Item No. 9
Town of Atherton
CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT – REGULAR AGENDA
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
FROM: GEORGE RODERICKS, CITY MANAGER
DATE: NOVEMBER 19, 2025
SUBJECT: ATHERTON TRAIN STATION MUSEUM – CALTRAIN SIGN
OPTIONS
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the Council review several options for a refresh of the Caltrain sign identifying the new Atherton Train Station Museum.
BACKGROUND
There is an existing Caltrain Station sign at Fair Oaks just north of the Atherton Station. The sign currently identifies the station and includes a temporary placard noting its closure.
With the forthcoming opening of the Train Station Museum, staff will be updating the sign to reflect the new use. Any modifications will consist of flat, cosmetic overlays, and all changes must be approved by Caltrain.
Councilmember DeGolia serves on a City Council Subcommittee working with staff and a community representative (former Councilmember Hawkins-Manuelian). Staff has prepared several options for refreshing the sign, and it was recommended that the full Council provide input on the preferred approach.
ANALYSIS
Attached are five draft refresh options for your consideration, along with an image of the existing sign. The recommendation is to retain the Caltrain logo at the top and apply any updates within the lower portions of the sign.
Options 4 and 5 incorporate a Train Station Museum logo that staff created for use as a temporary floor decal at the Grand Opening. While originally intended only for that event, the logo could be adapted for longer-term use on the refreshed sign.
It is recommended that the Council review the options and provide feedback.
CALTRAIN SIGN REFRESH OPTIONS
NOVEMBER 19, 2025
FISCAL IMPACT
Fiscal impact is solely the cost and installation of the application overlays for the sign. There is no significant fiscal impact.
GOAL ALIGNMENT
This Report and its contents are in alignment with the following Council Policy Goals:
• Goal E - Maintain and Improve Public Infrastructure
POLICY FOCUS
There are no policy issues related to this item.
PUBLIC NOTICE
Public notification was achieved by posting the agenda, with this agenda item being listed, at least 72 hours prior to the meeting in print and electronically. Information about the project is also disseminated via the Town’s electronic News Flash and Atherton Online. There are approximately 1,200 subscribers to the Town’s electronic News Flash publications. Subscribers include residents as well as stakeholders –to include, but be not limited to, media outlets, school districts, Menlo Park Fire Protection District, service provides (water, power, and sewer), and regional elected officials.
COMMISSION/COMMITTEE FEEDBACK/REFERRAL
This item has not been before a Town Committee or Commission.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Caltrain Sign Options