price; David S. Norris; DianaDiamond; Ed Lauing; Emily Mibach; Friends of Cubberley; Greer Stone; Greg Tanaka; Human RelationsCommission; Jeff Moore; Julie Lythcott-Haims; KEVIN JENSEN; Kaloma Smith; Karen Holman; Linda Jolley; VanDer Zwaag, Minka; Reifschneider, James; Sean Allen; Shikada, Ed; Supervisor Otto Lee; Supervisor SusanEllenberg; Vicki Veenker; Perron, Zachary; district1@bos.sccgov.org; editor@paweekly.com; Foley, Michael; Burt,Patrick Subject:Oakland police chief candidates will face the public in open forum Date:Saturday, February 24, 2024 6:22:45 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Oakland police chief candidates will face the public in open forum https://www.mercurynews.com/2024/02/24/oakland-police-chief-candidate-forum/ From:Heidi M. Feldman To:Council, City Subject:Letter of support for AbilityPath Date:Saturday, February 24, 2024 4:41:12 PM Some people who received this message don't often get email from hfeldman@stanford.edu. Learn why this isimportant CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. February 24, 2024 Leadership of Palo Alto RE: Support for a grant to AbilityPath from the City of Palo Alto Dear Honorable Mayor, Vice Mayor, and Council Members: I am a developmental-behavioral pediatrician who works at Stanford and Lucile PackardChildren’s Hospital. I began to get involved with what was then Abilities United in 2007, shortly after I moved to Palo Alto. I have served on their board in the past. I have maintainedan active involvement since then. I want you to know that I am so proud of the work they do. The program has grown and matured in the last 17 years. I am particularly impressed with theleadership and vision of AbilityPath as it is today, under the leadership of Bryan Neider. They have made important inroads into the culture of our region. I am writing today to express my enthusiastic support for a grant to AbilityPath from the Cityof Palo Alto to offer programs and services for people with developmental disabilities and the Palo Alto community at large on the ground level of Mitchell Park Place, 525 CharlestonRoad in Palo Alto. This is an exciting project to provide inclusive programs to our community. My patients and their families will undoubtedly benefit from such a program. This initiative demonstrates a abiding commitment to provide opportunities and engagement for community members of all abilities. AbilityPath offers many programs within Mitchell Park Place that have been and willcontinue to be transformative for the community. Exercise, Mindfulness, and Wellness Programs: These programs nurture physical and mental well-being of community members and empower participants to lead healthier lives. Career Development Services: These services equip individuals with skills, confidence, and opportunities to thrive in the workforce. Independent Living Skills Services: A long-standing program within the agency, this program empowers individuals with the practical skills needed for independent living. From daily routines to self-advocacy, these services foster autonomy and confidence. Education Initiatives: Lifelong learning is essential. These initiatives foster growth, curiosity, and a sense of achievement. Financial Literacy Workshops: Such programs can make a profound difference for many by empowering financial independence and responsible decision-making. Art Classes and Music Classes: Creative expression knows no bounds. These classes unlock hidden talents, provide joy, and help individuals communicate their thoughts and feelings. Computer Training: In our current era, digital literacy in necessary to open doors to communication, education, and independence. Services for Stroke and Brain Injury Clients: This particular population benefits from compassionate care to help those navigating new and unique challenges. Office Space for Social Services: The facility will become a hub where individuals can access vital resources, connect with others, and receive personalized support. By supporting AbilityPath’s work at Mitchell Park Place, you are investing in a future whereeveryone has a seat at the table. Our community thrives when we embrace diversity, celebrate abilities, and create spaces that uplift everyone. Thank you for championing this cause. Together, we will build a stronger, more inclusive PaloAlto. Sincerely yours, Heidi M Feldman MD PhD750 Rosewood Drive Palo Alto CA 94303 From:Henry Huang To:Council, City Subject:Meadow/Charleston grade-separation Date:Saturday, February 24, 2024 12:32:39 PM Some people who received this message don't often get email from hhuang1610@gmail.com. Learn why this isimportant CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. As a resident in Charleston Meadow, I am extremely disappointed at the no-progress made onthis project for the last god-knows-how-many years. Endless discussion just wastes taxpayer money and given to whatever consultant company you hired for nothing. Please be aware that your inaction kills people. The latest example is the Gunn high studentlost her life at these interactions just a couple days ago. Any people with common sense know the underpass option is the only viable option. The trench option is too expensive and takes too long. THe hybrid option puts the train over yourhead just thinking about people who live on park blvd. Do I need to say more? Thanks & have some passion to get the job done!!! From:David Richardson To:Council, City Subject:AbilityPath Grant Propsal Date:Saturday, February 24, 2024 11:54:24 AM Some people who received this message don't often get email from davidyrichardson@gmail.com. Learn why thisis important CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Dear Honorable Mayor, Vice Mayor, and Council Members, AbilityPath is an outstanding organization with a proven track record of successful programs for the developmentally disabled. They will best use any money awarded to them. I am writing to express wholehearted support for a grant to AbilityPath from the City of Palo Alto to offer programs and services for people with developmental disabilities and the Palo Alto community at large on theground level of Mitchell Park Place, an exciting project to provide much- needed inclusive programs to our community. As we collectively strive for progress, this initiative stands out as a testament to your commitment to uplifting the lives of community members of all abilities. The services offered byAbilityPath within Mitchell Park Place are all transformative. Here’s why they matter: 1. Exercise, Mindfulness, and Wellness Programs: o Nurturing physical and mental well-being, these programs empower participants to lead healthier lives. 2. Career Development Services: o Equipping individuals with skills, confidence, and opportunities to thrive in the workforce. 3. Independent Living Skills Services: o Empowering individuals with the practical skillsneeded for independent living. From daily routines to self-advocacy, these services foster autonomy and confidence. 4. Education Initiatives: o Lifelong learning is essential. These initiatives foster growth, curiosity, and a sense of achievement. 5. Financial Literacy Workshops: o Empowering financial independence and responsibledecision-making. 6. Art Classes and Music Classes: o Creative expression knows no bounds. These classes unlock hidden talents, provide joy, andhelp individuals communicate their thoughts and feelings. 7. Computer Training: o Digital literacy opens doors to communication, education, and independence. 8. Services for Stroke and Brain Injury Clients: o Compassionate care for those navigating unique challenges. 9. Office Space for Social Services: o A hub where individuals can access vital resources,connect with others, and receive personalized support. By supporting AbilityPath’s work at Mitchell Park Place, you are investing in a future where everyone has a seat at the table. Our community thrives when we embrace diversity, celebrate abilities, and create spaces thatuplift everyone. Thank you for championing this cause. Together, we will build a stronger, more inclusive Palo Alto. Sincerely, David Richardson 2503 South Court Palo Alto 94301 From:Walter Varda To:Council, City Subject:Letter in support of a grant for Abilities United Date:Saturday, February 24, 2024 11:53:58 AM Some people who received this message don't often get email from wklvarda@pacbell.net. Learn why this isimportant CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Dear Honorable Mayor, Vice Mayor, and Council Members, I am writing to express wholehearted support for a grant to AbilityPath from the City of Palo Alto to offer programs and services for people with developmental disabilities and the Palo Alto community at large on theground level of Mitchell Park Place, an exciting project to provide much- needed inclusive programs to our community. As we collectively strive for progress, this initiative stands out as a testament to your commitment to uplifting the lives of community members of all abilities. The services offered by AbilityPath within Mitchell Park Place are all transformative. Here’s why they matter: 1. Exercise, Mindfulness, and Wellness Programs: o Nurturing physical and mental well-being, these programs empower participants to lead healthierlives. 2. Career Development Services: o Equipping individuals with skills, confidence, and opportunities to thrive in the workforce. 3. Independent Living Skills Services: o Empowering individuals with the practical skills needed for independent living. From daily routines to self-advocacy, these services foster autonomyand confidence. 4. Education Initiatives: o Lifelong learning is essential. These initiatives foster growth, curiosity, and a sense ofachievement. 5. Financial Literacy Workshops: o Empowering financial independence and responsible decision-making. 6. Art Classes and Music Classes: o Creative expression knows no bounds. These classes unlock hidden talents, provide joy, and help individuals communicate their thoughts and feelings. 7. Computer Training: o Digital literacy opens doors to communication, education, and independence. 8. Services for Stroke and Brain Injury Clients: o Compassionate care for those navigating unique challenges. 9. Office Space for Social Services: o A hub where individuals can access vitalresources, connect with others, and receive personalized support. By supporting AbilityPath’s work at Mitchell Park Place, you are investing in a future where everyone has a seat at the table. Our community thriveswhen we embrace diversity, celebrate abilities, and create spaces that uplift everyone. Thank you for championing this cause. Together, we will build a stronger, more inclusive Palo Alto. Sincerely, Kathryn and Walter Varda, 1141 Cedar St. Palo Alto. From:Aram James To:Ahmed@ahmedforcongressca.com; Angel, David; Binder, Andrew; Braden Cartwright; Council, City; D Martell;Damon Silver; Dave Price; David S. Norris; DuJuan Green; Emily Mibach; Greg Tanaka; Jack Ajluni; Jay Boyarsky;Jeff Moore; Jeff Rosen; Joe Simitian; Josh Becker; Julie Lythcott-Haims; KEVIN JENSEN; Kaloma Smith; Lewisjames; Linda Jolley; Mata, Anthony; Michelle; Van Der Zwaag, Minka; O"Neal, Molly; Raj Jayadev; RaymondGoins; Roberta Ahlquist; Salem Ajluni; Sameena Usman; Sean Allen; Sheriff Transparency; Stump, Molly;Supervisor Otto Lee; Supervisor Susan Ellenberg; Vara Ramakrishnan; Vicki Veenker; WILPF Peninsula Palo Alto;Perron, Zachary; dennis burns; district1@bos.sccgov.org; kenneth.Binder@shf.sccgov.org; Foley, Michael Subject:Re: UPDATE: Two More Cops EXPOSED In Racist Text Scandal - YouTube Date:Saturday, February 24, 2024 9:53:26 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. UPDATE: Two More Cops EXPOSED In Racist Text Scandal - YouTube ( San Jose Cops exposed) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VEpiu8K8dR4 Sent from my iPhone From:Judy Paulson To:Council, City Subject:Mitchell Park Place Date:Saturday, February 24, 2024 7:34:23 AM Some people who received this message don't often get email from judy_paulson@comcast.net. Learn why this isimportant CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Dear Honorable Mayor, Vice Mayor, and Council Members, I am writing to express wholehearted support for a grant to AbilityPath from the City of Palo Alto to offer programs and services for people with developmental disabilities and the PaloAlto community at large on the ground level of Mitchell ParkPlace, an exciting project to provide much-needed inclusive programs to our community. As we collectively strive for progress, this initiative stands out as a testament to yourcommitment to uplifting the lives of community members of all abilities. The services offered by AbilityPath within Mitchell Park Place are all transformative. Here’s why they matter: 1. Exercise,Mindfulness, and Wellness Programs: o Nurturing physical and mental well-being, theseprograms empower participants to lead healthier lives. 2. Career Development Services: o Equipping individuals with skills, confidence, and opportunities to thrive in the workforce. 3. Independent LivingSkills Services: o Empowering individuals with the practical skills needed for independent living. Fromdaily routines to self-advocacy, these services foster autonomy and confidence. 4. EducationInitiatives: o Lifelong learning is essential. These initiativesfoster growth, curiosity, and a sense of achievement. 5. Financial Literacy Workshops: o Empowering financial independence and responsible decision-making. 6. Art Classes andMusic Classes: o Creative expression knows no bounds. These classes unlock hidden talents, providejoy, and help individuals communicate their thoughts and feelings. 7. Computer Training: o Digitalliteracy opens doors to communication, education, and independence. 8. Services for Stroke and Brain Injury Clients: o 9. Office Space forSocial Services: o A hub where individuals can access vital resources,connect with others, and receive personalized support. By supporting AbilityPath’s work at Mitchell Park Place, you are investing in a future where everyone has a seat at the table. Ourcommunity thrives when we embrace diversity, celebrate abilities, and create spaces that uplift everyone. Thank you for championing this cause. Together, we will build a stronger, more inclusive Palo Alto. Sincerely, Judy Paulson 1408 Brookmill RoadLos Altos, CA 94024 From:Zafarali Ahmed To:Council, City Subject:General Public comment for Monday, February 26, 2024 Date:Friday, February 23, 2024 8:39:53 PM Some people who received this message don't often get email from zafarali.ahmed@gmail.com. Learn why this isimportant CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Dear Council, I am saddened by the news of two women who were killed on Palo Alto roads while travellingby bike in Palo Alto. This is in addition to the two kids who were struck and injured by drivers in the fall of 2023. This will keep happening as long as the city drags its feet onurgent changes needed. We need better cycling infrastructure everywhere that goes beyond paint (for example Class IV bike lanes). We are failing those who do not drive. I urge the city to adopt a Vision Zero plan immediately. We cannot wait until 2025 the SafeStreets for All (SS4A) project to make recommendations. We cannot wait until May 2025 for the Palo Bicycle & Pedestrian Transportation Plan to be proposed. We cannot wait. Thank you, From:D Martell To:Council, City; Shikada, Ed; Julie Lythcott-Haims Subject:Your copy ... Fwd: MARTELL | 1st Amendment censorship - Palo Alto Weekly Date:Friday, February 23, 2024 6:36:46 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. ---------- Forwarded message --------- From: D Martell <dmpaloalto@gmail.com>Date: Fri, Feb 23, 2024 at 6:17 PM Subject: MARTELL | 1st Amendment censorship - Palo Alto WeeklyTo: <Adawes@embarcaderopublishing.com> Cc: <bjohnson@embarcaderomediagroup.com>, Bill Johnson <bjohnson@paweekly.com>,Bill Johnson <Bjohnson@embarcaderopublishing.com>, Jay Thorwaldson <jaythor@well.com>, Joe Simitian <joe.simitian@bos.sccgov.org>,<swright@embarcaderopublishing.com>, clambert@embarcaderopublishing.com <clambert@embarcaderopublishing.com>, Dave Price <price@padailypost.com>,<rMacasero@bayareanewsgroup.com> Adam DawesPublisher, Palo Alto Weekly President & CEO, Embarcadero Media Dear Mr. Dawes: You are breaching your obligation and commitment to the public by not publishing my letter- to-the-editor. I am upset to receive today's email from your Palo Alto News Editor, stating thefollowing. "We just made a newsroom-wide decision to not publish letters during the primarythat specifically endorse or reject current candidates. While your letter is clearlyaddressing issues with Julie's (Julie Lythcott-Haims) work on the council (Palo Alto City Council), I don't feel that it's appropriate to publish it while she is running forhigher office and while we aren't currently publishing letters of this nature. That said, after the primary I am happy to revisit this." ----------- Citizens are entitled to be fully informed about candidates BEFORE the election. In fact, thisis the MOST important time to be informed about a candidate. Refer to Republican Party ofMinnesota v. White. The CORE of our First Amendment is to be able to criticise publicpolitical figures. The Supreme Court decided in its landmark 1964 New York Times Co. v.Sullivan decision ruling that “debate on public issues should be uninhibited, robust,and wide-open.” New York Times Co. v. Sullivan is frequently ranked as one of the GREATEST Supreme Court decisions of the modern era. ----------- The elephant in the room is ... Did Julie Lythcott-Haims, and the Jewish lobby and supporters behind her, put undue pressure on the Palo Alto Weekly so that your paper censored me? I am available to meet to discuss the perils of First Amendment censorship at the Palo Alto Weekly. Pleasereconsider, and publish my very important newsworthy comments. God, Home, Country Yours truly,Danielle Martell ------------------------ dmPaloAlto@gmail.com t: 650.856.0700 Palo Alto City Council Candidate 2016 & 2005 From:Andrea Eckstein Gara To:Council, City Cc:Hilary Glann; aashton@gmail.com Subject:Comment RE: Item 14, Feb. 26 Council Regular Meeting Date:Friday, February 23, 2024 5:39:30 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Palo Alto City Council Members, We, as environmentally concerned community groups, have been watching developments after the Berkeley 9th Circuit Court of Appeals decision closely. While we acknowledge that the city has an incentive to be conservative and avoid lawsuits, we also know that we cannot allow the chilling effect of this case to slow our response to climate change. Our S/CAP goals remain in place, and 2030 is not far away. Scientists have confirmed this past year that 2030 is indeed the date by which steep emissions cuts must be made. We were also disheartened to see recently that Palo Alto did not meet a number of our climate goals for the past year, putting our 80 x 30 goal further in jeopardy. As Council considers One Margin as the model to replace our all-electric reach codes, here are some other steps that we would like to see taken: 1. The Berkeley decision focused on EPCA covered indoor appliances. The city should continue to enforce parts of the reach codes that are not affected by the ruling, for example gas lines to outdoor appliances, such as fire pits and BBQs. 2. We all know that, despite this set-back, electrification is coming due to state and regional regulations, such as BAAQMD and CARB rules on NOX-emitting appliance sales. The city should continue to enforce and expand electrification readiness in remodels and new construction. 3. Studies have shown that building electric-only multi-family homes is less expensive than dual-fuel homes. The city needs to encourage developers, through incentives and through a streamlined permitting process, to build all multi- family homes with only electric power. This could be done by utilizing bonus FAR or other development incentives if projects agree to electrification. This could apply to the approximately 2,000 Builders Remedy units that have been submitted to the city. 4. We are now entering a window of backsliding on our electrification goals, as new construction will continue without electrification mandates. The city should enact One Margin quickly to contain the damage. 5. Nevertheless, damage will be done as some residents are likely to opt for dual-fuel new construction. The city should consider other steps that could be taken to make up for this S/CAP set-back. a. Create near-term incentive (rebate) for replacement of older gas furnaces with heat pump HVAC systems, followed by development of a heat [ump HVAC program modeled on the HPWH program. b. Fast-track action on other S/CAP goals, such as building housing near transit, increasing allowable density near transit, increasing the number of bike lanes/facilities and pedestrian connections within the city, charging for parking, and requiring unbundled parking at new developments, etc. c. Widen Tier 1 electricity pricing to cover more electric consumption, so that whole home electrification + EV ownership is not penalized. d. Continue appealing to the State for a legislative fix to the Berkeley setback. e. Lean into the pollution arguments against burning fossil fuels: ramp up the public awareness campaign about health dangers of burning methane gas inside the home, and in the community. f. f) Develop a public awareness campaign on how to use batteries large and small (including using the batteries in electric vehicles) to provide power to a home during an outage and/or develop a battery/backup strategy at different substations to keep a low level of power available at all Palo Alto homes. Finally, the Berkeley decision does not address the gas distribution system, so the ruling has no bearing on setting a gas sunset date. Here is a quote from the 9th circuit opinion: “…our holding here has nothing to say about a State or local government regulation of a utility’s distribution of natural gas to premises where covered products might be used.” (end quote) A gas sunset date, which is specified in our S/CAP goals, should be set quickly for ease of planning and to accelerate the switch to electric buildings, getting us back on track to meet our sustainability pledges. Thank you, 350 SV Palo Alto Palo Alto Forward From:Charlie Weidanz To:Council, City Subject:Last Week to Register: Women in Enterprise Speaker Series - Margaret Jackson, #1 Radio Personality in Silicon Valley Date:Friday, February 23, 2024 1:33:23 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Women In Enterprise ad The Palo Alto Chamber of Commerce Presents:Women in Enterprise Speaker Series Unleash the Waves of Wisdom, Come join us and the #1 Small Business Radio personality in Silicon Valley, Margaret Jackson. With over 7.75 million listeners, Margaret will be the keynote speaker for Women in Enterprise, hosted by the Palo Alto Chamber of Commerce. Friday, March 1, 20248:30 AM to 10:00 AM Light breakfast provided Generously Hosted ByJazz Pharmaceuticals 3170 Porter Dr. Palo Alto, CA 94304 $20 for Members $35 for Non-Members >Register Online Elevating and supporting professional women across all industries in Silicon Valley. This email was sent on behalf of Palo Alto Chamber of Commerce 355 Alma St Palo Alto, CA 94301.To unsubscribe clickhere. If you have questions or comments concerning this email or services in general, please contact us by email atinfo@paloaltochamber.com. From:Jo Ann Mandinach To:Council, City; City Mgr Subject:Just say NO to the El Camino Bike Lane and force them to repave El Camino Date:Friday, February 23, 2024 12:21:07 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Hello. What is Palo Alto doing to pressure Caltrans to repave El Camino?? I read one of your staff's response referring us to the Caltrans map which is a less than satisfactory response, especially given problems with the map. I really wonder about your priorities at a time when San Francisco merchants are suing to get rid of bike lanes since the lack of parking is destroying their business. The same applies to El Camino on the Peninsula which is getting a LOT of newmandated UNDERPARKED housing whose residents will need the buildings andservices this idiotic bike lane project will destroy. I personally have a $400 car repair bill because of the horrible road conditions on ElCamino in San Mateo and Santa Clara Counties. My rear view mirror AND taillights had to be replaced because they were jarred off by the rough roads. But my bill is a pittance of what others have spent. Also NextDoor is FULL of warnings aof roads with huge potholes to avoid andphotos of LINES of cars with flat tires. El Camino in our 2 counties has been a MESS for years and your "report aproblem" map is unworkable, especially because you can only pin point one ittybitty problem WHEN you can get the map to work. I request that you reject the proposed bike lanes AND pressure them to repave ElCamino now. It's been a problem for years! Most sincerely, Jo Ann MandinachPalo Alto, CA 94301 From:Martin J Sommer To:Gollinger, Peter Cc:Velasquez, Ingrid; Rice, Danille; Council, City Subject:Re: Trees along Caltrain Date:Friday, February 23, 2024 9:43:31 AM Attachments:image001.pngimage002.pngimage003.pngimage004.pngimage005.pngimage006.png Thanks Peter, and great to hear from you! It is good to hear this part "Any tree removals or major pruning that were required for the electrification project in Palo Alto were completed several years ago". Could you please keep a special watch of the large evergreen trees at the University AveStation, and let me know if they were to come in danger? Sometimes these decisions can slip under the radar, and I would hate to loose them. Thanks again,Martin On 2/23/24 9:19 AM, Gollinger, Peter wrote: Good morning Mr. Sommer, I’m responding to the concern you raised by email to Councilmember Burt regarding the CalTrain electrification project and trees near the CalTrain station here in Palo Alto. CalTrain has been working with several City work groups, including Urban Forestry, on the electrification project since the planning stages. Any tree removals or major pruning that were required for the electrification project in Palo Alto were completed several years ago. Currently the project is planting some replacement trees along their right of way and on a few neighboring properties. To the best of my knowledge, there are no additional tree removals planned for the electrification project here in Palo Alto. Several departments and working groups are in regular communication with CalTrain. A colleague of mine in transportation engineering inquired about any outstanding tree work in a recent meeting with CalTrain. CalTrain staff mentioned that they will be conducting a needs assessment in Palo Alto and neighboring cities and be coordinating with appropriate counterparts in the individual cities if additional work is needed. Thank you, Peter Gollinger | Urban Forester Public Works Department 3201 E. Bayshore Road | Palo Alto, CA 94303 D: (650) 496-6946 E:peter.gollinger@cityofpaloalto.org ISA# WE-7320BM PCA#119134 NEW TREE PROTECTION ORDINANCE INFORMATION From: Martin J Sommer <martin@sommer.net> Sent: Sunday, February 18, 2024 5:50 PM To: Burt, Patrick <Pat.Burt@CityofPaloAlto.org> Cc: Council, City <city.council@cityofpaloalto.org> Subject: Trees along Caltrain CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. Hi Pat, this is a shocking story for Menlo Park: https://inmenlo.com/2024/02/18/palms-trees-near-menlo-park-caltrain-station- removed-due-to-electrification-work/ Is there anything like this planned for our Palo Alto University Ave station? Thanks, Martin -- Martin Sommer650-346-5307martin@sommer.netwww.linkedin.com/in/martinsommer "Turn technical vision into reality." -- Martin Sommer650-346-5307martin@sommer.netwww.linkedin.com/in/martinsommer "Turn technical vision into reality." From:bretande@pacbell.net To:Council, City Subject:Temporary Moratorium on Reach Code Enforcement, Feb 26 Council Agenda item 14 Date:Friday, February 23, 2024 9:17:47 AM Some people who received this message don't often get email from bretande@pacbell.net. Learn why this isimportant CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Subject: Temporary Moratorium on Reach Code Enforcement, Feb 26 Council Agenda item 14 Honorable Council Members and City Staff, City staff is to present its proposal for a temporary moratorium on reach code enforcement at the next Council meeting. Their idea to switch to implement a One Margin reach code as soon as possible looks like a good way to minimize the duration of the suspension and avoid continued litigation risks. We recommend the following actions to minimize the risk of backsliding on our new building electrification efforts. Consider implementing a “stranded gas asset” fee to pay for the permitting, installation and eventual decommissioning of new stranded gas assets that will unnecessarily burden existing gas customers. The state base code already requires mixed fuel buildings to be all-electric as the switch to electricappliances is inevitable while we transition away from gas. Clearly communicate that the suspension is temporary and limited. The suspension of the reach code is a temporary measure to avoid the risk of litigation created by a surprise court ruling. It also appears that the suspension should only apply to the extension of gas piping from existing meters to points within the new building. The staff report indicates that the city is under no obligation to continue or expand service to gas meters or to connect new gasmeters: From the Staff Report, p6: “Rather, the Ninth Circuit stated that its decision is limited: the EPCA prevents Berkeley from banning gas piping from the point of delivery at the meter within new construction buildings. The Circuit stated that its holding does not address the question of whether Berkeley has any obligation to maintain or expand the availability of a utility’s delivery of gas to meters effectively leaving that question openfor now.” Use the announcement of the moratorium as an opportunity to reiterate the benefits of the city’s electrification investments in our community. The city is establishing all-electric building codes in order to meet the changing needs and desires of the Palo Alto community CPAU is helping customers avoid further investment in obsolete gas equipment and go all-electric in the interest of safety, health, efficiency, reliability, resiliency and economic savings. At the planning stage, a notice regarding the more serious indoor health risks of gas stoves (reference link) may additionally help people to avoid them in the first place. CPAU is investing over $300M to maintain and modernize our electric grid to support a complete electric transition for all buildings, new and existing, by 2030. The most important steps for CPAU and building owners to take now is to avoid the installation of obsolete gas infrastructure that burdens us with extra costs and locks in damaging climate-harming carbon pollution for years. Thank you for considering our perspective. Carbon Free Palo Alto From:Julie Baskind To:Council, City Cc:Julie Baskind; Sharlene Carlson; Anne Mason; Anne Mason; Clerk, City Subject:Motion Passed 11/13/2023 for Palo Alto Redwoods Date:Thursday, February 22, 2024 6:23:25 PM Attachments:PAR Proposed Amendments to PAMC Section 18.16.040.b.docxPAR Proposed Amendments to PAMC Sec 18.16.060 Dev Stds.docx Some people who received this message don't often get email from julie.baskind@gmail.com. Learn why this isimportant CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Dear Honorable Mayor and Councilmembers, At the City Council meeting on November 13, 2023, the City Council unanimously supported a request from the Palo Alto Redwoods Homeowner’s Association to consider specificamendments to the City’s zoning code, and directed Staff to review the amendments that PAR proposed. The proposed amendments were written to ensure that higher density housingconstructed on properties zoned for commercial uses are buffered from impacts created by commercial neighbors such as noise, reduction in access to daylight, and impacts to privacy.These are the protections that are provided to residentially-zoned properties throughout the City. In a letter to the City Council dated November 7, 2023, PAR’s representative KristiBascom outlined PAR’s request and provided the exact text amendments proposed for PAMC Sections 18.16.040(b) and 18.16.060 (attached to this email for reference). Earlier this month, PAR inquired of the Planning Director when the proposed amendments were going to be reviewed by Staff and moved forward for consideration. Mr. Lait respondedthat “Based on available long range planning staff resources and competing Council priorities, I do not anticipate this item being recommended for the upcoming year.” Mr. Lait suggestedthat if PAR would like to see the proposed amendments completed in the next fiscal year, that we should ask the City Council to direct this be included in the FY 24-25 Planning andDevelopment Department work plan. PAR’s proposed amendments are minor in nature, completely drafted, and can simply beincluded in a forthcoming Zoning Ordinance amendment initiated by the City. Therefore, PAR requests that during the upcoming departmental work plan discussions in March, the CityCouncil directs Staff to include PAR’s proposed amendments in the next round of City- initiated Zoning Ordinance amendments being considered. In calendar year 2023, the Cityadopted five (5) amendments to Title 18, and it is likely more are forthcoming in the near future. We are happy to discuss PAR’s request further or provide any additional explanation if it would be helpful. As always, we appreciate the Council’s ongoing support and consideration. Thank you very much Julie Baskind & Anne Mason From:matt@evolutionaryteams.com To:palo-alto@fridaysforfutureusa.orgSubject:FFF Follow Up – Feb 16 (Week #110) Date:Thursday, February 22, 2024 5:11:23 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments andclicking on links. Our first order of business was to select our next message for the upcoming Climate Slow March on Friday 3/1. We first created a listof our favorite messages, eight in total. Then we used rank choice voting (RCV) where each of us listed our most favorite to leastfavorite message in order. It was a close race, and it went to the fifth round, but finally choice A won the day: LATER IS TOO LATECLIMATE ACTION NOW. The sign preparations can now begin. RCV worked very well for this – it is a great tool for democraticdecision making. Great job everyone! Mark and Duffy stopped by and brought their friends, Mike and Willow. A pop-up musical festival emerged as Mike played guitar,and we all sang along. Here’s a sample of the fun: video. Hope to have another pop-up music festival again soon! Ingrid shared a pamphlet being distributed at her church entitled “Climate + Faith: How We Can Help Meet the Greatest Challengein Human History.” It describes a 40-day program over the course of Lent to reflect on and develop a plan to become a climateactivist. Reading through it, I found that it is a very practical guide to help people understand the climate crisis and build resolve toaddress it. Me? I am giving up fossil fuels for Lent! Thanks for sharing, Ingrid! Mark and Duffy stopped by and brought their friends Mike and Willow. A pop-up musical festival emerged as Mike played guitar andwe all sang along. Here’s a quick sample of the fun: Hope to have another pop-up music festival again soon! Pizza will be served! Yes, 350 Silicon Valley Palo Alto will be fueling canvassers with pizza before they head out to canvass thisweekend to get the word out on Palo Alto’s Heat Pump Water Heater Program. Join the food and fun and sign up here. Casey and I are very excited about an upcoming special online event – a screening of The Week, a 3-part experience. Join Casey andme for the Tuesday Feb. 27, 5PM session here. Thanks for sharing this, Casey! Peninsula Peace and Justice Center is hosting an online conversation with Juilia Zeitlin, Co-Founder, Palo Alto Student ClimateCoalition working Group Member, Palo Alto Sustainability Office, on March 7 at 7PM. Register for the event here. We missed George and Robin and hope they both feel better and join us again soon. On a final sad note, RIP Shirley Ann Powers, Raging Granny and peace activist extraordinaire: obit. We will keep fighting in yourhonor. Keep Up the Fight and See You Friday! Site assessment agreements (SAA) sent 748 679 658 604 549 519 458 437 399 345 Signed SAAs 579 522 500 448 407 387 326 306 280 156 Completed site assessments 510 473 437 381 342 311 244 147 111 58 Dropouts*n/a 85 In Progress n/a 230 Installations Total Full Service HPWHs installed 184 158 140 117 90 70 27 16 12 8 Total DIY HPWH installed 49 44 43 37 n/a 13 Total HPWHs installed 233 202 183 154 n/a 83 Target Installations 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 Monthly Installation Rate Monthly Installation Rate 31 19 29 n/a n/a 43 13 9 4 7 Target Monthly Installation Rate 83 83 83 83 83 83 83 83 83 *Drop outs: not have enough space for a heat pump water heater, requiring relocation of the water heater or a “split” system with the compressor outside (both options are quite a bit more expensive). Weekly Photos FFF Feb 16: https://photos.app.goo.gl/MPYV5g2hexRsM2Rg9 Photos of Feb 2 Climate Slow March: https://www.probonophoto.org/2024/02Feb24PAClimateMarch What We Are Reading/Watching/Listening to:Bernie is still delivering pitch perfect messaging. Here’s a speech he gave this week: Solar Impulse Foundation: 1000+ profitable solutions to protect the environment: https://solarimpulse.com/ Julie Lythcott-Haims Substack: https://jlythcotthaims.substack.com/p/israel-palestine-and-me 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. Matt Schlegel Organizer Fridays For Future Palo Alto Cell: 650-924-8923 Email: Palo-Alto@FridaysForFutureUSA.org Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fridaysforfuture_paloalto/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/Fri4Future_PA YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMGKrv_ADB5k7HPK9FJO_Hw Web: https://fridaysforfutureusa.org/local-groups/palo-alto/ Email List: https://mailchi.mp/c8c130127345/join-fridays-for-future-palo-alto From:Loran Harding To:Loran Harding; alumnipresident@stanford.edu; antonia.tinoco@hsr.ca.gov; fred beyerlein; David Balakian;bearwithme1016@att.net; Leodies Buchanan; bballpod; boardmembers; Council, City; Cathy Lewis;cramirez.electriclab133@gmail.com; dennisbalakian; Doug Vagim; dan.richard@earthlink.net;dallen1212@gmail.com; Daniel Zack; eappel@stanford.edu; Scott Wilkinson; Gabriel.Ramirez@fresno.gov;George.Rutherford@ucsf.edu; huidentalsanmateo; Irv Weissman; Sally Thiessen; Joel Stiner; jerry ruopoli;karkazianjewelers@gmail.com; Kevin.Nower@bestbuy.com; margaret-sasaki@live.com; MY77FJ@gmail.com;maverickbruno@sbcglobal.net; Mark Standriff; Mayor; merazroofinginc@att.net; nick yovino;news@fresnobee.com; newsdesk; russ@topperjewelers.com; Steve Wayte; terry; tsheehan;vallesR1969@att.net; yicui@stanford.edu Subject:Fwd: More on the London Taxi EV. It"s a PHEV Date:Thursday, February 22, 2024 4:56:25 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, Feb 22, 2024 at 2:17 PM Subject: Fwd: More on the London Taxi EV. It's a PHEVTo: Loran Harding <loran.harding@stanfordalumni.org> Thursday, February 22, 2024 To all, including especially to Elon Musk and Mary Barra- More on the fabulous EV London Taxis: New London Taxi review - how does the LEVC TX fare? (youtube.com) More: He says here that it goes 80 miles on battery alone. The Chevy Volt went ~53 mileson batt. alone. That alone got a lot of owners around town on batt. power alone most of the time. London Black Cab TX | Fully Charged (youtube.com) Even more. You'll enjoy this. This man says 50 to 80 miles before the range extendercomes on. He saves so much on fuel that it almost pays for the monthly lease . London’s electric black cab driven - DrivingElectric (youtube.com) Yet another. Really good. This makes you wonder what the big car makers are thinking with their deliberatley uncomfortable cars. This is style and comfort. That's what car buyerswant, not a tiny torture machine built for masochists. LEVC TX Taxi 2019 in-depth review - Carbuyer (youtube.com) They should export these taxis to the USA and sell them to better heeled Americans or build them here to get the $7,500 credit. They are beautiful. Quit herniating your cervicaldiscs trying to get in and out of cars with severely sloping A pillars and low roofs built for suckers. Built for dopes. No thanks. Hope Tesla and GM et. al. are listening and watching. I present these to show how to build more vertical A pillars and taller roofs on a moderncar. There is a big market for cars with those elements. Tesla and GM, et. al. should have at least one affordable model in their line-up with those. GM wants to resume PHEVs, andsomething like this would sell well. Surely Mary Barra and Elon Musk have ridden in these London Taxis. These may be on the streets in the US now as well. So they know how great they are. Maybe they need fresh bloodin their design departments. Head of Design Mr. Franz von Holtzhausen and Tesla Vice President for Vehicle Engineering Lars Moravy did great work on the Cybertruck. It occurs to me that both GM and Tesla want to have autonomous robo-taxis out there. Whatif they each paterned those on the great London Taxis above? With a taxi, you are serving a very diverse population, including tall people who would love the London Taxi design. Takethe very vertical A pillar and tall roof from that and use it in at least one affordable car that is not a taxi, and then use the proven design of the London taxi for your robot-taxi. L. William Harding Fresno, Ca. From:Aram James To:Council, City; DuJuan Green; Friends of Cubberley; Jack Ajluni; Jeff Moore; Josh Becker; Julie Lythcott-Haims;Kaloma Smith; Michelle; Sean Allen; Vara Ramakrishnan Subject:Waiting for Biden’s motorcade in Los Altos Hills Date:Thursday, February 22, 2024 4:56:20 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. From:Ryan Palmer To:Council, City Cc:Chris Wade; John Beard; Lait, Jonathan; Yang, Albert Subject:Comment Letter // February 26, 2024 Meeting - Agenda Item 14 (Suspension of All-Electric Code Sections) Date:Thursday, February 22, 2024 1:18:00 PM Attachments:CRW Comment Letter re Gas Ban Moratorium (02-22-24) (01342810xA4507).PDF Some people who received this message don't often get email from ryan@ssllawfirm.com. Learn why this isimportant CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Good Afternoon – please see the attached comment letter from Christine R. Wade regarding the above referenced subject matter. Let us know if you have any questions or have trouble opening the attached. Thank you, Ryan PalmeR | Paralegal | SSl laW FIRm llP | 505 Montgomery Street, Suite 620 | San Francisco, CA 94111 | Direct: 415.243.2680 | Cell: 415.652.0503 | Fax: 415.814.6401 | Email: ryan@ssllawfirm.com This email and any attachments may contain material that is confidential, privileged and/or attorney work product for the sole use of the intended recipient. Any review,reliance or distribution by others or forwarding without express permission is strictly prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the sender anddelete all copies. Legal Advice Disclaimer: You should recognize that responses provided by this e-mail means are akin to ordinary telephone or face-to-faceconversations and do not reflect the level of factual or legal inquiry or analysis which would be applied in the case of a formal legal opinion. A formal opinion couldreach a different result. 505 MONTGOMERY STREET, SUITE 620 SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94111 TELEPHONE: 415.814.6400 FACSIMILE: 415.814.6401 business@ssllawfirm.com CHRISTINE R. WADE DIRECT TEL: 415.243.2088 chris@ssllawfirm.com February 22, 2024 VIA EMAIL ONLY City Council CITY OF PALO ALTO Office of the City Clerk – City Hall, 7th Floor 250 Hamilton Avenue Palo Alto, CA 94301 City.Council@cityofpaloalto.org RE: FEBRUARY 26, 2024 MEETING, AGENDA ITEM 14; SUSPENSION OF ALL-ELECTRIC CODE SECTIONS Dear City Council Members, We write on behalf of the owner of residential real property at 1325 Parkinson Avenue, Palo Alto, California 94303 in support of City staff’s recommendation on Agenda Item 141 for the City Council to adopt a resolution suspending enforcement of Municipal Code sections 16.14.090, 16.14.110, and 16.14.300 (“All-Electric Requirements”). And, as discussed further below, we also write to confirm our understanding of the impact of the draft resolution, if adopted as is, on previously-issued building permits that required the removal of a property’s gas connection and meter and with which the property owner has already complied. I. Recent federal case law compels the City to suspend enforcement of the All- Electric Requirements. We believe that the draft resolution is not only consistent with the recent decision by the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit in California Restaurant Association v. City of Berkeley,2 it is compelled by it due to the similarity between Berkeley’s prohibition and the City’s All-Electric Requirements. Like Berkeley’s prohibition on “natural gas infrastructure” (i.e., “fuel gas piping”), Palo Alto’s All-Electric Requirements prohibit plumbing for combustion equipment in newly 1 Item 14 of the February 26, 2024 agenda: “Adoption of a Resolution Suspending Enforcement of Municipal Code Sections 16.14.090, 16.14.110 and 16.14.300 Requiring All-electric Construction and Direction to Staff to Commence Work on Local Amendments to the California Energy Code Establishing a One Margin Standard. CEQA Status – Not a Project.” 2 Case No. 21-16278, filed on April 17, 2023, as amended January 2, 2024 (“CRA v. Berkeley”). City Council CITY OF PALO ALTO February 22, 2024 Page 2 of 2 constructed buildings. (The All-Electric Requirements also prohibit such plumbing for existing buildings undergoing alterations or additions.) The CRA v. Berkeley court reasoned that the Berkeley prohibition was a building code that prohibits consumers from using natural gas-powered appliances. The All-Electric Requirements cannot be reasonably distinguished from the Berkeley prohibition—both concern gas piping and both can be considered “building codes” as discussed in CRA v. Berkeley. Like City staff, we believe that “[g]iven this similarity, the City of Palo Alto faces legal risk if it were to continue enforcement of its blanket prohibition on natural gas plumbing in new buildings.” (City Council Staff Report for Item 14.) II. Impact on previously-issued building permits. The draft resolution states, “This moratorium on enforcement shall apply to all applications for building permits or other development project entitlements including, without limitation, currently pending applications, new applications filed after adoption of this Resolution, requests for modification of pending applications, and applications of previously-issued permits or entitlements.” (Section 1.) Our understanding is that the resolution would allow for property owners with previously- issued building permits for alterations or additions to their homes to re-install gas piping (and meters, etc.) for gas-powered appliances, even if they had previously removed such piping in accordance with their permits. We believe our position is supported by the Ninth Circuit’s decision in CRA v. Berkeley, and by City staff.3 We ask that the Counsel and/or staff confirm our understanding and comment on the steps such owners should take to reinstall gas piping. Very truly yours, SSL LAW FIRM, LLP Christine R. Wade cc: Client Jonathan Lait (jonathan.lait@cityofpaloalto.org) Albert Yang (Albert.Yang@CityofPaloAlto.org) [all via email] 3 As stated in the City Council Staff Report, “If adopted by Council, the Resolution would apply to pending and future development applications, including retrofits to add gas to already-constructed buildings, and to requests to modify previously-issued permits.” From:Jo Ann Mandinach To:City Mgr; Council, City Subject:When do the rate hikes stop? When does fiscal responsibility begin? Date:Thursday, February 22, 2024 11:12:10 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. It is SO ludicrous that decisions regarding library closures be made unilaterally. It's infuriating that Jonathan Lait is wasting time playing with planning schoolstudents on housing pipe dreams than getting out a workable housing plan so we don't get stuck with more obscene Builders Remedy projects, Check out Sunset in Menlo Park! WHERE IS THE OVERSIGHT OR IS HIS DELAY INTENTIONAL TOBENEFIT DEVELOPERS? It is equally disgusting that the city keeps hiking utility rates to fund its never-ending gravy train of consultants and its absurdly high salaries and benefits. (Andstop SPENDING money mailing out water reports and funding Zero Waste advertising of "helpful" tips on which toothbrushes to use.) Should we just sign over our social security checks to fund all the $300K cityworkers BEFORE one counts their retirement and other benefits?? It's absurd that city council is more worried about raising ITS compensation andworrying about its dinner time than about its constituents. Does the milking of taxpayers ever end? Do City Employees ever stop getting raises and bonuses for poor performance? ENOUGH. From:Charlie Weidanz To:Council, City Subject:Palo Alto Chamber of Commerce News & Updates - February 22, 2024 Date:Thursday, February 22, 2024 10:50:19 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. NEWS & UPDATES - February 22, 2024 Women in Enterprise Speaker Series March Mixer & Business Networking Event 2024 Tall Tree Awards - Registrations Now Open! Avenidas Now Hiring: President & CEO Discover Sweets at Sweet 55 - Town & Country Village Imagination Lab School ILS In-Person Tours Women In Enterprise ad The Palo Alto Chamber of Commerce Presents: Women in Enterprise Speaker Series Unleash the Waves of Wisdom, Come join us and the #1 Small Business Radio personality in Silicon Valley, Margaret Jackson. With over 7.75 million listeners, Margaret will be the keynote speaker for Women in Enterprise, hosted by the Palo Alto Chamber of Commerce. Friday, March 1, 2024 8:30 AM to 10:00 AM Light breakfast provided Generously Hosted By Jazz Pharmaceuticals 3170 Porter Dr. Palo Alto, CA 94304 $20 for Members $35 for Non-Members >Register Online Elevating and supporting professional women across all industries in Silicon Valley. Palo Alto Chamber Mixer ad Chamber Mixer & Business Networking Event We are delighted to invite you to the March Palo Alto Chamber of Commerce Mixer at the Xfinity store by Comcast! There will be food, drinks, engaging discussion, and plenty of networking opportunities with local business professionals! Tuesday, March 12th, 2024 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM Xfinity Store by Comcast 2825 El Camino Real #100 Palo Alto, CA 94306 Special Keynote Speaker: Palo Alto Mayor Greer StoneTopic: Palo Alto 2024 Priorities Food & Beverages provided by Namaste Indian Cuisine The Penny Ice Creamery We look forward to seeing you there! Members: FREE Non-Members: $25 >RSVP ONLINE NOW 44th Annual Tall Tree Awards Celebrate with Us! The 44th Annual Tall Tree Awards Celebration recognizes our city's outstanding businesses and individuals. April 18, 2024 | Oshman Family JCC Recognizing our Outstanding Business Professional Businessperson Citizen Volunteer NonProfit >Purchase Your Tickets or Table Online Sponsorship Opportunities Contact: Charlie@paloaltochamber.com Networking Reception and Award Presentations benefit the educational programs of the Palo Alto Chamber of Commerce Foundation, a 501(c)3 charitable org. Avenidas Logo - Re-Inventing Aging Avenidas Now Hiring: President & CEO Are you an exceptional mission-driven leader that steers an organization with both head and heart, with a record of accomplishment of financial sustainability, community advocacy, operational responsibility, and fostering staff empowerment? The Avenidas President & Chief Executive Officer may be the opportunity for you! Reporting to the Board of Directors, the CEO is responsible for an organization of over 50 well-qualified and committed staff, including the senior leadership team and administrative personnel as direct reports, with over 350 active volunteers. Our Board of Directors includes notable leaders from academia, business, law, medicine, science, and technology. At Avenidas, we create a community that supports and celebrates older adults. We provide a wide range of programs, information, and services in the heart of downtown Palo Alto and have two satellite facilities/additional centers serving the mid-Peninsula that enable people to stay active, maintain their independence, help their aging parents, or care for a spouse. Our innovative programs and compassionate staff enrich the lives of more than 5,000 mature adults and their families each year! See our website at avenidas.org, which includes our organization’s mission, vision, and values. The ideal candidate will possess relevant education and experience.>Details and Qualifications To Apply: Please email your resume and cover letter telling us why you are a great match for this role to avenidascareers@gmail.com. Discover Sweets at Sweet 55 - Town & Country Village ad Discover Sweets at Sweet 55 - Town & Country Village Starting February 1st, take a selfie with Ben the Bear at participating merchants, post to your Instagram or FB story tagging Town & Country Village, and show SWEET55 to get a free chocolate heart lollipop. You’ll also be entered in a giveaway to win gift cards from participating merchants throughout the month. Tag @townandcountryvillage on Insta or @tandcvillage on FB! Event Details Imagination Lab School Tours ad Imagination Lab School ILS In-Person Tours We believe that every child deserves a community where they feel seen and heard as their authentic self, an environment that ignites curiosity and creativity, and a team of caring adults who both support and challenge them to learn and grow at their own pace. Join us for one of our bi-weekly Tuesday Tours to see ILS in action! Imagination Lab School is a nonprofit, independent school serving students in grades TK-8 throughout Silicon Valley. 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 clickhere. 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; fred beyerlein; David Balakian;bearwithme1016@att.net; Leodies Buchanan; bballpod; boardmembers; Council, City; Cathy Lewis;cramirez.electriclab133@gmail.com; dennisbalakian; Doug Vagim; dan.richard@earthlink.net;dallen1212@gmail.com; Daniel Zack; eappel@stanford.edu; Scott Wilkinson; Gabriel.Ramirez@fresno.gov;George.Rutherford@ucsf.edu; huidentalsanmateo; Irv Weissman; Sally Thiessen; Joel Stiner; jerry ruopoli;karkazianjewelers@gmail.com; kfsndesk; Kevin.Nower@bestbuy.com; margaret-sasaki@live.com;MY77FJ@gmail.com; maverickbruno@sbcglobal.net; Mark Standriff; Mayor; merazroofinginc@att.net; nickyovino; news@fresnobee.com; newsdesk; russ@topperjewelers.com; Steve Wayte; terry; tsheehan;vallesR1969@att.net; yicui@stanford.edu Subject:Fwd: Chinese EVs in Australia. Can you believe it? Date:Thursday, February 22, 2024 2:12:58 AM 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: Wed, Feb 21, 2024 at 11:13 PM Subject: Fwd: Chinese EVs in Australia. Can you believe it?To: Loran Harding <loran.harding@stanfordalumni.org> Thursday, February 22, 2024 To all, and especially to Elon Musk- Chinese EVs in Australia: They are selling there pretty well there. Australia no longer has a domestic auto industry. A good vid. Recommended. You see here where Chinese EVsare going- they are coming here. THIS Is Why The Wave of Chinese EVs Is Unstoppable! (youtube.com) Are the Germans ready for Chinese EVs? A look at Munchen. Don't miss this. The German auto makers put on a brave face, but you know they are worried. One German said"Nein" to a Chinese car. Aber eine Frau sagte "Ja", she would buy one. Sie wurde solch ein Auto kaufen. BYD is building them in Hungary and shipping them into western Europe. A lotcheaper than German cars and of high quality. This reporter on China for DW is a little guy. Sure, easy for him to enter and exit that Chinese car, but even he has to duck when he does. The first car maker that builds a car notrequiring that will sell a LOT of cars. See the big Mercedes from the mid 70's or the big American sedans from then. They knew how to build them at one time. Money talks andsomebody is going to capitalize on it with an A pillar and a higher roof made for humanbeings. They all have it wrong at this point, except for Jeep and some huge Mercedes. Andthe electric London taxis, below. Are the GERMANS ready for CHINESE cars? (youtube.com) BYD is shopping for a site to build a big production plant in Mexico to build their EVs. Trying to get the best deal from one of the Mexican states. Mexico does not have a big car market but there is one north of the Rio Grand. That is the idea here. Use cheap Mexicanlabor to make them and then sell them in the USA. Because of the US, Mexico, Canada trade agreement, these cars can be shipped into the US without big, or any, US tariffs. They'll evenqualify for the $7,500 tax credit since they are made within this trade group. It will take time to build a plant in Mexico, but not much time. Then these BYD EVs will be sold in the US,and maybe for less than the $25,000 that Tesla will charge for the Redwood vehicle coming in mid-2025. Bet Elon is a little concerned about that. Great for us consumers. That Tesla hadbetter have the great CATL version 2.0 LFP battery given that coming competition. But none of them will sell well to 6 footers unless they change that A pillar and make the roof taller. Americans seem like dopes sometimes, but the taller ones will not hand overmoney for a car that's tough to get in and out of. I'm tall and I won't. SO, here is the idea!!!!!! The electric London cab. Don't miss this!!! He said it's from Geelee, in China, I think. Around $90,000. THIS is what I have in mind for the EVmakers in terms of design. Elements of design at least. Just look at that A pillar. See thatbend in the top where it meets the tall roof? That is designed for humans to enter andexit. Look at the rear door for that too. Geez how beautiful. Don't miss this: Chinese Electric Taxis TAKEOVER London! (youtube.com) Where the hell did the world's auto makers get the idea of making the A pillar so severelysloping and the roof so low that normal people cannot enter and exit the vehicle the waythey could in the 70s vintages? It is costing them huge sales and billions in revenues!! They even risk getting sued by angry buyers for selling a product not fit for a particular use. I willnot buy such an abortion of a car. A lot of people won't. Neither Tesla nor GM is going to build a vehicle like the above London taxi for $25,000, but I draw their attention to it to give them the idea of what I think would sell big. It is abeautiful vehicle. I can see how wealthy people the world over mght buy it for their personal vehicle. It is built for humans!!! Give it the CATL version 2.0 LFP battery with its longerrange and faster charging, and you'd have a great EV. Then install the solid state batteries in ~2029 and the new Tesla electric motor and you'd have a truly great vehicle. Let people laughas they damage their intervertebral discs getting in and out of their lousy cars. Anybody who buys one is a sucker. Elon, do you want your buyers to feel like suckers? L. William Harding Fresno, Ca. From:Aram James To:Angel, David; Baker, Rob; Braden Cartwright; Bryan Gobin; Cindy Chavez; Council, City; D Martell; Damon Silver;Daniel Kottke; David S. Norris; Dennis Upton; Don Austin; DuJuan Green; EPA Today; Ed Lauing; Emily Mibach;Friends of Cubberley; GRP-City Council; Greg Tanaka; Human Relations Commission; Jack Ajluni; Jeff Rosen; JoeSimitian; Josh Becker; Julie Lythcott-Haims; KEVIN JENSEN; Kaloma Smith; Karen Holman; Lewis james; LindaJolley; Gardener, Liz; Lotus Fong; Kou, Lydia; Van Der Zwaag, Minka; O"Neal, Molly; Palo Alto Free Press;Patricia.Guerrero@jud.ca.gov; Raj Jayadev; Raymond Goins; Roberta Ahlquist; Rodriguez, Miguel; Salem Ajluni;Sean Allen; Shikada, Ed; Stump, Molly; Supervisor Otto Lee; Supervisor Susan Ellenberg; Vara Ramakrishnan;Vicki Veenker; WILPF Peninsula Palo Alto; Perron, Zachary; Zelkha, Mila; dennis burns; district1@bos.sccgov.org;editor@paweekly.com; frances.Rothschild@jud.ca.gov; Foley, Michael; ssciolla@embarcaderopublishing.com;yolanda Subject:San Jose State University professor placed on leave after clash with pro-Palestine students | KRON4 Date:Wednesday, February 21, 2024 9:24:43 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. San Jose State University professor placed on leave after clash with pro-Palestine students | KRON4 https://www.kron4.com/news/bay-area/san-jose-state-university-professor-placed-on-leave- after-clash-with-pro-palestine-students/ From:Alan Crystal To:Shikada, Ed Cc:Council, City; Clerk, City; adawes@embarcaderopublishing.com; Bill Johnson; Rosen, Jeff; Stump, Molly; Binder, Andrew Subject:Re: Enforcing Section 403 to ensure our free speech rights Date:Wednesday, February 21, 2024 4:32:11 PM Attachments:image003.pngimage002.png Some people who received this message don't often get email from alancrystal@gmail.com. Learn why this isimportant Dear Mr. Shikada, Thanks again for arranging tomorrow’s meeting to discuss free speech protection in PaloAlto. In advance of our meeting, I had a couple thoughts to share: First, I read in the Palo Alto Weekly that you worked with Mayor Stone and Council member Lauing on a new policy for signs at Council meetings, and that this policy will be on theagenda for the Feb. 26th Council meeting. This looks like a prudent policy to me. It would allow people to use handheld signs (of a reasonable size) in order to express their views, whileat the same time protecting the rights of other participants so that they can see the proceedings unimpeded. Furthermore, the proposed ban on sticks, posts, and poles looks like a prudentsafety measure that would not interfere with people expressing their views. Thanks for taking the initiative on this proposal. Second, given the potential limitations to Section 403 for “public meetings” that youmentioned in your email, I wanted to raise the possibility of the police enforcing Section 415(2), which subjects “Any person who maliciously and willfully disturbs another person byloud and unreasonable noise” to fine and/or imprisonment. The jury instructions for Section 415(2) requires “...either: 1. A clear and present danger of immediate violence; OR 2. Thenoise must be used for the purpose of disrupting lawful activities, rather than as a means to communicate. The People do not have to prove that the defendant intended to provoke aviolent response.” I look forward to our discussion, and appreciate you taking the time for it. To reiterate what I said in my prior emails, I understand the importance that the City of Palo Alto places onavoiding escalation as much as possible, and I agree that procedures short of removal and arrest should be prioritized. However, when those procedures don’t accomplish the goal ofprotecting the citizens’ right to meet for lawful purposes, then it is important for the City to take further measures. Otherwise, as I’ve said, a determined individual or group can wilfullydisrupt lawful gatherings with impunity. Sincerely, –Alan Alan Crystal Palo Altoalancrystal@gmail.com On Fri, Feb 9, 2024 at 2:41 PM Alan Crystal <alancrystal@gmail.com> wrote: Dear Mr. Shikada, Thanks for your thoughtful email on the situation. I would definitely value an opportunity to meet with you, along with the Police Chief andthe City Attorney, about this important subject. I would also suggest including someone from Embarcadero Media, as they may be interested in organizing future events to fosterdiscourse on community matters. I understand the concerns you express about escalation risk and also about the possible limitations of applying Section 403 in the case of "public meetings." However, if we acceptthe status quo, we have a situation where a determined individual or group can, with impunity, sabotage a lawful gathering of citizens to exercise their own rights of assemblyand free speech. I'd like to work together to find a way to overcome this, so that the free speech rights of everyone -- speakers, protesters, and audience -- can be protected. The protocol you describe of dealing with disruptions by recessing, restoring calm, and thenchanging venue if necessary, does not seem practical or effective in the face of an individual or group who is determined to disrupt. As an example: At the Jan. 31 debate, the moderator-- Adam Dawes of Embarcadero Media -- called a recess and tried to restore order, all to no avail. At that point, moving the event midcourse would not have been feasible. With regards to the possible limitations of applying Section 403 in the case of "publicmeetings", I would like to ask if Santa Clara District Attorney Jeff Rosen could opine on this subject. If Section 403 is not the answer, is there another statute that could be enforced? If there is noexisting statute to solve the issue, do we need to enact a new ordinance, either at the State or local level? I am in strong agreement with tenets of the First Amendment -- that the government shallmake no law "abridging the freedom of speech." However, based on Supreme Court precedents, the government does have the discretion to regulate the time, manner, and placeof expression. And it should be a priority of the City of Palo, in my view, to take vigorous measures to promote free and open discourse for all of its citizens, and to protect them fromthe proverbial "heckler's veto." Thanks again for your engagement on this. Sincerely, Alan Crystal Palo Altoalancrystal@gmail.com On Wed, Feb 7, 2024 at 11:13 PM Shikada, Ed <Ed.Shikada@cityofpaloalto.org> wrote: Dear Mr. Crystal, Thank you for your message, as well as for attending Monday’s city council meeting. We appreciate the concerns raised by disruption of the debate, and appreciate your followingup to review the role of the City at this event. Given the issue involves both legal and practical dimensions, I am responding on behalf of the City. As a community, Palo Alto places high value on people’s ability to participate in ourdemocratic processes. For this reason, we were happy to accommodate Embarcadero Media’s request to use city hall for the candidate forum. In planning for the event, ourstaff and event organizers were clear that PAPD would be present to ensure public safety, but not as a substitute for private security that might be needed for the program to proceedas planned or to manage the crowd or enforce behavioral expectations. Among other considerations, this recognizes the importance of not escalating a peaceful protest into a violent or more disruptive incident involving law enforcement officers. Youspecifically noted that disruptive protesters could have been asked to leave. As a practical matter, the likelihood that such a request would be disregarded presents the prospect ofofficers needing to make an arrest or more likely multiple arrests. This carries the high risk of escalation, especially when many individuals are involved. A much more effective means to handle such situations is to recess the event, and employeither time for order to be restored, or a change of location for the event to proceed. The City would take similar steps for city council meetings, should this be necessary. We should also note that Section 403, as referenced below, contains an exemption forgatherings related to “public questions”, which would presumably apply to a candidate forum. That exception, which references California Elections Code Section 18340, alsosets the threshold of “threats, intimidations, or unlawful violence” before a violation occurs. This may reflect a recognition that public issues such as elections have onoccasion drawn disruptions as issues of intensity arise. The City Attorney, Police Chief, and I would be happy to meet with you to discuss this further. Once again, we appreciate your concern for our ability to conduct the people’sbusiness. Sincerely, --Ed Some people who received this message don't often get email from alancrystal@gmail.com. Learn why this is important Ed Shikada, City Manager ICMA Credentialed Manager (650) 329-2280 | ed.shikada@cityofpaloalto.org www.cityofpaloalto.org From: Alan Crystal <alancrystal@gmail.com> Sent: Wednesday, February 7, 2024 9:30 AMTo: Binder, Andrew <Andrew.Binder@CityofPaloAlto.org>Cc: Stone, Greer <Greer.Stone@CityofPaloAlto.org>; Council, City<city.council@cityofpaloalto.org>; Clerk, City <city.clerk@cityofpaloalto.org>;adawes@embarcaderopublishing.com; Bill Johnson<bjohnson@embarcaderomediafoundation.org>; Rosen, Jeff <jrosen@dao.sccgov.org>;Stump, Molly <Molly.Stump@CityofPaloAlto.org>Subject: Enforcing Section 403 to ensure our free speech rights CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Becautious of opening attachments and clicking on links. To: Andrew Binder, Chief of Police of Palo Alto cc:Greer Stone, Mayor of Palo AltoPalo Alto City Council MembersMolly Stump, City Attorney of Palo AltoAdam Dawes, CEO, Embarcadero Media FoundationBill Johnson, President, Embarcadero Media Foundation Jeff Rosen, District Attorney of Santa Clara County Dear Police Chief Binder, I've been a resident of Palo Alto since 1980, and I'm writing to you about Section 403 ofthe California Penal Code, as it pertains to the disruption of the Congressional debate thatwas held on Jan. 31st at Palo Alto City Hall. I'm sure you heard what happened at the debate. For 45 minutes, dozens of anti-Israelprotestors shouted at the candidates and at members of the audience, making it impossibleto hear the candidates and forcing the event to be cut short. After the event, I asked the Embarcadero Media Foundation -- the organizer andmoderator of the debate -- why the disruptive protesters were not escorted out of the roomso that the debate could continue. The President of Embarcadero Media, Bill Johnson,said they had met with the Palo Alto police beforehand to discuss how disruptions wouldbe handled. Apparently, the police told Embarcadero Media that they would interveneonly if there was violence or the threat of imminent violence. This explanation does not make sense to me. The police should have enforced Section403 of the Penal Code, which states: “Every person who, without authority of law,willfully disturbs or breaks up any assembly or meeting that is not unlawful in itscharacter… is guilty of a misdemeanor." I contacted Santa Clara County District Attorney, Jeff Rosen, and he confirmed myunderstanding of Section 403. He explained that "courts have found violations of the[Section 403] when a person’s conduct--not the content of the activity’s expression—substantially impairs the effective conduct of a meeting in violation of implicit customs orusages or of explicit rules for governance of the meeting, of which he knew, or as areasonable person should have known." One of the reasons Section 403 is an important statute is that it protects everyone's freespeech rights. Protestors have free speech rights. But so do speakers, and so does theaudience. Free speech includes the right to hear what speakers are saying. If we do notprotect everyone's free speech rights, we are giving protestors a "heckler's veto." Can you help me understand why the police told Embarcadero Media that lawenforcement would intervene during the debate only if there was violence or thethreat of violence? Why was there no mention of Section 403, which would have been an appropriatebasis for police intervention if circumstances warranted? By not invoking Section 403, the police abdicated its law enforcement responsibility, anddid a disservice to the audience, which had a right to hear the candidates. Looking forward, what can be done to ensure that the police enforce Section 403 atfuture events? For an event like last week's debate, I believe the best approach would be for the police tonotify the audience at the outset that anyone who disrupted the meeting would be escortedout of the room, and if necessary charged with a misdemeanor violation of Section 403. We will not be able to maintain our democracy if illegal protestors are allowed to drown out our free speech rights. Sincerely, Alan CrystalPalo Alto alancrystal@gmail.com From:Mircea To:Gollinger, Peter Cc:Eggleston, Brad; Lait, Jonathan; City Attorney; Council, City; Hoyt, George; Gerhardt, Jodie; Gaines, Chantal; Hernandez, Uriel; Vargas-Aguilera, Elisa Subject:Re: 23PCE-2004 - 3880 El Centro Palo Alto - Redwood Tree Roots Situation-Owner Requests Immediate Removal-SAFETY Date:Wednesday, February 21, 2024 2:06:31 PM Attachments:image001.pngimage002.pngimage003.pngimage004.png image005.pngimage006.pngimage007.pngC3_3880ElCentro_Plans_REAR_JADU.pdf3880ElCentro_PA_RedwoodTree_Removal_ConsultantsReports.pdf Peter, I would like to clarify to you some incomplete and continuous false statements on the below email from you on behalf of my consultants (my arborist does not agree with your assessment of the JADU location and redwood tree situation which you completely ignored in your NOV report): 1. My arborist David Beckman clearly stated in his follow-up visit on 12/13/23 what is his assessment of additional redwood tree roots that you ignored. (Attached Arborist report Exhibit 25) Owner statement: Ownership totally disagrees with Peter Gollinger on city assessmenton removal of the Redwood Tree by creating a false and incomplete record (leaving material facts out of the report to justify fees) with the NOV 23PCE-2004, ignoring owner's structural engineer assessment on impact of the redwood tree roots into existing and current foundation, and owner’s arborist recommendation that with the existing redwood tree roots running into the current side of the house were the approved JADU and additionarea, the JADU would have to be placed in a different location, which by itself was a clear reason to allow removal or qualifying under PAMC 8.10.050(b2). There are no foundationdesigns that City will guarantee the property owner that his new foundation will not get impacted and cracked over time and city of Palo Alto of course is not taking on the liability. Till City of Palo Alto, any arborist and or a GC guarantees a foundation with somedesign proposal where a 6-9 inch root runs throughout the JADU and Addition foundation do not talk to me about " designing around" options the lesson learned is that you shouldof woke up 8 months ago and order property owner additional exploratory trenching to uncover other redwood tree roots in the side of the house. The proximity to the existing house was Imminent then, and now you knew that we got even closer to the redwoodtree with our JADU proposal. That is your job. Per PAMC 8.10.050(b), one of the following would need to be true: (1) The tree is so close to the proposed development that construction would result in the death of the tree, and there is no financially feasible design alternative that would permit preservation of the tree, where financially feasible means an alternative that preserves the tree unless retaining the tree would increase project cost by more than twice the reproduction cost of the tree or ten percent of the given project valuation, whichever is greater. Answer: The owner’s redwood tree qualifies for removal under PAMC8.10.050 (b1) 1. There are no feasible design alternatives Answer: There are not feasible alternatives considering that the roots are running throughout the entire SIDE of the JADU as also owner arborist agreed and stated see: (Exhibit 24 Page 3 “If those roots were found during the planning phase the JADU would have need a different location as the amount of root cutting needed would be high or the tree would have needed to be removed “. Therefore, moving the JADU in the rear side of the property is the only alternative. See architect evaluation letter and proposed JADU/Addition Architectural plans on moved JADU/Addition in the rear to the only alternative to protect redwood tree roots (Exhibit 25) (2) The tree could be removed due to the conditions listed in Section 8.10.050(a) (1) and treatments or corrective practices are not feasible. 2 Any feasible design alternatives would increase cost more than twice the tree reproduction cost (my estimate for this tree would be $35-40K so twice that would be about $75K) or 10% of the project valuation ($311,683 x 10% = $31,168) whichever is greater. In this case it would seem to be twice the reproduction cost. Answer: Owner’s redwood tree also qualifies for removing the redwood tree under PAMC 8.10.050(b2). See Architectural letter and GC Cost assessment that exceed $75,000 which is twice the replacement tree cost. George Hoyt can review construction costs. If you were a competent City arborist and pointed the property owner 8 months ago to continue doing exploratory roots trenching which he " voluntarily started already" which would uncovered the JADU roots months ago that would resulted in a conclusion that JADU cannot be placed in a different location on site, this redwood tree would of been removed under PAMC 8.10.050(b2) I was proactive and open to do whatever is needed and suggested additional trenching from day one you ignored it and now you have to write a citation so you can justify your job, period. Mircea On Tue, Nov 21, 2023 at 9:12 AM Gollinger, Peter <Peter.Gollinger@cityofpaloalto.org> wrote: Good morning Mircea, I’d like to correct what appears to be a misunderstanding. Under no circumstances was theremaining redwood tree on the project property to be damaged or removed. It was specificallymarked to be retained and preserved during your project. Your assertion that the tree could be removed with intact roots in the JADU foundation zone isincorrect. Per PAMC 8.10.050(a)(1)(ii), protected trees may only be removed for “… impacting the foundation or eaves of a residence or any covered parking required under Title 18” in theabsence of development. This means it only applies to existing foundations or eaves, not yet-to-be-constructed foundations or eaves. In order for this redwood tree to be removed as part of a residential project, per PAMC8.10.050(b), one of the following would need to be true: (1) The tree is so close to the proposed development that construction would result inthe death of the tree, and there is no financially feasible design alternative that wouldpermit preservation of the tree, where financially feasible means an alternative thatpreserves the tree unless retaining the tree would increase project cost by more thantwice the reproduction cost of the tree or ten percent of the given project valuation, whichever is greater. (2) The tree could be removed due to the conditions listed in Section 8.10.050(a)(1) andtreatments or corrective practices are not feasible. In the case of (b)(1), there are certainly foundation design options that would have allowed thetree to remain without damaging the roots in this area. Your project arborist David Beckham hasworked on many projects where a simple change in foundation design preserved existingprotected trees. In order to use (b)(1) as a valid reason for removal you, your architect, and theproject arborist would need to show that either 1. There are no feasible design alternatives2. Any feasible design alternatives would increase cost more than twice the treereproduction cost (my estimate for this tree would be $35-40K so twice that would beabout $75K) or 10% of the project valuation ($311,683 x 10% = $31,168) whichever isgreater. In this case it would seem to be twice the reproduction cost. In the case of (b)(2), you would need to prove that the tree is dead, is hazardous, or constitutes apublic nuisance. None of which were true before the root damage inflicted on the tree by yourproject. One item that can be addressed outside of the pending redwood tree removal permit is the treeprotection fencing. During inspection of the fencing on 11/6 you were asked to include thestandard tree fencing signage, adjust fencing to match tree protection plan as close as possible,and to secure the fencing. During the site visit on 11/14 the signs were observed to be correctlyapplied and the fencing around the Monterey Cypress seemed to conform to the tree protectionplan. The fence around the redwood tree was significantly closer to the tree than in the treepreservation plan and neither fence was secured with posts, thus allowing for easy unauthorizedmovement by job site personnel. Per the tree protection plan in your arborist report and standardCPA practice, securing the fence in place is accomplished using 2” metal poles spaced no morethan 10’ on center, sunk a minimum of 24” into the ground. Once the fences are moved to match the tree preservation plan and properly secured, pleasecontact Uriel Hernandez (650-690-0258) Directly to schedule a re-inspection. I spoke with both Code Enforcement and Building Inspection yesterday evening and again thismorning. They indicated that the non-Urban Forestry issues on the stop work order have yet to beaddressed. As soon as we determine the appropriate mitigation measures for damaging theredwood and determine how best to conduct public notification, I will let you know. Thank you, Peter Gollinger City of Palo Alto – Public Works Urban Forester D:(650) 496-6946 WE-7320BM From: Mircea <mircea27v@gmail.com> Sent: Monday, November 20, 2023 2:47 PMTo: Gollinger, Peter <Peter.Gollinger@CityofPaloAlto.org>Cc: City Attorney <city.attorney@CityofPaloAlto.org>; Shikada, Ed<Ed.Shikada@CityofPaloAlto.org>; Hernandez, Uriel <Uriel.Hernandez@CityofPaloAlto.org>;Vargas-Aguilera, Elisa <Elisa.Vargas@cityofpaloalto.org>Subject: Re: 3880 El Centro Palo Alto - Redwood Tree Roots Situation-Owner RequestsImmediate Removal-SAFETY Peter, I appreciate the update. The question is, till you make a decision on the permit, why is redwood tree on the stop work when the redwood tree issue is clear cut on what will happen, and you just need to work on public notifications. I hope that we are all 100% on the same page that even with Intact Roots (not damaged by the GC's employee), the Redwood tree, unfortunately, will have to be removed per the owner's request and right due to the impact of multiple large roots on the foundation of the future JADU. No different than when you approved the permit earlier this year for the rear backyard Cedar tree that had massive roots running into the foundation. It is my right to get this redwood tree removed regardless of any public opinion and safety matters the most. I am communicating with David Chung and my structural engineer on building items and resolution (Stop Work No1&3), and we should be wrapped up by tomorrow, after which Urban Forestry will be the last item that we need a plan to lift the stop work. Items 4&5 on the stop work are already addressed and yes No. 5 is City to Fix the street (Street asphalt paving) which I have sent emails for months to Ahmad confirming that the city needs to handle that, not me and he confirmed that city will deal with it in 2024. We need to get back to work and cannot delay this. If you want that area around the redwood tree fenced off completely or whatever, tell us, and we will do it the same day. Thanks Mircea On Mon, Nov 20, 2023 at 12:52 PM Gollinger, Peter <Peter.Gollinger@cityofpaloalto.org>wrote: Hello Mircea, Urban Forestry Staff have reviewed your tree removal application for the protected redwoodthat was damaged during your development project on the 3880 El Centro property. While it islikely that we will ultimately approve this permit due to the amount of damage the treesustained, we are still working to determine appropriate mitigation measures and coordinatinghow best to conduct public notification. We are also working with Code Enforcement and Building Inspection staff regarding the stopwork order. We should have a notice for you soon that will include the steps needed to resolvethe Urban Forestry items. Please be aware that I can only speak on the Urban Forestry itemsand not on any of the other outstanding issues included on the stop work order. Thank you, Peter Gollinger City of Palo Alto – Public Works Urban Forester D:(650) 496-6946 WE-7320BM From: Gollinger, Peter Sent: Wednesday, November 15, 2023 11:35 AMTo: 'Mircea' <mircea27v@gmail.com>; Hernandez, Uriel<Uriel.Hernandez@CityofPaloAlto.org>Cc: City Attorney <city.attorney@CityofPaloAlto.org>; Shikada, Ed<Ed.Shikada@CityofPaloAlto.org>Subject: RE: 3880 El Centro Palo Alto - Redwood Tree Roots Situation-Owner RequestsImmediate Removal-SAFETY Good morning Mircea, Thank you for sending over your tree removal application and supporting documents. I will bereviewing this situation and will be in touch within the next few days with a proposed plan ofhow best to proceed. Thank you, Peter Gollinger | Urban Forester Public Works Department 3201 E. Bayshore Road | Palo Alto, CA 94303 D: (650) 496-6946 E:peter.gollinger@cityofpaloalto.org ISA# WE-7320BM PCA#119134 NEW TREE PROTECTION ORDINANCE INFORMATION From: Mircea <mircea27v@gmail.com> Sent: Wednesday, November 15, 2023 10:19 AMTo: Hernandez, Uriel <Uriel.Hernandez@CityofPaloAlto.org>; Gollinger, Peter<Peter.Gollinger@CityofPaloAlto.org>Cc: City Attorney <city.attorney@CityofPaloAlto.org>; Shikada, Ed<Ed.Shikada@CityofPaloAlto.org>Subject: 3880 El Centro Palo Alto - Redwood Tree Roots Situation-Owner RequestsImmediate Removal-SAFETY CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Hi Uriel and Peter, As discussed with Uriel, I attached the Redwood Tree removal permit and supporting documents (Arborist Evaluation Letter, Structural Engineer Evaluation Letter, Incident - Owner's statement of facts, and Incident- GC statement of facts) The city of Palo Alto should figure out how to manage its internal review and approval process and resident communication and issue an expedited removal permit within the next 7 days. I contacted the 3860 El Centro neighbor next door and notified him about the risk to his property, so he is aware that this 60 ft redwood (3ft from his property line) is leaning towards his house.I also provided Uriel's contact info so they can talk today. On behalf of the ownership of 3880 El Centro property, we cannot be held liable for any damages (damage of property and loss of life) if the City of Palo Alto delays the issuance of the redwood tree removal permit beyond 7 days from today (11/22/2023). Thanks Mircea 650-996-1114 3880 El Centro St, _RedwoodTree_ArboristLetter.pdf 3880ElCentro_PA_GC_IncidentReport.pdf 3880ElCentro_PA_PermitRemoval_RedwoodTree.pdf 3880ElCentro_PA_RedwoodTreeIncident_PropertyOwn... 3880ElCentro_PA_StructuralEngineerRedwoodTreeRe... From:Paul Sowden To:Council, City Subject:Road safety Date:Wednesday, February 21, 2024 12:29:55 PM Some people who received this message don't often get email from paul@paulsowden.com. Learn why this isimportant CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Hello, there have been news reports of two cyclists killed in the past week in Palo Alto andSanta Clara county. I regularly both drive and bicycle in Palo Alto, the road design of Embarcadero in particular encourages drivers to exceed the speed limit, the wide, straight, double lane design encouragesdrivers to drive this neighborhood street substantially faster than the posted 25 mph. This road is a major cross town street but it also has many community facilities directly off the street ora block or two away, including three schools, a park, a library, and religious centers. Speed kills, I believe the city should consider updating the road design to encourage traffic calmingalong this thoroughfare to discourage speeding, and increase the road safety for other road users, cyclists and pedestrians. The similarly oriented Willow Road is a single lane road for most of its length, includes widebike lanes and parking, and drivers generally drive at significantly lower rates of speed along this road. Road features like restricting the lanes from 2 to 1 in either direction along Embarcaderowould help reduce the speed drivers regularly drive this road, increasing the safety for everyone including drivers, and provide more space for community infrastructure like trees,bike lanes, and wider sidewalks. Thanks, Paul From:Friends of the Palo Alto Junior Museum & Zoo To:Council, City Subject:You"re Invited: Celebrate World Wildlife Day Date:Wednesday, February 21, 2024 10:30:35 AM Some people who received this message don't often get email from info-friendsjmz.org@shared1.ccsend.com. Learn why this isimportant CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of openingattachments and clicking on links. Logo_Full_Color_CMYK.jpg To purchase tickets for the Palo Alto Junior Museum & Zoo, please go to Enjoy! Online and book your visit for Tuesday, March 5. We hope to see you then! Friends of the Palo Alto Junior Museum & Zooinfo@friendsjmz.org | www.friendsjmz.org DONATE NOW Connect with us Friends of the JMZ | 1451 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto, CA 94301 Unsubscribe city.council@cityofpaloalto.org Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice Sent by info@friendsjmz.org powered by Try email marketing for free today! From:Jenny Munro To:Council, City Cc:Kanth, Gayathri; Janette Herceg Subject:FOPAL event Date:Wednesday, February 21, 2024 10:00:05 AM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links. Dear City Council members, On Thursday April 25, the Palo Alto library will host its annual luncheon for the volunteers ofFriends of the Palo Alto Library. It will be held at the Community Center adjacent to the Mitchell Park Library, and is scheduled from 1:30 to 3PM. Ada's Cafe will cater the event, soyou can be assured that the food will be delicious (especially the cookies). I hope that if you are able, you will join us for the celebration of all the FOPAL volunteers who make oursubstantial contributions to the library possible. You will receive a reminder closer to the date, but put it on your calendar now if you can. Sincerely, Jenny Munro, FOPAL President From:Loran Harding To:Loran Harding; alumnipresident@stanford.edu; antonia.tinoco@hsr.ca.gov; David Balakian; fred beyerlein;Leodies Buchanan; bballpod; boardmembers; bearwithme1016@att.net; Council, City; Cathy Lewis;cramirez.electriclab133@gmail.com; dennisbalakian; Doug Vagim; dan.richard@earthlink.net;dallen1212@gmail.com; Daniel Zack; eappel@stanford.edu; Scott Wilkinson; Gabriel.Ramirez@fresno.gov;George.Rutherford@ucsf.edu; huidentalsanmateo; Irv Weissman; Sally Thiessen; Joel Stiner; jerry ruopoli;kfsndesk; karkazianjewelers@gmail.com; Kevin.Nower@bestbuy.com; margaret-sasaki@live.com;MY77FJ@gmail.com; maverickbruno@sbcglobal.net; Mark Standriff; Mayor; merazroofinginc@att.net; nickyovino; news@fresnobee.com; newsdesk; russ@topperjewelers.com; Steve Wayte; terry; tsheehan;vallesR1969@att.net; yicui@stanford.edu Subject:Fwd: BYD EVs assembled in Mexico coming here. Date:Tuesday, February 20, 2024 10:21:27 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, Feb 20, 2024 at 4:36 PM Subject: Fwd: BYD EVs assembled in Mexico coming here.To: Loran Harding <loran.harding@stanfordalumni.org> Tuesday, February 20, 2024 To all- How BYD will sell its EVs in the US--- build them in Mexico. Same trick as building in Hungary and selling in W. Europe. BYD reveals plan to use Mexico as 'back door' to flood America with cheap EVs(youtube.com) "GM invested its entire future in the worst battery company in the world" he says. I don't say that, he says that: GM invested its entire future in the worst battery company in the world (youtube.com) Current Lithium ion batteries are NMCs Nickel, Manganese, Cobalt. GM and LG haveno plans (??) to produce the LFP- lithium, iron, phosphate, batts that seem to be a big improvement. Tesla will soon have production lines in its Reno battery plant set up byChinese company CATL and those batts will go into the new Redwood vehicle to be built in mid-2025 in Austin. Hopefully they will be version 2.0 of the LFP. No doubt they will gointo the cars Tesla will make in Monterey too. And what will be better than LFP? LMFP. They use less lithium than LFPs. Up the line by 2029 will be solid state batts. Huge range, fast charging time. GM might want to make a deal with CATL to put their production lines making LFP batts in GMs battery plants, as TSLA is doing. Disengage from LG Chem. Cancel the design of thenew Bolt and make a Jeep style vehicle that adults can get in and out of easily and sit in the back seat without leaning sideways. Give it a near- vertical A pillar and a tallish roof. Build the car and the LFP batteries in Mexico so they qualify for the $7,500 rebate. New Tesla motor announced 11 mos. ago: Elon Musk's NEW INSANE Motor SHOCKS The Entire Industry! (youtube.com) More belief in TSLA: This reduces my cost per share to ~$198. Your trade was executed in your Schwab account ending in 130 -loran.harding@alumni.stanford.edu - Stanford Alumni Mail (google.com) L. William Harding Fresno, Ca.