HomeMy Public PortalAboutApril 8, 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: 4/8/2024
Document dates: 4/1/2024 – 4/8/2024
Note: Documents for every category may not have been received for packet reproduction
in a given week.
From:Jo Ann Mandinach
To:City Mgr; Council, City
Subject:Please save the Palo Alto Square movie theater. We don"t meed more office vacancies
Date:Monday, April 8, 2024 11:15:02 AM
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Hello.
Good to read from the article below that Mr. Lait belatedly sees the “public benefit”of the movie theater thanks to the resident petion and has forwarded that to City
Council which should also see the benefit.
Given the rise in office vacancies to historic highs since 2016, we certainly don’tneed more vacant offices and we’ll get to save the movie theater!
So City Council, PLEASE save the movie theater and say no to more offices. Wedon't need more vacant offices approved!
Thank you.Jo Ann Mandinach
https://www.paloaltoonline.com/community/2024/04/08/palo-alto-council-to-rule-
on-conversion-of-movie-theater-to-office-space/#comment-460839
From:Aram James
To:Angie, Palo Alto Renters Association; Cindy Chavez; Council, City; D Martell; Daniel Kottke; GRP-City Council; JeffMoore; Joe Simitian; Julie Lythcott-Haims; Lotus Fong; Roberta Ahlquist; Rose Lynn; Sean Allen; Shikada, Ed;Supervisor Otto Lee; Supervisor Susan Ellenberg; WILPF Peninsula Palo Alto; citycouncil@mountainview.gov;district1@bos.sccgov.org
Subject:Homelessness issue brings divisiveness
Date:Monday, April 8, 2024 7:40:03 AM
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Homelessness issue brings divisiveness
https://edition.pagesuite.com/popovers/dynamic_article_popover.aspx?guid=bc795e04-6fa5-4c0f-aaa7-b7d9b58aeb05&appcode=SAN252&eguid=0ba6cb15-7ce8-4ace-9f9d-
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From:Loran Harding
To:Loran Harding; antonia.tinoco@hsr.ca.gov; alumnipresident@stanford.edu; bearwithme1016@att.net; fredbeyerlein; Leodies Buchanan; bballpod; David Balakian; boardmembers; beachrides; Cathy Lewis;cramirez.electriclab133@gmail.com; Council, City; Doug Vagim; dennisbalakian; dan.richard@earthlink.net;dallen1212@gmail.com; eappel@stanford.edu; Scott Wilkinson; George.Rutherford@ucsf.edu;Gabriel.Ramirez@fresno.gov; huidentalsanmateo; hennessy; Irv Weissman; Sally Thiessen; Joel Stiner; jerryruopoli; kfsndesk; karkazianjewelers@gmail.com; Kevin.Nower@bestbuy.com; margaret-sasaki@live.com;maverickbruno@sbcglobal.net; merazroofinginc@att.net; Mark Standriff; Mayor; MY77FJ@gmail.com; nickyovino; news@fresnobee.com; newsdesk; russ@topperjewelers.com; Steve Wayte; terry; tsheehan;vallesR1969@att.net; yicui@stanford.edu
Subject:Fwd: New vid from Tesla. Don"t miss this
Date:Monday, April 8, 2024 12:36:00 AM
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---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Loran Harding <loran.harding@stanfordalumni.org>Date: Sun, Apr 7, 2024 at 6:33 PM
Subject: Fwd: New vid from Tesla. Don't miss thisTo: Loran Harding <loran.harding@stanfordalumni.org>
Sunday, April 7, 2024
To Elon Musk, Mary Barra, et.al.-
This vid is just out. Notice all the discussion about LFP batteries, their range and charging
times.
It Happened! Elon Musk Reveals Why Tesla Put Model 2 Into Production Soon, WillHit Market in 2025! (youtube.com)
Then look at this vid below about new battery tech. You'll think you're dreaming. The
range issue has been solved if there is any truth to this: That's 1,250 miles of range, not 250miles: And these batteries will just keep getting better. We are going to need those small
nuclear reactors being tested at the National Lab in Idaho. Maybe have three National Labswork on those. Hear that Dept. of Energy? This is saying too that the LFP batteries in the
$25,000 Redwood can charge in maybe 15 minutes. There are two versions of the LFP battery.
Highest energy density battery in the world enables EVs with 1250 mile range(youtube.com)
But, but here is 31 minutes of Zoox in Las Vegas. Zoox is there now!!!!!! They haveit. When will TSLA get there? Musk says they will build a robotaxi on THE SAMEPLATFORM as the $25K small car coming in 2025 or 2026. Notice that!! I sure hope theTesla robotaxi is VERY different than the car. It will have to be, with tall doors and a tallroof, or Tesla will kiss off a huge chunk of taxi riders. Tall people will not buy what theyare showing for Model 2 and they for sure will not ride in such a thing as a robotaxi.
Musk is not a fool. He'll build a robotaxi that tall people can use. I suggest they make itin the Zoox form factor. There is no patent on that form factor. Can't be. Have at it TSLA,let's see your robotaxi that looks like a Zoox. Make the roof even taller. TSLA can thinkof many other improvements. A robotaxi traveling in a city is not going to roll due to high
speed. If Tesla tries to pawn off a Model 2 as a robotaxi, it will give TSLA a black eye when20% of the population can't get in or out of it. If they can't get their Zoox-style robotaxi ready
by August 8, 2024, I suggest that Tesla start designing one to be produced later, and say theyare.
Self driving taxis are here! As long as a city has fairly normal streets and traffic signals.The trick us to map the city first, and be thorough about that.
Zoox: 1-Hour Fully Autonomous Drive in Las Vegas with Commentary (youtube.com)
Here is Zoox for an hour in San Francisco. This is fantastic. No driver, or controls!Narration by big-gun engineeers at Zoox.
Zoox: ~1-Hour Fully Autonomous Drive in San Francisco with Commentary
(youtube.com)
Now, 24 minutes of Tesla FSD around Scottsdale. They let you have FSD free for 30days, then the price is $12,000 plus a subscription fee of $_______. Note the route we seehere had NOT been mapped, so the driver has to stay attentive, touch the wheel to let the carknow he is alive and awake. With Zoox the possible routes have all been mapped beforehand
till they are blue in the face. So two very different approaches. Zoox taxis cannot gobeyond the area that has been geo-fenced, while Tesla FSD can do.
How can they let you have FSD free for 30 days? Doesn't the car have to be loaded with
radar, lidar and cameras? Does every car they sell have all that or what? I don't understand.Maybe they let you borrow a car that has all of that for 30 days. This is impressive. The driver
of the Tesla with FSD has to stay alert, at least for now.
Tesla Gave Me Full Self Driving (FSD) For Free - I wasn't ready (youtube.com)
L. William Harding, GM retiree and Tesla stock holder.
Fresno, Ca.
From:loh.jacob@gmail.com
To:Council, City
Subject:Bike lane on El Camino
Date:Sunday, April 7, 2024 9:49:50 PM
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________________________________
Hi,
I am writing to share my support for replacing street parking on El Camino (ECR) with bike lanes.
I am a local resident who rides a bike regularly. I bike to and from work, to meet up with friends, go to restaurants,
and to shop.
There are countless reasons to build this bike lane including environmental, health, and economic. But I believe user
safety is the highest priority that needs to be considered here.
Streets like ECR pose a threat to everyone in the Palo Alto community, not just those on foot and on bike. ECR is a
stroad (a portmanteau of street + road…and it fails at being a street people enjoy or a road that moves people
efficiently). It is filled with dangerous points of conflict. As you already know, many citizens are injured and killed
on ECR each year, and yet we choose to do nothing to improve the safety of the road.
Cars kill people. We need to move away from car-centric design and embrace infrastructure that makes walking,
biking, and using public transit safe, convenient, and enjoyable.
Accidents happen. Humans make mistakes. But the city has a moral obligation to design and build infrastructure that
mitigates the repercussions of the inevitable human error. Repaving ECR without moving towards a
walking/biking/public transit design ignores the obligation the city has to protect its people. If the bike lane is not
added to ECR, then I believe the city council members who voted against it will be morally culpable for any harm
that comes to the users of ECR.
We can’t be perfect. But we can do our best. And at this time, building this bike lane is our opportunity to move
forward and create a better city.
Sincerely,
Jacob
From:Nicole Hage
To:Council, City
Subject:Parking vs. Bike Lanes on El Camino Real
Date:Sunday, April 7, 2024 9:44:14 PM
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Dear Palo Alto City Council,
As one of your constituents I am disappointed by your recent decision to not pursue theopportunity to implement a bike lane on El Camino Real. The blatant hypocrisy I witnessed at
the city council meeting was undeniable. Despite the extensive data showing the advantages ofimplementing bike infrastructure around the world and in the states, and the abundant data
showing the disadvantages of car infrastructure - you still insist that "we need more researchon safety before the implementation of a bike lane on El Camino Real can be done." But the
real question is who's safety and who's convenience you care most about. Reducing car trafficand parking on that street would most definitely improve pedestrian safety and increase foot
traffic on this street, which would benefit the businesses on that strip. I can confidently saythat as a customer/consumer I am much more likely to notice and seek out a business if I pass
it on foot or on bike rather than in a car. Businesses who are worried about losing customers ifthey do not have that extra street parking are mistaken. I understand their fear of change,
however, if they would only look at the abundant proof, they would understand thatwalkability/bikeability do much more for small businesses than traffic and a few extra street
parking spots ever did. Implementing a bike lane would also be FREE right now, as they arealready planning to repave this road - WHY would you pass up on such an amazing
opportunity to improve this road?! If you are worried about biker safety on this road then buildthe bike infrastructure correctly and do not cut corners. Take note of how other cities have
done this rather than not even try! And if you are concerned that it might damage the cars...well better a car bumper than a cyclist! The potential risks to safety posed by this bike lane are
no greater than the present risks to pedestrian safety on El Camino Real... yet you don't seemtoo concerned about that now. This city council is standing in the way of much needed
progress, which would benefit the community, the environment, and the businesses of PaloAlto. Please prioritize people over cars!
Thank you,
one of your constituents, Nicole Hage
From:Ronald Pyszka
To:Council, City
Subject:Charleston/Meadow grade Separation
Date:Sunday, April 7, 2024 4:34:39 PM
Attachments:Rail Crossings 424.docx
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April 7
, 2024
To: Mayor Stone and Members of the City Council
Re: Charleston and Meadow Grade Separation
For the past several years I have closely followed the various findings, discussions, and decisions
related to grade separation at the Charleston and Meadow rail crossings. I have also sent several
detailed letters to the City Council offering my perspective on the matter.
Over time my thinking has evolved and now that a decision is immanent, I would like to share my
current thinking. Knowing that you are pressed for time, I will keep my remarks very
brief. However, I would be happy to discuss the issue in greater detail should any of you wish to do
so.
The Trench would be a wonderful solution but we have to be realistic and acknowledge that it will
not happen for cost and environmental reasons.
Since all of the remaining options have their downsides, I wish that we didn’t have to choose any of
them. But, of course, we do. Still, it’s a shame to have to rush given Caltrain’s plummeting ridership
and High-Speed rail’s uncertain future. More time to negotiate with Caltrain would surely be
desirable.
Of the remaining options, my strong preference is for the Viaduct. It is by far the best option with
regards to vehicle, bicycle, and pedestrian safety as well as suicide prevention. Additionally, it
provides abundant possibilities for east-west connectivity. Although Caltrain is currently reluctant to
remove its existing tracks and grant access to its right of way, over time that can change. And, if
designed and landscaped properly, the viaduct could be made to be reasonably attractive. Finally, it
is the least disruptive option in terms of construction since it does not require the installation of
shoofly tracks on Alma Street.
I believe that the Hybrid option is the next best alternative. If offers the same safety and suicide
prevention advantages as the Viaduct. However, it is substantially more limited in terms of east-
west connectivity. It is also less attractive than the Viaduct. However, it may be possible to design
something that is less obtrusive than an earthen berm. It is my understanding that Menlo Park and
Atherton have opted for the Hybrid configuration.
