OCTOBER | 2025
10 MONTHLY REPORTS
DEPARTMENT AND DIVISION
ADU MIXER IN
NOVEMBER
3 CONSTRUCTION
TIME LIMIT PENALTY
Details regarding the ADU
Mixer set for November 13
at 6 pm
Statistics on the current
projects that are incurring
CTL penalties
DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS
GENERAL ADMIN REPORT
Reports from General Administration, City Clerk's Office, Human Resources, Information Technology, and
Sustainability
Reports from the Finance Department, Key Budget Updates, and Financial Advisories
Reports from the Public Works Department, service requests, capital project updates, and Town field service reports A Division of Public Works, reports on Park maintenance and event activities as well as Park Committee updates
FINANCE REPORT
PUBLIC WORKS REPORT
PARKS DIVISION REPORT
80 FAIR OAKS LANE
ATHERTON, CA 94027
650-752-0504
[email protected]
WWW.CI.ATHERTON.CA.US Reports from the Building and Planning Departments on permit and construction activity throughout Town.
COMMUNITY SERVICES REPORT
Reports from the Police Department on crime activity, code enforcement, and traffic
POLICE DEPARTMENT REPORT
02 11
12 19
27 35
7 34
The City Clerk’s Division is a part of the City Manager’s Office and consists of the City Clerk, a Reception/Postal Clerk, and a Management Analyst I/II. These core personnel support the Town’s City Clerk, Human Resources, Sustainability, Risk Management, Information Technology, Event Management, and Town Reception/Postal services. The Town utilizes the services and assistance of various consultants in the performance of the Department’s responsibilities.
HR Systems & Activities
Status of Vacancies:
There are 44 full-time authorized positions within the 2024/25 Budget. Of that total, there are 14 employees within the City Manager’s Office, Finance Department, Building Department, and Public Works Department. Within the Police Department, there are 21 sworn public safety personnel and 9 non-sworn public safety personnel. The Police Department have begun the background check to fill the vacant Officer role, and Public Works will begin recruitment to fill the recent vacant Management Analyst role. Associate Engineer Gabriela Ruiz will be introduced to Council at the October Regular Meeting. The Town is currently at 98% staffing.
Employee Benefits & Wellness Activities:
The next and final workshop will be on November 4th - Managing Financial Stress Open Enrollment for Town employees will end on Friday, October 10. Staff introduced monthly office hours for all human resource matters.
Community Outreach and Engagement
Senior Task Force (STF)
Senior Task Force held an event on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at Holbrook-Palmer Park focusing on educating seniors on planning activities needed in deciding to either age in their current home or make arrangements to transition to a senior living or senior community. The event was well attended by more than 75 guests. The task force are developing a survey to go out to guests and are considering additional workshops.
Student and Youth Engagement
In the coming months, staff will begin Earth Day 2026 planning and recruit student volunteers to support day-of initiatives and activities. The Environmental Programs Committee (EPC) also suggested leveraging partnerships with local Boy and Girl Scout chapters and school groups to assist with the Compost Hub Program—specifically helping pre-bag compost for residents to make
City Clerk Monthly Report
October 15, 2025
it easier to transport from Holbrook-Palmer Park to their homes, particularly for those who face physical barriers. More updates coming soon.
Staff also received outreach from a local high school student and Atherton resident interested in collaborating with the Town on transportation safety and Vision Zero initiatives. The student has researched Vision Zero strategies and noted Atherton’s commitment in the San Mateo Countywide Local Roadway Safety Plan to reduce fatal and severe injury crashes to zero by 2050. They inquired about the Town’s current actions and potential opportunities to strengthen these efforts.
Staff is scheduling a conversation to discuss next steps and determine whether this topic should be shared with the Environmental Programs Committee (EPC).
Outreach Events & Activities:
• Police Athletic League Halloween Event
o When: Thursday, October 30, 3 PM – 5 PM
o Where: 80 Fair Oaks Lane, Atherton, CA 94027 – Town Center In partnership with the San Mateo County Library and Friends of the Library the PAL invite residents and neighbors to come out for this community gathering for arts & crafts, bounce houses, and candy giveaways.
Registration is not required, but if you want to register please visit:
https://atherton.news/Halloween-2025
IT Systems & Activities
The Town’s IT systems are operating within acceptable limits. Current IT priorities include:
• IT Special Projects:
o Continue to monitor and document equipment replacement needs to properly asset track items to perform routine replacements.
o In the process of evaluating and launching systems security measures Townwide. o Support the Police Department alarm monitoring system upgrades o Support the installation of infrastructure to establish internet connections at the Historic Atherton Train Station
o Prepare to launch athertonca.gov in coordination with Town website vendor, thirdparty vendors and Town staff.
Emergency Management Activities
1. SMC Emergency Managers Association Meetings
The most recent meeting was held on October 9, 2025, and hosted by the Red Cross. During the meeting, members participated in a successful text test, with all four participants responding. Updates included Ravenswood Health Clinic’s recent fire drills and ongoing staff training, and the Red Cross’s “Sound the Alarm” event in East Palo Alto, where 125 smoke alarms were installed in 33 homes, improving safety for 106 residents.
City Clerk Monthly Report
October 15, 2025
The group also discussed strategies to increase member participation in future meetings. The next SMC EMA meeting is scheduled for Thursday, November 13, 2025 at 12 PM.
Sustainability
1. Waste Reduction
a. Roll-Off Bins / GreenWaste Franchise Amendment
Staff have worked to prepare for the transition of Construction and Demolition (C&D) debris services to GreenWaste Recovery, which will hold the exclusive franchise to collect, transport, recycle, process, and dispose of all C&D debris in the Town beginning January 1, 2026. This transition follows a 2020 City Council decision and ensures compliance with State law. Current service providers may operate until December 31, 2025, after which only GreenWaste Recovery will provide these services.
Staff, together with R3 Consulting, drafted additional clarifying exceptions to address scenarios such as self-hauling in compliance with local code, transport using companyowned trucks, or trade-specific operations using owned containers.
Staff coordinated a Refuse & Recycling Committee meeting with GreenWaste and R3 representatives to review the proposed exceptions and discuss their practical application.
In parallel, staff reviewed ordinance language, internal procedures, and C&D outreach materials with R3, and worked with GreenWaste to develop customer-facing flyers and educational materials for residents and permittees.
The Franchise Amendment, which includes these clarifications regarding roll-off bins, will be presented to the City Council for consideration at the October 2025 meeting. b. Environmental Program Committee
The Environmental Programs Committee (EPC) was scheduled to hold its regular meeting on September 18, 2025. However, the meeting was cancelled due to a lack of quorum.
Staff attempted to schedule a special meeting in October 2025, but were unable to do so due to participant availability.
The EPC is now scheduled to meet on Thursday, November 20, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. to continue discussions on the 2026 Spring and Fall focal events and outreach initiatives.
Earth Day 2026 initial conversations will also take place. c. Refuse & Recycling Committee
The Refuse & Recycling Committee met on Tuesday, August 19, 2025 at 1pm to review the latest quarterly report, discuss a proposed franchise amendment with GreenWaste, and coordinate upcoming efforts with R3 Consulting Group. The next Refuse & Recycling Committee meeting is likely to be in November or December, if needed.
City Clerk Monthly Report
October 15, 2025
d. Compost Pile + Potential Compost Hub Coming in 2026
The compost pile at Holbrook-Palmer Park continues to be a popular and well-used free resource for the community. It is restocked regularly every 2–3 months, or as needed when levels are visibly low.
Staff are working to use partial grant funds ($20,000) to establish a compost hub and board area at the site where compost is placed by Fall 2026. Fall 2025 and Winter 2026 will be spent on conceptual design and preparation. This program is funded by the SB 1383 Organic Waste Recovery Grant.
e. Regionally Integrated Climate Action Planning Suite (RICAPS) Meetings Staff attended the September 23, 2025, RICAPS in-person convening in South San Francisco, focused on “Making Gains in Mode Shift: A Problem Orientation Workshop.” The session brought together transportation and planning staff from multiple jurisdictions to discuss barriers and opportunities in reducing single-occupancy vehicle trips and increasing active and public transportation use.
Participants reviewed key transportation planning documents and explored recurring themes across jurisdictions, identifying areas with the greatest potential for coordinated action. New colleagues from various departments enriched the discussion with fresh perspectives and practical insights.
The next RICAPS meeting will be held virtually on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, and will include updates on 2023 greenhouse gas inventories, fair housing policy from the 21Elements Collaborative, municipal facilities cataloguing, and a presentation by Peninsula Clean Energy on their portable battery program for renters, with opportunities for participant feedback. The workshop series will continue in December 2025 to build on the mode shift discussion and collaborative action planning. f. Countywide Recycling Committee Meetings
Compost Program Collaboration with Resource Conservation District (RCD)Jurisdictions are being asked to decide whether to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the County to continue participating in the Compost Program with the RCD, and to commit funding for 2026 and 2027. Staff recommended that cities base their funding decisions on current SB 1383 procurement targets. To support this process, weekly office hours were held from September 26 through November 14 to answer questions, and individual calls with Doug Millar and the RCD team were available via Calendly. The RCD team continues to provide guidance and share their first-hand experience on program implementation and its impact across the County.
a. Countywide Disposable Foodware Ordinance (to be updated) Staff met with Christopher Slafter, Senior Sustainability Specialist with the County of San Mateo, to discuss the County’s approach to implementing the Disposable Foodware Ordinance on behalf of County cities and towns. Staff provided input and have authorized Mr. Slafter to propose the best approach and alternative solutions at upcoming Committee meetings.
City Clerk Monthly Report
October 15, 2025
Upcoming Meeting
The next Countywide Recycling Committee meeting will be a joint session with the Santa Clara TAC on Thursday, October 30, 2025.
2. Electrification
E-Leaf Blower Program
Approximately 44 rebates remain available through the Town’s Electric Leaf Blower Rebate Program. Code Enforcement staff continue to conduct outreach using the bilingual postcard, encouraging violators to take advantage of the rebate opportunity to support a smoother transition to compliant equipment.
Staff are also developing an Enforcement FAQ to guide the Town’s shift from the initial twoyear education phase to active enforcement.
The rebate program is anticipated to conclude at the end of FY 2025–26, with staff preparing focused outreach and communications from January through June 2026 to promote final participation and ensure a successful program closeout.
PCE Member Agency Grant + EV Chargers Project
The Town was awarded $181,946 through Peninsula Clean Energy’s (PCE) Member Agency Grant to advance municipal electrification and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Grant funds will support two key projects: the purchase of an electric lift (expected delivery March 2026) and the installation of six Level 2 electric vehicle (EV) chargers—four at Holbrook-Palmer Park and two at the Police Department.
The project includes EV Ready infrastructure to allow for future expansion (up to four additional ports at the park and two at the Police Department). A construction and installation contract with Verdek LLC, leveraging State service contracts, is scheduled for Council consideration on October 15, 2025.
3. Climate Action Plan Dashboard
No Update.
City Clerk Monthly Report
October 15, 2025
ADU Match Program Update + ADU Mixer
(November 13, 2025)
The ADU Match Program continues to support two
existing matches in Town and has received several new
inquiries from housing seekers, including many local
educators and staff.
To help recruit additional home providers, staff prepared an Athertonian article highlighting a successful ADU
Match story to encourage homeowners with existing or
potential ADUs to participate in the program. The
testimonial featured in the Summer 2025 Athertonian
can be read here: Athertonian: Summer 2025 Edition.
The next ADU Mixer is scheduled for Thursday,
November 13, 2025 at 6 PM in the Council
Chambers. This year’s event will focus on creating a
more interactive and community-centered environment
to connect potential home providers and home seekers,
increase awareness of Atherton’s ADU Match Program,
and gather feedback on ADU opportunities and challenges.
The evening will feature success stories, guided table
discussions, and “speed-mingle” connection rounds
designed to encourage conversation and relationshipbuilding. Interactive poster boards and discussion prompts will allow participants to share their thoughts on ADUs, while HIP Housing staff and Town
representatives will facilitate group discussions and
provide resources.
Event planning and coordination are underway in
partnership with HIP Housing. Final logistics, including room setup, materials, and outreach, are being finalized.
City Clerk Monthly Report
October 15, 2025
City Clerk Activities CURRENT and ON THE HORIZON
There are currently 5 open Public Records Request that staff are working to complete.
Public Information Stats & Analytics
1. Athertonian
The Summer 2025 Athertonian is available online. To read the full version click here.
The Fall 2025 edition of The Athertonian is currently in the design development stage and is scheduled for delivery by the end of October. This edition highlights several important Town updates and community events, including Peninsula Clean Energy’s new 24/7 emergency water heater replacement program, seasonal tips from the Town Arborist on protecting Oak trees, and upcoming changes to construction and demolition debris box rules.
It also features storm preparedness reminders ahead of the rainy season, updates on the Town’s Active Transportation Plan, and spotlights on local partners such as the Friends of the Atherton Library, the Heritage Association, and the Atherton Arts Foundation. Readers can also find details on upcoming community events, including the Halloween
2. Social Media and Public Information Platforms
Staff continue to post informational and advisory content, with a recent focus on promoting community events and engagement opportunities. Residents, community members, and other public agencies have viewed and interacted with the town from September 1 to September 30.
Impressions refer to the number of reactions, views, comments, shares, and reposts of Towngenerated content.
Content highlights include safety reminders, transportation updates, climate initiatives, and community events.
To further enhance outreach, staff are developing a photo repository to support diverse topics and create engaging, visually consistent graphics. The goal is to build a robust library of Atherton-specific and stock images to strengthen future posts and digital communications.
Platform Number of followers Impressions or Accounts
Reached
Twitter/X 0.2% increase, a total of 631 followers 304 impressions (97% increase)
Instagram 2 % increase, a total of 1.9k followers 9.4k impressions (112% increase)
Facebook 2% increase, total of 648 followers 1.3k impressions (22 % increase)
City Clerk Monthly Report
October 15, 2025
NextDoor 10 new members, a total of 5,698
members, and 2,445 households
claimed
200 impressions (50 %
increase)
The Cross Channel Report is a cumulative report of social media performance across X, Instagram, and Facebook for the Town. One key metric staff is working to increase is our general social media activity.
While engagement has plateaued in the past few months, there has been a steady increase in followers across these platforms, helping to expand the Town's online presence and reach. In this reporting period we had 27 posts, which represents a 42 % increase month over month. There has been a rise in engagement which is up 194%.
Town website subscriber group:
Distribution List Subscribers
Atherton Online 1,660
News Flash (CM & PD) 1,589 & 1,577
Alert Center (CM & PD) 1,370 & 1,588
Calendar (Meetings) 1,589
• Website Analytics:
o September 1 – September 30: 11K Active Users
o Last 7 Days Total Page Views: 5.9K
§ News Flash PD = 629
§ Agenda = 683
§ Building Dpt – ePlan Submittal = 499
• YouTube Analytics
o 372 Subscribers
o 1087 Videos
City Clerk Monthly Report
October 15, 2025
The top posts for September were:
1,113 Impressions 605 Impressions
The Finance Department consists of a Finance Director, Accountant and Junior Accountant. These core personnel provide the bulk of the Town’s accounting and payroll support. The Department utilizes the services of outside auditors, property tax analysts, and investment advisors in support of their efforts.
Fiscal Year 2025/2026 Revenues and Expenditures
Year to Date
Months Complete – 3
% of Year Complete – 25%
Budget Revenue % Received
Park Program $ 79,700 $ 27,260 34%
Planning Permits $ 520,300 $ 140,852 27%
Business Licenses $ 298,000 $ 192,873 65%
Police $ 540,450 $ 21,933 4%
Sales Taxes $ 529,000 $ 20,733 4%
Miscellaneous $ 1,282,216 $ 93,260 7%
Public Works $ 685,700 $ 203,945 30%
Franchise Fees $ 943,000 $ 101,903 11%
Building Permits $ 2,449,400 $ 680,947 28%
Property Taxes $ 17,384,500 $ 2,042,542 12%
Total $ 24,712,266 $ 3,526,248 14.2%
Budget Expenditures % Received
City Council $ 59,200 $ 21,045 35.6%
Administration $ 1,494,288 $ 399,541 26.7%
City Attorney $ 310,000 $ 40,710 13.13%
Finance $ 944,442 $ 280,100 29.6%
Planning $ 1,257,350 $ 40,645 3.2%
Building $ 1,811,370 $ 418,363 23.1%
Interdepartmental $ 1,215,162 $ 296,269 24.3%
Police $ 11,139,509 $ 3,009,260 27.0%
Public Works $ 3,902,933 $ 626,120 16.1%
Total $ 22,134,255 $ 5,132,053 23.2%
The Public Works Department consists of a Public Works Director, Maintenance Manager, Associate Engineer, Town Arborist, Office Specialist and Management Analyst (vacant). These core personnel are supplemented by various contract service personnel and service vendors that operate on a Task Order basis. These include but are not limited to MCE, West Coast Arborists, Contract Sweeping Services, CalWest Lighting, Tony’s Clean Team, Interwest Group, and BrightView Landscaping.
Field Public Works Services are provided under contract via MCE. MCE provides four (4) personnel to perform general Town maintenance support including, but not limited to, vegetation trimming for sight distance and sign clearance, Park restroom oversight, meeting setup/takedown support, sign replacement, minor asphalt/DG repairs, street sign and marker replacements, basic maintenance for Town-maintained trees/plantings along roadways, Town event support, minor drainage projects and maintenance, basic building support services and minor roadway maintenance (pothole repairs). MCE personnel generally work from 7 am to 4 pm, Monday through Friday; but, these same personnel provide emergency call-out services for after hours and on weekends.
Landscape maintenance services at Holbrook-Palmer Park and at the Town Center/Library complex are provided by BrightView Landscaping (BrightView). BrightView is also responsible for emptying Town-owned garbage cans at the park and Town Center.
Street Sweeping
Street Sweeping is a contract service via Contract Sweeping Services.
Month Curb Miles Weight (tons) Cubic Yards
January 25 38 12 6
February 25 39 6 12
March 2025 41 6 12
April 2025 38 6 12
May2025 36 6 12
June 2025 39 10 5
FY 24-25 Total 527 111 124
July 2025 38 6 12
August 2025 39 10 5
September 2025 66 4 2
October 2025
November 2025
December 2025
Total 143 20 19
Services Requests September 2025
• Debris clearing from Atherton Channel near Barry Lane • Power washing of the communications building at the Town Center • Repair of gate at Holbrook-Palmer Park corporation yard • Power washing of the Jennings Pavillion
• Jennings Pavillion Event setups and clean ups
• Main House event set up and clean up
• Holbrook – Palmer Park playschool door repair
• Holbrook -Palmer Park playschool sink repair
• Median island clean up (Various Locations)
• Catch Basin clearing on Melaine Lane
• Clean up of PD Parking
• Installation of “Permit parking only “signs on Ashfield Road and Maple Ave • Relocation of 25mph sign on Camino Al Lago and Fairview Ave in preparation of 15 mph School Zone sign installation
• Monthly inspection of speed humps throughout Town
• Station Lane clean up
• Repair of sidewalk at Holbrook-Palmer Park playschool General Maintenance and Special Services
• Weekly litter removal Along ECR, schools (Fridays 2 staff, 2 hours). • Remove Litter on Marsh Road, Middlefield Road & Alameda de las Pulgas. • Park General Duties: Garbage Cans, Town wide & ECR litter, ECR landscape & Corp yard clean-up, vehicle/tool maintenance.
• Fire extinguishers (checked/re-charged)
• Park General daily duties – mowing, empty garbage/recycling, restroom oversight, fire extinguishers (checked/re-charged), playground inspections, elevator inspections, open/close buildings, meeting room set-ups/tear downs.
Photographs of Work Performed September 2025
Debris Removal from Atherton Channel
Communication Bulding Power Washing
Jennings Pavillion Power Washing
Holbrook- Palmer Park Playschool Sidewalk Repairs
Median Island Clean Up ( Various Locations )
Melaine Lane Catch Basin Clearing
“Permit Parking” Signs on Maple Ave and Ashfield Ave
Speed Limit Sign Relocation on Camino Al Lago
See Click Fix September 2025
Public Works Maintenance
Budget versus Expenditures September 2025
Short
Code
Accounting Code Description Budget Actual %
A01 101-53-52031-053 Streets $432,600 $124,128.06 28.7% A02 101-57-52031-057 Parks (Grounds & Fac) $365,000 $83,870.30 23.0% A03 101-59-52031-059 Other Facilities $190,000 $19,267.68 10.1% A04 213-30-52031-000 Library $39,000 $9,123.30 23.4%
A05 101-58-52031-000 Tennis $13,000 $2,721.45 20.9%
E06 101-58-52030-058 Event Services $10,000 $0.00 0.0%
Total $1,049,600 $239,110.79 2.3%
$-
$50,000
$100,000
$150,000
$200,000
$250,000
$300,000
$350,000
$400,000
Streets Parks Other Fac Library Tennis Events
Public Works Budget to Expenditures
Budget Actual
Parks Division Monthly Report –September 2025 Page 1 of 9 The Public Works Director oversees general Park maintenance and activities. The Park has several contract service personnel and vendors that manage various activities at the park.
Park Event Services are typically provided via contract. With the departure of Catered Too, temporary personnel have been contracted to manage all park events and rental services, to include rental of fields, buildings, and picnic areas until a permanent vendor is contracted. MCE provides facility support on a Task Order basis.
BrightView Landscaping provides landscape maintenance services for the park. Player Capital provides management and general maintenance of the six Tennis Courts.
There are three (3) structures available for event rental at the park – the Carriage House, the Main House, and the Pavilion. Outdoor venues may also be rented, and these include the Event Garden, Water Tower Green and North Meadow. Picnic areas in the park may be reserved for small group day rental. Menlo Atherton Little League manages and maintains the Willie Mays Ball Field.
Facility Rentals for September 25
Month North
Meadow
Children’s
Picnic
Area
Jennings
Pavilion
Main Carriage
House w/
NM
Field D Other House
24-Dec 1 0 2 1 0 0 0
25-Jan 1 1 0 0 1 0 0
25-Feb 0 2 0 1 0 0 0
25-Mar 0 2 1 1 0 0 0
25-Apr 3 2 2 0 0 0 1
25-May 7 5 2 1 1 0 0
25-Jun 4 4 2 2 0 0 0
FY 24-25 37 22 14 8 6 0 1
25-Jul 4 4 0 0 1 0 0
25-Aug 7 4 1 1 2 0 0
25-Sep 4 2 2 2 0 0 1
25-Oct
25-Nov
25-Dec
26-Jan
26-Feb
26-Mar
26-Apr
26-May
26-Jun
FY 25-26 15 10 3 3 3 0 1
Parks Division Monthly Report –September 2025 Page 2 of 9 Types of Rental Activity for September 25
Month Social Gathering Wedding Corporate
Gathering Other
24-Dec 4 0 0 0
25-Jan 3 0 0 0
25-Feb 3 0 0 0
25-Mar 5 0 0 0
25-Apr 7 0 0 0
25-May 16 0 0 1
25-Jun 12 0 0 0
FY 24-25 87 1 2 1
25-Jul 8 1 0 0
25-Aug 13 0 2 0
25-Sep 11 0 0 0
25-Oct
25-Nov
25-Dec
26-Jan
26-Feb
26-Mar
26-Apr
26-May
26-Jun
Total 32 1 2 0
7
Parks Division Monthly Report –September 2025 Page 3 of 9 Revenue from Rental Activity for September 25
Month Revenue Fees 10% Catering Fee Revenue to Town
24-Dec $9417.00 $0.00 9417.00
25-Jan $987.00 $0.00 $987.00
25-Feb $2,560.00 $0.00 $2,560.00
25-Mar $2,285.00 $0.00 $2,285.00
25-Apr $8,210.00 $0.00 $8,210.00
25-May $10,140.00 $0.00 $10,140.00
25-Jun $5,285.00 $0.00 $5,285.00
FY 24-25 Total $68,885.00
25-Jul $2,445.00 $0.00 $2,445.00
25-Aug $9,450.00 $0.00 $9,450.00
25-Sep $13,720.00 $0.00 $13,720.00
25-Oct
25-Nov
25-Dec
26-Jan
26-Feb
26-Mar
26-Apr
26-May
26-Jun
TOTAL FY 25-26 $25,615.00
Parks Division Monthly Report –September 2025 Page 4 of 9 General and Special Services for September 2025
• Pick up litter/trash.
• Remove trash bags.
• Blow/Pick Up Tree Leaves & Debris
• Inspect and Maintain Restrooms
• Inspect and Maintain Playgrounds
• Inspect and Maintain Main House Elevator
• Control undesirable weeds throughout property.
• Cut back and remove tree brush and dead vegetation.
• Apply seasonal fertilizers to turf and plants.
• Inspect and maintain landscape irrigation.
• Inspect and maintain landscape irrigation well and filter system. • Monitor potable water usage daily.
• Water non-established trees throughout the park (scheduled) • Blow tennis courts 2x per week, as required.
For September 25:
• Jennings Pavillion power washing
• Tennis pickleball net repair
• Playground bathroom sink repair
• Playschool walkway repair
• Playschool door repair
• Baseball building bathroom lighting repair
• Event setup and break down – JP & MH
New and Future Planned Projects:
Jennings Pavillion lighting
Parks Division Monthly Report –September 2025 Page 5 of 9 Tennis Court Usage/Reservations
Player Capital Tennis (PCT) manages court operations.
Month
PC
Court
Hours
# of
Students
Private
Lessons
Key
Holder
Hours
Public
Court
Hours
Clay
Court
Hours
Pickleball
Court
Hours
24-Dec 642 295 367 322 0 15 125
25-Jan 597 299 351 321 0 9 167
25-Feb 660 301 433 395 0 12 188
25-Mar 676 294 408 323 0 19.5 187.5
25-Apr 693 335 452 365 0 18 195.5
25-May 698 375 455 353 0 15 255
25-Jun 787 435 475 320 0 20 206
FY-24-
25 8,536 4,159 5,306 4,326 0 254.5 1,754
25-Jul 766 302 492 282 0 14.5 244.5
25-Aug 675.5 312 441 325.5 0 11 216.5
25-Sep 707 322 403 341.5 0 20 203
25-Oct
25-Nov
25-Dec
26-Jan
226-Feb
26-Mar
26-Apr
26-May
26-Jun
Total
FY-25-
26 2,148.5 936 1,336 949 0 45.5 670
Parks Division Monthly Report –September 2025 Page 6 of 9 Photographs of Work Performed in September 2025
Jennings Pavillion Power Washing
Playschool Sidewalk Repair
Parks Division Monthly Report –September 2025 Page 7 of 9 Jennings Pavillion Door stop install
Jennings Pavillion Event clean up
Parks Division Monthly Report –September 2025 Page 8 of 9 Playschool Door Repair
Main House office clean up
Submitted by:
Interwest Consulting Group
Community Services
Monthly Report
September 2025
Town of Atherton
Building Department
80 Fair Oaks Ln.
Atherton, California 94027
Phone: (650) 752-0560
Town of Atherton
Building Safety Inspections
Construction and Permit Summary
Based on Fiscal Year - Year to Date
Fiscal Year for Budgetary Comparisons
FY 2025-26 FY 2024-25
YTD YTD
Total Construction Valuation1: $24,310,277 $86,402,571 $87,628,245 Plan Check Fees Collected: $73,729 $177,120 $151,666
Permit Fees Collected: $149,903 $296,826 $424,777
Other Fees Collected: $10,350 $26,425 $43,516
TOTAL: $233,982 $500,371 $619,959
Applications Received: 105 261 216
Residential:
New Single Family Residential Permits
Issued: 1 6 7
New Accessory Structures Issued: 18 49 73
Addition / Alteration Permits Issued: 12 20 31
Reroof / Water Well / Grading Permits
Issued: 11 34 46
Plumbing/Mechanical/Electrical
Permits Issued: 17 34 66
Demolition Permits Issued: 6 8 9
Non-Residential:
New Permits Issued: 0 0 3
TOTAL Permits Issued (2) 65 151 235
Inspections Performed: 641 1,794 2,025
Footnotes:
1Valuation: For permitted projects during this period.
2 The total permits issued for each Fiscal Year reflect totals through the corresponding month
PLAN CHECK
INSPECTIONS
REVENUE
PERMITS
Sep-25
Staff Level Reviews
Planning Commission Items
Plan Review
TOTAL 88
Town of Atherton
Building Safety & Inspection
Tree Removal Info. / Consu / C.E
Planning Commission Updates:
Please find the summary below for the September 24, 2025 Planning Commission meeting below:
1. All five Commissioners participated in-person (Chair Lane, V. Chair Polito, Leugers, Levison and Tonelli.
2. There was no general public comment.
3. The Commission approved meeting minutes.
4. Public Hearing Items:
a) Receive the Annual Master Plan Report (MPL25002) for Menlo School, located at 50 Valparaiso (APN 070360080) and in the Public Facilities and Schools (PFS) zoning district. Staff recommended the Commission receive the report. In advance of the meeting the Commission received comment letters raising concerns from neighbors regarding the use of Wunderlich Field and on-street parking by affiliates. The Commission received the reports and comments from the school on efforts taken to address field use and parking. The Commission praised the school for the progress they have made with neighbors over the past approx. 10 years and encouraged them to continue to work in good faith to resolve concerns.
b) Requests for a Front Setback Variance (VAR25005) and Heritage Tree Removals (HTR250008) to construct a new singlefamily dwelling with an accessory building (gym) at 84 Elena Avenue (APN 070212080) within the R1A Zoning District. Staff recommended denial of the variances and tree removals. The subject property is a flag lot, adjoining another flag lot that is under common ownership. Collectively the two lots surround another property which would be closest to the two structures requiring variances and the removed trees. The Commission recieved a letter from this neighbor who raised concerns that the applicant has used the two properties in conjunction with Elena Ave as a circular driveway surrounding the neighbor. During the hearing the Commission heard from both parties and voted unanimously to continue the project, giving the neighbors an opportunity to address concerns directly with the applicant. Additionally, the Commission requested the applicant update the plans to clearly reflect the existing and proposed driveway configuration.
c) Consideration of a resolution recommending amendments to Atherton Municipal Code (AMC) Chapter 17.52 related to development standards and definitions for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and Junior ADUs with the purpose of aligning with current state legislation and providing clarity for implementation. Planning staff recommended approval of a resolution recommending the Council adopt updates to the Town's ADU requirements.
The item did not receive any public comment. After discussion of the proposed amendments the Commission adopted the resolution unanimously.
5. Staff Reports:
a) The Town Planner informed the Commission that the State legislative cycle has ended and that bills that had passed were awaiting signature by the Governor. In particular, the Town Planner provided a brief summary of SB 79.
6. Commission Reports:
a) There were no Commission Reports.
14 2
60 7
20 18 3
Planning Projects
September 1, 2025 to September 30, 2025
Inspections
This Month
Activity Activity
Fiscal Year to Date
Arborist Activity Summary
September 1, 2025 to September 30, 2025
Site Visits
Summary of New Single Family Residential Permits Issued by Month 2025 2024 2023 2022 2021 2020
1 5 1 1 0 1
0 3 0 1 2 1
1 2 0 2 5 0
2 1 4 2 3 0
2 2 0 4 1 3
2 0 3 3 4 2
Jan. to June Totals 8 13 8 13 15 7
4 2 1 3 2 4
2 5 3 2 2 5
1 2 4 2 3 2
5 0 3 1 1
1 0 1 3 3
0 2 2 1 3
July to Dec Totals 7 15 10 13 12 18
15 28 18 26 27 25
Project
Type
No of
Plan
Checks
Average
Review
Days
Target
**
Overdue
Plan
Checks
87 10 10
123 6 5
11 2 3
0 Total Number of Plan Checks 221 0
** Target: in working days
Major Plan Check: New Houses, New Accessory Structures, New non-Residential Minor Plan Check: Small Additions, Reroof, Alterations, Misc.
Town of Atherton
Building Inspection & Plan Check
Month
January
November
July
August
September
October
February
March
April
May
JuneMinor Plan Check
Cycles
1st Review
Subsequent Rev.
1st Review
Subsequent Rev.
December
Total New SFD
Permits:
Plan Check Performance
September 1, 2025 to September 30, 2025 Major Plan Check
Summary Graphs
65 88 64 42
88 88 77 71 71 90 88 68 105
68 87 35 50 68 66 49 83 83 74 83 68 65
767
950
668
607
795
694
763
736 736
1025
625
528
641
0 200
400
600
800
1000
1200 Counts
Plan Checks, Permits, Inspections
PC
Permits
Inspections
$29,398,259
$33,871,412
$10,141,645
$3,254,891
$14,933,367
$8,208,767
$10,390,844
$26,029,377
$14,069,605
$32,658,959
$26,027,877
$14,351,152
$24,310,277
$0
$10,000,000
$20,000,000
$30,000,000
$40,000,000
$50,000,000
$60,000,000
Valuation
Summary Graphs
$210,803
$321,439
$385,239 $210,803
$321,439
$96,730
$97,730
$132,953
$257,207 $244,301
$220,576
$195,765
$233,982
$0
$50,000
$100,000
$150,000
$200,000
$250,000
$300,000
$350,000
Fees
$26,425 $177,120
$296,826 $500,371
$169,000
$562,000
$1,706,400
$2,437,400
$0
$500,000
$1,000,000
$1,500,000
$2,000,000
$2,500,000
$3,000,000
Other Plan Check
Fees
Permit Fees Total
YTD vs. Budgeted
FYTD 25-26
Budgeted 25-26
Town of Atherton
Summary of ADU's - JADU's - SFR,
Entitled, Permitted, Finaled
Feb March April June Total July Aug Oct Nov Dec Total Totals Entitled ADU 2 3 2 1 16 3 0 20
Pemitted ADU 3 1 3 4 7 5 23 8 3 4 38
Finaled ADU 3 6 3 2 0 0 14 0 1 2 17
Entitled JADU 2 3 0 0 5 0 0 5
Pemitted JADU 0 1 2 0 5 2 0 7
Finaled JADU 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 1
Entitled SFR 1 0 2 1 3 0 7 2 2 0 11
Permitted SFR 0 1 2 2 8 4 2 15
Finaled SFR 5 1 3 3 14 0 1 19
2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 Totals
Entitled ADU 53 35 26 20 134
Pemitted ADU 25 44 46 38 153
Finaled ADU 17 24 14 17 72
Entitled JADU 10 9 4 5 28
Pemitted JADU 5 8 0 7 20
Finaled JADU 0 2 7 1 10
Entitled SFR 20 17 26 11 74
Permitted SFR 26 18 28 15 87
Finaled SFR 17 29 11 19 76
1 Jan
3 0
1 1
0 Sept
1 0
May
5 0
1 0
1 4
0 0
2 1
Project Address Issue Date CTL Deadline Adjusted CTL ** Penalties Pd. Est. Completion 202 Atherton Ave 3/29/2021 3/29/2024 8/15/2024 $250,000 Under TCO 57 Linda Vista 11/22/2021 4/10/2025 8/10/2025 $30,000 Under TCO 234 Park Ln 3/7/2022 3/7/2025 12/3/2025 $30,000
Total Penalties Deposited: $310,000
NOTE: Penalties do not become revenue to the Town until all appeals have been exhausted. * Under new modified ordinance. Additional Penalty fees due ** Covid-19 CTL adjustments due to shutdown.
Year Amount Forfieted
2015 thru 2018 $511,200.00
2019 $307,200.00
2020 $329,600.00
2021 $333,000.00
2022 $828,000.00
2023 $559,000.00
2024 $780,000.00
2025
Total to Date $3,648,000.00
Forfieted Construction Time Limit Penalties
Town of Atherton
Building Safety & Inspection
August 1, 2025 to August 31, 2025
Active Construction Time Limit Penalties
The Atherton Police Department consists of 31 personnel, sworn and non-sworn. Of the sworn personnel, there is a Police Chief, a Commander, five (5) Sergeants, and fourteen (14) Officers.
Non-sworn personnel consist of an Executive Assistant/Training Manager, a Communications Supervisor, two (2) Code Enforcement Officers, a Community Services Officer, and five (5) Dispatchers.
These personnel provide 24-hour police patrol, dispatch, traffic enforcement, school resource, crime investigation, crime prevention and other law enforcement services to the community.
Personnel typically work a 12-hour shift schedule (4-on/3-off) with a priority staffing level of three (3) sworn personnel at all times.
Graphics and data provided in this report can be found via CitizenRIMS. CitizenRIMS is an active, online database of calls for service to the Atherton Police Department available via the Town’s website. The database provides information on active and historic calls for service, criminal activity and statistics, missing persons, stolen vehicles, arrests, and crime bulletins. Through CitizenRIMS residents can also sign up for Security Camera Registration and Vacation Home Checks.
Visit CitizenRIMS using the preceding link or this QR Code >>>>>>>>>
Overall Activity for the Month of September 2025
During this reporting period, there were 56 investigations. Of that total, 35 offenders were cited, arrested, referred to the San Mateo County District Attorney’s Office for prosecution, or referred to the San Mateo County Juvenile District Attorney’s Office for prosecution.
Offenses included driving with a suspended license, misdemeanor warrant, possession of paraphernalia, possession of a controlled substance, DUI, receiving stolen property, false identification to a police officer, obstruct/resist/delay a police officer, petty theft, conspiracy to commit a crime, carry a concealed dirk or dagger, public intoxication, criminal threats, burglary, vandalism, violation of parole, domestic violence, damage/destroy wireless communication device, and arson.
Of the 2,245 total police incidents for the month, 1,493 were officer-initiated incidents. These incidents resulted in 866 citations being issued for vehicle code and other violations. Officers initiated 1,140 other types of incidents that included investigating suspicious vehicles, traffic collisions, citizen flag downs, home checks, code enforcement and construction checks, follow-up investigations, pedestrian stops, traffic enforcement details, medical calls, and welfare checks.
Traffic Incidents
Overall, there were 494 traffic incident locations, some with multiple stops, for the reporting period. The map below indicates the locations of the incidents for this reporting period.
Traffic Collisions
There were 14 collision locations during this reporting period. The map below indicates the locations of the incidents for the reporting period.
Traffic Complaints
The Atherton Police Department received one (1) traffic complaint for the month of September.
A community member reported vehicles passing other vehicles by entering the bicycle lane on Valparaiso Avenue. Officers worked traffic enforcement on Valparaiso Avenue during school hours for various vehicle code violations. The Atherton Police Department also worked with the Menlo Park Police Department to conduct enforcement on Valparaiso Avenue. Several warnings and citations were issued for various violations that occurred on Valparaiso Avenue in the month of September.
Bicycle Traffic Stops
There were 12 bicycle related calls initiated during this reporting period. These calls were for improper lighting (3), stop sign violations (5), speeding (1), no helmet (1), a red light violation (1), and a bicycle lane violation (1). These stops resulted in 5 verbal warnings, 1 written citation, and 5 written warnings.
Criminal Activity and Suspicious Circumstances
The Department responded to 165 locations (some locations multiple times) for property crimes (22), person crimes (14), and incidents of suspicious circumstances (129).
Municipal Code Violations
The Department responded to approximately 54 incidents/calls for service regarding municipal code violations. Those incidents included but were not limited to construction work hour violations, construction parking violations, right-of-way encroachments and obstructions, nonpermitted work on private/public property, overgrown/non-maintained vegetation, mobile food vendors, free speech/real estate/construction signs, animal nuisances, zoning questions/violations, unmaintained properties, fire damaged structures, neighbor disputes, and heritage tree concerns.
Holbrook Palmer Park
Holbrook Palmer Park had 83 incidents during this reporting period, 79 of which were security checks, foot patrols by officers, and closing/opening the park. The other incidents were for a 911 hangup, a traffic stop, a citizen assist, and a suspicious person.
Premise Watch
Officers completed 723 House/Vacation checks during the reporting period.
School Incidents
Officers responded to 211 school incidents during the reporting period. These incidents were mostly officer-initiated security checks and adopt a school visits.
Incidents of note from this reporting period:
• On 09/02, the SRO investigated a bicycle theft and later recovered the bicycle. • On 09/10, the SRO investigated a social media post containing a possible threat to a school campus. The subject making the possible threat was located and placed on a psychiatric hold.
• On 09/20, the SRO deescalated a student in the office that was refusing to speak with school staff.
The current reporting period is highlighted in the table below. All other columns represent the months preceding and prior year.
Response Times
In general, there are 3 types of Calls for Service from the Police Department. In order of priority:
High, Medium, and Low.
High Priority calls are in-progress events where persons or high-value property are in immediate danger and require a multiple officer response. This is a lights and siren response to a crime in progress, injury collision, or medical emergency.
Medium Priority calls are in-progress events without immediate danger to persons or property.
Multiple officers may be necessary for these calls. These calls take precedence over all other calls for service and require an immediate police response (non-lights and siren), but the incident may not be in progress. The most common medium priority calls are burglary, robbery, sexual assault, and residential burglary alarm activations. The latter is the most frequent call in Atherton.
Low Priority calls are other calls for service. Events that may no longer be in-progress, so immediate response is not as urgent. Normally requires a single officer. Officers may or may not be immediately dispatched to these calls. Low priority calls are dogs off leash the Park, parking violations, construction noise or activity, and follow-up police reports.
During the Reporting Period there were:
Priority Level Number of Calls Average Response Time Goal High 6 2:20 <4 minutes
Medium 347 6:38 <6 minutes
Low 233 4:08 <8 minutes
Response times are calculated from the time the call is dispatched until the time the officer arrives on the scene. The table below depicts the Department’s Medium Priority response times for the past 6 months.
MONTH YEAR RESPONSE
TIME
August 2024 6:56
July 2025 5:21
June 2025 5:50
May 2025 5:25
April 2025 4:50
March 2025 6:31
Total Training Hours for the Reporting Period: 549 HOURS
NAME TRAINING/HOURS DATES
Daley WLLE Conf./32 hours Sept. 2 – 5
Dalby WLLE Conf./32 hours Sept. 2 – 5
Madrigal WLLE Conf./32 hours Sept. 2 – 5
Abarca WLLE Conf./32 hours Sept. 2 – 5
Taylor Critical Incident Resp./16 hours Sept. 8 – 9
Dutta Policing the Teen Brain/16 hours Sept. 8 – 9
Taylor Seaside Speaker Series/3.5 hours Sept. 12
Dutta Seaside Speaker Series/3.5 hours Sept. 12
Metzger SLI 559/24 hours Sept. 19 – 22
Cisco SLI 551/24 hours Sept. 24 – 26
Andruha CAHN Conf./40 hours Sept. 22 - 26
All PD Staff CPR First Aid & Less Lethal/10.5 hours Sept. 23 or 25 The table below depicts the amount of officer-initiated activity and the number of traffic citations issued for the past six months:
MONTH OFFICER INITIATED ACTIVITY CITATIONS
September 1,493 866
August 1,309 734
July 1,428 823
June 1,263 758
May 1,195 671
April 1,370 743
Noise Ordinance Violations
Month Total
Reports Construction SingleFamily School Other In Violation Unable to
Locate
Jan 5 0 2 0 3 1 1
Feb 5 0 4 0 1 0 2
Mar 7 1 3 0 3 1 1
Apr 8 0 7 0 1 1 0
May 4 0 4 0 0 1 0
Jun 5 0 3 0 2 0 0
Jul 4 0 3 0 1 1 0
Aug 5 0 5 0 0 0 0
Sep 14 8 8 0 1 7 3
Oct
Nov
Dec
Drone Use
Month Total Deployments Suspicious
Person/Veh Traffic Collision Alarm Training/Test Other
Jan 12 1 0 3 7 1
Feb 23 3 1 3 15 1
Mar 21 4 0 6 9 2
Apr 20 2 1 5 8 4
May 29 3 2 15 3 6
Jun 25 0 0 9 10 6
Jul 29 3 0 12 8 6
Aug 24 0 1 6 8 9
Sep 37 0 0 5 23 9
Oct
Nov
Dec
Code Enforcement Activity Report
Summary: