AGENDA PACKET
Town of Atherton
City Council
FEBRUARY 04, 2026
SPECIAL MEETING – STUDY SESSION
4:00 PM
Council Chambers
80 Fair Oaks Lane
Atherton, CA 94027
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Email: [email protected]
This Agenda may not reflect the actual order of items. The order of items is subject to change based on Council action.
SPECIAL MEETING STUDY SESSION
REMOTE PARTICIPATION:
TELECONFERENCE NOTICE Pursuant to Government Code Section 54953, Subdivision (b), the following City Council meeting includes teleconference participation by Council Member
Stacy Holland
14205 Mountainside Pl
Truckee, CA 96161
ROLL CALL – Lane, Widmer, Lewis ,Vice Mayor DeGolia, Mayor Holland PUBLIC COMMENT – Public Comments can be emailed directly to [email protected]
As a Special Meeting, this portion of the meeting is reserved for persons wishing to address the Council on any matter on the Agenda. Speakers’ time is limited to three minutes. Speakers may also speak when the item appears on the Agenda during the meeting. State law prohibits the Council from acting on items not listed on the Agenda except by special action of the City Council under specified circumstances. The Mayor may, at the Mayor’s discretion, restrict or grant additional speaker time based on such considerations as agenda length, number of speakers, complexity of the item, or looming threat of loss of quorum. Please refer to the footnote at the end of the posted agenda for additional notice regarding public comments.
Meeting Agenda Packet – February 04, 2026
PUBLIC COMMENT – Public Comments can be emailed directly to [email protected]
As a Special Meeting, this portion of the meeting is reserved for persons wishing to address the Council on any matter on the Agenda. Speakers’ time is limited to three minutes. Speakers may also speak when the item appears on the Agenda during the meeting. State law prohibits the Council from acting on items not listed on the Agenda except by special action of the City Council under specified circumstances. The Mayor may, at the Mayor’s discretion, restrict or grant additional speaker time based on such considerations as agenda length, number of speakers, complexity of the item, or looming threat of loss of quorum. Please refer to the footnote at the end of the posted agenda for additional notice regarding public comments.
ACTION ITEMS
STUDY SESSION
1. RECEIVE AND FILE THE MIDYEAR BUDGET REPORT FOR FY 2025/26 Report: ROBERT BARRON III, FINANCE DIRECTOR/ASSISTANT CITY MANAGER Recommendation: It is recommended that Council receive and file the MidYear Budget Review for the General Fund for FY 2025/26
Description: The Council will review, receive and file the MidYear Budget for the General Fund for FY 2025/26
2. DISCUSSION AND DIRECTION REGARDING THE 2026 EARTH DAY EVENT Report: CHRISTABEL SORIA MENDOZA, MANAGEMENT ANALYST I
Recommendation: Staff recommend that the City Council discuss and provide feedback and direction on the main activity for the 2026 Earth Day Event, scheduled for April 2026, with the theme “Our Power, Our Planet”.
Description: The Town is planning its 2026 Earth Day event and seeks Council input on the primary activity to guide event programming and logistics. This discussion will inform staff outreach, partnerships, and resource allocation leading up to the event.
COUNCIL REPORTS/COMMENTS
ADJOURN
PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION:
If you challenge a Town zoning, planning, or any other decision in court, you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised at the public hearing described in this agenda, or in written correspondence delivered to the Town at, or prior to, the public hearing. Judicial review of any Town administrative decision may be had only if a petition is filed with the court not later than the 90th day following the date upon which the decision becomes final. Judicial review of environmental determinations may be subject to a shorter time period.
Copies of all staff reports and documents subject to disclosure that relate to each item of business referred to on the agenda are available for public inspection by 5:00 p.m. the Friday before each regularly scheduled City Council meeting.
Pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance in this meeting, please contact the City Clerk’s Office at (650) 7520500. Notification of 48 hours prior to the meeting will enable the City to make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility to this meeting. (29 CRF Meeting Agenda Packet – February 04, 2026
administrative decision may be had only if a petition is filed with the court not later than the 90th day following the date upon which the decision becomes final. Judicial review of environmental determinations may be subject to a shorter time period.
Copies of all staff reports and documents subject to disclosure that relate to each item of business referred to on the agenda are available for public inspection by 5:00 p.m. the Friday before each regularly scheduled City Council meeting.
Pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance in this meeting, please contact the City Clerk’s Office at (650) 7520500. Notification of 48 hours prior to the meeting will enable the City to make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility to this meeting. (29 CRF
35.104 ADA Title II)
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
The Town of Atherton Council and Committee or Commission meetings are a limited public forum, and all public comment must relate to something that is within the subject matter jurisdiction of the Council or Committees. If comments do not relate to the subject matter jurisdiction of the Council or Committee, we will stop the comment and a warning may be provided. If the comment continues to be outside of the subject matter jurisdiction the speaker will be stopped, and we will move on to the next speaker.
Speakers found in violation of this rule of procedure may be removed from the meeting.
RULES OF DECORUM:
No person participating in a public meeting shall engage in disorderly or boisterous conduct — including but not limited to applause, whistling, feet stamping, booing or making any loud, threatening, profane, abusive, personal, impertinent or slanderous uttering or comments. No person is allowed to disturb, disrupt, or otherwise impede the orderly conduct of the meeting. If any person continues to breach the Rules of Decorum in a manner that disturbs, disrupts or otherwise impedes the orderly conduct of the meeting following an order from the Mayor, or Presiding Officer, to cease the offending conduct, the Mayor, or Presiding Officer, may order that person to leave the meeting.
Meeting Agenda Packet – February 04, 2026
Item No. 1
Town of Atherton
CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT – STUDY SESSION
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
GEORGE RODERICKS, CITY MANAGER
FROM: ROBERT BARRON III, ASSISTANT CITY MANAGER/FINANCE
DIRECTOR
DATE: FEBRUARY 4, 2026
SUBJECT: RECEIVE AND FILE THE MID-YEAR BUDGET REPORT FOR FY 2025/26
RECOMMENDATION
Receive and file the Mid-Year Budget Review for the General Fund for FY 2025/26.
BACKGROUND
The FY 2025/26 Mid-Year Budget Report provides the Council with an overview of the Town’s fiscal condition at the midpoint of the Fiscal Year. The Report presents a high-level summary of the current-year expenditures, projected year-end results, and identifies notable issues that may affect the upcoming budget cycle. Any recommended adjustments will be incorporated into a Mid-Year Budget Adjustment Resolution to be considered by the Council at the February Regular Meeting.
At mid-year, total FY 2025/26 revenues are projected at $27.72m, representing an increase of $515,774 over the $27.2m in the Adopted Budget. This increase is primarily attributable to higherthan-anticipated ERAF revenues, charges for services, and other miscellaneous revenues.
Projected expenditures for FY 2025/26 total $22.74m, an increase of $322,500. Following adoption of the original $22.13m budget, the Council added several additional appropriations, including $2,000 for a Senior Task force mailing, acceptance of $240k in donations for the Police Department health wellness program and perishable skills training, and $50,000 for audio-visual upgrades at the Pavilion in Holbrook Palmer Park, bringing the adjusted base to approximately $22.4m. The additional $322,500 increase reflected in the mid-year projection is primarily associated with one-time operational and maintenance needs.
Overall, the Mid-Year Budget Report reflects a net positive fiscal position, with projected revenues exceeding expenditures by $193,274. Based on current projections, the Town is expected to close the fiscal year with a Year-End Fund balance of $10.52m, inclusive of reserves.
FY 2025/26 Mid-Year Budget Staff Report
February 4, 2026
FINDINGS | ANALYSIS
FY 2025/2026 Mid-Year Revenue Summary
FY 2025/2026
Adopted Budget
FY 2025/2026
Year End Estimate
FY2025/26 YearEnd Variance% Change
Revenues
Property Taxes $17,384,500 $16,965,500 ($419,000) (2.4%) ERAF $2,500,000 $3,058,034 $558,034 22%
Sales Taxes $529,000 $529,000 $0 0%
Franchise Fees $943,000 $943,000 $0 0%
Intergovernmental $47,900 $52,980 $5,080 10.6%
Business License $298,000 $298,000 $0 0%
Planning $520,300 $560,300 $40,000 7.6%
Building $2,437,400 $2,647,400 $210,000 8.6%
Police $540,450 $545,450 $5,000 .9%
DPW $882,500 $882,956 $456 .05%
Park Program $79,700 $87,700 $8,000 10%
Miscellaneous $1,049,516 $1,157,720 $108,204 10.3%
Total Revenue $27,212,266 $27,728,040 $515,774 1.89%
As shown in the preceding table, the FY 2025/26 Adopted Budget projected total property tax revenues of $17,384,500. Updated estimates now project total property tax revenues of $16,965,500, reflecting a decrease of $419,000. This variance is primarily attributable to lowerthan-anticipated Property Tax in Lieu of Vehicle License Fee (VLF) revenues.
VLF in Lieu revenues continue to be closely monitored due to recurring shortfalls in State payments. For FY 2025/26, staff now anticipates a reduction of approximately $524,000 in VLFrelated revenues. The Adopted Budget assumed receipt of State backfill payments to address projected shortfalls for both FY 2023/24 and FY 2024/25. However, the State’s FY 2025/26 budget provided funding for only two-thirds of the remaining FY 2023/24 shortfall.
The Town’s total VLF shortfall for FY 2023/24 was $704,567, of which $471,909 was received in August 2025. This leaves an outstanding balance of $232,658. The FY 2025/26 Adopted Budget includes $1,836,000 in VLF in Lieu revenue, consisting of a $424,698 backfill for the remaining FY 2023/24 shortfall and $740,511 related to the FY 2024/25 shortfall and partial FY 2025/26 VLF revenues.
Based on the FY 2025/26 update provided by San Mateo County, the Town continues to experience a cumulative Vehicle License Fee (VLF) shortfall totaling $973,168. This amount consists of a $232,658 shortfall from FY 2023/24 and a $740,511 shortfall from FY 2024/25.
FY 2025/26 Mid-Year Budget Staff Report
February 4, 2026
In addition, the Town anticipates a further shortfall in FY 2025/26 VLF revenues. To date, the Town has received $422,436 in December and anticipates receiving an additional $422,436 in April 2026, for a total of $844,872. This amount represents approximately one-half of the estimated FY 2025/26 VLF allocation.
A summary of the Town’s current and outstanding VLF shortfalls is provided below.
VLF in Lieu Projected/Amount
Due
Received/due to
receive
Shortfall that is
Due
FY 2023/24 $1,651,448 $1,418,790 $232,658
FY 2024/25 $1,758,734 $1,018,223 $740,511
FY 2025/26 $1,819,000 $844,872 $974,128
Total $5,229,182 $3,281,885 $1,947,297
Vehicle License Fee (VLF) in Lieu revenues are funded through Educational Revenue Augmentation Fund (ERAF) resources and property taxes from non-basic aid school districts. In FY 2024/25, the number of non-basic aid school districts declined to five, reducing the overall pool of property tax revenues available to fund VLF in Lieu payments and increasing the reimbursement amounts owed to cities and counties.
For FY 2025/26, the Town’s ERAF revenue is projected at $3,058,034, representing an increase of $558,034 over the budgeted amount of $2,500,000. In FY 2024/25, the Town received $2,771,578 in ERAF revenue. The FY 2025/26 projection reflects an increase of approximately $286,000 over the prior year.
Consistent with past practice, the Town treats ERAF revenue as one-time funding and applies it toward long-term debt reduction and capital improvement projects. The Council reviews ERAF allocations annually. As part of the FY 2026/27 budget development process, staff may recommend increasing the ongoing ERAF revenue assumption to approximately $2.7 million.
At mid-year, Planning Department revenues are projected to increase by approximately $40,000.
Building Department revenues reflect a more significant increase of $210,000, bringing total projected Building revenues to approximately $2.6 million. This increase is supported by a modest uptick in construction permit applications.
Police Department revenues are projected to increase slightly by approximately $5,000. Parks Program revenues are also projected to increase due to a modest rise in park and facility rental reservations. In addition, staff anticipates the onboarding of a Park Event Management contractor in spring 2026, which may further support future program revenues.
Miscellaneous revenues are projected to increase by $108,000 at mid-year. This increase is attributable to Heritage Tree damage fees and insurance settlement proceeds. These revenues are considered one-time in nature.
All other Town revenue categories remain consistent with the Adopted Budget projections.
FY 2025/26 Mid-Year Budget Staff Report
February 4, 2026
FY 2025/2026 Mid-Year Expenditure Summary
FY 2025/2026
Adopted Budget
FY 2025/2026 Year
End Estimate
FY2025/26 YearEnd Variance% Change
Expenditures
City Council $59,200 $76,200 $17,000 28%
Administration $1,496,288 $1,496,288 $0 0%
City Attorney $310,000 $310,000 $0 0%
Finance $944,442 $944,442 $0 0%
Planning $1,257,350 $1,257,350 $0 0%
Building $1,811,371 $2,054,371 $243,000 13%
Interdepartmental $1,215,162 $1,215,162 $0 0%
Police $11,379,509 $11,379,509 $0 0%
Public Works $3,952,933 $4,015,433 $62,500 1.5%
Total $22,426,255 $22,748,755 $322,500 1.4%
Several adjustments to the FY 2025/26 Operating Budget are required at mid-year. Collectively, these adjustments total $322,500.
Within the Administration Department, computer equipment and system backup upgrades were implemented to improve operational resiliency and meeting functionality. A budget amendment is required to fund an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) back up upgrade for the City Council Chambers and the purchase of a NEAT Board to support City Council Study Sessions and Town Committee meetings. The NEAT Board enhances presentation capabilities and improves video and microphone functionality for hybrid meetings. These upgrades require an additional appropriation of $17,000.
The Building & Life Safety contract is structured as a revenue-based agreement, with contractual costs increasing as building revenues increase. At its January meeting, the City Council approved a contract amendment extending the Interwest/Safebuilt agreement and increasing the compensation rate to 65 percent of building fees collected by the Town. Due to an increase in building revenues and the revised compensation structure, an additional expenditure appropriation of $243,000 is required. Under the prior contract terms, the comparable budget amendment would have totaled approximately $334,070 (inclusive of the additional fee waiver application work).
Under the amended agreement, the required adjustment is $242,386.
The Town maintains Holbrook Palmer Park, its sole recreational park, which requires ongoing landscape and mature tree maintenance. The Public Works Department is currently evaluating the removal of eucalyptus trees in a specific area of the park following incidents in which falling branches damaged the roof of the Corporation Yard building. The associated tree removal and maintenance require an additional appropriation of $50,000 in the contract tree maintenance account. In addition, a NEAT Board was purchased for the Pavilion at Holbrook Palmer Park to
FY 2025/26 Mid-Year Budget Staff Report
February 4, 2026
support the increasing number of meetings and private events hosted at the facility. Similar to the NEAT Board installed in the City Council Chambers, this equipment improves audio and video capabilities for hybrid meetings and will be incorporated into the larger audio-visual improvements in the Pavilion. This purchase requires an additional appropriation of $12,500.
Combined, the Holbrook Palmer Park-related adjustments total $62,500.
No other operating budget adjustments are proposed for FY 2025/26. The table below summarizes the resulting Budget Fund Balance projections.
FY 2025/2026
Adopted Budget
FY 2025/2026
Year End Estimate
FY2025/26 YearEnd Variance
Excess (Deficiency) Revenues
over Expenditures
$4,786,011 $4,979,285
Transfers out:
COP Debt Service ($861,871) ($861,871)
CIP Future Projects ($5,555,000) ($5,555,000)
Net Change Fund Balance ($1,630,860) ($1,437,586) $193,274 Beginning Fund Balance $11,950,138 $11,950,138
FY 2025/26 Estimate Ending
Fund Balance
$10,319,278 $10,512,552
FY 2025/26 Projected Year End Balance $10,512,552
15% Emergency Reserve Requirement ($3,412,313)
15% Contingency Reserve Requirement ($3,412,313)
FY 2025/26 Projected Unallocated Fund Balance $3,687,926 The FY 2025/26 beginning total Fund Balance was $11,950,138, inclusive of all mandatory reserves. At the conclusion of FY 2025/26, after accounting for transfers for debt service, the departmental budget adjustments described above, and transfers to fund future capital improvement projects, the projected Year-End Fund Balance is $10,512,552, inclusive of all mandatory reserves.
POLICY CONSIDERATIONS
The Mid-Year Budget Report provides an opportunity to make operational adjustments and course corrections in response to unanticipated changes and to align resources with the goals and priorities of the City Council. If the Council wishes to advance additional projects or priorities at mid-year, this process provides the appropriate mechanism to do so. The Mid-Year Budget Report reflects all budget changes to date for the fiscal year. Staff will return to the Council at the February Regular Meeting with a Budget Amendment Resolution incorporating the adjustments outlined above.
FY 2025/26 Mid-Year Budget Staff Report
February 4, 2026
FISCAL IMPACT
Discussed above, the overall fiscal impact on the General Fund due to Mid-Year adjustments is a General Fund Net expenditure increase of $322,500 (1.4%) against a General Fund (plus ERAF) revenue increase of $515,774 (1.8%).
GOAL ALIGNMENT
Goal A- Maintain Fiscal Responsibility
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 District, service provides (water, power, and sewer), and regional elected officials.
ATTACHMENTS
None.
STAFF REPORT – REGULAR AGENDA
TO: CITY COUNCIL
FROM: CHRISTABEL SORIA MENDOZA, MANAGEMENT ANALYST I
DATE: FEBRUARY 4, 2026
SUBJECT: DISCUSSION AND DIRECTION REGARDING THE 2026 EARTH
DAY EVENT
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommend that the City Council discuss and provide feedback and direction on the main highlighting activity, proposed event hours, and limited vendor sales for the 2026 Earth Day Event, scheduled for April 2026, with the theme “Our Power, Our Planet – Take Action!”
BACKGROUND
Each April, the Town of Atherton commemorates Earth Day through a community focused event that highlights sustainability, climate action, and environmental stewardship. The Environmental Programs Committee (EPC) has historically partnered with staff to support planning and implementation of this annual celebration, which advances the goals of the Town’s Climate Action Plan (CAP) while engaging residents through education, hands on activities, and community building. In April 2025, the Town assumed the lead role in event planning and organizing, with the EPC supporting staff by identifying a main highlighting activity for the festival.
For 2026, Earth Day’s global theme, “Our Power, Our Planet”, calls on communities to mobilize people powered action in support of clean air, clean water, clean energy, protected natural resources, and a stable climate. The theme centers collective action as the catalyst for building a just, healthy, and thriving world, and encourages communities to demonstrate that environmental protection and economic opportunity go hand in hand.
ANALYSIS
For the 2026 event, staff will continue to lead event planning and coordination while engaging the EPC in shaping programmatic elements and identifying a main highlighting activity aligned with the “Our Power, Our Planet” theme. Staff have initiated early discussions with the EPC to explore opportunities to expand hands on, people-centered programming that reflects community action, climate solutions, and environmental leadership.
To date, the following activities have been completed or initiated:
• Drafted event outline and preliminary theme alignment
Earth Day 2026
February 4, 2026
• Secured date and location
• Repurposed volunteer recruitment materials
• Initiated coordination with Town departments and community partners • Drafted a potential list of vendors
• Drafted a potential list of activities
• Currently drafting event flyer and vendor invitation emails The month of February will focus on volunteer outreach and recruitment leading up to the event, followed by initial vendor outreach and invitations through April 10, and securing food, entertainment, and other logistical needs by the end of March. Updates will be provided through monthly departmental reports.
Key considerations for the 2026 Earth Day Event include budget management, EPC coordination, volunteer engagement, meaningful community participation, and two policy items for Council consideration related to event hours and limited vendor sales.
1. Activity Logistical and Budget Considerations
A primary planning consideration is balancing costs associated with the main highlighting activity while ensuring adequate funding for vendors, food options, signage, volunteer support, and community programming. Lessons learned from prior years underscore the importance of investing in clear signage, accessible accommodations, and family friendly amenities and activities. Staff will seek to identify a main activity that is impactful, interactive, and aligned with the theme without disproportionately consuming event resources.
The budget has not yet been expended, and staff will continue to provide monthly updates through departmental reports leading up to the event. See Attachment 1 for a list of potential main activities.
2. Coordination with EPC and Identification of the Main Highlighting Activity Staff met with the EPC on January 22, 2026, to discuss Earth Day participation and opportunities for EPC involvement in supporting the event and hosting one of the main activities. Staff committed to continue regular coordination with the EPC through subcommittee meetings and targeted check-ins. The EPC will remain engaged in identifying a main activity that emphasizes people powered climate action, environmental solutions, and community resilience. Staff may return to Council with a recommended main activity once consensus and feasibility are established.
3. Volunteer Recruitment and Management
Volunteer recruitment is underway through outreach to local schools, colleges, community organizations, and Town communication channels. Staff will also attempt to coordinate
Earth Day 2026
February 4, 2026
with the Atherton Resident Patrol volunteers to support traffic and event flow. Building on prior years, staff will develop clear volunteer roles, schedules, and training materials to ensure smooth event operations and positive volunteer experiences. Early recruitment will help ensure adequate coverage across event setup, vendor support, activity facilitation, and breakdown. See Attachment 2 for recruitment and participation materials.
4. Fostering Community Participation
Community participation is central to theme. Staff will prioritize thematic outreach, partnerships with local organizations, youth engagement, and opportunities for residents to participate directly in climate solutions and environmental stewardship. Expanding the vendor mix, offering interactive educational experiences, and highlighting local leadership in sustainability will strengthen the event’s impact and reflect Atherton’s commitment to environmental responsibility. See Attachment 1 for a full list of potential vendors.
5. Event Hours and Sales Consideration
Based on feedback received and the list of potential vendors, staff recommend adjusting event hours from 12 pm to 3pm or 4 pm. This later timeframe allows families to complete morning commitments before attending while also providing vendors sufficient time to set up and prepare for higher quality engagement opportunities such as workshops, interactive tabling, animal exhibits, and voter registration activities. Staff note that a save the date announcement was included in the End of Year Athertonian scheduled for delivery early this week listing event hours as 10 am to 1 pm, which is currently the only published reference to event timing.
Based on feedback from vendors in prior years, staff also recommend that Council consider allowing limited sales of small items tied to organizational missions and the event theme, not to exceed $35 per item. This approach would allow, for example, a local beekeeping organization to sell honey while educating attendees about pollinator health, or a sustainability nonprofit to sell reusable totes or artwork made from recycled materials, supporting vendor participation while maintaining the event’s educational and community focused intent.
Allowing limited sales also raises the consideration of business licensing requirements.
Staff seek Council direction on whether temporary business license exemptions would be appropriate for this event to reduce participation barriers for nonprofit and communitybased organizations.
CONCLUSION
Successful implementation of the 2026 Earth Day Event will depend on thoughtful budget management, strong coordination with the EPC, effective volunteer engagement, and broad community participation. Staff seek Council direction on the main highlighting activity, proposed event hours, and limited vendor sales to ensure the event reflects the theme while complementing the Town’s character and advancing sustainability and climate goals.
Earth Day 2026
February 4, 2026
FISCAL IMPACT
The Fiscal Year 2025/26 Budget includes funding for an Earth Day event in the amount of $12,000.
There is no further fiscal impact anticipated.
GOAL ALIGNMENT
This Report and its contents are in alignment with the following Council Policy Goals:
• Goal 6 - Build Community & Promote Civic Participation
POLICY FOCUS
None.
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.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Potential List of Vendors + Activities for Earth Day 2026
2. Volunteer Recruitment Flyer and Certification Form
Earth Day 2026 Proposed List of Vendors + Activities
Theme: “Our Power, Our Planet” - Taking Action Today!
Sunday, April 26, 2026
Schools, Education and Youth Engagement
1. Menlo College (www.menlo.edu)
Potential activities:
• Related/interested club participation (i.e. Institute of AI and Sustainability) • Sustainable technology and AI for climate action booth from school club • Student led demos on smart cities, energy efficiency or climate analytics
2. Stanford University School of Sustainability (https://sustainability.stanford.edu/) Stanford’s Doerr School of Sustainability advances solutions to climate change and environmental challenges through research, education and community engagement.
Potential activities:
• Climate science education booths
• Department research or initiatives presentation/tabling • Interactive activity station on theme with department or club
3. Silicon Valley Youth Climate Action (www.svyouthclimateaction.org/) SVYCA empowers young people to lead climate action through advocacy, education and youth driven campaigns.
Potential activities:
• Teen climate leadership workshops
• Civic engagement training for students
4. Atherton Youth Advisory Group (AYAG)
Potential activities:
• Help host one of the main activities
• Civic engagement training for students
• Table recruitment + get to know AYAG
5. Sacred Heart Prep’s Model United Nations (www.shschools.org/academics/globalinitiatives/model-united-nations)
6. Afresh (www.afresh.com/about/company)
Afresh uses AI to help grocery retailers reduce food waste and improve fresh food availability, supporting healthier communities and a more sustainable food system.
Potential activities:
• Food waste reduction education booth
• Grocery shopping sustainability game
• Composting and food rescue best practices
7. Little Explorers Petting Zoo (www.littleexplorerspettingzoo.com/) Little Explorers brings mobile animal experiences to schools and communities to foster compassion for animals and appreciation for nature through interactive learning.
Potential activities:
• Farm animal petting zoo or “Creepy Crawly” station
• Youth education on animal habitats, food systems and stewardship • Family friendly nature connection zone
8. Palo Alto Junior Museum and Zoo (www.paloaltozoo.org ) The Palo Alto Junior Museum and Zoo connect children and families with science, nature and wildlife through hands on learning and live animal experiences that inspire curiosity and environmental stewardship.
Potential activities:
• Live animal exhibit and conservation education
• Interactive science experiments tied to ecosystems and climate • Wildlife themed scavenger hunt station
Notes: Haven’t offered weekend events in the past years requested. Historically classroom focused but worth continuing outreach for this special event.
Community Resources and Environmental Partners
1. Peninsula Conservation Center Foundation (https://www.penconcenter.org) Peninsula Conservation Center Foundation supports environmental nonprofits working across climate, conservation and sustainability in the Bay Area by providing space, infrastructure and collaboration.
Potential activities:
• Multi nonprofit education hub booth
• Volunteer sign up
• Climate action resource fair
2. Acterra (https://acterra.org/)
Acterra empowers individuals and communities to take local action on climate through clean energy, electrification, sustainable food and transportation programs.
Potential activities:
• Home electrification workshops (i.e. Induction cooking demo and tasting) • EV and heat pump education booth
• Sustainable living action planning handout (if possible)
• Promote Student Ambassador program
• Public Lecture to empower students tp take action on local and regional environmental issues.
3. California Native Plant Society Santa Clara Valley (https://www.cnps-scv.org/) CNPS SCV protects California native plants and habitats through conservation, restoration, education and advocacy.
Potential activities:
• Native plant potting station
• Wildflower seed giveaways
• Pollinator education booth
• Event decor with native flora theme
4. Canopy (https://canopy.org/)
Canopy grows, protects and connects people to trees to build a more resilient and sustainable urban forest.
Potential activities:
• Tree Walk for the Town at HPP
• Tree Care Tips
5. League of Women Voters Palo Alto (https://www.lwvpaloalto.org/) The League of Women Voters empowers voters and defends democracy through nonpartisan education and civic engagement.
Potential activities:
• Voter registration booth
• Civic engagement workshops
6. Green Foothills (www.greenfoothills.org/)
Green Foothills protects open space, farmland and natural resources in the Bay Area through advocacy, education and community partnerships.
Potential activities:
• Open space protection education booth
• Leadership Program info
• Volunteer recruitment
7. Save The Bay (https://savesfbay.org/)
Save The Bay protects and restores San Francisco Bay for people and wildlife through advocacy, education and hands on restoration.
Potential activities:
• Sea level rise education
• Wetlands restoration game or activity to learn more about wetlands for kids • Climate resilience efforts showcase
8. Ecology Center (https://ecologycenter.org/about)
The Ecology Center works toward thriving, just and resilient urban communities through zero waste systems, climate action and environmental justice. Inspiring and building a sustainable, healthy, and just future for the East Bay, California, and beyond.
Potential activities:
• Air Quality in the Home resources or listening session • Building Raised Beds workshop at Compost station
• Zero Waste living promotional materials
• Climate justice storytelling workshop
9. Peninsula Open Space Trust (https://openspacetrust.org/) POST protects open space on the Peninsula and in the South Bay to preserve wildlife habitat, farmland and public access to nature.
Potential activities:
• Trail stewardship education
• Share Field Guides - Free guides to local hikes, biking trails, outdoor recreation, wildlife, plants and more.
• Showcase efforts like “Tree Explorers Handbook” or “Watershed Map of the Peninsula”
10. Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition
Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition advances safer, more accessible bicycling for everyone through advocacy, education and community programs.
Potential activities:
• Bike safety and e bike education booth
• Co-sponsor bike valet (if possible)
• Bike safety game or activity (i.e bike safety word find)
11. Beyond Terra (https://beyondterra.org/)
Beyond Terra emerges out of a careful analysis of how economic incentives drive governments and for-profit companies to degrade the environment. The group is
currently involved in several projects throughout California. Their team is organized into action-oriented groups with heavy overlap and individual authority. They address and respond to declining global biodiversity.
Potential activities:
• Project demonstrations
• Seed-Bombing Drone Demonstration/Preparation
Advocacy and Policy Focused Organizations
1. Greenaction for Health and Environmental Justice (https://greenaction.org) Greenaction works with frontline communities to achieve environmental justice and eliminate toxic pollution through grassroots organizing and policy advocacy.
2. Earthjustice (https://earthjustice.org)
Earthjustice uses the power of law to protect people’s health, preserve nature and advance climate solutions.
Potential activities:
• Environmental law education booth
• Showcase efforts towards Fossils Fuels program, Internation Partners Program, and Oceans Program
3. Greenbelt Alliance (www.greenbelt.org)
Greenbelt Alliance promotes climate smart growth and protects natural lands by advancing sustainable land use and housing policies.
Potential activities:
• Showcase their Resilience Playbook a go-to guide for accelerating equitable adaptation to the climate crisis in the Bay Area. It offers a holistic approach to advancing solutions that address overlapping environmental, economic, and social challenges.
• Share critical actions we can take now (featured on their website)
4. Pacific Environment (www.pacificenvironment.org)
Pacific Environment works with communities and policymakers to protect climate, oceans and wildlife across Asia and North America.
Potential activities:
• Ocean protection education
• Climate diplomacy and international action
5. Citizens Climate Lobby (www.cclsf.org)
Citizens Climate Lobby trains everyday people to become effective advocates for climate policy through relationship building and bipartisan engagement.
Potential activities:
• Legislative letter writing booth
• Civic engagement workshop
Atherton Based Groups
1. Environmental Programs Committee
Potential activities:
• Tabling and promoting EPC efforts and CAP Goals
• Community poll: “What are your environmental priorities?” • Help host main activities
• Put on a pledge tree or wall. “Leaves” as the pledges/commitment. This could be tied into the children’s playground behind the Atherton Library. • Fixit Clinic co-hosting station (i.e. bike maintenance, how to sew, etc)
2. Park and Recreation Committee
3. Friends of the Library
4. Transportation, Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Committee Potential activity:
• Co-Sponsor an e-bike safety workshop with PD and SV Bicycle Coalition.
5. Park Foundation
6. Get Ready Atherton
Potential activities:
• Emergency readiness games
• Family disaster planning station
• Pack a bag in under 5 minutes challenge
7. Tree Committee
8. Heritage Association
Potential activities:
• Vintage Atherton photo exhibit + giveaway
• Sustainability and historic preservation through time education
9. Atherton Arts Foundation (AAF)
Potential activities:
• Pre-planned art exhibit
• “Trash to treasure” pre-planned or live art activity
Partners and related
1. Peninsula Clean Energy (www.peninsulacleanenergy.com)
2. GreenWaste Recovery (www.greenwaste.com/)
Potential activities:
• Trash sorting relay game
• Compost education
• 2025 Diversion breakdown by material. Can hide percentage (%) and tons diverted as a guessing game with attendees.
3. Cal Water (www.calwater.com)
• May co-sponsor and provide the water refill hydration station.
4. HIP Housing (https://hiphousing.org/)
Potential activities:
• ADU Match Program Q&A
• Sustainable housing education
5. Interwest Consulting Group (https://interwestgrp.com/) Tabling ideas:
• Get to know your building department
• Code Updates and handouts relevant to attendees
6. M-Group (https://m-group.us)
Tabling ideas:
• Get to know your Planning department
• Showcase plans completed or underway in the County related to sustainability • Safety Element related outreach or updates
Opportunities for High Impact Activity Zones Using Vendor Partnerships
1. Plant Potting and Native Garden Zone at the Park
• Potential partners: California Native Plant Society Santa Clara Valley Chapter and the Ecology Center
2. Seed-Bombing Drone Demonstration/Preparation
• Potential Partner: The SeedDrone Team at Beyond Terra
3. Town Giveaway to support activity participation and booth visits. Prizes could include:
• Town Merch Goodie Bag
• Free Compost Delivery to your house on us!
• Police ride to school with Emmy!
• Arts Foundation or Heritage association may be willing to create/donate a historical piece (framed historic photo) or something similar to help promote their efforts and share a piece of Atherton or art
4. Scavenger Hunt Passport Program + Town Giveaway (Main activity) • Requires all vendors to participate. Led by Staff and volunteers. • Activities:
o Families collect stamps at booths
o Completed passports enter prize drawing
o Promotes engagement across education areas
5. Trash Sorting Relay Game w/ GreenWaste (Main activity) • Race to sort waste correctly
• Blown up poster with composting and recycling rules
• Opportunity to win sustainability themed prizes
6. Nature Yoga Wellness Sessions
• Potential partners: YMCA, Boys & Girls Club, or local studio co-sponsorship • Two 25-minute sessions per hour, for a total of two hours or four sessions, scheduled based on facilitator preference. Instructors can guide families through fun stretches that resemble trees or wildlife.
• Wellness connection to nature and environmental health.
7. Civic Engagement and Climate Leadership Workshops put on by vendors
8. Clean Energy and Home Solutions Hub
• Potential partners: Peninsula Clean Energy, Acterra, EPC, Building Department • Activities:
o Home electrification consultations and appliance upgrades o Solar, battery, and clean energy education
o Energy rebate and incentive resources
o Public comment suggestion: Passive design and low-cost home efficiency strategies, including daylighting, solar heat gain, window treatments, weather sealing, thermal comfort, fan placement, clothes drying alternatives, and water saving practices residents can implement immediately. ▪ Note: This activity incorporates public comment received by the Environmental Programs Committee regarding the importance of balancing tree canopy preservation with access to natural daylight and warmth, and emphasizes practical, low-cost strategies that complement and de-prioritize clean energy technologies while improving home comfort and efficiency.
9. Petting Zoo and Wildlife Education
• Potential partners: Little Explorers or Palo Alto Zoo • Activities:
o Animal encounters and exhibit
o Conservation lessons
10. Atherton’s Tree Canopy Presentation + Q&A with the Town Arborist or West Coast Arborists
MINIMUM
3-HOUR SHIFTS
COMMUNITY
OUTREACH
WORKSHOPS &
ACTIVITY BOOTHS
With the theme “Our Power, Our Planet –
Take Action Today!”, this Earth Day centers
on practical, community driven solutions to
sustainability challenges. Join us for an
afternoon of connection, action, and service.
VOLUNTEER FOR
EARTH DAY 2026
12:00 PM TO 4:00PM
AT HOLBROOK-PALMER PARK
APRIL 26, 2026
REGISTER AT
ATHERTON.NEWS/
VOLUNTEERFORM
Town of Atherton
City Manager Office
80 Fair Oaks Lane
Atherton, CA, 94027
650.752.0500
Volunteer Hour Verification Form
Thank you for your invaluable service to the Town of Atherton and its community. This certificate serves to verify your volunteer hours. These hours are subject to review and adjustment at the discretion of a city representative. Please note that this form must be validated with the signature of your volunteer supervisor to be considered official.
Volunteer Name:
School (if applicaple):
Volunteer Supervisor:
Date (MM/DD/YY):
Volunteer Activity:
“Protect our Species” Earth
Day
Start Time: End Time: Total Hours:
Volunteer: Volunteer Supervisor:
Signature Signature
Date signed Date signed