The Underpass option is by far my least favorite alternative. At first glance, it is an appealing
approach. However, as the saying goes, the devil is in the details. As it turns out, its implementation
is highly problematic. The plans that have so far been put forward for the Underpass -- with their
traffic circles, convoluted left turns for motor vehicles, and steep, twisting ramps for pedestrians and
bicyclists -- make for an unsafe and unfriendly solution for everyone involved, especially seniors and
the mobility impaired. The underpass option is also likely to be the least effective in terms of suicide
prevention. Finally, it requires property acquisition/seizure, something that should be avoided.
Thank you very much for your consideration and your efforts in making this very difficult decision.
Dr. Ronald H. Pyszka
284 East Charleston Road
From:Art Liberman
To:Council, City
Subject:Comments on the El Camino Bikeway proposal by Caltrans
Date:Saturday, April 6, 2024 5:29:24 PM
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Council
I was in the audience at the April 1st meeting, and spoke briefly.
I was disappointed that the initial motion about bikeways on ECR did not pass. I feel
that Caltrans can and will support some safety improvements in their plan. Because
this is part of their repaving project, they have very little time. Why didn't the Office of
Transportation and Caltrans discuss this project sooner?
I am hoping that the City will participate in further improvements if Caltrans is not
willing to support them, such as the bus stop loading islands that were shown in the
Fehr and Peers report. I raised this point at the PABAC meeting on April 2nd, when
we discussed the outcome of the City Council meeting the night before, and thesenior Transportation Staff person at the meeting (Sylvia Star-Lack) said that City
support of this safety improvement was a possibility. At that meeting, we also learned
that the Office of Transportation has a new staff person, Charlie Coles, who had
worked at Fehr and Peers previously, and will likely support effort to improve the ECRbikeway project.
Many members of the public who attended and spoke at the April 1meeting were from
neighboring cities. This is consistent with one of the Draft Objectives that PABACheard at our March 5th meeting from Andrea Leahy, the Kittelson consultant who is
working on developing the the Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation Plan. One of the
draft objectives was: "Integrated and Collaborative: collaborating with neighboring
cities to create a seamless and integrated regional network of pedestrian and bicycle
infrastructure."
Here are the remarks I had planned to deliver on April 1. I include the pdf links to the
Design Information Bulletins (DIB) 94 and 89 that I mentioned in my remarks..........................................................................
My name is Art Liberman. I am a member of PABAC, not speaking for the committee,
only as an individual.
I want to thank the Caltrans personnel for developing this plan. I also thank Caltrans
for installing the HAWK beacons which have made crossing El Camino in Palo Alto
safer for pedestrians.
Removing parking will eliminate the danger of sudden door openings, which pose a
hazard to cyclists. My view is that the Caltrans proposal suits cyclists who are
experienced with riding in traffic and can brave the fumes and the noise. Not me,
though I am a member of SVBC. I agree with the Fehrs and Peers report that the
Caltrans bikeway proposal will NOT provide an adequate level of safety for most
cyclists. It needs some work. The Fehrs and Peers report presents suggestions that
would make the plan comply with DIB 94 COMPLETE STREETS: CONTEXTUAL
DESIGN GUIDANCE: https://dot.ca.gov/-/media/dot-
media/programs/design/documents/dib-94-010224-a11y.pdf
Caltrans is proposing a Class IV bikeway, a separated bikeway, along El Camino in
Palo Alto. There is DIB for that also: DIB 89, it called the CLASS IV BIKEWAY
GUIDANCE: https://dot.ca.gov/-/media/dot-media/programs/design/documents/dib-
89-02-final-a11y.pdf.
I am not sure that Caltrans has incorporated the suggestions in DIB 89 for driveway
and intersections and for the protection of cyclists on roadways like El Camino.
Page 7 of this document states that flexible posts, like the ones in the Caltrans plans,
are not appropriate for roadways with high traffic volume and speeds above 30 mph.
AB-89 refers to the FHWA (the Federal Highway standard) where high volume is
excess of 6,000 average vehicle trips per day.
[“Generally, the higher the speed and volume of a road, the more separation isneeded for bicyclists. Flexible posts are popular due to their visibility, ease of
installation, and low cost, and are appropriate for low to moderate speeds and may be
considered on roadways with speeds of 30 mph or less.….On roadways
with higher vehicle volumes and speeds, rigid and permanent verticalseparationshould be considered. Curbed medians provide a permanent rigid physicalbarrier and
are preferred on high volume street where speeds exceed 30 mph..”]
Caltrans’ own data on the traffic volume shows there are, on average, about 40,000
daily vehicle trips in each direction on El Camino in Palo Alto. That’s very high volume! Caltrans doesn’t have data of vehicle speeds, but in my experience, vehicle speeds
frequently exceed the 35 mph posted speed limit. So, El Camino is a roadway with
high traffic volume and speeds in excess of 30 mph. Caltrans – please revisit DIB-89
So, if this bikeway goes ahead, Caltrans must increase the visibility and therobustness of the protective markers, and not use the flimsy flexible white markers
shown in their plans.
The plans also need improvement of the treatment at driveways and intersections,and include the bus stop loading islands shown in the Fehr and Peers report.
Caltrans – please revisit DIB-94 and 89
Thank You
From:Deborah Goldeen
To:Council, City
Subject:Sundance Steakhouse
Date:Friday, April 5, 2024 9:26:30 PM
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________________________________
I’ve observed that, as often as not, when someone makes a claim while speaking to the council, they aren’t being
truthful. When the owner of Sundance Steakhouse said he needed all twenty-five spots between Stanford and Park
on El Camino, I was skeptical. This evening, I scootered by the steakhouse with my dog. Owner is telling the truth.
The parking lots were full and people were parking a block or two down El Camino and walking to the restaurant/.
Not only that, but this restaurant is high end. The patrons dressed to the nines. Also, one of the people walking
towards restaurant was a friend of mine who lives in Los Altos Hills. This woman has more money than God.
Judging by the prevalence of late model, high end cars, the steakhouse’s clientele is exceptionally well to do. I
suspect that most of them do not live in Palo Alto. Without making a nuisance of myself, I can’t confirm that. But if
it’s true, it means that the steakhouse really is dependent on a generous amount of on street parking.
Traffic speeds on El Camino heading “north” between Stanford and Embarcadero are often in the 50’s. This section
of ECR, I suspect, could lose a lane of traffic and we’d all be better off for it. Could we get a win win?
Deborah Goldeen, 2130 Birch, 94306
From:Lisa Cohen
To:Council, City
Subject:Shallow Alto,CA-the new stronghold of hamas-no consequences
Date:Friday, April 5, 2024 12:12:14 PM
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https://jweekly.com/2024/04/04/tactical-gear-during-palestinian-flag-raising-at-palo-alto-city-hall-rattles-local-jews/
It is despicable that there was no intervention to stop this abuse of City property.
Was there an absence of law enforcement presence?Were the police told to stand down?
In a logical world these groups would never be given a permit to have any further publicprotests but, this is California. These bullies will see no consequences. I fully expect in the
not too distant future, the palestinian flag will permanently fly at City Hall and their thugs willbe standing guard at polling precincts.
This and the abundance of "acceptable" crime is why my family and I never shop or dine inPalo Alto.
Lisa Cohen
Menlo Park
From:Aram James
To:Council, City; Gardener, Liz; Shikada, Ed
Subject:San Jose invests $30M to double capacity at tiny-home site
Date:Friday, April 5, 2024 11:32:26 AM
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San Jose invests $30M to double
capacity at tiny-home site
San Jose invests $30M to double capacity at tiny-home sitehttps://edition.pagesuite.com/popovers/dynamic_article_popover.aspx?guid=b5478194-2362-
41d7-b6d2-bdba17c01cf1&appcode=SAN252&eguid=4465bbe9-4dc4-4abb-99a5-efaad09a0676&pnum=31#
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From:Gasim Shirinli
To:Kou, Lydia
Cc:Javid Alizada; Council, City; Clerk, City
Subject:Invitation from the Consulate General of Azerbaijan
Date:Friday, April 5, 2024 11:12:37 AM
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Honourable Mayor Kou,
I hope this email finds you well.
We met during the UNAFF Film Festival last year in Palo Alto, though did not have a
chance to meet later.
It is my pleasure to extend the following invitation to you on behalf of the Consulate
General of Azerbaijan.
Best,
Gasim
Honourable Mayor Kou
Consulate General of the Republic of Azerbaijan in Los Angeles
requests the pleasure of your company at a concert honouring
Azerbaijani Musician Chingiz Sadykhov's 95th Anniversary
Friday, April 12, 2024
7.00 p.m.
Community School of Music and Art (Finn Center)
230 San Antonio Circle
Mountain View, CA 9404
RSVP: rsvp@azconsulatela.org
Dress code: Casual or National Attire
This invitation is non-transferable
From:Aram James
To:Ed Lauing; Josh Becker; Julie Lythcott-Haims; Gardener, Liz; Lotus Fong; Zelkha, Mila; Supervisor SusanEllenberg
Cc:<michael.gennaco@oirgroup.com>; Angel, David; Wagner, April; Braden Cartwright; Council, City; D Martell;
Daniel Kottke; Dave Price; Dennis Upton; EPA Today; Emily Mibach; GRP-City Council; Human Relations
Commission; Jack Ajluni; Jeff Moore; Kaloma Smith; Lewis james; Michelle; Van Der Zwaag, Minka; O"Neal,
Molly; Palo Alto Free Press; Reifschneider, James; Roberta Ahlquist; Rose Lynn; Salem Ajluni; Sean Allen;
Shikada, Ed; Stump, Molly; WILPF Peninsula Palo Alto; chuck jagoda; dennis burns; walter wilson
Subject:Protesters block Sunnyvale Lockheed Martin facility over Israel conflict in Gaza
Date:Friday, April 5, 2024 9:26:53 AM
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Protesters block Sunnyvale Lockheed
Martin facility over Israel conflict in Gaza
FYI:
How much more evidence do you need than this to establish a clear and abiding connection between local arms/weapons makers and
the ongoing genocide in Gaza?
Think globally act locally!
Aram
https://www.ktvu.com/news/protesters-block-sunnyvale-lockheed-martin-facility-over-israel-conflict-in-gaza.amp
From:mark weiss
To:Adam Dawes; Council, City; Binder, Andrew
Cc:Shikada, Ed; Julie Lythcott-Haims; Rebecca Eisenberg
Subject:Re: Antisemite hate speech p7 4/5/24 PAW
Date:Friday, April 5, 2024 8:11:01 AM
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on links.________________________________
PS or a second bite of the apple so to speak: I agree with Deborah Goldeen’s letter to the weekly published in thesame issue that hate speech over zoom during public forum is not necessarily protected by the first amendmenteither and the remedy would be to restrict public comment to people who actually show up; if someone stands infront of the community and says “fuck Israel” they can do that, but it is the cowards who are using the Internet tospew their hate. So mayor Stone city manager Shikada our city clerk should desist right nowSent from my cc council, chief
> On Apr 5, 2024, at 8:05 AM, mark weiss <earwopa@yahoo.com> wrote:>> Your article on page 7 of today’s paper is anti-Semitic on its face. It pictures an illustration, accusing Israel ofgenocide, which is not only false but it’s arguably not protected by the first amendment— it is hate speech. Thepopulation of Muslims in Israel, Palestine and Gaza has increased not decreased since the founding of Israel— thatis obviously not genocide.> Mark Weiss> In Palo Alto>> Cc: Shikada, Lythcott, Eisenberg>>> <IMG_0740.jpg>>> Sent from my shema Israel:> Yes, it is a tragedy that civilians are being killed in a war 7000 miles from here but all these people are trying toaccomplish is what is called a pogrom; They are inciting violence against Jews in our own community. Theirgathering or march which I have about three minutes on film is arguably not protected by the first amendment. It isinciting a riot. As they passed Bell Books one turned and flipped me off for saying that I wish Hamas wouldsurrender and release its 1 million hostages. it will take a while for the truth to come out but it’s possible that thecivilized world will see Hamas as something who treated 30,000 women and children, civilians, as martyrs.
From:Aram James
To:Ed Lauing; Josh Becker; Julie Lythcott-Haims; Zelkha, Mila; Supervisor Susan Ellenberg
Cc:Angel, David; Angie, Palo Alto Renters Association; Council, City; D Martell; Daniel Kottke; Don Austin; EPA
Today; Emily Mibach; GRP-City Council; Human Relations Commission; JIM MINKLER1; Jeff Moore; Joe Simitian;
Kaloma Smith; Lewis james; MGR-Melissa Stevenson Diaz; Michelle; Van Der Zwaag, Minka; O"Neal, Molly; Palo
Alto Free Press; Bains, Paul; Paul George @ PPJC; Roberta Ahlquist; Salem Ajluni; Sally Lieber; Sean Allen;
Shikada, Ed; Stump, Molly; Supervisor Otto Lee; Vara Ramakrishnan; WILPF Peninsula Palo Alto;
citycouncil@mountainview.gov
Subject:Joaquin Phoenix, Elliott Gould, Chloe Fineman and More Jewish Creatives Support Jonathan Glazer’s OscarsSpeech in Open Letter (EXCLUSIVE)
Date:Friday, April 5, 2024 8:08:29 AM
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Joaquin Phoenix, Elliott Gould,
Chloe Fineman and More JewishCreatives Support JonathanGlazer’s Oscars Speech in Open
Letter (EXCLUSIVE)
https://variety.com/2024/film/global/jonathan-glazer-oscars-speech-support-jewish-creatives-open-letter-1235960158/amp/
From:Carol Muller
To:Council, City
Subject:Re: Caltrans’ Repaving Project of El Camino Real, Including Replacing Existing Parking with Bicycle Lanes, and
Potential Approval of a Resolution to Support this Project
Date:Thursday, April 4, 2024 11:25:04 PM
Importance:High
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Dear Honorable members of the City Council of Palo Alto,
Thank you for your thoughtful input and consideration of so many issues at the discussion
concerning Caltrans re-paving project at last Monday evening’s City Council meeting.
A January article in The New York Times offers a great deal of useful information about thehistory of vehicular traffic safety, and how and why there is such concern and urgent need to
address these problems nationwide, resonating with much that I’ve been thinking of since therecent road deaths near and in Palo Alto. I appreciated the richness of the data and
perspectives offered in this well-researched article, and thought you might appreciate it, too, ifyou haven’t already read it: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/10/magazine/dangerous-
driving.html?unlocked_article_code=1.hk0.xFPU.jSJyoeiF1or7&smid=nytcore-ios-share&referringSource=articleShare.
Thanks again,
Carol Muller
199 Heather LanePalo Alto
On Apr 1, 2024, at 2:58 PM, Carol Muller <cbmuller1@gmail.com> wrote:
Dear Honorable Members of the City Council of Palo Alto,
I write to urge you to work with Caltrans to ensure that the upcoming re-paving of El Camino Real will include bike lanes.
I have attended multiple meetings, and have read carefully through multipleproposals and reports, including that of the consultant to the City, related to this
opportunity(https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/files/assets/public/v/1/transportation/misc-
transportation/caltrans.ecr/city-of-palo-alto-letter-2024.03.14.pdfhttps://www.cityofpaloalto.org/files/assets/public/v/1/transportatio
n/misc-transportation/caltrans.ecr/city-of-palo-alto-letter-2024.03.14.pdf).
I have commuted by bicycle to school and work in and through Palo Alto over theyears; I frequently undertake errands via bicycle. I have been bicycling for more
than 60 years, and as an individual, I use a bicycle for transportation, recreation,
health, to save money (and sometimes time!), and as a way to address manycommunity needs: cleaner air, reduced use of fossil fuels, reduced traffic, and
reduced car dependence (for a very helpful recent update on these issues, and theircriticality, from a research perspective, see
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0966692324000267, or watchthe short video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4kSTJnT0tUE).
El Camino Real is way overdue for a repaving job, and as the wheels of
bureaucracy move slowly, there is now in place a plan for repaving in 2025, and ashort term opportunity while repaving to add bike lanes and other safety features,
including removing on-road parking. If one is a cyclist, give the current state ofthis route, one may or may not typically ride one's bike on El Camino Real. But
many people do, for a variety of reasons — getting to work or school, doingerrands, and getting from one location on one side of El Camino Real to the other.
The proposed plan is far from perfect, but it is definitely a step in the rightdirection, and an important opportunity for Palo Alto, especially with Caltrans
providing the funding for the majority of the project. It would be a shame, asYoriko Kishimoto recently commented, the City doesn't accept Caltrans’ proposal
(with some negotiated adjustments based on Caltrans’ own requirements tocomply with regulations).
Is the proposal a good idea? YES, even if El Camino Real is not my preferred
route for cycling, and even if this short term plan will not incorporate all thedesired aspects that a really great plan for El Camino Real might eventually do.
Here are the main reasons why I encourage you to move forward with as muchalacrity as possible, briefly:
1. Adding bike lanes will make it safer for those who need to ride on ECR by
bike — definitely better than not having bike lanes.2. Adding bike lanes will “shrink” the width of other lanes, which considerable
experience shows will reduce the speeds (usually well over the posted speedlimit of 35) of vehicles on ECR. Any reductions in speed will be a win for the
safety of all who use or cross this major road — drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians.3. Removing parking on the sides of ECR to accommodate the bike lanes will alsoincrease visibility for cyclists, pedestrians, and drivers alike (and local research,undertaken by volunteers at the Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition, suggests the
business owners along ECR will be fine with this change, and even support it —please see the report by Robert Neff et al in these minutes:
https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/files/assets/public/v/2/agendas-minutes-reports/agendas-minutes/planning-and-transportation-commission/2024/ptc-3.27-
public-comments-2.pdf).4. Adding bike lanes and removing parking at this stage is already baked into the
repaving project, and does not require further spending by the cities in whichthe work will be done. Furthermore, the funds can’t be used for alternative
improvements to make cycling, walking, or driving safer. Caltrans is funding thisproject, and as a state road, ECR falls under its jurisdiction, unlike the vast
majority of other roads in our area that cyclists use.5. Adding more bike lanes to this high visibility thoroughfare is aligned withPalo Alto’s interests and goals in sustainability and climate action, and willaccelerate the normalization of cycling as a regular form of transportation,
with all its attendant benefits of reduced traffic, lower use of fossil fuels,reduced pollution, enhanced health (physical & mental), greater awareness on the
part of those driving vehicles of cyclists’ rights on the road, etc. Palo Alto is not aleader in normalizing cycling as a regular form of transportation, but could be,
and I hope through your leadership, will make more effort to be in the future.
Thank you for your time and consideration,
Carol Muller199 Heather Lane
Palo Alto, CA 94303
----
Carol B. Muller, Ph.D.
Blue Sky Consulting
cbmuller1@gmail.com
From:Shaila Sadrozinski
To:Transportation; Council, City
Subject:El Camino bike lanes
Date:Thursday, April 4, 2024 9:58:00 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
Dear Transportation and City Council Members,
The proposal to eliminate parking along El Camino to accommodate bike
lanes is troubling, both for the loss of parking spaces in front of small
businesses, and also for the unsafe conditions for bikers along such a busyroad.
One possible solution to both problems might be something I have seen in
cities in Germany, where many people routinely bike to work. Thesidewalk is widened by narrowing the parking strip, and a designated bike
lane runs right next to the pedestrian lane. This keeps the bikes
separated from the vehicular traffic by the curb, and also doesn't affect the
parking along the street.
Sincerely,
Shaila
From:Aram James
To:<michael.gennaco@oirgroup.com>; Angel, David; Braden Cartwright; Bryan Gobin; Council, City; D Martell;Daniel Kottke; Ed Lauing; Emily Mibach; Friends of Cubberley; GRP-City Clerk; GRP-City Council; Greer Stone;Greg Tanaka; Human Relations Commission; Jack Ajluni; Jay Boyarsky; Jean Gage; Jeff Moore; Julie Lythcott-Haims; Kaloma Smith; Kou, Lydia; Michelle; Van Der Zwaag, Minka; Patricia.Guerrero@jud.ca.gov; RaymondGoins; Reifschneider, James; Rose Lynn; Salem Ajluni; Sally Lieber; Sean Allen; Shikada, Ed; Vara Ramakrishnan;Perron, Zachary; chuck jagoda; editor@paweekly.com; Figueroa, Eric; Burt, Patrick; sean james; yolanda
Cc:Dave Price; DuJuan Green; EPA Today; Jeff Rosen; KEVIN JENSEN; Lewis james; Bains, Paul; Tianay Pulphus;
Tom DuBois; WILPF Peninsula Palo Alto; dennis burns; Tannock, Julie; ladoris cordell; Foley, Michael
Subject:New Documentary ‘California’s Case for Reparations’ by ABC7/KGO-TV San Francisco
Date:Thursday, April 4, 2024 5:01:33 PM
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New Documentary ‘California’s Case for
Reparations’ by ABC7/KGO-TV San
Francisco
https://alliancefor.org/?p=19
From:Loran Harding
To:Loran Harding; antonia.tinoco@hsr.ca.gov; alumnipresident@stanford.edu; bearwithme1016@att.net; bballpod;fred beyerlein; Leodies Buchanan; boardmembers; David Balakian; Cathy Lewis;cramirez.electriclab133@gmail.com; Council, City; dallen1212@gmail.com; dennisbalakian;dan.richard@earthlink.net; Doug Vagim; eappel@stanford.edu; Scott Wilkinson; George.Rutherford@ucsf.edu;Gabriel.Ramirez@fresno.gov; huidentalsanmateo; hennessy; Irv Weissman; Sally Thiessen; Joel Stiner; jerryruopoli; kfsndesk; karkazianjewelers@gmail.com; Kevin.Nower@bestbuy.com; margaret-sasaki@live.com;maverickbruno@sbcglobal.net; merazroofinginc@att.net; Mark Standriff; Mayor; MY77FJ@gmail.com; nickyovino; news@fresnobee.com; newsdesk; russ@topperjewelers.com; Steve Wayte; terry; vallesR1969@att.net;yicui@stanford.edu; tsheehan
Subject:Fwd: Stanford names a new President
Date:Thursday, April 4, 2024 4:27:39 PM
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---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Loran Harding <loran.harding@stanfordalumni.org>Date: Thu, Apr 4, 2024 at 3:56 PM
Subject: Stanford names a new PresidentTo: Loran Harding <loran.harding@stanfordalumni.org>
Thursday, April 4, 2024
To all- News from Stanford:
Stanford's next president - loran.harding@alumni.stanford.edu - Stanford AlumniMail (google.com)
Chairman Yang mentions that yesterday, the Stanford GSB held its inaugural Business,
Government, and Society Forum with a focus on "Responsible Leadership in a PolarizedWorld". Fed Chairman Powell attended that, so the new forum attracts influential people.
L. William Harding
Fresno, Ca.
From:Michael Harbour
To:Lait, Jonathan
Subject:Re: Status update regarding 429 University Ave construction and blight
Date:Thursday, April 4, 2024 11:17:03 AM
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Hi Jonathan,I'm writing again as I would like to get an update on the status of 429 University Ave. I don't
need to know private issues involving the owner/builder. However, I need to know what isbeing done to clean up the outside of the building which is surrounded by orange cones,
yellow caution tape, butcher paper in the windows, and missing replacement trees alongKipling St. after the original heritage trees were cut down. The neighbors and I are fed up with
the blight around the building for over 2 years. It looks like a crime scene. It is adverselyaffecting surrounding property values and making leasing more difficult.
Can you please let me know what is being done to rectify this if anything? If you are not theright person, can you please direct me to the right person.
Thanks,Michael Harbour
421 Kipling St
On Sun, Mar 3, 2024 at 7:42 AM Michael Harbour <dr.mharbour@gmail.com> wrote:Dear Jonathan,
Can you please provide a status regarding 429 University Ave (cross street is Kipling). The
controversial building has been left in the same unfinished state for several years now. Ilast emailed you in May 2023, and nothing has been done since that time. Constrction
began in 2018. There is caution tape surrounding the building which is a major eyesore andis detracting from the aesthetics of the surrounding buildings. The current look is
reminiscent of a crime scene and is definitely blight. This is impacting the leasing ofsurrounding buildings and the economic vibrancy of the neighborhiod. In addition, the
neighboring trees along Kipling St were cut down years ago to accommodate the demolition,and they have never been replaced. What is the delay in replacing the trees as their
replacement were part of plan.
Could you please spend some time and address these concerns? You were a proponent ofthis developer's project, so I hope that you can make some progress to rectify this without
another protracted battle.
Thanks,Michael Harbour
From:Dhruv Khanna
To:Council, City; Office of Supervisor Sylvia Arenas; Office of Supervisor Otto Lee; Office of Supervisor SusanEllenberg; County Supervisor Joe Simitian; Cindy Chavez
Subject:Fw: Letter to Valley Water from Santa Clara County Farm Bureau
Date:Thursday, April 4, 2024 10:28:59 AM
Attachments:Letter to VW Bof D - April 2024.pdf
image001.png
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
----- Forwarded Message -----
From: info@santaclarafarmbureau.org <info@santaclarafarmbureau.org>
To: "board@valleywater.org" <board@valleywater.org>
Cc: Jess Brown <jessbrown@sbcglobal.net>; "dhruvkhanna2002@yahoo.com"
<dhruvkhanna2002@yahoo.com>
Sent: Thursday, April 4, 2024 at 09:45:57 AM PDT
Subject: Letter to Valley Water from Santa Clara County Farm Bureau
Hello Valley Water Board of Directors,
Please see the attached letter from the Santa Clara County Farm Bureau Board of Directors.
Thanks,
Jess Brown
Executive Director
Santa Clara County Farm Bureau
605 Tennant Ave., Suite H
Morgan Hill, CA 95037
(831) 818-1193 Cell
jessbrown@sbcglobal.net
Virus-free.www.avast.com
From:Dilma Coleman
To:citycouncil@cupertino.org; Council, City
Subject:Fwd: Allison Hicks punishment in art arrives sooner than you desire it. You better think about it. Resolution for
medium empaths"s request eligibility for Chris Kikuchi parole in 2047. Chris Kikuchi incarcerated. Art punishment
for Canfield. Pampers wi...
Date:Thursday, April 4, 2024 10:05:13 AM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
---------- Forwarded message ---------From: Dilma Coleman <dhappinessforever@gmail.com>
Date: Thu, Apr 4, 2024, 9:59 AMSubject: Allison Hicks punishment in art arrives sooner than you desire it. You better think
about it. Resolution for medium empaths's request eligibility for Chris Kikuchi parole in 2047.Chris Kikuchi incarcerated. Art punishment for Canfield. Pampers wipes.
To: <Alison.Hicks@mountainview.gov>, <nsacinfo@boxing.nv.gov>Cc: <bcfd.cspevents@baltimorecity.gov>, <FireMarshal@baltimorecity.gov>
Mountain view chief Canfield if the officer Chris Kikuchi roams around with direct andindirect threats on Dilma Andrea Coleman age 48 heterosexual women with heart failure
cardiomyopathy cardiomegaly survivalist former Airforce military special forces soilderpolice veteran trapped in homeless shelter.
Dilma Coleman was in Edgar Bronfman's custody in Canada, when Edgar Bronfman crossed
the boarder Diane Feinsteins and Richard Blum kidnapped Dilma Coleman changed her nameto Lucy Goldman.
Edgar Bronfman's death isn't spoken as the passion of Christ.
Bronfman isn't NXIVM events.
Edgar Bronfman's post it notes is Bronfman's coloring book punishment for Dilma Andrea
Coleman aka Lucy Goldman's favorite lip gloss on post it notes isn't harmful it solves purposeof narcissistic communication with wrongful homicide mysteries.
Futhermore hostilely arose with Life Moves homeless shelter 2566 leghorn Ave Mountain
View assistant Manager John Mattias because John gave eviction notice to vacate Dilma whileDilma hospitalized at Stanford hospital.
A portion of Canfield's retirement compensation generates emergency housing for Dilma
Coleman.
Why? Because Santa Clara county judge Brian Buckelew is a crook with Carlos Bolanos doneharm at Henry M Gunn highschool with poem "looking in".
Stop police Brutality unseen scene analysis of cow milk nipple damage vs dry ice pressed on
negro heterosexual women Dilma's nipples rubbing on dry eraser a Porno title JimmyHirschbeck edits.
What else did San Mateo county Sheriff psychiatric social worker Erick Rueppel edit at halfMoon Bay migrant workers shootings on mushroom garden?
The reality of the clients arguing over gaining income as writing suicidal notes+ any type of
writing to throw into crime scenes as it were a lipgloss dried onto Cali poppy flowers pressedn pissed for surfer Tyler Hilinski that suicide note written at 2566 leghorn Ave Mountain
View CA abandoned near Tyler Hilinski or handed to Tyler Hilinski. Did Canfield sleep wellwith clown lips or post it notes? Edgar Bronfman sees all things. Why can't Canfield sees
candies? Godiva masterpiece do no harm.
Dilma walks away as a top negotiator former DOJ agent in gun control and former firefighterof Palo Alto CA whereas Santa Cruz fire department public safety are art history Majors or
pinball machine engineers hackers on Dilma's watercolors. So fix ur employment lawyers dono harm.
Sunnyvale PD officers Joseph Melo Sunnyvale internal affairs SORENSON unexpectedunethical outbursts or murder for hire assignments that Ray Mueller designed to bring
awareness about the death of guitarist Sophia Mason age 8+. All of em visitors as guitarists atyounger lagoon reserve. Ray Mueller stop using Angelica for ur dirty self care on Angelica
sprays substance that causes RSV on home first homeless shelter clients in Sunnyvale CA.
..circle exaggerated fingerhut magazines or Avon subscriptions or Mary Kay lipstick eaterfound. You better think.
What type of prevention is in place to screen new hires for public safety departments in
mountain view CA? As if focus on the police academy graduating class Chris Kikuchi used.Why is the word clunk piece of chicken snack with Jack n the box. Chris Kikuchi used words
in his arrest of Dilma Andrea Coleman on 12/5/2023 incorruptible or active or unoccupied oruncooperative or incooperative? Chris Kikuchi has inflicted harm brutality on Dilma Andrea
Coleman with the use of the word cooperative.
Opposite of word cooperative.
Chris Kikuchi used the word uncooperative during a violent arrest on December 5,2023.
Chris Kikuchi is an arsonist. Interview the Santa Clara county deputy Sheriffs employed withthe San Jose main jail employees on 12/5/2023.
Then go search for transplant surgeons and do it no harm. Downsize Chris Kikuchi's fingers.
Do it now. Hurry up.
12/6/2023Resolutions yet to determine: Dec5 2023 Aria hotel response to Dilma's request to call 911
Aria hotel: "no room"
Dilma: call911.
Aria hotel: "No room".
hotel next door call 911 response" go to the curb. firefighter medic arrives. ..conductwellness check of the ambulance
Palo Alto gang activity at Peet's coffee Middlefield CA Dilma analysis of them easy As acompleted coloring book with connect confusing word games.
As a former top negotiator former DOJ agent in gun control with heroric efforts. Dilma
Coleman declares an hour of quiet. An heart recognition for Dilma negotiations for stayingalive.
Don't understand the scope of gang activity with current law enforcement agents and publicsafety fire department personnel whereas Santa Clara county judge Brian Buckelew's reality of
his family members took credibility of Dilma poem "looking in" the home invasions hisrelatives completed in the 1990's. That generated income for music artist "Mariah Carey " with
the use of the poem "looking in".
Mayor Allison Hicks can't understand the situation or scope of MTN view police and fire.Today's daily post April 4,2024 an foul emotional distresses observed especially when MVPD
hasn't punished Chris Kikuchi and other officers involved with arson+ sex traffickers+pornosites remodeling projects behind public.
(plaguerized journals or articles such as with the key word Halloween).
Dilma Coleman an ex mountain view CA police and ex mountain view fire does art
punishment. Let's provide both sides. You caused me stress you fucking bitch Allison Hicks.Officer Powell Kikuchi's partner called Dilma a clunk piece of chicken snack. Caused arthritis
on hands.
The reality of emotional distresses.
The reality of the observations of the actual reasoning of Sophia Mason 8 yr old girl raped inMTN view CA near Rengstoff Ave. Merced sheriffs frequent visits with pinnegar at the older
Palo Alto bowling alley. On Monroe across from the bank. I think about it.
Regards Dilma Coleman
From:Sheriff Transparency
To:Aram James
Cc:Binder, Andrew; Jay Boyarsky; Jeff Rosen; Reifschneider, James; kenneth.Binder@shf.sccgov.org;
<michael.gennaco@oirgroup.com>; Angel, David; Wagner, April; Baker, Rob; Bill Newell; Bryan Gobin; Cindy
Chavez; Council, City; D Martell; Daniel Kottke; Emily Mibach; Enberg, Nicholas; Jensen, Eric; GRP-City Clerk;
GRP-City Council; Human Relations Commission; Joe Simitian; Linda Jolley; Lotus Fong; Van Der Zwaag, Minka;
Palo Alto Free Press; Supervisor Otto Lee; Supervisor Susan Ellenberg; Perron, Zachary; Lee, Craig;
cromero@cityofepa.org; district1@bos.sccgov.org; Figueroa, Eric; Foley, Michael; Sean Allen; Jethroe Moore II;
Jesse Gary
Subject:Re: Request on deputy gang probe is flouted
Date:Thursday, April 4, 2024 2:35:55 AM
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As we stand firm, the LASD will continue to lead the nation with its arrogant, systemicflaunting of civil rights violations that only THEY are privy to for a 'remedy'.
Here is a blog video from journalist Cerise Castle, who has extensive knowledge of the type ofpeople who plague the LASD. And our opinion to her question at the end of her quick video
is, NO. Nothing will get done until the LASD can be forced to get rid of corrupt commanders.In our previous response, we already suggested how to do that. And, our opinion applies to
MANY Depts across the Nation.
https://www.tiktok.com/@yourmajestcee/video/7353853675216932139
SCCSTG
On Tue, Apr 2, 2024 at 2:30 PM Sheriff Transparency<sccsherifftransparencyinfo@gmail.com> wrote:
Of course...
We think they may be using an approach that is clearly not working. How about a group tostart investigating some of the backgrounds of the tyrant commanders who are being
roadblocks and expose them relentlessly. We bet that will stir up some to quit running folksin circles. WE can GUARANTEE you that behind every bad cop is a commander(s) hiding
more on the process to eradicate the problem because of their own sordid backgrounds. Weknow by doing this, many can find out a whole lot more to the systemic problems.
As many know, not much can be done to an elected official unless there is blood, sweat, and
tears to be shed. But those others, use the backgrounds of those being a pain in the ass toeradicate them first or until they realize, get rid of them first so that its easier for the chips to
fall. Until many can realize, you must use the
most powerful people in LE to break down the most criminal people in LE by using the mostpowerful first. If you do not know what we mean by reading this email, you have no clue.
Do us a favor and go to the private sector. We want movers and shakers for change in ourcommunity and not some of you collecting a paycheck on taxpayers back.
~SCCSTG
On Sun, Mar 31, 2024 at 2:35 PM Aram James <abjpd1@gmail.com> wrote:
Request on deputy gang probe is flouted
https://edition.pagesuite.com/popovers/dynamic_article_popover.aspx?guid=d617c6d2-
85ab-44cb-a571-bf7c3b15fb3e&v=sdk
From:matt@evolutionaryteams.comTo:palo-alto@fridaysforfutureusa.org
Subject:FFF Follow Up – Mar 29 (Week #116)Date:Wednesday, April 3, 2024 1:12:55 PM
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Firstly, there has been a change in plans for the upcoming Global Climate Strike on April 19. Palo Alto Student Climate Coalition (PASCC) is organizing a rally in KingPlaza from 5PM to 6:15PM. We have been invited to join them to bring energy to their rally. PASCC is extending the permit to 8PM so that we can continue the program as wehad planned with music, dance and an opportunity for an open mic for those that wish to share their thoughts and feelings about the climate crisis. Ingrid is organizing our upcoming viewing of The Week. Please mark your calendar and join us on Friday Apil 5, Sunday April 7 and Thursday April 11 for the threeviewings from 5:30 to 7PM. Let me know if you plan to attend, and I will send you a reminder. Or just join us on Zoom at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86591524726?pwd=amt0NDhtVnVHQ1FoU0V5OUhYZWNlUT09 Thanks, Ingrid, for organizing The Week viewing!George shared John Steinbeck’s book, The Log From The Sea Of Cortez. This is a non-fiction book – a dialogue between Steinbeck and his close friend and marine biologist,Ed Ricketts, who imparts an Eastern philosophical, wholistic view of man’s relationship with nature to Steinbeck thinking. Steinbeck and Ricketts were environmentalists beforethat was even a thing! And, these dialogues give us insights into Steinbeck’s other works. I am very much enjoying the book—thank you, George!The Bay Area punk rock band Green Day held a surprise concert at the Filmore this week to benefit the UN’s efforts to address the climate crisis. Coincidentally, my band FullImmersion played a Green Day song at a concert in Sunnyvale on Saturday, so I had the chance to talk about the climate crisis to the audience and wear a special version of ourFridays for Future shirt at the gig. If you like Green Day’s American Idiot, you can check out our version here: https://youtu.be/GiDwyvFuOpsAngel sent a Fridays For Future t-shirt commemorating our Week 100 rally! It is a cool, black shirt that was perfect for our gig. Thank you, Angel, for your encouragement!
Kadir inspired me to fast. I made it 38 hours. It wasn’t as difficult as I thought it would be. When I broke the fast, I thought I was having a normal-sized meal, but after I feltstuffed! I guess you don’t need to eat that much after a fast. Also, Kadir is preparing to launch our first Green Mic video. Thank you for your inspiration, Kadir! This Friday we will gather in King Plaza but retreat to NOLA if it is raining. We will postpone the Climate Slow March and perform that at the April 19 climate rally.
Keep Up the Fight and See You Friday!
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:Joyce
To:Council, City
Subject:No fire trucks at Station 4, Mitchell Park!!
Date:Wednesday, April 3, 2024 11:45:03 AM
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Dear Honorable City Council Members,
I have just learned to my horror that there is no fire truck at our local fire station on East Meadow and Middlefield.
Fires may thankfully be uncommon in our area— but they have occurred. A neighbor’s house burned on Kenneth
Drive a few blocks away from us some years ago on July 4 after sparks from fireworks ignited a fire. A few months
ago, there was a fire on or near Evergreen Drive, also just a few blocks away from us.
Fires are not common in any area of Palo Alto. Does that mean no one should have fire trucks easily accessible to
their homes?
The City Council has recently chosen our area to build a crowd of dense apartments to fulfill the state mandate for
new housing. And I just read in today’s SF Chronicle That Liberty Mutual Insurance Company has cancelled
someone’s homeowners insurance policy because his “home [on a residential street] was located in a region
where the dwellings are considered to be too densely concentrated” .
I understand that the City will be spending $15.3 million to build a new fire house in an Eichler style for Station 4.
My neighbors and I would be safer if that money were put toward keeping up-to-date fire trucks at that location!
As density in our Southeast Palo Alto area increases, we will be increasingly vulnerable to the risks of that density,
including fires. Please please please give us back our fire trucks!!!!
Thank you so much for reading and considering this plea.
Your friend and fellow Palo Altan,
Joyce Schmid
3428 Janice Way, Palo Alto, CA 94303
From:Aram James
To:<michael.gennaco@oirgroup.com>; Binder, Andrew; Cindy Chavez; Council, City; Human Relations Commission;Jeff Moore; Joe Simitian; Julie Lythcott-Haims; Kaloma Smith; Lewis james; Robert. Jonsen; Rose Lynn; SeanAllen; Supervisor Otto Lee; Supervisor Susan Ellenberg; chuck jagoda; dennis burns;kenneth.Binder@shf.sccgov.org; ladoris cordell
Subject:Oklahoma Judge Tells Execution Staff to “Suck It Up” After Trauma-Break Request
Date:Wednesday, April 3, 2024 8:38:31 AM
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Oklahoma Judge Tells Execution
Staff to “Suck It Up” After Trauma-
Break Request
https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2024/04/oklahoma-judge-lumpkin-execution-trauma-rejection.html
From:Kyu Lee
To:Council, City
Subject:comments on the partial underpass and Kellogg tunnel
Date:Wednesday, April 3, 2024 8:28:22 AM
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Dear City Council,
I extend my sincere gratitude for your dedication to enhancing the quality of life in Palo Altofor all communities.
I recently became aware of the City Council's selection of the partial underpass with a
pedestrian/bike tunnel on Kellogg as the preferred alternative. I must admit, I am somewhatsurprised by this decision, considering my attendance at all XCAP meetings where I closely
followed the discussions and concerns raised. I aligned with the consensus among XCAPmembers that the closure of Churchill is the most favorable option given the various
constraints and conditions. I am eager to understand the decision-making process behind theCity Council's selection of the partial underpass, particularly considering the thorough
deliberations and decision reached during the XCAP meetings. What purpose does the XCAPcommittee serve if its recommendations can be easily disregarded by the City Council?
While the partial underpass may benefit residents west of Alma in the Southgate/Evergreen
Park neighborhood traveling north/south on Alma, it fails to address the needs of those on theeast side of Alma (from Coleridge to Melville) who will be unable to turn left onto Alma to
head south toward Mountain View. Moreover, the proposed changes pose safety concerns forpedestrians and cyclists, as the underpass would necessitate the removal of landscaping to
widen the road. Residents along Alma will be disproportionately affected, unable to make leftturns onto the street in front of their homes and facing challenges such as the relocation of
trash bins. This alteration could render Alma an inaccessible and unwelcoming street forpedestrians.
I am encouraged by the City Council's consideration of the alternate Seal pedestrian/bike
crossing, an option recommended by XCAP in conjunction with the closure of Churchill. Atunnel at Seale offers distinct advantages, including the connection to Peers Park, allowing for
a longer and more gradual curve compared to the sharp 90-degree angle required at Kellogg.Additionally, Seale is equidistant from Embarcadero and California/Oregon, with
Embarcadero already serving as a crossing point. The presence of Castilleja School onKellogg further complicates matters, with increased traffic congestion during peak hours and
potential safety hazards for cyclists and students.
As the City Council deliberates, I urge you to prioritize the option endorsed by the XCAPmeeting, which was arrived at through thorough discussion and consideration. The closure of
Churchill coupled with the Seal pedestrian/bike crossing represents the most viable solutionfor our community.
Thank you for your attention to this matter, and I trust that the decision made will serve the
best interests of our city.
Sincerely,
Kyu
From:Aram James
To:Angel, David; Angie Evans; Ed Lauing; Jeff Rosen; Joe Simitian; Josh Becker; Julie Lythcott-Haims; Zelkha, Mila;Supervisor Susan Ellenberg
Cc:<michael.gennaco@oirgroup.com>; Binder, Andrew; Bryan Gobin; Cindy Chavez; Council, City; Jensen, Eric;
GRP-City Council; Jeff Moore; Lewis james; Gardener, Liz; Lotus Fong; MGR-Melissa Stevenson Diaz; Michelle;
Palo Alto Free Press; Reifschneider, James; Robert. Jonsen; Roberta Ahlquist; Sean Allen; Supervisor Otto Lee;
WILPF Peninsula Palo Alto; Perron, Zachary; Figueroa, Eric; Tannock, Julie; kenneth.Binder@shf.sccgov.org;
Foley, Michael
Subject:Protests over Gaza intensify at museums, festivals across U.S.
Date:Wednesday, April 3, 2024 7:31:29 AM
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Protests over Gaza intensify at
museums, festivals across U.S.
Protests over Gaza intensify at museums, festivals across U.S.
https://edition.pagesuite.com/popovers/dynamic_article_popover.aspx?guid=9c4fcec6-dcd9-4c11-854c-1be563edfdff&appcode=SAN252&eguid=0809e08a-b14f-4b50-a3cf-
12ea73a7825d&pnum=20#
For more great content like this subscribe to the The Mercury News e-edition app here:
From:Aram James
To:Ed Lauing; Greer Stone; Julie Lythcott-Haims; Lydia Kou; Shikada, Ed
Cc:Angie, Palo Alto Renters Association; Council, City; D Martell; Daniel Kottke; EPA Today; Emily Mibach; Joe
Simitian; Karen Holman; Zelkha, Mila; Drekmeier, Peter; Redwood City City Council; Roberta Ahlquist; Tom
DuBois; WILPF Peninsula Palo Alto; citycouncil@mountainview.gov
Subject:A wealthy Peninsula town is dragging its feet on building housing, state says. Now, it faces consequences
Date:Tuesday, April 2, 2024 7:24:23 PM
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A wealthy Peninsula town is dragging its
feet on building housing, state says.
Now, it faces consequences ( sound
familiar)
https://www.mercurynews.com/2024/04/02/portola-valley-housing-element-decertified-california/
From:Loran Harding
To:Loran Harding; alumnipresident@stanford.edu; antonia.tinoco@hsr.ca.gov; bballpod; bearwithme1016@att.net;fred beyerlein; Leodies Buchanan; David Balakian; boardmembers; Cathy Lewis;cramirez.electriclab133@gmail.com; Council, City; dennisbalakian; dan.richard@earthlink.net; Doug Vagim;dallen1212@gmail.com; eappel@stanford.edu; Scott Wilkinson; George.Rutherford@ucsf.edu;Gabriel.Ramirez@fresno.gov; huidentalsanmateo; hennessy; Irv Weissman; Sally Thiessen; Joel Stiner; jerryruopoli; kfsndesk; karkazianjewelers@gmail.com; Kevin.Nower@bestbuy.com; margaret-sasaki@live.com;maverickbruno@sbcglobal.net; merazroofinginc@att.net; Mark Standriff; Mayor; MY77FJ@gmail.com; nickyovino; news@fresnobee.com; newsdesk; russ@topperjewelers.com; Steve Wayte; terry; tsheehan;vallesR1969@att.net; yicui@stanford.edu
Subject:Fwd: Electric Veh. sales slide!!!!
Date:Tuesday, April 2, 2024 5:25:02 PM
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---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Loran Harding <loran.harding@stanfordalumni.org>Date: Tue, Apr 2, 2024 at 4:30 PM
Subject: Electric Veh. sales slide!!!!To: Loran Harding <loran.harding@stanfordalumni.org>
Tues. April 2, 2024
To all, esp to Musk and Barra:
This is good. EV sales slide, a lot. See my comment after the article in which I advise theauto makers to make a vertical A pillar that tall people can get under and a taller roof. They
assigned the name of "Blowtox" to me for my comments. See my comment after the article.They just cannot figure out why taller people won't buy their vehicles. Make one like a Jeep
with a vertical A pillar and a tall roof. Do that or hire good BK lawyers. The A pillar is thefront one, by the windshield. Some PUs do it right.
I tell TSLA to use the Model X and the new Van for robo taxis. People would ride in
thiose. Taller people in the back of the Model X and shorter ones in the two front seats. TheVan might work too as a robotaxi. The Model 3 won't work for a lot of people. Maybe put all
3 of those vehicles out there as robotaxis.
BTW see Zoox on You Tube. You enter and exit like one does wth a London Taxi andZoox, as a result, will be a huge success. They've all shot themselves in the feet with this
severely slopping A pillars and low roofs. Guess they like to see red ink. Their stockholders,like me, do not.
BTW, I am not selling my TSLA stock. I think it will soar. People are saying huge profits
from humanoid robots, energy systems, selling cars to short people and robotaxis. Just wishthey would not kiiss off 20% of the market with those A pillars and low roofs. Model X and
the van will help them until they can re-design their cars. I'd make robotaxis out of those.People would love Model X robotaxis.
BTW TSLA is doing this now: If you buy one, they at least let you use FSD for a while.
Want it installed? That will be a couple thousand more for the SW.
I think they can make money offering the new TSLAs equipped with the receiving coilunder the car for inductive charging. Sell the wall unit for the garage and and the floor unit as
well all as a package. See Evatran ads when they were still around. May still be. Hugeconvenience. Get out of the car and go in the house. Car starts charging. Franz von
Holtzhausen said TSLA is working on induction.
Electric vehicle stocks slide after Tesla deliveries stunner (NASDAQ:TSLA) | SeekingAlpha
BTW, see on Youtube "CCP is Falling". Fall of Chinese manufacturing. How
manufacturing has slowed in China as Viet Nam, Indonesia, Thailand, Bangalesh and Indiaoffer much cheaper labor. Cos. doing mfing in China are relocating out to cheaper countries.
Elon was exploring putting a gigafactory in Thailand. He met with Modi in india and I'll betwe see a TSLA plant there. Trade barriers erected against Chinese inports to the US and
embargoes on some hi tech being sold to them are hurting too.
When this happens they quit makng jeans so much with unskilled labor and move up thefood chain and make advanced semis with their newly higher educated people. An Economist
at Cal State Eastt Bay told me all this when I took his Econ. course in 1988. When you putexpensive equipment into a country, you have to pay the operators more. Their incomes rise,
they get more education, you get a labor shortage there as people no longer want to work infactories.
L. William Harding, GM retiree and TSLA stockholder.
Fresno, Ca.
From:City Mgr
To:Council, City
Cc:Executive Leadership Team
Subject:City.Council Bundle: March 28
Date:Tuesday, April 2, 2024 4:55:54 PM
Attachments:image001.pngimage003.pngimage004.pngimage006.pngimage007.pngimage008.pngRE Traffic enforcement.msgLos Altos treenest removal.msgRE Signage for bike safety on Embarcadero road..msgRE copy of Recording of Sophia Salma Khalifa"s- Speech.msgRE 739 Sutter Avenue Residential Project 22PLN-00201 Appeal Pursuant to Title 18.77.073 of Palo Alto MunicipalCode.msgimage002.png
Dear Mayor and Council Members,
On behalf of City Manager Ed Shikada, please see attached staff responses to emails received
in the City.Council inbox from March 25th – March 28th.
Thank you,Joanna
Joanna Tran
Executive Assistant to the City Manager
Office of the City Manager
(650) 329-2105 | joanna.tran@cityofpaloalto.org
www.cityofpaloalto.org
From:Sheriff Transparency
To:Aram James
Cc:Binder, Andrew; Jay Boyarsky; Jeff Rosen; Reifschneider, James; Robert. Jonsen;
kenneth.Binder@shf.sccgov.org; <michael.gennaco@oirgroup.com>; Angel, David; Wagner, April; Baker, Rob;
Bill Newell; Bryan Gobin; Cindy Chavez; Council, City; D Martell; Daniel Kottke; Emily Mibach; Enberg, Nicholas;
Jensen, Eric; GRP-City Clerk; GRP-City Council; Human Relations Commission; Joe Simitian; Linda Jolley; Lotus
Fong; Van Der Zwaag, Minka; Palo Alto Free Press; Supervisor Otto Lee; Supervisor Susan Ellenberg; Perron,
Zachary; Lee, Craig; cromero@cityofepa.org; district1@bos.sccgov.org; Figueroa, Eric; Foley, Michael; Sean
Allen; Jethroe Moore II; Jesse Gary
Subject:Re: Request on deputy gang probe is flouted
Date:Tuesday, April 2, 2024 2:31:04 PM
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Of course...
We think they may be using an approach that is clearly not working. How about a group tostart investigating some of the backgrounds of the tyrant commanders who are being
roadblocks and expose them relentlessly. We bet that will stir up some to quit running folks incircles. WE can GUARANTEE you that behind every bad cop is a commander(s) hiding more
on the process to eradicate the problem because of their own sordid backgrounds. We know bydoing this, many can find out a whole lot more to the systemic problems.
As many know, not much can be done to an elected official unless there is blood, sweat, and
tears to be shed. But those others, use the backgrounds of those being a pain in the ass toeradicate them first or until they realize, get rid of them first so that its easier for the chips to
fall. Until many can realize, you must use the most
powerful people in LE to break down the most criminal people in LE by using the mostpowerful first. If you do not know what we mean by reading this email, you have no clue. Do
us a favor and go to the private sector. We want movers and shakers for change in ourcommunity and not some of you collecting a paycheck on taxpayers back.
~SCCSTG
On Sun, Mar 31, 2024 at 2:35 PM Aram James <abjpd1@gmail.com> wrote:
Request on deputy gang probe is flouted
https://edition.pagesuite.com/popovers/dynamic_article_popover.aspx?guid=d617c6d2-
85ab-44cb-a571-bf7c3b15fb3e&v=sdk
From:Ken Joye
To:Council, City
Subject:thank you
Date:Tuesday, April 2, 2024 2:23:31 PM
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on links.
________________________________
I listened to the City Council discussion of the Caltrans repaving proposal last night.
Thank you for your careful consideration of the issues around that project. I am optimistic that Palo Alto can be part
of a regional solution for safer travel along El Camino Real.
appreciatively,
Ken Joye
Ventura neighborhood
From:Deborah Goldeen
To:Council, City
Subject:Thank You for Concerted Effort Towards Enabling Cycling
Date:Tuesday, April 2, 2024 12:09:19 PM
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on links.
________________________________
Even though option B, my preference, wasn't chosen, it was clear from last night's discussion that everyone on the
council is taking the issue of enabling cycling seriously.
Thank you so much - Deborah Goldeen, 2130 Birch, 94306, (650)799-3652
From:Friends of the Palo Alto Junior Museum & Zoo
To:Council, City
Subject:You"re Invited: Celebrate National Zoo Lovers Day
Date:Tuesday, April 2, 2024 10:13:26 AM
Some people who received this message don't often get email from info-friendsjmz.org@shared1.ccsend.com. Learn why this isimportant
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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 Friday, April 12. 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
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From:Aram James
To:Jeff Moore; Rose Lynn; Sean Allen
Cc:<michael.gennaco@oirgroup.com>; Angie, Palo Alto Renters Association; Binder, Andrew; Cecilia Taylor; Cindy
Chavez; Council, City; Enberg, Nicholas; Jensen, Eric; Jeff Rosen; Josh Becker; Julie Lythcott-Haims; Linda Jolley;
Lotus Fong; Zelkha, Mila; Palo Alto Free Press; Reifschneider, James; Robert. Jonsen; Salem Ajluni; Supervisor
Susan Ellenberg; district1@bos.sccgov.org; Figueroa, Eric; Tannock, Julie; kenneth.Binder@shf.sccgov.org;
Foley, Michael
Subject:Tesla lawsuit will move forward on allegations of racism
Date:Tuesday, April 2, 2024 9:50:54 AM
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Tesla lawsuit will move forwardhttps://edition.pagesuite.com/popovers/dynamic_article_popover.aspx?guid=beda3235-a03d-
4da5-bea7-04622c74f751&appcode=SAN252&eguid=c0481271-0217-4555-bf5f-8f159943a7cc&pnum=36#
For more great content like this subscribe to the The Mercury News e-edition app here:
From:John Guislin
To:Shikada, Ed
Cc:Council, City
Subject:dog parks: unkept promises, unmet needs
Date:Tuesday, April 2, 2024 9:24:21 AM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautiousof opening attachments and clicking on links.
Ed,
The city is planning two projects for dog parks in South Palo Alto: A new
dog park at Bouleware Park and an expanded dog park at Mitchell Park.
It is my understanding that these two projects will consume the entire
budget for dog parks this year.
The expansion of dog parks in the south comes as the city has failed to live
up to its plan to create new dog parks in the north.
In 2017 our Parks and Recreation Department issued its Master Plan "...As
a guide for capital and program investment for the next 20 years."
On page XIII of the Executive Summary is a list of Projects ready in the
short term.
Number two on the list is: "Develop new dog parks in underrepresented
areas.
In 2018 the city built one dog park in North Palo Alto. Residents have pent
years lobbying for additional parks without success.
In 2024 it appears all available funds will go to expand an existing dog park
at Mitchell and a new dog park at Bouleware. This is categorically unfair and
contrary to our published plan.
I have requested the project budgets for these efforts but have not yet received
them.
I ask you to provide these project budgets in detail and to look into why we have
failed to create the more dog parks in Palo Alto.
Sincerely,
John Guislin
From:Jody Boulay
To:Council, City
Subject:Mental Health & Addiction Resources
Date:Tuesday, April 2, 2024 4:43:10 AM
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Greetings,
I hope you are doing well today. My name is Jody from SUPE: Substance Use PreventionEducation, a non-profit organization providing education and resources to prevent substance
use.
We created some great resources (available both in English & Spanish) to help educate parentsand guardians about Fentanyl.
Parent's Guide to Fentanyl: This comprehensive guide equips parents with valuableinformation, including tips, warning signs, and helpful videos/articles. It empowers
parents to protect their children from the dangers of fentanyl and make informeddecisions regarding substance use.
Protecting Children From Online Drug Dealers: This resource provides essential tools tosafeguard children, including the "Emoji code" to identify online drug dealing, insights
into the dark web, and other online safety measures.
Could you help share one or both of these on your website?
Thank you very much for your time, and I look forward to hearing back from you.
Sincerely,
Jody Boulay
Community Outreach Coordinator
SUPE: Substance Use Prevention Education
P:(727) 771-2242
Nonprofit #: 23090107
From:Alan Crystal
To:Stone, Greer
Cc:Council, City; Clerk, City; Shikada, Ed; Stump, Molly
Subject:Your talk at today"s City Council meeting
Date:Monday, April 1, 2024 11:06:27 PM
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Dear Mayor Stone,
Could you share a written copy of your remarks from today's City Council meeting about what
happened at the March 30th gathering at City Hall?
It's unfortunate that someone from the audience kept interrupting you, and made it hard tounderstand what you were saying.
Below is a copy of my public comments (which I had written before hearing you):
Best,
--Alan
Alan Crystal
Palo Altoalancrystal@gmail.com
Hi, my name is Alan Crystal, a Palo Alto resident since 1980.
Saturday was a shock for me. It was a shock to see three Palestinian flags on top of the
flagpoles at City Hall, flying above an anti-Israel protest.
What’s going on, I thought? I support free speech, but this looks like a violation of cityrules.
Making things worse, the protest was dominated by hateful anti-Semitic messages –
falsely accusing Israel of genocide. I saw a menacing guard with a mask covering hisentire face, carrying a billy club and handcuffs, with the message of quote “ZERO
TOLERANCE” on his uniform.
Is this the tolerant, peaceful Palo Alto that I have known and loved? Or is it being takenover by extremists?
I – like so many others in the Jewish community – want to know what happened. We
believe there should be a strong condemnation by the City. And we’re looking to Cityofficials and police to make sure that our laws get enforced in the future.
Thank you for listening to my concerns.
From:Deborah Goldeen
To:Stone, Greer
Cc:Council, City
Subject:Participation Over Zoom
Date:Monday, April 1, 2024 10:53:37 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking
on links.________________________________
Mayor Stone - I think the council owes us “Kikes and Niggers” an explanation as to why you all are continuing toallow participation in council meetings over Zoom.
Sincerely, one of your resident “Kikes”
From:Deborah Goldeen
To:kou.pacc@gmail.com
Cc:Council, City
Subject:Parking Solution
Date:Monday, April 1, 2024 10:44:43 PM
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Be cautious of opening attachments and clicking
on links.________________________________
Ms Kou - I share your concerns about parking for businesses on El Camino. There is a straightforward solution:keep the parking and remove a lane of traffic; bike lanes go where the median is now. Traffic on El Camino betweenMatadero and San Francisquito Creek moves, between lights, at fifty plus miles an hour. Time the lights to keeptraffic moving and four lanes instead of six will work fine.
Center bike lanes can be used by emergency vehicles as needed. That’s how Valencia St in SF is set up.
From:Deborah Goldeen
To:Burt, Patrick
Cc:Council, City
Subject:Safety and Bike Lanes
Date:Monday, April 1, 2024 9:42:45 PM
[Some people who received this message don't often get email from deborah.goldeen@sonic.net. 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.________________________________
Pat - the traffic circle at Park and Stanford was installed at your urging because it made your commute faster. Thatcircle, which is in my neighborhood, created a straight shot/cut through, from El Camino to California - sevenblocks - uninterrupted by a stop sign. Thanks to that misguided traffic circle, cars now fly down road going 40.
In all due respect, I don’t think assessing cyclist and pedestrian safety in regards to traffic design is your strong suit.
From:Deborah Goldeen
To:Council, City
Subject:Sundance Steakhouse
Date:Monday, April 1, 2024 9:02:12 PM
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important at https://aka.ms/LearnAboutSenderIdentification ]
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on links.
________________________________
Sundance has a parking lot. The El Camino street parking is mostly used by employees who used to park in
Evergreen Park neighborhood before an RPPP was established.
Post COVID there is now an abundance of parking in neighborhood. Can city give residential permits to Sundance
employees?
From:Tony Stieber (Yahoo)
To:Council, City
Subject:Agenda 1st April 2024, Agenda item #11: El Camino Project - parking removal, bike lane implementation
Date:Monday, April 1, 2024 8:48:10 PM
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Dear Councilmembers,
While I live in San José. I frequently bike to meetings in Palo Alto. My routes usually
parallel El Camino Real, and if it had decent bike lanes, I would use that street for much of
my commuting. As a side benefit, I would find it easier to find and patronize businesses on
ECR. Unfortunately, because of the unsafe riding conditions (parked cars, poor pavement
quality), I avoid the street like the plague and thus don’t even know which businesses exist
on ECR let alone do any of my shopping there. Thank you for considering this project and
for cementing Palo Alto’s leadership in progressive and sustainable transportation.
Tony Stieber
San José
From:Deborah Goldeen
To:Council, City
Subject:Images Coming Out of Gaza
Date:Monday, April 1, 2024 6:34:56 PM
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important at https://aka.ms/LearnAboutSenderIdentification ]
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on links.
________________________________
The only reason we have “images out of Gaza” as opposed to images out Darfur or images out of Nigeria or images
out of Honduras, etc…, is because if you are in Gaza you can upload images from your cell phone onto Israeli cell
towers. No cell towers in Darfur.
From:herb
To:Council, City; Clerk, City
Subject:April 1, 2024 Council Meeting, Item #11: Bicycles on el Camino Real
Date:Monday, April 1, 2024 5:51:10 PM
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APRIL 1, 2024 COUNCIL MEETING, ITEM #11BICYCLES ON EL CAMINO REAL
Any action on a proposal regarding Caltrans project forbicycles on El Camino Real is not exempt from the CaliforniaEnvironmental Quality Act (CEQA) because El Camino Real isdefined as an Arterial in the Palo Alto Comprehensive Plan,while adding separate bicycle lanes is a significant negativeeffect that would cause through traffic to move to collectorand local streets.
Failure to follow CEQA is a prejudicial abuse of discretion.
Herb Borock
From:herb
To:Council, City; Clerk, City
Subject:April 1, 2024 Council Meeting, Item #8: Parklet Program
Date:Monday, April 1, 2024 5:44:32 PM
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APRIL 1, 2024 CITY COUNCIL MEETING, AGENDA ITEM#8PARKLET PROGRAM
Recently there has been concern expressed by some people aboutthe cleanliness of sidewalks in the Downtown Business District.
Palo Alto Municipal Code Section 9.48.050 requires theoccupant, tenant, or owner of any real estate in front of whichthere is a paved sidewalk to keep the sidewalk free of dirt,debris and litter, and to dispose of sweepings without beingswept into the street or allowed to go into the street.
The parklet program effectively extends the sidewalk into theentire public right of way.
An assessment district should be formed for all businesses inthe Downtown Business District to enable them to collectivelymeet their obligations to keep their sidewalks clean.
A second assessment district should be formed for the parkletsto pay for keeping the rest of the right of way clean whenthere are any parklets on any block.
Herb Borock
From:Wolfgang Dueregger
To:Council, City
Cc:Pat Burt Gmail; Lydia Kou; Lauing, Ed; Greer Stone
Subject:bike lanes on El Camino
Date:Monday, April 1, 2024 3:19:00 PM
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Dear City Council,
As an avid biker myself, I consider the addition of a bike line on El Camino a very dangerous
undertaking.
how safe would it be if ebikers at 25+ mph share the same lane with regular bikers at 10 +/-mph?
ignoring the ebikers, how safe would it be when bikers at 10 +/- mph have car traffic to their
left (across 3 lanes) going at 35+ mph?
How would the bike lane work when buses need to stop at the bus stops? would the big busescut into the bike lane or how would that work?
big trucks or buses usually use the right most lane. A biker in the bike lane is exposed to
significant wake created by those faster vehicles. how will this affect safety?
it's all good to promote biking, but please come up with a reasonable approach, such usimproving the existing bike paths (e.g. through southgate and along Park Blvd) rather than
having el camino becoming completely grid locked and unsafe for everyone - since to someextend bikers are also sometimes a danger to cars - not always the cars are the bad guys versus
the bikers.
thanks
Wolfgang
From:Tran, Joanna
To:Council, City
Cc:Shikada, Ed; Gaines, Chantal; McDonough, Melissa; Eggleston, Brad; Kamhi, Philip; Star-Lack, Sylvia; Horrigan-
Taylor, Meghan
Subject:City of Palo Alto Letter: Caltrans Vehicle Dwellers (Caltrans Proposed SR 82/El Camino Real Bikeway Project)
Date:Monday, April 1, 2024 3:18:03 PM
Attachments:Caltrans Vehicle Dwellers letter - 04.01.2024.pdfimage001.pngimage003.pngimage004.pngimage006.pngimage007.pngimage008.pngimage009.png
Dear Council Members,
Please see the attached letter sent to Caltrans today regarding the Caltrans Proposed SR 82 /
El Camino Real Bikeway Project.
For any questions, please contact Chantal Gaines, Deputy City Manager at
Chantal.Gaines@CityofPaloAlto.org
Thank you,
Joanna
Joanna Tran
Executive Assistant to the City Manager
Office of the City Manager
(650) 329-2105 | joanna.tran@cityofpaloalto.org
www.cityofpaloalto.org
April 1, 2024
Dina El-Tawansy
District Director
Caltrans Bay Area
111 Grand Ave.
Oakland, CA 94612
dina.el-tawansy@dot.ca.gov
Subject: City of Palo Alto’s Follow Up Regarding Notification and Outreach to Vehicle Dwellers Related
to the Caltrans Proposed SR 82 / El Camino Real Bikeway Project
Dear Ms. El-Tawansy,
The City of Palo Alto is writing in response to recent meetings and questions from Caltrans staff regarding
the outreach and notification plan from Caltrans related to the Caltrans Proposed SR 82 / El Camino Real
Bikeway Project. A summary of the questions received is attached.
This project is important to our community to repave this vital corridor and provide a safer corridor for all
users. As currently proposed, this project will lead to the displacement of many vehicle-dwelling
neighbors. As a precursor to the responses below, we note that the impact of this could be minimized if
Caltrans were to approach the work in phases (i.e., “no parking” for a portion of El Camino Real at a time
while work is being done) and the parking removal is temporary and limited to the duration of actual
construction activities.
Caltrans recently notified the City that it expects the City of Palo Alto and the County of Santa Clara's
Continuum of Care to perform the outreach steps needed for Caltrans Proposed SR 82 / El Camino Real
Bikeway Project. Both the City and the County have shared interest in helping vehicle-dwelling neighbors
on El Camino Real but have raised several issues about the Caltrans characterization that it is the City’s or
County’s responsibility to perform outreach as part of the Caltrans process. In the absence of any
agreements on file related to these services, the responsibility for such outreach for this Caltrans project
formally rests with Caltrans as the sponsoring agency, as opposed to the City of Palo Alto or the County
of Santa Clara. We understand that there are specific steps which must be taken in terms of notification
and informing vehicle-dwelling neighbors of other resources available to them. This should be a multi-
step process done by Caltrans to give the families as much time as possible to try to take advantage of the
services suggested. We request that Caltrans issue the initial notification to vehicle dwellers on the
corridor of the pending Caltrans project and the need for the vehicles to relocate. The County can assist
in outreach after the households have been notified by Caltrans of the need to relocate and the exact
date by which they must relocate. This outreach may include assessment and connection to services but,
given the scarcity of available beds and housing, this may not include the immediate offer of a bed or
housing.
It is also Caltrans responsibility to formally notify the vehicles with the tow-notice at the appropriate time
and, if necessary, for Caltrans to actually tow the vehicles. There seemed to be some confusion on roles
and responsibilities related to the City, County, and nonprofit partners in the outreach and formal notice
and towing process. One particular interaction referenced was in a February 15th meeting between City
staff and the Caltrans encampment team. The encampment team left that meeting and later reported
that the City held the responsibility related to outreach to the vehicle-dwellers prior to any notification to
the vehicle dwellers by Caltrans. However, at that meeting, both City and County staff noted that the
outreach organizations in the area currently working with the vehicle-dwellers on El Camino Real are not
under contract for outreach services with either the City nor the County. Staff did not make a commitment
during that meeting to assume Caltrans’ duties in this regard; City staff only offered to ask the voluntary
outreach organizations to provide supplementary outreach to vehicle-dwellers. Given that only Caltrans
knows the construction schedule, only Caltrans is in a position to make these first early notifications.
While the City is committed to continuing to creatively problem-solve with Caltrans about options for the
vehicle-dwelling families along the El Camino Real corridor in Palo Alto, it is also important to be clear on
roles. Caltrans referenced their responsibility to document outreach and services offerings as well as their
responsibility to do notification steps and any enforcement action that may need to take place. Caltrans
should also start the process by providing a specific notice about the project to the vehicle dwellers and
businesses along the corridor with specific project timing.
City staff requested the detailed project schedule with more than a three-week outlook from Caltrans.
This information would allow the City, County, and nonprofit partners to be more effective in coordinating
viable additional resources to augment the work that Caltrans offers as outreach to this specific
population. The City team looks forward to receiving the detailed project schedule and timeline as we
continue this very important discussion. We also look forward to Caltrans providing the initial early
notification specifically to vehicle dwellers and businesses along the corridor, identifying dates when
parking will be impacted, to officially start the process before any additional County outreach work will
occur. This notice would be more specific than the broader Project Fact Sheet previously issued.
Sincerely,
Ed Shikada
City Manager
cc: Nick Saleh, Project Management District Division Chief
Debra Nelson, Office Chief, External Operations and Engagement
Kathryn Kaminski, Deputy Director, Office of Supportive Housing, County of Santa Clara
Philip Kamhi, Chief Transportation Official, City of Palo Alto
Brad Eggleston, Public Works Director, City of Palo Alto
Meghan Horrigan-Taylor, Chief Communications Officer, City of Palo Alto
Chantal Cotton Gaines, Deputy City Manager, City of Palo Alto
Melissa McDonough, Assistant to the City Manager, City of Palo Alto
Sylvia Star-Lack, Transportation Planning Manager, City of Palo Alto
Attachment: Responses to Concerns and Questions Raised from Debra Nelson, March 27, 2024
Attachment:
Responses to Concerns and Questions Raised from Debra Nelson (email dated March 27, 2024)
Clarifications:
• The Caltrans staff email referenced the following: “[The] City, County and Caltrans agree anywhere
from one to two years, this corridor has been an “unofficially City/County sanctioned” encampment
within Palo Alto. There have been no removal attempts by the State, nor expressed concerns from
the City and County to the State by virtue of explicit requests to remove.”
o City Response: The City disagrees with this statement. The City requires vehicles to move
every 72 hours per our code. Most vehicles comply with the requirement to move every 72
hours; there is no guarantee of where they will relocate after moving. The Palo Alto Police
Department routinely issues warnings for 72-hour violations and issues citations and tows
abandoned vehicles as appropriate.
Responses to Questions:
1. Is there still concern from City Manager/Deputy City Manager/County of Santa Clara regarding
noticing that the role of providing outreach is not Department of Transportation? Caltrans does
not provide outreach, and has no services/shelters, being that is not our funding
purpose. Yes/No
City Response: This is addressed in the letter. This is a Caltrans project and Caltrans
should do the initial notification. Such notification has not yet been done specifically to
the businesses nor vehicle dwellers along El Camino Real.
2. Has any official outreach occurred since Caltrans requests made on 3/15 and 3/25? Yes/No
City Response: As noted related to #1 above, Caltrans has not performed the initial
notification to the vehicle dwellers and thus the City and County are unable to formally
note outreach done to be included in your Caltrans documentation process to support
future decisions Caltrans will need to make regarding actions related to vehicles.
3. Does the City/County have any potential relocation offers for the persons experiencing
homelessness who are sheltered with RVs along the corridor? Yes/No
City Response: After Caltrans provides the initial notification to vehicle dwellers on El
Camino Real, the County will share any resource options available to vehicle dwellers.
Note: the amount of available relocation options in Santa Clara County are very limited.
4. Do both the City/County know how many estimated persons (not individual RV count) are at this
location?
City Response: No additional information available at this time.
5. Has any communication regarding noticing the persons that nearing June, Caltrans will need to
begin the paving of Bike Lanes? Yes/No? For either reply- are there pending plans to do so?
City Response: The Caltrans project schedule is a repaving project starting later this year
and subsequently the bike lanes, pending City Council action in April 2024 locally. To the
specific question here, this initial communication is Caltrans responsibility given this is a
Caltrans project and City action is pending. This type of initial notification about an
upcoming project and the need for the site to be clear for the project is always the
responsibility of the entity performing the project. In this case, that is Caltrans. We look
forward to details about when this notification will occur, and the County can do some
outreach thereafter.
6. Has the City/County communicated any of these needs for outreach to your “grassroots”
organizations/persons of familiarity who are working with the persons living in RVs? Yes/No? If
no, I note- it was suggested to leverage their ongoing relationship, albeit the “grassroots” is not
obligated contractually or otherwise.
City Response: Informally, the City and County have activated partners to help vehicle
dwelling residents along the corridor. These partners are not under contract with the
City for outreach services, thus any work they perform would not be used as part of the
Caltrans documentation for future vehicle removal. Even with these efforts, Caltrans is
still responsible for the official notification to start the process.
7. How many children do you estimate are living in the RV’s? If you don’t know exactly, I recall it
was mentioned on 3/15 “families with children”- thus, an estimate is helpful.
City Response: We do not have this information at this time.
8. Is the City/County exploring emergency funding/housing solutions to offer? Yes/No?
City Response: We do not understand this question.
9. Are there currently plans to enact parking ordinances once the project has been completed?
Yes/No/Unknown
City Response: There is a 72-hour restriction already in place.
From:Carol Muller
To:Council, City
Subject:Caltrans’ Repaving Project of El Camino Real, Including Replacing Existing Parking with Bicycle Lanes, and
Potential Approval of a Resolution to Support this Project
Date:Monday, April 1, 2024 3:00:11 PM
Importance:High
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Dear Honorable Members of the City Council of Palo Alto,
I write to urge you to work with Caltrans to ensure that the upcoming re-paving of ElCamino Real will include bike lanes.
I have attended multiple meetings, and have read carefully through multiple proposals andreports, including that of the consultant to the City on this opportunity
(https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/files/assets/public/v/1/transportation/misc-transportation/caltrans.ecr/city-of-palo-alto-letter-
2024.03.14.pdfhttps://www.cityofpaloalto.org/files/assets/public/v/1/transportation/misc-transportation/caltrans.ecr/city-of-palo-alto-letter-2024.03.14.pdf).
I have commuted to school and work in and through Palo Alto over the years; I frequently
undertake errands via bicycle. I have been bicycling for more than 60 years, and as anindividual, I use a bicycle for transportation, recreation, health, to save money (and sometimes
time!), and as a way to address many community needs: cleaner air, reduced use of fossilfuels, reduced traffic, and reduced car dependence (for a very helpful recent update on these
issues, and their criticality, from a research perspective, seehttps://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0966692324000267, or watch the short
video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4kSTJnT0tUE).
El Camino Real is way overdue for a repaving job, and as the wheels of bureaucracy moveslowly, there is now in place a plan for repaving in 2025, and a short term opportunity while
repaving to add bike lanes and other safety features, including removing on-road parking. Ifone is a cyclist, give the current state of this route, one may or may not typically ride one's
bike on El Camino Real. But many people do, for a variety of reasons — getting to work orschool, doing errands, and getting from one location on one side of El Camino Real to the
other. The proposed plan is far from perfect, but it is definitely a step in the right direction,and an important opportunity for Palo Alto, especially with Caltrans providing the funding for
the majority of the project. It would be a shame, as Yoriko Kishimoto recently commented, theCity doesn't accept Caltrans’ proposal (with some negotiated adjustments based on Caltrans’
own requirements to comply with regulations).
Is the proposal a good idea? YES, even if El Camino Real is not my preferred route forcycling, and even if this short term plan will not incorporate all the desired aspects that a really
great plan for El Camino Real might eventually do. Here are the main reasons why Iencourage you to move forward with as much alacrity as possible, briefly:
1. Adding bike lanes will make it safer for those who need to ride on ECR by bike —
definitely better than not having bike lanes.2. Adding bike lanes will “shrink” the width of other lanes, which considerable experience
shows will reduce the speeds (usually well over the posted speed limit of 35) of vehicles onECR. Any reductions in speed will be a win for the safety of all who use or cross this major
road — drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians.3. Removing parking on the sides of ECR to accommodate the bike lanes will also increasevisibility for cyclists, pedestrians, and drivers alike (and local research, undertaken byvolunteers at the Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition, suggests the business owners along ECR
will be fine with this change, and even support it — please see the report by Robert Neff et alin these minutes: https://www.cityofpaloalto.org/files/assets/public/v/2/agendas-minutes-
reports/agendas-minutes/planning-and-transportation-commission/2024/ptc-3.27-public-comments-2.pdf).
4. Adding bike lanes and removing parking at this stage is already baked into the repavingproject, and does not require further spending by the cities in which the work will be done.
Furthermore, the funds can’t be used for alternative improvements to make cycling, walking,or driving safer. Caltrans is funding this project, and as a state road, ECR falls under its
jurisdiction, unlike the vast majority of other roads in our area that cyclists use.5. Adding more bike lanes to this high visibility thoroughfare is aligned with Palo Alto’sinterests and goals in sustainability and climate action, and will accelerate thenormalization of cycling as a regular form of transportation, with all its attendantbenefits of reduced traffic, lower use of fossil fuels, reduced pollution, enhanced health(physical & mental), greater awareness on the part of those driving vehicles of cyclists’ rights
on the road, etc. Palo Alto is not a leader in normalizing cycling as a regular form oftransportation, but could be, and I hope through your leadership, will make more effort to be
in the future.
Thank you for your time and consideration,
Carol Muller199 Heather Lane
Palo Alto, CA 94303
----
Carol B. Muller, Ph.D.
Blue Sky Consulting
cbmuller1@gmail.com
From:Benedick Bruce
To:Council, City
Subject:Safe biking on El Camino real
Date:Monday, April 1, 2024 2:27:25 PM
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To the Palo Alto City Council,
We are long term residents of Menlo Park and value or surrounding community and theinfrastructure we all share and use. Moving towards a sustainable, safe future for all, we see
the importance of having transportation options including bikes and access.
We are asking the council to pass a resolution to remove parking on El Camino Real and
install bike lanes. We recommend that El Camino Real be incorporated into the city’s
bicycle and pedestrian plan, as other cities (Los Altos, Mountain View, Redwood City,
South San Francisco) are doing, to treat this project as the initial first step of safer
infrastructure on El Camino Real, a first step to be improved upon and made safer. We
would also ask that council recommend that as Caltrans is doing work on El Camino Real,
they must communicate with our neighbors who are living in their vehicles or RVs on El
Camino Real, along with relevant community partners, to ensure those residents are not
displaced. This is at a time when the city is expanding safe parking, and neighboring cities
have been able to accomplish similar projects while moving community members who are
living in their RVs into nearby safe parking.
Thank you for considering and helping to make our community safer, sustainable, and
considerate of the needs of all.
Susan and Bruce Benedick
1725 Stanford Ave
Menlo Park, CA 940245
From:Maarten
To:Council, City
Cc:katie@bikesiliconvalley.org
Subject:Approve project to install bike lanes on El Camino - April 1 - Agenda Item 11
Date:Monday, April 1, 2024 2:01:33 PM
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Dear City Council,
As a long-time Palo Alto resident and daily bike commuter, I would like to voice mystrongest support in favor of installing bike lanes on El Camino Real.
While the project is not perfect, I strongly believe that we should not let perfect be the enemyof good.
Having a bike lane on El Camino would be a huge improvement over the current condition. I
was biking in Fremont this weekend where on streets like El Camino, with two lanes in eachdirection and speed limits around 40 miles per hour, they installed bike lanes which makes the
roads accessible to bicyclists. (see some pictures below with examples). There are many othercities in our area that have installed similar bike lanes on busy streets. There is no reason that
Palo Alto cannot be as good or better than our neighbors in terms of bicycle accessibility andsafety. While a simple bike lane on El Camino would be a huge safety improvement, adding
pillars separating the bike lane from the car lane, striping, and auto detection of bikes at roadcrossings can help further improve safety.
The argument that there are other preferable bike paths in Palo Alto is in my opinion not
valid. Installing a bike lane on El Camino Real is not an either or situation. We should installbike lanes on El Camino AND expand and improve bike and pedestrian paths elsewhere in the
city. Moreover, currently there is no suitable bike lane that connects Mountain View, PaloAlto, Menlo Park and Redwood City.
The argument that it will never be safe enough to bike on El Camino is also invalid. Palo Alto
is in a unique position to create a safe bike corridor that connects Palo Alto to our neighboringcities. While nothing is 100% safe, having bike lanes will be much safer than not having bike
lanes. As mentioned above, there are numerous examples in neighboring cities where safe bikelanes have been installed on busy streets like El Camino.
The Caltrans proposal is a rare chance to improve the bike-friendliness and bike-safety in Palo
Alto. I strongly encourage the City to embrace this opportunity with open arms and to workwith Caltrans to make this a reality. Please do not stall! There have been too many accidents
on El Camino to pass up this opportunity.
Best,Maarten Lansberg
CC: Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition